The FREE magazine for villages in North East Leicestershire
In this issue
llage Dynamic story telling for the stage 3
vi
Why we have Christmas trees 3
From a sleepy village to a deserted one 4
December 2009/January 2010 A seasonal talk while you walk 4
Shape up now, pay later! 5
Small gift ideas from the local community 6
Connect Jewellery that reflects our surroundings
College supports Cycle to Work initiative
Help yourself and help our horses
How to have a chilled Christmas
Music in the Gallery Room 1
7
8
8
9
2
Plus: Melton Messenger page (10), The diary (11),
In your garden (12)
Season’s greetings S & J NEWS
48 Syston Road, Queniborough
0116 260 6675
to all our readers Papers & magazines delivered daily
in Queniborough and
and advertisers a number of surrounding villages.
New customers always welcome!
There’s lots of seasonal-interest reading in Christmas gift bags &
this issue. Learn how fir trees came to
Ballotine boxes made
symbolise Christmas on page 3, about a walk to order from £1.95
on which you’ll discover the history of some with your choice of
well-known Christmas carols on page 4, and traditional sweets.
about an incentive to get fit before the New Christmas cards now in stock
Year on page 5. Plus, there are ideas for small
gifts on page 6 and some useful tips on staying
stress-free over Christmas on page 9. Among
COMPUTER
the events listed in the Diary (page 11) are PROBLEMS
two Christmas Tree Festivals: at St Mary’s
Church in Harby (part of last year’s display is FIXED
pictured here) and St Mary’s in Melton.
£2 OFF STEAKSTONE MEALS at The Crown in Asfordby - see page 2
Patient &
FREE GLASS OF WINE at The Dog & Gun in Keyham - see page 4 professional help
10% DISCOUNT at Swans in Oakham - see page 6 at your home or business
Internet, Software
and Hardware
Computer slow or won’t start?
Internet not working? Broadband
network to set up? Lost data?
Viruses & popups? Spam? etc
TUITION
CHARITY How to use internet & email, MS
GIFT FAIR Office, digital cameras, sat.nav.
29 NOV ADVICE
SEE PAGE11
on buying, avoiding problems, internet
security
CHRISTMAS TREES AVAILABLE
Dave Rowe Computing
FROM 29 NOVEMBER 01664 85 95 05
Tel: 01664 424254 - www.villageconnect.co.uk
Registered Company
The Crown Inn
Asfordby
Have you tried a
Est. Che
30
YEARS
ck o
ur w
ebsi
Steakstone Meal
te fo
r pri at The Crown yet?
ces
If not, you’re missing a real treat
Enjoy complete control over how your steak is cooked
The last bite of your meal will be
Another Quality as hot and tasty as the first
Conservatory Installation
*** EXCLUSIVE VILLAGE CONNECT OFFER ***
Present this advert for
Unit D, Wanlip Hill Farm Business Park £2 off any steakstone meal
(formerly Bentley’s Roses) Offer valid Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat evenings 6-9pm
Loughborough Road, Wanlip, Leicester LE7 4PN until 31 JANUARY 2010
Tel: 0116 267 6167 • Fax: 0116 267 4016 May not be used in conjunction with any other offer
BOOK TODAY!
Mobile: 07860 548226
www.midlandwindows.co.uk 01664 812175
sales@midlandwindows.co.uk The Crown Inn, 106 Main Street, Asfordby
Village Connect - page 2 Tel: 01664 424254
DYNAMIC STORY TELLING FOR THE STAGE
T he classic tale of ‘A Christmas Carol’ will be
performed at Wymondham Village Hall on 17
December. This new adaptation will have all the
charm and poignancy of the original story, but
will be presented in a rather unique way. Produced
by HotHouse Theatre, it is unusual in that it is a
staging of the actual prose of Dickens rather than
a play created around the story. A ‘split narrative’
is used, with just four actors telling the story as
Dickens intended it.
This is dynamic story telling for the stage
with actors moving easily in and out of character,
and with inventive use of lighting and props.
Tickets in advance: £8 full price, £6 concs, £22 family (2 adults, 2 children). On the door: £10,
£8, £24. Licensed bar and raffle. Telephone: 01572 787247 or 07792 756511.
