The Vine, Leicestershire Dec 2013

THE VINE, LEICESTERSHIRE

VINE The

Leicestershire

YOUR FREE BIMONTHLY LOCAL MAGAZINE

Local businesses wish you a

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CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 5

‘TIS THE SEASON TO...

...get involved with your community, join a local group, support our regional charities, enjoy the festivities on the doorstep... & even become a Santa - ho ho ho!

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk 1 WHAT’S ON | CHARITY NEWS | CLUBS | PUZZLES | CHRISTMAS

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December 2013 / January 2014 - Issue 5

Welcome... ...to The Vine!

Dec ‘13/Jan ‘14 edition

Welcome to the winter, as well as our Christmas edition of ‘The Vine’ magazine.

In this issue we’ll be providing you with some great ideas and inspiration for this years’ Christmas presents as well as a number of interesting articles, many of a festive nature. We also have a collection of ‘Compliments of the Season’ adverts this month some of them which we hope you’ll find amusing.

Conservation Volunteering...12

Heard of “Santa Day”? No, well you will do soon as charity organisation, LOROS, looks to introduce business, schools and communities to their festive dress-down day; to be held on any day in December it’s both a different but definitely fun fund-raising initiative, see page 32 for more information.

Page 12 also sees an interesting article from the Coleorton and New Lount Conservation Volunteer Group who are seeking more muscle, aka volunteers, to help get their habitat management and site maintenance projects underway, why not give it a go and get involved!

Finally….Christmas is always a good time to spend a thought for those less fortunate than ourselves, that’s why supporting organisations that do good things for other people is so important, with this in mind ‘Childline’ have thought of a great way to raise money this year with a Christmas hamper raffle. See page 28 for more details.

Join the MG Club..................17

…and just before you dash in to the rest of the magazine, may we all at ‘The Vine’ wish you, our readers, the happiest of Christmases and every good wish for 2014.

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

Santa Fun Run .....................37

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

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

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Local Interest Charity Whist Drive

Grace Dieu Ghost Walk

The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 5th December in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

A 2.5 mile walk led by Friends of Grace Dieu Priory on Thursday 12th December, 2013. Meet at 7.30pm at the Bulls Head car park, Thringstone, and take a walk around one of the most haunted locations in the county. The walk incorporates a talk on local stories. Please bring cameras and torches.

Admission £2.00. All players welcome.

Large free car park.

Limited places so booking essential tel: 01530 458872 cost £3 payable to the walk leader on the night.

Coleorton & New Lount Conservation Volunteer Group

Picture by Tom Raffle aged 10 years

The last three years have been a great success, so much so, we could now do with more volunteers to keep up with the volume of work we would like to tackle; we have many interesting projects which we would like to get underway, but we will need more muscle to get these projects successfully completed.

The Coleorton & New Lount Volunteer Group have been up and running for just three years having identified a desperate need to assist the LCC Country Park Rangers to improve the conservation management of both New Lount Nature Reserve and Coleorton Wood. Since these heady days Coleorton Parish Council has purchased Coleorton Wood from LCC, so we now help the Parish Council to manage Coleorton Wood and we continue to work with the Country Park Rangers at New Lount Nature Reserve.

So what’s involved? Most of the work the volunteers get involved with fits into two categories; habitat management, which we can only do during autumn and winter, and site maintenance, which we work at during the spring and summer period. The work is mainly manual using hand tools, such as saws, loppers, rakes, spades, etc. We have a number of volunteers that are trained to use powered strimmers and brush cutters and the Rangers are qualified to use a range of power tools, including chain saws. This combination means that the group is capable of completing a whole range of habitat management techniques such as thinning, coppicing, strimming, clearing, hedge laying and many others.

We have four sessions each month, two are held in the week on a Tuesday and two at the weekends on a Saturday.

These four sessions are divided between the two sites and are scheduled three months in advance. The sessions start at 10.00am and finish at 2.00pm. We like to have a “refreshment break” around 12.30pm which gives the volunteers time to recover and more importantly, to socialise. On the Tuesday sessions the volunteers bring their own refreshments, but on Saturdays the group supplies hot food and drinks.

The group also currently has “workshop sessions” which are held in the Rangers’ Workshop at Snibston Discovery Park, where the volunteers make a range of site furniture, such as benches and picnic tables as well as a wide range of bird nesting boxes. The whole ethos of the group is – if we can make it then we will!

We also have a programme of fundraising and social events at which we encourage local residents to both support and get to know the group.

Our success was recently recognised when we were judged the winners of the RCC’s Village Achievement Awards in the Community Category, and we were also shortlisted for NWLDC’s Green Footprints Challenge Awards 2013.

If you would like to join us we can be contacted on: Coleorton11@gmail.com Or take a look at our website: www.cnlvg.moonfruit.co.uk

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Local Interest Ashby Concert Band Supports The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal On 8th November at Holy Trinity Church, Ashby Concert Band performed a concert, of “Music from the Musicals” in support of the Royal British Legion’s Annual Poppy Appeal. The Appeal is the Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign, with more than 40 million poppies bought last year, raising nearly £25,000 in Ashby and £35m nationally As in previous years, the event was organised by the Band in association with the Ashby Branch, Royal British Legion.

An enthusiastic and appreciative audience of two hundred heard the fifty-strong Band, led by their Director of Music Adrian Ashton, perform selections of music from popular stage and film musicals. These included Oklahoma, West Side Story, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof, Phantom of the Opera and the recently re-opened Miss Saigon. The final piece was a moving selection from Les Miserables, which has been playing in the West End of London since 1989.

Invited guests included HM Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton JP, the County President of the Royal British Legion Col. Robert Martin OBE, DL, the County President (Women’s Section) Mrs Janie Martin, the Chairman of North West Leicestershire District Council Chairman Mr Geraint Jones, the Leader of Ashby Town Council Mr John Coxon and Mrs Coxon and the Mayor of Ashby Mrs Gillian Hoult and Mr Jim Hoult.

The Band’s next performance will be its very popular annual Christmas Concert, to be held this year at 7.30pm on Saturday 14th December at Holy Trinity Church, Ashby. To add to the atmosphere, drinks and seasonal fare are included.

Tickets are available from ACB’s Events Manager on 01530 222934 and from Ashby Tourist Office.

OLCS Students Help To Combat Cyberbullying Impero have worked in partnership with Our Lady’s Convent School, Loughborough, to develop a keyword detection library as part of its network management software solution, Impero Education Pro. Members of the School’s student council gave up their lunchtimes to create a list of keywords and phrases most likely to be used to facilitate bullying online.

The list of keywords and phrases formulated by students at the School has been used to assist Impero’s research into e-safety development, enabling the software company to develop an extensive keyword detection library. The students, who ranged from 11-18 in age, were able to provide a vivid insight into commonly used text speak, jargon and slang terms, of which Impero was previously unaware. Keywords and phrases which students believed victims may use in retaliation to cyberbullying were also considered. This information has proved invaluable in the development of the detection library, which will now highlight hundreds of keywords and phrases related to online bullying.

The new addition, which falls under Impero’s e-safety feature, consists of various keywords, phrases and acronyms most likely to suggest bullying behaviour. A glossary providing a definition of each term ensures educational staff understand the nature of a potential violation when these keywords are typed by a student, then captured and highlighted by Impero Education Pro. A new ‘confide’ button has also been developed, enabling students to confidentially raise a bullying concern, anonymously, with a member of a staff.

