Historical society meeting

Wigston: The Greater Wigston Historical Society meet on the third Wednesday of each month at the United Reformed Church Boys' Brigade Rooms, in Long Street.
At the meeting on Wednesday, November 18, at 7.30pm, Patrick Crecraft will give a talk entitled Naseby Battlefield project.
Visitors are always welcome.

Two's company, trees a crowd...

Desford: The curtain-raiser to Christmas at St Martin's, Desford, will be the Christmas Tree Festival from Friday December 4 to Monday December 7.
Now into its seventh year, the decorations are the work of both individuals and community groups.
This year's theme is "Saints" and is sure to produce innovative and imaginative designs. The festival will open at 10am on Friday December 4 until 9pm that evening. From 6pm onwards there will be Christmas stalls for visitors to browse.
Opening hours on the following days are 10am each day until 6pm with a concert at 7.30pm on Saturday December 5.
There will be church services at 10.30am and 6pm on Sunday December 6.
Refreshments are available throughout the weekend.
Contact Pat Crane for any further information at colincrane33@aol.com

Local history lectures

Wigston: Dr Ray Sutton continues his series of lectures, entitled Leicestershire Local History, at All Saints' church rooms, in Bushloe End, at 2pm on Monday November 16.
The title is Ashby: A Regency Spa town and its canal.
On Monday, November 23, his lecture will be entitled Victorian technology: Leicester trams and the Foxton canal lift.
Admission is £2.50, and everyone is welcome.

Bishop to lead celebrations

Desford: The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Tim Stevens, will join worshippers in St Martin's Church, Desford, at 10.30am on Sunday November 15.
The visit will mark the culmination of events celebrating the 800th anniversary of the founding of St Martin's, whose patronal day falls on November 11.

A fair return on Church efforts

Desford: Numbers attending the St Martin's autumn/christmas fair were down on previous years.
Those who did turn up, however, dug deep and helped raise more than £700 towards church funds.

Attention now turns to the annual Christmas tree festival from Friday December 4 to Monday December 7.
The weekend is sure to attract large numbers to help further boost revenue for St Martin's.

A talk about the birds

Oadby: Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust are holding a talk on 'The Birds in your Garden' with Colin Harwood, local Ambassador for BTO Garden Birdwatch. The talk will be held on Friday, November 27 from 7.30pm in the staff room at Beauchamp College.

Admission is £1.50 and new members are always welcome.

Kirby Muxloe Free Church - Christmas Day Lunch

Kirby Muxloe: Once again Kirby Muxloe Free Church are providing a full Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings.
If you are facing Christmas alone, or would like to spend the day with others, they would love to hear from you.
Food and transport will be provided free of charge. Just come along and enjoy yourself.
For more details, or if you would like to contribute in any way or give a donation, please contact Gillian Ramshaw 0116 238 6478 or the Church Office 0116 239 3173.

Africa Aid - Christmas Day lunch

Anstey: Africa Aid, which is based in the village will be holding its the 4th Annual Christmas Day lunch this year.
The lunch again takes place on December 25 at St Mary’s Church rooms in Anstey.
It will include a full five course meal, a visit from Father Christmas and entertainment, which will all be provided free of charge to all Anstey residents who would normally be on their own at this festive time of year.
To book a place to attend on the day or to help out in any way call Dave Ford on 0116 236 8811.

Dominion Road developments

Glenfield: Blaby District Council is considering planning permission for 18 homes and associated access to be built on land between 118 and 122 Dominion Road, Glenfield.
Leicestershire Fire Service has requested a developer contribution of £1,532.52 to off-set the capital expenditure the development would impose upon it.
A Field Maple tree on the front of the site is protected by a tree preservation order so a protected species survey is to be carried out as part of the permission.
Glenfield Parish Council objected to the application on the grounds of number of dwellings.
Concerns about the adequacy of parking and the loss of privacy to adjoining properties has also been expressed.
The reduction in the width of the road has caused concern as it could restrict access for service and emergency vehicles.
Additional concerns involve the number of traffic movements at peak hours at the point close to a traffic island and next to a bus stop.
The parish council said it supports the provision of low cost housing but would expect such a development as this to be limited to occupancy by Glenfield residents.
Representations of objection has been made by 15 neighbours and one neighbour supporting the application.

Free Anti-Theft Number Plate Screws from Glenwatch

Glenfield: Glenwatch, Glenfield’s neighbourhood watch organisation, is trying to combat the increase in car number plate thefts by giving away free anti-theft number plate screws to Glenfield residents. The theft of car number plates is on the increase - often the stolen number plates are then put on a car which may be used in crimes or may not be taxed, and of course can be used to avoid speeding and parking fines.
To request your free set of anti-theft replacement screws, contact Glenwatch on 0116 287 5141 or e-mail glenwatchadmin@googlemail.com

A date to remember

Wigston: Central Avenue Christian Church are holding a Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 28 from 10am to 2pm.Stalls will include tombola, home-made cakes and pickles plus a visit from Santa.Proceeds will go to Christian Aid and the church building fund.

Parish Council Meeting

Long Whatton and Diseworth: The next meeting of Long Whatton and Diseworth Parish Council will be held on Thursday, December 3, at 7.30pm. The venue has yet to be decided.

Planning

Long Whatton and Diseworth: Parish Councillors have considered the following planning applications submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council:
East Midlands Airport - hotel near to junction 23A, M1 (reserved matters to earlier permission) - Objection on same grounds as to earlier application including the effect of the development on the area.
1 Sherwood Court, Long Whatton - detached garage - no objection.
Highfields House, Rempstone Road, Belton - application for a lawful development certificate for business use of buildings - no objection.
Adjacent to 3 Smithy Lane, Long Whatton - house and garage - no objection but parish council recommended account be taken of any representations by neighbours.
Homecroft, Shakespear Close, Diseworth - extension - no objection.
Holiday Express Hotel, East Midlands Airport - signs - objection that they are too big.
Ashby Road, Long Whatton - nine dwellings - no objection.
Ashby Road, Long Whatton- demolition of dwelling and erection of three bungalows and garages - objection - over-intensive development.
The district council has also advised the parish council that an application to remove a leylandii tree at 1A Hall Gate, Diseworth has been granted.

