April 2015 - Coalville Community Eye

COALVILLE

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COMMUNITY EYE

FREE MONTHLY LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, PUZZLES, COMPETITIONS & MORE

ISSUE 36 APRIL 2015

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

Growing Colourful Alpines

MARLENE REID CENTRE NEEDS YOU! Centre Searches For Locals With Free Time To Spare

HELP TOMMY DONATE TO LEICESTER HOSPITALS CHARITY Total Raised So Far ÂŁ695.00 & Counting

ARE YOU A KNITTER OR DO YOU KNOW ONE?

PRESENTATION NIGHT

Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland Is Calling For All Knitters To Join The Big Knit

HOME SWEET

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1188 (Coalville) Squadron

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LOCAL ADVERTISERS

WELCOME

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WELCOME TO YOUR APRIL COMMUNITY EYE MAGAZINE It’s been great to see some blue skies and the sun finally showing its face, although the temperature has been low, it’s left me with a spring like feeling!

I hope you enjoy reading our magazine and have fun entering our competitions. Bel again has some great gardening tips and you can have a go at baking your own bread by following our recipe.

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY:

Rob Walton © ____________________________________

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NEXT ISSUE OUT DEADLINE DATE: 4th May 2015 DELIVERY DATE: 14th May 2015 Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change depending on how far we are ahead or behind. ____________________________________ The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent Community Eye or Open Box Promotions Ltd. Open Box Promotions Ltd reserves the right to amend or refuse to publish articles or adverts submitted for publication. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission.

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Please do keep sending your articles and photographs in, we are always looking for front cover images and you can send them to communityeye@openboxpromotions.co.uk If you are interested in advertising please do call Dawn who will be happy to talk you through your best options.

ARE YOU A KNITTER OR DO YOU KNOW ONE?

MRC CENTRE SEARCHES FOR LOCALS WITH FREE TIME TO SPARE Enjoy working with and helping local people? Free time on your hands? If the answer to both these questions is yes then MRC Community Action in Coalville needs you!

For more than thirty years The Marlene Reid Centre has provided valuable services to local communities in North West Leicestershire including: providing a community transport service for the over 60’s for regular shopping trips to the supermarket, important health related appointments and social trips; children and families services including soft play and party facilities, summer playschemes, a toy library and play bus plus a mobile crèche service; a furniture warehouse recycling second hand furniture and selling new furniture.

The centre also has rooms for hire whether it is for a party, event, meeting or training and many local dance, exercise and slimming groups hire the rooms for their weekly training and meetings.

Following a decline in income from grant funding MRC

Community Action relies more and more on local people offering their time to help them to continue to provide these much needed services.

Being a volunteer offers lots of flexibility – anyone can volunteer as much or as little time as they want, work on a regular basis or be as flexible as they need to be; any time on any day of the week would be very much appreciated. A volunteer driver working with The Marlene Reid Centre explained “I love knowing I am helping someone and it makes me realise that I might need some help one day – each time I volunteer I go home thinking I did something good and that makes is really worthwhile. The people we help are so appreciative and would be lost without this service”.

If you would like to find out more about the volunteering opportunities available at The Marlene Reid Centre, call Dave Ahlquist on 01530 510515, alternatively email info@mrc.uk.net or pop into reception.

For more information about MRC Community Action visit www.mrc.uk.net

LRWT NORTH WEST GROUP

GET IN TOUCH

David Maltby on 01530 222934 Margaret Mabey on 01530 412410

MAY 21ST MARTIN VAUGHAN LEADS US AROUND OAKTHORPE AND HICKS LODGE

Area to see some of the spots that fired his imagination and enthusiasm for wildlife photography. Meet 7:00pm at entrance to former Oakthorpe pit, Ashby Road, Donisthorpe. GR 328143

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is calling for all knitters to join in The Big Knit this year to raise much-needed funds to help keep local older people warm and healthy this coming winter.

Last year we received an incredible 47,000 little hats and need your help to match this challenging total which will assist our winter warmth campaign 2015. Innocent drinks will donate 25p for each little hat which will adorn the smoothie bottles sold in supermarkets early in 2016.

Knitters can get the simple knitting patterns online at www. ageuk.org.uk/leics or by calling the Business Development Manager on 0116 2237344.

