5000 Distribution Issue 10 July 2017

Whitwick & surrounding areas

Whitwick • Thringstone • Swannington

. PLUS.... HeaLtH & WeLL Being FeatUre

the village of ‘three Cities’

WoodStoCk Weekend!

Century: the travelling theatre

Regular features & lots more!

do you know where to find this local

landmark?See page 3 for more

details and how to win a prize!

See our advert on page 8

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

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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 July issue front cover?

If you think you know the answer, please send your entry to Community Voice, 57 High Street, Ibstock, LE67 6LH or email info@yourcommunityvoice.net.

The winner (drawn first out of the hat of all correct entries) will receive ‘High Tea for Two’ at The Eatery Tea Rooms in Whitwick. Good Luck!

Last month’s answer and winner:Somehow, we have managed to do it again and stump our usually eagle-eyed readers! Judging by the handful of correct entries received, not many of you recognised this month’s landmark.

This striking stone and metal sculpture, created by artist Phil Townsend, can be found on Ravenstone village green. It is one of the most eye-catching projects that the National Forestry Commission has supported and the result of a committee of local people getting together to organise the creation of a village feature sculpture. The artwork depicts a pair of nesting ravens although the actual origin of the name of the village is unlikely to have had any connection to the birds and is derived from the Old Norse ‘Hrœfnes’, the name of a Saxon invader, and the suffix tun, meaning “Hrafn’s farm or village”.

This month’s ‘High Tea for Two’ has been won by Dave Bills of Whitwick and our pictures show the prize draw being performed by Steve and Diana of Second Look Photography in Ibstock (see their advert on page 10). Lets see how well you do with this month’s landmark!

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LOOK OUT FOR WHITTIE!This nosey little character is hiding behind one of the adverts in this months magazine.

If you spot him, email your details and which advert he is hiding behind to info@yourcommunityvoice.net.

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

Ruffle and the new hatThe wind blew wildly as Ruffle walked along the platform.

His ears and beard were blown about in the strong wind storm.

There was Eric! But something was different thought Ruffle as he sat.

Yes! Perched upon Eric’s head was a brand new red felt hat.

‘Don’t you look at me like that!’ with a frown Eric said.

‘It’s my new red hat - all the fashion – that’s sat upon my head!’

But as Eric spoke a gust of wind swept the hat into the air.

It landed next to a bench and instantly Ruffle was there!

Ruffle soon found the hat - ripped and covered in mud.

‘I can’t wear that now!’ Eric found Ruffle and beside him stood.

For the red hat had landed perfectly upon a head of hay,

‘I think it suits him better,’ said Eric. ‘On the scarecrow it can stay!’

But the wind was also playing and took the hat into the sky,

Ruffle and Eric watched - over the high hedge the red hat did fly.

Ruffle ran down to the hedge and along a well-trodden track.

Eric followed quickly behind, eager to get his new hat back!

®

This was a game too good to miss! His teeth shut with a snap!

Ruffle hoped the red hat had been caught in his furry trap.

No! The hat escaped his jaws and now was rolling away.

‘Mind my hat Ruffle! No teeth marks please,’ Eric was heard to say.

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WHITWICK PARISH COUNCIL Open:

Wednesdays 1 – 4 pm Thurs/Fridays 10 am – 1 pm

KNOW YOUR COUNCILLOR – THIS MONTH MEET COUNCILLOR SUE COLLEDGE

Wonders of Whitwick – thank you all for caring The Council was dismayed when 120 newly planted flowers were maliciously pulled out in Whitwick Park and damage done to the Bowling Green …… but how delighted we were to have an overwhelming response of support, donations and physical help to put things right again. On 15 June Lisa Collins came to the Parish Council meeting to ask what residents could do to help so plans were quickly put in place to have a Community Planting Day just 48 hours later on Saturday, just one short week after the damage. Local residents joined our two PCSO’s and parish councillors, led by Councillor Ray Woodward, the Chairman. Grateful thanks to everyone who helped with time or donations, which also included local businesses - plants by Morrisons and B&M and gardening tools by Wilko’s. With the extra warm weather it was useful to have a watering bowser provided by the District Council too. A message of support has been sent to the Park Wardens while the police are following up on the information they have. Working together for the benefit of Whitwick is what truly makes this community so special.

