Do you know this local landmark?

Transcription

1 Now reaching 8,000 homes and businesses FEBRUARY 2019 Issue 43 Ibstock Market Bosworth Ellistown Heather Swepstone Newton Burgoland Donington-Le-Heath Battram Nailstone Ravenstone Snarestone Hugglescote Bagworth Normanton-Le-Heath. Do you know this local landmark? See page 3 for details and how to win a prize!. Brian Hall BEM The Soul Man of Ibstock You ve got a friend at Hermitage FM Pumpkin, the scooting pooch! Plus all our regular features & lots more! TELEVISION HOME AUDIO KITCHEN APPLIANCES FIRES COOKERS LIGHTING Halls of Ibstock Ltd High St, Ibstock LE67 6LG info@hallsltd.co.uk Great Prices Expert Knowledge Super Service Professional Installation The Community Voice... delivering more than a magazine!

2 Ibstock Ellistown Heather Swepstone Newton Burgoland Donington-Le-Heath Battram Ravenstone Hugglescote Bagworth Packington Snarestone WELCOME... to the latest edition of Community Voice! Front Cover Quiz: Spot The Local Landmark... How many of you can spot the landmark from our surrounding area featured on this month s issue front cover? If you think you know the answer please send your entry to The Community Voice, c/o 57 High Street, Ibstock, or us at: info@yourcommunityvoice.net The winner (drawn first out of the hat of all correct entries) will receive a 10 One4All voucher. Good Luck! Last month s quiz answer... and winner! Many of you correctly identified our mystery local landmark as Ibstock s landmark sculpture near to St Denys Church. The glazed surface is decorated with scenes associated with Ibstock and its environs. Among the local landmarks represented are the parish church, Ibstock s war memorial, and the Palace Community Centre. Rural life is suggested by ears of corn and green pastures. A man is shown making a brick, whilst below him, under the ground, another man mines for coal. This month s prize has been won by Angela Wilson and our picture shows the prize draw being performed by Jonathan James Massey, local gardener, painter, decorator and general handyman (see advert on page 25). Let s see how well you do with our next landmark! SILVAN ENTERPRISES LTD James Hayles HND. RRM Fully insured and NPTC qualified Tree Surgery, Spraying Specialist & Ground Maintenance including Mowing, Fencing, Hedgecutting, Turfing etc. LOGS SPLIT & DELIVERED 120 Large Load (home) (mobile) silvanenterpriseslimited@hotmail.com WHERE S IBBIE? Ibbie spotters were busy again last month! He was spotted by many, hiding behind the advert for Heather St John s Football Club on page 21. The first correct answer drawn out of the Community Voice hat was sent in by Dee Langford, who will receive a 10 GIFT VOUCHER! But where is he this month? If you spot him, send us your details, and which advert he is hiding behind, using the contact details listed below CONTACT THE COMMUNITY VOICE Post: 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics LE67 6LH Tel: info@yourcommunityvoice.net Ibstock & surrounding areas New year improve your home No need to move, just improve Progress can help you make that all important renovation that can improve your home. Affordable prices 1000 Yale Security Cashback Guarantee Being a registered Which? Trusted Trader, you know that we will not let you down Wide variety of bespoke products and colours The most energy efficient products on the market Experienced craftsmen Quality Guaranteed, if you re not happy, you don t pay Contact us to book your FREE no obligation design and quote contactus@progresswindows.com or use our online quoting engine Visit our showroom 30 Westfield Rd, Hinckley LE10 0QW page 2 page 3

3 From Ibstock Palace to Buckingham Palace Local resident and business man, Mr Brian Hall, has been recognised in this year s New Year s Honours List. Mr Hall is to receive a British Empire Medal for his outstanding services to the community of Ibstock. This is not the first time that Brian has come to the notice of Her Majesty, The Queen. In the London Gazette, dated Friday, October 26th 1956, The Queen is graciously pleased to approve that the following be mentioned in recognition of distinguished services in Malaya, below which, Brian s name appears, Mentioned in Despatches. Originally from Birmingham, Brian first came to Ibstock in the winter of 1940, as an evacuee to escape the bombs of the Blitz. Aged just 5 years old at the time, he was placed into the care of the Hall family, of Ibstock. The young boy found himself, not only taken into the care of the family, but also by the community of Ibstock as a whole. It was Brian s appreciation of the Hall family and the village of Ibstock that instilled in him the desire to give something back to the community that had accepted and nurtured him from such a tender age. His first community project was the formation of a youth club at Ibstock s Methodist Chapel, on Melbourne Road. Under the leadership of Brian and fellow locals, Dennis Haywood and Barry Hurst a football team was soon formed, which was the forerunner of, what is now, Ibstock United Football Club. In 1996, faced with the closure of the last village bank and the demise of the local coal mining industry, the village of Ibstock and its businesses, seemed to be facing a very uncertain future. Together with a group of like-minded individuals, Brian was at the forefront of the formation of Ibstock Community Enterprises Ltd. This organisation, a group of local volunteers, focused upon community development. Their aim was, and still is, the stimulation of the local economy and the provision of facilities and services; to make Ibstock a better place. This community-led regeneration project soon won strong support from many partners, including Ibstock Brick Ltd., in particular, one of their directors, Stephen Hardy, Jim Botterill of JB Tool Hire Ltd. and David Wilson. It attracted much media coverage and the organisation was included as a case study in a Rural White Paper at the level of national government. As winners of a Midlands community project award, I.C.E. Ltd. received a prize of 50,000. Their entry was then submitted to the competition at national level and again, they were successful, winning an additional 50,000. With these funds, I.C.E. went on to acquire the old bank premises on Chapel Street and installed an ATM cash dispensing machine. This former bank became I.C.E. headquarters and the first home of the village Community Shop. The premises became a focus for local people, with many voluntary organisations based there. By 2004, further funding was secured by I.C.E. to purchase and redevelop the old National School building on the High Street, now Ibstock Business Centre, with the aim of helping to support the retail base of Ibstock by diversifying and increasing activity. Also at the forefront of the renovation and management of the old Palace cinema, on Ibstock High Street (now a thriving Community Centre), Mr Hall is keen to stress that these achievements have only been made possible by the volunteers, who have freely given up many hours of their time, over the years. He is insistent that the members of the current Palace Management Committee are named in this report. Currently serving are; Julie Seager, Wendy Gerrard, Douglas Gerrard, Corinne Male, Jayne Massey, Cynthia Baxter, Denise Peters, Paul Hillman, Wendy Jones and Terry Smith. Brian also extends his gratitude to all those who have given their services in the past, both as committee member or as part of the volunteer team. (It was a former member of The Palace Management team, Mr Brian Cockett, who was instrumental in nominating Mr Hall for this award). Brian thanks the people of Ibstock and the surrounding area, for giving their support to The Palace. He strongly urges them to continue to do so and encourages people to come forward, as volunteers, to ensure the future of the community centre. Last, but certainly not least, Brian gratefully acknowledges the support that he has received from his family in enabling him to be involved with these and many other community projects. These include the revival of the Ibstock branch of the Royal British Legion, along with local man, Bob Storer and the National Cycle Network. Another village landmark which owes its existence to community group is the village clock, which was installed in 2002, to mark the Queen s Golden Jubilee. Mr Hall, now in his mid-eighties, continues to serve the village, taking a very active role both in his own High Street business, Halls of Ibstock and the management of the Palace Community Centre. Congratulations from your friends at the Community Voice. A well deserved award in recognition of your contributions to our community and country. page 4 page 5

4 SOUL MAN OF IBSTOCK Mention the words DJ and Pop and Soul to anyone who was frequenting discos and dance halls in the late 1960 s through to 2003 and the name Richard Reed (aka Richard John Disco) is bound to crop up, Ever since his first gig in June 1969 at the Three Horseshoes in Hugglescote, Richard has been a fixture on the entertainment scene in North West Leicestershire gaining almost legendary status. From Richards was the resident DJ at The Grand Ballroom, Coalville (he was the last DJ to spin at their Sunday Club) where he attracted audiences of over 800. This venue was a very important one as it attracted many of the chart-topping bands of the day including The Foundations, The Tremeloes, Pickettywitch, Sweet, Johnny Johnson and the Bandwagon, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds and Sam and Dave to name just a few (perhaps we should not mention Gary Glitter!). The top Radio 1 DJs Emperor Rosko and Stuart Henry also appeared alongside Richard at the Grand so it is fair to say that at the time The Grand was one of the top nightspots in the Midlands here at good old Coalville. When the fondly remembered Top Rank Suite opened in Leicester back in the late 1960s Richard attended an audition for their resident DJ and was chosen from several applicants. However, after reflection, he turned the offer down as it did not fit in with his plans and may have jeopardised his full-time job. It was at the Top Rank Suite that Richard appeared at a private gig in 1971, sharing the venue on that night with the international hit makers The Kinks an event he remembers with great affection. Showhome Opening Soon Beautiful 3 & 4 bedroom homes from 214,950 THE BRYCE CONTINUED NEXT MONTH... RICHARD TAKES UP RESIDENCY IN ASHBY TOWN HALL! Newly-weds Will and Chloe Cole can t wait to move in to their gorgeous new home at Westleigh s Stanton Meadows development, where they hope to start a family together Having married in September 2018, Electrician Will (32) and Nursery Practitioner Chloe (22) currently live with their parents in Groby and Glenfield respectively. Now, the couple are on course to be among the first to move to the development of three and four-bedroom homes at the heart of the popular Leicestershire village of Stanton under Bardon in early We first heard about the development online, and because we know the area well and wanted to be close to family and friends, it seemed perfect for us, Will explains. Will and Chloe have reserved a three-bedroom Bryce home style at the development. We fell in love with the Bryce as it seemed like a great starter home with plenty of room, and was within our budget, continues Will. Not only that, but we re hoping to start a family, and this house seems ideal for raising children. New home at Stanton Meadows is match made in heaven for newly-wed couple In order to secure their home, the couple used the Help to Buy scheme, which enables first-time buyers and those with a property to sell to make a move to a brand new home with an equity loan of up to 20% of the full price of the property with the Government with just a 5% deposit and 75% mortgage. The equity loan is interest free for the first five years. The entire process of Help to Buy was very straightforward, adds Will, and beyond filling in the paperwork, we didn t feel as though there was actually that much that we needed to do. Gill, the Sales Advisor, has been amazing throughout. She s always on hand to speak to whenever we need her and she has made the experience totally stress-free for us. We would definitely recommend Westleigh to family and friends and are looking forward to moving in! Lisa Morris, New Homes Manager for Westleigh, said: We re thrilled to hear that Will and Chloe are excited to be moving to their stunning new home at Stanton Meadows. Plenty of other property seekers have already reserved their dream homes at the development, but there is still time if you want to be in with a chance of moving here. However, we don t expect the remaining plots to remain on the market for long, so I would urge would-be buyers to get in touch without delay! There is currently a range of beautiful three and fourbedroom homes available to reserve at Stanton Meadows, with prices starting from 214,950 and 305,950 respectively. What s more, the showhome is due to open its doors in February 2019, allowing would-be buyers to get a glimpse of the lifestyle opportunities they could be enjoying at the development. To find out more, contact the Sales team on , visit SP Sales & Lettings, which is located at 7 Belvoir Road, Coalville, LE67 3PD, and open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, or go to uk/stanton-meadows. Buy with just 5% deposit with Help to Buy * Call us on Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm You can currently visit us at: SP Sales & Lettings 7 Belvior Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3PD westleigh.co.uk 5% Buyers Deposit 10,748 20% Government Loan 42,990 75% Mortgage 161,212 Help to buy breakdown based on 3 bedroom home - The Bryce. Full market value 214,950. *Subject to Help to Buy scheme rules. Mortgage offer is subject to application and status. Full details of the mortgage product are available through an independent mortgage adviser. page 6 page 7

