The Vine, Leicestershire June 2016

THE VINE, LEICESTERSHIRE

VINE The

Leicestershire

June / July 2016

YOUR FREE BIMONTHLY LOCAL MAGAZINE

LOCAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY WWW.THEVINELEICESTERSHIRE.CO.UK JUNE / JULY 2016 | ISSUE 20

Local Charity News, Events & Updates LET COALVILLE ENTERTAIN YOU! www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk WHAT’S ON | CHARITY NEWS | CLUBS | COMPETITIONS | FESTIVALS 1

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June / July ‘16 edition

Welcome... ...to The Vine!

It’s Summer at last and how good it is to have the long daylight hours and the warm summer days with us and to look forward to for a while at least.

This month we bring you news on a multitude of local events, happening across the next few weeks, in areas local to you. Take Ashby for example, this edition we feature articles on the Ashby Show, Fake Festival, Bath Grounds and Dramatic Society alongside many more local listings and events (see pages 39 - 45 for more information).

Spotlight on Coalville.......28

Jump to page 31 and we have a very interesting article about the Century Theatre in Coalville. A fascinating story brings to life the concept behind the theatre, as well as its history…and talking of Coalville, this month’s Feature centres around the bustling town, check out page 33’s summer activity ‘hot picks’ for great ideas for you to do with family or friends.

Finally, an annual favourite and local attraction that everyone should consider is the Great Central Railway’s 40’s Wartime Weekend, held across the course of the first weekend in June, this event is popular with young and old alike and makes a great day out – you can find more details on page 23 (and also in the two adverts featured on page 8 + 40).

Gardening in The Vine..........37

Please take the time to enjoy the summer months ahead – the sunshine (in good and safe moderation) will do us all good we’re sure – and we’ll see you back here again in a couple of months’ time.

Happy reading and perusing.

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

Festivals & Events.....39 - 45

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

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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

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THE IVANHOE WAY CHALLENGE Saturday 18th June, 2016 The Ivanhoe Way Challenge, a sponsored 37 mile walk (20 & 13 mile alternatives available) has proved to be very successful over the recent years, raising much needed funds for Wishes 4 Kids Starting from Ashby De La Zouch, the route takes a clockwise path around the Ivanhoe Way. After passing through Staunton Harold Reservoir, walkers head over the fields onto the rocky outcrops of Charnwood Forest. Once through Whitwick they then head towards Bardon Hill before reaching the 3rd checkpoint at Stanton under Bardon. From here the challenge follows the fields towards Shackerstone, where walkers take the path alongside the Ashby Canal. On reaching the canal the next destination is Measham then Moira, where the walkers re-join the Ashby Canal. The home straight is then in front of them with about 4 miles back to Ashby.

Due to popular demand the challenge now has three distances available.

• The Ivanhoe Way Challenge (37 miles) • The Ivanhoe Way 20 • The Ivanhoe Way 13 See www.ivanhoechallenge.co.uk for further details. Email enquiries to Richard & Angela Bebbington - enquiries@ ivanhoechallenge.co.uk

RAMBLE FOR RAINBOWS Sunday 26th June, 10.30am - Beacon Hill Country Park This year’s Walk of Life is one for the ramblers and families who like a challenge!

The 10 mile adventure walk starts at Leicestershire’s famous Beacon Hill, leading down to Rainbows Hospice and finishing back at the top of the hill.

At the finish line you’ll receive a Rainbows wrist band, medal and be treated to a free hog roast or spicy bean burger!

TINY TREK A fun-filled adventure walk for the whole family!

Alongside our Walk of Life we also have a two mile Tiny Trek around Beacon Hill which is wheelchair and pushchair suitable. But don’t be fooled, Beacon Hill is steep and the two mile route will still be challenging - it’s no walk in the park!

Let’s get ready to ramble at www.rainbows.co.uk/ramble or tel: 0800 952 1133

Alex’s Wish Wins Not-For-Profit Business Award Alex’s Wish, the Rothley based charity who fundraise to research and find treatments and – ultimately – a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, have recently won a prestigious local business award.

Emma Hallam, the charity’s founder and Director, said, “We were shortlisted for the Leicester Mercury Business Awards in the Not-For-Profit Organisation award category and faced some very stiff competition. We were up against Rainbows and the Matt Hampson Foundation, both charities that we really respect and look up to. To hear last night that we had won was absolutely amazing. I’m still on cloud nine.”

“When they announced our name it took a while for it to sink in, that we were being announced as winners. It really does recognise all the hard work done over the years by our Trustees, volunteers, ambassadors, event attendees, business supporters … everyone! It’s onwards and upwards from here. Let’s find that cure because time is ticking for our boys.”

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a life limiting disease which affects mainly boys, including Emma’s son Alex after whom the charity is named. To find out more about Alex’s Wish and how you can get involved please visit

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RK MUSIC IN THE PA Saturday 11th June, 2016

This highly popular annual charity concert is taking place in the beautiful grounds of Wistow Hall, and is a great night out for all ages.

Bring your own picnic and enjoy a wonderful evening listening to music by local covers band ‘Double Yellers’ and the award winning ‘Hathern Brass Band’.

The evening finishes with a fabulous fireworks display in front of Wistow Hall.

The concert is raising money for “LOROS” and “Leicester Charity Link”.

Adult £15.00 (on the night £20.00) : 10-16yrs £5 : Under 10’s Free : FREE Parking Gates open 5.30pm : Concert Starts 7.30pm : Fireworks Display 10.00pm Ticket Hotline : 0116 231 8431 | More Info : www.wistow.com Take the hassle out of making a picnic! Hampers can be ordered in advance from the Wistow Café and collected at the concert on the night. Ring 0116 259 3756 for more details.

Tickets from April will be sold at Baileys at Wistow Rural Centre, Glebe Garden Centre (Countesthorpe) and at all 24 LOROS Shops throughout Leicestershire & Rutland, including Oadby, Blaby, Market Harborough, Wigston, Leicester Market Place and Queens Road Bookshop.

Host a Blooming Great Tea Party for Marie Curie

Marie Curie is calling on people in Leicestershire to hold a Blooming Great Tea Party between 20-29 June and support the charity which provides care and support for people living with a terminal illness.

Whether it’s a big garden party for family and friends or a small bake sale at work, every donation from a Blooming Great Tea Party will be helping Marie Curie Nurses care for more people living with a terminal illness across the UK. Sophie Wallace, Community Fundraiser for Marie Curie said: “It’s easy to support Marie Curie with a Blooming Great Tea Party and it really is up to you how you decide to join in. Last year in Leicestershire we had a huge variety of parties, from in people’s back gardens, to tea rooms, to businesses, and this year we want Leicestershire residents to go even further and tell us about their teariffic plans. Every pound raised will enable us to help even more people living with a terminal illness which includes those we support directly in Leicestershire through the at-home nursing service.”

To register or for tea party inspiration visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty Follow updates on social media and share photos using #BloomingGreat

or call

0800 716 146.

Watermead Challenge 2016

Don’t forget to enter this year’s Watermead Challenge charity run. It takes place at 7pm on Tuesday 12th July. This is the sixth year the run has been staged and the first year with chip timing. 300 runners in 2015 can’t be wrong!

The five mile and three mile routes around Watermead Country Park are flat and mostly off road. They appeal to runners of all abilities with the opportunity of achieving a personal best time.

This is a fundraising event with proceeds going to the local Alex’s Wish charity (www.alexwish. co.uk) which is aiming to “conquer” Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is supported by Whitegates estate agency.

Entries are accepted on the night until 6.30pm. Please visit www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk for full entry details. You can pay online to secure your place in the starting line up.

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RE T N E C S L IL K S E IF L . ..

E WARNING ZON 10th Anniversity Open Day

Saturday 13th August 2016, 11am - 4pm After reaching the milestone of 10 years in helping young people stay safe, Warning Zone is holding an Open Day on Saturday 13th August from 11am until 4pm.

Warning Zone is a children’s educational charity, based at Frog Island in Leicester. By the end of this school year we will have had over 9,000 year 6 pupils (aged 10 & 11) visit us from Primary, Independent and Special Schools from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Interactive learning is the key to our success and we educate the young people on how to stay safe both online and offline, whilst at the same time realising the age of criminal responsibility (which is 10) and discouraging anti-social behaviour.

The ultimate aim is to save lives, reduce injury and stop children and others from entering the criminal justice system.

It also helps them in their transition into early adolescence by equipping them with important and relevant life skills.

Our original eight interactive zones cover fire risk in the home, the dangers of electricity and building sites, alcohol, personal safety, water safety, arson and finally risks around the railways.

In September 2015 recognising the issues surrounding young people in an ever increasing online world we created our new E-Safety Zone which is designed as an old fashioned fairground. Within this zone each of the interactive stalls deals with issues such as grooming, phishing, cyber bullying, privacy settings and understanding all about your digital footprint and the dangers of sharing inappropriate images.

This new zone has now enabled Warning Zone to offer a full day experience rather than the half day as in previous years.

Please join us on Saturday 13th August between 11am - 4pm (Free entry) for demonstrations, stalls and guided tours around our unique safety zones. Refreshments will be available to purchase on the day. Bring the family and friends, all ages welcome, wheelchair friendly.

There will be exciting attractions and demonstrations from the Police, Fire Service, First Aid, Star Wars, various local sports stars, teams and mascots, Defib demo, craft stalls, a tombola and much more.

Find out more online at www.warningzone.org.uk or telephone: 0116 262 9739 or email: enquiries@warningzone.org.uk

Local Dad Raises Over £6,000 For Children’s Services Over £6k raised for children’s services charity thanks to 75 mile walk by Loughborough Dad Local resident Jeremy Meadows completed his 75 mile trek over the bank holiday weekend along the National Forest Way from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to Beacon Hill and has raised over £6,000 for Glebe House where his son attends the children’s service.

Joined by over 30 friends, family and colleagues from Lloyds Bank during the course of the weekend, he managed to keep his spirits up despite the weekend weather and met his son Thomas at the finish line after taking in the fantastic views on top of Beacon Hill.

Jeremy commented on his journey, “It has been a fantastic experience. We encountered a fair amount of mud and managed to avoid the worst of the weekend weather, until a downpour in Swithland Wood when we only had a few miles to go, but it didn't dampen our spirits or sense of achievement.

I am very proud to have completed this challenge with the support of my friends and family alongside me all the way.