Although it is important to embrace the opportunities technology in education can afford, it is equally vital to ensure students behave appropriately and remain safe in the digital classroom. Impero believed it was important to consider a girls’ school perspective on keywords and phrases used to bully online, as this may differ from mixed education. The collaboration between Impero and Our Lady’s Convent School has supplied a wealth of knowledge to proactively combat the issue of cyberbullying in schools.

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Local Interest Loughborough Naturalists Club The Club meets at the Church Rooms, Church Lane, Quorn, LE12 8DP, in the village of Quorn, near Loughborough, on the second Saturday evening of each month, at 7.30pm, from September through to April. These evening meetings are supplemented by walks in various interesting locations throughout Leicestershire. Walks are usually held on Wednesday mornings and last a couple of hours.

The indoor meeting on 14th December is a talk by Pam Darby entitled ‘A Journey to Antartica’. Pam is a member of the Loughborough NATs but she has been invited to be our speaker because we always enjoy her talks and the information in them. I know we will not be disappointed. I am sure many of you know her as a member of other groups connected to Nature. Do come along and have a relaxing evening free of charge.

Anyone who thinks they may enjoy an evening looking at the natural world, can join us for any of the talks on our programme, or any of the Wednesday walks. You will be most welcome. For more details of the talks programme, or if you require a map, contact the Meetings Secretary, Doreen Webster, on 0771 340 9743 or email her at dozzer.lobro@tiscali.co.uk.

The Club also produces a quarterly magazine, Heritage, plus a newsletter giving details of the quarterly activities, both of which are available free once you become a member.

Monthly Talks: Saturday 14th December 2013 - A Journey to Antarctica by Pam Darby Saturday 11th January 2014 - Wildlife in the Area by Tim Adkin Saturday 8th February 2014 - Symbiosis by Ivan Pedley Saturday 8th March 2014 - Gardening for Wildlife by Chris Edwards Saturday 12th April 2014 - AGM and Members’ Exhibition Evening

National Trust Leicester Association Like most other National Trust properties Calke Abbey closed the doors of the house on 3rd November. However the property has a number of events in December.

On Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th there is a Christmas Craft Show from 11.00am to 6.00pm and on Saturday 14th there is a Christmas Fine Food Fair from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Both events are in the Riding School.

Also on all three weekends in December, prior to Christmas, the house is open with a display of “A Christmas of Past Presents” from 11.00am to 6.30pm. On your journey through the house you can unwrap a traditional Christmas searching for hidden presents. There will also be children’s craft activities and the possibility to visit Father Christmas in his grotto and as darkness falls you can experience the grounds between the house and church fully illuminated for the season.

The estate, restaurant and shop at Calke are open every day throughout the year except Christmas day.

Other local properties are also offering various Christmas events.

Canons Ashby, near Towcester, will be decorated for a Victorian Christmas, with costumed volunteers in the rooms, for 8 days from Saturday 30th November to Sunday 8th December, 12 noon – 4.00pm.

Sudbury Hall, near Burton on Trent, will also be decorated for Christmas and offers children’s craft activities and Father Christmas in his grotto on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th, Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th and Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd December, 11.00am to 4.00pm.

The NT Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 10th December when Stuart Bramwell will present an illustrated talk entitled Mountains, Lochs and Glens. The meeting will be held at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm.

There will be an evening and an afternoon meeting, with speaker, in January.

Admission to all meetings is NTLA members £2.50, visitors £4.00 including refreshments.

For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Chairman

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Local Interest Charnwood Branch of The National Association for Decoratives and Fine Arts Societies Our autumn programme commenced on October 12th with our 5th A.G.M. led by our Chairman Diane Wright. We were assured that our finances are in good shape and membership is full, but there is a waiting list. Three members were welcomed to the Board, Margaret Holmes, David Brown and Marion Vincent who becomes our Minutes Secretary.

There was a huge “turn out” of 98, as we were thrilled to welcome national treasure Eric Knowles as our speaker, he did not disappoint. His subject was Lalique, he was his usual ebullient self, charismatic and amusing. It is easy to understand why he has been on the “Antiques Road Show” for so many years. Everyone enjoyed his informative lecture and many were eager to meet him afterwards.

On 29th October a Study Day was arranged at Walton on the Wolds village hall. The subject, very dear to the people of Leicestershire, was Richard III, We were able through “The Richard III Society” to access as our speaker Dr. John Ashdown-Hill, who spearheaded the search for the remains under a Leicester car park. Dr. Ashdown-Hill, through perseverance and travelling back in time through the Plantagenet family tree, was responsible for tracking down the family in Canada who gave the DNA, to enable the team to announce that this was indeed the lost king’s remains.. It was fitting that our speaker had the honour of carrying the box containing the royal remains, covered with the standard of King Richard to the waiting van, the photograph showed a very proud man. It was also Dr. Ashdown-Hill who pinpointed the location of where to search in the car park It was a privilege to be present and we were all enthralled by this most excellent speaker.

Charnwood DFAS continues to flourish.

Margaret Whelband Next meeting: Thursday 12th December, 7.30pm - ‘Deck the Hall: Yuletide Customs and Traditions’ by David Bostwick.

Quorn Church Rooms, High Street, Quorn, Nr Loughborough, Leics LE12 8DP.

INTRODUCING: The North Leicester MG Club The North Leicester MG Club was founded during the summer of 2002, as an off-shoot of the South Leicester MG Club. Starting with only a handful of members, we now number over forty.

We are affiliated to the MG Car Club and the MG Owners’ Club, but anyone with an interest in MG cars is welcome to join us. Although many of our member’s cars are “classic” MGs, dating back as far as the 1950s, many are newer models built right up to last years of MG Rover. Also, whilst most members hail from north Leicestershire, around 25% come from parts of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 8pm at the Anchor Inn, Hathern, our next meeting will be on Wednesday 18th December.

Annual club events include our nationally-advertised Charnwood Caper outing, first run in 2004. It is open to anyone, irrespective of the car they drive. The 2013 “Caper” took in 50 miles of country lanes and ended at Belton House, near Grantham, with nine non-MGs amongst the forty-odd participating cars. Surplus funds from the 2012 run were donated to the Leicester-based Wishes 4 Kids Charity.

For club members, we organise several “breakfast” and “lunch” runs each year, an annual New Year dinner, quizzes, weekends away and skittles matches against our sister club, South Leicester. Events such as the Ratae Run and the Stilton Cheese Run, although organised by other clubs, usually include a good contingent of North Leicester cars.

We usually have a stand at the Classic Car and Transport show, held at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse Eaves, in July each year. At the 2013 show, we won the trophy for Best Club Stand.

Collectively, our members have a wealth of experience covering buying, restoring and maintaining MGs, so if you are new to MG ownership, or are thinking of buying one, why not come along to one of our meetings? For further information, visit our website:

www.northleicester-mg.org.uk

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PUZZLE PAGE

Crossword No: 4 ACROSS 1. Christmas hymn (5) 3. The wise men’s guide (4) 5. The town where Jesus was born (9) 10. The original Santa Claus (5,8) 11. The bird traditionally eaten for Christmas dinner (6) 12. A tradition introduced by Prince Albert (9,4) 16. A lot of angels (4) 17. Evergreen plant with white berries (9) 18. Gift from the shepherds (4) 20. Climbing plant (3) 21. One of Santa’s reindeer (5)

DOWN 2 . Small brown thrush with a red breast (5) 3. Where Joseph and Mary had to stay (6) 4. The four weeks leading up to Christmas (6) 5. The day after Christmas Day (6,3) 6. The king visited by the wise men (5) 7. Gold, frankincense and ..... (5) 8. A popular addition to the Christmas table (8) 9. Name of the archangel (7) 12. A decorated orange (11) 13. Christmas lasts for ...... days (6) 14. A Christmas tree decoration (6) 15. The army occupying the land at the time (5) 16. Deck the halls with boughs of ..... (5) 19. Baby Jesus’ bed or crib (6) 20. No room for Mary and Joseph here (3)

Notes

Look out for the crossword solution in the February / March issue!