About HotHouse Theatre
HotHouse Theatre is based in Nottingham. It was set up in 1998 with the aim of giving people a
chance to develop their skills and self confidence through the medium of theatre. Since then it has
produced several new plays by local writers, showcased events to give new actors, directors and
writers a chance to air their talents, and organised several festivals promoting the spoken word.
Recently HotHouse widened its area of interest to include film and music.
HotHouse can work with local community groups to help get their projects off the ground and
access funding. Projects might include: promotional DVDs for community projects; plays focusing
on a particular issue or subject; devised performances; have-a-go drama workshops; setting up and
running of festivals; and film making
For more information, telephone 07941 183595, email guy@hothousethreatre.com or visit
www.hothousetheatre.com.
WHY WE HAVE CHRISTMAS TREES
The pagans used to worship evergreen trees at their festival Editor: Louise Lambert
celebrating the Winter Solstice. These trees symbolised life and Published by Wordcraft Writing & Design
worshipping them marked the victory of life over the cold winter. 2 Brook House Close, Rearsby
The Romans worshipped evergreen trees in their holy festival called Leicester LE7 4YG
Saturnalia. Tel: 01664 424254
The introduction of the Christmas Tree to the Christian Email: enquiries@villageconnect.co.uk
Church is attributed to Saint Boniface. Born in Devon, he became Website: www.villageconnect.co.uk
a missionary working mainly in Germany during the early part of
Printed by AVS Print, University of Leicester
the 8th century. A story is told of how at Geismar he chopped
Tel: 0116 252 2442
down a sacred oak tree, where the local people worshipped Thor, Email: avsprint@le.ac.uk
the god of thunder, and laid the foundations of a new church in
its place. Growing at the roots of the oak was a tiny fir tree and
St Boniface claimed this as the new Christian symbol, saying: Next issue: February/March 2010
“This humble tree’s wood is used to build your homes: let Christ be at the centre of your households. Copy deadline: 8 January 2010
Its leaves remain evergreen in the darkest days: let Christ be your constant light. Its boughs reach out
to embrace and its top points to heaven: let Christ be your comfort and your guide.” (Source of quote:
All articles are the copyright of Wordcraft Writing & Design or the
www.stboniface.org.uk/whowas.htm.) individual contributor and may not be reproduced without permission.
From then on the fir tree became a sign of Christ amongst the German people, and eventually a Any views expressed in the articles do not necessarily represent those
worldwide symbol of Christmas. Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert first introduced it to England. of the publisher and are the responsibility of individual contributors.
Equally, the inclusion of an advertisement in the magazine is not an
Pictured above: another display from the 2008 Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church Harby endorsement by the publisher of the product or service advertised.
www.villageconnect.co.uk Village Connect - page 3
FROM A SLEEPY VILLAGE TO A DESERTED ONE The Dog & Gun
Keyham
Keyham is the charming little village of around Your friendly village local
120 inhabitants. Tucked away down a narrow
country lane and virtually unchanged since 1900, Trevor & Yvonne
it’s hard to believe it’s only seven miles from invite you to their beautiful traditional village pub
Leicester. It has a vibrant community spirit based
around All Saints Church, the village hall and the Wednesday Night Winners
Dog and Gun public house. Chicken & chips £5, Burger & chips £5
From Keyham you can take a five-mile circular Scampi & chips £5, Fish & chips £5
walk into the lovely countryside east of the city and Bottle of wine £5
past the deserted village of Ingarsby (described Fun competitions & prizes
below by Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby). The walk is detailed in ‘Keyham Parish Walks’ published Nostalgic 70s & 80s music
by Leicestershire County Council and available from libraries or to downloaded from www.leics.gov.uk. Acoustic Music Nights
Allow about one-and-a-half hours for the walk which is across a mixture of arable and pasture land. First Friday each month
Parking is available in one of the narrow village lanes, at the village hall or the Dog and Gun public New musicians welcome
house with the permission of the landlord.