Community Planting Day

Do you have good news to tell us – Email clerk@whitwickpc.org.uk

News from the Parish Council - Local Plan Proposed Modifications Consultation

Important to have your say by 24 July - consultation by North West Leicestershire District Council http://www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/local_plan_have_your_say

Following the Examination hearing sessions held in January and March 2017, the Independent Planning Inspector has requested that the District Council now undertake consultation on a number of Main Modifications (EX/101) required to make the Plan sound in the light of new documentary evidence provided since the Plan was submitted for examination.

PLEASE do look at this and send your views in if you want to make a difference! COUNCIL MEETINGS COMING UP ARE 20 JULY & 21 SEPTEMBER

HELD ON THURSDAYS AT 7.00PM AT PARK HALL, WHITWICK PARK, NORTH STREET, LE67 5HB www.whitwickpc.org.uk

Ward: Holly Hayes (Elected 2011). Whitwick born and bred and the owner of Colledge’s Florists on Silver Street, the welfare of the village and villagers is massively important to me. I regard every resident as a friend and my door is always open to anyone who needs help, advice, or even just a chat. I joined the Parish Council with the hope that we could ‘make a difference’ and Whitwick would have a voice once more. As one of the committee of Woodstock in Whitwick fundraising group, I know how great local people are and how generous they can be with donations and volunteering. (August 19th and 20th this year will prove this fact). People might be surprised to know, I spent 3 years on crutches and in a spinal corset as a teenager and was told I would probably never be able to work or have children.

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are you looking to shed a few pounds before heading off on holiday or are you just after soothing your tired joints and a bit of relaxation? this month’s Health and Wellbeing feature is for you. guest writer, Mark Padgett from MP Personal training brings you his top tips for Health and Fitness to get you ready for summer in no time.

I am Mark Padgett, a locally based Personal Trainer, who specialises in training groups of up to 24 people. My goal is to help anyone who wants to be improve their health, fitness and quality of life. I work with people of all levels, ages and gender with the aim being for you to walk out of the gym feeling better.

Over the coming months I will be writing articles on fitness and health for the Community Voice magazine where, hopefully, I can share my knowledge and experience in order to give you some ideas and tips on how you might improve your health and fitness.

Summer Holiday Health and FitnessThe summer holidays are rapidly approaching, but it doesn’t mean you have to abandon your health and fitness regime. I hear so many people say that they will never achieve their weight loss goals because they are going away for 2 weeks and it’s all inclusive food and drink etc. or they are too busy looking after the kids . It is definitely important to relax when you are on holiday, but does over indulging help you to relax? Life gets more stressful, which is why people feel that they have to have rewards. These rewards often revolve around food and drink or doing nothing whatsoever. All this makes it harder when you return to your post holiday working life. If you have children there can be more pressure during the summer holidays to entertain them, which means that you might struggle to get to your gym or exercise class. These are the issues that we have to deal with every year, so I have compiled a list of tips that will help you continue to manage your health and fitness:

1. Your priority is to relax but make sure you include moving in the equation as research says that this will promote greater relaxation than doing nothing at all.

2. Control your eating at the all inclusive buffet. Avoid thinking that you have to eat loads because you have paid.

3. The same applies to drinking. If you over indulge too often you are more likely to spoil your holiday and find

it harder to get back in to your post holiday life.

4. Stay positive and energetic as it is really common to drop your guard on holiday, doing nothing whatsoever, leading to illness, reducing the quality your time. Research has shown that structure and purpose on holiday gives you a much more beneficial and healthy experience.

5. Stay out of the sun during the hottest times if you decide to go walking, swimming, cycling etc.

6. If you are struggling to get to the gym due to the children being off, consider

going for half hour instead. This feels less of a pressure and if you train more intensely you will feel just as good.

7. Do exercise at home, you can climb the stairs or do some floor exercises.

8. Get up early and do some exercise, that way it doesn’t interfere with your family time.

9. Remember that there is no need for all the good work to be undone just for the sake of a holiday and remember that you will feel worse for doing nothing, both mentally and physically.

10. For best quality of life stay Fit and Healthy Always!

MP Personal TrainingSt James Business Centre • Highfield Street

Coalville • Leicestershire LE67 3BNMobile • 07855 668618

mark@mppersonaltraining.co.uk • www.mppersonaltraining.co.uk

Helping YOUachieve your health and fitness goalsEnjoy the advantages of a personal trainer along with thebenefits of working-out in group sessions in a professionalgym. Our affordable pricing plans make personal trainingaccessible to everyone.

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21 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

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c H A R I T Y c H A m P I o N Son Sunday 9th July 10am–2pm, MP Personal training will be holding our annual LoroS gym Fitness Challenge. Last year we managed to raise £7,700, taking our total raised over the years for LOROS to over £45,000! Challenges, Refreshments, Raffle and Fun!

