The Bradgate Magazine March 2015

THE BRADGATE MAGAZINE

Bradgate

The

March / April 2015

magazine

Mothering Sunday Surprises Explore Loughborough Town MARCH / APRIL 2015 | ISSUE 13 WWW.THEBRADGATEMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Local News, Events, Entertainment Charities, Groups, Gardens & more

Your Local Community Magazine March / April 2015

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FROM THE EDITOR

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Welcome to this month’s edition of The Bradgate and to a busy March indeed. We’ve a lot to shout about on your behalf in this edition, so without further ado let’s get started with a sneak-peak.

This month sees the historic reinterment of Richard III in Leicester Cathedral and coinciding with this will be an exhibition by artist Kirsteen Thomson of paintings of local places relevant to his life. The exhibition will show in the Guildhall from March 23rd to 25th and is sure to spotlight some familiar locales - turn to page 26 for more details.

Whilst on the subject of Richard III...at the March meeting of The Friends of Charnwood Forest - a society dedicated to protecting the natural beauty and amenities of the Forest there will be a talk on this last English King to die on home soil which includes particular reference to the Battle of Bosworth, read more about this event, the society and their forthcoming meetings on page 17.

Would you consider becoming a volunteer with the Samaritans? If so then the Leicester branch is looking for new volunteers. Read more about them on page 10 and if you’ve some time available why not offer it up for a much needed cause.

Last, but by no means least, remember it’s Mothers Day on March 15th this year and to lend you a hand we’ve some great little features to help you with ideas for something simple or something special for Mum from present buying to great local places to dine and visit.

With Loughborough our feature town this month (jump to page 47 for the low-down) we think there’s a little something for everyone in this month’s edition of The Bradgate, so with so much to read, you’d better get a move on.

March / April 2015

CONTENTS 10 MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Samaritans (Leicester Branch) are looking for listening volunteers - can you help?

17 PAWS 4 A CAUSE Raise money for LOROS by taking part in a fun sponsored dog walk.

22 GARDENING GALORE Whether you’re looking for Tips and Tricks for your garden, want to join a local club or show off your garden to others - we’ve got it covered!

44 MOTHERING SUNDAY We’ve put together some great ideas to surprise that important lady in your life this Mothering Sunday.

Hope you enjoy,

Ed & the team CONTACT US: Follow us on

editor@thebradgatemagazine.co.uk | 01530 249589 | www.thebradgatemagazine.co.uk @TheBradgateMag

The Bradgate Magazine

The Bradgate

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Our Disclaimer: Reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all content, The Bradgate Magazine takes no responsibility for the accuracy of statements or content and can accept no liability for errors, omissions or any inconvenience arising therefrom. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. All text, images and design in this publication and on the website are subject to copyright. Any unauthorised duplication is strictly prohibited. Artwork and articles are accepted in good faith and on the condition that permission has been granted for use on our website. Copyright © The Bradgate Magazine Ltd.

March / April 2015

The Bradgate Magazine is printed by: Spectrum Printing Services Ltd, Waterside Road, Hamilton Business Park, Leicester LE5 1TL | Tel: 0116 246 1717

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Can you make a difference too?

“I didn’t think that being on the other end of a phone could save someone’s life,” says David, a volunteer at Samaritans for nearly 20 years, “But now I see how listening is a really powerful and practical way of getting people through the bad times in life - the type of moments that lots of us can face.”

The Samaritans Leicester branch has been training volunteers to listen without being judgemental for over 50 years and the team is used to people’s first opinions about the work changing. Abbey, who’s a volunteer herself and helps lead the volunteers’ training, says that people often surprise themselves, “At first, volunteers can feel quite awkward - they want to help but they don’t think they know how. When you start training and realise the kind of situations you’ll be helping with, it can be pretty intense and some people find it tough - it’s not for everyone, although most new volunteers enjoy training and go on to find the listening a worthwhile experience”.

Jenny, Director of the branch explains, “Our volunteers are a real mixed bag - some are in full-time work and others are retired, some are single and some in relationships. We don’t ask for qualifications other than to be able to listen without prejudice. There’s no rule on what makes a good listener and actually it’s this difference in background that helps us to help others and makes the volunteering such a positive experience.”

Once trained, listening volunteers share shifts - the Leicester branch is available 24 hours a day, every day. The branch has had over 50 years of unbroken service because of its dedicated team and there is always a need for more volunteers. Being on the phones is only part of the work and there are also projects with schools, prisons and local community groups.

Find out how to get involved: email leicester@samaritans.org or call 0116 270 0007

IF YOU NEED SAMARITAN SUPPORT: Call the local number *0116 270 0007 or the national number *08457 90 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org *call charges apply

Are you as fit as an Easter Bunny?

Challenge yourself by tackling one of the Rotary Beacon Easter Bunny Runs for a worthwhile cause!

The fourth Easter Bunny Runs, organised by the Rotary Club of Loughborough Beacon, will take place in Beacon Hill Country Park on Sunday April 19th. The event starts at 12 noon, at the Beacon Hill Lower Car Park, Breakback Road, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8TA. There are two entirely off-road courses on woodland paths and bridleways. The 10km involves climbing Beacon Hill so is for serious runners (with a course record of 36 minutes 36 seconds), while the 3km easy loop is for fun runners, children and dogs, who can wear Easter Bunny or other costumes if they wish. Hot and cold drinks and massages will be available, and all finishers receive a medal and have the chance to win one of a host of prizes.

If you just want to watch then there are also activities for families, including a bouncy castle, an egg hunt, and a games area.

Money raised by participants will be in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Headway, the brain injury association. The proceeds from the event will be shared between these and other charities supported by the Rotary Club of Loughborough Beacon. Teams of six or more runners can choose to support their own charities.

Full details and registration are available at www.beaconbunnyrun.org or by calling 07906 915589.

You can register online, by post or on the day.

Join us in a day of fun and achievement for all the family!

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Table Top Sale & Craft Fayre Saturday 18th April 2015, 12 noon - 3.30pm Bric a Brac, Crafts, Cakes, Raffle, Refreshments including homemade soup, scones.

Stalls £10 - booking essential. Admission 50p, children free. Copt Oak Memorial Hall, Whitwick Road - LE67 9QB. Next to Copt Oak pub.

For further information ring - 01530 244229 or 0116 2674746. Ample free parking. Proceeds in aid of St. Peter’s Church Copt Oak.

Charity Bridge Drive

Charity Whist Drive

Wednesday 8th April 2015, 1:30pm Loughborough Lions Club have organised a charity bridge drive at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Afternoon tea will be provided and the cost will be £6 per person.

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

At the January meeting of Charity Whist Drives Derek Farr, organiser, expressed his appreciation to the small group of regular players for their support and generosity during the last twelve months, which enabled a gift of £100.00 to be donated to LOROS. The next Charity Whist Drive will be held at 7.30 pm on Thursday 5th March in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrrel Lane, Rothley.

Admission £2. All players welcome.

LOROS:The Twilight Walk 2015

Ladies, wear your most saintly smile or most devilish grin and raise funds for LOROS Saturday 25th April, 7.30pm at King Power Stadium Following the huge success of last year’s Twilight Walk (pictured), which raised over £50,000, registration is now open for this year’s event which is taking place on Saturday 25th April. This year’s ‘Saints & Sinners’ themed Twilight Walk is sure to be the biggest girls night out that Leicester has ever seen. Join us and make this the BIGGEST Twilight Walk yet!

Ladies from across the city and county, of all ages and fitness levels, will take part in a 10km sponsored walk through the city of Leicester in aid of LOROS the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice.

This special night in Leicester annually unites sisters, mothers, daughters, friends, partners and colleagues from all over the East Midlands to have fun, remember loved ones and raise money for their local Hospice. The unique atmosphere at the event makes it one night you will not want to miss!

Debra Clarke died at LOROS in June 2013, aged just 51. Here, one of her three children, Leah Brown, 23, explains why she will now be taking part every year: “I first did the Twilight Walk last year in memory of my mum. Seeing how many people were there, all doing it for the same cause was so moving, you feel so connected. It was fantastic. My sister and I did it together and when we came to the end, felt really happy because it felt like such an achievement and we were doing it for our mum and we raised about £500 in her memory. Mum was admitted to LOROS, and after the very first day there, I could see the difference in her. She was outside, in her bed, in the sunshine - it was the first time I’d seen her eat in weeks. She was full of energy, as much as she could be. Mum died at LOROS and it was the best place she could have been. We’ll be forever grateful.”

The ‘Saints & Sinners’ theme encourages participants to have fun and dress up as angels and devils – we also have a great range of merchandise to help with your outfits! This is available to buy on the event’s website.

To see more details about the event, a course map and to register please visit www.thetwilightwalk.co.uk. Any queries, please call fundraising on (0116) 231 8431/2.

Please note this is a ladies only event, but men, if you would like to join this crowd of amazing women, the organisers have plenty of opportunities for volunteers available on the night. Please call the LOROS Fundraising Department on (0116) 231 8431/2 for more information.

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Charity News

GET NIFTY WITH A FIFTY – The LOROS Accumulator Challenge 2015 Following the great success of last year’s campaign LOROS would like to invite individuals and groups of all sizes to get involved with the LOROS Accumulator Challenge 2015 and compete alongside other local companies, organisations and groups in a bid to win awards for the “Most Innovative Idea”, “Most Engaging Idea” and “Most Money Raised”. Last year’s Challenge was successfully completed by 20 teams and this year, to celebrate LOROS’ 30th Anniversary, we are aiming for 30 teams to join our Accumulator Challenge!

Ian Colledge, owner of The Plant Man and a winner of the “Most Innovative Idea” award last said, “We will certainly be happy to participate again in the LOROS Accumulator Challenge. We hope to raise more this year!” …and Meanesh Soni, Customer Relations Executive at British Gas Business and a winner of the “Most Money Raised Idea” in last year’s challenge said, ”The Accumulator Challenge was an excellent opportunity to raise money for a very worthwhile cause. The participants showed great team spirit and everyone who got involved thoroughly enjoyed the fundraising.”

The challenge is straightforward: LOROS kick off the campaign on 18th March 2015 and provide you with £50 and a pack full of inspiring ideas. You have three months to “grow” that £50 in any way you like as long as it is legal and ethical.

The challenge will finish on 18th June with an Award Ceremony at LOROS , where competitors will have the opportunity to see exactly how the money raised will benefit our charity whilst indulging in canapés and fizz.