Peter Warlow, Chief Executive at Glebe House said “Our sincere thanks and congratulations to Jeremy and all his family, friends and supporters for completing the 75 mile walking challenge and for raising so much money for Glebe House. In a couple of weeks, Jeremy will also be joined by many of his work colleagues from Lloyds Bank to spend a day at the three Glebe House venues to carry out some much needed repairs and improvements.”

There is still time for anyone interested in donating to support our charity:

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/LloydsBSU2016GiveandGain 16

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THE JOE HUMPHRIES MEMORIAL TRUST Niamh and Beth launch GO18FORJOE and help to save young heartbeats TWO budding creative designers have been using their skills to raise awareness of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS). Niamh Beange and Beth Russell, both aged 19, are taking a graphics and e-media foundation degree at Leicester College and De Montfort University. They are the creative force behind GO18FORJOE, a new campaign from local charity the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

Joe, who would have been 18 this year, was a victim of SADS, a condition which can strike anyone at any time, particularly seemingly fit and healthy young people. Twelve young people aged 12-35 in Britain die each week from undiagnosed heart problems like SADS. Niamh said: “We found out about the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust through our course when there was a chance to get work experience with the charity and we thought it was a great opportunity. It’s a cause that many young people do not know enough about. We’re glad to be a part of changing that.”

Beth added: “We have designed the campaigns logo and look including leaflets, a ‘selfie board’, sponsorship forms and a header photo which people can use to show their support for the campaign by posting on their social media profile.

Many of these materials are included in the GO18FORJOE kit available to download on JHMT’s website.”

Chair of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust Steve Humphries said: “The idea behind GO18FORJOE is to invite people to take on a personal challenge, anytime from now until April 2017.

“We’re asking people to do something involving the number 18 with plenty of license to be creative. Maybe you’ll run or walk 18 miles for Joe, cycle 18 miles, or play nine-a-side-football, get together as a group of 18 to hold a fundraising bake sale or simply choose to learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator.

“You can then tweet us using the hashtag #GO18FORJOE and let us know what you’re doing to raise awareness, funds, or how you’re going to pledge support for our campaign.”

To find out more, visit www.jhmt.org.uk or follow the Trust on Twitter: @JHMTorguk or on Facebook: facebook.com/JHMTorguk.

The Friends of Charnwood Forest

Fracking, our new neighbour?

Dick Howard, our speaker finder and past Chairman, introduced our talk at the meeting on April 25th, saying that he had chosen this title as Charnwood Forest had been neighbour to so much “nasty” extractive industry that he wondered if fracking for gas might be yet another such neighbour.

Our speaker, David Bridge, is a retired geologist with much experience in the oil and gas industry. He served for many years with the British Geological Survey. It quickly became clear that his factual explanations were unbiased and could be respected. However it was equally clear from what he said that there is an ever increasing requirement for gas in the UK and a diminishing reliability of supply into the future.

On the other hand, his detailed explanation of the process of fracking to obtain a new supply of gas left few in doubt that the process was an expensive, messy and dirty business with many threats of pollution and disturbance, all for perhaps a 40 year supply. Much remains to be established.

The search area of interest to us - called Bowland - covers the full width of the UK across the north Midlands and northern England. The southern extremity includes Loughborough. Not far to the north there seem to be deposits which might be worth exploring. The regulatory framework covering exploration and extraction will be demanding. So far, no licences have been issued for Leicestershire.

David left us to make up our own minds on the subject. Our guests included a group of protesters whose noisy interruptions were capably countered by our officers and our speaker. They had not come to listen to the factual explanations but to make their own points.

The evening concluded as usual with informal discussion, lubricated by wine and a few nibbles.

There will be a visit to Ulverscroft Woods and Herbert’s Meadow led by Neil Pilcher of Leicester & Rutland Wildlife Trust on June 8th. Members only.

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NATIONAL TRUST LEICESTER ASSOCIATION Many people know about the grand families that built our stately homes in previous centuries. However, often little is known about the final resident of these houses.

The last resident at Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield, was Duchess Evelyn Devonshire who died in 1960. She was born Lady Evelyn Petty-Fitzmaurice and married Victor, the 9th Duke of Devonshire. She loved the house but her husband hated it, but they still seemed to have a happy marriage.

When the Duke died in 1938 Evelyn moved briefly to Edensor but then returned to Hardwick where she delighted in the house and its treasures and built up a tremendous amount of knowledge about the house and its contents. She lovingly repaired the tapestries and fully annotated Bess of Hardwick’s inventory of 1601.

When Hardwick passed to the National Trust in 1959, via HM Treasury in lieu of Death Duties, the Dowager Duchess remained in a flat in the property until her death. Her son and grandson, the current Duke of Devonshire, both lived at Chatsworth.

This year the middle-floor of the hall has been transformed to tell Evelyn’s story. It gives details of her family life and her sense of duty as a wife to her husband who became the Governor of Canada. There are also details of her work for the local community and her deep interest in the Hardwick collections. Her bedroom has been newly restored for the occasion.

One of the highlights of the display is the coronation robe of letters which is connected to the story of Evelyn’s close friendship with Queen Mary. Also in June there will be a rose festival to celebrate Evelyn’s love of flowers.

Hardwick Hall is open every Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00am to 5.00pm until 30th October and is signposted from junction 29 on the M1.

The National Trust Leicester Association is now running its summer programme of outings, visits and social activities.

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

AlanTyler, Publicity Officer

WIN With The Horse Shepshed

The Horse Shepshed is a thriving traditionally built Restaurant – Bar – Pizzeria – Cocktail venue offering its’ clientele a relaxing dining, drinking & socialising experience from its’ restaurant and bar through to its’ recently launched new alfresco Pizzeria & Cocktails area.

WIN

This Freehouse venue offers a good range of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails with a varied menu to suit all tastes, prices and ages, with friendly staff keen to meet all of your needs in ensuring you have a fine & enjoyable experience.

All food is freshly prepared on the premises using produce where ever possible sourced locally and within a 5 mile radius of Shepshed.

To celebrate their fabulous new alfresco dining experience The Horse Shepshed is offering readers of The Vine the chance to win some fabulous food!

YOU’VE GOT TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT.... the PRIZE of Pizza for 2 people

with side dish to the value of £25 is up for grabs by simply answering the following questions and then emailing your answers, along with your name, address and telephone number, by 4th July 2016 to editor@ thevineleicestershire.co.uk

COMPETITION

QUESTION: In the advert on page 5 for the new arrival at The Horse Shepshed what is...

1) the name of the new alfresco area? is it a) The Fables, b) The Stables or c) The Tables 2) the main feature? Is it... a) Bakers Oak Oven, b) Oak Wood Burning Pizzeria or c) Kitchen Beech Oven A PRIZE of Pizza for 2 people with side dish to the value of £25. The competitions closing date is 4/7/2016 and the judges decision is final. The winner will be notified by 7/7/2016.

ALSO DURING JUNE - 20% OFF ALL PIZZA’S AVAILABLE AT THE STABLES @ THE HORSE SHEPSHED.

www.thehorseshepshed.co.uk www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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The 3Rs Race at Leicester Airport With the weather during the first week of May going from the ridiculous with torrential rain, hail, thunder and lightning to blue skies and basking temperatures of 24C the Royal Aero Club 3Rs (Records Racing and Rally Association) competed at Leicester Airport for 2 prestigious handicap air racing Trophies, the Beverley Snook Memorial Trophy and the City Livery Trophy.

Just as Saturday race was about to commence, again under the expert flag waving skills of MP to Harborough, Oadby and Wigston Sir Edward Garnier, droplets of rain started to fall from the sky. None of the 17 entrants were deterred and they all took-off to fly 4 laps of a 25 mile course watched from the start-line by local lad and 3Rs Chairman Mike Pearson. Rumbles of thunder, occasional flashes of lightning steadily grew closer and the rain heavier. As the last aircraft crossed the finishing line the heavens opened.

Leicester Airport duty Fire Crew had, just before race start, dashed up the runway to collect Sir Edward’s car keys so they could close his car’s roof and shut the windows and save him from coming back to a small swimming pool.

After a not too quiet night in Leicester town, some local football team had obviously done quite well this season; saw Sunday’s City Livery Trophy spectators enjoying Leicester Airport’s culinary delights and excellent beverages while watching an exciting race. They witnessed the first time a diesel powered aircraft, a Robin DR401 flown by Gordon Bellerby and navigator David Lee, had won this huge silver cup. Ironic that this Trophy should be competed for at Leicester Airport when Leicester City gains top of the Premier League as it had been donated for Air Racing, in 1974, by Victor Ercolani, a past Chairman of another Premier League club Crystal Palace.

The weekend Trophies were presented by Mr John Pond, Chairman of the City Livery Aero Section.

Beverley Snook Memorial Trophy 1st: Gordon Bellerby (pilot) David Lee (Navigator) in a Robin DR401 2nd: Michael Wingenroth (pilot) in a Beagle Pup 150 3rd: Martin Gosling (pilot) in a Robin DR400 City Livery Trophy 1st: Gordon Bellerby (pilot) David Lee (Navigator) in a Robin DR401 2nd: Michael Wingenroth (pilot) in a Beagle Pup 150 3rd: Mark Hanson (pilot) Gervais Henderson (Navigator) in an Extra 300L The Royal Aero Club Records Racing and Rally Association oversee handicap air racing, British and World aviation records and formal air rallies. www.royalaeroclubrrra.co.uk

Judith Wordsworth Photos by Daniel Pangbourne. Top right: Sir Edward Garnier, MP Harborough, Oadby and Wigston Bottom left: Gordon Bellerby, David Lee, Michael Wingenroth, Martin Gosling, Mark Hanson, Gervais Henderson

Local organisations given the opportunity to ask MPs how the EU Referendum will affect them On 3 June the local voluntary and community sector will have the opportunity to ask a panel of MPs questions about the EU Referendum and how it will affect their organisation.

Conservative MP Nicky Morgan, Labour MP Liz Kendall, UKIP MEP Roger Helmer and Rory Broomfield Director of The Better off Out Campaign are coming together to debate and answer questions from local non-profit groups from across the city and county.

The debate has been organised by Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL), a charity that supports the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). In Leicester and Leicestershire, the VCS is made up of more than 3,700 not for profit groups and more than 189,000 volunteers.

Kevin Allen-Khimani, VAL Policy and Partnership Manager, commented on why they’ve organised this event: “VAL is politically-neutral and will not be campaigning to either remain or leave, but we have a key role to play in ensuring that the volunteers and groups that make up our VCS understand the facts and can make an informed decision.”

