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Ibstock • Ellistown • Heather • Swepstone • Newton Burgoland • Donington-Le-HeathBattram • Ravenstone • Hugglescote • Bagworth • Packington • Snarestone

Issue 7 February 2016

PLUS: The ‘Nobby’ Mystery!Win ‘Mother’s Day’ FlowersIbstock CentralThe Whimsey Inn

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We speak to formerLeicester City captain Matt Elliott see page 7

page 3 the voice

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Welcome... to the latest edition of community Voice!

We’ll have another local landmark quiz in next month’s issue but having met one of our county’s sporting heroes we thought we’d devote the front cover to a photo of Matt Elliott meeting Community Voice magazine editor Steve Tilbury when they got together to have a chat about Matt’s thoughts on the current Leicester City team’s remarkable season and hear all about what he’s up to these days with his ME Sports project, which offers great opportunities for local youngsters. You can find out more on page 7.

Jeff Fowkes Wheels ltdstation road • ibstock • leicester • LE67 6JJ

Tel: 01530 263111 • Fax: 01530 262584

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Opening HoursMon-Fri: 8.30am-5.30pm

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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.

last month’s‘Spot the local landmark’ answer and winner:Well, we were really surprised that January’s front cover landmark seems to have stumped many of you as we have had quite a lot of incorrect entries this time – for a landmark we thought a lot of people would recognise.

It is of course part of the two stone pillars that stand either side of the road at the entrance to Market Bosworth, just after you turn towards the village off the A447.

The winning entry was drawn by Margaret Walker of Ibstock, assisted by Val Charman from the Ibstock Business Centre (pictured right), and this month’s winner is Stuart Baines of Ibstock. Stuart wins a ‘Full English’ for two at The Old School Tearooms, High Street, Ibstock.

Look out for next month’s issue when we will resume our ‘Spot The Local Landmark’ quiz - which is proving to be quite a popular feature!

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MITCH SHAWGeneral BuilderAll building work undertaken

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‘The Voice’ requires disTribuTors in the following areas:

Packington, snarestone, swepstone and

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please contact steve, Hannah or Graham at

The Voice - 01530 267300.

page 4 page 5the voice the voice

Some fifty-five years ago when I was the Ibstock Bobby, if you owned a dog, you had to have a dog license. These cost seventy-five pence (37p) and could be bought at

the Post office. The only exemptions were dogs less than six months of age, guide dogs for the blind and hunting dogs of the pack.

One day I was on duty in the village, when I received a complaint from a local farmer that two dogs had been chasing his cattle. He said that he knew who the dogs belonged to, and I went to interview the owner of the two dogs, a local man in Ibstock. I asked the man if he had licenses for the dogs and he admitted that he hadn’t. I told him that he would be reported on two counts of “no dog license” and two counts of “dogs worrying livestock” I advised the man to purchase two dog licenses for his animals.

The next day when I went on duty, I was informed by a colleague that he receive a complaint from the farmer that the two dogs had been chasing his cattle again, and that the owner had been seen and reported on two counts of “no dog licenses” and two counts of “dogs worrying livestock”.

The following day, I receive a further complaint from the farmer that, yet again, the two dogs had been chasing his cattle. I interviewed the owner of the dogs and reported him yet again for two counts of “no dog licenses” and two counts of “dogs worrying livestock”.

Summonses were subsequently issued and I took these to the man’s address to serve them. At the address, the man’s wife answered the door and I asked to speak to her husband. She said that he wasn’t at home and at the same time, raised her arm and pointed upwards. A young boy was in the house, and I told him to go upstairs and tell his daddy that a policeman wanted to see him. The boy went upstairs and a few seconds later came back, crying and holding the side of his head. He said, “My daddy said he’s not there”. I then went in to the house and upstairs where I found the man, fully dressed, and lying on top of the bed. I placed the summonses on his chest and advised him to attend the Court on the date specified otherwise he would be arrested. The man did attend the Court and was fined for the offenses. I don’t know what happened to the dogs, but there was no further trouble with them.

