www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
1
2
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
3
4
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
5
6
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
7
8
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
Welcome... ...to The Vine! Oct / Nov ‘14 edition
A warm welcome to all to our Autumn issue of the Vine magazine, this month we’re bringing you a plethora of articles and items which we hope you’ll peruse and enjoy. Heard about Life Education Centres? No? Well neither had we until we received page 13’s article about the work this charity do in helping teenagers learn about prevention and care in respect to issues such as health, drugs and alcohol – definitely worthy of a quick read….and what a lot of fun they seem to have in raising ever-valuable funds.
Volunteer for WENLO RDA....12
We’re also delighted to bring you, not one, but two, equestrian related articles this month, one featuring horses that work and help maintain our forests (see page 19) and the other, spotlighting Wenlo Riding for the Disabled group – this admirable organisation, operating out of Charnwood Forest – is currently looking for volunteers, if you think you might be able to help turn to page 12 for more details. Keeping with the animal theme – at this time of year lots of keen bird lovers are starting to load their feeders ahead of the coming cold months, but did you did know unkempt or dirty feeders can have very serious consequences for our bird populations, see our article on page 22 to help keep you informed. Always one for the great outdoors, Girguilding (which includes Rainbows, Brownies and Girl Guide groups) offers an exciting world of adventure and challenge, and thankfully, one that is away from the televisions, computer screens and social media that can sometimes consume our lives. If you’d like to get involved (from ages 5+) jump to page 37 to get the full low-down.
The Greyfriars Dig...............26
With a multitude of activities, events and offers to review, courtesy of our extensive ‘What’s On’ and ‘Events’ Diary’ pages, we hope there’s a little something for all of you to get your teeth in to. If so, why not let us know, we’re always pleased to hear from our readers, but in the meantime, have a great October and we’ll catch up with you again same time, same place :)
The Editor and Team CONTACT US: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk | 01530 249048 www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
Ghostly Train Rides.............41
To submit editorial please email: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk ADVERTISING: For anyone wishing to advertise in The Vine, Leicestershire please contact the editor for pricing, deadlines and offers!
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
Our Disclaimer: Reasonable care is taken to ensure that The Vine, Leicestershire and website are as accurate as possible, as of the time of publication, but no liability can be taken by The Vine, Leicestershire for any errors, opinions or omissions contained herein.9
10
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
11
Local Charity News LOROS CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Charity Whist Drive The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 2nd October. Admission £2.00. All players welcome. Large free car park. The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.
Tickets costing £1 each will be on sale from October in all LOROS shops, from the Hospice on Groby Road, Leicester or by ringing (0116) 231 8430 and 18 lucky winners will share a total of £11,100! Joining in the fun not only offers the chance to win but is also a great way to support the vital work carried out by LOROS. The charity enhances the quality of life of adult patients with cancer, progressive neurological conditions and end-stage organ failure for whom curative treatment is no longer possible. Patients are treated at the Hospice and in the community based upon clinical need, regardless of background and the ability to pay. This means raising funds is vital to their work and every pound really does count!
Dandelion Ball Returns For The Second Year Alex Wish is a charity set-up in late 2012 to raise vital funds to bring about new treatments for children/ young adults living with a life limiting muscle wasting disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Since launch they raised £135k and growing from strength to strength. Alex is 8 and needs treatments or a cure fast. Those with it expect to be in a wheelchair by early teens and most often die in their late teens. They are hosting a star-studded night of eating, drinking and partying at their Dandelion Ball on Saturday, 1st November at The Hilton (EMA) they hope to attract 200 guests to this event. Tables of 10 are available at a cost of £600 and includes a 4-course meal, wine and entertainment plus a charity raffle (plenty of wonderful prizes to be won) and a charity auction with a trip of a lifetime to The Royal Westmorelands in Barbados courtesy of Robbie Savage. Individual places are available at a cost of £60.00 per person. For details contact Emma Hallam emma@alexswish.co.uk 07903 349475. For more details about Alex’s Wish visit www.alexswish.co.uk
Wenlo Riding for the Disabled Group Every year RDA’s 18,000 volunteers help 30,000 people with disabilities discover just how much they can achieve.
Why Volunteer? With the support of people like you, investing a couple of hours each week we can continue to provide life changing activities to more people who are missing out.
What can you do to help? Whatever your skills you will have something to offer RDA, do you have any of these skills: experience with horses & ponies, great people skills, admin skills, enjoy making a difference? Aged 12 – 90, whatever you like doing, there’s a role for you at Wenlo RDA! Training given. For information about Wenlo RDA Contact: Dawn Whitmore-Kirby Tel: 0845 4506950 / 01509 891690 | Email: wenlo.rda@hotmail.co.uk Alternatively visit the website to find out more: www.wenlorda.org
12
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
Local Charity News A Night At The Races Leicestershire Life Education Centres A night at the races was great fun and raised a very healthy profit for Leicestershire Life Education Centres. Leicestershire Life Education Centres run mobile classrooms that attend schools in the Leicestershire and Rutland area delivering exciting interactive activities, learning about health education. Health education (Obesity, drinking/ binge drinking, smoking and drug prevention are some of the issues they address) to children aged 4 – 11. The event was held at Swithland Village Hall in conjunction with Rotary Club of Wreake Valley. The races were generously sponsored and the main sponsor of the evening was TaxAssist Accountants (Loughborough) Ltd from Shepshed. The crowd cheered on the races which were a mixture of flat and over hurdles and also enjoyed a buffet. The winning owner of each race was presented with a bottle of champagne.
Bridge Drive for Macmillan Thursday 13th November, 2014 The Bradgate Flower Club are holding their Bridge Drive in Newtown Linford Village Hall, Main Street. Arrive at 1.30pm for a 1.45pm start. The cost will be £6 per person, which includes afternoon tea and a donation to Macmillan Nurses, their nominated charity for 2014. Contact Sue on 01530 245373 to book a table.
Loughborough Lions Bridge Drive Wednesday 5th November, 2014 This charity Bridge Drive will be held at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley at 1:30pm. The cost will be £6 per person and will include afternoon tea. To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or email: brianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com
Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation Saturday 8th November- Traditional Afternoon Tea Join us for an autumn afternoon at Ulverscroft Grange. Enjoy the seasonal colours with magnificent views across Leicestershire before sitting down to a traditional Afternoon Tea. Selection of sandwiches, warm scones and cream and homemade cakes, all served on vintage bone china. Our charity shops will also be open for some early Christmas shopping! 3pm - 5pm | £9.50 per person | Booking essential 01530 244914 | email: admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org.
The photo shows David Brown chairman of Leicestershire Life Education Centres presenting a bottle to Phil Marriott director of TaxAssist Accountants (Loughborough) Ltd whose horse won a race, accompanied by puppet Harold. Leicestershire Life Education Centres have set themselves a challenge of £20,000 for 20 years. The £573 raised on the night will go towards this target which will allow more children to benefit from this excellent service. We would like to thank Soar Valley Race Nights and our sponsors TaxAssist Accountants, Squire Alarms, L & G Trigger, A & S Tooling Ltd, Swithland Spring Water, Numark Pharmacy (Shepshed), Somerby Accountants and Shire Surveyors for helping to make the event a success.
Rainbows Fashion Show Wednesday 1st October 2014
Rainbows Fashion Show at the European Suite, Leicester Tigers, Aylestone Road, Leicester LE2 7TR Fashions by Jeanne of Oadby Doors open at 7.00pm for Fashion and Craft Fair followed by Fashion Show. Tickets cost £10. Free Parking in Crumbie Car Park (entrance on Aylestone Road). To book your ticket, please call 0800 952 1133 or email fundraising@rainbows.co.uk.
Our next event towards our target is a Fashion Show on 20 November 2014 at Birstall Village Hall at 7.00pm. For tickets please contact 0116 236 3441.