The event is being held at Orange Rooms, 9 Newarke Street, Leicester, LE1 5SN and starts at 12.30pm. Organisations can find out more about the panellists and book a place by visiting http://bit.ly/vcs-eu or by calling 0116 257 5050.

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The Great Central Railway

JUNE 2016 A very busy and interesting month for the railway with the popular Wartime Weekend followed by the Model Event, then Swap Meet’s second event of the year and some interesting Dining Trains to pick from.

MIDWEEK RUNNING Every Wednesday The normal midweek service will be running every Wednesday during the month.

1940s WARTIME EVENT Friday - Sunday 3rd - 5th June Probably one of the most popular non enthusiast events takes place over three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There will be wide range of attractions including Flypasts, Aerial Display, Memorial Poppy Drop, Static Spitfire Display, Air Raid, Military VIPS, Pyrotechnics, 40s Music, Beer Tent,100s of Re-Enactors, Armoury and Battle Displays, Live Music and Theatre, Saturday Evening Dance, Military Vehicles and much more. Each station will have a different theme; Loughborough Central will be the British Home Front; Quorn and Woodhouse British and American Military Base; across Swithland reservoir (Channel) to occupied territory; Rothley German Occupied Territory; Leicester North French station, occupied by German Garrison.

MODEL EVENT Friday - Sunday 17th - 19th June This is the third year for this event and it has proved to be very popular, with 60 layouts and 40 traders at Loughborough, Quorn, Rothley and Leicester North, with the biggest covered area at Quorn. Many Railway magazines will be present with model makers also well represented. Travel between the stations on the real thing.

There will be a 32 page event programme guide for just £2.

SWAP MEET AT QUORN Sunday 26th June Items of railway memorabilia (railwayana) – locomotive nameplates, lamps, signalling equipment, silverware, enamel signs, buttons, badges, books, photographs and postcards etc It’s one of the longest standing events of its kind in the country!

DINING TRAINS There is the usual selection of the regular Dining Trains and a variety of special nights, but most of these are sold out, there is a Father’s Day Luncheon on the 19th.

PREVIEW OF EVENTS IN JULY Midweek running gets under way, with the first of the three weeks of the Teddy Bears’ Holiday Express on the last week of the month. There is Classic Commercial Weekend on the 16th and 17th. A varied selection of Dining Trains to challenge the taste buds are available.

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: A layout from last year’s Model Event set in the 1930’s of Idridgehay Station in Derbyshire, the station was on the Duffield to Wirksworth branch line. Now a preserved line the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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T CHARNWOOD MUSIC FOR ALL – ORGAN CONCER The last two concerts at The Charnwood Arms, Bardon, provided a really enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

In March, Dirkjan Ranzijn (left) from Holland entertained us with a lively selection of music from the Shows; a choice of Andre Rieu’s most popular pieces; and some lovely romantic ballads. His renderings of ‘The Circle of Life’, from The Lion King, and the theme from ‘Exodus’ were superb.

Dirkjan is always great fun and plays with much skill and a real zest for organ and keyboard music. He is full of energy and even the stage starts swaying during some of his more up-beat numbers!

April’s visiting organist was Ian House (right), a talented young man, who, in 2003, at the age of thirteen, won the ‘Young Theatre Organist of The Year Competition’. Ian’s selection of music included: Dolly Parton’s, ‘Nine‘til Five’; the wonderful ‘Conquest of Paradise’; Carl Jenkin’s Benedictus from ‘The Armed Man’; Count Basie’s ‘Shiny Stockings’; ‘Annie’s Song’; and, as an encore, a rousing jazz, brass, piano and rag-time selection entitled ‘Canadian Capers’.

These people are amongst the top organists/keyboard players in the world and they are performing in Leicestershire. Their music is fantastic.

Next concerts: Wednesday 22nd June - Jean Martyn | Wednesday 20th July - Steve Hubble Concerts start at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6.30. There is a bar, tea and coffee and a raffle.

Reasonably priced meals are available next door before the show.

If you need directions or further information, contact Chris or Marie Powell on 01530 274270.

Grace Dieu Priory The year at the Priory started with a burst of hectic activity with us hosting visits from Belton Primary School (24 Children) and Grace Dieu Manor School (27 Children) both groups were fortunate to have fine weather for their visits. The woods surrounding the Priory are probably at their most picturesque at this time of the year so the walk to the Priory is extremely beautiful. These visits are free to schools and are funded by Natural England and are available to any Primary School. Further visits by Grace Dieu Manor and Shepshed New Croft will be taking place in the next few weeks.

These visits provide an introduction to the history of the area and also give the children a chance to kick a few molehills over and perhaps find something interesting.

June and July are going to be particularly busy this year as it is our tenth anniversary of being open to the public and to celebrate this we are having an event on the 9th of July. This will be a picnic and then a performance by Lesley Smith who is curator of Tutbury Castle and has performed in many venues as characters from history. On this occasion it will be as Elizabeth 1st. It will be free entry and parking, but donations would be welcome. We hope that the weather will be kind and that the event is well supported.

On a slightly more basic point we need new members for our group (The Friends of Grace Priory) to enable us to continue with the historic exploration of the Priory and to continue our programmes of educational visits for the children plus hosting visits for other interested people in the community. To help stimulate some interest Grace Dieu Manor School have made available accommodation at the school on the 21st of June so that we can have a relaunch. This will commence at 7pm and there will be a short introduction followed by a pictorial presentation of our achievements of the last 11years, this being the time that The Friends of Grace Dieu Priory has been in existence, and also some thoughts of what we may be able to do in the future. After the presentation there will be refreshments available courtesy of the Friends.

There is much we do not know about the Priory and the people for whom it was their life centuries ago and it would be fantastic to think that another generation of local volunteers could be able to continue the quest for such information.

For more information of our events and activities see our website www.gracedieupriory.org.uk or call direct David Whitt 01530 2232301.

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Take A Closer Look At Coalville As the name suggests Coalville is a former coal mining town, and owes much of its heritage to its industrial past. Today Coalville pays homage to this history, but it is also a market town which welcomes visitors of all interests.

With its market - located in the centre of Coalville next to the Belvoir Shopping Centre, every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday - around 40 regular stall-holders provide great value wears and quality fresh produce to their visitors. The aforementioned shopping centre at the heart of the town boasts a fabulous range of shops from small boutique to large chain stores. The Shopping Centre also offers a Shopmobility scheme, enabling people of all abilities to explore the town.

Outside the town centre you will find some great days out to suit all the family including Snibston Country Park. This mini Country Park covers over 40 hectares of mixed habitats. The grounds include the former colliery spoil heap which has been reclaimed to form woodland and an open rough grassland area.

Snibston Century Theatre is a fabulous place to visit where you can enjoy a diverse and enjoyable programme of live music events, engaging theatre, stand up comedy, children’s events for the whole family to enjoy and box office hit films.

Coalville by the Sea is a free Family Fun Event where children will get the chance to kick off their shoes and feel the soft sand between their toes before building sandcastles using some bright buckets and spades. There is all sorts of entertainment including crafts, magical music to sing along to, a puppet show, Coalville Library Storytelling, Play bus, inflatables, Ice Cream, Face Painting to name but a few. This annual event takes place this year on Friday 19th August at the grass area of Needham’s Walk, Coalville (off Belvoir Road).

Donington le Heath Manor House is also no more than a stones throw away. The 13th Century stone Manor House, was renovated in the 17th century. The house has a fascinating history and is now restored with fine oak furnishings.

Visitors to the house can now see restored rooms and displays on medieval life as well as a series of temporary exhibitions on a wide range of subjects. The house is set in 17th century style gardens with flower gardens, an orchard, herb gardens and a maze.

2.5miles south of Coalville is Ibstock and the home of The Palace, one of the earliest purpose-built cinemas in the country (1912). Retaining many of its original features, the building has been sympathetically converted for use as a general purpose venue, and today, is host to some great community events from dances, to concerts, and even the odd movie showing… just for old time’s sake.

With the ever growing programme of events and great days out there has never been a better time to discover what this local town and area can offer you...

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www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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June / July 2016 - Issue 20

Century Theatre Coalville

A wonderful piece of history!

The Century Theatre is Britain’s oldest surviving travelling theatre. At the end of World War II in 1945 many city centre theatres had been destroyed and elsewhere performance facilities were very poor. The theatre was created to fill this need by being a completely portable stage, auditorium, and dressing rooms, together with box office, mobile living quarters, offices and stores.

It was the brainchild of John Ridley, a theatre enthusiast and engineer at the Sketchley works in Hinckley. The lightweight aluminium structure cost £22,000 (about £500,000 by todays prices) and all the money was raised by private sponsorship organised by the actor Wilfred Harrison. Donations came from national firms and private individuals. Famous contributors include Lawrence Olivier, John Mills, Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie.

It was designed and built by John Ridley, Dick Bull and Rob Robinson in Hinckley between 1948 and 1952. The name Century Theatre was chosen by the three founding fathers chiefly because it was non-committal, holding no political, social or religious implications.

The 200-seat auditorium and stage are built on four 33ft long by 10ft wide ex-military trailers. The idea was based on a wartime army command post and required the theatre walls to be easily removable. The floor and ceiling could then be folded up to create the sides of each trailer.

Inside specially hinged rows of seats rolled up to save space. The lightweight metal allowed the floor and roof to be lowered and raised into position with the hand pumped hydraulic rams. Hydraulic jacks and rack and pinion systems under each trailer allowed the theatre to be erected on the most uneven pitch.

Each unit had to be precisely aligned in parallel formation before erection could begin. Workers could pack up the theatre in a day and unpack in a day and a half. The only other requirements were the supply of drinking water and reasonably dry ground.

On tour, one tractor (ex-service Crossleys) would pull two or three trailers at an average speed of 15mph. The ingenious structure folded into the four 33 foot long trailers, with the other wagons and caravans in the convoy.

The staff formed a self-contained community, with all actors helping with the cooking, promotion, administrations well as erecting and dismantling the auditorium. The pay was £2 per week with all the food and accommodation found.

Life on the road was tough. Facilities were basic, but the “Centurions” saw the work of the theatre as a great adventure and many lifetime friendships were forged. The touring company performed a range of plays including The Miser by Moliere, The Seagull by Chekhov, A woman in Paris by Henri Black, Othello and Twelfth Night. A number of young actors later became household names, among them Eileen Derbyshire, Derek Fowlds, Tom Courtenay, Dame Helen Mirren and Dame Judi Dench.

