The Vine, Leicestershire

THE VINE, LEICESTERSHIRE

VINE The

Leicestershire

WWW.THEVINELEICESTERSHIRE.CO.UK

A ROYAL BANQUET WITH KING RICHARD III

BRINGING LOCAL COMMUNITIES APRIL / MAY 2013 | ISSUE 1

TOGETHER YOUR FREE BIMONTHLY LOCAL MAGAZINE

APRIL / MAY 2013

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April / May 2013 edition

Welcome...

...to The Vine!

Welcome to the first edition of ‘The Vine, Leicestershire’!

Our aim at The Vine is to help to bring communities together and to keep local businesses thriving by giving you, the readers, links, insights and information about each others villages and towns and activities.

We hope that over the coming months and years you’ll not only enjoy reading the variety of news and articles the Vine will bring you - covering all things local and interesting - but also maybe participate in what our communities have to offer; in turn, we’d love to hear what you’re involved in and how it might benefit others too.

The Royal Banquet .......32

This month to celebrate our inaugural edition we have a feature on Ashbyde-la-Zouch (on pages 38 - 41); looking through the pages we hope you’ll learn something of it’s history, as well as what it has to offer in the twenty first century.

We have news too of Shepshed Twinning Association on page 22, as well as Whitwick’s History Group and it’s University of the Third Age, on pages 46 and 53 respectively.

Also, now that spring is well and truly here, it’s a great time to start thinking about getting yourself fit and healthy - be inspired by the article on page 36. Go on, you know you’re worth it!

Girls like Football Too...35

And finally, if you fancy getting out and about over the coming weeks, how about visiting a National Trust property. There are two suggestions in our article from Alan Tyler, Chaiman of the National Trust Leicester Association, on page 17 as well as a Richard lll walk at Bosworth Battlefield, read all about it on page 52.

If you have any local news that you would like to see in The Vine then please email it to: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk Have a great April & May and we’ll be back with our June/July edition...

... from all at The Vine, Leicestershire.

CONTACT US: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk | 01530 249589

Ashby de la Zouch....38-41

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk 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.

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An Ordinary Joe... ...An Extraordinary Legacy Joe Humphries had everything to look forward to in life. Joe was a popular and funny 14-year-old, a bright schoolboy, a treasured family guy and a young and fit sportsman.

But one night in October last year those hopes and ambitions and that short life ended - in an instant. Joe had been out for a jog, in preparation for a charity run, in his home village of Rothley in Leicestershire when, without warning or symptoms, he collapsed. His heart had stopped and despite the brave efforts of villagers and paramedics he couldn’t be saved.

For his parents Steve and Angela and sister Lauren the knock on the door and the dreadful news that followed minutes afterwards was life-changing. In the coming days they fought to understand what had happened - without Joe their family and their futures would never be the same.

In the days that followed, as Steve trawled the internet looking for answers it became clear that they were not alone in their loss. 12 fit and healthy young people die in Britain every week from Sudden Cardiac Death. The majority are the result of undiagnosed arrhythmias - these are irregularities or abnormalities of the heartbeat. Some 80 per cent of people who die do not present any symptom or warnings. The condition known as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome ( SADS), is the adult version of cot death.

Stunned by that discovery Steve and Angela decided something must be done. Within hours of the tragedy, there was a groundswell of support from family and friends alike, which has continued to grow, to do everything possible to eradicate, or at very least minimise the loss of young lives in this way. As a direct consequence The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust was created and will work to fund-raise, campaign and educate on all issues of Sudden Cardiac Death in Young People – keeping the memory of Joe alive and using his legacy to prevent other families suffering the same tragic loss.

The Trust’s aims are to promote awareness, work towards providing an expert assessment/screening service, provide education and training for young people and those who live and work with young people, work with key partners to get life saving defibrillators installed in key Leicester and Leicestershire communities and inspire young people to fulfil their potential and develop their talents, starting out by establishing an after school Photography Club at De Lisle College.

Steve said: “This is also the most fitting tribute we could pay to such a gentle, loveable and humble giant who in his very short life touched the hearts and minds of so many people. Just an ordinary Joe, with an extraordinary talent and ability to reach out to people. A young and much cherished son who lived life to the full”.

“It is very easy to underestimate the value of young life when you have never been directly affected by the loss of a fit, healthy & loveable young person. Sadly we are just one of the many families who have’’ Trust Patron Martin Johnson said: ‘’This campaign has the potential to save the lives of many young people and I’m proud to support it. Cardiac risk, in particular Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), in the young is something that every parent should be aware of. In their very sad loss of Joe, the Humphries family have found amazing strength in launching this Trust in his memory. Its aims and its message are simple and hopefully its results will mean other families might be spared the devastating loss that has touched the lives of Steve, Angela and Lauren.’’

The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust are staging an ‘open day’ event at Rothley Parish Church, Church Street, Rothley LE7 7PD on Saturday 13th April 2013 between 10am – 12 noon, free entry. The event is open to all members of the community to find out more about the Trust’s aims. This will include information from medical experts on sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) and an opportunity to have a go at CPR. Cream tea refreshments will be available on the day. To find out more go to www.jhmt.org.uk or find us on facebook / JHMTorguk or contact tel: 0116 2302390 or 07534293577.

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Charity Pages The Annual LOROS Ladies Luncheon The LOROS Annual Ladies Luncheon has been enjoyed now for over twenty years and it continues to be as popular today as it was in the very beginning.

Past guest speakers include the likes of Anne Widdecombe, Dr Hilary Jones, Earl Spencer and Mary Berry. This year Claire Lomas, who won our hearts back in April 2012 after completing the London Marathon in her bionic suit, will be our inspirational guest speaker at this event.

The nation watched as day after day Claire put one foot in front of the other in her incredible bionic suit which she has learnt to use after a freak horse riding accident left her paralysed from the chest down.

Since her accident Claire has helped to raise funds for Spinal Research and during the 17 days it took Claire to complete the London Marathon she raised £204,000.

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

by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 4th April in the Rothley Centre,Mountsorrel Lane,Rothley.

Admission £2.00. All players welcome.

The Annual MacMillan Quiz A sum in excess of £550 was raised for MacMillan Cancer Support when, on February 22nd, members and friends of The Inner Wheel Club of The Soar Valley once again took part in the Annual MacMillan Quiz at the Brush Bowls & Sports Club in Loughborough.

This epic feat saw Claire recognised as an inspirational figure and she was invited to have the honour of lighting the cauldron at the 2012 Paralympic Games which was watched by over 11 million people all over the world.

Local girl Claire recently received another honour in the form of Tesco’s “Courageous Mum Award” at London’s Savoy Hotel. Claire, who is mum to two year old Maisie, was rewarded with a reception at 10 Downing Street, where all the winners were given a tour and spoke with Prime Minister David Cameron Diane Morris, LOROS Fundraising Manager said; “Claire is truly an inspirational and courageous woman, she has accomplished so much and we are delighted and honoured that she has agreed to be the Guest Speaker at this event.”

Tickets for The Annual Ladies Luncheon which takes place on Wednesday 15th May at King Power Stadium are still available and priced at just £40 per person. If you would like to attend this event please contact the LOROS fundraising department on 0116 2318431.

This is the fifth year that Soar Valley Inner Wheel has held the event and organiser Elizabeth Brookes took great pleasure in telling those present that last year the competition gained entry in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest simultaneous quiz taking part across the country. Over the past five years the quiz has raised £69,000 nationally.

The Quiz Master was Rotarian Ivan Brookes, Inner Wheel member Pat Wainwright organised a fantastic buffet supper while husband Ken ran the bar.

At the end of the evening Soar Valley Inner Wheel President Janet Hilliar, congratulated Elizabeth and her helpers for another successful and fun evening.

The photo shows Inner Wheel Quiz Organiser Mrs Elizabeth Brookes marking the papers with Pat Wainwright, Rtn. Ivan Brookes and Ken Wainwright looking on.

Maureen Meredith, The Inner Wheel Club of The Soar Valley. Tel: 0116 230395.

Charity Bridge Drive Loughborough Lions Club Charity Bridge Drive will be held at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Wednesday 24th April 2013 at 1.30pm with afternoon tea provided at a cost of £6 per person.

To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or email: brianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com.

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Charity Pages Charity Garden Party & Sale We will be holding a garden party and sale on Saturday 18 May at 444 Bradgate Road, Newtown Linford in aid of Salt of the Earth. Salt of the Earth is a Leicester based charity, run entirely by volunteers, which funds work in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu to improve the social and employment conditions for communities in the area, including those who work in the salt pans in the Eastern coastal areas.

The event will include stalls selling Indian jewellery and art along with others selling books, CDs, toys, plants, cakes and bric-a-brac. Refreshments will be available, including home-made cakes and Indian snacks. Entrance is £3 (or £5 for two) with children free, including tea or coffee and cake. The sale is on between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm. We’ve arranged for the sun to shine so why not drop in to see us on your way to a walk in the Park?

Should you want further details or would like to help or make a donation, please contact us on 01530 249257 or petergupton@btinternet.com.

Lynne & Peter Upton

Families & Helpers Needed For Children’s Respite Holidays Since 1995, Friends of Chernobyl’s Children have been bringing needy youngsters to the UK for 4-week respite holidays from the difficult conditions they endure in their homeland of Belarus. Nationally, we help around 600 children each year and over the years, we have provided a lifeline for thousands of struggling families affected by the Chernobyl disaster through our Family Hosting Programme.

The West Leicestershire group of the charity is based in Markfield and we brought our first group of 10 children to the county in September 2009. With the help and support of a small but dedicated team of volunteers, and the generosity of local people, the charity places the children with volunteer host families and provides a 4-week activity programme that gives the kids not only the chance to play, learn and laugh but also to make lasting friendships and enjoy experiences that they would never have the opportunity to discover at home.

