The Bradgate Magazine January 2014

THE BRADGATE MAGAZINE

Bradgate

The

magazine

January / February 2014

CHARNWOOD ROOTS Oral History Recorded: Have Your Voice Heard

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014 | ISSUE 6

THE WEDDING PAGES Budget Planning, & The Trends for 2014 WWW.THEBRADGATEMAGAZINE.CO.UK

WELCOME TO 2014 Opportunities, Events & Adventures

Your Local Community Magazine January / February 2014

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CONTENTS 10 THE CHARITY PAGES (10 - 13) Read all about the latest charity events in our local area including how local school children raised money and donated their own clothes to help orphaned children in Milawi.

17 GIVE HISTORY A VOICE

Find out about Charnwood Roots, the new project

that aims to document the history of the Charnwood Forest.

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LADIES IN GEAR

An event for women motorists helping them to deal with the ‘what ifs’ of driving, from changing a tyre to defending themselves when contronted by road rage.

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THE WEDDING PAGES (34 - 37)

So the planning begins, time to think about your budget, where to start and tips on keeping within it. Also read all about the big dress trends on for 2014 with local wedding dress expert Susanne.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome...

Well that’s another Christmas been and gone! We hope you all enjoyed the festive period and are looking forward to the New Year that is now, already, so quickly upon us.

For those of you planning to tie the knot this year take a look at our fabulous annual wedding feature, see pages 34 – 37 for more information.

For something a little different, flick to page 16, where we’ve news on a new Rotary club being formed….this doesn’t happen very often so please take a look and see how you can get involved.

We have also two fascinating articles this month about local oral history, one from Thurcaston & Cropston’s Local History Society on the East Midlands archive on page 33, whilst on page 17 a new project, called Charnwood Roots, will explain how they hope to document our times gone by.

On our charity and volunteer pages the Alzheimers Society pose the question: could you befriend someone with dementia? If you think you could or would like to help out in some other way the Society are looking for volunteers (see page 12 to find out more).

On a final note, an interesting modern gadget has caught our attentions at The Bradgate this month - a very small pen that stores in the headphone socket of a mobile phone….yes, you read that correctly!!! Take a look on page 19, the world’s gone….tiny!!

We hope you enjoy this edition of our magazine and may we take this opportunity to wish all our readers, advertisers and suppliers a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2014.

Ed & the team

CONTACT US: editor@thebradgatemagazine.co.uk | 01530 249589 | www.thebradgatemagazine.co.uk To submit editorial please email: editor@thebradgatemagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING: For anyone wishing to advertise in The Bradgate Magazine please contact the editor for prices, deadlines and offers!

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

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N E W S C H A R I TY

LOCAL CADETS RAISE MORE THAN £2,500

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The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal raises funds every year to support current serving and veterans of the Armed Forces and their families. Amongst so many services they provide comradeship, financial support, and help organise Remembrance Services across the country.

Mick Wells, along with many others from the RBL, organises the Poppy Appeal collection for the Loughborough area. In the run up to Remembrance Day, Mick delivers some 500+ poppy collection tins and boxes to pubs, schools and local businesses across Loughborough. Help is always on hand too from a small army of collectors, namely the cadets from the Navy, Army and RAF forces and the Loughborough Students Union Raise and Give Society. This year has been a huge success for the Poppy Appeal in Loughborough raising a staggering £34,351.68.

The Loughborough Air Cadets from 2229 Sqn have been manning Poppy Appeal collections throughout the town centre in the run up to the National Remembrance Day and have contributed £2,518.50 to the overall total with a special mention to Cadet Kinnear-Swift who has been out on more than one collection and has raised £286.68 towards the overall total. We also had the help of our very own Poppy Man who came out in support of the cadets.

500+ tins is a lot of money for one man to count, so to speed up the process the Loughborough RAG volunteered their time and counting machines to help out. Special thanks go to the volunteers from 203 Transport Sqn Army Reserves based at the TA Centre in Loughborough, for helping get all the collecting tins up to the University to be counted.

Nationally the total is still being counted however, Loughborough RAG, who went down to London to support the National event raised £61,716.24.

Thanks go out to the British public for supporting the volunteers, fundraisers and supporters of the RBL Poppy Appeal this year as they have donated more than ever this year within Loughborough, nearly £4000 over last years’ total.

The Poppy Appeal will return again in October and November this year, a special year for remembrance, as it marks the centenary from WWI. There will be lots of special events happening across the county.

If you want further details about the Poppy Appeal and the Royal British Legion please explore their website at: www.britishlegion.org.uk The cadets parade at the Loughborough TA Centre from 7pm on Monday and Thursday nights. Feel free to browse our website at www.2229.org.uk. Our next intake date has been set for 17th February 2014. To register your interest please use the contact form on the recruiting page of our website.

Grace Dieu Pupils work hard for Orphanage Each year Grace Dieu School Council chooses a charity to support throughout the year. In September 2012 they chose the Tilinanu Orphanage in Malawi, after they were inspired by a presentation by Alice Pulford (The charity founder). With their usual enthusiasm they held numerous fund-raising events including Home Clothes Days, Cake Stalls, a school sleepover, Chapel collections and a Triathlon event. The fundraising brought the whole school community together with parents, staff and pupils all willing to get involved.

Their efforts, so far, have raised over £3000.

The support for the Charity proved so popular with pupils that the new School Council of 2013 voted to continue their work for another year. It is a sad fact that the orphans have limited access to formal education. Their lives are very different to children in the UK. If they do not have a uniform to wear they are not able to attend school. It was a remarkable coincidence that Grace Dieu pupils had recently had a change to their uniform and much of their clothing had become obsolete. So, as a further act of charity Grace Dieu appealed to parents to donate any unwanted uniform and sportswear. The response was generous and over two hundred Kilos of clothing was shipped directly out to the children at the orphanage.

There is little need for words, it is clear to see from the pictures of the children how pleased they are with their new clothes, and wonderful for Grace Dieu to know that we have at least given them a chance to go to school and, hopefully fulfil their dreams for a better future.

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Charity Pages Lions Are Amazing!

In a letter addressed to “Dear Amazing Lions”, Vimme Rathour, the CEO of Warning Zone Ltd, said “A massive thanks for the hard work and effort you have put into raising funds for The Warning Zone. We are incredibly grateful for the wonderfully kind and generous donation of £6500 from the Thurnby, Leicester Charnwood and Rothley & Soar Valley Lions Clubs.”

This sum was raised from a combined charity Golf Tournament held at Beedles Lake Golf Club in September and, as in previous years, much thought was given to the charity which should receive the money and the local Charity “The Warning Zone” seemed to tick all the right boxes.

The educational centre, on Frog Island, teaches vital learning for life skills to Year 6 pupils and other vulnerable groups using interactive scenarios. Vital messages are combined in a single stimulating and memorable experience which helps to prepare youngsters for increased independence and their transition into early adolescence.

Ms Rathour went on to say “Your generous donation will make a huge difference to our work in ensuring that every child in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has the chance to learn about personal safety, risk, consequence and so much more.”

Charity Searches For New Recruits In Leicestershire & Rutland Number with dementia due to rise in Leicestershire and Rutland over next decade!

People in and around Leicestershire and Rutland are being urged to help Alzheimer’s Society to support people living with dementia. The charity is looking for volunteers for its Side by Side Befriending Service. Volunteers would need to give up to four hours a week to support people in the early stages of dementia.

There are already thought to be 12000 people with the condition in Leicestershire and Rutland. By 2021, that number is likely to reach 16000.

Suna Tilley from Alzheimer’s Society in Leicestershire and Rutland says: “The Side by Side service provides stimulation for people with dementia, which could be mental or physical. It may be companionship, such as sitting and having a cup of tea or it could be helping and joining them in an activity or hobby. The service is important because it reduces people’s feelings of isolation.“ “Volunteers will be matched with people with dementia who share similar interests. They will gain valuable experience and develop a sense of value by providing a much needed and worthwhile voluntary service.”

The Leicestershire and Rutland Locality of Alzheimer’s Society provides ongoing training and support to all volunteers, who will be CRB checked and who should be over the age of 18.

Potential recruits are asked to contact Suna Tilley on 0116 231 1113 or email: suna.tilley@alzheimers.org.uk

Are You Up For The Challenge?

LOROS are introducing their corporate challenge for 2014 in the hope that organisations throughout the County will be inspired to get on board and raise money for their local Hospice in the New Year.

The LOROS Accumulator Challenge is so straightforward anyone can take part, whether you are a one man band or a multinational organisation. You simply sign up online and LOROS provides you with £50 which you have three months to “grow” in any way you like (as long as it is legal and ethical!)

The campaign kicks off in March 2014 with a launch party at Sturgess Motor Group, and competitors will then battle against other local businesses in a bid to win awards for “Most Money Raised” and “Most Innovative Idea”.

The LOROS Accumulator Challenge is the perfect initiative for busy corporates - it’s so simple and boasts excellent PR opportunities for you and your company. Participants will feature in press releases and LOROS will also feature your company in our half yearly newsletter which hits the doorsteps of over 55,000 homes throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland!

