Do you know where to find this local...

5000 Distribution Issue 5 February 2017

Whitwick & surrounding areas

Whitwick • Thringstone • Swannington

. PLUS FEATURES ON:

Thringstone House Community CentreLeon Spence talks Chips!3 page ‘Home Improvement’ specialThe Silver Screen on Silver Street...AND LOTS MORE!

Do you know where to find this local landmark?See page 3 for more details and how to win a prize!

the voice

James Hayles HND. RRMFully insured and NPTC qualified

Tree Surgery, Spraying Specialist & Ground Maintenance

including Mowing, Fencing, Hedgecutting, Turfing etc.

LOGS SPLIT & DELIVERED £110 Large Load01530 271186 (home) • 07970 950129 (mobile)

Shackerstone Fields, Snarestone, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7DE

Welcome... ...to our fourth edition of the Whitwick, Thringstone and Swannington Community Voice!

Front Cover Quiz... ‘Spot the Local Landmark’.How many of you can spot the landmark from our surrounding area featured on this January issue front cover?If you think you know the answer, please send your entry to Community Voice, 57 High Street, Ibstock, LE67 6LH or email [email protected].

The winner (drawn first out of the ‘hat’ of all correct entries) will win 3 bottles of quality wine.

Last month’s answer and winner:Tricky one this month but this did not stop a number of you coming up with the correct answer. It was of course Thringstone Community Centre which was donated to Thringstone by the great philanthropist and reformer Charles Booth.

The draw was won by Lynsey Seymour who wins a “Tea For Two” at the Eatery Tea rooms which has just opened at 133, North St, Whitwick. This lovely new tea rooms serves a mouth watering selection of food and drink and is most definitely worth a visit.

In the picture we see the prize draw being undertaken by an early customer, Jaiden Sehmi, and overseen by Gina Nickerson, proprietor of ‘The Eatery’. Let’s see how you do with this months landmark !!

page 2the voice

Please mention you saw the advert in ‘The Voice’!

Dents Rd, Ashby. Leics. LE65 1JSfabcoltd.co.uk 01530 564 864

THE FLOORING AND BED COMPANY the home of quality flooring, beds and home furnishings

We’re now selling and letting in your area. Not all agents are the same.

If you’re thinking of moving, call us.

23-25 Borough Street, Castle Donington, Derby, Derbyshire, DE74 2LA

Telephone: 01332 811333Fax: 01332 850070Email: [email protected]: www.marbleproperty.co.uk

Your Complete Estate Agency.

Sold in Swannington

Sold in Coalville Sold in CoalvilleLet in Ellistown

Let in Griffydam Sold in Wilson

Meetings • Class Rooms • WorkshopsConferences • Parties • Weddings • Licensed Barsemail: thringstonehouse@btconnect.comwww.thringstonecommunitycentre.org.uk

Thringstone House Community CentreThe Green, Thringstone, Leicestershire LE67 8NRTel: 01530 222337

ROOMS FOR HIRE

the voice page 5 the voice

You can make a difference...

Grandad’s Carers WorkFLEXIBLE hours

are KIND and CARING andhave EXCELLENT training

Get in touch…Call us on: 01455 292648Or email us on:

[email protected]

Lakeside Wills & Financial Services Ltd is an appointed representative of New Leaf (WWF) Ltd. Registered in England 7891401. Registered Address: Princess Caroline House, 1 High Street, 1st Floor, Southend on Sea SS1 1JE

Now at the Ibstock Business Centre, 57 High Street, Ibstock LE67 6LH, orhome visits at a time to suit your needs

What we do:

• Wills - Your Wants and Wishes

• Lasting Powers of Attorney - Who will make my decisions?

• Protective Property Trusts - A Solid Foundation

• Prepaid Funeral Plans - It’s all taken care of

Contact Sue Stanyarde: [email protected] • w: lakesidewills.co.uk

Ibstock Office No: 01530 814689 • Mobile: 07826 097079

Aimed at our younger readers, here’s the latest in our series of short stories by author Rachel Greaves, told in rhyme about the adventures of an inquisitive Airedale, Ruffle and his escapades on a steam railway. The full range of these charming story and colouring books can be seen by visiting www.ruffletheraildog.co.uk or emailing [email protected]

But Ruffle didn’t like the loud squeaks that were being made,

His ears went back, his head dropped down to show he was afraid.

Suddenly one balloon popped with a loud explosive bang,

That startled our poor Ruffle and quickly off he ran.

1 2

3 4

Ruffle and the balloons!