Pete’s Famous Pop Quiz
Ingarsby is a deserted village site. It is one of the most spectacular, and most accessible, of the Last Thursday each month
former village sites in England. It is a well delineated site, with hollow ways and house platforms, New teams welcome
Ingarsby was a Danish settlement founded around the 9th century, which grew to being a substantial Cask Bitters from £2 a pint
village in Norman times. COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF WINE WITH
It was deserted, not because of the Black Death, as people usually assume, although like everywhere THISVILLAGE CONNECT ADVERT
else that pestilence reduced the population. The desertion was for the far more common reason that
Closed on Mondays
sheep were much more profitable to the big religious establishments than people. Leicester Abbey
turned the villagers out, and introduced sheep farming instead. Tel: 0116 259 5226
Ingarsby Old Hall is a moated manor house. Most of the hall dates from the 17th century.
The above information is taken from Colin Crosby’s website: www.crosbyheritage.co.uk
A seasonal talk while you walk 1120 Melton Road, Syston
0116 260 8500
‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ is a guided
Some 2010 models
walk for the Christmas season devised and led
by Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby on Saturday
13 December (starting 2pm). The starting
point is Stonehurst Farm, on the old A6 road in
now in stock from
Mountsorrel and the walk takes in the village
of Mountsorrel, still famous for its Butter Cross
Gary Fisher & Merida
and its granite.
During the walk, Colin looks at the stories
Other seasonal walks Colin is leading
include ‘Mediaeval Leicester at Christmas’
A few remaining 2009
behind everybody’s favourite Christmas carols, (from the Cathedral) on 9 December at 7pm, bikes still available at
most of which have fascinating backgrounds. ‘The Ghosts of Christmas’ (from the Town Hall)
Some were written by famous poets or famous on 16 December at7pm, and ‘A Breath of Fresh SALE PRICES
composers, while others were composed under Air’ (Belgrave Hall) on 27 December at 10am.
unusual circumstances. The Mountsorrel and Syston walks cost £4
10% deposit secures
Colin Crosby leads many walks in the local (£3 if you book in advance). All others are £3.50
area. For instance, you can discover another (£2.50 in advance). a bike for Christmas
side of Syston on Saturday 12 December
(starting 2pm). Colin will take you on a tour of To book a place on the walks telephone Colin on 0% finance available
Subject to status. Please ask for details
the main High Street and the streets leading 0116 2611576 or email him at colin@
off it which contain many picturesque old, crosbyheritage.co.uk. For a complete guide to all SPARES & REPAIRS
Association of Cycle
sometimes thatched, cottages. his walks visit www.crosbyheritage.co.uk. FOR ALL CYCLES Traders
Village Connect - page 4 Tel: 01664 424254
SHAPE UP NOW, PAY IN THE NEW YEAR!
South Charnwood Leisure Centre in Syston is
offering a real incentive to anyone thinking ahead Specialist
to the new year and planning to get more exercise. Language Tuition
If you join up between 1st and 15th December French Italian Spanish
and commit to a minimum membership of three
months from January, you’ll get free use of the * Early Years/Primary
facilities right through December. * GCSE & A’ Level
Since it re-opened in September, the centre * Adults
has had around 5,000 users through its doors, a Amanda Gennard
number that has exceeded expections. “We’re Former pool users are enjoying having fitness 01664 434148
getting a lot of new customers, and not just from facilities so close to home. Pauline from
the local community” said assistant fitness Queniborough, for example, loves the fact that A.S.H. Plumbing
manager Leroy Campbell. “People from Melton she can drop the kids off at school and be working & Heating Services
and even Loughborough are also signing up”. out within minutes. “Because it’s just round the
With a brand new gym and dance studio to corner, I can stay here longer than I could at my
Bathrooms / Showers / En-suites
add to the already popular pool, the centre offers previous gym,” she said. And Trevor, who lives in Central Heating Systems
varying levels of membership starting at just under Rearsby, cycles to the centre five or six times a Boilers & Fires
£20 per month. You can also pay as you go. All week. “The gym equipment is top of the range” Plumbing Installations / Tiling
gym users must undergo an initial induction to he said, “and the staff are always friendly, helpful General Repairs
ensure they know how to use the equipment. and efficient.” 24 Hour
Emergency
The workout classes in the dance studio range For more information including details of the Service
from gentle body balance to body combat and special offer in December, call 0116 264 0057 0166 4 42002 4
664 420024
circuits. Most classes need to be booked. or visit www.charnwood.gov.uk.