Police report

Long Whatton and Diseworth: A police report presented to the Long Whatton and Diseworth Parish Council at Diseworth Heritage Centre on the evening of Thursday November 5 suggested a low level of crimes with only three minor crimes reported in Diseworth in the preceding month.

Bus services

Long Whatton and Diseworth: Speaking in the public forum at the November meeting of the parish council at Diseworth Heritage Centre, a resident drew attention to proposals to withdraw early and late bus services between Loughborough and the East Midlands Airport through Diseworth.
He outlined ways in which he considered services could be retained by minor changes to existing services without inconveniencing either the passengers or the bus company.
He asked parish councillors to support his ideas and to pass them on to the bus company. Later in the meeting, the parish councillors agreed to support the proposals.

Council meeting

Kegworth: The next meeting of Kegworth Parish Council will be held at the Parish Office, 1 London Road, at 7.30pm on Monday, December 7.

Planning

Kegworth: Kegworth Parish Councillors have considered the following planning applications submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council.
57 Ashby Road - canopy roof at rear - no objection.
Doctor’s Surgery, The Dragwell - extension - objection that inadequate parking provision was not addressed by the application.
East Midlands Airport - runway extensions - re-iterate earlier objections and called for restrictions to be placed on night flights.
4 The Osiers - tree works - no objection.
East Midlands Airport Hotel next to junction 24a, M1 Motorway- (reserved matters relating to outline application) - no objection.
“The Conifers”, Hallstone Meadow - wooden shed - no objection.

Bypass campaign

Kegworth: A well attended public meeting to consider the re-formation of the Kegworth Bypass Campaign Group was held at the Village Hall, Nottingham Road, Kegworth on Tuesday, October 20. The Parish Council Chairman, Coun. Tony Charsley, welcomed those present and outlined the history of the Kegworth Bypass, first mooted in 1935. It was resurrected by the Department of Transport in the 1980’s after a major review of the trunk road programme. In the late 1990’s, all major road building schemes became part of Multi-Modal Studies, the Kegworth Bypass being part of the M1 Study, and the Department of Transport gave an assurance that although the motorway was not to be widened between junctions 23a and 24, the Bypass would be built as part of junction 24 improvements. The original Bypass Campaign Group was set up in 2000 and had been very successful in bringing local problems to public attention. Mr. Ian Drummond of Leicestershire County Council gave a summary of the current situation and said that he had been assured by the Highways Agency that it was still their intention to build the bypass. The next meeting of the Group was arranged for Tuesday, November 10, at 7.30pm at the Parish Office, 1 London Road, Kegworth.

Police report

Kegworth: The police report presented to the November meeting of Kegworth Parish Council showed a reduction in the crime levels to 11 recorded crimes for the preceding month, all of a minor nature.
The meeting was held at the Parish Office, 1 London Road, Kegworth, last Monday evening (Nov 2)

COFFEE MORNING

Kegworth:
The next monthly Coffee Morning at St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Market Place, Kegworth, on Saturday, November 14, from 10am, will be for Kegworth Neighbourhood Watch. Everyone will be welcome.

BOOK AND JUMBLE SALE

Castle Donington: The next monthly Book and Jumble Sale will be held in St. Edward’s Church Hall, St. Anne’s Lane, Castle Donington, on Tuesday November 24, from 9.30am. It will be for the funds of the Parish Church of St. Edward, King and Martyr, Borough Street, Castle Donington and everyone will be welcome. As well as the books and jumble, there will be a household produce stall, refreshments and a raffle.

STUDENTS COLLECTIONS

Castle Donington: Castle Donington Museum is holding an exhibition by local students of their own collections.It takes place at the Museum, in 4 Apiary Gate, Castle Donington, on Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, from 10am to 2pm. Admission will be free but donations towards museum running expenses would be appreciated.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Castle Donington: The Remembrance Sunday Service at the War Memorial in High Street, Castle Donington, was preceded by a procession from the Sailors and Soldiers Club through the village centre, headed by the Breaston Highlanders Band with members of the Royal British Legion, Parish Councillors and uniformed organisations. During the service there was a two minutes silence and wreaths were laid on the memorial by representatives of the Royal British Legion, uniformed organisations and other village organisations. After the service, the parade returned to the Sailors and Soldiers Club.

When in Rome

Sapcote: Nick Marshall re-visited Sapcote Heritage Group recently, this time in the role of a Roman soldier.
Nick is a member of a small friendly re-enactment group which covers the 4th to 6th centuries - the so-called 'Dark Ages'.
He shared his all-encompassing knowledge of every aspect of military and civilian life at a time when the population of Britain was greater than in the Medieval period.
Town and country buildings, food, drink, costume, pottery, metalwork, tools, weapons and armour and religious customs and beliefs were all covered.
Nick's talk culminated in authentic descriptions of army life taken from an original Latin army manual.
Members ofb the heritage group were appalled at the weight of his heavy felted cloak, armour, weapons and trenching tools.

'BOARD THE YOUTH BUS'

Sharnford: The 637 Youth Bus will be parked at Sharnford Park View from 6pm to 8pm each Tuesday in November.

This Blaby Youth Project supported by both district and county councils offers careers advice, sex education and alcohol and drugs awareness.