At the little station a crowd of people huddled round,

Ruffle pushed his way through to see what they had found.

A man in colourful clothes stood in the middle of the crowd,

As adults and children laughed and watched, shouting out loud.

In his hands he held bright bubbles that he blew to fill with air,

Being skilfully made into rabbits, cats and even a bear!

With each breath he gave, the balloons grew long and thin,

As legs and head and body came together in a spin.

Ruffle found a place to hide in the carriage of the train,

The balloon man felt sorry for Ruffle and his friendship wanted to gain.

Once Ruffle was found the man showed him the model that he’d made,

Ruffle sat up and over he looked, his fear beginning to fade.

A dog made of orange balloons stood proudly in front of him.

With a stretchy orange balloon for the body and one for each limb.

‘I’m sorry that you were frightened but look what I’ve made them into,

A Ruffle dog of balloons which I think looks just like you!’

®

Are You GettingMarried in 2017?

To book our beautiful gold retro chic 1966split screen camper ‘Rita’ for your weddingtransport please contact Collette on:-

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FREE DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION

The next monthly General Meeting of Whitwick and District U3A will be on Friday 17th February. This will be another opportunity to discover what the U3A has to offer to people who are retired or approaching retirement. Our members are involved in a wide range of Interest Groups based on self-help principles, with something to attract most tastes. At the General Meeting, Group Leaders and others will be on hand to answer questions and pass on information about our U3A. With a membership of 275 local people, it is a flourishing organisation.

We are delighted to announce that the guest speaker will be Professor Martin Barstow, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Leicester University. His talk is entitled: “What has Space done for us?” Professor Barstow is eminently qualified to speak to us about the economic and social benefits of space. One of his current roles is Director of the Leicester Institute of Space and Earth Observation. He witnessed Tim Peake being launched into space and was a friend of the late Sir Patrick Moore, presenter of “The Sky at Night”. His talk should be fascinating.

To listen to Professor Barstow and discover more about our thriving and friendly U3A, come along to St. David’s Church Hall, Broom Leys, Coalville LE67 4RL at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start. Everyone is welcome: the U3A is a non-political and non-religious organisation. Alternatively, visit our website www.whitwicku3a.org.uk where there are full details about Whitwick and District U3A.

DISTRIBUTORS REQUIRED!

Swannington areaSimply call Hannah or

Steve on 01530 267300 or email us at info@

yourcommunityvoice.net


Saturday 10th December, 4pm in the Village HallLight refreshments available

WHITWICK PARK HALL Off North St, Whitwick, LE67 5HB AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

SUITABLE FOR SOCIAL EVENTS, CHILDREN’S PARTIES, MEETINGS, CLASSES ETC

Facilities include kitchen with water boiler, tables and

chairs, toilets, car parking and access to all the public facilities in the Park. Maximum capacity

40 seated or 75 standing.

From just £15 for 1.5 hours, £5 per additional half hour

FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT THE COMMUNITY

OFFICE, 3A MARKET PLACE, WHITWICK, PHONE 01530 459527 OR EMAIL [email protected]

WWW.WHITWICKPC.ORG.UK

Publicity records show that in 1911 when the extension to the centre was opened, Charles Booth had not only paid for the building costs, but also provided all the furnishings for the extension, which included billiard tables.

Since those long gone days, the centre has seen many changes.

The recreation ground and park is now divided into allotments and what locals call ‘Bob’s Closs’, a meadow at the rear of the centre which contains many wetland meadow plants and other environmental delights.

The gymnasium disappeared some decades ago, as did the library, but the centre still offers a home to institutions, societies, a local play group, Thringstone Panto and Drama Society and many classes, exhibitions and events. A variety of rooms of different sizes are available for people to hire for meetings or general get-togethers, and the upstairs hall, a real ‘jewel in the crown’ is available for functions.

Whilst in its early days, Charles Booth said the premises must be non-political, non-denominational and strictly tea total, this was changed in 1975 and a license to sell alcohol given by the local council. Instead of

just coffee, tea and soft drinks, the centre was allowed to sell alcohol for the first time and now has 2 well stocked bars, as well as kitchen facilities.

Since the early 1950s, the trusteeship for the centre has been with Leicestershire County Council, but funding cuts have bitten and the centre is shortly to set up its own group of trustees, change its name to Charles Booth Centre, and leave the protection of the county council.