There are many children in Belarus affected by the Chernobyl disaster who dream of a place on our Family Hosting Programme and we have a permanent waiting list of youngsters hoping to get the chance to come to the UK for what is quite simply, a life-changing experience. We hope to be able to offer a place to some of these children commencing summer 2014 and we would be interested to hear from local families who would be willing to get involved with the charity this summer, with a view to hosting a child in their own home next year.

In addition to host families, we are also seeking the following volunteers:• Trustees and volunteers who can help us with the day-to-day running of the charity throughout the year.

• Volunteers, minibus and car drivers to assist us in running a 4-week programme of activities for a group of approximately. 15 children in August 2013.

This is a great opportunity to get involved with a charity where you can make a real difference. For more information, please contact our Volunteers Coordinator, Rachel Taylor on 07896 817037 e-mail info@thepasteboard.co.uk or contact our Group Coordinator, John Buckby on 01455 285799 e-mail john.evolution@btinternet.com. For more information about the charity, visit the West Leicestershire page of our national website at www.focc.org.uk.

Loughborough Concert Band Raise Funds For Vista Loughborough Concert Band has raised over £300 for Vista, the local charity for people with sight loss in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The band organised a box collection, at the Carillon Court Shopping Centre, and played a number of songs ably assisted by Volunteers from the Loughborough Beacon Rotary Club. Their fundraising continued at their Social Evening where they also held a raffle.

Lorna Allen, from Vista said ‘It’s great to be supported by such a talented group of musicians who want to give something back to their local community. There are almost 300 people registered as blind or partially sighted in the Charnwood area alone, many of whom received help and support from Vista. We’re so grateful to the Loughborough Concert Band for their generous support and that of the Loughborough Beacon Rotary Club for their continued support of Vista!’

For more information about Vista please contact 0116 249 8839 or email info@vistablind.org.uk www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Charity Pages Ladies Evening Aids Inter Care On Tuesday 27th February, Mary O’Callaghan Ladies Captain of the Leicestershire Golf Club held a Ladies evening in aid of Inter Care – Medical Aid for Africa.

The event raised around £550 which is just one activity as part of her fundraising year. This will help Inter Care continue to recycle quality surplus medicines and donate aid to 121 health units in rural Africa. To date they have recycled nearly £11 million worth of medical supplies.

Wine and canapés were enjoyed by nearly 100 ladies at the Golf Club. Francesca’s of Kibworth kindly provided a fashion show with beauty treatments/demonstrations offered by students of South Leicestershire and Brooksby Melton College. Jewellery and fashions were also available by Libby’s of Quorn.

Inter Care were delighted with the support and hope this will encourage others to raise much needed funds to benefit their work. If you would like to donate or more information please call 0116 269295 or visit:

www.intercare.org.uk

‘A Moment in Time’ - An Exhibition by Linda Pitcher Linda Pitcher, who is a member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) and the Leicester Society of Artists (LSA) will be holding a sole exhibition in oils & acrylic at Ulverscroft Grange Gallery (Shuttlewood Grange Charity) from the 1st April until the 30th April inclusive from 10.00am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Admission is free.

The title of the exhibition is called A Moment in Time and depicts observational views of locations such as London, St. Ives and local areas which are either painted on location or from sketches. A proportion of the sales will go to the Shuttlewood Grange Charity which provides support, care and friendship to the elderly, adults with disabilities and young people.

Linda will be demonstrating each Tuesday from 11.00 am to 2pm (9th April, 16th April, 23rd April and 30th April).

Ulverscroft Grange comprises a Charity Shop, Tea Rooms and Art Gallery and is located on Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QB For more information about Ulverscroft Grange, please go to:

www.shuttlewood-clarke.org.uk

For more information about Linda Pitcher, please go to: www.lindapitcher.co.uk

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CALLING ALL GOLFERS!

Inter Care will be holding their Annual Charity Golf Day on Thursday 16th May at Kirby Muxloe Golf Club.

A Stableford competition with shot gun start at 2pm.

Enjoy playing at one of Leicestershire’s premier courses with a delicious 2 course dinner by renowned chef Paul Leary and prize presentation. £200 for a team of 4.

Proceeds raised will help Inter Care continue to recycle quality surplus medicines from over 1000 GP surgeries across the UK and send requested aid to 121 health units to treat a catchment population of over 9 million African people. Our work also benefits the UK by reducing NHS disposal costs and the impact to the environment of wasting medicines. You can help today by entering your team at our excellent charity Golf event.

For more information please call 0116 269295 or visit www.intercare.org.uk

All For The Sake Of £1 Playing the LOROS Lottery has cost the same, just £1 per entry, ever since it started more than 16 years ago and continues to offer members a weekly chance of winning cash prizes safe in the knowledge that their £1 is going towards a local charity that helps local people during what may be their final days, even hours.

The LOROS Lottery offers the chance to win up to £7,500 with the added benefit of knowing that you are helping a local charity thrown in for free! With 4 payment methods it couldn’t be easier to join in the fun, a telephone call is all it takes to get on board whether you are playing yourself or setting up a syndicate for family, friends or colleagues.

LOROS charges no fees for its services, which are available to all local people on the basis of medical need, regardless of race or creed. In order to do this £4million needs to be raised this year from voluntary contributions and joining the LOROS Lottery is the easiest way to do your bit. There’s no need to check numbers or claim prizes, winners cheques are posted direct to the lucky winners each week. You don’t even have to pick your number, it will be chosen at random and posted to you, it’s that easy!

For more information or to join the LOROS Lottery just call the friendly lottery team on 0116 2318430 or email lottery@loros.co.uk today. Players must be aged 16 years or over.

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Local Interest National Trust Leicester Association A new exhibition about the lives of women in The Workhouse at Southwell opened at the beginning of March. The exhibition charts the lives of those women during the early 20th century and is brought to life with oral archive of “ordinary” women collected by volunteers over the last 15 years.

Testimonies include those of a former Matron, hairdressers, cooks, auxiliary nurses as well as women and girls from The Workhouse. Together they provide a realistic record of the good things and the bad, the kindness and the cruelty and the seemingly insignificant details which help us interpret the real story of The Workhouse.

The Workhouse is open Wednesday to Sunday, 12.00 noon to 5.00pm until 3rd November.

Woolsthorpe Manor, near Grantham, was the home and birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton and the Visitor Experience Manager at the property says that they have seen a huge upsurge in interest in science. He thinks this is partly due to the new breed of “celebrity scientists” like Brian Cox and Dallas Campbell. The Science Centre with its many hands on experiments is located in the old Threshing Barn on the site.

Woolsthorpe manor is the place where Newton produced some of his most important work during the plague years of 1665-1667 including splitting light, calculating the shape of the orbit of planets and comets and creating his theory of gravity – inspired by the famous apple tree. The manor house itself is furnished to a date in the mid 1660’s.

To continue to inspire future scientists, this spring Woolthorpe will focus on the theme of Discovery and Invention.

Woolsthorpe Manor is also open Wednesday to Sunday, 12.00 to 5.00pm until 3rd November.

The National Trust Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 9th April. Following a short AGM there will be an illustrated talk entitled Growing Up In Leicester by Cynthia Brown. The meeting will be held at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone West at 7.30pm. Admission to the meeting is NTLA members £2.50 and visitors £4.00 including refreshments.

After the AGM meeting the Association moves to its summer programme of coach outings, a coach holiday and various half day visits. For more information on the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Chairman.

Snappers! By Ian Spring is one of the best seasons for capturing the beauty of your natural surroundings. The flowers are in full bloom and the weather is just perfect – not too hot and not too cold. Perfect for practicing landscape photography.

For those who are still learning new skills, you can use certain techniques to ensure you get the best images. As with any type of photography, light is very important. Be particular about the light when you’re shooting outdoors. When it comes to the time of day to capture a dramatic scene, early morning and late afternoon or early evening are the best times. If you’re shooting in the morning, you can focus on the fog or mist. A great location to shoot is the woodland where you can make trees at a distance appear as if they’re fading in the background. This creates a sense of mystery in your photos.

Make use of the foreground as well and shoot using a wide angle lens. You might be surprised to know that this is one of the oldest techniques. The reason is that a wide angle lens creates a greater depth of field. In this aspect, you can actually use contrast between your subject and background.

Don’t forget to capture the beauty of flowers during this lovely season, after all, what can be more beautiful than photographing a bed of flowers? Keep in mind that it’s during this time when the daisies, bluebells and dandelions are showing their best asset, so find a good location such as a field or woodland. For close-up shots, use a macro lens.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your shots as well. For example you’re in a woodland and you’re wondering what angle to use to capture the tallness of the trees. The answer? Do a vertical shot. To do this, you just need to point your lens 90 degrees upwards to have that so-called converging verticals effect. When you shoot this way, the trees will appear as if they’re close together or converged. And you’re also creating a great mix of colours with the contrast of the green leaves of trees and the blue sky. Now, that is purely nature’s beauty.

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Local Interest David Snartt Reports…

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

Don’t Muck Around Awards I was pleased to meet with Pam Crankshaw and friends to hear how the litter picking volunteers have been progressing since winning with Janet Whitmore one of the awards at last year Don’t Muck Around Awards. I was delighted to hear that the number of volunteers is on the increase, covering other villages around the Woodhouse Parish. In my view these volunteers, lead by Pam, do an excellent job and make an enormous difference to the Charnwood Forest area. It’s a pity that people don’t take their litter home, especially the ones who throw litter out of their vehicles.

This year’s Don’t Muck Around Awards will take place in June. The awards will once again recognise the efforts of local people in making Charnwood a cleaner and greener place to live, work and visit. Nominations from communities, schools, youth groups, residents and businesses are welcome, so we can all share the positive impact people have had on the environment . To enter or nominate by visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/dontmuckaroundawards you can also download a nomination form or call 01509 634564 to get a hard copy. Deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday April 19th 2013.