Laura Betts, Partnership Development Executive at LOROS said; “This fundraising campaign provides an excellent opportunity to motivate staff, strengthen team spirit, demonstrate social responsibility and inject a little bit of fun into your workplace. Teams can sign up today and get thinking about innovative ways of fundraising ready to begin in the New Year. We can’t wait to get started!”

For more information and to sign up please visit www.loros.co.uk or email: laurabetts@loros.co.uk

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Charity Pages Leicestershire Golf Club raise £4,106 for Inter Care!

Urgent Appeal For Volunteer Families

Inter Care would like to express their sincere appreciation to Mary O’Callaghan who as Ladies Captain at the Leicestershire Golf Club raised £4,106 in 2013 to help benefit Inter Care. This successful year of fundraising included a Coffee Morning, Bridge Afternoon and Ladies Evening (below) alongside various competitions and raffles at the Golf Club.

Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (West Leics) are urgently appealing for local families who could offer a secure, loving home for a child living with the after effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster for one month next summer.

Harry Ludlam, Fundraiser at Inter Care said “We are so very grateful to Mary and all those who helped; this money will make a huge difference enabling us to donate much needed medical aid to 3 more clinics during the next year.”

This will help save so many lives in Africa- thank you!

Inter Care will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year, and continues to recycle and donate surplus medical aid direct to health units in rural Africa following their requests. They are now supporting 125 health units in Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and Zambia. With only 4 part time staff and over 60 volunteers they have recycled over £11 million pounds worth of aid.

If you are interested in helping fundraise for Inter Care or require a speaker please call 0116 2695925 or visit: www.intercare.org.uk

Group Coordinator John Buckby explained “We have a long waiting list of children who would really benefit from a month of respite from the conditions they endure in their homeland, but we are desperately short of volunteer host families living within commuting distance of Markfield who are able to offer them a loving home for one month.

Although the children will not be arriving until 2nd August 2014, there are lots of formalities that have to be completed in Belarus before the children are able to travel to the UK and time is against us. We need to sign up any potential hosts by mid-January at the very latest if we are to stand any chance of offering a place next summer to just some of the children on that waiting list.

Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation Forthcoming events at Ulverscroft Grange Vintage Afternoon Tea Wednesday 12 February 2014, 3 - 5pm. £8.50 per person

Pie Night Thursday 20 February 2014. 5.30pm until 7.30pm. £7.95 per person

Vintage Tea Dance Friday, 11th April 2014. £10.00 per person. Taking place at Copt Oak Memorial Hall.

Booking Essential for all events. Call 01530 244914 or email: admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org.

January / February 2014

Hosting can be a hugely rewarding experience and I would love to hear from anyone who is interested in working in partnership with the charity to provide a lifechanging recuperative holiday for a child from Belarus.

My fingers are firmly crossed that local families will come forward in time.”

For more information about the charity’s Family Hosting Program, visit: www.focc-westleics.webs.com or contact John Buckby on 01455 285799 email: john.evolution@ btinternet.com.

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

by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 9th January in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Admission £2.00. All players welcome. Large free car park.

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Loughborough Naturalists’ Club As the end of the year draws near I think of the interesting talks we have had at the Loughborough Nats.

September saw three short talks by members, Peter Gamble who reminisced about an old club outing, Steve Woodward took us on a virtual nature walk in Bradgate Park and Jerome Haynes after an interesting travelogue, entertained us with a video of mice getting up to mischief. October revealed an exciting talk by Sandra Hart about the life and flight of bees and November was a very amusing talk about fungi. We are now looking forward to a ‘Journey to Antartica’ by Pam Darby on the 14th of December, and looking to the New Year, for a talk on 11th January entitled ‘Wildlife in the Area’ by Tim Adkin.

Be among the first men and women to join and shape a new Rotary club, the fun way of making friends, and networking while improving the lives of people at home and abroad.

Two meetings have been arranged for potential founders to learn more about Rotary. The first will be held at 7.30am on Tuesday 21 January at the Heathley Park restaurant, near LOROS, Groby Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE3 9QE. The second will be held at the same venue during the early evening of Wednesday 29 January.

Like all Rotary clubs, it will offer amazing opportunities for networking and making lasting friendships with likeminded people.

Using hearts and minds, Rotarians from diverse backgrounds pool their different skills to take positive action to enhance health, empower youth, promote peace and advance community.

Do come along to one of our meetings and have an enjoyable evening free of charge. We meet at the Church Rooms, Church Lane, Quorn, LE12 8DP, in the village of Quorn, near Loughborough, on the second Saturday evening of each month, at 7.30pm, from September through to April. You will be most welcome. Or, maybe you would like to join us on one of the Wednesday walks?

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 once you become a member.

2014 Meetings: 11th January

Wildlife in the Area by Tim Adkin

8th February

Symbiosis by Ivan Pedley

8th March

Gardening for Wildlife by Chris Edwards

12th April

AGM and Members’ Exhibition Evening

It will be up to the new community leaders to decide which projects to adopt; perhaps encouraging local schoolchildren to develop skills in writing, performing, designing. Or the new club might raise funds for Rotary’s wide range of international efforts, like Shelterboxes, Aquafilters and Trade-Aid Boxes.

The new club’s pioneers might innovate to create a brand-new project which might change the world. After all, that’s what happened in the 1980s when a group of Rotarians decided to rid the world of polio. Nearly 30 years on, Rotary is amazingly close to achieving that goal which seemed impossible, except to a few bright, determined, friends having fun while making what seemed like an impossible dream come true.

Rotary clubs meet weekly. In this country, most – but not all – share a meal. Some meet for breakfast, others over lunch and some for an evening meal. The men and women who establish the new club will be able to choose what they want it to be. At the first two meetings, free hot drinks and biscuits will be available. There will also be free parking.

Rotarian Roger McDermott, of Coalville Rotary Club, is leading the drive to create the new club. Having led the 3,000 Rotarians in the East Midlands, he has loads of experience of different sorts of Rotary clubs. “Each and every club sets its own agenda to suit the characters of its members,” he says.

Jim Matthews, a member of the Rotary Club of Oadby, says: “I’ve been in Rotary 29 years. The fun I’ve had, the friends I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned prove to me that joining Rotary is one of the best decisions of my life.”

To find out more about the new club or to book in for your first meeting, ring Roger on 01530 810464, Graham on 01509 213675, or Jim on 0116 292 8267.

...an amazing opportunity to change lives - yours included - for the better.

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Local Interest Give History A Voice: Your Voice!

Oral history is the saviour of information in the modern age. In the past historians had a wealth of written sources such as diaries and letters, but in today’s world of emails and phone calls, paper records are becoming sparse. Oral history allows us to capture the history of a generation who rarely writes anything down. It allows us to look beyond the official records that often only capture the rich or famous, to the ordinary lives of everyday people and allows us to ask the questions we really want to ask to people who witnessed events first hand, and who can share their thoughts and feelings with us.

Oral history is an invaluable historical method, and one in which you can get involved in. Do you want your life experiences to be remembered? Would you like to capture the voices of your local area? We are recruiting volunteers!

Charnwood Roots is an exciting new project, which aims to document the history of the Charnwood Forest and Loughborough area, whilst encouraging local people to get involved with discovering their heritage. It is an initiative by the Leicestershire branch of the Victoria County History, which was set up in 1899 to document the history of every town, village and hamlet in England.

The project will span 4 years and include activities such as: Archival research, field walking, oral history, creation of podcasts, community digs, building surveys, pop-up museum and much more!

There are two oral history projects that need your assistance; ‘Our Working Lives’ and ‘Charnwood’s War’. The first project focuses on local people who have worked in an industry or for a company that has made a contribution to the area. This could be anyone from farmers to quarry men, to workers at factories such as Brush Electrical and Hathern Terracotta. We are also looking for stories from people who may have migrated to the area and how they found work in Charnwood as well as those who set up their own businesses.

The second project focuses on memories of Charnwood during the Second World War. This can be anything from childhood memories, experiences of evacuees or prisoners of war, to work in the Land Army or other services.

There are two ways to get involved with this project: - If you have stories about either of these topics, we want your voice! A volunteer can visit you at your home or another convenient location to make this easy for you to record your memories. The recording will then be deposited with the East Midlands Oral History Archive, and you will be given a copy to keep.

- Or, you can volunteer with us to interview local people with memories they wish to share. All that is required is attendance at one of our two training sessions in December or January, and a couple of hours to record the interview.

If you would like to take part in this project or would like any further information, please contact Jess : Email: charnwoodroots@le.ac.uk | Phone: 0116 252 5946

Newtown Linford Gardening Club Christine Walkden entertained a packed audience at the October meeting of the gardening club. Our own members, their friends and visitors from gardening clubs around the county heard her talk about the ups and downs of being a gardener. With no props, slides or illustrations of any kind, she brought us into her own world and the things about which she cared. She told us about her childhood and how gardening at home and managing an allotment took up more and more of her time. When she resolved to make horticulture her chosen profession she told us of the challenges she faced in a male -dominated world which found a young girl with a feisty temperament a difficult thing to deal with.

We laughed and marvelled as she described the doomed efforts of a make-over specialist to make her telegenic for the small screen; how she discovered an interest in types of soil by digging graves in a Lancashire cemetery; and how, as a lecturer and teacher, she used gardening to turn around the lives of wayward youngsters in South Wales.