In these challenging times, the centre has worked to put on many new and existing events. One of these is an annual music festival which came to the centre in 2015, and is scheduled to happen again on 5 August 2017. There is a monthly plug and play, a folk club, bingo evenings and family nights, and the centre is now putting on other types of entertainment, including a variety of musical concerts featuring all types of music.

The hope is to be able to continue to provide a variety of entertainment for local people to enjoy, and the staff and volunteers connected to the centre are working hard to see this come to fruition. However, in order to continue to expand what is on offer, the centre needs help.

Volunteers are always needed, especially to help with events, and anybody interested is asked to contact the centre office, which is open Monday-Friday 9am -12 noon on 01530 222337, to talk about what they feel able to offer. They can also email the centre on [email protected].

For more information, go to: www.thringstonecommunitycentre.org.uk or see the centre’s facebook page.

Thringstone House community centre

KATS ANTIQUE VINTAGE & COLLECTABLES CENTRE

2 floors of antique, vintage and collectables including quality gold and silver jewellery at trade prices, coins, clocks, hand painted furniture, stamps, pictures,

militaria, china, glass, furniture, kitchenalia, giftware and much more.ALSO WANTED

• Gold & Sliver Jewellery • Scrap & Broken Items • Costume Jewellery • All Coins Militaria & Medals • Stamps • Watches • Silver Plate• All interesting antiques, collectables & furniture. • We pay more the highest prices in the area.Free valuations - Over 40 years experience

50 High Street, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3EEFind us on facebook - Open everyday inc bank holidays10.00am - 4.00pm home visits available

CALL 07792974309Public car park to rear of shop - Free parking every Sunday

Environmentally Friendly chalk and mineral paint. It is Zero VOC & Solvent Free with no odour.

We can also paint your own tired furniture. Please ask for more details.

As Seen

On TV2 Years

Trading Here

Since opening two years ago this month, Kats Antique Vintage and Collectable has gone from strength to strength and have even appeared on BBC’s Celebrity Antiques Road Trip!

The family run business, on High Street, Coalville, boasts an array of antiques and collectable items including gold and silver jewellery, clocks, coins, china and militaria. They also buy scrap gold and silver and broken jewellery, for which they pay the highest price in the area.

To celebrate their birthday, Kats have many special offers available in store so why not pop in?

It’s a Two Year Birthday celebration for Kats!

Thringstone House Community Centre has been a part of the village for over 100 years since philanthropist Charles Booth, who at the time lived at Grace Dieu Manor, bought what was an old farm house on The Green. He extended it and gave it as a facility to the people of Thringstone, Whitwick, Worthington, Osgathorpe, Swannington, Coleorton and Belton, irrespective of age, religion or wealth to use as ‘a club meeting place for institutions and societies, library, gymnasium, teaching institute, garden, recreation ground and park’

Music Festival

the voice

c H A R I T Y c H A m P I o N SFor many parents, the need

for childcare does not end

once their child goes to

school, and for working

parents it is particularly

important to have reliable

good quality care available

at the beginning and end of

each day, and throughout

the school holidays.

With this in mind we operate three Before/After School

Clubs, all managed by fully qualified staff teams and

registered with Ofsted.

We offer:

� Drop off and collection from local schools

� Breakfast and 2 course tea provided

� Sibling discounts

� Childcare voucher payments accepted

� Tax Free Childcare scheme registration

FREE TRIAL SESSIONFREE TRIAL SESSION

Contact the Managerat the club of your choice

to arrange yourfree trial session.

SW

IN

GB

OAT

OUT OF SCH

O

OL

CL

UB

S

Wo

rkin

gTogether to provide Quality

Child

care

www.swingboatnurseries.co.uk

Healthy and nutritious meals

Children can choose from awide range of activities.

Each club has itsown Mini bus

VALIDFOR ONESESSION

PERCHILD

The Crafty Kids ClubWoodcote Primary School,

ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH

Tel: 01530 416622 Mobile: 07791 519072

The Extra Time ClubWhitwick Park Hall, North Street,

WHITWICK

Tel: 01530 814477 Mobile: 07926 762192

The Whacky Kids ClubWoodville Infant School,

WOODVILLE

Tel: 01283 552277 Mobile: 07785 745643

The 20 year old rock music fan, from Bagworth, decided to organise a charity concert in aid of Cancer Research UK. The first gig was held at The Palace on Ibstock High Street and was a resounding success, featuring five local bands. Charlie approached local businesses for sponsorship and, with their generous help, was able to hold an auction at the event and a raffle, which offered the top prize of a Maserati for a weekend! The event was extremely well supported and raised in excess of £2000.00; far beyond Charlie’s expectations.