Crossword No: 3 Solution

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Sudoku For You!

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Local Clubs Bradgate Sewing Circle Open Morning

Whitwick & District U3A On Friday, 20th December, Whitwick and District U3A’s General Meeting will be a seasonal special: a Christmas Social Event with mince pies. Entertainment will be led by popular local speaker, Elizabeth Riding, who will tell us about a Christmas Eve she spent in Bethlehem. In addition, you can find out more about opportunities within Whitwick and District U3A. Please arrive at 1.45pm for a 2pm start at St. David’s Church Hall, Broomleys, Coalville. Please visit the website for more details:

www.whitwicku3a.org.uk

Shepshed & District Camera Club Tuesday 3 December, 7.30pm - Practical Portrait Evening Each year members of the sewing group choose a charity for which funds raised are collected over the twelve months. To help swell this fund the group decided once more to open their doors to those who would like to see what we do each week. So it was that this year our chosen charity being Cancer Research UK benefitted by the sale of a generous selection of handicraft items for sale, a number of pieces from the sales table, generous donations for tea coffee and biscuits. The raffle offered a first prize of a Patchwork Quilt made by members of the Sewing Circle, along with a Meal for Two kindly donated by Mandy and Jim at Rothley’s well known Time and Plaice Restaurant, and included other prizes kindly donated by members of the group.

The open morning was held Tuesday 15th October 2013 at the Rothley Centre Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. All the members were gratified to see so many people admiring their handicrafts and watching them whilst they worked on ‘work in progress’ pieces .

There were items on display from Patchwork Quilts, cushions, miniature knitted items, miniature pieces, cross stitch, embroideries, tapestries and even hand made lace. Many of the members were on hand to demonstrate and explain about their pieces while others dedicated time selling from table tops, helping with the raffle and working in the kitchen providing refreshments.

Representatives from Leicester’s local branch of Cancer Research UK were on hand with information about the charity. Members and Committee of Bradgate Sewing Circle are very grateful to those who took time out to call and see us at Rothley Centre and for all donations towards this deserving fund.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all again sometime.

Maureen Bulmer.

Photo: Christmas hanging and includes tiny knitted Blue Tit, made by member Kathy Sleigh

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Tuesday 10 December, 7.30pm Awards Presentation

Annual Dinner &

Tuesday 17, 25 & 31 December - Christmas Break / No Club Meeting Tuesday 7 January 2014, 7.30pm - Annual Quiz Tuesday, 14 January 2014, 7.30pm League Round 1

- Competition

The club meets once a week, usually on Tuesday evenings. Please arrive from 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start.

Meetings end between 9.30pm and 10pm.

They are based at the Council Offices, 47a Charnwood Road, Shepshed, LE12 9QE. Their annual subscription is £30, £15 for members aged 16 and below. Feel free to go along on any evening on the programme.

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

www.shepshedcameraclub.co.uk

Bradgate Flower Club Bradgate Flower Club’s meeting on Wednesday 4 December celebrates “My Christmas’. Our guest is the renowned demonstrator is Andrew Lloyd of Stourbridge, West Midlands. The meeting at Newtown Linford Village Hall (LE6 0AE) is open to visitors and members’ guests - the entry fee is £5. Details from Lilian Coleman on 0116 2363191.

Bradgate Flower Club is supporting St. Peter’s Church Flower Festival in Copt Oak (LE67 9QB) on 7 and 8 December. Entitled “How far is it to Bethlehem?”, the Festival will be open between 10.30 and 4.00pm on both days. In addition to the floral displays, refreshments are available along with charity stalls and sales of plants, cards and chocolates. Entry £2, ample off-street parking.

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Local Clubs The Monday Club, Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston & Rothley Our last official meeting for 2013 was November 11th, in Cropston Evangelical Chapel, and was an extremely happy one. Our guest Speakers were the Thurcaston Handbell Ringers, who have been ringing as a group for just four years, resulting in a very competent and pleasant sound.

Loughborough RSPB Local Group Events in December 2013 & January 2014 Friday 13th December 2013 Talk on ‘The Long Journey North’ by Colin Green. 8 years ago, this well known photographer started a journey to record the wildlife found to the north - from his Loughborough home, onto Scotland and ending in the Arctic. This is the story behind the book he produced. 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.

Monday 16th December 2013 Wildlife Walk at Watermead Park near Leicester at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at the car park - SK607113 Friday 10th January 2014 Talk on The RSPB’s Natural Secrets by Peter Holden MBE. Peter Holden has been an RSPB member for 50 years and worked for 40 years at The Lodge. He will tell us that it’s in not only birds that benefit from the RSPB’s works. This talk will look at many of the other forms of wildlife that can be found on and around the reserves from rare hoverflies to magnificent Red Deer and from the Angel-wings Fungus to the Scottish Primrose. Some are common if you know where to look, but others are rare and depend on the RSPB for their future in the UK. With over 13,000 species of wildlife found on the RSPB’s reserves no visit should ever be dull - even when the birds don’t show!

The Loughborough Group is privileged to be one of the few groups who are able to host him for this talk. 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.

Thursday 16th January 2014 Wildlife Walk Ulverscroft Manor and Grange at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at - SK492112 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/ www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

Mr. Peter Hunt, the Leader of “the Band” informed us that it took four years for the ChurchTower Bell Ringers at All Saints Church, to save to provide funds to buy the Handbells (valued at £300 each!) and the eventual purchase was made when Mr. Hunt and his wife went down to London to the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. There are apparently, only two major Bell Foundries in the Country and the other being Taylors of Loughborough.

The Bell Ringers are currently saving to acquire more bells needing an F sharp and AB flat, which would extend their repertoire and Ring in G and F Major.

Currently there are six ringing at any one time each with two bells; one in each Gloved hand. The gloves are required to protect the Leather Straps from perspiration from the hands causing discolouration and discomfort.

We were assured you do not have to be able to read music as the Notation is in Numbers; so all you need is a sense of rhythm . On acquisition of further bells more ringers will be needed. As encouragement Mr. Hunt allowed us “to have a go” and amidst hearty laughter from the membership, some of us acquired a little more knowledge than previously possessed!!

During the course of the last four years, the group have played at venues such as outside Tescos, Beaumont Leys, the Cedars Home on Station Road and Hunters Green in Thurcaston and for the Victoria Christmas Fayre at Stonehurst Farm resulting in a total collection for LOROS in the region of £2,000.

During the course of the Demonstration, Mr. Hunt interspersed with several enjoyable jokes which were thoroughly appreciated by the Membership, which together with the following refreshments of Tea with Mince pies and tarts, set the scene for the ensuing Christmas Celebrations!

In further acknowledgement, our member Mrs. Margaret Hooper, who celebrates her Birthday on the 25th December, very kindly brought along a large tin of mixed Chocolates. Fancy being born on Christmas Day!!

For your future information, The Monday Club meets at the Cropston Evangelical Chapel, on Station Road, Cropston, at 2.15pm on the second Monday of each month. Car parking is available by request.

Everyone will be most welcome to come and join us. For any enquires please ring me on 0116 2363467.

Ann Farndon

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ChildLine’s

Big Christmas Hamper You’ve got to fill it to win it this Christmas!