We’d love you to take part. The day is open to everyone, members, non members, family and friends. All you have to do is choose an exercise machine, decide on a 5km or 10km challenge. Let me know which machine you’ve chosen, we can agree a target time (don’t worry, that bit is optional but adds to the fun) and get you training towards your goal!

Taking part is a great way to motivate your gym sessions, helps you get fitter, healthier and happier. There’s a great community vibe and team effort on the day!

You’ll be helping a great local Leicestershire charity,

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thringstone Community Centre has always been at the forefront of things in thringstone and surrounding villages, and despite changes to funding structures, continues to offer a wide range of services and events.

The centre hosts a playgroup and also a great many local groups, including Thringstone Panto and Drama Society, the local Royal British Legion and Thringstone and District Disabled Activities Club and intends to continue to do so, with many plans in the pipeline to extend what is on offer.

As the centre moves forward into a new era, it will offer new musical treats such as Gresley Youth Band who are at the centre

in early July. However, one of the major events is the 5th August music festival. Brought to the centre by Thringstone’s Pete Gough in 2015, the music festival is an important event for the village, where both local and national singers and groups can perform to folk on both outside and inside stages.

This year’s event has a real youth edge with several youngsters performing, such as Lilly Dunicflife who is only 13 years of age, Andrew Moran who is 15, George Stackhouse who is 17 and Justice Beach who is also 17. Alongside these young people will be more seasoned artists which this year also include local rap artist Jonesy.

The whole event is free, lots for children with bouncy castles and stalls provided by Fairy Friends, plus other stalls for adults. There will be a wide range of drinks on sale with both an inside and outside bar, plus a good variety of food. All that is needed now is fine weather.

The organisers have managed to attract some good local sponsorship, and are looking forward to seeing people at the event. Gates open at 12 noon with the first artists on stage at 1pm.

Come along and support the event, and the centre, to keep it at the forefront of village life going forward.

It’s all happening at Thringstone Community Centre!

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

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

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The question ‘which village contains three cities?’ might sound like a riddle, but for the residents of Whitwick and its surrounding villages this is not too difficult to answer. Whitwick has, within its boundaries, the ‘City of Dan’, the ‘City of Three Waters’ and the ‘City of Jerusalem’. The question to ask might be, ‘what is the origin of these unusual street names?’

‘CitY oF tHree WaterS’The word ‘city’ was once used colloquially to denote any group of people, in this case those living by the three waters. Two of these three waters were certainly the two arms of the Grace Dieu Brook, which flow round either side of the motte of the 12th Century Whitwick Castle (of which nothing now remains) and join just below it. The third ‘water’ was either the stream which joins the combined brook, or the spring that issues from a reputedly holy well, beneath St. John the Baptist Church.

‘CitY oF dan’‘The Dan’ were a wandering tribe of Israel, and is believed to allude here to ‘gentlemen of the road’ or, in less poetic language, ‘tramps’. According to local folklore, Whitwick was well known among tramps for the quality of its doss-houses. Whenever they were in the vicinity, they would make for Whitwick! (Apologies to modern day residents of this now very respectable area!).

‘CitY oF JerUSaLeM’ This is the area around St. John the Baptist Church. St John the Baptist is also known as St. John of Jerusalem.

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digging in gardens in around Whitwick, it is very common to turn up pieces of broken glass. if this happens to you, it could be worthwhile to take a closer look. After cleaning away the soil, sometimes it is possible to make out letters or even words embossed on these glass fragments. These may reveal that the bit comes from a bottle used in one of Whitwick’s three mineral water factories, closed now for several decades.

Probably, the most well-known of these was “Beckworth and Co. Ltd, Charnwood Mineral Water Works” located in Cademan Street and in business for ninety years until 1970. The words were often placed vertically on the bottles so frequently just a few letters can be seen. Occasionally, an almost complete bottle is dug up. If you are lucky enough to uncover one of these, it is usual to find that the bottle has been broken at the neck.

In many cases these bottles have been smashed deliberately. The culprits were often children and their motive was not vandalism but a desire to retrieve the glass marble that had been placed in the neck of the bottle.

For these are Codd neck bottles, a special design of glass bottle manufactured to hold mineral water. Each bottle had a marble and a rubber washer in the neck. At Beckworth’s and other bottling plants, the bottles were filled with carbonated drink upside down. The pressure of the gas in the bottle forced the marble against the washer. As soon as the marble was pressed down, the pressure was released. The marble fell down into a special chamber in the neck of the bottle so that the drink could be poured. Once the fizzy drink had been consumed, that marble was a temptation to any child in an age of more simple amusements. Older readers will recall many games played outside with marbles.

