Do you know where to find this local...

5000 Distribution MARCH 2018Issue 18Whitwick & surrounding areas

Whitwick • Thringstone • Swannington

. PLUS:

From Apprentice to AccountantA Bus Trip Down Memory LaneSnibston Colliery buildings listedRuffle’s school visitAll our regular features & lots more!

Email: [email protected]

Front cover photograph by Nick Linnett Photography • www.nicklinnettphotography.co.uk

See page 3 for details and how to win a prize!

Do you know where to find this local landmark?

Dents Road, Nottingham Road Retail Park, Ashby-De-La-Zouch. LE65 1JS 01530 564 864 fabcoltd.co.uk

Following a recent refurbishment at their Ashby showroom, FABCO have added even more stunning new home furnishings! There’s an amazing selection of quality lighting, a great sofa & chair collection, and a great choice of flooring and bed collections. With quality British brands such as Duresta, Voyage Maison and Amtico all under one

roof, Fabco offers you amazing home solutions to transform your house into a place you will be proud to call home.

Fabco offers an installation service on Amtico design floors, by their Amtico trained & registered installers, as well as offering Moduleo LVT ranges too. Quality carpets, laminate and wood flooring, all expertly installed by experts in their trades. There really is no where quite like FABCO, so why not pop in for a coffee, a chat and let them turn your dreams and ideas into a reality!

THE FLOORING AND BED COMPANY A place you can find uniquely stylish quality flooring, furniture, home furnishings & lighting………………

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WELCOME... ...to the latest edition of the Community Voice!Front Cover Quiz... ‘Spot the Local Landmark’.How many of you can spot the landmark from our surrounding area featured on this month’s 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 receive a £10 one4all voucher. Good Luck!

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Shackerstone Fields, Snarestone, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7DE

Last month’s quiz answer... and winner!Many of our readers were able to correctly identify last month’s mystery landmark as Shackerstone Station; a preserved railway station and heritage museum. It is also the terminus and headquarters for The Heritage Battlefield Line Railway with tea room, shop, loco shed and main rolling stock located there.

This month’s prize has been won by Russell Boam and our picture shows the prize draw being performed by Meg from Inghams Farm Shop. Visit their new shop at Gnarley Farm, Osbaston (on the A447) for a fantastic range of home reared meat and local produce.

Let’s see how well you do with our next landmark!

Home Care Services

Covering Loughborough, Shepshed, Ashby, Coalville, Castle Donington, Kegworth, East Leake, Ruddington, Melton Mowbray, Thurmaston and surrounding areas.

Here at Kare Plus, we are driving the standards which define quality care in the home. Whether you need a little care or a lot of care, we can tailor our support to meet your needs and lifestyle.

Follow us online01509 642070 kareplus.co.uk

CONTACT THE COMMUNITY VOICEPost: 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics LE67 6LH

Tel: 01530 267344Email: [email protected]

www.ourcommunityvoice.co.uk

Join the Community Voice

Easter Egg Hunt!Whittie has taken an Easter break this month, but why not join us on the Community Voice Easter Egg Hunt!

The Easter Bunny has hopped along to The Community Voice office and hidden some brightly coloured Easter Eggs on the pages of the Community Voice magazine.

Can you spot how many there are? Send your answer, together with your details to the contact details listed below.

‘HAPPY EASTER HUNTING!’

* Last month, our eagle eyed readers spotted Whittie hiding behind Bosworth Homecare. The first correct answer drawn out of the ‘Community Voice’ hat was Elaine Bradford who will receive a £10 gift voucher!

the voice page 5 the voicethe voice the voice

THE PALACE IS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES, CELEBRATIONS & COMMERCIAL USE• Commercial hire packages available at very reasonable rates

• Seats 120 people around tables or 200 in rows

• Well equipped kitchen and bar facilities

• Good disabled access and large free car park opposite building

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

Contact Gary on Tel: 01530 262400 for details of SPECIAL OFFERS to discuss your individual requirementsHigh Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH

High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire, LE67 6LH. Tel. 01530 262400SEE OUR WEBSITE www.thepalaceibstock.co.uk FOR MORE DETAILS

FORTHCOMING EVENTSFOR ALL EVENTS WHERE TICKETS ARE ISSUED: Advance tickets: from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability). Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment.

Sunday 4th March – INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE. Open to the public from 9.00am until midday. For more details or to book a stall contact Jackie on 07926 357005.

Wednesday 7th March - THE PALACE WINE CLUB tasting evening. Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8.00. Limited to a maximum of 30 places! Tel: Gary at The Palace on 01530 262400 or Corinne 01530 451725 to reserve your place.

Saturday 10th March – GRESLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR. The concert by this award winning choir starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8.00 available from the usual ticket outlet or telephone 07399417995 or via [email protected] or through ticket line www.wegottickets.com

Friday 16th March – FILM NIGHT. ‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’ (PG13). Based on the novel by Agatha Christie; when a murder occurs on the train he’s travelling on, celebrated detective Hercule Poirot is recruited to solve the case. Directed by Kenneth Branagh. Doors/ bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £5.00/£4.00.

Saturday 17th March - SKITTLES NIGHT with FISH & CHIP SUPPER INCLUDED. 7.45pm start. Tickets: £7.00 Adults and £3.00 under 16’s. A great family night out!

Saturday 24th March - PALACE SOCIAL DANCE A very popular evening of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence Doors & bar open at 7.00pm with dancing from 7.30pm ‘til 10.30pm. Tickets: £5.00.

Friday 30th March - PALACE BINGO A great social night out! Doors open at 7.30pm. Eyes Down at 8.00pm! Licensed bar and refreshments. Everyone is welcome.

Saturday 7th April & Sunday 8th April – ART EXHIBITION showcasing the work of talented local artists. Open to the public (FREE ADMISSION) on Saturday 7th April 10.00am – 5.00pm & Sunday 8th April 10.00am – 4.00pm. Paintings available for sale. Light refreshments available during both days.

THE PALACE IS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES, CELEBRATIONS & COMMERCIAL USE• Commercial hire packages available at very reasonable rates

• Seats 120 people around tables or 200 in rows

• Well equipped kitchen and bar facilities

• Good disabled access and large free car park opposite building

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

Contact Gary on Tel: 01530 262400 for details of SPECIAL OFFERS to discuss your individual requirementsHigh Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH

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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

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In last month’s issue we focused upon modern apprenticeships to mark National Apprenticeship Week. In this edition we take a closer look at how an apprenticeship has been the key to success for a young man working within a local company.

Not many of us have a clear idea of what we want to do with our lives when we are young, but at the age of 15, Jake knew that he would like to do something in the professional services sector. With that in mind, he was considering the university route and a law degree, with the possible final destination of ‘solicitor’.

As a student at Ashby School he undertook a work placement at a local accountancy firm, Sence Accounting. Sence are based at The Business Centre on the High Street in Ibstock, the village in which Jake lives. It was an experience that he found most rewarding and he enjoyed it, especially the working environment. At that time it served to reinforce his idea of attending university for a period of further education.

However, not long after this he attended a careers evening at Ashby School and was

surprised to find that apprenticeships were available for a huge variety of occupations, including accountancy. He, like many others, had the erroneous belief that apprenticeships were designed for trades such as plumbing, electrical, hairdressing, carpentry and more ‘hands-on’ skills.

Sence Accounting also happened to have a promotional stand at that same careers evening and naturally, Jake went over to say ‘‘hello’’ to the people who had made him feel so welcome during his time with them. The conversation came around to the possibility of an apprenticeship within the firm and this was where Jake’s journey into the world of accountancy began.