5 Stairlift Superheroes spring into action As we head into 2019 Candor Care have launched a refurbished stairlift donation to help customers in times of need. Having a stairlift installed can provide a comfortable solution on a short or long term basis and give someone the freedom and independence back in their home. Although not a huge expense, a stairlift is still a cost which some people may struggle to afford. After donating 2 stairlifts in 2018 as part of a competition during the popular Heather Scarecrow Festival, Candor have decided to donate a stairlift every month throughout 2019 to someone that will really benefit. Candor Care will be donating a full refurbished stairlift to someone in need every month throughout To register your interest for a friend or family member that might be in need, info@candorcare.co.uk or send a message through Candor Care s facebook page. Stairlift removal service with a donation to Leicester Arthritis Action Group Along with donating a refurbished stairlift every month, Candor are also offering a stairlift removal service for a nominal cost of just 85 to customers within a 10-mile radius of the Candor Care Stairlift Assessment Centre in Coalville. Not only is this a highly reduced fee, but Candor will also offer a donation to local Leicester charity Leicester Arthritis Action Group in support of they work they do with people who suffer from the debilitating illness of arthritis. Alan Ferguson, Managing Director of Candor Care said I see the difference that a stairlift makes to people on a daily basis, and as a local business that supports the local community, we want to make it easier for people to benefit from having a stairlift in their home. I m delighted that we re able to donate one of our refurbished stairlifts on a monthly basis, and we re looking forward to choosing our first customer to help in January!. Get in touch for a FREE quotation and assessment today on Scotlands Industrial Estate London Road Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3JJ. info@candorstairlifts.co.uk We are delighted to have recently been awarded the Which? Trusted Trader accreditation Within just a few hours my stairlift was installed. I was given easy instructions and there was no mess whatsoever! Our experienced stairlift superheroes can install a quality stairlift to give your back your independence. Trust local BHTA approved Candor Stairlifts to help you regain independence with a bespoke stairlift designed for YOU. Highly competitive instant quotes FREE home assessment in the comfort of your own home Stairlift removal service and refurbished stairlift options available Janet enjoys her new curved stairlift! Book a complimentary appointment at our stairlift assessment centre in Coalville Don t let your mobility slow you down Get in touch for a FREE quotation and assessment today on Fast and hassle-free Stairlift removal service available Scotlands Industrial Estate London Road Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3JJ. info@candorstairlifts.co.uk We are delighted to have recently been awarded the Which? Trusted Trader accreditation page 8 page 9

6 CHARITY CHAMPIONS NEW YEAR NEW START! Volunteers required for vital roles in helping to support older people Royal Voluntary Service is one of the largest voluntary service organisations in the country and inspires and enables 20,000 volunteers to give their skills, experience, energy and time to help people in need in hospitals, at home and in the community. Locally in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland we support approximately 2,000 older people per year with our services. These services include helping older people who have been discharged from hospital to rebuild their confidence and remain independent once they return home, providing transport to help with shopping, attending hospital appointments or support with social opportunities. In addition our volunteers provide valuable company and friendship as well as making sure that the older person is safe and well. Teresa Gibbs Commissioned Services Operations Manager for Royal Voluntary Service: The demand for our services is always increasing and as a result of this we are looking to recruit more volunteers to allow us to continue to offer the support to local older people. Our volunteers make a significant and positive difference to older people s lives and without their incredible contribution we would certainly not be able to provide the current level and range of services. Chris Cordle, a retired NHS medical psychologist from Leicester, is a Royal Voluntary Service volunteer. She delivers the charity s Home from Hospital service which helps settle older people back into home after a hospital stay. She says: I missed the satisfaction of working with people - I loved that part of my job. Volunteering has filled that gap. I enjoy working with older people, hearing their stories and helping them to achieve their aims. Much of my career was about motivating and helping people, and that s what I m still doing now. I really enjoy encouraging people to achieve their personal targets. It s very satisfying. We would really like to hear from local people who may be interested in this very worthwhile volunteering opportunity, a couple of hours per week really can make a real difference to the quality of older people s lives. To find out more please leicsrutlandhub@royalvoluntaryservice. org.uk or call THANK YOU! Ashby and Coalville Lions would like to thank everyone who donated to our Christmas Collections in We endeavoured to reach as many children as possible with Santa s sleigh, taking in some new routes in Heather, Ibstock and Ravenstone as well as our usual routes in Coalville, Agar Nook, Whitwick, Ellistown and Thringstone. Although there was no snow and ice for our volunteers to contend with this year, we did have to endure very cold and wet conditions on several occasions. As well as Tesco and Morrisons Santa also visited Long Lane, Hugglescote and Broom Leys Surgeries, the Surestart Party at Whitwick, Oakleigh Care Home and the Playgroup in Moira, to give out presents, cards and mince pies. We also organised christmas hamper raffles in some local pubs. THE FINAL TOTAL RAISED WAS 3, And every single penny will go to a worthwhile charity! Now look out for our easter egg raffles in local pubs and do please continue your very generous support. If you run a pub, restaurant or similar business in the local area and would like to help us raise money for charity please get in touch by ringing or texting Lynda on We are always looking for new volunteers who have time to help the local community. If only I had gone to Higgott s to have my rideon serviced! Don t leave it too late, book your rideon service now...servicing from 170! MELBOURNE ROAD IBSTOCK LEICS LE67 6NN TELEPHONE (01530) Come and Discover Our Exclusive Development of 4 & 5 Bedroom Homes in an Excellent Village Location, Built and fitted out to a High Specification Talk to our friendly sales team today About ways we can help you move All Enquiries Please contact or sales@williamshomes.co.uk Ordering repeat medication and booking appointments online Would you like to order your repeat medication or pre-book telephone appointments online? If the answer is yes we can help. We re holding a number of drop-in sessions where patients can come and register for our online services, and then we ll be on hand to show you how to log on if you d like us to. Please bring two forms of ID to the sessions, one must be photo ID such as a driving licence or passport and the other should be proof of address dated within the last 3 months. The sessions are taking place at our Ibstock surgery on: Tuesday 19th February 10am until 12.30pm and 2.30pm until 3.30pm Wednesday 20th February 10am until 12.30pm and 2.30pm until 3.30pm Monday 25th February 3.30pm until 4.30pm If you re interested in having this service but can t make one of these sessions, please us on ibstock.house@nhs.net and we ll send you the forms so you can register. Have you recently moved to the area and not yet registered with us? Please register with us as soon as you can and before you need to use our services. This makes it much easier and quicker for us both when you need an appointment. Our patient registration forms can be downloaded from our website: Alternatively pop in and see us at one of the sessions above and we can get the forms filled in there and then. Don t Miss out on WOODSTONE MEADOW Heather Lane Ravenstone LE67 2AH SHOW HOME OPEN Friday to Monday till 4.30 Ibstock & Barlestone Surgeries Traditional Values, Modern Healthcare PART EXCHANGE SCHEME* page 10 page 11

7 IBSTOCK PARISH COUNCIL Chairman s Letter February 2019 As we sat in our January Council meeting, reflecting on our previous year and discussing our Agenda items, I couldn t help but feel a little disappointed and despondent. We were discussing the tenders for the floral displays that we have throughout the village of which we are very proud and regularly get commended for from both parishioners and visitors to the village. Last year, we had two of the big green planters tipped over, and several times plants were pulled out of the many planters around the village. This obviously impacts on the Council Resources, we have to arrange for the contractor to have them stood back up, refilled and plants replaced, pulling money from other equally required projects. Vehicles are regularly being parked on and around our flower beds. The lowest blow was at the end of the year when the Winter Pansies were stolen from the flower beds in the Cemetery on Pretoria Road. Words cannot express the levels that some people will stoop too. On Christmas Day, late evening, Festive spirit got the better of someone, and the bike Springer was snapped off on Leicester Road Play Area. Again, mindless vandalism. This left exposed metal which could have seriously hurt an innocent child and has now had to be removed whilst we await a replacement. Yet again another example of funding being channelled from another project. Dog fouling throughout the Village remains a concern, and the matter of the PSPO (Public Space Protection Order) was discussed. Many people are still using the children s play areas and sports pitches to exercise their dogs, despite the ban being in place and signage. The Parish Council are extremely disappointed that people are continuing to ignore this and will forward CCTV footage and photos evidence to the district council for prosecution of individuals concerned. Another item that was raised was the additional cost that the Council is incurring on aborted visits. We have arranged for the old skate park to be developed into an exciting new play space, but the contractors cannot get in to carry out the works, due to vehicles that keep parking over the gates despite the KEEP CLEAR signage and no parking road markings. Is this ignorance or just negligence? Please spare a thought Whilst it felt a very gloomy meeting, we did manage to set up tenders for several other projects to be undertaken in the parish. If you are a contractor/tradesman and would like to quote for any of the projects or have identified a project, please head to our website and have a look. We would prefer to use local traders where we can. On a lighter note, I would like to congratulate Mr Brian Hall, on his award of the British Empire Medal in the New Year s Honours. Brian is a well-respected businessman and has spent many years giving of his time and energy to many good causes in the Village. Brian has been the inspiration and lead on many village projects throughout the years, the more recent one being the Palace. Well Done Brian, Truly Deserved and Thank You!! Yours, Stuart Chairman ( ) I B S T O C K PA R I S H I L C O U N C IBSTOCK PARISH COUNCIL The next meetings of your Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 6th Feb 2019 and Wednesday 6th March 2019 commencing at 7.00pm at IBSTOCK SCOUT HUT Melbourne Road, Ibstock until further notice. All members of the public welcome. Tel: / Keep fit, have fun and meet new friends with The Coalville Ramblers! The Coalville Ramblers help local people to enjoy walking and protect the places where we all love to walk. We organise regular walks led by local expert. It s a great way to get outside, make new friends and discover how walking boosts your health and happiness. You are very welcome to try walking with us; just turn up at the start of any walk (see details below). We also get involved in looking after paths and green spaces and opening up new places to explore. For further information info@coalvilleramblers.org.uk Forthcoming walks for February and early March: FEBRUARY Wednesday 13th starts from Moira YHA, Bath Lane DE12 6BD at 10.00am Saturday 16th starts from Ticknall Village Hall CP, Ingleby Lane DE73 7JA at 10.00am Wednesday 20th starts from Thornton Reservoir CP at 10.00am Saturday 23rd starts from Charnwood Waters CP, Tuckers Road, LE11 2PH at 10.00am Wednesday 27th starts from Skylink bus stand at Memorial Square LE67 3TU to Diseworth at 09.45am Thursday 28th starts from Bluebell Inn, Desford LE9 9JF at 10.00am MARCH Saturday 2nd starts from Ticknall Village Hall CP, Ingeby Lane DE73 7JA at 10.00am Wednesday 6th starts from The Black Horse, Main St, Grimston Melton Mowbray LE124 3BZ at 10.00am Wednesday 13th starts from Staunton Harold Garden Centre CP, LE65 1RU at 10.00am Thursday 14th starts from Bradgate Arms, Cropston LE7 7HG at 10.00am DEADLINE DATES FOR OUR MARCH ISSUE: Deadline date for bookings is Weds 13th February Deadline for copy is Fri 15th February Arrests up by over 50% One hundred and fifty drivers were arrested last month as part of our Christmas and New Year campaign, including 122 for drink and 33 for drug driving, this is 56% increase on December 2017 which saw 78 drink and 21 drug drivers detained at the roadside. 30 arrests made between 5am and 2pm. Over 90% of those arrested were male. 39 of these arrests were made following a road traffic collision. 37 of the arrested drivers were aged 25 or under. Around half of the arrests were made in Leicester (75) and significant numbers in Charnwood (24) along with North West Leicestershire (16) and Hinckley & Bosworth (16). The highest road side breath tests was 230, over six times the legal limit. An average of 70 drink drug drivers are usually arrested every month. PS 755 Garry Johnson Bardon Safer Neighbourhood Team, Coalville Police Station, Leicestershire Police, Leics LE67 3QG garry.johnson@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk Tel: HM Revenue and Customs Alert What you need to know be of overseas origin; deportation. Action Fraud has experienced an Often, the period for which the tax increase in the reporting of malicious calls, voic s, text messages or is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if s to members of the public any, paperwork or ability to verify the purporting to be from HMRC. The fraudsters state that as a result of their non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable to prosecution or other legal proceedings such as repossession of belongings to settle claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact. It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature. What you need to do the balance but can avoid this by Always question unsolicited requests arranging for payment to be made for your personal or financial immediately by method such as bank information. Just because someone transfer or by itunes gift cards. knows your basic details (such as If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat your name and contact details), it doesn t mean they are genuine. such as immediate arrest, bailiffs or Instead, contact the company in cases where the victim appears to directly using trusted methods such as a known address or phone number. Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using itunes Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher. Don t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot. Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or of this nature and have not lost money, report this as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud. IS YOUR VEHICLE READY FOR WINTER? Phone us on (opt 3) for your FREE* Winter Check Class MOTs from Car & Van MOTs 6 days a week at times to suit you Motorbike & camper van MOTs carried out YOUR LOCAL ELLISTOWN TESTING STATION *bring this advert with you to your booking to claim the free check! WE ARE RECRUITING! HGV Technicians Yard Operative (Class 1 licence) Good rates of pay - enquire within or ella@andersoncommercials.com page 12 page 13

8 crazy diamonds to SHINE IN Ibstock Are you a Crazy Diamond? Feel Comfortably Numb, or simply Wish You Were Here? Lovers of Pink Floyd are in for a treat next month when one of the country s leading tribute bands bring their stunning theatre show to The Palace in Ibstock on Saturday 16th March. The award-winning Dark Side Of The Wall s live show is a spectacular combination of expertly recreated Pink Floyd music mixed with projections, lasers and a light show the like of which we guarantee has never previously been seen at The Palace! Based around Leicester this 8-piece band regularly perform in venues across the UK and have well over 20 years of live performances behind them. As such they are rightly proud of their amazing longevity. Bass player Steve Chilton says, It s hard to believe we ve been going for more than 20 years but the fact that we keep doing what we do, year on year, is testament not just to the timeless music of Pink Floyd, but also to the fact that we simply love what we do! Steve continues, The tribute scene has grown massively over the last decade or so and these days it s a very competitive market. However, I always think that one of our great selling points is the fact that we aren t afraid to let the audience see that we love what we do. Pink Floyd s music and persona are often perceived as quite serious, but whilst we perform their music with the love and respect it deserves, we always bring our own personalities to the stage. Playing this music is great fun and hopefully the audience pick up on that when they see the band fully committed to what they do but loving every moment of every song. That s what a DSOTW show is all about. Quality live music and a great night out for both the band and the audience! FANCY PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO THE TEST? Here s a bit of fun to get you thinking. (Answers on inside back cover - no cheating!) In well over 2 hours of reverent tribute to their heroes, DSOTW perform music from all Pink Floyd s classic albums and feature tracks such as Comfortably Numb, Money, Wish You Were Here, Shine On You Crazy Diamond and Another Brick In The Wall to name just a few. If you ve seen Dark Side of the Wall in concert before then you ll know it s a show not to be missed. Advance tickets for the show at The Palace are now available. They can be bought at the venue during their opening hours or resevered by contacting The Palace on or ing enquiries@thepalaceibstock.co.uk. They will also be available on the door on the night subject to availability. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. For more info on the band you can look them up on Facebook or simply visit their website at Here at The Community Voice we love our music so let us know about your band by ing us at info@yourcommunityvoice.net THE ODD ONE OUT! Can you solve the clues and spot THE ODD ONE OUT? A) An association of two or more people united by a common interest or a crude weapon or a nightlife venue. B) A solid form of the element carbon with its atoms arranged in a crystal structure. C) The muscular organ in most animals, which pumps blood through the blood vessels of the circulatory system. D) An implement consisting of a pole with a toothed crossbar or fine tines at the end or an old English term for fashionable or wealthy man of immoral habits! ACROSS 1. Meteorological conditions (7) 5. Accolade (5) 8. Conclusion (3) 9. Submersible warship (9) 10. Task (5) 11. Alphabetic character (7) 12. Guide (5) 14. Square root of forty-nine (5) 19. Tableland (7) 21. Hoard (5) 22. Disregarded (9) 23. Small vegetable (3) 24. Happening (5) 25. Sincere (7) DOWN 1. Twist (6) 2. Gruelling (7) 3. Overly eager speed (5) 4. Burrowing mammal (6) 5. Greed (7) 6. Exculpation (5) 7. Resides (6) 13. Component (7) 15. Fugitive (7) 16. Parazoan (6) 17. Chelonian reptile (6) 18. Leave (6) 20. Slant (5) 21. Aromatic wood (5) BUMPER SCUFFS MINOR DENTS PAINTWORK SCRATCHES ASHBY CARE CENTRE For a FREE no obligation quote, call Alan Wilson on alan.wilson@chipsaway.co.uk Professional quality automotive paint and bodywork repairs that are quick convenient and fully guaranteed. Professional Quality Our fully-equipped CarCare Centre allows us to deliver quality repairs to everyday damage Convenient Same day repairs Collection and return service from home or work Repaired to a high quality commercial standard At a fraction of the price of traditional body shop methods. Value for Money We specialise in repairing everyday car paint and bodywork damage and because we don t deal with major crash repairs, we don t have the expensive overheads that a traditional bodyshop might have - meaning we can pass these savings onto our customers. ChipsAway CarCare Centre Unit 3 Machin s Business Centre Wood Street Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1EL FIND US HERE Wood St Leicester Rd Nottingham Rd A511 A42 South A42 North A511 WHITWICK ANTIQUES COLLECTORS & VINTAGE FAIR Sunday 10 th FEBRUARY HERMITAGE LEISURE CENTRE Silver Street, Whitwick LE67 5EU Join us at our buyers and sellers delight! Up to 65 independent traders providing a vast choice of original affordable Antique, Vintage & Collectables you really will be spoilt for choice! GUILDHALL EVENTS TEL: OPEN 9AM-3.30PM *FREE PARKING* *ENTRY 2* VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR Ibstock Community Library The library will be opening spring 2019 We urgently need trustees and volunteers to help run the library. For more information please ring: or leave your contact details at carolellix@hotmail.co.uk or williamsanned5@gmail.com When responding to an advert please mention you saw it in The Voice! page 14 page 15

9 High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire, LE67 6LH. Tel SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS FORTHCOMING EVENTS TICKET BOOKING - to book advanced tickets for any event, please contact The Palace Tel: Tickets can be purchased on the door (subject to availability) or reserved on the telephone. Tickets can also be purchased at our regular Saturday Community Mornings. Please check with ticket outlet to avoid disappointment. Friday 1st February and Saturday 2nd February. Also: Friday 8th February and Saturday 9th February PANTO AT THE PALACE! Dick Whittington ; a traditional family pantomime presented by The Palace Players. Evening performances on all four dates will start at 7.30pm and there will be two Saturday 2.30pm matinee performances. Tickets are 7.50 for adults and 5.00 for children and are available from The Palace (Tel: ) and Ibstock Business Centre, High Street, Ibstock (Tel: ). Advanced booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Friday 15th February FILM NIGHT Peterloo (PG13). A passionate account of the murders of protesters at a mass pro-democracy protest in Manchester in Written and directed by Mike Leigh. Doors/ bar open: 7.00pm. Film starts: 7.30pm. Tickets: 5.00/ 4.00 Sunday 17th February INDOOR CAR BOOT. Open from 9.00am until mid-day. Contact Jackie on for more details. (Also 17th March) Friday 1st March - Film Night - FIRST MAN (PG 13). A look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, Doors at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: 5.00/ Friday 22nd February PALACE BINGO. A great social night out! Doors open: 7.30pm. Eyes down: 8.00pm. Licensed bar and refreshments. Saturday 2nd March JIGDOLL in concert. Hannah James has been an unmatched force of innovation in British folk for nearly two decades. The performance begins at 7.30pm. Advance tickets are available from The Palace, Ibstock on Tel: Tickets are (standard) and for concessions Saturday 9th March GRESLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR in concert. The Concert begins at 7.30 pm. Tickets are 8.00 and are available from The Palace or Tel: or via gmv.choir@gmail.com. Advanced booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. REGULAR EVENTS AND CLASSES: MONDAY Mosaic Disability Services 9.30am-3.30pm. Bridget Smith on (0116) or (07912) Fitness Pilates class 7.45pm-8.45pm. Focussing on core stability whilst improving tone and body alignment through controlled movement. Contact Michelle on (07887) TUESDAY Bubbles Playgroup 10.30am-12 Noon. Richard Page on or , richard.page44@outlook.com for further details. NEW Dogs Trust Dog Training Classes to run at 12.15pm, 1.15pm and 2.15pm. Using fun and effective reward-based methods, Dogs Trust trainers will show you how to teach your dog the skills needed to cope with the demands of everyday life. Young Pathfinders 5.00pm-6.30pm. The adventure starts here! Aged 5-14 years. Call Craig on or text on , survival@youngpathfinders.com Yoga Class 6.45pm-7.45pm. Please contact Johnathan Springthorpe on or via his Facebook page: Yoga with Jay. Tai Chi 8.00pm 9.00pm. Contact Doug Gerrard on WEDNESDAY 50+ Fitness Pilates 9.30am-10.30am. A specially designed program to encourage maintenance and flexibility of muscles used in our everyday movements providing a sense of harmony and wellbeing. Contact Michelle on (07887) OneFitMama 11.00am. Exercise for mums at every stage of motherhood. loughborough@onefitmama.co.uk. Website: Falls Prevention Class 1.30pm-3.00pm. Run by N.W.L.D.C. Please contact Chris Mawbey on or christopher.mawbey@ lwleicestershire.gov.uk for more information or just pop along. FITSTEPS 6.00pm-7.00pm. Fitness that s Strictly Fun! Book now by contacting Rose on or rosemarydebney@gmail.com Palace Players 7.30pm-9.45pm. For anyone who is interested in getting involved with any aspect of amateur theatre. THURSDAY Outlook Group (a social group for senior citizens) 1.30pm-3.00pm. Contact Sue Townsend on (01530) Weightwatchers class 5.45pm-8pm. Contact Jo Wyld on or jwyld@weight-watchers.co.uk FRIDAY Tai Chi 10.00am-11.00am. Contact Michael Cashmore on (07714) Children s Dance Classes Beginners Ballet pm; Beginners Tap pm; Musical Theatre pm Contact Miss Jessica of Rochelle School Of Dance (established over 60 years in the area) (01455) , (07949) or office@rochelle-dance.com MONTHLY BINGO Now Monthly on a Friday A great social night out! Doors open at 7.30pm. Eyes Down at 8.00pm. Licensed bar & refreshments. Everyone welcome. SATURDAY Community Morning at the Palace 10am to 12 noon. Every Saturday (except the 1st Saturday each month) the Palace plays host to groups, organisations and associations from the village, including the Ibstock Historical Society. A variety of market stalls selling locally produced goods, including delicious home made cakes. Light refreshments available. The Palace Community Centre is available to hire for regular events and commercial hire, as well as private parties and celebrations. The Palace has a fully licensed bar, kitchen facilities, large free car park opposite venue, good disability access and facilities, full PA and lighting system, large screen and wi-fi, making it an ideal venue for numerous types of events SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS Contact The Palace on Tel: for details of SPECIAL OFFERS to discuss your individual requirements High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH The amazing Hannah James JigDoll at Ibstock Palace Catch this incredible one-woman show on Saturday 2nd March Hannah James has been an unmatched force of innovation in British folk for nearly two decades. A multifaceted performer, her talent spans four disciplines: singer, accordionist, composer and clog dancer, making her one of the most imaginative and adventurous artists on the folk scene. In her one-woman show, JigDoll, she reinvents the notion of solo performance by combining all her talents in this unforgettable song and dance experience Hannah first came to national attention as accordion player and singer with the band Kerfuffle. She was in an acclaimed duo with Bellowhead s Sam Sweeny and is a member of a female vocal harmony trio, Lady Maisery. She has also worked with folk legend Maddy Prior in the trio, 3 for Joy. She has amassed an international touring career, multiple award nominations, and credits in some of Britain s most respected folk projects. For more information about JigDoll see The performance begins at 7.30pm on Saturday, 2nd March and advance tickets are available from The Palace, Ibstock on Tel: Tickets are (standard) and for concessions. Gresley Male Voice Choir returns to Ibstock Palace The Gresley Male Voice Choir will present a concert at The Palace on Saturday, 9th March. This will be a welcome return by this award-winning, Swadlincote-based choir to the Ibstock High Street venue. The choir takes its name from the Parish of Church Gresley, where it was first established in It has a reputation for delighting its audiences with an extensive repertoire covering classical, operetta, grand opera, music from the shows, popular music, part songs and religious music. The Concert begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are 8.00 and are available from The Palace on Tel: and Tel: or via gmv.choir@ gmail.com. Advanced booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. MITCH SHAW GENERAL BUILDER All building work undertaken EXTENSIONS ALTERATIONS PLASTERING FREE ESTIMATES Tel: or FORMERLY OF HAIR BY JOSEPHINE Kate Heath Hairdressing MOBILE HAIR STYLIST PLEASE CALL OR MESSAGE ME ON All aspects of hairdressing in the comfort of your own home Devoted Coated trained, behaved, groomed + gorgeous... A reliable and responsible dog walking service around Leicestershire, combining training and walking support for you and your dog. We deeply care about what we do so as part of a personal and professional service we always work closely with our clients with an aim to provide open communication and advice at all times. Tel: FOR ALL THOSE SMALL JOBS AROUND THE HOME Contact MIKE COOPER, fully qualified and time served for: bricklaying fencing carpentry & joinery metal fabrication painting & decorating Don t wait until that small job becomes a large one! TEL: E MAIL: michaelcooper329@yahoo.co.uk page 16 page 17

10 CREATING BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS... IT S WHAT WE DO! As an Award Winning, busy local business for over 30 years, what customers think and feel about the whole experience of our design and installation service is key to our success. Reputation is everything, and we know that locally it is crucial to provide an excellent service for both design and installation of Kitchens and Bathrooms. Our friendly, knowledgeable designers Kevin, Maria and Paul will listen to your requirements and after a survey of your room, will present you with an interpretation of your requirements and a fully itemised costing. Our fitters Alan and Derek have over 60 years experience between them! They are conscientious and work hard to install your rooms to our very high standards. Look for inspiration on our newly redesigned web site then visit our showroom in Hugglescote set over 2 floors with fabulous room settings. Looking forward to meeting you. MULTI-SPORTS MASH UP! The Hermitage Leisure Centre Whitwick Every Tuesday pm Our brand new mash-up club is an open multi-sports session for all to enjoy! Boys and girls can attend every Tuesday in two age groups (4-8 years and 9-14 years) with the fantastic opportunity to enhance their development in sport through the coaching of our vastly qualified and experienced multi-sports coaching team. Although our sessions are technique and skills based, they will be very much about fun and enjoyment for all standards of players. Everybody is welcome to attend and the activites may lead to opportunities with external sports clubs! During the course of the club we will be covering a host of popluar sports including team, ball, striking, field and target games... ranging from football and rugby to cricket and golf to basketball and netball to hockey and dodgeball etc per child per session - Just turn up and play! For more information: or development@mesports.co.uk IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Shooting Stars Academy is not your average after school club. Choose from Football OR Performing Arts... The Hermitage Leisure Centre Whitwick Every Thursday afternoon pm ONLY 3.50 per session - no booking required! FOOTBALL Our soccer club is a skills and technique based session and a fantastic opportunity for your child to enhance their football development in a fun, safe, structured environment. Under our vastly experienced and highly qualified team, headed by Leicester City Legend Matt Elliott, everyone is welcome to attend and it could lead to external opportunities. DANCE! - SING! - ACT! A great way to boost your child s confidence and co-ordination whilst learning fantastic new dance, drama & singing skills. Our fun-filled sessions are suitable for both boys & girls 4-14 years & cover everything from Street Dance to Musical Theatre, so there is something for everyone! All ability levels are welcome and attending the Academy can lead to external opportunities for the pupils. For more information: or development@mesports.co.uk As Seen On TV 4 Years Trading Here CUT OUT AND KEEP TRADE DIRECTORY Heather St Johns FC Venue Hire Tel: Mick on or Karen on PC & LAPTOP REPAIRS VIRUS REMOVAL & DATA RECOVERY SMART PHONE & IPAD REPAIRS sales@cfscomputers.co.uk FREE COLLECTION! sq ft over 2 floors of antique, vintage and collectables including quality gold and silver jewellery at trade prices, coins, hand painted furniture, stamps, pictures, militaria, china, glass, furniture, kitchenalia, giftware and much more. ALSO WANTED All gold & silver jewellery including scrap & broken items We pay more - the highest prices in the area Costume Jewellery All coins Environmentally friendly chalk Militaria & medals and mineral paint. No VOC Stamps Solvent Free, No Odour. Postcards We can also paint your own tired furniture. Please ask for more details. Watches Silver & Silver Plate All interesting antiques, collectables & furniture. FREE VALUATIONS EVERYDAY OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE 50 High Street, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3EE Find us on facebook - Open everyday inc bank holidays 10.00am pm CALL Public car park to rear of shop Free parking from 3pm everyday and all day Sunday YOUR LOCAL LAW FIRM, WORKING SUCCESSFULLY ON YOUR BEHALF FOR OVER 90 YEARS. WILLS & PROBATE LAW SPECIALISTS Sandra Danaher (Syston) Natalie Biggin (Mkt Harborough) Pierce Arnold (Blaby) Liz Woodward (Coalville) Emma Longstaff (Leicester) With an excellent reputation of advising our clients about what is best for you and/or your family, your matters are safe in our hands. We are here to advise, listen and support you through the process of making a Will, Probate or assisting in the administration of an estate. CONTACT US NOW ON: Jonathan James Massey Gardener, Painter & Decorator, General Handyman Tel: or Jar Electrical Electrical Contractors Tel: or Lakeside Wills and Financial Services Ltd 57 High Street, Ibstock LE67 6LH Tel: or Pet Deli Pet Shop. 5a Brook Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1HA Tel: The Post House Bed & Breakfast High Street, Ibstock LE67 6LJ Tel: Robert J Dutton Ltd Plumbing & Heating Services 2 Springfield Road, Shepshed LE12 9QP. Tel: S.Parker s Electrics Experienced local electrician. Part P certified Call Steve on or Cleaning and Ironing Services Do you need any help with ironing or/and cleaning? If so, please call Sharon on Decor Kitchens & Bathrooms - Showroom in Hugglescote For inspiration look at our gallery on line - Tel: page 18 page 19 Advertise here from just 5 per month!

11 Ibstock Historical Society also encompasses several surrounding villages, including, Bagworth, Ellistown, Battram, Heather, Nailstone, Newton Burgoland, Odstone, Snarestone and Swepstone. The church pictured has been a mystery for the society for some time, proving to be a talking point, especially on our Facebook page. Many suggestions have been made as to its location and it is now confirmed to be the former Primitive Methodist Church in Bagworth. Location: Although Bagworth is a small village, its history dates back to 1279AD. Over the years it has had its own school, railway station, village shop and churches. It later developed into a busy coal mining area. In the 1950 s, there were over 900 people working at the pit site and it was one of the last mines to close in the area. Research: One of our members contacted the Methodist Church organisation, requested help on various Facebook pages and asked around the locals, born and bred in Bagworth, for information. People in the village remember going to the church and attending the Sunday school, singing in the choir and also a Mrs McHugh, who used to run the post office, who may have been the organist there. The Church: A plot of land 90ft by 60ft 6" was purchased from the Countess of Warwick for 20 for a Primitive Methodist Church; one of 4 branches of the Methodist faith. Sometime after 1980 the church was demolished, due to subsidence damage. This information is from Bagworth Historical Society book which focuses on local churches. Although the Bagworth society no longer hold regular meetings, they are still looking for information and photographs, so if you can help please contact Davebass1966@yahoo.com. If you have any photographs of weddings, christenings or services at this church, we would love to see them. STRUGGLING FOR STORAGE SPACE IN YOUR HOME? Install a loft ladder and start utilising what could potentially be the largest room in the your home STARTER PACKAGE DEAL 2 Section Aluminium Loft Ladder Pendant Light & Switch 50sqft Moisture Resistant Flooring FROM ONLY 280 all in which includes FREE fitting in less than a day! From ladder installations to a complete loft transformation including... Stairs, Flooring, Electrics, Windows, Insulation & Plaster Finish. LOFT STORAGE SOLUTIONS At Loft Storage Solutions we respect our customers, that s why our friendly, local,family run business listens to our clients needs without pushy sales techniques and gimmicks. We cut the jargon and explain clearly and precisely what can be achieved and always work with customers in a professional & respectful manner. Loft Ladders Loft Staircases Loft Hatches Loft Boarding Roof Windows Top-Up Insulation Rafter Insulation Lighting & Sockets Complete Storage Rooms For information on our latest package deals visit us at... Alternatively contact us to discuss your requirements and let us tailor make a package to suit your needs & budget. DPT Gardening Services FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS Grass Cutting Strimming Fencing Staining Hedges and Trees Trimmed Turf Laying Laying Stone and Slate Weeding Weed Spraying All types of planting Garden Clearance. ALL ASPECTS OF GARDENING WORK DONE. PHONE NOW FOR A QUOTATION Telephone: Mobile: Or dazo_14@hotmail.co.uk Jeff Fowkes Wheels ltd Jeff Fowkes Wheels ltd only settle for top of the range equipment and standards. Our equipment includes a 4 Wheel 3-D Laser Aligner and top of the range Hoffman balancers. We have been in business for over 30 years and this knowledge sets us aside from many others. We can cater for most vehicles in our workshop facility and have an extensive showroom of alloy wheels and accessories. Laser Alignment Alloy Wheels Accessories Suspension Servicing Exhausts Brakes Tyres Opening Hours Mon-Fri: 8.30am-5.30pm Saturday: 8.30am-1pm Sunday: CLOSED Jeff Fowkes Wheels ltd station road ibstock leicester LE67 6JJ Tel: Fax: Heather St Johns FC Ravenstone Road Heather LE67 2QJ ROOM HIRE AVAILABLE FOR: WEDDINGS BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES CHRISTENINGS FUNERALS CORPORATE FUNCTIONS Please contact: Mick on or Karen on for availability and rates Gracie Jaynes Home & Gift Gracie Jaynes is the new place to visit for beautiful home decor and gifts, all at affordable prices. We have ample free on site car parking, making it easy to shop! Stockists of Thomas Kent Clocks, East of India, Harris Williams and Just Jules, amongst other quality brands and handpicked ranges. Don't forget Valentines Day - 14th February. Cards & Gifts in store now. Est All building work undertaken Extensions & Alterations UPVC Facias, Soffits and Conservatories or NEWS FROM... BARDON PARK CHAPEL Find us on Station Road, Ibstock, Leicestershire, LE67 6JJ (inside Jeff Fowkes Wheels) Open 8:30am - 5:30pm Monday - Friday, 8:30am-3:00pm Saturday. Check our website & social media for special events. 24 Hour service available day or night Arrangements made in the comfort of your own home Tailored funerals to suit your requirements Private viewing suites Pre-paid funeral plans Wills and estate management service Memorials & monumental work undertaken Members of the National Association of Funeral Directors WORSHIP SERVICE: Come and worship the Lord with us on the first Sunday in every month at 10.00am. Our gatherings are fairly informal. THURSDAY ART CLASS: Between 7pm and 9.00pm. Bardon Park Chapel, Shaw Lane, Bardon, Coalville LE67 1TD. There is a large car park at the back. For more details on any of the above please contact: Richard Norburn on Tel: page 20 page 21

12 QUALITY HOLIDAYS BY COACH, RAIL, SEA AND AIR As we welcome in 2019, Roberts Travel Group would like to thank all our valued customers for your continued support! 2018 was our best ever year, with more than customers travelling on a Roberts Holiday or a Roberts Daytrip. Our programme keeps developing, as we are determined to offer our customers what they are asking for. We are pleased to report a surge in our UK Coach Holidays, as many of you really enjoy the new destinations on offer, in addition to the familiar venues which feature a new hotel or excursion and the opportunity to enjoy the best of Great Britain and Ireland. With all the uncertainty over what will happen as a result of Brexit, many of you have chosen to holiday in the British Isles this year. While the traditional British Seaside holiday remains an all- time favourite it is great to see the growth of the touring holidays where we try to show you as much as we can of a particular area or region. Year on year we have been adding holidays staying at good quality hotels and exploring destinations made popular either by a TV series, an historical event or because they are special interest holidays e.g Castles and Gardens of Kent. These breaks are packed with opportunities to learn more about our green and pleasant land and book up well, year on year. Another area of travel which has really fired your imagination is our Rail and Cruise holidays which feature trips such as Tenby and the Gwili Steam railway, the Jacobite Steam Railway, Scottish Wildlife cruise and Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Settle to Carlisle Railway and Hadrian s Wall and The Lakes. Please have a look in our brochure. There are plenty more to choose from. While we are all waiting to see exactly how Brexit turns out, we have been delighted to see a great deal of interest in our European Programme this year where we have tried to shake it up a bit by offering Rail, Cruise and Air Holidays, in addition to the traditional European Holidays by Coach. All European Holidays will be accompanied by a Tour Manager, so why not have a browse through our European brochure. Choose your Coach holiday from a trip to the Glorious Dutch Bulbfields in April, The Little Boats and Trains of Spain and The Pyrenees in May, and Killarney, also in May, (This Holiday offers an Air Option), Traditional Spain in June, Normandy and the D-Day Landings in July and Donegal and The Giant s Causeway in October. If you do not have our European Brochure, please contact us now for your copy. Our Ocean and River Cruises are steadily growing in popularity. Choose from The Highlights of Andalucia in April, Scenic Scottish Highlands in May or Cruise The Danube to Budapest and the Spectacular Iron Gate Gorge in July. Full details all our cruises, both Ocean and River, are available in our 2019 European Brochure. Please ask for a copy. If you are a rail enthusiast, why not take a trip to Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez in September? Alternatively, why not check out our Holidays by Air such as Corsica in September and Opatija and Venice in October? Please note that we hold an ATOL Licence. Our Day Trip programme was very successful in 2018, and we offered a wide variety of destinations, as we are doing for Whether your interest is in shopping experiences, gardens, market towns, historical buildings, theatre, concerts or a Sunday Lunch and mystery tour, we are sure you will find something to suit in our current daytrip brochure. If you do not have our Daytrip Brochure please call us for a copy or visit for all of our up to date fabulous days out. We offer on-site parking with the opportunity for facilities and refreshments if wished. Did you know that we cater for Groups and have a specialist team ready and waiting to help all Group Organisers. If you would like help and advice for any of your forthcoming Group trips, either daytrips, short breaks or holidays, please call EXT All our holidays of 4 days or more offer a free home pickup within our designated free pick up area, a reception at the travel centre and the opportunity to use the facilities before boarding the coach. If you are outside our free pick up area we can pick you up for a reasonable charge. We always love to see you down at the Travel Centre in Hugglescote, so don t forget to pop in and see us! The kettle is always on is looking to be another great year... and we look forward to continuing our journey with you, our friends, old and new! Best Wishes to you all and happy travelling in Margaret, Sam and the Holidays Team. MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019 This year s great event will take place at our new venue at Pretoria Road, Ibstock on 17th August pm 9.30pm HEADLINING THIS YEAR T-REXTASY Other great bands to be announced! TICKETS NOW ON SALE CONTACT: poppyfieldsfestivalibstock.com Suggest early purchase of tickets to avoid disappointment St Denys, Ibstock and St John s Heather bid a fond Farewell to Rev d Patty Bailey A congregation of over 100 worshippers, including many from St John s Church, Heather, gathered at St Denys Church, Ibstock on Sunday, 6th January, to bid a fond farewell to the Rev d Patty Bailey, upon her retirement. Patty has served as the vicar at both of these local churches for the last seven years. After delivering her final service, Patty received many gifts and cards from the well-wishers present. During Patty s time at the church there have been many positive milestones, including the massive task of securing the funding for and overseeing the re-hanging of the six, 500 year old bells in St Denys church tower. St John s Church at Heather are also in the process of raising the funds required to secure the future of their own church tower. Rev d Bailey has not only taken the services at both parish churches (including many joyful christenings and weddings and dignified funerals) but, together with the team of church volunteers, has overseen the varied outreach work of the church, including pastoral care, holidayclubs, school activities, fundraising and the inevitable church sales and bazaars! Here at The Community Voice, we wish Rev d Patty Bailey a very happy and well-deserved retirement. Where will you go with us in 2019? COASTAL 10-Jun Skegness & Gunby Hall Estate & Gardens, 5 Days Jun West Looe & Morwellham Quay, 5 Days Jun Sidmouth, Exeter & Bicton Park Gardens, 5 Days Jul English Riviera Steam Train & River Cruise, 5 Days Jul Weymouth & the Swanage Railway, 5 Days Jul Exmouth, Bicton Park Gardens & Cream Tea, 5 Days Jul Worthing, Chichester & Chartwell, 5 Days Jul St Agnes - Cornish Coast & Cruise, 7 Days Jul Eastbourne & Great Dixter House & Gardens, 5 Days Aug Ilfracombe & RHS Garden Rosemoor, 5 Days Aug Weston Super Mare, Tynetesfield & the West Somerset Railway, 5 Days Aug Bognor Regis, Chichester & the Watercress Line, 5 Days Aug Scarborough - We Are Going to Scarborough Fair, 5 Days Aug Weymouth, Dorset Cruise & Kingston Lacey, 6 Days Sep Blackpool Illuminations, Tea at the Tower & the Lakes, 5 Days Sep St Agnes - The Cream of Cornwall, 6 Days Sep Skegness - the Lincolnshire Wolds & Coast, 5 Days Sep Weymouth, Jurassic Coast & Compton Acres, 5 Days Sep Tenby, Hilton Court Gardens & the Pembrokeshire Coast, 5 Days Sep Paignton, Powderham Castle & Cruise, 5 Days Oct Bognor Regis, Portsmouth & the Watercress Line, 5 Days Oct Sidmouth, Exmouth & Seaton Tramway, 5 Days Oct Bridlington, Castle Howard & North Yorkshire Moors Railway, 5 Days Oct Babbacombe & Agatha Christie s Greenway, 5 Days Oct Eastbourne, Worthing & the Market Towns of Sussex, 5 Days Oct Bournemouth & Athelhampton House & Gardens, 5 Days 389 WARNER HOTELS 25-Feb Warners Sinah Warren Hayling Island, 5 Days Mar Warners Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel, 5 Days Mar Warners Alvaston Hall, 5 Days May Warners Bembridge Coast Hotel, 5 Days Oct Warners Holme Lacy House Hotel, 5 Days Oct Warners Bembridge Coast Hotel, 5 Days Dec Warner Sinah Warren Turkey & Tinsel, 5 Days 359 FREE HOME COLLECTION CALL NOW FOR OUR SELECTION OF OCEAN CRUISES AND RIVER CRUISES EUROPE COACH & AIR HOLIDAYS 08-Apr Dutch Bulbfields & Amsterdam, 4 Days May Little Boats & Trains of Spain, 10 Days May The Riviera of Flowers, 7 Days May Monet s Garden, Versailles & The Loire Valley, 5 Days May Killarney - the Jewel in Kerry s Crown, 7 Days May BY AIR Killarney - the Jewel in Kerry s Crown, 5 Days Jun Swiss Mountains, Lakes & Steam Railways, 8 Days Jun Belgium s Venetian Parade, 4 Days Jun Traditional Spain, 8 Days Jul Normandy and the D-Day Landings, 5 Days Aug Austrian Tyrol All Inclusive, 8 Days Sep Northern Portugal & Hidden Gems of Iberia, 10 Days 1149 SCOTLAND 18-Mar Scottish Winter Warmer, 5 Days Jun Highland Fling, 5 Days Sep Jacobite Steam Railway, Scottish Wildlife Cruise & Bonnie Prince Charlie, 7 Days 879 ISLAND ESCAPES 29-Mar Isles of Scilly & Tresco Abbey Gardens, 7 Days Apr Jersey by Sea, 5 Days Jun Guernsey & The Isle of Sark, 6 Days Aug Isle of Wight & Osborne House, 5 Days Aug Bournemouth & the Island Hopper Explorer, 6 Days Oct Isle of Man, 5 Days Oct Isle of Wight & Osborne House, 5 Days 415 GREAT BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE 22-Apr Discovering the Castles & Gardens of Kent, 5 Days Apr Wonders of West Wales, 5 Days May Alnwick Castle & Gardens & Newcastle River Cruise, 3 Days May Constable Country, Audley End & Smugglers Coast, 5 Days Jun Norfolk - A Right Royal Retreat, 5 Days Jun Settle to Carlisle, Hadrian s Wall and the Lakes, 5 Days Jun Harrogate & the Trains of Yorkshire, 5 Days Jul Scenic Suffolk & Constable Country, 5 Days Jul Hidden Homes of the North East & Hadrian s Wall, 5 Days Sep Northumbria, Cragside House & Hadrian s Wall, 5 Days Sep Maritime Bristol, Bath, Wye Valley & Cardiff Castle, 5 Days SHORT BREAKS CALL US FOR MORE DETAILS UK RAIL & CRUISE 05-Apr The Watercress Line, Jane Austen House & Canal Cruise, 5 Days Apr Ales, Rails & Dales of Cumbria, 5 Days Apr A Champagne Cruise & Stay, 5 Days Apr Eastbourne & the Bluebell Railway, 5 Days May Sailing & Steaming in the Lake District, 5 Days Jun Mid Devon Steam & Cruise, 5 Days Jun Snowdon, Portmerion & Welsh Mountain Steam, 5 Days Jun Whitby & the North Yorkshire Moors, 5 Days Jun Yorkshire Rails, Sails & Ales, 5 Days Jun Harrogate & the Trains of Yorkshire, 5 Days Jul Great Royal Palaces, Rails & Sails, 5 Days Jul Tenby & the Gwili Steam Railway, 5 Days Jul North Yorkshire Moors Railway & Cream Tea, 2 Days Jul Great Yarmouth, Norfolk Broads & the Poppy Line, 5 Days Jul Llandudno & the Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway, 5 Days Jul Torquay - Steaming through the English Riviera, 5 Days Aug Great Little Trains of North Wales, 5 Days Aug Little Boats and Trains of Norfolk - Self Drive, 5 Days Aug Edinburgh Tattoo, Lochs & Steam, 4 Days Aug Eastbourne, Nymans & the Bluebell Railway, 5 Days Aug Edinburgh Tattoo, Lochs & Steam, 4 Days Sep Discovering Kents Gardens, Wines & Railway Lines, 5 Days Sep Snowdon & Welsh Highland Railway - Self Drive, 5 Days Sep Llandudno, Snowdonia & Llangollen Railway, 5 Days Dec Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Festive Steam & Castle Experience, 5 Days 345 TRAVEL GROUP For further information or to book please call our holiday Advisors on or visit ABTA Number P6893 CALL NOW FOR OUR FULL BROCHURE ABTA Number Y DAY TRIP BROCHURE NOW OUT Code: COLTIMES Premier Mobility Burton Premier Mobility THE MOBILITY CENTRE SALES SERVICING REPAIRS Many Mobility Aids Available BRAND NEW BOOT SCOOTERS STARTING FROM BURTON INDOOR MARKET Tel Burton Upon Trent DE14 1HA sales@burtonpremiermobility.com page 22 page 23

13 The Language of F lowers In the middle of Winter, what is a more lovely thought than the beauty and promise of the flowers to come? With February comes Valentine s Day (closely followed by Mother s Day in March) and flowers have always been considered as symbols of the language of love. Flowers also, traditionally, have a language all of their own. Spring-time is often a time for weddings, so an understanding of the meaning of particular flowers can mean that the choice of blooms for the bouquet is not only governed by the chosen colour theme, but also by their individual meaning. Known as floriography, the language of flowers is nothing new; throughout history flora has been used as a means of communication. We all think instinctively of the red rose being a symbol of true love, but we are also familiar with the olive branch as a peace offering and the laurel wreath as a symbol of victory and honour. Thought to have originated in Persia, the Language of Flowers didn t really feature in the UK until the Victorian era. Queen Victoria s passion for the subject gained popular approval. It may have been a result of the censorship of communication during the restrictive Victorian times that led to this secretive and subtle way to rely messages through the language of the flowers. Royal bouquets traditionally incorporate this symbolism. The wedding flowers carried by Kate Middleton, at her marriage to Prince William, communicated strength and positivity. It included Lilly of the Valley (meaning trust and happiness at being united) Sweet William (gallantry and also, in this instance, bearing the name of the groom) Myrtle (hope and love) Hornbeam (resilience) and Maple (humility and reserve). In combination, these flowers created a bouquet of simple appearance, yet it held the understated elegance of the unspoken word. Other meanings attached to specific flowers include; Carnation - love, happiness and friendship. However, different colours represent different emotions. Red is for passion, whilst a white carnation can represent good luck. Pink carnations represent a mother s love, rather than romantic love. A purple carnation can symbolise unpredictability, and yellow one can convey disappointment. A two toned carnation means I cannot be with you (possibly not a great choice for a wedding bouquet!) Freesia Yellow freesias are used in particular to signify friendship, whilst white freesias are said to represent innocence. White freesias are also thought to be the most fragrant of all the colours. Another tradition involving this type of flower involves anniversaries. It is said that freesias are the traditional flower to send for a seventh wedding anniversary, although it isn t quite clear how or why this practice originated. Gerbera purity and cheerfulness. The Gerbera flowers are also symbols of children and therefore make a perfect gift for someone who has just had a child or who is expecting. Hydrangea this one is slightly confusing as it carries a contradictory message. It can mean either heartfelt and understanding or heartless and boastful, so probably one to stay clear of! Ivy fidelity and wedded bliss. The Celtic meaning of the ivy deals with connections and friendships because of its propensity to interweave as it grows. This may have led to the ivy also being seen as an example of the twists and turns that relationships can take. Another tribute to a successful partnership, as well as the test of time, is the ivy s ability to grow in challenging environments. The ivy is incredibly durable and can withstand harsh conditions, symbolic of the ability to stick by our partners, no matter what. Orchid beauty and fertility (be careful how you bestow this one!) It was believed that rarer the flower you chose as a gift, the deeper was your love. In parts of Europe, orchids were used as a key ingredient in love potions. Ranunculus - charming and attractive (obviously nicer than it sounds!) Rose love. Again, each colour has a slightly different sentiment. Pink, orange and yellow roses represent happiness, white roses represent sympathy, and peach roses represent friendship, but love is the basis that lies behind each one. So, it really does seem that whatever we want to say, we can say it with flowers! Now at the Ibstock Business Centre, 57 High Street, Ibstock LE67 6LH, or home visits at a time to suit your needs What we do: Wills - Your Wants and Wishes Lasting Powers of Attorney - Who will make my decisions? Protective Property Trusts - A Solid Foundation Prepaid Funeral Plans - It s all taken care of Contact Sue Stanyard e: sue@lakesidewills.co.uk w: lakesidewills.co.uk Ibstock Office No: Mobile: Lakeside Wills & Financial Services Ltd is an appointed representative of New Leaf (WWF) Ltd. Registered in England Registered Address: Princess Caroline House, 1 High Street, 1st Floor, Southend on Sea SS1 1JE Robert J Dutton Your local Plumbers, Heating and Drainage Engineers Boiler Service from 60 inc. VAT Boiler installation, service & repairs Gas & LPG Central heating systems Plumbing for new builds & renovations All drainage jobs undertaken Gas fire installations & inspections Complete bathroom & kitchen installations undertaken Free, no obligation quotations MERIDIAN BLINDS CHARNWOOD FREE Measuring, Consultation & Fitting Verticals Venetians Rollers Romans Black-Out Pleated Perfect Fit Awnings Conservatory Specialists CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION Reliable, Affordable, Local Jonathan James Massey Gardener Painter & Decorator General Handyman Tel BUILDING & JOINERY EXTENSIONS LOFT CONVERSIONS ALTERATIONS UPVC WINDOWS AND DOORS KITCHEN INSTALLATIONS ALL BUILDING AND JOINERY UNDERTAKEN T M Have your wedding rings made by a true craftsman! Handmade, bespoke wedding & engagement rings made to order. Any width available. Nine, 18 and 22 carat gold options. Red, yellow, white or multicoloured gold. Plain gold or diamond set. Any shape. All major credit cards accepted Established Tel: INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL PLANNING Quality made to measure window blinds 2 Jarvis Way, Whitwick, Leicester LE67 5HP meridianblindscharnwood@gmail.com CLEAR VISION. BESPOKE ADVICE for our CLIENTS Don t just have a clean carpet - Have a Spotless one! Most carpets dry in 1-2 hours Safe and non-toxic Fully insured Oriental rugs / leather cleaning Tel spotlesslycleancarpets.co.uk Main Street Newton Burgoland Ask us to clean 3 rooms and we ll clean the 4th for FREE THE BRIDGE SHOP 39 HIGH STREET MEASHAM SWADLINCOTE DERBYSHIRE DE12 7HR Tel: or FOOTBALL RESULTS Saturday 5th January Ellistown 1 Barlestone St Giles 5 Town given a lesson on game management. Saturday 12th January Ellistown 0 Saffron Dynamo 4 Proud of the Town performance who gave championship chasers a tough game. Saturday 19th January FC GNG 4 Ellistown 0 Tighten those seat belts, the Ellistown relegation roller coaster has started. J Mott Wealth Management Ltd is a local Appointed Representative of Vision based in Hugglescote, offering services including: Bespoke Investment Advice Discretionary Portfolio Management Pension and Retirement Planning Inheritance Tax Planning Initial discussion offered without obligation or cost. J Mott Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Vision Independent Financial Planning Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA do not regulate Inheritance Tax Planning. J Mott Wealth Management Ltd t: e: jonathanmott@visionifp.co.uk w: QUALITY DESIGN, PRINT & DISTRIBUTION SERVICES page 24 page 25

14 Feeling S.A.D this winter? YOU VE GOT A FRIEND...AT HERMITAGE FM RADIO STATION! By Hollie Jordan, Happy Head Hypnotherapy The winter blues, known more formally as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects 1 in 3 of us in the UK. This article will look at what SAD is, why we get it and what we can do to alleviate symptoms. SAD is commonly experienced during the winter months and symptoms often alleviate as the days get lighter as we approach spring/summer. The symptoms of SAD may include low mood, worry and irritability. Some people may find that they are sleeping longer than normal and are struggling to get up in the morning. Often, feeling lethargic or sleepy throughout the day as a result. Some find that they lose interest in everyday activities and experience feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness. It may be a good idea to visit your GP if your symptoms are severe and are affecting day to day activities. It is not known for sure what causes SAD but it is thought that it has something to do with shorter daylight hours we have during the winter months. Studies show that a lack of sunlight stops a part of our brain working properly and this may affect the production of Serotonin. Serotonin is sometimes referred to as the Happy chemical and when we produce Serotonin we are happy, nice and can generally cope better with what life has in store for us. Lower Serotonin levels are linked to depression. Lower light levels may also affect your Circadian rhythm (your natural body clock) which also leads to symptoms of SAD. The You ve Got a Friend project started in April 2017, when a group of like minded, musical friends came together with one specific aim, to raise awareness of mental health issues in North West Leicestershire. They wanted to create a space to talk about and promote mental health awareness in the area. The response was amazing, with literally hundreds of people wanting to be involved and to know more. The organisers are so appreciative of the support they have received, which has enabled them to promote something that they are so passionate about; mental health difficulties, which can affect anyone at any time. There are many things we can do to alleviate the symptoms of SAD, these include: Light Therapy - Get yourself a light box which is a special lamp used to imitate natural light and uses a different bulb to the ones we use around the house. Alternatively, make the most of the sunlight we do get by getting outdoors during the day as much as you can. Light Exercise Regular exercise will reduce stress, release endorphins and boost serotonin. Even better if you can exercise outdoors during the day! Engage in positivity People who have a negative outlook may experience SAD more than those that don t. Thinking positively, practising mindfulness or meditating will help you to be more positive. Talk talk to family/friends about how you are feeling. Having a chat and a cuppa might be just the antidote. Positive interactions are thought to get our Serotonin flowing! Do things you enjoy Whether it s bingewatching your favourite TV show or reading a book; taking a few moments to indulge in something you truly enjoy will give you a burst of positive energy. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have experienced a mental health problem at some time and in the last week alone, 1 in 6 will have experienced a common mental health problem (mentalhealth.org.uk). Many of us have been affected either by personal difficulties or by supporting a friend or family member. Some of us have lost loved ones to suicide and this is devastating for our whole community. You ve got a friend wants to encourage our community to talk to and support each other. They want to reduce the stigma and isolation that surrounds mental health problems. They understand that it can seem difficult to start conversations about mental health, but it can be something as simple as are you ok?. A simple conversation can change a life. Help starts with Hello! Their aim is to promote the support and services available in our area, raise awareness and to communicate, in their own way, through music and music events. They stress just how important it is to have connections with others and the importance of talking frankly and openly about mental health. Friends, family and community are vital in supporting positive mental health for us all. Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy is a mixture of talking therapy and hypnosis which helps you to create new, positive behaviour changes to make lasting change. It may give you just the boost you need. A regular monthly social meet up takes place every second Wednesday of the month at The Hermitage FM Coffee Lounge, Memorial Square, Coalville, LE67 3TU, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Each month features a different musical act to entertain you! Whatever you choose to help get you through the long, cold, dark nights of winter always remember..summer is coming! The social evening in January featured local musician Duncan Keith and his daughter, Melly (pictured). They are among the brilliant, community-minded musicians giving up their time to support the organisation. An additional You ve Got a Friend social group also meet at Mountsorrel Memorial Centre, in the Peppercorns Café, on the third Wednesday of every month. Have you ever considered Hypnotherapy? Are you stressed? stressed? Do you worry about the future or the past? Do you have Anxiety or Depression? Depression? Struggling to sleep? Do you wake up exhausted? Other forms of therapy haven t worked for you? Do you have chronic pain? pain? Hypnotherapy can help! Getting you back to living a happy, positive life! Based at Happy Head Hypnotherapy in Battram, Coalville, I work with people with anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD, phobias and many other issues who long to live a happier, positive life. I use Solution Focused Hypnotherapy methods and techniques that concentrate on making positive changes without the need to revisit past problems or traumatic events. Results are achieved much quicker when we work in this way! The FREE 1 hour initial consultation will give you the opportunity to ask any questions, see if hypnotherapy is right for you and see how I can get you back on track. Please call or text Clinical Hypnotherapist Hollie Jordan on Services: - Depression - Anxiety - OCD - Pain Management - Phobias - PTSD - Relaxation - Smoking Cessation - Weight Management - Performance - Confidence After being sceptical about hypnotherapy I decided to give it a go. After After just three sessions with Hollie, I felt like I was back to my old self again, I didn t feel as depressed and I was able to go to sleep without the help of medication for the first time in 25 years!! Hypnotherapy has changed my life! Denise, Markfield. Markfield. Check out our website at ourcommunityvoice.co.uk About Us News & Events Back Issues Trade Directory Online advertising Testimonials Twitter Facebook Find Happy Head Hypnotherapy on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. holliejordan@happyheadhypnotherapy.co.uk page 26 page 27

15 IBSTOCK BUSINESS CENTRE The home of Ibstock Community Enterprises Ltd. Could this be the new home of YOUR business? Formed in 1996, Ibstock Community Enterprises Ltd. has maintained its focus upon community development, stimulation of the local economy and the provision of facilities and services. Its aim was, and continues to be, to make Ibstock a better place. It was the direct response of a group of local business owners and community minded individuals to the demise of the local coal mining industry and the closure of the last bank in the village. Ibstock Community Enterprises Ltd. is a not-for-profit company and a co-operative. In 2004, further funding was secured by I.C.E. to purchase and redevelop the old National School building on the High Street, now Ibstock Business Centre, with the aim of helping to support the retail base of Ibstock by diversifying and increasing activity. The Business Centre is presently the home of I.C.E. and a variety of small businesses, including the Community Voice Magazine. It offers services to encourage entrepreneurs to start and to grow their own business. Currently advertising vacant office space (see details below), could Ibstock Business Centre be the new home for your business? For more information, please contact: Ibstock Business Centre, 57 High Street, LE67 6LH. Tel: admin@ibstockbusinesscentre.co.uk OFFICE SPACE NOW AVAILABLE TO RENT The space to let your business grow! 1,076 sq ft ground floor modern office space Located in the heart of the East Midlands, with good transport links to both the M1 and A42 and also Derby, Nottingham and Leicester Flexible lease one month rolling contract you have the flexibility to be a tenant both short or long term Own kitchen Own toilets Office space also includes 3 smaller offices and also a storage room Parking space available, plus car park nearby and street parking Reception service Fully alarmed with CCTV security Heating included Part of the Ibstock Business Centre, offering a friendly and professional service to start-ups and businesses. Only pay for your electricity, phone and broadband usage (billed separately) Other facilities available (charged separately) to include administrative support, broadband, telephone calls and IT support. Please contact the Ibstock Business Centre on: for further information or to arrange an appointment to view the office space. Keeping local business local. Established 1997 Ibstock Community Enterprises Super pooch, Pumpkin, scoots her way YouTube stardom! At the tender age of just 14 months, Pumpkin, the skateboarding bulldog is becoming something of a social media star. The scooting pooch, who lives with her devoted owner, Debra Chandler, in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, is taking the internet by storm with her skateboarding skills. Debra says that she has known of other bulldogs that had taken to skateboarding, so she bought one for Pumpkin when she was just 8 weeks old. Although it was really just a bit of fun at the time, Pumpkin immediately jumped onto the skateboard and has progressed from there! Debra has never put any pressure on Pumpkin to perform or forced her to do it in any way. It is obvious to see just how much fun the puppy is getting from her wheeled exploits. Pumpkin did not, it seems, inherit this skill from her father, 5 year-old Prince, as Debra says that she did try him with a skateboard once, but he showed very little interest in the sport. He does, however, love chasing after Pumpkin whilst she skates around! Surprised by her pet s natural ability to perform, Debra took lots of photos and videos of her riding around on her skateboard and posted some of them on to a Facebook page. The page has now received over 700 likes and Pumpkin s fame is spreading! The responses have been really encouraging, with everyone commenting on just how cute she is. Debra is hoping to build on Pumpkin s on-line presence in the future. Over the past few months people have approached Debra with a view to using the footage, but she is hoping to go down the sponsorship route to further Pumpkin s career. Gnarley Farm, Osbaston CV13 0HP (On the A447 near the Gate Inn) QUALITY BEEF, PORK & LAMB 4 COTTAGE PIES FOR ONLY 10 Meat produced on our farm, cut and packed to your requirements plus Free Range Eggs, Potatoes, Ham, Bacon, Sausages, Local Honey and Logs. FREE DELIVERY Pumpkin has a public appearance lined up this year, showing off her skateboarding skills at Bulldog Day UK, in Newark. She has also helped to raise money for the Edward Foundation, a charity which helps to rehome rescued bulldogs. For Debra, the most important thing is that Pumpkin enjoys a happy, healthy life and has fun doing what she does so well! Telephone: Gavin or Meg page 28 page 29

16 Ibstock & surrounding areas Ibstock E listown Heather Swepstone Newton Burgoland Donington-Le-Heath Battram Ravenstone Hugglescote Bagworth Packington Snarestone For all your Building and Landscaping requirements including Extensions Alterations Newbuild Roofing Patios Driveways CITB Qualified Tradesman Call Simon on or sijbrooks7@aol.com Find us on Facebook: Brooks Construction 22 Holyoake Drive, Heather DIARY DATES St Denys Church Ibstock Weekly Sunday Services 11.00am First Sunday in every month: 9.00am Holy Communion 10.30am All age worship Every Mon: 1.30pm 3.00pm (Term-time) Little Fishes Mother and toddler group Weds 13th February: 2.00pm 4.00pm Chat & Craft at the Church Fri 15th February: 3.30pm Messy Church at the school THE COMMUNITY VOICE NEEDS YOU! Distributors required for the Ellistown area to distribute the fastest growing full colour A4 magazine in the region. GOOD RATES OF PAY! Apply in first instance to Hannah, Jayne or Steve on or info@yourcommunityvoice.net Continuing our series of new topical short stories featuring that mischievous rail dog, Ruffle, called Ruffle s Walks... Within each story Ruffle will send a secret word to his readers in the form of 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. At the bottom of each story it will tell you how many letters you are looking for. The actual word answer will be shown on page 35. Woof - have fun! For more information about Ruffle s storybooks visit Ruffle s walks dinosaurs! Fresh snow had fallen and covered the ground with a clean white blanket around the station and surrounding countryside. In the station Garden Ruffle was busy taking in all the new scents that had arrived with the snow. He was joined by Jamie, the youngest grandson of Eric, the station master. Ruffle had become interested in a set of strange prints in the snow next to the wire mesh that surrounded the small pond in the middle of the garden. Jamie went over to where Ruffle was sniffing, his nose buried in the white coldness. Jamie knelt down in the snow and looked closely at the print three long toes at the front and a fourth long toe at the back. Dinosaur! exclaimed Jamie excitedly. He placed his five year old hand against the clearest of the prints. It must be it s so large! And what strange feet dinosaur feet! He quickly stood up and began to run back Towards the station hut, calling to Ruffle as he went. Come on Ruffle! We need to follow the trail! A dinosaur in the garden! Grandad! Grandad! Jamie ran into the hut where Eric was busy checking the station supplies. He turned as Jamie arrived, Ruffle close at his heels. Grandad, we ve found some dinosaur prints in the garden! Ruffle is going to lead me to the dinosaur! Can I take some sandwiches we may be gone a while! Eric smiled. Jamie s favourite animals (after Ruffle) were dinosaurs! Why don t you take the jam sandwiches I made for your snack? That should Keep you going. And what about those little binoculars I keep up here on the shelf? Eric went across to the other side of the hut and reached up for a small pair of well-worn binoculars. They might come in handy for dinosaur spotting! Thanks Grandad, replied Jamie, fetching the paper bag containing the jam sandwiches and squashing them into his Coat pocket. Come on Ruffle! Let s track a real dinosaur! Eric watched them run out of the hut back to the little pond. Jamie knew not to go out of the garden and besides, Ruffle was with him. Eric pulled up a stool and watched the great dinosaur expedition from the hut window Intrigued as to what Ruffle had found. At the pond, Jamie pointed to the animal prints and turned to Ruffle. Find him Ruffle, find him! Ruffle sniffed the prints again they smelt a little fishy. One of Ruffle s favourite foods was fish so Ruffle was only too willing to follow the scent! The trail of prints led Ruffle around the pond, Across the garden and over to the fence that separated the garden from the field next to the station. The fence had wire netting across so Ruffle wasn t able to continue his tracking any further. He looked over the fence into the field towards the middle where a larger pond was partly hidden by the snow. Wow there it is! cried Jamie who had joined Ruffle at the fence and was looking in the same direction. He quickly took out the binoculars and looked across towards the pond. He had just focused the binoculars when his dinosaur spread its wings and took off. A pterodactyl! Fantastic! I knew they were dinosaur prints! They both watched as the pterodactyl gracefully flew across the sky into the distance. Satisfied with his expedition, Jamie sat down on the bottom rail of the fence and took out a very flat packet of jam sandwiches. Ruffle sat down beside Jamie, eager to share in the feast. Dinosaur tracking could be hungry work you know Can you guess what made the footprints that Jamie thought was a pterodactyl? Try the Ruffle Find the word competition - this month s word has 8 letters. The answer is on page 35. In addition to the short stories Ruffle s Walks, Ruffle s series of story book adventures are available via the website - priced at only 3.50 each incl. p&p. Ideal for under 5s to be read to and for more independent readers up to the age of approx 10 years - enjoyed by parents and grandparents! Each book can be individually signed unique personalised gifts especially for Christmas or birthdays to encourage a love of reading and imagination! Brookside Garage M.O.T CAR SERVICING BRAKES & SHOCK ABSORBERS CAR EXHAUSTS AIR CONDITIONING BATTERIES CAR REPAIRS WHEEL ALIGNMENT & WHEEL BALANCING CAR TYRES Units 5&6 Brookside Industrial Estate IBSTOCK LE67 6LR Brookside Garage PRETORIA ROAD SPRING ROAD Phone for a competitive quote CARPETS Our new address is: Unit 6, Vulcan Court, Hermitage Industrial Estate, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3FW Tel: chrystecarpets@btconnect.com Large selection of carpets at our new premises. Our opening times are: Monday 9.00 am till 5.30pm Tuesday 9.00 am till 5.30pm Wednesday Closed Thursday 9.00 am till 5.30pm Friday 9.00 am till 5.30pm Saturday 8.30 am till 3.00pm Sunday Closed Closed every Bank Holiday and between 1-2pm for lunch on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri page 30 page 31

17 AMICUS SOCIAL ORGANISATION LIVE FOR TODAY PLAN FOR TOMORROW PARTY TONIGHT Amicus Social Organisation is a large title for small, effective social group for single people who are looking to move on following a bereavement, divorce or any event that has left them on their own. We would emphasise that Amicus is not a dating agency with computer dating often being soulless which sometimes leads to abuse of trust and disappointment. Amicus offers a positive alternative to this and a generally better experience. Founded on New Years Eve, 1995, Amicus exists for the benefit of single people, mostly for the over 40s though we welcome people from any age group. It s a great way for people to get some normality back into their lives and after a short period of time it is always wonderful to see individuals grow in confidence. As a group we are always there for one another, and should any problems arise, there is always an experienced person on hand to offer support or simply just to listen. We enjoy a wide variety of low-budget events including; visits to country houses, walks and live band performances. Many of our members admit that they would not have undertaken these pursuits on their own. Every fortnight, we meet in a local hotel or pub for drinks, friendly discussion and good company. On alternate weekends we enjoy a planned event or an evening out, dependent upon the season. We operate a car share system, as some of the events can take you to Nottingham, Derby and further afield. To meet up with group, please contact us by telephone or and we will send you a programme of events for your consideration. An initial drinks evening will give you the opportunity to find out more about us. But beware! Once tried Amicus can be addictive so come along and see what you have been missing! Contact: Tel: amicussocial@googl .com Facebook: Amicus Social Organisation Founded in 1995 and covering Leicestershire, South Derbyshire and South Notts, Amicus are a small social group for single, divorced, legally separated or bereaved people. We are NOT a dating agency or a social pick-up singles night. We meet weekly with a programme of events to suit a single persons budget. Telephone: (01530) THE SOCIAL ORGANISATION FOR SINGLE PEOPLE Meeting weekly, we have a two month programme of events. Drinks evening on alternate Fridays at a local hotel. Alternate Saturdays, events are organised at various venues. Some Sunday events. Give us a call and see how you can get involved? Find us online at: amicussocial.org or amicussocial@googl .com LIVE FOR TODAY PLAN FOR TOMORROW PARTY TONIGHT Let people know about YOUR business by advertising in the OUR Community magazines serving local people living in Ibstock, Whitwick, Ashby and the surrounding areas MAGAZINE ADVERTISING FROM JUST 23 PER MONTH PER ISSUE - AND NO VAT! Call us now on: or info@yourcommunityvoice.net 20,000 copies delivered every month! Reaching homes and businesses throughout Ibstock, Whitwick, Ashby De-La-Zouch and the surrounding areas Affordable and effective advertising rates Trusted by local residents & businesses Offering not just adverts but a good read too, with regular features, puzzles etc Professionally edited and designed! The Old Dairy Restaurant Thursdays Steaks & Burgers 6pm-9pm, Bar 11pm Friday & Saturdays Hearty Bistro Main Menu And Specials Board. Serving 6pm-9pm, Bar 12pm Sunday Lunch Lamb Pork Beef Turkey Serving 12 noon - 4pm 10 Church Road Kirkby Mallory Leicestershire LE97QE All Menus & more online Reservations now being taken For Mothers Day Sunday March 31 st Beautiful, decorative aggregates delivered straight to your door. Available in both loose tipper lorry loads and bulk bags. For more information, please contact our friendly team on or visit We accept all major Debit and Credit Cards as payment. February Special TWO for ONE On Main Courses Except Steaks Every FRIDAY & SATURDAY In February Bookings Only Phone Central Lincs Flint Special Valentines Day menu Served on the Thursday 14 th Friday 15 th & Saturday 16 th Menu online bookings only We also stock good quality Topsoil and Bark Mulch! Ask us for more information Central Buff Chippings Central Blue Slate page 32 page 33

18 Voted Best Small Business Ibstock Flooring & Blinds Our new and improved Shop at Home Service, has managed to reduce our overheads significantly allowing us to pass on savings directly to our customers, who we have served in Ibstock and the surrounding areas for the past 5 years. Great Products! Great Service! Even Better Prices! Unbeatable Savings! Ibstock Flooring & Blinds Tel Mobile: descrane@virginmedia.com 8 Laud Close Ibstock Leicestershire LE67 6NL On the road! Provide any High Street quotation and we will beat it! Black Dog Therapy Swan House, Market Bosworth Kate Choppen is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and OldPain2Go Practitioner. Kate can help you to navigate and resolve issues such as: Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Pain, Confidence, Weight Loss & Body Confidence, Habits, Sleep Disorders and so much more. For more information or a free consultation contact Kate on or blackdogtherapy@gmail.com GET YOURSELF NOTICED The Community Voice offers a design and print service based in the heart of Ibstock utilising over 30 years of experience within the commercial printing and graphics industry. We can provide initial concepts through to the final product with professional advice and personal service every step of the way. To find out more, or to discuss your needs simply call us on: or info@yourcommunityvoice.net Alternatively, just pop in to see us at 57 High Street, Ibstock Leicester LE67 6LH Mobility Scooters Great range of pre-owned mobility scooters, rise & reclining chairs and wheelchairs Part Exchange We don t just want Sales & Repair to sell you any scooter... Cleaning & Valeting We want to sell you Servicing the RIGHT scooter! 3 months warranty All scooters supplied fully serviced Batteries supplied & fitted free At Coalville Market: TUES 8am-2pm FRI/SAT 8am-4pm Or call (Andy) / (Malc) Personal one-to-one service A can-do approach and attention to detail Competitive rates quoted Apple Mac created design solutions Latest pre-press technology and proofing High quality litho and digital print Print finishing Large format print and display materials Fulfilment and delivery QUALITY DESIGN, PRINT & DISTRIBUTION SERVICES Painters & Decorators Interior & Exterior Over 30 years business experience No job too big or too small Complete painting solutions Expert decorating work Quality workmanship We focus on customer satisfaction Our services cover Coalville and the surrounding areas OAP s 10% OFF with this advert! For a FREE, no obligation quote, call David on or davenportdavid1963@gmail.com Ibstock Kitchens JA Limited THE ODD ONE OUT! ANSWERS: A) Club B) Diamond C) Heart D) Rake A, B and C are all suits in a pack of cards, whilst D is a garden implement, but it isn t a spade! Therefore D is the odd one out. You can now find The Voice online and on social media! Visit our website: Find us on Facebook: Or on local history QUALITY KITCHENS, BATHROOMS AND BEDROOMS DESIGNED, SUPPLIED AND FITTED All our installations are carried out by our own expert including plastering and tiling PHONE FAX info@ibstockkitchens.co.uk Call us to make an appointment Ibstock Kitchens, 67 Leicester Road, Ibstock, Leics LE67 6HN RUFFLE S FIND THE WORD IS: TRACKING info@yourcommunityvoice.net charity community 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 Ibstock Community Voice, 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics LE67 6LH. To advertise please contact Steve Tilbury on , Hannah Playle or Jayne Massey on page 34 page 35

19 CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET APPRAISAL