The Bradgate Magazine - January 2022

THE

BRADGATE MAG A Z I N E

Loughborough’s

TINY FOREST

Barry Stephens

LOCAL HERO

! k c a b s i

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GREETINGS Welcome to the January/February edition of The Bradgate Magazine and a brand new year!

Many of us might be glad to see the back of 2021 for various reasons but it’s been refreshing to see how philanthropic the community has been towards much deserved and needed causes during these trying last twelve (and more recent) months – a fundraiser organised by Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons for example has raised £75,000 for local and good causes whilst the Leicestershire Community Champions Awards evening, hosted by the Furnley House Foundation, raised £2,500.

We also bring you a really useful item, courtesy of Citizens Advice Charnwood, on how to save on your energy bills, some tips known, some not, but lots to consider including how to save £8 a year per person, if you spend just one minute less in the shower each day! Cause for celebration. …talking of which, may we extend our congratulations to Rothley Park Golf Club for securing a fantastic place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest 18 holes by a team of golfers, and news from Formula 3, and local lad George Line, who has completed yet another successful season in the sport. The good news keeps coming courtesy of Leicester-based charity, The Bridge Homelessness to Hope, who have been awarded the nationally recognised Investing in Volunteers quality standard for good practice in volunteer management - what a fantastic endorsement.

But in keeping you no more, we say read on, read on...

Jo editor

March / April 2022 edition copy deadline: 04 February 2022 To advertise contact the editor for prices, details and deadlines editor@thebradgatemagazine.co.uk 07708 915779 | www.thebradgatemagazine.co.uk

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News, reviews, competitions, events and must-see things to do and hear - add to that the fantastic range of services and products available from our advertisers and you have a publication that puts you, our reader, “at the heart of your community” - just as we have always proudly done, since 2013.

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“T h e o nly pe r son you a r e de stine d to b eco me is th e p erso n y o u d ecid e to b e.” - Ra lph Wa ldo E me r son

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NATIONAL AWARD FOR

The Effective Involvement Of Volunteers The Bridge Homelessness to Hope, a Leicester-based charity, has been awarded the nationally recognised Investing in Volunteers quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.

The charity was lauded for the value it places on its volunteers and its commitment to volunteering.

Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for all organisations that involve volunteers. It aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers and highlights the contributions they make to charities throughout the country.

The Bridge Homelessness to Hope was assessed against six quality areas including the charity’s vision and plans for volunteers, their recruitment and support, as well as the help extended to them to reach their full potential. The charity proved it excelled in all aspects of working with its volunteers.

JoJo Wiseman, a Mentor Coordinator with The Bridge Homelessness to Hope said: “We are so proud to have achieved the Investing in Volunteers award, particularly after dealing with the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“Throughout a gruelling 18 months of uncertainty, our volunteers have been outstanding and we hope that by working hard ourselves to meet these standards we can give them the support they need to continue their great work with us.”

Denise Hayward, Chair of the UK Volunteering Forum (UKVF), the awarding body added: “UKVF is delighted to announce The Bridge‘s successful achievement of this award. They have demonstrated a real commitment to volunteering and have proven that their volunteer management policies and procedures meet nationally recognised standards.”

The Bridge Homelessness to Hope provides support to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Volunteers are the charity’s biggest asset and they fulfil a wide range of roles. Opportunities for volunteering with The Bridge Homelessness to Hope are now available. Visit the website for further information www.bridgeleicester.org.

Further information about the Investing in Volunteers standard can be found at www.investinginvolunteers.co.uk.

Based on Melton Street in Leicester, The Bridge Homelessness to Hope offers a range of specialist support services to the homeless and rough sleeping community in the city including mentoring and mental health wellbeing.

For more information, visit www.bridgeleicester.org.

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Sustainable Family Farms ‘Family Futures Sustainable Farming’ helps vulnerable families living on less than $1 per day who have six or more dependants (including orphans or the elderly).

Leicestershire based charity Love Support Unite’s sustainable farming program aims to help families become food secure by providing them with farming inputs (to farm 1 hectare of land), alongside facilitating access to adult literacy, teaching, agriculture and business training over a two year period.

The value of the inputs is paid back (in maize) over two years, these proceeds are then invested in farm inputs for another family in the same community. The program keeps giving and recycling funds to help more people and is designed to make family farms selfsustainable through effective management of resources. Families are able to farm their land (many for the first time) to produce food and an excess of crops to then sell.

The incredible people enrolled on the programme have been successful in harvesting enough food for their families for the whole year, as such they have become food secure!

It has taken the families’ dedication, in preparing the land, tending the crops and then harvesting them, to reap the well-deserved benefits; monies raised

by LSU donations has enabled the charity to purchase seeds and other key items. Visit lovesupportunite.org for more information.

SYSTON BOWLERS CELEBRATE 2021 SUCCESSES On 27th November Club President, Derek Renshaw, welcomed members, special guests and Club Patrons, Chris Meynell and wife Cathy, as Syston Bowling Club paid tribute to the winners of the 2021 series of Club competitions.

Once again, for the fifth year running, the Champion of Champions Trophy, sponsored by Chris Meynell and Family Independent Funeral Directors, was won by a lady - on this occasion, the 2020 Ladies’ Champion, Pauline Wright, was crowned following her impressive success against 2020 Men’s Champion, Derek Renshaw.