James ClarkeFormer Sgt. 451b

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KATS ANTIQUE VINTAGE & COLLECTABLES CENTRE2 floors of antique, vintage and collectables including quality gold and silver jewellery,

coins, clocks, hand painted furniture, stamps, pictures, militaria, china, glass, furniture,

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as regular readers will know we have featured articles about the bell tower of Ibstock St Denys Church which is in dire need of

repair. as announced in last month’s issue, and in conjunction with Swadlincote Ski Centre we are holding a raffle, the proceeds of

which will go towards the renovations of the tower.

The prize will be a private ski or snowboard lesson at the centre for a family of four followed by two toboggan rides plus thirty minutes sno-tubing.

Tickets for this great offer can still be purchased from the following outlets:

Ibstock Business Centre – 57 high St, Ibstockhalls Electrical – 10-16 high St, Ibstock

Megans – 80 high St, Ibstock

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Swadlincote Ski Centre for their kind donation and assistance in making this offer.

Win a Free Ski or Snowboard Lesson for a family of four!

Plus two toboggan rides and 30 minute sno-tubing!

Ravenstone Road • Coalville • LE67 3NB

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OPEN: Monday-Friday: 8.30-17.30 Saturday: 8.30-12.30

For those unfamiliar with Matt Elliott’s career at Leicester City, let’s have a little look back to the mid 1990s...Following a play-off win at Wembley in May 1996, Martin O’Neill’s Leicester City are back in the Premier League and fighting tooth and nail to stay amongst the country’s footballing elite. As the season progressed O’Neill recognised the need to add some strength and steel to the centre of his defence. He paid Oxford United £1.6m to bring Matt to Leicester and even though he was cup-tied during Leicester’s successful run to eventual glory in the League Cup final in 1997, Matt made a major impact in the league and helped the club reach a superb final position of 11th in their first season back, with Matt’s winning goal in a late season 1-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday at Filbert Street ensuring their safety.

Matt became a mainstay of Martin O’Neill’s side over the next four seasons as they became an established top-flight club, with consecutive top half finishes and some memorable victories against more illustrious opposition on many occasions in both league and cup. During this period Matt’s leadership and fine example set on the pitch led to him being appointed as club captain, the high-point of which came at Wembley in 2000 when he scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers at Wembley to win the League Cup for a second time in 4 years.

Following O’Neill’s resignation to take the manager’s position at Celtic, and despite a brief period in 2000 when City briefly topped the Premier League, the new manager Peter Taylor found life difficult and City eventually got relegated in 2002. Matt remained loyal to the club and helped Leicester make an immediate return to the Premier League the following season. A persistent knee injury finally brought about an end to his playing career in January 2005, following a brief spell on loan at Ipswich Town in 2005.

Matt will be forever remembered by City fans as a hugely influential, reliable and extremely talented centre-half who also filled in at centre-forward when injuries left the team short of strikers. He weighed in with many memorable goals, not least the two at Wembley and the sight of him lifting the cup is firmly etched in the club’s history. He also went to the 1998 World Cup with Scotland, collecting 18 international caps and one goal for his adopted country.

These days Matt, who still lives in Leicestershire, has many roles... some readers will be familiar with his radio work, alongside Ian Stringer on the BBC Radio Leicester match commentaries of every City game, as well as his other various independent media work on both TV and Radio, often appearing as an expert pundit when Leicester City are involved. He is also the Football Development Manager at De Montfort University and an Ambassador for Lumbers Jewellers!

However, it’s Matt’s sports coaching business, ME Sports, that first brought about his contact with us here at the Community Voice. ME Sports provide instruction to schools, colleges, clubs and independent organisations throughout Leicestershire and the midlands, including a dance and performing arts class at our very own Palace on a Tuesday afternoon!

ME Sports also houses the football specific ‘Matt Elliott Football Development Scheme’ brand, which is well known for it’s academies, centres and clubs throughout Leicestershire. Once again including a SoccerTots session at The Palace Community Centre in Ibstock on a Friday afternoon!