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
13
14
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
15
14 0 2 er ob ct O th 2 -1 th 6 k ee W e ar C ce Hospi A national initiative to help raise the profile of hospice care across the UK Hospice Care Week is an annual awareness-raising week of events and activities to help raise the profile of hospice care across the UK. This year over 100 local hospices will be highlighting how hospice care can help change lives in different settings beyond hospice buildings. LOROS Hospice is a local charity and every year they care for over 2,500 people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. They deliver free, high-quality, compassionate care and support to terminally ill patients, their family and carers. They deliver care that is special and unique to each individual and their expert care is provided by a diverse team of professional staff and volunteers. Their care is not only provided in the hospice building; hospice teams also work in a wide range of other settings, including in people’s homes. They also educate and train professionals and have been providing specialist education and training to health and social care professionals for the past 10 years, those working in other settings beyond hospices, including care homes and hospitals.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
They have two BIG events happening during Hospice Care Week that you can support:
On Saturday 11th October they are opening the doors of the Hospice enabling their guests to learn about the unique services they provide. The Heart of Art exhibition will feature paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures that have been donated by talented local artists with proceeds from all sales going to LOROS. The exhibition will also feature some amazing art work completed by LOROS patients who attend Day Therapy at the Hospice. The exhibition is open 10am-4pm and is free - so please go along and support them! Then on Friday 10th October they launch their exciting new annual event which calls on every business, school, shop and organisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to take part in a simultaneous Non Uniform/Dress Down Day. They would like everyone to ideally wear an item of YELLOW, a smile and bring a £1 donation. Join hundreds of others and get involved! LOROS rely on the support of our local community to ensure that they can be there when we need them. It’s only with the support of people like you that they can continue to care for patients, their families and carers. If you would like to find out more, please visit their website: www.loros.co.uk, email: info@loros.co.uk or call (0116) 231 3771.
Chernobyl Boy’s Ferrari Dream Comes True Thanks to local charity Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (West Leics) and the big hearted owners of a family run business in Loughborough, a young boys dream came true this week when he went for a ride in a shiny red Ferrari. Daniil Shtaba is 10 years old and lives in the city of Mogilev in Belarus which was badly contaminated by radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. He joined the charity’s 5 year recuperative care programme in 2011 and has stayed with his volunteer host family in Coalville for a month of respite each summer for the past 4 years. Sue Platts who is Publicity and Outreach Officer for the charity explained that “ Like most young boys Dan loves sports cars and knowing that his favourite marque was a Ferrari, we approached Hamilton Grays Ltd to see if they could help us to make the young boy’s dream come true. We were absolutely thrilled when proprietor Andrew Hamilton Gray agreed to take Dan out for a ride.” Mr Hamilton Gray said “We were only too happy to show Dan around our showroom and take him out for a spin in our Ferrari F1 360 Challenge Stradale. He left with a huge smile and his arms loaded with Ferrari goodies. We were delighted to support such a fantastic local charity and make a special young man very happy.” The charity is part of a national organisation that has been providing respite holidays for Chernobyl affected children for almost 20 years. They are totally self-funding and run entirely by volunteers. Each summer they bring a group of disadvantaged children to Leicestershire for a month of fun, love, care and respite from their toxic homeland. This year they are supporting 15 children who all come from heavily radiated areas of Belarus. To learn more about the charity, visit www.focc-westleics.webs.com or contact Group Coordinator John Buckby on 01455 285799 / email: john.evolution@btinternet.com
16
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
NATIONAL TRUST LEICESTER ASSOCIATION All historic houses constantly have to wage war against the effects of light, humidity and fluctuating temperatures to protect both the house and its fragile contents. The so-called ‘nine agents of deterioration’ range from light damage and weakening fabrics and textiles to pest damage from insects such as wood-boring beetles or silver fish. Then, of course, there are more catastrophic events such as water damage from leaks and burst pipes. The ‘house team’ at all NT properties work hard throughout the year to combat all of these agents via preventative measures and careful monitoring. In recent years, at all of our local properties, teams of volunteers have been trained how to handle fragile collection items and the methods used to clean and care for them. They also help the house team with the winter clean, explain ongoing conservation work to visitors and can even offer advice on caring for precious objects in your own home. With the half term holiday coming up soon do remember that all local NT properties will be open and you can look at the objects on display and think about the time and effort that goes into looking after them. The NT Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 14th October when Lt Col Gerald Lesinski will present an illustrated talk on The Lord Leycester Hospital (left). The meeting will be held at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm. There will also be an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 22nd October at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm when Sally Henshaw will present a talk on Richard III & the Greyfriars Dig. 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
THE HOLLY BUSH WELCOMES YOU Breedon on the Hill
This charming 17th century, Grade II listed pub was re-opened in 2012 after a sympathetic refurbishment and redecoration, bringing this historic gem back to the community after more than a year of closure. A warm welcome and some truly first class food and drink await you in this village favourite, with an intimate atmosphere and a real make-yourself-at-home feel. The Holly Bush offers some of the finest food and drink in the region, with service to match. Every day you will find a different selection of sumptuous entrées - look out for their speciality themed nights too. The Holly Bush is a free house offering a fine selection of liquid refreshment. Thirsty patrons will always have a choice of real ales like Doombar and London Pride, with guest ales like Brimstone, Harvest Pale, Reverend James or Black & Gold. We also supply all the regular pub favourites like Guinness, Carling and Estrella Damm, and a wide selection of soft drinks for children, teetotallers or designated drivers. The Holly Bush is to be found in Breedon on the Hill in Derbyshire. This pleasant village, known for its Priory Church of St Mary & St Hardulph on a limestone outcropping, is just a stones throw away and the perfect place to drop into for some great food and drink when visiting local attractions Calke Abbey, Conkers, Snibston and Staunton Harold Estate.
More information visit: www.holly-bush.com | Email: mail@holly-bush.com The Holly Bush, 1 Melbourne Lane, Breedon on the Hill, DE73 8AT | Tel: 01332 865800
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
17
18
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
Breeze Working In The Charnwood Forest ...with Stuart Freeman Horses have been employed to pull timber from the forests and woodlands of the United Kingdom for centuries. As recently as 1960, horse extraction accounted for 50% of the total national timber production (an estimated 0.65 million m3) At that time 400 horses were employed in forestry commission woodlands alone. The decline of the working forest horse began after the second world war as rising costs of labour and an increasing demand for home grown timber led to the mechanisation of extraction to cut costs and increase production. Nowadays it seems woodlands are being neglected as far as their management is concerned all over the UK. There may be many reasons for this, the main one being cost, another is they may be sensitive hard to access sites. Whatever the reason we must consider their value, not only for recreation but as a productive resource whether it be wood fuel, charcoal, coppice products or sawn timber, the fact remains we as a nation do not make the most of our wooded areas. Whilst mechanised systems have reduced the direct costs of forestry operations, the potential damage that mechanisation can inflict on the woodland resource and environment has become an important issue as the long term costs have been recognised. What is wrong with taking your time and being careful? In my opinion nothing, it actually is how we should look after these sites, many of which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I.) status and therefore need to be treated carefully and managed well. Horses are light, quiet and manoeuvrable, their use minimises damage to natural regeneration, avoids compaction, ruts and damage to the woodland floor and produce no exhaust or noise pollution. I have been a professional forester/Tree surgeon for over 20 years now, working throughout Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Warwickshire. My work has been varied from dismantling 100 foot trees that have come to the end of their useful lives, to managing felling contracts on S.S.S.I woodlands and it is within this area that I first happened upon horse extraction as a low impact method. Mechanised extraction just simply was not an option on the sensitive site I was involved with, I researched alternative methods and quickly realised that horses were the answer, I enrolled on two courses run by the British horse loggers and achieved a high level of training and then became a qualified horse logger. I own two horses, a locally bred 14.2 cob called Breeze The lumberjack Rosso and Queenie a 16.3 French Comtois. They are both trained to work in all aspects of horse extraction and we operate a range of implements , a single tree which is a basic tool that helps drag timber,a timber arch which is a two wheeled machine that lifts one end of the timber reducing friction and increasing amount of timber one horse can pull and an eight wheeled forwarder which enables one horse to pull approximately a tonne of timber depending on terrain. One horse can usually extract between 7-15 tonnes of timber a day again terrain dependant. I am interested in hearing the views of owners and managers of woodlands in the Charnwood area who may be keen to try horse extraction in their woodland , You can contact me on 01509 891320 mobile 07547 978172 or Facebook (Stuart Freeman) my email address is j.mcdonagh231@btinternet.com!
THE MONDAY CLUB, ANSTEY, CROPSTON, THURCASTON AND ROTHLEY Monday, 8th September proved to be one of those joyously brilliant sunny days we sometimes get in this month of the year, which helped Members to come along for our 11th Harvest Bring and Buy. The Harvest table was ably filled with assorted vegetables, salads, fruit, apples galore, home-made jams and marmalades, tinned soups and tempting cakes. All the produce was purchased, resulting in a very satisfying sum of £87. Following the Sales Table, a very informative talk was given by Mrs Sue Foreman on her work with the “Phoenix Trading Company” making, demonstrating and selling Cards to all kinds of groups. Sue decided to join this Company to aid fund-raising for the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust. Sue and her family were friends of the Humphries family and she wanted to give her support. Joe Humphries was 14 and was a very fit 6’3” athletic young man, known as the “Gentle Giant”. He died unexpectedly when out jogging around Rothley and only a short distance away from his home. Several local people went to his aid but to no avail, as Joe had died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, SAD. The Memorial Trust was set up by Joe’s father Steve Humphries, who was previously a Leicester City Goalkeeper, in Memory of his Son to raise awareness and support for other children with this condition. Currently the Trust is working with The East Midlands Ambulance Service to promote life-saving Courses. We were pleased to hear that Sue was able to fundraise £50 from the sale of her cards to our Members. With our customary refreshments, in celebration of Birthdays for Sue Wakerley and Maja Tompkins, we enjoyed luscious cakes and a large tin of Chocolates. Our next meeting will be on October 13th, when we shall welcome Mrs. Jackie Partner giving a talk on “Bits and Pieces”. This will be very enjoyable. Do come along!