Reduction in Burglaries As Chairman of the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership I was pleased to hear that there has been a considerable reduction in burglaries since the Police launched “Operation Dynamo” at the beginning of September 2012. This was in response to an increase in burglaries through the first half of the year, the trend has now been reversed with fewer incidents and I understand many perpetrators being apprehended. Please remember to do all you can to help to further reduce this type of crime by making sure you do a quick security check of your home before going out or going to bed. Details to hand state on many occasions the crime reports show the words “insecure entry” which means the burglar got into the property through an unlocked door or open window.

Welfare Reform, Benefits Are Changing I thought I would give residents information on the new welfare reform changes. From April 1st 2013, benefits are changing in Charnwood as part of the Government’s welfare reform measures. It is the welfare system in 60 years and the Department of Work and pensions says it is designed to make the benefits and tax credits system fairer and simpler by: creating the right incentives to get more people into work, protecting the most vulnerable in our society and delivering fairness to those claiming benefit and to the tax payer. Charnwood Borough Council knows these changes will not be easy for many people to deal with and wants to ensure that they are on hand to offer as much help, advice and support as possible. It is worth noting that pensioners are not affected by the changes. There will be discretionary discount schemes for tenants and benefit recipients who suffer severe financial hardship as a result of welfare changes. If you need help, contact the council through their dedicated website www.charnwood.gov.uk/benefitchanges , email council.tax@charnwood.gov.uk or speak to an advisor by telephoning 0845 6091258 for benefit enquiries or 01509 634666 for advice if you are a council tenant.

County Council Elections For information the County Council elections will take place on Thursday 2nd May 2013. Polling Stations will be open from 7.00am until 10.00pm.

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

Christopher English: Contemporary Modern Symbolist This solo exhibition of local artist and poet Christopher English shows a selection of his work from 1970 to 2009.

English’s oil paintings embody a visual interpretation of his poetry. He weaves together tales with both meaning and ambiguity. His poetry is the starting point to his paintings and a booklet of poems is also included in the exhibition. The paintings have a dream-like fantastical attraction which draws the viewer into a magical mystery tour of symbol and serendipity. Themes explored include dreams, love and childhood reminiscences.

English, who lives in Loughborough, has spent most of his artistic career in the town and also lived Yorkshire. He attended Loughborough University School of Art and has contributed work to many group exhibitions over the past 40 years. The exhibition at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery will be his first ever solo show.

Throughout his life English has dealt with a disabling condition which has restricted his movement. In 2009 his disability finally prevented him from continuing to paint. No longer able paint with great pleasure he presents some of his life’s work in this retrospective solo exhibition.

For more information about the artist go to: www.englishsymbolistart.com . For enquiries about the artist please contact Catherine English cge1@ymail.com 15th April 2013 – 28th April 2013. New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester. Free admission. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Local Clubs The Monday Club For Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston & Rothley On Monday 11th March, Mrs. Heather Selvey- Willars, came to speak to the membership about a fascinating subject called “a Cornish Tale”. Heather who was born in Leicestershire, had spent twenty two years of her life living in Cornwall where she had become involved in studying the legends and folk-law of that County .

In particular she became absorbed in the Legend behind the Hymn created by William Blake (who wrote the words) and Hubert Parry (who wrote the music) - “And did those feet in ancient time” which has become a much loved and reverenced hymn sung throughout Great Britain for most glorious occasions and sung on a daily basis by the Members of the W.I. in Branches everywhere.

Heather’s talk was based on the connection between the words of the hymn and the legend which tells of when Joseph of Arimathea (the rich man of the Gospels) came to Britain to search for tin, copper and other metals as Nobilis Decurion in the time of the Roman Empire under Julius Caesar. Research has given credence to the fact that Christ had visited with his uncle on his trading trips, which theory has been taken up by many eminent historians and authors and even inscription on buildings. Heather had brought many artefacts and books from her researches.

The legend is provocative but remains a subject given to conjecture .

After announcing the safe birth of my Twin Grandchildren last week, the event was celebrated with Mrs. Diana Whatton’s excellent Strawberry jam and Buttered Scones. For which I am truly grateful.

Next meeting: Cropston Evangelical Free Church, Monday 8th April at 2.15pm. Speaker: Mr Derek Holloway - An illustrated talk ‘The History, Creation and Beauty of Glass’ Visitors and new members welcome. Enquiries: Ann Farndon 0116 236 3467.

Newest Air Cadets Finish Training Our newest bunch of cadets who joined the squadron back in September have officially ‘passed out’ and become fully-fledged members of the squadron.

After joining at our open evening back in September the cadets have been going through the motions to attain the certificate of 1st Class Cadet. They have completed training modules in first aid, learnt about the history of the RAF and cadets, attended parades for Remembrance Day and ATC Sunday and have been very enthusiastic within our community events. They are also well on the way to achieving DofE Bronze and a BTEC qualification!

New cadets traditionally form ‘T Flight’ amongst our already ‘A and C Flights’ that make up the rest of the squadron. Cadets from ‘T Flight’ have now been merged into the other flights to make way for a new bunch that started last week. They can now earn valuable points for their flights and for the squadron in competitions not only at a squadron level but also to a national level in target shooting, drill, and sports.

The cadets parade at the Loughborough TA Centre from 7pm on Monday and Thursday nights. Feel free to browse our website at www.2229.org.uk .

Looking For New Twinning Members In Shepshed & District We are a community group based in Shepshed. Our main aim is to develop links with our twin town of Domont, 20 km north of Paris. We have regular visits to and from Domont, and many families from the two towns have formed longstanding friendships. There are also links between schools and sporting groups. We are supported by our local council.

Our major event this year will be a joint visit to Liverpool in May. In 2011 people from the two towns met in the northern French town of Lille. Next year we hope to go back to Domont.

We have a full programme of social events – French conversation, pancake evenings, quizzes, walks and cycle rides, games, wine tasting, film evenings, etc. Our annual general meeting is held in November.

We are keen to welcome new members. For more information about the Twinning Association, contact the secretary Alan Robinson, on alan.griffydam@gmail.com.

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Local Clubs Bradgate Flower Club On Wednesday 3 April, Bradgate Flower Club celebrates the long-awaited arrival of Spring with Gill Mills from Stapleford.

Gill’s arrangements will reflect ‘A New Lease of Life’. Gill has recently led four workshops for Bradgate Flower Club members and other keen arrangers to extend their range of skills and approach to contemporary design. These were additional to the Club’s 2013 programme of monthly meetings which started with two excellent guests - Beverley Artis, a recently qualified demonstrator, in February and Jan Travis in March.

The demonstration will be held in Newtown Linford Village Hall (LE6 0AE). We meet at 7.30 and visitors are welcome - a charge of £5 is made. Details from Lilian Coleman on 0116 2363191.

Ladies Group Rothley The Ladies Group Rothley continues to flourish and member numbers steadily rise. At the March meeting members and visitors were able to view items from the original Rothley WI scrapbook, prior to it being handed over to an Archivist for Leicestershire and Rutland WI. The scrapbook was kindly brought in for all to share by former President of RWI, Pauline Fitchett. The photographs and meeting programmes dated back to the very early days of Rothleys WI formation.

Evoking memories for some it was interesting to see how many faces and names were actually remembered and for our visitors to the meeting in March, it was worthy of note to know a little about the former WI. Following tea, members gathered to take part in a ‘Topic for Discussion’, a number of subjects having being suggested at our February meeting were again raised and from a short list and the subject of the NHS was settled upon. This being a subject very close to everyone’s heart led to a number of aspects of our country’s Health Service being openly discussed covering early beginning of the service for the sick, to changes we see happening today. It is quite possible that had we not been caught by time constraints for our meeting, we may well have carried on for many hours longer injecting more aspects on the theme - resolving problems with NHS? doubtful ! It did however serve to encourage everyone to articulate emotive feelings and rational responses. An enjoyable meeting for all concerned.

Next meeting, Wednesday 3 April, when we will be watching a tutorial brought to us by the leader of the Rothley Craft Group, Pauline Fitchett, who will then help those who wish to ‘have a go’ at creating a small work of art in the style of this fascinating craft.

Looking forward to seeing you there, Maureen Bulmer.

Meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month, 2 - 4.30pm, Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane Rothley. LE7 7PR. Visitors and guests are very welcome. £2 for non members. Includes Tea/coffee biscuits.

The Mountsorrel WI Mountsorrel WI met on Thursday 14th February at the Parish Rooms. The speaker was Simon Morgan aka simonthebeekeeper.

The members were fascinated by an insight into the life and works of a bee. The importance of the bee in the world was emphasised and we were amazed to hear there were no wild bees left in the UK due to the horrid varroa mite but thanks to beekeepers, honey bees still abound in their good works as the mites are kept under control in the controlled hives.

Simon is also a chef and the evening was rounded off by superb pancakes drizzled with local, flavoursome and beneficial honey. There was even seconds for some! An excellent evening all round.

Meetings are held on the second Thursday of month, 7.30pm. For further details contact Alison Aldwinkle on 07517 232029. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Local Interest April News from Peter Osborne County Councillor for Rothley & Mountsorrel Division. Borough Councillor for Rothley & Thurcaston Ward I have just finished reading a book about the development of English and how it has become a world language. At one point in history, it might have been that French would be the wider used language especially when the Anglo Saxons were ruled by their Norman masters. English had developed into its more recognizable modern usage in Tudor times. The early English Hanovarian Kings only spoke German. Edward V11 who died in 1910, was the last monarch to speak fluent German; his English had a curious and very slight foreign accent. For many years, French was used as the language of diplomacy but that has fallen by the wayside except in the EU. Usage for the younger generation is changing with the shortening of words; fit to use for texting and for putting the maximum words into a Tweet. For me, I prefer the more formal and perhaps old fashioned way. Words seem to convey a different meaning when used in a particular context so for instance the word “Reserve” changes slightly when it is either an adjective or noun or verb and it shows how important context is.