Check out their excellent website at: www.mesports.co.uk

NEXT ISSUE: Matt tells us his views on the current Leicester City and how he sees the rest of the season progressing for Claudio Ranieri’s exciting team!

page 6 page 7the voice the voice

3rd

Meet Matt Elliott... ex-Leicester City captain, media pundit and the name behind ME Sports!

IBSTOCK SOCCERTOTS!Every Friday @ The Palace

Are you fed up of being told that your child can’t play football until they reach 5 years? Well, our SoccerTots sessions in Ibstock are the solution!

Boys and girls can attend with the fantastic opportunity to enhance their fundamental sports skills and early development in football through the

coaching of our vastly qualifi ed and experienced team.

Although our sessions will be technique and skills based, they will be very much about fun and enjoyment for all standards of players, as we aim to

encourage the next generation of children to take part in football. Everybody is welcome to attend. No booking or enrolment needed!

There is no committment required as the sessions are open to everybody on a pay on the day basis at £3.50 per child, Just turn up and play!

Friday afternoons @ The Palace 1.45-2.30pm for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.(NB: A familiar adult is required to stay with each child and take part in the sessions)

For more information or to book a place call

07584 568 937or email: development@mesports.co.uk

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Home visits at a time to suit your needs

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page 8 page 9the voice the voice

THE PALACE HIGH STREET • IBSTOCK

SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY Spitz and Co. Presents

‘GLORIATOR’ Winner – Critics Choice Award

Exeter Ignite Festival 2014.

In 2000 director Ridley Scott brought you Gladiator, an epic film of bravery, honour and sacrifice. Unfortunately Russell Crowe was not available, but we do have Spitz & Co performing “Gloriator”, an awe-inspiring production of bravery, honour... and costumes made out of cardboard! The show has been described as “belly-achingly funny” and “Wildly inventive and hilarious”. Performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8, concs £6, Combo ticket (1 Full & 2 concs) £16. (AGE 12+)

For all your Building and Landscaping requirements

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THE PALACE IS AVAILABLE FOR HIRE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES, CELEBRATIONS & COMMERCIAL USE• Commercial hire packages available at very reasonable rates

• Seats 120 people around tables or 200 in rows

• Well equipped kitchen and bar facilities

• Good disabled access and large free car park opposite building

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

Contact Gary on Tel: 01530 26240 for details of SPECIAL OFFERS to discuss your individual requirementsHigh Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH

REGULAR BOOKINGS: Monday Mosaic Disability Services – 9.30am – 3.30pm. Contact Amanda Tebbutt on 0116 2318720 or 07912 480961. Fitness Pilates class – 7.45pm – 8.45pm. Focussing on core stability whilst improving tone and body alignment through controlled movement. Contact Michelle on 07887 678367.

Tuesday Bubbles Playgroup – 10.30am – 12 Noon. Contact Rachel Seabrook on 01530 452144. ME Sports – 4pm – 5pm. Afternoon dance and movement classes for boys and girls 4 - 14 years. For more info or to book a place call 07584 568 937.Circuit Training – 6.45pm – 7.45pm. Contact Curtis Smith on 07870 498110 or 01455 291656. Tai Chi – 8pm – 9pm. Contact Doug Gerrard on 07969 480684.

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 678367.New Dance/exercise class – 6pm – 7pm. Contact Rose Debney 07562 331041 or e.mail rosemarydebney@gmail.comPalace Players – 7.30pm – 9.45pm. For anyone who is interested in getting involved with any aspect of amateur theatre. Contact the Palace on 01530 262400 for more details.

Thursday ‘Healthy Hearts’ Low Impact Physical Training – 9.30am – 10.20am – A low impact aerobic workout specifically designed for the 50+ age group. Contact Michelle on 07887 678367 50+ Fitness Pilates – 10.30am – 11.30am. Contact Michelle on 07887 678367. Outlook Group – a social group for senior citizens – 1.30pm – 3pm. Contact Elaine Hodgetts on 01530 262400. Weightwatchers Class – 7pm – 8pm. Contact Jo Wyld 07877 281831 or e.mail jwyld@weight-watchers.co.uk.

