The Vine, Leicestershire December 2014

THE VINE, LEICESTERSHIRE

VINE The

Leicestershire

YOUR FREE BIMONTHLY LOCAL MAGAZINE

WWW.THEVINELEICESTERSHIRE.CO.UK DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015 | ISSUE 11

SEASONS GREETINGS

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk WHAT’S ON | CHARITY NEWS | CLUBS | PUZZLES | CHRISTMAS1

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December 2014 / January 2015 - Issue 11

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Dec ‘14/Jan ‘15 edition

Welcome... ...to The Vine!

Welcome readers to our December magazine, it’s that time of year again when we turn our thoughts and attentions towards Christmas and the New Year. We’ve lots of things ‘festive’ in this issue, including news of seasonal activities from many local organisations, our advertisers offering great ideas for presents and a great selection of small, light hearted and amusing ‘Seasons Greetings’.

Help for young drivers........19

For things to see and do, how about taking a look at some of these great ideas, such as visiting a National Trust ‘dressed up’ house - what does this entail? Well turn to page 17 to find out more; also, as usual the Great Central Railway are laying on their ‘Santa Steam Trains’ - these are great fun for children and adults alike and are a lovely experience for a family day out.

Away from ‘all things Christmassy’ for a moment, we have a number of other interesting articles to offer you, one that caught our eye is with regards to orienteering: many people find this pursuit a great way to exercise both body and mind so if you‘d like to know more find your way to page 22 for more information.

Leics Orienteering Club.........22

Also at this time of year our thoughts go to those who are in need, with this in mind, may we add a note in support of LOROS, who earlier this year launched their ‘Friends of LOROS’ scheme in recognition of those loyal supporters who generously donate to their charity, find out how their campaign has gone and how you can get involved on page 16.

Finally, may we take this opportunity to wish all our readers, contributors and advertisers a very Happy Christmas and all the best wishes for 2015.

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

Santa Steam Trains.............23

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

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

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Local Charity News Charity Whist Drive

The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor, Paul Day is holding a

The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 4th December. This meeting will be our Xmas Whist Drive. Admission £2.00. All players welcome Large free car park. The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Charity Bridge Drive

on Thursday 12th February 2015 at Newtown Linford Village Hall.

1.30pm for 1.45pm start. £6.00 per person including afternoon tea.

To book a table contact either Sue on 01530 245373 or Pauline on 0116 2364376.

Inter Care – Medical Aid for Africa Celebrates 40 years Inter Care – Medical Aid for Africa will be holding a month-long exhibition during November at The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland, Long Street, Wigston Magna, Leicester, LE18 2AH. ‘Celebrating 40 Years of Inter Care – Medical Aid for Africa’ will be a fantastic opportunity to discover the history of this unique local charity which began operating in Leicester in 1974. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to learn about the important work carried out by Inter Care over the last 40 years, through a variety of photographs, documents and old artifacts.

Inter Care recycles and donates more quality surplus medical aid from the UK to Africa than ever before, now supporting 127 rural health units.

The charity aims to tackle medical waste in the UK, helping to reduce NHS disposal costs and the environmental impact associated with this, whilst at the same time saving lives in some of the poorest regions of rural Africa.

Admission to the exhibition is free and will be open to the public from 10th November – 5th December 2014. The Record Office can be visited on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15am to 5:00pm, Wednesdays from 9:15am to 7:30pm and Saturdays from 9:15am to 12:15pm.

If you are interested in finding out more or would like to help fundraise to support the work of Inter Care please call 0116 269 5925 or visit www.intercare.org.uk.

Dandelion Ball raises over £23k for essential research Alex’s Wish held its annual black tie charity ball on Saturday, 1st November to raise vital funds for research into a rare genetic muscle-wasting condition called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Alex is 8 years old and was diagnosed with the life-limiting conditionback in 2010. There is no cure for this devastating disease so funding new clinical trials is absolutely essential in order to save Alex’s life and the thousands of other boys living with it.

This year’s ball (the second one held to date) was a huge success with 120 guests attending the evening held at prestigious The Hilton East Midlands Airport hotel. Guests enjoyed a four course meal with canapés and fizz on arrival whilst being entertained by toastmaster Simon Hood throughout the evening and dancing the night away until the early hours. The main bulk of money raised for the cause was through a raffle, holiday give away, silent and live auction including a holiday to a 5 star luxury resort in Barbados donated by Alex’s Wish supporter Robbie Savage (football pundit and former player) raising £4k and contributing significantly to the £23k raised in total.

Emma Hallam, Founder and Director of Alex’s Wish comments “We are absolutely delighted with the response we had from our guests on the night, we started the evening with a video showing the effects Duchenne is already having on Alex and explaining why we desperately need new treatments to come to market soon. It really helped people get into the swing of things which was seen through the generosity and support we received on the night. We can’t wait to start planning next year’s event which will take place on Saturday, 14th November 2015.”

“We would like to thank all our guests and businesses and individuals who donated prizes for our raffle and auction, without these wonderful donations we would not have raised the amount of money we did.”

Anyone interested in attending Alex’s Wish ball or to become a sponsor in 2015 can get in touch with Emma Hallam at emma@alexswish.co.uk or visit www.alexswish.co.uk

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LOCAL CHARITY NEWS

Grace Dieu Remembers

Children and staff gathered last month for a whole School Remembrance Service at Grace Dieu to mark the 100th Anniversary since the outbreak of WWI. School Chaplain, Father Denis led the prayers supported by Head Boy, Leo Parry, and Head Girl, Katie Hanford along with Carter Walker, Poppy Jelley, Rosie Lewis and Thomas Mansbridge from Year 8 on Tuesday morning at 11 am.

Special thanks to Mr Reeves who played the traditional ‘Last Post’ on his bugle as the flag was lowered to honour those who lost their lives fighting for the freedom we enjoy today.

The moving occasion was brought to an end by a reading of McCrae’s famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’.

Headmaster, Peter Fisher commented: “It is a School tradition to gather together and collectively pray for and remember the brave men and women who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world. Our pupils are reminded of the sacrifices made by generations before them. We were all moved by the solemnity and spirit of this important occasion.”

Poverty Action Week Monday 26th January – Sunday 1st February 2015

There are thousands of people living in poverty in Leicestershire, including 26,000 children.

Leicester-based charity, Charity Link, is looking for business partners and individuals to support ‘Poverty Action Week’. The week asks local people to consider the impact of poverty on their doorstep through a range of activities and events.

An easy and fun way for Leicestershire businesses and individuals to get involved is by supporting ‘Wear a funky scarf day’ on Friday 30th January, which in particular aims to highlight the issue of fuel poverty over the winter period.

By donating a small amount to wear a funky scarf, cravat, feather boa, shawl or headscarf for the day, people will be helping to support those affected by poverty, hardship or crisis in the county.

You can find out more about partnership opportunities or request a fundraising pack by emailing Rachel Markham, Communications and Fundraising Officer at: rachel.markham@charity-link.org or by calling 0116 222 2218. More information about the week can be found at:

www.charity-link.org/poverty-action-week

Ladies Circle Coffee Morning Saturday 14th March, 2015 | 10am - 11:30am

Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation Wednesday 17th December - Grand Christmas Afternoon Tea Join us at Ulverscroft Grange Tea-Rooms for a grand Christmas Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 17th December.

Selection of sandwiches, warm scones and seasonal specialities all served on English bone china. Music, raffle, carol singers! Charity shops open for Christmas shopping.

3pm - 5pm -£9.50 per person. Booking essential. Call 01530 244914 or email admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org.

Christmas Lunch At Ulverscroft Grange Every Tuesday and Thursday from 2nd December until 18th December. Three course lunch with coffee for £15.95 per person. £5.00 non-refundable deposit to secure a booking. Call 01530 244914 or email: admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org.

Christmas Bazaar

Saturday 6th December 2014 In aid of St Paul’s Church. Tombola, books, crafts and refreshments with fun for all. Held in the Village Hall, Woodhouse Eaves, 50p entry fee. 1:30 - 3:30pm.

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There will be Tombola, Raffle, Home made Cakes, Chutneys ,Jam, Bric-a-brac and hand made greeting cards.

This coffee morning is for the charity ‘Make A Wish’. £1 entrance including tea,coffee and biscuits. All welcome please come along and support us.

Methodist Hall, Howe Lane, Rothley.

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.

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‘Friends’ will be there for you!

Become a Friend of LOROS and support local care

LOROS, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice warmly invite their supporters in the local community to become a ‘Friend of LOROS’.

The Friends of LOROS scheme has been launched this year, to recognise loyal supporters who generously donate to LOROS by giving a regular gift monthly, quarterly or yearly.

