The Vine, Leicestershire - February 2014

THE VINE, LEICESTERSHIRE

VINE The

Leicestershire

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NETBALL ANYONE? WWW.THEVINELEICESTERSHIRE.CO.UK FEBRUARY / MARCH 2014 | ISSUE 6

VALENTINE’S DAY TRADITIONS From our wildlife predicting who you might marry to mysterious gifts turning up on your doorstep - find out about these old traditions along with the not so romantic tradition that hung around our country for the best part of 100 years!

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

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February / March 2014 - Issue 6

Welcome... ...to The Vine!

Feb / Mar ‘14 edition

Hello readers and welcome to the first edition of 2014!

Hopefully we can help keep you stocked with some warm and wonderful ideas this February, not only to keep the winter chill at bay, but just in time for half term too. For example.... .....on the 18th there’s a great geocaching event, perfect for all the family, taking place at Grace Dieu Woods (see page 47 for more information).

Or for something a little more sedate and cosy why not take a trip to the Shuttlewood Clarke tea room in Ulverscroft. Residing in beautiful settings, delicious homemade food is also guaranteed.

Conservation Volunteering...28

For more information on their special events - such as a Pie Night, Tea Dance or Vintage Afternoon Teas - see page 13 or to find out a little more about what goes on at the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation turn to page 12.

For the more active amongst you, (and this just refers to the ladies I’m afraid, sorry gents!) Whitwick Netball Club is looking for new members to hopefully try and start a second team with. If this appeals find out how to join up on page 17.

Or how about some photography? Shepshed Camera Club has some interesting topics coming up at their monthly meetings so if you fancy learning more about photography, equipment and some super hints and tips, take a peek at page 23 for more details.

Valentine’s Day..............34 - 39

Finally, it would be remiss of us not to remind you about our feature this month: Valentine’s Day on the 14th February - read all about it and take note of a few great ideas for loved ones perhaps from page 34 onwards.

Happy reading and happy Valentines,

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

What’s On ....................44 - 47

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

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

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Local Charity News Charity Whist Drive

Charity Fundraising Gala Comedy Night

The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 6th February in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Come and join in with the Leicestershire choirs as they celebrate humorous and comedy songs! From the great tradition of Noel Coward to the “Chicken Song” from Spitting Image, to Benny Hill, to the mighty “Always look on the bright side of life”. This is a unique evening for fans of laughter and songs! In aid of local charities. Hosted by Ben Jackson & Martin Ballard.

Saturday 8th February 2014 | Tickets: £10 (£8) | 7pm - 9.30pm St Martins House, 7 Peacock Lane, Leicester LE1 5PZ | T: 0116 261 5200

Admission £2.00. All players welcome.

Large free car park.

Popular Demand Sees Charity Extend Support Services Registered charity, the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, is pleased to announce a new support initiative beginning in February 2014. Support Thursdays will take place on four Thursdays in every month. The drop in sessions will run from 10.30am until 2.00pm at Ulverscroft Manor.

The sessions are open to anyone with a disability or illness, carers, or anyone who feels isolated. Kathleen Wass, Support Services Manager, said “the Support Thursdays have been introduced following a pilot scheme in 2013.”

The sessions will commence on Thursday 6th February and run as follows; 1st Thursday – Health and Wellbeing which includes the opportunity to participate in seated yoga - £2.50 per session or chiropody / reflexology £13.00 per session.

2nd Thursday – Coffee and Chatter – come along and meet new friends in the splendid surroundings of Ulverscroft Manor. Bring your knitting or a book or just enjoy a laughter and chatter day.

3rd Thursday – Support for Carers – If the person you look after couldn’t cope without your assistance then you are a carer and deserve some help and support. Chiropody and reflexology available priced at £13.00 per session. A Support for Carers Leicestershire worker will be attending 10.30am until 12.30pm.

Last Thursday – MS Drop in – Relaxation class 11.00am until 12 noon for a healthy body and mind - £2.50, chiropody and reflexology also available priced at £13.00 per session.

Mrs Wass also said that “the Foundation has received many positive enquires and bookings for the forthcoming sessions. We look forward to welcoming you and hope to provide continued support and advice throughout 2014 and beyond.”

The drop in sessions are free to attend, with light refreshments available for a small charge. Advance booking is essential for any additional activities.

If you would like further information or would like to book in to any of the therapy sessions then please telephone Kathleen or Helen on 01530 244914 or email admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org.

Ulverscroft Manor, Priory Lane, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9PH | www.shuttlewood-clarke.org

GET IT IN THE DIARY: Charnwood Branch of Cancer Research Events Saturday 12 April - Soup & Sweet Lunch The ‘Soup & Sweet Lunch’ will take place at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall from 12 noon till 1:30pm. Admission will be £5 per person. There will be stalls and a raffle.

Saturday, 26th April - Table Top & Craft Fayre This fabulous table top sale will have much to offer including: Bric-a Brac, Books, Crafts, Needlework, Sweets, £1 stall and many more stalls. Refreshments will be available. Stalls are £7 and booking is essential. Admission will be 50p with children entering free. There will be ample free parking. All proceeds in aid of St. Peter’s Church Copt Oak. Copt Oak Memorial Hall, Whitwick Road LE67 9QB 9 next to Copt Oak Pub - 1pm to 3:30pm.

For further details please contact 0116 267 4746.

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Local Charity News The Annual LOROS Ladies Lunch This year will see the 29th Annual LOROS Ladies Lunch take place, making it one of the charities longest running fundraising events and having announced their Guest Speaker as “Lady of the Lakes” and LOROS Patron Julia Bradbury, it is set to be as popular as ever before!

LOROS Fundraiser and Event Organiser, Laura Betts said; “LOROS feel so privileged to have Julia as our Patron and Guest Speaker at the event this year. Julia’s experience of rural and environmental issues as well as her vast knowledge of the Great British Countryside is something that I am sure will appeal to many of our supporters”.

Julia is best known as a TV presenter of programmes such as ‘Countryfile’, ‘Watchdog’ , ‘Planet Earth Live’ and most recently ‘Take on the Twisters’ on ITV. Julia became a Patron for LOROS in August 2012 and has since fronted the Hospices’ much loved annual countryside walk; Walk on the Wildside which is taking place on 14th September this year (see website for details).

Julia said; “Having had personal experience of cancer within my family, any difference I can make to the marvellous work LOROS does for the 2,500 local patients and their families LOROS supports each year, is indeed a great privilege.

I am really looking forward to speaking at this event and meeting other LOROS supporters. ” With over half the tables for the event already gone, tickets are selling fast so to book your place contact LOROS Fundraising now on 0116 2318431.

Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation Events At Ulverscroft Grange Vintage Afternoon Tea Wednesday 12 February 2014 | 3.00-5.00pm | £8.50 per person

Pie Night Thursday 20 February 2014 | 5.30pm until 7.30pm | £7.95 per person

Vintage Tea Dance (Taking place at Copt Oak Memorial Hall) Friday, 11th April 2014 | £10.00 per person Booking Essential for all events. Call 01530 244914 or email admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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Local Interest Loughborough Naturalists Club Here we are looking forward to further interesting talks and walks. Do come along to the Church Rooms, Church Lane, Quorn, LE12 8DP and enjoy one of our meetings free of charge.

As you can see we have an interesting programme and you will be most welcome at both the indoor meetings or at the Wednesday walks. For more details 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 if you become a member.

Forthcoming meetings: 8th February - Symbiosis by Ivan Pedley 8th March - Gardening for Wildlife by Chris Edwards 12th April - AGM and Members’ Exhibition Evening

We Need Your Rubbish Please!

