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Fancy Some Pickleball? @ Sileby Tennis Club

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland:

Stay Warm This Winter

DRIVE A STEAM TRAIN on the

Great Central Railway

Stones Hair

Top Tips for 2024 BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

JA N / FEB 2024

At the heart of your community

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community

GREETINGS Hello and welcome to the January/February edition of The Bradgate Magazine! Yes a January/February edition can only mean one thing, it’s a new year, its 2024!!! and this is where we all say, where has that last 12 months gone! …but the other thing on most people’s lips at this time of year is new year’s resolutions – get fitter, get stronger, do more of this and less of that – well we’re no different. Our thing this year is going to be yoga! Brilliant for body and mind, what more could you want from a new hobby, so in this issue we bring you a great article from Liforme (yoga mat market leaders!), on not only their fabulous customisable mats but the detail behind why yoga is so good for us all! In addition to this we’ve also got some great news from Steps Conductive Education Centre on their latest award success, a fantastic calendar of events from Loughborough Town Hall featuring comedy, drama, live music and theatre – Queenz anyone!? …and if the sentiment of “t’is the season to be giving” is still upon you consider perhaps how you could, with donations of your time or money (or both), support the likes of Sunrise Wellbeing and/or Syston and District Volunteer Centre. Or if contributing to medical science is your thing why not consider volunteering for some heart and brain health studies at Loughborough University! Any how...I’ll let you digest all of the above, yes, yes, over a cup of tea (as normal) but go ahead, treat yourself this edition, grab a biccy, and do enjoy the read!

Jo editor

March / April 2024 edition copy deadline: 2nd February 2024 To advertise contact the editor for prices, details and deadlines editor@thebradgatemagazine.co.uk or 07708 915779 www.thebradgatemagazine.co.uk

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.

“I l i k e the dr e a ms of the f utur e be tter th an th e h isto ry o f th e p ast.” – T h o m a s Je ff e r son

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

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

OLDER PEOPLE URGED TO ACCESS SUPPORT TO

STAY WARM THIS WINTER

Whilst temperatures plummet local charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has issued an urgent call for older people to access available support and services to help keep them warm and well this winter. New research for Age UK reveals that 60% of over 60s with a household income of £20k or less have recently cut back on heating or powering their homes in order to make ends meet. With annual household bills set to continue increasing in the new year, its inarguable that this will have a catastrophic effect on mental and physical health, particularly for older and vulnerable households. Staying warm and well this winter is of utmost importance as lower temperatures increase the risk of flu and other respiratory problems and can raise your blood pressure, which puts you at risk of a heart attack. The days may be sunny but the reality is it’s cold and people should take the necessary precautions to stay well including wearing several layers of clothing, covering any drafts in the home, staying active and eating and drinking well. Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has already seen a steep rise in calls, with many expressing their fears and concerns about the rising energy prices and having to make decisions surrounding prioritising heating or eating. As demand increases, they want people of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland to know they are here to listen, to give expert advice and to provide support whenever they, their family or someone they know needs it. Tony Donovan, Executive Director at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland said: “As we head into the winter months, the demand for our services rises and we expect that to be even more so this winter particularly due to the ongoing energy price increases where people are struggling to pay their bills or are fearful of turning on the heating at all. Winter can be hard and we want to encourage anyone who may be struggling to reach out and not be afraid to ask for help.” Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland can support with • A free home energy assessment to help reduce energy bills

• Identifying benefits entitlements to maximise income

• Providing a warm space to connect with others and enjoy a cuppa

• Companionship for those feeling lonely or isolated

If you’re unsure of the support you are looking for or simply just need some information and advice, please contact Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s Advice Line on 0116 299 2278 (9am - 1pm Monday – Thursday). For more information, please visit www.ageukleics.org.uk.

At the heart of your community

A l an t eac h e s li fe sa v i n g ski lls to More Than 5,000 People

Alan Harrison-White, a charity volunteer for the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) has devoted 10 years to providing vital lifesaving training to a staggering 5,000 people.

Chair of the JHMT Steve Humphries said: “This is a fantastic achievement and we’re so grateful to Alan for his commitment, dedication and determination over the

JHMT was set up in memory of Rothley teenager Joe

past 10 years in helping us get the message out there – that

Humphries, who collapsed and tragically died from SADS –

sudden cardiac death isn’t inevitable, it’s preventable!

sudden arrhythmic death syndrome – in October 2012, while out jogging.

“Each and every one of us can all have a positive impact on the shocking statistics around sudden heart death. The Trust’s

Since that time, the charity’s dedicated fundraisers, volunteers

work goes on across the city and county to make more people

and medical leads have worked tirelessly to increase the

aware of the symptoms of undiagnosed conditions like SADS,

number of public-access defibrillators available across both the

train more people in basic CPR lifesaving skills and place more

city and county. They have also worked to increase awareness

defibrillators in our communities.

of sudden heart deaths and – crucially – to ensure as many people as possible are trained in CPR and how to use a defibrillator. 57 year old retired cardiac nurse Alan from Mountsorrel chose to go into cardiac nursing as it was a field that particularly interested him. “I worked as a cardiac nurse for 25 years, 15 on the coronary care unit at Leicester General Hospital, and then at the LRI A&E department as a cardiac specialist nurse. “I started doing the CPR training for the charity in September 2013, when I trained members of the local community in Rothley. I really enjoy teaching these skills to people, as one day they may help them to save a life. “Since then I’ve delivered training at hundreds of sports clubs, community venues and schools at all levels...I can’t pinpoint exactly who the 5,000th person I trained was, but I know it was someone from Gateway Sixth form College in Leicester!” The JHMT lifesaving training sessions – which are all free – can

“Currently less than 10% of people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK, but with effective CPR and defibrillation within 3-5 minutes of collapse, survival rates can be as high as 50–70%.” Marcus Benjamin, Head of Student Experience at Gateway Sixth Form College, said: “Alan has continued the great work we have been doing for several years with Joe’s Trust and I am forever thankful to him and the Trust for their continued support. “Alan is an expert instructor, who always ensures all the students get both actively involved and correctly trained. All the students always come away saying what a great experience they have had.” To find out more about the JHMT, including how to book a training session for your sports club or community group, visit www.jhmt.org.uk

jhmt@jhmt.org.uk.

be arranged through the charity’s website www.jhmt.org.uk or via email at jhmt@jhmt.org.uk.