Friday Tai Chi – 10am – 11am. Contact Michael Cashmore on 07714 215216. Ibstock Soccertots – 1.45 pm - 2.30pm. 2,3 and 4 years. A fun way of learning sports skills. Contact 07584 568937.Childrens Dance Classes – Beginners Ballet 4.00-4.45pm; Beginners Tap 4.45-5.30pm; Musical Theatre 5.30-6.15pm Contact Miss Jessica of Rochelle School Of Dance (established over 60 years in the area) on 01455 636514 or 07949 121442, or email office@rochelle-dance.com

Saturday Community Morning at the Palace – 10am to 12 noon. Every Saturday (except the first Saturday each month) the Palace plays host to groups, organisations and associations from the village, including the Ibstock Historical Society. So if you would like to learn more about what is happening in your community, come along to the Palace. Also a variety of market stalls selling locally produced goods, including delicious homemade cakes, plus produce from Ibstock’s very own Dairy, including milk, butter, yoghurt and cream. Light refreshments available.

FORTHCOMING EVENTSFOR ALL EVENTS WHERE TICKETS ARE ISSUED: Advance tickets: from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Tel: 01530 260460. Tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability). Please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment.

A TRADITIONAL FAMILY PANTO AT THE PALACE

JANUARY 30th – FEBRUARY 6th

Wednesday 10th February - ‘Sharing Bread’ event 5.00 pm til 8.30 pm. Would you like to learn to make fresh bread from scratch for you, your family and friends. ‘Sharing Bread’ is a new community project. To find out more and book a place please contact Gary on (01530) 262400.

Saturday 13th February - Palace Social Dance A very popular evening of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence Doors & bar open at 7.30pm. Dancing from 8.00pm ‘till 11.00pm. Tickets: £5.00.

Sunday 14th February - INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE! 9.00am ‘til Mid-day. Admission 20p. For more details or to book a stall call Gary on Tel 01530 262400. (Also on March 6th).

Friday 19th February - Palace Film Night - ‘McFarland USA’ (PG) Jim White (Kevin Costner) moves his family after losing his last job as a football coach. He sees that some of the students are worth starting a cross-country team with and he turns seven students, with no hope, into one of the best cross-country teams. Enjoy a drink from the bar whilst watching a great film in this unique venue; one of the oldest surviving purpose-built cinemas in the country. Doors/ bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £5.00/£4.00.

Thursday 25th February - PALACE BINGO. A great social night out! Eyes Down at 8.00pm.

Friday 26th February - Little Acorn Production Company proudly present Three One Act Plays with a fish and chip supper. ‘The Drag Factor’ by Frank Vickery. (Drama/comedy). ‘The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish’ by David Tristram (Comedy). ‘Peas’ by David Tristram (Comedy). Doors open at 7:00pm Curtain up 7:30pm. Tickets £12.50 each. (Purchased in advance only.) Please ring Chris Shreeve on 01455 631235. Tickets also available from the Ibstock Palace 01530 262400. Price includes fish and chip supper, cake, tea or coffee. Fully licensed bar available.

Saturday 27th February - Spitz and Co. (CENTRE STAGE) proudly present ‘GLORIATOR’. In 2000 director Ridley Scott brought you Gladiator, an epic film of bravery, honour and sacrifice. Unfortunately Russell Crowe was not available, but we do have Spitz & Co performing “Gloriator”, an awe-inspiring production of bravery, honour... and costumes made out of cardboard! The show has been described as “belly-achingly funny” and “Wildly inventive and hilarious”. Performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £8, concs £6, Combo ticket (1 Full & 2 concs) £16. (AGE 12+).

Sunday 6th March - INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE! 9.00am ‘til Mid-day. Admission 20p. For more details or to book a stall call Gary on Tel 01530 262400.