Loughborough Seventh-day Adventist church was started almost 40 years ago but has always met in rented premises.

Whilst we are very happy at our current rented location, our dream is to own a church building of our own and we have been very busy over the last 3 years raising funds through sponsored events, car boot sales, social evenings, Easyfundraising, sales of hand-made Christmas cards etc.

Summer Stars Holiday Bible club has been organised by Loughborough SDA Church for over 3 years now and was enjoyed by over 50 children from Mountsorrel and the surrounding villages last year. It was great to see the smiles on the faces of the children as they got involved with activities such as clay modelling, cooking, music, drama and singing. However, there is so much more we would like to do for our local community. Toddler group, choir, Pathfinders Youth Club, music group, Youth drama group, coffee mornings, community fun days and cooking demonstrations are all activities which we would like to run. Owning a building would make such a difference in being able to provide these opportunities.

Our latest fundraising venture is recycling. We are collecting waste items and packaging, many of which are not currently recycled through our green bin system. The waste will be sent to a recycling centre where it will be made into items such as watering cans, bins and park benches. Our charity will be given 2p per item on average. Most of the waste would otherwise be sent to landfill so this is a great way of helping the environment whilst raising money to buy a church.

How can you help?

The items that we can currently send to be recycled are: • Empty biscuit packets from any brand of sweet biscuits (for multipacks such as Penguins we can use both the outer wrapper and the individual ones) • Yoghurt pots - Activia, Actimel or Shape (no other brands please) • Tassimo discs and outer foil packaging • Kenco Eco-Refill Pouches (including Millicano) • Old mobile phones (working or broken) • Used pens • Used printer cartridges • Clothing and shoes that are suitable to be worn again • Babyfood pouches (any brand) and any Ella’s Kitchen packaging We can collect waste directly from you or email you a Freepost label.

You are always welcome to pay us a visit at Mountsorrel Methodist church where we currently meet each Saturday morning: Bible Classes for children and adults are held 10.00-11.15am and our Family Worship Service is 11.30-12.30.

For further information, please contact Vivienne on 07748 590594 or email loughboroughsdachurch@gmail.com

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Local Interest Grand Central Chorus – A Festive Feast of Harmony Grand Central hosted a very successful Christmas Show at Trent College, Long Eaton on Saturday 14 December when a packed audience, including local civic dignitaries, was entertained by the full chorus, together with guest which included GEM Connection ladies barbershop chorus, the ‘Grand Dads’ quartet and flute duo, Jenny Gooding and Lydia Leaf. Their focus is now on 24 May, when they will compete against 47 choruses from across the UK and the BABS National Championships in Harrogate.

However, they have another big show on Saturday 22 March at Holy Trinity Church, Ashy de la Zouch, LE65 2FQ at 7pm, where Moira Male Voice Choir, Castle Rock Choir and trumpeter, John Barker will also be performing. Tickets £8 available from 01530456793 07954659318 or on the door.

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. See their website www.grandcentralchorus.com for full details or follow them 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 and quality is guaranteed.

National Trust Leicester Association Mention York to any National Trust member and they will immediately think of the Treasurer’s House in Minster Yard adjacent to York Minster. The house was originally the home of the Cathedral treasurer and the present house dates from 1630.

However the NT owns another house in York, Goddards, which is Grade 1 listed and overlooks the race course. For nearly 30 years the house has been the NT regional office but following staff reorganisation the house and its expansive garden are now open to visitors. Goddards was built in 1926 for Noel Terry of the famous confectionary-making firm Terry’s of York.

At first glance it is in a free Arts and Crafts Tudor style with mullioned windows, leaded lights, patterned brickwork and great ornamental chimneys. However this is all combined with an eclectic mix of varying elements including a Gothic oriel window and Queen Anne and Georgian-style panelling, chimneypieces and doorcases. In many respects Goddards was a very old-fashioned house for its date, especially the fact that it included a large traditional service wing with generous provision for servants.

In keeping with the time the garden is compartmentalised and contains a main terrace with lawn and pond, a Water Garden, a Rockery and tennis and bowls lawns.

Goddards is open Wednesday to Sunday from 1st March and the Treasurer’s House Saturday to Thursday from 15th February.

The NT Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 11th February when Gerald Hall will present an illustrated talk entitled “The Camargue”. The meeting will be held at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm.

There will be an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 26th February at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm when Dale Jackson will present a talk on “The Superstitions of Calke Abbey”.

Admission to both 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 www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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THE PHENOMENAL FLYING HORSE The Flying Horse, is celebrating a phenomenal first year in business after being named Leicestershire’s No.1 Indian restaurant. Competition to be the best is tough in the area with so much choice for diners, but it is something owner Mr Islam thrives upon. He said: “It feels great to be named Leicestershire’s No.1 Indian restaurant, Competition is very tough and with new takeaways and restaurants opening up all the time it has been a great challenge”.

“But I think competition is healthy because it keeps you focused on quality and customer satisfaction and work that little bit harder to provide the best quality food and service you can give”.

Mr Islam bought Markfield-based The Flying Horse on Little Shaw Lane just over a year ago and transformed it into an Indian restaurant and bar after it was previously run as a Chinese. Business has never been better. By popular demand The Flying Horse also does a take away service, whether you’re collecting or having your meal delivered, you can be assured your meal will be deliciously piping hot.

Mr Islam added: “It was a great move for us and we love serving people in the area. We carried out refurbishment before opening and all the hard work has paid off.

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“A big thanks to all of our patrons old and new who have made us a success, we really appreciate their support and for coming back to us time again.

“We hope for trade to keep improving and we are always trying to offer our customers the best value for money via vouchers and promotions throughout the year, all of which is found in local papers most weeks, You can find us on Just Eat or try our brand new website”.

It is clear Mr Islam is a master of his trade running a number of Indian restaurants in the area including Little India in Peckleton and take away The Balti Hut in Newbold Verdon to name two.

“I have been in the trade for a long time. The Flying Horse is in a great location and is a grand property which can accommodate up to 100 people and large ample parking, we wanted to take on a challenge and with a wealth of fantastic customers, it has worked out well.”

The Flying horse has added a number of niche specials to its menu including a host of lamb and seafood speciality dishes. If you are yet to try out The Flying Horse now is as good a time as any to give the taste buds a flavour of real Indian cuisine. You can conveniently book online or call the friendly staff at the restaurant.

Cheer On The Six Nations With A ‘Tighthead’ Everards is delighted to launch its new Limited Edition Brew, Tighthead, a special beer brewed to mark the Six Nations Tournament.

Tighthead is a real winter warmer. A rich rosewood ale, brewed with a blend of Challenger, Saaz and Cascade hops offers a blend of fruit and roasted caramel flavours with a comforting spicy, chocolate aroma and sweet finish, this is the perfect beer to cheer on England and can be enjoyed in selected Everards pubs throughout the tournament.

With eight Leicester Tigers players named in the England RBS Six Nations squad, this really is a great start to 2014 for Leicester and our sports teams. Everards remain the Official Beer supplier of Leicester Tigers and are extremely proud of having so many representatives in the England Team.

England’s RBS Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham Stadium takes place on Saturday, February 2 at 4pm.

Head Brewer Graham Giblett said: “We are extremely excited to kick off 2014 with a brand new beer from Everards. Tighthead is the perfect beer for any rugby fan and is sure to be popular during the tournament.”