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community

Standing Ovation For

Local Shepshed charity Steps was recently (and anonymously) entered in to the Furnley House Leicestershire Community Champions Charity of the Year Awards and despite being up against up against stiff competition, they got through to the final eight. From there finalists were then invited to a presentation evening, hosted by representatives of the Furnley House Foundation. “A short video from each finalist was shown” offered Steps Manager, Natalie Roberts, “Then to our total surprise, we were announced as the winners, amid roaring applause and a standing ovation! Furnley House, a Financial Planning organisation - founded to help make financial planning more accessible to those who need it the most - established the Furnley House Foundation in June 2019, with the purpose of raising funds for deserving local charities. Over four years later the foundation has raised over £200,000. Lead practitioner at Steps, Indila Simandi was delighted to have won the award alongside receiving a fantastic cheque for £5,000. “Steps has been supporting children with motor developmental delays, and their families, for nearly thirty years. We offer a free and unique service following the principles of Conductive Education for children with conditions that cause motor impairments or delays. Steps caters for young children with cerebral palsy, chromosome differences or other conditions that affect the acquisition of motor skills. “Our goal is to develop the skills the children need to progress and maximise their potential. At the same time, we provide parents with the knowledge, confidence and resilience they need in order to understand how they can enhance the development of their child. We develop a special partnership with the children and their families.” The Shepshed charity does not receive any government funding and relies solely on donations to make up the £220,000 that is needed every year to pay for the running costs of the centre. “We are so incredibly proud to have been chosen as winners of the Community Champions Award 2023,” said Natalie. “We very much look forward to working with Furnley House during the coming year to help raise much-needed funds for Steps so that we can continue our life-changing work.” Steps has provided a free service since 1995 for babies and young children with motor development delays For more information please visit www.stepscentre.org.uk.

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, NEW YOGA MAT! Liforme Launches New Customiser,For A Mat As Unique As You The best yoga mat in the world just got your name on it! Yes, revolutionary yoga brand Liforme has just launched its first, fully customisable mat, Liforme x You. Your perfect mat can be customised from top to bottom using an online mat builder, allowing you to choose the colour and theme (as well as line design, side bars and reverse points)! You can also ‘sign’ your mat by choosing your own wording, font and colour to create a truly one off piece. The mats also feature Liforme’s intuitive, physiology based alignment design, which help to guide solo practice. Liforme founder, James Armitage says: “Over the years, our loyal customers have come to us with ideas and we’ve always listened to the incredible feedback we receive. But we thought the time was now right to put them in the driver’s seat. You pick the colours, theme, and guidelines you want and within a few short weeks you’ll have a unique mat, made especially for you.” Liforme has revolutionised the yoga world with its eco-friendly, best in class mats, after spending 5 years developing their GripForMe technology, using high quality, non-toxic and planet friendly materials, which maintain their grip event when ‘sweaty wet’ and represent a huge leap forward from the slippy, non-degradable plastic mats, which could take hundreds or even thousands of years to degrade. A patented waterproof barrier layer also prevents any moisture from making its way through the top surface and into the rubber base making it much more hygienic and easier to clean. Liforme products are designed by Yogis for Yogis and are sold in more than 180 countries. Regularly copied but never equalled, Liforme mats remain the best reviewed yoga mats of all time. To create your own design, head to www.liforme.com and follow the step by step process. But wait not yet into yoga? Wondering what all the fuss is about? Well, worry no more, Lifeforme are here to help with a brief introduction to the wonderful world of yoga!

The benegits of yoga The practice of yoga has numerous physical and mental benefits. Physically, doing yoga postures makes you stronger and more flexible, both of which are key factors in healthy ageing. Greater core strength, in particular, leads to improved balance. Learning about alignment improves body awareness and posture. Mindful movement and strengthening of the support muscles helps keep joints healthy and the full-body range of motion encouraged by yoga help counter the effects of too much time spent sitting at work or in cars. Many people who are active in other sports also find that yoga helps them avoid injury and improve performance. Yoga is also proven to reduce stress and anxiety, which are major contributors to mental health for many people. Additionally, doing yoga can give your brain a break from its constant activity, promote a growth mind-set, and increase your confidence. Doing yoga in group classes also connects you to a community, which can reduce feelings of isolation. Physiologically, moving your body and practising deep breathing helps to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, releasing the ‘rest and digest’ hormones that make you feel safe and protected. Movement is also your body’s outlet for processing the stress hormones that make you dysregulated and anxious. Mentally, the associated practices of breath control and meditation are proven tools for relaxation, helping many people who have trouble sleeping and reducing stress.

Is yoga right for you? Are you human? Then yes! Some people worry that they are not flexible enough, young enough, or thin enough to start yoga. But yoga really is for everyone because it’s an infinitely adaptable practice. The only people who can possibly take a pass on yoga are those who already have practices in their lives that give them the same mental and physical benefits. And even they might want to give it a shot.

At the heart of your community

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

ACTION-PACKED SPRING SEASON

At Loughborough Town Hall

Loughborough Town Hall is excited to announce its latest star-studded season of shows for this spring featuring some of the best talent the UK has to offer across comedy, live music and drama. First up and its comedy that takes centre-stage this New Year, with the stand-up genius of Russell Kane once again delighting audiences. Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn is also in the house, adding his hilarious clowning antics to proceedings. Whether it’s incredible live music from the likes of G4 and Trevor Nelson, the booming bass and bright lights of top-notch tribute bands, kids entertainment with Peppa Pig, musical theatre from Alice and Wonderland, or even the eccentric (and a little bit naughty) Queenz, there truly is something to suit all tastes at Loughborough Town Hall in 2024. Tickets are available now at the Loughborough Town Hall website.

Comedy

Live Music

This year is all about laughter and with Russell Kane’s

No Loughborough Town Hall line-up would be complete

HyperReactive Tour (24 May) headlining this season he’s sure

without some wonderful live music, and spring 2024 doesn’t

to have audiences rolling in the aisles. The regular TV face was

disappoint.

the Guardian’s Number One comedy performance in 2020, and is ready to have you roaring with laughter courtesy of his nonstop energetic style. Viggo Venn (25 February) the Norwegian clown and winner of 2023’s Britain’s Got Talent comes to Loughborough just before the weather breaks and is sure to cause a few side-stitches! His dream of becoming a British Comedian is well up and running!

G4 (19 April) are back with their 20th anniversary tour, celebrating a whirlwind career so far with a look back over their favourite and most popular songs. The UK’s number one vocal harmony group is definitely not one to miss! Radio and DJ superstar Trevor Nelson brings his Soul Nation tour to Loughborough on 25 May to have you dancing the night away to old school 80s, 90s and noughties soul sounds.

And not to forget Daniel O’Reilly (6 April), formerly Dapper

Tickets will be available two weeks before the night, so get this

Laughs, and the award-winning Sophie McCartney (pictured

one in your diary.

below) on 11 February to complete a top-drawer comedy lineup to rival any stage this coming spring.

The incredible tribute acts Loughborough has booked for spring might just be the best line-up yet! Mania: The ABBA Tribute (22-23 March), The Bon Jovi Experience (4 April), Pink Floyd Experience (5 April), and What’s Love Got To Do With It? - A Tribute to Tina Turner (27 April) are just some of the unbelievable acts belting out well-known classics in 2024. One of Ireland’s all-time acclaimed and influential traditional bands, The Fureys scratch that folk itch on 15 March, while Steve Harley’s music and stories from his stellar career can be heard on 21 April.