It seems like a puzzle game to think of how many meanings can be created from one word. In financial terms, reserves show how much money is kept back as expressed on a Balance Sheet. The question which raises differences of opinion is what level of reserves is necessary. Looking towards the future, the Council publishes its updated Medium Financial Strategy. Within this strategy, there are financial reserves of £99 m. But of that amount, some is already committed and is waiting to be spent in the current/future year. The Council must save £79m over the next 4 years because of reduced Government funding and loss of funding with the introduction of Academy Schools. An argument for using reserves to avoid any reductions is an easy option but its like losing your job and living off savings – they will only last so long and delay the inevitable. Far better to have a plan looking ahead. The Council is investing £15m in health and social care which help to reduce hospital admissions, £6m into the county wide Broadband scheme and £10m loan to Lloyds TSB to offer first time buyers affordable mortgages. In fact, £2m of county reserves have helped 90 first time buyers already.

Another word which has crept into council jargon is resilience. In this context, it has the meaning of able to withstand something unexpected. The Council has a “rainy” day fund of about £10m which would be available in a case of extreme conditions or local emergency. The government has the same process within its budgets. The easier option is to raid the uncommitted “rainy day” fund and hope that emergencies never happen. However, reserves come from savings and to rebuild the level of reserves in a period of austerity would seem to be irresponsible if not nearly impossible. The other option would be to borrow and spend. The outgoing Labour government should be remembered for the quote from former Chief Treasury Secretary Liam Byrne who left a note for his successor “I am afraid to tell you there is no money left”. Part of the reasons for this austerity is the legacy of bad stewardship of the economy in good times leaving no resilience in the system.

Councillors are concerned you should have your say when there is a consultation about the future. County Hall has made sure over the last few years that we are prepared to make difficult decisions and not to waste money. It is your money and you have every right to ask us to use it wisely in the best public interest. I believe we have been good custodians.

Contact me on: peter.osborne@leics.gov.uk or www.facebook.com/peterosborne02

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council In the village of Great Hope Springs, March’s film was smart, very funny and yet sweet. There was great screen chemistry between Meryl Streep and husband Tommy lee Jones as they rediscovered the spark that had brought them together in marriage thirty years before.

“The Lady” will be shown on Friday April 12th and lasts 145 minutes.

This is an extraordinary story of Aung San Su Kyi and her husband Michael Aris. We watch the peaceful quest of the woman who is at the heart of Burma’s democracy movement. This film depicts devotion and human understanding within a dangerously hostile regime.

“Quartet” will be shown on Friday May 10th and lasts 145 minutes.

Starring Dame Maggie Smith, this wickedly comic film is about redefining old age with aspirations. It demonstrates how music can illuminate life. Four retired opera singers celebrate Verdi’s birthday by endeavouring to perform an operetta at their retirement home.

“The Life of Pi” will be shown on Friday June 14th.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films 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.

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What’s On...

SKYFALL at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall This is described by MANY critics as the best ever Bond movie - a really good spy story, well acted and directed.

Wednesday 24th April 2013 at 7.30 pm in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall, Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves.

Tickets £4 with light refreshments from the Post Office, newsagent or on the door.

Film synopsis: In this latest instalment of the Bond franchise, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Directed by Sam Mendes, starring Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes & Naomie Harris.

This is an action adventure film with a 12A rating. The run time is 143 mins.

For further information please telephone 01509 890050 or email: woodhouses.events@gmail.com

The no. 26 ‘Bus to Paraguay

Real Ale Festival - April 11th - 13th

A strange name for a concert!

Wreake Valley Rotary Club’s 9th Annual Real Ale festival at Syston Community Centre, School Street, Syston , Leicestershire.

Indeed, but then that was the number of the bus that would take the young Richard Durrant to his weekly guitar lessons in Hove which would eventually lead to being an honoured guest in Paraguay.

Based on his latest album, The no. 26 bus to Paraguay, maverick concert guitarist Richard Durrant arrives in Quorn with a show celebrating the life of Augustine Barrios, including along the way, music by Django Reinhardt, Debussy and Los Paraguayos.

With his warm and easy rapport with audiences, Richard shares tales and music from his own musical journey and the inspiration he found in Paraguayan composer Barrios, an abiding musical presence that led him to perform at the country’s bicentenary celebrations in 2011/12.

Thursday 11th, April 5pm - 11pm, Friday 12th, 3pm 11pm & Saturday 13th, noon - 11pm.

There will be at least 20 real ales, free non alcoholic drinks for designated drivers, and for the first time the Saturday Night Big Prize General Knowledge Quiz, starting at 8.30pm. Teams of 4.

For more details: www.wreakevalleyrotaryclub.org.uk

As well as Richard’s skilful performance, The no. 26 bus to Paraguay features film and animation, in a musical event that demonstrates just how far one man can expand the expressive range of the guitar, light years away from what you might expect a classical guitar concert to be.

The concert is on Friday, 19th April at Quorn Village Hall starting at 7.30pm (doors 7pm) and tickets at £9 are available over the counter from Quorn Post Office or through the hotline 01509-414287 (Terry Stirling) email: terrystirling@ntlworld.com The concert is promoted by the Quorn Old School Trust through the Centre Stage Rural Touring Theatre Scheme and is for project funds.

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What’s On...

Grand Central Chorus - A Musical Mixture Fundraising is at the forefront of the Chorus activities to support them in competing in July, as British Champions, at the International Barbershop Convention in Toronto, Canada.

The next show is in company with the very talented Act One Youth Musical Theatre Group from Shepshed and the new ‘New Orleans Hotshots’ playing their special brand of traditional jazz. This happens at 7.30pm on the 20th April, 2013 in the Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough, LE11 3NW. Also appearing will be the Chorus quartets ‘The Grand Dads’ and ‘Homespun’ featuring a Dad and his three lads. M.C. will be Mr. Des Bates well known local presenter and raconteur. Dave Andrews, who was previously advertised as MC will be indisposed, we wish him well. Tickets £8 from Peter on 01530 243912, Chris on 01509 646506 or e-mail publicity.gcc@gmail.com Draw tickets, with a first prize of £400, are being sold. If you would like some they will be available at the above event or contact us by e-mail.

Sponsorship is being offered to businesses in the East Midlands. There are three levels, gold, silver and bronze. Nelson on 07967091202 is the man to call if interested or e-mail him at nelsonblackley@hotmail.com A reminder for those who get this in time, an auction of household and collectible items is being held at 12noon on the 6th April, 2013, at the Long Eaton Silver Prize Band Hall, Salisbury Street, Long Eaton NG10 4BA. If you are seeking an entertainment contact Peter on 01530 243822 or e-mail. Any number of singers can be provided from four to forty. Fees are negotiable. Quality is guaranteed.

See the website www.grandcentralchorus.com for up to date information. The e-mail address is publicity.gcc@gmail.com.

Rehearsals are at Harrington School, Derby Road, Long Eaton, NG10 4BJ at 7.15.pm every Wednesday. If you are a potential singer, sponsor, booker or just curious you will be welcome.

Loughborough RSPB Group 7th April 2013 Loughborough RSPB Local Group invite you to join them on a coach trip to Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve in Yorkshire. Depart from Loughborough University at 7.30 am, fare £18 plus admission to the reserve. Booking is essential for this trip, for all contact and other details, please look at the group’s website: www.rspb.org.uk/ groups/loughborough/events/ 12th April 2013 Loughborough RSPB Local Group present a talk entitled Middleton Lakes - Look Out Minsmere by Chris Edwards.

It 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. Full details of the speaker and venue can be found on the group’s website: www.rspb.org.uk/ groups/loughborough/events/ 16th April 2013 Loughborough RSPB Local Group have a Wildlife Walk at Brandon Marsh at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at SP386757 All details are on their website: www.rspb. org.uk/groups/loughborough/events/

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Playwright To Attend Bradgate Drama Society Production Bradgate Drama society’s latest production is ‘Where there’s a Will’, a black comedy by Ian Hornby. Ian is a founder member of Playwright’s Co-operative, a project launched in 1997 to encourage the writing and production of new theatrical works by both amateur and professional writers.

Members of the co-operative are always interested in seeing their works in production and Ian has confirmed that he will be attending the Saturday performance of his play. This has created some nervous tension amongst the cast but they are nevertheless confident that what he sees will bear a reasonably close resemblance to what he wrote.

If you too would like to see the play which, without giving too much of the plot away, involves a fairly high body count amongst the cast, performances are on Thursday 25th, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th April in Newtown Linford Village Hall.

Tickets are £7.50 and can be obtained from Sally Cook on 01530 242263 or bradgate.drama@gmail.com.

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LCFC Foxes Foundation Raising Money For Charity Through Local Support...

Leicester City Football Club has been at the forefront of the local and wider reaching community in raising over £850,000 for charity thanks to the hard work of the Club’s staff and loyal fans over the years. That hard work and dedication has lead to the formation of the LCFC Foxes Foundation.

Among the many charity events for this season is the ‘Charity Run’ around the LCFC Football pitch on Friday 26th April 2013. This is where you will find local man Rich Gunn with his kit on hoping to run 52 Full Laps In 90 minutes with Alan “The Birch” Birchenall before the home match against Watford.

Meet Rich Gunn... local man and the Syston Town Ladies FC and Girls Academy Coach “Last year I was lucky enough to run around the King Power stadium before the Leicester City v West Ham United match with the former Leicester City player and current club ambassador Alan “The Birch” Birchenall MBE and managed to raise £2,711 for The LCFC Foxes foundation, which was an amazing amount.

I have been given the opportunity to run around the pitch again before the Leicester City v Watford match on Friday 26th April,and I am hoping to complete 52 full laps of the pitch in 90 minutes.

