5000 Distribution MARCH 2018 & surrounding areas Issue 18

Whitwick • • Swannington

Do you know where to find this local landmark? See page 3 for details and how to win a prize!

. PLUS: From Apprentice to Accountant A Bus Trip Down Memory Lane Colliery buildings listed Ruffle’s school visit All our regular features & lots more!

Email: [email protected]

Front cover photograph by Nick Linnett Photography • www.nicklinnettphotography.co.uk THE FLOORING AND BED COMPANY WELCOME... A place you can find uniquely stylish quality flooring, furniture, home furnishings & lighting……………… ...to the latest edition of the Community Voice! James Hayles HND. RRM Front Cover Quiz... ‘Spot the Local Landmark’. Fully insured and NPTC qualified Tree Surgery, Spraying Specialist How many of you can spot the landmark from our surrounding area featured on this & Ground Maintenance month’s front cover? including Mowing, Fencing, Hedgecutting, Turfing etc. If you think you know the answer, please send your entry to Community Voice, 57 High LOGS SPLIT & DELIVERED £110 Large Load Street, , LE67 6LH or email [email protected] 01530 271186 (home) • 07970 950129 (mobile) Shackerstone Fields, , Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 7DE The winner (drawn first out of the hat of all correct entries) will receive a £10 one4all voucher. Good Luck! Join the Community Voice Easter Egg Hunt! Last month’s quiz answer... and winner! Whittie has taken an Easter break this month, but why Many of our readers were able to correctly not join us on the Community Voice Easter Egg Hunt! identify last month’s mystery landmark as The Easter Bunny has hopped along to The Community Voice office and hidden some brightly coloured Easter Eggs Shackerstone Station; a preserved railway on the pages of the Community Voice magazine. station and heritage museum. It is also Can you spot how many there are? Send your answer, the terminus and headquarters for The together with your details to the contact details listed below. Heritage Battlefield Line Railway with tea ‘HAPPY EASTER HUNTING!’ room, shop, loco shed and main rolling * Last month, our eagle eyed readers spotted Whittie stock located there. hiding behind Bosworth Homecare. The first correct answer drawn out of the ‘Community Voice’ hat was This month’s prize has been won by Russell Elaine Bradford who will receive a £10 gift voucher! Boam and our picture shows the prize draw being performed by Meg from Inghams Farm Shop. Visit their new shop at Gnarley Farm, CONTACT THE COMMUNITY VOICE Osbaston (on the A447) for a fantastic range Post: 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics LE67 6LH of home reared meat and local produce. Tel: 01530 267344 Let’s see how well you do with our next Email: [email protected] landmark! www.ourcommunityvoice.co.uk

Following a recent refurbishment at their Ashby showroom, FABCO have added even more stunning new home furnishings! There’s an amazing selection of quality lighting, a great sofa & chair collection, and a great choice of flooring and bed collections. With quality British brands such as Duresta, Voyage Maison and Amtico all under one Home roof, Fabco offers you amazing home solutions to transform your house into a place you will be proud to call home. Care Fabco offers an installation service on Amtico design floors, by their Amtico trained & registered installers, as well as offering Moduleo LVT ranges too. Quality carpets, laminate and wood flooring, all Services expertly installed by experts in their trades. Covering Loughborough, Shepshed, Ashby, , , , East Leake, Ruddington, There really is no where quite like FABCO, so why not pop in for a coffee, a chat and let them turn your dreams Melton Mowbray, Thurmaston and surrounding areas. and ideas into a reality!

01509 642070 kareplus.co.uk Follow us online Dents Road, Nottingham Road Retail Park, Ashby-De-La-Zouch. LE65 1JS Here at Kare Plus, we are driving the standards which define quality care in the home. 01530 564 864 fabcoltd.co.uk Whether you need a little care or a lot of care, we can tailor our support to meet your needs and lifestyle. the voice page 2 page 3 the voice JAKE’S JOURNEY FROM APPRENTICE TO ACCOUNTANT In last month’s issue we focused upon surprised to find that apprenticeships were modern apprenticeships to mark available for a huge variety of occupations, National Apprenticeship Week. In this including accountancy. He, like many others, edition we take a closer look at how had the erroneous belief that apprenticeships an apprenticeship has been the key to were designed for trades such as plumbing, success for a young man working within electrical, hairdressing, carpentry and more a local company. ‘hands-on’ skills. High Street, Ibstock, , LE67 6LH. Tel. 01530 262400 Not many of us have a clear idea of what Sence Accounting also happened to have SEE OUR WEBSITE www.thepalaceibstock.co.uk FOR MORE DETAILS we want to do with our lives when we a promotional stand at that same careers are young, but at the age of 15, Jake knew evening and naturally, Jake went over to say Friday 16th March – FILM NIGHT. ‘MURDER ON THE that he would like to do something in the ‘‘hello’’ to the people who had made him feel FORTHCOMING EVENTS ORIENT EXPRESS’ (PG13). Based on the novel by Agatha Christie; professional services sector. With that in so welcome during his time with them. The FOR ALL EVENTS WHERE TICKETS ARE ISSUED: when a murder occurs on the train he’s travelling on, celebrated detective Hercule Poirot is recruited to solve the case. Directed by Kenneth mind, he was considering the university conversation came around to the possibility Advance tickets: from The Palace Tel: 01530 of Chartered Certified Accountants). Branagh. Doors/ bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: route and a law degree, with the possible of an apprenticeship within the firm and this 262400. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the THE PALACE IS AVAILABLE£5.00/£4.00. FOR HIRE FOR PRIVATE final destination of ‘solicitor’. was where Jake’s journey into the world of He now shares his positive work-life door’ (subject to availability). Please check PARTIES, CELEBRATIONS &Saturday COMMERCIAL 17th March - SKITTLES NIGHT USE with FISH & CHIP accountancy began. experience with students at both Ashby with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment. SUPPER INCLUDED. 7.45pm start. Tickets: £7.00 Adults and As a student at Ashby School he undertook School and Stephenson’s College, as they £3.00 under 16’s. A great family night out! a work placement at a local accountancy Jake joined the firm in September 2011 •Sunday Commercial 4th March – hireINDOOR pack CAR BOOTages SALE. available Open to at very reasonable rates embark upon their working lives. He is able the public from 9.00am until midday. For more details or to book a stall Saturday 24th March - PALACE SOCIAL DANCE A very firm, Sence Accounting. Sence are based and completed his 3-year AAT (Association to demonstrate that there are alternatives •contact Seats Jackie 120on 07926 people 357005. around tables or 200popular in evening rows of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence Doors & bar open at at The Business Centre on the High Street of Accounts Technicians) apprenticeship 7.00pm with dancing from 7.30pm ‘til 10.30pm. Tickets: £5.00. to the ‘university route’ into a successful Wednesday 7th March - THE PALACE WINE CLUB tasting in Ibstock, the village in which Jake lives. on a day-release course at Stephenson’s • Well equipped kitchen and bar facilities and highly rewarding career. Jake explains evening. Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8.00. Limited to a maximum of Friday 30th March - PALACE BINGO A great social night It was an experience that he found most College, Coalville. This meant that he was out! Doors open at 7.30pm. Eyes Down at 8.00pm! Licensed bar and how his apprenticeship has allowed him to •30 Good places! Tel: disabled Gary at The Palace access on 01530 262400and orlarge Corinne 01530free car park opposite building rewarding and he enjoyed it, especially the earning whilst at the same time acquiring the 451725 to reserve your place. refreshments. Everyone is welcome. mature into his chosen profession and how, working environment. At that time it served required qualifications and skills. Saturday 7th April & Sunday 8th April – ART EXHIBITION by choosing this particular route, he can SEESaturday OUR 10th WEBSITE March – GRESLEY FOR MALEMORE VOICE DET CHOIR.AILS to reinforce his idea of attending university The concert by this award winning choir starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: showcasing the work of talented local artists. Open to the Following successful completion of his AAT, continue with his studies without any debts £8.00 available from the usual ticket outlet or telephone public (FREE ADMISSION) on Saturday 7th April 10.00am – for a period of further education. 5.00pm & Sunday 8th April 10.00am – 4.00pm. Paintings Jake is now into his third year of study relating to further education to repay; in Contact07399417995 Gary or on via [email protected]: 01530 262400 for or throughdetails ticket of lineSPECIAL OFFERS to discuss your individual requirements www.wegottickets.com available for sale. Light refreshments available during both days. However, not long after this he attended a towards gaining his professional Chartered fact, last year he purchased his first house High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH careers evening at Ashby School and was Certified status with the ACCA (Association in the locality. Providing Complete Business Support