On board the bus youngsters will also find music and disco lights, karaoke, playstation 3, X Box, laptops, sports activities, Smokey Jo machine, drunk awareness glasses and swing ball.

Project co-ordinator Samantha Robinson has further information on 0116 272 7723

Supporting STAG

Sharnford: STAG, the village traffic action group will next meet on Monday, November 16 at 7.30pm in the Nellie Veasy Room of Sharnford Evergreen Hall. Extra support and input is always welcome.

'BULBS TO PLANT'

Sapcote: Saturday, November 14 has been designated bulb planting day by the village Bloom Group. Sapcote Garden Centre has donated a large quantity of spring flowering bulbs and Bloom Group members and volunteers from other village organisations plan to meet at the pavilion at 10am that morning before dispersing to carry out the planting.

'TAKE YOUR PARTNERS'

Elmesthorpe: Steve Woodcock is to act as caller when Elmesthorpe Folk Dance Club next meets on Friday, November 13 from 7.45pm to 10.15pm in Elmesthorpe Village Hall. All are welcome including complete beginners.

'ENVIRONMENTAL CARE'

Sharnford: New faces are always welcome at the regular meetings of Sharnford Environment Group.
The next opportunity to help with village enhancement is on Thursday, November 12 at 7.30pm in Sharnford Evergreen Hall.

'REPORTING ON TOTSTIME'

Sapcote: The Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer will present their reports to any parents or carers who attend the Annual General Meeting of Totstime on Tuesday, November 10 at 8.00pm at Sapcote Club.

'TOTSTIME REPORTS'

Sapcote: The Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer will present their reports to any parents or carers who attend the Annual General Meeting of Totstime on Tuesday, November 10 at 8.00pm at Sapcote Club.

Market Harborough

Market Harborough: A considerable amount of property and valuables have been stolen in a recent spate of break-ins to homes and business premises in the area. A property in South Kilworth was entered and a large quantity of valuable electrical and household goods was stolen. Entry was gained by forcing a ground floor window. In a similar raid at Claybrooke Magna high value household goods were stolen after the thieves forced a window. Lawnmowers worth thousands of pounds were stolen from an insecure garage at Bitteswell. In most of these recent incidents the premises that were targeted were left insecure and not protected by alarm systems. Market Harborough police would urge all homeowners to consider fitting simple and inexpensive alarms. It is acknowledged that most opportunist or petty thieves are likely to move on rather than risk being caught red-handed by anyone investigating an alarm. For free information on crime reduction and prevention please call Market Harborough police on 0116 222 2222.

Husbands Bosworth

Husbands Bosworth: Residents living near Fernie Court have called on the Parish Council to step in to prevent vehicles parking on the roadside grass verges. Leicestershire Highways have recently installed bollards on the verges to deter drivers parking their vehicles on the grass and damaging the surface. However, cars are still being driven onto the verge and residents are asking for further bollards or other restrictions to be installed before the winter. Parish Council members agreed to consider installing a public bench on the site if funds allow during the next financial year.

Husbands Bosworth

Husbands Bosworth: Parish councillors have discussed continuing problems with nuisance parking in Butt Lane. Vehicles parked inconsiderately at the narrowest part of the road have caused difficulties for passing traffic, especially large vehicles and farm machinery. In the past residents have requested that Leicestershire Highways install parking restrictions on some lengths of the road to ease the congestion.

Welford

Welford: The village’s Christmas Shoebox Appeal gets under way on Saturday, November 14. Donations of children’s toys, small gifts and fancy goods will be welcomed for Welford’s annual appeal in aid of Eastern European children in need. Donations should be small enough to fit into a standard shoebox and should be brought to St. Mary’s Church, Welford on Saturday, November 14 between 10am and 4pm. For more information please call 01858 575683.

Celebrate health matters on birthday

Oadby: Oadby Library celebrates its one year anniversary on Thursday, November 12 with activites to improve health and lifestyle.

There will be diabetes, weight and blood pressure tests with Lloyds Pharmacy from 10am until 11am (booking essential).

For more information and booking, contact the library on 0116 305 8763.

Remembering those who fell

Desford: The annual Act of Remembrance will be held at the War Memorial in Main Street, Desford at 10:45am on Sunday, November 8 followed by a service in the Desford Free Church.
There will be a separate Act of Remembrance at 12:15pm on Sunday, November 8 at the Botcheston Village Hall.

Service of Remembrance

Peckleton: The annual Remembrance Service will be held on Sunday November 8 at 10:40 am in St Mary Magdalene Church.

History Society sorry for date error

Desford: Desford Local History Society would like to apologise for issuing erroneous information about their next meeting. This will be held on Tuesday November 17 (not 18, as stated on membership cards and 0n a flyer) and the speaker will be John Thornton (not Peter Musgrave). The time remains unaltered-7.45pm, as does the venue-St Martin's Church Centre. Members and visitors are welcome.

Full house for quiz boosts "rec"

Desford: The Kirkby Road recreation ground benefited to the tune of £650 following another sellout quiz held in the village hall. Tickets for the event were snapped up well in advance and a raffle on the evening itself also boosted takings. A hearty ploughman's supper helped keep contestants going. Question master for the evening was Dennis Casson who coped manfully on his own. The event was organised by Pat and Jenny Crane, Linda and David Mitchell, along with several others who are greatly thanked for their efforts.

Arts and Crafts goodies go on sale

Desford: A tempting array of gifts, edible and artistic, will be on show and on sale at a two-day art and craft fair.It will be held at the Desford Village Hall on Saturday and Sunday November 21 and 22 from 10am to 4pm. The annual showcase for the work of local artists and artisans, cooks and crafts people, plus many others, could save you hours of searching in the shops. There will also be a raffle and refreshments.

Coming to a cinema near you...