After opening in 1952, the Century Theatre toured Britain for over 25 years, travelling many thousands of miles and inspiring 18 towns to establish their own permanent theatres. However in 1974 changes to road traffic regulations meant the theatre could no longer travel the highways. Rather than close down, it was transformed into the resident theatre for Keswick in Cumbria and for a further 22 years.

In 1995 the Century Theatre became redundant following a Lottery grant to build a new theatre by Derwent Water in Keswick. In the following year it was acquired by Leicestershire Museums to be based permanently at Snibston Discovery Museum, Coalville just a few miles north of its original construction site in Hinckley. The acquisition and refurbishment was supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Leicestershire County Council and Single Regeneration Budget.

The theatre was carefully dismantled in November with the help, knowledge and support of people who had been involved with the theatre over the years. It was brought home to Leicestershire on the back of four low-loaders and was renovated and reassembled on a purpose-built site between the museum gallery and the historic mine buildings of the former Snibston Colliery.

It re-opened in October 1997 and since then has played an ever-increasing role in the cultural life of North West Leicestershire as a venue for a vast range of arts activities including classic drama, music and dance. A new 2-storey front of house was added in 2011 giving the venue an extra dimension and the opportunity to provide a spacious mezzanine lounge bar, toilet facilities and full disabled access. The auditorium has recently been fully redecorated and all of the seating has undergone refurbishment.

The Century Theatre continues to be a unique and special venue that provides high quality performances, shows, live music and films for local residents. It also happens to be the largest item in the County Museums collection!

Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN | 01530 278 444 | www.centurytheatre.co.uk www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk 31

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June / July 2016 - Issue 20

Hot Picks: Coalville Entertainment Saturday 11th June

Proms in the Park North West Leics District Council invite you to a fantastic musical evening in Coalville Park with Ashby Big Band, New Orleans Heat Jazz and a choir.

Bring something to sit on and be prepared for the weather. Food and drink available. Free entry.

London Road, Coalville.

6pm until 9.30pm. Tel: 01530 454604.

Please use town centre car parks. No parking on site.

Sunday 12th June

Saturday 25th June

Picnic in the Park The High Tea & Happiness Party Live entertainment hosted by Hermitage FM. Leics Co-op Brass Band, Elbow Jane (acoustic folk), Queen II tribute band and the fabulous Jive Aces (swing meets rock n roll).

Children’s rides, arts, workshops, Rugby village, park entertainment incuding the magnificent Black Eagles acrobatic show and supporting local organisations demonstrations.

Food court and community area with colourful gazebos dotted around the Flowerbeds.

Contact 01530 454 603 or email: angela.bexton@nwleicestershire. gov.uk FREE ENTRY - 12noon until 6pm.

Coalville Park, London Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3JB.

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

Fairy Friends UK presents......... The High Tea & Happiness Party 2016!

Ladies enduldge yourself in a delicious High Tea with all the chintz and China, sweet and savoury treats and some fresh fruity juices.

Treat yourself to some goodies in the Shopping Area or just have a browse around the stalls including, The Fairy Shop, Vintage clothing and jewellery, holistic products, health and beauty products, crystals, Hand made bags, hand made jewellery and crafts, to name but a few!

Drop the little ones in to the Fairy Friends UK supervised play area and book yourself in for a beauty treatment or a holistic therapy in the Pamper Area.

All of this will take place at St. David’s Church Halls, 7 Greenhill Road, Broom leys, Coalville, LE67 4RL For further details see: www.nwleics.gov.uk/ pages/whats_on/2016/06/25/the_high_tea_and_ happiness_party_2016_coalville

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June / July 2016 - Issue 20

No: 19

Quick Crossword ACROSS 1. Flowers conceal an area of London (10) 7. Distant object is an old coin (8) 8. Was a vocalist in Los Angeles? (4) 9. Eat some food in earnest (4) 10. Fine porcelain in home is sensible (7) 12. Is pate smeared with curds when they are thrown? (7,4) 14. Great boxer associated with graduates - or one associated with thieves (3,4) 16. Old man’s second exam result (4) 19. Friends hit back (4) 20. Slope did twist - it’s not straight (8) 21. Date for betrothal? (10)

DOWN 1. Animal with dark head and whiskers (5) 2. I go nuts arranging trips (7) 3. Principal sea (4)

12. Visit a small opera singer (6)

4. British soldier turns up and is in charge of conceited people (8)

13. Fancy a John Lennon song? (7)

5. Diana who sings about English flowers (5)

15. Odd bits of brass in bowl (5)

6. Financial backers in good spirits (6)

17. Perfume dispatched, so we hear (5)

11. Spoil girl in Spanish resort (8)

18. Primate embraces son in part of church (4)

If you would like to submit a crossword or Sudoku for us to print in The Vine then please do email it to: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk or send it via snail mail to: PO Box 10199, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 9EW

Look out for the crossword solution in the August / September 2016 issue!

Crossword No: 18 Solution

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

Sudoku For You!

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June / July 2016 - Issue 20

Gardening In The Vine... ...with Joanne Kennedy, Garden Blueprints The summer should now be well underway with roses in full bloom and the days hot and sunny (we hope!). There are still lots of things to be getting on with in the garden or you could choose to take some time out of your own garden and visit other gardens and shows for some inspiration. By now the Chelsea Flower show will have gone by but there are still other flower shows that are well worth a visit. The Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) other shows such as Hampton Court, which is on between 5th and 10th July, and Tatton Park on between 20th and 24th July are still great to visit for ideas and to pick up new varieties of plants. I’ll be at Tatton Park this year with a small show garden so come and say hello.

The RHS gardens are lovely at any time of the year and I have visited Harlow Carr, Wisley and Rosemoor in the last couple of years. All three are fabulous to visit.

Closer to home there are gardens such as Coton Manor Gardens in Northamptonshire with its fabulous borders, rose garden and wildflower meadow.

Barnsdale Gardens near Rutland Water has an array of gardens for you take ideas from and you could pop to Burghley House to see their water garden if you want to see something different.

National Trust gardens are fabulous – Calke Abbey in South Derbyshire, Packwood House, Baddesley Clinton and Hidcote to name a few.

Things to do in the garden this month...

• Regular jobs throughout the summer include, hoeing the borders to keep down weeds, cutting lawns weekly and watering containers and hanging baskets.

• Keep your greenhouse well ventilated, open the doors and windows -get an automatic vent for your windows as this saves time and safeguards you forgetting.

• Give your plants a liquid feed weekly as this will give them a boost.

• Tie your climbers onto their frames as they grow.

• Stake taller perennials such as delphiniums.

• Deadhead roses, perennial flowers and cut back spring flowering perennials so they can form a new clump.

• Cover your fruit and vegetables with netting to stop birds from pinching the fruits of your labour.

• Continue to sow vegetables and salads such as carrots, lettuce leaves and radishes little and often to ensure a continuous supply into the autumn.

Plants that are looking their best this month are roses, early flowering perennials such as delphiniums, geraniums, lupins and salvias.

If you need any help with planting or designing your garden please contact me on 07739 153516 or visit:

www.gardenblueprints.net

Great Dixter comes to Newtown Linford

The garden at Great Dixter in East Sussex is one of the most famous gardens in Britain and has an enviable reputation all over the gardening world. Christopher Lloyd began creating the garden in 1954 when he moved into the house and opened his nursery selling unusual plants. As the garden developed it attracted more and more attention and his planting schemes ushered in a new age of garden design. The garden is visited by thousands of people every year and often features in magazine articles and television programmes.

The name Fergus Garrett is very well-known and revered in the world of gardening and has become as synonymous with Great Dixter as its creator. He was appointed head gardener by Christopher and has the great responsibility for continuing his mentor’s work and developing the garden. Fergus does very few speaking engagements in any year and we are very proud that he has chosen Newtown Linford as one of his venues this year.

He comes to Newtown Linford Gardening Club on Tuesday October 25th and we are inviting non-members to come and join us on this occasion. These celebrity evenings have proved popular over the last three years and this one should be no exception.

Tickets for the evening are £10 and can be obtained from the secretary at 32 Groby Lane, Newtown Linford, Leicester LE6 0HH (sae please) or by phone on 01530 242452 or by email on 01530242452@talktalk.net. We anticipate that these tickets will be snapped up quickly so we advise a prompt application. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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June / July 2016 - Issue 20

What's Going On In The World Of Local

FESTIVALS & EVENTS Barefoot Festival 2016

THE ASHBY SHOW

29th July - 31st July 2016

The Best Agricultural Show In The Midlands!

Barefoot Festival™ is all about getting back to basics, getting grass in between your toes and taking time out from the pressures of modern life! Try something you’ve never done before, spend quality time with the family, meet like minded new friends. You won’t find big fancy sponsors at Barefoot Festival™, we’re a grassroots community gathering and all profits are ploughed right back into improving the facilities at our events. Relax, unwind and refresh yourself with a weekend in the beautiful great British countryside!

Sunday 10th July 2016

2016 is set to be such an amazing weekend, you’ll find so much to do for all the family!

Barefoot Babies can be entertained, for the creative one’s there’s oodles of arts and crafts. Come and find peace and your inner self in a vast variety of chilled out workshops, cleanse your soul in gong therapy or just sit on the grass and sway to some live music.

When the stars come out so do the burlesque feathers to tantalise your taste buds, the fire show will amaze you and the bands and Dj’s will have you dancing away at one of the most beautiful locations in Leicestershire.

Standard weekend tickets with free camping £90.10 (inc. booking fee), Child weekend ticket (5-16 years) £37.80 (inc. booking fee) Infants (0-5 years) FREE. Day passes: from £27.50 adult, from £16.50 child.

Parking: Weekend £16.50, Day £5.50

www.barefootfestival.com

This year will be the 102nd Ashby Show and hopefully the sun will shine again for us as we have a brilliant day planned with something to suit the whole family.

Featuring the best of farming combined with great entertainment and a wide range of trade, craft, British Farm Produce and shopping stands.

Big Pete & His Monster Trucks will be putting on 2 thrilling shows in the main ring at 12.50pm and 4.30pm. Also the brilliantly entertaining Meirion Owen’s Quack Pack team of border collies and comical Indian Runner Ducks will have 2 shows at 1.20pm and 4pm.

There will also be a Children’s Area, Dog Show, Show Jumping, Cattle & Sheep Classes, a Village Green Area, Archery, Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, To further entertain the crowds there will be fun galore in the ‘Main Ring’... here you will find Vintage and Modern Tractors and a Classic Car Display, 1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron Marching Band, The Quack Pack, Young Farmers Floats, Machinery Display and the Shire Horse & Cattle Parade.