Please arrange for your knitted hats to be at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland (Ref: BDM), Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester, LE1 7LA by the end of September.

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LOCAL NEWS

SPRING TREAT FOR ALL GARDEN LOVERS Donington Le Heath Manor have teamed up with Plant Hunters’ Fairs to bring a spring treat for all plant lovers on Saturday 9th May with the entrance fee going to the Friends of the Manor who use all funds raised directly for the benefit of the Manor House and garden.

Plant Hunters’ Fairs organise a wide range of events across the Midlands and the North West region at prestigious venues including the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, Weston Park in Shropshire, Carsington Water in Derbyshire and Adlington Hall in Cheshire and their reputation is built on the quality and range of nurseries attending who are all real growers, full of enthusiasm and knowledge for their plants.

Janet Blow from Plant Hunters’ Fairs comments “ We are really pleased to bring Plant Hunters' Fairs to Leicestershire for the first time at Donington Le Heath Manor. All our nurseries attending

are always happy to offer expert advice to help less experienced gardeners select the right plants for their gardens. For true ‘plantaholics’ there are always those little treasures to discover that can’t be obtained elsewhere.

With entry at just £1.00 to include the Plant Fair, Gardens and Manor House what better way to get your gardening season off to great start with the opportunity to visit many specialist nurseries from across the country at this stunning location.”

The Old Barn Tea Room will be open and serving home baked cakes, light lunches and a range of hot and cold drinks.

The Plant Fair takes place on Saturday 9th May from 10am – 4pm.

BOYS MAKE IMPACT AT BIG BANG FAIR Two boys from Ibstock Community College impressed engineers at the UK’s Big Bang Fair with a car they had built and designed using Knex construction bricks.

Harry Reading and Tom Gent, from Year 8, were among scores of young people who entered the competition, run by the Bloodhound Project. The project is working on a car to break the world land speed record.

Harry and Tom were given a pile of Knex pieces and challenged to come up with their own streamlined vehicle. At the end of the day, the boys’ creation was declared the winning car. They were presented with a free box of Knex.

BENEATH THE LIGHTS

DOWNLOAD LATEST SINGLE ON SPOTIFY, ITUNES & BANDCAMP

18th April ‘OBS Semi-finals ‘The Musician’ Leicester 24th April ‘Whitwick constitutional Club’ 9.15pm 24th May ‘Glastonbudget 2015’ 1.45pm 6th June ‘Barlestone St Giles Social Club’ 9.15pm 13th June ‘Pop in the Park’ Market Bosworth 4th July ‘Music in the Mead’ Hinckley 1pm – 3pm 18th July ‘Hare and Hounds Festival’ Whitwick 6.55pm 1st August ‘Twycross Zoo’ Summer Sundown 5pm 7th – 8th August ‘Strawberry Fields Festival’ 15th August ‘Wicked Hathern Festival’ Hathern 30th August ‘Burton Music Festival’ 1pm 5th September ‘Party in the Park’ Whitwick 23rd October ‘The Musician’ Supporting GREEN DATE For more details on times, additional gigs or venue updates visit our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/beneaththelights www.twitter.com/BTLBand1

Science teacher Matt Draycott, who was at the Big Bang Fair with 45 Year 8 students from ICC, said: “Harry and Tom did extremely well to come up with the winning design.

BENEATH THE LIGHTS REVIEW Latest review by Music in Leicester at the heat stages of the Original Band Showcase held at The Musician in Leicester on 14th March 2015

“The whole idea of the fair is to show students the many ways in which science and technology subjects play a part in everyday life and to enthuse them about careers in these areas.”

This was one of the first-round heats of the OBS. When I arrived at The Musician I found people queueing to get in. Must be a good night, I thought. True enough the place looked crowded all night.

This was the second time that students from Ibstock Community College had visited the Big Bang Fair which is held at Birmingham’s NEC.

Many times before, Beneath the Lights had wowed us with their music. Now one of Leicester’s most celebrated bands, seeing them on successive occasions

HELP DONATE FOR TOMMYS TIGERS Joe and his sister Beth Jardine and a few of their friends are taking on the X runner challenge on the 18th April. In a bid to raise money for the endocrine department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary that has supported their poorly nephew Thomas.

He was diagnosed at 11 days old with a condition called Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, an illness affecting the adrenal glands and hormones. Thomas unfortunately has a more severe type of the condition, meaning that his body also cannot retain sodium.