The success of the event encouraged Charlie to organise a second concert, this time with the assistance of Whitwick resident, Andy Butler, the manager of one of the bands involved.

This second event took place at the Hugglescote WMC and FIP Productions kindly offered their services and provided the technical back-up for the evening. Once again, generous local businesses were happy to contribute and the main auction lot was, a much sought after, Leicester City Football Club 2016 squad shirt, signed by the players. With yet another amazing show of support from local people, this event succeeded in raising an even higher total of just over £2450.00!

Plans are being made to stage another charity concert in the not too

distant future, so look out for further details in the coming months.

Cancer Research UK is a cancer research and awareness charity. Its aim is to reduce the number of deaths from cancer. As the world’s largest independent cancer research charity, it conducts research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. It also provides information about cancer and runs campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the disease and influencing public policy.

The work of the charity is almost entirely funded by the public. It raises money through donations, legacies, community fundraising, events, retail and corporate partnerships. Over 40,000 people are regular volunteers.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to Cancer Research UK can do so via their web site... www.cancerresearchuk.org/Donate-Now

Charlie and Andy ‘Rock-4-Cancer’When two of Charlie Devonport’s close family members were diagnosed with cancer, he felt compelled to do something to help.

Were you a scholar at King Edward V11 Grammar School Coalville? Do you recognise the badge? If so you may be interested in a reunion of Scholars and Staff to be held on Saturday October 14th 2017.

We have sent out information to people on our current data base but if you or someone you know would be interested in attending please let us have your details. Preferably an email address, to save administrative costs.

Venue: Newbridge High School Forest Road Coalville

Time: From 1.00pm.

Cost: £4 or an additional £6 if you would like a ploughman’s (provided by the school this must be pre booked).

More details can be had from [email protected] or Geoff Haines Tel 01162546591; CGSReunion, 13 Brampton Avenue, Leicester LE3 6DA.

Do come and share you memories of school days. There will be lots of memorabilia and photographs,you will meet old friends and make new ones. Pre booking helps but you can just come on the day, you will be made very welcome.

Hope to see you there.

Elizabeth Riding (nee Baker)

Virtute et Fide

the voicepage 11the voice

A couple of weeks ago I went to pick my daughter up from her dance class. The studio is about a mile from our house and as she left the building on this particular cold, crisp night she noticed that my car was missing.

“How are going to get home?” she asked with a somewhat perturbed look on her face.

“I’ve got a special treat for you,” was my reply “we’re walking.”

Now to the vast majority of 12 year olds walking for pleasure is something of an alien experience but I had a trick up my sleeve. We were going to relive one of my most vivid childhood memories, we were going to stop for chips en route and walk home devouring them, their heat warming our hands as our cheeks froze, the smell of salt and vinegar tickling our nostrils and ever so slightly burning our lips.

I had travelled back thirty years, only this time I was the parent, what an amazing feeling to be making memories from the simplest of pleasures.

When I was growing up my mum used to drag me in tow to her ‘Ladies Bright Hour’ meeting every Wednesday night at Thringstone Methodist Chapel the bribe would be that if I was good I would get to visit Ruby’s for my own portion of open chips for the way home.

By my childhood of course the eponymous Ruby had retired and her shop had been purchased by a young Cypriot couple, Michael and Sonia Demetriou. Today, forty years later, they are still at the shop every bit as much a fixture of village life as Ruby had been in her era.

I went to catch up with the couple who first moved in to start their new lives taking over the long established business on 3rd October 1977, it must have been a daunting prospect considering Sonia had only given birth to their eldest of what eventually turned out to be five children just two weeks earlier.

“Things were certainly different then,” they tell me. “Chips were 14 pence, a fish was just 17p.”

Of course the way that we live our lives has forced changes to the business too. I reminisce about the times as a young man I could stagger out of The Queens Head at nearly midnight and still get some supper on a Friday night.

Michael smiles “Our busiest times used to be late at night when people were coming out of the pubs, but nowadays everybody seems to come at tea time and things drop off after 8.00.”

In the early 1990’s Michael and Sonia took a sabbatical returning to Cyprus for 4 years whilst the shop was run by Sonia’s brother, Clem. On their return in 1995 the couple planned some major changes to the business, the menu saw the addition of the now legendary doner kebabs and southern fried chicken but perhaps most notably the façade of the shop changed.

An extension brought with it neon signage, now familiar throughout North West Leicestershire and perhaps most notably glorious summer flower displays and at Christmas festive illuminations that are the pride of the village.