515548
0 7989 5155 48
MEMBERSHIP OFFER
BEAT THE NEW YEAR RUSH AND COMMIT TO GETTING FIT
BY JOINING SOUTH CHARNWOOD LEISURE CENTRE
Join between the 1st and the 15th December
and you’ll get December FREE OF CHARGE
Your membership allows you access to our dance studio,
gym and swimming pool. (See reception for full details.)
The examples opposite are just some of the classes we
run in the dance studio.
GYM OPENING TIMES
Monday - Friday 7am-10pm • Saturday 9am-5.30pm •
Sunday 9am-5.30pm
(Off peak/ concessionary times Monday - Friday up until
5.30pm and at all times at weekends)
www.villageconnect.co.uk Village Connect - page 5
SMALL GIFT IDEAS FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Looking for something products and jewellery offered there. For more
small, reasonably priced or that looks good enough to information call Gill Riley
just a bit different to give eat. There are even on 07787 175335 or visit
someone this Christmas? chocolate themed art www.tranquil-therapies.co.uk.
Here are a few ideas. prints, accessories and Voucher prices start at £5.
Sweets and chocolates home goods. Prices range from £1.15 to £30. Finally, why not give someone a little piece
are always sure to please. At For affordable jewellery with a local flavour, of Leicestershire to look at every day. The Ashby
S&J News in Queni- have a look at Becky Toughill’s unique designs Folville 2010 Calendar shows delightful scenes
borough (48 Syston Road) at www.beckytoughill.weebly.com. Read the of the village, all painted by local artist Astrid
you can fill a gift box of article on the next page for more information Bennett Claas. It costs £12 and is available from
your choice with traditional sweets from their about how she creates her earrings, bracelets and The Carington Arms (in Ashby) or from
selection of over 300 jars. Ideal for your child’s necklaces. Prices start at £3. www.englishvillageartist.co.uk. Proceeds from
teacher, the neighbour who always helps you out If any of your friends or family have trouble the sale will go to village causes.
or to take to a party. Prices start at £1.95. sleeping they may appreciate one of Colette
The Chocolate Boutique, run by Tracy Suau Stein’s hop pillows which we featured in the last
from Normanton on Soar, is a new, online gift issue. At just £5 from the Church Street Practice
the new online gift store
store for chocoholics! At thechocolate in Melton (or £6.50 including post from Colette
for chocolate lovers
boutique.co.uk you’ll find lots of chocolate in Goadby Marwood - see advert on the next
themed goodies, carefully selected by Tracy and page for the address), it’s certainly different!
they’re not all for eating. She offers a wide range Or how about a voucher for a relaxing chocolates, jewellery, candles,
bags & accessories, art prints & more
of products from personalised chocolate bars and treatment at Old-Dalby based Tranquil
fine edible chocolate treats to chocolate scented Therapies. Reflexology, Reiki and crystal healing www.thechocolateboutique.co.uk
candles, chocolate fragranced bath & body are just three of the complementary therapies 0845 508 4360
Welcome Winter in Style
Comprehensive
ranges of
outdoor clothing
and footwear
Top quality branded products
JOULES, PUFFA, HUNTER, MUCK BOOTS
We are now online. Visit us at
www.theclotheshorse.co.uk
THE CLOTHES HORSE LTD
Syston Grange, Barkby Road, Syston
Tel: 0116 260 9801
Village Connect - page 6 Tel: 01664 424254
JEWELLERY THAT REFLECTS OUR SURROUNDINGS
B ecky Toughill gets inspiration for her jewellery designs from the buildings
and landscapes of Leicestershire. Photographs are the starting point for the
necklaces, earrings and bracelets she creates using a her own unique process.
Making jewellery was something Becky ‘fell into’ rather than planned.
After completing an HND in Graphics & Design she took an evening
course in jewellery making at Catmose College in Oakham. Here she
learned the tricks of the trade; but it was while studying for a BA in Mixed
Media Textiles at De Montfort University that her passion for jewellery
Above: Becky in her studio
design took off. Over the last three years she has developed a style of bead-
Right: A string of beads
making that is now patent-protected. inspired by Goadby
All the pieces Becky makes are from used materials, many of them Marwood Church,.The
bought from charity shops. The beads are made with recycled paper (taken colours of the church’s
stone, combined with the
from story books, magazines etc), which she spins by hand. She then dips sky and grass have been the
them in various media to create the colour schemes and effects that reflect influence for this necklace.
a particular theme or image. Finally she threads the beads together with
semi-precious stones, shells, even buttons to create the final piece. markets, fairs, presentation evenings and jewellery parties.