Botcheston: The next blockbuster to hit the screen at Botcheston Village Hall will be The Damned United.
It will be shown at 7.30pm on Tuesday November 10.
The dramatisation of the late Brian Clough's brief and troubled reign as Leeds United's manager caused some controversy when it was released and is sure to get football fans (and others) talking again.
Tickets are just £3.50. Films are shown at the village hall on the second Tuesday each month.

Beat the recession

Wigston: A charity Christmas fair on behalf of The Meningitis Trust and other local charities is being held at Age Concern.
There will be various stalls including tombola, bric-a-brac, books, new and old items, cakes, raffle and a Christmas stall.
Refreshments and luncheons will be available at the event in Paddock Street, on Saturday, November 21 from 12.30pm to 4pm.
Organisers are encouraging people to come along, beat the recession and pick up a bargain.
Admission is free.
For further details, or to book a stall, call Jo on 07917 132 580, or Linda, on 0116 2880089.

Beat team at the library

Oadby: PC Andy Raybould will be holding a drop in surgery at Oadby Library on Friday, November 13 from noon until 2pm. Anyone wishing to discuss crime prevention or policing concerns may attend this surgery.

A musical promenade

Wigston: Friends of Wigston Framework Knitters' museum are holding a musical promenade.It takes place at the museum, in Bushloe End, on Saturday, November 14 at 2.30pm.Music for the occasion is being provided by the Wigston Enterprise band.Although admission is free, donations would be appreciated. Refreshments are available.

Christmas comes with flowers.

Wigston: The last meeting of the Wigston and Knighton Floral Society's Ruby anniversary year will be an open meeting called 'Christmas Comes'.
It will be held at the Kings Centre, in Bull Head Street, at 7.15pm on Wednesday, November 11.
Mr Ian Buxton of Long Eaton is well known for his expertise in flower arranging and for providing an entertaining evening.
A warm welcome is extended to visitors.
Tickets are £7 and can be bought by calling 0116 288 5544.

Flower power

Sapcote: Kerry Evans treated WI members to a series of autumnal flower arrangements at their October meeting.
Executing one traditional, two modern and one fun arrangement in a Halloween pumpkin,
Kerry was able to pass on tips and ideas and the inspiration to have a go.
Her audience learned how to de-thorn, wire and zig-zag roses, fluff up carnations, loop leaves and shave candles. Those not lucky enough to take home one of Kerry's arrangements could at least have a go themselves later.
The business of the AGM on Monday, November 9 at 7.30pm in Sapcote Methodist Church Hall will be followed by a quiz and supper provided by the committee.
The institute's birthday dinner on Monday, November 16 will be enjoyed at Badger's Mount in nearby Elmesthorpe.

Organ concert

Sapcote: Resident organist Paul Kirner will show his expertise on the magnificent Compton Theatre Pipe Organ at an afternoon concert at Compton Lodge, in Grace Road, Sapcote on Sunday, November 8.
Tickets for the licensed venue have to be bought in advance on 01455 273630, with the £5 admission fee including light refreshments. Doors open at 1.45pm for a 2.30pm start.

We will remember them

Sapcote: On Sunday, November 8 the morning service at Sapcote Methodist Church will begin at the earlier time of 9.45am to allow time for worshippers to walk to the war memorial in Church Street.
At the village Service of Remembrance, which begins at 10.45am, representatives of the parish council. the Royal British Legion and uniformed youth organisations will lay wreaths in memory of the fallen.
Hot drinks will be served afterwards in All Saints Church Hall.
In the evening All Saints Primary School choir has been invited to sing at a peace service at the Methodist Church at 6pm.

Scouts bonfire party

Sapcote: Tickets are on sale at Sapcote Newspost for the annual bonfire and fireworks display organised by the 1st Sapcote Scout Group.
They cost £3.75 for adults, £3.25 for concessions or £10 for a family. On the gate, tickets will cost £4, £3.50 or £12 respectively.
The bonfire is due to be lit at 6.30pm on Saturday, November 7. Any combustible rubbish can be taken to the field opposite 65 Stanton Road up to 3pm that day.

Wriggly readers

Sapcote: The next Wriggly Readers session of fun stories and rhymes for babies and toddlers at Sapcote Library is on Saturday, November 7 from 10.30am to 11am.

Parish council's busy agenda

Sapcote: Items on the agenda, when Sapcote Parish Council meets at 7.30pm on Thursday, November 5, in the pavilion, will include parish council objectives and 137 grants.
A short time is always set aside for public participation

Valley Forum

Kegworth: The Valley Community Forum of North West Leicestershire District Council met at Belton Village Hall on Monday October 26 to bring forward ideas on how to distribute £20,000.
The money is available to support services and activities for children and young people, the local environment, safer communities and healthier communities.
Ideas put forward on the night will form a shortlist to be considered at a future date.
Among the items put forward for support was a series of film shows at Kegworth Village Hall. The money was requested for future advertising and overheads.

Book and jumble sale

Castle Donington: The monthly book and jumble sale in St Edward’s Church Hall, St Anne’s Lane, Castle Donington, on the morning of Tuesday October 27 raised more than £300 for the parish church of St Edward, King and Martyr.
As well as the books and jumble, there was a household produce stall, refreshments and a raffle. The next book and jumble sale will be in the Church Hall on Tuesday, November 24, from 9.30am.

Healing service

Castle Donington: There will be a joint healing and wholeness service at St Edward’s Church Hall in St Anne’s Lane, Castle Donington, on Sunday, November 22, at 6.30pm.
There will be laying on of hands and prayer on request.

Student displays

Castle Donington: Castle Donington Museum is holding an exhibition by local students of their own collections at the Apiary Gate museum on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15.
Admission will be free but donations towards the museum running expenses would be appreciated. The doors will be open from 10am to 2pm.