There will of course be plenty of different food outlets including lots of things to ‘try before you buy’ in the very popular British Farm Produce Marquee.

The Young Farmers and the WI will also have set up camp and will be putting on entertainment, displays and competitions!

Have a look at the website to find out more: www. ashbyshow.com For further details contact the Show Office on 01283 229225 or email at info@ashbyshow.com

Cattows Farm, Normanton Lane, Heather, Leicestershire LE67 2TD.

Flower Festival Weekend Saturday 11th June & Sunday 12th June To mark the 90th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, St. Peters Church Copt Oak are holding a Flower Festival Weekend. The theme is ‘Hats off to The Queen’ and the flower arrangements will depict a variety of hats, scarves and crowns worn by Her Majesty over ninety years.

On Saturday the church will be open from 10am until 4pm and during that time Birthday cake and light refreshments will be available. On Saturday evening at 7pm there will be a special evening of ‘Pimms & Hymns’. Do come and join us for an evening of celebration and fun.

The Flower Festival continues on Sunday 12th June when church will be open from 10am until 2.30pm. Our afternoon service begins at 3pm and all are welcome to join us. Tea and coffee will be served after the service.

Further details please contact Jan - 0116 2674746.

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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June / July 2016 - Issue 20

Ashby de la Zouch Fake Festival Simply The Local Event Not To Miss!

Top UK Tributes - Local Suport Bands A fun packed music festival in our local community Up there with our best Fake Festival tour dates, Ashby-de-la-Zouch has become a regular sell-out with it’s huge local - anthem singing - audience.

Make sure to get tickets earlier, rather than later.

SATURDAY 04 JUNE 2016

A Real Family Event...

The Ashby-de-la-Zouch Fake Festival returns for a 5th year with an absolutely storming line up! This local festival has become a regular sell-out with it’s huge local - anthem singing - audience. Tributes to Muse, Kasabian and the Stereophonics will be wowing the crowds down at the Bath Grounds inside the Fake Festivals giant marquee. There will be the usual licensed bar along with quality food and entertainment stands for all the family. Could this be sell out number five for Ashby? Make sure you purchase your tickets now before they sell out.

Talented ‘home-grown’ bands based locally to the festival get to play support to the ‘fake bands’ during their afternoon showcase.

‘Fake Festivals’ work hard to ensure their events are safe, secure and accessible, with a friendly environment that caters for all ages. The giant marquee covers any poor weather and there’s a well-stocked licensed bar inside and a food area outside.

So round up your group or family members and make it a fun packed music day out - come and support live music and party late into the evening!

HAVE A DRINK ON THE HOUSE - enter the festival before 2pm and you’ll get a Drink Token that can be exchanged for 1 bar drink or 2 soft drinks.

To make it even better, each ticket can also be used to redeem a 50% discount on a ticket to the awesome 3-day, endof-season, festival in Nottinghamshire: The Big Fake Festival 2016.

Open: 12.15pm - 11.00pm | Venue: Bath Grounds, South Street, Ashby De La Zouch LE65 2GP Tickets: Adults: £25 (£21 in advance), Young (10-17yrs): £15 (£11 in advanced), Family (2+2): £53. Children (0-9yrs) FREE, no ticket is needed.

Read more about the event on the website: www.fakefestivals.co.uk/2016/Ashby-De-La-Zouch.html Facebook: Ashby-de-la-Zouch Fake Festival 2016 | Twitter: @fakeashbyzouch

An Indian Summer in Leicester Friday 29th - Sunday 31st July 2016 An Indian Summer will transform the city into a mecca for South Asian arts and culture with an outstanding line-up of live experiences to delight and thrill your senses. Come with friends, bring your children, invite your gran - there is truly something for everyone!

You will experience an enthralling mixture of film, food, theatre, music, dance, talks, workshops and exciting art... Find out more at

www.indiansummer.org.uk

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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What’s On...

Century Theatre Coalville 1st June - Kids Cinema Presents: Peanuts (U) DREAM BIG AND LAUGH ALONG with good ol Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved Peanuts gang as you’ve never seen them before in a brand-new feature film from the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of Ice Age.

3rd June - Kids Cinema Presents: Goosebumps (PG) Directed by Rob Letterman, Starring Jack Black and Dylan Minette, this is a scary adventure story for all the family.

Hugely successful children’s film based on the bestselling Goosebumps novels by R.L. Stine.

Warning: some scenes may not be suitable for very young children.

3rd June - Century Cinema Presents: Youth (15) A retired orchestra conductor (Michael Caine) is on holiday in the Alps with his daughter and best friend when he receives an invitation from the Queen to perform for Prince Philip’s birthday.

Also starring Harvey Keitel, Paul Dano & Jane Fonda.

17th June - Century Cinema Presents: Dad’s Army (U) The Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon deal with a visiting female journalist and a German spy as World War II draws to its conclusion.

Delightful new take on the beloved BBC TV series starring Bill Nighy, Toby Jones & Catherine Zeta-Jones.

18th June - Robert Habermann Presents: His Way The Frank Sinatra Story

Leicester Riverside Festival Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 June 2016 Leicester Riverside Festival is a lively weekend of activities for the whole family spread across Bede Park, Mile Straight, Western Boulevard and Castle Gardens. Sponsored by local housing provider Riverside, this popular festival offers boat trips, live music, a variety of food stalls from around the world, displays and an exciting choice of activities for all ages, making it a fun packed weekend!

The Dragon Boat Challenge is back to Castle Gardens, Leicester on Saturday 4 June. Funds raised will help charity When You Wish Upon a Star continue granting the Wishes for children living with life threatening illnesses.

Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition and the fastest growing water activity in Britain today – as well as the most fun. No previous experience required, just plenty of team spirit! The event is open to everyone and crews are expected to battle it out over the 200m course, watched by crowds and spectators.

For more information and booking details visit: whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk/leicesterdragonboat2016

Newtown Linford Choral Society Songs on Screen Your favourite music from film & TV

Robert Habermann presents his highly acclaimed story of Frank Sinatra using songs and stories to bring “Ol’ Blue Eyes” back to our stage.

Century Theatre, Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN www.centurytheatre.co.uk | Tel: 01530 278444 Email: century.theatre@leics.gov.uk Learn about the history of the theatre on page 31.

Tickets are now available for the Choral Society’s Summer Concert to be held in Newtown Linford Village Hall on Thursday 9, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June. Our theme this year is music from films and TV shows. You can therefore expect to hear us perform songs from films such as Toy Story, Sister Act and the Bond films, from TV shows including Dad’s Army and Morecambe and Wise – and even some featured in commercials! The concert will be compered by the ever amusing Len Matthews.

Sunday Night @ 8 Organ Recitals

An excellent two course supper will be included on the Friday and Saturday nights, when there will be a 7.15 pm start. On Thursday night ‘nibbles’ will be provided, and there will be an 8 pm start. There will be a licensed bar on all three nights..

Mountsorrel Methodist Church is celebrating 15 years of ‘Sunday Night @ 8 Organ Recitals’.

June’s concert will be on Sunday 19th at 8pm, where Simon Lumby of St. Aidan’s Church, New Parks will be delighting the audience.

Admission is free, but donations to the church’s development fund are much appreciated.

There will be a buffet from 7:30pm.

For further details of local and national organ concerts please visit www.organrecitals.com

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In previous years there have been capacity audiences for the June concerts, and so don’t delay in buying tickets! Ticket prices for Thursday night are £8 (£5 children age 14 and under). For Friday and Saturday nights prices are £18 (£9 children) Tickets available from Peter and Iris Sayer on 01530 243822.

June / July 2016 - Issue 20

Parlour Tricks take Centre Stage... with Morgan and West Saturday, June 11th 2016, 7:30pm (doors 7pm) Time travelling magic duo Morgan and West present a brand new show at Quorn Village Hall. Chock full of jaw-dropping, brain-bursting, gasp eliciting feats of magic, the dashing chaps offer up a plateful of illusion and impossibility, all served with wit, charm and no small amount of panache.

Be sure to wear a hat – Morgan and West might just blow your mind Morgan and West present a family friendly full evening show chock full of magical miracles that they’ve become known for.

Critical acclaim - **** Daily Mirror **** The Scotsman **** What’s On Stage Best Comedy Award: Buxton Fringe 2013 & Best Family Show Nominee: Adelaide Fringe 2013 Tickets: Adults £10, Children £5. For enquiries and tickets contact Terry Stirling - Tel: 01509 414 287 or email: terrystirling@ntlworld.com Centre Stage Rural Touring Theatre is promoted in Quorn by the Quorn Old School Trust and supported by Charnwood Council and Arts Council England.

Community Litter Pick

Coalville Car Club

Saturday 4th June Meet at 10am on The Green, Thringstone, and help Friends of Thringstone with their litter picking activities. Finish expected for 12 noon. Any children coming along will be treated to free chips afterwards as a thank you. All equipment provided. www.friends-of-thringstone.co.uk

The club meets every Wednesday at The New Inn, Peggs Green from 9pm.

New members and visitors welcome. For more details contact Chris Faulkner email: chris.faulkner@falconserve.co.uk tel: 0116 277 0563 or go to their Facebook page ‘Coalville Car Club’.

Ashby Farmers Market Saturday 18th June Ashby Farmers Market is held at Manor House School, South Street, Ashby LE65 1BR from 9am - 1:30pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

Over 25 Producers bringing the finest foods from across the region.

For further information about the Farmers Market telephone 01530 261660.

PEDDLING SHAKESPEARE: CYCLING SHAKESPEARE COMPANY...

The HandleBards Announce ‘4 For 400’ Season!

To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, the HandleBards have announced their ‘4 for 400’ season – four Shakespeare plays, each performed by four actors who will cycle to over 70 venues across the country, with all of their set, props and costumes in tow.

This is the HandleBards’ fourth UK season, having begun their adventure in 2013 with a 967 mile cycle from Glasgow to London. Back then, it was theatre on a shoestring - and not meant figuratively - the boys used shoelaces and a sponge to attach their trailers to their bikes.

Since then, the group have gone from strength-to-strength; they’ve grown from a set of friends with cheap bikes and a rickety old trailer to an internationally successful theatre company, who have performed their brand of fast-paced, bicycle-powered Shakespeare in twelve countries across three continents, winning the support of legions of fans, including British bicycle manufacturer Pashley, whose handcrafted bikes the HandleBards will be riding throughout 2016.