This is called Classic Salt-Losing CAH and is the rarer condition, found in approximately 1 in 15,000 babies.

It means that he currently takes medication at regular intervals throughout the day, and will continue to do so for the rest of his life. Trying to find the correct treatment for Thomas, as well as continuous blood tests, has resulted in hospital trips almost every week without counting the days spent being monitored as he became poorly with simple things such as the common cold or a sore throat.

At 15 months old, it is beginning to get easier to handle, though there will still be many struggles on the way. Thomas is a true soldier and we can honestly say that we couldn’t have dealt with

has convinced me, and many other people besides, that this is a band that has a lot going for it. Tonight they were on top form (so nothing new there then) and their memorable songs, charged-up stage craft and soaring guitar arpeggios played over a thundering backline made BTL’s set the highlight of the night. They have it all. Music that fizzes, a set of their own songs (that often confuses me because I think they are playing covers) and a stage show that bursts with excitement.

This is one band that knows how to make music really live excellent.

The winner of the heat stage was Beneath the Lights who will play at the semi-finals of the OBS on 18th April at the Musician Leicester.

his condition as a family without the help and support of the Endocrine Department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Tommy’s specialist has supported and guided his Mummy and Daddy throughout the past year.

All donations will go directly to the endocrine team so they can help many more special babies get the help and support they need to become as brave and as cheeky as Thomas, as well as helping families understand an illness that so many know nothing about.

www.justgiving.com/tommystigers

LOCAL NEWS

1188 (COALVILLE) SQUADRON PRESENTATION NIGHT This month cadets from 1188 (Coalville) Squadron Air Training Corps received certificates and awards at their annual Presentation Night.

This year the presentation night coincided with the squadron’s 74th Anniversary. Every year the hard work of the cadets is recognised with awards at the presentation night and this year was no exception. The trophies and certificates were presented to the cadets, in front of their families by Wing Commander Nigel Dickinson OBE, Police Sergeant Christine Huss, from NW Leics Local Policing Unit, Cllr John Bridges, the Deputy Chairman of NW Leicestershire and Flying Officer Rebekah Harrison, squadron’s officer in charge.

There were certificates for marksmen shooting, radio operator certificates, Btecs in Public Services, swimming

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proficiency certificates, Certificate of Achievement for being nominated for Dacres sword and brooch, collecting for RAFA and first aid qualifications.

During the evening Wing Commander Nigel Dickinson promoted Flying Officer Harrison to Flight Lieutenant, as she has served 7 years as a flying officer.

Flight Lieutenant Rebekah Harrison RAF VR (T) said "It was a really enjoyable night, it is very important to recognise the achievements of the cadets and for their families to be able to show their support for them. I am looking forward to the squadron winning even more trophies in the future” 1188 (Coalville) Squadron is currently recruiting cadets both male and female. So if you are aged 12 – 17 and would like to join the local air cadets they meet in the headquarters on Forest Road in Coalville on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7.15pm until 9.30pm The trophies awarded were:

Community Award Cpl Summers Best Sports Cadet Cdt Potter Squadron Shooting Award Flt Sergeant Graham Leon Poxon Memorial Air Rifle Corporal Benjamin Sharlot Hammond Trophy for Adventure Training Cdt Eyres Vin Shepherd Cup for Best Attendance Cdt Black (97% attendance)

1188 Cadet Drill & Ceremonial Award Cadet Johnson Sharlot Hammond Trophy for Adventure Training Cdt Eyres John Bancroft Endeavour Trophy Cadet Potter Most Enterprising Cadet Cdts Kowalski / Hart Most Promising New Cadet Cadet Carter-Ford RAFA Cup , Cadet of the Year Cadet Warrant Officer Clark

SWANNINGTON OCCUPATIONS EXHIBITION WHO MADE PARTS FOR CONCORDE AND THE QUEEN MARY?

GREAT BRITAIN ULTIMATE FRISBEE WOMEN’S MASTERS SQUAD HELD AT 3G PITCH AT NEWBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

If you only associate Swannington with coal mines and the first steam railway in the English Midlands, you might be in for a bit of a surprise when you find out the answers to: Why did railway passengers who bought a ticket to Leicester have to walk the best part of a mile to catch the train?