“I wanted my jewellery to be different, something that I could make Becky donates 10% of the profit she makes on Christmas sales to
my own”, she explained. “I also wanted it be of the highest quality.” charity. Her chosen charity this year is Action For Children, which targets
Once Becky had perfected her technique and developed a range she was child neglect and works to preserve childhood.
happy with, the hard work of selling her jewellery began. She started with Starting a new business is not for the faint-hearted, especially in the
fairs and fetes, and has more recently started selling online (at current climate. Becky puts her success so far down to perserverence, offering
www.beckytoughill.weebly.com) and supplying shops; locally, she has the best quality of service possible and not letting any new opportunity
pieces at the Tourist Office in Leicester. She is also available for craft pass her by!
Not sleeping?
Hops contain a sedative which naturally
helps you to sleep. A hop pillow in your
pillow case or on your radiator releases natural chemicals
with sedative properties. The pillows are filled with English
hops and the casing is white recycled cotton or linen.
£5 from the Church Street Practice, Church St,
Melton Mowbray or £6.50 by post from Colette
Stein, 8 Main Street, Goadby Marwood, LE14 4LN
01664 464823 colette.stein@btinternet.com
Watercolours to brighten your life, empty walls Please mention Village Connect
and dull offices. when responding
Choose a colourful and inspiring image from the to any of our advertisements
English countryside or an impression from
around the world.
Limited edition canvas and acrylic prints,
Helicopter Flight Gift Vouchers Tranquil Therapies
greeting & Christmas cards. for all occasions Reflexology
If you don’t find what you are looking for, choose the Reiki
subject yourself - commissions welcome. Christmas Emotional freedom technique
Still looking for a suitable Christmas present for your Birthdays Crystal healing
family & friends? 2010 Calendar now on sale. Anniversaries Hopi ear candling
Stress management
Weddings
And much more ... Gift vouchers available
For further details or to book your appointment
01509 856464 visit www.tranquil-therapies.co.uk
sales@helicopter-services.co.uk contact gill on 07787 175335
www.helicopter-services.co.uk or email gillriley@tranquil-therapies.co.uk
www.villageconnect.co.uk Village Connect - page 7
COLLEGE SUPPORTS CYCLE TO WORK
RATCLIFFE
INITIATIVE COLLEGE
Ratcliffe College has signed up to participate in the HMC Roman Catholic Co-educational
Day and Boarding School
government’s Cycle to Work initiative. The Cycle to Work for Students aged 3-18
initiative is one of a series of measures introduced by the
Senior School (11-18 year-olds)
Government under their Green Transport Plan and is a tax Junior Department (5-11 year-olds)
incentive aimed at encouraging employees to cycle to work, Nursery School (3-5 year-olds)
thereby reducing air pollution and improving their health.
The scheme allows employees to benefit from a long term loan of bikes and related accessories
completely tax free. Mr Dziemianko (pictured above), Head of Year 8, was the first member of staff to
participate in this scheme and has reaped the financial and health benefits provided. “I often cycle to ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
work” he said, “and this new initiative has enabled me to buy some really decent equipment, I think DATES
For entry in September 2010
it’s a great incentive and one I will encourage other members of staff to participate in!” 11+ Saturday 9th January 2010
10+ Friday 22nd January 2010
12+, 13+, 14+ Saturday 30th
Help yourself & help our horses January 2010
All other assessments by
Pablo’s Horse Sanctuary, a home for elderly, injured, abused and unwanted arrangement
horses on Waltham Lane, Long Clawson is giving away horse manure to keen
For a prospectus and further information, please contact
gardeners. Pop along any morning for whatever quantities you need; there the Registrar, Ratcliffe College, Fosse Way,
Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicester, LE7 4SG.