Musicals & Theatre Fans of stage shows and theatrical drama aren’t left out in spring either, with plenty for them to sink their teeth into this coming season. The Wizard of Oz (5-9 March) is presented by LAOS to kick off the season of drama, followed swiftly by the magical family musical of Alice in Wonderland on 26 March from the multiaward-nominated Immersion Theatre. Based on the 1980s screen sensation, Footloose the Musical will get audiences jumping and jiving on 9-13 April, while Beyond the Barricade brings the best of musical theatre songs to Loughborough Town Hall’s stage on 18 May as part of their 25th anniversary tour.

At the heart of your community

And if all that incredible entertainment wasn’t enough, audiences with little ones can look forward to Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out (1-2 March), with the beloved children’s character bursting out of the screen and into her new live show. Packed full of memorable songs, dance and muddy puddles, this show guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and is a perfect introduction to theatre. Last but by no means least we showcase the incredible and glamorous Queenz - The Show With Balls! (14 March), direct from their smash-hit run in the West End. The dazzling divas deliver a night of fun and fabulousness as they dance like Britney and sing like Whitney. Not to be missed! All this and so much more is to come from Loughborough Town Hall’s Spring 2024 season - we’ve only just scratched the surface here - so to find out more and discover your next favourite act visit:

www . loughboroughtownhall . co . uk / events

Neeps, Tatties, Bagpipes and a Wee Dram! LWA Burns Night Supper is BACK!

Living Without Abuse (LWA), a local domestic abuse and sexual violence charity, announce that tickets are now on sale for their Burns Night Fundraiser, Friday 26th January 2024. Join LWA for a sumptuous supper with live bagpiping plus neeps, tatties and haggis galore. Tickets may be purchased for this fun evening of Scottish tradition - including a wee dram thrown in for good measure and finishing with a ceilidh...(so bring your dancing shoes) - at £40 per head. The event will be held at the fabulous City Rooms in Leicester city centre. Along with the traditional Ode Tae A Haggis, a rendition of Tam O’Shanter and the traditional Toasts Tae the Bard of Ayr and to the Lassies, guests should come along if for no other reason than to hear piper Bill who has been piping in military tattoos and prestigious events across Europe for over 45 years. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the website: register.enthuse.com/ps/event/LWABurnsNightSupper2024 Emily Corrigan, Head of Fundraising: “This is truly an event not to be missed. We are looking forward to blowing away those postChristmas Blues and welcoming in 2024 with this fantastic fundraising evening.”

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

Trust the Experts HawleyandRodgers With the cost of living crisis, to save money many separated couples are choosing to do their own divorce. This has been made easier with the change to the no-fault divorce. But is it the best option? Whilst issuing the divorce yourself may be straight forward, not getting any legal advice could actually cost you more in the long run. Advice on when to apply for the final order, remarrying after divorce and most importantly, sorting out your finances will help give you a more secure future. Your thoughts may just be focussed on deciding what will happen to the family home, but you also need to make decisions about how savings and investments will be divided, claims against pensions and whether spousal maintenance is needed. Achieving a fair settlement is not easy and can have devastating consequences if you get it wrong. Even if you decide the settlement between you, if you don’t have a financial order that agreement is not binding and either of you can change your mind even after the divorce is final. Invest in the right legal guidance to ensure that your divorce is not only legally sound but also a cost-effective transition to a new chapter in your life.

At the heart of your community

MARKFIELD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP NEW YEAR PROGRAMME Tuesday 16th January - AGM and Social (at Markfield Library) *MEMBERS ONLY* This is our Annual General Meeting, social and buffet. This is for members only, and is a good opportunity for newly-joined members to get to know the group.

Tuesday 17th September - ‘Made In Leicester’ with Brian Johnson The three principal industries in Leicester were Boot and Shoe, Hosiery and Engineering. Many thousands were employed in these industries, particularly during and after the industrial revolution. By the 1950s Leicester was considered the second

Please call John Bowler 07976 752007 if you would like to

richest city in Europe, with its hosiery industry alone earning the

arrange to become a member before the AGM so we know

equivalent of over £100 million per year and accounting for a

catering numbers!

third of the country’s exports.

Tuesday 19th March - ‘Peppermint Billy’ with Gareth King

Many Leicester companies became household names during this

Gareth King came to talk to us in March 2023 and was most

time but what of them now, who is still standing and who is not?

entertaining, so we are very glad to be welcoming him back.

Many have weathered the storms of recent years and are still

The gruesome double murder case of the last man publicly

on the television, but not many people realise they have their

hanged in Leicester – a man known as Peppermint Billy – why was he known by that name? What were his crimes? Where was he hanged? Come and find out and be very entertained along the way! Tuesday 21st May - ‘Leicester Cathedral Revealed’ with Mathew Morris Leicester Cathedral’s construction of a new heritage learning centre in the Cathedral Gardens has revealed a fascinating snapshot of life in Leicester over the past 2,000 years. From a possible Roman shrine to a burial ground in use from the late Saxon period to the 19th century. In this talk, Mathew Morris from University of Leicester Archaeological Services will reveal the archaeology found during the recent ‘Leicester Cathedral Revealed’ project, what it tells us about the lives of the people of St Martin’s parish and its significance for Leicester.

performing well. Some are big names we regularly see advertised origins here in Leicester. Brian Johnson sheds the necessary light in a fascinating talk. Tuesday 19th November – ‘The Lillingstons Of Ulverscroft’ with Margaret Bowler and Laurence Lock The Lillingstons lived in Ulverscroft but made a significant contribution to Markfield village. Who were they? What is their connection to Markfield? What is the connection with Ulverscroft Manor? Why did they have a street (Lillingston Close) named after them in Markfield? Find out more on the 19th November! Annual membership is currently £8 for individuals and £14 for couples/families. This includes all the talks during the year, so no extra to pay. Non-members are asked to pay £3 on the door at each talk. Please note these fees are subject to change at the

Tuesday 16th July - Village Walk

AGM in January.

Join us for a walk of discovery, looking at the history of Markfield.

All meetings are at Markfield Methodist Church, Main Street

Further details available nearer the time.

(opposite The Green) at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

Loughborough Orchestra Concerto Loughborough Orchestra’s 22nd January concert will feature soloist, Claire Marsden, a young lady, who has recently been appointed as co-leader of the French Horns in the National Youth Orchestra. The programme features Richard Strauss Horn Concerto No. 1, Weber’s Der Freischutz Overture, Smetana’s Vlatava (from Ma Vlast) and the melodious Dvorák Symphony no. 8 and is conducted by is Trevor Lax. The concert starts at 7.30pm (until 9.30pm) with Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough the venue. Tickets are available through the Loughborough Orchestra website - www.loughboroughorchestra.org.uk - or on the door at £12 / Concessions £10 / Children £5. Emmanuel Church has some car parking but is close enough to the Town Centre for plenty of alternatives.