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Our fully-equipped CarCare Centre allows us to deliver quality repairs to everyday damage Convenient Annual Accounts / Business Taxation / Personal Taxation / Management Accounts Same day repairs Collection and return service from home or work Tax Planning & Advice / Auto-enrolment / Book-Keeping / Payroll MINOR DENTS ASHBY CARE CENTRE Repaired to a high quality commercial standard THE PALACE IS AVAILABLE AtFOR a fraction HIRE of the price oFORf traditional PRIVbody shop methods.ATE Services are tailored to your specific needs PARTIES, CELEBRATIONS &Value COMMERCIAL for Money USE with that personable touch We specialise in repairing everyday car paint and bodywork • Commercial hire packages available atdamage very and reasonable because we don’t drateseal with major crash repairs, we don’t have the expensive overheads that a traditional • Seats 120 people around tables or 200bodyshop in rows might have - meaning we can pass these savings onto our customers. • Well equipped kitchen and bar facilities • Good disabled access and large free car park opposite buildingFIND US HERE Let's meet for a coffee... For a FREE no obligation quote, A511 ChipsAway Anna Ball - Managing Director SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS Nottingham Rd call Alan Wilson on CarCare Centre A42 North Unit 3 Machin’s Business Centre t Wood S L 07964Contact Gary 130607 on Tel: 01530 262400 for details of SPECIALWood OFFERS Street to discuss your individualeicester Rd requirementsA511 Ashby de la Zouch [email protected] 01530 267320 Email [email protected] Street,o.uk Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH A42 LE65 1EL South www.chipsaway.co.uk/alanwilson SenceAccounting @senceaccounting Sence Accounting Limited the voice page 4 page 5 the voice Continuing our series of new topical short stories featuring that mischievous Browns Blue – A Trip Down Memory Lane rail dog, Ruffle, called ‘Ruffle’s Walks’... Exactly 55 years ago, in March 1963, Browns Blue buses with their unmistakable blue and red livery were Within each story Ruffle will send a secret word to his readers in the form of taken off our local roads when the company was sold to Midland Red. underlined, italic capital letters scattered in the text. Once you have found the letters, rearrange them to form a word that is relevant to that month’s story. The business had been started by Lawrence Brown of Markfield in 1924 with one vehicle which doubled as a bus and a lorry, an intriguing concept in At the bottom of each story it will tell you how many letters you are looking itself. The name “Browns Blue” quickly became well-known and more vehicles were purchased along with the businesses of other operators. Within for. The actual word answer will be shown on page 27. Woof - have fun! ten years, services ran to Whitwick, Coalville and Loughborough. For more information about Ruffle’s storybooks visit After World War II, the fleet was doubled and included double deck buses for the first time. Expansion continued and, in 1954, Browns Blue Coaches www.ruffletheraildog.co.uk Ltd came into existence, Leicestershire’s largest independent bus and coach company. By this time, there was an average fleet of about forty vehicles and depots in Leicester, Markfield and Ibstock. Ruffle’s walks – night time adventure! Unfortunately, by the early 1960s, demand for bus services began to fall as car ownership increased. In 1963, Midland Red took over the public services routes and the Markfield depot. Reliant Coaches was set up by former staff who bought some of the coaches and the Ibstock depot. Most ‘Right!’ said Eric, turning to his of the double deckers were driven to a parking area next to the pub before disposal. granddaughter, Alice, who was staying the night. ‘We’re going on a night time The double deck bus in the photograph belongs to Mick Gamble, Leicester Transport Heritage Trust Ltd, and is painted in the traditional colours adventure! You need to put on a warm of the Browns Blue fleet. The bus is parked by Whitwick Methodist Church in Hall Lane in 2013. Mick’s bus was in the village to help Whitwick coat, hat and a Scarf. I’ve made us a flask Historical Group celebrate its Thirtieth Anniversary. The Group is delighted that Mick of hot chocolate and a couple of snacks. has provisionally agreed to bring it back to support celebrations in October marking the We’ll need these fold-up chairs.’ Group’s Thirty-fifth Anniversary. Eric led the way out into the garden, CLLR TONY GILLARD Just seeing Mick’s bus brings back many memories for those of us who used the local shining a torch into the darkness. Ruffle Tel: 01530 452930 • Mob: 07970 894257 services. Many will recall the conductors, the distinctive ticket machines and that, in trotted along with Alice – his nose E-mail: [email protected] common with other bus services, smoking was allowed on following the snacks. the upper deck. Whether or not it was due to its local base, Alice helped her grandad set up the chairs FORMERLY OF ‘HAIR BY JOSEPHINE’ Browns Blue always seemed to be a friendly service. on the lawn as Ruffle watched. Very well, Volunteers at Whitwick Historical Group have begun thought Ruffle and disappeared back preparations for our anniversary exhibition which is entitled indoors. A few minutes later he returned Kate “Whitwick Schools”. Look out for more details in the dragging the blanket from his bed. Mick Gamble’s bus; months ahead or call in at the Old Station where we are ‘Ruffle wants something comfy to sit on note the destination board. Heath always pleased to welcome visitors. as well!’ cried Alice with delight. She set Ruffle’s blanket on the grass next to the Hairdressing chairs. Eric had gonE back indoors to MOBILE HAIR fetch a bowl of water and some biscuits ‘Let’s listen for other sounds in the STYLIST for Ruffle. garden,’ suggested Eric. ‘Don’t eat your snack just yet though PLEASE CALL OR MESSAGE ME ON Alice nodded her head in the darkness. Ruffle,’ warned Eric as he placed the 07845 288324 ‘Yes! It’s like a secret world. We might hear biscuits on the blanket. All aspects of hairdressing in the comfort of your own home a creature that only comes out at night – They settled themselves down and Eric one that no human has ever seen!’ Alice’s HOME ALARM switched off the torch. It took a couple eyes twinkled as her imaginatioN began of minutes for their eyes to adjust to the to invent a variety of mysterious animals darkness but then they found that they that lurked in the shadows. could actually see quite well as familiar SYSTEM SERVICE Suddenly she grasped hold of Eric’s arm Designer Childrenswear objects in Different shades of grey began as a crunching sound echoed through the ONLY to form. for Boys & Girls * darkness. ‘Grandad! What’s that noise?’ ‘Look at the stars, Alice!’ exclaimed Eric. Shoes • Dresses • Suits • Babygros COVER 24/7/365 DAYS A YEAR Alice whispered. Blankets & Shawls • Accessories Alice lent her head back and gazed up £ Eric looked Around. ‘It’s the bearded, FIND US ON FACEBOOK into the sky. FULLY INSURED hairy-backed Ruffle eating his biscuits! 99 ‘Oh! They’re like flickering lights – winking Hurry up Ruffle – you’re making too much 43 High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH REPAIRS, PARTS & LABOUR INCLUDED AMAZING at us!’ She pointed up into the sky. ‘LooK! TEL: 01530 886 548 MOB: 07576 125047 noise!’ Alice giggled. Email: [email protected] That one is much brighter than the others.’ ANNUAL SERVICE VISIT OFFER Ruffle looked at Eric indignantly. He ‘That’s right,’ replied Eric. ‘That’s the couldn’t help it if he was bored and brightest staR we can see in our sky. It’s fancied a snack! Ruffle looked at the water 17.235_1 Latitude_BellaAerial, Boutique_50x60.indd Satellite 1or phone17/09/2017 09:25 CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR SERVICE VISIT & RECEIVE A FREE REPLACEMENT PANEL called Sirius or the dog star!’ in his bowl. Um – perhaps he’d wait then problems solved LOCAL BATTERY, EXTERNAL BELL BOX & SYSTEM HEALTH CHECK. QUOTE ‘CVOFFER’ ‘The dog star!’ repeated Alice, turning to – drinking could be a noisy affair and Eric FAMILY Repairs could cost as little as £20 BUSINESS Ruffle. ‘Do you hear that Ruffle? Now every didn’t seem keen on him making a noise! Sky, Virgin, BT Vision Magic Eyes from £50 CENTURYFIREANDSECURITY.CO.UK time I see that star I will think of you Ruffle Eric, Alice and Ruffle sat for quite a (watch them in another room and control from there). Extra digital or Plasma & LCD installs Digital Sky and remember that it’s the dog star!’ while in the still darkness of the garden satellite points (cable hiding our Aerials installs & from speciality) from from upgrades CALL 01530 262 466 An owl hooted close by, making them all – amazed and thrilled with the sightS and £50 £70 £70 Extra phone We now supply and SPECIAL DISCOUNTS jump! sounds. sockets FOR OAP CUSTOMERS from £70 from as little as £95 Call us today... *12 months cover. You could sit out in your garden on a clear, dry night, listening carefully T: 01827 830391 or 07973 364478 Terms & Conditions apply for sounds and looking at the stars. See if you can spot Sirius – the ® dog star! Remember – if you hear a crunching sound echoing through the night, it just might be the bearded, hairy-backed… WE ALSO INSTALL: CCTV, INTRUDER ALARMS, Try the Ruffle “Find the word” competition - this month’s word has 8 email: [email protected] AUTOMATED GATES & EXTERNAL SECURITY LIGHTING letters. The answer is on page 27. (ask Deb or Pete Stockton for a FREE quote incl. Sundays) the voice page 6 page 7 the voice Liverpool and China’s Terracotta Army with Roberts Holidays For over 2,000 years, an underground army of life-sized terracotta warriors secretly guarded the tomb of China’s CHARITY CHAMPIONS First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, until a chance discovery in 1974 unlocked the mysteries of a vanished empire. Roberts Holidays are offering you the opportunity to visit Liverpool’s National Museum and the unmissable exhibition showcasing objects from one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. The exhibition features ten life-size figures from the First Emperor’s burial pit, including one horse, amongst more than 180 spectacular artefacts from museums across Shaanxi Province excavated over A TRUE LOCAL ‘CHARITY CHAMPION’ the last 40 years from the Imperial Mausoleum and selected tombs - more than half of which have never been on show in the UK Steve Barkby is a local man who commendation from the Divisional before. These spectacular artefacts will shed light on the Emperor’s pursuit of immortality and show how he prepared for the afterlife, certainly deserves to be known as Commander. as well as help us to understand more about everyday life in China more than two thousand years ago. a ‘Charity Champion’. Outside the Prison Service, Steve still The Terracotta Warriors are sure to attract the crowds to Liverpool in 2018 – make sure you’re part of the experience! He began work in the Prison Service in 1990 continues with his voluntary work; over the as an Instructional Officer at HMP Sudbury, last ten years with the Peter Le Marchant For further information, to book or view progressing on to become Professional and Trust, providing canal holidays and days ROBERTS HOLIDAYS HAVE A RANGE OF VISITS TO LIVERPOOL our extensive range please go to our Technical Officer at HMP Headquarters in out for people with disabilities and special AND THE TERRACOTTA ARMY, FROM DAY TRIPS TO 3 DAY BREAKS. website www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk London. A further promotion in 1996 saw needs. His roles include assisting passengers or call us on 01530 816425. Steve transferred to HMP Featherstone and as ‘Skipper’ on the narrow boats. DAY TRIPS including ENTRANCE TO THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS in the role of Textiles Manager and then Our personal, friendly, yet professional In his spare time, Steve enjoys flat green EXHIBITION - £47.00 departing: Head of Industries. It was during this time service coupled with our attention to bowling with Whitwick Park Bowling Club, Wednesday 28th March, Saturday 5th May, Friday 15th June, Wednesday at Featherstone that he introduced charity 18th July, Saturday 18th August, Thursday 6th September, Saturday 20th detail and Roberts renowned quality where he has served as the President of the work for The Children’s Society and New club and is currently the Chairman. October. ensures your holiday is one to remember Life repairing and recycling items to be sold for all the best reasons. in the charity shops. In his many charitable guises, Steve has run 2 DAY BREAKS including dinner, bed and breakfast, cruise on the two charity marathons, served an eight year River Mersey, and ENTRANCE TO THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS We look forward to welcoming you to He has worked with the Staffordshire Police term as a member of the Newbridge School the world of Roberts… on a project known as ‘Alley Gates’. This EXHIBITION - costs just £165 departing: PTA, run a local youth club for three years initiative provided metal rails and gates maintaining contact with communities and Thursday 13 September, Friday 28 September, Saturday 06 October. and was a judo instructor for eight years! for communities in Stafford, Stoke and for this, in 2010, Steve was awarded an MBE. 3 DAY BREAK including 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, cruise Wolverhampton to help prevent house Married, with one daughter and two His outstanding compassion and care for on the Mersey to Manchester Ship Canal and ENTRANCE TO THE burglaries. In recognition of this work grandchildren, he was dedicated to providing those less fortunate is both amazing and TERRACOTTA WARRIORS EXHIBITION - for £259; departing on 1st May. he earned an ‘outstanding contribution’ meaningful work for prisoners whilst inspiring. Great