Tighthead is part of a hugely successful range of limited edition brews for the Leicester based brewery and is available at selected Everards pubs and through its National Accounts stockists throughout the Six Nations Tournament. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Local Clubs Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust - Charnwood Group Events Wednesday 12th February - Gianpiero Ferrari - The Okovango Delta, Botswana and Zambia

Travel by boat down river through this wildlife paradise with Gianpiero. Enjoy the landscapes and wildlife through his superb photography, encountering fabulous birds, elephants, hippos and many other species on a voyage to the spectacular Victoria Falls.

Wednesday 12th March - AGM and ‘The Spineless Wonders of Charnwood’ - Steve Woodward After the short AGM, Steve will introduce us to the many and varied forms of invertebrate life found in the Charnwood area. Prepare to be amazed by these tiny creatures, which are often overlooked, but are so vital to the whole ecosystem. You may even see ‘creepycrawlies’ in a different light after this talk!

Wednesday 9th April - Michael & Paula Webster Conservation and Protecting Iconic Animals

A special evening of films, images and stories with ‘Webster’s Wildshots’. This evening we shall take a digital journey from the soft greenery of Charnwood to the searing heat of the Australian outback, the wild Himalayan borderlands between India and China and the harshest of winters in the Canadian wilderness.

Wednesday 14th May - What happened at the Woodhouse Parish BioBlitz in 2013?

The BioBlitz team will bring us up to date with an illustrated talk about the BioBlitz discoveries, the number of species recorded, how those records will be used in the future and some individual memories of an inspirational event last June.

Saturday 17th May - Table Top Sale.

In Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall from 2pm – 4:30pm.

There will be a variety of stalls, some raising funds for LRWT. Book a stall to raise money for your group, or have a de-clutter at home! To book a table (£7 each) ring Pam on 01509 412589 (stall holders admitted from 1 pm) Refreshments (drinks and cakes) available throughout the sale. Admission 50p, accompanied children free.

Indoor meetings are held at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £2 for LRWT members, £2.50 for visitors, children free, including refreshments.

For further information contact Pam Darby (Chair) 01509 412589, Maggie Morland (Programme Secretary) 01509 890077 or John Spencer (Secretary) 01162 364279.

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Mountsorrel W.I. Mountsorrel WI met on Thursday 9th January at the Parish Rooms. The speaker was Sandy Leong who gave us a very entertaining talk on the history and meaning of nursery rhymes. As Sandy said rhymes are passed down through generations and are still recited today but what exactly is the meaning of these?

As we discovered are they really appropriate for young ears? Some contain social comment, others malicious gossip, they include coded insults and there is even the odd one designed to entertain children!! We were fascinated to hear that ‘pop goes the weasel’ was actually about pawning the Sunday best coat every week to fund a lot of drink and a little food! You may have thought Old Mother Hubbard was just about a poor old dog but in fact was comment on Cardinal Wolsey’s inability to gain a divorce from Rome for Henry VIII. And a word of warning: Lucy Locket and Kitty Fisher may not be all they seem!

We were all able to remember 21 out of the 22 rhymes covered which just goes to show how ingrained these are in the memory of many people. We did wonder, however, if the tradition of retelling these historic rhymes is being carried on today.

The next open meeting will be held on 13th February at 7.30pm in the Parish Rooms. The speaker will be Roxanne Dinsdale on Belly Dancing! All visitors will be very welcome so why not come along and try it! We certainly are not just Jam and Jerusalem. Please just turn up and be assured of a very warm welcome or for further details contact Alison Aldwinckle on 07517 232 029.

Ladies Who Lunch Ladies, if you enjoy a good meal, good company and good entertainment you might be interested in joining the Newtown Linford Lunch Club. Despite the name you do not have to live in Newtown Linford.

We meet at the Forest Hill Golf Club on the third Wednesday of the month for a three course meal after which we are entertained by a speaker. In recent months we have enjoyed talks about Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Advertising Ephemera and Poetry amongst others. Talks coming up are entitled ‘There’s more to Leicester than cheese’, ‘The Little Theatre’, ‘Kedleston Hall’, ‘Reformatory at Mount St Bernard’s Abbey’ and ‘Chop Sticks and Rituals’ a talk about China. Next December we have the delightful and entertaining Eliza McClelland coming.

There is a friendly atmosphere, the venue is pleasant and the food is good. Why not give us a try? The three course meal with coffee is £16. If you decide you would like to join our club membership is £20 per year; this pays for the speakers. For more details or to book a meal phone 0116 2304420.

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Local Clubs Whitwick & District U3A

Loughborough RSPB Local Group Events in February & March 2014 Friday 14th February 2014 Talk on My Local Patch by Matt Merritt, editor of Birdwatching Magazine. Matt’s local patch is Charnwood Forest ! Come and see what happened when he ditched the car and explored this local area on foot. 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 17th February 2014 Wildlife Walk at Cossington Meadow near Rothley at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at SK596131.

Sunday 2nd March 2014 You are invited to join them on a coach trip to Gibraltar Point NNR near Skegness. Depart from Loughborough University at 7.30 am, fare £18. Booking is essential for this trip.

Friday 14th March 2014 Talk entitled Feathers and Flight by Chris Ward. Chris is the group leader of North Bucks RSPB local group. A keen traveller and photographer and an accomplished speaker.

He will enlighten us about feathers - what are their functions, variations and adaptations and how are they modified for flight ? 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.

Wednesday 19th March 2014 Wildlife Walk at Calke Park at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at SK375227 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/

The February General Meeting of Whitwick and District U3A will be on Friday, 21st February at St. David’s Church Hall, Broomleys, Coalville. Come along to learn about our many active groups and forthcoming events. In addition, our speaker, David Girder, will present an intriguing account about the development and application of plastics. From mere ornamentation to use in space exploration, David’s talk will give an insight into this common material upon which we now rely. Please arrive at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start.

For further details about Whitwick and District U3A, please visit: www.whitwicku3a.org.uk

Thurcaston & Cropston W.I. Thurcaston Memorial Hall - 7.30 pm 6th February - Bosworth 1485, the quest for Bosworth Battlefield and King Richard III Talk by Richard Knox, Heritage Development Manager. Visitors welcome £4 6th March - 40 Days and 40 Nights, Michael Webster talks about the significance of the many colourful festivals leading up to Easter in Spain. Visitors welcome £4 3rd April - Fashion Show and Sale - look out for more details in the next vine Magazine or on the website.

Shepshed & District Camera Club Tuesday 4th February, 7.30pm - 4 New Images DPI Comp.

Tuesday 11th February, 7.30pm Practical Evening

Macro/Still Life

Tuesday 18th February - Mid Term Break No Meeting Tuesday 25 February, 7.30pm - Sue Hutton Travelogue See the website for further details on meetings.

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

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

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

www.shepshedcameraclub.co.uk

Coleorton & New Lount Conservation Volunteer Group It is the AGM & Social Evening on Saturday 8 February 7.00 pm at Beaumont Centre, Peggs Green. The AGM will be followed by a social evening and bingo, There will be tea, coffee & cakes available.

Contact C&NLVG on 01530 223456 or 07717 182905 | email to coleorton11@gmail.com www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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The Hub of the Village Queens Head Belton has taken on a completely new lease of life. Having been boarded up for 7 months, the locals were becoming downhearted because the ‘hub’ of the village was no longer open.

When Queens Head re-opened on 8 November 2013, new owners Robert and Erica were approached by many locals thanking them for giving them their Pub back and are wholeheartedly supportive of the new venture.