The beneficiaries of the monies raised will be donated through the LCFC Foxes Foundation to: Alzheimers Society, The Foundation For The Welfare Of Mentally Ill Children Of Thailand, Home Start (Support & Friendship For Families), Defibrillator Appeal, Our Space (Children & Young Peoples Cancer Unit), The Moodie Report Foundation, Silver Star (Diabetes Awareness) & The Lord Mayor’s Stroke Appeal.

Every penny counts with these charities and we would really appreciate it if you would support me in my quest to raise as much cash as possible - the easiest way of doing so is via my ‘JustGiving’ page: www.justgiving.com/RichGunn52 or you can Text: GUNN 61 with the amount e.g. £5 to 70070.

Thank you for your support, Rich Gunn.”

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GCR A Royal Banquet With King Richard III Great Central hosts a sumptuous Pullman dining train with famous locomotive on Friday April 19th 2013.

In honour of the sensational discovery of the body of King Richard III in Leicester, the Great Central Railway is hosting a Royal feast.

In surroundings fit for a King, the award winning heritage line’s luxurious Pullman Dining Train, revellers will be greeted by court room style entertainment ‘More the Merrier’, red wine and mead, before boarding the train through one of two elegant bar cars. The banquet itself will be served in five removes (courses) each with a medieval theme.

The train will depart from Loughborough Central for the sixteen mile return journey to Leicester on Friday April 19th.

What’s more there will be real steam Royalty in charge. Currently visiting the railway is a Great Western King Class locomotive, No. 6023 ‘King Edward II’. Wearing a striking blue livery, special permission has been obtained from its owners to rename it as No 6015 “King Richard III”. This long scrapped classmate of No. 6023 will live again in memory of the rediscovered monarch!

Kate Tilley, marketing manager of the Great Central Railway said, “This will be a grand night out. A King class locomotive in charge of an Umber and Cream Pullman train is itself is a rare treat. Being able to mark such an important discovery at the same time makes this a unique occasion which we hope diners will look forward to being part of.”

Tickets for the King Richard III Pullman Dining Train can be booked by calling the Great Central Railway booking office on 01509 632323.

They cost £57 per person and include train travel, entertainment, welcome drinks and a five course dinner. The themed menu is online at the railway’s website www.gcrailway.co.uk

Greenacres Goes Vintage March sees us going all Vintage at Greenacres with the Easter Vintage Fayre taking place on Sunday 31st March & Monday 1st April, part of the Great Central Railway’s Easter Vintage Festival, where we will be taking you down memory lane to revisit those cherished times bringing them alive again!

There will be vintage craft stalls, vintage jewellery, clothes, handbags, live music, craft tables to keep the little ones busy, with a bouncy castle and face painter also coming along.

There will be live music from La Bellaukulele on the Sunday and The Harmony Bells will be singing for us on the Monday, plus The Platform Café will be open serving lovely hot home-made food with some good old fashioned favourite dishes.

Admission to the fayre will be FREE so we look forward to seeing you there.

Offer of the month is Fish Fridays taking place on 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th April. All main fish meals will be £3.99 per person so please come and enjoy.

Greenacres is our little ‘oasis of tranquillity’ with stunning views of the City’s skylines and is open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am – 4pm. The facility is available for private hire so if you would like to pop in we are on The Sidings, LE4 3BR, just off Red Hill Way and adjacent to the Leicester North Station.

For further information please ring 077785 12275.

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March On The GCR The Great Central Railway Offers Something for Everyone!

April On The Great Central Railway A little quieter this month but still plenty of action with something for everyone to enjoy. To start the month we have the last day of Easter Vintage Festival and the second of the three day Easter Bunny Express. At the end of the month the ‘Big One’ Swithland Sidings will be open to the public. There is also a variety of dining trains to choose from.

Easter Vintage Festival The last day of the Easter Vintage Festival will take place on Easter Monday with the main attractions in Quorn Station Yard and other attractions around the railway. Then for the next three days the Easter Bunny Express will be running.

Swithland Steam Gala Swithland Sidings will be open to the public for the first time since the signalling was commissioned last year for a three day event on the 26th to the 28th. Buses will transport visitors from Quorn to Swithland because there is no parking on site. There will be three guest locos visiting for this event LNWR Webb ‘Coal Tank’ No 1054 will feature on freight trains (subject to contract). Two diminutive locos Bagnall 0-4-0s Alfred and Judy will shunt the sidings. They were built with low cabs and short wheelbases to cope with the low bridges and tight curves on the Cornish branch lines where they worked for many years.

The final performance of King Edward II will take place and engines from the home fleet will also be involved in the action.

Talyllyn No 3 Sir Haydn Returns Home Another visitor to the Swithland Steam Gala but not in steam is a Loughborough built narrow gauge locomotive Talyllyn Railway’s 0-4-2 No 3 Sir Haydn which will be displayed in Quorn and Woodhouse yard alongside two Diesel Locomotives also built in Loughborough. No 3 was built in 1878 at the works of Henry Hughes’ ‘Hughes’s Locomotive & Tramway Engine Works Ltd’ which later became ‘Falcon Engine and Car Works’ then later ‘Brush Electrical Engineering Company.’

No 3 was the third of identical 0-4-0’s built for the 2ft 3ins gauge Corris Railway and was rebuilt in 1900 to 0-4-2 running on the line until it closed in 1948. In 1951 it was bought with Corris No 4 by the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society, it has returned to the Corris Railway a couple of times since that line reopened in 2002 with steam services and is now based there since its boiler certificate ran out last year. There will also be a Talyllyn sales stand manned by volunteers from the railway.

Dining Trains There is the usual selection of dining trains to choose from every weekend and two Friday evening Murder Mystery dining trains on the 12th and 26th.

Preview Of Events For May There is a variety of events in May for everyone to enjoy starting with a Turntable Day, Diesel Gala, Steam Enthusiasts Event, Toy and Train Fair, Midweek running and something for music lovers on a Friday night dining train.

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.

Top photo: LNWR ‘Coal Tank’ No 1054 will be visiting the GCR for the first time at the Swithland Gala (Subject to contract). The tank in its LMS livery and No 7799 is seen at Hampton Loade on the Severn Valley Railway last September during a gala.

Bottom photo : Swithland Signal Box and some of the signals at the junction of the Mountsorrell branch, the sidings will be open to the public for the first time since the signalling was commissioned last year, during the Swithland Steam Gala at the end of April.

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Girls Like Football Too! Ladies and the Girls Football have really taken off at Syston Town Juniors F.C. The club now boast of a Senior Ladies team that plays in the Leicestershire Senior Women’s League a U14’s U12’s and U10’s & Academy girls with the youngest player aged five.

Syston Town Ladies The senior ladies team are managed and coached by Rich Gunn and Sally Smith as the Assistant Manager Coach. The Ladies currently lay 5th in the table and have gradually improved which is not bad for their first season together. The Ladies recently lost in a penalty shoot-out in the league cup quarter final; against a strong Loughborough Student side after the tie was goalless after extra time.

The Ladies are always looking for new players to join and if you are interested please contact Rich Gunn 07884 117116.

Syston Town Wasps U14’s Syston Town U14’s Wasps are managed and coached by Adey Hall. The team plays in the Leicester City & County Girls League and currently lay 9th in the league and recently won 6 v 2 against Huncote.

If you would be interested in joining the Wasps, contact Adey Hall 07813674972

Syston Town Bees U12’s Syston Town U12’s Bees are managed and coached by Hollie Gunn and Kieran Farkas (Assistant Coach). The team plays in the Leicester City & County Girls League and currently lay 5th in the league and recently won 4 v 0 away to Thurmaston in the League Cup. If you would be interested in joining the Bees, contact Hollie Gunn 07852 310861

Syston Town U10’s & Academy Girls Syston Town U10’s & Academy Girls are managed and coached by Rich Gunn and Sally Smith (Assistant Coach). The team plays in the Leicester City & County Girls Development 5 v 5 League and they have recently played their first development leagues games on February 23rd and they all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There are more development games scheduled in April, May & June.

If you would be interested in joining the U10’s or girls academy, contact Rich Gunn 07884117116.

The Ladies, girls and academy coaches are CRB checked, and are all FA qualified coaches and between them hold FA Level 1, Level 2, FA Youth Modules, and Level 1 Goalkeeping coaching awards. Syston Town Juniors FC is a Charter Standard Club.

The Academy gives girls of all ages and ability the opportunity to try football for Free and those who wish a chance to join a team and play in the Leicester City and County Girls Sunday League.

The FREE Girls Academy takes place every Saturday throughout the football season from 10:00 to 11:30 at: Memorial Playing Fields (Donkey Park), Syston, Leicester LE7 1HF.

The Club is always looking to recruit more players If you play already and would like to join Syston Town Juniors F.C. or come to our FREE girls’ academy, just come down on the day or if you would like further details please contact the Managers listed above. What have you got to lose?

Syston Town Juniors FC is committed to player development and eventually hopes to have girls’ teams in all age groups.

Rich Gunn Syston Town Girls Academy Coach & Senior Ladies Manager/Coach.

Mobile 07884117116 | Email: rg@systontownjuniorsfc.co.uk

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Health & Beauty With Spring in full bloom and Summer just around the corner, NOW is the perfect time to focus on YOU and getting yourself fit, healthy and looking gorgeous...

It’s never too late to change your habits, so, why not establish a healthy lifestyle now and with it you’ll soon start reaping benefits. How about these helpful pointers as a way to start thinking about a whole new you...

·

Start by making time to look at your nutrition - are you supplying your body with a healthy balance of food types, vitamins and minerals and not just overloading it with all the wrong foods?? Get rid of that junk food, especially high saturated fats and processed sugars and give your body a chance to be the best it can be.

·

Get fit - to make exercise work for you you need to pick the right kind - after all if you make unrealistic aims that you simply don’t have the time or money to stick to then you’re setting yourself up to fail - start small and slowly add exercise into your daily life whether that means popping to the gym a few times a week or power walking around the block.