Peter Sidwell, TV Chef and Judge on ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery is asking people in Leicestershire to do something extra special for children this Christmas by taking part in ChildLine’s Big Christmas Hamper, a new festive fundraiser in aid of the ChildLine Schools Service.

Brimming with festive fun, ChildLine’s Big Christmas Hamper is a great way for friends, colleagues and customers to come together during the party season. You simply ask people to donate a gift to a Christmas hamper – it could be a delicious foodie treat, a pamper product or something equally lovely and luxurious – and enter a prize draw to win it all. You really do fill it to win it!

The money donated to the charity from the Hamper prize draw will be used to support the ground-breaking ChildLine Schools Service, which aims to prevent abuse. Delivered by trained volunteers, the service aims to visit every primary school in Leicestershire by 2016 to help 9-11 year olds understand abuse in all its forms, and have the knowledge of where to get help if they need it.

Peter Sidwell, said: “As a father of two it’s unbearable to think about children being unhappy at Christmas. As a chef I was delighted to be asked to support ChildLine’s Big Christmas Hamper. It’s so easy for everyone to do something – bake something, make something or just simply give something from your weekly shopping trolley!

“Donations will help the ChildLine Schools Service keep children safe from harm, what a wonderful gift to give this Christmas. Go on, fill it to win it!”

Barbara Elsey, NSPCC community fundraising manager, said: “It’s that time of year when everyone’s thoughts turn to Christmas and planning for get-togethers with friends and colleagues starts to get serious! Whether you do this festive fundraiser at work as part of your Christmas celebrations, in a social gathering with friends in your local community or pop the hamper on a shop counter and invite customers to join in, by taking part, you will be making a very special gift to children this Christmas.”

Getting involved in ChildLine’s Big Christmas Hamper is easy. REGISTER to take part at www.nspcc.org.uk/hamper and download your festive fundraising pack.

Hannah Slaymaker, area coordinator for the ChildLine Schools Service in Leicestershire, said: “Many primary school children are suffering abuse and neglect, yet they can wait months, or even years, before getting any kind of help. These children are too frightened – too vulnerable – to seek help when the abuse takes place. If they can’t reach out to us, we have to reach out to them. That’s why we’ve developed the ChildLine Schools Service and why we need your support this Christmas.

“The money raised from ChildLine’s Big Christmas Hamper will help put trained ChildLine Schools Service volunteers into every primary school in Leicestershire. We help local children understand what abuse is, give them the confidence to talk about it, help them recognise that abuse is wrong and that it is never their fault, and show them who’s ready to listen.

“We are urgently recruiting volunteers to help us deliver the service in local schools and we would love to hear from you if would like to get involved.”

For more information about ChildLine’s Big Christmas Hamper or fundraising advice, please contact the Midlands Fundraising team on 0844 892 0217 or email: midlandsappeals@nspcc.org.uk.

To find out more about volunteering for the ChildLine Schools Service, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/schoolsservice

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Local Interest David Snartt Reports...

The GCR Bridge Appeal

County Councillor for Bradgate Division - Borough Councillor for Forest Bradgate.

The Great Central Railway’s ‘Bridge to the Future’ appeal has broken through the quarter of a million pounds barrier, just four and a half months after being launched.

Greengate Lane Gypsy & Traveller Site I attended and spoke at the City Council Planning Committee when they decided to permit the development of a Gypsy and Traveller site which will have six pitches and six amenity buildings on Greengate Lane. I outlined my reasons why the Committee should refuse this application, especially as there was overwhelming opposition from local residents. Therefore I was representing residents’ views along with the Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council who had also objected. The decision was disappointing as it was acknowledged that this proposal was situated on the green wedge and would be in conflict with the Council’s own policies. I also stated that residents had been in this situation before when Castle Hill was put forward for a Traveller Site, you may recall this was turned down by a Government Inspector. I understand that this decision to permit will now go to the Secretary of State before being finally approved.

Consultation by the County Council Results of the County Council’s consultation into how it can save £110 million and reshape services were published at the end of October. I thought it would be interesting for local residents to see some of the main areas that came forward during the consultation period. Over 7,200 gave their views over the summer, They identified services they wanted to protect, which they wanted to spend less on and their views on Council Tax levels favoured a rise. No decisions have been made yet, the budget proposals will be published in January and the full council will take the final decision on February 19th 2014.

Residents said that the top services the council should save money on were: street lighting, grants to communities, funding for agencies, travel to school and grass cutting. The top services the council should protect were: gritting, older people community services, roads and paths and mental health. The full report is available at www.leics.gov.uk/future

Charnwood Local Plan, Core Strategy Councillors at Charnwood Borough Council have voted to submit the Council’s proposed Local Plan, Core Strategy to the Secretary of State so an examination in public can take place. The draft strategy outlines how the Borough could grow over the next 15 years in terms of housing, employment opportunities, schools, parks and other facilities. It is now up to the Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State to decide whether the Council’s Plan can go forward with or without amendments.

I spoke at the meeting and voted in favour of the proposal, stating it is no good carrying on as we are, with piecemeal planning applications coming forward, which, when added together cause serious infrastructure issues within a local area. I also alluded to what had happened over the past few years where there has been a focus to develop houses in rural areas, such as we have seen in Anstey and Rothley and indications of proposals coming forward in smaller villages like Thurcaston. I am hopeful as this Strategy goes forward it will add more weight in the planning process against these piecemeal applications, therefore Charnwood Borough Council, in my view, will have more control over future planning decisions.

As we are nearing the festive season again may I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

If you need to contact me on any issue write to 10 Groby Lane, Newtown Linford, Leicester. LE6 0HH email: david.snartt@leics.gov.uk or telephone 01530 244804. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

The railway has set a target of raising one million pounds by mid 2015 to pay for a brand new railway bridge over the Midland Main Line at Loughborough. In turn this unlocks a long held ambition to reconnect two separate halves of the Great Central, creating one eighteen mile long heritage railway between the north of Leicester and the south of Nottingham.

Network Rail will run the project to build the new bridge. The substantial structure will carry GCR trains above the four tracks of the Midland Main Line and the modern express trains running at more than 100mph.

Bill Ford, Managing Director of the Great Central Railway plc said, “On behalf of everyone from the Great Central Railway – and the Great Central Railway Nottingham, thank you to all the generous people who have donated. To reach such a significant milestone so quickly is well ahead of our expectations. Not only is it a boost for us, it gives confidence to our Network Rail partners.

There is a long way to go to reach our million pound target by 2015 but as soon as we have more news we will pass it on – to encourage further donations! It is very humbling to have so many people from right across the country getting behind the campaign.”

If you haven’t donated yet, you can give online at:

www.gcrailway.co.uk Alternatively, you can pick up a Bridge to the Future appeal leaflet from any GCR station on your next visit.

Everything you contribute moves the total on towards the one million pound target. If you can make the gift aid declaration, the government will add a further 25% to your donation.

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Local Interest Great Results at Grace Dieu!

Take Part In Your Own Festive ‘Santa Day’ For LOROS Local charity LOROS invites everyone in businesses, schools and community groups throughout the County to dress festively on a day in December to raise much needed funds in a new fun way by taking part in a charity Santa Day. Organisers from LOROS hope that this dress down day will get everyone into the festive spirit. The Santa Day campaign will run throughout the month of December on a date and time chosen by individuals at places of work whether it is in an office or school.

Grace Dieu Manor School has always had a reputation for high achieving pupils and 2013 has confirmed this once again. The Key Stage 2 results have been record breaking, easily exceeding the expectation of the National Average.