2018 YOUR LOCAL LAW FIRM, WORKING SUCCESSFULLY Quality Day Trips BROCHURE Day Trips ON YOUR BEHALF FOR OVER 90 YEARS. NOW OUT! VISIT OVER 150 WEBSITE from Roberts Travel Group HOLIDAYS FOR FULL Why not book to see one of our specialist Lawyers on matters such as: LISTINGS FOR YOU • Family Law & Resolution March April 28th Apr Skegness Seaside Special £22 • Employment Law 11th Mar Mothers Day Sunday Lunch and Trent 01st Apr Harry Potter Studio Tour £66 29th Apr Stream in the Sky, followed by Sunday Lunch £55 River Cruise £45 • Conveyancing 02nd Apr Bridlington Seaside £25 May 11th Mar Crufts 2018 (General admission plus 03rd Apr Spalding & Springfield’s Shopping Village £22 04th May Kew Gardens Dragon Trail £43 • Wills, Trusts & Probate “best in show”) £70 06th Apr Whitby Seaside £25 05th May Liverpool & China’s 3,000 year old • Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence 16th Mar NEC Birmingham: Stitching, Sewing and 06th April War Horse at Nottingham Theatre Royal £85 Terracotta Warriors £47 Hobby crafts £29 07th Apr Cheddar Gorge & Caves £43 06th May Hunstanton Seaside £22 • Road Traffic Offences & Criminal Defence 16th Mar Cheltenham Gold Cup Day - Best Mates 07th Apr London Hyde Park £25 06th May Sandringham House, Museum and Gardens £39 Admission £69 07th Apr London West End Show: 42nd Street £118 07th May Cleethorpes Seaside £23 FOR YOUR BUSINESS 16th Mar Cheltenham Gold Cup Day -Tattersalls 07th Apr London West End Show: Lion King £125 10th May Lancashire’s Ribble Valley - Guided Tour Admission £85 • Dispute Resolution & Commercial Litigation 08th Apr Adam Henson’s Farm Park & Bourton with Cream Tea £34 17th Mar Hereford Market, A River Wye Cruise on the Water £36 11th May “The Band” based on the ‘Take That Musical’ – Landlord & Tenants, Debt Recovery with Cream Tea £39 12th Apr Officer and Gentleman - The Curve Theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome £85 • Corporate Law – Start Ups, mergers, 18th Mar Welsh Steam Train & Afternoon Tea, - Leicester £40 12th May RHS Malvern Spring Flower Show £42 acquisitions, shareholder agreements and plus free time in Llangollen £59 12th Apr James Herriott World Museum ‘All Creatures 12th May Kirstie Allopp’s “The Handmade Fair” 18th Mar York Medieval City £25 Great and Small’ with free time in Thirsk £34 at Ragley Hall £39 disputes 13th Apr Torvill & Dean’s Dancing on Ice at 14th May Bakewell Market & Mason Mills £22 20th Mar Peak District Explorer: Castletown, Arena Birmingham £79 • Commercial Law – Sales, purchase, leases Buxton and Bakewell £23 15th May Castle Howard York (Light Lunch Included) £59 14th Apr Torvill & Dean’s Dancing on Ice at and property development. 22nd Mar Evita The Musical at Birmingham Hippodrome £69 Arena Birmingham £79 17th May Durham Cathedral City £25 23rd Mar Emmerdale Studio Tour & Leeds £43 14th Apr Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle £47 19th May The Ritz Experience with Afternoon Tea £98 19th May London at your Leisure: Hyde Park Drop off £25 39-41 Belvoir Road • Coalville • Leicestershire LE67 3PD 25th Mar Harry Potter Studio Tour £66 14th Apr RHS Cardiff Flower Show £39 Tel: 01530 835 041 • Fax: 0116 254 4870 28th Mar Liverpool & China’s 3,000 year old 15th Apr Chester City £23 Terracotta Warriors £47 15th Apr Chester Zoo £44 Branches at: Leicester, Blaby, Syston & Market Harborough 29th Mar London Postal Museum £42 18th Apr Yorkshire Delights: Knaresborough & Harrogate £23 Email: [email protected] www.josiahhincks.co.uk 29th Mar London Zoo £59 21st Apr Emmerdale: The Tour with time in Esholt Village £59 TRAVEL GROUP 21st Apr Portobello Market & Nottinghill £25 30th Mar Easter Gathering “All aboard the Danny” £59 Call 01530 816425 for a brochure or 22nd Apr Stratford upon Avon £22 When responding to an advert please mention 31st Mar Skegness Seaside £22 27th Apr Brick Lane Wartime Music Hall “St Georges visit www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk 31st Mar Disney on Ice at Birmingham Genting Arena £65 Day Celebrations & Afternoon Tea” £75 for our full selection of day trips and holidays you saw it in “The Community Voice!” the voice page 8 page 9 the voice WHITWICK FANCY PUTTING YOUR PARISH COUNCIL BRAIN TO THE TEST? Community Office, www.whitwickpc.org.uk Open: Here’s a bit of fun to get you thinking. 3a Market Place, LE67 5DT Wednesdays 1 – 4 pm 01530 459527 [email protected] Thurs/Fridays 10 am – 1 pm (Answers on inside back cover - no cheating!)