The Mick Hughes Men’s 4-Woods Club Championship this year was presented to Martin Warner and very impressively, both Ladies’ 4-Woods and 2-Woods Singles Trophies were won by Marilyn Wood.

The “Syston Town News” sponsored trophy for 2-Wood Triples was presented to Mick Pipes, Martin Warner and Pauline Wright.

Other competition winners were: Men’s 2-Woods Singles: Derek Renshaw; Maidens 4-Woods Singles: Gary Kilbourne; Anita Lowder; 4-Woods Pairs: Tyler Johnston and Ken Renshaw; Warner Trophy “Aussie” 4-Woods Pairs: Tyler Johnson and Pauline Wright; Triples: Colin Grimes, Martin Warner and Kate Williams.

Special Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Roger Stone and Ivan Jordan for their exemplary commitment to the Club, both on the green and within the clubhouse, throughout a difficult year.

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Kev i n Ke egan Helps Raise

£ 75 , 0 0 0 a t Lei ces ter T i g ers Kevin Keegan, a legend amongst football fans throughout the country was guest of honour at the Leicester Tigers ground on the 18th November for an event organised by Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons to raise money for charity.

Nearly 800 local Freemasons and guests descended on the Leicester Tigers Stadium, for an evening of entertainment and fundraising.

No evening would be complete without an experienced and entertaining Master of Ceremonies, and the host for the evening, Roger Dakin, certainly fit that bill. Roger played hockey for England in the 1970’s and coached the team just before they became successful!

Having spoken at functions of all types for over 25 years, he finds he is now ready for anything.

Roger took to the stage to welcome everyone and started the evening’s procedure with a quick-fire round of jokes to warm the audience up.

The fundraising events for the evening included ticket sales, raffles, donations and a live and a silent auction.

A well-known face amongst sports fans is Ed Giddins, who after a successful cricket career, which included representing England at Test level, became a much in demand after-dinner and motivational speaker, event organiser and charity auctioneer. Ed and his team expertly guided the room through the auctions, with prizes such as gifts and sporting memorabilia, to holidays and sporting event tickets.

Last to the stage was the evening’s main attraction, Kevin Keegan. After making 124 appearances for Scunthorpe Kevin was signed

by Bill Shankly, joining Liverpool in 1971. After 3 league titles, 2 UEFA cups, 1 FA Cup and 1 European Cup, 323 appearances and 100 goals, Kevin joined Hamburg in 1977. Representing England on 63 occasions Kevin captained his country 31 times and scored 21 goals. Playing spells at Southampton and Newcastle followed before Kevin returned to Newcastle as manager, achieving promotion from division 2 at the first attempt in 1992 (before narrowly missing out on the league title in 1996). Further spells in management followed at Fulham, Manchester City, England and Newcastle.

Kevin took the audience on a trip down memory lane, as he presented his life, from a young lad through to the end of his playing career, in a hugely entertaining way. Not only was his presentation extremely well received, but Kevin was delighted to stay on until the early hours of the morning signing autographs and posing for photographs.

The tremendous amount raised from the event is in excess of £75,000, which was presented to the Masonic Charitable Foundation to support local and good causes.

Peter Kinder, head of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons said, “A huge thank you to Kevin, Roger, Ed and the organising team for putting on such a spectacular evening and helping us to achieve our aim of raising £1.8m for charity before the end of 2022.”

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Banf f Mou n ta in F il m F e s t iva l Tou r

Brings Epic Adventure To UK & Ireland!

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is back for 2022, bringing the latest action and adventure films to venues around the UK and Ireland, featuring a collection of the best films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film makers.

Starring intrepid characters, extreme expeditions and stunning cinematography, the tour features two new collections of inspirational films from the wildest corners of the planet.

“We are so excited to be sharing these awe-inspiring new films with audiences around the UK and Ireland – up on the big screen!” says tour director Nell Teasdale.

“As well as adrenaline-packed stories from the world’s best adventure filmmakers, Banff events are a celebration of the great outdoors with a vibrant atmosphere – and we guarantee audiences will leave inspired to have an adventure of their own too!”

As well as thrilling films, each event features a free prize draw for outdoorsy goodies from the tour’s partners.

Banff tour films are chosen from hundreds of entries into the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which is held every November in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

The UK and Ireland tour starts in Leicester, at De Montfort Hall, on 27 January, and will showcase the Red Film Programme which features epic back country skiing, kayaking of the most remote rivers on the planet plus an astounding human-powered circumnavigation of the globe with British adventurer Sarah Outen.

For more information or to book tickets visit www.banff-uk.com.

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THE F U R NLEY H O USE F O UN DAT I O N

Community Awards Recognise Amazing Charities The Leicestershire Community Champions Awards returned on Thursday 18th November at the Leicestershire County Cricket Ground, with The Zinthiya Trust taking the flagship award of Charity of the Year.

The event was set up by the Furnley House Foundation to celebrate the amazing people and organisations who have gone above and beyond to help their local communities.

The Furnley House Foundation is the brainchild of Furnley House, an independent financial and mortgage adviser, created to improve the lives of those less fortunate.

For the awards, the Foundation asked people to nominate their local heroes over ten categories including registered charities, community organisations, local businesses, as well as individuals.

Hosted by Lewis Moses, the awards evening was attended by 150 people who on the night helped raise a fantastic £2,500, which was split equally between the five Charity of the Year finalists.