The charity is encouraging participants to register their event for free on the official Santa Day website where they can find free activity packs to help with ideas to fundraise.

Tracy Deeming, student placement at LOROS said “I am encouraging businesses and the general public as well as the staff at the Hospice to come to work dressed as either Santa’s or fairies.

All Year 6 pupils achieved a Level 4 or 5 in their Reading Tests and 86% achieved Level 4 or 5 in their Punctuation, Grammar and Spelling Tests. Pupils scored similarly well in Mathematics. All Year 6 pupils gained a Level 4, 5 or 6, with one pupil scoring 100% on the Level 3-5 paper.

Three pupils secured a Level 6 in Mathematics – an exceptional achievement.

“All of the staff at LOROS are very hard working and it is important for both the staff and the patients to have an enjoyable time especially coming up to the festive season.

Once again, Year 8 pupils performed outstandingly well in their senior school entry tests, and destination schools for Grace Dieu’s 13 year olds in 2013 included Ratcliffe College, Derby Grammar School, Loughborough Grammar and High Schools, Trent College and Repton School.

The activity pack contains fundraising ideas and children’s wordsearchs, anagrams, pin the nose on Rudolph or a Snowman and also cake recipes are available.

Cards For Good Causes We’ve all seen the offers to Buy One, Get One Free. At Cards for Good Causes we have a slogan of Buy Once, Give Twice.

This means that when you buy your Christmas cards from us you are giving once to the person you send the card to and again to your chosen charity.

Shoppers in Leicester city centre can buy their Christmas cards from the Cards for Good Causes shop in Leicester Cathedral until Saturday 14 December 2013.

Leicester’s Cards for Good Causes charity shop is one of a countrywide network selling cards from a wide range of charities. In addition we have an excellent range of small gifts and items suitable as stocking fillers. Last year sales in these pop up shops reached sales of £5.76 million. The shop, staffed by many local volunteers is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm daily.

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“I have had fun working on the activity packs to help make your dress down day as festive and fun as possible, the activity pack is free and available to download once you have registered.“

Register online today at Santaday.org.uk for free registration and to download your free activity packs.

Other activities that involve dressing as Santa in aid of LOROS are: Sunday 8th December is a 6km run the Great Loughborough Santa Fun Run at Loughborough University, and Sunday 15th December is a one mile run, walk or crawl Santa Dash at the Saffron Lane Sports Centre.

More about LOROS: LOROS is a charity whose aim is to enhance the quality of life of adult patients with cancer, progressive neurological conditions and end-stage organ failure for whom curative treatment is no longer possible. Patients are treated at the Hospice and in the community based upon clinical need, regardless of background and the ability to pay.

Their services are provided free to patients and their families at a cost of £7.5 million each year. A grant from the NHS of approx one third is received, which leaves £4.5 million annually for LOROS to raise. The Charity relies on the support of the local community and businesses in order to raise this vital £4.5 million of funds.

Join LOROS in their many fundraising days throughout the year and help to support your community. Visit the website for more details: www.loros.com December 2013 / January 2014 - Issue 5

Christmas Is Coming...

Traditional Toys Stuck for ideas on what to get your grandchildren for Christmas? You might not be able to outdo Santa himself, but we’ve put together a list of traditional toys you might like to give the little people in your life who have inquisitive minds.

A Travellers World Globe in a box, a fun entry into geography, exciting destinations the world goes round! And a Maritime Pocket Sundial, a version of the earliest time telling methods, find a sunny day and have some fun! Or all the tools and instructions needed to make your very own ship in a bottle. Then there’s the hand-stitched juggling balls in proper colours, bright and cheery, inviting you to toss ‘em up!

All of these may be found at Broughtons Interiors showroom or alternatively telephone Broughtons on: 0116 236 5300 or visit

www.broughtons.com

Loughborough’s Christmas Cracker!

A PERFECT package of festive fun will be unwrapped to officially launch Christmas in Loughborough.

Ice Age movie stars Sid and Scrat will join a colourful cast of characters who will turn Loughborough town centre into a festival of fun for the Christmas lights switch on event on Sunday, December 1.

They will be joined by a host of musical performers who will entertain the crowds on the main stage in Market Place from 11am until Gem 106 stars Sam and Amy introduce the Mayor of Charnwood as she flips the switch to turn on the spectacular Christmas lights at 5pm.

Councillor Paul Harley, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “Once again we’ve gift-wrapped Christmas for residents and visitors with a host of festive treats.

“We’ve got something for everyone and Loughborough is not just an entertainment destination, but a great place to visit for all your Christmas shopping needs, with free parking on the four Sundays before Christmas.

“Our Market traders are also pulling out all the stops this year, with no less than six special Christmas markets, and our Christmas Pudding Market will this year see a tower of figgy pudding built in the town centre.”

Your key Christmas diary dates: Nov 29 - Continental, Craft and Vintage Market, 10am - 6.30pm

Dec 15 - Picture of Christmas, 10am - 4pm

Dec 1 - Christmas Lights Switch On, 11am - 5pm

Dec 19 - Mayor’s Carol Concert, 7pm

Dec 6 - Special Christmas Market, 10am - 4pm

Dec 21 - Christmas Retail Market

Dec 8 - Christmas pudding market & Santa Fun Run, 10am - 4.30pm

Dec 22 - Carols Around the Christmas Tree, 10am - 4pm

Dec 11 - Special Christmas Farmers’ Market, 8am - 4pm

Dec 24 - Christmas Retail Market

Dec 13 - Special Christmas Market, 10am - 4pm

Dec 24 - Carols in Queen’s Park bandstand - 1pm - 1.45pm

Leicestershire County Council is also supporting the Christmas campaign to help promote wider sustainable travel in the Loughborough area through its Choose How You Move - Smarter Travel for Business project.

Choose How You Move is encouraging people to use public transport to journey into Loughborough over the seasonal period by working with bus companies Arriva, Kinchbus and Paul S Winson to offer great discount vouchers on shopping and travel.

For full details of the festive fun planned or to download a festive brochure and claim a number of discounts visit www. loveloughborough.com/christmas. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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What’s On...

Christmas Fair

Churches Together in Mountsorrel

Saturday 7th December from 1.30 until 4pm

CHRISTMAS SERVICES for 2013

The PTFA of Richard Hill Primary School, Thurcaston are holding their annual Christmas Fair and invite you to come along for an afternoon of fun and Christmas shopping.

Mountsorrel Baptist Church, Leicester Road

There will be a variety of stalls, and games, refreshments, children carol singing, Father Christmas in his grotto and this year we will have live ukulele music as well.

We are currently raising funds for a shelter for the foundation stage outdoor area. The children need to be able to access the curriculum outside whatever the weather conditions so we intend to fund the construction of an all weather shelter.

Richard Hill School, 12 Anstey Lane, Thurcaston, Leicestershire LE7 7JA

Ashby Wine Circle Christmas Social Evening Wednesday, December, 11th, 2013 Members to bring their own favourite dish. 7.30pm, Brown Court, Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby De La Zouch. LE65 2LZ. For further information contact Ralph Forbes on 01530 224030.