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

BADAS Exhibition Cheeky Charity Calendar hoping to raise thousands for Cancer Research UK

Local Cancer Research UK supporter, Liz Wells, from Sileby, with the support of family, friends, local businesses and retailers has produced a ‘Calendar Girls’ style calendar featuring men and women to raise money for Cancer Research UK. In the summer Liz co-ordinated a fun photo-shoot in a local farmer’s field and encouraged members of her family and friends to pose for some tasteful ‘calendar girls’ style photos which have been included in the calendar. Liz said: “Everyone who was brave enough to take part in this calendar has been touched by cancer. I wanted to produce something that would not only make people smile but would help raise much needed funds for Cancer Research UK, a charity I feel very passionate about.” “The calendar will be sold up until the beginning of February with 100% of the proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.” The Birstall and District Art Society 28th Annual Exhibition was a huge success - thanks to the artists, helpers and support from members of the public - receiving more than 150 visitors each day.

Becky Elphick, Relationship Manager at Cancer Research UK said: “Cancer is one of the world’s greatest health challenges. In the UK, 1 in 2 people, will get cancer in their lifetime, along with millions around the world. At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer

The exhibition, held on Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th

and our vision is to bring about a world where everyone can lead

November, featured paintings by 37 members of the society.

longer, better lives free from the fear of cancer.”

Judging in four categories took place on the evening of Friday

“Thankfully, we are beating cancer every day. Since Cancer

3rd November by professional artists and the winners are as follows:

Research UK was founded in 2002, cancer deaths have decreased by 16%. Over the last 50 years cancer survival in the

Category 1 – ‘Still life, abstract/experimental and flowers’ was

UK has doubled. In the 1970s just 1 in 4 people survived their

won by Pauline Brindley for her painting ‘Sunset, Rhossili’. This

disease. Today 2 in 4 survive.

was also selected for the Judges’ Best in Show and received the

“However, we need to go much further and much faster – and

Norman Simms trophy.

research offers us this opportunity. We hope to accelerate this

Category 2 – ‘Townscape, waterscape and coastal’ winner was

progress and see 3 in 4 people surviving this disease by 2034.”

Charlotte Stephenson for ‘Market Day’. Charlotte also received

The calendar costs just £10 with 100% of the proceeds going

the prize for Category 4 – ‘Landscape and gardens’ for her painting ‘Wanlip Trees’. The Category 3 – ‘Portraits, figures and animals’ winner was Rachael Powell for ‘Pondlife’ (pictured above). Highly commended was awarded to David Walmsley for ‘Embankment’ in Category 1 and for ‘The Tide Rises…the Tide Falls’ in Category 2. Highly commended in Category 3 went to Betty Chamberlain for ‘Shelly’ and in Category 4 to Fred Parrott for ‘Gate – Felley Priory’. The Junior prize was awarded to Krystin Spearey for ‘Angus’. BADAS are grateful to judges Debbie Bird, Maxine Dodd, Amanda Jackson and Tim Fisher, and to Cllr Robert Vincent, Chair of Birstall Parish Council for formally opening the exhibition and providing his support over the weekend. For more information on Birstall and District Art Society visit www.badas.uk.

At the heart of your community

to Cancer Research UK and can be purchased from Liz Wells at liz.crukfundraiser@yahoo.com, as well as courtesy of some local retailers and supermarkets.

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

FANCY SOME PICKLEBALL? A local tennis club has been awarded £1,300 through Charnwood Community Grants to promote and run pickleball classes. Sileby Tennis and Pickleball Club has recently converted a tennis court into three pickleball courts and has been promoting the game to residents across Charnwood. Pickleball is a paddle sport which can be played in both singles and doubles and is a mixture of tennis, table tennis and badminton. The sport is seen as being very inclusive for all ages. Sileby Tennis and Pickleball Club currently sees around 40 people using the pickleball courts each week with sessions running on Sunday and Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. Chairperson of Sileby Tennis Club, Nigel Peckover said: “We are proud to be promoting pickleball to the residents of Charnwood and it is great to see the fantastic reaction to the game.” You can find out more details about Sileby Tennis Club and their pickleball courts at clubspark.lta.org.uk/SilebyTennisClub. The Council offers a wide range of community grants to voluntary and community sector organisations across Charnwood. You can find out more about the Charnwood Community Grants which are on offer by visiting the Council’s website: www.charnwood.gov. uk/charnwoodgrants.

250th Successfully Fledged Osprey Chick

A Historic Milestone Achievement For Rutland Water’s Osprey Reintroduction Program Rutland Water Nature Reserve, home of the iconic Rutland

Between 1996 and 2001, 64 juveniles were collected from nests

Ospreys, has marked a major milestone after celebrating the

in Scotland to be released at Rutland Water. In 1999, we saw

historic success of the 250th successfully fledged osprey chick.

the return of the first of these translocated chicks and in 2001

Ospreys were once a common sight in Britain, but in 1847, a gamekeeper in Somerset shot one of the last breeding pairs in England, practically making ospreys regionally extinct. After 150 years of these birds being missing from our skies, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust partnered with Anglian Water and launched the Rutland Osprey Project, an ambitious reintroduction program to bring ospreys back to England.

the first osprey born in England for 150 years was welcomed. 22 years on, we are now celebrating the historic milestone of the 250th osprey chick successfully fledging, an astonishing achievement for the reintroduction program. At around six weeks old the birds are ringed - this is the only time they are handled; the coloured rings, known as Darvic rings, enable the birds to be identified and monitored; at just 7-8 weeks old they then leave for overwinter in Africa. Ospreys return to nest and breed in March, before migrating again around September. The Rutland Ospreys Future Fund is vital to ensure these beautiful creature’s ongoing success, with a goal of raising £25,000 to help protect them through conservation tasks and improvement works. If you can help please visit www.lrwt.org. uk/donate/osprey-25-appeal-donation-form to donate. There are other ways you can help too. You can get involved at Rutland Osprey Visitor Centre from spring, join one of their events, or take an osprey cruise. You can even get some hands-on experience by volunteering at Rutland Water.

Ospreys nest building, credit Ray Kilham

At the heart of your community

For

information

visit

www.lrwt.org.uk

Leicswildlife on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).

Ever wanted to drive a steam train?

Live the dream with incredible gifting experiences at Great Central Railway If you’re on the hunt for a special and unique gift for a loved

Simon Bracewell, Head of Marketing & Communications of the

one, look no further than Leicestershire’s Great Central Railway.

Great Central Railway said:

From train driving experiences and first-class dining to murder mysteries and afternoon tea – there’s something unique for everyone to enjoy, all year round. Perhaps the most unique in the offering is the ‘Drive a Loco’ experience. Embark on an adventure with this exclusive opportunity to take control of a steam locomotive, diesel locomotive or heritage railcar. Whether you’re a seasoned railway enthusiast or wanting to try your hand at something completely new, the Great

“Our Drive a Loco experience is one of the of the most unique gifts you can purchase and offers the opportunity for people to create the most wonderful memories. “Our line features double tracks, signals and stations, creating an environment straight from the pages of childhood dreams. It’s always a joy to see how people react when they’re at the controls and starting their journey for the first time!”