‘Friends’ have the option of a unique LOROS pin badge and priority invitations to annual LOROS events, an annual Thank You card and tour of the Hospice with a presentation from the Chief Executive.

Barbara Paget explains why she became a Friend, “LOROS is such a caring community and such an asset for the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Whenever I walk into the Hospice on Groby Road there is no atmosphere of despondency, only of joy and love and spirits are lifted not downtrodden. Within LOROS I have found and experienced such wonderful care for patients and support for their loved ones and by becoming a ‘Friend of LOROS’ I wish to support this continuing show of love and joy way into the future.”

Diane Morris, LOROS Fundraising Manager said, “Regular gifts from our generous supporters really do make a difference to the care and support LOROS can provide to our patients and their families. A gift of just £5 a month could pay for meals for a patient for a day, £10 a month could pay for collection of a patient from home for day therapy and a quarterly or annual gift of £100 could pay for a Community Nurse Specialist patient visit.”

If you would like to become a Friend of LOROS and help contribute towards the £4.5 million LOROS need to raise annually to provide their services, please call the Fundraising Team on 0116 231 8431 or email fundraising@loros.co.uk.

Denise Catherine Clarke Main Street, Newtown Linford Denise passed away peacefully after a long illness bravely borne on Saturday October 18th 2014. She was at home with her family, as she wished.

The family wish to thank all the many people involved in the Loughborough Crematorium service and afterwards in the Village Hall.

The many cards, letters, calls etc have been an inspiration to us all and we thank you most sincerely.

Stan Clarke & family.

Coalville Town Bowls Club

Cinderella - Christmas Panto

Coalville Town Bowls Club held their annual President’s Day recently where the current president, Mrs Marilyn Miles, organised the event as a Fund raising day for LOROS.

Wednesday 3rd - Sunday 7th December 2014

LOROS is a charity very close to Marilyn’s heart and she has always admired the amazing care that it provides.

A triples tournament was held, and played in good humour but competitive never the less. This was followed by a sumptuous buffet, which was heartily demolished.

The buffet, raffle and donations raised £405 on the day and a further £145 was raised at the Barry McReynolds Memorial Gala held earlier in the year. Therefore making the grand sum of £550 in total.

A big thank you to everyone who helped in so many ways, because it could not have happened without the generosity and hard work of Club members, family and friends. Everyone agreed they had enjoyed doing it for this essential caring charity, long may their wonderful work continue.

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The Panto Company’s 2014 pantomime production of Cinderella is filled with lively characters, up to date chart songs and slapstick humour, with something to please everyone, romance and of course – a daring adventure.

Bullied by her two Ugly Sisters, Cinders’ future looks bleak until her Fairy Godmother casts a spell and sends her to the ball.

How will the Prince ever find her when she flees at midnight,leaving behind a single glass slipper?

Let Buttons be your host for an afternoon of traditional panto fun. With plenty of parking space for your pumpkin!

Tickets: £8.50 Standard, £7.50 Groups of 10+, Schools £6.25 (Please call the Box Office on 01530 278444).

Snibston Discovery Museum, Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3LN Tel: 01530 278444 | Email: snibston@leics.gov.uk

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NATIONAL TRUST LEICESTER ASSOCIATION Many National Trust houses are nowadays dressed for Christmas and usually they recreate one of the periods when the family celebrated Christmas.

Woolsthorpe Manor, near Grantham, will be dressed for a 17th century Restoration Christmas and will celebrate Isaac Newton’s birth on Christmas day 1642. The Manor is open for tours at 11.15, 12.30 & 1.45 every Friday, Saturday & Sunday throughout December.

Canons Ashby in Northamptonshire will take you back to the Victorian era with decorations and room stewards in period costume. The house is open for nine days from 29th November until 7th December from 10.30 to 3.30.

Hardwick Hall outside Chesterfield goes back 400 years but this year celebrates the traditions of Duchess Evelyn in the early 20th century and starts with two 25ft trees in the entrance hall. The decorations can be seen each Wednesday to Sunday from November 29th to December 21st from 11.00 to 3.00 and there is an additional entry charge.

At Kedleston Hall near Derby you can experience contrasting Christmasses with a contemporary lighting event bringing to life the state floor closed up for the season while the family enjoyed Christmas at their London home. Downstairs you can see how the remaining servants would have enjoyed a tradition Edwardian Christmas. Kedleston is open for the first three weekends in December from 11.00 to 4.00.

Locally at Calke Abbey there is a “Lights and Labyrinths” illuminated trail around the grounds leading to the estate church on the first three weekends in December from 12 noon to 6.30.

The tea room, shop and grounds will also be open at all of the above properties.

The NT Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 9th December when Stuart Bramwell will present an illustrated talk on The Farthest Isles. The meeting will be held at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm. There will also be evening and afternoon meetings in January. Admission to all meetings is NTLA members £2.50, visitors £4.00 including refreshments. For details of the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

CHRISTMAS WITH BROUGHTONS Get your home looking superb this Christmas by paying a visit to Broughtons where you will find all the quality specialist items you need for your property. If you need to brighten up your home and add a bit of sparkle thenBroughtons really is the place to go as they have one of the largest displays of lighting in Leicestershire. Whether its Georgian grandeur, Victorian simplicity, something traditional or contemporary.

Maybe your front door is looking a little tired with door furniture that is past its best.

You can find a full range of door knockers, letter plates, door pulls and handles in some lovely styles. Go for a polished finish in brass, chrome or nickel for a smart crisp look, or for the traditionalists the ever popular and British made black iron has great durability. If you want your door to look like its an original period feature that’s had loving use for years then an aged or antique satin brass is an excellent choice.

With their extensive product range, it is possible to choose a finish and style and apply it throughout your home – your lighting, door and window furniture, even switches and sockets can all be chosen to complement each other. Whether you have a Victorian terrace or a Manor house, Broughtons can guide you through your project and even offer a full scheduling service to ease selection.

Take a peep at the products on offer by browsing their extensive website. You can enjoy a full shopping experience online and even take a virtual tour of their impressive showrooms. If you can spare the time for a visit, you won’t be disappointed – with the well organized displays, amazing choice and personal old-fashioned service,you know you are in excellent hands.

The added bonus is the luxury Coffee Lounge that serves delicious home-made delicacies that you can enjoy during your visit. Telephone Broughtons on

0116 234 5300 or visit

www.broughtons.com. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Hope at last for Young Drivers ...with Independent Insurance Bureau Young driver insurance has become a major financial problem for our youngsters these days. They are facing insurance quotes of thousands of pounds for even modest vehicles. For some people these high costs mean that they just can’t afford to drive.

However with some forward planning and professional advice from your local insurance broker, many of these issues can be removed which can save you thousands of pounds.

The increased availability of ‘black box technology’ or ‘telematics’ to help monitor newly qualified drivers development, has lead to a number of new schemes and more competitive premiums.

This is where the professional advice of picking the right vehicle and the best telematic scheme available will not only save thousands of pounds but it will also give parents some peace of mind in helping avoid the major accidents that newly qualified drivers are prone to, hence the exceptionally high premiums.

Unscrupulous businesses are targeting young drivers through the internet and social media as they know they are big users. They appear to be offering cheap schemes but these “ghost brokers” on the internet offer you a “bargain” for what turns out to be a non-existent policy. So make sure you know who you are dealing with to ensure you get what you pay for.

The insurance regulatory body, ‘Financial Conduct Authority’ has identified this as a major area of concern and are advising people to use a well established, registered insurance broker. The Government’s own Money Advice Website also reminds you that if an offer is too good to be true it usually is!

Also note that for provisional drivers many of the policies available jump up by triple the amount on passing your practical test, some by even more!

We have a range of policies available including insurance to drive a parents car, Provisional Driver policies and even exceptional offers on the purchase of a brand new car with free insurance for the first year.

IIB have offices in Ashby, Coalville and Loughborough, so just call us or pop in to see us for professional advice on the best solution for you.

68 Market Street Ashby de la Zouch Leicestershire LE65 1AN. 24 High Street Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3ER. 7-8 Bedford Square Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 2TP 01530 215041 | E-mail: paul.gadsby@iibinsurance.co.uk

www.iibinsurance.co.uk

THE MONDAY CLUB, ANSTEY, CROPSTON, THURCASTON AND ROTHLEY Our last Meeting for the year 2014, was a huge success in so far as our Speaker was Mr. Mike Leonard and his subject was “An Irreverent Approach to Political Correctness”. For nearly one hour Mike speedily took us through a vast number of quotations and expressions (quite a few of which we were totally unaware existed)! Mike had collected Quotations from Newspapers covering the past year. When undertaking speaking to Clubs etc., he kept fastidiously to current News which from our point of view, was truly amazing considering the amount of data he had amassed in such a short time.

