The Bradgate Magazine - November 2023

THE

BRADGATE MAG A Z I N E

Could you Foster?

FOR

Canine Partners

Expression of Freedom an exhibition

Strictly Is Back in Birstall!

BRADGATE NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023

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N O V / DEC 2023

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At the heart of your community

BRADGATE NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023

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At the heart of your community

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At the heart of your community

GREETINGS Hello and welcome to the November/December edition of The Bradgate Magazine.

Its nearing that time of year again, the one that begins with C, that period that brings delight and carnage in equal measure… especially if you’ve two children under the age of 7! Yes, that’s right Christmas is just around the corner. Those of us that are organised will have got the festive food on order and the family’s gifts bought, wrapped and secretly stowed already, for the rest of us however thankfully The Bradgate Magazine is here to help!

How you ask? Well, flick through our pages and not only are there gift ideas aplenty, but there’s dining options, things to do and festive events to get you in the mood – think dinner and drinks at The Bradgate in Newtown Linford or The Manor House in Quorn!

Not yet got your Turkey? Don’t worry Winterton Butchers in Mountsorrel have you covered! Not yet got your Tree? Yikes! Never fear Rothley’s Woodcock Farm Shop is here! How about perusing the widest range of Christmas gifts known to human-kind? Then get to the Festive Gift Fair in Birmingham – skip to page 17 for our brilliant ticket giveaway! Or for more local options there’s Bawdon Lodge Farm in Loughborough, the JHMT Christmas Fair in Mountsorrel, St. Paul’s Church Christmas Bazaar in Woodhouse Eaves and don’t forget Cathy Stephens Jewellery in Groby – their Christmas Show starts November 22nd! ...and if that’s not enough well the Ashby Santa Fun Run (or Walk) is always a brilliant event (and sight), much fun is to be had at Loughborough’s historic annual Fair, and for top notch panto, Peter Pan at Loughborough Town Hall should make everyone’s hit list.

Which just leaves us with enough space to wish all our advertisers, contributors and readers alike a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! See you in 2024 everyone!

Jo, Nena & Sue

January / February 2024 edition copy deadline: 1st December 2023 To advertise contact the editor for prices, details and deadlines

editor, designer and sales

editor@thebradgatemagazine.co.uk or 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.

PS

“Ch r i st ma s, to me , is a s ma ny pe ople as p o ssib le h ap p y.”

– Tu p ac Sha kur

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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.

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Join the Charity fun run, Mental Elf For Mental Health Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Mind (LLR Mind) are hosting their first Mental Elf fun run in Victoria Park in Leicester on Sunday 3rd December. Suitable for all ages and abilities, whether you run, walk or dance your way around the park course, it’s all about having fun together and raising funds and awareness for better mental health.

LLR Mind are passionate about providing the best mental health support and services for our local communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. With 1 in 4 of us experiencing poor mental health LLR Mind are looking to raise awareness of mental health issues and increase their services so they can offer support to everyone who needs it.

Mental Elf is a way of bringing our community together, opening up conversations about mental health, all whilst having fun in the process. So why not join in the fun and purchase your tickets via the link bit.ly/3Z9AQCg. In addition, if you are a local business who’s interested in supporting LLR Mind please contact them at info@llrmind.org to discuss the sponsorship packages available for Mental Elf 2023. To find out more about LLR Mind visit www.llrmind.org.

Community Heroes celebrated People in Charnwood have been thanked for their work in the community at this year’s Charnwood Community Heroes awards.

Charnwood Borough Council celebrated the positive contributions of nominees at an awards ceremony at John Storer House in Loughborough on Saturday September 30th.

Across the 46 nominations, there were great examples of how people have helped their communities in the borough. Nominees had supported their neighbours, help run organisations such as food banks and youth clubs and committed their time to fundraising and supporting vulnerable members of the community.

For more details on the nominations and the great work they have been doing visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/heroes.

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At the heart of your community

Living Without Abuse Charity

Expr e s s i o n O f Fre e d om – A n E x h i bi t io n Living Without Abuse (LWA) announces a striking, emotional, interactive expo experience Working with Leicester County and City Council LWA are managing the 2023 Domestic Abuse Arts Exhibition and Workshops, and in doing so are building on the Expression of Freedom exhibitions which took place in 2021 and 2022. The exhibition will take place during the 16 days of action against domestic violence from 25th November to 10th December in High Cross, Leicester City centre and at Charnwood Arts gallery, Loughborough plus Coalville CAN gallery, Coalville.

Working with local artists and organisations including Panahghar, Jenkins Centre and Zinthiya Trust plus De Montfort University students, LWA will stage a series of workshops for local survivors of domestic abuse. The aim is to support survivors through the healing power of art/enable selfexpression, raise awareness of domestic abuse and ultimately raise funds.

Running in parallel with the expo will be an interactive programme of events including workshops, poetry readings, performance art and discussion panels.

Emily Corrigan, Head of Fundraising at LWA notes: “The project will benefit: domestic abuse survivors through the healing and therapeutic impact of the arts; families, friends and colleagues of domestic abuse survivors who are affected by the emotional and mental wellbeing of someone who has experienced the trauma of domestic abuse; practitioners and staff in support organisations; plus the general public who by visiting the exhibitions will increase their awareness and understanding of domestic abuse and sexual violence.”

THE COMPASS PROJECT The Compass project is a partnership between Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA), Living Without Abuse (Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland), RISE (Brighton and Hove) and Money Advice Plus.

It explores how best practices in coordinated community responses to economic abuse can increase economic safety for victimsurvivors of domestic abuse.

Economic abuse rarely takes place on its own. Abusers often use economic abuse alongside forms of domestic abuse, such as physical abuse and psychological abuse. Women who access specialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) services, such as refuges or domestic abuse advocates, report experiencing high levels of economic abuse.

Victim-survivor: “I had not consciously realised that economic abuse was taking place…I was so focused on trying to protect myself from physical harm and keep my family safe that I only became aware of the economic abuse and the extent of it once I had left.”