Ann Farndon www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
19
20
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
21
Local Interest Loughborough Naturalists Club
Well, here we are into a new year of indoor meetings at the Quorn Church Rooms, Church Lane, Quorn LE12 8DP at 7.30pm on the second Saturday of every month from now until March. The members, all know they are going to enjoy the talks and the chats in the interval but we would love to see some new faces at some of the meetings. Why don’t you show your face if there’s a talk you think you would enjoy. We don’t charge for your first visit and if you have children who are interested, they will be most welcome provided they are accompanied by an adult. Saturday 11th October - British Butterflies in their Haunts by Ian Gamble Saturday 8th November - An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles by Chris Terrell-Nield Saturday 13th December - Ferns in Leicestershire & Rutland by Andy Lear Saturday 10th January - Darwin & the Local Natural History Scene by Tony Fletcher Saturday 14th February - A Rough Guide to Leicestershire Geology – Andrew Swift Saturday 14th March - Farming & Wildlife by Julia Hawley If you feel like walking do come along on one of our organised walks: Wednesday 1st October at Swithland Wood and Puddledyke when hopefully we should find fungi and wild fruits. This will start at the south end of Swithland Wood and include a quick look at the section recently opened to the public on the east side, also Puddledyke can be good for late insects. On this occasion we will meet at 9.30am at Hallgates car park (SK 543 114), for which there is unfortunately a charge. Wednesday 5th November to Beacon Hill Country Park, we will be meeting at Lower Beacon car park at 9.30am SK 521 148. Sorry but there is a charge for parking. In the event of adverse weather conditions, please contact Peter Gamble, tel. 01509 414283 to confirm the event will take place. If you have any queries do contact me Doreen on 07713409743.
BIRD FEEDERS CAN BE VIRUS BREEDERS
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust is asking people who feed birds in their gardens to be extra vigilant about cleaning their bird feeders after a severe case of Avian Pox was confirmed in Leicestershire. Avian pox is a skin condition that affects many bird species commonly found in gardens. It causes lesions particularly on the face of birds which look like warty tumours. In severe cases these lesions grow very large and can affect the bird’s vision which ultimately results in a greater risk of predation or a slow death from starvation. In this case a Dunnock was spotted in a Cropston garden. Neil Pilcher, Senior Conservation Officer said “This poor Dunnock was spotted in someone’s garden hopping around under a feeder. From the photo we received it was clear that this was a severe case of Avian Pox. The home owner in this case is very careful about hygiene issues with feeding birds and cleaned their feeders every week. This is excellent as it reduces the chance of the disease being spread to other birds using the feeders.
This case highlights the need for everyone to be vigilant as this was the first occasion that this bird had been seen in this particular garden. Therefore it is highly likely that it had been visiting other gardens and feeders in the area which are all at risk of spreading the disease if they are not regularly cleaned. The Trust is calling on everyone who loves feeding birds in their gardens to get into the routine of cleaning their feeders regularly, ideally once a week. Infected birds are not always obvious and it is better to be safe than sorry. By feeding birds homeowners are encouraging birds to congregate in the same place time after time therefore increasing the risk of diseases being passed on. Simple good hygiene routines can allow people to carry on enjoying their garden birds without the risk posed by this and other nasty diseases.” The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust recommend that the public should contact the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) for further advice or to report possible cases. The BTO are running a Garden Bird Health Initiative and they want people to report suspected cases to them so that they can track the disease across the country. They can be contacted at:
22
www.bto.org
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
e n o t s g in r h T f o s d n Frie ... environmental group Friends of Thringstone was formed in February 2005 from a handfull of people who came to a public meeting organised by local councillors keen to set up an environmental group in the village. 9 years on, this non-political group now totals 127 members, and has won numerous awards, including the first ever Green Footprints Award for Community and Partnerships in 2009 and The Queen’s Award For Voluntary Service in 2011. Nita Pearson is the chairman of the group: “I have been chairman since we started in 2005, and keep getting voted in every year. When we started, we just did litter picking which we still do - I litter pick daily in the village and we have groups of others who also help by litter picking every week. We also organise a quarterly community litter pick. However, since we started we have grown somewhat. We are now responsible for 5 areas of planting in the village, some of which we have taken over from the council, we produce a free quarterly village newsletter which our volunteers deliver for us in Thringstone and parts of Whitwick, we have published numerous books about the village, its people and their lives, and we put on village events as well as attend many others by selling stuff to both raise our profile and our funds. Most of our events are just one day, but we recently put on our first ever 3 day event with Thringstone House Community Centre, centred around recording the lives of people who went off to the First World War. Thringstone is a great community, and it is nice to work with other agencies to try to dispel the myth that we are just another mining village which was decimated by pit closures. Thringstone was in the Domesday book, has a wealth of history, is set beside Grace Dieu Woods (left) which is a beautiful area in which to walk, and is a friendly community.” Friends of Thringstone meet on the 1st Thursday of every month at 6.45pm at Thringstone House Community Centre. All are welcome to come along. The group can be reached through their website which is www.friends-of-thringstone.org.uk or through twitter @Thringstone 2 or via facebook.
A MUSICAL BOX OF SURPRISES AND DELIGHTS by Barry Collett Saturday 22nd November 2014, 10:30 - 16:30 The works of most great composers contain forgotten corners, unknown or overlooked pieces, or uncharacteristic works, many of which shed new and unexpected light on the composers’ reputation. The morning session will introduce many of these intriguing works. The afternoon will take the opposite course, and look at brilliant and exciting music written by composers too readily written off as second rate, one work composers, or even totally forgotten composers who deserve a better fate. Come and enjoy some unexpected and delicious musical surprises. Barry Collett was Director of Music at Rutland College, founded the Rutland Sinfonia in 1975, made 11 recordings both as conductor and pianist and is well-known for his recordings of lesser-known works by Elgar. He was awarded the ‘Elgar Medal’ in recognition of his work, research and performances of Elgar. The Old School Rooms, School St., Rothley. Booking essential with £7 fee. Includes refreshments. Bookings to Brenda Sutherland, 4 North St., Rothley, Leicester LE7 7NN. Cheques payable to Rothley Heritage Trust. Please include name, address, phone no. and email (if applicable). Further information from Marion Vincent 0116 2375156 or vincent.mbe82@yahoo.co.uk.
Coalville Food & Drink Festival 2014 - Saturday 22nd November 2014 Those who attended last year had the pleasure of 12,000+ hungry, thirsty and purchase-primed eager Christmas Shoppers. This year it will be located exclusively at the Belvoir Shopping Centre pedestrianised precinct, surrounded by twinkling Christmas Lights and festive spirit. It will be FREE entry for everyone. Events taking place throughout the day look likely to include: Man vs Food Challenge, Coalville Junior Cake Bake Off, Expert Cooking Demonstrations and Coalville Children’s Christmas Choir - Factor… and lots more. Visit the website to find out more: www.coalvilletownteam.com/food_festival/ www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
23
24
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
25
Newtown Linford Gardening Club All the activities of the garden club are now geared towards the highlight of our season – the visit of garden designer Adam Frost. Our celebrity event each year is becoming very popular as we welcome people who have a prestigious status in the world of horticulture. Adam frost is no exception. As the designer of no fewer than six gardens which have won gold at the Chelsea Flower Show, he ranks among the great designers of the present day. As a result his profile is increasing sharply; he appeared regularly on the TV coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show and has had several TV appearances on other programmes since then. It is not common for celebrities to come to Newtown Linford, so we look forward to the occasion. Some of you will remember the visit of Christine Walkden last October and we expect a similarly interesting evening. There are still some tickets left however and visitors are invited. We know other garden club members will join us for this special event so if you would like to come, tickets for the evening (£10) can be obtained from the club secretary ,by e-mail, phone or letter. We have welcomed a large number of new members this year and will be pleased if others want to join us. If you are interested in our activities just contact the secretary (tel: 01530 242452 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
Local History Group: Richard III and the Greyfriars Dig The return of the Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves Local History Group in September, after a year’s break, was celebrated by an engaging talk from Sally Henshaw on King Richard III and the Greyfriars dig.