The Zinthiya Trust were awarded the title of Charity of the Year, which was sponsored by Furnley House, winning a £5,000 grant as well as a share of the proceeds from the next Furnley House Foundation Summer Ball.

Stefan Fura, co-founder of Furnley House and Trustee of the Furnley House Foundation said “We’re delighted to help raise awareness and support for so many local causes as well as celebrating the fantastic individuals and organisation who have made a difference.

“Congratulations to all the very deserving finalists and winners and our thanks also go to all our judges and sponsors for their generous support of the Awards and the Furnley House Foundation.”

Simon Winfield, Chair of the Furnley House Foundation said ‘It is truly inspiring to see the great work undertaken in our local community by so many individuals and organisations. The awards go from strength to strength and we look forward to growing them into an even larger event to recognise the Leicester & Leicestershire community in 2022.”

Mu lti-million-pound development o f M a r ti n H i g h S c h o o l’s s p o r t s fac ilit ie s in A n s tey

A multi-million pound investment is underway – and due for completion in May 2022 – at Martin High School in Anstey, to provide state-of-the-art sports facilities which will benefit its learners, staff and community hire users for years to come.

The facility will include a multipurpose four court badminton centre, gym, performance studio, learner changing rooms, staff changing rooms and extra office space. A new, larger car park will also benefit the school, as well as the community who will hire the facilities.

Mr A Black, Head of PE at Martin High, Anstey said: “This is fantastic news and just the announcement we have been waiting for.

The new development will provide a significant upgrade to our existing sports facilities and give our community something really exciting to look forward to. We have a very strong sports and enrichment offer for learners at all key stages throughout the school and it will be wonderful to grow this further with a state-of-the-art facility.

“The new facilities will benefit everyone in the local area, providing a much-needed indoor sports space for local clubs, teams and those looking to be more active. The option to hire out the facility will also support new clubs who have previously requested the use of our facilities but the space has been unavailable. We will look forward to working with local sports clubs to maximise the sports offer to people of all ages in the locality.”

Mr Cooling, Associate Principal, commented: “We are delighted that our plans are going ahead and would like to thank the members of our local community who supported the project at the planning stage. The support from the Lionheart Educational Trust has certainly demonstrated our ongoing commitment to investing in our school and continuing to provide excellent facilities to enhance the prospects of our young people.”

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Autumn 2021 report

Thurcaston Brownies When our girls reach ten years old it is time for them to move on to Guides and so the Autumn term began with only five Brownies presenting, which wasn’t really a viable number, so, we put up lots of posters and spread the word and as a result of our recruitment campaign we increased in numbers, so much so, that we now only have a few spaces left for newcomers.

This half term we tackled the Baking badge - at our first meeting we ‘baked’ bread fingers in the church grounds on instant BBQs , which we also used to cook sausages and melt marsh mallows which were enthusiastically squashed between chocolate biscuits to make ‘smores’.

Across the next few weeks we were back inside to use a conventional oven, here we mastered different techniques in baking and produced chocolate Krispie cakes, fairy cakes, cookies and chocolate brownies for all savour.

As well as thinking abut feeding our tummies, we learned about Fair Trade and the lives of farmers who provide us with the cocoa beans (chocolate) and the sugar for our cakes. The eggs we used were from Free Range hens so we discussed the living conditions required for the free range title to be awarded. Red Tractor and Farm Assured conditions for the animals that give us milk and meat were also investigated.

When it was the Harvest Festival at Thurcaston Church, the girls used vegetables to create figures of animals and people for the display.

For the second half of term we celebrated Bonfire night - hot chocolate and hot dogs kept us warm while we watched the fireworks and held sparklers, the latter donated by the Crisswells, with thanks.

Remembrance Sunday at the church saw our brave Brownies give two readings, take part in a demonstration of ‘sharing’, lay a wreath and parade the Brownie flag to accompany the Union flag (the correct name for the Union Jack!) carried by Brown Owl.

For Christmas crafts we painted large card trees, candles and holly leaves to make an impressive decoration. Similar trees, and pretty boxes with gifts, all made by Barn Owl and Pat, were in the ‘Prize Every Time’ game at the church’s Christmas Fete. Additionally, Snowy Owl sold preserves and cakes for the RSPCA (she did have to be on high alert to protect the jars from being knocked over by the Teddies descending on the zip wire from the bell tower to the pulpit, but she managed)!

To look forward to is a visit to see Aladdin at Loughborough Town Hall and a Christmas party and traditional games to finish the year with.

We meet Wednesday in term time 6pm until 7.15pm in the Harrison room of All Saints Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. Girls start at 7 years old and we have a few spaces remaining. More details from Brown Owl on 07711-422350 (please avoid office hours).

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Supporters Lunch Leicestershire charity Alex’s Wish has said a big thank you in person to the many people who continued to support its work throughout the pandemic. Around 160 supporters and guests attended a lemon themed Supporters Lunch, held at the Novotel Hotel in Leicester.

Emma Hallam, CEO and Founder of Alex’s Wish said: “It was a great event and it was so good to be able to invite all our supporters, in person, to thank them for all that they’ve done for us over the past 18 months.

“We talked about how amazing their support had been during this difficult time and all the developments in the projects and research that we’ve invested in.”

In line with its #BeMoreAlex campaign, launched with Brand Clear in March, Alex’s Wish used its motto ‘When Life Gives You Lemons make Lemon Meringue Pie’, to give the whole event a lemon theme.