No single organisation or agency has a full picture of the abuse a victim-survivor experiences. The scale and impact of economic abuse means that agencies across many sectors need to take steps to address it. This goes far beyond statutory agencies and charities, and includes financial services, money and debt advice services and the family court system. The Compass project aims to foster greater coordination between different organisations and agencies to work effectively together to: • keep survivors safe • hold abusers accountable • rebuild economic stability after abuse SEA is leading the 18-month pilot project, funded by Smallwood Trust, and is working with partners in the women’s sector in two localities: Living Without Abuse in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and RISE in Brighton and Hove. Through this pilot it is hoped local insight into the need and response to economic abuse will be gained so a model of economic advocacy to support victimsurvivors can be replicated in other areas.

The project is working to identify funders to enable this vital work to continue long term. If you can help or to find out more about the Compass project please contact the Project Coordinator at info@survivingeconomicabuse.org.

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LEICESTER ASSOCIATION

A view over Wimpole Estate in autumn | © National Trust/Justin Minns

Most National Trust staff work at a building that is open to the public on a regular basis or in a regional office or at the head office in Swindon. However there is a small group of staff that are farm workers at a small number of properties with working farms.

Archaeological evidence shows that the Wimpole Estate west of Cambridge has been farmed for almost 2,000 years. Today the Home Farm is the Trust’s only in-hand lowland arable farm, trialling new methods and techniques at the same time as supplying organic produce. The 1,000 acre organic arable farm produces wheat, rye, oats and barley and promotes wildlife at the same time.

Home Farm is also one of the UK’s largest rare breed centres with a key conservation role. There are White Park cattle and traditional Longhorns in the farmyard as well as miniature Shetland ponies, Sandy and Black pigs, small black and white Bagot goats and rare breed sheep all on view in the park or paddocks. In addition there are also donkeys, geese and rabbits. Also not to be missed are the five magnificent Shire horses. For centuries the breed have worked the land but they are now on the “at risk” register with less than 1,500 breeding females left in the world.

On the Shugborough Estate near Rugely the fields on the estate and the farm yard are also full of animals. Visitors can see Longhorn cattle, Southdown sheep, Red and White Dorkings chickens, Tamworth pigs, rabbits and goats. Whilst in the farm yard you can get up close to the animals including a small number that roam free.

Both farms were designed as “model farms” at a time when farming was becoming more scientific. Wimpole estate farm was designed in 1790 and Shugborough in 1806. Both estates are currently open to the public but all visits need to be booked in advance via the NT website or by telephoning 0344 2491897.

All NT farms work to the RSPCA’s “Assured” animal welfare standards.

Please check the Association web site - www.www.leicesternt.com - for updates, including details regarding Stoneywell Cottage. The Association also runs an extensive second hand book stall with good quality paper backs at 50p and hardbacks at £1. Please call 0116 2229133 to arrange to view the books.

Alan Tyler | Publicity Officer NT Leicester Association BRADGATE NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023

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Midlands-based Fosterers needed

to help look after life-transforming assistance dogs in training

Loughborough-based national charity, Canine Partners, is looking for volunteer Fosterers who want to take on a rewarding challenge.

The charity needs Fosterers to care for future assistance dogs, including a dog in training living in each Fosterer’s home full-time for approximately 17 weeks.

Fosterers need to live within a 30-minute drive of the charity’s National Training Centre near Osgathorpe, Leicestershire, and, ideally, be able to transport= the dog to and from the training centre when required.

Canine Partners trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of disabled people, boosting their confidence and independence.

The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and fetching items, opening doors and undressing a person. They can even help to unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency.

Mark, who has been fostering for the charity since 2021, looks after one of the charity’s assistance dogs in training until they are matched with a disabled person.

“We heard about Canine Partners and the amazing work they do training assistance dogs that will go on to support disabled people. It was clear that they were a great charity that we could support, and the prospect of having a dog in our house was an added bonus!” says Mark, who has fostered four dogs for Canine Partners.

Fosterers provide a vital role by offering loving homes to the charity’s dogs, helping the Advanced Training Team develop the skills and behaviour each dog needs to learn before being partnered as a life-changing canine partner assistance dog with an applicant on the waiting list.

“If you are thinking of becoming a volunteer I can heartily recommend it. Canine Partners is a great organisation and they provide lots of support for new volunteers. The Advanced Trainers are on hand to give you plenty of advice and tips for helping your dog get ready for their role as an assistance dog.

“It’s very rewarding and fun to have a dog around the house, to see them develop and learn a whole range of new skills, knowing that they will go on to use these skills to help a disabled person” says Mark.

All food, medical treatment and equipment such as beds and toys are provided to the Fosterer for the duration that the assistance dog is in their care.

To find out more about becoming a Fosterer for Canine Partners, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/foster, call 03456 580480 or email volunteer@caninepartners.org.uk.

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At the heart of your community

Come along for the ride

at Loughborough Fair There will be fun and laughter as Loughborough Fair returns

will also be closed from the afternoon of Tuesday, November

to the town in November. The historic spectacle, operated by

7th.

Charnwood Borough Council, will take place from Wednesday, November 8th to Saturday, November 11th.

The Beehive Lane multi-storey car park and Southfield Road car parks are available during the hours of the fair. Southfield

Fairs have been held in Loughborough for centuries - the first

offices car park will also be open to the public outside of the

official Charter being granted to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh

Council’s opening times.

le Despencer, in 1221 by King Henry III - as such this November will represent the staggering 802nd year the Loughborough Fair has taken place, with thousands of visitors expected to attend.

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “It is fantastic to be welcoming everyone back to Loughborough for the annual fair, from the showmen to residents, families and visitors into Charnwood.

“The fair is always a joyous week and I look forward to seeing all

The layout to this year’s Loughborough Fair will be altered slightly due to the scaffolding outside HSBC (following a fire in the town centre) but this will not affect the number or types of rides that will be on offer to visitors.

The Council will work closely with partners including the police and will have stewards on patrol during the fair to make sure everyone enjoys the event safely.

The opening times for Loughborough Fair 2023 are:

of the visitors to Loughborough enjoying the rides, attractions

• Wednesday, November 8th – 6pm until 11pm

and food and also supporting our local businesses within the

• Thursday, November 9th – 12pm until 11pm

town centre.”

• Friday, November 10th – 11am until 11pm

Loughborough Fair will be opened on Wednesday, November

• Saturday, November 11th – 11am until 11pm

8th at 6pm by the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Margaret Smidowicz who will read the official fair proclamation.