Loyalty and courage Sally, who is secretary to the Leicestershire branch of the Richard III Society, began by painting the portrait of a young man who suffered a traumatic childhood, was fiercely loyal to his brother, Edward IV, and courageous in battle but who was probably much maligned by Tudor propaganda and Shakespeare. Born in 1452 and the youngest of the Duke of York’s surviving seven children, Richard grew up among the turbulence of the dynastic struggle between the houses of Lancaster and York for the English throne, which continued well after his brother deposed Henry VI to become Edward IV. Whatever the truth of how Richard displaced Edward’s sons on their father’s death in 1483, and their disappearance from the Tower of London, Richard had a good reputation for dispensing fair justice to both poor and rich. In the two years of his reign he also introduced the land tenure act to give land owners security of tenure, tried to rid juries of corruption and brought in the system of bail for prisoners. He is also reported to have ‘died manfully in the thickest press of his enemies’ as he led a charge to try to kill Henry Tudor (later Henry VII), descendant of Edward III and Lancastrian claimant to the throne. Richard’s wounded and mutilated body was put on public display in Leicester for two days before being taken by the Greyfriars for burial.
The search for Richard’s remains The very ambitious and costly project to locate the Greyfriars and Richard’s grave was instigated by Philippa Langley of the Richard III Society and relied on financial sponsors and the support of historians, archaeologists, scientists, Leicester University, Leicester Cathedral, Leicester City Council and Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby. Despite an extensive preliminary desk study, including a comparison of historic maps of Leicester with modern maps, the project was reckoned to have only a one per cent chance of success. Chance certainly played a large role in the success: chance that the most likely site was beneath a Social Services car park, not a building, and that the first N–S exploratory trench dug on August 25th 2012 disclosed evidence of the priory church’s location and the skeletal remains (not exhumed until 5th September) that turned out to be Richard’s. It was also chance that two unbroken lines of female descent existed from Richard’s mother to present-day descendants whose DNA analyses confirmed what the skeletal deformities, chemical analysis, trauma damage and specific location within the priory church all implied: the skeleton was, indeed, that of Richard III. It is not surprising that an audience member articulated what we were probably all thinking: perhaps it wasn’t all chance; maybe Richard wanted to be found so that he could be given a burial proper for a king. He will be laid to rest finally in Leicester Cathedral on 26th March next year.
Evelyn Brown Next meeting: Monday, 13th October, 7.30pm. Title: Zeppelin Raid. Speaker: Mel Gould. Venue: Woodhouse Eaves Methodist Church, Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves. Visitors: £3 (includes light refreshments).
26
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
27
28
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
29
30
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
HAVE A STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR BY STARTING YOUR PREPARATIONS NOW! Christmas is a busy time of year and often ends up being more stressful than necessary. So this year, why not make a start on your Christmas prep early? Autumn is the perfect time to think ahead to the festive season; start Christmas planning now, and you’ll reap the benefits come December. The “Christmas creep” (the tendency of shops and retail websites to display festive goods as we hit Autumn) is well and truly popping up everywhere now... and why do we here at The Vine think it’s not altogether a crazy idea? Because organising early can save so much festive stress and allow everyone to enjoy a more relaxed Christmas! By planning early you can avoid the three dreaded O’s, ‘over-spending, overscheduling and over-indulging’, that lead to debt, stress and festive chaos. When buying decisions are swayed by last-minute sentiment or the pressure of deadlines, it’s too easy to turn to plastic to bankroll the festive season. Start your preparations with making a shopping list (gifts, food, decorations) and savvy shoppers can take advantage of seasonal specials as they arise throughout the Autumn weeks. Starting now means you’ll spend less, get more, and keep the bills off the credit card balance. Think about planning what food you’ll need over the Christmas period, especially if you’re hosting Christmas at your own home, make a note of when local markets are on and be sure to pop down to the farm shops and put in your orders for your turkey and trimmings in plenty of time. By planning early you’ll also be able to take advantage of offers and savings in the coming weeks on all sorts of items like chocolates, nuts and even the brandy for the Christmas pud! Early planning means you really can have that perfect ‘Handmade Christmas’... Planning ahead is essential to success; nobody wants to spend December nights rushed and harried at the crafts table. Instead start now and really enjoy spending time making gifts, decorations and festive crafts, it’s also a great way to spend time keeping the kids entertained and making them feel part of the Christmas preparations. You’ll be able to pick up the coming season’s best selection of kits, materials and supplies now rather than wait until 1st December just to find that half of the shelves are empty. Starting now also means that you can really embrace your family traditions as they’ll be well planned and enjoyable rather than rushed and a burden. Although the festive hustle and bustle can be very appealing , who really enjoys Christmas shopping when they’re weighed down by a long gift list and under time pressure? Getting the majority of your Christmas chores done early means you can relax and soak up the festive spirit when it arrives with a happy, unencumbered heart!
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
31
DIARY: CHRISTMAS EVENTS Ashby Gusto Christmas Market - 29 November 2014 High Street, Ashby de la Zouch, 10am - 4:30pm A fun day out for all the family with lots of entertainment taking place. Over 60 exhibitors to buy from and great stalls for buying Christmas pressies!
Ibstock Lights, Parade & Market - Sat 29 November, 2014 Ibstock Parish council in conjunction with Ibstock Events Group are holding their annual Christmas Light Switch on, Parade and festival on Saturday 29th November 2014. At 4pm the parade will proceed up the High Street, Ibstock and finish at the Miners Welfare Site, on Leicester Road, Ibstock. At the Welfare site there will be Craft Stalls, Christmas market, Santas Grotto, Fun fair, and live bands.
Farmers Markets - Various dates Ashby Farmers Market at Manor House School, South Street, Ashby LE65 1BR. 9am - 2pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Also Market Bosworth Farmers Markets on 4th Sunday of every month 9am-2pm the Market Place, Market Bosworth, CV13 0LE For further.
Santa Train Specials on the GCR - November 29th onwards Make your Christmas extra special by joining us on our Santa Steam Trains. It’s the perfect start to your family Christmas‌ Santa has swapped his sleigh for a fun filled journey on an enchanting steam train. Ride on board our award winning Santa Specials and let Father Christmas surprise you with a an exciting present (except on Wednesday 10th & 17th December) and a chat with the man himself! We look forward to welcoming you for some pure festive
32
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
33
34
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
35
Local Clubs Whitwick Historical Group Open Day - Saturday 4th October 2014 Volunteers at the award-winning Whitwick Historical Group invite you to their Open Day on Saturday, 4th October. Based in the unique Victorian Station building in North Street Whitwick, the Group has an enviable reputation for both family history research and its archive on local history, including seven thousand photographs. If you have never visited the Old Station this is an excellent opportunity. Experienced volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and guide you around the collections. At 1.30pm, weather permitting, there will be a guided walk around Whitwick to include sites of special historical interest. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day. Further information is available at www. whitwickhistoricalgroup.org.uk or contact the Secretary on 01509 556793.
Loughborough RSPB Local Group Events in October & November 2014 Friday 10th October 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group present a talk entitled Cuba & the smallest bird in the world by Paul & Ann Farrer. There are 21 species of bird endemic to Cuba, a Caribbean island; 15 are illustrated in this talk, including the smallest bird in the world - the Bee Humming Bird. 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 15th October 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group have a Wildlife Walk at the river at Barrow on Soar at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at the car park - SK565174. Sunday 26th October 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group invite you to join them on a coach trip to Titchwell RSPB reserve in Norfolk. Depart from Loughborough University at 7.30 am, fare £20 plus admission to the reserve. Booking is essential for this trip. Wednesday 12th November 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group have a Wildlife Walk at Swithland Reservoir & Budden Brook at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at the car park – SK556148. Friday 14th November 2014
Ashby Hockey Club Ashby Hockey Club have 2 ladies, 4 mens and 1 Badgers team and numerous junior tournaments. See their website for training times and more information www.ashbyhockeyclub.co.uk or call Graeme Head on 01530 837478
Coleorton Women’s Institute Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at the Beaumont Social Centre, Nottingham Road, Peggs Green. They are an active group and welcome visitors and new members. Each month they have a speaker or demonstration on various topics. For information please contact Esther Massey (President) 01530 450306 or Geraldine Bedford (Sec) 01530 222323.