“With six plays and five thousand miles under our belt, we’re ready for our biggest and most ambitious season yet!” says producer and founder Paul Moss. “In this anniversary year, as a way of celebrating the life of the great British playwright, we are excited to put our first ever all-female troupe on the road alongside our internationally acclaimed all-male troupe.”

The HandleBards troupes, known for their on-going drive to promote sustainability within the arts, will be cycling 2500 miles between them, taking different routes from London to Edinburgh. They will perform all male Much Ado About Nothing and Richard III, and all-female Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew at castles, gardens, bicycle yards and stately homes throughout the country.

The ‘Boys’ are at the Guildhall in Leicester on 24th June performing ‘Richard 111’ and the ‘Girls’ will be at the same venue on 20th July performing ‘Romeo & Juliet’.

Find out more and book tickets at: 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 July 2016 for the August / September issue.

Proms in the Park

Willow Weaving Sculpture Day

North West Leics District Council invite you to a fantastic musical evening in Coalville Park with Ashby Big Band, New Orleans Heat Jazz and a choir. Bring something to sit on and be prepared for the weather. Food and drink available. Free entry.

London Road, Coalville. 6.00 until 9.30pm. Tel: 01530 454604.

Please use town centre car parks. No parking on site.

Hearts & Sculptures at The Gardener’s Bothy, Staunton Harold.

Learn the skills of random weaving and aim to construct a three dimensional upright sculpture using the shape of a heart elevated on a rod and drilled into a piece of timber.

Alternatively if you have a preference for a particular other form, the same skills can be learnt and used.

10am - 4pm | Adult course | £55 | Tel: (01332) 694500 All tuition, materials, use of tools and tea/coffee and homemade biscuits/cake. Note: Participants will need to bring a packed lunch.

The Gardener’s Bothy is situated on the Walled Avenue of the Staunton Harold Estate at the other end to the Ferrers Centre and Staunton Harold Hall.

Saturday 11 June 2016

Sausage and Cider Family Festival Friday 03 - Sunday 05 June 2016

Leicestershire Sausage and Cider Family Festival is returning for a 3 day event.

Large Selection of Ciders, Huge Selection of Sausage Based Foods, Camping, Children’s Entertainment, Fireworks, Roller Disco, Live Music from great local bands + a selection of the finest Tribute Acts, Craft, Arts & Food Stalls, Large Funfair.

Cattows Farm, Heather, Leicestershire, LE67 2TD. For more information and tickets please see the website: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leicestershire-sausage-and-cidermusic-festival-2016-tickets-19798938157?aff=erelexpmlt

Friday 10 June 2016

Bradgate Park Early Summer Fair Saturday 04 & Sunday 05 June 2016

Local Produce, Arts & Crafts, Gifts, Demonstrations, Maypole Dancing and much more!

10am - 5pm | Free admission, charge for parking | Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford, Leicestershire LE6 0HE

Every Wednesday | Sweet Harmony Ladies Choir Meets at 7.00 pm in Swannington Village Hall on Wednesdays. New members are always welcome.

For further details, please contact Cynthia Moseley, on 01530-834539

Every Thursday | Coalville Male Voice Choir Coalville Male Voice Choir are 28 strong, very friendly, and meet every Thursday evening from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at the Hall Lane Methodist Church, Hall Lane, Whitwick. New Members are very welcome. For further details please contact Paul Bellamy 01455 291086 or 07702 895803.

Every Second Thursday | Folk on the Green ‘Folk On The Green’ will be meeting every 2nd Thursday of the month in the licensed bar lounge from 8pm until late!

Admission is free and everyone is welcome | For more details telephone: 01530 222337 | email: thringstonehouse@btconnect. com | www.thringstonecommunitycentre.org.uk | Thringstone House, The Green, Thringstone, LE67 8NR

Wednesday 01 June | Coleorton W.I. Meeting Coleorton WI meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at the Beaumont Social Centre, Nottingham Road, Peggs Green. They are an active group and welcome visitors and new members. Each month they have a speaker or demonstration on various topics. This month Susan Pulsford talks about her life as a policewoman in North Yorkshire in the 60s.

For information please contact Geraldine Bedford (Secretary) 01530 222323

Tuesday 02 June | Newbold Heritage Group The Newbold Heritage Group meets at 7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of most months at the Cross Keys pub, Worthington Lane, Newbold. Everyone is welcome. Please join us to take part / look at the information we have or to contribute.

Find us on Facebook: Newbold Heritage Group | Website: www.newbold-heritage.org.uk

Thursday 02 June & Thursday 07 July | Ashby Funhouse Comedy Club Fun House Comedy Club bring you a fantastic night of laughter with acts such as Joe Lycett, Paddy Lennox, Tom Price, Tom Glover with Compere Spiky Mike. Food available 7.30pm to 8pm.

Ashby Lyric Rooms, Lower Church Street, Ashby. LE65 1AB | Tel 01530 415039 | Doors open 7.30pm Starts 8.15pm | Tickets: £10 advance | www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

Saturday 04 June | Car Boot Sale Car Boot Sale at Copt Oak Memorial Hall field LE67 9QB. Come and sell all your preloved and unwanted items or join us to seek out that hidden treasure. Also available during the morning - sausage and bacon baps, homemade cakes and scones. All proceeds for St. Peters Church Copt Oak. Cars £5, all other vehicles £8 | Admission 50p - children free | 9am to 1pm | Further details please contact Jan 0116 2674746.

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June / July 2016 - Issue 20

EVENTS DIARY Saturday 04 June | Ashby Museum Kids Club Its Back, Kids’ Club at Ashby Museum. The Tudors. Open to all primary school children accompanied by an adult. Free Entry. 11am to 4pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For further details please see: www.ashbydelazouchmuseum.org.uk or telephone: 01530 560 090. North Street, Ashby LE65 1HU

Wednesday 08 June | Ashby Museum’s Town Walk The walks are for people to learn a little more about Ashby in general, some of the unusual and little known facts about the town, and it’s buildings. The walks start and finish at Ashby Museum in North Street at 7pm and last about 1 1/2 hours. Cost £3.50

Saturday 11 June | Hamlet at Donington Le Heath Manor House In celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare The Festival Players Theatre Company is proud to present the Bard’s most famous play, Hamlet. Presented in full costume, an all-male company will bring you the excitement of this great thriller; intrigue, ghostly visitations, passion, a play-within-a play, a gripping duel and humour, in a crystal-clear and fastpaced 2 Hour Production.

Tickets £15, £13.50 and £10 | Gates open at 6.30pm, starts at 7:30pm | Manor Road, Coalville LE67 2FW | Tel: 01530 831259

Saturday 11 June | “The Hut People in Concert” The Hut People are one of the hottest acts to appear on the folk scene in a long while. With their surprisingly engaging and often hilarious performing style, their show is a truly unique high-octane blend of folk music from around the world - perfectly formed and embellished with a foot stomping accordion and a mind-boggling array of exotic percussion with some Quebecois foot percussion and dancing thrown in for good measure!

The Palace, High Street, Ibstock, LE67 6LH | Tel: 01530 267303 | enquiries@thepalaceibstock.co.uk

Saturday 11 June | Summer Fair in Coleorton The Viscount Beaumont School PTFA are holding a Summer Fair at Viscount Beaumont CE Aided School, Ashby Road, Coleorton.

The fair is a lovely event with lots of stalls, prize raffle, BBQ, Bar, Bouncy Castle and lots more. 2pm - 4pm. 50p entry fee.

Sunday 12 June | Queen’s 90th Birthday Street Party - Ashby To celebrate the Queens 90th Birthday, Market Street in Ashby will be closed to traffic and laid out with tables ready for party picnics. For further details please see: www.ashbydelazouch.info/news/Street-Party-for-Queen393bs-90th-Birthday.aspx

Tuesday 14 June | Ashby Civic Society - Visit to Hill Farm and cream tea Come and join us to see exotic bison and alpacas with guided walk of Hill Farm, Packington, plus a delicious cream tea. Booking essential and car sharing may be available. Also hear latest Ashby’s planning news and updates on our campaigns. Please call Susanne on 01530 415654 for full details or visit the website: www.ashbydelazouchcivicsociety.webs.com

Wednesday 15 June | The Palace Wine Club Wine Tasting Evening Starts at 7.30 pm. Tickets: £8.00. Limited to a maximum of 30 places! Tel: 01530 262400 to reserve your place.

The Palace Community Centre, High Street, Ibstock, LE67 6LH | enquiries@thepalaceibstock.co.uk | www.thepalaceibstock.co.uk

Saturday 18 June & Saturday 16 July | Ashby de la Zouch Farmers Market Ashby Farmers Market at Manor House School, South Street, Ashby LE65 1BR. 9am - 1:30pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month.

For further information on the Farmers Market telephone 01530 261660.

Sunday 19 June & Sunday 17 July | Swithland Open Church St Leonard’s Church Swithland will be open for tea,coffee and cakes between 2pm and 4pm on the third Sunday of the month from May to September. Do come and have a look around this medieval building and learn some of it’s history.

Sunday 19 June | NGS Open Gardens - Ashby Set in the historic market town in the heart of The National Forest, three gardens in close walking distance are opening for the second time to NGS visitors. All set behind Victorian town houses, are three very different approaches to similar spaces.

11am - 6pm | Please see website for further information: www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/find-a-garden/Garden.aspx?id=31183

Tuesday 21 June | The Story of Brooksby - Thringstone WI Come along to Thringstone WI at 7.30pm to hear the story of the deserted village, famous families and the college of Brooksby with Speaker Malcolm Britton. Visitors are always welcome (there is a small charge).

Thringstone Methodist Church Hall on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. For further information email: thringstonewi@gmail.com

Sunday 26 June | Theatre in the Park - Wuthering Heights Chapterhouse Theatre Company is proud to present Emily Bronte’s classic love story set on the beautiful, mysterious wilderness of the Yorkshire moors. This treasured story of enduring love and passion has thrilled and entranced for generations. Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating as this will be held in the Ruins of Bradgate House, Bradgate Park | Vehicular access from Hallgates (Cropston) car park, LE7 7HQ, from 3.30pm | Performance begins at 5.00pm | Tickets are available from the Bradgate Park Shop.

ENQUIRIES (office hours) Telephone: 0116 234 1850 | Adult £14.00, Child £10.00, Family Ticket £42.00 (Two adults two children) www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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The Monday Club - Anstey, Thurcaston, Cropston & Rothley On Monday 9th May, the Club travelled over to Alrewas in Staffordshire, to visit the National Memorial Arboretum, which is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance and home to the iconic Armed Forces Memorial.