KNOW YOUR PARISH COUNCIL STAFF – THIS MONTH MEET CHLOE MABEY

Working in Community Office since 2016. I have been working for the Parish Council for nearly 2 years on a part time basis. There is never a dull moment and the variety of work always amazes me. I haven’t lived in the village for very long but I am incredibly grateful to have such beautiful scenery, fantastic play areas and facilities such as the leisure centre all within walking distance. The Parish Council work hard to make Whitwick the best it can be, but there are always new ideas and initiatives being thought of. The Parish Council meetings are a great way to find out what’s happening. ACROSS DOWN 1. Assortment (7) 1. Chart (3) News from your Parish Council THE ODD ONE OUT! 5. Group of insects (5) 2. Inert gas (5) Can you solve the clues and spot “THE ODD ONE OUT”? 8. Large herbivorous mammal (5) 3. Dissimilar (7) SNOW WARDENS – A) British-American actress who began her career as a child actress 9. Pagan (7) 4. Reverberated (6) Benches in in the early 1940’s. She starred in the 1958 film version of ‘Cat On 10. Unfeigned (7) 5. Photos (5) WHITWICK A Hot Tin Roof’. 11. Ledge (5) 6. Attain (7) Whitwick B) The second Tudor monarch (born in 1491) 12. Lifted (6) 7. Public declaration (9) 14. Appraise (6) 10. Decorated food (9) C) A Knight of the Realm; this British pop singer, musician, performer, 17. Notions (5) 13. Imprecise (7) WORKING One of the actor and philanthropist has sold more than 250 million records 19. Fruit (7) 15. Abridge (7) worldwide. TOGETHER? things that 21. Direction (7) 16. Captured (6) D) Crowned Miss Hungry in 1936, this actress was as famous for her 22. Taut or rigid (5) 18. Secret agents (5)

the Parish private life as she was for her ‘on-screen’ performances. 24. Days of the month (5) 20. Invalidate (5) You will remember that the bad weather in December Council was asked to do 25. Embroiled (7) 23. Conclusion (3) caused some challenges for both motorists and pedestrians – our hills make Whitwick quite special! for residents was to put The Parish Council is not responsible for gritting roads some extra benches in but has been asked by residents to apply to Whitwick. The first one TAKE A SECOND LOOK Leicestershire County Council for permission to install some extra grit bins. There are a lot of regulations has been ordered to go regarding this so it might not be straightforward. near the bus stop on AT YOUR PASSPORT One idea we want to explore is to ask for voluntary Most people think that arranging a passport is relatively easy – you just have a Hermitage Road, photo taken, submit the forms and there you go! Snow Wardens to help the community respond in replacing an old one that NOT SO! Many people are finding that when they take their passport application forms along an emergency situation. If you want to find out to the post office that the photographs are being refused. This is because passport authorities more please email the Parish Manager or speak to was taken away a while are becoming very particular about the accuracy and clarity of passport photographs and this any parish councillor – absolutely no obligation. ago ……... more to follow. is due to the increasing level of security being imposed when we travel. Stephen and Diana Webb at Second Look Photography have recently experienced a number of people coming to them in a panic because their photographs have been refused. This is Second Look Photography Wonders of Whitwick – tell us more (Email [email protected] with your good news) because when the photograph is taken, the image must be in the perfect position so that important facial characteristics are recorded. Many photos taken in photo booths or by Memorial Benches/Planted Baskets. Sometimes families like to make inexperienced photographers tend to fail as they are just not accurate enough. UK Passport Photos At Second Look they have special equipment that ensures that the face is in exactly the right donations in memory of a loved one so if you would like details of the £5.50 position when the image is printed. All pictures are normally taken in their fully-equipped Same Day! studio although home visits can be arranged for a small extra cost. They are so sure that process please contact the Parish Manager. We may accept donations for Guaranteed to pass the strict biometric standards their photographs will not be rejected that they GUARANTEE that they will be accepted. Also; Visa, I.D, Driving Licence, Blue Badge etc. a planted memorial basket if that is more appropriate for you. When you think that they only charge from £5.50 for a photograph it really makes sense to Adults • Children • Babies • Family Shoots go to a professional every time to avoid those last minute panics especially with free parking COUNCIL MEETINGS COMING UP ARE 15 MARCH & 19 APRIL nearby! Ibstock Business Centre 57 High Street HELD ON THURSDAYS AT 7.00PM AT PARK HALL, WHITWICK PARK, NORTH STREET, LE67 5HB Contact Stephen or Diana at Second Look Photography, Business Centre, 57, High St, Ibstock Tel: 07989 691770 Ibstock, LE67 6LH or phone 01530 263811 or 07989 691770. LE67 6LH www.secondlookphotography.co.uk

the voice page 10 page 11 the voice KATS ANTIQUE VINTAGE Trading3 Years Here

As Seen On TV & COLLECTABLES CENTRE OFSTED 1500 sq ft over 2 floors of antique, vintage and collectables including quality gold and silver jewellery RATING at trade prices, coins, clocks, hand painted furniture, stamps, pictures, militaria, china, glass, furniture, Whitwick and District U3A will hold its next We are all smiles here, at Whitwick day support may be needed. This is to ensure the kitchenalia, giftware and much more. General Meeting on Friday 16th March. If you are nurseries, after achieving our Good rating continuity in all the children’s care and meet retired and are looking for activities which are from Ofsted!* their ongoing developmental needs. both engaging and sociable then the U3A may Here are some of the great things our Ofsted Kerry Hardy, Nursery Manager, said: “We’re ALSO WANTED report had to say about us: really pleased with our Good rating from • All Gold & Silver Jewellery Including Scrap & Broken Items have the answer. With a growing membership “The children are happy and settled in Ofsted and the comments from the report. • We pay more the highest prices in the area. and almost fifty Interest Groups, most tastes are I’d like to thank all my colleagues for their this welcoming and nurturing nursery. • Costume Jewellery catered for. hard work, as it really is a team effort and we Environmentally Friendly The strong key-person system helps • All Coins chalk and mineral paint. As the weather becomes milder, there is no better time to share wouldn’t be able to bring this excellent level of • Militaria & Medals It is Zero VOC & Solvent Free to ensure that the children develop a care to the children without every single one with no odour. hobbies and interests with like-minded companions. At the General • Stamps of them.” We can also paint your own tired Meeting, Group Leaders and others will be available to answer any strong sense of security and build strong • Watches furniture. Please ask for more details. questions and pass on information about the opportunities available. emotional attachments…” Whitwick Day Nursery is a fun, vibrant • Silver & Silver Plate and well-established children’s nursery that MITCH SHAW The speaker at the March General Meeting will be Sandy Leong, The report continued to praise our experienced GENERAL BUILDER • All interesting antiques, collectables & furniture. and well-qualified staff on the positive reflection provides exceptional early care and education making a welcome return visit. This time, Sandy’s topic is “Mad as a All building work undertaken of diversity through the range of quality toys, to babies and children aged 6 weeks to 5 years Free valuations everyday - Over 40 years experience Hatter”, the Origins and Meanings of Sayings. No doubt Sandy will resources, and festivals the children are old, 5 days a week, all year round (excluding EXTENSIONS let the cat out of the bag and pull out all the stops to entertain us educated on throughout the year. bank holidays). with stories of how familiar sayings came about. ALTERATIONS 50 High Street, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3EE It highlighted how the children with special For further information about Whitwick Day PLASTERING Find us on facebook - Open everyday inc bank holidays To listen to Sandy and find out more about Whitwick and District educational needs and/or disabilities receive Nursery please visit the website at; www. 10.00am - 4.00pm home visits available U3A, come along to St. David’s Church Hall, Broom Leys, Coalville, good support through the staff’s relationships whitwickdaynursery.com - or call us on FREE ESTIMATES LE67 4RL. Please arrive at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start. The U3A is with a wide range of professionals. This 01530 830 499. Tel: 01530 260169 a non-political and non-religious organisation based on the self- professional support, plus the managers CALL 07792974309 * Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services or 07969 353284 Public car park to rear of shop help ethos. Everyone is welcome. Alternatively, search online for routine checks on the progress of all children, and Skills (Ofsted) inspect and regulate services of care Free parking from 3pm everyday and all day Sunday www.whitwicku3a.org.uk where full details of our thriving U3A helps them to identify any gaps in learning, for children and young people, as well as those providing can be found. and support staff to respond where further education and skills to learners of all ages across England. BILL AND BEN Robert J Dutton LANDSCAPES Your local Plumbers, Heating and Drainage Engineers BLOCK Y FENCING BLOCK TURFING FENCING PAVING TURFING Grandad’s Carers Work Boiler Service FLEXIBLE hours from £60 are KIND and CARING and inc. VAT have EXCELLENT training • 24 Hour service available day or night All aspects of landscaping catered for If only I had gone to including a full design service. Higgott’s to have my 1958-2018 • Arrangements made in the comfort of A Thornborough Rd, Coalville, LE67 3TL NNIVERSARY mower serviced! your own home 07914 088814 / 01530 484167 • Tailored funerals to suit your requirements Facebook@billandbenlandscapes • Private viewing suites ➤ Boiler installation, service & repairs Gas & LPG ➤ Central heating systems • Pre-paid funeral plans ➤ Plumbing for new builds & renovations • Wills and estate management service ➤ All drainage jobs undertaken ➤ Gas fire installations & inspections • Memorials & monumental work undertaken ➤ Complete bathroom & kitchen installations undertaken ➤ Free, no obligation quotations Fresh-cut flowers and floral tributes Get in touch… Call us on: by Stinsons Fleurs. Call 01530 569379. 01455 292648 All major credit cards accepted Established 1965 Direct Cremation Service. For those who ask Or email us on: [email protected] www.robertjdutton.co.uk for a simple send off. £1495 all inclusive. www.bosworthhomecare.co.uk Tel: 01509 502402 Call 01530 569246 ~ 24 Hour service.