Leading participants will feature in press releases generating excellent PR for your organisation. LOROS will also feature your fundraising activities on our webpage and social media.

Magdalena Korytkowska, Fundraising Coordinator at LOROS said: “Last year’s challenge raised well over £6,000 which is equivalent to the cost of a LOROS Community Nurse Specialist being able to visit 65 terminally ill patients in their homes in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland. You can make a difference to our patients and their families this year so register to the LOROS Accumulator Challenge today!

“Benefits of taking part in this initiative include: articles on the LOROS webpage, buzz on our FB and Twitter (7715 followers on FB and more than 2500 on Twitter) and a fantastic networking evening at the end of the challenge with other participants.”

To find out more please contact the LOROS Fundraising Department on 0116 231 8431/2, fundraising@loros.co.uk or visit the registration website: https://regonline.activeeurope.com/LOROSaccumulatorchallenge2015

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

There will be all sorts of stalls including a tombola, homemade cakes, chutneys, jam, bric-a-brac and hand made greeting cards. There will also be a raffle.

This coffee morning is in aid of the charity ’Make A Wish’. £1 entrance fee including tea, coffee and biscuits.

Please come along and support us at the Methodist Hall, Howe Lane, Rothley.

A Little Help...

Charnwood Connect is a partnership project funded by Big Lottery’s Advice Services Transition Fund. The project aims to improve local residents’ access to advice and information services. To help achieve this, a number of local advice, information and support organisations are working in partnership, with Charnwood Citizens Advice Bureau as the project’s accountable body.

Charnwood Connect has launched a free, online Hub about advice, information and support services for local people to access. The Hub contains details about advice support available on issues such as legal rights, money and debt, welfare benefits as well as a list of local community organisations. The Hub is accessible wherever you are and whenever you want on smart-phones, tablets desktop computers. You can check out the Hub at http://charnwoodconnect.org.uk/ Universal Credit Rollout in Charnwood - find out more at: http://charnwoodconnect.org.uk/2015/01/universal-credit-rollout-in-charnwood/

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NT Leicester Association Stoneywell Cottage, the new National Trust property in Ulverscroft, opened to the public on Monday 2nd February and will be open seven days a week from 10.00am to 5.00pm until Sunday 29th November.

The cottage was built in 1899 as a weekend/holiday home for Sydney Gimson, a heavy engineering industrialist from Leicester. The architect for the building was Sydney’s younger brother, Ernest Gimson, who became a famous Arts & Crafts architect, craftsman and furniture designer.

The cottage, which is hidden from the road, is built on a rocky outcrop and steps down the hill as if growing out of the ground. The accommodation open to the public consists of a dining room and sitting room on the ground floor and five bedrooms on the upper floors.

Much of the furniture is original to the cottage and came from an Arts & Crafts workshop in the Cotswolds. There is also some other hand crafted furniture added by the family between the wars.

The property also tells the story of the three generations of the Gimson family who owned it until it passed to the National Trust at the end of 2012. When Sydney died in 1938 it passed to his son Basil and on his death in 1953 it was inherited by his son Donald. The National Trust are presenting the cottage at a date in the mid 1950’s soon after it was occupied by Donald and his family.

There is a splendid four acre garden surrounding the cottage which was laid out by Donald’s wife, Ann, in the late 1950’s and also eleven acres of woodland to explore.

The other building on the site is the stable block built in 1902. Both this and the cottage are Grade II listed.

Today this block contains an exhibition area, the tea room, the staff office and the toilets.

Due to the relatively small size of the property all visits must be pre booked by logging on to www.nationaltrust. org.uk/stoneywell or by telephoning 01530 248048.

You will be given an arrival time for the car park and on arrival will be transported to the cottage by mini-bus.

We look forward to seeing you.

The NT Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 10th March when Val Williams will present an illustrated talk on Norway. The meeting will be held at The Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm.

There is also an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 25th March at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm when Caroline Roberts will present an talk entitled There’s More to Leicester Than Just Cheese.

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

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

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer 16

Rothley History Society Our January meeting was very well attended, considering the weather on the night. We were pleased to welcome several visitors who had come along specifically to hear about the progress to date on the Mountsorrel Railway, and where the plans are at, with regard to the new Mountsorrel & Rothley Heritage Centre.

Pat Neal from the project gave a very passionate report, with pictures of the past, and plans for the future.

Rothley History Society is looking forward to working with members from the project, and also from the Mountsorrel Heritage Group, as we plan for our contributions towards the contents of the Heritage Centre.

In March we look forward to hearing the “Laura Ashley Story” from Jo Carter. Laura Ashley led an intriguing life, producing some of the most well-loved and recognised designs of the century.

Colin Hyde of East Midlands Oral History Archive will speak to us in April about the external features of Victorian terraced houses.

In May we will be visiting the Century Theatre at Snibston, to hear about the history, and how it came to be brought to Snibston.

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley at 7.30pm. Admission is £3 for visitors and £2 for members.

Visitors are always welcome!!

New ‘Mums & Toddlers’ Group 3-5pm every Tuesday at the Newtown Linford Sunday School Rooms by the entrance to Bradgate Park. Cost £1 with free tea, coffee and biscuits.

Everybody is invited; parents, grandparents, carers, brothers, sisters.

For more information call Beate on: 01530 245198.

Loughborough Naturalists’ Club Here we are looking forward to further interesting talks and walks. Do come along at 7.30pm to the Church Rooms, Church Lane, Quorn, LE12 8DP and enjoy one of our meetings free of charge. As you can see we have an interesting programme and you will be most welcome.

For more details contact the Meetings Secretary, Doreen Webster, on 0771 340 9743 or email her at dozzer.lobro@ tiscali.co.uk.

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

Upcoming meetings:

Saturday 14th March - Farming and Wildlife by Julia

Hawley

Sunday 12th April - AGM and Members’ Exhibition Evening and short talks.

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Paws 4 a Cause 2015 Want to support LOROS? You’re barking up the right tree!

LOROS, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice are calling upon the nations favourite four legged friends to help raise the vital funds needed to provide care and support to over 2,500 patients and their families each year, at their annual Paws 4 a Cause event.

Paws 4 a Cause on Sunday 29th March, is a sponsored 4km dog walk starting and finishing in the scenic grounds of Abbey Park, Leicester. There are two start times to choose from 10am or 11am and every dog will receive their very own ‘doggy’ bag at the end. There will also be a prize for the dog who raises the most sponsorship!

Laura Fitzsawyer, Fundraising Co-ordinator said, “This is the 4th year that we have organised Paws 4 a Cause. It is a great event that is fun for all the family! Over the past 4 years it has raised over £30,000 for the Hospice, and this year we want to make that total to over £40,000! The route has changed slightly this year, starting at the Oval rather than the Bandstand. We are extremely grateful to Abbey Park and Abbey Park Café for supporting our event again this year.”

For FREE registration and to receive your fundraising pack, please register at:

www.loros.co.uk/paws or call the Fundraising Department on 0116

231 8431.

Friends of the Charnwood Forest Friends of Charnwood Forest is a society aiming to protect the natural beauty and amenities of the area ofCharnwood Forest. Membership is open to all. More details about what we do and who we are can be found on our website: www. focf.org.uk Indoor meetings take place at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall at 7.30pm, finishing about 9pm followed by refreshments.

Guests are welcome at our talks for whom we make a small charge of £3 at the door.

Our next meetings is on Monday 16th March - AGM followed by TALK: Richard III and the Battle of Bosworth by Richard Knox Our AGM this year (usually a brief but purposeful event) will be followed by our Speaker, Richard Knox who has been involved in Leicestershire archaeology for 24 years, working in a number of different roles for Leicestershire County Council. Richard first became involved at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre in 2005, when work started on a survey to find the Battlefield and he led on the reinterpretation of the Heritage Centre on Ambion Hill. Richard is currently involved, along with colleagues, in organising the County’s elements of King Richard’s reinterment in March.

How do you find a Battlefield?

Following years of academic debate as to the actual location of Bosworth Battlefield, where Richard III lost his crown and his life on 22nd August 1485, Leicestershire County Council embarked on an ambitious landscape survey to try and rediscover this famous lost Battlefield.

The illustrated talk will discuss the techniques employed in trying to find a battlefield within hundreds acres of farmland and shows the intriguing results of the five year Survey, which finished in 2010. Two years later the world’s media picked up on the rediscovery of Richard III’s grave at the Greyfriars site in Leicester by Leicester University archaeologists and the grisly secrets it revealed. The talk will go through the results of the osteology report which give such vivid clues to Richard’s final moments.

Further meetings are as follows: • Monday 27th April (note date change): TALK: Beaumanor Hall and Enigma by Dr. Mark Baldwin • Wednesday 10th June WALK: Charnwood Lodge Nature Reserve with Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust See the website for further details, news and events: www.focf.org.uk or telephone Peter Bertram 0116 2100572.

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Keeping Specialist Building Traditions Alive Preserving the heritage of our county’s beautiful historic buildings is vital for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. That’s why specialist restorers like R. J. Rowley play such an important part in maintaining our wonderful local towns and villages.

A family-run business with traditional values and traditional building techniques, R. J. Rowley is rightly proud of being specialist restorers, using traditional methods and materials. Based in rural Leicestershire, the father and son team have been restoring listed and historic buildings for over 20 years so they have a wealth of experience working on projects in league with English Heritage, the County Council and Conservation Officers in District Councils.

Projects vary from small maintenance work on residential or commercial buildings of interest, right through to complete renovations of houses, churches, town halls – in fact any building where traditional techniques and local materials are paramount. For instance, they use lime-based materials to allow for breathability and eradication of damp problems which can include French drains.

Bespoke windows and doors are also a speciality, as well as traditional shop fronts and works to churches and church walls. Members of S.P.A.B, they are fully insured with historic CSCS cards and all their work is guaranteed.

So when preserving the past means investing in your historic building, call R. J. Rowley for specialist advice and a quotation, because they’ve got the expertise and knowledge to make sure that the past is preserved for the present – and the future.

For a ‘no obligation’ quotation please call 01858 545659 or visit www.rjrowley.co.uk

Leicestershire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs With over 400 members and 11 clubs, Leicestershire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (LFYFC) is the largest rural youth organisations in the County.

We have been around for more than 70 years and our first club opened in Melton Mowbray in 1936!

YFC provides a framework for a whole host of exciting events, competitions and new experiences. But it’s our members who really make the decisions.