On a daily basis we were all guilty of expressions we had grown up with over the years and thought nothing of any possible “incorrectness or offence” that could have been misconstrued.

The absurdity of many Quotations gave rise to immense incredulity from the audience to the point that we felt there was no hope for many of us to change our ways, One might become more aware of trying not to hurt anyone’s’ feelings, but as to minding one’s “Ps and Qs” in all situations only thought up by the “Powers that be” -well, that would be another matter!!.

The interaction from the audience and the laughter that ensued, not to mention the many contributions, added up to a very happy Meeting, concluding with our customary cups of tea and biscuits.

Our next Meeting will be on Monday 12th January at 2.15 pm, when we hope to see old and NEW members. Please give us a chance to welcome you in the New Year, to a very warm and friendly Club. Any information required please ring 0116 2363467.

In the meantime may I wish all Readers a very Blessed and Festive Christmas, followed by a very Healthy, Happy New Year.

Ann Farndon www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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“ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR” FOR LEI Leicestershire Orienteering Club has members of all ages and abilities who run or walk to find ‘control kites’ whose locations are printed on a large scale map.

Many of our orienteering areas are in or near the Charnwood District such as: Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill, Castle Hill (Anstey), Swithland Woods, The Outwoods, & Watermead (Birstall) and also westwards towards Ashby and the new National Forest.

Orienteering can be described as ‘cunning running’ because clever route choice can compete with fast running.

At the recent AGM, committee members were happy to give details of “another successful year” for Leicestershire Orienteering club. The club had received many thanks and compliments for their excellently planned and delivered orienteering event on Day 3 of the international Jan Kellstrom festival of orienteering near the Brecon Beacons at Easter.

The club captain, Roger Phillips was able to voice his thanks and praise for the tremendous efforts of the junior team, boys and girls age 12 to 18. They had brought home the Joan George trophy for the National Young Junior Relay Champions including fastest girl award for Hannah Cox of Markfield and fastest boy Nick Wilson from Groby. Hannah Cox W18, also gained 7th place in the Junior European cup when she competed in Lommel, Belgium.

The club captain wryly commented that at some events the juniors sparkled but were let down by ‘lack of vital speed’ from the adults e.g. LEI missing third place by one point. But some of our adults have vital speed and LEI can number 16 East Midlands champions and 6 Midlands champions including M75s David Anderson (Glenfield) and Peter Leake (Coalville), So our club is a family club with sons, daughters, and grandchildren, competing against mums, dads and grandparents Three of our club members are also involved with Radio orienteering and have been representing Britain around the world. Bob Titterington M70 recently returned with a silver medal from the world championships in Kazakhstan.

Sessions for juniors (and accompanying adults) to learn the skills of orienteering are held at Groby College 6.30pm Monday evenings in term time and at Ashby Map Runners on Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm Ivanhoe College, Ashby, where recently map & compass skills have been supplemented with magic tricks!

Thursday evenings at Glenfield Sports Ground is the time for adults to stretch those legs in keep fit sessions or orienteering round the streets of Glenfield, All the calories burned off are then replaced with food & drink at a well known pub in Glenfield Forthcoming events include Sunday morning Nov 30th Beacon Hill.. Sat 6th Dec Xmas novelty event for club members only at Martinshaw Woods, Sat 27th Dec night orienteering, Sun morning 28th Dec normal orienteering both at Spring Cottage near Albert Village Start your New Year ‘get fit’ resolution on Thurs morning 1st Jan. 2015 at Sence Valley near Ibstock If you would like to know more about these events or orienteering in general, the club website can be found at leioc. org.uk or if you would like to speak to someone telephone Roger Edwards: 0116 2127547, email: rwmhedwards@ gmail.com or John and Irene Marriott 0116 2364295. john.marriott@ntlworld.com If you are going to an event for your first taste of orienteering please contact the event organiser and we will endeavour to have an orienteer to show you how to start.

Irene Marriott

Woodhouse Eaves Film Shows,,, The Book Thief - Wednesday 28th January 2015, 7:30pm | 2 hours 10 mins While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others, and starts a love affair with books. In the basement of her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.

Starring Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson. Oscar nominated.

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall, Main Street, LE12 8RZ. Tickets £4 with light refreshments from newsagent or on the door.

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s in a r T m a e t S a t San ... on the Great Central Railway Make your Christmas magical by hopping on a Santa Steam Train this December. It’s the perfect start to your family Christmas…

Santa has swapped his sleigh for a fun filled journey on an enchanting steam train. Ride on board the award winning Santa Specials and let Father Christmas surprise you with a an exciting present and a chat with the man himself! (N.B: On Wednesday 10th & Wednesday 17th December, our fares are just £8.00! No present is supplied, but please feel free to bring your own.)

A warm welcome and some pure festive magic awaits you. There’s a festive craft market on the platforms from 9am – 4pm - perfect for your Christmas shopping and plenty of treats on board too!

Trains run every weekend and on the selected week days (Weds 10th, Weds 17th, Monday 22nd, Tues 23rd and Weds 24th December) in the run up to Christmas starting on Saturday 29th November all the way up to Christmas Eve. Santa visits every child on board and can have their photo taken.

Prices start from £12 - advanced booking is essential. Book online: www.gcrailway.co.uk or call: 01509 632323.

ROTHLEY HISTORY SOCIETY Our September meeting attracted a good number of members, and a lot of visitors, to hear the talk by David Lyne, secretary of Leicester Industrial Heritage Society, who talked about the Leicester to Swannington Railway, and included information about the opening of part of Glenfield Tunnel, one of the Society’s more recent projects.

Our AGM takes place on Wednesday, 19th. November, when the new committee for the following year, will be elected.

It is with sadness that we say farewell to Val Wadge, (who has made sure we have had refreshments at our meetings for several years), as she is not going to stand for re-election this year, so we are certainly looking for at least one new committee member. Following the short business meeting, we are looking forward to hearing what Jane Barnes has to share with us about the life of a farmer’s wife, and their supply of milk for making Stilton Cheese. There will be samples of the cheese and also a glass of wine to compliment it’s flavour!

Our final meeting for 2014 will be held on Wednesday, 17th. December, when the speaker will be Dr. John Sutton talking about the 1912 Christmas Truce.

Meetings are held at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley at 7.30pm. Admission is £3 for visitors and £2 for members. Visitors are always welcome!!

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

Wednesday 10th December 2014 - Land of Ice and Fire An illustrated talk by Danny Green, Wildlife Photographer Danny’s award winning photography is awe inspiring and his talks are always very popular. He is involved in several international photographic projects and is world renowned for the quality and artistry of his images. In this talk Danny will showcase his images and give us insights into the wildlife of Iceland and, as he says: “To photograph subjects well requires a deep knowledge of its behaviour and habits.” Seating is limited so please arrive early for this talk.

Wednesday 14th January 2015 - A fascination with insects - a talk by Dr Ray Morris Ray has worked 44 years as a professional microbiologist and for over 60 years has been a keen amateur entomologist – he says “in many ways I have been involved with bugs for a long time!” He currently looks after the VC55 records for caddis flies and harvestmen in the county, is current Chair of the Leicestershire Entomological Society and rejoined the Trust Council this year after a previous bout in the 1980s.

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

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£600,000 Heritage Centre project gets planning go-ahead

The Mountsorrel and Rothley Community Heritage Centre, has now received planning permission to go ahead with its ambitious project to build a heritage centre at Swithland Lane on the boundary of the two parishes. With finance and planning permission in place the hunt is already underway for suitable contractors to undertake the majority of the work.

The Heritage Centre will be constructed alongside the restored Mountsorrel Railway at Nunckley Hill, close to the Halstead Road junction and will be operated by an independent, not for profit company run by the community for the community. The aim is for the heritage centre and other attractions on the site to be free for the public to visit with a tea room generating income to allow the site to operate.

The plan involves the rescue, relocation and restoration of three old granite stone buildings, all of which have local importance and their own history, but are either in a poor state of repair or at risk of being lost. These will be relocated to Nunckley Hill to form the core of the heritage centre and tea room.

The scheme has been made possible thanks to Lafarge Tarmac who are providing the land required for the project, materials at prime cost, as well as a grant of £540,000 through their Landfill Tax Credits scheme. The remaining match funding has been provided by public donations and grants from the Rothley History Society, Friends of the Great Central Main Line, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Harry Hames Cottage Charity, the Helen Jean Cope Charity and the Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust.