The Great Britain Ultimate Frisbee Women’s Masters Squad held a full days training on the 3G pitch at Newbridge High School last Saturday (28/2/15).

30 members of the Women’s squad braved the elements for a gruelling training day that covered skills, drills, focussed games and an open game.

able to accommodate and with the high standard of all our excellent facilities we are now able to attract top level teams.”

The bitter cold and strong winds gave both the coaches and the players plenty to contend with.

Maxine Adams, Business Manager, said “since the opening of the 3G pitch we are delighted with the diverse range of activities we are

At the end of the training day, UK Ultimate kindly donated discs and equipment to Newbridge High School for the benefit of the students and who will now be able to experience the sport within their PE lessons.

PRINCE'S TRUST 12 WEEK PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR UNEMPLOYED 16-25 YEAR OLDS Starting at the Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville, on Tuesday 12 May. An Open Day is being held on Wednesday 6 May between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

For further information, please contact Sally McNaughton on 07966 111207 or e-mail her on sally.mcnaughton@lfrs.org www.leicestershire-fire.gov.uk/your-safety/education/prince-s-trust

Was a coal miner really sentenced to a month in jail for running nearly naked through Swannington?

How did farmers manage to grow food during the Second World War when they lacked electricity and piped water?

How many servants did the vicar have?

How did a female tennis player shock lady Beaumont?

Swannington Heritage Trust’s annual exhibition theme for 2015 is Swannington Occupations it will be at Swannington School from 10.303.30pm on Saturday 21st March.

As well as historical maps, heritage watercolours and a plethora of historical information, the Trust uses imaginative ideas to make heritage fun for all the family. So come and: See the costumed occupation teddy bears, such as the dressmaker Alice Brewin who was born in 1888.

They have been made by Trust supporters and members of the Whitwick and District U3A Needles and Pins group.

Admire the occupation dolls (made out of wooden spoons by the pupils of Swannington school), such as the Schoolgirl.

Walk through the village reviewing the occupation posters giving details of the historical occupations of the inhabitants (on display Sunday 15th to Saturday 28th March).

Examine the occupation pictures (from nurses to hairdressers to miners) drawn by the schoolchildren.

Help rebuild the engine house of the 1854 Califat coal mine out of 21kg of Lego.

Try some exercises on the Trim Trail that is being launched by the school, so that you feel less guilty when sat down for a cup of tea and a cake.

More details will be available on the Trust website www.swannington-heritage.co.uk and the Trust’s Hough Mill Facebook page and Twitter feed or by emailing chairman@ swannington-heritage.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

Article & Photographs By - Paul Taylor & Sarah Taylor Situated just 2 miles from East Midlands Airport, Donington Park is unique. Probably best known in recent years for music festivals and motor cycle racing, its’ car racing heritage lives on.

Spring sees the start of Donington’s motor racing season, and we went along to the official launch of the 2015 MSA Dunlop British Touring Car Championship. Over the past couple of years many of you may have seen the cut-and-thrust close competition of the Touring Cars on ITV 4, but there is nothing to match seeing the cars in action and up-close, driven to the limit around the hilly and winding Donington Park circuit.

Part of the appeal is seeing the cars we drive every day (such as VW, Audi, BMW, Toyota, Honda and Ford), battle it out on-track. OK, these particular cars are race prepared, but they look pretty much the same, but emblazoned with the names of well-known sponsors. One new manufacturer to grace the tracks this year is luxury brand Infiniti- it will be interesting to see how they fare against the likes of top-end marques Mercedes and BMW, and “budget” manufacturers Proton and MG.

» HEROES AND VILLAINS

» GETTING TRACKSIDE

Like any other sport it has heroes and villains- amongst them are defending champion Colin Turkington, Midlander and 2013 Champion Andrew Jordan, stalwart Jason Plato, and “Flash” Gordon Sedden. Whilst Colin, Andrew and Gordon are known for their smooth, clean style of driving, Jason is notorious for his relentless and sometimes hard-hitting antics.

Amongst the 32 drivers signed up for the 2015 series are 5 previous champions, and no less than 7 “rookies” competing in Touring Cars for the first time.