Don’t leave it too late, book your mower Members of the National Association Distributors in Whitwick required to distribute the service now...servicing from £66! THE COMMUNITY of Funeral Directors VOICE NEEDS fastest growing full colour A4 magazines in the region. MELBOURNE ROAD • IBSTOCK • LEICS • LE67 6NN GOOD RATES OF PAY. TEL (01530) 260355 • FAX (01530) 262307 Apply in first instance to Hannah, Jayne or Steve on www.higgott.co.uk 01530 267344 or email: [email protected] the voice page 12 page 13 the voice LET THE SPRING BEGIN!

Refresh your home for the new season Ibstock Flooring & Blinds After the long dark winter months, spring is v traditionally the time of year when we turn our have gone mobile! Voted Best Small Business thoughts to brightening up our surroundings and ( getting ready for the warmer, sunnier months ahead. It’s a great time to get carpets, rugs and upholstery professionally • Same Great Products • Same Great Service cleaned after the inevitable consequences of winter conditions As we launch our new and improved Shop at Home Service, we have making their way inside! However, if it is new carpets and furnishing that you are after , then there are plenty of local experts to call upon. managed to reduce our overheads significantly – allowing us to pass One of our leading interior design establishments, Fabco of Ashby (see on savings directly to our customers, who we have served in Ibstock their advert on page 2), have suggested the following ways to give your and the surrounding areas for the past 5 years. home a fresh new look for spring. Starting a new year can make most of us feel quite uncertain but at • Even Better Prices! • Unbeatable Savings! the same time exciting. So, to kick offff this years first interior feature why don’t give your home a fresh coat of paint treatment? There F are colour schemes that will give your home a fresh look to get your Provide any High Street OF ds home ready to invite the spring season with warm welcome. With 20% d Blin l Fitte the daffodils, snowdrops, blue bells and tulips all coming in succession quotation and we will beat it! Al over the next few months, carpeting the woodlands and lawns in extravagant display. Why don’t we take inspiration from nature when FREE Un deciding on colour schemes? We give you the top five colour schemes with e derla to choose from. Ibstock Flooring & Blinds very c y sp arpet wh endin en 1. Golden Ochre - For an energetic start, go for the golden ochre Tel • 01530 264210 • Mobile: 07506 580555 g over £200 which has become one of the key trends last year. This yellow hue Email • [email protected] will energise give your home a give a boost of sunny energy. 8 Laud Close • Ibstock • Leicestershire LE67 6NL 2. Sage Green - Add sage green colour with neutral walls to work with furniture made from natural materials. Include greenery such as house ferns and succulents and botanical wall arts to an amazing soothing colour which will give your home a sense of tranquillity. 3. Shades of purples - Pantone has recently announced its colour of the year “Ultraviolet”, so you will see shades of purple appear in many home furnishing stores. Accessorising the room with vases, cushions, and soft furnishings will be enough to turn any head with this vibrant colour. Before too long, you will have bluebells to fill the WALK-IN-SHOWER vases. ENCLOSURES FEATURING 4. All White - for those who are uncertain about which colour to go for, white on white is a great safe option for you to add any colour THE NEW DEFLECTOR to the scheme. 5. Pink Blush - taking the inspiration from the pink Blossoms, pink FLIPPER PANEL bluebells and tulips. A hint of pink will certainly work well with any Fed up with being unable to get in & out of the bath, or just soft pastels and fill your home with love, a heart warming feeling and wanting a modern, sophisticated, on-trend enclosure, our happiness. stunning walk-in enclosures, boast the ultimate innovation with Ed & Tony, Fabco Ltd timeless appeal. Delivered with straight forward functionality and beauty to the most important room in your house. • Lifetime guarantee • 6mm toughened glass • Deflector panel pivots 180° • Acqua shield glass treatment Prices starting from: £650.00 (including stone 1700x760 25mm tray waste wetroom panel & deflector panel!)

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the voice page 14 page 15 the voice CHARLES BOOTH CENTRE We al What’s on at Charles Booth Centre The Green, Thringstone, Leicestershire LE67 8NR sto so q ck g Tel: 01530 222337 ual oo an ity d formerly Thringstone Community Centre d B Top Beautiful, decorative ark soil you love to dance to. Tickets from www. Mu te EVENTS: Ask lch a ticketsource.co.uk/thringstone at £8 or direct ROOMS us ! Sl fo e 8 March – Tropics skincare pamper evening. info r mo lu from the centre, weekday mornings only. FOR HIRE rma re B Cruelty Free products with vegan approval. tion l Raffle and free entry. 2 June 8pm – 1000 years comedy and music aggregates delivered Meetings • Class Rooms • Workshops ntra show – Anthony King will take you through 24 March – Motown singing sensation Andrew Conferences • Parties • Weddings • Licensed Bars Ce some fascinating history with his brand of Randell is coming to the centre to entertain humour and original songs. There will be a email: [email protected] us in his unique way. Tickets will be £8 and web: www.charlesboothcentre.org.uk straight to your door. concentration on Leicestershire. A night not the event starts at 8pm. Tickets available from to be missed. Tickets £8. Booking through www.ticketsource.co.uk/thringstone www.ticketsource.co.uk/thringstone Our new website has launched! Here you can Available in both loose tipper lorry loads and bulk bags. 29 March – Easter Egg Hunt. A fun time for find details of our weekly activities and monthly s children and their parents. Contact the centre events... g in on 222337 for more information. The centre is seeking volunteers to help p www.charlesboothcentre.org.uk ip h to support the expanding activities and For more information, please contact C 13 April – Comedy night. ff events programme. If you are interested in We also have a Facebook page and a twitter u B 28 April – The Swinging Bass Band - Nationally supporting us, please email thringstonhouse@ page under Charles Booth our friendly team on 01530 275555 l acclaimed band with singer playing all the hits btconnect.com or call 222337. Centre. Please give us a like! ntra or visit www.central.uk.net Ce

