Whitwick • Thringstone • Swannington FIRST...

5000 Distribution Issue 1 October 2016

Whitwick & surrounding areas

. PLUS FEATURES ON:

Ruffle The Rail DogCharity ChampionsWhitwick Historical GroupWhitwick & District U3A...AND LOTS MORE!

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

Do you know where to find this local landmark?

Whitwick • Thringstone • Swannington

FIRST ISSUE

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

the voice

James Hayles HND. RRMFully insured and NPTC qualified

Tree Surgery, Spraying Specialist & Ground Maintenance

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

Welcome... ...to this FIRST edition of the Whitwick, Thringstone and Swannington Community Voice!Some of you may already know of our sister magazine which is distributed around the Ibstock area. We started over 14 months ago and the publication has gone from strength to strength and firmly established itself as an integral part of the community for news, events and local interest. Our aim is to emulate this within Whitwick, Thringstone and Swannington and we welcome editorial content from the area. This can be about a wide range of subjects including historical stories, interesting characters, charity events or indeed anything that will be our interest to our readers. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our sincere thanks go to Whitwick Parish Council, Whitwick Historical Group and Friends of Thringstone for all of their support.

Front Cover Quiz... ‘Spot the Local Landmark’.Every month, we will start the issue with a poser about a local landmark. This month, you simply need to identify where the landmark is.

If you think you know the answer please send it to us at 57 High Street, Ibstock, LE67 6LH or email them to [email protected]

All correct entries will be drawn, at random, with the winner receiving a couple of bottles of wine which can be collected from Whitwick Parish Council, Market Street.

Good Luck!

page 2the voice

MITCH SHAWGeneral BuilderAll building work undertaken

ExtEnsionsAltErAtions PlAstEring

FrEE EstimAtEstel: 01530 260169 or 07969 353284

Introducing our latest FABCO BEDS this Autumn…………….

MANY EX-DISPLAY BED MODELS MUST BE CLEARED - MATTRESS DEALS WITH SAME DAY DELIVERY - NO CHARGE, NO HASSLE!

This Autumn FABCO is showing their SEALY collection including the latest “Which?” Best Buy mattress. Many of SEALY’s latest models are on display at their authorised ‘Sealy Studio’ for you to come and try for yourself. Once you walk through their showroom doors you’ll feel at ease, as their aim is to be on hand to answer any questions you may have; but there’s definitely a ‘no-hassle’ policy in force and reassuringly no high pressure sales. The business is run by Co-Directors Tony & Ed who together have a vast knowledge of all aspects of flooring, furnishings, beds and interior design! PLUS, Right now, there are many CLEARANCE EX-DISPLAY BED MODELS, in perfect condition which MUST be cleared to make way for new exciting stocks! There’s some fantastic clearance offers - no messing, just great GENUINE deals…..have you noticed why we don’t have sales ‘every other week’ that’s because our offers are genuine, honest…and above all legal! The family-run business you can trust, again, and again….that’s why people keep coming back!

T H E F L O O R I N G A N D B E D C O M P A N Y Dents Road, Nottingham Road Retail Park, Ashby-De-La-Zouch. LE65 1JS

Tel : 01530 564 864 www.fabcoltd.co.uk Email: [email protected] Showroom opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am - 5pm Sunday & Bank Holidays 11am - 4pm

Showroom is next to ALDI, adjacent to Wickes & Pets at Home. Large free carpark on the doorstep!

the voice page 5 the voice

We hope our younger readers enjoy this regular feature... a series of short stories by local 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 email [email protected]

1 2

Ruffle sat down then looked on in surprise,

As very slowly the stone began to rise.

First from the front appeared a timid head,

Then from each side a small, wrinkly leg!

3

Ruffle and the Moving Stone

Ruffle was lying dozing on the warm garden grass,

Keeping one ear open for anything that should pass.