This was a marvellous way to bring our year of talks to an end. We finished with our Christmas party in early December and now we turn our minds to another year with lots of exciting events planned.

We welcomed a large number of new members last 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 & David Couling January / February 2014

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Local Interest 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

Now You See It – Now You Don’t!

With the modern technology of today there are many gadgets and devices that utilise these advances in new products and inventions. Away from the area of Wi-Fi and communications – where we can even construct e-mails using voice recognition – I searched for products which are very useful, well-made and reliable.

Boogie Boards are a great invention which enable notes and memos to be written on a pad and when no longer required, the writing/drawing can be erased by simply the light press of a button. The Boogie Board is ideal for many applications, such as leaving notes for someone, making a shopping list, jotting times down – perhaps when cooking or baking – plus numerous other uses. Sketches and drawings can be made on the pad and erased time and time again, the same as with any writing. Schools and business uses are endless. These Boogie Boards do eliminate the need for notes to be made on paper, so reducing waste, inconvenience and are far more practical – a paperless alternative.

Several models are available in different sizes and with various features, including an erase locking switch (perhaps useful if children are around). Easily fitting into a handbag or briefcase, these products also have integrated magnets, enabling them to be ‘attached’ to fridges, etc. I find them great for making notes and memos. For all information and availability: www.improvelectronics.com Another very useful product I have located enables a mobile phone to be used as a pen. Jackpen is designed to fit into the headphone socket on most mobile phones. The pen is very neatly and securely stored, when not required, by simply reinserting into the headphone socket the other way around. Available in small packs and also various designs (including multi-coloured and festive), I find Jackpen ideal for those times when a pen is required quickly and conveniently. For full details and availability Email: office@jackpen.com www.jackpen.com With all this new technology, it brings the question to mind, ‘what WAS the best thing BEFORE sliced bread?’ – If you get my drift!

Enjoy,

Trevor Langley

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Rothley History Society

NT Leicester Association Over the winter period when National Trust houses are closed it is a time when conservation is in full swing and they take care of the special buildings and their contents.

However, at many properties the parkland, shops and restaurants remain open. At Calke Abbey, if you arrive early or late, you can catch a stunning sunrise or sunset over the estate and the new car park is now open. The snowdrops in the gardens at Hardwick Hall (above) begin very early and at Kedleston Hall you can enjoy a brisk stroll and spot a lot of winter wildlife. Also in the parkland at Belton House (below) you will see fallow deer, often surprisingly close due to the lack of visitors.

At the AGM in November, the committee were voted back unopposed:- Chairman: Sue Joyce, Vice-chairman: Frank Luce, Secretary: Ursula Greaves, Treasurer: Albert Greaves, Programme Secretary: Linda Poole, and Refreshment Coordinator: Valerie Wadge. Jill Anstock was also elected, as she had been co-opted to the committee part way through the year. The Chairman thanked all members for their continuous support, and their efforts behind the scenes. She reported that meetings had been well attended, with the valuation evening with Bamfords Auctioneers and Valuers having the largest audience. The outing to Melbourne Hall and Gardens had been a big success and well attended, and the evening at the Mountsorrel Railway had also been informative and enjoyable. So much so, that several members had since returned to join in with the excavations.

After the business, three of our members each gave a short talk … Val Wadge talked about Hugh Latimer, Charles Poole gave an insight into the “Freemen of the City” awards and Sue Joyce rounded off the evening with a talk about “The Victims of the Civil War”, in particular, those who had local connections.

At the next meeting on January 15th, Julie Ede will be our speaker and will give her talk on “Wonderful, wily, wicked Wallis” – This explorative and risqué talk embraces the meeting of Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson, the abdication and ends on their wedding day.

During January at Calke Abbey, Hardwick Hall and Belton House the parkland, restaurant and shop are all open every day. The parkland from as early as 9.00am and the other facilities from 10.30am.

Also during January, Woolsthorpe Manor, near Grantham, the Science Centre, coffee shop and grounds are open daily from 11.00am to 3.00pm and the house will be open with timed tours each Friday to Sunday at the same times.

The National Trust Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 14th January when Val Williams will present an illustrated talk entitled Travelling from Lands End to Scotland. 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 at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road Leicester at 2.30pm, on Wednesday 22nd January.

Richard Adams, photographer, will present an illustrated talk entitled What a Wonderful World.

At the February meeting (19th) we will have two stories from World War II – Terry Sheppard will talk about the top secret unit RAF80 Wing (Signals) and the furious electronic war with German Luftwaffe target-finding radio beams and Frank Whitby will talk about his uncle who was an Air Gunner/Wireless Operator who was shot down over Germany on 14 May 1943, and the care given to his burial by local German people.

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

Visitors are always welcome!!

Whitwick & District U3A If you are thinking of New Year resolutions, why not come along to our lively and thriving U3A group? With over 200 members, we have many activities and forthcoming events to help banish the winter gloom and give you a positive start to 2014.

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

The next General Meeting will be on Friday 17th January at St. David’s Church Hall, Broomleys, Coalville and will include a talk by Andrea Bray, a clinical holistic aromatherapist. Used to ease numerous conditions, aromatherapy is an ancient treatment which combines massage and essential oils.

For details of the NT Leicester Association, please call 0116 222 9133.

Please arrive at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start. More details of Whitwick and District U3A can be found at:

There will be further meetings in February.

Alan Tyler, Chairman

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Local Interest Charnwood Branch of The National Association for Decoratives & Fine Arts Societies Our autumn programme commenced on October 12th with our 5th A.G.M. led by our Chairman Diane Wright. We were assured that our finances are in good shape and membership is full, but there is a waiting list. Three members were welcomed to the Board, Margaret Holmes, David Brown and Marion Vincent who becomes our Minutes Secretary.

There was a huge “turn out” of 98, as we were thrilled to welcome national treasure Eric Knowles as our speaker, he did not disappoint. His subject was Lalique, he was his usual ebullient self, charismatic and amusing. It is easy to understand why he has been on the “Antiques Road Show” for so many years. Everyone enjoyed his informative lecture and many were eager to meet him afterwards.

On 29th October a Study Day was arranged at Walton on the Wolds village hall. The subject, very dear to the people of Leicestershire, was Richard III, We were able through “The Richard III Society” to access as our speaker Dr. John Ashdown-Hill, who spearheaded the search for the remains under a Leicester car park. Dr. Ashdown-Hill, through perseverance and travelling back in time through the Plantagenet family tree, was responsible for tracking down the family in Canada who gave the DNA, to enable the team to announce that this was indeed the lost king’s remains.. It was fitting that our speaker had the honour of carrying the box containing the royal remains, covered with the standard of King Richard to the waiting van, the photograph showed a very proud man. It was also Dr. Ashdown-Hill who pinpointed the location of where to search in the car park It was a privilege to be present and we were all enthralled by this most excellent speaker.

Charnwood DFAS continues to flourish.

Margaret Whelband.

Glenfield U3A It has been a busy few months for the Glenfield U3A, with new groups being formed and existing groups thriving.

Walking group 2 is now well established and the Strolling group continues to grow. German conversation started in September and in the New Year there will be two further groups ‘Walk & Talk’ and a ‘Discussion’ group.

The gardening group has blossomed and had to find new premises for their indoor meetings. They now meet at the Ratby Sports Club. A second table tennis group has started up and they play on a Wednesday evening at Ratby Sports Club for those that can’t make the Thursday afternoon meeting at Beaumont Leys.

There will be another New Year Luncheon at St Peter’s Church Centre on Tuesday 7th Jan 2014 following on from the success of last year’s luncheon.

If you enjoy your food but don’t like bothering to cook then the Glenfield U3A is for you. Meals feature strongly with many of the groups especially at this time of the year!

If you are interested in any of our activities and have entered your ‘third age’ (are retired or semi-retired) then why not join? Membership is only £1 per month + an annual fee to head office for insurance of £3.50.

Please take a look at our website it is full of information and membership forms are available on line. www.u3asites.org.uk/glenfield | email: glenfieldu3a@ aol.com | telephone Carol Knill: 0116 2919464.

January / February 2014

Belgrave Cemetery Group’s Latest Publications Living Memories - Belgrave Friends Remembered Residents of Belgrave Cemetery by their families and friends. A new title from the ‘Friends of Belgrave Cemetery’ 142 stories – 111 photographs. Price: £10.00 (p&p £3.50) Copies obtainable from: • Birstall Library - Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LE4 4JU • Birstall Garden & Leisure Centre - 27-35 Sibson Road, Birstall, LE4 4DX • Bookmark Bookshop - 1306 Melton Rd, Syston, LE7 2HD • Sandra Moore - 136 Leicester Rd, Thurcaston, LE7 7JJ Tel: 0116 236 3739 | email: sandraemoore@sky.com

‘Belgrave Soldiers Remembered’ Lists those who lost their lives in both World Wars now either laid to rest in Belgrave Cemetery or commemorated on family headstones.