The photograph shows a selection of bottles from Beckworth’s, with the Codd neck bottle at the front. The other mineral water factories were “Stinson Bros, Whitwick” and the wonderfully named “Massey’s Botanical Brewery”. Whitwick Historical Group holds a “sparkling” collection of bottles from this former village industry. Call in at the Old Station if you would like to see them, learn more about this lost trade or, indeed, show us your own collection of finds. We all enjoy reminiscing about Whitwick’s past and our childhood games.

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With the first half of 2017 just completed, roberts Holidays has continued to do what we do best – high quality holidays and day trips.

Our traditional CoaCH Holidays, continue to be very popular, with many selling out with waitlists. That said, if you have an eye on a particular holiday, please give us a call, or check our website, www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk

Our day trips programme is proving to be extremely popular, with more of you choosing to travel with us than ever before. Our brand new Day Trip programme has now been released and now features days out up to April 2018. Why not treat yourselves to a day out by the seaside, a flower show or a theatre break. A selection of our summer day trips are shown below, however we offer many more, so please do not hesitate to contact us.

For 2017 we have been excited about our new ventures and we continue to branch out into the world of Cruises! We are so encouraged by the uptake for the Fred. Olsen Cruises that we have continued to support their brand for 2018. Our River Cruises are also becoming more and more popular and we have so much interest for our Cruise the Danube River Cruise at the end of September. don’t forget we offer Free SeCUre Parking at the Travel Centre in Hugglescote and transfers to and from the port are inCLUded with our Ocean Cruises!

Many of our clients make use of our door to door collection and return. On all of our holidays of 4 days or more, we collect from our clients’ front door, arriving in Hugglescote to include our included welcome reception, prior to the coach departing.

As well as our holidays, day trips and private hire, we have just launched our new chauffeured Mercedes cars. We have already provided, luxurious transfers to airports, corporate hire, and events, and look forward to providing many more.

exciting news… We will shortly be launching our 2018 brochure so it’s all hands on deck in the office. If you are not yet on our database, give us a call and we can add you to the list.

if you would like more information on any of our Holidays or day trips, please give us a call on 01530 816425 or pop down to see the ladies in the office.

Margaret, Sam and the Holidays Team.

coNTINuINg To do WHAT We do beST!

Singing at tHe SerMonSthere can be very little doubt that in every chapel around our area for much of the past century the undisputed highlight has been the annual ‘Sermons’ that took place each year in the late spring and early summer.

When I was growing up my mother took me every week to Sunday School at Thringstone Methodist Chapel where for most of the year children present would listen to bible stories and sing a few hymns, ‘Only a boy called David’ and ‘Climb, climb up sunshine mountain’ being perennial favourites, before retiring to the chapel hall where arts and crafts would be the order of the day.

But from early February onwards the format of each Sunday morning would change, it would be time to practice for The Sermons.

Every week we would repeat and repeat a mix of children’s’ songs and adult choir standards under the fearsome direction of our rehearsal organist, Wilf Sykes. The biggest challenge always being blending the two groups and a congregation for the rousing, anthemic March that would be performed towards the end of our annual celebration.

As the date of the Thringstone Sermons drew near, always two services spread across a Sunday afternoon and evening in early May, the expectation would reach fever pitch. We would be joined by our ‘professional’ organist Terry Measures, who went on to entertain generations of holiday makers at campsites around Skegness and Mablethorpe, whilst Wilf would transform into a rotund yet exuberant conductor, baton and shoulders vibrating with energy.

The Sermons themselves had long ago outgrown the small chapel on Thringstone Green and were instead held at an overflowing and usually sweltering Community Centre; just across the road. In the days prior to those part concert, part religious services the usually besuited and serious men of the congregation would roll up their sleeves to erect an elaborate and babel-esque staging system comprised of little more than welded steel; planks of wood; and, in my memory at least, very little by way of consideration to health and safety.

The ambition of every Sunday School child was to eventually reach the top row of the staging. I don’t think anyone ever fell off.

Those young men and women who had graduated from the Sunday School by way of age or disinterest but had not yet reached the maturity or commitment of taking up a role in the choir were allocated the essential task of bringing a dinner plate and conducting a collection along one side and two rows of the packed hall. I didn’t realise until many years later that the collection was supposed to be a ‘silent’ one and the collector was expected to set an example by putting the first note on themselves; nor that it made good fiscal sense to have as many collectors as possible.