Suddenly he heard something, a faint snuffling sound,

Curious what it was, Ruffle sat up and looked around.

There was nothing on the grass but a small mottled stone,

Sitting right in the middle of the lawn, all alone.

‘Mmm’, thought Ruffle, ‘I’m sure it wasn’t there before.

Perhaps I’ll keep an eye on it just to be sure!’

4

A stone with legs? That can’t be right!

Ruffle decided to pick it up, holding it quite tight.

He took it carefully over to Eric’s station door,

And placed it very gently upon the stony floor.

Ruffle began to bark to give Eric a shout, finally the door opened and Eric came out.

He looked down and smiled at the stone on the ground, ‘My tortoise, Shelley! Ruffle, that’s what you’ve found!’

®

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

Ibstock Office No: 01530 814689 • Mobile: 07826 097079

KATS ANTIQUE VINTAGE & COLLECTABLES CENTRE2 floors of antique, vintage and collectables including quality gold and silver jewellery,

coins, clocks, hand painted furniture, stamps, pictures, militaria, china, glass, furniture,

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10.00am - 4.00pm - home visits availableFind us on Facebook

Come and see us for that unusual Christmas Gift and also our

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CALL 07792 974309Public car park to rear of shop

Free parking every Sunday

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Distributors required in all areas to distribute the fastest growing full

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DISTRIBUTORS PARTICULARLY REQUIRED IN WHITWICK,

SWANNINGTON & THRINGSTONE. GOOD RATES OF PAY.

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

THECOMMUNITY VOICE

Get your business noticed and join the increasing number of local businesses using ‘The Community Voice’. Simply call Steve or Hannah on 01530 267300 or 01530 267344 to discuss what we can offer.

IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN THRINGSTONE!Nita Pearson from Friends Of Thringstone (www.friends-of-thringstone.org.uk) has been in touch concerning a number of events that will be taking place over the coming weeks. You may wish to make a note in your diaries as it sound as if some of these events are not to be missed!

Wanted - help to plant Spring Bulbs!

We have 2000 spring bulbs coming in October, and will need a hand to put these in designated spots in the village. This is partnership with NWLDC as far as the provision and cost is concerned, but we need people to put in the bulbs with us. They should contact me on 223434 if they can help.

12 October - Community Centre

A new show from World On Stage:

Magical Mozart by Candlelight Show starts at 7.30pm.

This sumptuous fully costumed show takes us into the wonderful world and classic baroque music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

With wonderful costumes and lighting, the European Baroque Ensemble and Singers will transport the audience into the past with the music and song of Mozart and will include excerpts from operas such as The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutte, and many more songs from his operas. The European Spirit Ensemble will perform some of the most memorable pieces of Mozart’s music.

As always with these productions, tickets are £9 each and are available for booking on line at www.ticketsource.co.uk/thringstone or via the community centre’s office, which is open Monday-Friday 9am-12 noon.

This event is to help raise funds to keep the community centre a thriving concern for the benefit of people, not only in Thringstone, but also from other villages and towns nearby.

If you need further information on any of these things contact Nita Pearson at Friends of Thringstone.

come and meet Ruffle in person!Local author Rachel Greaves will be appearing in person along with her delightful lifelike puppet of Ruffle at The Palace Arts Centre Ibstock, on Saturday 26th November from 10am to 12pm.

Great experience for the kiddies and also great chance to purchase special offers and have your books signed by the author herself.


Come and treat yourself to a meal in our brand new stylish restaurant.

Great range of dishes to suit everyone - from a simple bar snack through to a sumptuous steak cooked to your liking!*

Sunday Roast lunch available between 12 noon – 3.00pm (best to book to avoid disappointment).

Great range of beers available.

Appearing Saturday 29th October popular singer and entertainer Dean Dallison!

* Snacks available throughout the day. Meals served Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 5–8pm. Friday & Saturday 5–9pm.