The heritage centre will tell the interesting and varied story of both Mountsorrel and Rothley’s history, which includes connections to the abolition of the slavery movement, the Knights Templar and a castle built by a nephew of William the Conqueror!

As well as the heritage centre and tea room, the scheme also includes car parking, a half mile long “Nunckley Trail” nature path through woodland, created by volunteers over the past 18 months, a railway platform to allow visitors to ride heritage steam and diesel trains, which the Great Central Railway will run along the branch line starting next year. There will also be a quarry museum area providing a static recreation of how granite quarrying took place in Mountsorrel at the end of the 19th century. This involves the creation of replica stone built stone masons huts and railway sidings for shunting demonstrations.

A future addition will be a railway museum building housing historic railway vehicles that once worked at Mountsorrel quarry and an exhibition room to tell the story of the geology of Charnwood Forest as well as the history of quarrying at Mountsorrel. Funding is still required for these two buildings but the planning permission includes their construction.

To comply with funding conditions the work is scheduled to be completed by mid-summer 2015. To keep costs down, however, a substantial portion of the work will be carried out by community volunteers and several local companies have come on board to offer their advice, services and skills free of charge to help the project succeed. These include Lafarge Tarmac, Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors, Ask Accounting, Languard Vegetation Management, Palmer Smith Tax Services, D & d Building Services Consulting Engineers, Kibworth Tax Services. The Rothley History Society, Mountsorrel Heritage Group and Rothley Heritage Trust are all working closely with the project also.

Project Leader Steve Cramp commented “We have been overwhelmed by the response of local businesses and individuals to our project, which continues to develop as more people hear what we are doing and have achieved. To reconstruct the branch line, from Bond Lane, Mountsorrel to Swithland sidings on the Great Central Railway, took us six years and was a tremendous achievement. The heritage centre is an equally ambitious project. We are very grateful to Lafarge Tarmac’s Landfill Community Fund for providing the majority of the funding for the scheme and also to the public and other charities and organisations that helped us to raise the £56,000 match funding required to release the landfill grant. The next 9 months are certainly going to be an exciting and busy time for our volunteers. We need more help so if you would like to volunteer and get involved, whether it be with physical work or with the many administration and planning tasks, please get in touch”.

For further information see our website www.heritage-centre.co.uk. Or to volunteer, please email project leader Steve Cramp at: steve@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk If you would like to donate to the Exhibition and Museum Building fund then please send cheques made payable to “DCRT” (David Clarke Railway Trust) to 112 Balmoral Road, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7EW (Please write ‘Heritage Centre’ on the reverse of cheques.)

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SEASON’S GREETINGS...

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...FROM US TO YOU!

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SEASON’S GREETINGS...

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The Griffin Inn Is Top Of The Crops The Griffin Inn has been crowned top of the crops after their well-established and cared for garden with its miniature Old John ruin – endearingly referred to by its regulars as ‘Odd John’ after Licensee John Cooledge - helped it to green fingered glory.

Licensee John and Manager Jay and staff are celebrating being named Best Overall Pub Garden winner in Everards annual horticultural event, The Spencer Memorial Garden Competition.

This is the first time they have entered the garden competition for several years. With Jay now managing the pub, John has enjoyed improving the grounds of both the courtyard and Old Stables, as well as their herb and Pimm’s garden with the help of friend Eric Marshall. They have wonderful plans for the grounds over the next few years which includes developing the field out the back The Griffin Inn was among 50 entrants to the competition, the highest rate of entrants to date, which marked pubs on a range of criteria including kerb appeal, effectiveness of outdoor space and creativity. Winners went through three rounds of judging to achieve the accolade, with competitors being whittled down to four semi-finalists per category.

In the second round, Richard Everard and Ian Gibson visited the shortlisted pubs to select four finalists for each category. Planting perfectionists Serena Richards and Bernard Hanraads Director of Glebes Garden Centre then completed the final round of judging.

The Griffin is a great pub with a great atmosphere, a true village pub, serving its local community, and visitors to the area.

With the recent addition of The Old Stables and the pub’s award winning, well kept gardens, The Griffin is the perfect location for weddings, anniversaries and any other function you could possibly envisage!

Offering a range of award winning cask ales, a comprehensive wine menu and great food, that they strive to ensure is locally sourced where possible and freshly made to order.

You can find the Griffin Inn at 174 Main Street, Swithland, Loughborough, LE128TJ or visit their website: www.griffininnswithland. co.uk Photo: L-R - Serina Richards, Jay Cooledge, Bernard Hanraads, John cooledge, Eric Marshall and Richard Everards.

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Newtown Linford Gardening Club A packed village hall heard a very interesting talk from Chelsea Gold Medal garden designer Adam Frost earlier this month. He told us how he got involved in gardening; how his career developed through landscaping and design and about his project with Homebase to provide scholarships for young people to become skilled in horticulture.

He then gave us an insight into the way his award-winning 2014 garden design went from drawing- board to fruition and we were able to realise the enormous amount of effort and cost involved in creating a garden which would be on show for only six days.

We are grateful for the support of local businesses in providing prizes for the raffle – to The Bradgate Inn, Cook’s Farm Shop, The Grey Lady Kitchen and Deli, The Post Office Tea Room, Elegance in Glass, Loughborough Road Nurseries, Quorn and Hollybeck Nurseries in Southwell.

All that remains in the programme this year is the Christmas Party on December 2nd 2014 which is again hosted at the home of our Vice-Chair Sue Pritchard. We have a full programme prepared for 2015: Tuesday 27th January R.S.P.B. Garden Birds - Dr Chris Edwards Tuesday 24th February Timeless Styles - Gardens of the Middle Ages - Matthew Haddon Tuesday 24th March Propagating with Seeds - Caroline Tait Tuesday 28th April Gardens of Europe - Alan Mason Wednesday 27th May Visit to Baracca, Earl Shilton Tuesday 23rd June Poison in the Garden - Richard Woods (Lilies and Chillies ) Tuesday 28th July Summer Garden Party Tuesday 25th August Visit to RHS Hyde Hall Tuesday 22nd September Plants of the Season - Paul Green Tuesday 27th October An Open Evening with Chris Beardshaw (Chelsea Gold Medal Garden Designer) Tuesday 1st December Christmas Party We have welcomed a large number of new members this year and will be pleased if others want to join us.

If you are interested in our activities just contact the secretary, tel: 01530 242452, email: 01530242452@talktalk.net or come to one of our meetings to see how you like it before making a commitment (£2 for visitors). Alternatively give us a ring and ask for

a copy of our programme for the coming year and we will be pleased to send one to you.

Anne and David Couling

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FIND THE PERFECT TREE THIS CHRISTMAS Bradgate Tree’s has the widest selections of Christmas trees in the area:

Norway Spruce - the traditional

Christmas tree.

Nordmann Fir - popular tree with good needle retention.

Buying your Christmas Tree direct from a local plantation means it will be cut fresh and ensures it is in perfect condition throughout Christmas.

Importers of Christmas trees and large wholesalers cut their trees during November whereas a local plantation cuts trees daily to ensure they are “as fresh as a daisy”.

Fraser Fir - narrow tree, scented

Bradgate Trees have been growing Christmas trees in their Plantation in the heart of Charnwood Forest for over forty years. Their seven acre plantation has over 10,000 trees growing in a wide variety and size. Each tree is carefully nurtured using environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.

Blue Spruce - silver blue colour to the thick needles.

A fantastic choice of trees are on display enabling you to view and select your tree easily. Also, many customers choose their own tree from the plantation which is great fun, especially for the children.

deep green foliage with good needle retention and Winner of ‘Which Magazine’ Best Xmas Tree.

Noble Fir (Danish Blues) -

beautiful blue green foliage, highly scented with excellent needle retention.

Serbian Spruce - silvery blue softer needles.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of homemade damson gin and mince pie with sweeties for the kids whilst ‘Santa’s Elves’ net and load your tree into your car.

Many customers reserve their tree early by choosing and tagging their tree on the preview morning which this year is Friday 28th of November. The plantation is open from 10am until 6pm everyday so why not combine buying your tree with a walk in Bradgate Park, directly opposite!

To find out more visit:

www.bradgatetrees.com | facebook.com/bradgatetrees Situated opposite Bradgate Parks’ Old John’s Car Park, between Newtown Linford and Woodhouse Eaves, LE6 0AL

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What’s On...

The Christmas Show Friends of Thringstone Grand Central Chorus and Guests

Sunday the 7th December, 2014 The Christmas Show this year is to be held on Sunday the 7th December, 2014, in the May Hall, Trent College, Derby Road, Long Eaton NG10 4AD, at 4.30.pm.