Led by young people, for young people, Young Farmers’ Clubs provide anyone aged 10 to 26 with a fantastic chance to meet lifelong friends, learn new skills, make a real difference to the local community and even travel the world!

There is a huge range of opportunities available for our members including…

• A varied Competitions programme where young farmers can compete at local and national level in activities ranging from stock judging to floral arts • An exciting and unique YFC Travel programme, that includes homestays and working holidays – as well as fun ski trips • A comprehensive skills and training programme to help you advance your skills and your career • Opportunities to get involved in national campaigns on issues affecting rural communities or those working in agriculture • An Annual Convention, attracting over 5,000 young farmers who celebrate, unite and debate over a weekend of fun.

If you’re interested in becoming a part of this unique group of people contact the County Office on 01664 434532 or emma@leicsyfc.org.uk And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a farmer - in fact you don’t have to know anything about farming, all you need is a sense of adventure and a love of the countryside!

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GARDENS Would You Like To Get The Best From Your Garden In 2015?

Pick up tips on how to do this at Woodhouses Garden Club. We are a friendly group who would like to welcome you whether your fingers are green or simply keen.

Why not bring a friend and start the year with a free meeting? Bring your questions along for the expert panel of ‘Down to Earth’ as we host the recording of BBC Radio Leicester’s popular gardening show. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 19th February at 7.00 pm.

On Thursday 19th March at 7.15pm we will welcome The National Forest team who will be speaking about their work and future plans. As the days lengthen and we see some sunshine, Jeff Bates will return to advise on spring jobs and how to give your planting the best chance of success (16th April 7.30pm). All our meetings are held at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall. Visitors pay £3 and accompanied children £1. Refreshments are included. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club

The Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club started 2015 with the Annual General Meeting, celebrating the previous year’s successful programme, electing the new committee and thanking all those who had contributed in 2014.

Our speaker in our 2015 programme was one of the members of the Club. Annette Spurr talked to us about the Women’s Farm and Garden Association, known as WRAGS. The organisation was formed in 1899 by 22 women including Gertrude Jeckell following an international conference. They were unhappy about the attitude of society towards women workers in the area of horticulture. By 1910, an education committee had been formed and examinations and awards in gardening and poultry keeping were being awarded to women by the Association.

The needs of the country during the 1st World War were ably supported by WRAGS as the organisation (now called the Women’s Farm & Garden Union). By 1918 the membership stood at 1100, and 9000 women had passed through its training farms.

By the 21st Century the Association has developed a new function. With charitable status, it is providing training for woman and men who are looking to train and qualify as working gardeners. 2 days of practical training per week for a year is provided in a suitable garden under the tutelage of a suitably qualified and experienced gardener. Together with workshop sessions for members and trainees in gardens around the country, the placements give the students a wide ranging experience to equip them for a career in horticulture.

Annette talked about her role as a local co-ordinator, selecting and recruiting suitable students, and matching them to available placements in the East Midlands. Over 100 gardens around the country offer such placements. Trainees are expected to keep a diary of their experience as well as sending an assessment form to their coordinator once a month. These diaries are very useful for future reference.

Annette’s placement in a well know local county nursery and garden was documented through some lovely photos including one showing the less glamorous side of nursery work, taking penstemen cuttings, for four days solid!

The final slides in the presentation showed some of Annette’s favourite hellebores and as a final flourish ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos of her own garden as shown below. To find out more about the Women’s Farm and Garden Association go to www.wfga.org.uk Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. There are 12 events planned for 2015, including a trip to Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire. What’s more, it is excellent value!! The membership fee is £12 for the year or £3.00 per meeting. And, if you would like to come as a visitor and then you decide to join, your visitor fee will be refunded!! So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try. The gardening club meets in Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall.

The next club events are: Wednesday 11th March, 7:45 pm - Tulip Time - John Gibson Tulips, crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, etc. A look at the many spring flowers grown from bulbs. Concentrating mainly on tulips, this talk covers many varieties with a ‘visit’ to Keukenhof Gardens and the Dutch bulb fields.

Wednesday 8th April, 7:45 pm - Healthy Eating with Fruit & Veg - David Thorton A welcome return for this enthusiastic, knowledgeable and entertaining speaker. This time he will be looking at the very best produce to grow in order to promote health and stimulate vitality and energy.

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

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GARDENS Newtown Linford Gardening Club Our winter continues to be grey and quite cold but not too much of the white stuff and only short term frosts. The snowdrops are beginning to show in abundance but seem to be appearing in penny numbers rather than all at once. It seems the ground has been hard during parts of January and so the shoots have had to work harder to push through. Perhaps this year we will still have snowdrops and aconites at the same time as the early daffodils which should make for a grand spectacle.

Our talk in January on Garden Birds from Dr Edwards of the RSPB attracted an audience of 60 members and guests.

It was good that we now have the use of the large hall because our numbers have certainly made the small hall impractical. Dr Edwards was a fine speaker and kept us entertained and educated for the full evening.

On March 24th we welcome back Carolyn Tait whose subject this time is seed propagation. Carolyn has a prestigious position at Coton Manor which is, as many of us know, one of the finest gardens in the West Midlands. She is a very knowledgeable gardener with many years experience at the highest level and we are delighted to welcome someone of her stature.

We have welcomed a large number of new members this year and will be pleased if others want to join us. If you are interested in our activities just contact the secretary, telephone: 01530 242452 or email: 01530242452@talktalk.net , or come to one of our meetings to see how you like it before making a commitment (£2 for visitors). Alternatively give us a ring and ask for a copy of our programme for the coming year and we will be pleased to send one to you.

Anne and David Couling

Gardens Wanted For Local Open Garden Weekend 27th and 28th June 2015, 2pm to 6pm - In aid of LOROS

We are inviting gardeners to join up for this year’s Thurcaston and Cropston Open Garden Weekend. Last year we raised £1,400 for LOROS and we are hoping for an even more successful event this summer.

Perhaps you have opened your garden every year so far, maybe you have once or twice; or maybe you are plucking up the courage to do so for the first time. Come and be part of this popular annual event for local residents of our villages and those visitors from further afield.

We welcome gardens of all shapes and sizes; big or small; simple or elaborate; immaculate or with a more ‘natural’ look, and even those that are a ‘work in progress’. People who have opened their gardens in previous years have very positive things to say about the experience, which is why they come back year after year.

Gardens in both villages are open on two afternoons, but if you can only manage one afternoon, then that’s fine.

So if you would like to open your garden for this year’s event or would like more information (or encouragement) please contact us. We hope you will join us for another successful year as part of the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens event.

Please contact Linda 0116 236 3872, or email: linda@tcog.org.uk. Look at our website for more information, inspiration and encouragement (which now has answers to some frequently asked questions) www.tcog.org.uk We look forward to hearing from you.

Quorn Gardening Club

Quorn Gardening Club meets every third Thursday in Quorn Church Rooms at 7.30pm. Members enjoy a variety of quality speakers on gardening and related topics.

Our guest speaker on Thursday 19th March will be architectural and design historian Rowan Roenisch who will be giving a talk on the recently acquired National Trust property, Stoneywell, at Ulverscroft which was designed and built by the influential Arts and Craft architect-designer Ernest Gimson and Rowan’s talk should encourage and inspire us to visit this outstanding property ourselves.

Club annual Membership is £35.00. Guests are always welcome at a charge of £5.00 per meeting (which includes March / April 2015 refreshments).

Further info from Geoff Hearn (01509 414370) 23

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Charnwood Music For All The Forest suite at The Charnwood Arms, Bardon, is the place to be if you enjoy excellent keyboard and organ music. On the second Wednesday each month, one of the UKs best organists performs to a group of enthusiasts.

February’s visitor was Brian Hazelby, whose 56 years as a professional musician had endowed him with a vast array of skills.

As a member of the John Barry Seven in the 1960s, he had learned about music ‘the hard way’ and his rendition of the famous ‘Walk, don’t Run’, had feet tapping and memories flooding back. Brian’s stories of playing on ocean liners and in dance halls and clubs, held everyone’s attention. In quick succession, he played music from the shows; music and dance sounds from other eras; visited five different countries, demonstrating their music and rhythms; and shared two of his own compositions.

Brian told us that his ‘first love’ was, however, his piano. His classical jazz renditions were exceptional, especially ‘Lover’, an Earl Garner composition, followed by ‘All of Me’. His ragtime music was also show-stopping and ’Maple Leaf Rag’ occasioned well-deserved applause. We were even treated to ‘The Sugar Plum Fairy’ during which Brian produced tiny, tinkling notes on his ‘piano’ keys.

Further delights followed the interval, including a sing-along to many old-time favourites: ’Underneath the Arches’;’ Mother Kelly’s Doorstep’; ‘You made me love you’ and many more. We were later quizzed on TV and radio theme music – Coronation Street, Dick Barton, Pink Panther, Dixon of Dock Green, and Upstairs Downstairs, to name but a few.

Each piece of music evoked a memory. Brian’s performance was rounded off with some superb Theatre Organ sounds as he played ‘My Blue Heaven’; ‘Anything Goes’; and ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’. What a performance!!

The concerts are held on Wednesdays at 7.30pm. Admission costs £6.50. There is a bar, and tea and coffee available.

Reasonably priced pre-concert meals are available at The Charnwood Arms. Everyone is welcome. Come and join us.

The next concerts will be as follows: Wednesday 11th March 2015 - John Bowdler Wednesday 15th April 2015 - David Thomas Wednesday 13th May 2015 - Dirkjan Ranzijn For further information, contact Chris Powell 01530 274270.

Sylvia Cole

Art Exhibition Centred On Richard III & Places Of Beauty In Leicestershire An art exhibition centred on Richard III by artist Kirsteen Thomson will be held upstairs in the Guildhall during reinterment week. Philippa Langley (best known for her contribution to the 2012 exhumation of Richard III) will open the event on Saturday 21st March. The Exhibition will be open to the public on Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th from 11am until 8pm.

About the artist...

Kirsteen Thomson is a British artist, framer and photographer. Currently based in Leicester but originally from Scotland. She trained in Art and Design at De Montfort University then had a career as a diplomat for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Kirsteen works with a mixed medium of watercolour, acrylics, gel mediums and oils.

After meeting Philippa Langley, Kirsteen was fascinated by the story of Richard III and took up painting places of relevance to his life .

She later discovered that the original drawbridge to Kirby Castle is still intact and in a barn behind her house and next to the studio that she had been working in when painting the castle. Kirsteen found it inspiring to know that Richard III had actually passed right behind her garden gate.