36
Loughborough RSPB Local Group present a talk entitled The Bird Reserves of Kent by Jonathan Forgham. He visits North Norfolk and Kent at least monthly for birding trips and will show some of his favourite and best spots. 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. Sunday 23rd November 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group invite you to join them on a coach trip to Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve & Far Ings LWT Reserve. Depart from Loughborough University at 8.00 am, fare £20. Booking is essential for this trip. 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/
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
Local Clubs Whitwick & District U3A Worthing to
n District
Being a Rainbow (5-7 yrs), Brownie (7-10 yrs), Guide (10-14 yrs), a member of the Senior Section/Rangers (14-26 yrs) or an adult leader (18+) is lots of fun and a great way of making friends. Guiding offers an enormous range of activities that appeal to today’s girls and young women from outdoor challenges including climbing, abseiling and canoeing to learning new skills such as First Aid, becoming a circus performer, toy making and much more. And then there’s the opportunity Guiding provides for international travel, getting involved in community action projects, camping, trying out new sports and attending concerts to watch acts that have included Tinie Tempah, The Wanted, The Vamps, Ed Sheeran, Pixie Lott and Little Mix. Worthington District Guides have Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Rangers units that meet on Mondays, Rainbows on a Tuesday and Brownies and Guides on Wednesday evenings. We meet in Swannington, Newbold and Worthington so our units are central to many villages based in North West Leicestershire. If you would like to join us, you can now visit our national recruitment page:
www.girlguiding.org.uk/get_involved/volunteer/ register_your_interest.aspx and follow the online instructions. You can also visit our Facebook page: ‘Worthington District Guides’ or email us at worthingtonguides@live.co.uk We look forward to welcoming you at one of our units.
Now that autumn is here and thoughts turn to indoor activities, discover what Whitwick and District U3A has to offer. Come along to our monthly General Meeting on Friday 17th October where details of almost forty Interest Groups will be available. Several new Interest Groups have started this year. Belonging to a group helps you keep socially active and mentally alert. It is also good fun. A warm welcome awaits at St. David’s Church Hall, Broomleys, Coalville. In addition, there will be a presentation by our speaker and light refreshments free of charge. Please arrive at 1.45 for a 2.00 pm start. Further information is available at:
www.whitwicku3a.org.uk
Shepshed & District Camera Club The club meets once a week, usually on Tuesday evenings. Arrive from 7.30 for a 7.45pm start, meetings end between 9.30 and 10pm. They are based at the Council Offices, 47a Charnwood Road, Shepshed, LE12 9QE. The annual subscription is £35, £17.50 for members aged 16 and below. You can visit any evening on the programme (see website below) for 4 weeks entirely free.
www.shepshedcameraclub.co.uk
Coalville Car Club The Club Meets every Wednesday at The New Inn, Peggs Green from 9.00 pm. New members and visitors welcome. For more details contact Chris Faulkner tel 0116 2770563, email: chris.faulkner@falconserve.co.uk or visit the website:
www.coalvillecc.org.uk
Come And Sing With The Grand Central Chorus!
The Grand Central Chorus is holding one of its regular open events on Sunday 5th October when men interested in learning more about Barbershop Harmony or considering joining our chorus are invited to come along, listen to us sing, sing with us and learn more about The Grand Central Chorus and the wonderful hobby of four-part barbershop harmony singing. The “Open Morning” takes place at our usual weekly rehearsal venue Harrington Junior School, Derby Road, Long Eaton, NG10 4BJ and starts at 10am. The chorus, who finished in the top 5 at the UK Championships in May, and has won this competition on five previous occasions, will sing several of the songs from their extensive repertoire and attendees will be invited to join us in learning and singing some simple barbershop “tags” (the final few bars of a song). Even if you just want to come along and listen you will be made most welcome. The event will end around 1pm and there will also be plenty of opportunity to ask questions or speak to our Musical Director, Zac Booles and chorus members. We look forward to meeting you then. Meanwhile, please contact our Recruitment Manager Martin on 07855 270803 if you need any further information about the event or check our website www.grandcentralchorus.com www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
37
38
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
39
Charnwood Music For All If you are a lover of Organ Music, then this is definitely the place to be. Every month, at 7.30pm, on the second Wednesday, there’s a treat in store at The Charnwood Arms, at Bardon, just off the A511. You may be surprised to learn that some of the UK’s top organists perform there. During 2014, these will include Robert Wolfe, Chris Powell and Brett Wales – all well-known radio and theatre performers, and, of course, all organists who have spent seasons at Blackpool Tower playing its famous Wurlitzer Organ. In July, Ian Griffin, was our visiting organist. Playing his amazing instrument, with its two keyboards (one an Italian ‘Ketron’ and the lower one an SD5), he produced excellent orchestral sounds and effects. In the first half of the concert, Ian entertained us with a very wide range of music played in a variety of styles. He played the ‘1812’ Overture with accompanying bells and cannons; Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on two separate keyboards; some Dean Martin swing music; and Acker Bilk’s ‘Stranger on the Shore’, successfully reproducing that wonderful clarinet sound we know so well. At the start of the concert, Ian had asked for requests. He wove these into the most amazing organ performance after the break. Thirty-one pieces of music had been requested and Ian played most of them. My request proved a problem, but Ian promised to try to find the music for ‘The Crags of Tumbledown’ and play it next time. (If any readers have this music, please could I have a copy??). The one-hour performance which followed was remarkable. In quick succession, Ian played: ‘April in Portugal’ (accordion); a number of Abba tunes; Shadows’ music with ‘guitar’ accompaniment; a haunting version of ‘Ghost Riders in the Sky’ with guitar and drums; an instrumental ’Musical Box’; ‘Conquest of Paradise’, with its very moving and recognisable, heavy drumming and electronic voices; and an uplifting brass-band/ oompa version of ‘Matchstick Men and Matchstick Cats and Dogs’. Big band music, jive, samba, pan-pipes, Elvis’s ‘Trilogy’; a medley of old romantic melodies all followed. There were too many to list. What a brilliant performer!! Kevin Grunhill’s organ concert in August was equally impressive. Kevin’s ten years as part of the team who played the famous Blackpool Tower Wurlitzer organ had certainly provided him with a wealth of experience and talent. This, accompanied by his typical Yorkshire humour, made the evening a great success. He told us of the time his Blackpool Wurlitzer refused to respond to his pressing of the button and stayed under the stage, refusing to rise as his concert began. For a moment, he wondered whether he was to become ‘the only remaining Barnsley Man still working down the pit’. Fortunately the ‘button’ then responded and he was able to play for his expectant audience. Kevin’s music was a delight and his Shostakovich ‘Waltz Suite’, ‘Red Rose Café’, ‘Pie in the face Polka’, music from MGM’s 1960s musicals and from ‘Brassed Off’ with its euphoniums, trumpets, trombones and drums, kept us wellentertained. Kevin’s tribute to Adele (and composer Bob Dylan) with ’Make me feel your Love’, was a clever play on pipes, piano, clarinet and strings and his tribute to ‘our unsung heroes of four wars’ gave us ‘Aces High’, ‘Anchors Away’, ‘The Great Little Army’ and other well-known tunes. His Wurlitzer tribute to ‘Blackpool’ produced a host of memorable sing-along songs and the finale, featuring music from ‘Les Miserables’, was heart-stopping at times as we pictured the sadness of the barricades . Kevin moved around the organ and the pedals with amazing agility and energy. Considering he had suffered a serious back injury just a few days previously, this out-standing performance must have cost him a lot! Those readers who play their own organ, or simply like to listen to organ music, brilliantly played in a wide-variety of styles, in a relaxing environment, will be entertained and impressed by the talented musicians who perform at these concerts. As this goes to press, our very own Chris Powell will have played for us in September (report next time). On October 8th, world famous Robert Wolfe, of Thursford fame, will be the visiting organist (7.30pm as usual). This is one NOT to miss. The cost is £6 and a bar is available (as are reasonably priced meals, prior to the concert, at the adjacent Charnwood Arms Hotel). For further information please contact Chris Powell on 01530 274270 November’s concert will be on Wednesday November 12th, 2014 when Pete Shaw will be our Organist.
Sylvia Cole 40
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
The Great Central Railway
There is something for everyone during a busy October on the Railway. The big event of the month is the four day Autumn Steam Gala with two guest locomotives. There is also another Saturday night Beer Train. Midweek running during the school holidays, then the ghosts are out at the end of the month. There is also a good selection of Dining Trains to choose from....Enjoy!
October 2014 Autumn Gala One of the big events of the year takes place over four days starting on Thursday the 2nd, there will be two visiting engines one on a return visit but in a different livery Gresley Class D49 4-4-0 62712 Morayshire from the Bo’ness & Kinneal Railway near Edinburgh and for its first visit to the GCR 2-6-0 Standard Class 4 76084 from the North Norfolk Railway. There will be a busy timetable on the first two days and an intensive service on Saturday and Sunday.