t in Fl We accept all major cs TOP TIPS n Li Debit and Credit Cards l as payment. FOR AVOIDING ntra INFECTIONS Ce SUCH AS COLDS & FLU The power to protect yourself from bugs is literally in your hands! When a virus is going round, good hand Why apply for a Traineeship? hygiene is the main way to protect • Gain crucial skills and work yourself and others from infection. experience that employers desire PATHWAY TO SUCCESS •Unlock your potential and become Studies show that it lowers the spread A Traineeship is an exclusive personal development programme for young people aged ‘work ready’ You could be 16-24 that aims to provide you with Maths and English knowledge, career development • Stand out from the crowd and show of flu, colds and tummy bugs. So here’s you are motivated and committed knowledge and valuable work experience. suitable if you are: • Hands on experience with a • Motivated to work the best way to go about it: high-quality work placement They help prepare for work by equipping learners with the necessary skills, confidence • Support with Maths and English if • Unemployed 1. Wet your hands and then cover them and knowledge to progress into employment or an Apprenticeship. you need it • Aged between 16-24 and •Get tools needed to prepare have no qualifications above with soap. Inspire and Educate Ltd has developed two types of traineeship programmes in you for work partnership with ME Education and ME Sports based in Leicestershire. They both GCSE or equivalent 2. Rub hands palm to palm. provide CV writing skills, interview techniques and careers guidance as well as a 4 to • Lack confidence 6-week work experience. Both programmes also include improving your Maths and •Qualified below Level 3 3. Rub the back of each hand with the English. opposite palm and interlaced fingers. Traineeship for the Traineeship for Sport Where can it 4. Rub between fingers and round your Service Sector This traineeship is for those who are looking for take you? Our Traineeship for the Service Sector is for a career in sport. We have adapted the It will give you the confidence of thumbs. those who are looking for a career in Traineeship programme to meet the needs of having operated in a real work employers, with a 12-week course that business admin or customer service. This experience and you can get your includes a classroom-based learning 5. Rinse well with water. 12-week course includes both a Maths and English to the required level. Interviews programme as well as national governing body classroom-based learning programme for Traineeships coaching qualification and the 1st4sport Level All this is geared towards helping you 6. Dry thoroughly. followed by a work experience placement. 2 Award in Principles of Coaching Sport, contact us for interview dates towards your next goal whether this is The Skillsfirst Level 1 Principles of Customer followed by work experience in Sport, with E: [email protected] a Level 2 Apprenticeship, Level 2 The whole process should take about Service and Level 1 Award in Introduction to career advice and demonstrations from former or Employment in Business Administration can Leicester City Captain and International BTEC or towards full time Tel: 01530 242 706 20 seconds (enough time to sing happy lead to both employment or an footballer, Matt Elliott, where you can learn employment. Apprenticeship studying for Level 2 from previous traineeship learners who have birthday twice), and is the best way for qualifications in the Service Sector. progressed onto apprenticeships and FA Level both adults and children to wash their 1 and 2 coaches. hands. And remember the slogan for coughs and sneezes: “catch it (in a tissue), bin it, kill it!” Sent by Drs Virmani and Bedi’s Practice Patient Participation Group the voice page 16 page 17 the voice Heritage Groups welcomes listing of

Historic Snibston Colliery buildings PS 755 Garry Johnson The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Rt. Hon. Matt Hancock MP, on advice Bardon Safer Neighbourhood Team, Coalville Police Station, from Historic England, has listed three buildings at the historic Snibston Colliery site. The buildings were Leicestershire Police, Leics LE67 3QG listed this month and include the office block, lamp room, control room and medical centre which are Email: [email protected] located in the building on Ashby Road and opened by Lord Robens, Chairman of the National Coal Board, Tel: 0116 2222222 extn 3017 • www.leics.police.uk in November 1967; the 1830s/40s locomotive shed and the 1960s powder magazine where explosives were issued to the shot-firers. They are all listed Grade II which means that permission has to be granted We have had several incidents where a person is ringing up a member of the public claiming to be an Officer from West Mids, they claim to be investigating fraud and that the bank the person is using is handing over fake by Historic England for any demolition or alterations to the inside or outside of the buildings. notes.

The buildings are now protected alongside the pit top buildings and headstocks that were designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments in 1999 They ask the victim to ring 999 to confirm their identity, the person unknowingly then does not hang up properly so when they ring 999, as they believe they have, they speak to someone who then confirms the and which puts the colliery on par with other ancient monuments around the county, such as Stonehenge. callers ID. Historic England’s reason for the listing is The caller then asks the victim to attend their bank, and withdraw their savings, they stay on the phone to “the buildings form one of the best and the victim all the time and offer prompts about using the money for a holiday if asked by the cashier why they most complete surviving examples of a want to withdraw so much money. Once the caller is back home they ask they victim to read out some serial mining complex dating from the British numbers from the bank notes and claim they are fake and they will send a courier around to collect the money. coal industry’s period of peak production”, Sadly they have been successful, they are very good at this and it is well rehearsed so the victims believe it to which was during the 1960s and 1970s. be true and that they are assisting Police in their enquiries. Stuart Warburton, Chairman of the Snibston This is a scam, the police will NOT call you asking you to withdraw cash. and Coalville Preservation Group, hopes If you receive a call as described, terminate the call, and make another call through to Leicestershire Police on that Snibston Colliery has now turned the either 101 or 999 if appropriate to do so, detailing what has happened. corner after three years of uncertainty. He said “the whole of Coalville and the museum world was devastated when the museum was demolished and subsequently new housing has begun to encroach on the historic coalmine site but with this news I feel the importance of the Snibston Colliery has been fully realised”. He continued “We understand that the County Council, who own the site, have difficult financial decisions to make and that they have a commitment to open up the site for the public, subject to a recent planning application, which the Snibston and Coalville Preservation Group support in principle, but we would like to see the whole site accessible by the public; the pit tops, control room, lamp room, medical centre and powder magazine. This doesn’t have to be staffed by the County Council but by volunteers working in partnership with the County Council. There are still retired miners in the community who would welcome giving guided tours to school groups and visitors as they did when the museum was open. There is added importance as these ex-miners are getting older and there is a need to train non-miners in the mining history so the story can continue into the future”.

Steve Duckworth Chairman of the Coalville Heritage Society agreed with these views and added that “Coalville needs a heritage centre that can tell the story not just of the mines but the whole of the town and the surrounding villages and the historic mine buildings at Snibston would be an ideal location for this. The Coalville Heritage Society has a collection of over 2,500 photographs and documents and working with the County Council we could help to develop a heritage centre that would bring together the museum collections and our collections for the benefit of local residents and visitors to the area. The centre will also give a focal point for the heritage of Coalville like other successful YOUR LOCAL TESTING STATION centres around the country”. He continued “we also understand the pressures on the County Council but by working in partnership the local societies and retired miners’ the centre • Class MOTs from £25.00 could be staffed by volunteers who would share their wealth of knowledge and • Car & Van MOTs 6 days a week enthusiasm with everyone”. at times to suit you Local heritage groups hope that an outcome of the recent planning application and Historic England’s listing, and earlier • Motorbike & camper van MOTs scheduling, that a Snibston local community carried out partnership group can be established with local residents, heritage groups, retried Please bring this advert with you to claim your discounted MOT! miners’ groups and the County Council to • £30.00 Car MOTs create a unified and engaged approach to the future of historic and iconic Snibston • £40.00 Van MOTs WE ARE RECRUITING! Colliery site. • Experienced HGV Mechanics For further information regarding Historic England’s recent listing go to https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/ and enter the • Yard Operative (Class 1 licence) following list entry numbers; 1434410 (Offices, Lamp Room and Medical Centre),1434407 (Locomotive Shed), 1434408 (Powder Magazine) Tel: 01530 262743 • Accounts Administrator and 1018472 (Snibston Colliery Ancient Scheduled Monument status). For further information about the Coalville Heritage Society go to Good rates of pay - enquire within or email: www.coalville-heritage.info www.andersoncommercials.com [email protected] the voice page 18 page 19 the voice Wicked

Now at the Ibstock Business Centre, 57 High Street, Ibstock LE67 6LH, or Women! home visits at a time to suit your needs We probably like to think of ourselves as the gentler sex – but forget it! Over the What we do: centuries some have defied convention • Wills - Your Wants and Wishes and chosen to take a different path. • Lasting Powers of Attorney - Who will make my decisions? For instance, Anne Bonny, an Irish pirate, pil- • Protective Property Trusts - A Solid Foundation laging merchant shipping in the Caribbean, • Prepaid Funeral Plans - It’s all taken care of until captured in 1720; Charlotte Corday, an assassin at 25, who stabbed to death Jean- Contact Sue Stanyard e: [email protected] • w: lakesidewills.co.uk Paul Marat, one of the leading French revo- Ibstock Office No: 01530 814689 • Mobile: 07826 097079 lutionaries and Moll Flanders, a notorious 17th Century London pick-pocket, who later Lakeside Wills & Financial Services Ltd is an appointed representative of New Leaf (WWF) Ltd. took to highway robbery dressed as a man. Registered in England 7891401. Registered Address: Princess Caroline House, 1 High Street, 1st Floor, Southend on Sea SS1 1JE We look forward to welcoming Graham Sutherland to our meeting on Tuesday 20th March, when he will be talking about other notorious women and their exploits. Come and join us at the Thringstone Meth- odist Hall, at 7.30pm, for an entertaining evening. Visitors are charged at £5.00 per visit and this includes a raffle ticket and re- freshments. For more information, please contact Susan, our social secretary, on 01530 459295.