Jake joined the firm in September 2011 and completed his 3-year AAT (Association of Accounts Technicians) apprenticeship on a day-release course at Stephenson’s College, Coalville. This meant that he was earning whilst at the same time acquiring the required qualifications and skills.

Following successful completion of his AAT, Jake is now into his third year of study towards gaining his professional Chartered Certified status with the ACCA (Association

of Chartered Certified Accountants).

He now shares his positive work-life experience with students at both Ashby School and Stephenson’s College, as they embark upon their working lives. He is able to demonstrate that there are alternatives to the ‘university route’ into a successful and highly rewarding career. Jake explains how his apprenticeship has allowed him to mature into his chosen profession and how, by choosing this particular route, he can continue with his studies without any debts relating to further education to repay; in fact, last year he purchased his first house in the locality.

JAKE’S JOURNEY FROM APPRENTICE TO ACCOUNTANT

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Browns Blue – A Trip Down Memory Lane Continuing our series of new topical short stories featuring that mischievous rail dog, Ruffle, called ‘Ruffle’s Walks’...

Within each story Ruffle will send a secret word to his readers in the form of underlined, italic capital letters scattered in the text. Once you have found the letters, rearrange them to form a word that is relevant to that month’s story. At the bottom of each story it will tell you how many letters you are looking for. The actual word answer will be shown on page 27. Woof - have fun!

For more information about Ruffle’s storybooks visit www.ruffletheraildog.co.uk

Ruffle’s walks – night time adventure!‘Right!’ said Eric, turning to his granddaughter, Alice, who was staying the night. ‘We’re going on a night time adventure! You need to put on a warm coat, hat and a Scarf. I’ve made us a flask of hot chocolate and a couple of snacks. We’ll need these fold-up chairs.’

Eric led the way out into the garden, shining a torch into the darkness. Ruffle trotted along with Alice – his nose following the snacks.

Alice helped her grandad set up the chairs on the lawn as Ruffle watched. Very well, thought Ruffle and disappeared back indoors. A few minutes later he returned dragging the blanket from his bed.

‘Ruffle wants something comfy to sit on as well!’ cried Alice with delight. She set Ruffle’s blanket on the grass next to the chairs. Eric had gonE back indoors to fetch a bowl of water and some biscuits for Ruffle.

‘Don’t eat your snack just yet though Ruffle,’ warned Eric as he placed the biscuits on the blanket.

They settled themselves down and Eric switched off the torch. It took a couple of minutes for their eyes to adjust to the darkness but then they found that they could actually see quite well as familiar objects in Different shades of grey began to form.

‘Look at the stars, Alice!’ exclaimed Eric. Alice lent her head back and gazed up into the sky.

‘Oh! They’re like flickering lights – winking at us!’ She pointed up into the sky. ‘LooK! That one is much brighter than the others.’

‘That’s right,’ replied Eric. ‘That’s the brightest staR we can see in our sky. It’s called Sirius or the dog star!’

‘The dog star!’ repeated Alice, turning to Ruffle. ‘Do you hear that Ruffle? Now every time I see that star I will think of you Ruffle and remember that it’s the dog star!’

An owl hooted close by, making them all jump!

‘Let’s listen for other sounds in the garden,’ suggested Eric.

Alice nodded her head in the darkness. ‘Yes! It’s like a secret world. We might hear a creature that only comes out at night – one that no human has ever seen!’ Alice’s eyes twinkled as her imaginatioN began to invent a variety of mysterious animals that lurked in the shadows.

Suddenly she grasped hold of Eric’s arm as a crunching sound echoed through the darkness. ‘Grandad! What’s that noise?’ Alice whispered.

Eric looked Around. ‘It’s the bearded, hairy-backed Ruffle eating his biscuits! Hurry up Ruffle – you’re making too much noise!’ Alice giggled.

Ruffle looked at Eric indignantly. He couldn’t help it if he was bored and fancied a snack! Ruffle looked at the water in his bowl. Um – perhaps he’d wait then – drinking could be a noisy affair and Eric didn’t seem keen on him making a noise!

Eric, Alice and Ruffle sat for quite a while in the still darkness of the garden – amazed and thrilled with the sightS and sounds.

®

You could sit out in your garden on a clear, dry night, listening carefully for sounds and looking at the stars. See if you can spot Sirius – the dog star! Remember – if you hear a crunching sound echoing through the night, it just might be the bearded, hairy-backed…

Try the Ruffle “Find the word” competition - this month’s word has 8 letters. The answer is on page 27.

Exactly 55 years ago, in March 1963, Browns Blue buses with their unmistakable blue and red livery were taken off our local roads when the company was sold to Midland Red.

The business had been started by Lawrence Brown of Markfield in 1924 with one vehicle which doubled as a bus and a lorry, an intriguing concept in itself. The name “Browns Blue” quickly became well-known and more vehicles were purchased along with the businesses of other operators. Within ten years, services ran to Whitwick, Coalville and Loughborough.

After World War II, the fleet was doubled and included double deck buses for the first time. Expansion continued and, in 1954, Browns Blue Coaches Ltd came into existence, Leicestershire’s largest independent bus and coach company. By this time, there was an average fleet of about forty vehicles and depots in Leicester, Markfield and Ibstock.

Unfortunately, by the early 1960s, demand for bus services began to fall as car ownership increased. In 1963, Midland Red took over the public services routes and the Markfield depot. Reliant Coaches was set up by former staff who bought some of the coaches and the Ibstock depot. Most of the double deckers were driven to a parking area next to the Copt Oak pub before disposal.

The double deck bus in the photograph belongs to Mick Gamble, Leicester Transport Heritage Trust Ltd, and is painted in the traditional colours of the Browns Blue fleet. The bus is parked by Whitwick Methodist Church in Hall Lane in 2013. Mick’s bus was in the village to help Whitwick

Historical Group celebrate its Thirtieth Anniversary. The Group is delighted that Mick has provisionally agreed to bring it back to support celebrations in October marking the Group’s Thirty-fifth Anniversary.

Just seeing Mick’s bus brings back many memories for those of us who used the local services. Many will recall the conductors, the distinctive ticket machines and that, in common with other bus services, smoking was allowed on the upper deck. Whether or not it was due to its local base, Browns Blue always seemed to be a friendly service.

Volunteers at Whitwick Historical Group have begun preparations for our anniversary exhibition which is entitled “Whitwick Schools”. Look out for more details in the months ahead or call in at the Old Station where we are always pleased to welcome visitors.

Mick Gamble’s bus; note the destination board.

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the voice page 9 the voice

C H A R I T Y C H A M P I O N S

ROBERTS HOLIDAYS HAVE A RANGE OF VISITS TO LIVERPOOL AND THE TERRACOTTA ARMY, FROM DAY TRIPS TO 3 DAY BREAKS.

DAY TRIPS including ENTRANCE TO THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS EXHIBITION - £47.00 departing: Wednesday 28th March, Saturday 5th May, Friday 15th June, Wednesday 18th July, Saturday 18th August, Thursday 6th September, Saturday 20th October.

2 DAY BREAKS including dinner, bed and breakfast, cruise on the River Mersey, and ENTRANCE TO THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS EXHIBITION - costs just £165 departing: Thursday 13 September, Friday 28 September, Saturday 06 October.

3 DAY BREAK including 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, cruise on the Mersey to Manchester Ship Canal and ENTRANCE TO THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS EXHIBITION - for £259; departing on 1st May.

Liverpool and China’s Terracotta Army with Roberts Holidays C H A R I T Y C H A M P I O N S

Steve Barkby is a local man who certainly deserves to be known as a ‘Charity Champion’.