Central Railway Drive a Loco experience guarantees you a day

If your gift recipient prefers to sit back and enjoy the journey,

filled with memories to last a lifetime.

rather than driving the train themselves, there are plenty of other

There are a variety of packages available all of which include a

experiences that can be shared.

welcome briefing, lunch, guided tour of the Loco Works, a visit to

The First-Class Dining Train invites guests to step into a world

Loughborough’s Signal Box, a presentation certificate and if that’s

of vintage luxury on board Great Central Railway’s historic main

not enough, a 12-month membership of Friends of Great Central

line steam locomotives - why not enjoy a delicious multi-course

Mainline.

dinner with friends, family and loved ones as you’re whisked

Depending on the gift package selected, there’s also an

through the picturesque Leicestershire countryside?

opportunity for the driver to bring guests with them to share the

There are also specially themed experiences to enjoy, including

experience.

thrilling Murder Mystery evenings; indulgent Fish & Chip specials;

Choose from driving experiences in a Steam Locomotive, Steam Train, Heritage Diesel Locomotive, Heritage Diesel Train or Heritage Railcar. To find out more about the Drive a Loco experiences, please visit

afternoon tea and new for 2024, a Great Central Champagne Brunch! For further information and to book, please visit www.gcrailway. co.uk/first-class-dining-trains-2024.

www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-services/drive-a-loco.

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community

Thurcaston & Cropston

Local History Society

Donington Park is best known today for its motor racing circuit

tennis and skittles; they went on supervised walks around the

but few people may be aware that, during the First World War,

grounds, arranged lectures on a wide range of subjects, learned

it held the country’s main prisoner-of-war camp for captured

languages, performed music and practised various crafts. They

Germans of officer class. At the time, this was common

were even allowed to read British newspapers – except when

knowledge because the allegedly luxurious conditions at “the

withdrawn as a punishment – and they took great pleasure in

Palatial Prison” caused a scandal in the national newspapers so

plotting the course of the war on purposed maps.

for our Society’s last meeting we welcomed back Robin Jenkins – the former Keeper of the Leicestershire Record Office – to give us the facts behind “the headlines”.

The officers’ committee ran a shoe shop, tailor and barbers and until rationing was introduced later in the war, the ‘residents’ could use their salaries to buy a wide range of products from the Army & Navy Stores, including cigarettes, stationery and extra food and drink to accompany their meals. Even fine German wines were available - and cheaply - because British customers no longer bought them. They could also even send home for things! The security of the camp was always in doubt - not least when a fawn found its way inside the fences - and some prisoners did succeed in escaping however the final occupants left by more legitimate means in October 1919. A British propaganda film showing the camp is available to view on the website of the Imperial War Museum but much of what we know about the life and exploits of the inmates comes from memoirs later published by German officers.

It started in 1914 - as soon as war was declared steps were taken to intern German nationals living in this country. The Royal Navy also intercepted ships passing through the English Channel and detained all German men of fighting age, many of whom were returning from Germany’s overseas colonies. Initially they were held on the Isle of Wight but other accommodation was needed as the war progressed and more personnel were taken prisoner. The Government acquired Donington Hall as a suitable venue to house officer-class prisoners (it was available as its owner, the Earl of Moira was himself away fighting) and it was located sufficiently far from the sea to make it a difficult task to escape to the coast. £13,000 was spent on adapting the Hall, including the erection of three rings of perimeter fences (one electrified), watch towers, searchlights and a guard house. Officers held as PoWs were entitled to special treatment under

Our Society meets in Thurcaston Memorial Hall on the third Tuesday in January. Do look out for details of the 2024 programme of events on our website: www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk

Charnwood Orchestra NEW YEAR CONCERT

On Saturday 13th January at 7:30pm, Charnwood Orchestra will be performing their New Year concert which will include - Offenbach Orpheus in the Underworld Overture - Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite (Chinese Dance, Arabian Dance, Trepak &Waltz)

the forerunner of the Geneva Convention: they could not be

- Berlioz Dance of the Sylphides (from The Damnation of Faust)

forced to work but they were entitled to receive the salary of

- Delibes Mazurka from Coppelia

their corresponding British rank (direct from Germany) and were able to employ a servant (aka German privates and corporals). Questions were asked in Parliament about whether British officers were held in equivalent conditions in Germany and it was posited about the German PoWs: “Will they ever wish to

- Ponchielli Dance of the Hours Plus Viennese favourites from the Strauss family including The Blue Danube, Thunder and Lightning Polka, waltzes and the Radetzky March.

go home”! Unsurprising was the view considering that inmates

More details and ticket information can be found at www.

were able to take part in sports such as football, squash,

charnwoodorchestra.org.uk.

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

T hurcaston and C ropston G ardening C lub

2023, what a Good Year for the Gardening Club With 2023 having drawn to a close the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club can look back on a hugely successful 12 months. We bounced back very well from the ‘dark year’ of the Covid pandemic, and we can boast a large list of fully paid-up members which has yielded a marvellous Club night average attendance of 60. We have also continued to attract new members throughout the year. We offer a strong ‘Programme of Events’ with visiting speakers and outings but we have also successfully created a warm, friendly, relaxed atmosphere where everyone is made to feel

Ulverscroft Camera Club

Receives EM A Co m m u n ity G r an t

like an integral part of the Club. Throughout the year we welcomed a wide range of top-class speakers, some who have visited in the past and a good number of speakers visiting us for the first time. We also try to select a variety of topics so there is ‘something for everyone’. We also enjoyed two very successful Club outings. In July we visited RHS Garden Bridgewater and in September we visited Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge. For both of these outings we had full coaches (of over 50 members and guests) and both trips were seen as very successful. We now look forward to the ‘Programme of Events’ for 2024:

Ulverscroft Camera Club (UCC) are pleased to announce that they have been awarded a grant from the East Midlands Airport (EMA) community fund to allow them to upgrade their ageing equipment. The EMA fund awards grants to local clubs and charities, and in this case, the much needed funds has been used to pay for a new laptop. On learning about the award UCC’s chairman Malcolm Heaven was quick to thank everybody involved in securing the grant

Wednesday 10th January - My Life as a Garden Designer

for the club

Wednesday 14th February - All Year-Round Fruit and Vegetables

“The EMA community fund has been in existence for a number

Wednesday 13th March - The Joy of Gardening

of years, and we are delighted to receive a generous grant from

Wednesday 10th April - Bell Flowers

a funding body that provides financial support to worthy local

Wednesday 8th May - Over the Garden Wall – life inside a walled garden Wednesday 12th June - Plants of the Season Wednesday 10th July - Club Outing to Birmingham Botanical Gardens Wednesday 14th August - The Fragrant Garden

causes and charities. The new laptop has been set up with the necessary software to support club activities and is ready for the start of the new season. In that respect this timely award will be put to great use straight away.” Ulverscroft Camera Club, which meets fortnightly in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall, welcomes new members and offers a full and interesting programme with a mix of photographic learning,

Saturday 31st August - Annual Show

practical sessions and a sharing of members knowledge. The

Wednesday 11th September - Clematis and Other Climbers

new 2023-24 season has just begun and with it the Club goes

Wednesday 23rd October - Club Outing to Batsford Arboretum Wednesday 13th November - Secret Wildlife of my Garden Wednesday 11th December - Festive Evening New members and visitors are very welcome. The club is great value at only £15 for an annual membership and £3 for visitors. Meetings are held at the Thurcaston Memorial Hall at 7.45pm. For further information please contact: Dave Haddon 0116 235 9758 / david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks 0116 236 8313 / cropston161@hotmail.co.uk

At the heart of your community

from strength to strength with eight new members having attended the first two sessions. To find out more about UCC or how you can get involved email ulverscoft.info@gmail.com or visit ulverscroftcameraclub.com.