And of course if you had shown your commitment to Chapel by attending all of the practices and turned up in your very Sunday best, and importantly not shown behaviour which could result in you falling off the stage, then you would receive your reward.

What more could any child want than a book whose inside cover had been adorned with an ornate presentation plate inscribed just for you? For me at least it was always likely to be the Matchbox car my own parents usually presented me with once we got home. Religious books are religious books but a toy car for an eight year old is the gateway to a new world after all.

After the book presentation there was just one final task to be completed, the one thing every child had eagerly anticipated for weeks. As our real reward a great secret would be revealed. We were going to find out the location of the chapel’s annual seaside outing.

I’ll never forget those days spent on the first Saturday of the July fortnight at Blackpool or Bridlington or Skeggy.

I often say to my son that being given a pound is nice but there is no greater feeling than earning one yourself. In a funny way sitting up on that Sermons platform, singing hymns with as much gusto as we could muster, may well have been the first time that many children from Thringstone, Whitwick and Swanington did just that. It’s probably why I remember those Sermons with such fondness.

Local writer and now former councillor, Leon Spence brings us his regular column

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Day Trips15.07 RAF Fairford Air Tattoo £6015.07 Skegness £2226.07 Knaresborough on Market Day £2229.07 Houses of Parliament Tour £4929.07 London Shopper £2529.07 Southend on Sea £2530.07 York £2302.08 Charming Tetbury & Leamington Spa £2305.08 London Science & History Museum £2506.08 Cleethorpes £2312.08 Buckingham Palace £4812.08 London Shopper £2513.08 Bourton on the Water with Cream Tea £2917.08 Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle £4520.08 Southport Flower Show £4527.08 Liverpool £2503.09 Stream in the Sky and Sunday Lunch £5509.09 RAF Scampton Air show £5920.10 Making of Harry Potter £6527.10 Princess Diana Exhibition £46

Seaside Holidays19/07/2017 Great Yarmouth £31524/07/2017 Bournemouth £365 31/07/2017 Scarborough £359 31/07/2017 Southsea £395 07/08/2017 Babbacombe Rail & River £275 07/08/2017 Weston Super Mare £395 14/08/2017 Isle of Wight £445 14/08/2017 St Annes on Sea £375 16/08/2017 Ilfracombe £325 21/08/2017 Eastbourne* £465

All holidays above are 5 days and prices are per person. *6 days

Please call 01530 816425 for a brochure, or visit www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk for our full selection.

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ACROSS1. Greatest possible quantity (7)5. Cringe (5)8. Distinguishing feature (5)9. Not artificial (7)10. Pudding or sweet course (7)11. Loathed (5)12. Garbage (6)14. chaffed, teased (6)18. Lariat (5)20. Robbers (7)22. Culinary art (7)23. Large striped cat (5)24. Americans (5)25. Duke’s wife (7)

DOWN1. Bullfighter (7)2. Skeletal pictures (5)3. Fingerless gloves (7)4. Extremely small (6)5. Capture (5)6. Fine wool fabric (7)7. Governed (5)13. Mode (7)15. Foolish (7)16. Forsakes (7)17. Be present (6)18. Fortunate (5)19. Leaves out (5)21. Hazy (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!)

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

A) Gilded digit.

B) A cross between a many tentacled sea creature and a feline?

C) A girl’s best friend for eternity?

D) A colloquial nickname for a person from Wiltshire.

BONUS CLUE: THINK THEME SONG

THE ODD ONE OUT!

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Spotless offer a range of services including: carpet and upholstery protection (for the prevention of both thin water based spills and thicker oily spills soaking into the fibres or fabric), dust-mite/anti allergen treatments, de-odorising treatments, spot removal, and the cleaning of leather, headboards, rugs, curtains and caravan interiors.

Spotless are fully insured to carry out work within your home and offer a full guarantee- in the unlikely event a customer is not satisfied with the quality of work carried out Spotless will immediately try to rectify the problem, offering a no-payment policy if the end result is unsatisfactory. With various special offers available, for every four rooms which are cleaned, Spotless will clean the smallest room for free!

Based in Newton Burgoland Kevin is in easy reach to all local areas covered by the Community Voice. For further information regarding the services of Spotless or to find details of all current special offers available please telephone their friendly team on 01530 587242. Details may also be found online at www.spotlesslycleancarpets.co.uk with all enquiries welcome at spotlesscarpetcleaning@live.com

Cleaning carpets and upholstery since the turn of the millennium, kevin Millward established Spotless to ensure members of the public not only receive excellent quality service, but superior customer care to match.