But through it all the heart of the business doesn’t change. Fish and chips are still produced in the same gleaming fryers Ruby used in her time. Michael and Sonia, now ably assisted by their son, are very proud of their five star hygiene rating. The quality remains as high as ever, the portions as generous, and you’ll still hear Sonia’s catchphrase “You wanna bag?” as she passes food over the counter to you with a warm smile.

I ask about retirement, their son Andy interjects “I’ll retire before my parents do!”

Michael agrees, the Demetriou’s and this Thringstone institution are planning on sticking around for a long time to come.

CHIP S...Local writer and councillor, Leon Spence brings us his regular column

Pete and Sue Stanyard presenting a cheque to LWA

Telephone: 01530 810725Old Weaving Mills, Church Lane,

Whitwick, Leicestershire LE67 5DHEmail: [email protected]

The one-stop shop for all your cleaning and laundry needs.• Full Ironing Service • Laundry• Carpet Cleaning • Dry cleaning• Collection & delivery service available

ATTENTION HOTEL & RESTAURANTS:Please contact us for details of our fantastic linen hire services.

MINOR DENTS

BUMPER SCUFFS

ASHBY CARE CENTRE

PAINTWORK SCRATCHES

For a FREE no obligation quote, call Alan Wilson on

07964 130607Email [email protected]/alanwilson

ChipsAwayCarCare CentreUnit 3 Machin’s Business CentreWood StreetAshby de la ZouchLE65 1EL

Professional quality automotive paint and bodywork repairs that are quick convenient and fully guaranteed.

Professional QualityOur fully-equipped CarCare Centre allows us to deliver quality repairs to everyday damage

ConvenientSame day repairsCollection and return service from home or workRepaired to a high quality commercial standardAt a fraction of the price of traditional body shop methods.

Value for MoneyWe specialise in repairing everyday car paint and bodywork damage and because we don’t deal with major crash repairs, we don’t have the expensive overheads that a traditional bodyshop might have - meaning we can pass these savings onto our customers.

A42South

Wood St

Nottingham Rd

Leicester Rd

A42North

A511

A511

FIND US HERE

TELEPHONE

07963 431434 EMAIL

[email protected]

HOT & COLD FOOD SERVED ALL DAY

A SELECTION OF HOME MADE CAKES & PASTRIES

MORNING COFFEE

AFTERNOON TEA

LIGHT MEALS

Take away menu available - phone and collect

We can deliver afternoon tea straight to the door of a loved one, a friend, the office or simply

as a treat for yourself.

Ideal venue for Birthday Celebrations, Supper Evenings, Baby Showers & Christenings etc.

Hold your event either at The 3atery or our sister tea rooms at Long Whatton.

OUTSIDE CATERING AVAILABLEFor all types of events at a venue of your choice

NOW OPEN!

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, don’t forget it is on Sunday 26th March.

Let your Mum know just how special she is with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, courtesy of Colledge’s Florists of Whitwick and The Community Voice.

Simply describe your Mum in one word and this will be entered in to our prize draw. One lucky reader will receive a bouquet kindly donated by Colledge’s Florist.

Please send your entry, together with your full contact details to: The Community Voice, 57 High Street, Ibstock LE67 6LH or email [email protected] by Friday 17th March.

Mother’s Day

Win a beautiful bouquet for


Reptile Food • Live and Frozen

Burns Dog Food

Coalville Pet Supplies • 5 James Street, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3BXTel: 01530 263399 • Email: [email protected] • www.midlandparrots.com

Wild Bird Food

Parrot Food & Treats • Cages, Toys & Perches

OPENING HOURSMonday 9.30am - 1.00pm

Tuesday - Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pmSunday 10.00 - 4.00pm

Directly BehindBadagry Computing

Small Animal

Food & TreatsFlea & WormTreatments

AVIAN FLU... WHAT yOU NEED TO KNOWBob McClumpha and Diane Gray, proprietors of Midland Parrots (Coalville and Long Eaton) offer the following advice and information regarding Avian influenza.