· Feel good about the way you look - so often it’s the little things that can make us feel gloomy, so start changing them one at a time; how about giving your hair a new lease of life - it’s amazing how much better you can feel just from a good hair cut.

·

Also, don’t forget about your feet; most people spend an awful lot of time on them whilst completely taking them for granted - it’s astonishing how many problems our bodies encounter that can often be avoided simply by a little bit of foot-TLC. The absolute best thing you can do is just do something, anything from the above say, that just starts you on your journey towards improved well-being and healthy choices, but remember, time waits for no one, so get stuck in today and look forward to a new you in the weeks and months to come!

Get Walking Weekend at Melton Country Park Explore the beautiful North Leicestershire countryside with a special organised free day out for all the family on Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th May 2013 at Melton Country Park (LE13 1HP).

Find out about the benefits of walking in our wonderful countryside, join the Melton Ramblers for a walk from the park, discover the local footpaths and learn about Public Rights of Way or go and talk to them about their NEW summer programme of led walks.

Walks on the day include 3 mile walks that start at 10am, 1pm and 3pm, plus a 6 and a 9 mile walk that start at 10am.

There will be ample free parking available. For more details contact Martin on 07969 669230 or visit The Melton Mowbray Group of the Ramblers’ website: www. meltonramblers.org.uk/getwalking.htm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

During the 1460s the King of England, Edward IV, bestowed the castle to William Hastings who went about extending and improving the castle and its grounds. Some two hundred years later its 27m high Hastings Tower and 3m thick walls were to become essential factors in the castle becoming a Royalist stronghold for the Cavaliers during the 1642-51 English Civil War. The town of Ashby itself became a vital link between the Royalist South-West and the North (particularly as much of the rest of Leicestershire supported the Roundhead’s Parliamentary cause) however, as the war progressed and Royalist fortunes waned, Ashby, after a prolonged siege eventually surrendered its Cavalier allegiance in 1646. The terms of surrender? The castle’s demolition .

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

Combining its fabulous history and following significant stabilisation, the castle, managed today by English Heritage remains an ever popular visitor’s attraction. From exploring the secret kitchen tunnel used during the Civil War siege to climbing Hastings Tower there’s also a veritable feast of exciting events held at the Castle to keep the family enthralled – such as the Fighting Knights (5th and 6th May) or Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s take on Sense and Sensibility (June 15th).

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

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Local Schools Fairfield Preparatory School Welcomes Mr. Andrew Earnshaw As It’s New Headmaster Andrew’s career thus far has been both varied and exciting, spanning an impressive range of diverse educational settings. This range of experience means that he has the flexibility to lead and manage across the Primary age range with confidence and insight.

His philosophy of education is embedded in the belief that the basic attributes of kindness, curiosity, good manners, self-reliance and purposefulness should form the foundations for happiness and success in life. All pupils must be inspired daily to achieve their best, to aim high and to develop within themselves, confidence, tolerance and a true sense of their own self-worth.

Andrew passionately believes that education should be a happy, exciting and purposeful experience. Through encouraging pupils to make their own choices and capitalising on their natural curiosity, in a caring, supportive and informed environment, he aims to lead them towards becoming independent, motivated, questioning and caring human beings.

Grace Dieu’s ‘Excellent’ Kitchens!

Grace Dieu Manor School’s dinners have certainly proved a hit with both the pupils and with North West Leicestershire District Council. Grace Dieu is among the top 15 food outlets in the county to have achieved the new Food Hygiene Certificate of Excellence.

Certificates were presented to establishments that could demonstrate that they exceed the requirements set out in law, and this accolade recognises the high standards achieved.

Councillor Alison Smith said: “Each of these premises has been rated as 5 and has thereby achieved the highest possible score for confidence in management, and I would like to offer our congratulations to them.”

Grace Dieu Catering Manager, Mr Dawson, was delighted to hear that his kitchen and staff had been awarded the Certificate of Excellence, and this will be proudly displayed in the School’s dining room.

Get a Head Start for Son or Daughter at OLCS Getting the right educational start for your son or daughter is the most important decision in any parent’s life. At Our Lady’s Convent School (OLCS), Loughborough, we know that happy, stimulated children learn more and we provide a cheerful, family environment where pupils are stretched not stressed. Your child’s educational journey will be filled with excitement and wonder as they develop into fulfilled, well rounded students equipped for the next stage of their education. We guarantee small class sizes and whilst we are founded on Christian values we respect all faiths. We welcome boys and girls from age 3 to 11 and then focus on a girls’ only senior school and Sixth Form (11 to 18), enabling them to fully focus on their studies.

By joining Our Lady’s Convent School your son or daughter will have access to all the advantages offered by a rich and diverse curriculum, giving them the head start in life they deserve. They will reap the rewards of academic success without losing their delight in learning and will be equipped to embrace the next stage of their education.

In Year 7 girls from our co-educational Primary progress into our single sex senior school, joined by peers from local primary schools. The smooth transition from Year 6 to 7 is well managed giving students the best possible opportunity to settle quickly into our friendly School. A feature of our senior school and Sixth Form is the careful balance achieved between hard work and opportunities to get involved in a range of extra-curricular activities, House events and curriculum enhancing trips and visits.

We have a long tradition of providing an holistic approach to education where your child will be encouraged and challenged to perform to his or her best abilities; our strong academic results reflect how well our students of all ages respond to this approach.

The best way to understand what makes our School special, is to come and have a look around, we invite you to arrange a tour at a time to suit you and meet with students, staff and the Headteacher. Our next Open Morning is on Saturday, 11th May, 9.30am to 12 noon and we would be delighted to meet with you and discuss how we can equip your son or daughter for life. For more information please ring Mrs Fortescue on 01509 638280 or visit our website: www.olcs.leics.sch.uk www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Local History Woodhouse & Woodhouse Eaves Local History Group Despite the terrible weather on March 11th over 20 members and visitors decided to brave the elements and listen to Roger Willson telling us about Swithland Slate Headstones. He explained about his love of visiting churches, particularly in Leicestershire and the Vale of Belvoir. His interests in particular were Alabaster sculptures and monuments. From this developed his passion for seeking out church headstones, especially those made from Swithland Slate.

The slate itself came from the quarries in Swithland, and was of top quality. As the slate split so easily, much of it was used for roofing slates, the various sizes from small to large giving many local houses their typical roof style. It was soon realised that the slate made excellent headstones, being very hard and long wearing, not affected by the ravages of weather as other stones, eg sandstone were.

The peak period was between 1750 and 1810 when there were about 150 craftsmen at 50 locations in our area. These men produced top quality headstones, and it was a trade that was handed down from father to son. The stones were smoothed and polished on one side only, the rear being left in its natural state. Every slate was individual and different, with over 10,000 Swithland headstones in Leicestershire alone. The oldest known is dated 1641. It was sited in All Saints Church, Thurcaston and is now safely preserved inside the church.

Early slates had basic block lettering and sometimes if the craftsman ran out of space he just fitted items in where he could, giving some unusual styles. As time went on, lettering improved, biblical texts and designs began to appear. One in particular became very popular, known as the Belvoir Angels, mainly between about 1690 to 1750’s. As the name suggests most of these were in the Vale of Belvoir area.

From about the 1840’s railways began to appear and this meant that very much cheaper Welsh slate became readily available replacing the expensive Swithland slate. In 1887 the last quarry in Swithland was closed.

Using our overhead projector system, Roger then showed us photos of many of the headstones he has recorded, the styles, the lettering, the quotes, the dates, and of course the Belvoir Angels. It was fascinating to realise that some of the earliest dates indicated that the ‘occupant’ was alive in Leicestershire around the time of King Charles I in the early 1600’s.

A most fascinating talk and no doubt when our weather improves there will be several more interested researchers visiting our local churches to see what they can find.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, April 8th at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church, Woodhouse Eaves. Our speaker is Trevor Parr talking about ‘The Local Civil War’. All are welcome. Enquiries to 01509-890788.

Brian Axon – Chairman.

Whitwick Historical Group Whitwick Historical Group is based at the Old Station Building in Whitwick. The group houses a large collection of resources including photographs, maps, documents and artefacts and our media room provides access to microfiche, census returns, CDs etc. All these resources can be used by family history researchers as well as people that are interested in the history and heritage of the area, and experienced friendly experts are always on hand to help you.

The group arranges public talks on local heritage topics, produces a quarterly newsletter and annual calendar and presents regular exhibitions on national topics as well as local issues. It is open to the public on Tuesday evenings 7pm - 9pm & Saturday mornings 10am - 12 noon. Whitwick Historical Group, Old Station Building, Whitwick, Coalville, Leicestershire. Tel: 01509 556793.

Rothley History Society In February our members and guests were given a very interesting talk by Bob Gregory, who himself is a ‘Blue Badge Guide’ in Leicester. His talk was fascinating, with various illustrations, (some older and some modern) of well known houses and buildings in Leicester, and the people who were associated with them.

Our April meeting will be something completely different…. We will be hosting an “Antiques Evening” with Bamfords Auctioneers & Valuers from Derby (as seen on TV). This is a chance to learn more about antiques, and to bring an item of your own along for a valuation. Tickets for the evening are £5 each, and everyone will be made most welcome.

The Rothley History Society meets on the third Wednesday of the month in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, from September to June starting at 7.30pm.

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Local History Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society As our January meeting had to be postponed due to the inclement weather at that time, the first meeting of 2013, held on 19th February, was well-attended to hear Society Archivist, Margaret Greiff, who gave an excellent talk about “Sir Nathan Wright (1654 to 1721), Thurcaston’s Forgotten Son”.