Grand Central Chorus is looking forward to entertaining you with a combination of Christmas and barbershop songs. Joining our seasonal festivities will be the renowned Trent College Band. We are also fortunate to have a top quality barbershop quartet “Finest Hour” performing, and Len Matthews will be compering the show.

Tickets £10 (including seasonal refreshments) Children under 10, £5 and available from any Grand Central Chorus member or in person from Heaps, 81 Main Street, Long Eaton, NG10 1GW, tel: 0115 9734922 or contact Brian Sargent on 01773 749737, email: publicity. gcc@gmail.com to reserve your tickets.

See the website for more details:

www.grandcentralchorus.com

“Make We Joy!” -Music and Words for Advent and Christmas Saturday 13th December 2014 The Loughborough-based chamber choir Viva la Musica, under the musical direction of Beth Williams, invites you to get into the festive spirit with an evening of Music and Words for Advent and Christmas.

The concert will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday 13th December at Trinity Methodist Church, Royland Road, Loughborough. Tickets £7 (under 16s free) in advance from info@vivalamusica.org.uk or on the door on the night.

The Friends of Thringstone is a local group that do a number of activities to benefit the village and local area.

Among the activities the group litter pick, plant trees, shrubs and flowers and maintain 5 flower beds they have taken over from various other agencies, they clean graffiti, produce history booklets - all for the love of the village.

Their next meeting is on :

Thursday December 4th 2014 at 6:45pm This will be a full meeting and anyone welcome to attend. It will be held in Thringstone Community Centre, Thringstone House, The Green, Thringstone, LE67 8NR. Visit: www.friends-of-thringstone.org.uk or their Facebook page (Friends of Thringstone) for further details.

Swannington Swannington Social Group Thursday evenings, Village Hall Contact: Trevor Popay 01530-838401.

Whist drives held on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month, commencing 7.30pm. £2 entry plus raffle prizes.

Retired People’s Fellowship Meetings: Every Wednesday at the Village Hall from 1.00 - 4.00 pm. Contact: Mary Lumsden 01530 832008 There is a small weekly fee. We meet to enjoy cards, dominoes, bingo, afternoon tea and plenty of chatting! Very friendly group. We enjoy lunches out and a day trip - usually to the coast. This year we will be going to Skegness. If anyone would like to join please call me for further details.

1st Swannington Guides & Brownies Contact: Patricia Hibbert Tel: 01530 835441

Christmas at the Mill Sunday 7th December, 2 - 4pm at Hough Mill Santa has agreed to visit Hough Mill and as usual visitors are encouraged to book a free slot to visit Santa to minimise waiting times.

The mill will be open to explore and a range of artefacts will be available for use. Refreshments will be available in the Neaverson Centre. There will be a range of craft stalls and family games for all to provide a marvellous family Christmas atmosphere for all ages.

Like our Hough Mill facebook page (www.facebook. com/HoughMill) and Hough Mill twitter feed (www. twitter.com/HoughMill) to keep up to date with all things happening at the mill.

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What’s On...

Newtown Linford Choral Society

Shepshed Singers: Come & Sing

Friday 30th & Saturday 31st January, 2015

Saturday 17th January 2015

The Choral Society is excited about its next winter concert, which is to be held in Ratby Church on Friday, 30th January and Saturday, 31st January, 2015. The concert will feature two contrasting pieces of music by the well known contemporary composer, John Rutter, both of which were premiered at Carnegie Hall, New York. The first is “Mass of the Children,” which as well as the Choral Society will also feature a Youth Choir. The second is a collection of Spirituals entitled “Feel The Spirit”.

The choir will be continuing with its recently established annual Come & Sing events in Loughborough, with one at Trinity Methodist Church Centre on January 17th 2015.

The Choir will be accompanied by an orchestra, and Sarah Stephens will be the guest soprano soloist. Tickets are priced at £10, (£5 for children, under 10 free!) and will be available at the beginning of December from Ratby Post Office, Newtown Linford Village Stores, Peter Sayer 01530 243822, and any member of the Choir.

There’s a chance for more young people, ages 9 – 18, to sing in the Youth Choir at this concert. If you’re interested then you should contact the Choral Society without delay, as rehearsals will be starting soon.

Ashby Concert Band

Ashby Concert Band is a lively group of musicians of all ages, aiming to keep music alive in the area. ACB meets weekly at Holy Trinity Church, Ashby, and is always looking for new, enthusiastic players, especially in the Brass Section. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in joining, just come along on a Monday evening at 7:30pm and introduce yourself. We’d love to meet you!

As 2014 draws to a close it can only mean one thing the annual ACB Christmas concert on Saturday 20th December at 7.30 pm in Holy Trinity church, Ashby de la Zouch. The programme of music will include many traditional favourites along with a few first time performances. To find out what they are you will just have to come along.

All details will be on their website www.shepshedsingers. org.uk, or email them: tickets@shepshedsingers.org.uk to receive information hot off the press!

Swannington Art

Swannington Drawing & Watercolour Art Classes These classes are held at Swannington Village Hall: Tues: 2 - 4pm / 7 - 9pm & Thurs 2 - 4pm / 7 - 9pm Tutor Sue Garner has been running classes in the village for over 20 years. The groups have on average 12+ students, so are large enough to be lively, but not too large, so individual attention is possible.

All abilities are catered for and students need not feel intimidated and can join at any time and will soon integrate into these friendly groups.

Many of the students have been coming for years so there are only a few spaces available in the various groups. However if you are interested in joining please contact Sue on 01530 811130 or 07914 527291.

Ashby Farmers Market Saturday 20th December & Saturday 17th January 2015 Ashby Farmers Market is held at Manor House School, South Street, Ashby LE65 1BR from 9am - 2pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Over 25 Producers bringing the

finest foods from across the region.

For further information about the Farmers Market telephone 01530 261660.

Friday 12th December - Film Presentations ... ...from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council About Time - Directed by Richard Curtis, this wonderful British comedy drama stars Bill Nighy and Domhnall Gleeson who features in “Anna Karenina”.

Tim discovers that he has a new gift which enables him to travel in time. With this special ability, Tim tries to change his past in order to improve his future. Do these unusual plans succeed? He has an eccentric family and friends who all help to give this film both warmth and humour.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing this film at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £4.50 and concessions are £4. The price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw. Advanced tickets can be purchased via the parish office - 0116 236 7626 or at the door.

Diana www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Crossword No: 10

PUZZLE PAGE

ACROSS 1. Military units (6) 4. Common illness (8) 9. Shortsightedness (6) 10. Poisonous substance extracted from plants such as deadly nightshade (8) 12. Not repeated in the past (4) 13. Goggle box (5) 14. Prominence at the posterior end of the foot (4) 17. Inflammation of the vermiform appendix (12) 20. Hemmed square of thin fabric (12) 23. See to an advance of money (4) 24. Adversely criticise a batting performance? (5) 25. Scrabble piece (4) 28. Inflammation of the urinary bladder (8) 29. Not quite (6) 30. Nervous excitement of a hanging? (8) 31. Collected fees or profits (6)

DOWN 1. Secular lot are somehow besieging politician (8) 2. Medical instrument containing lens and light, for examining the auditory meatus (8) 3. Physical distress (4) 5. Dope in army section? (12) 6. A barrier to economic prosperity (4) 7. A plumbing fixture (6) 8. Aromas (6) 11. A branch of dentistry dealing with gum disease (12)

15. Behave in an underhanded manner (5) 16. Number with a yen to scratch (5) 18. A small wrist bone that articulates only with the triquetral (8) 19. Pretentious (8) 21. Abstract mental locations (6) 22. Ankle bone (6) 26. Bitter-tasting, dark green to yellowish brown fluid (4) 27. Useful name for internal bone (4)

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

Crossword No: 9 Solution

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DECEMBER 2014

The Great Central Railway The man in the Red Coat rules the railway for much of the month, normal services resume on Boxing Day. There is a varied selection of Christmas themed Dining Trains.

SANTA SPECIALS These trains run every weekend and on Wednesday 10, 17 (on these two services no present is included feel free to bring your own) and Monday 22, Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24. Steam services resume on Boxing Day until New Year’s Day and Friday, then the normal services resume on the first weekend of the new year.

DINING TRAINS There is an extensive selection of Christmas Dining Trains to choose from during the month including a Murder Mystery on the 10th and an extra Christmas Forester on Wednesday the 17th and a Boxing Day Luncheon, then you can see the New Year in on the New Year’s Eve Celebration Dining Train.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE RAILWAY Improvements to Quorn and Woodhouse Station are now complete, repairs to the grade II listed station stairway arcade and provision of a path for wheel chair access. The tin shed in the middle of the yard has also been restored and is very useful at special events, next to the shed a small goods platform incorporating a cattle pen and coal staithes have also been installed. Signage around the station to help visitors has also been completed and a new running board on the platform.

BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE LATEST With the start of construction moving ever closer, it is hoped earthworks will start in January. There are many things happening in the background which are boring but need to be done to make bridging the gap happen, there will be more news in the next edition of Main Line out on December 1st, delivered to Friends or available in the shop at Loughborough Station. The Bridge to the Future appeal is now over £650,000, if you haven’t donated yet, you can give online at: www.gcrailway.co.uk Alternatively, you can pick up a Bridge to the Future appeal leaflet from any GCR station on your next visit.

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

PREVIEW OF EVENTS IN JANUARY The big one this month is the three day Winter Gala, with two visiting engines. There is a limited selection of dining trains this month, mainly lunch trains on Saturday and Sunday, to celebrate Burns Night a Pullman Dining Train will run on Saturday evening, January 24.

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

Dave Allen, Duty Station Master, Rothley.

Photo: Class 73 73961 arrives at Rothley with a train for Loughborough, the locomotive has been completely refurbished at Brush Traction for GB Railfreight and tested on the GCR. Brush and GB Railfreight gave permission for it to be used on two service trains on Saturday, October 18 with 45041 Royal Tank Regiment for back up, both trips went without any problems. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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HAPPY HENS THRIVE UNDER ONE MILLION TREES Free range egg producers across Great Britain have planted more than one million trees to create a happy habitat for their hens. Chickens derive from jungle foul meaning they express their natural behaviour when provided with the shade and shelter offered by the trees. Birds will venture further into their range and live a stress-free life, which is good for the farmer and good for their hens.

Over the past 10 years, the British Free Range Egg Producers Association’s 400 members have planted in excess of one million trees.

One such farmer is Trevor Sellers. He established Belton Poultry Farm near Uppingham in Leicestershire 11 years ago and has planted more than 3,500 trees.

He said: “When I bought the farm I planted trees to enhance the situation and I was one of the first into the Sainsbury’s woodland scheme.

“I’m a big advocate of birds being outside – they have the choice to go in and out but I prefer my birds to be out of the shed and the trees encourage that.”

The vast majority of farmers meet the cost of planting the trees themselves, recognising the benefits to their birds.

Broadleaved trees have predominantly been planted because of the cover they offer but a variety of species found in English woodlands can also be seen growing on free range farms.

Trevor chose a mixture of species to plant across 50 acres of his farm, “I’ve planted lime trees, silver birches, three different oaks, some wild cherries, an orchard of apple and pear trees and also some cobnuts,” he said.

Tree planting is only one of the ways many free-range egg farmers are investing to improve both hen welfare and the bottom line of their businesses. Husbandry, housing and other wildlife initiatives all contribute to ensure farmers have happy hens producing lots of top-quality free range eggs.

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Local Clubs Whitwick Historical Group On Friday 19th December, Whitwick and District U3A’s General Meeting will be a seasonal special, a Christmas Social Event with mince pies. It will be an afternoon to sit back and be entertained by Margarita Davis, also known as “Our Flossie”. A funny and versatile singer, Flossie will transform before your eyes from one character to another.

Loughborough RSPB Local Group

Members and visitors will receive a warm welcome.

Kindly arrive at 1.45pm for a 2pm start at St. David’s Church Hall, Broomleys, Coalville.

TALK: Captivating Nature by Des Ong.

Open Afternoon - Thursday 11th December 2014 The group will be hosting their traditional Christmas Open Afternoon from 1pm until 4pm. This is a free event with light refreshments and a warm welcome.

Call in at The Old Station, North Street, Whitwick to meet the friendly volunteers and see for yourself our extensive resources. Copies of our publications and the 2015 Calendar will be on sale along with the opportunity to try your luck with a “Bran Tub” and Christmas Prize Draw.

For more information about Whitwick and District U3A, please visit our website: www.whitwicku3a.org.uk

Events in December 2014 & January 2015 Friday 12th December 2014 This talk will begin with a music slideshow depicting exotic wildlife, both on land and underwater, followed by the main presentation starting with our native fauna, looking at some of the projects Des has worked on. Then we will travel afar where he will talk about the fascinating wildlife of Borneo. The talk will be held in the Lecture Theatre at the Brockington Building Loughborough University at 7.45pm. Price: £3 Group Members, £3.50 Non members, LU Students with SU card gratis.

Monday 15th December 2014 WALK: Beacon Hill Wildlife walk at Beacon Hill at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at the car park - SK521148.

Friday 9th January 2015 TALK: My Local Patch by Matt Merritt.

Matt is Editor of Birdwatching Magazine but his local patch is Charnwood Forest! Come and see what happened when he ditched the car and explored this local area on foot. The talk will be held in the Lecture Theatre at the Brockington Building Loughborough University at 7.45pm. Price: £3 Group Members, £3.50 Non members, LU Students with SU card gratis.

Monday 12th January 2015 WALK: Cossington Meadow

Loughborough Naturalists Club Meetings are held at Quorn Church Rooms, Church Lane, Quorn LE12 8DP at 7.30pm.

Wildlife walk at Cossington Meadow near Rothley at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at the car park – SK596163.

Saturday 13th December - Ferns in Leicestershire & Rutland by Andy Lear

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

Saturday 10th January – Darwin & the Local Natural History Scene by Tony Fletcher

Roots Community Singers

Andy Lear, who is talking in December about Ferns, is a Conservation Officer with Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

Please come along and share them with us. There will be no charge for your first meeting and accompanied children will be most welcome.

Acappella choir specialising in traditional and contemporary folk music, with experienced choir master.

No singing or musical ability required!

Practice nights Tuesday evenings 7.00 - 9.00 pm Newbold Primary School.

For more details ring Sue 07981 356388

Contact Doreen, on 0771 340 9743 for further information on indoor or outdoor meetings.

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Local Clubs Historic Leicester Folk Woodhouse & Woodhouse Eaves Local History Group A most interesting and amusing talk was given to the Woodhouse & Woodhouse Eaves Local History Group

by Blue Badge Guide Robert Gregory on Monday, 10 November 2014 entitled ‘The good, bad & sometimes ugly, naughty and nice Leicester people’.

Edward Vaughan was a former vicar of St. Martin’s Cathedral and the porch there was erected in 1896/7 and paid for by public subscription to honour the work of Edward and his 3 sons. They were instrumental in providing education for working people, particularly framework knitters and established Vaughan College in 1862.

Albert Hattersley was the only man who escaped

over the wall of Leicester Prison - this has the highest prison wall in the country being 40ft tall, 16ft thick at the base and 6ft at the top. He managed to get onto a train to Nottingham later that day but was arrested at the station there because a passenger had left a copy of the Leicester Mercury on the train with his picture on the front and was recognised immediately.

Frederick Goodyear was Chief Constable in 1836 and

lived for many years in a cottage built next to the Mayor’s Parlour in the Guildhall. His salary was £125 per year and he did much to stamp out corruption in local politics with cells built next to his cottage.

George Davenport, who lived in Wigston was

Leicester’s most notorious highwayman. He was originally a framework knitter in the late 1790’s but, due to his athletic build was able to escape detention many times saying ‘catch me if you can!’. He was eventually caught, convicted and hanged at Redhill.

Whitwick & District U3A On Friday 19th December, Whitwick and District U3A’s General Meeting will be a seasonal special, a Christmas Social Event with mince pies. It will be an afternoon to sit back and be entertained by Margarita Davis, also known as “Our Flossie”. A funny and versatile singer, Flossie will transform before your eyes from one character to another.

Members and visitors will receive a warm welcome. Kindly arrive at 1.45pm for a 2pm start at St. David’s Church Hall, Broomleys, Coalville. For more information about Whitwick and District U3A, please visit our website:

www.whitwicku3a.org.uk

Ashby Bridge Club Meets Monday & Thursday at 7:00 pm & Wednesday at 1:30pm. New members and visitors welcome.

Contact Patrick Dunham pgzdunham@tiscali.co.uk 01530 510124. www.bridgewebs.com/ashby

Coleorton Women’s Institute 3rd December - Christmas Fuddle.

Coleorton WI meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at the Beaumont Social Centre, Nottingham Road, Peggs Green. We are an active group and welcome visitors and new members. Each month we have a speaker or demonstration on various topics. For information contact Esther Massey: 01530 450306.

LRWT - North West Group

We are a friendly group which meets monthly for talks, visits, conservation work and social events.