will be someone there to help. Telephone: 01509 817000. Fax: 01509 817004
The sanctuary is in desperate need of volunteers and items such as Registered as Charity No. 1115975
rugs, raffle prizes for fund raising etc. If you think you could get involved somehow and www.ratcliffecollege.com
would like to help, call Carole on 01664 562634 or visit www.pablos-horse-sanctuary.com. registrar@ratcliffe.leics.sch.uk
Village Connect - page 8 Tel: 01664 424254
HOW TO HAVE A CHILLED CHRISTMAS Interior & Exterior
Painting &
by Gill Riley of Tranquil Therapies
Decorating
Do you feel your stress levels make time for you –
rising just thinking about complementary therapies such DERRICK D. ARGYLE
Christmas? Christmas Day as massage, reflexology and Established 1970
may be a time of fun and Reiki help to reduce tension Domestic work welcome
No job too small
celebration for some but for and increase energy flow
Quality guaranteed
others it can be one of the within the body. When our
most stressful days of the year. Most of us suffer body lacks energy even the slightest demands 0116 269 6541
from stress at Christmas, but do not always can cause stress.
recognise it. Every year Christmas appears to • Try not to overload your body with rich food 07711 040641
become more commercialised with pressure on and excessive amounts of alcohol which can
us to spend more money on cards, gifts, food, increase stress levels. REARSBY LANDSCAPES
decorations etc. This year may be particularly • Drink plenty of water. This hydrates your Colin Simpson Reliable Gardener
difficult when limited finances mean added whole body and helps you to cope better Mobile 07984 620148
pressure. with stressful situations. Home 01664 424045
Email rearsbylandscapes@hotmail.co.uk
So how can you avoid overspending during • Relax Find out which type of relaxation suits
the Christmas period? you; yoga or meditation can be particularly Landscaping - Garden Design – Turfing
• Make a list of gifts and food to purchase and beneficial in reducing stress levels. Garden Maintenance – Paving - Graveling
Shed Construction - Decking - Fencing
if things are not on your list do not be And finally don’t forget Christmas is only one Grass Cutting - Lawn Care - Hedging - Planting
tempted to buy them. day in the year; it should be about everyone Pruning - Weeding - Pond Design - Jet Washing
Regular Visits Or One Offs
• Set yourself a budget for food, drink and gifts having fun, including you.
and stick to it. OAP Discount
Further information about stress and how it Free No Obligation Quote
• Do not feel pressurised into overspending. Full Liability Insurance
affects us can be found at www.stress.org.uk.
Tell family and friends that you are cutting
THE MELTON
back this year – they may be feeling the
pressure too and it may be a relief to them!
• Why not make your own cards and gifts – it
is the thought that counts not how much
you spend.
BOOKSHOP
• Try to resist the temptation to use credit • Quality carpets, laminate & cushion
The Fastest Special Order Service flooring supplied and fitted
cards – it is easy to lose track of your spending.
• Expert advice, samples & prices brought
As well as looking after your finances over to your home
• Any In Print Books from
Christmas, it is also important to look after your • Wide range of carpets & flooring to suit
own health and wellbeing. There are a number UK/USA all tastes
of things which can help: • Free out of print search • Competitive prices
available • Fast, friendly & efficient service
• Exercise is a great way of relieving stress even
• Rooms cleared & old flooring removed
if this is just a walk in the park. • Specialists in • Doors trimmed if required
• Take a break from all the preparations and books about • Interest free credit available
Leicestershire • Licensed credit broker
• Satisfaction guaranteed
• 6000+ titles in stock
• 40 years experience by local tradesman
• Free delivery on orders Contact
over £20 Geoff Smith
THE IDEAL VENUE WHATEVER Tel: 0116 269 2812/ 07973 776240
THE EVENT OR OCCASION
To find out more about activities being held 5 Leicester Street Web: www.colbycarpets.com
or to book it for your own event, phone Visit our showroom at
01664 424696
Melton Mowbray
30 The Half Croft
or visit
www.rearsbyvillagehall.org.uk
01664 567769 High Street, Syston
Registered Charity No 215388
meltonbook@aol.com Open Saturday 9am-1pm
www.villageconnect.co.uk Village Connect - page 9
Village Connect - page 10 Tel: 01664 424254
THE DIARY
Too late for the diary?