Going for Gold

Wigston: 50 years ago, the Wigston Magna Methodist ladies formed a luncheon club.
To celebrate their golden jubilee year, they are holding a special luncheon at the Ramada Jarvis hotel, in Granby Street, Leicester, on Thursday, November 12 at 12.30pm.

Police warn Facebook twitterers

Market Harborough: Police and Neighbourhood Watch are warning people using social networking sites on the internet to be careful with the information that they post.
The warning follows a recent report by insurers Legal and General, which found that many users of sites such as Twitter and Facebook post details of their holiday plans on the internet.
Criminals are now searching websites for information that they can use to target likely victims for burglaries and other crimes while their victims are away from home and are collating much of this from innocent posts on the web.
Using holiday information, movement details, identities and contact details cyber-criminals can possibly identify addresses.
Criminals are also known to identify specific items, such as expensive electronic or personal items, to steal to order from details of purchases posted on sites.
Users are especially warned not to make ‘friends’ on the sites with people who they don’t know and trust, and not to post any specific details that can be traced back to themselves or their addresses.

Villagers asked: What are you doing?

Husbands Bosworth: Village activity and interest groups wishing to promote their group’s activities are asked to send copies of their winter programmes to the Bosworth Bugle community newsletter editorial team as soon as possible.
Items for publication can be e-mailed to
bosworth_bugle@talk21.com
Copies of the Bosworth Bugle are delivered to every home in the parish and are posted in pdf format on the internet at
www.husbandsbosworth.info

School to benefit from clearout

Husbands Bosworth: Members of the Friends of Bosworth School fundraising group are organising their annual Bags 2 School collection over the weekend of November 14 and 15. Villagers are asked to donate their unwanted second hand clothing, bedding, soft toys, shoes and handbags in aid of Husbands Bosworth Primary School funds.
Last year the autumn clearout amounted to more than 700kg for which the group was paid £280. The organisers hope to top this amount in this year’s campaign.
Funds raised by FOBS pay for extra-curricular activities and specialist equipment for the school.
Distinctive blue bags will be distributed around the village prior to the weekend when filled bags will be collected from doorsteps on the Saturday morning.
Bags can also be brought into school no later than 8.30am on Monday, November 16.
For details, call either 01858 880705 or 01858 881045.

Community News editor faces new challenge

Jim Matthews, the first Leicester Mercury journalist to hold the title Community News Editor, has left the company after nearly 35 years.

He joined as a newly-trained reporter in April 1975 and soon became a sub-editor before, in 1983, taking over as editor of the Oadby and Wigston Mail, the Mercury's free weekly newspaper. He became deputy editor when the growing number of Mercury weekly newspapers were consolidated.

It was in 1999 that Jim returned to his first love, community news. Aided by a team of talented and dedicated semi-professional reporters in and around the city and the counties of Leicestershire and Rutland, he helped countless community and charity groups get publicity.

Jim was awarded a BA (Hons) Open University degree on his 55th birthday in 2007 and, as a past president of the Rotary Club of Oadby, now expects to keep busy working with Rotary.

He said: "I have had nearly 35 years working for the Mercury and I have worked with -- and met -- many wonderful people. I have been privileged and lucky. I am not sure what the future holds, but I hope to be able to put something back into the communities that make up a super city."

Women’s presence causes consternation at Men’s Group meeting

Desford: The next meeting of the Desford Men’s Group will be held on Thursday, November 12, at 7.30pm when Harold Nash will give a talk entitled Memories of a POW.
Anyone who has seen the current exhibition on Prisoners of War at the Imperial War Museum North will know that the lot of prisoners was in reality far different from that portrayed in some films and the meeting promises to be more than usually interesting.
The unexpected presence of some ladies at last month’s meeting caused some consternation and ladies are politely reminded that their turn will come on December 20 when they will be most welcome at an open meeting consisting of a choir and carol concert at 4pm.

History group finale for 2009...

Desford: Fresh from their recent highly-successful exhibition on local industries and occupations Desford Local History Society members are preparing for their final meeting of the year.
Peter Musgrave will talk on Samuel Deacon on Wednesday, November 18, instead of the usual third Tuesday of alternate months.
Visitors are welcome on payment of a small charge. The new membership year begins in January and details of the programme will be publicised as soon as they are available.

The sales are on...

Desford: Any pennies shoppers may have left over from the already-advertised St Martin's Fayre on Saturday, October 31, (1pm) will be more than welcome at the Desford Free Church Autumn Sale the following Saturday, November 7 (10am to 2pm).
Admission to the Free Church event is £1 and that covers refreshments. Attractions include crafts, cards, plants and white elephant. All proceeds will go to church funds.

Trick or flick?

South Wigston: Two free films will be shown on Halloween Night in Wigston, organised by Oadby and Wigston Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. The first is Bolt (PG), starting at 3pm at the Bassett Street Centre, South Wigston.
The second film is Twilight (12a), starting at 6pm at Wigston Young People’s Centre, Holmden Avenue.
The films are free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. They are designed to offer an alternative to trick-or-treating on Halloween.

Moviemakers show bridge over canal

Enderby: Members of the Enderby University of the Third Age (U3A) were entertained by Leicester Movie Movers, who presented us with a melange of videos, all shot by amateur photographers.
Among them, was one entitled Leicester Gems, which showed some of the hidden history to be found within the city of Leicester.
Another, which we thought might give a particularly famous naturalist (who grew up in Leicester) a run for his money, was a piece entitled ‘Ellis’ Bridge’, which detailed the changing seasons around a particular bridge over the Grand Union Canal.
Other parts of the show were also stimulating and we finished the afternoon with tea and social intercourse. The November speaker will be Dr Clive Pett, who will give a talk on Pompeii, the buried city.
For details, call Jenny on 0116 286 5575.