High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire, LE67 6LH. Tel. 01530 262400SEE OUR WEBSITE www.thepalaceibstock.co.uk FOR MORE DETAILS

Bicycle Safety Event

Micro Bike Lights D-Locks Mini Pumps Hi-Vis Back Pack Covers Hi-Vis Back Packs Bike Bells Mini First Aid Kits

* you must turn up with your bike to receive the FREE offers

Claim your Free*back pack cover

FREE OFFER

Free* cycle marking by

In conjunction with Leicestershire Constabulary and Market Cycles, The Community Voice is holding a bicycle safety event during the school half term.

The event will include free security registering of any adult and/ or children’s bicycles plus the opportunity of a free bike safety check courtesy of Market Cycles.

By registering your bike you will stand a better chance of it being recovered in the event of it being stolen. An absolute must for all of those brand new, shiny bikes received for Christmas!

So come and join us between 11am and 1pm on Thursday 18 February 2016 at Ibstock Business Centre, 57 High Street, Ibstock LE67 6LH.

For more information please call us on 01530 267300.

page 10 page 11the voice the voice

Across1. come into existence (9)7. Desert plants (5)9. Entice (5)10. Paddles (4)11. Pugilist (5)14. Brass instrument (5)15. Wood file (4)18. Magical incantation (5)19. Last letter of the Greek alphabet (5)20. The history of a word (9)

DoWN2. Profit (4)3. country (6)4. Moderate (9)5. Performer (5)6. Pig pen (3)8. rotund (9)12. Downhill ski race (6)13. Lance (5)16. Make a request (3)17. Hard work (4)

FANCY PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO THE TEST?Here’s a bit of fun to get you thinking.(Answers on page 19 - no cheating!)

Football Funnies!My girlfriend just split up with me because she thinks I’m obsessed with football.I’m a bit gutted about it; we’d been going out for 3 seasons.

David Beckham snubbed a move from Los Angeles Galaxy to Paris St. Germain: “French is a hard language to learn and I want to finish trying to learn American.”

When Louis Van Gaal said he thought Manchester United could finish second, I didn’t realise he meant in every game!

Tough game for Aston Villa tomorrow.............Football.

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Ibstock, Leics LE67 6LG(Next to Sunshine Takeaway)

WhY IS IBSToCk CaLLED “NoBBY” or “NoBSTICk”In the January edition of the “Voice” our reader Brian Cockett asked the question “Why is Ibstock known as Nobby or Nobstick?”

Well we have had various suggestions, one of which is that it was a nickname given to the village by miners from the north who came down to work in the local pits.

Brian has heard another story which states that the name is derived from the yardsticks used in the local mines which were topped off with a round nob (hence nobstick).

Paul Smith was born in Ibstock and he was told that the name originated in WW2 when all the road signs were taken down in case any German spies parachuted into the country. Villages were given nicknames – Ibstock being Nobby.

If any person then asked you for directions to Ibstock but didn’t call it by it’s nickname “Nobby” then you could assume he was a spy and report him. Paul still uses the term today and tells people that he is a true “Nobby” whenever he is asked where he comes from.

So, it looks as if the true origination of the term is destined to be disputed for some time to come, although we will still be pleased for any further suggestions as to where the name came from. Of course it may never be solved and be destined to remain as one of the great ‘unsolved mysteries’ of our time, to rank alongside the Loch Ness Monster or the Yeti!

page 12 page 13the voice the voice

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Win a floral bouquet for Mother’s DayMother’s Day is fast approaching, don’t forget it is on 6th March!

So, if you have not already decided what to buy Mum this year and you want to let her know just how special she is, this competition might be the answer!

One lucky reader can win a beautiful bouquet of flowers for their Mum, kindly donated by Colledge’s Florist of Whitwick (see Sue’s advert below).

To enter, tell us in no more than 20 words, just why you think your Mum is the best!