The mornings are getting lighter and the days are getting longer - so there is no better time to brighten up your plans for the year by making a fresh start in the dream home you’ve always wanted. Award-winning Derbyshire-based housebuilder Peveril Homes has a range of beautiful properties available across its East Midlands developments - including the picturesque Paddocks at , and stunning Foresters View in Fritchley. Peveril puts quality workmanship at the heart of its homes, and both of these developments deliver all the Peveril hallmarks that set them apart from other ‘quantity, rather than quality-led’ housebuilders. The Paddocks puts tradition first, with its exclusive collection of only thirty 4 and 5-bedroom executive detached new homes, and 3-bed cottage style properties - while Foresters View offers a beautiful selection of hand-crafted 2, 4 and 5-bed new homes. The essence of both The Paddocks and Foresters View is to marry up modern, considered contemporary living, with the picturesque rural backdrops of the Stephen Holmes National Forest and Peak District National Park. Garden Services All materials are hand-picked in each development in order to ensure each home is set apart - using traditional building methods. Clever Lawns, borders, hedges, weeding, interior design, eye-catching exterior features, intuitive use of space and a range of customisation options, give homeowners the chance to pruning, digging and any other put their own stamp on a new home. general garden jobs. Interior and exterior painting, and various As well as Foresters View and The Paddocks, Peveril’s portfolio of sites also includes Woodcroft in Moira, Smalley Manor in Smalley, other jobs around the home undertaken: Heritage Park in Tutbury and Eden - Waingroves. The Belper-based housebuilder puts a real emphasis on finding the perfect location for each • Painting f e nces, sheds and gates. • Interior and exterior painting. development, ensuring room to grow for families as well as comfortable living for upsizers, downsizers and first-time buyers. • Moss and weeds removed from driveways, patios and footpaths. • Plants and compost delivery. So if more space, contemporary living and a perfect location are part of your Spring clean this year, then it’s time to find that perfect new • Plants and owers watered whilst away on holiday. home you’ve always dreamed of. Call Stephen Holmes on 07944 674813 or email: [email protected] Stunning show homes are available to view across all Peveril Homes developments and all properties are available to buy with just 5% deposit through Help to Buy. Prices range from £184,995 to £679,995. To find out more details call 01773 880550 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, visit www.peverilhomes.co.uk. Please mention you saw the advert in “The Community Voice!” the voice page 20 page 21 the voice See history come to life as 1620s House RUFFLE’S SCHOOL VISIT and Garden reopens for 2018 season If you’ve ever fancied stepping back in time see a barber surgeon, and experiencing a slice of life from the scribe, wool merchants early 17th century, make sure you don’t and 17th century miss the opening weekend of the 1620s technology. House and Garden in Donington-le-Heath. The 1620s House and The ancient manor house is re-opening to the Garden in Donington- public on Friday March 30, with a long weekend le-Heath is a surviving of living history, when costumed members of example of a family home the Sealed Knot Society will be recreating the built in the 13th century sights, sounds, smells and activities of the early and modernised in 1618. Jacobean period. The house has been home to many families Cllr Richard Blunt, Leicestershire County over its 700-year history, but the Digby family, Council Cabinet member for Heritage, Leisure The long weekend of activities runs from Friday which included the Gunpowder Plotter Sir & Arts, said: “The 1620s House is an historic March 30 to Sunday April 1, when the 1620s Everard Digby, lived in the house for more than gem and we are pleased to be able to welcome House and Garden will be open each day from 200 years. The house is set in beautiful 17th back visitors for the 2018 season. 10.30am to 4.30pm. century style gardens with labelled plants and “The House and its gardens, along with its staff Visitors will be able to see the wealthy family flowers, an orchard, herb gardens and a maze. and volunteers, help to bring history to life in members and their servants going about their Following the opening weekend, the 1620s an educational and attractive way and I would Local schools have had a very special visitor recently in the form of Ruffle the Rail Dog - the title character in a business in the house, while outside in the House will be open Thursday to Sunday and encourage people of all ages to pay it a visit.” grounds, there will be a tented camp full of series of children’s stories about an Airedale Terrier that appear in our own Community Voice Magazine. Bank Holidays, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, until early 17th century cookery, crafts and games. The 1620s House and Garden was honoured at Ruffle’s latest visit was to Ibstock Junior School where the pupils and staff were thrilled to meet Ruffle and watch the end of September. the Leicestershire Promotions 2017 Hospitality Members of the militia will also be on hand to author, Rachel Greaves, as she took them on a couple of his adventures. The pupils also met the hand-made puppet Admission to the House, Garden and Tea & Tourism awards, where it was highly show weapons and armour of the time, while a of Eric, the station master, as well as ‘The Flying Terrier’ - the train that takes Ruffle on his exciting adventures. Room is £5.95 adult, £5 concession and £3.50 commended in the Great Days Out (Small herbalist will demonstrate how medicine was child on standard opening days, with family Attraction) category. Rachel and Ruffle have visited over 30 Leicestershire schools in the last twelve months as well as schools as far dispensed. afield as Norfolk with their assembly performances. The Ruffle books are proving very popular with nearly 4000 tickets also available. Tickets give unlimited The site is also available for private bookings and A host of activities for children and adults sold in under two years. Ruffle’s adventures continue with a new story book planned for later this year. Books are free return visits on all non-event open days educational visits outside normal opening hours. alike will take place throughout the weekend, available through the website - www.ruffletheraildog.co.uk. for 12 months from the day of purchase. including ‘Horse Racing’, 17th century games Admission to special events – including the View the range of events and find out more You can continue to follow Ruffle’s adventures every month in the Community Voice. where participation is encouraged, musket and opening weekend - is subject to an extra £2 information by visiting www.doningtonleheath. pike drill. There will also be an opportunity to charge per person. org.uk or by calling 01455 290429.

s GGaarrddeenn BBu Family sseellll’’s uiillddiinn tickets available uss 29 years in making garden buildings ggs A fully-furnished Ru s 17th century R family home Opening our new display site on 2nd March at Newbold (please note we NO LONGER sell sheds at Gelsmoor) Step back in time to explore We have the largest display of buildings in the area our early 17th century house At our two display sites: and its gardens and see how Garden Centre • near Melbourne LE65 1RU people lived 400 years ago. And our new site • School Lane • Newbold Coleorton LE67 8PF Tel • 01530 222295 • Mobile • 07885 442958 www.shedland.co.uk Opening Weekend Friday 30 March to • 6’x4’ sheds £239 / 7x5 £279 / 8x6 £339 Sunday 1 April • We are manufacturers • We offer top quality buildings 10.30am - 4.30pm •At affordable prices • We will beat any local prices and quality The 1620s House & Garden reopens its doors for the 2018 www.doningtonleheath.org.uk • Free delivery • Free erecting • Free staining season. Join us for our opening 01455 290429 • [email protected] weekend, when costumed So when you’ve seen the rest come and see the best members of the Sealed Knot Manor Road, , Coalville, LE67 2FW RUSSELLS 29 years successfully making garden buildings Society will be bringing the /DoningtonleHeath @DoningtonLCC 1620s House & Garden to life.