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community

Newtown Linford Gardening Club The ye ar ah e ad

Art Appreciation

We now look forward to our programme for 2024, about which

Know little or nothing about Art, Artists, works’ back-stories or

we are excited because we have secured some exceptional

the interpretation of art but know what you like? Then a new

speakers for our meetings.

group titled ‘Art Appreciation’ might be for you.

First up! We have two fantastic celebrity evenings arranged both

‘Art Appreciation’ will provide opportunities to explore the skill

of which involve gardeners we regularly see on the television, in Gardeners’ World. In March our guest will be Nick Bailey

and creativity of Art which many of us may take for granted or may not have considered at all. You will also discover what Art

who is regularly on the programme visiting gardens of interest

and Artists of their time were striving to convey.

and in October we will be delighted to again welcome back

On a visit to London and looking at the ‘Wallace Collection’

Adam Frost - he came to us a few years ago and was a very

I engaged in conversation with a Curator which was both

popular speaker - now he is seen more often on Gardeners’

enlightening and transformative. This random meeting led to

World and is tipped by many to take over when Monty Don

a new found understanding of the meaning embedded within

retires. These events are open to visitors from other clubs or to

a Dutch masterpiece. The clue(s) are in the detail provided you

people interested in seeing a television personality. We charge

understand how to look (and learn).

£15 to visitors and places can be secured by contacting the secretary. Another welcome returnee will be Arthur Parkinson who has developed a reputation for container gardening. We also have two visits arranged, one to the famous Dorothy Clive Garden, which is renowned for its spring display, and locally to Belgrave Hall which has a lovely garden not wellknown to the general public. Our full programme is: January 23rd - Harry Kelsey from Wildwater, talking about Garden Ponds February 27th - Samantha Hope from Hopes Garden March 26th - CELEBRITY EVENING WITH NICK BAILEY

Starting with mediaeval art the aim is to engage with a diverse

April 23rd - Howard Drury from Ashwood.

group of members with an ambition to explore how ‘the time’

May 28th - Visit to Dorothy Clive Garden

transformed Art...imagine the journey from Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic ‘The Last Supper’ to Andy Warhol’s ‘Campbell’s Soup

June 25th - Alan Dayman from Derry’s Nurseries - a plantfest,

Cans’ and a range of other genres in between.

July 23rd - Annual Summer Garden Party

All Art reflects society, significant events, opinion and feelings

August 27th - Visit to Belgrave Hall September 24th - Arthur Parkinson October 22nd - CELEBRITY EVENING WITH ADAM FROST

of their time. There may be terms like Baroque or Rococo but fear not this group will ‘hold your hand’ and provide an opportunity to explore for yourself the wonders of many and different Art styles whilst enjoying the achievement of added knowledge and satisfaction to have a new topic of conversation

December 10th - Annual Christmas Party

to share with others.

For further details contact the Club by email (32couling@gmail.

U3A is a collection of groups that run local and online member-

com) or by telephone (01530 242452) or please visit www.

led learning across the UK, in particular for those no longer in

newtownlinford,org.uk/gardening-club.

full time work.

Anne and David Couling

For more information and how to join Syston and District U3A

go to www.systonu3a.org.uk.

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

In The Garden... With Joanne Kennedy Happy New Year, I’m sure we have a great year of gardening to look forward to. Looking out over gloomy skies I think it’s important to have some colour in your garden to look at before the bulbs start offering us a show in spring. There are several plants that will provide that wow factor in winter. They are more subtle than the ‘blingy’ summer flowers but putting in some plants that offer structure will help you to keep colour throughout the year. The obvious place to start is with evergreen shrubs. In the summer they provide a foil for your splashes of colour and in winter they provide a backdrop of green and bronze - think choisya family with mid green leaves year-round (alongside a bonus of scented white flowers in May). Hollies are synonymous with winter and varieties such as Ilex x altaclerensis Golden King with its green and cream edges is one of the more subtle varieties as its not prickly like your common holly but you still get the traditional red berries. Mahonias can also be used at the

For inspiration there are gardens to visit that have special winter areas. I visited Cambridge botanical gardens a few years ago as they have a ‘Winter Garden’ and its shows you how to inject

back of a border for a splash of yellow throughout winter.

some colour into your garden even on the darkest of days.

Sarcococcas which are commonly known as Winter Box not

afield is the winter garden at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in

only have lovely small evergreen leaves all year round, but they also have wonderful, scented flowers at this time of year.

Others to visit are Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire. Further Hampshire, Dunham Massey, Manchester and the RHS gardens at Harlow Carr, Harrogate and RHS Wisley. Happy Gardening,

Joanne Things to do in the garden: • Continue to clear leaves from borders, be careful you’re not disturbing hibernating animals. • Ensure tender plants are wrapped or covered in fleece. • Clean out greenhouses and sheds with a disinfectant such as Jeyes fluid - this rids them of pests and diseases. Barks of trees also provide interest in the winter. Some of the best are Acer griseum (paperbark maple) and Prunus serrula with very shiny, smooth brown barks; Acer palmatum SangoKako, with its bright red stems, is fabulous and can be grown

• Clean your tools with a disinfectant. • Sharpen tools such as secateurs, shears and lawn edging shears.

happily in a pot - so ideal for a small garden; and a general

• Request seed catalogues to help you decide what

favourite is Betula (silver birch) with its white bark which stands

annual flowers and vegetables you would like to grow.

out on a dreary day, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Grayswood Ghost being one of the whitest. Plant cornus shrubs around the

• Prune apple and pear trees.

birch for a great splash of colour in one corner of your garden.

• Prune blackcurrant, gooseberry and redcurrant bushes.

Cornus shrubs are grown for their coloured stems in winter -

• Plant bare-rooted shrubs, hedges, and trees.

lime green, red, yellow and one called Cornus Winter Flame produces fantastic orange and red stems. We still have some perennials that flower in the winter. Hellebores for example come into their own with a show of white, pink, purple, lime green and yellow flowers...every garden should have a few of these!

At the heart of your community

If you need any help with planting or designing your garden please contact me on 07739 153516 or go to my new website:

www.gardenblueprints.net

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community

Charnwood Sports Awards

WINNERS ANNOUNCED Local sporting talent in Charnwood has been celebrated at an

The Joe Humphries Memorial award went to Ann and Jerry

awards ceremony.