Real Ale Train Enjoy two round trips of the railway by steam train while sampling 6 different beers on Saturday the 18th starting at 6.15 and returning to Loughborough at around 9.30 you can also enjoy a light bite with the beer. This evening train and food must be booked online because of the limited space available, the fare £15 food and beer extra!
Midweek Running Trains will be running for the half term break on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the first train from Loughborough at 10.15 then every hour until the last one at 3.15.
Halloween Ghost Trains Why not get dressed up and scare the other passengers on this scary Halloween night, there is a variety of entertainment before the first Ghost Train departs Loughborough at 5pm and then every hour until 8pm returning from the ghostly station at Rothley at 5.22 and every hour until 8.22. Will the Rothley ghost come out to play, guided ghost hunts by our spiritualist medium ’Patricia Farrar’, also enjoy the funfair or have a break in Ellis’s who will serve light bites and hot and cold drinks.
Dining Trains The regular Dining Trains resume after the Autumn Gala, The Forester runs on Friday the 3rd that weekend, there are two Murder Mystery trains running on the 10th and 24th. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
Preview Of Events In November The very popular Bonfire night at Quorn will take place on Wednesday the 5th. A Remembrance Service will be held at Loughborough on Sunday the 9th. On the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd The Last Hurrah of the season when steam enthusiasts can get their last steam fix before that man in the Red Coat takes over until Christmas Eve, normal services resume on Boxing Day. A Christmas Fayre takes place at Greenacres, Leicester North on the 29th and 30th. There is the usual Dining Trains running for most of the month until the Christmas Dining Trains kick in towards the end of the month.
News From Around The Railway Survey work carried out on the Victorian canal bridge which dates from 1890s by XEIAD a specialist civil engineering consultancy to determine what work needs doing so steam trains can run over it again. XEIAD sponsored two engineers for two days to examine the bridge this would have cost many thousands of pounds. The report they produce will help the railway draw up detail plans and costs to repair the bridge and get the work underway. Olivier Garrigue, CEO of XEIAD said he was delighted to be one of the partners in this project. To donate to the GCR Bridge appeal; Send a cheque made payable to the David Clarke Railway Trust and marked ‘Bridge Appeal’ to Lovatt House, 3 Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough, Leics, LE11 1SL Or donate on line using a credit or debit card at www. gcrailway.co.uk/unify 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: On its last visit Gresley Class D49 246 Morayshire carried Darlington works style LNER apple green and is seen running round its train at Leicester North during the Gala in 2010, when it visits for the Autumn Gala it will be in BR lined-black as 62712.
41
42
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
Students Shine at Our Lady’s Convent School
Choosing the right educational start for your son or daughter is an extremely important decision in any parent’s life. Our Lady’s Convent School (OLCS), is an independent establishment, co-educational for ages 3 to 11 then our girls progress to our single sex Senior School (11 to 16) and Sixth Form (16 to 18). We know that happy, stimulated students learn more and we provide a cheerful, family environment where our pupils flourish. We have a long tradition of providing an holistic approach to education where your child will be encouraged and challenged to perform to his or her best abilities; our strong academic results reflect how well our students of all ages respond to this approach. Once again our A level and GCSE students have achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate with 89% of A level students gaining A* to C grades and 88% of our GCSE students achieving five or more A* to C grades. We guarantee small class sizes and whilst we are founded on Christian values we respect and welcome all faiths.
To understand what makes our School special come and have a look round, drop in to our open morning on Tuesday 11th November, 9.30am to 12 noon and meet students, staff and the Headteacher. Alternatively you can arrange a tour at a time to suit you, please ring now to book; we would be delighted to meet you and discuss how we can equip your son or daughter for life. For more information please ring our Admissions team on 01509 638280 or visit our website www.olcs.leics.sch.uk.
LOCAL LAW FIRM HAS YOUR LEGAL NEEDS COVERED
Timms Solicitors, established in 1892, is one of the East Midlands leading law firms, providing a range of services to both the commercial and private client, locally and nationally.
With four offices, in Derby, Ashby, Swadlincote and Burton, our breadth of experience and knowledge allows us to provide a range of diverse services from residential and commercial conveyancing, employment law, divorce, childcare and family law, wills and probate to personal injury and clinical negligence. We pride ourselves in our friendly, approachable manner whilst maintaining a professional, practical relationship. Based at the Ashby office on Market Street is Sue Pendleton, Head of Residential Conveyancing, a Senior Solicitor with 15 years experience in all aspects of property and real estate. Sue joined Timms 6 months ago having previously worked for a Legal 200 Firm in Nottingham and prior to that a medium sized west midlands law firm in Birmingham. She has vast experience in acting for a variety of clients which range from residential house sales and purchases to relocations for large company employees and multi-million pound investment properties in central London. Sue also acts for investment clients with property portfolios and builder clients purchasing development land and their subsequent plot sales. You will also find our Commercial team at Ashby; Ian Meadows (pictured) is our Commercial Litigation Specialist and Maxine Chenoweth our Commercial Property Solicitor. Ian specialises in contractual and non-contractual disputes (High Court and County Court) including debt recovery, disputes between partners, shareholders and with suppliers. TOLATA claims and basic Intellectual Property disputes. He also has vast experience of commercial property litigation and corporate insolvency including advising on administration and liquidation of companies as well as statutory demands and winding up petitions and claims against directors including disqualification applications. Maxine, our Commercial Property Solicitor, has over 10 years experience, she specialises in re-financing of businesses, business sales and purchases, lease grants, surrenders and assignments, lease associated documents such as agreements for lease, licences and rent deposit deeds, put and call options, overage. With a reputation built on understanding our clients’ needs, you will find everyone at Timms committed to providing a comprehensive, professional legal service.
For further information on any of our services, please contact us on 01530 564498 43 or at legal@timms-law.com
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
EVENTS DIARY Autumn Steam Gala at GCR Thursday 02 - Sunday 05 October, 2014 It’s a steam dream and the biggest gala of the year! Once again, the Great Central Railway are presenting this gala over four days with visiting engines and a really intensive timetable. There’ll be locks working the turntable, passenger, freight and postal trains. Once the action starts it doesn’t stop - it’s as real as it gets with steam trains passing and departing every few minutes! Be sure to check out their famous Saturday evening twilight show. For further details see www.gcrailway.co.uk or telephone 01509 632323.
It’s FREE to add your community event to our events diary email: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk. Please send details in by 8th November 2014 for the December / January issue.
Family Firework & Bonfire Extravaganza Saturday 25 October, 2014 Go along and join in the fun at Bosworth Water Park Family Firework and Bonfire Extravaganza. Children’s firework display begins at 6.00pm and bonfire will be lit at 7.00pm with the main display taking place at 8.00pm. There will be special guests Peppa Pig and Ben 10 to meet and greet children. There will also be a funfair and licensed bar and food stalls open til late. Advanced tickets: Adults £4, Children (3-14) £2, Family (2+2) £10. Prices on the gate: Adults £5, Children (3-14) £3.
For further details contact Contact 01455 291 876 or visit the website: www. bosworthwatertrust.co.uk Wellesborough Road, Market Bosworth, CV13 6PD
Sunday Afternoons | Messy Church Community activities on Sunday afternoons at Viscount Beaumont School organised by St Mary’s Church, Coleorton. Open to all and free of charge. Details from St Mary’s Curate: Rev’d Nick Gurney 01530 457367.
Wednesday 01 October | Bradgate Flower Club Bradgate Flower Club welcomes Lynda Stamp from Market Harborough with ‘Nature’s Fantasia’ as her theme. We meet at Newtown Linford Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Visitors are welcome. A charge of £5 is made. Details from Lillian Coleman on 0116 2363191.
Friday 03 October | An Evening of Flowers with Bob Harris - Swepstone An Evening of Flowers with Bob Harris entitled “Bound With Love” at St Peter’s Church, Swepstone at 7.30pm. Tickets £8.50. Available from Clare 01530 273647 or Eileen 01530 270089. There will also be drinks and nibbles and a raffle.