the voice page 22 page 23 the voice Kare Plus, the caring company, delivering outstanding nursing, care and support to local communities, nationally. ‘RUBY’S’ AND THE It is always a difficult decision deciding how best to care for a relative or friend when they are no longer able to maintain full independence. For complete peace of mind for all concerned, it is essential to find the most GREAT BRITISH CHIP! appropriate care. Originally established as a nursing agency in 1989, Kare Plus, have now developed their services to include the provision of domiciliary care, in both the private and the public sector, to the residents You can’t beat a steaming plate of fish and chips and for the very best we don’t have to go too far! Ruby’s of Loughborough, Shepshed, Coalville, Thringstone Whitwick, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Castle Donington, Kegworth, East Leake, Ruddington, Melton Mowbray, Thurmaston in Thringstone has received accolades for being the best fish and chip shop in North West Leicestershire. and surrounding areas from their Charnwood based office. They are also very proud to have a 5 star hygiene rating and a 5 star rating on trip advisor. Kare Plus have an excellent track record for delivering a high standard of service that their clients Owned and managed by Michael and Sonia Demetriou, this village fish and chip shop is a well known local landmark which has been serving can rely on. They aim to recruit, train and supply the highest calibre of care and support staff, who award winning food for over 40 years. strive to provide high quality, professional care to their clients in all areas of the care setting. They have a high retention of staff and invest heavily in training and personal development so that they The menu has seen the addition of their now legendary doner kebabs and southern fried chicken. able to offer continuity of care and a high level of comfort and reliability. They pride themselves on However, the heart of the business remains unchanged; mouth-watering fish and chips, and they still produced in the same gleaming fryers ensuring that all their clients are treated with the up most dignity and respect and that they receive that were used by the eponymous Ruby, herself, back in the day! the quality of care that they deserve. As one of the leading multi-service healthcare providers in the UK, Kare Plus offer personal care, Chip facts are as plentiful as the chips themselves. As a nation we consume 1.6m tonnes of chipped potato every year! This means that at least ‘sleep ins’ or ‘waking nights’, respite care in the service users home and live-in care, shop and 12% of the British potato crop is turned into chips; enough to fill 19,600 foot ball pitches or, placed end-to-end, would stretch from Land’s cleaning calls, sitting and befriending services, plus a chaperone service to appointments. They can End to John O’Groats and back! British fish and chip shops serve over 247 million portions of fish and chip meals each year. also be there to provide temporary care for recovery purposes and end-of-life care. Statistics reveal that 87% of the UK population love chips. Even harder to swallow is the fact that these studies show that 13% of people Kare Plus’s approach to their clients is highly personalised and they always aim to provide carers don’t love chips! They even get a mention by Charles Dickens in Tale Of Two Cities and Oliver Twist! Celebrity chip fans allegedly include who closely mirror the profile of each client and who have the training and experience to provide Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham, Rianna, Kate Moss, David Walliams and Michelle Obama. care tailored towards each individuals needs and requirements. Please see our advert on page 3. Chips are not as British as we might like to think! They were first introduced to the UK in 1860 by Jewish immigrants from Portugal and Spain; however, contrary to popular believe it was the Belgians that invented chips, not the French! Fish and chips were the only take-away food not to be rationed during the Second World War. Frederick Lord Woolton, Minister of Food at CHURCH OF ENGLAND the time, even allowed mobile frying vans to carry fish and chips to evacuees around the country. Special Services In 2014, artist Prudence Staite was commissioned by the Potato Council to make sculptures of British landmarks out of chips and mushy peas. She artfully crafted tasty-looking versions of the Angel of the North, The London Eye, Big Ben, Stone Henge, the Loch Ness Monster, March/Easter 2018 and the White Cliffs of Dover! 11th March Mothering Sunday 10.30am – All-age Holy Communion at St John the Baptist Whitwick AND 10.30am – All-age Worship at St Andrew’s Thringstone. 25th March Palm Sunday 9.00am. Holy Communion facebook.com/rubysfishandchipshop at St Andrew’s Thringstone AND 10.15am – Procession around Whitwick village AND 10.30am – Holy Communion at St John the Baptist Whitwick, joining the Community Easter Egg Hunt in Whitwick Park after the service. Serving the best fish & chips for over 40 years 30th March Good Friday The Green • Thringstone • Coalville • Leicestershire • LE67 8NR 077136 41061 9.40am – Churches Together Service 01283 547726 at Mount St Bernard Abbey. Coalville Mobility centre has gone mobile. Please call for free delivery or a home visit 9.50am – Walk of Witness to Whitwick 01530 222460 and Thringstone. OPENING HOURS Brand New Scooters PREPARE YOUR SCOOTER FOR SPRING 12.15pm – Service on The Green from £495.00 Thringstone and refreshments AND Monday 5pm-9:30pm £10 OFF 2.30pm – Service of Reflection Tuesday 5pm-9:30pm Brand New Riser Chairs at St John the Baptist Whitwick. Wednesday 5pm-9:30pm from £395.00 SERVICING 1st April Easter Day # 5 Star Rating on TripAdvisor Thursday 5pm-10pm ON PRODUCTION OF THIS VOUCHER 6.30am – Sunrise Service (Only one voucher per customer valid until 31st March 2018) # 2017 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Friday 11:30am-2pm, 4pm-10pm 3 and 4 Wheel Walkers at Warren Hills Rock AND from £55.00 Buy local and get a great deal! 9.00am – Holy Communion at # 4.7 rating on Google & Facebook Saturday 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm St Andrew’s Thringstone AND # 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating Sunday closed. • Aids for daily living 10.30am – Holy Communion • Walking Aids at St John the Baptist Whitwick AND • Mobility Aids 4.00pm – Holy Communion at Voted BEST FISH & CHIP SHOP 2017 in Leicestershire by readers • Incontinence Wear and much more! St George’s Swannington. the voice page 24 page 25 the voice PICK UP YOUR COPY Let your child make a splash and OF THE VOICE! Mobility You can now pick up the area’s favourite Lessons now available in learn to swim! free magazine from the offices of Thringstone, Whitwick Parish Council. Scooters Shepshed and 3a Market Place Great range of pre-owned mobility scooters, Loughborough. Whitwick LE67 5DT rise & reclining chairs and wheelchairs • 2.5 years+ to Open: Wednesdays 1pm – 4pm. Swimming is a great way for your pre-competition level. Part Exchange child to be active, have fun and Thursdays/Fridays 10am – 1pm. even stay safe. • Female Teachers with Sales & Repair considerable experience. At JKM Swimschool we have fully Cleaning & Valeting trained ASA and RLSS qualified • National teaching plan teachers with varying years stages 1-10. Servicing of experience. • Small groups of 6. 3 months warranty Our classes are groups of 6 for All scooters beginners, (age 2.5+) and rise to 8 at • Fully DBS checked Stage 5 of the National Teaching Plan. and insured. supplied fully serviced Rookie Lifeguard sessions • Parent & Toddler Class are also available. - Fridays 1:30pm. If you wear uniform at work you are entitled to a Batteries supplied & fitted free We don’t just want to sell you any scooter... flat rate allowance towards cleaning! We want to sell you the RIGHT scooter! For More Information Please Contact Debbie on 07824 813156 Come and see us at Coalville Market: JKM Find us on Facebook at: jkm swimschool TUESDAY 8am-2pm • FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8am-4pm Swimschool Email: [email protected] Or on the web at: www.jkmswimschool.co.uk 01530 267320 [email protected] Or call 07971 207394 (Andy) / 07833 104569 (Malc)

THE ODD ONE OUT! You can now find The Voice online and on social media! ANSWERS: Visit our website: www.ourcommunityvoice.co.uk A) Elizabeth Taylor Find us on Facebook: B) Henry VIII www.facebook.com/communityvoicemagazines C) Sir Cliff Richard Or on Twitter: @commvoicemags D) Zsa Zsa Gabor The answer to all the clues, except C), are people who have had multiple marriages. A) 8 marriages, B) 6, and D) 9! Sir Cliff, PLEASE NOTE THE DEADLINE DATES FOR OUR however, remains a ‘Bachelor Boy’. APRIL 2018 ISSUE ARE AS FOLLOWS: Therefore C is the odd one out. Deadline date for bookings is Thursday 15th March Deadline for copy is Monday 19th March

If you have an interesting local interest story and want to share it with us then please send us 500 words by email with 2/3 accompanying print quality pictures and we will do our best to publish it in the Community Voice. Simply submit your article and photos to us at: [email protected] Every care is taken to ensure that all information printed is accurate. However liability cannot be accepted for any loss or damage due to any inaccuracies or omissions within this publication. All rights reserved. No advertisements or editorial within this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. This applies to printed or electronic reproduction. Printed and published by Community Voice, 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics LE67 6LH. To advertise please contact Steve Tilbury on 01530 267300, Hannah Playle or Jayne Massey on 01530 267344. RUFFLE’S “FIND THE WORD” IS: DARKNESS the voice page 26 page 27 the voice NF AUTUMN PAGE:Layout 1 16/11/2017 10:21 Page 3

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