We were blessed with extraordinary, warm, sunny weather facilitating easy exploration and discovery of the many Memorial dedications. Many of the Members took advantage of the fifty minute Land Train with pre-recorded Commentary, which was a very pleasant and informative way of seeing the over 300 thought provoking memorials situated amongst lush and maturing woodland. Military and Civilian Associations are represented alongside tributes for individuals, rich in design and symbolism and sympathetic to the landscape.

Alongside the richly displayed Memorials, we discovered the sad recognition of a Memorial entitled “Shot at Dawn”; reminding one of the gross miscarriages of justice of the many men branded as cowards for deserting the fields of war, who were later pardoned as being found to be suffering from Shellshock, and not responsible for their actions.

This Memorial one hopes goes someway to comforting the families deprived of their loved one in such dreadful circumstances.

After having rewarded ourselves with lunchtime refreshment, we boarded the Coach and proceeded down to Dobbies Garden Centre, near Hinckley. This is a vast centre stocking just about everything in the way of garden equipment, furniture and plants plus franchises belonging to Edinburgh Woollen Co., etc. After more exercise, we made our way to the Restaurant which was advertising enticing large scones filled with jams various, together with double cream and, of course, the very welcome cups of tea. Thus fortified, after an extremely successful day, we then embarked for our journey home to Rothley, Thurcaston, and Cropston .

At our next Meeting on the 13th June in the Cropston Evangelical Chapel Hall, Station Road, we shall welcome Mr. James Craven from Queniborough to speak to us about “The History of Perfume”. If you would be interested in coming along to join with us, you will be most welcome. The Meeting starts at 2.00pm. for 2.15pm. For any further details please ring me on 0116 2363467 .

Ann Farndon

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP - Saturday 18th June

Everyone has a story to tell and this half-day workshop gives you a way to begin to tell your story or write your poem. With exercises to kick-start your writing this is a friendly, supportive way to get you going.

Led by Maxine Linnell, a Rothley writer, who has six published books including Vintage and Closer. Maxine is also an editor and mentor and has been involved in adult education for thirty years.

Now is the time to start writing those childhood memoirs, start that novel or write those poems so join us to see what you need to do to get enthused!

Saturday 18th June 1.30-4.30 at the Rothley Community Library, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. This taster event is FREE OF CHARGE but please register your attendance by contacting Maxine Linnell at maxine.linnell@gmail.com or Marion Vincent, WEA Branch Chairman, 0116 2375156 or vincent.mbe82@yahoo.co.uk A WEA seven week Creative Writing course is also planned starting on Wednesday 28th September 9.45-11.45am at the Rothley Community Library.

CHARITY WHIST DRIVES Thursday 2nd June 2016, 7:30pm The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 2nd June.

It will be held in the Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. Admission £2.00. All players welcome.

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June / July 2016 - Issue 20

GB MEN’S WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CHAMPS Great Britain Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team to take on the world at the Leicester Sports Arena As the world counts down to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the GB Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team will take on the sport’s leading nations at the Leicester Sports Arena (2nd-5th July) – less than 10 weeks before they take centre stage in Brazil.

Descending upon Leicester for the Continental Clash 2016, is an unmissable international line-up that will see the GB Men’s Team (the 2015 European Champions) – do battle against London 2012 Gold Medallists, Canada; the 2014 World Champions, Australia; Japan, and the Netherlands.

With preparations for the Games now entering their final stage, this stunning event will see the Great Britain team compete on home soil for the last time ahead of an intense schedule of training and international competitions.

The Continental Clash 2016 will feature 15 spectacular showcase games of fast-paced, action-packed world-class sport and entertainment for the whole family with tickets ranging from £2-£12.

The action, however, will go far beyond the show court and into the local community: to ensure a sporting and economic legacy that lasts long after the final buzzer, British Wheelchair Basketball – the National Governing Body for the sport in the UK – has teamed up with Leicester County Council, Leicester College, and Leicestershire and Rutland CSP. The Engagement Programme will work alongside the Continental Clash to turn inspiration into participation: building upon the activities and accomplishments of local wheelchair basketball club the Leicester Cobras and the BBL’s Leicester Riders to provide more opportunities to get involved with wheelchair basketball – supporting schools, colleges, and community groups.

As part of the community engagement programme, British Wheelchair Basketball and its partners will be offering schools the opportunity to participate in and spectate at the Continental Clash. For more details about how to get your school or college involved please contact j.popat@britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk for further information.

BWB CEO Charlie Bethel said: “This is an amazing opportunity to see the world’s best teams and relive the magic of London 2012 with unmissable entertainment for the whole family.” GB Men’s Head Coach Haj Bhania said: “The road to Rio began at the end of the London 2012 Games and winning European Championships in September 2015 in Worcester secured our qualification.

Over the last four years, the team – players, coaches, support staff and the programme – has and continues to work hard to prepare to compete against the world’s top teams.” Tickets launching on Wednesday 11th May at www.britishwhelchairbasketball.co.uk Top photo © SA Images

Racing Line on Grid for F3

George Line of Thurcaston begins his next motorsport challenge swapping his Mazda MX5 for a Dallara Formula 3 single seater. He is competing in the British F3 Cup with rounds held at the major racing circuits in the UK, Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Donnington, Olton Park and Snetterton, with a European Continental round at Spa in Belgium.

George is now 20 years old. He began his racing career in karting when he was 10 years old and graduated to competing at a National and International level, where he raced against and beat Max Verstappen! George moved from karting to cars where he has had a successful season in his Mazda MX5, picking up podiums and lap records.

Step Dad Robin Langford, remembered by many for his motorsport career racing and rallying minis nationally and internationally, whilst running Langrops of Anstey, continues to be main mechanic and oily-rag. This new venture has been made possible with a new bespoke workshop garage built by Jon Williams Stables. In comfort he can prepare the car ready for racing in a clean, spacious and temperate regulated environment.

Round one take place locally at Donnington. George looks forward to home support in this new venture. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Roald Dahl’s ‘BFG’ comes to Wistow To mark the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth, Leicestershire’s famous Wistow Maze has been designed in the shape of the ‘Big Friendly Giant’.

“Roald Dahl had such an impact on children’s imagination with his extraordinary stories and characters, so to celebrate we are highlighting both his work and that of other famous children’s authors” explains Diana Brooks, owner of Wistow Maze.

The maze features 3 miles of intricate pathways carved through 8 acres of living corn, with high level bridges and towers giving fabulous panoramic views.

The challenge is to find 12 quiz boards hidden in the giant maze. Each quiz board has a multiple choice question on a classic children’s book, which will help to unravel the answer to the quiz trail, whilst also providing interesting facts about the authors and their stories.

It includes an Activity Funyard with mini mazes and games for all ages, including hoopla, a space hopper track and football shooting game.

Opposite is the Wistow Rural Centre with its cafe, garden centre, art gallery, model village and numerous shops, making it a great family day out.

The Wistow Maze is a winner of Leicestershire’s “Best Visitor Attraction” and attracts over 20,000 visitors each year.

At the end of each season, the maze is harvested for cattle fodder and then redesigned the following Spring using GPS satellite technology.

Opens: Saturday 16th July - Sunday 4th September (daily), then weekends only until Sunday 18th September.

10am – 6pm Free Parking.

Admission charges: Child £5.50, Adult £6.50, Family Ticket (2+2) £22 More information on: www.wistow.com or ring 07884 403889

WIN! WIN! WIN!

COMPETITION: WIN A Family Ticket To Wistow Maze

To enter the competition to win a family ticket for 4 (2 adults and 2 children) to the amazing Wistow Maze simply email the answer to the question below to: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk. Title your email ‘Wistow Maze Competition’ and please make sure you also supply your name and address.

QUESTION: What shape is Wistow Maze this year?

Good Luck everyone!! Closing date for the competition is Sunday 31st July 2016 and the ticket must be used by Sunday 18th September 2016 as this is when the maze closes for the year.

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A special last term at Dixie Who, what, where, when, why and how: The 12 April 2016 was a special day for all Dixie students in the Upper Sixth as it marked the first day of their last term at the school. For some students, this was a journey that started not just eight years ago, when they joined the Senior School in Year 6; not even fourteen years ago when they joined the Junior School in Reception; but fifteen or more years ago when they joined the Dixie Grammar School Pippins Nursery. Such is the case for Florence Pritchett, Greg Hancock, Damon Burrage and Ed Platts (Deputy Head Boy). When asked to share their memories of their time at Dixie so far, this is what they said: “Looking back it is hard to believe we are almost at the end of what has been such a huge part of our lives and such an amazing journey. It is remarkable to have spent so long with each other and to know each other so well and when you begin to look back, the first things you remember are the laughs, the jokes and the funny stories, from Ed crying on his first day at Pippins because he didn’t like the toast, to Greg getting stuck under a toilet door, to Damon dressing up in a tutu, wig and high-heeled knee boots for the Year 6 fashion show and enjoying it a little too much! Next, of course, come the trips and the big, memorable events, from Cadbury’s World and the day a helicopter and a rocket arrived at the Junior School, to skiing in Canada, hiking in Mozambique and undertaking work experience in France in the Senior School.

“Most remarkable, however, is how different we all are and how we are all set to take the next step in our education and lives, albeit in very different directions. Ever the keen sportsman, Greg is ready to take a gap-year and then continue his passion studying sport rehabilitation in London; Floss, with her farming family background and passion for food and nutrition, is looking forward to studying Food Production and Marketing at Harper Adams University; Damon, whose plans seem to change as often as his fashion and haircuts, has finally settled on studying Finance at university; and Ed, having learned to love the school toast, is looking forward to taking up his offer to study Chinese at Oxford.

“We really think that Dixie has a special quality and passes on to its students a real confidence to manage and succeed in all social and professional environments, a knowledge that success is always possible with hard work and a firm grounding in reality, built on strong relations between all members of the school community. We have loved every minute of being at the Dixie and now look forward to the future that it has helped us build.”

Top photo: Florence Pritchett, Second from top: Ed Platts & Damon Burrage. Bottom right photo: Greg Hancock, Damon Burrage, Ed Platts, Florence Pritchett. Bottom left photo: The Dixie Grammar School

The Dixie Grammar School, Market Bosworth CV13 0LE | www.dixie.org.uk | 01455 293 024 | 01455 292 244

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Whitwick & District U3A

Loughborough RSPB Local Group Monday 13th June 2016, 10am

Wildlife Walk at Brandon Marsh We normally meet around 10am and return to vehicles around midday. Some of the party usually find somewhere for a light lunch though this is, of course, optional.