To view her art pop along to the Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ from Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th or visit her website for more information: www. kirsteenthomson.co.uk, alternately email: kirsteen@kirsteenthomson.co.uk to find out more.

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GE T E LV VO IN

RCC Village & Community Achievement Awards 2015

D! RCC (Leicestershire and Rutland) - Supporting people and sustaining communities for 90 years • Sponsored by Tarratts Jewellers of Leicester • Here is an opportunity for you to show off your village and win recognition for your community • The RCC in their role of supporting and promoting rural communities in Leicestershire & Rutland invite entries for the 2015 Achievement Awards • The Achievement Awards are open to all communities under 15,000 • You may enter one or both categories, with a separate entry for each project: Community and Community Halls For community all sorts of projects are included e.g. a play area, footpath trail, an activity programme for young people, a care project for the elderly, community transport, scarecrow festival, open gardens, village show, pantomime, newsletters, websites and other ways of communication. Cleaner and Greener initiatives, conservation, tree planting, village pond, village green, footpaths, bulb planting, litter picks, recycling, saving energy.

- It doesn’t matter if this is your first time, or if you have entered in previous years. Tell us what you are proud of and what you do for your community Full competition details and entry forms can be downloaded from our website www.ruralcc.org.uk or contact us at Community House 133 Loughborough Road Leicester LE4 5LQ 0116 2662905 competitions@ruralcc.org.uk Closing date is Thursday 30th April 2015. Judging will take place between June 15th and 26th.

The Big Tidy Up Award - 2015 Keep Britain Tidy Jubilee Awards The Friends of Thringstone, a community group celebrating its 10th anniversary in February 2015, won The Big Tidy Up award at the 2015 Keep Britain Tidy Jubilee Awards in Liverpool on 12th February.

This is a really prestigious national award and they were invited to a ceremony held in front of government ministers and TV celebrities. Their award was sponsored by Waitrose and was in recognition of innovative and dedicated environmental volunteering. They litter pick daily, have regular quarterly community litter picks, issue newsletters and try very hard to promote a litter free society.

The group have a great website where you can find out more about the group, when they meet, projects and events and lots more: www.friends-of-thringstone.org.uk We’d like to extend our congratulations to the group for all their hard work and their well deserved recognition. The photo (below right) shows the groups representatives collecting the award.

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Woodhouse Eaves Local History Group Leicester Transport Heritage Trust and the Development of Local Bus Services February’s meeting of the Local History Society brought us two excellent speakers, Mike Greenwood and John Bennett, from the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust. During the evening we were entertained and informed about the work of the Trust, a charitable group, currently with over 140 members who are admirers of all things relating to road transport. They are particularly eager to preserve both in archival and physical form what’s left of the county’s road transport heritage.

Members have a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to maintaining, driving, restoring or simply enthusing about road vehicles.

The Trust itself owns eight vehicles (4 double decker buses, 3 single deckers and a Pekoe tea van) but between them members own an additional 15 vehicles, many of which they have restored themselves with the help and encouragement of fellow fanatics. Owning and collecting vehicles is not like collecting stamps or china figures. They take up a lot of room, need a lot of labour intensive maintenance and many have taken months, if not years, of expensive restoration by dedicated enthusiasts. Some vehicles have been rescued in the nick of time, like the single decker buried in a sandpit in a Birmingham scrap-merchants yard, which it is estimated will cost over £60,000 to bring back to life.

The trust’s largest project to date is the renovation the Stoneygate Tram Car Depot which they hope to transform into a transport heritage centre with an application for £1.6 million of lottery funding. The depot, built in 1904 (artists impression below), could house up to six trams at a time. Plans include a mezzanine gallery, a time wall, mockups of tram driving platforms and various interactive displays. Ideally they would like to display an original Leicester tram, but that at the moment is only a pipe dream.

John’s half of the talk focussed on the local bus companies which operated over the last 90 or so years in the local area. Many of these passed through the village and their names brought back many fond memories to the “crows” in the audience. He started with the Loughborough Road Car Company who ran petrol-electric buses from Loughborough from before the Great War. They were running a fine Daimler with a locally made Brush bodywork in 1914 before it disappeared having been commandeered for military duties in France, a fate that faced many buses from the area at that time. With fuel shortages during the war some buses were even converted to run on gas and looked very peculiar when surmounted with huge gas bags.

Barkus is another familiar name having their garage actually based in the village. Their original premises were attached to the Curzon Arms in the early 1920s. Just after the Second World War they transferred into somewhat smaller premises, the old Primitive Methodist Chapel, that stood lower down the hill on the opposite side of Maplewell Road. It wasn’t until 1968 that County Travel of Syston took over the firm when both Harold Barkus and his son, Arthur retired.

The firm started by Edgar Preston and Harry Hipwell took the name ‘Prestwell Bus Company’ and was based opposite the Forest Rock pub in an area now occupied by the new houses on Forest Rock Close. Also starting in the 1920s it survived until being sold out in 1954 to the Midland Red Company. Slightly further afield were Allen’s coaches which began at Mountsorrel. They were quite a progressive company initiating some of the earliest services over the forest linking up Loughborough with Leicester as well as operating frequent excursions to Skegness. They remained independent until being taken over by Midland Red in 1955. Some of their advertisements claimed their buses were ‘built like battleships’ many having had bodywork constructed by Willowbrook whose premises were a familiar sight for many years on Loughborough’s Derby Road, until the whole area was cleared for the Retail Park in the 1980s.

Other companies that some may have heard of include Boyers of Rothley and The Leicester and District Green Bus Company with their Albion coaches who were based at Parr’s Garage on Church Gate, Leicester. Kemp and Shaw were known for operating slightly longer-distance services to both Nottingham and Derby. All these however had been subsumed by the rapidly expanding Midland Red company by the end of the fifties. Finally we heard about Howletts whose Crossley and Bedford coaches transported many a holiday maker in the 1960s and 70s to the sandy beaches of Skegness as well as journeying further afield to more exotic destinations, like the Isle of Wight.

Don’t get me started on recent cut backs to village bus services but just ponder in the 1960s there was still a ‘Bott’s Courting Bus,’ it only operated on a Sunday evening (between Mountsorrel and Sileby along the Soar valley) but after all, wasn’t that why they called them the swingin’ sixties?

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HelpThe Recycling Effort In Charnwood Residents in Charnwood are being encouraged to help the recycling effort by not using black bin bags in their green recycling bins.

Charnwood Borough Council’s collection crews need to be able to see the recyclable materials in the bins to ensure that there are only items that can be recycled. If recyclable materials are placed in black bin bags the crews cannot check them and unfortunately will not be able to take the bin away.

A Borough Council spokesman said: “Charnwood residents have helped to take our recycling rate as a borough to around 50 per cent and we thank them for their support. We recommend residents simply put their recyclable items loose in the recycling bin. Thank you for helping Charnwood recycle.”

If people are struggling to fit all their recycling in the bins, they can order an additional bin free of charge.

Please email cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk or telephone 01509 634563.

If you are uncertain at all of what can and can’t go in your green recycling bin, please visit:

www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/green_recycling_bin

Captains Drive in at Lingdale Golf Club This year’s theme was Alice’s adventures in Wonderland, it being the 150th anniversary.

The Mad Hatter and The Queen of Hearts (2015 Club Captain John Chapman and Ladies Captain Beverly Griffiths) were piped onto the first tee and ably assisted

by The White Rabbit and The Knave of Hearts (Vice Captains Terry Ballard and Sarah Bowler) and an entourage of members.

A huge crowd gathered for speeches and lunch before cheering in the new Captains, who blasted their drives down the middle of the fairway!

The Club Captain will be raising money this year in support of LOROS and the Ladies Captain for Home Start, Charnwood.

Leicester Futsal Awarded FA Charter Standard Recognition for work by the Coaches & Players of Leicester Futsal.

Leicester Futsal announces the award by the Football Association of Charter Standard Club Status. Notification of the award was received only this week from the development office of the Leicestershire & Rutland County Football Association following submission of the application by club President & Head Coach Dom Beck. The submission included details about the clubs philosophy, work in the community, details of the coaches coaching qualifications & certificates of attending emergency aid & safeguarding workshops. The club also submitted a development plan to ensure the future growth of the club & Futsal within Leicestershire.

Club President & Head Coach Dom Beck stated “This is great recognition for the work of everyone who volunteers at the club. The application has taken time to prepare but with the co-operation of all involved we have got there. As a Charter Standard club we now have to comply with ongoing requirements on an annual basis to supply information to the Football Association to maintain our Charter status. I am delighted to have received this award & this will provide Leicester Futsal with a firm base to expand further it’s work in the local community & schools especially in relation to coaching & increasing the number of teams we have & the development of youth sections.”

Adam Hollyoake, Leicestershire & Rutland County Football Associations Football Development Manager said “The FA Charter Standard Programme is The FA’s Kite Mark for clubs, With the Fantastic growth of Futsal in Leicestershire it is great to see this Futsal focused club achieve this status, recognising the hard work the club puts in week in week out to deliver a consistent programme for open age futsal with in Leicestershire’ Follow Leicester Futsal on Twitter @Leicesterfutsal Visit us www.leicesterfutsal.co.uk March / April 2015

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March On The GCR

There is plenty of variety this month with a Swap Meet, Peppa Pig and Brother George and to round off the month a Diesel Gala. There will be a good selection of Dining Trains to choose from.

SWAP MEET The first Swap Meet of the year takes place on the 1st at Quorn and Woodhouse Station with an early start. If you are interested in railway memorabilia this is the place to be there might be a bargain on an item you have been looking for, this event is a very popular one and has been running for many years.

MEET PEPPA PIG AND BROTHER GEORGE During the weekend of the 7th and 8th the popular characters Peppa Pig and Brother George will be here for the first of two visits this year. Bring your camera and have your picture taken with them at Loughborough Station.

There will many more activities at all the stations where refreshments will also be available.

DIESEL GALA The first of two Diesel Galas takes place on the 28th and 29th, when it is hoped to have at least one visiting diesel along with all the available home fleet with a busy timetable.

EASTER BUNNY EXPRESS This event starts on the last day of the month then continues until the Easter Vintage Festival over the weekend then returns for three days after the weekend.

DINING TRAINS There is a full compliment of dining trains this month plus a Mothering Sunday Luncheon on the 15th, and a Murder Mystery on Friday evening the 20th.