He began work in the Prison Service in 1990 as an Instructional Officer at HMP Sudbury, progressing on to become Professional and Technical Officer at HMP Headquarters in London. A further promotion in 1996 saw Steve transferred to HMP Featherstone in the role of Textiles Manager and then Head of Industries. It was during this time at Featherstone that he introduced charity work for The Children’s Society and New Life repairing and recycling items to be sold in the charity shops.

He has worked with the Staffordshire Police on a project known as ‘Alley Gates’. This initiative provided metal rails and gates for communities in Stafford, Stoke and Wolverhampton to help prevent house burglaries. In recognition of this work he earned an ‘outstanding contribution’

commendation from the Divisional Commander.

Outside the Prison Service, Steve still continues with his voluntary work; over the last ten years with the Peter Le Marchant Trust, providing canal holidays and days out for people with disabilities and special needs. His roles include assisting passengers and as ‘Skipper’ on the narrow boats.

In his spare time, Steve enjoys flat green bowling with Whitwick Park Bowling Club, where he has served as the President of the club and is currently the Chairman.

In his many charitable guises, Steve has run two charity marathons, served an eight year term as a member of the Newbridge School PTA, run a local youth club for three years and was a judo instructor for eight years!

Married, with one daughter and two grandchildren, he was dedicated to providing meaningful work for prisoners whilst

maintaining contact with communities and for this, in 2010, Steve was awarded an MBE.

His outstanding compassion and care for those less fortunate is both amazing and inspiring.

A TRUE LOCAL ‘CHARITY CHAMPION’

For over 2,000 years, an underground army of life-sized terracotta warriors secretly guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, until a chance discovery in 1974 unlocked the mysteries of a vanished empire.

Roberts Holidays are offering you the opportunity to visit Liverpool’s National Museum and the unmissable exhibition showcasing objects from one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. The exhibition features ten life-size figures from the First Emperor’s burial pit, including one horse, amongst more than 180 spectacular artefacts from museums across Shaanxi Province excavated over the last 40 years from the Imperial Mausoleum and selected tombs - more than half of which have never been on show in the UK before. These spectacular artefacts will shed light on the Emperor’s pursuit of immortality and show how he prepared for the afterlife, as well as help us to understand more about everyday life in China more than two thousand years ago.

The Terracotta Warriors are sure to attract the crowds to Liverpool in 2018 – make sure you’re part of the experience!

For further information, to book or view our extensive range please go to our website www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk or call us on 01530 816425.

Our personal, friendly, yet professional service coupled with our attention to detail and Roberts renowned quality ensures your holiday is one to remember for all the best reasons.

We look forward to welcoming you to the world of Roberts…

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Call 01530 816425 for a brochure or visit www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk for our full selection of day trips and holidays

TRAVEL GROUP

March 11th Mar Mothers Day Sunday Lunch and Trent River Cruise £45

11th Mar Crufts 2018 (General admission plus “best in show”) £70

16th Mar NEC Birmingham: Stitching, Sewing and Hobby crafts £29

16th Mar Cheltenham Gold Cup Day - Best Mates Admission £69

16th Mar Cheltenham Gold Cup Day -Tattersalls Admission £85

17th Mar Hereford Market, A River Wye Cruise with Cream Tea £39

18th Mar Welsh Steam Train & Afternoon Tea, plus free time in Llangollen £59

18th Mar York Medieval City £25

20th Mar Peak District Explorer: Castletown, Buxton and Bakewell £23

22nd Mar Evita The Musical at Birmingham Hippodrome £69

23rd Mar Emmerdale Studio Tour & Leeds £43

25th Mar Harry Potter Studio Tour £66

28th Mar Liverpool & China’s 3,000 year old Terracotta Warriors £47

29th Mar London Postal Museum £42

29th Mar London Zoo £59

30th Mar Easter Gathering “All aboard the Danny” £59

31st Mar Skegness Seaside £22

31st Mar Disney on Ice at Birmingham Genting Arena £65

April 01st Apr Harry Potter Studio Tour £6602nd Apr Bridlington Seaside £2503rd Apr Spalding & Springfield’s Shopping Village £2206th Apr Whitby Seaside £2506th April War Horse at Nottingham Theatre Royal £8507th Apr Cheddar Gorge & Caves £4307th Apr London Hyde Park £2507th Apr London West End Show: 42nd Street £11807th Apr London West End Show: Lion King £12508th Apr Adam Henson’s Farm Park & Bourton on the Water £3612th Apr Officer and Gentleman - The Curve Theatre - Leicester £40 12th Apr James Herriott World Museum ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ with free time in Thirsk £3413th Apr Torvill & Dean’s Dancing on Ice at Arena Birmingham £7914th Apr Torvill & Dean’s Dancing on Ice at Arena Birmingham £7914th Apr Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle £4714th Apr RHS Cardiff Flower Show £3915th Apr Chester City £2315th Apr Chester Zoo £4418th Apr Yorkshire Delights: Knaresborough & Harrogate £2321st Apr Emmerdale: The Tour with time in Esholt Village £5921st Apr Portobello Market & Nottinghill £2522nd Apr Stratford upon Avon £2227th Apr Brick Lane Wartime Music Hall “St Georges Day Celebrations & Afternoon Tea” £75

28th Apr Skegness Seaside Special £2229th Apr Stream in the Sky, followed by Sunday Lunch £55

May 04th May Kew Gardens Dragon Trail £4305th May Liverpool & China’s 3,000 year old Terracotta Warriors £4706th May Hunstanton Seaside £2206th May Sandringham House, Museum and Gardens £3907th May Cleethorpes Seaside £2310th May Lancashire’s Ribble Valley - Guided Tour with Cream Tea £3411th May “The Band” based on the ‘Take That Musical’ at Birmingham Hippodrome £8512th May RHS Malvern Spring Flower Show £4212th May Kirstie Allopp’s “The Handmade Fair” at Ragley Hall £3914th May Bakewell Market & Mason Mills £2215th May Castle Howard York (Light Lunch Included) £5917th May Durham Cathedral City £2519th May The Ritz Experience with Afternoon Tea £9819th May London at your Leisure: Hyde Park Drop off £25

When responding to an advert please mention you saw it in “The Community Voice!”

YOUR LOCAL LAW FIRM, WORKING SUCCESSFULLY ON YOUR BEHALF FOR OVER 90 YEARS.

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the voice the voicepage 11

Community Office, 3a Market Place, LE67 5DT 01530 459527

WHITWICK PARISH COUNCIL

www.whitwickpc.org.uk

[email protected]

Open: Wednesdays 1 – 4 pm

Thurs/Fridays 10 am – 1 pm

KNOW YOUR PARISH COUNCIL STAFF – THIS MONTH MEET CHLOE MABEY

News from your Parish Council

SNOW WARDENS – WHITWICK WORKING

TOGETHER?

You will remember that the bad weather in December caused some challenges for both motorists and pedestrians – our hills make Whitwick quite special! The Parish Council is not responsible for gritting roads but has been asked by residents to apply to Leicestershire County Council for permission to install some extra grit bins. There are a lot of regulations regarding this so it might not be straightforward. One idea we want to explore is to ask for voluntary Snow Wardens to help the community respond in an emergency situation. If you want to find out more please email the Parish Manager or speak to any parish councillor – absolutely no obligation.

Benches in Whitwick

One of the things that the Parish

Council was asked to do for residents was to put some extra benches in Whitwick. The first one has been ordered to go near the bus stop on Hermitage Road, replacing an old one that was taken away a while ago ……... more to follow.

Wonders of Whitwick – tell us more (Email [email protected] with your good news)

Memorial Benches/Planted Baskets. Sometimes families like to make donations in memory of a loved one so if you would like details of the process please contact the Parish Manager. We may accept donations for a planted memorial basket if that is more appropriate for you.