The Government Chief Vet has declared a ‘Prevention Zone’ introducing enhanced bio security requirements for poultry and captive birds, helping protect them from a strain of avian flu circulating in mainland Europe.The prevention zone has been put in place throughout England, with Scotland and Wales taking the same stance.Anyone who keeps poultry, or captive birds, are now required to keep their birds indoors or ensure that they are kept separate from wild birds. This applies even if you only have a few chickens in the garden. At present there is a very low chance of you or I getting bird flu. The decision has been made as a precautionary measure to give poultry and captive bird owners time to put in place the necessary measures.Even if birds are housed, there is still a risk of infection, so the most of important thing is to ensure that everything is disinfected thoroughly, including clothing and all equipment. The movement of poultry should be reduced to avoid contact with wild birds. During previous outbreaks we have had panic situations with rescue centres being inundated with unwanted parrots. As most companion parrots are kept indoors we, as parrot owners, are at a very low risk, but still need to ensure cleanliness. Even taking our birds to the parrot club entails only a very low risk of infection. DEFRA have informed us that at Midland Parrots, at present, it is “Business as Usual” There is no need to panic; however do keep your eye on the DEFRA website for any updates.

Across

1. Anteater (8)

8. common (5)

9. regions (5)

10. Employed (4)

11. Nearer (6)

13. sartor (6)

15. overt (4)

18. Mediterranean fruit (5)

19. Dialect (5)

20. List of technical terms (8)

DoWN

2. Intense (5)

3. Aromatic herb (4)

4. capable of being cultivated (6)

5. retains (5)

6. Epicure (10)

7. riotous (10)

12. spanish dance (6)

14. cake topping (5)

16. Earlier (5)

17. Prejudice (4)

FANCY PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO THE TEST?Here’s a bit of fun to get you thinking.(Answers on inside back cover - no cheating!)

North West Leicestershire Sure Start run volunteer led Stay and Play groups, every week during term time in their Children’s Centres.If you have children from babies to pre-school you can come, have fun and play with your little ones, meet and chat to other parents.No need to book, just drop in. Also, all our volunteer led Stay and Play groups are free to attend.Hope to see you soon!Please see our Stay and Play group list opposite for more details:

For more information:Ashby CC: 0116 3055251Coalville CC: 0116 3055993Ibstock CC: 0116 3056421Measham CC: 0116 3055275Moira CC: 0116 3055279 Thringstone CC: 0116 3055271Warren Hills CC: 0116 3056948

VOLUNTEER LED ‘STAy AND PLAy’ GROUPS - NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE

MORNINGS AFTERNOONS MORNINGS

MON Little Stars Stay & Play Jelly Tots Stay & Play International Stay & Play Moira CC Warren Hills CC Coalville Families Centre 10am - 11.30am 1.15pm - 2.45pm 10am - 11.30am

Little Olafs Stay & Play Thringstone CC 10am - 11.30am

TUES Ashby Twins Group Ashby CC 10am - 11.30am WED Little Stars Stay and Play Jelly Beans Stay & Play Measham CC (for children crawling 10am - 11.30am up to 2 years) Warren Hills CC Little Buttercups Stay & Play 10am - 11.30am Coalville CC 10am - 11.30am THURS Little Stars Stay and Play Ashby CC 10am - 11.30am

FRI Little Twinkles Stay and Play Ibstock CC 10am - 11.30am

the voice the voicepage 15

MELBOURNE ROAD • IBSTOCK • LEICS • LE67 6NNTEL (01530) 260355 • FAX (01530) 262307

www.higgott.co.uk

HORTICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS • SALES • SERVICE

If only I had gone to Higgotts to have my

mower serviced!

Don’t leave it too late, book your mower service now...servicing from £66!

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Free delivery and erecting around the East Midlands (please enquire our delivery prices for all other areas).For brochures please call us on 01530 222295 or 07885 442958

See our displays at Staunton Harold Nurseries, Leicestershire LE65 1RU

GARDEN SHEDS

SUMMERHOUSES

KENNELSWENDYHOUSES

W E L C O M E T O O U R 3 P A G E H O M E I M P R O V E M E N T S P E C I A L

Spring is in the air... let the home improvements begin!As springtime approaches people reach for their tools ready for a spot of Do-It-yourself. For some homeowners this is an enjoyable challenge and a chance to use their DIy skills. For others, who don’t possess those skills, have too little spare time or have simply gone passed their ‘DIy days’, there is a solution. Find a quality tradesman to do the work for you. Hiring an expert means no botched or unfinished jobs. It also eliminates unnecessary stress and the chance of accidents.

There are many experienced and reliable tradesman in the local area to take care of all aspects of your home improvements and maintenance.

ROOFING AND GUTTERING

During the winter roofs have to cope with rain, snow, frost and wind. This can lead to dislodged tiles. The weight of snow, plus constant thawing and freezing can also cause damage to gutters. Gutters clogged with leaves and dirt increase the risk of problems with damp. As the gutter overflows, water runs down the exterior of the property, affecting windows and brickwork.