You can find out more details about the Fair on the Council’s dedicated web-page - www.charnwood.gov.uk/fairs - or to

Granby Street car park will be closed from the afternoon of

keep up to date with all the latest news on Loughborough Fair

Monday, November 6th due to the area being used for rides

and other events why not sign up to the Council’s email alerts

and attractions. The car parks at Ward’s End and Bedford Square

via www.charnwood.gov.uk/email_alerts.

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At the heart of your community

THE BIGGEST AND MOST LIVELY INDOOR CHRISTMAS

SHOPPING FAIR IN THE HEART OF THE COUNTRY IS BACK!

FABULOUS BARGAINS, GREAT MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT AND SO MUCH CHOICE! Be inspired and get your festive preparations off to a flying start

Join us with your friends and family for an inspiring and fun-filled

at the ever-popular 4-day FESTIVE GIFT FAIR this November.

day (or days!) CHRISTMAS SHOPPING at the FESTIVE GIFT FAIR.

Now in its 27th year, the Fair remains one of the most popular

Tickets are available at www.festivegiftfair.co.uk.

Christmas Shopping events in the UK and for very good reason!

Offering great value advance adult tickets are available from

The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful, eclectic

just £7 (plus transaction fee). Or why not take advantage of the

mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, festive food and

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER – ‘Buy 3 and get 1 FREE’ on advance

drink and great Christmas decorations for your home and

Thursday/Friday adult full day tickets.

garden.

325+ stalls all in one hall, with clever gift ideas for every age and taste, oh, and did we mention, there will be Special Show Offers available!

In addition, the Fair’s festive atmosphere is always fantastic! You

The FESTIVE GIFT FAIR is open daily 09.30 – 17.00 Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th November at NEC, Birmingham.

For a complete list of stall-holders, the entertainment programme and all relevant visitor information, please visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk.

can enjoy being entertained by the Grinch...no doubt up to his usual antics; watch out for Father Christmas and his amazing sleigh or simply, whilst browsing the stalls, let live music get you into that Christmassy mood...jazz stilt walkers, ‘legging’ it up the aisles all included!

Make sure you visit the popular Festive Food & Drink area too where you’ll find tempting stalls selling everything from cheese to chutneys, spices to spirits, puddings to preserves, chocolates to champagne, beers to brownies and hampers to hog roasts!

TICKET GIVEAWAY To be in with a chance of winning one of 5 PAIRS OF TICKETS please answer this question - Which city is hosting the FESTIVE GIFT FAIR? - then simply email us at editor@ thebradgatemagazine.co.uk with your answer by noon on Wednesday 8th November along with your name and address

MORE THAN JUST A SHOPPING TRIP, IT’S THE START OF

and if you’re one of our lucky winners we will let you know by

CHRISTMAS!

email and post out your tickets the very next day!

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MONDAY CLUB Cropston & Thurcaston

The Story of Odette, Special Operations Executive Our speaker, Mr. Derek Holloway, offered attendees a fascinating insight into the life and times of Odette Sansom, née Brailly, also known as Odette Churchill and Odette Hallowes, and code named Lise, who was an agent for the UK’s clandestine Special Operations Executive (SOE) in France during the Second World War. Born in Amiens, France in 1912, as a child Odette had many illnesses including polio, and spent two years almost blind, but she was an obstinate and determined girl and overcame all such challenges.

In 1931 Odette married an Englishman, Patrick Sansom, and they had three daughters. When war broke out in 1939 Patrick went into the Army, and arranged for the family to move from London to Somerset so as to shield from the bombing.

In 1942 the Admiralty appealed for people to send in photographs of France and in particular the coast. Odette obliged, with a note saying she spoke fluent French and knew the area around Boulogne very well.

The letter ended up at the War Office and came to the attention of the head of the SOE, Colonel Maurice Buckmaster. Odette was persauded to join the SOE, and her daughters were placed in a convent school. Her cover was that of a nurse, although she was actually trained in sabotage, espionage and reconnaissance at Beaulieu in the New Forest. In 1942 Odette was sent by boat to Cassis in France to help establish a safe house for airmen. She was armed with a secret radio in order to contact the Resistance.

Odette later met British intelligence officer, Peter Churchill. His group, known as Spindle, sent information back to Britain about the Germans. Odette became a courier for the group and in 1943 they left Marseilles (an area governed by the Gestapo) for the French Alps. Members of the Resistance would often visit them, and a man claiming to be a French Colonel called Henri, but who was in fact Hugo Bleicher, a loyal German ‘spy-hunter’, brought the Gestapo to arrest Odette and Churchill in April 1943.

Odette and Churchill had decided to pretend that they were married to each other, and that Peter was a relative of the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. The story was convincing so Peter was sent to Sachsenhausen, a kind of elite prison for important prisoners. Odette meanwhile was sent to the notorious Fresnes prison in Paris, where she was interrogated and tortured by the Gestapo but she was defiant and would not talk. She was later sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp, near Berlin, to a block where prisoners were severely treated and starved. Odette was kept in a punishment block, on a starvation diet and barely survived.

In 1945, with events moving in favour of the Allies, Ravensbruck Commandant Fritz Suhren in surrendering decided to use Odette and her ‘connections’ to Churchill to try and negotiate his safe passage. It failed to work, Odette removing his pistol in one further act of resilience; later, when the war ended Odette was able to testify against him and he was hanged in 1950 for his crimes.

Odette returned to England and eventually divorced her first husband, marrying Peter Churchill in London in 1947. They settled in France, where he worked as an estate agent however they divorced in 1955; she married her last husband, Geoffrey Hallowes, the following year (he had also been a member of the SOE, albeit in a different branch).

Odette received several national honours including the George Cross, she also became a celebrity and travelled around Britain, giving inspirational talks to eager audiences. In 1951 her George Cross was stolen during a burglary, and after a public appeal the burglar sent it back, with an apology! In 1955 she co-founded the Women of the Year Lunch, and encouraged women to play their full part in society. Keeping very active supporting different charities for the rest of her life, Odette lived until 1995 and was buried in Waltham-on-Thames. Besides the famous 1950 film about her exploits, featuring Anna Neagle, her memory was later honoured with a stamp, whilst a locomotive was also named after her.