PREVIEW OF EVENTS IN APRIL There is a very busy start to the month with the Easter Vintage Weekend and the Easter Bunny Express. A new event this year Railways at Work Weekend and at Quorn a Bus/Rail event. There will be a excellent selection of Dining Trains including all the regulars.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN CARRIAGE SHED The Carriage and Wagon Works at Rothley are in urgent need of volunteers to assist with maintaining and restoring the rolling stock. If you have metal working skills including plating and welding, these are the most urgent required. Other skills required are painting, upholstery and electrical. If you have any of these skills please e-mail Chris Lang, Carriage and Wagon Manager with a brief CV and your contact details to learn if we can use your skills in heritage railway restoration. Chris’s e-mail address is chris.lang@gcrailway.co.uk

BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE The fund now stands at over ÂŁ730,000 not quite there yet but not far off, if you would like to donate go to our web site and follow the links.

For all the latest information visit the website at: www.gcrailway.co.uk or phone Loughborough on 01509 632323 Dave Allen, Duty Station Master, Rothley.

PHOTO: Visiting from The Gloucester Warwickshire Railway for the Winter Steam Gala at the end of January and beginning of February,

www.thebradgatemagazine.co.uk 36GWR Manor Class No 7820 Dinmore Manor arrives at Leicester North with a train from Loughborough on Sunday, February 1st.

Charnwood Orchestra’s ‘The Banks of Green Willow Concert’ Charnwood Orchestra will be teaming up with the Charnwood Great War Centenary Project when it performs ‘The Banks of Green Willow’ concert at All Saints Parish Church, Loughborough on Saturday March 21st 2015. The concert is dedicated to the memory of the fallen and will mark the culmination of work to reposition the Great War memorials in All Saints Church. Since May 2014, the Project has initiated a wide range of partnerships and public engagement activities that commemorate the Great War and these will continue into 2016.

The project, including this concert, is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Tickets will cost £10.00 (£9.00 concessions) and £3.00 for accompanied children under 16. They are available by phoning the box office on 07718 153117 or emailing judithrodgers155@ gmail.com or via Paypal on www.charnwodorchestra.org.uk , from members of the orchestra or on the door. The concert starts at 7.30 and there will be a wine, juice and real ale bar.

The programme reflects the Great War theme and consists of Butterworth: The Banks of Green Willow, Howells: Elegy solo viola Richard Muncey, Duparc: Orchestral Songs: soprano Elizabeth Ryder, Vaughan Williams: Symphony No 3 ‘Pastoral’.

George Butterworth (1885 – 1916) was killed on 5th August 1916, during the Battle of the Somme aged 31. He was a Lieutenant in the Durham Light Infantry and was awarded the Military Cross twice. He was present at the London premier of The Banks of Green Willow on March 1914 and that was probably the last time he heard his own music played.

Herbert Howells (1892 – 1983) Serious illness threatened to cut his life short. However, it prevented him from being conscripted. A quite new form of treatment was successful and thus his life was doubly saved. He wrote Elegy in response to the horrors of the Great War; some 37 students at the Royal College of Music lost their lives in that ‘war to end all wars.’ The piece was dedicated to the promising young viola player – Francis Purcell Warren – known as ‘Bunny’ who was a Second Lieutenant in the South Lancashire Regiment. He was killed on 3 March 1916.

Henri Duparc (1848 – 1933) was French and elderly by the time of the Great War. However, his military service in the Franco-Prussian War was a source of inspiration in some of his Orchestral Songs. In Au pays ou se fait la guerre a young woman anguishes over the perils for her lover who is away at the war.

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872 – 1958) enlisted as a medical orderly and later was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery, responsible for the 60 pounder “big guns” firing shells towards enemy lines, and his subsequent deafness. He survived the war, but lost many friends. His Pastoral Symphony has gained the reputation of being a subtly beautiful elegy for the dead of World War I and a meditation on the sounds of peace. His choice of title has often led to misunderstanding but he made it quite clear that it was nothing at all to do with lambs frisking.

Organ Recitals in Mountsorrel Sunday 15th March, 8pm - (3rd Sunday of each month)

Organ Recitals are held at Mountsorrel Methodist Church from January to June each year commencing at 8pm but proceeded with a Buffet Supper which is served from 7.30pm. Admission is FREE but donations are received towards the church’s Development Fund.

The next recital, on March 15th will feature Eric Chan who is an 18 year-old full-time boarder at Ratcliffe College. So far he has been awarded an ATCL associate diploma from the Trinity College of Music and a grade 8 distinction level in the organ and piano.

Eric says “When I first heard the sound of the piano I thought it was simply beautiful and I couldn’t wait to start playing.

My piano teacher then recommended the organ which is now my favourite instrument to play”.

Eric has recently accepted a place at the Royal College of Music, focussing jointly on piano and organ. It has been noted that Eric will be a huge success as his career in music progresses.

Les Longmire, who organises the recital programme each year says “We are extremely privileged that Eric has accepted our invitation to visit Mountsorrel and we look forward to him playing to a full house as everyone is welcome to attend”.

Further information is available by email: mountsorrel2310@btinternet.com or by telephone: 0116 237 6979.

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Crossword

This month's Crossword...

ACROSS 1. Travelling from place to place (11) 5. With 27 (a) part of the Crown Jewels (3) 8. Country whose capital city is Belgrade (6) 10. Grotesque often found on churches (8) 11. Area in a public house (3) 13. Sacred rite (9) 14. Mining waste matter (4) 16. Pot plant associates with Dame Gracie Fields (10) 19. Mountainous border between France and Spain (8) 21. Actions (5) 23. Parcel of land (4) 25. Herbaceous perennial used in salads (6) 26. Deception (7) 27. With 5 (a) part of the Crown Jewels (7)

DOWN 2. Contingent event (11)

Jan / Feb Crossword Solution

3. Result of rearranging the letters of a word or phrase to produce a new word or phrase (7) 4. Fool (5) 6. Bucks. (15) 7. La Divina (6) 9. Heinrich Ignaz Franz _____, BohemianAustrian composer and violinist (5) 12. Roof space (5) 15. Character in the Book of Genesis (3) 17. South Asian former British colony (5) 18. Temporary canvas shelter (4) 19. London diarist (5) 20. Planet or soil (5) 22. Upright (5) 24. Lyrical verse (3)

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The Monday Club, Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston and Rothley The February 9th’s Meeting was initially focused on the AGM, wherein there was much reported on the previous year’s activities and events all of which were acknowledged and accepted. Although the attendance of members was rather small – several Members were struck down by the distressing virus presently circulating the villages, this did not detract from the happy atmosphere, which indicated to the Committee, that we are providing adequate interest and a good atmosphere month on month. Sadly we have lost a few Members through illness, disability and death, but we have recently had three new Members join us and are hopeful that the Programme for 2015 will be of interest and encourage new Members when they will receive a very warm welcome.

Following through the business of the AGM, we were treated to a very amusing and interesting talk given by the Rev. Sharon Constable entitled “Weddings through the Ages”.

Our Members were invited to bring along and display their Wedding photographs and Sharon proceeded to take us through the changes of styles of Wedding dresses through the 20th Century; it was also fun to discover who was who from the Members and hear some of their stories of the background of how they managed their Weddings at the various times, through the World Wars 1914/1918 and 1940/1945, 1920 and subsequent decades.

Sharon had been a Priest for 16 years and described the changes in the styles of both Wedding dresses and the changes of the conduct of the Wedding Services; apparently latterly Bridesmaids precede the entrance of the Bride which was an American idea.

Dresses of all shapes, sizes and colours were gradually introduced along with sizes and content of the Bouquets for the Bride and her Maids.

Our next Meeting will be on Monday 9th March, when Mr. Christopher Tarratt will talk about “A day in the Life of a Jeweller”.

The well known Leicester Jewellers “Tarratts” have been part of Leicester City life for very many years, so his talk should be very interesting, I wonder if he will bring us any samples for free! Do try to come along and join our happy group.

Our Meetings take place at 2.15pm at the Cropston Evangelical Chapel, Station Road, Cropston, LE7 7HP on the 2nd Monday of every month. Plenty of parking space available. To find out more about The Monday Club, please ring me on 0116 2363467. I have an answer phone, so if I am not available, please leave a message and telephone number and I will return your call.

- Ann Farndon

Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society Our meeting on 20th January 2015 was well-attended to hear about the “Living Memories of Characters in Belgrave Cemetery”. What might have appeared to be a rather morbid subject was in fact made highly entertaining by the speaker’s presentation – Sandra Moore came in the guise of one of the occupants of Belgrave Cemetery, Miss Elizabeth Goodwin (Oct. 1868 – Jan. 1922), who was a former head teacher at Belgrave National School (B.N.S.). Sandra’s/Elizabeth’s costume, her manner and diction certainly caught our imagination and woe betide any of us who did not pay attention! Elizabeth was born in Cropwell Bishop, Nottinghamshire, where her father was a head teacher. After her own appointment as head teacher at B.N.S. she devoted 26 year of her life to the school, before her death at the age of 53 years.

The presentation began with a video film, giving us a tour of the cemetery to the accompaniment of the stirring hymn, “When the Roll is Called up Yonder”! It was explained that, originally, all burials took place in churchyards, but during the Victorian era, with the increasing population and churchyards becoming full to capacity, there was an urgent need to provide land for municipal graveyards. Belgrave Cemetery was one of four provided for the citizens of Leicester.

We learnt of a random selection of some of the cemetery occupants, who came from all walks of life. Their backgrounds and working lives varied considerably – some mundane, hardworking and ordinary, while others rose to prominence in the local community. Sometimes, they had moved from the place or county of their birth in order to find work and their lives were often influenced or overshadowed by events of the time in which they lived, such as the women’s suffrage movement, the Rechabite movement and the two World Wars. The style of a person’s funeral reflects their character and the life they have led and this was evident for some of the people we heard about. One man designed his own memorial headstone and even supervised the digging and construction of his own grave – nine years before he actually needed it!

In researching for this presentation, Sandra acknowledged the contribution of descendants of the people she included in her talk. She urged anyone with an interest in their family history to take the opportunity to speak to older family members about their lives and heritage and, above all, to make a written record and to include family photographs.

Jennifer Kennington Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th March: 7.30pm in the Harrison Room, All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston. Our speaker, Jane Smith, will relate the history of two Cropston families. All welcome, including potential new members.

Visitors: £3 per person.