The Queens has acquired a talented team in the kitchen and envisage exciting times ahead as far as serving quality dishes is concerned. All ingredients are locally sourced where possible and the Queens is proud of what they have already achieved.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and the Queens will be providing a special Menu along with live music provided by local singer Alice Styles. Early booking is therefore strongly advised.

2 Long Street, Belton, Loughborough , Leicestershire LE12 9TP | www.queensheadbelton.com enquiries@queensheadbelton.com | Tel: 01530 222359

Dance to ‘QU’ for Inter Care….

Last Year Inter Care recycled nearly £700,000 worth of medicines and now support 125 clinics in rural Africa. Medicines would otherwise go to landfill, but instead provide essential care for men, women and children who otherwise could not afford to pay for treatment. This Year Inter Care celebrates its 40th Anniversary!

You can help by joining us for a fun evening of dance on Saturday 15th March at Quorn Village Hall, Leicester Road, LE12 8BB. Dr Steve Clay and Keith Croysdale are playing live Latin, Ballroom, Rock and Pop Music by ‘QU’ from 7.30pm-11pm.

Tickets £7.50 per person and includes complimentary nibbles. All funds raised this fantastic evening of live music will help support our unique work. Bring your own drinks and glasses. Free Car Parking.

Advanced tickets only so please book early to avoid disappointment. To order your tickets please call 0116 2695925 or visit www.intercare.org.uk

Charity Bridge Drive Loughborough Lions Club will be holding a Charity Bridge Drive at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Wednesday 9th April 2014 at 1.30pm.

Afternoon tea will be provided at a cost of £6 per person, To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 230 3317 or email: brianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com

The Old Fashioned Milk Company Farm Shop The Old Fashioned Milk Company, Lubcloud Farm Shop and Lubcloud Farm are owned and run by Phil Newcombe and Joanne Hing. We have opened our own farm shop selling locally grown organic veg, our own pork and of course our own Organic milk and cream. We also sell Organic Raw milk straight from the cow, how milk used to be!

Please contact Phil or Joanne on 01509 505055, Email theoldfashionedmilkco@ aol.co.uk Lubcloud Farm, Charley Road, Oaks in Charnwood, Leics, LE12 9YA

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Conservation Volunteer Days Country Park Conservation Volunteers are a diverse group of people who get together on a regular basis to carry out conservation tasks at our country parks.

A wide range of Country Parks are managed by Leicestershire County Council throughout the county. These sites have extensive facilities for visitors, but also comprise habitats for plants and animals. An important aim of their management is to protect and enhance the wildlife value, but with over 1000 acres to look after, the County Council’s Country Park rangers need your help!

If you would like to get fit, help local wildlife, learn new skills and maybe make some new friends, why not go along to one of their Conservation Volunteer Days?

Tasks are taken at your own pace and there are plenty of opportunities for refreshments. However, if you are unsure and wish to further discuss what is involved, please get in touch and we can give you more information.

It’s a good idea to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and strong footwear or wellies, warm clothes and waterproofs, gloves, a camera if you fancy and a packed lunch! There will be some refreshments provided - hot drinks and maybe even the odd chocolate biscuit or two.

Volunteers are welcome to go along and join in the conservation tasks, but please get in touch to let them know in advance. Contact: Chris Conway, Volunteer & Events Coordinator, tel 0116 305 7937, email chris.conway@leics.gov.uk

Newtown Linford Gardening Club 2013 was a superb year for the gardening club with record membership and some exciting and interesting events in our calendar. We now look forward to 2014 with the same amount of enthusiasm and we have a programme which we hope will fill the bill. Our traditional events of speakers, trips and parties remain but we add a new venture in April with a plant fair which we hope will prove popular. Our open evening with a celebrity speaker is also repeated. This time we will welcome multi-winning Chelsea garden designer Adam Frost who is now beginning to make his mark on television gardening shows.

Our programme for the year is as follows: February 25th - Delightful Daisies - Dr Andrew Ward March 25th - Healthy Eating with Fruit and Veg -- David Thornton (Nat. Veg. Society) April 22nd - Geraniums -Mike Darch April 26th - Plant Fair May 27th - Visit to Glebe Garden Centre June 24th - Cyclamen in Cultivation and Wild - Vic Aspland July 22nd - Summer Garden Party August 19th - Visit to RHS Harlow Carr September 23rd - So Very Versatile Perennials - Ian Cooke (RHS Judge) November 4th - An Open Evening with Adam Frost - (Chelsea Gold Medal Garden Designer) December 2nd - Christmas Party 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 & David Couling

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Local Interest Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club Medieval and Tudor Gardens by Matthew Haddon Not many people manage to combine their main interests of Medieval and Tudor history and garden design into one, but our first speaker of 2014 does just that. Mathew Haddon, a garden designer from East Yorkshire with a degree in medieval history, used a series of pictures of ancient documents, maps, pictures, and manuscript illustration and the occasional photo of a reconstructed garden to take us all on a journey from the end of the Roman Empire to the end of the Tudor Dynasty.

Looking at the different types of gardens that everyone from the humble peasant farmer to the rich and noble kings and bishops would have been familiar with; Matt took us through features that our ancestors would have been known and loved. A walled or fenced area with a decorative entrance, creating an enclosed space, trees round the edge with clear space in the centre, grass with flowers and beds of roses, lilies and daffodils. It all has a familiar ring to it doesn’t it?

Matt showed and explained the different types of gardens frequently seen in these earlier times. From allotment to herber, monastic garden with rows of plants grown for medicinal and herbal purposes; from orchard to Royal Park, with gardeners brought in from Spain and Italy to make gardens that would keep young European princesses from being homesick by recreating a familiar space for them.

These historical gardens are not really very different from our own, re-enforcing the idea that our hopes and inspirations for our gardens are deep seated in the human psyche. Gardens are still places to grow food and flowers, places to display our wealth and passions, and to create places to relax surrounded by flowers rich in colour and scent.

The gardening club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall. Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. There are 13 events planned for 2014, including a trip to the Tatton Park Spring Show. What’s more, it is excellent value!! The membership fee is £12 for the year or £3.00 per meeting. And, if you would like to come as a visitor and then you decide to join, your visitor fee will be refunded!! So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try.

The next club events are:-

Wednesday 12th February, 7.45 pm – Bugs and Insects - Sally Cunningham There are all sorts of creepy-crawlies in our gardens, but how do you tell if they are good or bad for our plants?! This lifetime professional gardener with a passion for bugs will tell us how.

Wednesday 12th March, 7.45 pm - The Garden at Coton Manor - Caroline Tait An illustrated tour through the garden over the last 40 years. A history of the garden’s stewards and its more recent developments, planting theories, border maintenance and floral displays through the changing seasons.

Wednesday 9th April, 7.45 pm – Behind the Scenes at Chelsea Flower Show - Geoff Smith An entertaining and light-hearted look at what really happens behind the scenes at the world’s most prestigious flower show.

For more information, please call Dave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758.

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Conservation Volunteer Days Introducing... Whitwick Netball Club Four like minded ladies recognised a lack of presentation for netball as a sport in the community, thus Whitwick Netball Club was formed in August 2013.

They have 22 affiliated players to England Netball and participate in the North West Leicestershire Netball League alongside other netball teams.

The clubs aim is to enter another team into the league and they would therefore welcome, any ladies who wish to try and reminisce the great sport that is netball. Whether you are into sports or looking for some time to yourself, the team can provide not only fitness but also a feel-good, sociable night of training and for those interested, friendlies and matches that will be played against other netball teams in the North West Leicestershire Netball league.