Our meetings are held at Cropston Evangelical Free Church on the second Monday of each month (at 2.15pm). On 13th November Mr Peter Savage will delight us with “Do You Remember?” (Part II), where we will look forward to reliving some happy memories from our younger years. For members and their families, there will be a pre-Christmas meal on 4th December at Lingdale Golf Club.

Membership for a year is currently £13, with an entrance fee of £2 (£4 for visitors), to include tea/coffee and biscuits or cake. New members and visitors are most welcome to meetings at the Church Room – just turn up on the day. Details of our next year’s activities will be published very soon.

Mrs Maja Tompkins | Contact mobile 07709 201881.

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Small grants up to £500 to help young people, aged 13 to 21 years old, fulfil their potential The Inspire Awards have been designed to inspire young people in fulfilling their potential and developing their talents; the awards are a part of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust’s (JHMT) long-term charitable aim to make a difference through Joe’s legacy.

The awards can provide a financial contribution and/or practical advice and support towards helping young people flourish across a wide variety of community, sporting and creative arts activities.

The awards are open to young people who live in Leicester or Leicestershire. To be eligible you need to be: • Preparing or training for a competition in a significant sporting activity, recognised by the Trust or • Pursuing a project to benefit your local community, or • An artist or musician looking to develop your talent Who can apply?

Young people aged 13 – 21, who live permanently in Leicester or Leicestershire. To apply, simply complete an online application form.

If you require any further information regarding the awards please visit jhmt.org.uk/inspire-awards or for assistance in completing your application form please contact JHMT at inspire@jhmt.org.uk.

The JHMT has been set up to break the “silence” on Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), to create a new generation of young lifesavers and to inspire young people. The Trust was set up after the tragic loss of Joe Humphries, aged 14, who died while out jogging with his friend in October 2012.

LWA Strictly is BACK AND MORE HOTLY CONTESTED THAN EVER!!

Living Without Abuse (LWA), a local domestic abuse and sexual violence charity, are excited to host their annual Strictly Come Dancing competition on Saturday 11th November at The Cedars Academy, Birstall. Each year 12 local individuals volunteer to take part with 6 experienced/ professional dancers partnering 6 complete novices.

As well as the competition there will be a show dance, raffle, bar and refreshments. Tickets are only £10 for what promises to be one of the most entertaining evenings in Leicestershire this year! The audience will be treated to Jive, Rock n Roll, Paso Doble, Cha Cha, Rumba and more.

Who will lift the coveted LWA Glitterball Trophy on the night? Come and join us to find out.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting lwa.enthuse.com/cf/lwa-2023-strictly-glitterball-finale.

Emily Corrigan, Head of Fundraising commented: “We are so looking forward to seeing the results of our dancers’ hard work! They are all very dedicated and this year there has been a lot of friendly competition not to mention friendly banter between our dancers – with many aiming to topple 2 years in row winner Steve from the top spot! Each couple will perform 2 dances – a rock n roll number and a dance of their choice.”

All funds raised will help LWA continue their vital work across Leicestershire and Rutland.

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ASHBY BOWLS CLUB SUPPORTING

The Steps Conductive Education Centre

The Steps Conductive Education Centre is a charity in Shepshed

Janet spent a happy time at the welcoming club, speaking

that has been providing a free service for almost 30 years,

with members and talking about the amazing work that Steps

for families with children who have challenges such as Down’s

performs. She thanked the officials at the club for nominating

syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Steps as their charity to raise funds for.

The annual running cost for the centre is £220,000 and since

Natalie Roberts, manager at Steps said, “Without the support of

it doesn’t receive any government support, all of those funds

all the amazing organisations and individuals who raise funds for

must be raised by the staff, the trustees and the volunteers.

us, the centre wouldn’t exist.

One of the volunteers, Janet Russell, was recently invited to give

“On behalf of the staff, families and most

a talk about Steps to the Coffee Pot Club in Ashby. A member

importantly, the children, we all thank you,

of the audience, Ann Clark, who is also a stalwart supporter of

very much.”

Ashby Bowls Club, proposed that her club might like to carry

To find out more information about

out some fundraising events for Steps.

Janet was subsequently invited to visit the club, to take collection boxes, leaflets and to meet some of the 100 members.

Steps, please visit: www.stepscentre.org.uk

Winning Formula If you are looking for information on Viva la Musica’s December concert – stop right there!

Last year’s experiment - which meant that the local chamber choir held its seasonal concert in early January to avoid the pre-Christmas clashes - proved to be quite the success story! So there’s no need to try and find a free space in your calendar for December, instead make a note in the empty pages of your new diary for Saturday 6th January, for an Epiphany concert at Trinity Methodist Church Centre, in Loughborough. For more information visit www.vivalamusica.org.uk.

Photo: Viva la Musica at its recent residency at Ripon Cathedral.

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Latimer Players’ pantomime Beauty & the Beast (from Limelight Scripts) will be performed at the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston from Thursday 30th November until Saturday 2nd December.

An ill-fated bet between Fairy Rose and the evil Witch Thorn leads to the prince being turned into a beast. If he is to break free from her spell, he must find somebody to love him before the last petal on the enchanted rose falls.

Performances are at 7.30pm on Thursday and Friday and there are two shows on the Saturday at 1.30pm and 6pm.

Doors open 30 minutes before each performance. Tickets costs are £8 for adults, £5 for children up to 12 and under 5s are free. For tickets, contact Christine Deavin on 0116 237 6855 or email christinedeavin@gmail.com.

LIGHTING EXPERT NEEDED The Latimer Players are in full swing with rehearsals for their aforementioned Beauty and The Beast production. The group has been performing at Thurcaston Memorial Hall since 1952 and for the past 50 years they have had the same person in charge of their on-stage lighting, but regretfully he has decided it’s time to switch off and retire. He has let it be known that this production will be his last. He will be greatly missed by us all but is willing to assist his successor in getting to know the ropes.

Sadly however, as yet, we don’t have a successor. We are looking for someone with electrical knowledge who is willing to assist us twice a year in April and November, when we put on productions. We have the lighting equipment and lighting deck; but should someone wish to digitalise our system we will assist in any way possible. The choice of how it is done is entirely up to whoever volunteers.