Although Nathan eventually attained high office, by becoming Keeper of the Great Seal of England, he had relatively unremarkable beginnings. He did not have aristocratic lineage – his background could be described as “gentry” – perhaps the upper middle class by today’s standards. However, during his lifetime, the gentry were the mainstay of English life, people in the professions who were the driving force behind the changes that gradually developed throughout the country.

His father, Ezekiel (1604 to 1668) who was staunchly Puritan, attended Emmanuel College, Cambridge, before becoming Rector of All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston (there is a memorial to him in the church) and he married a lady from Hinckley, Dorothy Oneby. Nathan was born in Thurcaston and the first five years of his life were the final years of Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth. There followed yet more turbulent times in political, social and religious terms with the restoration of the Stuart monarchy, first with the Protestant Charles 2nd, then followed by his brother, the Catholic James 2nd, who was eventually ousted into exile in favour of his son-in-law, William of Orange from the Dutch Royal family. Together with his wife, Mary (James’ daughter), William 3rd restored the English monarchy to the Protestant faith. Mary’s younger sister, Anne, became the last in the line of the Stuart kings and queens and when she died without leaving an heir, the Hanoverian dynasty began with George 1st, who was the reigning monarch at the time of Nathan Wright’s death. Throughout all these years, Nathan and his family managed to avoid being victims of the ever-changing allegiances of the time.

Ezekiel died when Nathan was 14 years old. By this time Nathan was the eldest son, his elder brother, Robert, having died earlier. The family (Nathan also had a younger sister and brother) had to leave the Rectory in Thurcaston and it is thought that their mother may have taken them to live with her family in Hinckley. In due course, an uncle (Dorothy’s brother-in-law), Thomas Staveley, became Nathan’s guardian. Thomas was a lawyer who was appointed to the office of Steward of the Court of Records in Leicester and it was under his guidance that Nathan was steered to a career in the law. Like his father before him, Nathan attended Emmanuel College, after which he proceeded to London where he went into practice as a lawyer during the 1680’s and 1690’s at Red Lion Court (still legal chambers today). He did very well in his chosen profession, rising to serve as a judge and was rewarded with a knighthood for his services to the legal profession.

Nathan was married in 1677 at the age of 23 years to Elizabeth Ashby of Quenby Hall. Their first home was Brooksby Hall. He was described as being flamboyant, of portly stature and with a pock-marked face. The caring side of his nature was evident throughout his life from his various acts of kindness, often pecuniary, towards friends and family members and he maintained an affinity for Thurcaston and Leicestershire. He generally remained politically impartial and the rewards of his profession enabled him to invest in property to provide security for the future of his growing family – he and his wife had 7 sons and 4 daughters, 9 of whom survived to adulthood. For the benefit of his family, he kept a journal which he carefully updated with details of their day-to-day life and times.

It was in the reign of William 3rd that Nathan was offered, at the King’s instigation, the position of Keeper of the Great Seal of England, a role more often attained by members of the aristocracy, since it was usually combined with that of the Lord Chancellor. Nathan himself was not wholly sure about accepting the task and there were those in positions of influence who did not think it appropriate, given his more lowly background – he was thought to be “indifferently wellqualified”. Never-the-less, he did accept, and held the post for five years from 1700, but he was not accorded the honour of becoming Lord Chancellor. His official residence was Powis House in London, not far from Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Despite his previously acquired legal prowess, he was not wholly successful, largely due to his lack of expertise in certain aspects of the role, and by 1705 he was out of favour with the Whigs and Tories and so his public life came to an end.

His wife died soon afterwards and he moved to Caldecote in Warwickshire where he lived until his death. At his death he also had estates at Hartshill, Belgrave and Brooksby.

Nathan’s and Elizabeth’s eldest son, George, purchased Gayhurst Manor in Buckinghamshire as his family home and subsequently funded the building of a new church at Gayhurst, wherein later he had erected a prominent memorial to himself and to his father. They are depicted resplendent in “restoration” finery, a far cry from Nathan’s Puritan heritage.

Jennifer Kennington www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Gardens Newtown Linford Gardening Club We begin our fourteenth year next month as a healthy vibrant organisation and look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Our membership is approaching 50 and our activities are wide-ranging.

We begin our new season on April 23rd with a visit to Woodlands Nurseries which is on the Hinckley Road between Ibstock and Hinckley. We have an opportunity to have a private tour around the whole of the nursery and see how this organisation raises and cares for its plants to ensure that we, the customers, can be sure that what we buy is of good quality.

On May 28th and June 25th we welcome two excellent speakers. Hilary Hutson will talk about the world of climbing plants and Colin Olle’s subject is the National Garden Scheme which spreads the word on gardening all over the country by making available accesss to many beautiful private gardens.

July23rd is our traditional Summer Garden Party. This is held in the beautiful garden of Mike and Liz Newcombe which overlooks the spectacular Leicestershire countryside and is full of interesting trees and shrubs plus a superb lake at the bottom of the garden. This garden is part of the National Garden Scheme and will be open to the public in late July.

August is the month when we make a visit to a garden further afield. On August 20th we combine two venues – Ashwood Nurseries in South Staffordshire and John’s Garden which is close by. Ashwood Nurseries raises a very wide range of plants which are then sold on to the public. John’s Garden is a private three-acre garden with many different plants ranging from the common to the rare. This garden has been featured on television and greatly praised by no less an authority than Carol Klein.

The highlight of our year will come on October 22nd when our speaker will be the well-known television gardener Christine Walkden. We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious gardener and we will be opening this event up to visitors and to members of other gardening clubs. Tickets for this event will cost £10 and will be available from the secretary. There are a limited number of spaces in our hall and so applications can be made now.

The events are free to members of the club and for an annual subscription of £12 you can enjoy Christine Walkden’s talk and take part in all the other activities as well.

To reserve tickets or find out more about the Newtown Linford Gardening Club, contact the secretary on 01530 242452 or by e-mail on 01530242452@talktalk.net or at 32 Groby Lane, Newtown LinfordLE6 0HH.

Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club For the February meeting of the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club, we welcomed Chris Edwards talking about ‘Gardening for Wildlife’. Chris, a RSPB officer, gave an interesting and informative illustrated talk. He made the point that when most people think about the RSPB, they imagine that it’s only interest is birds. This may have been the case in the past, but the new focus for the RSPB is environment and habitat, following the idea that if we provide the correct environment, the birds will look after themselves.

Chris also made the point that individual gardens are very important for wildlife, potentially providing a haven for wildlife within each garden and ‘corridors’ for wildlife from area to area. Gardens are becoming much more important for wildlife than farms, where many intensive farming practices have destroyed suitable bird habitat.

He asked the question, ‘What does wildlife need?’ And the answer is; wildlife needs everything we need – food, water and shelter. Chris elaborated on each of these points. He had a relaxed and humorous style of presentation and a selection of excellent photos and graphics, including a short (but fabulous) film. He summarised his talk with six main points for us to ‘garden for wildlife’. 1. Leave dead herbaceous stems over winter. 2. Grow varying lengths of grass. 3.

Plant a variety of nectar rich flowering plants. 4. Build piles of dead wood. 5. Grow a variety of native and non native trees. 6. Have a pond or other water feature.

The next club event is on Wednesday 10th April, 7.45 pm – How to Grow Prize Winning Dahlias – Tom Upton. This talk will help you get the best from your dahlias. How this championship winning grower does it from start to finish. No ‘slides’, this is a master class. The gardening club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall.

Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will something of interest in this year’s programme. What’s more, it is excellent value!! The membership fee is £12 for the year or £3.00 per meeting. And, if you would like to come as a visitor and then you decide to join, your visitor fee will be refunded!! So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try.

For more information of any of these events call Dave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758.

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LOCAL EVENTS Richard III Guided Walks at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre Richard III and Bosworth Battlefield - you’ve seen the films, read the books, now walk in their footsteps!

A 1 1/4 mile (2km) walk with one of Bosworth’s knowledgeable and experienced guides, bringing the events of the Battle of Bosworth to life.

Saturdays 2pm & Sundays, 11am & 2pm throughout April.

Tickets: Adults £4.50, Child £3.25, Concs £3.75 (family tickets available).

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, Ambion Lane, Sutton Cheney, Market Bosworth, Leicestershire, CV13 0AD Tel: 01455 290429

Get Boating! National “On the Water Weekend” at Pillings Lock Marina Fancy having a go on a boat? Then here’s your chance with the ‘On The Water Weekend’.

Arts & Craft Festival at Melton Mowbray The first Annual three day Arts and Cafts Festival in Melton Mowbray Town Centre. A spectacular three day extravaganza of original high quality local art, drama, creative writing and crafts. Gifted and professional artists of all genres come together to provide entertainment, stimulation and enjoyment.

Fri 19 - Sun 21 April 2013 | 10am - 4pm | Tel: 01664 858608 Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1XA

British Pie Awards at St Mary’s Church The pie is one of the icons of British cuisine Savoury or sweet, the British eat millions of them every year. These awards are a national celebration of British Pies in all their varieties.

Hosted in the magnificent St Mary’s Church. Winners will be announced at 4.30pm.

St Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1AE Tel: 01664 562267 | Wednesday 24 April | 10am - 5pm

There will be lots of free activities, the Restaurant & Bar will be hosting a Barbeque & Hog Roast, there will be a band playing live music and activities to amuse the kids too.

No need to book, just turn up and have some fun on the water… email for more details: pillingslock@btinternet.com Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 April | Tel: 01509 620990 Pillings Lock Marina , Flesh Hovel Lane, Quorn, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 8FE

Sunday 31 March & Monday 01 April | Vintage Fayre at Greenacres Easter sees us going all Vintage at Greenacres with the Easter Vintage Fayre taking place as part of the Great Central Railway’s Easter Vintage Festival, where we will be taking you down memory lane to revisit those cherished times bringing them alive again!

There will be stalls selling all sorts from vintage dresses to homemade cakes. See page 32 for further details.