Price £3.00 plus £1.50 p&p | Tel: 0116 2672018

Belgrave Cemetery Record Information CD Price £9.50, free postage | Tel: 0116 3678068 www.friendsofbelgravecemetery.org.uk

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Loughborough Kia Host Ladies In Gear Event Loughborough Kia has successfully hosted a Ladies in Gear event at their showroom on Leicester Road in Mountsorrel. The event was hosted for women motorists who were keen to hear more about how to change a tyre, what to do if they were confronted by road rage, what to do in the event of an accident, inluding how to treat any injured parties, and how to defend themselves with a number of guest hosts sharing their expertise.

The guests were taken to Loughborough Kia’s newly refurbished showroom where they were given a lesson on basic car maintenance from Danielle Dallison, a member of the Loughborough Kia technician team. Here guests were taught the basics of what is under the car bonnet and given tips and advice on the easiest and safest ways to maintain their car.

David Lindley, ex Deputy Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, also held a discussion on personal road safety. Giving top tips on how to deal with behind-the-wheel bullies and gave useful techniques like how to recognise aggressive and potentially dangerous driving.

Self Defence included a practical session from Sheryl Freer, 4th Dan of Jane Freer’s school of Taekwondo, in giving great tips in self-defence in a number of scenarios, including how to deal with muggers in and around your car.

The first aid demonstration from Aimie Chatfield, director of Aim High Training Limited, included what to do in the event of an accident and how to treat any casulties until help arrives.

Luke Collett, Sales Manager for Loughborough Kia commented: “We are very proud of our Women in Gear event giving the women of Loughborough great advice on how to look after their car in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

We are very grateful for our guest speakers and hope that everyone left with useful tips and techniques they will be able to put into practice!”

To find out more about upcoming events at Loughborough Kia or organise a test drive and see what other offers are available at Loughborough Kia please contact the team at 177 Leicester Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 7DB. 0116 217 9359 | www.loughborough-kia.co.uk

The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel Set in its own grounds at the Quorn end of Mountsorrel you’ll find space to enjoy an evening meal, cooked by a competent and experienced chef, serving traditional cuisine in comfortable, well appointed surroundings...

This fine old Victorian building was originally built as the vicarage for the Reverend Thomas Drake, his wife and their three children in 1863. After Reverend Drake died in 1887 the house became a nursing home, providing care and comfort for new mums and mums to be. This was in a long ago era. A Canadian guest staying at The Mountsorrel recently was in England tracing his family history and he surprised the present owners, Mike and Hilary, when he informed them that he had been born at the house in the 1930s.

Mike and Hilary took over The Mountsorrel Hotel - as it was known then - in 1997 from the daughter of Mr and Mrs Walter Price. The Prices had first converted the nursing home, initially into a restaurant and then into a guest house.

December 2013 saw another milestone at The Mountsorrel. The new head chef, Joshua Allen, opened ‘The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel’ to non-residents for the first time. He brought his talent and skills honed as trainee chef, commis chef and 2nd chef at renowned local eateries such as The Manor House at Quorn, The Gelsmoor Inn at Griffydam and The Griffins Head at Papplewick in Nottinghamshire. His mouth watering a-la-carte menu provides for all tastes from home made pie of the day, minted lamb shank and pan fried sea bass to the more continental flavours of spicy Mediterranean vegetable pasta and fillet of salmon with rocket and chorizo salad.

“Our aim in this joint venture with Josh,’ says Mike, ‘is to provide a real restaurant experience in this lovely old building with fine traditionally cooked food using local produce and seasonal ingredients.”

With plenty of space between tables, there is a real feeling of comfortable dining, rather than being packed into a full restaurant and almost sharing your meal with strangers. The classically decorated lounge with its well stocked bar has big, comfy, leather sofas where you can chill out before or after your meal with a pint of beer, a cool lager or a glass of fine wine.

The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel opened on Saturday 7th December and is open from Tuesday to Saturday every week from 5pm in the evening. Booking is advisable - this place is already becoming known as ‘the place to eat!’

You can preview the menu on their website at www.mountsorrel-guesthouse.co.uk You’ll find The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel at 217 Loughborough Road , Mountsorrel LE12 7AR (near Budgens).

To book a table and experience what all the hype is about call 01509 552789.

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Local Interest Cinema & Leisure Complex Set For Loughborough Town Centre The old Baxter Gate Hospital site is set to become a brand new multi-million pound cinema and leisure complex.

The site has been sold to developer Citygrove which wants to build an eight-screen multiplex cinema complex complete with up to seven family restaurants.

Charnwood Borough Council has worked closely with the developer to ensure the development, which will create around 180 jobs, meets the highest design and environmental quality.

It will also boost Loughborough’s profile as a top destination for shopping and leisure.

The Citygrove development was approved by the Council’s Plans Committee on December 5, 2013.

Councillor David Slater, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Naturally, we are delighted to be able to welcome Citygrove to the Baxter Gate site. We know how much Loughborough and Charnwood have to offer and I’m delighted that a major developer, such as Citygrove, has also seen that potential. I think it is fair to say the Baxter Gate site is overdue some tender loving care, and this complex will deliver that as well as giving the town a major economic shot in the arm. We’ve been working on improving and regenerating the town centre for a number of years and national companies are now recognising that Loughborough is the place they want to be.”

Steve Wiener, CEO of Cineworld: “I am very pleased that Cineworld will be able to provide a new modern cinema for the residents of Loughborough and the surrounding area. We take great pride in always trying to deliver the best movie experience for all members of the community.”

Oliver de Chalus, Development Director for Citygrove, said: “Operators who have now committed to the scheme include Cineworld for an eight-screen state of the art multiplex cinema, Pizza Express, Nandos, Loungers Café Bars, Starbucks, Dean’s Diner and Mimosa. We look forward to commencing construction works late summer next year.”

GCR Wins National Heritage Award The Great Central Railway’s half a million pound renovation project to revive “Loughborough’s Crystal Palace” has triumphed at a national award ceremony. The restoration of the elegant glass, metal and wood station canopy, which is grade II listed and dates back to 1899, took three years to complete. Originally provided to protect Victorian travellers it is now ready for another century of service at the heritage line.

It picked up the first prize at the National Railway Heritage Awards (held on the 4th of December in London) in the station environment category.

It faced stiff competition from two projects completed by Network Rail at Battersea Park and Horsham stations.

Tony Sparks who led the project said, “It was a team effort involving people from every part of the railway to make sure the repairs to the canopy were completed to the highest standard. This award is just recognition of the hard work and a tribute to everyone who helped raise the money to do it! We’re very proud to have won. A visit to Loughborough Central has been transformed. It is one of the largest stations on any UK heritage railway. We now have facilities which match the expectation of twenty first century travellers and a sparkling elegant roof over our head. Loughborough’s Crystal Palace shines again!”

The improvement works at Loughborough also saw passenger facilities refreshed, a lift installed for visitors using wheelchairs, cracked paving slabs repaired and a small exhibits museum redesigned.

The National Railway Heritage Awards recognise work to preserve Britain’s rail heritage. They encompass buildings, structures and signalling. The Great Central Railway has previously won awards for its signalling and the work carried out by volunteers at Rothley station. The judges praised the renovations at Loughborough station as “a heritage restoration of the highest order”. The work was funded through a major public appeal and also grants from The Wolfson Foundation, The Pilgrim Trust, Biffaward, Garfield Weston and The Edith Murphy Foundation. Hundreds of hours of volunteer time was dedicated to recovering original wood and metal where possible or manufacturing completely new pieces. Specialist contractors and engineers were also employed on the project.

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Local Interest Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club The November meeting of the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club was a talk by Felicity Austin called ‘An Old Fashioned Christmas’.

This was a departure from the usual gardening topics; a relaxed and gentle evening’s entertainment. Felicity talked about many of our Christmas traditions and looked at the origins of some of them, like the Christmas tree which was introduced from a German tradition by Queen Victoria and copied by the middle classes before becoming widespread. She also talked about blown glass baubles and tinsel, which was made from tin.

Felicity had a table full of objects from ‘an old fashioned Christmas’, many that would have been made by families, like decorated walnuts, paper chains, Chinese lanterns, and comic annuals. The traditional Christmas pudding had 13 ingredients, was stirred with wood, often had charms or money stirred in, and one was able to have three wishes – though only one would be granted!

Houses were decorated with greenery, but not before Christmas Eve and not after 12th night. Mincemeat was spiced meat. In some parts of the Country mince pies would be bashed before they were eaten, to ‘let the devil out’. The first Christmas card was in 1843, but the idea caught on so well that by the 1870’s there were complaints that there were clogging up the Christmas post.

Felicity told many antidotes, read poems and passages, and even sang to us. In addition she got us playing Christmas games like guessing what was in stockings from feeling them. If the success of a visiting speaker can be gauged from the amount of laughter from the audience, then this was a very successful evening!

For more information, please call Dave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758 Top photo: Felicity with objects from ‘An Old Fashioned Christmas’ Bottom photo: Gardening club members guessing the contents of a stocking.

Recent Rothley Talk Event !

Under the promotional title “Know the Past to Understand the Future”, Dr Michael Lynch, a retired Modern History Lecturer from Leicester University, entertained a lively audience with a talk on Brazil at the Rothley Centre on November 19th.. This was the last talk in a series of six where Dr Lynch recounted and evaluated the political and developmental activities of each subject nation in the past and associated it with international developments in the present day.