Emma added: “Thanks to Wellbeing4Life and Spirit Healthcare, the room was filled with lemon scent, and everyone received goody bags containing lemon dinner mints, lemon bites, sherbet lemon and lemon tea. There was even lemon meringue pie for dessert, kindly provided by the hotel.”

Alex’s Wish raises money to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an aggressive lifelimiting muscle wasting condition which affects one in every 3,500 boys. It was set up by Alex’s parents, Emma and Andy Hallam, in late 2012, after their son Alex was diagnosed with the condition.

Pictured (from left to right) Sandesh Jesrani, Steve Dean, Chris Everard, Heidi Eastell, Zoe Edwards, Sally Barnett, Andy Hallam, Emma Hallam, Thomas Carter and Alexandra Slack.

G u i d e Dogs urge ntl y ne ed volunteers in L eicestershire to

HELP RAISE PUPPIES Sight loss charity Guide Dogs has launched an appeal in Leicestershire for volunteers who could provide a loving home to a guide dog puppy for the first year of their life. At least 10 new homes are needed in the area for guide dog pups, with Guide Dogs covering the cost of all the food, veterinary care and equipment required.

The charity’s volunteer ‘Puppy Raisers’ play a vital role in the early socialisation and education of guide dogs, teaching pups basic commands and helping them get used to the outside world. At about seven weeks of age, puppies move to live with their volunteer Puppy Raisers, where they remain until they are around 12-16 months of age. They then head off to a training centre to begin their specialised training.

Volunteers must be aged over 18 and have suitable housing. Caring for a puppy is a full-time commitment and you must be able to give a guide dog pup the love and attention they deserve. Applicants must have the ability to access online content and training materials and have an email address.

To find out more, contact Guide Dogs Volunteering Coordinator for Leicestershire, Mike Hefferan, via mike.hefferan@guidedogs.org. uk or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering.

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25 Years Of Bringing Red Carpet Style To Leicestershire Critics told him that big city trends wouldn’t work in the sleepy village of Anstey, but Barrie Stephen defied all expectations by creating a luxury brand that has supported the regeneration of the area. Subsequently he has opened a further three salons and a collaborative barbershop across the city and county in his quarter-century success story.

Barrie opened his first salon on 4th November 1996 with the support of a business loan from the Sir Thomas White Charity. He is now a Patron for the Fund, encouraging young people to follow in his footsteps and exercise their entrepreneurial spirit.

“It’s really important to give back to the community that has supported me over the years” Barrie says. “In 25 years I am proud to have supported 25 charities, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes in Leicestershire.” Most recently this has included raising funds as an Ambassador for Leicester Animal Aid, but in the past Barrie and his team have collected money to help women’s refuges and other locally based charities.

Barrie Stephen Hair have also commanded the attention of their industry, being recognised with an incredible number of accolades over the years. The salons, the team and Barrie himself have received nearly 100 national awards – from Best Salon Group nationally to Business Person of the Year. As a local lad that has been able to forge a successful pathway, Barrie is very conscious of offering opportunities to other locals.

“We have helped hundreds of young people to get their foot on the ladder as professional stylists” Barrie told us. “My business has always been about people – we find success by working together and lifting each other up.”

Many of the people Barrie has trained in his salons have gone on to start their own businesses and become national award winners in their own right.

Barrie has always been known for acting responsibly – putting his team and his customers first – and his salon group is no exception to that mantra having routinely used mandatory skin tests for hair colour services for nearly 15 years, whilst pioneering the use of sustainable, environmentally friendly and vegan hair products.

Barrie is looking forward to another 25 years of giving back to the people of Leicestershire, and long may that continue!

Free Online Wildlife Talks Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust

Regular indoor meetings are held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on the second Wednesday every month from January to May starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 for LRWT members, £3 for visitors, children free.

N.B. Talks will return to being online should government advice change.

The next meetings are on: Wednesday 12th January, 7:30pm - Tales from the Bush: a series of mini-talks by local LRWT members, including: Shetland Summer

by Kate Moore and Wildlife of Belize by Dave Robinson Wednesday 9th February, 7:30pm - Cone Shells - Killers or Curers by Brian Hammond. Brian has collected shells all his life and there are over 10,000 specimens from his collection in a Glasgow museum. This talk is about a particular family of molluscs which are venomous and carnivorous. Their venom is complex and is used a lot in drug research.

For further information about the Trust’s activities or to book your place on a talk, please visit www.lrwt.org.uk/events.

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Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society POOR LAWS, OLD AND NEW After completing the formal business of the AGM at our November meeting, we rewarded ourselves with entertainment from the Leicestershire Guild of Storytelling, in the person of Kathy Chalk. The Guild has been collecting and re-telling local stories for over 25 years. Some of them are unique to Leicestershire and Rutland, while others are local versions of tales that are known around the world.

Kathy first told us about the rector of Ratby, who fell out with the local squire over a matter of conscience and came to a soggy reckoning in Groby Pool.

Next, she recounted the history of our own Hugh Latimer, who progressed from being the son of a Thurcaston farmer to become a famous preacher and Bishop of Worcester. However, his days ended when he was burnt at the stake in Oxford under the reforms of the Catholic queen Mary Tudor.

On a lighter note, there was Jack, who travelled from London to visit Leicester market and tried to take advantage – in more ways than one – of local girl Bella, however, he got more than he bargained for by return! This story achieved national fame by being circulated in print as one of the “broadside ballads”.