Newtown Linford Choral Society

15th Dec - 4.30pm - Family Christmas Special 22nd Dec - 5.00pm - Carol Service 24th Dec - 11.30pm - United Churches Reflective

Communion Service 25th Dec - 10.00am - Christmas Morning Worship

Christ Church, Rothley Road 22nd Dec - 11.00am - Morning Worship with Carols 24th Dec - 4.00pm - Crib Service 25th Dec - 10.30am - Holy Communion with the Venerable David Newman

Mountsorrel Methodist Church, Church Hill Road 8th Dec - 10.30am - Advent Praise 24th Dec - 7.00pm - Carols by Candlelight 25th Dec - 10.00am - Christmas Day Praise

St. Peter’s Church, Loughborough Road 22nd Dec - 6.00pm - Festival of Lessons and Carols 25th Dec - 10.00am - Parish Eucharist with Carols 29th Dec - 10.30am - United Churches Sung Matins with Carols 6th Jan 2014 - 11.00am - Epiphany Parish Eucharist

Free Health Walk - Whitwick Friday 6th December, 2013 The next concert to be presented by Newtown Linford Choral Society will feature great choral music from the past three hundred years. The eighteenth century will be represented by Antonio Vivaldi’s well known work the ‘Gloria’, and the nineteenth century by the Mass in Bb composed by Johann Hummel. The programme also includes a two pieces composed in the twenty first century. The first of these is Will Todd’s ‘The Call of Wisdom’ which was sung at the Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving Service, and the other is John Rutter’s ‘Carol of the Magi’ The Choir will be accompanied by a full orchestra, and Beth Williams will be the guest soprano soloist.

The concert will take place at 8 pm on Friday 31 January and Saturday 1 February in Ratby Parish Church, which has been the venue for very successful and memorable concerts in previous years. Tickets at £10 (children 14 and under £5) are available at Newtown Linford Stores, Ratby Post Office or by ringing 01530 243822.

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A FREE Health Walk will leave Hermitage Leisure Centre at Whitwick 10.30am. The walk is a maximum of 4 miles and usually takes about one and a half hours and covers various areas including Swannington, Thringstone and around Whitwick. There is no need to book, just turn up and meet the walk leader by the security box on the Leisure Centre car park. For further details telephone 01530 454606.

Christmas Fayre at Whitwick Saturday 7th December, 2013 Whitwick Parish Church invites you to its popular annual Christmas Fayre from 4pm. With gift and craft stalls to solve your Christmas present problems; games and children’s activities, nearly new books and toys, cake stalls, refreshments: there is something for the whole family AND, furthermore, entry is free.

The event will be held in the Parish Church and grounds, North Street, Whitwick LE67 5HA

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What’s On...

GCC Christmas Show - A Festive Feast of Harmony On Saturday 14th December, Grand Central Chorus host their Christmas show at May Hall, Trent College, Derby Road, Long Eaton, at 7pm. They will be joined by top local women’s barbershop chorus, Gem Connection, who recently finished 4th in the UK Championships, as well as the Grand Dads Quartet plus Flute Duo, Jenny Gooding and Lydia Leaf.

See their website www.grandcentralchorus.com for full details or contact Bryan at bckc50@sky.com for tickets, £8 each. Follow Grand Central Chorus on Twitter @ GrandCentralMen If you would like Grand Central Chorus to sing at your event, contact Peter on 01530243822 or e-mail publicity. gcc@gmail.com. They can provide a quartet, small chorus or full chorus of up to fifty singers as required.

Fees are negotiable but quality is guaranteed.

The chorus welcome potential new members to come along to any of their weekly rehearsals on Wednesday evenings at 7.15pm at Harrington School, Derby Road, Long Eaton, NG10 4BJ.

The Friends of Belgrave Cemetery Sunday 15th December 2013 The Friends Of Belgrave Cemetery Invite you to their coffee and mince pie morning from 10am - 12 noon at the Porta Cabin Belgrave cemetery. All are welcome.

Belgrave Cemetery, Red Hill Way, Leicester LE4 3EX www.friendsofbelgravecemetery.org.uk

Change Lives - Yours Included!

A new Rotary club is being formed for men and women in the Ratby, Markfield and Glenfield and Groby areas.

Santa Fun Run! Join over a 1000 Santas on Sunday 8th December and have a great fun day at Loughborough’s Annual Christmas Spectacle and raise some money for Local Charities The 6km fun run starts at 11am (come along from 9am) at Loughborough University Athletics Stadium, the training ground of Britain’s top athletes past and present. Leaving the track we head out of the campus over Epinal Way and through Queens Park to the Market Place and then back out of town to Bedford Square and up Forest Road to the University for a grandstand finish.

Entry is £13 for adults and £6.50 for under 16’s this includes a Santa Suit and Fun Run Medal. Children (under 11) must be accompanied by an adult at all times on the course. No refunds for cancellations or no shows.

Great news though you can bring along your dog... why not dress them in their own Christmas suit too?

You/your team can enter online at: www.santa-fun-run. co.uk or by post with an entry form or you can even enter on the day at the pavilion at the university running track. Wheelchairs, pushchairs and dogs are all allowed on the running track.

You can download your sponsorship form on the website to start collecting as much money from friends/family/ work colleagues etc as you can for this great charity day. For more info email: info@santa-fun-run.co.uk or phone: 07856 377708.

Over the past 8 years The Great Loughborough Santa Fun Run has raised £320,000 for local charities. This year entrants are asked to raise at least £20.13 and support LOROS, Rainbows, Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation and the Peter Le Marchant Trust.

Remember to take some photos on the day and send them into us here at The Vine, Leicestershire and we’ll pop them on our website and/or in next years magazine if you snap a great shot. Have great fun and enjoy being a Santa for the day whilst raising money for local charities!

An amazing opportunity to change lives - yours included - for the better. Be among the first men and women to join and shape a new Rotary club, the fun way of making friends, and networking while improving the lives of people at home and abroad.

Meetings will be held regularly from mid-January 2014, but if you’re interested, don’t delay...

Rotarian Roger McDermott, of Coalville Rotary Club, is leading the drive to create the new club. Having led the 3,000 Rotarians in the East Midlands, he has loads of experience of different sorts of Rotary clubs. “Each and every club sets its own agenda to suit the characters of its members,” he says.

For details, call Roger on 01530 810464, Graham on 01509 213675 or Jim on 0116 292 8267. www.rotary.org www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Local Interest...

Delice Cafe Welcomes Local Clubs & Groups Delice Deli & Cafe on Baxter gate in Loughboroughand would like to welcome any clubs or associations from the town and around. They have recently refurbished their upstairs function rooms and they are now available Monday to Sunday day time and Thursday and Friday evenings.If anybody would like more details please contact us on 01509 210013.

The Zouch Acoustic Folk Music Club Monday, December, 16th, 2013 - The club will meet at The Belper Arms in Newton Burgoland from 8pm to 10pm. Sing a song, read a poem, tell a short story or relax and listen, all welcome. For more information contact Brian on 01530 416251.

BOOK LAUNCH: The Friends of Belgrave Cemetery “Living Memories – Belgrave Friends Remembered” Recounts the stories of some of those laid to rest in Belgrave Cemetery,.

The book has been in preparation for over two years and contains memories of more than 140 of those laid to rest in the cemetery as told in words and pictures by their friends and families.

The subjects are not the captains of industry or well-known civic dignitaries but were ordinary people who are far from ordinary.

The photograph show Sandra Moore dressed and in character of Elizabeth Goodwin, head teacher of Belgrave National School during the early years of the 20th century arriving at the Great Central Railway.

Living Memories may be purchased for £10 from Birstall library alternatively contact Sandra Moore – 0116 236 3739 or booklaunch@friendsofbelgravecemetery.co.uk The Friends of Belgrave Group was formed in September 2004 to protect, preserve and promote interest in this Victorian cemetery. Despite being close to busy road junctions, Belgrave Cemetery is a haven of peace and tranquillity. The site covers 5.5 acres and was opened in May 1881.