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Loughboro

Shepshed Singers Concert Friday 27th March at 7.30 pm

Friday 13th March 2015

TALK: Strange Name for a Bird by Paul Fuller Paul has a lifelong interest in all natural history, but in particular birds and mammals, combined with a passion for photography. He also holds a bat handlers licence and is a volunteer warden at Pitsford Water Nature Reserve and Yardley Chase Estate. This talk will give an outline of the origins of English bird names we all use with their meanings explained. The talk will be held in the Lecture Theatre at the Brockington Building Loughborough University at 7.45pm.

Price: £3 Group Members, £3.50 Non members, LU Students with SU card gratis.

Wednesday 18th March 2015

Shepshed Singers are touring in Cornwall during the Easter holidays and are taking part in a number of concerts, including one in Truro Cathedral.

Rehearsals are well underway and, to ensure the people of Charnwood and surrounding area have the opportunity to hear the repertoire, they are holding a concert at St Mary’s church at Sileby.

Tickets are £6 and include refreshments and are available from tickets@shepshedsingers. org.uk, from choir members, from Joy Wood on 01162374545 or at the door.

Don’t Dress for Dinner

WALK: Rutland Water

Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th & Saturday 25th April 2015

Wildlife walk at Rutland Water at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at the car park - SK878072. Nearest Post Code LE15 8BT Entry Fee required.

Bradgate Drama Society will be presenting their Spring Production ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’ at Newtown Linford Village Hall during April.

Sunday 22nd March 2015

The play is a hilarious comedy, set in a country house with a confusion of wives, cooks and mistresses creating an evening of chaos.

TRIP: Frampton Marsh RSPB Reserve Join the group for a trip by coach Frampton Marsh RSPB Reserve in Lincolnshire. A major new extension to this coastal wetland reserve includes a reed bed, large freshwater scrapes and wet grassland.

These habitats have all been created to bring the wildlife of the Wash closer to you.

New facilities include a visitor centre with toilets; the centre has a refreshments area where you can get a hot or cold drink and a snack. There are three hides - two with 360-degree views - and over 3 km of new footpaths to explore. Depart from Loughborough University at 8.00am. Fare £20. Booking is essential for this trip.

Friday 10th April 2015

TALK: Langford Lowfield & Beckenham Marshes by Paul Bennett + AGM Paul is the Warden of both reserves. Both of these reserves sit within the Trent and Tame River Valleys Futurescape and are recent additions to the RSPB Midlands Region’s nature reserves portfolio.

Both sites are still developing, but have already made significant improvements to the regions biodiversity. Langford is a reedbed site and Beckingham is a wet grassland.

The talk, which will be preceded by a short AGM, will be held in the Lecture Theatre at the Brockington Building Loughborough University at 7.30pm. Price: £3 Group Members, £3.50 Non members, LU Students with SU card gratis.

Full details of all of the events including finding the venue, booking the trips etc can be found on the group’s website:

www.rspb.org.uk/groups/loughborough 40

Tickets are £7 and are available from Toby Manning (01530 245298) or email: bradgatedrama@gmail.com.

Coalville’s First SummerFest Saturday 27th June, 2015 In the middle of winter when it’s cold outside, what better to do than plan for the summer?

That’s exactly what Coalville Town Team are doing, right now.

This year summer in Coalville is going to be a little different, with our first Summer Fest. The Carnival is coming to town on Saturday 27 June.

We are looking for entries from schools, clubs, societies, and businesses from the town and the surrounding villages. Put the date into your diary, and then visit www.coalvilletownteam. com, where you will find full details of how to enter and take part in the parade.

In response to requests from so many people in Coalville to have two food and drink events each year, also in the plans for the day is a Food and Drink Festival, with a summer theme. It will happen in the Belvoir Centre all day on Saturday 27 June – so eat, drink and be sure to enjoy the carnival.

The Town Team won’t let you forget the date – Saturday 27 June – and we’ll let you know more about the day as our plans develop. www.thebradgatemagazine.co.uk

What’s On

It’s Panto Time With Aladdin

It’s nearly Panto Time again. Barrow Panto Group will be performing its annual family panto at the start of March. This year it’s Aladdin with the familiar story line and full of terrible jokes, audience participation and pandas. Lots of pandas.

The show is in Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road on Friday 6th March and Saturday 7th March. Both have an evening performance that starts at 7.00pm and there is also a matinee on Saturday starting at 2.00pm.

Tickets are only £8 (£6 concessions or a family ticket for £24) and are available from Barrow’s High St Paper Shop or by emailing judithrodgers155@gmail.com or phoning the box office on 07718153117 or by Paypal on www.busca.org.uk If you’ve been to our last few productions you’ll be delighted to know that Richard is on terrific form as Widow Twanky and we have a real scoop with Abi as Aladdin’s Princess. She comes hot foot from the Hinckley Panto and what a star!

Get your tickets before they’re gone. It’ll be just the tonic for a dull March day.

Whitwick & District U3A

Whitwick and District U3A will hold its March General Meeting on Friday 20th. The U3A offers friendship through learning and social activities to those no longer in full-time employment. Our members have the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of Interest Groups.

The speaker for March is Colin Bower who will give a talk entitled “Humour Around Us”. Come along to be amused by Colin and discover more about our friendly, thriving U3A. Please arrive at 1.45 for a 2.00 pm start at St. David’s Church Hall, Broomleys, Coalville.

More details about Whitwick and District U3A can be found at: www.whitwicku3a.org.uk

Film Presentations...

...from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

Our film “Belle” was a captivating true story. Although Dido Belle was of mixed race, she was brought up in the aristocratic family of her uncle. The owners of the slave ship “Zong” had murdered their slaves to claim insurance and the ensuing trial posed uncomfortable questions about human life. Belle fell in love with the idealistic lawyer and by becoming involved in this case, she hastened the struggle to abolish slavery in England.

“The Hundred -Foot Journey“ (left) will be shown on Friday March 13th and

lasts 124 minutes.

This uplifting comedy drama, starring Helen Mirren, charts the battle of wits between two restaurateurs in a close-knit French village. Circumstances necessitate Papa Kadam, with his Indian family, setting up his business across the road from the eating establishment of Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). They eventually learn to see eye to eye over the simmering saucepans and as they lovingly stir their thick sauces, our mouths water.

“Mr Turner” (right) will be shown on Friday April 10th and lasts 149 minutes.

Timothy Spall actually learnt to paint well, in order to play the complicated character, J.M.W. Turner. Spall certainly deserved the nomination for British Independent Film Award for Best Actor. Turner spent years in London with his beloved father but he led an unusual life. There was a relationship with a Margate landlady while his impressionist works of art caused wrath at the Royal Academy of Art. We see how Turner creates his masterpieces. This is a beautiful film.

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” will be shown on Friday May 8th.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £5 and concessions are £4.50. There will be refreshments and a lucky prize draw. Advanced tickets can be purchased via the parish office - 0116 236 7626 or at the door.

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nstruction Co & n sig De en rd Ga ing ap sc nd La n so rri Ha As spring draws ever closer and the warm memories of a previous summer seep into thought it is perhaps time to start thinking about reinvigorating your outdoor living space by creating a safe and inviting area to play and relax in.

Safety has to be the main priority so check for loose fence panels, broken tree branches and loose paving etc. The winter months can cause havoc with all brick work and once frost damage starts it will only get worse.

Whatever shape or sized garden you have Chris at Harrison Landscaping will have a solution for you. His eye for the overall picture has become well established throughout the Charnwood area.

From sandstone patios under wisteria covered pergolas to Acer enhanced raised beds.

Beautiful and level lawns, straight as an arrow fencing and crystal clear ponds, Harrison Landscaping is your one stop shop to a beautiful garden.

To keep your family in fresh produce why not try some of our raised beds constructed from new tanalised sleepers, these can be made to any size and height and advice on how and what to grow is always available free of charge because Chris loves his fresh vegetables especially asparagus and the sweet and tender purple sprouting and is always keen to spread the word.

Chris'Top tip As much as I enjoy a well designed decking area it does have its pitfalls. Two accidents this year already, one involving a elderly lady who slipped and hit her head!

The grooves in the timber allow any water to act as an aquaplane and any algae can also make it very slippery. A good quality decking cleaning agent will cure the algae issue and should be applied as well as a stiff brushing on a regular basis.

Enjoy your garden!

Hermitage Take First Place At Markfield 10K Hermitage Harriers delivered another impressive performance last weekend at Markfield 10k. The race was the second fixture in the LRRL winter league calendar and tempted 596 runners over the starting mat, including 42 Harriers.

Alistair Watson took first place overall at the race, and was almost an entire minute ahead of the second place finisher. Watson, who crossed the line in an impressive 31.05, was joined by teammates Matt Adcock in fourth place and Tony Woodward in seventh, clocking 33.32 and 34.21 respectively.

Furthermore, the men’s team secured ten spots within the top ten percent of finishers. This included an impressive performance by first time roadracer Kristian Bravin who set a 10k PB with a time of just 36.52.

For the Hermitage ladies, club new-girl Bonita Robinson was first home in a time of 43.07. She was joined by Joanne Matthews just eight seconds later with Matthews finishing as first veteran lady with a time of 43.15.

Third lady Harrier over the line was Zoe Sewter who set a 10k PB in 44.42.

The club introduced six road-race first timers at the event including Eddie Byrne, Mark Farragher, Fraser Harris and Debbie Payne, all of whom delivered impressive performances. In addition, several seasoned racers set new personal bests at the race, with James Willoughby, Rob Wells, Darryl Johnson, Pete Armstrong, Bobby Wisehall and Katie Wright all setting 10k PBs and Edward Quinn and Kelly Garrigan-Cooper setting course PBs. Shaun Coulton also clocked up his fastest time on the Markfield course in five years.

Some of the ‘silver donkeys’ took the race as an opportunity for some extra endurance training. Dean Kelleher, Matthew Moore, Edward Quinn, Darryl Johnson, Rob Wells, Caroline Townsend, Tracey Richardson-Lyne and Carla Johnson all ran to the event as part of their training towards long distance events in 2015.

The next winter league race is Kibworth 6 on Sunday 8th March. It is a course renowned for its ‘killer hill’, but the Harriers aren’t too worried; after all, donkeys are excellent at navigating hills!

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Mothering Sunday - 15th March 2015 Mother’s Day is a celebration of the role of the mother and other mother figures, such as grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers-in-law so what better way to celebrate the matriarch than a day out or meal at one of Leicestershire’s finest establishments and attractions.