Kathy’s final tale was of Dan Hugh: a monk in one of Leicester’s friaries, who was murdered three times in the same night with a pike eventually hanged for the crime. To find out why, you’ll have to seek out the Guild’s book, ”Leicestershire & Rutland Folk Tales”, which includes the full version of this story and many more.

As usual, the Society will not be meeting in December but we have another diverse programme of events planned for 2022 and we hope you will join us as a member or a visitor then.

The Society aims to encourage interest in the history of the parish. We usually hold seven indoor meetings each year, with talks on historical subjects, as locally-based as we can manage! They take place at 7.30pm in Thurcaston Memorial Hall on the third Tuesday of most months. In the summer we arrange walks or visits to places of historical interest in the area. Our planned programme for 2022 is set out below and you would be very welcome to join us at any of the events as a visitor (£4) or as a member for the year (£16).

PROGRAMME FOR 2022 18th January

Vicky Allen

Ancient footpaths, bridleways and green lanes

15th February

Jane Smith

Cropston Holiday Home

15th March

Jennifer Roach

The Thomas Cook Archive

17th May

Bob Trubshaw

How Anglo-Saxons found their way

21st June

Steve Bruce

Leicester guided walk: “Who put the Cank in Cank Street?”

19th July

Visit to Wigston Framework Knitters’ Museum

August

Visit

To be confirmed

20th September

Kate Burrows

Pilgrimage past and present

18th October

Janet Spavold

How to read a house

15th November

David Bell

“Down the Garden Path”

Our website has a growing collection of information and articles, as well as reports of events that have already happened and details of future ones. We are always keen to learn more about past life in the two villages so if you have any photographs, recollections or other information that you would be willing to share, please do contact us through the website or come along to any of our meetings. www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk

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Tin y Forest

TAKES ROOT IN LOUGHBOROUGH Around 600 tree saplings have been planted in Loughborough to create a ‘Tiny Forest’ in the town.

Charnwood Borough Council has worked in partnership with environmental charity Earthwatch Europe, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and MINI Electric on the project which has seen hundreds of native trees planted on Holt Drive in Loughborough.

A ‘Tiny Forest’ is a dense, fast-growing woodland made up of 600 native trees planted in an area the size of a tennis court. They provide a range of benefits to the local wildlife and the community by connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Cllr Roy Rollings, lead member for transformation with responsibility for the Council’s campaign to become Carbon Neutral by 2030 said: “The Tiny Forest initiative is a fantastic and innovative project which we are incredibly proud to be involved with.

“Trees have a positive impact on our local community and help to improve the quality of air. This project is a great way to help people to connect with nature and understand issues around biodiversity and sustainability.

“It forms part of the Council’s commitment to ensure 100,000 trees are planted in the borough by 2024 but also to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.”

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough said: “We are immensely proud to be working in partnership with Earthwatch to bring a Tiny Forest to Loughborough. As well as creating an important place for wildlife to flourish in the town, this tiny pocket of nature will provide natural green space for the whole community to enjoy.

“A huge thank you to all of the school children and local volunteers involved in planting the Tiny Forest. We are committed to looking after our environment and open spaces for future generations and I can’t wait to watch it grow in years to come.”

Earthwatch Europe’s Tiny Forest programme manager Louise Hartley said: “Loughborough’s Tiny Forest will give the community an amazing opportunity to reconnect with nature on their doorstep. It will also play a vital part in our scientific research into how we can mitigate the effects of climate change.”

David George, director, MINI UK & Ireland said “Creative use of space is at the heart of MINI, so the partnership between MINI Electric and Earthwatch Europe to plant Tiny Forests is a perfect fit. We’re really excited about how Tiny Forests can bring communities together and help educate on the important role biodiversity plays in sustainability.”

For more information about the project please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/tinyforest.

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Citizens Advice Charnwood HOW TO SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILLS Energy prices have risen and suppliers are going out of business. Citizens Advice Charnwood offers tips on what you should do and how to save on your energy bills.

What happens if your energy supplier goes bust?

Don’t panic, you won’t be cut off. Take a meter reading straight away and a photo of your meter, if possible. You will be appointed a new supplier within a few days – wait until they get in touch with you.

Don’t switch – leave the decision until you are with a new supplier as it could complicate things if you are in credit or have a fuel debt.

Energy saving tips • Understand your heating system and its controls - take time to learn how the heating system works and how to use the controls properly so that you can use it in the best and most cost-effective way for you.

• Turn your thermostat down - reducing it by 1°C could save you energy and money without noticing any difference.

• Avoid drying clothes on your radiators - this lowers the quantity of heat released by the radiators.

• Keep furniture away from your radiators - the foam in upholstered furniture is a very effective insulator and prevents heat getting into your room.

• Draw the curtains - especially at night, to keep the warmth in and the cold out; tuck curtains behind radiators.

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Fit draught proofing around windows and doors

• Check the insulation in your loft/roof - around 25% of heat lost in a typical uninsulated home escapes through the roof. You should have at least 270mm (11.5 inches) of insulation in the loft.

• Fit radiator reflector panels - you can lose heat if a radiator is on an external wall, especially if it isn’t insulated. Reflector panels help to reflect that heat back into the room.

• Avoid estimated bills - keep your bills accurate by submitting regular meter readings to your energy supplier.

• Replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient versions lighting accounts for about 7% of a household’s energy bill and energy-saving (CFL) bulbs use about 75-80% less energy.

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Turning off the lights - can save you around £15 a year.

• Only use energy when you really need to and avoid standby - leaving appliances on standby can use as much as 75% of the energy they use when they’re fully switched on.

• Spend less time in the shower - spending one minute less in the shower each day will save up to £8 a year off your energy bills, per person.

• Leave your oven door open after you’ve finished cooking adds warmth to the kitchen.

• Use a slow cooker - they take longer to cook food but they’re cheaper to run than conventional ovens.

• Use your microwave - if you’re defrosting food, or just warming things up, microwave ovens use much less electricity than conventional ovens.

• When washing, use full loads - this will reduce the number of loads. If you need to do less than a full load, use the ‘half load’ or ‘economy’ setting on your washing machine.

• Use the 30°C wash setting - nowadays this is more than adequate to clean clothes and will save you up to 75% of the cost of the hottest cycle.

• Use a shorter wash cycle - a cycle that lasts an hour, for example, is adequate for most washes.

• Ditch the tumble dryer - how often do you need clothes dry in an hour? Not often? Dry naturally, or invest in a clothes maiden.

• Don’t heat your water to a scalding temperature - for most people, 60°C/140°F is quite adequate.

• Use manual tools in the kitchen - for example, bread making and whisking can be done by hand.

• Don’t leave your iron on - irons consume a lot of electricity so switch yours off when you’re not using it.

• When you can, either let your hair dry naturally or towel dry it - hair dryers consume lots of electricity.

• Put on an extra layer! - adding more layers really does keep you warmer.

•

Insulate your hot water cylinder

If you are struggling financially or on a low income ring our

• Use your toaster rather than your grill - a toaster uses less energy than a grill.

• Cook sensibly - choose the right-sized pan for the food and the cooker. Cut food into smaller pieces and put lids on pans. The food will cook a lot quicker and use less power.

• Don’t overfill your kettle - only boil as much water as you need.

Energy Adviser on 01509 221202 for help and advice Citizens Advice Charnwood’s Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605 is open Mondays and Thursdays 9.30 am – 3.00pm & Tuesday 9.30am – 12 noon. Up to date information can also be found on the website: www.charnwoodcab.org.uk

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 27 Other information sources: www.confusedaboutenergy.co.uk and www.savethestudent.org/accommodation/how-much-does-energy-cost-an-hour

LEICESTER ASSOCIATION

The oldest National Trust property in the East Midlands is Duffield Castle, in the middle of the village of Duffield, just north of Derby.

The site overlooks a crossing place on the river Derwent. The claim to be the oldest is true in two ways. The castle was built in the 1180’s and was also the first property in the East Midlands to be owned by the Trust.

An original motte and bailey fortress of timber construction was built on the site in 1138 by Robert de Ferrers whose father, Henry, had come to England with William the Conqueror. However, this fortress was destroyed in 1173 by Henry II after William de Ferrers, Henry’s son, had joined the king’s sons in a rebellion against their father, and lost.

William’s son, another William, eventually built a massive stone keep on the site in the 1180’s. It was 98 feet x 95 feet and the third largest castle in the land after Dover and the Tower of London. Following another rebellion, Henry III destroyed the castle in 1269 and Edward I completely cleared the site to ground level in 1272/3.

The site became overgrown and for 600 years laid undisturbed. It was rediscovered in 1885 and early archaeological excavations uncovered the original foundations which confirmed the size of the stone keep. The grounds were then preserved with the foundations marked out and the site was donated to the National Trust in 1899, one of its earliest archaeological monuments.

Further investigations were carried out in the 1930’s and in 1957 and the few items unearthed confirmed that the site had been occupied since Romano-British times. A geophysical survey in 2001 revealed traces of other structures on the site. The Trust is currently considering a further archaeological investigation. The site is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year.

The NT Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 11th January when Colin Hobday will present an illustrated talk entitled “Montana – 3 National Parks”. The meeting will be held at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm.

There will also be an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 26th January at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm when Jill Kashi (NT) will present an illustrated talk entitled “Baddesley Clinton, Little Maids & the Wandering Butler”.

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

For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 2229133 or visit our web page at www.leicesternt.com.

Alan Tyler | Publicity Officer NT Leicester Association 28

At the heart of your community

ANYDAY FAMILY FASHION ANYDAY the own brand that delivers style, quality and value for money, for everyday moments has expanded into menswear, womenswear and childrenswear this Autumn Winter. Designed in-house, the new clothing range offers easy, casual, everyday style at great price points for the whole family. Each piece in the range maintains the John Lewis promise of quality and trust. www.johnlewis.com

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SUCCESS FOR LINE 2021 George Line from Thurcaston completed another successful season in his Dallara Formula 3 race car.

He collected 9 wins and 5 second-place positions in the F3 Cup Championship.

Langford Line Motorsport capped their season with 2 wins at the prestigious Walter Hayes Silverstone Meeting in the Invitation Tiedman Trophy.

WORLD RECORD SMASHED

by Rothley Park Golf Club

On Sunday 15th August 2021 Rothley Park Golf Club secured a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest 18 holes by a team of golfers. The attempt was carefully verified and approved at the end of October.