The Latimer Players have a thriving membership and, apart from twice yearly productions, we meet every month socially for members’ events. This year we have played skittles, crazy golf, had cheese and wine dos, quizzes and a barbecue, most of which revolves around eating and drinking and generally having a pleasant time with friends. All volunteers very welcome.

For more information regarding volunteering (to be our lighting manager or about our next production(s)) please contact Secretary Christine Deavin by email (christinedeavin@gmail.com) or phone (0116 237 6855).

SECOND CHAMPIONSHIP WIN FOR JO MAYFIELD Congratulations to Jo Mayfield who has won the Ladies Club Championship at Rothley Park Golf Club for the second year running. She came in with a combined two round score of 162, narrowly beating Maz Sharpe who had a score of 165. Jo has won the Club Championship three times in the last six years which is a great achievement.

Rothley Park has one of the largest ladies’ sections in the county with 114 playing members, 13 Academy members and 33 non-playing members.

Photo: Lady Captain, Tuula Hastings, presenting the Championship Trophy to Jo Mayfield.

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Ashby Santa Fun Run & Walk Ashby Castle Rotary Club have announced the return of the Ashby Santa Fun Run & Walk, to be staged on Sunday 3rd December from 10.45am. The event, now in it’s 9th year, has become a fixture of the Ashby Christmas calendar, as part of the Ashby Christmas weekend, which sees the Ashby Christmas Fair return to Market Street and the Christmas lights switched on. For many this marks the start of the Christmas season.

With its picturesque 3km route around Ashby being open for people to run or walk the Rotary Club as always are asking all entrants to dress up in their most festive Christmas gear, be it their own Santa suits, Christmas jumpers, reindeer suits or anything else that shouts Christmas! To encourage participants to go to town with their festive costumes this year, there will be prizes for the best festive dressed runners in mens, womens and boys and girls under 16 categories. Thanks to sponsorship from Pet Deli in Ashby, there will also be a pet-themed prize for the best festively dressed dog!

Entry fees will be just £7 per person for all age groups with a £25 group ticket available for groups of 4. All entrants will receive a 2023 event medal and all Christmas dressed kids will get a free chocolate bar at the end of the run/walk.

There will be plenty to entertain down on the Bath Grounds on the day too, including a face painter and children’s rides, with refreshments also on offer (including mulled wine and mince pies) provided kindly by Ashby Hastings Cricket Club. Proceedings will kick off with prizes for the best dressed competition before a fun warm up tees up the main event.

Santa Run resident compere Chris Knight will be on hand once again to talk to Santa’s as they arrive back on the Bath Grounds and entertain the many people who come and support the event. There will be musical entertainment throughout the day, with all your favourite Christmas songs on the playlist, and not forgetting the ‘real’ Rotary Santa and sleigh will also be on hand to talk to young and old alike and give out plenty of chocolate!

The Rotary Club are also delighted to announce the return of their partnership with their friends at Sweet Memory Lane traditional sweet shop in Ashby and with it all Christmas dressed entrants will be able to collect a post-event Christmas treat from the shop after completing the run/walk.

The Rotary Club will again be encouraging entrants to collect sponsorship monies to help to raise even more money for the event’s beneficiaries but this continues to remain optional. A downloadable sponsor form is available via the event website (see details below).

Thanks to the wonderful support the Ashby Santa Fun Run continues to receive from local businesses in the form of sponsorship and fundraising courtesy of all the Santa’s who take part, the event has raised around £80,000 for local charities over the last 8 years.

The main charities set to benefit from this years event are Hospice Hope (soon to become Bright Hope), me&dee and Home Start, with net proceeds split between these charities and the Rotary Club.

Dale Warren from the Rotary Club of Ashby Castle said: “We love organising this event and seeing the Bath Grounds painted in festive colours with all those happy faces, it brings great joy and makes all of the planning that goes in to it worthwhile. The community and local area has always embraced the Ashby Santa Fun Run and Walk and we’re really appreciative of that. We’ve got three great local charities again to support this year and we’re sure with the support of local businesses and residents we’ll be able to raise another fantastic sum of money for these very worthy local causes.”

There are lots of local businesses on board already sponsoring and supporting the Santa Fun Run & Walk but the event organisers are still encouraging local businesses to get in touch if they’d like to get involved and get their company name out to up to 1,500 local participants, alongside the wider community. To find out more about sponsorship packages, starting at just £50, please contact Kevin Sanders at kevindereksanders@gmail.com.

For more details visit www.ashbysantarun or head to www.facebook.com/ashbysantarun .

Interested in Ashby Rotary? Please contact secretary Debbie Hamilton at debbie.hamilton7@yahoo.com or visit www.ribi.org.

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Newtown Linford Gardening Club R o u n d ing u p 2 0 2 3

We completed our summer programme of events away from the village hall with a visit to Trentham Gardens near Stoke. A coach load of members enjoyed a lovely day in the sunshine walking around some of this huge area and, although the Italian Garden was past its best, there was plenty to see in other areas around the very large lake. In addition, we had the chance to visit the many shops which made up the area around the entrance, selling everything from food to shoes and clothing.

We had an interesting talk from Bridget Blair in September. Bridget was a journalist working for Leicester radio and presented many programmes on gardening during her time there. She was a member of the Media Gardeners Guild and therefore attended all the prestigious events as a journalist and mixed with the big stars not only of gardening but also in the world of entertainment at events such as the Chelsea Flower Show. Her stories of these times were fascinating and it was refreshing to hear about gardening from a totally different perspective.

We complete our year with our annual Christmas Party, on Tuesday 12th December, with our traditional jacket potato meal, glasses of wine and mince pies for afters. We again hold our giant raffle with around 80 prizes to be won.

Our programme for 2024 is already complete and we can look forward to visits from two Gardeners’ World presenters - Nick Bailey and Adam Frost - and a trip to the Dorothy Clive Garden.

For more club details please visit www.newtownlinford.org.uk/gardening-club or contact us via email (32couling@gmail.com) or telephone (01530 242452).

Anne and David Couling

Syston Bowling Club 2023 Competitions Successes Syston Bowling Club’s annual competition Finals Weekend was successfully staged over 9th and 10th September when unusually warm weather, at one point, threatened to disrupt proceedings.

Marilyn Wood (pictured) was crowned Ladies 4 Woods Singles Champion and Andrew Savage (pictured) was the winner of the Mick Hughes 4 Woods Singles Championship.