Saturday 04 October | Botown: The Soul of Bollywood at Curve One of the most exciting and engaging music acts of the last few years, Botown are an 8-piece band that have given lovers of Bollywood & Soul music a brand new groove. Enjoy an evening of classic Bollywood, Soul and funky grooves guaranteed to have you up dancing and singing along. For further details see www.curveonline.co.uk | Curve, Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB | 0116 242 3595 | £15 | 7:45pm
Saturday 04 October | Cropston Evangelical Free Church Coffee Morning Coffee Morning on the 1st Saturday each month. Donations given to Click Sargent’ the children’s cancer charity. All welcome. Station Road, Cropston, LE7 7HD
Saturday 10 October | The National Forest Folk Club - Brian Willoughby & Cathyn Craig The National Forest Folk Club brings the best of folkmusic and great entertainment to this corner of North West Leicestershire. The Moira Miners Welfare Club, Moira near Ashby de la Zouch DE12 6BP | 8.30 pm. £8 | www.affc.demon.co.uk
Tuesday 14 October | Life of a WW1 Cavalry Soldier - Ashby Ashby Civic Society present a talk by local military re-enactor David Dore who returns to describe the life of a calvalry soldier in the First World War, illustrated with complete uniform, kit and saddlery. 8pm | Ashby Council Chamber, South Street, Ashby | Non member visitors welcome to attend the talks cost £2 | For further details contact: Susanne Tandy 01530 415654.
44
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
EVENTS DIARY Wednesday 15 October | North Leicester MG Club Monthly meetings at the Anchor Inn 74 Loughborough Road (A6), Hathern. LE12 5JB. From 8pm every 3rd Wednesday of the month. We are an informal group with no subscriptions, just a love of the marque. Feel free to turn up and see what we do. The club is affiliated to both the MG Car Club and the MG Owners Club but you don’t have to a member of either club to join the North Leicester MG Club. For more information please contact Chris Tideswell on 07806 791636 or email info@northleicester-mg.org.uk or visit the website: www.northleicester-mg.org.uk
Friday 17th October | FILM NIGHT A Promise (12A) at Ibstock Palace Overlooked by the large cinema complexes, this sumptuous romantic period drama, set on the eve of the First World War, stars Alan Rickman and Rebecca Hall. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability) Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment. Doors/ bar open at 7.00pm | Film starts at 7.30pm | Tickets: £5.00/£4.00 - Advance tickets: from The Palace, Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Tel: 01530 260460 | Ibstock Palace, High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH.
Saturday 18 October | Verdi’s Requiem at De Montfort Hall Verdi’s powerful Requiem, his only masterpiece not intended for the stage, is often described as an opera in disguise. It is a magnificent work full of operatic grandeur and dramatic contrasts. The work blazes with power, encompassing every extreme of emotion from music of hushed restraint through to the thunderclap-like drums that depict the day of judgement in the terrifying Dies Irae. Its theatricality and gripping emotions make it as suited to the opera house or concert hall as to any church. Prepare for an evening of overpowering emotions. Marylebone Camerata - Oliver Neal Parker conductor. Tickets: £10-£28 (concessions). Groups of 10 or more get 25% off | LPC Booking Manager: tickets@thephil.org.uk or Tel: 07968 114157 | De Montfort Hall, Leicester | 7:30pm.
Saturday 18th October | DANCE: Sounds Like Swing “Sounds Like Swing” playing 50’s & 60’s requests and favourites to dance to or just reminisce at an “Autumnal Night of Nostalgia”. 8pm - 11pm, doors open at 7.30pm | Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall | Enquiries: dee.patterson@live.co.uk or telephone 01509 891090
Sunday 19th October | Desford Colliery Band Concert with guest Choir Always a very popular event. Tickets and further information from Peter Smith 07816 071177. Ibstock Palace, High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH | Concert starts 7.30pm | Doors & bar open at 7.00pm.
Friday 24th October | Palace Line Dance with Honky Cliff A great social night out with no partner required! Dancing from 7.45pm. Doors & bar open at 7.00pm. Tickets: In advance £5.00 from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Tel: 01530 260460 or £6.00 on the door. Ibstock Palace, High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH
Monday 27 October | Friends of Charnwood Forest Keith Ovenden from the Leicestershire and Rutland Records Office will talk about “Old maps of Charnwood Forest”. The earliest maps were quite primitive, stylised and not very accurate, the oldest dates from 1576. By 1602 William Smith’s map was not a great improvement, for example there are not many roads, road were underdeveloped and not considered important as a means of travel!! This is a talk not to be missed Visitors and non members welcome £3 on the door | Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall | 7.30 pm
Monday 27 October | Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust - North West Group Hippos, hares and horseshoes. Debbie Alston of Derbyshire Mammal Group describes the unusual, the little known and common mammals to be found throughout Derbyshire. All talks are in the church hall of Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road Ashby and begin at 7-30, entry is £2 each. To find out more about our group please ring David Maltby on 01530 222934 or Jim Footitt on 01530 262389.
Friday 31 October | Halloween Ghost Trains - STEAM AND SCREAM! Dare you ride our after dark ghost trains? Who knows what ghastly or ghoulish creatures you’ll meet on board? Trains departing from Loughborough & Rothley for a fun night out for all the family. SPOOOOOKTACULAR FARES TO BE CONFIRMED | For further details see www.gcrailway.co.uk or telephone 01509 632323.
Saturday 01 November | Halloween Dance Halloween Dance - with “Sixties Sounds” live music at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall, 8.00 till 11.00pm Doors open at 7.30. Enquiries email: kj@SixtiesSounds.co.uk or telephone: 07531 336 082 www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
45
What’s On... Fast Woman - Belton Friday 17th October, 2014. 7:30pm
Fast Woman is a fast moving, funny and emotional experience. Performed by an extraordinary actress and a top class musician, it tells the life story of Helle Nice, one of the forgotten heroines of early motor sport. In this hugely enjoyable show, Sandra Hunt brings to life a myriad of characters in Helle’s world, all told with humour, wit and astonishing skill. Sandra is accompanied by Fine Time Fontayne on acoustic guitar, in evoking life in France between the wars. Folk song, popular ballad and hot gypsy jazz make the party swing! Suitable for ages 12+ At Belton Village Hall 7.30pm start. For tickets and further information telephone 01530 222897. Part of the Centre Stage Touring Season.
www.centrestagetouring.org.uk
Jazzed Up For Centre Stage In Quorn Friday 3rd October 2014 Talented jazz singer Sarah Moule launches next season’s programme of Centre Stage Rural Touring Theatre shows in Quorn in the Village Hall on Friday, 3rd October. The show starts at 7.30pm (doors 7pm). Sarah appears with pianist Jenny Carr to bring you a visually sophisticated and stylish show, conjuring up a 1950’s New York night club (seating will be cabaret style). The material is a balance of medium and up-tempo numbers tempered by evocative ballads, with a vibe that is entertaining, edgy and informative. With a show title of Femmes Fatales - Songs for Scarlet Women, Sarah challenges commonly held ideas of “femmes fatale” and looks at why certain women, some real such as Cleopatra or Mata Hari and some cultural icons from Eve and Salome to Film Noir temptresses who have come to be thought of as “femme fatales” and what that means. Sarah will be performing songs by some of the greatest 20th century and contemporary composers including Fran Landesman and Simon Wallace, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, Bob Dylan, Stephen Sondheim and Jacques Prevert which all relate in different ways to the show’s theme. *Please bring your own drinks and glasses* Of Sarah, the Observer said “outstanding interpretations” while Jazz Times USA proclaimed “a fine voice and a great talent”. Tickets will be £10 and advance bookings can be made either through the ticket hotline 01509 414287, email: terrystirling@ntlworld or in person from Quorn Post Office.
46
Ibstock Beer Festival Friday 10th, Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th October
Venues include The Palace Community Centre, the Boot Inn and the Wagon & Horses pub. Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday night at some venues. Over 30 real ales plus traditional ciders, perries and fruit wine. Hot food available at selected venues. Event times: Friday: 6pm – 11pm, Sat: 12 noon – 11pm, Sun: 12 noon – 10.30pm. Come and enjoy real ale at its best! As part of the Ibstock Beer Festival weekend the Palace will be hosting the ‘Local Produce Event’ on Saturday 11th October, showcasing locally made produce that’s produced right on your doorstep – from ‘artisan’ bread makers, handcrafted cheese, delicious pickles and preserves to succulent sausages and meats and butter, yoghurt, cream and milk, plus much more. Go along and see how differently food tastes when it’s made with passion by producers who really know their trade. Event open 10 noon to 3pm. Contact the Palace on (01530) 262400 for more details.