Brazil, as we all know, is a land of great potential and certainly not just a land of beaches, pretty girls, and nuts. With a population of around 200 million , its land mass is 35 times larger than the UK. In global GDP terms it ranks one behind the UK in seventh place having experienced an astonishing increase of 53% since 2008. Its wealth is almost entirely down to its large natural mineral resources (Copper, Iron Ore and Oil), but the recent boom in prices is now taking a downward turn and Brazil’s boom could go with it.

In 1991 it formed with the Argentine, Paraguay and Uruguay the South America MERCOSUR Common Market and in 2008 it joined the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). It is, interestingly enough, the first world super power without nuclear weapons. Its population is relatively harmonious, despite great differences between the 48% rich (mainly Portuguese white) and the 52% poor (mainly Asian and Amerindian) . It has a free press, democratic elections and a poor family benefits scheme in exchange for keeping children in school. It has a two pronged foreign policy.

Regional peace alongside the maintenance of alliances with major world powers. It maintains diplomatic relations with every member state of the UN and its defence minister, Nelson Jobin says quite simply that “Brazil has no enemies”.

These were some of the most interesting facts evaluated by Dr Lynch during his talk and, as one member of the audience observed, it is a market which has to be taken seriously and only by visiting the country and absorbing its culture and idiosyncrasies can UK producers hope to make adequate contact with the markets specific requirements.

Norman Pratt January / February 2014

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The big event of the month is the Winter Gala - not to be missed!

On the dining front there is a special train for Burns’ night Trains run on the first day of the new year, normal running starts on the first weekend of the month.

January On The GCR Winter Gala This is a three day event on the 24th, 25th and 26th with an intensive timetable of passenger trains, freight, and mail drops. It is hoped BR Standard 70013 Oliver Cromwell will take part with a visiting engine and the home fleet also in action.

Dining Trains During the month there is a limited service of Saturday and Sunday lunches and no Saturday night service except on the 25th when a special Burns’ Night Pullman train will run.

News From Around The Railway The Bridge to the Future appeal has now passed the £280,000 mark, and a team from Network Rail visited the site before Christmas, if you would like to give please send a cheque to The David Clarke Railway Trust, Lovatt House, 3 Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough LE11 1SL, or visit the web site to donate on line.

An application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Leicester Railway Museum has been submitted and the outcome of round 1 should be known in April. Much work is taking place in the background and these things take time, but when completed it will be unique with an out station of the NRM museum connected to a preserved steam railway and when the bridge is in at Loughborough a main line connection, which will allow some engines to be brought in without the need to bring them in on a lorry and also charters from other parts of the country will also be able to visit.

Planning permission has now been received to build a carriage shed at Swithland to store up to 12 of the Gresley coaches restored by the Railway Vehicle Preservations. Work started on clearing the site and the foundation work started late last year and they are now ready to order the shed structure.

Preview Of Events For February There will be trains running midweek during the school half term break on the 18th, 19th and 20th. And a new event a DMU Weekend on the 23rd and 24th, this will feature the Class 101 and Class 127.

For all the latest information visit the website at: 632323.

www.gcrailway.co.uk or phone Loughborough on 01509

Dave Allen, Duty Station Master, Rothley.

Photo -Busy scene at Rothley during the Autumn Gala on Sunday, October 6, Double heading the first train of the day from Loughborough to Leicester North is SR No 777 Sir Lamiel and visiting Standard 73129. While in the distance a goods train is about to depart from Rothley Brook.

Volunteer The Great Central Railway relies heavily on volunteers to work alongside its paid staff.

A whole range of activities are undertaken on the railway to restore, repair, operate, plan, organise, administer and direct activities to ensure that a day at the railway is an enjoyable, fulfilling and safe experience for all our visitors.

Volunteers come from all walks of life to pull together as one united team. Many volunteers come to undertake a task that they can’t do in their normal work. Many come to continue to practice and enhance their skills that they have learned through their work experiences and hobbies and to pass on those skills to the younger generation.

The Volunteer Liaison Office can be contacted on 01509 632 323 and can introduce you to the department that takes your interest. For further information and to explore the large list of sections you can volunteer to help in have a look on the website: www.gcrailway.co.uk/volunteer

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Local Interest Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society The A.G.M. began the proceedings on Tuesday 19th November. Apologies were received and the minutes of the 2012 A.G.M. perused – there were no matters arising. All customary reports were delivered and accepted – the annual subscriptions for 2014 will remain at £12 per person and entrance fees for visitors at £3 per person, per meeting. Once again, the committee was depleted by three retirements, including the Chairman, Colin Revell, who had served for four years in that role, as well as having been a committee member prior to that. Thanks were extended to the retirees, as well as to the three remaining committee members, and a presentation was made to Colin in appreciation of his term of office. Brenda Hooper was welcomed back to serve for a further year, but a plea was made to recruit at least one more person to make the committee more viable.

It was sad to hear of the recent death of Dorothy Budd who had been a long-time, loyal and enthusiastic Society member – she will be greatly missed. The A.G.M. closed at 8pm.

Our speaker for the evening was Colin Hyde who came to give an interesting presentation on the East Midlands Oral History Archive. This organisation was established to record living history through the spoken word, and this year marked the 30th anniversary since oral history recording began in Leicester.

The ability to make fully comprehensible oral recordings only dates from the end of World War 2, although earlier recordings do exist. Colin played two early examples, one from 1890 (obtained from the British Library) was a very crackly recording of the voice of Florence Nightingale and the second example, dating from the 1920’s, was the voice of the only ship’s officer to survive the sinking of the Titanic in which he gave his personal recollections of that disastrous event.

One man instrumental in establishing oral history recording in England was George Ewart Evans who began recordings about country traditions and laid the foundations for the development of the Oral History Society. With the growing enthusiasm for recording the spoken voice, by the 1950’s, tape recording clubs both for adults and children had been set up in the East Midlands, including in Leicester, Derby and Nottingham. The advent of local radio helped to boost the production of quality recordings and Radio Leicester began in 1967.

Early recordings were done on reel-to-reel tapes, but with ever-changing technology there followed the production of cassette tapes, mini discs and digital CD’s and DVD’s. Fortunately, after the birth of digital technology, old tape recordings were still retained, but an ever-present problem is in their preservation and trying to prevent their deterioration. Since its establishment, funding of the Oral History Archive has been variable, but currently the Heritage Lottery is a major source of support. Colin has many recorded examples of local people sharing their memories of particular events during their lifetime, such as in the 1980’s, a gentleman relating his family’s recollections concerning the final illness and death of Queen Victoria. Two other examples were of a Leicester tram driver talking about his working day and a hosiery worker from Hinckley explaining his role in the workplace. Colin pointed out that these, and similar recordings, are also a great way to preserve evidence of local accents and dialects.

Colin emphasised that it is important to produce authentic and verifiable recordings, as well as them being of good quality. People need to be willing and able to talk and it is necessary to allow time for them to do so – not everyone can be instantly concise in what they want to say. Colin’s mantra in preserving the Oral History Archive for future generations is “lots of copies, keeps stuff safe”.

Jennifer Kennington Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 21st January 2014 when Trevor Parr will be making a return visit, this time to talk about the Civil War in Leicestershire. Time: 7.30pm. Venue: the Harrison Room, All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston. Annual subscriptions will be due and the full 2014 programme will be available.

Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation - JOB VACANCY Tea Rooms Servery Assistant Based at Ulverscroft Grange Tea Rooms. Monday - Friday, 10am - 2.30pm.

To assist with the day to day running of the Tea Room Servery, manage the till and food order functions and assist the Tea Room Supervisor as required Must have own car with business-use insurance.

Deadline for all applications: Friday 10th January, 2014.

Please apply in writing with full CV to: Mrs C Turlington, Administrator, Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire LE67 9QB or email: charlotte@shuttlewood-clarke.org January / February 2014

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- The Bradgate Wedding Pages

www.thebradgatemagazine.co.uk

Planning Your Wedding. . .

With so much to think about where do you start...? The budget... that’s where!

From the moment you have the ring on your finger the questions come flying in... When? Where? Dress? Cake? Photographer?

Car? And before you know it you’re into big numbers!

So be smart from the start... what are your priorities? What matters the most to you and your partner? The dress? The venue?

The number of loved ones you want to share your big day with? The wisest thing to remember is compromise.

With your budget be smart - don’t start your married life with a huge debt over your heads as this can cause anxiety and stress.

Remember you’re getting married for love and keep that at the heart of your plans.

One of the golden rules for planning your wedding is always have a contingency fund, some experienced wedding planners suggest that putting aside 10% is about right and always have some cash ready on the big day for those ‘just in case moments’ to prevent any extra stresses on the day.

Keep track of what you are spending and try and stick to your budget as closely as possible... everything costs money and all those little extras quickly mount up! It’s a good idea to open a new account to keep your wedding funds separate so you can easily keep an eye on your balance.

Always shop around and see what different businesses can offer you. You should both be 100% happy with all of the decisions made to avoid any arguments. For example go and have a look at your venue, then go home and have a think and chat about it before putting down a deposit.