Keep a look out in The Vine magazine or on the ladies website for upcoming fundraising events that you, your family and friends can get involved in: www.whitwicknetballclub.org Training: Wednesday 6:30pm - 8.00 pm | Castle Rock High School, Meadow Lane, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 4BR ÂŁ4 for 1.5 hours | Open to over 18s - all abilities welcome | Email: info.whitwicknetballclub.org

ALL LADIES WELCOME.... COME & JOIN YOUR LOCAL NETBALL TEAM!

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Local Interest A Film Oscar Celebration in Leicester

The Monday Club, Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston & Rothley

It is not every day that a club can join in the celebration of a Film Oscar Award but the locally based Pith Helmet Club, via its close association with Cooke Optics Ltd of Thurmaston, are able to do just that.

Once again The Monday Club members arrived with husbands and friends to enjoy our ninth Christmas Luncheon at Birstall Golf Club on Monday 9th December 2013.

The Pith Helmet Club was founded in 1957 as a club for ex-employees of the then Rank Taylor Hobson Limited, high precision quality control instrument manufacturers. Part of that company was the Cooke Optics Division which made ultra high accuracy lenses for the professional portrait and film industries. 75% of the lenses used by the film industry in Hollywood were made here in Leicester. Just over a decade ago the Taylor Hobson Instrument side and the Cooke Optics side split and formed two separate companies, both of which now operate from factories in Thurmaston, Leicester.

Earlier this year, at the annual Film Industries Awards Cooke Optics Limited became one of the few companies to be honoured by the industry at their Scientific and Technical Awards night at the Beverley Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. The Company’s Chairman, Mr Les Zellan, was presented with one of the highly treasured Oscar statuettes in recognition of the company’s long and quality service to the industry. Cooke Lenses were first made in 1894 and have been the supreme lens used in Hollywood by the professionals for over 80 years.

Part of the enthusiasm expressed on these occasions is the fact that year on year, friends meet up with a host of tales to tell of family events experienced during the previous year!

After Lunch, it was our pleasure to present Major Kathy Rowe, representing the Salvation Army, with a cheque for £256.23 by our Treasurer Mrs. Gill Smart, supported by the Club’s Committee, as featured below. This was the amount collected during the past year for the Charity.

Our first Meeting of the Club on January 13th was thankfully accompanied by plenty of sunshine although very cold. Previously for two years, we have had to cancel, much to the disappointment of both Members and our prospective Speaker.

After the “Business” section for the Club Meeting, we were pleased to enjoy a delightful spread of a variety of cakes etc. to have with our Tea and then proceed to take part in two very amusing games. The first one being an old favourite of guessing from photos, the celebrities names and the other created by our Member Mrs. Diane Rouse which was a novel twist on “Pass the Parcel” which required brainwork and deftness of hand. An excellent conclusion to the first Meeting of this year..

The members of the Pith Helmet Club are over the moon to be associated with this great award and it will be toasted at each club event from now on. The statuette, one of only 47 awarded in this category, is currently securely on display in the Company’s reception, the only one to be found in the County.

Norman Pratt

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 the next Meeting on the 10th February. For any enquires please ring me on 0116 2363467.

Ann Farndon

Buggycise in Moira - Wed 5th February to Wed 12th March, 2014 A 6 week course aimed at mums wanting to get back into shape and involves a combination of strengthening and toning exercises. Each weekly session will last approx 1 hour and will be led by a qualified pre and post natal fitness instructor. 11.30-12.30 Meeting at Moira Furnace Top Car Park. Sessions are FREE but booking is required as limited spaces are available,contact Zara Barnes 01530 454606 or email zara.barnes@nwleicestershire.gov.uk. Moira Furnace, Furnace Lane, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6AT.

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Local Interest Ever Thought About A Window Seat In Your Kitchen?

A window seat is a great area for relaxing and casual dining...have you ever thought of this for your kitchen? Everything is possible with a bespoke kitchen design from Holmetree. We go the extra mile to make the best use of the space you have to create a unique area to entertain family and friends.

Established in December 2000, Holme Tree take pride in the design of their own finest quality handcrafted furniture to ensure a truly bespoke service is delivered.

Pictured below in a timber framed house is a beautiful hand painted Shaker kitchen. We have used rounded posts to soften the edges and dressed it with hints of walnut and a circular breakfast bar has been added to compliment the spiral staircase.

All of our furniture is manufactured in our on site workshop in Ashby-de-la-Zouch to ensure a completely bespoke design is achieved.

With a new larger purpose built showroom, Holme Tree can now express the truly amazing craftsmanship and dedication that goes into their work. Situated over two floors of pure excellence, to the ground floor the showroom features the award winning, bespoke kitchen furniture. The second floor showcases a beautiful design of bedrooms, home offices and bathroom furniture.

Now being located a few minutes from Junction 13 off the A42 where the passion for good design happens, why not call in and share the experience.

To discuss your requirements in more detail or for more information contact Trevor on 01530 564561 or email: trevor@ holmetree.co.uk | www.holmetree.co.uk

Story Time Walk - Moira Friday 21st February, 2014 The story time session will take place at Moira Furnace and involves a short walk and a story. This month’s theme is The Three Little Pigs and will include an activity. The session is suitable for toddlers through to primary aged children.

The sessions are FREE but booking is required as limited spaces are available Contact Zara Barnes on Tel 01530 454606 or email zara.barnes@nwleicestershire.gov.uk Moira Furnace, Furnace Lane, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6AT | Free car parking

The Friends of The Charnwood Forest Hear All About Charnwood Roots Dr Julie Attard came to talk to us at our recent meeting, about... helping to discover CHARNWOOD ROOTS Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust has been awarded a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out its four-year Charnwood Roots project and will be inviting local people from communities across the area to get involved.

The project will explore the history of thirty-five towns and villages in and surrounding Charnwood Forest and Loughborough. Starting from the earliest pre-historic settlements and coming right up to the present day, Charnwood Roots will use a variety of research techniques to discover more about the history of this fascinating area. Volunteers will have a unique opportunity to contribute to a nationally important research project and investigate their local history with the help of professional historians and archaeologists. Free training will be given and those without any previous experience will be welcomed and encouraged to take part.

The project will be running between August 2013 and July 2017. There will be opportunities for around 400 people to discover the thousands of years of history on their doorstep and develop new skills in using maps and documentary records, archaeological fieldwork, oral history, and surveying and recording historic buildings and landscapes. Public events and activities aimed at families, groups, businesses and local schools will share the new discoveries with the wider community. Anyone who would like find out more or take part in this exciting project is invited contact Dr Julie Attard at charnwoodroots@leicester.ac.uk or 0116 2525946. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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February 14th Traditions Our country has had all sorts of strange traditions when it comes to February 14th. One such tradition said that the first bird a woman saw on Valentine’s Day would tell her what sort of a man she would marry. A Blackbird meant a minister; a dove, a good-hearted man; goldfinches signified riches; a sparrow, a happy man; a robin bagged you a sailor; a hawk, a soldier; the wise owl denoted your imminent betrothal to an old man. As for a woodpecker? That, unluckily, signified spinsterhood.

Regional traditions throughout the British Isles were once more common than they are now.

One of the few surviving is the Norfolk ritual of Jack Valentine, otherwise known as Old Father Valentine or Old Mother Valentine. Jack Valentine was responsible for the mysterious gifts that appear on doorsteps on Valentine’s Eve. Jack Valentine was, of course, all your friends and neighbours - and also yourself! The hope was that after an evening of delivering thoughtful and mysterious gifts to the doorsteps of your friends and family - and perhaps a few prank gifts as well - you would return home to find your own doorstep covered in gifts.