Please send entries, together with your full contact details, to: The Community Voice, 57 High Street, Ibstock LE67 6LH, or email info@yourcommunityvoice.net by Friday 26th February 2016.

All entries will be judged by our editiorial team and will feature in our next issue of ‘Community Voice’. Good luck!

Geographical limit applies for delivery

Situated right in the centre of the high Street in Ibstock, The Whimsey Inn has long been known for it’s great selection of well-kept beers and as a lively social centre. However, under the guidance of the landlady Lisa Anslow, The Whimsey has now been completely transformed with a brand new restaurant section offering a range of dishes to tempt any pallet.

Lisa informed us that after being in Ibstock for eight years, the restaurant was something she had wanted to do for some time and is naturally delighted at it’s completion. Having dined there myself with my colleague, I was really impressed with the tasteful contemporary look of the restaurant and having chosen from the menu I can really recommend the Steak Pie, which was cooked to perfection (not to mention a great pint of Marstons Pedigree).

Another popular addition has been the introduction of a Sunday Roast menu plus all the trimmings, which is available from 12 noon to 3pm, although due to the success of this, it is advisable to book to avoid disappointment.

The Whimsey is now also able to offer catering for all types of events with competitive prices and a menu to suit most occasions.

As well as the restaurant, the traditional attractions are still well catered for with live entertainment and events taking place over the coming months. The Whimsey already has it’s own pool team with a free pool table available and is looking to raise it’s own darts team (ladies and gents both welcome).

With a free car park nearby, a well stocked bar and a very friendly reception plus great service from the staff, we’re certain that The Whimsey can look forward to great success in the coming months.

Come and start 2016 by treating yourself to a meal in our brand new stylish restaurant.

Great range of dishes to suit everyone - from a simple bar snack through to a sumptuous steak cooked to your liking!*

Sunday Roast lunch available between 12 noon – 3.00pm (best to book to avoid disappointment).

Great range of beers available.

You can be sure of a warm, friendly reception as well as great food and service!

* Snacks available throughout the day. Meals served Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 5–8pm. Friday & Saturday 5–9pm.

The Whimsey inn & ResTauRanT92 High Street, Ibstock, LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 260454

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bracelets. Wedding rings made to order.

Hand & Machine EngravingTrophies Available

The Bridge Shop • 39 High Street • MeashamSwadlincote • Derbyshire • DE12 7HR

Tel: 01530 515281 / 07971 411146

Jewellery, sales and repairs

Handmade jewellery

a speciality

page 14 page 15the voice the voice

The old Ibstock Working Mens Club, now called ‘Ibstock Central’ under new owner Pete Lewis and his team, inform us that in less than twelve weeks they have doubled the income of the building and increased footfall three-fold.

We asked what their secret was? “Very simple” said Pete. “Multiple income streams and give people what they want. Although previously there was a lot of passion, there were not the funds to invest to secure a future for the building and in my opinion there was far too much dead space. There were also serious maintenance issues such as the roof and toilets that had to be addressed before any future could be considered. The times where families and drinkers would put up with poor customer service and a crumbling venue are gone. I initially faced some criticism with some of my early decisions (such as reducing the dance floor to include a soft-play area) but I was certain this was necessary for our growth. That’s what I try to focus on, rather than simple survival.”

We asked Pete if he can now release full details of what is going on?! “Happily!” he laughs, “in the big room we have extended the stage to accommodate larger functions and events such as professional theatre shows and the popular soul night and eighties nights. We also fully decorated the room and added in a brand new lighting system which looks brilliant and has received a lot of positive feedback. This is supported by a new disabled toilet and eight new female toilets with baby-changing facilities. In the front bar we have some great darts and pool teams with a keen sporting interest, so we

have installed three big screens with Sky Sports, refurbished the bar and provided new seating throughout. This, coupled with a new sound and lighting system, has really changed the atmosphere and we are busy throughout the week. Finally, in the top half the old big room is what I find the most exciting venture - it is a state-of the art soft play centre that we have opened from 9am daily and called ‘Monkey Central’. In a few weeks this will be complemented by a café serving hot and cold drinks that will also serve the front bar. I know as a parent how costly things can get, so we were very keen to provide a good day out for families for under £5!”