So first step first... what’s your budget? Then decide your main priorities, decide how much you will spend on those 3 or 4 things and then divide the rest of your budget up accordingly.

It’s so easy to get swept away with all the fabulous things that there are on offer that it’s only too easy to overspend and then not have the money for the things further down the list like invitations or entertainment!

If you give yourself time to plan the perfect day for you and your fiancé, you’ll be able to enjoy putting it all together and as a result have a fabulous wedding day!

Good Luck & Enjoy!

January / February 2014

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Brides.. look ahead to the trends of 2014 Susanne, from Bradgate Brides, talks us through the trends for 2014 ....

Bridal Trends for 2014 are moving away from the traditional ivory and lots of gently coloured hues and soft tones are coming in. Coverage in the form of lace jackets, tulle boleros, beaded straps and little capes. Lots of back detail and also dramatic low backs. But there are still lots of fishtails and softer shapes in tulle or lace and for the first time in many years, longer sleeves in lace or beaded tulle as in all the Hollywood glamour gowns are really big news.

Many stunning belts are available and these can be added to so many different gowns to compliment or change the look, from diamantĂŠ with crystal to chiffon handmade flowers with beautiful tulle belts plus a whole variety of colours to soften or to bring sparkle to any gown.

Last year many brides selected not to get married as they thought that 2013 was an unlucky one! So it seems that 2014 is already looking at double figures of weddings compared to 2013.

Bradgate Brides have been to so many wedding fayres over the past few months and one of my favourites was Prestwold Hall near Loughborough and the Quorn Country Hotel which is always very busy. The Leicester City Football Stadium plays host to an East meets West style of wedding show that I really love.

You just cannot beat the spectacular scenery sets of the Asian weddings and lots of English brides can take away so much inspiration for their own wedding themes, and I would definitely recommend a visit. The next one will be in February and in fact most of the fayres in the Leicestershire area are in January and early Spring which is ideal for lots of ideas and for the bride and groom to meet photographers, florists, venues, entertainers plus a whole host of other suppliers for your wedding. We like to go to as many as possible to have a chat with lots of brides to be and advise them whenever we can about delivery dates and when to order and styles to chose from plus lots more!

Whilst our salon in Anstey is always busy with brides that have been recommended to us , our new Outlet in Beaumont Leys relies more on passing trade and the Internet and it seems it already has a big following. Brides are travelling from far and wide to steal a bargain from our genuine gowns all intact with their own labels. We have just restocked for the New Year with incredible Designer gowns and brides can select the full bridal experience at the serviced salon or buy straight off the rail at greatly reduced prices.

Brides are very lucky these days. When I got married there were only two bridal shops in Leicester and you bought really what they suggested or had a local dressmaker or your mum run one up on a machine at home! How times have changed and the choice is absolutely endless and it is no wonder the brides have trouble choosing their dream gown....I would recommend good service every time as this can back you up if anything goes wrong in the run up to your wedding.

Good luck and enjoy very minute and don’t let the stress of it all get the better of you. Please remember that the happiest bride is the most laid back one who let’s the others stress out for her!

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www.thebradgatemagazine.co.uk

January / February 2014

37 The Bradgate Christmas Pages - 37

NEW YEAR... NEW START...

Divorce, Separation & Financial Matters The festive period is not always a happy time for families. Whether it is because of the stress and strain of preparation for the Christmas period or that families spend more time together than usual or simply that people are thinking about starting afresh, there are a large number of separations or divorces in the New Year, in what family lawyers regard as the divorce season.

If you are in that unfortunate position you do need to consider your options carefully and take advice on what you should do and your entitlement. If you are married or in a civil partnership then you may either want to divorce or dissolve the civil partnership or simply separate. A divorce is only immediately available if you are able to rely on the other party’s unreasonable behaviour or adultery, otherwise you will have to wait two years or in some cases five years.

The alternative is for there to be a Separation Agreement although if you consider that the marriage is at an end then a divorce may be a better option because it can give finality to financial arrangements.

Most people think that if they divorce and they agree financial matters between themselves then this will bring the financial relationship to the end. This is not the case as such claims continue to exist, sometimes indefinitely, until a Court Order has been obtained dismissing all claims each party has against the other.

A number of a factors are taken into account when deciding how the financial affairs are to be resolved and, if appropriate, to try to achieve a “clean break” avoiding the need for maintenance to be paid (except in respect of any children). In determining such matters the welfare of the children is always the first consideration and the Court will have regard to all the circumstances, in particular to the following : (a) the income, earning capacity, property and other financial resources which each of the parties to the marriage has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future, including in the case of earning capacity any increase in that capacity which it would in the opinion of the Court be reasonable to expect a party to the marriage to take steps to acquire; (b) the financial needs, obligations and responsibilities which each of the parties to the marriage has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future; (c) the standard of living enjoyed by the family before the breakdown of the marriage; (d) the age of each party to the marriage and the duration of the marriage; (e) any physical or mental disability of either of the parties to the marriage; (f) the contributions which each of the parties have made or is likely in the foreseeable future to make to the welfare of the family, including any contribution by looking after the home or caring for the family; (g) the conduct of each of the parties if the conduct is such that it would in the opinion of the Court be inequitable (extremely unfair) to disregard it; (h) the value to each of the parties of any benefit (for example a pension) which by reason of the dissolution or annulment of the marriage, that party will lose the chance of acquiring.

Generally, the parties most valuable asset is the former matrimonial home but do not expect everything to always be divided equally as the above factors are taken into account, which may mean that there could be an adjustment. It is also important not to forget that one or both parties may have valuable pensions that should also be taken into account, either by one party receiving a share of the other party’s pension or by receiving a greater share of the available assets instead of receiving a share of that pension.

Parties who are not married must also consider sorting out their jointly owned assets. Different considerations apply, as your relationship does not give you specific rights if you separate, no matter how long you have been together. If you have children or have bought a property together or have contributed towards the purchase, then you need to be sure of your legal rights in such circumstances.

If you are contemplating separating or divorcing then you would be well advised to take legal advice from a solicitor who by the Family Law protocol is encouraged to promote a non confrontational approach to the divorce or separation and would be able to advise on appropriate ways of trying to reach an agreement either through mediation, collaborative law or negotiation between the parties respective solicitors. In the event of these options not being successful then the Court may have to decide.

Andrew Prusinski, prusinski solicitors, Unit 13 The Office Village, North Road, Loughborough, Leics LE11 1QJ Telephone: 01509 233622 | Email: andrew@prusinskisolicitors.com

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Local Entertainment Charnwood Orchestra brings Birthday time in Vienna to Barrow With record ticket sales for last year’s Viennese Evening despite sub-zero temperatures, Charnwood Orchestra will again bring Vienna back to Christmas-time Barrow for our 40th Birthday year. So in addition to watching it on tele or going to an Andre Rieu concert, you’ll again be able to experience a live reconstruction of the famous Strauss concerts of 19th and 20th century Austria.

Charnwood Orchestra’s Viennese Evening “Birthday at the Ball” is on January 18th 2014 at Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow LE12 8JU starting at 7.00pm. As you enter you will be offered a free glass of birthday bubbly or fruit juice to get you in the mood. The Hall will be decked with beautiful flower arrangements and the players will look suitably festive. Apart from the three favourite must-haves: Blue Danube Waltzes, Thunder and Lightning Polka and Radetsky March, we have yet another new programme for you including Strauss II’s Village Swallows, Lumbye’s The Champagne Galop and Ziehrer’s The Magic of the Uniform.

Newtown Linford Choral Society The next concert to be presented by Newtown Linford Choral Society will feature great choral music from the past three hundred years. The eighteenth century will be represented by Antonio Vivaldi’s well known work the ‘Gloria’, and the nineteenth century by the Mass in Bb composed by Johann Hummel. The programme also includes a two pieces composed in the twenty first century. The first of these is Will Todd’s ‘The Call of Wisdom’ which was sung at the Diamond Jubilee Thanksgiving Service, and the other is John Rutter’s ‘Carol of the Magi’ The Choir will be accompanied by a full orchestra, and Beth Williams will be the guest soprano soloist.

The concert will take place at 8 pm on Friday 31 January and Saturday 1 February in Ratby Parish Church, which has been the venue for very successful and memorable concerts in previous years. Tickets at £10 (children 14 and under £5) are available at Newtown Linford Stores, Ratby Post Office, Sykes Jewellers in Anstey, or by ringing 01530 243822.

We will also be welcoming wonderful soprano soloist, Elizabeth Ryder to sing a selection of songs including Laughing Song from Fledermaus and Vilja’s Song from Merry Widow: you’ll want to join in!

Tickets will cost £12.00 (£11.00 concessions) and £3.00 for accompanied children under 16. They are available from the Paper Shop, Barrow upon Soar or by phoning 07718 153117 or emailing judithrodgers155@gmail.com

Grand Central Chorus - already preparing for Harrogate in May! Now that Christmas is over, the Grand Central Chorus is focused on the big UK Barbershop event of 2014 – the UK National Championships being held this year in Harrogate on Saturday 24th May and involving 48 choruses from across the UK. Over the next few months Grand Central will spend many hours fine tuning every aspect of their two contest songs so that when they take the stage in Harrogate they are fully prepared to deliver the highest possible standard of performance, and so hopefully achieve yet further success, having won the Gold medal when they last competed in 2012.