The previous record – set by Farnham Golf Club in 2015, an astonishing 13 minutes 42 seconds, was smashed by Rothley Park with an amazing time of 12 MINUTES 42 SECONDS. The fairways were flooded with players of all handicap categories, all of whom wanted to help achieve the goal and also raise money for the Captains’ charities. The GWR criteria was quite strict and required independent witnesses to ensure the attempt was played within the rules of golf and the whole event had to be filmed, which was no mean feat for the cameramen to keep up with the pace of play from a moving buggy!

The ball was driven off the first tee and players, placed on the fairway, hit the next shot(s) until the ball was on the green. Once the ball was in the hole a signal was given to the person waiting on the second tee, to tee off immediately. This method proceeded around the course in a relay format until the ball was finally putted into the hole on the 18th.

During the week before the actual attempt took place a practice run was organised over 5 holes (14 – 18), to allow the camera crew to have a very important dummy run to assess the accuracy of their timings and film crew positions. It was also a valuable exercise to give the players a feel for how the actual record attempt would play out. Those who took part found this practice run immensely useful and it was a surprise to everyone how enjoyable and exciting it was.

The team intended to only have 4 attempts on the day and everyone was briefed accordingly. The first attempt achieved a time of 15 mins 11 secs which was extremely encouraging. The second attempt was still promising at 15 min 15 secs with a third attempt missing out by only 7 seconds, coming in at 13 mins 49 secs. However, disaster struck when on the 4th, and supposed last attempt, breaking the record was missed by one agonising second! Everyone was starting to leave the course feeling hugely disappointed when the Captains made the decision to give it a last throw of the dice and rallied everyone together to go back out to their positions and give it one more shot. On the fifth and final attempt they smashed the record!

Alex Frith was the brave man who teed off on the first hole and the Captains sealed the deal by putting the ball in the hole on the 18th. A great achievement by all who took part and what a very memorable day for all.

The monies raised for the charities came to an amazing £2,785. The free raffle draw prize for the players who took part was a night in the suite at The Star Inn and was won by Pat Martin.

The sweep had 15 prizes in total with the main prize of a week’s holiday in the Four Season’s Country Club in Quinta da Lago, Portugal, kindly donated by Keith McEwan, being won by Samantha Quemby.

It was a momentous day and a great achievement by all those who took part, a proud moment for Rothley Park and a wonderful amount raised for the Captains’ charities.

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Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Film Presentations

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council is delighted to resume showing monthly films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall and over the next few months they’ve some gems to share.

Judy

will be shown on January 14th 2022 and lasts

118 minutes.

Judy Garland had a long and distinguished career on stage and screen, highlighted by playing Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz”. Our January film shows Renée Zellweger give the performance of her life in a powerful and moving portrayal of Judy’s last London tour, at the famous Talk of the Town. In playing Garland Zellweger won an Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress.

Nomadland will be shown on February 11th 2022 and lasts 108 minutes.

Winning three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress the drama Nomadland, featuring Frances McDormand, follows the story of Fern, who, after losing her husband and her house, takes to the road and to living in her rusty van. Chloe Zhang is the first Asian to become Best Director, as she encourages, in Fern, the enduring power of the human spirit.

1917 will be shown on March 11th.

Please note: we will be keeping the hall well ventilated and there will be room for us to space out. We would like to remain cautious at this point and make sure that everyone feels comfortable. Could we suggest that you wear face masks whilst moving around the hall? Once seated, we will leave the choice to you.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5, which includes a lucky prize draw during the interval. There may be refreshments. We ask you to pay for tickets in advance from Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619.

Leicester College declares support for

TACKLING CLIMATE EMERGENCY Leicester College is joining a growing number of universities and colleges in their commitment to the Race to Zero initiative, with the aim of reaching net zero status by 2030, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5oC. To support this pledge, Leicester College is working to the Climate Action Roadmap for Further Education (FE) Colleges, proposed by the Climate Commission and Nous Group. The roadmap is a framework based on best practice to help FE colleges reach net zero emissions and embed sustainability into their future plans, whilst encouraging a commitment to work to combat climate change amongst students, staff and stakeholders.

Sustainability is one of the core values in the College’s new strategic plan. As part of this objective, it has identified a series of priorities including the introduction of carbon literacy programmes for students, a review of the curriculum to identify opportunities to address sustainability and climate issues, as well as embedding sustainability within the students’ personal, social and development programmes.

Verity Hancock, Principal and CEO of Leicester College, said: “Climate change is arguably one of the most serious threats that the planet has ever faced. With a commitment to ensuring the welfare of our staff and student bodies, both now and in the future, Leicester College has declared its support for tackling the climate emergency and is committed to tackling this issue in whatever ways we can.

“We are proud to be working to the Climate Action Roadmap as a way to fulfil our responsibilities to alleviate the threat posed by the global environmental crisis. This is a major step forward which will be welcomed by the College community of students and staff.”

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At the heart of your community

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Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club The Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club is pleased to publish its Programme of Events for 2022, after two difficult years.

A great start to 2020 was sadly cut short as we became a casualty of the lockdown. Fourteen months later we slowly came out of our enforced hibernation with a successful Garden Social Event in May and we ended 2021 with five meetings, which included our delayed coach trip to the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show and a return to the village hall where quality visiting speakers informed and entertained us.

After this creditable end to 2021, given the current circumstances, we now have every reason to be optimistic for our 2022 Programme.