The Whimsey inn & ResTauRanT92 High Street, Ibstock, LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 260454

Gareth and Shirley McGuire have run Powerpac Ltd for over 9 years. Concentrating on renewable energy for the home and business and winning awards along the way.

When Gareth started Powerpac Ltd in 2007 he brought with him a wealth of experience and a desire to create an electrical contract business with the ethos of maximising the use of renewable technology solutions to make a significant contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

After spending some time getting the company on a firm footing he began to look at ways to branch out into areas that would encapsulate the company ethos. With this in mind he looked into installing solar panels to residential, commercial and agricultural premises. At this point he was joined in the business by his wife, Shirley to help with the sales and administration side of things.

The company completed the first PV install in July 2010 and the feedback from the customer was very positive and spurred Gareth to believe that this was the direction that he wanted the company to go in.

Though things started slowly at first it soon took off and, to date, Powerpac have completed hundreds of solar installs all over the country.

With the steady rise in electric and plug-In hybrid vehicles, Powerpac began to receive enquiries from people to have a charging station installed at their home or business. This fell nicely into the company ethos and added another arm to the company.

Both Gareth and Shirley envisage a bright future for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles within the country and with that there will be an increase of people wanting to charge their cars quickly.

The standard leads that comes as standard with the car will charge efficiently but will take, typically, around 8 hours to reach full charge. Whereas a properly fitted charging station, should reduce that to about 3 hours. There are even fast boost chargers that can charge the car to around 80% within 30 minutes.

Gareth says, “The research that is currently going into this technology is moving at a rapid rate, but the infrastructure will not change. Plug-in cars have batteries, those batteries need charging and people want to do it quickly and cost effectively.”

Currently there is a government grant available for getting a charging station installed at your home and they are looking at the possibility of extending this to the business sector.

If you have, or are thinking of getting, a plug-in vehicle in the future, or want to know what renewables can do for you and would like some advice, then where better than a good local company that has embraced the technology and winning awards in the process, Powerpac of Whitwick. Call them on 01530 835 859.

lo c A l W H I T W I c K c o m PA N Y AT T H e F o R e F R o N T o F R e N e WA B l e T e c H N o lo G Y

• Hundreds of Solar Panels installed to satisfied Domestic, Agricultural and Commercial customers

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• Government Grants available for chargers installed at home

• Reliable local company – established since 2007

• Commercial electrical contractor

For all your enquiries please contact us on

01530 835859 and see what Powerpac can do for you.

www.powerp.co.uk

If you are looking to install solar panels or a car charging station then award winning powerpac have all the answers and all the latest technology.

From Solar Panels to car charging Stations... Powerpac have all the answers

Whitwick and District U3A will hold its next General Meeting on Friday 21st October. The U3A offers friendship through learning and social activities to those no longer in full time employment. Our members have opportunities to be involved in a wide range of Interest Groups. At the General Meeting, Group Leaders and others will be on hand to answer any questions and pass on details about our U3A.

The meeting will also feature a return visit from popular speaker Sandy Leong who will be exploring the timely subject “The History of Witches and Witchcraft”. Sandy’s presentation will reveal that behind the stereotype of the witch in a pointy hat riding on a broomstick, lies a long history of trials and persecution that claimed the lives of many women and men.

To enjoy listening to Sandy and to find out more about Whitwick and District U3A, come along to St. David’s Church Hall, Broom Leys, Coalville LE67 4RL at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start. The University of the Third Age is a non-religious and non-political organisation: everyone is welcome.

Alternatively, visit our website, http://www.whitwicku3a.org.uk which is always up-to-date and gives comprehensive information about Whitwick and District U3A.