The chorus welcome potential new members to come along to any of their weekly rehearsals on Wednesday evenings at 7.15pm at Harrington School, Derby Road, Long Eaton, NG10 4BJ. See their website www. grandcentralchorus.com for full details or follow them on Twitter @GrandCentralMen If you would like Grand Central Chorus to sing at your event, contact Peter on 01530 243822 or email: publicity. gcc@gmail.com. They can provide a quartet, small chorus or full chorus of up to fifty singers as required.

Fees are negotiable and quality is guaranteed.

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Local Entertainment & Events FILM : Thurcaston & Cropston

Come & Enjoy Music More!

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

Do you enjoy classical music and would like to know more about it?

At the end of the year, we watched Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations”. The humble orphan Pip became a gentleman thanks to his unknown benefactor, revealed as the grimy convict, Magwitch, played admirably by Ralph Fiennes. The sets were extravagant, the costumes for each class of society in that period were certainly convincing. This was an entertaining film to see just before Christmas.

Enjoy Music More meets at the Adult Education College in Wellington Street, Leicester on Tuesdays from 10 am to 12.00 from September to March each year . The wellknown local organist, choirmaster and music teacher Robert Foreman talks to us in his very individual style about a variety of music and we then listen to and discuss the music.

“Love is all You Need” will be shown on Friday January 10th and lasts 116 minutes.

Are you interested? Ring Martin on 0116 2592868 or Ken on 01455 822285.

The Eunuchs & Concubines of Ancient China

Bringing in the new year, our first film will be a lifeaffirming comedy set in an idyllic villa on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Ida, played by Trine Dyrholm and Philip, played by Pierce Brosnan, are offered a second chance at happiness when they least expect it. Tenderness and honesty overcome all complex problems in the end. This comedy is appealing to us all.

“The Great Gatsby” will be shown on Friday February 14th and lasts 143 minutes.

Following a very successful series of talks under the heading “Know the Past to Understand the Future”, Dr Michael Lynch, an honorary fellow in the School of Historical Studies at University of Leicester has agreed to give a further talk on a somewhat different, yet interesting, subject.

On Tuesday, January 21st at the Rothley Centre, Dr Lynch will give a talk on “The Eunuchs & Concubines of Ancient China”, a talk which, appreciating the speakers animated presentation style, promises to be interesting and amusing.

The doors will open at the Rothley Centre on Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. After a tea/ Coffee interval there will be a Q&A session before finishing around 9.30pm.

Tickets are £5 and there is plenty of free parking. For seating purposes it is advisable to book your place by calling 0116 237 5254 then you may pay at the door.

Quorn Old School Annual Quiz Night The great novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald has been adapted into our great film, featuring Leonardo Di Caprio and Carey Mulligan. The multi-millionaire, Jay Gatsby, lives in an intoxicating world of the super rich. This is a story of impassive love, incorruptible dreams and dark tragedy.

Friday 17th January 2014 at 7:30pm

“Captain Philips” will be shown on Friday March 14th.

This includes a tasty supper of sausage, chips and peas bring your own drinks and glasses!

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £4-50 and concessions are £4. The price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw.

Advanced tickets can be purchased via the parish office 0116 236 7626 or at the door. Diana.

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The old school annual quiz night with Quiz Master Phil Child.

Teams to be made up of 4 to 6 players at £10 per head.

Tickets/entry forms from Terry: 01509 414287 Email: terrystirling@ntlworld.com Quorn Village Hall, Leicester Road, Loughborough LE12 8BB. Doors open at 7pm. www.thebradgatemagazine.co.uk

Local Entertainment & Events Steel Magnolias

Loughborough RSPB Local Group 10th January 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group present a talk on The RSPB’s Natural Secrets by Peter Holden MBE. Peter Holden has been an RSPB member for 50 years and worked for 40 years at The Lodge. He will tell us that it’s in not only birds that benefit from the RSPB’s works.

This talk will look at many of the other forms of wildlife that can be found on and around the reserves - from rare hoverflies to magnificent Red Deer and from the Angel-wings Fungus to the Scottish Primrose. Some are common if you know where to look, but others are rare and depend on the RSPB for their future in the UK. With over 13,000 species of wildlife found on the RSPB’s reserves no visit should ever be dull - even when the birds don’t show!

The Loughborough Group is privileged to be one of the few groups who are able to host him for this talk. 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.

16th January 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group have a Wildlife Walk Ulverscroft Manor and Grange at 10am until 12 noon.

Meet at - SK492112 14th February 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group present a talk on My Local Patch by Matt Merritt. Matt’s local patch is Charnwood Forest! Come and see what happened when he ditched the car and explored this local area on foot. The talk will be held in the Lecture Theatre at the Brockington Building Loughborough University at 7.45pm. Price: £3 Group Members, £3.50 Non members, LU Students with SU card gratis.

17th February 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group have a Wildlife Walk at Cossington Meadow near Rothley at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at SK596131.

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12th to 15th February 2014 Presented by The Festival Players. Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, is set in Truvy’s Louisiana beauty parlour where four scenes spanning three years tell of the lives, loves & small-town gossip of the staff and their customers. Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves towards its emotionally-charged conclusion with touching poignancy.

7.30pm, Sat Matinee 2.30pm | Tickets: £11.50, £13 Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3EB www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk | 01509 231914

Quorn Circle Dance Group Monday 27th January & Monday 24th February 2.15 to 3.45pm - Quorn Village Hall Discover the benefits of gentle exercise through dancing simple steps to music from around the world. Dances vary from traditional village dances to more recent choreographies in a circle or spiral. Each dance is taught from scratch with plenty of repetition in a supportive environment. Everyone is equal in the circle. Wear loose comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Cost per session £4.

Thurcaston & Cropston WI Bosworth 1485, the quest for Bosworth Battlefield and King Richard III How we know what happened at the battle, how the location of Bosworth Battlefield was lost to history and how a multi-disciplinary survey helped to firm up the true location of the battle after years of debate. The story of the search for Richard III’s final resting place in Leicester, which found the remains of Richard III himself against all the odds in August 2012.

Thurcaston Memorial Hall / 7.30 pm Talk by Richard Knox, Heritage Development Manager. Visitors welcome £4.

Come and join us and learn more about this hot topic.

Dates for your Diary 6th March - 40 Days and 40 Nights – Michael Webster describes the many colourful festivals leading up to Easter in Spain 3rd April - Fashion Show and Sale

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Crossword Page This month’s Quick Crossword...

ACROSS 1. Move location 5. Foreign 8. Physician (abbr.)

9. Sharp intakes of breath 10. Drags forcibly 11. Female sheep 12. Barrels, vessels 14. Live 16. Not clearly expressed 18. Declined, diminished 20. Circular 24. Thin biscuit 27. Length of time 28. Royal ....., English horse race 29. Translucent, sane 30. Billiard stick 31. Oral bone like structures 32. Ribboned badge

DOWN

November / December’s Crossword Solution

1. Supernatural art 2 .Strong rushes of wind 3. Vaulted recesses 4. Bordered 5 .Yearned painfully 6 .Accustom to something undesirable 7. Snuggled 13. Also known as (abbr.)

15. Spider’s home 16. Differing 17. Vase 19. Before 21. Male relative 22. Narrow trench 23. Single thickness 24. Joins metal with heat 25. Flat surface of gemstone 26. Narrow raised strip

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OUT AND ABOUT Monday 13 - Saturday 18 January - How The Other Half Loves Three couples, two houses and one affair share the stage in this perfect comedic mix of situation, character, and absurdity.

The dinners taking place simultaneously in different rooms on different nights ranks as one of the classic comedy scenes of British theatre. Filled with misunderstandings and hilarious consequences, this wonderfully crafted Ayckbourn play has had audiences in tears of laughter ever since it was written over 40 years ago.

Tickets: £13.50 (Senior/Child/Concessions: £12.00) | 7:30pm Box Office: 0116 2551302 | The Little Theatre, Dover St, Leicester, LE1 6PW

Sunday 09 February | The Six Wives of Henry Vlll 7.30pm (doors 7pm) - Quorn Village Hall This is a very funny show with live music, about two unsuccessful actors who,realising that one of them bears an uncanny resemblance to Henry Vlll, decide to bounce back by writing and performing a play based on the monarch and his six wives.

The show has received excellent reviews,with one describing it as...."good rollicking fun,cleverly written and beautifully acted.

Contact: Terry Stirling | 01509 414287 | email: terrystirling@ntlworld.com

Friday 03 - Sunday 05 January | Aladdin It’s back! The De Montfort Hall panto returns after a gap of almost 20 years.

Oh yes it is... go and enjoy a feast of spectacular scenery, costumes, music, magic - and panto mayhem.

Especially written for De Montfort Hall by Leicester lass and Hackney Empire Artistic Director Susie McKenna, this is going to be a blast.

The panto will star Leicester’s favourite Martin Ballard as one of the Chinese policemen, Hardeep Singh Kohli as the Genie of the Lamp and star of Little Miss Jocelyn, Jocelyn Jee Esien as the Empress of China.