ExTERIOR PAINTING

Harsh winter weather can result in peeling and flaking paint. The clement weather conditions make spring the ideal time to consider re-painting any exterior woodwork or masonry. The key to any paintwork is preparation and a good tradesman can ensure that the work will last for up to 10 years.

GARDENING

Gardens need a spring clean too! So, in anticipation of the warm summer days ahead, the removal of dirt and moss using a pressure washer will clean up decking, slabs and patios. Fences and trellises may be in need of some TLC and, as there is less growth around them now, it makes this the ideal time to attend to them. A gardener can help to prune early flowering shrubs and remove any dead or damaged branches from trees. Weeding is easier in spring, as the roots are still shallow.

INTERIOR DECORATION

Springtime is a great time to refresh the interior of your home. Whether it is a fresh coat of paint or a change of wallpaper an experienced decorator can help you to transform your room with the minimum of disruption. Interior designers can even help with the colour themes and choices.

NEW KITCHEN OR BATHROOM

Both are large undertakings, but in the hands of an expert the work can be much less stressful from the planning stages, through to the installation and completion. A new kitchen or bathroom can transform any home and add to its market value.

ExTENSIONS

Any large-scale project needs to be undertaken early in the year, so that it can be completed whilst the weather is most likely to be at its best (no guarantees of that, of course!) If extra living space is required, improvement, rather than moving, can often prove to be the most affordable option. This might be an extension to the building, the conversion of the attic or even the basement or cellar.

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Films of all genres are so accessible now that it is easy to forget that when these awards were originally given, in the first half of the twentieth century, the only way to watch films was at a cinema. The making and screening of films developed quickly in the early 1900s. The public loved going to the movies and movie theatres or cinemas opened throughout the country. There were several in our local area.

In Whitwick, a group of entrepreneurs formed ‘The Whitwick and District Picture House Company’ in 1914 and in December of that year, ‘The Picture House’ opened in Silver Street, Whitwick. The brick building with electric lighting was not only a cinema but also a theatre with an orchestra pit, fine stage and dressing rooms. The Picture House was sited opposite the present Post Office. The story of live performances in the theatre, from touring variety acts to local musical and dance shows, is fascinating but will need to be told at another time.

The films screened in those early years at The

Picture House were silent and shown with piano accompaniment. Modern audiences would be amazed at the noisy atmosphere inside the auditorium. Unlike today, there was no need to sit quietly and listen to actors talking. The films were also ‘shorts’, which means that they were usually just one reel of film lasting about fifteen minutes. Later, feature films needed several reels of film, each in its own metal canister. Mixing up the reels, which sometimes happened, caused hilarity, booing, whistling and the stamping of feet amongst the audience.

In 1925, The Picture House was renamed and become The Palace. ‘Talkies’ arrived in Whitwick in 1930 and films were often shown to a full house as the programme was changed during each week. There were matinees on Saturday mornings for children and serials were shown over several weeks. Virtually every feature film was suitable for a family audience.

The Palace became The Plaza in 1951 and it

is that name which is most familiar to older residents. The photograph shows The Plaza with posters advertising films to be shown. Sadly, as in village cinemas everywhere, audience numbers declined with the availability of televisions and the development of large, more luxurious venues in towns and cities. In 1963, Bingo arrived at The Plaza. Its popularity was such that The Plaza became a Bingo Hall in the 1970s and films were no longer shown. Unfortunately, the building which had provided so much fun, escapism and all-round entertainment for generations of local people was destroyed by fire in 1982.

Past and present members of Whitwick Historical Group have been closely linked to our village cinema and have generously shared information and their memories to provide the Group with a valuable archive resource on this aspect of our social history. Whether or not you are a film fan, you are very welcome to call in at The Old Station to discover more.

The Silver Screen in Silver StreetIn the world of entertainment, February is film month. Two prestigious and glamorous celebrations take place: the EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAS) and, in Hollywood, the Academy Awards (Oscars). These events allow film-lovers to indulge in the excitement associated with the opening of envelopes and the announcement: “And the winner is …”

IBSTOCK FLOORING AND BLINDSA new carpet or floor covering can completely transform your room so, with over 30 years experience in the business, Ibstock Flooring and Blinds are just the people you need for the job. Visit their friendly and relaxed showroom on Ibstock High Street and browse through their extensive selection of high quality carpets and flooring to make the perfect choice for your home.