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Welcome to 2017Financial Services you can Value

But what I find is so many people I meet fail to plan their financial future. They seem to leave it to chance. WHY? I have yet to hear a logical response. The main ones are – “well I am not sure how things will pan out” or “I don’t have a crystal ball”. What shocks me is many of the people I meet are very successful in business or have successful careers, but for some reason they seem to leave their financial future security to chance. Why do they want to FAIL?

Then I come across others who have a go at planning. They have a collection of spreadsheets, which they freely admit are hard to keep up to date. Fantastic they have made a start. The common issue I hear is – “but they are just numbers on a sheet – we really struggle to see what it looks like”.

My clients at Bleathwood Financial Services are fortunate – they have access to some brilliant software which helps me

help them plan. Then visually they can see how things look.

This software helps me answer the tHree Core QUeStionS my clients regularly have in their minds:1. Will we be alright?2. Have we enough money? (can we

afford to do... ?)3. What happens if?

Question 2 comes in a variety of forms. For example, can we afford to retire? Will we have enough money in the future? Can we afford to do the things we want to do?

With question 3 it is all about those what happens if? What happens if we have a serious health problem? What happens if we sell up and downsize? What happens if our money does not grow or we suffer a stock market disruption like in 2008?

This sort of software helps people have a clearer picture of what their financial future could look like by putting into

place some sort of strategy. Seeing how what they have already accumulated will work for them and how best they could improve things.

It helps them visually see the plan, rather than a bunch of numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s a start which can then be regularly reviewed.

Financial Planning for your future should not be about trying to work out which is the best pension or investment plan to buy. It should first of all be about understanding what you want for your future, then planning how best you can achieve the things you want, having contingencies just in case the “what if” happens, but ensuring you can afford to do the things you want to do. We suggest you ensure you use an adviser who adopts this approach, because if you do not plan, then you are planning to fail.

KEVIN CuNNINGHAM

if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail“if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”, a brilliant quote by Benjamin Franklin. it is a phrase at the back of my mind used nearly every day, not just within my business. For example going away on holiday, we all write list of things to take, check list of things we need to do and then plan things we will be doing whilst away.

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A fully-furnished 17th century family home

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

Now openThere is an admission charge to the site, which allows unlimited

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Whitwick and district U3a will hold its monthly general Meeting on Friday 21st July. The u3A offers companionship through learning and social activities to retired people. Members are involved in a wide range of Interest Groups, all based on the self-help ethos. Group Leaders and others will be on hand at the General Meeting to answer questions and pass on information. Members and visitors are assured of a warm welcome.

The speaker at the July Meeting will be Tim Coltman and his subject is William Coltman VC. Tim will be telling us about his great-grandfather, William Howard Coltman, the most highly decorated non-commissioned officer of WWI. A native of Burton upon Trent, Bill Coltman was a committed Christian and refused to fight. The story of how he won the Victoria Cross; the Distinguished Conduct Medal (twice) and the Military Medal (also twice) promises to be a fascinating one.

The horrors of the Great War, recalled in centenary events, have slipped from our headlines recently but July 1917 saw the lead up to The Third Battle of Ypres, a period of terrible human loss and the worst of trench warfare.

To listen to Tim 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-religious and non-political organisation: everyone is welcome. Alternatively, visit our comprehensive website, www.whitwicku3a.org.uk, where details of our friendly and thriving u3A can be found.

There will be lots of great entertainment and enjoyment for the whole family at this fun packed, community fund-raising event. Expect lots of amazing live music throughout the weekend, plus ‘all the fun of the fair’, with rides for all ages and kids attractions, a large variety of interesting stalls and a terrific tombola. Refreshments will be provided by the beer tent and the barbecue, plus lots more.

SatUrdaY 19th ‘FeStiVaL daY 1’ features the classic vehicle ‘Show and Shine’, live music plus lots more!

SUndaY 20th ‘FeStiVaL daY 2’, includes ‘Woodstock Woofers’ fun dog show and a car boot sale (£1.00 entry. Opens at 8.00 am) plus even more amazing live music!

Camping is available for festival-goers who want to make a full weekend of it. Camp sites (£5.00 per night) do need to be pre-booked. In order to pre-book a camp site or to find out more details about this great local event Tel: 07719 542 948 or email: woodstockinwhitwick02@gmail.com

For safety reasons, no glass, no large bags, cool boxes or rucksacks will now be allowed on site. We hope you understand why.