COUNCIL MEETINGS COMING UP ARE 15 MARCH & 19 APRIL HELD ON THURSDAYS AT 7.00PM AT PARK HALL, WHITWICK PARK, NORTH STREET, LE67 5HB

Working in Community Office since 2016. I have been working for the Parish Council for nearly 2 years on a part time basis. There is never a dull moment and the variety of work always amazes me. I haven’t lived in the village for very long but I am incredibly grateful to have such beautiful scenery, fantastic play areas and facilities such as the leisure centre all within walking distance. The Parish Council work hard to make Whitwick the best it can be, but there are always new ideas and initiatives being thought of. The Parish Council meetings are a great way to find out what’s happening.

TAKE A SECOND LOOK AT YOUR PASSPORTMost people think that arranging a passport is relatively easy – you just have a photo taken, submit the forms and there you go!

NOT SO! Many people are finding that when they take their passport application forms along to the post office that the photographs are being refused. This is because passport authorities are becoming very particular about the accuracy and clarity of passport photographs and this is due to the increasing level of security being imposed when we travel.

Stephen and Diana Webb at Second Look Photography have recently experienced a number of people coming to them in a panic because their photographs have been refused. This is because when the photograph is taken, the image must be in the perfect position so that important facial characteristics are recorded. Many photos taken in photo booths or by inexperienced photographers tend to fail as they are just not accurate enough.

At Second Look they have special equipment that ensures that the face is in exactly the right position when the image is printed. All pictures are normally taken in their fully-equipped studio although home visits can be arranged for a small extra cost. They are so sure that their photographs will not be rejected that they GUARANTEE that they will be accepted.

When you think that they only charge from £5.50 for a photograph it really makes sense to go to a professional every time to avoid those last minute panics especially with free parking nearby!

Contact Stephen or Diana at Second Look Photography, Business Centre, 57, High St, Ibstock, LE67 6LH or phone 01530 263811 or 07989 691770.

Adults • Children • Babies • Family Shoots

Same Day!Guaranteed to pass the strict biometric standardsAlso; Visa, I.D, Driving Licence, Blue Badge etc.

Tel: 07989 691770www.secondlookphotography.co.uk

Ibstock Business Centre57 High StreetIbstockLE67 6LH

UK Passport Photos£5.50

Second Look Photography

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

ACROSS1. Assortment (7)5. Group of insects (5)8. Large herbivorous mammal (5)9. Pagan (7)10. Unfeigned (7)11. Ledge (5)12. Lifted (6)14. Appraise (6)17. Notions (5)19. Fruit (7)21. Direction (7)22. Taut or rigid (5)24. Days of the month (5)25. Embroiled (7)

DOWN1. Chart (3)2. Inert gas (5)3. Dissimilar (7)4. Reverberated (6)5. Photos (5)6. Attain (7)7. Public declaration (9)10. Decorated food (9)13. Imprecise (7)15. Abridge (7)16. Captured (6)18. Secret agents (5)20. Invalidate (5)23. Conclusion (3)

Can you solve the clues and spot “THE ODD ONE OUT”?

A) British-American actress who began her career as a child actress in the early 1940’s. She starred in the 1958 film version of ‘Cat On A Hot Tin Roof’.

B) The second Tudor monarch (born in 1491)

C) A Knight of the Realm; this British pop singer, musician, performer, actor and philanthropist has sold more than 250 million records worldwide.

D) Crowned Miss Hungry in 1936, this actress was as famous for her private life as she was for her ‘on-screen’ performances.

THE ODD ONE OUT!

KATS ANTIQUE VINTAGE & COLLECTABLES CENTRE

1500 sq ft over 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• All Gold & Silver Jewellery Including Scrap & Broken Items• We pay more the highest prices in the area. • Costume Jewellery • All Coins • Militaria & Medals • Stamps • Watches • Silver & Silver Plate• All interesting antiques, collectables & furniture.

Free valuations everyday - Over 40 years experience

50 High Street, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3EEFind us on facebook - Open everyday inc bank holidays

10.00am - 4.00pm home visits available

CALL 07792974309Public car park to rear of shop

Free parking from 3pm everyday and all day 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 TV3 Years

Trading Here


Robert J Dutton

Your local Plumbers, Heating and Drainage Engineers

www.robertjdutton.co.ukTel: 01509 502402

All major credit cards accepted

Boiler Service from £60inc. VAT

➤ Boiler installation, service & repairs Gas & LPG➤ Central heating systems➤ Plumbing for new builds & renovations➤ All drainage jobs undertaken➤ Gas fire installations & inspections➤ Complete bathroom & kitchen installations undertaken➤ Free, no obligation quotations

Established 1965

BILL AND BEN LANDSCAPESBILL AND BEN LANDSCAPES

All aspects of landscaping catered for including a full design service.

Thornborough Rd, Coalville, LE67 3TL 07914 088814 / 01530 484167

Facebook@billandbenlandscapes

FENCING BLOCK PAVING TURFINGFENCING BLOCK PAVING TURFING

Whitwick and District U3A will hold its next General Meeting on Friday 16th March. If you are retired and are looking for activities which are both engaging and sociable then the U3A may have the answer. With a growing membership and almost fifty Interest Groups, most tastes are catered for. As the weather becomes milder, there is no better time to share hobbies and interests with like-minded companions. At the General Meeting, Group Leaders and others will be available to answer any questions and pass on information about the opportunities available.

The speaker at the March General Meeting will be Sandy Leong, making a welcome return visit. This time, Sandy’s topic is “Mad as a Hatter”, the Origins and Meanings of Sayings. No doubt Sandy will let the cat out of the bag and pull out all the stops to entertain us with stories of how familiar sayings came about.

To listen to Sandy and find out more about Whitwick and District U3A, come along to St. David’s Church Hall, Broom Leys, Coalville, LE67 4RL. Please arrive at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start. The U3A is a non-political and non-religious organisation based on the self-help ethos. Everyone is welcome. Alternatively, search online for www.whitwicku3a.org.uk where full details of our thriving U3A can be found.

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]

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

www.higgott.co.uk

If only I had gone to Higgott’s to have my

mower serviced!

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

ANNIVERSARY

1958-2018ANNIVERSARY

1958-2018

• 24 Hour service available day or night• Arrangements made in the comfort of

your own home• Tailored funerals to suit your requirements• Private viewing suites• Pre-paid funeral plans• Wills and estate management service• Memorials & monumental work undertaken

Fresh-cut flowers and floral tributes by Stinsons Fleurs. Call 01530 569379.

Direct Cremation Service. For those who ask for a simple send off. £1495 all inclusive. Call 01530 569246 ~ 24 Hour service.

Members of the National Association of Funeral Directors

Distributors in Whitwick required to distribute the fastest growing full colour A4 magazines in the region.

GOOD RATES OF PAY.

Apply in first instance to Hannah, Jayne or Steve on 01530 267344 or email: [email protected]

THE COMMUNITY VOICE NEEDS

MITCH SHAWGENERAL BUILDERAll building work undertaken

EXTENSIONSALTERATIONS PLASTERING

FREE ESTIMATESTel: 01530 260169 or 07969 353284

We are all smiles here, at Whitwick day nurseries, after achieving our Good rating from Ofsted!*

Here are some of the great things our Ofsted report had to say about us:

“The children are happy and settled in this welcoming and nurturing nursery.

The strong key-person system helps to ensure that the children develop a strong sense of security and build strong emotional attachments…”The report continued to praise our experienced and well-qualified staff on the positive reflection of diversity through the range of quality toys, resources, and festivals the children are educated on throughout the year.