Other results were as follows: Men’s 2 Woods Singles – Dave Hill Ladies’ 2 Woods Singles – Pauline Wright “Maiden’s” 4 Woods Singles - Geoff Ellis Anita Lowder 4 Woods Pairs – Ron Kilbourne and Derek Renshaw 2 Woods Pairs – Derek Renshaw and Pauline Wright Warner Trophy Aussie Pairs – Ken Renshaw and Bev Wright “Syston Town News” 2 Woods Triples – Bindy Clay, Dave Fox and Andrew Savage The annual presentation night was held in the clubhouse on Central Park on Friday 13th October.

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T h u r c a s to n & C r o ps t on Loc al His t or y Society The Loughborough Carillon

The Carillon is surely Loughborough’s most notable landmark and also a proud memorial to those who died in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. But how did a small town pay for such a large monument? The project was first proposed in 1919 and money and donations were secured towards the projected cost of up to £18,000. However, as building continued, it was necessary to raise further sums from the public to ensure that it could be completed. For our first indoor meeting of the autumn season, we welcomed Deborah Moxom to tell us about one of those fund-raising schemes, which all revolved around a bedspread!

The bedspread in question, measuring 8¾ x 7½ feet, has an embroidered picture of the Carillon at its centre, surrounded by hundreds of 4-inch-square panels, machine-stitched together. Subscribers paid a shilling to sign their name on one of the panels, which was then embroidered over before adding it to the bedspread. The finished item was used to raise further funds at a Grand Bazaar held in June 1923, by offering it as the main prize in a “Guess the weight of the Carillon” competition! The winner was James Collins, landlord of the Volunteer Inn, who proudly added his own signature to the bedspread, along with the word “owner”. Courtesy of the proceeds raised from the bedspread and other Grand Bazaar proceedings sufficient funds were raised not only to pay for the Carillon itself but for a marble pavement to also be added.

Over time the bedspread passed from James to his daughter Ivy, who gave it to Charnwood Borough Council. Unfortunately, they have not been able to find anywhere suitable to display it, except during temporary exhibitions, so it has remained in storage for many years.

Prompted by one of those exhibitions, our speaker began to research the signatories and staggeringly they range from the-then Queen Mother, Queen Alexandra and Princess Helena, whose names are outlined with boxes, to Winston Churchill, to family, friends and neighbours of the organiser, the artist Frances Bond.

Deborah has so far been able to identify the people behind 420 of the 510 signatures and she relayed interesting stories of some of the local men and women involved, as well as speculating about the colourful characters who might have pulled strings to obtain the more prestigious contributions.

On 21st November, following a short AGM, we shall hear from Tony Marshall on his memories of the many years he spent as landlord of the Wheatsheaf Inn. Please join us at 7.30pm in Thurcaston Memorial Hall. The fee for visitors is £4. www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk Photo courtesy of Deborah Moxom.

JOE HUMPHRIES MEMORIAL TRUST

Christmas Fair 2023

The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust Christmas Fair will this year be held on Sunday 5th November from 11am – 3.30pm at the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre. Come and join us for this lovely event where you can find locally sourced artisan products whilst helping The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust to save young lives.

Start your Christmas shopping early with some beautiful gifts, food and wine and unique beautifully crafted products all under one roof.

You’re sure to find that special gift from the wonderful choice on offer!

For further information about the work of JHMT go to jhmt.org.uk.

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THURCASTON BROWNIES AND THE NETWORK BADGE The Network badge is all about communication so we began by trying to communicate without speaking, for example, by using our fingers to express numbers in a game to tell our age or month of birth. Another game involved discovering which was best, looking or listening, in order to communicate details.

Plays and stories are also methods of communicating so for International Nurses day, Barn Owl and Brown Owl appeared in their nurses uniforms and we heard stories about Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole. The following week, some of our Brownie troop dressed as nurses, others as injured soldiers and we acted out a play about Florence Nightingale and how good hygiene practices were established (in the Scutari hospital during the Crimean War).

We next celebrated World Bee day and learned how worker bees communicate when alerting other members of the hive to good sources of nectar and pollen...they do a figure of eight or waggle dance! We practised waggle dancing then went on a walk across the fields from the church in Thurcaston to the playground in Cropston and looked for pretend bees that Barn Owl, Snowy Owl and Marley the dog had hidden earlier in the day.

The following week was National Biscuit Day which is where we learned how to use clues to communicate. The Brownies had to become detectives to find a bounty of hidden (pretend) biscuits. Along the way we learned the origin of biscuits - as a way of carrying food on long sea voyages - and also found out that the British eat more biscuits than anyone else.

Finally we communicated locations with the aid of a map by following the yellow standard course for orienteering in Castle Hill Park, Anstey.

In June Father’s received gift boxes and peppermint creams for their special day, the Brownies tried Mexican weaving before moving on to decorating plant pots for entries into village garden shows.

The Brownies, their families and four legged friends joined in for a walk around the impressive Sculpture Trail at Beacon Hill (pictured) before we ended the term with some of our favourite activities (Hide ‘n’ Seek and parachute games)!

We are sorry to say goodbye to several girls as they have now reached the age 10 but this does mean we have a few spaces for new recruits. Girls need to be aged seven to start.

We meet on Wednesday evenings during term time, 6pm until 7.15pm at the Harrison room of All Saints Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. Contact Brown Owl on 07711 422 350 for more details (but please do not phone during work hours).

Snowy Owl

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2 PIANOS 8 HANDS

CURVE’S CHRISTMAS FAMILY SHOW

Friday 10th November, 7pm at Markfield Methodist Church.

The Owl Who Came For Christmas

Beate Toyka wowed us with a wonderful performance (piano)

When a family are putting up their new Christmas tree hidden

in the company of John Parsons (Cello) during March 2023,

amongst the decorations is a secret visitor, snuggled into the

and it is with great pleasure that we welcome her return in the

branches. “Mum, look! There’s a bauble moving in the tree!”

company of 3 more amazing pianists.