There are 48 Commonwealth war graves of men from both world wars whose remains are interred in the cemetery, and over 100 family memorials bear the names of men killed in action and buried in foreign war cemeteries. Three former Mayors, several Aldermen and a Chief of Leicestershire Police are buried here. www.friendsofbelgravecemetery.org.uk

NEW ENROLMENTS: 2229 (Loughborough) Sqn, Air Training Corps The latest crop of cadets have just been enrolled into 2229 Squadron and are about to embark on their newly found cadet career. The 9 cadets attended an open day held at the squadron back in early September and have spent the last couple of months learning the basics of cadet life. Initially they were taught about the RAF, the Air Cadet Organisation, airmanship principles, some basic drill, map reading and some first aid. Now the cadets can build on this foundation of knowledge and gain further qualifications over the coming years as the ACO has plenty to offer including BTECs, target shooting and flying.

During enrolment night the cadets were presented with their F3822, also known as a record of service book, and a New Testament and were formally attested into the ACO by our Padre Rev’d Rosie Whitely. Parents were welcomed along to the event, and afterwards were allowed to take photos. Speaking with one parent, she said that she was very proud of her daughter for signing up and hopes that her daughter will enjoy her time with the squadron.

For those wishing to join the squadron, the next intake will be in the new year, so please keep your eyes and ears peeled to local media and our website. The cadets parade at the Loughborough TA Centre from 7pm on Monday and Thursday nights. Feel free to browse their website at: www.2229.org.uk.

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December On The Great Central Railway Santa Trains continue until Christmas Eve, then the passenger trains return on Boxing Day until New Year’s Day. Christmas themed dining trains run throughout the month with special dining trains running on certain days.

Spotlight On Loughborough Central The station never really closed because work started on renovation almost as soon as the last train ran to Nottingham under British Rail control. When the station was built a large building at road level contained the booking office, parcels office and luggage room, down the stairs to platform level there was a refreshment room and ladies’ and gentlemen’s facilities with a canopy covering most of the platform. A fairly large freight yard on the down side with goods office and goods shed.

The station is set in the 1950’s with many artefacts from that era the station canopy is now restored to its former glory costing almost £500,000, there is also a lift for the disabled to get down to platform level, where there is a recently refurbished museum, shop, buffet, emporium and waiting rooms. The goods yard is now mostly built on but the goods office survives today and has been carefully restored and is named Lovatt House and reopened in 2010 and is used as offices by the GCR, the goods shed also survives, but the last area of land is still awaiting a decision on planning permission. The original signal box still stands and is to the north of the station near the shed.

The station has been used for many films and TV programmes including Enigma, Shadowlands, Cemetery Junction, The Hours and Goodbye Mr Tom, Hawking, Casualty, Central Steam.

To the north of the station is the engine shed where restoration of the steam and diesel engines is carried out and preparation for the days running is attended to, this is only open to the public on certain days.

If you would like to volunteer on the station or the shed contact Loughborough Booking Office and they will arrange a contact for you.

Dining Trains Christmas themed dining trains run throughout the month.

Two extra dining trains have now been added on Wednesday, December 11th a Murder Mystery ’Tis the Season to be Murdered’ and on Wednesday, December 18th there will be an extra ‘Christmas Forester‘, these trains are ideal for a Christmas party with a difference! All dining trains and menus must be pre booked and the train boarded at Loughborough.

Preview Of Events For January Trains run on New Year’s Day and normal weekend services return on the first weekend of the month. The three day Winter Gala runs between the 24th and 26th. There is a limited dining service during the month with Saturday Lunch on the 4th, 11th and 18th and Sunday Lunch on the 5th, 12th and 19th but the highlight will be Burns Night on Saturday Evening the 25th.

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: Looking north along platform No 1 during the summer, this photo shows the restored canopy at its best after restoration.

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SEASON’S GREETINGS...

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December 2013 / January 2014 - Issue 5

...FROM US TO YOU!

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SEASON’S GREETINGS...

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EVENTS DIARY

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

Lights of Love Memorial Service

Christmas Fayre ... Must See

Sunday 01 December 2013

Saturday 07 + Sunday 08 December, 10am - 4pm

Hospice Hope Celebration and Remembrance Service.

Dedicate a light on the Christmas Tree for someone special and do something special for hospice care in our area.

Celebration and Memorial Service with Oddfellows Band and Concordia Choir.

Join us for some Festive Fun over the weekend of 7th & 8th December where you can visit Santa in his grotto, listen to live music and buy that special Christmas present from the numerous craft stalls.

The Ferrer’s Centre, Staunton Harold | 4.00pm For more information and to dedicate a light on the tree ring Carol on 01530 411896. www.hospicehope.org.uk

Adult 16+: £7.95 , Child (3-15): £5.50, Family Tickets from £24.25.

Christmas Services at Leicester Cathedral Sun 01 December, 2013 - Advent Sunday Carols and music sung by the Cathedral Choir, with readings to mark the beginning of Advent.

Tues 24 December - 3pm Crib Service - Christmas Eve Hear the Christmas story in Bible readings and carols, with the new complete Christmas Crib and the Cathedral Choir.

Tues 24 Dec - 11.30pm Midnight Mass - Christmas Eve The first Eucharist of Christmas in the presence of the Christ Child and the Crib, with the choir, incense and candlelight.

Preacher: The Bishop of Leicester.

Wednesday 25 December - 10.30 Choral Eucharist A Christmas morning service for all ages with music from the Cathedral Choir. Preacher: The Assistant Bishop of Leicester.

Leicester Cathedral, St. Martin’s House, Leicester, LE1 5DE

To book tickets to Snibston, telephone 01530 278444 or book online: www.snibston.com Snibston, Ashby Road, Coalville, LE67 3LN.

A Christmas Past & Present Saturday 21st December & Sunday 22nd December, 2013 Search for hidden presents through the centuries in the house and as darkness falls experience the illuminated house and grounds with a tree trail up to the church. Enjoy free children’s crafts and activities in Squirt’s stable.

No trip to Calke at Christmas would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto. £4 including present, open during the Christmas weekends.

11am - 6.30pm | Adult £4, Child £2.50, Family £12 plus park admission (members free) | Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby, DE73 7LE | Telephone: 01332 863822 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey/things-to-seeand-do/events/christmas/

Sunday 01 December | Advent all-age Toy Service A special Advent service that will include a collection of new and unplayed with toys to be given as presents to families using Ashby Food bank during December. All welcome!!

Ashby Congregational Church Kilwardby Street, Ashby | 4pm

Sunday 01 December | Santa Special Steam Train Rides North West Leicestershire Society of Model Engineers run their Steam Train Rides every 3rd Sunday in the month. Santa Special Fun for all the Family, suitable for Adults and Children, Rides cost 50p per person. Hot and Cold refreshments available.

Hermitage Recreation Ground, Whitwick LE67 5EG | 11am - 3.30pm | Telephone 01530412048 to book to secure a place.

Thursday 05 - Saturday 07 December | The Panto Company Presents: Aladdin In the heart of Old Peking Aladdin lives with his mother, Widow Twankey, and his mischievous brother Wishey Washey. Come watch and join in as Aladdin falls in love with the beautiful Princess Jasmine and does battle with the evil Abanazer in this fantastic family show.

Tickets: £8.50 | Various times | Tel: 01530 278444 for details & tickets (lines open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm) | Century Theatre, Snibston, Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN

Friday 06 December | Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust ‘The birds of Charnwood’ with Matt Merrit, the editor of Bird Watching will lead you around his patch of the Charnwood Forest.

Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby De La Zouch | Entry £2 | Further details call David Maltby on 01530 222934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262389 | 7pm for a 7.30pm start

Saturday 07 December | Cropston Evangelical Free Church Coffee Morning Coffee Morning on the 1st Saturday each month. Donations given to Click Sargent’ the children’s cancer charity. All welcome.

Station Road, Cropston, LE7 7HD

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EVENTS DIARY Saturday 07 & Sunday 08 December | St. Peter’s Church Flower Festival, Copt Oak Floral displays, charity stalls, refreshments and more.

Parking available | 10am - 4pm | St. Peters Church, Whitwick Road, Copt Oak, LE67 9QB.

Saturday 07 December | The Mice Who Ate Christmas Badapple Theatre Company presents a delightfully upbeat Christmas tale about Edna and Wilbur, two particularly hungry village mice who are having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit. Suitable for ages 8+.

The Palace Community Centre Ibstock | 4pm | The Palace, High St, Ibstock LE67 6LH | £8 Adult /£6 u16 & OAP /£16 Combination (1+2concs.) | Advance tickets from The Palace on 01530 262400 or Halls Electrical 01530 260460. For most events tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability).

Friday 13 December | Christmas Festival at The Palace, Ibstock Santa will be in The Palace Grotto from 3.30pm until 8.30pm, (£2 per visit including gift). From approx. 4pm there will be children’s rides, fairground attractions and stalls behind the Palace. Ibstock Scout Band will be playing inside The Palace from approx. 7.30pm.

Mulled wine, seasonal refreshments and various stalls, plus licensed bar will be available throughout.

The Palace, High St, Ibstock LE67 6LH

Saturday 14 December | A Victorian Christmas ‘A Victorian Christmas’ is a fun and festive celebration of the Yuletide our ancestors would have known. An evening of music, song, stories and drama from the time of Dickens and Hardy.

Tickets; £7 Advance, £9 On The Door, Groups (10+): £6pp | 7.30pm | Tel: 01530 278444 for tickets (lines open Mon - Fri 9am 5pm) | Century Theatre, Snibston, Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN

Saturday 14 December | Wagging ‘N’ Walking Winter Ball In aid of Dog’s Trust and the Alzheimer’s Society. This year’s black tie event will include a 4-course Christmas dinner, bubbly on arrival, musical acts, circus performers, raffles and silent auctions, a late night DJ and even a visit from santa!

7:30pm | Loughborough University (LE11 3TT) | Tickets are £35, or £300 for a 10-seater table | Purchase your ticket here: www.w-n-w.co.uk/tickets | For more information please contact info@w-n-w.co.uk | 07886 851150 or 07841 209141

Wednesday 18 December | Christmas with Jane Austen - Gillian Stapleton Please note that you do not have to be a WI member to attend; you are welcome to join us as a visitor for two sessions per year at a cost of £3.00 a session.

Manor House School, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1BR | 7.30pm | Email: ashby.spa@googlemail.com

Saturday 23 December | Messy Church Rothley Methodist Church hold a ‘Messy Church’ on the 4th Saturday of every month and invite children of all ages from tots to teens with their parents, grandparents, carers, friends, etc - come and join in the fun of craft activities and share a meal.

Contact Sue Wainwright for further information on 07585 557 548 | Rothley Methodist Church, Howe Lane, Rothley.

Thursday 26 December | Boxing Day Costumed Owl Display and Hawk Walk At Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre. Meet a Medieval costumed Falconer and fly the owls and hawk yourself.

2.00pm - 3.00pm | Cost Adult £3.50, Child £2.50 | Booking essential on 01455 293341.

Wednesday 01 January 2014 | New Year’s Day walk at Swannington A walk around the heritage and wildlife sites of the historical village. Meet in the car park at the rear of Swannington Village Institute.

1pm | For more details please call Dave Maltby on 01530 222934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262389.

Monday 13 January 2014 | The Friends of The Charnwood Forest TALK: The Future Of Leicestershire Quarries by Geoff Mason. Non-members are welcome - there is a small charge of £3 at the door.

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall | 7.30pm, finishing about 9pm followed by refreshments.

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THE VINE DIRECTORY

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Ashby Jewellers............................. 34 Caroline James.............................. 47 Cathy Stephens Jewellery.............. 39 Churchgate Jewellers..................... 54

EDUCATION OLCS..............................................42 Rawlins Adult Education................. 50

FLORISTS Holywell Petals............................... 51

FOOD, DRINK & VENUES Ashby Farmers Market................... 54 Ferraris Trattoria............................. 31 The Flying Horse............................ 42 Gino’s Pear Tree............................. 34 The Grey Lady Kitchen & Deli........ 43 The Griffin Inn................................. 55 The Old Fashioned Milk Co............ 25 The Manor House at Quorn............ 24 The Queens Head.......................... 38 Quorn Grange Hotel....................... 30 Vintage Afternoon Teas.................. 54 The Wheatsheaf Inn....................... 18 Woodcock Farm Shop.................... 21 The Woodies.................................. 31

GARDEN Birstall Garden Centre.................... 27 Charnwood Tree Services.............. 51 Garden Blueprints.......................... 54 LB Landscaping.............................. 51 Neil Johnson Landscaping............. 50

GARDEN

HOME continued...

Roecliffe Tree Surgery.................... 50 Sevenoaks Garden Centre............. 14

HAIR & BEAUTY Aqua Hair....................................... 25

HEALTH Charnwood Hearing Centre............ 53 Charnwood Physiotherapy............. 53 Quorndon Care............................... 38

HOME ABD Picture Framing...................... 53 Absolute Window Solutions.............. 2 Ancient & Modern........................... 14 Anstey Homecrafts......................... 53 Ashby Decorators Centre................. 6 Broughtons....................................... 8 Byrites Electricals........................... 14 Carpet Cuts.................................... 56 Charnwood Blinds............................ 6 Charnwood Conservatories.............. 7 Charnwood Kitchens........................ 5 Charnwood Oakwrights.................. 20 Charnwood Oaks Roofing & Building..4 Clock Doctor................................... 54 Cooks Farm Shop.......................... 35 Countryside Collectables................ 20 CV Lane........................................... 4 DeVol...................................... 10 + 11 DG Plumbing.................................. 53 Glenwood Interiors......................... 18 Graham Botterill - Soft Furnishings... 14 High Class Ironing.......................... 14

Holme Tree Kitchens........................ 8 Just Frames.................................... 53 JWM Interiors................................... 6 Keller Construction........................... 3 The Light House............................... 8 Loft Storage Solutions...................... 5 Logburners Ltd................................. 3 Low Woods Furnishings................. 18 Martin Allen Flooring......................... 4 MGAS............................................... 4 My Spa UK..................................... 15 Paperweight................................... 14 Parker Tiling................................... 54 Terry Allen Painter & Decorator...... 53

LEISURE Bradgate Park Christmas Fair.......... 3 East Midlands Helicopters.............. 31 Shellbrook Toys.............................. 14

MOTORS Cropston Garage............................ 53 Top Gear Services.......................... 38

PETS Cassie’s Care................................. 43 The Retreat Boarding Kennels....... 54 The Veterinary Surgery.................. 54

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Crimestoppers - Illegal Cigs........... 30 Dodds Solicitors LLP...................... 18 Prusinski Solicitors......................... 43 Roy Green - Sales & Lettings........... 20

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TELL OUR ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEM IN THE VINE, LEICESTERSHIRE MAGAZINE If you would like to submit editorial or advertise in The Vine, Leicestershire then please telephone: 01530 249048 or email: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk Alternatively you can visit the website to find out more: www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk 52

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