As such 2022 will start with a return to the Club by Steve Budding (ex-Brookside Nurseries) with the most intriguing of titles to his talk - “Sell my Spade! I Wouldn’t Dare”. One not to miss!

July sees our first outing of the year to the marvellous Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire, which is most certainly a place with much to see and do and in August we will welcome the renowned Jonathan Moseley with ‘The Cut Flower Garden’.

Once again, our list of speakers contains some top names, with subjects ranging from ‘Brightening up Shady’, ‘Propagation’, ‘Host[’, ‘The History of the Allotment’ and ‘Gard;ening with Ferns’.

We look forward to 2022 with what we would like to think is a lot to offer and welcome all new gardeners as well as the more experienced amongst you. Come along and give us a try!

The annual membership fee is still only £12 for visitors. Fees are on a pro rata basis after the first 3 months and, if you would like to come as a visitor and then you decide to join, your visitor fee will be refunded!!

So, if you are interested in gardening - come along and give the Club a try.

For more information, and for a copy of our eye-catching poster of the 2022 Programme of Events, please contact: Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758 - david.haddon20@ntlworld.com or Richard Elks (0116 236 8313) - cropston161@hotmail.co.uk.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 2022 12 January - Sell My Spade? I Wouldn’t Dare - Steve Budding 9 February - The Social History of the Allotment Twigs Way 9 March - Propagation - Philip Aubrey 13 April - Gardening with Ferns - Heather GodardKey (Preceded by short AGM) 11 May - Hostas - Robert Barlow 8 June - Dark and Desirable - Paul Green 8 July - Friday Club Outing - Waterperry Gardens 10 August - The Cut Flower Garden - Jonathan Moseley September - To Be Confirmed 12 October - Running a Nursery - Vince Edwards 9 November - Brighten Up the Shade - Jeanette Merilion 14 December - Festive Evening

Meetings start at 7.45pm on the second Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise stated).

Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston, LE7 7JA.

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE BRADGATE MAGAZINE CONTACT THE EDITOR FOR PRICES, DETAILS AND DEADLINES. editor@thebradgatemagazine. co.uk

07708 915779 36

At the heart of your community

In The Garden...With Joanne Kennedy Happy New Year To Everyone We are hoping for a brighter new year however, as I write this, Omicron has reared its ugly head. This again highlights how our gardens will be so important to us as places of retreat and solace.

Bringing The Inside Out We will continue to see a big emphasis on functional outdoor spaces that merge the inside with the outside.

Weather resistant, sofa-style furniture will continue to be popular with the focus on al fresco socialising and eating. Firepits and outdoor heating will keep us warm and extend our stays outside. Soft furnishings will be widely available, with outdoor cushions and rugs making spaces more homely. Gardens are moving away from the stark, straight lines we have seen in the last 10 years towards softer, circular and curvy designs. More natural materials are being used such as ceramics, glass, and textiles.

Peaceful Havens As outside problems continue to make life more challenging looking after our mental health remains so important, as such our gardens will continue to be havens. We will see an emphasis on making our garden places into peaceful retreats so why not look at creating different places for sitting – in the sun to get a fix of vitamin D (not for too long though!), in the shade for relaxing with a book/tablet or to just sit.

Make these places inviting with cushions, blankets and lighting. This will help you to relax and take you away from frazzled lives.

Recycling And Sustainability Increased use of recycled materials in garden furniture and natural materials such as wood (sourced sustainably) and linen will be more prominent. Up-cycling will be even more popular, making the most of old furniture to ensure they’re not going to waste. Jazz up existing furniture by giving it a new lick of paint – natural colours will be more prevalent such as terracotta, cream and nutmeg. Neutral palettes with greys are still popular. Make your borders more sustainable too by using plants that are less water-dependent such as Agastache, Salvias, Nepeta and Perovskia. These are also excellent for attracting insects and bees. Mulch your borders to help them retain moisture throughout the summer. Collect rainwater by installing a water butt. Peat is being phased out from 2024, both to allow for the protection/restoration of valuable peatlands and to reduce carbon emissions. Be ready for this by swapping now to alternatives such as New Horizon.

Grow Your Own Produce This trend continues to evolve with compact planters and large raised beds allowing anyone to easily grow their own vegetables.

Start off with salads such as spring onions and lettuce. Try beetroots and carrots which are suited to small spaces and containers.

Maximise space by growing peas and beans on wigwams. Use fresh herbs in your cooking - they are so easy to grow in pots close to your kitchen doors, or even in the kitchen itself. Ensure they’re easily accessible otherwise you won’t use them. Tasting your own grown produce is one of life’s pleasures.

I hope this has inspired you to consider making your garden your own peaceful haven and sanctuary. If you want any help or more advice, please feel free to get in touch.

Happy gardening!!!!!

Things to do in the garden in January and February: •

Continue to clear leaves from borders

• Ensure tender plants are wrapped or covered in fleece • Clean out greenhouses and sheds with disinfectant - this rids them of pests and diseases • Clean your tools with disinfectant • Sharpen tools such as secateurs, shears and lawn edging shears •

Request seed catalogues to help decide what annual

flowers and vegetables you would like to grow

Joanne

• Prune apple and pear trees

Contact me on 07739 153 516 or 01530 832670. through my website: www.gardenblueprints.net on Facebook: Garden Blueprints and Twitter: @GardenBluPrints.

• Plant bare-rooted hedges and trees

• Prune blackcurrant, gooseberry and redcurrant bushes

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