Send events that have missed the print deadline to louise@ villageconnect.co.uk
and they’ll be posted on the website. Check www.villageconnect.co.uk for other diary dates
DECEMBER JANUARY
2-5 Wreake Valley School, Syston. Syston & Operatic Society presents 7 Watermead Country Park, Wanlip, 9.30am - 3.00pm. Volunteer
‘Cinderella’. Tickets £7.50 adults, £5 children/conc. Tel: 01455 230150 Day: ‘Reedbed Management’. Meet at the main entrance to the
for performance times and tickets. Park (North) off Wanlip Road. Wear old clothes, wellies, waterproofs
3 Watermead Country Park, Wanlip, 9.30am - 3.00pm Volunteer and gloves etc. Refreshments provided. Refreshments will be
Day: ‘Woodland Management’. Meet at the main entrance to the provided. Not suitable for wheelchairs. Free. Tel: 0116 2671944 or
Park (North) off Wanlip Road. Wear old clothes, wellies, waterproofs visit: www.leics.gov.uk/volunteers
and gloves etc. Refreshments provided. Not suitable for wheelchairs. 10 Quorn Village Hall, 7.30pm. Oxfordshire Theatre Company presents
Free. Tel: 0116 2671944 or visit www.leics.gov.uk/volunteers ‘Peach Boy: The Adventures of Momotaro’ by Richard Hurford. An
3 Waltham on the Wolds Village Hall, 7pm. The Fair Game Theatre action-packed adventure story for all ages. Tickets & information:
Company presents ‘Beauty and the Beast’. A magical, quirky and fun 01509 414287.
performance with music to make your toes tap. Suitable for all the 12 Vale of Catmose College, Oakham. 6pm. NTC Touring Company
family. Tickets and information: 01664 464082 / 07528 620133 presents ‘The Last Snow Rider’ by Ann Coburn. A modern fairytale
4 Harby Village Hall, 7pm. The Fair Game Theatre Company presents about friendship and belief. Suitable for all ages. Tickets &
‘Beauty and the Beast’. (See above) Tickets and info: 01949 861422 information: 01572 725904 / 722286.
4-8 St Mary’s Church, Melton. Christmas Tree Festival. 21 Burton Lazars Village Hall, 7.30pm. Chris Garrick (Jazz) Quartet
5-7 Sage Cross Methodist Church, Melton. Crib Festival. Tel: 01664 in Concert. Tickets & information: 01664 567752
567860 for more information 27 Melton Carnegie Museum, 10am-12noon & 2-4pm. Children’s drop-
6 Melton Town Centre, 10am-4pm. Victorian Christmas Fayre. Sunday in sessions with craft activities. For under-5s, parents & carers. Free
shopping, entertainment and quality stalls.
9 Pickwell Church, 7.30pm. Carol Concert with the choir of Selwyn While every effort is made to ensure information in the Diary is correct,
College, Cambridge University. Tel 01664 454231. Village Connect cannot be held responsible for any errors it contains.
9 Vale of Catmose College, Oakham. 7.30pm. Strangeface presents ‘A
Christmas Carol’. A festive performance using eccentric masks, puppets, All events listed free of charge! Phone 01664 424254 or
live music and song. Suitable for 7+. Tickets and information: 01572 email louise@villageconnect.co.uk
725904 or 722286
10 St Michael & All Angels Church, Hose, 6-8pm. Christmas Fayre.
Santa’s grotto, Chidlren’s crafts, mulled wine, mince pies, raffle.
12-14 Oakham. Christmas market Saturday & Sunday and late night shopping
OAKDALE FARM SHOP
on Monday, plus fun fair, Santa’s grotto & gift fayre at Victoria Hall. 1870 MELTON ROAD, REARSBY
12-15 St Mary’s Church, Harby, 12-5pm Christmas Tree Festival. Free.
12 Melton Carnegie Museum, 10am-12noon & 2-4pm. ‘Seasonal SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER, 2-8PM
Sparkle’ – themed craft activity for 5-12 year olds. Free. Traditional Christmas Gift Fair
12 Stonehurst Farm, Mountsorrel. 2pm. Guided walk/talk. See page 5.
13 Syston, 2pm. Guided walk. See page 5. in support of Rainbows Hospice
17 Wymondham Village Hall, 7.30pm. HotHouse Theatre presents ‘A
Meet Santa in his grotto & receive a treat (£3 per child)
Christmas Carol’. Bar open from 6.30pm for village homemade mince
pies. (NB: the production includes ghostly scenes that younger children, Mulled wine & roasted chestnuts * Hot pork cobs & soup
and some adults (!) may find frightening). See page 3 for more and Christmas gift inspired stalls * Bar for the adults
how to book tickets.