Ibstock Flooring and Blinds are a family-run business that prides itself on providing the highest level of service and quality, with competitive prices to suit all needs. Quotations include all extras, so there are no hidden costs. Des Crane, the owner, is an experienced and highly skilled carpet fitter, who personally fits each carpet and all work comes with a full guarantee.

Once your new carpet is fitted, the most important thing is to ensure that it continues to look good for as long as possible. Ibstock Flooring and Blinds now offer a bespoke edging and binding service, which can create a matching rug or runner, from your chosen carpet, to protect it in areas that are most heavily used. This professional finish eliminates fraying and produces a neater and safer rug.

If it’s beautiful blinds that you’re looking for, Ibstock Flooring and Blinds supply and fit some of the best quality, made to measure blinds available. Styles include; roller, Venetian, vertical and ‘perfect fit’ blinds.

If you prefer shopping in the comfort of your own home, a ‘shop at home’ service is available at an appointment time to suit you.

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page 16

Although the days are now getting longer it can still be dark in the early evenings and we would ask you to think about leaving a light on or using a light timer when leaving to go to work in the morning. We have found that doing so reduces your chances of becoming a victim of burglary.

Just before Christmas, across the whole of Leicestershire we saw a rise in car crime. Three people have been arrested and charged in relation to these offences. In our investigations we found that a lot of cars had no visible sign of entry and may have been left unlocked. Please take a few moments to ensure you have removed all valuables from the vehicle and that it is locked.

If you would like to know more about crime and anti-social behaviour in the Whitwick area you can visit this link: http://www.police.uk/leicestershire/NN45/

I am PCSO Mark Ball and am part of the Bardon Hill Dedicated Neighbourhood team. My primary area of responsibility is Whitwick, although the team are also responsible for policing Ibstock. We are based at Coalville Police station.

SUNDAy 5 FEBRUARy4pm-5pmCooperative StoreCropston DriveGreenhill Estate

SATURDAy 25 FEBRUARy9am – 11amCooperative StoreAshby RoadIbstock

If you have any concerns about anti-social behaviour you contact the police by ringing 101, or 999 in an emergency.

The team hold regular beat surgeries across the area. The next ones in February are:

every care is taken to ensure that all information printed is accurate. However liability cannot be accepted for any loss or damage due to any inaccuracies or omissions within this publication.

All rights reserved. No advertisements or editorial within this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. This applies to printed or electronic reproduction.

Printed and published by community Voice, 57 High Street, Ibstock, leics le67 6lH.

To advertise please contact Steve Tilbury or Graham Tyers on 01530 267300, or Hannah Playle on 01530 267344.

page 19 the voice

page 18the voice

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/centurytheatre • @century_theatre • /thecenturytheatre

Century Theatre, Ashby Road, Coalville, LE67 3LN

Bringing you; Comedy, Music, Cinema, Dance and more

Sat 18 Feb, 7.30pm

Lucky Dog Theatre productions presents: Hats Off to Laurel & HardyA new play about the lives of Laurel & Hardy, their steady rise to stardom, the decline of their movie careers and their phoenix-like revival on the stage.

£8 Advance, £10 On The Door

Sat 8 Apr, 7.30pm

Evening of Mediumship with Psychic Medium Nikki KittNikki is a Spiritualist Medium who aims to provide evidence of life after life by giving messages to audience members from their loved ones with amazing accuracy.

£12

Sat 11 Mar, 8pm

John Tams and Barry CoopeSinger songwriter John Tams, and musician Barry Coope, in a duo that has proved a winning combination. A great night of songs.

£16.50

Thu 30 Mar, 7.30pm

2Magpies Theatre presents: VENTOUXVentoux restages the 2000 Tour de France stage on Mont Ventoux, and the epic battle between Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani.


Fri 7 Apr, 7.30pm

The Supersonic 70s ShowIt’s the hottest ticket in town! An incredible live show jam packed with classic 70s hits and described as “the best 70s show of its kind - West End quality”.

£16 Advance, £18.50 On The Door

Fri 19 May, 7.30pm

Vienna Festival Ballet Presents: CinderellaThe classic tale of Cinderella, one of the best-known rags-to-riches fairy tales of all time.

This event is brought to you by Performing Arts @ Century Theatre, supported by North West Leicestershire District Council.


The Box Office is open 7 days a week, 10am-4pm

At Coalville Market: TUES 8am-2pm • FRI/SAT 8am-4pm • Or call 07971 207394 (Andy) / 07833 104569 (Malc)

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