Book your place with author

Wigston: Top crime author Kate Ellis will be at the library, Bull Head Street, on Wednesday, November 18, at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £2 and are available from 0116 305 3689.
Free refreshments will be served.

Remembrance Day Parade

Wigston: A Remembrance service and parade will be held at All Saints' Church, Bushloe End, on Sunday, November 8.

The parade will form at Elizabeth Court, Long Street, at 10.15am and lead off at 10.20am.

The parade will be led by Wigston Band and the standards of the Royal British Legion.

All ex-service and other contingents are welcome to parade.

The service will start at 10.45am.

After the service the parade will re-assemble on the car park of the Royal British Legion and return to Elizabeth Court, pausing at the church memorial where wreaths will be laid.

The salute will be taken at Peace Memorial Park.

Onion Day adds another layer to fund-raising village’s £11,000 success

Illston-on-the-Hill: Onion Sunday – held a fortnight after the village’s annual fete – made more than £1,000, taking to £11,000 the amount raised for charities by the village’s 150 residents in two weeks.
Onion Sunday is based at The Fox and Goose and organised by a committee headed by landlord George Bullers. As well as having a competition for the biggest onion, there were a number of other hotly-contest onion competitions, and many other novelties.
The day culminated in an auction of items and promises given by people from Illston and the surrounding villages. Auctioneer Bob Kemp’s banter and saleroom skills add to the occasion.
The original Illston Onion – preserved in alcohol and kept behind the bar – comes up for auction every year and this year made £200. A jar of Shippams Bloater Paste is also a much sought-after item every year and made £50 this year. A tin of Brussels sprouts (another regular lot) made a similar amount.
Hazel Cave won a prize for making the best guess of the number of bottle tops covering a car.
The Fox and Goose is the smallest pub in the Everards Brewery chain but is a particular favourite of chairman Richard Everard and he was there on the day supporting the village’s big day.

Volunteers battle against the wind to tidy up fallen leaves in cemetery

Belgrave: The weather was kind, the sun shone and the CSV day held in Belgrave Cemetery was well attended with people busy cleaning their family graves.
Battling against the wind, they partially won by managing to collect seven bags full of leaves.
The volunteers hope the cemetery will remain tidy for the Remembrance Sunday service to be held on November 8 at 10.45am.
Everyone is welcome to attend, as they are on any Sunday morning when the Friends group are on hand to assist in the tracing of graves of past relatives.
The committee thank cemetery groundsman Pete for his support in keeping the cemetery looking well cared for.

Young and old will remember

Rothley: Uniformed organisations and other young people are invited to attend a Churches Together Remembrance service on Sunday, November 8, at 10.45 in the Rothley Centre. There will be a service for adults at 10.30am in the parish church.
At about 11.40am there will be an Act of Remembrance at the war memorial on Cross Green. Afterwards refreshments will be served in the Baptist Church.
And on Wednesday, November 11, there will be an Act of Remembrance at 11.00am at the war memorial.

Wendy’s talk delivers the goods

Blaby: Wendy Freer delivered a lively, enjoyable and informative presentation on Pack Horses and Pack Roads to Blaby Heritage and Museum Society.
Her narrative was supplemented by an on-screen collection of drawings and photographs. It was a most enjoyable evening even though some of the pack horses were donkeys!
The next meeting will be at 7.45pm on Wednesday, November 18, at the Drop-In, Welford Road, Blaby, and will hear a talk by Felicity Austin entitled Life on the Home Front. Visitors and new members will be made welcome.

The fun of the Christmas craft fair

Oadby: Brocks Hill Visitor Centre will hold a Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22, from 11am until 3pm on both days.
The Mayor of Oadby and Wigston, Councillor Kevin Loydall, will open the fair.
Local craft stalls will include; jewellery, home-made chocolate, hand made cards, bags and soft toys and also knitted toys.
Local charity stalls will include; Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital, Hedgehog Rescue and the Royal Navy Association.
Santa's Grotto will be at the fair during the course of the weekend so this really will be a fun family day out for all to enjoy.

Craft fair for village hall

Queniborough: A craft fair is to be held in the village hall, on Saturday, November 14, from 11am to 3pm, when there will be 20 stalls of quality crafts.
Refreshments will be provided by women of St. Mary's Church. Admission will cost £1 with proceeds going to village hall funds.

City faith groups unite behind ‘350’ campaign

Oadby: Members of Leicester’s faith communities met at John Foster Hall, Oadby, as part of the international campaign on Saturday, October 24, for the world to cut its carbon emissions to 350 ppm (parts per million).
Sponsored by Leicester Council of Faiths, the World Congress of Faiths and St.Philip’s Church and Centre, the delegates heard how the carbon levels for a sustainable future does not advance beyond 350, and in fact they stand currently at 390 and are rapidly rising.
There is a huge gap between the carbon we actually produce and what the planet can take. Delegates also showed remarkable convergence in spiritual motivation for positive change.
The speaker on the politics of the international meeting in Copenhagen scheduled for December this year told the conference of the desperate need for the rich nations to take the lead in reducing carbon and in helping the developing world to adjust to sustainable futures.

Remembering the Fallen

Evington: There is to be a Remembrance Service on Sunday November 8, at St Denys’ Church, in Evington, at 10.45am.
Another Remembrance Service will be held on Wednesday, November 11, at the war memorial in Evington Village at 10.45am.
The following Saturday, November 14, there will be a quiz night in the village hall, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available by calling 0116 241 5996.