Children might also be given a treat from the village shop. In the 19th century, Norfolk children would go out before dawn to sing songs in exchange for cakes and pennies “Good morrow, Valentine, God bless the baker, You’ll be the giver, And I’ll be the taker”.

One of the not so sweet traditions that came over to the UK from America was that of ‘Vinegar Valentines’. These cards had their heyday in the 1840s to the 1940s. They became a popular way to burn that special someone in your life. The illustrations and verses were just as elaborate as the traditional romantic cards, only these had a sour twist of pictures and verses... “Painted Doll ... You’ve got a lot to cover up, You’re always primping, fluffing, But underneath that painted face, You aren’t worth your stuffing!”. Luckily this, not so romantic, trend died out around 75 years ago!

Have a fun and happy Valentine’s day whatever you have planned and remember to let those you love know about it... partners, children, family and friends!

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Valentines Day Gifts at Broughtons Celebrate Cupid’s holiday with lovely Valentine’s Day craft and gift ideas, and give the people you care about the gift they deserve from Broughtons Interiors, with a unique and exclusive selection of Pahmini and Butterfly Silk Scarves in a variety of colours; Tapestry purses, bags and holdalls; Jewelled Enamel Clocks and an assortment of Photo Frames that will hold memories for life, for that special someone in your life.

And for him creative Valentine’s Day gifts include a model of the Bantam Midget, when in the 1930s saw the rise of hand built model racecars, known as spindizzies or tether cars, miniature racecars built by hobbyists zoomed around banked wooden tracks at speeds approaching 150 miles per hour! Or perhaps something a little more modest such as a Coin Travelling Purse; Brass Magnified Clock or a Manicure Set. The collection of gifts is by no means exhaustive in the details given, with the added attraction that currently Broughtons have a sale now on applied to all gifts and furniture.

To see a varied collection of home gifts, accessories and furniture that Broughtons have on display, please call into their Anstey showrooms. Alternatively telephone Broughtons on 0116 234 0700 or visit

www.broughtons.com

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February On The Great Central Railway Two new events take place during the month - there is a theme for the Half Term running and in the middle of the month the DMU’s take centre stage.

Midweek Running Villains and Super Heroes take over the trains during the Half Term break Tuesday to Thursday 18-20. Dress up as your favourite character and win a prize, face painting at Quorn, mini funfair at Rothley, letter hunt at Leicester North and meet Super Ted at The Platform Café.

All this for just £25 for a Family of five.

DMU Weekend Now we have two operational Diesel Multiple Units, Class 101 and Class 127 it is time for a DMU Weekend for the fans of these heritage machines and this takes place on the 15th and 16th.

Dining Trains There is a full luncheon service during the month and two Saturday evening trains on the 1st and 22nd. Why not treat the one you love with a super night on the St Valentine’s Pullman Fine Dining Evening which runs on the 14th with a complimentary rose for the ladies.

Preview Of Events For March The first Swap Meet of 2014 takes place at Quorn on the 2nd, then one of the children’s favourites Peppa Pig and George return on the 8th and 9th. Then for the diesel enthusiasts there is a two day Gala on the 29th and 30th. There is a good selection of dining trains including the regulars, then on the 28th it is the first Murder Mystery of the year and on Sunday the 30th there is a special luncheon for Mothering Sunday.

Have A Memorable Day Driving A Steam Engine Have you ever thought what it is like to drive a steam engine on the only double track preserved railway? Well it is possible at the Great Central Railway sharing with another driver you can enjoy a Bronze, Silver or Gold package. The Bronze package takes place on a Saturday or Sunday with a round trip on the footplate, you also go behind the scenes with a tour of the engine shed and a signal box, lunch is also provided and you can bring some guests with you. The Silver and Gold packages take place on a Monday or Friday, and include pulling carriages. If your are interested in diesels there are packages available to drive a diesel. Full details on our web site or ring Loughborough Booking Office.

News From Around The Railway Bridge To The Future: The total raised so far is more than £333,000 if you would like to donate follow the links on the GCR web site.

Loughborough Canopy: Restoration of the Loughborough Canopy has won first prize in the environment category at the National Heritage Awards beating two projects completed by Network Rail. Taking three years to restore to its former glory, the grade II listed building that was originally built in 1899, the work was carried out by volunteers and specialist contractors and engineers with funds raised by a public appeal and grants.

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: Class 101 Diesel Multiple Unit arrives at Rothley with a train from Loughborough during the Mail by Rail Gala in 2010. This unit will be in action during the DMU weekend in February. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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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 March 2014 for the April / May issue.

Half Term at Snibston Discovery Park

Funhouse Comedy Club - Thursday 6th February

Train Rides | Tuesday 18th & Thursday 20th February

Gary Delaney : is a regular guest on Mock The Week and has also recently appeared on Dave’s ‘One Night Stand’, Comedy Central’s ‘Comedy Blue’ and on Channel 4’s ‘Robert’s Web’ as well as Radio 4’s ‘Loose Ends’ and Radio 2’s ‘Russell Kane’s Whistle-Stop Tour’.

Plus Geoff Norcott; On the comedy circuit, Geoff’s abundance of energy combined with a storming mix of observations, impressions and satire has made him a hugely popular act both in the UK and abroad.

Also appearing are Chris Turner and Jonny Pelham. Compere Spikey Mike.

The Lyric Rooms, Ashby LE65 1AB. | Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8.15pm | Tickets £9 in advance from website or call 0115 952 5050 | www.ents24.com/ashby-de-lazouchevents/the-lyric-rooms

Created by Robert Stephenson, the railway once joined the Swannington to Leicester line, one of the earliest railways in the world. Ride along the line on our Hunslet Diesel locomotive - call ahead to avoid disappointment 01530 278444. Normal admission prices apply.

Super Science Day for SIBS | Thursday 20th February An activity day for siblings of disabled children. Would your child like to take part in some hands on science activities, Take a sneak peek at some of Snibston’s science collections, Make friends with other children, Chat about their experiences as siblings. To enquire about the day please contact the museum engagement team on 0116 305 3424 or email: engagementteam@leics.gov.uk. Pre-booking is essential and a charge of £5 per child will be payable in advance. The day is suitable for 8 – 14 year olds only. Spaces are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Light refreshments will be provided, but children will need to bring a packed lunch.

Guerilla Knitters | Friday 21st February 12 noon Be inspired by the new exhibition on Charles Jennens, the man who helped create Handel’s Messiah, to make your own 17th Century applique bookmarks. This is a FREE activity taking place within the heart of the Museum.

Snibston & The Century Theatre, Ashby Road, Coalville, LE67 3LN Telephone: 01530 287444 | Email: snibston@leics.gov.uk Admission: Adult 16+ £7.95, Child (3-15) £5.50, Family Tickets from £24.25

The Classic Rock Show | Thursday 6th February The Classic Rock Show is back – bigger and even better.

Featuring the music of The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits , Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Meat Loaf, AC/DC, Supertramp, The Who, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac & much, much more.

Classic Rock doesn’t get any better than this.

A virtuoso band of the finest musicians on the planet perform an amazing mix of selected tracks from the best rock bands of all time – with extra songs added for 2014! Two and a half hours of classic rock’s best moments!