It highlighted how the children with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive good support through the staff’s relationships with a wide range of professionals. This professional support, plus the managers routine checks on the progress of all children, helps them to identify any gaps in learning, and support staff to respond where further

support may be needed. This is to ensure the continuity in all the children’s care and meet their ongoing developmental needs.

Kerry Hardy, Nursery Manager, said: “We’re really pleased with our Good rating from Ofsted and the comments from the report. I’d like to thank all my colleagues for their hard work, as it really is a team effort and we wouldn’t be able to bring this excellent level of care to the children without every single one of them.”

Whitwick Day Nursery is a fun, vibrant and well-established children’s nursery that provides exceptional early care and education to babies and children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old, 5 days a week, all year round (excluding bank holidays).

For further information about Whitwick Day Nursery please visit the website at; www.whitwickdaynursery.com - or call us on 01530 830 499.

* Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) inspect and regulate services of care for children and young people, as well as those providing education and skills to learners of all ages across England.

OFSTED RATING

After the long dark winter months, spring is traditionally the time of year when we turn our thoughts to brightening up our surroundings and getting ready for the warmer, sunnier months ahead.It’s a great time to get carpets, rugs and upholstery professionally cleaned after the inevitable consequences of winter conditions making their way inside! However, if it is new carpets and furnishing that you are after , then there are plenty of local experts to call upon.

One of our leading interior design establishments, Fabco of Ashby (see their advert on page 2), have suggested the following ways to give your home a fresh new look for spring.

Starting a new year can make most of us feel quite uncertain but at the same time exciting. So, to kick offff this years first interior feature why don’t give your home a fresh coat of paint treatment? There are colour schemes that will give your home a fresh look to get your home ready to invite the spring season with warm welcome. With the daffodils, snowdrops, blue bells and tulips all coming in succession over the next few months, carpeting the woodlands and lawns in extravagant display. Why don’t we take inspiration from nature when deciding on colour schemes? We give you the top five colour schemes to choose from.

1. Golden Ochre - For an energetic start, go for the golden ochre which has become one of the key trends last year. This yellow hue will energise give your home a give a boost of sunny energy.

2. Sage Green - Add sage green colour with neutral walls to work with furniture made from natural materials. Include greenery such as house ferns and succulents and botanical wall arts to an amazing soothing colour which will give your home a sense of tranquillity.

3. Shades of purples - Pantone has recently announced its colour of the year “Ultraviolet”, so you will see shades of purple appear in many home furnishing stores. Accessorising the room with vases, cushions, and soft furnishings will be enough to turn any head with this vibrant colour. Before too long, you will have bluebells to fill the vases.

4. All White - for those who are uncertain about which colour to go for, white on white is a great safe option for you to add any colour to the scheme.

5. Pink Blush - taking the inspiration from the pink Blossoms, pink bluebells and tulips. A hint of pink will certainly work well with any soft pastels and fill your home with love, a heart warming feeling and happiness.

Ed & Tony, Fabco Ltd

LET THE SPRING BEGIN! Refresh your home for the new season

• Most carpets dry in 1-2 hours• Safe and non-toxic• Fully insured• Oriental rugs / leather cleaning

Don’t just have a clean carpet - Have a Spotless one!

Tel • 01530 587242spotlesslycleancarpets.co.ukMain Street • Newton Burgoland

Ask us toclean 3 roomsand we’ll clean

the 4th forFREE

• Same Great Products • Same Great ServiceAs we launch our new and improved Shop at Home Service, we havemanaged to reduce our overheads significantly – allowing us to passon savings directly to our customers, who we have served in Ibstockand the surrounding areas for the past 5 years.

• Even Better Prices! • Unbeatable Savings!

Provide any High Street quotation and we will beat it!

Ibstock Flooring & BlindsTel • 01530 264210 • Mobile: 07506 580555Email • [email protected] Laud Close • Ibstock • Leicestershire LE67 6NL

Ibstock Flooring & Blindshave gone mobile! ( v

Voted Best Small Business

FREE Underlaywith every carpet whenspending over £200

20% OFF

All Fitted Blinds

LWelcome to Ibstock Tile & Bathroom Ltd.A family run business, ran by Sadie and Mark, take advantage of the free car park facing the showroom. Call in and visit our showroom, we will be happy to help with any of your requirements, we look forward to seeing you!

Monday 9am-4pmTuesday 9am-4pm

Wednesday 9am-1pmThursday 9am-4pm

Friday 9am-4pmSaturday 9am-1pm

OPENING TIMESOPENING TIMES

Fed up with being unable to get in & out of the bath, or just wanting a modern, sophisticated, on-trend enclosure, our

stunning walk-in enclosures, boast the ultimate innovation with timeless appeal. Delivered with straight forward functionality

and beauty to the most important room in your house.

• Lifetime guarantee • 6mm toughened glass • Deflector panel pivots 180° • Acqua shield glass treatment

Prices starting from: £650.00 (including stone 1700x760 25mm tray waste wetroom panel & deflector panel!)

WALK-IN-SHOWER ENCLOSURES FEATURING

THE NEW DEFLECTOR FLIPPER PANEL


What’s on at Charles Booth Centreformerly Thringstone Community CentreEVENTS:8 March – Tropics skincare pamper evening. Cruelty Free products with vegan approval. Raffle and free entry.

24 March – Motown singing sensation Andrew Randell is coming to the centre to entertain us in his unique way. Tickets will be £8 and the event starts at 8pm. Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/thringstone

29 March – Easter Egg Hunt. A fun time for children and their parents. Contact the centre on 222337 for more information.

13 April – Comedy night.

28 April – The Swinging Bass Band - Nationally acclaimed band with singer playing all the hits

you love to dance to. Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk/thringstone at £8 or direct from the centre, weekday mornings only.

2 June 8pm – 1000 years comedy and music show – Anthony King will take you through some fascinating history with his brand of humour and original songs. There will be a concentration on Leicestershire. A night not to be missed. Tickets £8. Booking through www.ticketsource.co.uk/thringstone

The centre is seeking volunteers to help to support the expanding activities and events programme. If you are interested in supporting us, please email [email protected] or call 222337.

ROOMS FOR HIREMeetings • Class Rooms • WorkshopsConferences • Parties • Weddings • Licensed Bars

email: [email protected]: www.charlesboothcentre.org.uk

CHARLES BOOTH CENTREThe Green, Thringstone, Leicestershire LE67 8NR

Tel: 01530 222337

We also have a Facebook page and a twitter page under Charles Booth Centre. Please give us a like!


TOP TIPS FOR AVOIDING INFECTIONS SUCH AS COLDS & FLUThe power to protect yourself from bugs is literally in your hands!

When a virus is going round, good hand hygiene is the main way to protect yourself and others from infection. Studies show that it lowers the spread of flu, colds and tummy bugs. So here’s the best way to go about it:

1. Wet your hands and then cover them with soap.

2. Rub hands palm to palm.

3. Rub the back of each hand with the opposite palm and interlaced fingers.

4. Rub between fingers and round your thumbs.

5. Rinse well with water.

6. Dry thoroughly.

The whole process should take about 20 seconds (enough time to sing happy birthday twice), and is the best way for both adults and children to wash their hands.

And remember the slogan for coughs and sneezes: “catch it (in a tissue), bin it, kill it!”

Sent by Drs Virmani and Bedi’s Practice Patient Participation Group

PATHWAY TO SUCCESSA Traineeship is an exclusive personal development programme for young people aged 16-24 that aims to provide you with Maths and English knowledge, career developmentknowledge and valuable work experience.

They help prepare for work by equipping learners with the necessary skills, confidence and knowledge to progress into employment or an Apprenticeship.