Many of the local restaurants, pubs and cafes are putting on fabulous offers this Mother’s Day so have a look around and see what catches your fancy.

The traditional country pub at Coleorton, the George Inn, have a special Mother’s Day menu, delicious cask ales and a fabulous wine list and open fires to tempt you in, see their website for details: www.georgeinncoleorton.co.uk.

The fabulous local attraction, The Great Central Railway, are offering a four course luncheon served in the first class restaurant of one of GCR’s steam locomotives on Sunday 15th March, journeying through Charnwood Forest is a treat for anyone and with a stop across Swithland’s viaduct the magnificent scenic views are worth the price alone - to check dates and book your tickets call 01509 632323.

Keeping with that heritage feeling – how about spoiling Mum rotten with a pampered spa session or meal at Stapleford Park Country House Hotel (near Melton Mowbray). Surround by 500 acres of beautiful Capability Brown landscaped gardens and featuring a gourmet 2AA Rosette Restaurant there’s a little something for all the family at this beautiful venue nestled just minutes away from Rutland Water.

For something a little more lively how about heading along to Sheasrby Bath, for a wonderful Mothering Sunday three course lunch, topped off by a Gary Barlow tribute. Tickets are priced at £25 and bookings can be made online: www.shearsbybath.co.uk.

The Wedding Café, Syston are offering a ‘Mothering Sunday High Tea’ with

pink fizz on arrival, a selection of delicious sandwiches, pastries and cakes whilst a guitar duo perform for your entertainment. See their advert below left for further details.

Or if keeping busy is more your thing, why not spend some time at the

National Trust’s Stoneywell – the home built by Arts & Crafts architect-

designer Ernest Gimson - in Ulverscroft; discover how the Gimson women transformed Stoneywell into a family home, enjoy a slice of Granny Gimson’s flapjack and make a special gift while you’re here – show mum how special she is on a day out with, and in support of, the National Trust (please book in advance on 01530 248040).

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Idea’s to make Mothering Sunday Special What better way of showing the mums in your life the appreciation and love they deserves than showering them with Mother’s Day surprises? They don’t have to cost the earth, all they really require is some time and effort.

Knowing how different mums, grandma’s, step mums and mother figures can be we have come up with a lovely varied list of ideas to help you spoil that important lady in your life. Think about their interests and plan your Mother’s Day surprises around that. Sure, a box of chocolates is bound to please, but why not try something a touch more special.

• Give her a reason to dress up - whether it’s as simple as banning her from the kitchen and creating a lovely meal or going the full hog and taking her out to a lovely cafe or restaurant she’s bound to enjoy some tasty food and most of all your company.

• Create a photo album or scrap book full of old memories - Get creative and put a little bit of yourself into it... have a look for the photos she may have not seen for a while that will bring a smile to her face, include quotes, anecdotes, ticket stubs, etc.

• Give her a mini home Spa experience - Everyone loves to be pampered so how about treating her to a shoulder or foot massage and running her a bath with some relaxing candles and music?

• Help around the house - Now depending on your circumstance and age, there are heaps of things you could do to lighten mums load. You could plan something as simple as a dust and hoover and to do the washing up, or you could wash the car. If you’re a little older and can offer more time and experience why not think about tackling some of the bigger chores? You could clear the gutters, tidy up the garden ready for spring, maybe finish off some decorating or start a new exciting project that she’d love.

• Last but not least there are pressies, be thoughtful and really think about what she would like.Flowers are always lovely to receive so why not have a beautifl bouquet made with her favourite flowers and colours? Clothes, unique homeware and jewellery are also winners, so have a good think about what the special ‘mum’ in your life would love and spoil her this Mothering Sunday.

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Focus On Loughborough...

Loughborough... Loughborough... Loughborough... Loughborough... Loughborough... Loughborough...

The delightful town of Loughborough has a little bit of everything... beautiful parks, stunning churches and a vibrant steam railway, it also has a great library, a fascinating bell foundry museum and an impressive variety of shops and businesses.

Looking back to the history of the town the principle streets of medieval Loughborough formed a box to the South of the church revealed in the names Church Gate, Pinfold Gate, High Gate (now High Street) and Wood Gate. Churchgate is of particular interest as it connects the glorious 14th century All Saints church and old town to the modern town centre-Market Place.

As you stroll down the upmarket pedestrianised Churchgate area you’ll find all sorts of beautiful shops and cafes and wonderful gems to explore including Churchgate’s Mews, where there’s independent establishments aplenty, from cafes to jewellers, beauty salons to chocolatiers.

The town centre itself also offers visitors an array of shops to suit all tastes, from gorgeous little boutiques to large high street stores. Loughborough is easy to get to, has plenty of parking and lots of great places to eat or just grab a coffee.

A large outdoor market is held in the Market Place every Thursday and Saturday and for all you foodies there is a farmers’ market on the second Wednesday of the month.

Loughborough really does cater for all needs, it has a wealth of professional services, fantastic schools and an impressive university, a diverse range of fashion boutiques, it meets all of your health and beauty needs from a physio to the perfect pout.

There is so much going on in Loughborough that you could no doubt spend the whole day just shopping or pottering around. Not to be overlooked though is the entertainment galore available at the Town Hall (which delivers a great variety of shows & exhibitions) and the impressive range of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Loughborough has a little bit of everything, so why not drop on by to find something that floats your boat! *HIDDEN GEM*: Jackdaw Bygones - Everything for sale in this charming little shop is vintage or antique. Specialising in linens and textiles (which are all lovingly laundered and ready for use), as well as a wide range of other domestic items, including English bone china there is so much to keep a creative eye intruigued. We were delighted to find old sheet music and documents which are ideal for decoupage or other craftwork.

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Granby House Dental Practice A very warm welcome to Dr. Chris Hird from the Granby House dental team.

Having met our new dentist, Chris, we all know he will fit really well into our friendly team here and we very much look forward to working with him. With his Masters degree in Clinical Restorative Dentistry, he will be a real asset to the practice, continuing to provide high quality private dental care.

Chris will continue to teach one day a week at Leeds University Dental School.

Chris says, “I enjoy providing personalised, prevention-based dental care for my patients helping them to achieve and maintain a healthy smile. I have a particular interest in restorative dentistry including white fillings, crown and bridgework, root canal treatment, dentures and tooth whitening.”

Dr. Chris Hird, BDS (Ncle), MSc, MFDS RCSEd, GDC No: 83334

Granby House Dental Practice, 25 Granby Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3DU 01509 212170 | www.granbyhousedental.co.uk | reception@granbyhousedental.co.uk

Think Local & Fix Your Street...

Bumpy ride this morning? View blocked by dumped rubbish? Potholes and fly tipping are just two of the street faults that can be reported via the website www.FixMyStreet.com, along with vandalism, graffiti, dog fouling and many other common community issues.

While most of us know that the council are responsible for fixing these things, we may not know which council, let along which department in which council. With FixMyStreet, all you have to do is locate the problem on a map, and select a category: the site then sends it off to the right place to get it fixed.

All reports are published on the site, as well as being sent to the council. Browsing your own postcode can be interesting, as you soon learn what the persistent problems are in your area, and whether or not they are being fixed. There’s also the opportunity to discuss individual reports in the comments section.

FixMyStreet comes from the UK not-for-profit organisation mySociety, and is one of its longest-running and most-used services. It is just one of several projects aimed at making it easier for citizens to get things changed in their own community. So, next time you see something that needs fixing, be it a broken paving slab or a flickering streetlight, all you need to remember is FixMyStreet.com.

Convent School wins Rotary Youth Speaks Semi-Final A team from Our Lady’s Convent School in Loughborough have won the Rotary International District 1070 Semi-Finals round of Youth Speaks.

The team, Zahra Bhojani, Chloe Slee and Rebecca Hull, gave an excellent presentation at Leicester’s Beauchamp College entitled ‘Are the media portraying a wrong insight into a healthy breakfast?’

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Loughborough Beacon, the girls now go through to the final, to be held at Catmose College, Oakham on 14 March.

Beacon Rotary organiser Rosemary Adams said: ‘They involved the audience and really made us think about what we actually eat and whether it is good for our health.’

The other semi-finalists from OLCS were Amelia Leeland, Amber Savage and Grace Elliott, whose presentation ‘Outcasts in Today’s Society’ was also well received and highly commended.

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OUT AND ABOUT Wednesday 04 March 2015, 8pm

Saturday 07 March - Saturday 04 April 2015

Simon Amstell - To Be Free

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Join Leicester’s favourite teenager, Adrian Mole, in the brand new musical that sees him hilariously commentate on everything that happens around him.

Following sold out residencies in New York and London, Simon Amstell embarks on his fourth international stand up tour - ‘to be free’.

With intense vulnerability and troubling honesty, Amstell explores freedom, joy, love, death, adventure, art, peace, sex, regret, success, eating, suffering, dreaming, healing, forgiving and other areas.

Tickets: £19 - £22 | Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3EB | Box Office: 01509 231914 | www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

Set in 1980s Leicester, Sue Townsend‘s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾, follows the daily dramas and misadventures of Adrian’s adolescent life. With dysfunctional parents, ungrateful elders, a growing debt to school bully Barry Kent and an unruly pimple on his chin, life is hard for a misunderstood intellectual who is only 13 ¾… To top it off, when new girl Pandora joins the class and captures his heart, his best friend Nigel steals hers. Can Adrian win her love and escape from his chaotic family life?

With an infectious score and a script which stays true to the original novel, this world premiere production will bring Adrian’s story to life once more.

Tickets: £13 - £38 | Curve, Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB Box Office: 0116 242 3595 | www.curveonline.co.uk

Every Monday | Always wanted to learn a martial art......what’s stopping you ?

Loughborough Community Aikido Club. Traditional Japanese martial art , we all can practice irrelevant of sex, age and ability open to every-one over the age of 18.

19:30pm to 21:30pm | All Saints Church, Thorpe Road, Loughborough | Tel: 07591 928986 | £5.00

Every Thursday | Art History Class - QUORN A series of lectures by Dr Ray Sutton MA PhD covering a wide range of subjects from Nicholas Hilliard to Pissarro. No prior enrolment necessary.

10.00am to 11.30am | Quorn Village Hall, Leicester Road, LE12 8BB | Admission is £3 | Tea/coffee 50p.

Wednesday 04 March | NDP Theme Group “Traffic & Transport” Meeting The Neighbourhood Development Plan Group are holding a meeting in the Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. The meeting will primarily be a “Theme Group” meeting and the Theme will be “Traffic & Transport”. Please feel free to come along and join the group. “Traffic & Transport” will be an important policy within our Neighbourhood Development Plan.