Daniel Lambert was famous for his obesity, weighing

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

He did work in the county jail in Highcross and saw the 4th Earl Ferrers of Staunton Harold, said to have a violent temper, who murdered a servant with a pistol.

He was held in the Tower of London, tried in the House of Lords where he pleaded insanity but was convicted and hanged at Tyburn before a large crowd in 1760.

To find out more about our group please ring David Maltby on 01530 222934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262389.

53 stone and a waist measurement over 9 feet!

Robert gave many interesting anecdotes about all these historical personalities and will be welcomed back for further tales in the future.

Our next meeting is on Monday 8th December 2014 when David Bell will talk about Leicestershire and Rutland Ghosts and Legends.

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

Friday 12th December - AGM and social occasion. To include at long last a showing of the nationally famous DVD ‘100 years of the Wildlife Trusts.’

Thursday 1st January - New Years Day walk. Enjoy woods, wildfowl and the promise of spring on the Staunton Harold – Dimminsdale circular walk. Meet 1:00 in the Staunton Harold lower, nursery car park.

Friday 16th January - Geoff Pursglove of Ashby Canal. The Trust traces the development of the canal and outlines current opportunities for all on this local waterway.

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Charnwood Music For All If you are a lover of Organ Music, then this is definitely the place to be. Every month, at 7.30pm, on the second Wednesday, there’s a treat in store at The Charnwood Arms, at Bardon, just off the A511. You may be surprised to learn that some of the UK’s top organists perform there.

In September our very own Chris Powell was the Organist. Unfortunately, I was unable to be there. However, regular attendees at Bardon have reported that Chris’s performance was, as usual, of a very high standard and, along with his usual good humour and collection of stories, the audience were stylishly, entertained and had lots to sing along to.

October’s guest was Robert Wolfe, probably one of the country’s best-known theatre organists. Introduced as ‘our very own Mr Wurlitzer from East Anglia’, Robert entertained us magnificently for over two hours. He has been resident organist at Thursford, in Norfolk, for 34 years. Only a few days previously he (or rather his red socked flying feet) had featured in a TV programme telling the history of the famous Thursford Collection. After many hours of him playing the organ during the filming, when the programme was shown, it featured just two or three bars of ‘Mack the Knife – much to Robert’s amusement!

Robert Wolfe was on yet another whistle-stop tour of England, calling at many venues as far apart as Pembroke and Glasgow, in just one week. He explained that his wonderful ‘Lowrey Royale’ two-tier keyboard had been moved in damp conditions a number of times, including on that evening, and that the sound-bar was ‘complaining’’, by occasionally making an odd drumming noise. Nevertheless, we enjoyed some unusual compositions and compilations, including a topical selection of Autumn music. Lots of the tunes reflected Robert’s three years as organist at Blackpool Tower.

These included war-time songs, songs from the shows, romantic melodies and dance music. Particularly memorable were ‘I had a dream’ and ‘Bring him home’ from ‘Les Miserables’.

Finally, Robert offered a lovely selection of his own CDs (good Christmas presents) and reminded us that he is playing in Derbyshire at the ‘Pipes in the Peak’ concert very soon. You may wish to know that that is an annual celebration, usually held in October.

Those readers who play their own organ, or simply like to listen to organ music, brilliantly played in a wide-variety of styles, in a relaxing environment, will be entertained and impressed by the talented musicians who perform at these concerts. Our Christmas concert, on December 17th will feature Brett Wales .The cost is £6 and a bar is available (as are reasonably priced meals, prior to the concert, at the adjacent Charnwood Arms Hotel).

For further information please contact Chris Powell on 01530 274270.

Sylvia Cole

Coalville & District Ramblers Rambler groups help local people enjoy walking and protect the places we all love to walk. Most groups organise regular walks led by local experts – a great way to get outside, make new friends and discover how walking boosts your health and happiness.

You’re very welcome to try walking with us, or to get involved in looking after paths and green spaces and opening up new places to explore. We are Coalville Ramblers, one of six Groups which make up the Leicestershire and Rutland Area of the Ramblers’ Association.

We are fortunate in Leicestershire to have one of the best maintained footpath networks in the country, with well way-marked paths and a good proportion of our styles replaced by gates. We have a full programme throughout the year, with walks each Wednesday and alternate Saturdays and Sundays. In addition there are shorter walks on one Thursday a month, usually finishing at a pub for lunch, and during the summer months we have a short evening walk on Thursdays. We have a one-day coach trip in May, with a choice of walks, and in September we have a long weekend further afield, again with a choice of walks. Although walking as a group gives an opportunity to socialise, we have occasional social evenings, and on Friday lunchtimes a number of regulars get together in the local Wetherspoons Pub to “put the world to rights”.

We try to be “green” by encouraging car-sharing to walks. Our programme gives a starting time and meeting place in Coalville, together with a suggested contribution towards fuel. This also helps those who do not drive or prefer not to. Our membership is made up predominantly of active retired people, but we have a number of younger members. New members of any age are always welcome, and can join us for two or three walks before committing to becoming members.

Visit: www.coalvilleramblers.org.uk for further information.

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

EVENTS DIARY “Cinderella” at Century Theatre Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December, 2014 The Panto Company’s 2014 pantomime production of Cinderella is filled with lively characters, up to date chart songs and slapstick humour. With something to please everyone, romance and of course - a daring adventure. Performances on Saturday 6th December at 2pm and 6:30pm and Sunday 7th December at 2pm only. Tickets are £8.50 and £7.50 each for groups of 10+. Tickets are available by calling 01530 278444

10th Annual Santa Fun Run or Walk Sunday 7th December, 2014 Organised by the Rotary Club of Loughborough. New this year Christmas Dog Parade at 10.20 am to judge the best dressed dog. Limited numbers so book early. This event will be a Christmas Spectacular with panto characters, local radio, live music, Santa’s Grotto, Ferris Wheel and a Christmas Market.

Starting at 11.00am in the Market Place, Loughborough Further details and application form

www.santa-fun-run.co.uk

Lights of Love Service - Staunton Harold Sunday 7th December, 2014 Hospice Hope’s Lights of Love Service 2014 will take place at 4pm on 7th December at The Ferrers Centre, Staunton Harold, Leicestershire Once again at Christmas, Hospice Hope invite you to join them in remembering loved ones and friends at this special time of year. A light on their Christmas tree can be sponsored in their name. Prayers around the tree will be led by Rev Tim Phillips, followed by carol singing with Concordia and The Oddfellows Band.

If you would like to take part in this service please ring 07935 800 658 or email info@hospicehope.org.uk You will be sent a leaflet which includes a tag for you to dedicate to someone special, which you will be invited to hang on the tree during the service.

Christmas Fayre at Snibston Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th December, 2014 Browse the stalls for fantastic festive gifts for all the family at Snibston, Ashby Road, Coalville. This Christmas fayre is on both the 6th and 7th December. 10am to 4pm. Free in the main foyer. 50% discount for normal admission prices for entry into the museum.

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

Monday 01 - Saturday 20 December | WW1 - The Great War Exhibition - Ashby de la Zouch Ashby Museum are holding an exhibition in the Loudoun Gallery, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. The exhibition will run until the end of the year.

Ashby Museum. North Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1HU | Telephone 01530 560090 or see website for opening times: ashbydelazouchmuseum.org.uk

Thursday 04 December | Christmas Concert at Welbeck A Christmas Concert by the students of Welbeck Sixth Form Defence College at 7pm.

St Paul’s Church, Woodhouse Eaves | Tickets £6 on the door including refreshments. There will also be a Raffle.

Friday 05 December | Palace Christmas Social Dance A very popular evening of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence Doors & bar open at 7.30pm. Dancing from 8.00pm ‘till 11.00pm.

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

Friday 05 December | Carol Service by Candlelight Staunton Harold Church will be holding a Carol Service by Candlelight in the Church at 7pm. Entry is free, and all donations will be passed on to Hospice Hope. Seasonal Refreshments will be served afterwards, and parking is available in the Lion Court car park, courtesy of Mr and Mrs Blunt. Singing will be assisted by the Calke Abbey Volunteer Choir. Post code for sat nav is LE65 1RW

Saturday 06 December | Community Morning - Craft & Gift Fayre - Thringstone A Community Morning is being held at Thringstone House Community Centre from 9am - 12noon. Table Top Sale, Mini Car Boot, Bric-a-Brac, Greetings Cards, Baby Hand Knits, Fancy Goods. Come and grab a bargain! FREE admission everyone welcome.

Community Mornings will take place on the first Saturday of every month. For further details telephone 01530 222337.