For more information about Brandon Marsh please go to the Links section of the Loughborough Group website and click on Brandon Marsh.

For more details email: bobmudge@btinternet.com

www.rspb.org.uk/groups/loughborough/

Newbold Heritage Group A small group of local people are documenting the history of the village of Newbold Coleorton.

Whilst references to Newbold have been made in other historical texts relating to this area, there is no specific formal account of the significance of this village. Newbold Heritage Group are changing this.

The group meets at 7:30pm on the first Tuesday of most months at the Cross Keys pub, Worthington Lane, Newbold.

Everyone is welcome to join them to take part, look at the information they have or to contribute.

Website: www.newbold-heritage.org.uk Email: newboldhg@g-forbes.co.uk

ASHBY BATH GROUNDS ‘Have a Go’ Archaeology Tuesday 21st June to Saturday 25th June, 2016 You can sign up for just one 2 hour session or come along for a whole day. All activities will be organised and supervised by professional archaeologists and fully insured.

You’ll have the chance to get hands-on experience of using the sophisticated geophysical instruments which archaeologists use nowadays to look into the past under our feet without digging up the ground. Or, if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can watch what’s happening and learn a little about modern archaeology and the Bath Grounds’ fascinating history.

FREE EVENTS - Sign-up at www.bathgroundspath.com or phone 07525 339896. On the Bath Grounds, Ashby 10am, 1:30pm or 5:30pm

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Whitwick and District U3A will hold its next monthly meeting on Friday 17th June. For retired people, or those approaching retirement, this is a chance to discover the opportunities for new friendships and experiences within a local, thriving organisation. There are over forty Interest Groups with something to suit most tastes.

The speaker at June’s meeting will be Peter Varden with the topic “The History of the 78rpm Record”. From the early 1900s to the days of rock’n’roll, Peter’s illustrated presentation will cover all sorts of music. He will be bringing his own gramophone to enhance the atmosphere and take us back to a time before downloads or even cassette recorders.

To enjoy listening to Peter’s musical selection and find out more about Whitwick and District U3A, come along to St. David’s Church Hall, Broom Leys, Coalville LE67 4RL at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start. The U3A is a non-religious and nonpolitical organisation; everyone is welcome. You can also visit our marquee at Coalville’s Picnic in the Park on 12th June.

To find out more about our friendly and thriving group, go to

www.whitwicku3a.org.uk where there are comprehensive details about Whitwick and District U3A.

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

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

Thringstone Community Centre Northern Soul Night

Friday 10th June, 2016 - 8pm

Come along to the second Northern Soul and Motown night at Thringstone House Community Centre.

Tickets are £3 in advance and £5 on the door. Go to www. ticketsource.co.uk/thringstone to pay in advance or ring the centre on 222337. There is a full bar and free parking along with some fabulous Guest DJs.

www.thringstonecommunitycentre.org.uk June / July 2016 - Issue 20

Ashby Dramatic Society The society’s next production will be...

For the Love of Alice Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th June 2016 An hilarious tale of love, jealously and pork products by Mary Barker.

Bill’s dream of a “happy ever after” with love of his life Alice is shattered when he makes a fatal mistake.

Meeting his old school friend Jack, he invites him home to dinner and the inevitable happens. While Bill is busy working the night shift at the pork factory, Jack is busy shamelessly working his way into Alice’s affections . And when Alice puts forward a startling suggestion to Bill, a chain of events is set in motion in which the police, a cat and half a pound of sausages all play their part!

Crammed with twists and turns, truths and lies, pork pies and red herrings, Mary Barker’s fabulous new comedy will keep you guessing until the very last scene and laughing until the very last line!

Ashby Dramatic Society are delighted to be hosting the world premiere production of this exciting new play, so be sure to book your tickets early!

For further details: www.ashbyventuretheatre.org.uk Performances start at 7:30pm and tickets are £8/£9.

Local Clubs Swannington WI We are a small but very busy WI, meeting at 7.30pm on the first Monday of each month in Swannington Village Institute, Main Street, Swannington LE67 8QL. In addition to the monthly meetings, we also enjoy lots of other activities - we have a book club; two walking groups - the Strollers and the Striders, a craft club and a theatre group. We also tend a small bee friendly garden in the centre of Swannington which we created for the community and having raised money to donate a bee hive, in order to help more people train as bee keepers, we are also able to enjoy eating honey produced by our own bees!

In fact there is something for everyone, visit our website to find out more about us and what we do.

www.swanningtonwi.moonfruit.com

Brand new free online Club for young dinosaur enthusiasts

The What’s so Special Club, is a brand new, FREE online club for young dinosaur fans and budding palaeontologists everywhere.

Membership of the Club gives children access to fun dinosaur games and factoids, each designed to help children and parents expand their dinosaur knowledge. With colouring sheets to download, dinosaur brain teasers and quizzes – The cadets meet every Wednesday at Shepshed High School, there’s loads of fun to be had.

Forest Street, Shepshed, Leics, LE12 9DA from 19:00 - 21:00.

A personalised email is sent to each new member and fresh colouring sheets, quizzes and facts are added every week For further information visit: www.armycadets.com and sent to you to download. You will also be kept up to date with the latest dinosaur news as it happens.

The What’s so Special Club has been created by dinosaur 2nd June - Birthday Party expert Nicky Dee and supports the ‘What’s so Special Thurcaston & Cropston WI is 80 this year and we will About?’ series of dinosaur books for children. The site is celebrate with a buffet, glass of wine and cabaret with designed to complement the information in the books, but Dave Moylan. can also be used as a stand-alone resource to help children (and adults) learn while having fun.

9th June - Go Ukelele Crazy Find out why everyone is raving about these musicians Membership of the Club is free. To join, simply go on to www. who play a great selection of tunes, sing along and, even specialdinosaurs.com and click on the link. You’ll receive a welcome email and your child could be colouring-in one try the instrument yourself at the end of the evening. of the dinosaurs from the ‘What’s so Special About?’ books 7th July - Cathedrals, Rooftops and more ... today.

Dr Jonathan Castleman of Norman & Underwood You can also meet the ‘What’s so Special About?’ team and talks about working on famous buildings including go behind the scenes for a look at the making of the 3D Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court Palace and the models and how the illustrations in the books were created.

British Embassy in Moscow.

With regularly updated information, games and competitions We meet on the first Thursday evening of the month at - even the most enthusiastic young palaeontologist will be 7.30 pm (except January) in Thurcaston Memorial Hall kept entertained and occupied.

Why not come along to a meeting and find out more To join: http://specialdinosaurs.com/ about us. Be assured of a warm welcome. Visitors £4 Every dinosaur fact has been verified by multiple per meeting. award-winning palaeontologist Dean R. Lomax. (http:// manchester.academia.edu/DeanLomax) Phone Mary on 0116 2365179 for more information.

SHEPSHED ARMY CADETS

THURCASTON & CROPSTON WI

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THE VINE DIRECTORY

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Caroline James.............................. 25 Kowalski Jewellers......................... 28

EDUCATION Dixie Grammar School.............48+49 Grace Dieu Manor School................ 7 Magical Maths Club........................ 55

FOOD, DRINK & VENUES A Holmes Butchers......................... 30 Ashby Farmers Market................... 55 The Flying Horse............................ 20 The George Coleorton.................... 40 The George & Dragon.................... 36 Holly Bush........................................ 6 The Horse Shepshed....................... 5 Mac & White Caterers.................... 20 The Manor House........................... 34 Smithards Bakery........................... 55 Vintage Afternoon Tea Parties........ 28 Woodcock Farm Shop...................... 3

GARDEN Abbey Turf & Landscaping............. 36 Delegate Services.......................... 14 Garden Blueprints.......................... 14 Harrison Landscaping...................... 7 Inspire Landscapes.......................... 4 L B Grounds Maintenance................ 2 LB Landscaping.............................. 52 Outdoor Solutions........................... 14 Total Tree Services......................... 36

HAIR & BEAUTY Beauty Rooms Coalville................. 32

HEALTH Charnwood Hearing Centre............ 38 Charnwood Physiotherapy............. 38 Coalville Mobility Centre................. 29 Denture Convenience..................... 55 Physique Fitness Gym................... 29 Pilbeam Opticians.......................... 18 SB Physio....................................... 32

HOME Absolute Window Solutions.............. 2 Ancient & Modern........................... 14 Ashby Decorators Centre................. 5 Ashby Tile & Bathrooms................. 53 Broughtons....................................... 3 Carpet Cuts.................................... 56 Charnwood Kitchens...................... 32 Charnwood Oaks........................... .52 Coalville Decorators Centre........... 29 Coalville Furniture Superstore........ 30 Coopers Glass.................................. 4 CV Lane......................................... 20 Daniel Chapman............................. 14 DeVol...................................... 10 + 11 DP Furnishings............................... 14 The Flooring & Bed Company........ 27 FW Stevens Electrical...................... 3 Glenfield Electrical.......................... 14 Graham Botterill - Soft Furnishings.... 14 Holme Tree Kitchens...................... 24 Ideas Interiors................................. 21 I H Properties................................. 15 The Light House............................... 7 Listers Interiors............................... 14

HOME continued...

Kats Antiques & Collectables......... 28 Martin Allen Flooring......................... 4 Oakham Rugs.................................. 3 RJ Rowley...................................... 20 RSJ Roofing..................................... 6 Squirrel........................................... 55 UK Gas Services.............................. 8 Wright Move Removals.................... 3

LEISURE Bardi Concert - Bradgate Park....... 40 Carisma Holidays............................. 8 Donington le Heath Manor House.... 33 Great Central Railway.................... 40 Greenacres Cafe.............................. 8

MOTORS Cropston Garage............................ 38

PETS Anstey Cattery................................ 55 GC Horseboxes.............................. 24 Glebe Von Wood............................ 55 Retreat Boarding Kennels.............. 55 The Veterinary Surgery.................. 55

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Dodds Solicitors LLP........................ 6 Henstocks Accountants.................. 38 Lee Cooper Funeral Directors........ 30 Prusinski Solicitors......................... 27 Roy Green - Sales & Lettings......... 52

Please remember to tell our advertisers that you saw them in The Vine magazine If you would like to submit editorial or advertise in The Vine, Leicestershire then please telephone: 01530 249048 or email: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk Alternatively you can visit the website to find out more: www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk 54

June / July 2016 - Issue 20

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June / July 2016 - Issue 20