So we wondered, what does the future hold? “In the building, we have large functions throughout the year in the big room, this is in addition to kids party packages being offered by ‘Monkey Central’ and numerous shows with the dance school as professional productions as well. Outside locally, we want to continue our support of local sports teams through sponsorship and drive business forwards throughout the village. We want the local area to thrive and be a place people can walk around for hours, therefore we are actively looking for partners to work with.”

Things are swinging at Ibstock Central!

Forthcoming Live Acts & Events Ibstock CentralSat 6th Feb Enjoy a great vocalist: Chris Richard

(in the front room)Sat 13th Feb Fantastic Vocalist - Andela G (in the front room)Fri 19th Feb Ibstock Soul ClubFri 26th Feb Enjoy the great sound of singer Eddie MartinSat 12th March Honky Tonk Line Dancing PartySat 19th March Northern Soul All-Nighter!Sat 26th March Great Rock ‘n Roll from ‘The Memphis Riders’Thu 31st March Not To Be Missed:

The Absolute Performance Academy Disney DaySat 9th April The MLC Band (in the front room) Fri 15th April Ibstock Soul NightSat 16th April Our very own fantastic ‘Charity Boxing Event’!EVERY WEEK: Line Dancing Lessons Wed Lunchtime from 1pm & Thurday Evening from 7pm

• Brand new state of the art soft play area – sure to delight the kiddies!

• Spacious seating area for families• Drinks and snacks available throughout

the day (new cafe opening shortly)• Open 7 days per week from 9am.• Entry only £3.00 for a family of four!

Ibstock Centraland Monkey Central

IBSToCk CENTraL28 Central ave, Ibstock, LE67 6NFTel: 01530 260336

All rooms

are available

for hire - phone

for details

QUALITY DESIGN & PRINT SERVICES

5 7 H I G H S T R E E T • I B S T O C K • L E I C E S T E R S H I R E • L E 6 7 6 L H

E M A I L • I N f O @ L AT I T U D E D E S I G N a n d P R I N T. C O . U K

Latitude is a brand new design and print service based in the heart of Ibstock utilising over 30 years of experience within the commercial printing and graphics industry.

We provide professional expertise from initial concepts through to the final product with personal service and specialist advice every step of the way.

To find out more, or to discuss your needs simply call us on

0 1 5 3 0 2 6 7 3 4 4 or email us at the address below and discover how we can help steer you on the right course!

• 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

Need to get yourself noticed?

CASH BINGO!Every last Thursday

of the month:Jan 28 / Feb 25 / March 31

RACE NIGHTSaturday 5th March

1st Race 7.30pmheather St Johns FC.

ravenstone roadheather LE67 2QJ

Heather St Johns FCRavenstone RoadHeather LE67 2QJ

Room HiRE AvAiLAbLE FoR:

WEdding’SbiRtHdAy’S

AnnivERSARiESCHRiStEningS

FunERALSCoRpoRAtE FunCtionS

please contact:mick on 07831 511552 or Karen on 07824 777547 for availability and rates

Lawns, borders, hedges, weeding, pruning, digging and any other general garden jobs.Interior and exterior painting, and variousother jobs around the home undertaken:

• Painting fences, sheds and gates.• Interior and exterior painting.• Moss and weeds removed from driveways, patios and footpaths.• Plants and compost delivery.

Call Stephen Holmes on 07944 674813or email: stephenholmes1180@gmail.com

Stephen Holmes Garden Services

• Plants and �owers watered whilst away on holiday.

page 17 the voicepage 16the voice

P H O N E +44 (0) 1530 264 399FA X +44 (0) 1530 264 399

E - M A I L info@ibstockkitchens.co.uk

Ibstock Kitchens, 67 Leicester Road, Ibstock, Leics, LE67 6HN

CONTACT THE EXPERTS

Mark & