Village news

East Leake Mike Elliott 0115 937 6506 elliottnews@btconnect.com

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. It’s Christmas lights time again for East Leake on Saturday this coming weekend when Santa Claus will be paying his first official visit to the village this year and when he will have the job of turning on the village festive decorations. Charnwood Concert Band will be playing as well and will bring added festive cheer to the proceedings.

Several hundred people are expected to gather in the village centre for the occasion, including of course many youngsters eager to see the VIP visitor, who will arrive in time for the lights switch on at 5pm. A couple of years the weather has not been kind and so the village Traders Association, who organise the event, are keeping their fingers crossed for better luck this year.

But whatever there will be a real festive feeling in the village, with the activities starting at 3pm in the village hall with a festive Craft Fair that will be offering a room full of stalls with all kinds of goods that will be aimed at making the yearly task of finding Christmas presents that much easier. It is expected the event will be as popular as last year when at times it was almost impossible to get into the hall because there were so many people there.

The event on Saturday - it will last for several hours in all - signals the start of Christmas for the village and the festive atmosphere that will be created in the centre of the village will underline the nearness of the festive season for young and old alike.

Activities will start in the village centre, around the Gotham Road junction with Main Street, at 4 o-clock and will include carol singing and some handbell ringing. Santa will arrive at 4.55pm in time for the switch-on some 5 minutes later

Numerous shops and businesses in the village centre are expected to stay open for the event, and going on last years picture will again be busy. Hot foods -including roasted chestnuts outside the fruit and veg shop -- and warm drinks will be on offer.

Event organisers Mel Roper and Hayley Masom from East Leake Traders say their aim is to give the village a more festive feeling in the run up to Christmas and they will be delighted if the success of previous years can be repeated.

The lights are provided by in the main, the parish council and there are some additional ones this year.

Nearly 50 shops and businesses are taking part in the Find a Reindeer competition as part of the weekend event. Say the organisers: “What you have to do is find the Reindeer in the stores that are taking part, with a list of all those involved shown on the Traders website at www.eastleaketraders.co.uk. Find out its name -- you may need to visit and ask, look in windows, or online!

The shops and businesses taking part are: {My} Dentist, ALBA Accountants ( Window), Bird’s, Bryers, Carpet Image, Chef’s Café, CJL Hair, Cut n Curl, East Leake Fish Bar, East Leake Hardware & DIY, East Leake Independent Learning Centre, East Leake Leisure Centre, East Leake Post Office, East Leake Slimming World (facebook/van), Eden Hair and Beauty, Elvin Moore Solicitors (window), Emily Rose Designs (facebook), Evans Pharmaey, Formula 4 Fitness, Googie’s, Grayson Electrical Services, Heat Restaurant, Hoyes Heating and Plumbing, J’s Hairdressing, John German Estate Agents, Lawn Life, Lined Soft Furnishings (window), Love & Piste, Manhattan, Mimi Yip, Newton Fellowell, Physio Needs, Pinfold Vets, Ruddington Vets, Rushcliffe Golf Club (Club House), Rushcliffe Golf Club (Pro Shop), Sharpe Wesson Accountants ( Window), Something Special Card & Gift Shop, Studio 83, Sue Ryder, That Back and White Cat, The Cottage, The Greengrocer, The Round Rob Inn, The Studio, The Village Day Nursery, Tony’s Butchers, Waterfield Property Services (facebook/van), Zeddy Productions (window) .

Hayley says if those taking part can take a photograph of the Reindeer and add a caption, send it to the East Leake Traders Facebook page or mel.roper@hotmail.co.uk and the best ones will be shared and their favourite photo will win a Reindeer!

The completed answer sheets should be returned to The Greengrocer, 67 Main Street, by tomorrow, Thursday November 23.

Those with the most correct answers will be entered into the Prize Draw to win one of the Reindeer. The winners will be announced at the Switch-on Event

ONE WORLD WEEK. Sixty-five members of the group of Churches Together met in St Mary’s Church to mark One World Week.

It was truly an ecumenical service with all four Churches taking part. Members from all the Churches read and lead the prayers. The service was lead by Methodist Superintendent Minister, Rev. Andrew Lomax, the Baptist and Anglican music groups provided the music for the lovely hymns and Maria Brennan, granddaughter of one of the Catholic Church members, was the speaker.

She spoke well with the energy and enthusiasm of youth, of the time that she spent in Palestine and of the way of life that they are forced to lead. The collection to support work there amounted to £240.96.

The afternoon was rounded off with tea, coffee and cakes provided by all the Churches.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS. Plans for a change of use of the physioitherapist business of Active Physio Ltd at 11 Gotham Road in the village has not been objected to by East Leake Parish Council.

The application to Rushcliffe Borough Council calls for permission for a change of use of the premises to a coffee house and delicatessen for the sale of produce and beverages,. Including alcohol, for consumption both on and off the premises and an expansion of the existing business which currently occupied 13 Gotham Road. No changes are planned to front elevations other than signage. Installation of roof lights to both roof pitches at 11 Gotham Road is also proposed.

TRAINING FOR CLERK. East Leake parish council have agreed to expenditure of £400 for their clerk, Neil Lambert and deputy clerk Sue Lewis to receive training from the council’s accounts softwear provider, RBS Solutions.

ANTIBIOTIC PLEA. Residents in East Leake – and the rest of the county—are being asked to hand in old and unused antibiotics to their local pharmacy. The appeal is through the NHS who say it is in connection with their work to tackle resistance to such treatments etc.

RESIDENTIAL VISIT. East Leake parish church is again to stage a weekend residential visit to Willersley in Derbyshire. It will be taking place towards the end of January in the New Year.

A list to sign up to take part in the visit is available at the back of St Mary’s church and those interested are asked to sign up as soon as they can. Everyone is welcome to attend and there are special rates for children.

Judith James, the contact for those wanting to know more information, says it is really good if they can get 50 people so that we have the venue to themselves, but I hope that we will have more than that this year. “Please come if you can,” is the message from Mr James. “We have a lot of fun together and the younger ones really enjoy the swimming pool. The food is great and the house is warm and the programme is there for you to pick and choose. No need to do anything if you don’t feel like it.” The Castle is a nice, warm, historic and beautiful hotel that belongs to the Methodist Church. It is an historic building built by Arkwright and had been renovated and converted into a hotel, but it has also retained many of its original features.

The cost for the weekend visit will be in the region of £155, for full board, providing a three course meal on Friday evening, all meals on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on the Sunday.

REMEMBRANCE DAY. East Leake’s Remembrance Day service, under the leadership of the parish council, was one of the best attended in the village for many years with an estimated 1800 people on the village streets including around 400 who took part in an impressive parade from the village hall and parish council office to the Memorial opposite St Mary’s Church.

Main street was closed during the parade between the parish council office and St Mary’s church and worshippers were quick to comment that it was far more acceptable to hold the Two Minute’s National Silence without it being interrupted by passing traffic, as it has been in past years

For the first time for many years there was no marching band taking part in the parade and as a substitute a mobile music player – specially adorned with large poppies -- had to be used.

Around 20 parade marshals were on duty along Main Street and the parade itself included Royal British Legion members, uniformed organisations from the village – including Scouts and Guide, Cubs and brownies, and members of Rushcliffe Borough Council and the East Leake Parish Council.

The service was led by the Rev Tim Parker, Priest in Charge at East Leake and after welcoming all those attending he led prayers with those gathered around the War Memorial near to St Mary’s Church. “We meet in the presence of God to remember those who have

died in service of their country. To pray for all who in bereavement, disability or pain continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror. To pledge ourselves to

peace, reconciliation and justice; and pray that, in God’s grace, our lives may be worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf.”

As part of the Act of Remembrance, the Rev Tim said: “So let us remember with thanksgiving and sorrow, those whose lives in conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away.”

The names of those who gave their lives were read out by Gotham and East Leake Royal British Legion stalwart Ted Coles, and he also gave the Act of Homage, saying the familiar words “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

The names of those who died from the village in WW1 were Walter Crowson, George Doughty, Arthur Dring, William Dring, Fred Goodacre, Samuel Goodacre, Thomas Goodman, Arthur Hallam, Fred Hogg, Shadrach Jackson, William Jackson, Edward Jackson, Lewis Jackson, Alfred Lindon, William Mills, Herbert Padgett, Sidney Pepper, Solomon Reid, Thomas Roadley, Will Statham, Guy Tutin and Herbert Whitby.

In WW2 Walter Pick and Leslie Travis died and in the 1974 Cyprus Emergency Dennis Leon Johnson perished.

The Last Post was sounded by East Leake bugler Ben Gibson prior to the two minutes silence and which was followed by The Reveille.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial by the organisations taking part in the service.

The hymns O valiant hearts , who to your glory came, Eternal Father, strong to save, and O God Our Help in Ages Past were followed by the National Anthem to end the proceedings.

Afterwards many of those attending the service went to the Bulls Head in the village where the Royal British Legion branch welcomed them. Hot drinks were being served in the porch at St Mary’s church after the service and there were large queues of people inside and outside Bryers coffee shop.

CHRISTMAS CARD SALE. The annual Charity Christmas Cards Sale held in East Leake St Mary’s Church was again a big success.

The well established annual event attracted a steady stream of people to visit the stalls and purchase cards, calendars, diaries and small gifts, and visitors, when their shopping was done joined others to relax with their friends to enjoy coffee and biscuits.

Twelve national charities displayed a wide selection of Christmas goods on their stalls. The total amount raised from all the stalls was £1,906 99p, an increase on last year’s total and the organisers were delighted with the result and wish to thank everyone who supported this event.

The charities were very pleased with their results and they are keen to come back again next year.

BUSY TIME FOR METHODISTS. East Leake Methodist Church had a busy time during October. They held a Hot Pot lunch, which followed the Harvest Festival on 1st October. The Church was beautifully decorated by members and friends and the produce that was brought was added to the usual collection which is regularly given to the Carpenter’s Arms in Loughborough. The chicken, beef and lamb hot pots were followed by trifle and were enjoyed in a comfortable, homely atmosphere.

On Saturday the 21st October approximately 30 people enjoyed a Soup and Cake lunch. The proceeds were for Church Funds. The Church feels that its position in the community is part of its outreach work and keeping the building in good repair is very important. It is a very busy place with something happening on every day of the week and we feel that this is how it should be.

October 29th was the One World Week Service at which we took part and enjoyed the wonderful relationship that the Churches in East Leake are fortunate to have.

The Brownies and Church Christingle is on Wednesday the 29th.

During December, on the 17th at 10.30, the Brownies have their Nativity Play. This is a wonderful occasion and seats are usually hard to find as it is one of the highlights of the Christmas Season for their families and Church members and friends.

Although we are a busy Church our main focus is not forgotten and everyone is very welcome to join us on Sunday mornings at 10.30.

PANTO TIME. It’s panto time for the popular East Leake Amateur Players (ELAPS) and, as before, there will be five performances, starting on Wednesday December 6 and going through to Saturday December 9, with two performances on the final day, at 2pm and 7.30pm.

This year’s production is Rapunzel and tickets for the Friday night are already sold out and those for the matinee on the Saturday also look as they will all go shortly.

Annette McQuillan has written this years production which is under the directership of Sonya Oates.

Seagrave

CHRISTMAS FAIR. Seagrave Village Primary School PTA Christmas Fayre is being held on on Saturday, November 25, from 11am - 2pm at Seagrave Village Hall.

The event is being opened by the school choir and there is a special grotto sponsored by Kubek furniture and a raffle. There are also external stalls, tombolas and games for kids.

Entrance is £1 for adults and children are free.

Kegworth Mike Elliott 0115 937 6506 elliottnews@btconnect.com

GHOST WALK. Well known village resident and leading village museum official Sheila Sharpe turned Guide when she lead the annual Kegworth Museum Ghost Walk in the village.

The walk which took about 1.5hrs to complete. It took in in High Street, Loughborough Road and Bridgfields in Kegworth. Afterwards coffee and biscuits were served at at the museum.

CANCER RESEARCH. This year’s autumn fund-raiser for Cancer Research UK - Kegworth was held at the home of Mrs Paula Wood on Saturday November 4.

Paula would like to say a big thank you to all who supported the day in any way and helped to make the day a success. The total raised is £1263. Despite the early morning rain many people attended the event and were able to buy cakes, Christmas cards, plants, books and bric-a-brac.

There were over 50 raffle prizes and the winners included - Maurice Small, Margaret Bond, Kate Mee, John Hurley, Ruby Ralph and Margaret Duckering. There are still some Christmas cards for sale and if anyone is interested please contact Paula Wood – 01509 673274.

CINEMA EVENING. On Saturday this weekend, November 25, Kegworth Plan Group are holding another cinema evening and will be showing multiple Oscar winning film “La La Land” The show will be held in Kegworth Village Hall and will start at 7-3o0pm. Tickets £ 4.50 from Picture This on Dragwell, or pay on the door. “Don;t miss it - you’ll leave with a song in your heart and a tear in your eye !” is the message from the organisers.

PUDDING EVENING. A very enjoyable evening was had by everyone at the recent Pudding Evening at the Methodist Church. All the puddings vanished very quickly so a big thank you to everyone who made them.

Thanks to Cheryl for setting a brain teasing quiz and to Godfrey for entertaining everyone with his wonderful organ playing. The event raised £291 for Rainbows and the Air Ambulance.

Everyone is invited to come along to the Village Hall on Friday, December 8, for the Annual Carol Concert with the Nottingham Salvation Army Band. The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £5.

COMMUNITY LIBRARY. Come in out of the cold this afternoon, Wednesday, November 22, and join in our bingo session.

There is no admission charge but bingo cards will be priced at 50p each or 3 for £1. There are cash prizes to be won and ‘Eyes Down’ will be at 2.15pm. Free refreshments will be available.

Every Tuesday afternoon our warm and relaxing environment welcomes you to join our Knit and Natter group from 2.30p.m to 3.30p.m in the library. Don’t forget to bring your current handicrafts!

If you missed joining our singing for fun group – EmbarrasSING – last week then you have another opportunity on Wednesday, 29th November to meet and sing with them to popular songs in the library at 7pm for the small sum of £2.

Our Jig-saw Jamboree is open every Friday afternoon when you can choose and borrow a jig-saw of your liking for £1 each.

CHRISTMAS FAIR. St Andrew’s Christmas Fayre will be held on Saturday, November 25, in the village hall, at 12noon - 3pm.

Various stalls including games, face painting, cakes, books and a raffle for a Christmas hamper. Refreshments available including Home Made Soup. Entry Free.

Oaks in Charnwood

OAKS’ CHRISTMAS FAIR. The annual Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday, December 2, from 10am - 2pm in the Oaks Storer Hall, LE12 9YD.

Ample car parking, refreshments (hot rolls) available plus a raffle and a variety of stalls including cake, tombola, beauty products, stationery, kids corner, entertainment, homemade preserves and lots more.

All proceeds to St James’ the Greater Church.

Sileby

SILEBY METHODIST CHURCH. On Thursday, November 16, the Cafe@ Chapel opened as usual from 9.30am - 11.30am. The weather stayed fine and there was a good turnout of folk, thank you all so much for coming along.

Saturday, 18th, was our annual Gift Day. Although there were two other special events in the village, there was a steady stream of people who came along and supported us.

Our Local Pastor, Granville Mercy was available to receive the gifts and our friend, Terry Lock came along and played his keyboard which was delightful. Thank you so much for entertaining us.

Many thanks to the people who manned the kitchen and to the stall holders. Betty did tremendous work looking after two stalls – well done!

Sunday, 19th, saw Mrs Christine Watkins visiting from Shepshed to bring the word of God.

Her theme concerned ‘Using our gifts and talents’. She said that we all have various talents which we can use to serve other folk and our community, we must not forget that our Lord Jesus always walks with us to encourage us.

When the going gets tough, he carries us, so nothing is beyond us.

A very good message to remember. Margaret played the piano for us, many thanks dear.

Next week, Dr Margaret Williams is our preacher and we look forward to welcoming her.

On 9th December it is our Christmas Fair – if you would care to have a stall to sell your products then contact Brenda at 813762.