Saturday 06 December | Cropston Evangelical Free Church Coffee Morning Bradgate Flower Club welcomes Lynda Stamp from Market Harborough with ‘Nature’s Fantasia’ as her theme. We meet at Newtown Linford Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Visitors are welcome. A charge of £5 is made. Details from Lillian Coleman on 0116 2363191.

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EVENTS DIARY Friday 12 December | Christmas Carol Service Outside Around The Christmas Tree Thringstone House Community Centre, in partnership with St Andrew’s Church and Friends of Thringstone, will be putting on a carol service outside the centre round the Christmas tree. There will be a procession from St Andrew’s starting at 6.30pm with a view to then congregating around the tree for 7pm. After the singing, there will be entertainment and hot and cold drinks inside the centre. All are welcome, and a collection will be made for Christian Aid.

Friday 12 December | Night At The Hermo - Whitwick An evening of Top Class Comedy featuring Dean Courtney one of the UK’s top comedians of stage, TV and radio. Dean is always hard hitting and crowd pleasing!. Kev Connerly a larger than life act with great timing and unbelievable stories. Liam Smith warm up man to Jim Davidson and Chubby Brown, Liam is second to none and is at the top of his game. Rob Coleman dead pan and intellectual humour from a rising star of the comedy circuit. Tony Harris with a selection of great songs and one liners, Tony always leaves the audience wanting more!

At Hermitage Leisure Centre, Silver Street, Whitwick, Coalville, LE67 5EU. From 7.30pm until late. Tickets £10. This event will sell out please book early to avoid disappointment for tickets and further information telephone 01530 811215.

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December | Christmas at the Tudor Manor - Donington Le Heath Find out how they celebrated Christmas in Tudor times - what were festivities like before Christmas Trees , Crackers and Turkey and Tinsel? Hear early carols and talks and visit the gift stalls all set in a traditionally decorated 700 year old manor house. Plus have a go crafts for children (small charge). At Donington le Heath Manor House LE67 For further information telephone 01530 831259

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December | Victorian Christmas at Stonehurst Family Farm Come and enjoy the fantastic atmosphere of a real Victorian Christmas at the farm. There will be Feast of Christmas cheer and Victorian atmosphere in the farm yard. With the log brasiers and Brass Band playing. Live Nativity, Christmas market and fair and visit Father Christmas by the glowing log fire.

For further details see www.stonehurstfarm.co.uk | Sat: 10am - 8pm, Sun: 10am - 5pm | Adults: £4, Children: FREE, to see Father Christmas (including gift): £6 | Bond Lane, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire, LE12 7AR | Tel: 01509 413 216

Sunday 14 December | Christmas Seasonal Sunday - Ferrers Centre Ibstock Community Choir and Bakanalia Border Morris Troupe will be performing at the Ferrers Centre, Staunton Harold between 11:00am and 5:00pm on Sunday 14th December as part of the Christmas Seasonal Sundays. For further information call 01332 864863. www.ferrerscentre.co.uk

Sunday 14 December | Carol Concert - Thringstone Come along to Gracedieu priory for their carol concert on Sunday 14th December at 3pm. Admission Free. Mince pies and mulled wines will be available to purchase. Please park at the Bulls Head, Thringstone and walk around to the priory following signs.

Friday 19 December | Coalville Farmers Market Organised in partnership with Leicestershire Food Links, the farmers market gives shoppers the chance to get their hands on award winning pies, authentic samosas, organic meat, fudge, bread, cakes and much more. Children’s rides will keep the children occupied while the parents enjoy the market.

The family event is the first of three farmers markets to be held on the brand new forecourt of Coalville Market.

Saturday 20 December | Ashby Concert Band’s Annual Christmas Concert The Ashby Concert Band is holding its annual Christmas Concert. As well as a selection of seasonal music, there are traditional carols to enjoy. Tickets, available from band members and Ashby TIC, cost £10 for adults or £5 for 5-16 year olds and include a glass of wine or soft drinks and festive refreshments. It promises to put everyone in the Christmas spirit!

Holy Trinity Church, Kilwardby St, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2QF | 7:30pm

Saturday 20 December | Hanukkah Lights Switch On at Victoria Park Hanukkah is an annual Jewish Festival which begins at sundown and is celebrated over eight successive days, with candles lit on each one. Hanukkah commemorates the relighting of the ‘menorah’, the light which signifies God’s presence in the temple. A lighting ceremony will take place at Victoria Park from 5pm, hosted by the Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation.

Victoria Park, London Road, Leicester, LE1 7RY | Further details: www.leicester.gov.uk/parks | 0116 222 1000

Thursday 01 January 2015 | New Years Day Walk - Staunton Harold Join the North West Group of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust on the Staunton Harold - Dimminsdale circular walk.

Meet 1pm in the Staunton Harold lower nursery car park. For further information telephone 01530 222934 or 01530 262389.

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THE VINE DIRECTORY

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Ashby Jewellers.....................27 + 41 Caroline James.............................. 55 Cathy Stephens Jewellery.............. 36 Kowalski Jewellers......................... 46 Pixie Footware................................ 37

EDUCATION & CHILD CARE OLCS..............................................50 Rawlins...........................................40

FLOWERS & GIFTS Flower Shop................................... 34 Holywell Petals............................... 38 Shellbrook Toys.............................. 34

FOOD, DRINK & VENUES The Bradgate.................................. 42 Charles Mitchell Wines................... 46 Cooks Farm Shop.......................... 29 The George Inn.............................. 62 The Griffin Inn................................. 35 Imago.............................................37 John’s House Restaurant............... 33 Lubcloud Farm............................... 25 The Manor House at Quorn............ 47 Smithards Bakery........................... 34 Sugar and Ice................................. 42 Wheatsheaf Inn.............................. 37 The Woodies.................................. 42

GARDEN Charnwood Tree Services................ 7 Garden Blueprints.......................... 39 Harrison Landscaping.................... 58 L B Grounds Maintenance.............. 28 LB Landscaping.............................. 62 Outdoor Solutions........................... 14 Roecliffe Tree Surgery.................... 20 Sevenoaks Garden Centre............. 34 Total Tree Services......................... 18

HAIR & BEAUTY Aqua Hair....................................... 41 Hair By Josephine.......................... 14 Mollycoddles................................... 50

HEALTH Cambridge Weight Plan.................. 43 Care 4 U......................................... 25 Charnwood Dental.......................... 59 Charnwood Hearing Centre............ 61 Charnwood Physiotherapy............. 61 Coalville Mobility Centre................. 40 Helping Hands................................ 38 Quorndon Care............................... 38

HOME ABD Picture Framing...................... 61 Absolute Window Solutions.............. 2 Ancient & Modern........................... 14 Ashby Decorators Centre................. 2 Bradgate Trees............................... 43 Broughtons..................................... 20 Carpet Cuts.................................... 64 Charnwood Conservatories.............. 5 Charnwood Oaks............................... .20 Coalville Furniture Superstore........ 24 CV Lane........................................... 6 DeVol...................................... 10 + 11 DP Furnishings............................... 14 Glenfield Electrical.......................... 14 Glenwood Interiors......................... 62 Gloss Interiors................................ 28 Graham Botterill - Soft Furnishings... 14 Holme Tree Kitchens...................... 27 Ibstock Kitchens............................... 4 IH Properties Ltd............................ 24 Just Frames.................................... 61 Keller Construction........................... 7 The Light House............................... 6

HOME continued...

Loft Storage Solutions...................... 3 Logburners Ltd................................. 3 Martin Allen Flooring......................... 4 MDW Fireplaces............................... 7 MGAS............................................... 4 My Spa UK..................................... 15 Planit Interiors.................................. 6 Rich Gas......................................... 20 RJ Rowley...................................... 18 RSJ Roofing................................... 24 Splashout....................................... 21 Terry Allen Painter & Decorator...... 61 Tiles 4 Less...................................... 4 UK Gas Services.............................. 3 Watson’s Electrical......................... 14 Woodcock Farm Shop.................... 63

LEISURE Christmas Craft Fair.......................... 43 Fun House Comedy Club.................. 50 Victorian Christmas Weekend........... 33

MOTORS & TRAVEL Cropston Garage............................ 61 Travel Choices.................................. 8

PETS Bradgate View Cattery.................... 14 Posh Paws..................................... 40 The Veterinary Surgery.................. 14

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Dodds Solicitors LLP...................... 38 Independent Insurance Bureau...... 18 Prusinski Solicitors......................... 58 Roy Green - Sales & Lettings........... 39

RECRUITMENT Care 4 U......................................... 61

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 December 2014 / January 2015 - Issue 11 60

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