Inspire and Educate Ltd has developed two types of traineeship programmes in partnership with ME Education and ME Sports based in Leicestershire. They both provide CV writing skills, interview techniques and careers guidance as well as a 4 to 6-week work experience. Both programmes also include improving your Maths andEnglish.

Traineeship for the Service Sector

Our Traineeship for the Service Sector is for those who are looking for a career in business admin or customer service. This 12-week course includes both aclassroom-based learning programmefollowed by a work experience placement.The Skillsfirst Level 1 Principles of CustomerService and Level 1 Award in Introduction toEmployment in Business Administration canlead to both employment or anApprenticeship studying for Level 2qualifications in the Service Sector.

Traineeship for SportThis traineeship is for those who are looking for a career in sport. We have adapted the Traineeship programme to meet the needs of employers, with a 12-week course that includes a classroom-based learning programme as well as national governing body coaching qualification and the 1st4sport Level 2 Award in Principles of Coaching Sport, followed by work experience in Sport, with career advice and demonstrations from former Leicester City Captain and International footballer, Matt Elliott, where you can learn from previous traineeship learners who have progressed onto apprenticeships and FA Level 1 and 2 coaches.

Where can it take you?

It will give you the confidence of having operated in a real work

experience and you can get your Maths and English to the required level.

All this is geared towards helping you towards your next goal whether this is

a Level 2 Apprenticeship, Level 2 BTEC or towards full time

employment.

• Gain crucial skills and work experience that employers desire

• Unlock your potential and become ‘work ready’

• Stand out from the crowd and show you are motivated and committed

• Hands on experience with ahigh-quality work placement

• Support with Maths and English if you need it

• Get tools needed to prepareyou for work

Why apply for a Traineeship?

• Motivated to work• Unemployed• Aged between 16-24 and

have no qualifications aboveGCSE or equivalent

• Lack confidence• Qualified below Level 3

You could be suitable if you are:

Interviews for Traineeships

contact us for interview dates E: [email protected]

or Tel: 01530 242 706

Beautiful, decorativeaggregates deliveredstraight to your door.Available in both loose tipper lorry loads and bulk bags.

For more information, please contactour friendly team on 01530 275555or visit www.central.uk.net

We accept all majorDebit and Credit Cardsas payment.

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Our new website has launched! Here you can find details of our weekly activities and monthly events...

www.charlesboothcentre.org.uk

We have had several incidents where a person is ringing up a member of the public claiming to be an Officer from West Mids, they claim to be investigating fraud and that the bank the person is using is handing over fake notes.

They ask the victim to ring 999 to confirm their identity, the person unknowingly then does not hang up properly so when they ring 999, as they believe they have, they speak to someone who then confirms the callers ID.

The caller then asks the victim to attend their bank, and withdraw their savings, they stay on the phone to the victim all the time and offer prompts about using the money for a holiday if asked by the cashier why they want to withdraw so much money. Once the caller is back home they ask they victim to read out some serial numbers from the bank notes and claim they are fake and they will send a courier around to collect the money.

Sadly they have been successful, they are very good at this and it is well rehearsed so the victims believe it to be true and that they are assisting Police in their enquiries.

This is a scam, the police will NOT call you asking you to withdraw cash.

If you receive a call as described, terminate the call, and make another call through to Leicestershire Police on either 101 or 999 if appropriate to do so, detailing what has happened.

PS 755 Garry JohnsonBardon Safer Neighbourhood Team, Coalville Police Station, Leicestershire Police, Leics LE67 3QGEmail: [email protected]: 0116 2222222 extn 3017 • www.leics.police.uk

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WE ARE RECRUITING!• Experienced HGV Mechanics

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Good rates of pay - enquire within or email:[email protected]

page 19 the voice

Heritage Groups welcomes listing of Historic Snibston Colliery buildingsThe Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt. Hon. Matt Hancock MP, on advice from Historic England, has listed three buildings at the historic Snibston Colliery site. The buildings were listed this month and include the office block, lamp room, control room and medical centre which are located in the building on Ashby Road and opened by Lord Robens, Chairman of the National Coal Board, in November 1967; the 1830s/40s locomotive shed and the 1960s powder magazine where explosives were issued to the shot-firers. They are all listed Grade II which means that permission has to be granted by Historic England for any demolition or alterations to the inside or outside of the buildings.

The buildings are now protected alongside the pit top buildings and headstocks that were designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments in 1999 and which puts the colliery on par with other ancient monuments around the county, such as Stonehenge.

Historic England’s reason for the listing is “the buildings form one of the best and most complete surviving examples of a mining complex dating from the British coal industry’s period of peak production”, which was during the 1960s and 1970s.

Stuart Warburton, Chairman of the Snibston and Coalville Preservation Group, hopes that Snibston Colliery has now turned the corner after three years of uncertainty. He said “the whole of Coalville and the museum world was devastated when the museum was demolished and subsequently new housing has begun to encroach on the historic coalmine site but with this news

I feel the importance of the Snibston Colliery has been fully realised”. He continued “We understand that the County Council, who own the site, have difficult financial decisions to make and that they have a commitment to open up the site for the public, subject to a recent planning application, which the Snibston and Coalville Preservation Group support in principle, but we would like to see the whole site accessible by the public; the pit tops, control room, lamp room, medical centre and powder magazine. This doesn’t have to be staffed by the County Council but by volunteers working in partnership with the County Council. There are still retired miners in the community who would welcome giving guided tours to school groups and visitors as they did when the museum was open. There is added importance as these ex-miners are getting older and there is a need to train non-miners in the mining history so the story can continue into the future”.

Steve Duckworth Chairman of the Coalville Heritage Society agreed with these views and added that “Coalville needs a heritage centre that can tell the story not just of the mines but the whole of the town and the surrounding villages and the historic mine buildings at Snibston would be an ideal location for this. The Coalville Heritage Society has a collection of over 2,500 photographs and documents and working with the County Council we could help to develop a heritage centre that would bring together the museum collections and our collections for the benefit of local residents and visitors to the area. The centre will also give a focal point for the heritage of Coalville like other successful centres around the country”. He continued “we also understand the pressures on the County Council but by working in partnership the local societies and retired miners’ the centre could be staffed by volunteers who would share their wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm with everyone”.

Local heritage groups hope that an outcome of the recent planning application and Historic England’s listing, and earlier scheduling, that a Snibston local community partnership group can be established with local residents, heritage groups, retried miners’ groups and the County Council to create a unified and engaged approach to the future of historic and iconic Snibston Colliery site.

For further information regarding Historic England’s recent listing go to https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/ and enter the following list entry numbers; 1434410 (Offices, Lamp Room and Medical Centre), 1434407 (Locomotive Shed), 1434408 (Powder Magazine) and 1018472 (Snibston Colliery Ancient Scheduled Monument status). For further information about the Coalville Heritage Society go to www.coalville-heritage.info

page 18the voice

Lawns, borders, hedges, weeding, pruning, digging and any other general garden jobs.Interior and exterior painting, and variousother jobs around the home undertaken:

• Painting fences, sheds and gates.• Interior and exterior painting.• Moss and weeds removed from driveways, patios and footpaths.• Plants and compost delivery.

Call Stephen Holmes on 07944 674813or email: [email protected]

Stephen Holmes Garden Services

• Plants and �owers watered whilst away on holiday.

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

We probably like to think of ourselves as the gentler sex – but forget it! Over the centuries some have defied convention and chosen to take a different path.

For instance, Anne Bonny, an Irish pirate, pil-laging merchant shipping in the Caribbean, until captured in 1720; Charlotte Corday, an assassin at 25, who stabbed to death Jean-Paul Marat, one of the leading French revo-lutionaries and Moll Flanders, a notorious 17th Century London pick-pocket, who later took to highway robbery dressed as a man.