These include Nic Hamilton, brother of reigning F1 World Champion Lewis. He is the first disabled driver to drive in the series, but has got here through ability, after successful seasons in club formulas such as the Renault Clio Cup. At the press conference he told us that just 5 years ago he was restricted to a wheelchair, but now able to walk again he wants to inspire people to overcome all kinds of disabilityhe sees himself as the first motor sport para-olympian! Although he will line up in just 5 rounds this year, a full season of competition is planned for 2016.

After the press conference we ventured outside to see the cars unveiled one by one, as the press entourage moved down the pit lane to photograph the dazzling machinery. All 32 cars then moved to the track for a promotional photograph. An awesome roar filled the air as their engines burst into life for the obligatory few laps of the circuit, the cars following closely behind a 4x4 that had a film crew dangling precariously from the open tailgate! The sound was fantastic, guaranteed to set the spine tingling of anyone with just a passing interest in motoring or motorsport.

» THE TEAMS

This season, there are 3 motor racing constructor teams battling against 6 manufacturer backed outfits, and several smaller independent teams. With racing budgets running into hundreds of thousands of pounds it is important to get your car (and sponsor) noticed, so eye-catching paintwork is vital, adding to the racing spectacle.

OTHER DONINGTON ATTRACTIONS

The race-track events (which even include truck racing) are interspersed with other attractions, such as the previously mentioned music festivals, and regular Sunday markets. There is also Tom’s ever growing Grand Prix Exhibition of historic racing cars.

Further details can be found on the website www.donington-park.co.uk and for Touring Cars www.btcc.net

A BRIEF HISTORY OF DONINGTON PARK

Donington Park started life as a motorsport venue in 1931.

In 1971 it was purchased by local businessman Tom Wheatcroft, and it has played host to the British Motorcycle Grand Prix (1987), and the Formula 1 European Grand Prix (1993), with racing legends Barry Sheene and Ayrton Senna gracing the track. His investment programme continues, ensuring world-class standards are maintained.

» ENTHUSIASM

Later, the afternoon testing session was an opportunity to see the cars in action, hitting full speed along the straight, before bouncing over the curb as they found the tightest of lines around Redgate Curve. The growing enthusiasm for Touring Cars was confirmed by the hundreds of fans who had come along on a cold March afternoon to witness the birth of another season of racing.

The Team BMR VW Passats driven by Plato and Turkington set the fastest lap times of the day, followed closely by second season racer Aiden Moffat in a Mercedes A Class. To prove the championship is unlikely to be dominated by one team or make of car, the 10th fastest lap was under a second slower than Jason’s quickest time. No processional races in Touring Car land!

The 30-40,000 die-hard BTCC fans go racing in all weathers, but I hope the weather gods smile on Donington this year.

Only 20 minutes’ drive from Coalville, it is a convenient and enjoyable way to spend a Sunday or complete weekend.

Racing starts late March, with the Superbikes here Easter weekend, and the Touring Cars returning 18 and 19 April.

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

Managing Director Martyn Kemp feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double

glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee.

But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps.

Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up

when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’

Cloudy2Clear service Coalville and the surrounding area and Martyn is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction

that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’

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LOCAL ADVERTISERS

HAVING A CLEAR OUT? GOT ANY UNWANTED ITEMS?

Have You Made Your Will Yet ?

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A local charity supporting the local community

(formerly In Home Legal Services)

Did you know The Marlene Reid Centre has a CHARITY SHOP in Coalville ?

Unwanted items can be taken to The Attic in Belvoir Road Open: Monday - Friday from 9am - 4.45pm & Saturdays from 10am - 3.45pm

Mrs Clare Cooper 01530 817844 (Home) - 08450 568571 (Office)

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Treat your dog to a holiday in a carer’s loving, safe home, so you can relax knowing your dog is happy and not stressed.

Dog lovers wanted as carer’s earn up to £112 per week.