The Charnwood Group of Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust Wednesday 8th October 2014 at 7.30pm
Flamingos of the Great Rift Valley A talk by Victoria Robinson, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Leicester Victoria will talk about the ecology and feeding behaviour of lesser flamingos in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. The charismatic flamingo has a population of about 1.5 million birds which is sustained by the cyanobacterium found in the alkaline soda lakes of the Rift Valley. Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall. Admission is £2 for LRWT members, £2.50 for visitors, children free, including refreshments. Sunday 12th October 2014 - 11am to 4pm
Autumn Open Day at The Brand, Woodhouse Eaves We are delighted that Colonel & Mrs Martin have agreed once more to hold an Open Day at The Brand in support of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. Please come along and enjoy discovering the autumn wildlife of these beautiful grounds. There will be plenty of things to do for all the family including guided bird and flower walks, a self-led trail, activities for children and a treasure hunt. Refreshments will be on sale. Admission: Adults £5, Children £2. October / November 2014 - Issue 10
What’s On... Fair Trade Fashion Show Thursday 2 October 2014. 7.45pm. Tickets £5 A Fair Trade Fashion Show is being held at Manor House School, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch. An opportunity to buy from the wonderful varied range of clothes and accessories always on sale at fair2all.
Woodhouse Eaves Art Group Annual Exhibition 25th and 26th October 2014
Tickets £5 each (including a glass of fairtrade wine or fruit juice and a £2 voucher) available from Georgia May’s Vintage Wardrobe and fair2all. Starts 7.45pm. Part of Ashby’s FABulous Fashion and Beauty Week from 27th September - 4th October. Throughout the week you can: Decorate a Triangle of Bunting - see how far Ashby’s Bunting can go! Design a T-shirt - winning designs printed by Ashby Image. Knit a section of scarf Follow a Fashion Trail / Beauty Item Trail and Look out for pop-up events and work shops.
Ashby Farmers Market Saturday 18th October & Saturday 15th November 2014 Ashby Farmers Market is held at Manor House School, South Street, Ashby LE65 1BR from 9am - 2pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Over 25 Producers bringing
the finest foods from across the region.
For further information about the Farmers Market telephone 01530 261660.
WW1 Concert For Remembrance Saturday 8th November, 2014 A Concert for Remembrance is being held at St Michael and All Angels Church in Diseworth, with Ibstock Churches Choir performing at 6.30pm. Clements Gate, Diseworth, Leicestershire DE74 2QE
Woodhouse Eaves Art Group is putting on its Annual Exhibition on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October from 10.30am to 4.30pm in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall, Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves. Woodhouse Eaves Art Group is a large group (54 members) of talented amateur artists who put on an annual exhibition in the lead-up to Christmas each year. These exhibitions are a relaxing way to enjoy art and meet some of the artists. Work in different media will be for sale at reasonable prices. There will also be homemade cakes and refreshments. Woodhouse Eaves Art Group meets every Friday (except for holidays) to paint and draw at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall. Some members are very experienced artists and others are learners. People work in a variety of styles and media. Tutor Mary Byrne gives advice individually. Occasional visits to art exhibitions and festivals are also organised.
Mary Byrne, Tutor
Ashby Concert Band
Ashby Concert Band is a lively group of musicians of all ages, aiming to keep music alive in the area. ACB meets weekly at Holy Trinity Church, Ashby, and is always looking for new, enthusiastic players, especially in the Brass Section. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in joining, just come along on a Monday evening at 7:30pm and introduce yourself. We’d love to meet you! Saturday October 11th at St. Helen’s Church, Ashby, is the venue for the ACB’s next concert and is an evening of popular classical music. Favourites, including Dvorak’s ‘New World’ and Verdi’s ‘Triumphal March’ from Aida, are sure to make for a memorable evening. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for children and are available from the church, band members, Ashby Tourist Information Centre, or by phoning 01530 222934. Friday November 7th is their annual Remembrance Concert at Ashby’s Holy Trinity Church, and this holds a special poignancy in this, WW1’s Centenary year. It will feature a visit from the Seaforth Highlanders and promises to be an exciting evening of popular and patriotic music. Tickets cost £9 in advance, £10 at the door, available as above. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
47
Crossword No: 9
PUZZLE PAGE
ACROSS 1. English church attender worldwide! (8) 5. Writer of documents (6) 10. Large beer? (5) 11. Person in office currently (9) 12. Flight of steps (9) 13. Become liable (5) 14. Stick to (6) 15. Melodious (7) 18. Omen (7) 20. Very small but having potentially devastating power (6) 22. Yearned (5) 24. Magnificence (9) 25. Brightness (9) 26. If this is on the cake, it is of additional benefit (5) 27. Reduce 25 across (6) 28. Not of this world (8)
DOWN 1. Help (6) 2. Type of duck that looks a bit like another wildfowl without its tail and queen (9) 3. Recognition of mutual need (15) 4. Stir (7) 6. Uniformed doorman (15) 7. Relating to the lower part of the small intestine (5) 8. Completely (8)
9. Cry of fear (6) 16. Hooped skirt (9) 17. Spread out in a disordered fashion (8) 19. Herbal infusion (6) 20. Mild illness (7) 21. Economical (6) 23. Greek poet called Simpson? (5)
Look out for the crossword solution in the December / January issue!
Crossword No: 8 Solution
48
Sudoku For You!
October / November 2014 - Issue 10
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
49
THE VINE DIRECTORY
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Caroline James.............................. 25 Stuarts Travel & Leather................. 30
EDUCATION & CHILD CARE OLCS..............................................42 Richard Hill School Charity............. 27
FLOWERS & GIFTS Broadway Florist............................. 35 Paperweight................................... 31
FOOD, DRINK & VENUES Bradgate Events - Marquees.......... 35 Cooks Farm Shop.......................... 29 Exquisite.........................................51 The George Inn.............................. 30 The Grey Lady Kitchen & Deli........ 24 The Griffin Inn................................. 34 Holly Bush Inn ������������������������������� 32 The Manor House at Quorn............ 33 Smithards Bakery........................... 31 Victorian Tea Rooms...................... 28 Woodcock Farm Shop.................... 28
GARDEN Charnwood Tree Services.............. 20 Compost at Home.......................... 28 Garden Blueprints.......................... 51 LB Landscaping.............................. 20 Outdoor Solutions........................... 14 Roecliffe Tree Surgery.................... 20 Total Tree Services......................... 20
HAIR & BEAUTY Aqua Hair.......................................24 Hair By Josephine.......................... 51 Mobile Beautician........................... 51
HEALTH Cambridge Weight Plan.................. 24 Charnwood Hearing Centre............ 49 Charnwood Physiotherapy............. 49 Helping Hands................................ 39 Paolo Iorio Osteopathy................... 51 Quorndon Care............................... 39
HOME ABD Picture Framing...................... 49 Absolute Window Solutions.............. 2 Ancient & Modern........................... 14 Ashby Decorators Centre................. 8 Ashby Stoves................................... 6 BakerWood Home Interiors............ 14 Bradgate Estate Management........ 20 Broughtons..................................... 20 Byrite Electricals............................. 14 Carpet Cuts.................................... 52 Charnwood Conservatories.............. 5 Charnwood Oaks............................... .21 Coalville Decorators Centre............. 4 Coalville Furniture Superstore........ 18 CV Lane........................................... 4 Daniel Chapman............................. 14 Delegate Services.......................... 14 DeVol...................................... 10 + 11 DG Plumbing.................................. 49 DP Furnishings............................... 14 Glenwood Interiors......................... 32 Graham Botterill - Soft Furnishings... 14 Holme Tree Kitchens...................... 18 IH Properties Ltd............................ 18 Jackdaw Bygones.......................... 31 The Light House............................... 6 Loft Storage Solutions...................... 3 Logburners Ltd................................. 3
HOME continued... Low Woods Furnishings................. 30 Lowe’s Furnishings......................... 30 Martin Allen Flooring......................... 8 MDW Fireplaces............................... 8 MGAS............................................... 4 My Spa UK....................................... 7 RSJ Roofing..................................... 6 Simon Shuttlewood........................ 49 Splashout....................................... 15 Terry Allen Painter & Decorator...... 49 Tiles 4 Less...................................... 2 UK Gas Services.............................. 3 Watson’s Electrical......................... 14 Wonderclean.................................... 4
LEISURE Christmas Craft Fair.......................... 32 Donington le Heath Manor House.... 27 Fireworks Spectacular.................... 27 Just Bikes....................................... 51
MOTORS Classic Wedding Cars of Ashby..... 35 Cropston Garage............................ 49
PETS Anstey Cattery................................ 51 Glebe Von Wood............................ 51 Pet Stay.......................................... 39 The Veterinary Surgery.................. 51
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Dodds Solicitors LLP...................... 39 Independent Insurance Bureau...... 38 Prusinski Solicitors......................... 38 Roy Green - Sales & Lettings........... 42 Timms Solicitors............................. 42
Please remember to tell our advertisers that you saw them in The Vine magazine If you would like to submit editorial or advertise in The Vine, Leicestershire then please telephone: 01530 249048 or email: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk Alternatively you can visit the website to find out more: www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk October / November 2014 - Issue 10 50
www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk
51
52
October / November 2014 - Issue 10