The Hermitage leisure centre, Whitwick le67 5euon saTuRday 19th augusT from 1.00 pm ‘til latesunday 20th augusT from 10.00 am ‘til 9.00 pm (Car boot opens at 8 am)

Don’t miss this first ever Whitwick ‘WOODSTOCK WEEKENDER’!

an introduction to... swannington parish councilSwannington Parish Council consists of 6 Councillors, one of whom, Mr roger Cairns, is the most longest serving Councillors, with over 40 years service.

We meet on the second Monday of every month, excluding August, at 7pm in the Village Hall. The hall is owned by the Parish Council having been purchased from the Miners Welfare in the 1940s. It is now one of the main features of the village, highly used by a variety of groups which include Swannington W.I; Ladies Choir, 3 keep fit classes; Tai-Chi; Over 50’s table tennis class; Swannington Retired Peoples Fellowship; Swannington Social Group; Yoga class; and an Arts Class. In addition numerous events are held at weekends as the Hall is such a popular venue.

Telephone: 01530 831383

Swannington Open GardensSunday 9th July11am to 6pm

page 20the voice the voicepage 21

a magical blue box, which is so much bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside, that can transport you back in time, when you step through its door; sound familiar?....no, not dr Who’s time-travelling machine, the t.a.r.d.i.S, but your local theatre, right on the door-step, the Century theatre, Britain’s truly unique and oldest surviving travelling theatre.

THe ceNTuRY THeATRe; britain’s oldest surviving travelling theatre

At the end of World War II many city centre theatres had been destroyed and elsewhere performance facilities were very poor. The Century Theatre, with its completely portable stage, auditorium, dressing rooms, box office, mobile living quarters, offices and stores was created to fill this need.

It was the brainchild of John Ridley, a theatre enthusiast and engineer at the Sketchley works in Hinckley. The lightweight aluminium structure cost £22,000 (the equivalent of approximately £500,000 today). All the money was raised by private sponsorship, organised by the actor Wilfred Harrison.

Donations came from national firms and private individuals. Famous contributors include Lawrence Olivier, John Mills, Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie.

It was designed and built by John Ridley, Dick Bull and Rob Robinson in Hinckley between 1948 and 1952.

The 200-seat auditorium and stage are built on four 33ft long by 10ft wide ex-military trailers. The idea was based on a wartime army command post and required the theatre walls to be easily removable. The floor and ceiling could then be folded up to create the sides of each trailer.

On tour, one tractor would pull two or three trailers at an average speed of 15mph. The ingenious structure folded into the four, 33 foot long trailers, with the other wagons and caravans in the convoy.

The staff formed a self-contained community, with all actors helping with the cooking, promotion, administrations as well as erecting and dismantling the auditorium. The pay was £2 per week with all the food and accommodation found.

Life on the road was tough and facilities were basic. A number of young performers later became household names, among them Eileen Derbyshire, Derek Fowlds, Tom Courtenay, Dame Helen Mirren and Dame Judi Dench.

From 1952 the Century Theatre toured Britain for over 25 years, travelling many thousands of miles. However, in 1974, changes to road traffic regulations meant the theatre could no longer travel

the highways. Rather than close down, it was transformed into the resident theatre for Keswick in Cumbria and remained there for 22 years.

In 1995 the Century Theatre became redundant, following a Lottery grant to build a new theatre by Derwent Water in Keswick. It was acquired by Leicestershire Museums to be based permanently in Coalville, off Ashby Road, just a few miles from its original construction site in Hinckley.

The acquisition and refurbishment was supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, L.C.C and the Single Regeneration Budget.

The theatre was carefully dismantled and brought home to Leicestershire were it was renovated and reassembled on the site of the former Snibston Colliery, where it stands to this day.

It re-opened in October 1997 and has since played an ever-increasing role in the cultural life of North West Leicestershire, as a venue for a vast range of arts activities.

A new 2-storey front of house was added in 2011 enhancing the venue with a lounge bar, toilet facilities and full disabled access.

The theatre continues to be a unique and special venue that provides high quality performances, shows, live music and films for local residents.

Forthcoming events include a summer season of children’s films, beginning with ‘Beauty and the Beast’, on 14th July, ‘Lego Batman Movie’ on 21st July, and ‘Sing’ on 11th August.