Bullock who are the founders and organisers of weekly volunteer

The awards, organised by the borough council’s sport and

led well-being walks at Gorse Covert in Loughborough.

active recreation team, Active Charnwood, took place at

Cllr Liz Blackshaw, the Council’s lead member for communities,

Burleigh Court in Loughborough on Monday December 4th.

said: “A massive congratulations to all the winners and

Among the winners were 10-year-old twin sisters Katie and Emelia Corns (pictured), who represented the UK at this year’s World Dwarf Games in Cologne, Germany. Katie and Emelia won Junior Sportsperson of the Year after they participated in 11 sports, both individual and team, winning a staggering 17 medals between them. Paralympian Jonathan Broom-Edwards MBE, a Loughborough University graduate, won Senior Sportsperson of the Year after overcoming a hamstring injury to win gold at the Para Athletics World Championships in Paris. This year’s awards also saw Ashmount School in Loughborough pick-up the ‘Let’s Get Moving Wellbeing at Work’ award for encouraging staff to take part in a range of weekly sports and well-being clubs.

runners-up at this year’s Charnwood Sports Awards. They provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the borough’s sporting excellence and those who encourage our communities to stay active. It was an honour to hear about the hard work and dedication of all of the nominees this evening. “Thank you also goes to our partners and the organisations which have kindly supported this year’s awards.” This year’s awards were supported by Efficiency East Midlands (EEM), Active Together, Serco, Fusion Lifestyle, Loughborough College, Loughborough University, South Charnwood Schools Sport Partnership Network and idverde. Others winners include Loughborough Rugby Club (Club of the Year), Wenlo RDA Young Volunteers (Lets Get Moving Junior Ambassador of the Year), Joel Wolfe (Lets Get Moving School Sport Award), Nick Shaw (Outstanding Contribution to Sport

There was a total of nine categories including the Joe Humphries

Physical Activity & Health ) and Sanjit Sudarsan (Lets Get

Memorial Trust Special Recognition Award which recognises

Moving Senior Ambassador of the Year Award).

inspirational people or groups who have gone above and beyond and made outstanding achievements, in the face of adversity.

To keep up to date with the latest news from Active Charnwood please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk.

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

A hear t f e l t ap p e al f r om SUNRISE Wellbeing

Sunrise Wellbeing Therapy Centre opened in Anstey, Leicester in July 2020 to provide a hub for holistic, therapeutic support to children, young people

Adolescent Mental Health) services for anything up to 2 years. We have been the first port of call for many people who feel alone, helpless and unable to cope.

and adults of all ages. Our vision is to be able to provide a whole

As part of our commitment to work alongside these specialist

person approach to emotional and physical wellbeing through

services, we are working very hard to provide the best we can

1:1 sessions, group support and workshops. Our centre provides

to all, but we are noticing a steep rise in the cost of simply

a lovely, homely, safe environment for our therapists and clients.

running our business, specifically with increased staffing and

It is a community interest company, which means it exists to

office costs.

benefit the community rather than private shareholders.

We would be extremely grateful if you would consider making

With government funding cuts and increased waiting lists, the

a regular donation to our appeal to support us in meeting our

demand for our wellbeing services has been in huge demand.

rising costs and to enable us to sustain our valuable service.

As such, along with the increased financial overheads we must

We pride ourselves on supporting people of all ages in our

pay to sustain our essential service, we are launching our

Leicestershire community and are passionate about working

Stay Connected to Sunrise Appeal. This appeal will help us to

with other professionals and organisations, to also support the

continue to offer and grow our low-cost therapeutic service

people in their care to heal, recover, flourish and thrive.

to children, young people and adults, to support them during

We know that financially times are extremely tough for many of

difficult times.

us so any support or contribution to our fundraising would be

The number of enquiries and referrals received informs us that

greatly appreciated.

the impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health has

If you feel you are able to support us please contact our

been catastrophic, with adults and families in desperate need of support. Families reaching out to their GPs for mental health support are often left on waiting lists for NHS and CAMHS (Child and

Practice Administration Co-ordinator, Alison via alison.money@ sunrisewellbeing.co.uk to discuss opportunities. Sunrise Wellbeing, 46b Albian Street, Anstey, 0116 464 8087.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEED YOUR HELP! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> For the first time in its 40+ year history, the Syston and District

and the effects of the cost of living increases begin to bite.

Volunteer Centre is having to turn away urgent requests for

With the current panel of drivers working at full stretch, many

help because of a shortage of volunteer drivers. A waiting list

deserving cases are having to be turned away.

of over 40 local residents in urgent need of transport is growing on a daily basis.

Now that the summer months have passed, if you are looking for ways to fill your time otherwise spent on outside hobbies

Through its Social Car service, subsidised by County and

and interests, why not consider volunteering your services to

Borough grant support, the Centre is able to help the elderly,

help over the winter months when demand is as high, if not

disabled and isolated residents of Syston and neighbouring

higher, than the summer?

communities to sustain community and family ties and a measure of independence.

Any number of hours you can offer - on any irregular pattern of availability - will be warmly welcomed. Any necessary support

This vital service is almost totally dependent on a team of

and training will be given. Volunteers already involved speak of

volunteer drivers who can either use their own cars, in return

the deep sense of satisfaction and fulfilment their involvement

for a generous mileage allowance, or one of the Centre’s own

gives.

specially adapted vehicles.

The Centre is based at 18 School Street, Syston where Manager,

In a typical month (July 2023), the current panel of 20 drivers

Andy Shelton, will be happy to welcome you. He can be

gave 902 hours of volunteer commitment, clocking up 6,089

contacted on 0116 2607 888 or via info@syston-vc.org. The

miles, involving 830 separate journeys. Demand for the service

Centre’s website - www.syston-vc.org (currently undergoing a

is growing as a result of the withdrawal of rural bus services

re-design) - also provides further information.

At the heart of your community

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

Volunteers required for heart and brain health studies Our new study being conducted at Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, aims to explore if consuming novel milk fats can reduce future risk of heart disease and age-related cognitive decline. Disorders associated with obesity, including heart disease, are a significant contributor to death worldwide. Simultaneously, agerelated cognitive decline is a leading public health challenge. The heart and brain are closely interconnected. Our blood vessels become stiffer as they age; this can reduce blood flow to the brain, affect cognitive (brain) function, and increase dementia risk. Additionally, dementia is linked to the same risk factors that cause heart disease, including obesity, high cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, and unhealthy blood vessels. Thus, dietary approaches that have the potential to reduce dementia risk through improvements in heart and metabolic health need to be investigated. Cow’s milk contains unique, bioactive components called ‘complex milk lipids’ which are substantially reduced during the production of low-fat dairy foods. Studies indicate that complex milk lipids may lower ‘bad’ cholesterol. Further research is necessary to learn if these novel dairy fats have positive effects on such heart disease risk markers like blood vessel health and cognitive (brain) function. Therefore, we are interested in studying how this dairy fat affects the markers of heart and brain health, and we are inviting volunteers to take part.