19 Barkby Village Hall. 7.30pm. Centre Screen – ‘Wonderful Life’. TEL: 01664 424300
NO FRILLS Church View Nursery
WEBSITES QUENIBOROUGH ROAD, BARKBY
Simple, effective and affordable Winter Bedding, Hardy Perennials,
websites for small businesses & Vegetable Plug Plants, Cut Flowers, Bird
organisations Food, Logs & Coal, Garden Advice
From £100 for a 3-page site TRY US ALSO FOR Open
Really Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Weekdays 9.30am-6pm
01664 424254 / 07879 854 882 (Wed 9.30am-1pm),
FRIENDLY, PERSONAL SERVICE Sat 9.30am-5pm,
louise@villageconnect.co.uk
Sun 9.30am-1pm
www.villageconnect.co.uk/ Tel: 0116 269 5505
wordcraft
www.villageconnect.co.uk Village Connect - page 11
MUSIC IN THE GALLERY ROOM
T he Gallery Room, a private art gallery in a
small country manor house in Saxby, will be the
setting for a cello recital and dinner on 12
December.
Internationally acclaimed cellist, Matthew
Sharp, will present a unique journey in song and
solo cello from Purcell (350 years old this year)
to the present day, including music by Bach,
Wagner, Cole Porter and Astor Piazzolla.
Matthew’s performance will be followed by a
Mathew Sharp: “An
three course winter dinner. extraordinary cellist –
“We are thrilled and feel very fortunate to virtuosic, charismatic,
brimming with verve
have Matthew coming to Leicestershire for this and poetry”. The Times
performance” says Faye Le Blanc, organiser of
the event. appreciation and enjoyment from staging special
Faye has recently moved back to events. The future plan for the Gallery Room is
Leicestershire to work in her family business, Le to run bi-monthly events in different art forms;
Blanc Fine Art. The house now has a private there will also be a continual visual art exhibition
gallery (the Gallery Room) and sculpture garden in the gallery.
to compliment the existing bronze foundry and The cost of the three-course dinner and
sculpture studios. Faye decided what better way performance is £35 per person. There is a paid
to use this wonderful rural space than to bar open throughout the evening. To book
programme performances and events here. tickets contact Faye by phone: 01572787503
Having worked as an event organiser for an art or email: faye@thegalleryroom.org. More
centre in Surrey she brings with her an information on www.thegalleryroom.org.
In your garden by Helen Osborne of Church View Nursery
Hello Gardeners
This is not everyone’s favourite time of year; the borders are looking bare, the leaves have fallen off
the trees, it hardly seems to get light and it’s too cold for gardening. There are still a few jobs left to
do in the garden. Cut back the last of the dead material on the summer flower perennials, like the
Delphiniums and Sedum. I always find it useful to put a label in behind a plant, so in the spring when
you might be working on the border you know where not to stand. When all the leaves have fallen,
remove any from on top of the perennials, as they will rot the new shoots coming in the spring. If the
leaves have landed on a border with mainly shrubs in them, leave them on top of the soil; it is an ideal
Christmas Menus
place for hedgehogs and insects to hibernate.
now available
If you grow vegetables in the garden, or have an allotment, now is a good time to decide what Christmas Day
crops you want to grow next year. I prefer to allow the soil to rest. Turn it over and add organic 5 courses £65.00
matter if you want to; this will help to build the structure of the soil and let the frost break down the Boxing Day (12-3pm)
lumps. There is still time to plant broad bean plants, to give a slighly earlier crop in late spring. 3 courses £29.95
When you’re scraping the ice off your car windscreens in the morning, spare a thought for the
Festive Lunch Party Menu
birds; feed a little amount of seed and nuts every day to ensure they survive the coldest days. Then in
Mon-Fri £16.95
the summer when your garden is full of caterpillars, aphids and slugs you can be sure of a little help
in controlling the numbers.
Plants of seasonal interest:
Cyclamen: bright coloured flowers with attractive foliage
Viburnum bodnantense: pink flowers on a bare stem - height 3m
Cornus sibirica: vivid red stems - height 2m
Village Connect - page 12 Tel: 01664 424254