Not a bauble though but a tiny owl, called Rosie, and she is a

The “Derby Piano Quartet” features the unusual combination

long way from home!

of four pianists on two pianos! It was formed 20 years ago

Fly into author, John Hay‘s heart-warming tale this Christmas

by Anglo-German pianist and musical innovator Beate Toyka whose 2 grand pianos in her home studio provide the group’s rehearsal space. The other ensemble members are chamber musician extraordinaire Gillian Bithel, organist-pianist and

and join Rosie on her feathered adventures.

Inspired by a true story of the real Rosie the Owl who lost her way, see how the loving family help save Rosie, in The Owl Who

academic Dr. Richard Hodges and Dana deWaal, choir director,

Came for Christmas.

opera singer and composer.

The production will be adapted for the stage by Curve’s Creative

Their colourful programme will bring you well known gems such as the Overture from ‘Ruslan and Ludmilla’ and Grieg’s

Programmes Practitioner Chandni Mistry and directed by Curve’s Artist Development and New Work Producer, Cara Nolan.

‘Peer Gynt Suite’ as well as items by Beethoven, Smetana,

Saturday 2nd - Sunday 31st December. Running Time:

Joplin, Herbert and others. Their second half will present a

Approximately 50 minutes, with no interval. Suitable for children

journey from 1 to 8 hands, ranging from a left hand only piece

aged 3+. A perfect show for all the family to enjoy.

via unusual combinations such as Ravel’s ‘Frontispiece’ for 5 hands and audience participation for 7 hands before returning

To book tickets please visit www.curveonline.co.uk.

to all hands-on deck!

This promises to be a wonderfully entertaining evening of amazing music from fantastic musicians, and we look forward to welcoming all.

Tickets: £12 Adults, £6 U16, including programme and refreshments.

Please book online via www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org if possible or call 07979 607099 for more details.

MARKFIELD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Researching Your Family History Tuesday 21st November, 7.30pm Are you interested in learning about your family history but don’t know where to start?

Have you perhaps already had a go but would like to take it further or have you hit a dead-end?

If so Vanessa Morgan is a genealogist, author and historian with many years of experience who is here to help!

‘Researching your Family History’ promises to be a very interesting talk, and who knows where it may lead you in finding out more about your family!

Talks are £3 for visitors or why not become a member for just £8 per year, then there is no further charge for talks and activities.

Venue: Markfield Methodist Church, Main Street, Markfield, LE67 9UU. Visit www.markfieldhistory.org for more information or search for Bygone Markfield on Facebook.

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GET READY TO BE WHISKED AWAY TO A WORLD WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE AS AN ALL-NEW PRODUCTION - PETER PAN - A NEW PANTOMIME ADVENTURE, FLIES INTO LOUGHBOROUGH THIS FESTIVE SEASON The Croc is ticking for this year’s spectacular festive pantomime,

They will be performing alongside an incredible backstage

an all-new production of Peter Pan at Loughborough Town Hall

team, built across the last ten years of Loughborough Town

from the award-winning team at Little Wolf Entertainment; their

Hall and Little Wolf’s winning collaboration, which has seen

tenth-anniversary production at the theatre.

multiple award wins and critical acclaim including a record five-

Get ready to embark on a magical journey to Neverland from the 25th November to 7th January in this brand-new show,

star rating from industry-leading newspaper The Stage for a phenomenal five years in a row.

featuring the characters you know and love, including Peter,

Simon Gibson, Venue Manager at Loughborough Town Hall,

Tink and the wicked Captain Hook...as well as a very odd-

said: “The magic of Peter Pan transcends generations, and

looking woman, who refuses to grow up, so get ready and get

we are excited to bring this new take on a timeless tale to

set for some high-flying action-packed adventure.

audiences this festive season.

Jam-packed with pixie dust, fairy magic, swashbuckling sets and

“The Loughborough Town Hall pantomime is much loved by

the power of belief, Peter Pan - joined by the looney lost boys,

our audiences and what better way to celebrate ten years of

a selection of musical mermaids and some very potty pirates

working with Little Wolf Entertainment than with an all-new

- is set to be an action-packed adventure for the whole family

show that’s full of thrills, spills, laughter and fun that all the

that will whisk audiences away to a world where dreams really

family can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome you here this winter.”

do come true.

Morgan Brind and Alan Bowles, Co-Producers at Little Wolf

This year’s cast welcomes Liam Watson in the title role of Peter

Entertainment, added: “We’re excited to celebrate ten years at

Pan and renowned Opera singer and comedic actor Matthew

Loughborough Town Hall with a show that is sure to dazzle and

Siveter as his new best Panto pal, Auntie Histamine.

delight audiences. It’s a production filled with heart, laughter,

They’ll be joined by a stellar cast fresh from the West End and beyond including Mya Fox Scott as Tink, Josh Dodding as Captain Hook and Lottie Mae O’Kill as Eliza.

This year’s production will also see the welcome return of Harry Polden as Quick Draw Macaw, who charmed Loughborough audiences as Mervin the Magician in last year’s production of Sleeping Beauty.

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and the spirit of adventure that we can’t wait to share with the audiences of Loughborough.“ Peter Pan runs at Loughborough Town Hall from the 25th November to 7th January with tickets starting at just £16.50.

For more information (and on other performances too) or to book tickets visit loughboroughtownhall.co.uk or call our Box Office on 01509 231914.

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Ulverscroft Camera Club Our 2023-24 season began in September with fortnightly meetings in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall.

Meetings, lasting from 7pm to 9pm, consist of practical indoor and outdoor sessions, members’ talks, local excursions and talks from professional photographers from across the UK on specific genres.

During the year we will be covering a wide range of topics, including portraiture, creative photography and smartphone use, as well as monthly challenges.

New members are very welcome – just come along for a couple of sessions to see if it’s of interest before joining. We welcome members at all levels – the clubs’ emphasis is on learning and there will always be somebody on hand with your make of camera if you need guidance.

Check out this season’s programme and further club details at ulverscroftcameraclub.com.

GIVE THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME Interview with Paul Axelrad, Founder of Lifestorys Video

Lifestorys gives loved ones the opportunity to create a video of their family history for future generations to enjoy.

What is a Lifestorys Video?

We interview and create a video of your loved ones talking about their lives, weaving together a digital film with family photos and other memorabilia. We capture not only wonderful memories, but the subject’s allimportant facial expressions, laughter and gestures too.

Is there a format for a Lifestorys Video?