Whitwick and District U3A

the voice the voicepage 9

6 2 7

4 9 8 1

3 5 7

9 4 8

2 3 9 4

3 9 6

6 7 3 8

2 4 3

3 5 1

Across1. Floorshow (7)4. spooky (5)7. Detection device (5)9. Vertical (7)10. Inactivity (7)11. Measuring implement (5)12. Dictator (6)14. Ecclesiastic (6)18. copious (5)20. Drawn (7)22. Pouch worn with a kilt (7)23. Diadem (5)24. Admittance (5)25. spiny anteater (7)

DoWN1. Transported (7)2. Emblem (5)3. Tropical bird (6)4. Mistake (5)5. Dependable follower (7)6. Go in (5)8. Magnitude relation (5)13. reinforcement (7)15. reasoned judgment (5)16. Musical passage (7)17. opportunity (6)18. Part of a church (5)19. Ahead of time (5)21. obviate (5)

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

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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.


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Whitwick Historical Group (WHG) was formed in 1983 when Whitwick was a very different village from the one we see now. Then a collection of local people, with a shared enthusiasm for all things associated with Whitwick, began to meet regularly in The Black Horse and went on to establish the Group.

We can speculate just how much they envisaged the extensive changes that lay ahead but they were perceptive. Then, in 1983, 780 men were employed at Whitwick Colliery and blasting at Whitwick Quarry was almost a daily occurrence. The Co-op in Silver Street was the largest shop and small, independent shops clustered in the village centre. Hosiery and knitwear was produced in factories; most of the pubs were open and children attended school in the Market Place. It is our good fortune that those who founded WHG had the foresight to preserve and record images, artefacts and documents as changes swept through Whitwick.

In 1987, there was a very significant development for the Group: they were able to lease the village’s Victorian Railway Station to use as a base. Initially, only the upper floor and the old lamp room at platform level were available. How WHG took over and transformed the interior of the building is a long story, full of hard work and commitment, but the excellent facility enjoyed today with the support of the Parish Council is greatly valued. The unique building and WHG seem perfectly matched.

As the Group’s archive developed and expanded, members became very involved in research. Some of this resulted in publications, such as the definitive work on the Whitwick Colliery Disaster, “Banded Together”. Another focus became family history research, supported by the invaluable collection of Parish Records. Enquiries are received regularly from local, national and international individuals who are keen to discover their roots. The resources held are detailed and

broadly based. Whether it is to aid serious study or more casual queries, the WHG volunteers do their best to help.

Many encounter the Group at local community gatherings. The large marquee is a familiar sight at outdoor events. The attractive displays are always popular as they feature Whitwick people, places and themes. Whether outdoors or indoors, WHG always welcomes the opportunity to exhibit photographs, share stories from local heritage and showcase our publications, including the well-liked annual calendar.

Through celebrating WHG anniversaries and marking special occasions with extensive exhibitions, the Group has won several prestigious awards. This recognition is both rewarding and important as it raises the profile of WHG. The Group is equally proud of invitations to visit schools and support pupils’ learning as they study local history.

The current members of WHG know that a huge debt is owed to those enthusiasts who worked so tirelessly to set up the Group. Whitwick has changed in many ways since 1983 but that commitment to promoting and celebrating Whitwick’s long and remarkable history remains. Visitors, new members and volunteers will always receive a warm welcome.

Season update from the 1620s House and Garden at Donington le HeathLeicestershire County Council’s 1620s House and Garden has now finished its first season in its new guise. The house opened in late May following an extensive refurbishment to create a fully furnished family home from the early 17th century.

Visitors have really enjoyed the beautiful gardens and learning about the many plants and their uses as well as getting hands on inside the fully furnished 17th century rooms.

The tea room staff have supplied a wonderful range of high quality home baked cakes along with filled rolls and a range of drinks in the old barn.

Out team of volunteer gardeners and house interpreters has grown over the season, but there are still opportunities for more people to get involved at this wonderful site. We are also looking for volunteers to help with our learning activities at the site.

During the winter the house will not be dormant, with the volunteers undertaking development work in the gardens and inside the house ready for the new season which starts on April 1st.