We look forward to welcoming Graham Sutherland to our meeting on Tuesday 20th March, when he will be talking about other notorious women and their exploits.

Come and join us at the Thringstone Meth-odist Hall, at 7.30pm, for an entertaining evening. Visitors are charged at £5.00 per visit and this includes a raffle ticket and re-freshments.

For more information, please contact Susan, our social secretary, on 01530 459295.

Wicked Women!


Please mention you saw the advert in “The Community Voice!”

The mornings are getting lighter and the days are getting longer - so there is no better time to brighten up your plans for the year by making a fresh start in the dream home you’ve always wanted.

Award-winning Derbyshire-based housebuilder Peveril Homes has a range of beautiful properties available across its East Midlands developments - including the picturesque Paddocks at Packington, and stunning Foresters View in Fritchley.

Peveril puts quality workmanship at the heart of its homes, and both of these developments deliver all the Peveril hallmarks that set them apart from other ‘quantity, rather than quality-led’ housebuilders.

The Paddocks puts tradition first, with its exclusive collection of only thirty 4 and 5-bedroom executive detached new homes, and 3-bed cottage style properties - while Foresters View offers a beautiful selection of hand-crafted 2, 4 and 5-bed new homes. The essence of both The Paddocks and Foresters View is to marry up modern, considered contemporary living, with the picturesque rural backdrops of the National Forest and Peak District National Park.

All materials are hand-picked in each development in order to ensure each home is set apart - using traditional building methods. Clever interior design, eye-catching exterior features, intuitive use of space and a range of customisation options, give homeowners the chance to put their own stamp on a new home.

As well as Foresters View and The Paddocks, Peveril’s portfolio of sites also includes Woodcroft in Moira, Smalley Manor in Smalley, Heritage Park in Tutbury and Eden - Waingroves. The Belper-based housebuilder puts a real emphasis on finding the perfect location for each development, ensuring room to grow for families as well as comfortable living for upsizers, downsizers and first-time buyers.

So if more space, contemporary living and a perfect location are part of your Spring clean this year, then it’s time to find that perfect new home you’ve always dreamed of.

Stunning show homes are available to view across all Peveril Homes developments and all properties are available to buy with just 5% deposit through Help to Buy. Prices range from £184,995 to £679,995. To find out more details call 01773 880550 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, visit www.peverilhomes.co.uk.

Russell’s Garden BuildingsRussell’s Garden Buildings29 years in making garden buildings

Opening our new display site on 2nd March at Newbold Coleorton(please note we NO LONGER sell sheds at Gelsmoor)

• 6’x4’ sheds £239 / 7x5 £279 / 8x6 £339• We are manufacturers • We offer top quality buildings

•At affordable prices • We will beat any local prices and quality• Free delivery • Free erecting • Free staining

So when you’ve seen the rest come and see the bestRUSSELLS 29 years successfully making garden buildings

We have the largest display of buildings in the areaAt our two display sites:Staunton Harold Garden Centre • near Melbourne LE65 1RUAnd our new site • School Lane • Newbold Coleorton LE67 8PF

Tel • 01530 222295 • Mobile • 07885 442958www.shedland.co.uk

www.doningtonleheath.org.uk01455 290429 • [email protected]

Manor Road, Donington le Heath, Coalville, LE67 2FW /DoningtonleHeath @DoningtonLCC

A fully-furnished 17th century family home

Family

tickets available

Opening WeekendFriday 30 March to

Sunday 1 April 10.30am - 4.30pm

The 1620s House & Garden reopens its doors for the 2018 season. Join us for our opening

weekend, when costumed members of the Sealed Knot Society will be bringing the

1620s House & Garden to life.

Step back in time to explore our early 17th century house and its gardens and see how people lived 400 years ago.


If you’ve ever fancied stepping back in time and experiencing a slice of life from the early 17th century, make sure you don’t miss the opening weekend of the 1620s House and Garden in Donington-le-Heath.

The ancient manor house is re-opening to the public on Friday March 30, with a long weekend of living history, when costumed members of the Sealed Knot Society will be recreating the sights, sounds, smells and activities of the early Jacobean period.

The long weekend of activities runs from Friday March 30 to Sunday April 1, when the 1620s House and Garden will be open each day from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Visitors will be able to see the wealthy family members and their servants going about their business in the house, while outside in the grounds, there will be a tented camp full of early 17th century cookery, crafts and games.

Members of the militia will also be on hand to show weapons and armour of the time, while a herbalist will demonstrate how medicine was dispensed.

A host of activities for children and adults alike will take place throughout the weekend, including ‘Horse Racing’, 17th century games where participation is encouraged, musket and pike drill. There will also be an opportunity to

see a barber surgeon, scribe, wool merchants and 17th century technology.

The 1620s House and Garden in Donington-le-Heath is a surviving example of a family home built in the 13th century and modernised in 1618. The house has been home to many families over its 700-year history, but the Digby family, which included the Gunpowder Plotter Sir Everard Digby, lived in the house for more than 200 years. The house is set in beautiful 17th century style gardens with labelled plants and flowers, an orchard, herb gardens and a maze.

Following the opening weekend, the 1620s House will be open Thursday to Sunday and Bank Holidays, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, until the end of September.

Admission to the House, Garden and Tea Room is £5.95 adult, £5 concession and £3.50 child on standard opening days, with family tickets also available. Tickets give unlimited free return visits on all non-event open days for 12 months from the day of purchase. Admission to special events – including the opening weekend - is subject to an extra £2 charge per person.

Cllr Richard Blunt, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet member for Heritage, Leisure & Arts, said: “The 1620s House is an historic gem and we are pleased to be able to welcome back visitors for the 2018 season.

“The House and its gardens, along with its staff and volunteers, help to bring history to life in an educational and attractive way and I would encourage people of all ages to pay it a visit.”

The 1620s House and Garden was honoured at the Leicestershire Promotions 2017 Hospitality & Tourism awards, where it was highly commended in the Great Days Out (Small Attraction) category.

The site is also available for private bookings and educational visits outside normal opening hours.

View the range of events and find out more information by visiting www.doningtonleheath.org.uk or by calling 01455 290429.

See history come to life as 1620s House and Garden reopens for 2018 season

Local schools have had a very special visitor recently in the form of Ruffle the Rail Dog - the title character in a series of children’s stories about an Airedale Terrier that appear in our own Community Voice Magazine.

Ruffle’s latest visit was to Ibstock Junior School where the pupils and staff were thrilled to meet Ruffle and watch author, Rachel Greaves, as she took them on a couple of his adventures. The pupils also met the hand-made puppet of Eric, the station master, as well as ‘The Flying Terrier’ - the train that takes Ruffle on his exciting adventures. Rachel and Ruffle have visited over 30 Leicestershire schools in the last twelve months as well as schools as far afield as Norfolk with their assembly performances. The Ruffle books are proving very popular with nearly 4000 sold in under two years. Ruffle’s adventures continue with a new story book planned for later this year. Books are available through the website - www.ruffletheraildog.co.uk.

You can continue to follow Ruffle’s adventures every month in the Community Voice.

RUFFLE’S SCHOOL VISITRUFFLE’S SCHOOL VISIT

‘RUBY’S’ AND THE GREAT BRITISH CHIP!

077136 4106101283 547726

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It is always a difficult decision deciding how best to care for a relative or friend when they are no longer able to maintain full independence. For complete peace of mind for all concerned, it is essential to find the most appropriate care.Originally established as a nursing agency in 1989, Kare Plus, have now developed their services to include the provision of domiciliary care, in both the private and the public sector, to the residents of Loughborough, Shepshed, Coalville, Thringstone Whitwick, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Castle Donington, Kegworth, East Leake, Ruddington, Melton Mowbray, Thurmaston and surrounding areas from their Charnwood based office.