Gurdwara pays tribute to community worker on his wedding anniversary

Leicester: The general secretary of the Punjabi Listeners Club Tarlochan Singh Virk was praised at the Ramgarhia Gurdwara, in Meynell Road, for his dedicated service to the Sikh community.
Gurdwara committee member Santokh Singh Hanspal said Mr Virk was a hard-working member of the community who tries to promote the teachings of Sikhism to Sikhs and to other communities as well.
Last year the Punjabi Listeners Club organised a turban tying competition in which nearly 100 youngsters took part and which was attended by 300 people.
In May Mr Virk was one of two people invited from the UK to attend the annual Sikh American Heritage Dinner in the White House.
The gurdwara’s former general secretary Dr Jagjit Singh Sahota congratulated Mr Virk and his wife Charanjit Kaur Virk for doing sewa (service) by arranging continuous readings from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and providing food in celebration of their 30th wedding anniversary.
Mr Virk is to donate 101 Sikh prayer books to the city’s hospitals on November 2 in recognition of the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and is arranging hymn-singing for the Children In Need Appeal on November 20 and another turban-tying competition on Boxing Day.
Mr and Mrs Virk, who live in Oadby, were presented with a Saropa (garland of honour) by the gurdwara’s head priest Jaspal Singh.

Bargains at end of shelf life

Oadby: The town library is holding a book sale on Saturday, October 31, from 9.30am until 3pm. For details, contact Anne Sharpe on 0116 305 8763.

Acoustic night with students

Wigston: Performing Arts students at Guthlaxton College are to hold an acoustic night in the main college hall on Thursday, November 12, at 7.30pm
The programme will include acoustic songs and instrumentals.
Tickets will cost adults £5 and students £3.
To book, call 0116 288 1611 between 8am and 4.30pm.

A feast fit for Lions

Wigston: The organisers of Oadby and Wigston Borough Variety Show are to hold a Christmas Fayre at Wigston Magna Methodist Church, Cross Street, on Saturday, November 7, from 10.30am to 1pm.
This is to raise funds for the mayor's charity appeal, Oadby and Wigston Lions Club.
Hot bacon or sausage butties will be available.
Stalls will include home-made cakes, lucky dip, prize-every-time tombola, bric-a-brac, books, plants and crafts.
For further details call 0116 288 4474.

Light a candle for a loved one

Birstall: St James’ Church invites anyone in the community who would like to remember loved ones who have died to a service of remembrance on Sunday, November 1, at 3pm.
There will be the opportunity to light a candle during the service of readings, hymns and reflection. Refreshments will be served after the service.

A chance for ladies to pamper themselves

Swithland: A ladies’ pre-Christmas shopping and pamper night is to be held at the village hall, Main Street, in aid of St. Leonard’s Church of England Primary School on Tuesday November 17, at 7.30pm.
Stalls will include mini beauty treatments, Neal's Yard Organic beauty products, Jamie At Home, Phoenix Cards, Tickly Spider, Vanilla Bunni, The Gift Box, Libby’s of Quorn, Maple Molly's chocolates, The Balloon Lady and Bex Bunches.
Tickets cost £4 and includes a complimentary glass of pink bubbly and a mince pie on arrival.
For details, contact Linzi on 0779 116 6972.

Conference to be a beacon of light for young people

Leicester: Lighthouse Learning will hold a conference for young people on Monday, November 16, from 10am-2pm at Athena in Queen Street.
The conference will support the Take Over Leicester day that is being run by Leicester City Council. It provides young people with the opportunity to be able to step into the role of someone else, gaining an insight into that role.
The conference will hear from guest speakers working for young people’s services.
It is intended that the young people will raise any concerns that they may have as well as ask questions, consequently encouraging them to develop campaign groups that will be supported by Lighthouse Learning and their volunteers.

Watercolour artist to pass on tips

Hinckley: Andy Shore, who paints local villages and buildings in watercolour, will be guest speaker at the next meeting of Hinckley Society of Art at 7pm on November 9 at Hinckley Methodist Church, Albert Road.
New members are always welcome. Meetings are held second Monday of the month.

New name, same aim, for gardens group

Wigston: People who like being outdoors and meeting people and might like to grow their own vegetables but find the idea of having their own allotment daunting, are invited to find out more about the Green Earth Community Garden Project.
This is the new name for the Green Gym, which was established three years ago on the Aylestone Lane allotments as a partnership between the Big Lottery, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.
As the funding has come to an end, and the concept of ‘green gym’ is a trademark of the BTCV, a change of name to Green Earth Community Gardens has taken place.
The ethos will still exist though – that is a core group of volunteers will maintain and drive the project which is about growing fruit, vegetables and herbs. As well as enjoying the fresh air it provides a place for people to meet and share ideas, so anyone who is not sure about growing vegetables and would like some advice and help can come along on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 1pm.
As well as providing support for individuals, groups are also welcome. Anyone interested is asked to contact Malcolm Brown on 0116 271 0606 or e-mail:
malcolm989@btinternet.com

U3A to bob and curtsey out of 2009

Clarendon Park: The last meeting of Leicester U3A for this year will be held on Tuesday, November 10, in the hall at Christchurch, Clarendon Park Road.
Visitors are invited to attend up to two events at a cost of £2 each to see whether they would like to join. The meeting will start at 2.30pm and refreshments are served afterwards.
For details, call the secretary on 0116 291 1814.
Speaker will be Jo Carter whose talk is called Between Stairs...The Life of a Lady’s Maid. It will be a lively insight into the life of the personal maid and confidante to the mistresses of the great houses of England in the 19th century. The talk includes hands-on practice with a fan and an exercise on how it would have felt to dine while wearing stays!
Jo researched and re-lived the role, firstly at Warwick Castle where she worked as a costumed guide for seven years. She now continues to bob and curtsey to the guests at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire.