Winter family events include:

‘Apple Day’ on Saturday 22nd October 11am – 3pm to celebrate the gardens and heritage orchard on site.

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot on Sunday 6th November, as the house was owned by the family of one of the Plotters.

For more information on the house and our activities and to see next season’s event programme as it develops, visit www.doningtonleheath.org.uk or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DoningtonleHeath

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WHITWICK HISTORICAL GROUP


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!

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c H A R I T Y c H A m P I o NGEMS Charity was founded in June 2012 by Sally & Andy Anderson, after they had accompanied four close friends on weekly visits to the Osbourne Chemotherapy Suite at Leicester Royal Infirmary.Inspired by the hard work and dedication of the nurses, the potentially lifesaving procedures that happened in the suite and the courage of our four friends and other patients made us feel we wanted to give something back. Although GEMS Charity cannot undo the experience the patients are going through, we hope to make the environment for the patients and their supporters more comfortable during their treatment.

The Oncology Unit treats hundreds of people every day, with all types of cancer and it relies heavily on the generous donations and help from the public. GEMS Charity is run solely by volunteers and all funds raised goes directly to the suite. The name of our charity is made up from the initials of those four close friends: Gill, Elizabeth, Meg and Sarah.

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Like many of todays leading athletes it was at school where Whitwick runner Gemma Steel first realised that she had a talent as a middle/long distance runner although prior to this her preference had always been towards the sprint distances and the long jump.

Whilst attending De Lisle school she competed in the cross country race where she came third and her teacher Mr Sawyer recognised her ability and suggested she continue with distance races. After this Gemma ran several races for the school always finishing in the top four and this was followed by success in the County Schools Championship - again with a top four placement.

Gemma joined Hermitage Harriers in 2005 and began competing in road races ranging from 8km to half marathons. This is where she met her partner Lee (himself a talented athlete) who encouraged Gemma to take her running seriously and continues to be a great support to her.

In 2008, Gemma decided to join Charnwood Athletic Club because of the reputation of the ladies team and in particular the chance to train alongside Tara Kryzwicki the National Womens Steeplechase Champion. Her initial coach was John Nuttall and under his guidance Gemma improved year on

year and her PB’s (personal best) times are now down to 68.13 mins for half marathon, 31.25 for 10k and a ten mile PB of 52.42.

In 2009, Gemma really began to establish herself as a national level runner taking the Leicestershire Cross Country title, placing second in the Sheffield Half Marathon and coming third at the Brooks Brighton 10k. An eleventh placing in the National World Cross Country trials followed in 2010 and in November at the UK Cross Challenge in Liverpool Gemma came an impressive third.

Many other victories too numerous to list in this article continued to enhance her already impressive standing in the athletic world and in 2013 & 2015 she was named the Leicester Mercury Sportswoman of the year. Along the way Gemma has taken some impressive scalps beating World Marathon Champion Edna Kiplagat, 10,000 metres World Champion Linet Masai, Olympic Bronze Medallist Shalane Flannagan, 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist Tiki Gilani as well as British Marathon legend Paula Radcliffe.

Since 2011, Gemma has been coached by former Commonwealth 5000 metre champion Rob Denmark and under his guidance her career continues to flourish. With sponsorship from shoe and sportswear manufacturer New Balance, Gemma is excited about the future and

naturally her dream is to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. With her best events of half marathon and cross country not represented Gemma has been encouraged to concentrate on 10,000 metres or move up to full marathon so she will have some important decisions to make over the coming months.

Whatever path Gemma eventually takes we can be certain that she will be successful and one thing is certain – the people of North West Leicestershire, and in particular Whitwick, can be proud to have such a talented athlete living and training in our area.

Meet Gemma Steel...

the voice

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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.

[email protected]

page 15 the voice

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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

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Whitwick • Thringstone • Swannington FIRST...

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Transcript of Whitwick • Thringstone • Swannington FIRST...