Interested in taking part? We would like to invite healthy males and females aged 40 – 70 years to take part in this study. Our team are looking for participants who are:

• Classified as overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) within the range of 25-45 kg/m². If you are unsure if you meet these criteria, we would still like to hear from you as we can double check this in the laboratory

• Non-smokers and free from any heart, metabolic or neurological disease • Not diabetic or taking medication for cholesterol, blood pressure, or inflammatory conditions

And are willing to: • Consume ready-to-mix powder shakes twice daily • Commit to a 2 x 4-week study period

What will happen to me if I take part? • Attend a 45-minute screening visit • Participate in a 30-minute familiarisation visit • Attend four 2.5-hour study visits that include body composition measurements, blood sample collection, and non-invasive (painfree) assessments of heart health followed by computer-based tests measuring mood, anxiety, and cognition (brain function)

What are the possible benefits of taking part? • The knowledge gained from this study will help our research into the effects of dietary strategies aimed at reducing the risk of heart disease and cognitive impairment

• You will receive a small reimbursement for your time and participation Interested in finding out more about taking part? Please get in touch with Aisha Borkar at a.s.borkar@lboro.ac.uk or Dr. Oonagh Markey at O.Markey@lboro.ac.uk.

About the researcher: Aisha Borkar is a PhD researcher running this study at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University under the leadership of Dr. Oonagh Markey.

At the heart of your community

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Friday Night Films Chevalier will be shown on January 12th 2024 and lasts 107 minutes. Our film for the new year is an unusual period drama, telling the true story of composer, Joseph Bologne’s extraordinary life, rising through French society to become Chevalier de Saint-Georges. As well as an accomplished fencer and virtuoso violinist, Joseph was Colonel of Europe’s first Black regiment. He also fell madly in love with Marie Antoinette!

Living will be shown on February 9th 2024 and lasts 102 minutes. In our February British film, set in 1953, the multi award-winning actor, Bill Nighy, gives the performance of his career. He plays a veteran civil servant, stuck in an oppressive office routine. Mr Williams’ life is empty and meaningless until a shattering medical diagnosis forces him to turn his life into something wonderful. He finds new energy and sets about creating a legacy for the next generation. It is inspiring! COMING SOON on March 8th: Allelujah When the geriatric ward in a small Yorkshire hospital is threatened with closure, it fights back by galvanizing the local community. The hospital invites a news crew to film the preparations for a concert honouring its most distinguished nurse, played brilliantly by Jennifer Saunders. 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 and refreshments during the interval. You can pay for your tickets at the door (if there are any left), or buy in advance from: Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619.

Newtown Linford Choral Society is 25!! The Choral Society will be celebrating its 25th anniversary year, when the 70+ voices of its choir present a programme of wellknown classical and sacred music at Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough on Saturday 27th January, 2024. The choir, directed by Sue Ford, with accomplished soprano soloist Ella McNamee, will be accompanied by an orchestra. The music to be performed will be John Rutter’s Requiem, and other pieces including Midwinter (Bob Chilcott), The Snow (Elgar), Hallelujah Chorus (Handel), Ecce Novum (Gjeilo), Lullaby (Elder), and Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind (Rutter). Tickets at £14 for adults and £7 for under 18s and students in full time education, are available online via ticketsource. co.uk, by ringing 01530 243822 or on the door (subject to availability).

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community

MONDAY CLUB Cropston & Thurcaston Upcoming Events

Monday 4th December was the date for our final event of 2023, with members and their guests gathering on this

Regular indoor meetings are held in Woodhouse Eaves Village

occasion at Lingdale Golf Club, Woodhouse Eaves, to enjoy a

Hall on the second Wednesday every month until May 2024,

delicious festive meal in good company and in very pleasant

starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £3 for LRWT members, £3.50

and hospitable surroundings.

for visitors, children free.

Our thanks to Diane and David Rouse for having coordinated

Wednesday 10th January 2024

all the arrangements.

Honduras – Biodiversity Hotspot with Kate Moore

We look forward now to an interesting programme of meetings

The cloud forest of Cusuco National Park in Honduras is ranked

for 2024, which for the first six months are as follows:

as 1 of the 50 most irreplaceable biodiversity sites in the world.

Monday 8th January - Speaker: Peter Coombs – Antiques

A large team of biologists and students undertake a research expedition to Cusuco, care of ‘Operation Wallacia’ annually.

from the Bottom of a Box

Kate was fortunate to be part of the bird team in 2023. This

Peter will bring some items for him to talk about, but he

presentation will describe some of her wildlife encounters with

would very much like his audience to bring their own items for

hummingbirds, venomous snakes, moon moths, vampire bats

inclusion in the discussion. Please though, no china or glass

and much more!

because these are not Peter’s area of expertise, and as he says

Wednesday 14th February 2024 Joint meeting with Loughborough Naturalists Club

Why and How We Restored Red Kites Across Britain with Mike Pienowski Dr Mike Pienkowski chaired the Red Kite Project Team from

“they break too easily”! Monday 12th February - A.G.M. & Speaker: Tim Marren – The Peter le Marchant Trust Monday 11th March - Speakers: Dorinda & Paul Webster – The Ark, Dinosaurs and a Hurricane

its establishment in the 1980s to 1995. In 2020, looking back

Monday April 8th - Speaker: Mrs Bead Roberts – Do You

over more than 30 years of the project, RSPB described it as

Want to Write?

‘the biggest species success story in UK conservation history!’ This talk will cover some aspects of the project (more are covered in the well-reviewed book which Mike published in 2023, copies of which will be available on the night (for sale by cash or card). If wished, the author will sign copies).

Friday 3rd May - Narrow boat outing booked with the Peter le Marchant Trust Monday 10th June - To be confirmed The Monday Club is a ladies’ social group and meetings are

Wednesday 13th March 2024

held on the second Monday of the month, unless notified

AGM followed by A Birdwatching Squaddie! with Dave Foley

otherwise. Men are welcome to attend as visitors.

How going on Army exercises led Dave Foley into Birdwatching!

We meet from 2.15pm to 4.15pm in the Schoolroom at

A short talk about the wonderful birds seen whist visiting

the rear of Cropston Evangelical Free Church, Station Road,

foreign climes in the Army!

Cropston, LE7 7HD.

Wednesday 10th April 2024

Annual subscriptions are due in January and remain at £13

Celebrating The Origins Of Animals Life: Building a UNESCO Global Geopark In Charnwood Forest with Dr

per person.

Jack Matthews Charnwood Forest, is home to a number of working and historic quarries whose lithologies have shaped the built environment of the UK for more than 2,000 years. This presentation will outline

The members’ monthly entrance fee is £2 per person and the charge for visitors is £4 per meeting. It is hoped that the full programme of meetings for 2024 will be available by the 8th January.

the internationally significant geo-diversity of Charnwood Forest

New members and visitors will be assured of a warm welcome

- including the outstanding ancient fossils - and the ways it

from Mrs Jennifer Kennington (Club Leader/Secretary).

has shaped the landscape, communities and people of Britain’s ‘unexpected upland’.

For further information, please contact:

For more information visit www.lrwt.org.uk.

Mrs Maja Tompkins on 07709 201881

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community

BRADGATE JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

At the heart of your community