De Montfort Hall, Granville Road, Leicester, LE1 7RU | Box Office: 0116 2333111 | Tickets £22.50 | 7.30pm

Saturday 01 February | Ashby Museum Kids Club ‘Young Historians’ Kids’ History Club - First Saturday of most months. FREE ENTRY! NOTE CHANGE OF TIME: 1pm to 4pm | Ashby Museum, North Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 1HU | Tel: 01530 560090

Saturday 01 February | 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

Sunday 02 February | Baby Disco Come and enjoy music and dancing with your children where the theatre turns into a jungle to explore. DJ James Kelly provides the musical soundtrack and Sue Rosenbloom provides some moves to guide you on a journey through sound and movement.

For further details see www.embracearts.co.uk | Tickets: £5 per child, accompanying adult free | 1 - 2.30pm | Embrace Arts, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HA | Box Office: 0116 252 2455

Friday 07 February | Lunch Time Talks -My Life as a Prison Officer A humorous and moving account of the ups and downs of prison life.

From 12.30 till 1.30pm | £2.50 library members’, £3 non-members | For more information or to book please contact Ashby Library on 0116 3055917. Please book early as spaces are limited | Ashby Library, North Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leics, LE65 1HU.

Friday 07 February | Leicestershire & Rutland Bat Group Event A New Bat for Leicestershire & Rutland. The recent discovery of Alcathoe bat in Britain and the difficulty in distinguishing it from Brandt’s and Whiskered bats raises interesting questions. Phil Brown, an MSc student at the University of Bristol, will describe the work undertaken in our two counties and put that into context of his reserch project.

Meetings are open to non members, free admission, no need to book. Light refreshments available.

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall Annexe, 50 Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 8RZ | 7.30pm

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EVENTS DIARY Tuesday 11 February | Ashby Writers’ Club – Favourite authors.

Bring along two favourite pieces of work to share with other members (poems and/or prose up to 500 words. Not your own work, something you loved reading). Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting. £3 per comp/manuscript meeting (includes tea/coffee).

7.30pm to 9.30pm | Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby.

Wednesday 12 February | Ashby Wine Circle - French Evening Members to bring their own favourite dish. For further information contact Ralph Forbes: Telephone: 01530 224030 | 7.30pm | Brown Court, Atkinson Road, Westfields, Ashby De La Zouch. LE65 2LZ.

Thursday 13 February | Birstall & District Local History Society ‘Birstall War - 1939 - 45’ by Mike Smith. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held in Birstall Village Hall on the second Thursday of the month.

Secretary - Mrs A Topley: 0116 292 8214 | 7.30pm | The Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4DH

Monday 17 February | The Zouch Acoustic Folk Music Club Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at The Belper Arms in Newton Burgoland from 8pm. Sing a song, read a poem, tell a short story or relax and listen, all welcome. For more information contact Brian on 01530 416251.

Monday 17 to Friday 21 February | Leicester Tigers Rugby Camp - Ashby Leicester Tigers Rugby Camp returns to Ashby RFC with a five day option for Under 9’s to Under 14’s and a tag rugby option for Under 7’s to Under 8’s which will run for three half-days during the February half term.

Cost is £150 for U9’s-U14’s and £50 for U7’s-U8’s tag. Telephone 0844 856 1880 or visit website

Wednesday 19 February | Wine Tasting Evening An expert from Majestic Wines will be on hand to guide you through the great wines to be sampled. Limited places - booking essential. For further details on the wine tasting or to join the Palace Wine Club Telephone: 01530 451725 | email: cjh.male@ntl.com | Cost £8 | Telephone 01530 262400 | Ibstock Palace | 7.30pm

Friday 21st February | “These Coal Town Days” An upbeat night of humour and song from award-winning Radio 2 songwriter Jez Lowe and his celtic-style band The Bad Pennies.

Expect an entertaining night, with stunning musicianship from this four piece band as they take you on a journey through the best of Jez’s coal-songs new and old from ‘The Ex-Pitman’s Pot Holing Pub Quiz Team’, to the strike inspired ‘Judas Bus’, and well known classics ‘Black Diamonds’ and ‘These Coal Town Days’ that have been performed by musicians the world over.

The Century Theatre, Snibston, Coalville LE67 3LN | Show starts 7.30pm - doors open 45 minutes before | Tickets £8 in advance £10 on the door (if available) | Telephone 01530 274888.

Friday 21 February | North West Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Ospreys of Rutland Water by Tim Macrill. Tim will look forward into what the future holds for these magnificent birds.

Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby De La Zouch | Entry £2. For more information please call David Maltby on 01530 222934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262389.

Saturday 22 February | 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.

Saturday 22 February | Ballroom & Sequence Dancing With Phil Brown playing the music. 8pm till 11pm at Blackfordby Village Hall. Admission £3. Bar, refreshments and raffle. More details from 01283 213481 or 01283 819447.

Friday 28 February 2014 | Palace Line Dance A great social night with no partner required! Dancing from 7.45pm with Honky Tonk Cliff. Doors Box Office and Licensed Bar Doors open at 7.00pm | Tickets £4.50 in advance from Hall’s Electrical, High Street, Ibstock tel: 01530 260460 or £5.50 on the door.

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What’s On...

Meditation & Relaxation in a Yurt

Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks

Thursday 6th February 2014

Ibstock - Sunday 2nd February 2014

Situated in the grounds of Ulverscroft Manor, Priory Lane, Ulverscroft LE67 9PH. Led by trained teacher Betty Dawkins, from 11am - 12 noon. Session fee payable on the day, to book your place telephone 01530 244914 or email admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org. For further information on the sessions telephone Betty on 0116 2350027.

Every Saturday, from 1976 to 1988, millions of Britons were in the grip of an extraordinary TV sports phenomenon: watching two men (a.k.a. Shirley Crabtree and Martin Ruane) pretend to fight each other. This is their story.

After your relaxation session, why not call into the tearooms at Ulverscroft Grange - an excellent opportunity to enjoy a light lunch whilst contemplating the breathtaking views over the Charnwood Forest!

Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft LE67 9QB.

Ladies Circle Coffee Morning Saturday March 8th at 10-00 to 11-30 am There will homemade cakes, raffle, tombola and white elephant. £1 entrance fee including coffee, tea and biscuit.

Methodist Hall,Howe Lane,Rothley. Money raised will go to their charity The Carpenters Arms.

Newtown Linford Choral Society

With an “all-star cast of thousands” including Paul McCartney, Chris Tarrant, Frank Sinatra, Princess Margaret and Greg Dyke, this hilarious show conjures up a whole nation during its most colourful era and brings back the grunting, grappling life of these two well-loved wrestling rivals and the bizarre world they bestrode Presented by The Foundry Group. Big Daddy vs. Giant Haystacks promises to be the bout of the century and a comedy drama not to be missed!

Suitable for ages 12+ At The Palace, Ibstock, 7.30pm start. For tickets and further information telephone 01530 262400. Part of the Centre Stage Touring Season.

Dave Leicester Comedy Festival Friday 7th - Sunday 23rd February 2014 Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival is Britain’s longestrunning comedy festival. Each February we host over 500 shows and highlights over the past 20 years have included exclusive performances by Roseanne Barr, Al Murray, Norman Wisdom, Johnny Vegas, Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Milton Jones, Arthur Smith and many more.

For further details see www.comedy-festival.co.uk 0116 242 3595 | info@comedy-festival.co.uk | Various venues across the city & county.

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 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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Mother Goose Friday 7th & Saturday 8th March 2014 Barrow Panto Group will be performing its annual family panto on March 7th and 8th. This year it’s Mother Goose – the traditional tale full of golden eggs, terrible eggy yolks, goodies and baddies and lots for the audience to join in.

The show is in Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar, LE12 8JU. Friday and Saturday both have an evening performance that starts at 7.00 and there is also a matinee on Saturday starting at 2.00.