Relaxed performance for people with an autistic spectrum condition, learning disability or sensory or communication disorder on Friday 3 January at 2pm.

Tickets: £18 (adults pay kids prices!) | Box Office: 0116 233 3111 | Matinée & evening performances

LOCAL EVENTS Wednesday 01 January | New Years Day Costumed Owl Display & Hawk Walk Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park. Meet a Medieval costumed Falconer and fly the owls and hawk yourself.

2.00pm to 3.30pm | Adult £3.50, Child £2.50 Booking essential on 01455 293341

Thursday 02 January | Anstey Monthly Walk Meet at the Nook car park. 3 - 5 miles. Walking boots recommended. No need to book, just turn up. Not suitable for pushchairs / wheelchairs.

10am - 12pm | Email: active.together@charnwood.gov.uk | Tel: 01509 634673

Thursday 08 January | Charity Whist Drive The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr. All players welcome.

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

Thursday 09 January | Birstall & District Local History Society The Birstall & District Local History Society A.G.M. followed by ‘Queen Victoria’s Royal Navy’ by Nick Marshall.

Birstall Village Hall | Second Thursday of the month | 7.30pm | Contact: Mrs A Topley (secretary): 0116 292 8214.

Saturday 11 January | Come and Sing Rutter Shepshed Singers are inviting you to come and join in a one day workshop to rehearse and perform the popular Rutter Requiem.

The day will begin with registration at 10am and end with a 5.30pm informal performance. Singers of all abilities are welcome and copies will be provided on the day. Prior booking for the workshop is essential - deadline 6th January.

Cost is £10 per person | Trinity Methodist Church Centre, Loughborough | Entry to listen to the 5.30pm concert is £2

Monday 13 January | Friends of Charnwood Forest TALK: ‘The Future Of Leicestershire Quarries’ by Geoff Mason. Guests and other non-members are welcome at our talks (for whom we make a small charge of £3 at the door).

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall | 7.30pm, finishing about 9pm followed by refreshments | Website: www.focf.org.uk richardhoward342@btinternet.com | 01530 245373

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LOCAL EVENTS Tuesday 14 January | Now That’s Scilly Birstall Birdwatching Club Talk by Nigel Slater. Just visible from Lands End, the Scillies could be in the Mediterranean. The islands have a sub-tropical feel with exotic plants and white beaches. Nigel will show us island life, its history, the wildlife and what makes the islands a ‘must visit’ place for the naturalist.

Visitors welcome £2 | The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley

Wednesday 15 January | Guided Walks - Dishley Pool Guided Walks - Dishley Pool, meet at Derby Road playing fields car park, off Cotton Way, Loughborough, LE11 5FJ. Take a walk around Dishley Pool looking at winter migrants. 1-2 miles. Free. Walk leader - Charnwood Ranger Service Organiser: Will Blanche | E-mail: will.blanche@charnwood.gov.uk | Tel: 01509 634673

Thursday 16 & Sunday 19 January | Conservation Volunteer Day If you would like to help the rangers to carry out a wide variety of practical habitat conservation tasks, get fit, help local wildlife, learn new skills and maybe make some new friends, why not come along to one of our Conservation Volunteer Days? Please get in touch to find out how.

Contact: Chris Conway, Volunteer & Events Coordinator | Tel: 0116 305 7937 | Email chris.conway@leics.gov.uk

Thursday 16 January | Mountsorrel Townswomen’s Guild The Townswomen’s Guild meets in the Parish Room to which all ladies are welcome. This talk, by Penny Hodgson, is entitled “Cards - Here Comes the Joker!” The competition is an Unusual Pack of Playing Cards.

7:30pm | The Townswomen’s Guild meets in the Parish Room to which all ladies are welcome.

Sunday 19 January | Bolshoi Ballet: Jewels - Screened Live Screened live via satellite from Moscow, with the Bolshoi Principals, Soloists and Corps de Ballet.

Inspired by the famous jewellers of New York’s Fifth Avenue, this triptych is a tribute to women, and to the cities of Paris, New York and St Petersburg.

3pm (doors open at 2:45pm) | Tickets: £14 / £12 conc. | Box Office: 0116 242 2800 | Or book online: www.phoenix.org.uk

Tuesday 21 January | Liz Cooper Band - Jazz Evening The first in a series of relaxed jazz evenings performed in the relaxed and intimate surroundings of the venue’s Sock Gallery. A great evening of live jazz covering well known standards including blues, bossas and ballads from Liz’s extensive repertoire Tickets £5 | 8pm | Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EB | Box Office: 01509 231914

Saturday 25 January | 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. For more info please ring Sue Waiwright on 07585557548. The forth Saturday of the month.

3 - 5pm | Methodist Hall, Howe Lane, Rothley

Saturday 28 January | Literature at Lunchtime: The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald Our highly popular series of lunchtime lectures on the great works of literature are brought to you by Dr Jane Mackay. Her obvious love for her subject, penetrating insight, wit, warmth and humanity continue to enthral. The lecture takes place in the Council Chamber, with unreserved seating. £6 / £5.50 (conc.) | 12 noon | Box Office 01509 231914 | Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EB

Tuesday 28 January | Guided Walks - Swithland Take a walk through the village and around Swithland Woods. Meet at Causeway Lane, Cropston, LE7 7GD. Walking boots recommended. 4 mile walk. Free walk. Walk leader - Lorraine Dormer Organiser: Will Blanche | Email: will.blanche@charnwood.gov.uk | Tel: 01509 634673 | 9:30 am until 11:00 am

Wednesday 29 January | Swan Lake at De Montfort Hall Performed by The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia. The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

Tickets £19.50 £29 £34.50 | Concessions £17.50 £27 £32.50 | 7:30pm | De Montfort Hall, Granville Road, Leicester LE1 7RU Box office: 0116 233 3111

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THE BRADGATE DIRECTORY

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Bradgate Brides.........................34 Brides of Ashby.........................35 Caroline James.........................50 Cathy Stephens Jewellery.........37 Churchgate Jewellers................36 MB Sign Design.........................30 Supacare - Dry Cleaning...........36 EDUCATION Anstey Kumon Centre...............42 Faces Arts.................................47 Grace Dieu Manor School.........11 OLCS.........................................25 Rawlins - Adult Courses............42 FLOWERS Lily & Grace...............................35 FOOD, DRINK & VENUES The Bradgate.............................42 Bradgate Events - Marquee Hire .... 34 Farmers Market.........................54 Field Head Hotel........................30 The Manor House at Quorn.......24 The Old Fashioned Milk Co.......47 Quorn Grange Hotel......... 25 + 34 The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel...............................27 Vintage Afternoon Teas.............54 The Wheatsheaf Inn..................30 Woodcock Farm Shop...............30 GARDEN Bentley’s Garden Buildings.......56 Charnwood Paving....................41 Charnwood Tree Services.........40 Garden Blueprints.......................6 LB Landscaping.........................40 Neil Johnson Landscaping........41 Roecliffe Tree Surgery...............40

HAIR & BEAUTY Aqua Hair..................................39 Zoe’s Mobile Hairdressing.........54 HEALTH Charnwood Hearing Centre.......53 Charnwood Physiotherapy........53 Quorndon Care..........................25 HOME ABD Picture Framing.................53 Ablutions....................................55 Absolute Window Solutions.........2 Ancient & Modern........................6 Anstey Homecrafts....................53 Ashby Decorators Centre..........15 Bradgate Estate Management.....8 Broughtons..................................5 Byrite Electricals..........................6 Charmwood Kitchens & Bedrooms..18 Charnwood Blinds.....................18 Charnwood Conservatories.........4 Charnwood Kitchens.................14 Charn. Oaks Roofing & Building.....15 Charnwood Oakwrights.............14 Clock Doctor................................6 CV Lane....................................15 DeVol................................ 20 + 21 DG Plumbing.............................53 Graham Botterill..........................6 Holme Tree Kitchens.................11 Keller Construction......................5 Loft Storage Solutions.................3 Logburners Ltd............................3 Low Woods................................15 Martin Allen Flooring....................5 My Spa UK..................................7 Peter Smith Kitchens...................3 RJ Rowley.................................18 Roger McNulty.............................6

HOME continued...

Simon Shuttlewood Upholstery.......6 Swap & Fix Day.........................50 Terry Allen Painter & Decorator.......53 Your Blinds..................................6 MOTORS Cropston Garage.......................53 Loughborough Kia.....................27 PETS & ANIMALS Cooks Farm Shop.....................31 Posh Paws................................47 Retreat Boarding Kennels.........54 The Veterinary Surgery.............54 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Advantage Computer Services.......42 Ask Accountancy.......................54 Bradgate Office Suites................6 Computer Angel.........................50 Dodds Solicitors LLP...................8 Lee Cooper Funeral Directors........50 Prusinski Solicitors....................39 Walters Architects......................53

To advertise in The Bradgate Magazine from as little as £25 a month contact Ed Tel: 01530 249589 or email: editor@thebradgatemagazine.co.uk Visit our website to view the media pack and further information on advertising your business to residents across Charnwood.

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