Entrance: FREE | 10.30am - 4.30pm | Tel: 01509 633870 / 077785 12275 | The Sidings, LE4 3BR adjacent to the Leicester North Station.

Tuesday 02 April | The Ladies Circle 40 years at Charles Street Police Station: Dick Pollard 2.30pm | Methodist Hall, Howe Lane,Rothley

Thursday 4th April | Charity Whist Drives The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr. All players welcome.

Admission £2 | 7.30pm | Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Sunday 07 + Sunday 21 April | Woodhouses Junior Gardening Club - Ages 7-14 welcomed Come and be part of the growing cycle from seed, to sprout, to harvest. With the cold outside we will be propagating, whether from seed or cutting. £5 membership and £1 per meeting fee. Meetings will be fortnightly. Supported by Woodhouses Gardening Club.

Interested? Please contact Jill 01509 890 795 or Andrew 01509 890 839. As places are limited please get in touch to reserve yours. | 2pm - 3:30pm | Woodhouse Village Annexe (behind the Village Hall).

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Tuesday 09 April | Birstall Birdwatching Club

LOCAL EVENTS

Birstall Birdwatching Club presents The Attenborough Nature Reserve by Nigel Slater.

Just over the border, this Nature Reserve is easily accessible for a visit and Nigel will show us what can be seen there, particularly at this time of the year. Nigel is very enthusiastic about all forms of wildlife and a popular speaker at our club.

Visitors welcome £2 | 7.30pm | Ken Goodrich 0116 2674813 | The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley

Thursday 11 April | Birstall & District Local History Society This month’s meeting is titled ‘Battles in the Midlands’ and will be presented by Gareth King. The club meets on the second Thursday of the month, all are welcome.

7.30pm | Mrs A Topley: (0116) 292 8214 | Birstall Village Hall

Wednesday 17 April | Rothley History Society We will be hosting an “Antiques Evening” with Bamfords Auctioneers & Valuers from Derby (as seen on TV). This is a chance to learn more about antiques, and to bring an item of your own along for a valuation. Everyone will be made most welcome.

Tickets £5 | 7.30pm | Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR

Friday 19 April | Whitwick & District U3A Whitwick and District U3A will be holding their AGM which will be followed by a presentation from REMAP. REMAP is the Leicestershire and Rutland charity which consists of a large group of very practical people who invent appliances to aid people with mobility issues. The speakers will be Martin Grant and Richard Gays.

For further information about this meeting and many other opportunities and activities, please see the website.

1.45pm for a 2pm start | www.whitwicku3a.org.uk | St. David’s Church Hall, Broomleys, Coalville

Sunday 21st April | Medieval St Georges Day Celebrations Donington le Heath Manor House - Enjoy the medieval fun with the excellent Duke of Buckingham’s Household, recreating life in the time of Richard III. Call the museum for further information.

Tickets: Adult £2, Children £1 | 11am - 4pm | Tel: 01530 831 259 | Donington le Heath Manor House, Manor Road, Donington le Heath, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 2FW

Monday 22 April | The Friends Of Charnwood Forest Michael Webster, local wildlife photographer, will give a talk and slide show entitled “Charnwood’s Secret Valleys” at the Friends of Charnwood Forest meeting. Visitors welcome.

Visitors £3 on the door | 7.30pm | Further enquiries: 01530 242534 | Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall

Friday, 26 April | Obsessions of an English gentleman Join the National Trust’s nature and wildlife expert, Matthew Oates, as he explores how Sir Vauncey captured his natural history obsession at Calke Abbey. Includes a light lunch.

Adult £7.50 | 11am - 1:30 pm | Booking Essential: Tel: 01332 863822, | Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby, DE73 7LE

Saturday 27 April | Copt Oak Table Top & Craft Fayre Table Top & Craft Fayre including Bric-brac, books, cakes, crafts, dolls & toys, jewellery, refreshments, £1 stall and lots more.

Proceeds in aid of St. Peters Church, Copt Oak. Tables £7. Admission 50p | 1pm - 3.30pm | Further details: 0116 2674746 | Copt Oak Memorial Hall, LE67 9QB ( next to Copt Oak Pub)

Friday 03 May | The Friends Of Belgrave Cemetery The Friends of Belgrave Cemetery invite you to a presentation ‘Belgrave Cemetery Soldiers of the Great War’ by Dr John Sutton.

Dedicated to the 28 soldiers who lie at rest in Belgrave Cemetery, this presentation tells the story of each of their lives before and during the ‘war to end all wars’.

Booking is advised as spaces are limited.

Tickets in advance £2.50, £3.00 at door | 7.30pm - 9.30pm | Tel: 0116 2672018 | Greenacres Cafe, The Sidings, Red Hill Way (A563), Leicester.

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Financial Planning Financial Planning In Your Fifties, Sixties & Seventies In Your Fifties Along with your forties, your fifties are almost certainly the age when your earnings are at their peak – and by now there’s a good chance that your children will no longer be dependant, giving you the chance to take two important financial planning steps.

Your fifties is also a good time to reduce debt. Conventional financial wisdom dictates that you should almost always pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first – which would normally mean paying off your credit cards before your mortgage. But for many people the allure of being mortgage free is a very powerful motivating factor.

In Your Sixties At some time in our sixties the vast majority of us will retire. The options around taking your pension can be many and varied, whether it is deciding how to take your income or deciding how to invest any tax-free lump sum you receive. The decisions you take now could well affect your standard of living for the rest of your life.

In Your Seventies You may be able to look at giving away some of your income and/or wealth to reduce an eventual inheritance tax bill.

Essentially, your seventies are a decade in which to relax and reap the rewards of a lifetime of sensible financial planning. But above all, the message for your seventies is simple: “You’ve worked hard: you’ve planned your finances: now enjoy it!”

Matthew Walne, Santorini Financial Planning Ltd.

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THE VINE DIRECTORY

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Caroline James.............................. 60 Churchgate Jewellers..................... 24 Divine Ladies Wear........................ 34

EDUCATION Castle Day Nursery........................ 44 Fairfield Preparatory School........... 42 Grace Dieu Manor School.............. 42 OLCS..............................................44 Rawlins - Adult Courses................. 44 Richard Hill School Charity............. 42

FLOWERS & GIFTS Holywell Petal Florists.................... 41 Shellbrook Toys.............................. 38

FOOD, DRINK & VENUES The Blue Bell.................................. 25 Farmers Markets....................24 + 38 Nook Corner................................... 11 Quorn Grange Hotel....................... 25 Rothley Court Hotel........................ 27 John C. Jesson - Caterer............... 41 Sweet Memory - Sweets................ 41 Vintage Afternoon Teas.................. 24 The Wheatsheaf Inn....................... 11 Woodcock Farm Shop.................... 48

GARDEN Bentley’s Garden Buildings............ 14 Brookside Nurseries....................... 51 Charnwood Tree Services.............. 51 East Mids Mowers & Machines...... 30 Garden Blueprints.......................... 24 Johnson Tree Care......................... 24 LB Landscaping.............................. 51 Neil Johnson Landscaping............. 48 Roecliffe Tree Surgery.................... 48

HAIR & BEAUTY Aqua Hair....................................... 34

HAIR & BEAUTY continued...

Glitz Hair......................................... 37 Pure Hair & Beauty......................... 34 Seasons Day Spa........................... 36

HEALTH Charnwood Hearing Centre............ 57 Charnwood Physiotherapy............. 57 Clare Satchell Reflexology............. 37 Gareth Hudson - Foot Health......... 36 Physique Fitness Gym................... 37 Quorndon Care............................... 37

HOME ABD Picture Framing...................... 57 Ablutions.........................................59 Absolute Window Solutions.............. 2 Alpha Gas......................................... 4 Ancient & Modern........................... 41 Anstey Homecrafts......................... 57 Ashby Decorators Centre............... 14 BLM Property Maintenance............ 57 Borrajo Electrical............................ 24 Bradgate Estate Management.......... 4 Broughtons....................................... 4 Charnwood Kitchens........................ 6 Charnwood Oakwrights.................... 8 Clock Doctor................................... 24 Coalville Cane Company.................. 3 Corner House Interiors..................... 8 CV Lane........................................... 3 DeVol......................................20 + 21 DG Plumbing.................................. 57 Glenwood Interiors........................... 6 Graham Botterill............................. 24 High Class Ironing.......................... 58 Holme Tree Kitchens...................... 39 The Housewives............................. 15 Iron Maidens................................... 36 Irving Hill........................................... 5 The Light House............................... 3 Loft Storage Solutions.................... 15

HOME continued...

Logburners Ltd................................. 3 Low Woods Furnishings................... 6 Martin Allen Flooring......................... 4 My Spa UK....................................... 7 Olympic Oven Cleaning.................. 15 Parker Tiling................................... 24 Rutland Shutters............................. 58 Terry Allen Painter & Decorator...... 57

LEISURE East Midlands Helicopters.............. 27 English Ancestry.....................45 + 58 Faces Arts...................................... 45 Just Bikes....................................... 38 Kwik Travel..................................... 58 Longcliffe Golf Club........................ 27 The Vintage Fayre.......................... 11

MOTORS Cropston Garage............................ 57 Loughborough Kia.......................... 31 Tech 2.............................................30 VeeDub Services............................ 30

PETS Anstey Cattery................................ 58 Cooks Farm Shop.......................... 49 Glebe Von Wood............................ 58 Posh Paws..................................... 58 The Retreat Boarding Kennels....... 58 The Veterinary Surgery.................. 58

PROFFESIONAL SERVICES Advanced Insurance Services........ 39 Bentons Estate Agents................... 18 Dodds Solicitors LLP...................... 55 Mark Pickering................................ 40 NFU Mutual.................................... 40 Prusinski Solicitors......................... 55 Roy Green - Sales & Lettings......... 55 Santorini.........................................54

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TELL OUR ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEM IN THE VINE, LEICESTERSHIRE

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