Kare Plus have an excellent track record for delivering a high standard of service that their clients can rely on. They aim to recruit, train and supply the highest calibre of care and support staff, who strive to provide high quality, professional care to their clients in all areas of the care setting. They have a high retention of staff and invest heavily in training and personal development so that they able to offer continuity of care and a high level of comfort and reliability. They pride themselves on ensuring that all their clients are treated with the up most dignity and respect and that they receive the quality of care that they deserve.

As one of the leading multi-service healthcare providers in the UK, Kare Plus offer personal care, ‘sleep ins’ or ‘waking nights’, respite care in the service users home and live-in care, shop and cleaning calls, sitting and befriending services, plus a chaperone service to appointments. They can also be there to provide temporary care for recovery purposes and end-of-life care.

Kare Plus’s approach to their clients is highly personalised and they always aim to provide carers who closely mirror the profile of each client and who have the training and experience to provide care tailored towards each individuals needs and requirements. Please see our advert on page 3.

Kare Plus, the caring company, delivering outstanding nursing, care and support to local communities, nationally.

The Green • Thringstone • Coalville • Leicestershire • LE67 8NR

01530 222460

Serving the best fish & chips for over 40 years

Voted BEST FISH & CHIP SHOP 2017 in Leicestershire by readers

facebook.com/rubysfishandchipshop

� 5 Star Rating on TripAdvisor� 2017 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence� 4.7 rating on Google & Facebook� 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating

OPENING HOURSMonday 5pm-9:30pmTuesday 5pm-9:30pmWednesday 5pm-9:30pmThursday 5pm-10pmFriday 11:30am-2pm, 4pm-10pmSaturday 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pmSunday closed.

You can’t beat a steaming plate of fish and chips and for the very best we don’t have to go too far! Ruby’s in Thringstone has received accolades for being the best fish and chip shop in North West Leicestershire. They are also very proud to have a 5 star hygiene rating and a 5 star rating on trip advisor.Owned and managed by Michael and Sonia Demetriou, this village fish and chip shop is a well known local landmark which has been serving award winning food for over 40 years.

The menu has seen the addition of their now legendary doner kebabs and southern fried chicken.

However, the heart of the business remains unchanged; mouth-watering fish and chips, and they still produced in the same gleaming fryers that were used by the eponymous Ruby, herself, back in the day!

Chip facts are as plentiful as the chips themselves. As a nation we consume 1.6m tonnes of chipped potato every year! This means that at least 12% of the British potato crop is turned into chips; enough to fill 19,600 foot ball pitches or, placed end-to-end, would stretch from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back! British fish and chip shops serve over 247 million portions of fish and chip meals each year.

Statistics reveal that 87% of the UK population love chips. Even harder to swallow is the fact that these studies show that 13% of people don’t love chips! They even get a mention by Charles Dickens in Tale Of Two Cities and Oliver Twist! Celebrity chip fans allegedly include Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham, Rianna, Kate Moss, David Walliams and Michelle Obama.

Chips are not as British as we might like to think! They were first introduced to the UK in 1860 by Jewish immigrants from Portugal and Spain; however, contrary to popular believe it was the Belgians that invented chips, not the French!

Fish and chips were the only take-away food not to be rationed during the Second World War. Frederick Lord Woolton, Minister of Food at the time, even allowed mobile frying vans to carry fish and chips to evacuees around the country.

In 2014, artist Prudence Staite was commissioned by the Potato Council to make sculptures of British landmarks out of chips and mushy peas. She artfully crafted tasty-looking versions of the Angel of the North, The London Eye, Big Ben, Stone Henge, the Loch Ness Monster, and the White Cliffs of Dover!


CHURCH OF ENGLAND Special ServicesMarch/Easter 201811th March Mothering Sunday 10.30am – All-age Holy Communion at St John the Baptist Whitwick AND 10.30am – All-age Worship at St Andrew’s Thringstone.

25th March Palm Sunday 9.00am. Holy Communion at St Andrew’s Thringstone AND 10.15am – Procession around Whitwick village AND 10.30am – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist Whitwick, joining the Community Easter Egg Hunt in Whitwick Park after the service.

30th March Good Friday 9.40am – Churches Together Service at Mount St Bernard Abbey. 9.50am – Walk of Witness to Whitwick and Thringstone. 12.15pm – Service on The Green Thringstone and refreshments AND 2.30pm – Service of Reflection at St John the Baptist Whitwick.

1st April Easter Day 6.30am – Sunrise Service at Warren Hills Rock AND 9.00am – Holy Communion at St Andrew’s Thringstone AND 10.30am – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist Whitwick AND 4.00pm – Holy Communion at St George’s Swannington.

Let your child make a splash and learn to swim!

JKM Swimschool

For More Information Please Contact Debbie on 07824 813156 Find us on Facebook at: jkm swimschool Email: [email protected] Or on the web at: www.jkmswimschool.co.uk

Lessons now available in

Thringstone,

Shepshed and

Loughborough.

Swimming is a great way for your child to be active, have fun and

even stay safe.At JKM Swimschool we have fully

trained ASA and RLSS qualified teachers with varying years

of experience. Our classes are groups of 6 for

beginners, (age 2.5+) and rise to 8 at Stage 5 of the National Teaching Plan.

Rookie Lifeguard sessions are also available.

• 2.5 years+ to pre-competition level.

• Female Teachers with considerable experience.

• National teaching plan stages 1-10.

• Small groups of 6.

• Fully DBS checked and insured.

• Parent & Toddler Class - Fridays 1:30pm.

If you have an interesting local interest story and want to share it with us then please send us 500 words by email with 2/3 accompanying print quality pictures and we will do our best to publish it in the Community Voice.

Simply submit your article and photos to us at: [email protected]

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 on 01530 267300, Hannah Playle or Jayne Massey on 01530 267344.


PLEASE NOTE THE DEADLINE DATES FOR OUR APRIL 2018 ISSUE ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Deadline date for bookings is Thursday 15th MarchDeadline for copy is Monday 19th March

Visit our website: www.ourcommunityvoice.co.uk

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/communityvoicemagazines

Or on Twitter: @commvoicemags

You can now find The Voice online and on social media!

If you wear uniform at work you are entitled to a flat rate allowance towards cleaning!

01530 267320 [email protected]

MobilityScooters

Great range of pre-owned mobility scooters, rise & reclining chairs and wheelchairs

We don’t just want to sell you any scooter...We want to sell you the RIGHT scooter!Come and see us at Coalville Market:TUESDAY 8am-2pm • FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8am-4pmOr call 07971 207394 (Andy) / 07833 104569 (Malc)

Part ExchangeSales & RepairCleaning & ValetingServicing3 months warrantyAll scooters supplied fully servicedBatteries supplied & fitted free

THE ODD ONE OUT!ANSWERS:

A) Elizabeth Taylor

B) Henry VIII

C) Sir Cliff Richard

D) Zsa Zsa Gabor

The answer to all the clues, except C), are people who have had multiple marriages. A) 8 marriages, B) 6, and D) 9! Sir Cliff, however, remains a ‘Bachelor Boy’. Therefore C is the odd one out.

RUFFLE’S “FIND THE WORD” IS: DARKNESS

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE VOICE!

You can now pick up the area’s favourite free magazine from the offices of

Whitwick Parish Council.

3a Market Place Whitwick LE67 5DTOpen: Wednesdays 1pm – 4pm.Thursdays/Fridays 10am – 1pm.

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