6:30pm | Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston

Thursday 05 March | Mountsorrel Townswomen’s Guild The Mountsorrel Townswomen’s Guild has a wide range of guest speakers, organises fund-raising events, outings and it also has a separate social studies group. New members are always welcome. Meetings are on the first Thursday of each month. Bob Neill will present his “Bits & Bobs”.

The Parish Rooms, Mountsorrel | All ladies welcome | 7:30pm

Thursday 05, Friday 06 & Saturday 07 March | 39th Loughborough Beer Festival Loughborough and North Leicestershire CAMRA,( The Campaign for Real Ale and largest consumer organisation in the world ) will be holding their 39th beer festival this March. The theme this year will be Ladybird books which were published by Mills and Hepworth of Loughborough. A very elegant glass has been produced specially for the event. On sale will be 60 real ales together with real ciders and we hope, perries. Hot and cold food will be available at all sessions and bands are booked for Friday and Saturday night.

The Polish Centre , True Lovers walk, Loughborough | 12:00 - 23:00 | Thursday free admission, Friday & Saturday £1.50 before 18:00, £3.00 after 18:00, CAMRA and Uni Real-Ale Society members free admission at all sessions.

Saturday 07 March | Newtown Linford Brownies Annual Rummage Sale Come along and see what treasures you can find at this years Annual Rummage Sale.

Newtown Linford Village Hall, Main Street | 1:30pm | Admission 50p

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LOCAL EVENTS Saturday 07 March | First aid course for parents/carers A short course to provide parents, grandparents and carers with the confidence to know how best to react in an emergency situation and deal with minor injuries. The course covers CPR for babies and children, choking, bleeding, febrile convulsions, head bumps and meningitis. This course is not certificated.

10.00am to 12.00pm | Places cost £18 (including drinks and biscuits) and must be booked and paid for in advance; subsidised places are £1.80 for those on certain benefits - please contact us to find out more | For more information and to book a place, email firstaid@nctloughborough.org.uk | Website: www.nct.org.uk/loughborough/first-aid-course

Saturday 07 March | Somatics Workshop - Learn to free yourself of aches and pains A 2 and 1/2 hour workshop to discover the basic principles of Somatics (also called Hanna Somatics) and practise some key exercises.

Find out about the stress reflexes which hold the body in habituated patterns of contraction - and how to undo them with easy neuro-muscular exercises. Learn a short routine you can do every day to keep you supple, mobile and pain free.

10am - 12.30pm | £20 payable in advance | St-Mary-in Charnwood, Nanpantan Road, Loughborough LE11 3YF Website: www.mind-body-movement.co.uk/#!workshops/c1al

Saturday 07 March | Methodist Men’s Fellowship Supper & Concert The Men’s Fellowship at Mountsorrel Methodist Church will be celebrating its Anniversary this weekend. A Hot High Tea will be served at 6pm; this will be followed, at 7.30pm, by a performance of the G. & S. Opera - Trial by Jury - which will be performed by the Shepshed Christchurch Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Everyone welcome.

Tickets: £10 each, available from Geoff. Wainwright tel. 0116 237 6979 or by email: mountsorrel2310@btinternet.com.

Wednesday 11 March | Quorn Film Show ‘Pride’ This month’s film is ‘Pride’, a life affirming and uplifting movie set during the Miners’ Strike in the summer of 1984. Based on a true story, a group of gay and lesbian activists raise money for the miners, but are faced with suspicion and animosity from the macho mining community. Big hearted, moving and very funny with a great cast- Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton and Dominic West. £4.50 at the door to include tea, biscuits and a free raffle | 1.45 for 2pm | Quorn Village Hall, 64 Leicester Road, Quorn, LE12 8BB

Saturday 14 March | Charnwood Forest Guided Bike Ride A free 16 mile led bike ride suitable for adults and older children. The route is moderately hilly and mostly on quiet urban and rural roads. Please bring your own bikes and helmets. The ride includes a mid-ride break at Stonehurst family farm cafe. Meet at Loughborough Leisure Centre – please note there is a parking charge payable at reception.

To book a place call the Sport & Active Recreation team at Charnwood Borough Council on 01509 63 4673 or email active.together@ charnwood.gov.uk | 11am - 1pm

Friday 20 March | Charity Jazz Evening at the Rothley Centre The Rotary Club Of The Soar Valley invite you to join them for an evening of superlative Jazz with a light supper. Cash bar & raffle.

All proceeds will go to local charities supported by The Rotary Club Of The Soar Valley.

7.30pm | Ticket £10 to include a light supper. For tickets / information please contact Peter Jones on: Email: peterjones42@yahoo. co.uk or tel: 01509413221

Saturday 28 March | Messy Church All Children welcome whatever the age - Carers, parents, grandparents, Aunts and Uncles etc come and join in the fun of craft activities and share a meal. The forth Saturday of the month. Donations are to be given.

3 - 5pm | Methodist Hall, Howe Lane, Rothley | For more info please ring Sue Waiwright on 07585 557548.

Sunday 29 January | Celebrity Charity football match at Quorn Football Club Fundraising Event for Brave Little Jack Oldacres who suffers from a disorder that affects the skin, hair, and immune system.

Celebrities confirmed for the match already: Dan Osborne (Towie), Shayne Ward (X Factor), Dane Bowers (itv’s Big Reunion), Adam Rickett (itv’s Big Reunion), Lee Latchford Evans (Steps), Jeff Brazier (TV Presenter), Danny Boy-Hatchard (lee Carter - Eastenders), Terry Alderton (Terry - Eastenders), Little Chris (Towie), Tubes (Soccer Am), Matt Elliott (ex footballer), Scott Robinson (boy band 5), Sean Conlon (boy band 5), Kevin Cooper (ex footballer).

Tickets £8 adult/£3 children available from : http://buytickets.at/jacksfund/21636 | Kick off at 3pm - Quorn Football Club For more information on Jack’s condition visit www.nethertonsyndrome.com. Money raised is going towards funding a hydrobath being installed in Jack’s home.

Monday 06 April | Hallaton Bottle Kicking Unique tradition which involves two teams (Hallaton and Medbourne) compete to try and get their ‘bottles’ ‘wooden kegs to their respective goal. 1.45pm Hare Pie Parade from Fox Inn to Church gates, main parade to fleld of activity. 3.00pm start of Bottle Kicking.

Hallaton Village, Leicestershire, LE16 8UE | From 1:30pm March / April 2015

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THE BRADGATE DIRECTORY

CLOTHING & JEWELLERY Caroline James............................... 49 Cathy Stephens Jewellery............... 29 High Class Ironing............................. 4 Jennings.......................................... 45 Stuarts Travel & Leisure Goods....... 46 EDUCATION Grace Dieu Manor School............... 54 Magical Maths................................ 28 OLCS............................................... 50 Rawlins - Adult Courses.................. 43 Woodhouse Day Nursery................ 54 FLORISTS Denise’s Florist............................... 44 The Flower Shop............................. 44 FOOD, DRINK & VENUES George Inn...................................... 45 Quorn Grange Hotel....................... 30 The White Horse............................. 25 The Wedding Cafe.......................... 44 Woodcock Farm Shop..................... 34 GARDEN Belvoir Sawmill............................... 33 Bentley’s Garden Buildings............. 60 Charnwood Paving.......................... 20 Charnwood Tree Services............... 33 Delegate Services........................... 31 Garden Blueprints.......................... 28 Harrison Landscaping..................... 43 LB Grounds Maintenance............... 58 LB Landscaping............................... 24 Outdoor Solutions............................ 4 Roecliffe Tree Surgery..................... 54 Total Tree Services.......................... 43 HAIR & BEAUTY Aqua Hair........................................ 55 Hair & Beauty Gallery..................... 44 Zoe’s Mobile Hairdressing............. .28

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HEALTH Care 4 U.......................................... 55 Charnwood Hearing Centre............ 57 Charnwood Physiotherapy............. 57 Granby House Dental Practice........ 50 Quorndon Care............................... 34 HOME ABD Picture Framing...................... 57 Ablutions........................................ 59 Absolute Window Solutions............. 2 Ancient & Modern............................ 4 Ashby Decorators Centre.................. 8 Broughtons....................................... 8 Charn. Oaks Roofing & Building...... 18 Charnwood Conservatories.............. 5 Charnwood Kitchens...................... 24 Chris’ Oven Cleaning........................ 4 Clock Doctor..................................... 4 Cream Interior Design...................... 6 CV Lane............................................. 6 Daniel Chapman............................. 28 DeVol...................................... 14 + 15 DG Plumbing................................... 57 DP Furnishings.................................. 4 Evans Fireplaces............................... 8 Glenfield Electrical............................ 4 Graham Botterill............................... 4 Hassall & Son Ltd.............................. 6 Holme Tree Kitchens....................... 21 Household Recycling & Waste.......... 7 Jackdaw Bygones............................ 47 Light House..................................... 18 Loft Storage Solutions...................... 3 Logburners Ltd.................................. 3 Martin Allen Flooring....................... 6 MDW Fireplaces............................. 18 Plastic Fantastic................................ 7 Putts............................................... 46 RJ Rowley........................................ 18

HOME continued...

RSJ Roofing....................................... 7 Simon Shuttlewood Upholstery...... 57 Splashout........................................ 11 Squirrel........................................... 44 Terry Allen Painter & Decorator..... 57 UK Gas Services................................ 3 VSF Ltd............................................ 20 Watson’s Electrical........................... 4 Whitaker Cane Furniture................ 27 Wreake Valley Flooring................... 21 LEISURE Bosworth Battlefield....................... 27 Bradgate Park Fair.......................... 30 Cropston Reservoir Fishing............. 28 Rothley Tennis Club........................ 30 RECRUITMENT Care 4 U.......................................... 57 Health Equals Wealth..................... 30 MOTORS Bond Street Car Service.................. 33 Cropston Garage............................. 57 JPH Motors..................................... 28 VeeDub Services............................. 34 PETS Anstey Cattery................................ 28 Barks & Bubbles............................. 31 Retreat Boarding Kennels............... 28 The Veterinary Surgery................... 28 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Bedford Square Post Office............ 50 Dodds Solicitors LLP........................ 34 Lee Cooper Funeral Directors......... 58 Nicholas Humphries....................... 48 Prusinski Solicitors.......................... 46

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