Also, look out for tribute band ‘Fleetwood Bac ‘ on 9th September, comedienne Kerry Godliman’s show, ‘Stick or Twist’, on 14th October, ‘ The Book of Darkness and Light’, (3 chilling tales, performed by two ghostly performers) on 28th October and so much more, with ‘Little Chix, ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’, and the faaaaaabulous ‘Ceri Dupree’ all waiting in the wings, to entertain Northwest Leicestershire!

Telephone: 01530 278 444. Visit: www.centurytheatre.co.uk

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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Catch us on the web...YoUr CoMMUnitY VoiCe’S neW Look WeBSite iS LiVe!Here at your Community Voice, we are delighted to announce the launch of our new look website. Find us at:

www.ourcommunityvoice.netWe have refreshed the website content and tied it all in with our social media activity, including Facebook and Twitter.

You can revisit all of our previous issues and we have added a NEW online trade directory, to help you easily find the service providers and trades people that you require.

To advertise your own business for just £5.00 per month (no VAT) in the online directory, please contact Hannah or Jayne on 01530 267344, or email info@yourcommunityvoice.net for more details.

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/communityvoicemagazines

On Twitter: @commvoicemags

Chauffeured Mercedes • Holiday Transfers• Corporate Hire• Events • CelebrationsFor a quote please call: 01530 816424 or email: sales@robertstravelgroup.co.uk

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: info@communityvoice.net

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

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

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

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

page 23 the voicepage 22the voice

PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER THAN USUAL DEADLINE DATES FOR OUR AUGUST ISSUE...

Deadline date for bookings for the August issue is Friday 14th July.Deadline for copy is Tuesday 18th July.

How far does our Community Voice travel?Here at Our Community Voice we would love to find out just how far our magazine travels, especially in the approaching holiday season; so if you should find yourself reading Our Community Voice whilst relaxing on the sunny sands of a seaside town, sight-seeing in some far-flung spot or at the summit of a snow covered mountain, please let us know! Not that we wouldn’t take you at your word, of course, but photographic evidence is required! A prize will be awarded to the owner of most travelled edition. Happy travels!

A) Goldfinger

B) Octopussy

C) Diamonds are Forever

D) Moonraker

The theme song for the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’, ‘All time high’, was sung by Rita Coolidge. All the others have themes sung by Shirley Bassey. Therefore B is the odd one out.

THE ODD ONE OUT!Answers....

Whitwick Retired Peoples Fellowship;A long established and very friendly community group.

Whitwick retired people’s fellowship is an independent and friendly group that offers the opportunity for local residents to meet together, every Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm, at Whitwick Methodist Church on Hall Lane.

The members enjoy a game of cards, regular trips out and a chat and laugh together over a cup of tea, but the fellowship is about so much more than that. It provides a lifeline and companionship for the 18 men and women that regularly attend, many of who might find themselves isolated at home for most of time. Some members have been attending for the last 20 years and the group organiser, Mrs Betty King, has run the fellowship for an amazing 36 years. She says that ‘it keeps her going, that’s for sure!’

First established in 1946, the group has flourished over the years, with 94 members in 1990, however, at present, the membership has fallen to just 18. Each member pays just £1.00 each to attend each weekly meeting and, if the membership continues to dwindle, the group will not be able to afford the rent on the premises for much longer.

It would be a great pity for this long running group to be unable to continue into the future, as groups like this one have so much to offer and still play a very important role in the community.

The group is looking to attract new members, who can bring fresh ideas to this friendly meeting and join them in their weekly fellowship. If transport is a problem, The Marlene Reid Centre is happy to help. A telephone call to them on Tel: 01530 510515 on a Monday, will secure a lift to the fellowship on the following day.

If you, or anyone you know, would interested in attending or finding out more about this cheerful circle of men and women, please contact Mrs Betty King on Tel: 01530 835981

not put off by the dreadful weather, over 30 people turned up to the volunteer event at thringstone Community Centre on June 6th. the idea was for Friends of thringstone, thringstone House and Friends of grace dieu Priory to say a ‘thank you’ to everybody who volunteers in the village and at the Priory.

Other than one cake, the others were baked by members of Friends of Thringstone and we had a variety of wonderful things to try.

Some people took cakes away, and two lots of cakes were delivered to people who couldn’t come to the event due to ill health, but we would like to thank everybody for turning out and to the bakers for putting on such a spread.

It was nice to see people at the centre who don’t come out to our events too often.

Volunteer Event at Thringstone Community Centre is great success!

We take the job of sellingyour home seriously.

Moving you moves us too.To find out more abouthow we can help with yourhouse move, Call us on

01530 810033

newtonfallowell.co.uk

Stand out

from the crowd

this Summer