Tickets are only £7 (£5 concessions) and are available by emailing judithrodgers155@gmail.com or phoning the box office on 07718 153 117.

February / March 2014 - Issue 6

What’s On...

Newtown Linford Brownies Annual Rummage Sale

Thurcaston & Cropston Women’s Institute

The sale will start at 1:30pm in The Village Hall, Main Street, Newtown Linford on Saturday 8th March.

Thursday 6th February 2014

Admission will be 50p.

Beginners Family Geocaching Tuesday 18th February, 2014 Grace Dieu Woods - Thringstone Make walking fun by turning it into a game. Geocaching is a modern day twist on the popular treasure hunt game.

It’s a fantastic way of enjoying the outdoors whilst having fun, and an ideal activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Go along as an individual or as a team. Equipment provided. Meet 10.30am at Grace Dieu Woods. Cost £2 per family, Booking is required as spaces are limited, to book telephone 01530 454606 or email zara.barnes@ nwleicestershire.gov.uk.

FREE parking, family friendly. Please wear suitable footwear or walking boots/wellies.

Bosworth 1485, the quest for Bosworth Battlefield and King Richard III How we know what happened at the battle, how the location of Bosworth Battlefield was lost to history and how a multi-disciplinary survey helped to firm up the true location of the battle after years of debate. The story of the search for Richard III’s final resting place in Leicester, which found the remains of Richard III himself against all the odds in August 2012.

Meet in Thurcaston Memorial Hall at 7.30 pm. The talk is by Richard Knox, Heritage Development Manager.

Visitors welcome £4. Come and join us and learn more about this hot topic.

Dates for your Diary: Thursday 6th March - 40 Days and 40 Nights – Michael Webster describes the many colourful festivals leading up to Easter in Spain Thursday 3rd April - Fashion Show and Sale

Ashby De La Zouch Farmers Market Saturday 15th February 2013 Ashby Farmers Market at Manor House School, South Street, Ashby LE65 1BR. 9am - 2pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month. For further information on either Farmers Market telephone 01530 261660.

COMEDY: The Six Wives of Henry VIII Hello, we’re Living Spit. We make poorly researched historical comedy-drama shows about people that at least one of us vaguely looks like. Which have music in. That we write. Some people like them. And laugh. In an appropriate way. We put them on in Bristol, UK. Cos that’s where we live.

But you can come and see us on Sunday, February 9th at Quorn Village Hall at 7.30pm (doors 7pm) The performance is promoted by The Quorn Old School Trust through the Centre Stage Rural Touring Theatre Scheme and tickets at £9 are available from Quorn Post Office or on the ticket hotline 01509 414287 email: terrystirling@ ntlworld.com It might be alright.

Howard Coggins looks like Henry VIII. There’s no escaping that. Stu McLoughlin doesn’t look like wives, but he’s going to give it a go.

any of the

After their previous self-funded historical drama is savaged in the press, Howard and Stu are at their wits end. Then they hit on an idea for a show that could change everything....

But can two of the South West’s favourite theatrical sons put aside their differences and make it through to the end without killing each other?

‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’ was an undisputed hit at the Bristol Old Vic and with live original music, embroidery, Barbie dolls, silly songs and historical hysteria, this promises to be an ill-researched lesson in Tudor history you’ll never forget.

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Crossword No: 5

PUZZLE PAGE

ACROSS 1. The art of making something straightforward (14) 10. Praise (5) 11. Punishment for a persistently naughty schoolchild (9) 12. Pertinent and fitting (7) 13. Public performance (7) 14. Choose (5) 16. A quality of extreme unpleasantness (9) 19. University don (9) 20. Something that turns both ways? (5) 22. Cut out (7) 25. Vacuum bottle (7) 27. Constructed language (9) 28. Not now! (5) 29. Treatment based on categorisation rather than merit (14)

DOWN 2. Interfere in the affairs of another (9) 3. Dance (5) 4. Clumsy, dishevelled (9) 5. Become liable (5) 6. Uncle like (9) 7. Oafish fool (5) 8. Perplex (7) 9. Breed of dog (6) 15. Financial officer (9) 17. Offspring who sprung first! (9)

18. Person who assesses cost and amount of materials needed for a project (9) 19. The act of make-believe (7) 21. To have recourse to a place by the sea? (6) 23. Members of an Egyptian church (5) 24. Coarse twilled cloth (5) 26. Brilliancy of success (5)

Look out for the crossword solution in the April / May issue!

Crossword No: 4 Solution

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Sudoku For You!

February / March 2014 - Issue 6

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THE VINE DIRECTORY

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Caroline James.............................. 35 Churchgate Jewellers..................... 36 Elegance........................................38

EDUCATION Grace Dieu..................................... 25 OLCS..............................................25

FOOD, DRINK & VENUES The Flying Horse............................ 18 The George Inn.............................. 36 The Grey Lady Kitchen & Deli........ 38 The Old Fashioned Milk Co............ 27 The Manor House at Quorn............ 24 Moore Chocolate & Sweet Heaven..... 38 The Queens Head.......................... 27 The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel... 37 Sugar & Ice..................................... 37 Vintage Afternoon Teas.................. 37 Woodcock Farm Shop.................... 18

GARDEN Charnwood Tree Services.............. 39 Garden Blueprints.......................... 42 LB Landscaping.............................. 40 Neil Johnson Landscaping............. 39 Roecliffe Tree Surgery.................... 39

HAIR & BEAUTY Aqua Hair.......................................34 Elite Hairstyles................................ 36

HEALTH Charnwood Hearing Centre............ 49 Charnwood Physiotherapy............. 49 Quorndon Care............................... 51

HOME ABD Picture Framing...................... 49 Absolute Window Solutions.............. 2 Ancient & Modern........................... 14 Anstey Homecrafts......................... 49 Ashby Decorators Centre................. 8 Broughtons..................................... 38 Carpet Cuts.................................... 52 Charmwood Pine Furniture & Kitchens..... 14 Charnwood Conservatories.............. 7 Charnwood Oakwrights.................. 20 Charnwood Oaks Roofing & Building..4 Coalville Decorators Centre............. 6 Cooks Farm Shop.......................... 31 CV Lane........................................... 4 DeVol...................................... 10 + 11 DG Plumbing.................................. 49 Delegate......................................... 42 DP Furnishings............................... 14 Graham Botterill - Soft Furnishings... 14 Halls of Ibstock............................... 21 Holme Tree Kitchens........................ 8 Just Frames.................................... 49 Keller Construction........................... 3 The Light House............................... 8 Loft Storage Solutions...................... 5

HOME continued...

Logburners Ltd................................. 3 Martin Allen Flooring......................... 4 My Spa UK..................................... 15 RJ Rowley........................................ 3 Solus Renewable Energy................. 5 Terry Allen Painter & Decorator...... 49 Wreake Valley Flooring..................... 6

LEISURE Cropston Reservoir Fishing............ 42 The Independant Traveller............. 38

MOTORS Cropston Garage............................ 49 Vee Dub Services........................... 51

PETS Anstey Cattery................................ 42 The Retreat Boarding Kennels....... 42 The Veterinary Surgery.................. 42

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Advantage Computer Services....... 18 Bradgate Office Suites To Rent...... 42 Dodds Solicitors LLP...................... 20 Leicestershire Lettings..................... 4 Prusinski Solicitors......................... 40 Regional Foster Placements.......... 30 Roy Green - Sales & Lettings........... 20

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February / March 2014 - Issue 6

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February / March 2014 - Issue 6