Audience is tickled pink at party

Coalville: Members of Coalville and District Cancer Research Committee held their third Pink Party Concert at St. David’s Church Hall, Broom Leys. As in previous years, the musical entertainment was provided by the Thringstone Pantomime and Drama Society. Members of St. David’s Church provided some entertaining sketches.
A full hall resounded with applause and appreciation. This year the proceeds for Cancer Research were £702.
Refreshments at the interval were provided by the local committee who thank all who helped in any way.
Any local organisation wishing to arrange an event to raise funds for research into the causes and cure of cancer would be welcomed by the local Committee. Contact can be made to the secretary, Joan Allen, on 01530 832232 or the treasurer, Betty Stiles on 01530 839947.

Coffee, biscuits and Brownies

Hathern: A coffee morning is to be held a the village hall, in Dovecote Street, on Saturday, November 14, from 10am to noon in aid of Hathern Brownies and Guides.
Admission will cost 50p and include a coffee and biscuits. There will be games, tombola, raffle, cakes, and bric a brac.
All are welcome to support the girls.

Arranging to be in a festive mood

Great Bowden: In Festive Mood is the title of a demonstration to be given by national demonstrator John Chennell to the Flower Guild’s open evening to be held on Thursday, November 19, at Robert Smyth School Hall at 7.30pm.
Admission is free to members and £7.50 to visitors. The fee includes a glass of wine plus nibbles. To book a place, telephone Della Russell on 01858 545485 or Judith Baumber on 01858 565767.

Christmas fayre for hospice

Wigston: The LOROS Wigston group is to hold a Christmas Fayre at Age Concern, Paddock Street, on Saturday, November 28, from 1pm to 4pm.
Stalls will include local produce, cakes, mince pies, Christmas gifts, tombola, and raffle with profits going to the hospice charity the Leicestershire Organisation for the Relief of Suffering.

Free oral cancer check

Desford: A Desford dental surgery is offering a free oral cancer screening consultation in a bid to alert people to the dangers of hidden diseases of the mouth.
Desford Dentalcare says the procedure will last no more than about five minutes and will be held on Friday, November 6. You do not need to be an existing patient of the practice to take up this opportunity.
More information can be obtained, and appointments can be booked, by ringing 08448 151516.

Have a ball with Santa

Wigston: Tickets costing £6 are still available for the Snow Ball to be held by Age Concern, Oadby and Wigston, at the centre in Paddock Street, on Friday, December 11 at 7.30pm.
The tickets are available from reception or by calling Emma on 0116 288 5203 and include mince pies and nibbles.
It is expected that Santa will also attend. Proceeds from the event will go to Age Concern.

Age Concern calendar Back to the Future

Wigston: Age Concern Oadby and Wigston is to release its 2010 calendar soon. Photographs by Neville Chadwick feature Time Travellers from Stone-age to Futuristic.
They are available from the Age Concern centre at Paddock Street, or by calling Emma on 0116 288 5203.
The calendar, with models drawn from volunteers and staff, costs £4 and is targeted at the Christmas gift market.

100 join walk to windfarm site

Desford: Around 100 residents braved the elements on Sunday, October 25, to walk from the villages of Desford, Peckleton and Kirkby Mallory to the proposed site of a windfarm.
A mast has been in position since the end of June and a proposal for a windfarm of up to eight turbines could follow at any time.
The walkers were met with tea and home-made cakes and were thanked for their attendance by Angelina Thorne, Chairman of the Action Committee. She introduced Hinckley and Bosworth MP David Tredinnick and East Midlands MEP Roger Helmer who voiced their doubts about the appropriateness of the proposed location and congratulated those who had walked on their approach to presenting their views.
For details, visit:
www.desford-peckletonwindfarm.org.uk

A Time to Remember

Sharnford: The Methodist Church, the oldest in the Hinckley Circuit, will be open to visitors on Saturday, October 31 from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday, November 1, from 2pm to 4pm for a Celebration of All Saints.

This is in addition to Sunday services of All Age Worship at 10am and a 6pm service entitled A Time To Remember, both led by Malcolm Lapper.

New venue for hoedown

Elmesthorpe: The Folk Dance Club which meets twice a month in the village hall is to hold a hoedown on Saturday, October 31, at Ashby Road Sports Club, Hinckley.
The guest caller will be Chris Johnson with Box Set. For details, ring club secretary Pat on 01455 272659.

Singing along to tunes from the 1940s

Sapcote: The Methodist Church's Singing For Fun choir invites everyone to go and sing along to songs from the 1940s at a concert on Saturday, October 31, at 7pm. Admission is by voluntary donation and refreshments will be served.

These girls just wanna have fun

Sapcote: “Rainbow Guides are little girls aged from five to seven years who have lots of fun and grow up to be Brownies,” says leader Marilyn Langley, who can be contacted on 01455 273521.
The group, which meets each Thursday from 5pm to 6pm in Sapcote Methodist Church Hall now has a few vacancies.

Husband and wife win skittles prizes

Thurcaston: Leicester Caledonian Society members had a grand evening of long alley skittles at the Wheatsheaf Inn, Thurcaston on October 24.
Four teams competed with the winning team captained by John Seditas. The man’s top score and trophy went to Eric Bunce and his wife Ann, took the top lady's score prize.
The society thank Andrew Kay for the organisation and everyone who helped and supported the event.

New folk club to meet again

Donington le Heath: Classics Tea Room present the second meeting of the folk club on Friday November 13 from 7.30pm to 11pm at Donington le Heath Manor House.
Visitors will be able to join in with a sing-around and jam session or just take in the atmosphere with a pint!
Guests Harvey are a four-piece Warwickshire-based folk band, fronted by lead singer Alan Harvey. They perform a mixture of their own material and covers including songs by Show of Hands, Paul Brady and some traditional songs.
Harvey boasts the powerful voice of Alan together with some talented musicians.
Tickets cost £4 with concessions for floor singers and can be booked from 01530 817214.