Call 01530 838225 or 01530 510515 MRC Community Action at The Marlene Reid Centre 85 Belvoir Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3PH Telephone: 01530 510515 Email: mail@mrc.uk.net Web: www.mrc.uk.net

Contact 01530 542142/07825325583 - jane@petstay.net

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Slimming World Join a warm and friendly group near you today…

WEDNESDAY 9.30am NEW CONSULTANT FROM 8th APRIL ELLISTOWN Ellistown Working Mens Club Whitehill Road Parking at rear via Parker Drive Tel Natalie 07525 617287 *morning group*

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ELLISTOWN Ellistown Working Mens Club Whitehill Road Parking at rear via Parker Drive Tel Natalie 07525 617287

MONDAY 5.30pm and 7.30pm WHITWICK Hall Lane Methodist Church Near Tressall Road Tel Sharon 07855 250017 *open Bank Holiday Mondays*

THURSDAY 5.30pm and 7.15pm COALVILLE Marlene Reid Centre Belvoir Road on corner of Melbourne Street Tel Sharon 07855 250017

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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BRADGATE PARK LEICESTERSHIRE

SATURDAY 30th & SUNDAY 31st MAY 10am to 5pm at Newtown Linford Arts & Crafts, Local Produce, Gifts, Maypole Dancing, Demonstrations, Refreshments and much more!

NEW STALLHOLDERS VERY WELCOME! Please contact Lynda Taylor at the Estate Office for further details & booking form Tel: 0116 236 2713 www.bradgatepark.org a@bradgatepark bBradgateParkTrust

GARDENING

GROWING COLOURFUL ALPINES

T

he daylight hours are lengthening and the weather is improving, so when the sun shines I’m nipping out to the garden with every chance I get!

I’m busy creating new flower beds and getting the veg plot ready for spring. If you’d like to try your hand at growing your own produce this year see below for details of my ‘Grow along with Bel’ project.

Viola ‘Columbine’

‘Newcroft Gardening Club’

One of the first splashes of colour to brighten up the garden centres and nurseries in spring is from Alpine plants. They are irresistible after the winter months and I always buy a dozen or so each year. Alpine plants don’t need to be confined to a rockery though; they are lovely in pots, troughs, baskets and borders too.

Alpine plants originate from regions with good drainage and usually cold, dry winters, with high light levels. In order to grow them successfully in our gardens we need to emulate the conditions they thrive in naturally. Alpines will need a sunny spot and a free draining compost is essential to stop root and base rot during our wet winters. I make up a mix for pots of around one part John Innes no.2, one part horticultural grit & one part multi-purpose compost but some garden centres sell ready mixed alpine compost.

Anywhere that’s sunny, freedraining and not smothered by other plants will suit Alpines, but

‘Grow along with Bel’

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I like to grow them in pots so I can appreciate their diminutive stature. I can move the pot near to the house or onto the patio whilst they are in flower and then pop them out of the way in the Autumn-Winter. Shallow dish-like pots are best as they drain well and alpines only need a short rooting space.

My favourite Alpines Try a selection of these mixed together in a pot or plant them in a gravel garden or rockery: Aubretia – blue/pink/purple flowers in spring; Viola ‘Columbine’ – dappled blue/white petals; Lithodora – Striking azureblue flowers; Saxifraga – tight cushions topped with white/red/ pink blooms in spring; Armeria – aka Thrift with grassy cushions topped with pompoms throughout spring/summer; Sempervivum – aka House Leek green-bronze spiky rosettes; Campanula carpatica or similar with blue/purple/white bell flowers; Aquilegia alpina – small form with nodding blooms; Dianthus aka dwarf Pinks – highly scented repeat flowerers; Erodium – carpeting plant with white/pink blooms; Phlox subulata – carpets of blooms in early summer in pink/ white/blue/purple; Pulsitilla – furry foliage and feathered blooms in late spring.

surface, a water and then they will provide you with a lovely colourful display during Spring-Summer.

Newcroft Gardening Club I’ve had the pleasure of helping out with the Newcroft school Gardening Club recently, led by teacher Emily Gould, the group of budding student gardeners have been having fun learning how to cultivate soil, sow seeds and grow produce for use in the schools kitchen. It’s been lovely to help such a well behaved polite group of children and I hope they go on to grow their own produce at home too.

‘Grow along with Bel’ Ever wanted to have a go at growing your own veggies, fruit and flowers, but not sure where to start? Well over the next 6 months I’ll be posting advice on what & when to sow, grow and harvest & how to keep the weeds and pests at bay on my Facebook page.

Like my page to keep up to date & get involved with ‘Grow along with Bel’ www.facebook.com/ belgriersondesign It’s been a busy start to the year and summer will soon be here so next month I’ll be looking at some of my favourite plant combinations for colourful patio pots.

Once planted give them a top dressing of horticultural grit on the

Bel Grierson

Garden Designer & Plantswoman

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