We like to keep the interviews simple. We start by talking about your family tree, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, including anecdotes that help bring these family members to life. We then discuss what their childhood was like and move forward step by step to the present day.

What kind of preparation is needed?

Prior to the filmed interview we will discuss the person’s life using general questions based on the year they were born and other relevant details. By doing this it triggers memories of the past and that helps us to enhance their film.

What happens on the video filming day?

We arrive at the agreed time and place, we set up the equipment and then start the filming in a relaxed conversational manner helping the storyteller feel at ease with the cameras.

I will guide them through their journey and guarantee there will be plenty of laughs along the way. Hopefully we will go off-topic at some point as that’s often where we get some of our best film, helping to capture even more of the unique nature and character of the person we are interviewing.

Once finished, we will start working on the production of their incredible legacy video for their family to share with their children, grandchildren and generations to come.

For more information please visit www.lifestorys.co.uk.

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Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Friday Night Films

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry will be shown on November

10th and lasts 108 minutes.

Our inspirational British film for November stars two outstanding actors: Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton. When Harold finds out that his former colleague, Queenie, is in a hospice, he sets out to walk the length of the country to see her, without transport. Along the way, he revisits memories of his relationships, with his son and his wife, and encounters a variety of people along the way. This is a gorgeous film.

Matilda the Musical will be our Christmas film on December 8th and lasts 117 minutes.

In December we shall show a musical version of the literary classic, based on Roald Dahl’s award winning, best-selling book, Matilda. The titular character is a brilliantly intellectual young girl, who escapes into a fantasy world in the nearby library. At school, her caring teacher recognises Matilda’s genius and encourages her. However, she has to endure ghastly parents, played by Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough and a monstrous headmistress, played by Emma Thompson. We see Matilda as a spirited heroine who can harness special powers. This is a must-see family film leading up to Christmas.

COMING SOON on January 12th: Chevalier 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.

The Bradgate Park Calendar 2024 The launch event of The Bradgate Park 2024 Calendar was marked not only by a great evening function but by an impressive kickoff of 100 calendar sales too. Featuring a beautiful Ranger led walk through the deer sanctuary followed by a presentation of the winning photographers, the evening saw Vince Preston take top honours with his stunning photo - capturing a stolen moment of a regal stag crossing a stream in the Park - making the calendar’s prestigious cover (see our last edition’s cover too)!

Calendars, priced at £7 are now available to purchase from The Park or online via www.bradgatepark .org/bradgate-parkcalendar-2024.

Monies raised will go towards erecting some new information boards around the ruins in the centre of The Park.

Bradgate Rotary Club’s next big event, called ‘Freeze Your Bits Off’...a sponsored bra walk in aid of Glenfield Breast Care Centre, will be taking place at Bradgate Park in January. Keep your eyes peeled for more details coming soon.

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Upcoming Events Regular indoor meetings are held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on the second Wednesday every month until May 2024, starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £3 for LRWT members, £3.50 for visitors, children free.

Wednesday 8th November 2023

Wednesday 14th February 2024

Wildlife (And Some History) Of Peru with Dave Robinson

Joint meeting with Loughborough Naturalists Club

Hosting three major quite distinct eco-regions (Pacific Desert

Why and How We Restored Red Kites Across Britain with

Coast, Andean Highlands and Amazon Rainforest), Peru is

Mike Pienowski

one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. The area

Dr Mike Pienkowski chaired the Red Kite Project Team from

is also widely regarded as one of the “six cradles of human

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

civilisation” – eventually giving rise to the Inca community. This

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

presentation will illustrate a selection of birds, mammals and

‘the biggest species success story in UK conservation history!’

insects which make a visit to this country so rewarding, and

This talk will cover some aspects (more are covered in the

touch on some of the fascinating history of the peoples who

well-reviewed book which Mike published in 2023, copies of

have occupied the land.

which will be available on the night (for sale by cash or card). If

Wednesday 13th December 2023

The Beetles Top The Charts with Tim Sexton Whilst birds have been studied for years at Rutland Water, there have been far fewer surveys for terrestrial invertebrates on the

wished, the author will sign copies.)

Wednesday 13th March 2024

AGM Followed By A Birdwatching Squaddie! with Dave Foley

site, until now (with a recent study to create a baseline of beetle

How going on Army exercises led Dave Foley into Birdwatching!

records at Rutland Water, to illustrate how the Reserve has

A short talk about the wonderful birds seen whist visiting

improved for invertebrates since its creation).

foreign climes in the Army!

Undertaken by the Fab Four - Tim Sexton, Graham Finch, Anona

Wednesday 10th April 2024

Finch and Steve Lane - it is hoped the study will support the inclusion of other important wildlife assemblages into the Sites

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

of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation of the Nature

Jack Matthews

Reserve.

Charnwood Forest is host to some of the oldest animal fossils in

Through just eight survey visits over 600 beetle species have

the world, many of which have been key to our understanding

been discovered – making them now the most recorded single

of the rise of animals during the Ediacaran period of around

group of organisms at this much-loved nature reserve. Tim

570 million years ago. In addition to its internationally

will take you through some of the incredible species that were

significant palaeontology, the area is also home to a number

found during the surveys and show you how Beetles topped

of working and historic quarries whose lithologies have shaped

the charts at Rutland Water.

the built environment of the UK for more than 2,000 years.

Wednesday 10th January 2024

This presentation will outline the internationally significant

Honduras – Biodiversity Hotspot with Kate Moore The cloud forest of Cusuco National Park in Honduras is ranked as 1 of the 50 most irreplaceable biodiversity sites in the world.

A large of team of biologists and students undertake a research

geo-diversity of Charnwood Forest - including the outstanding ancient fossils - and the ways it has shaped the landscape, communities and people of Britain’s ‘unexpected upland’.

Wednesday 8th May 2024

expedition to Cusuco, care of ‘Operation Wallacia’ annually.

Bats Are Amazing with Peter Proudlove

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

An introduction to bats of the UK, their life-cycle and ecology.

presentation will describe some of her wildlife encounters with

Followed by a walk around the village to discover what bats are

hummingbirds, venomous snakes, moon moths, vampire bats

present in the area. Please wear sturdy footwear, bring a torch

and other fascinating species.

and a bat detector if you have one!

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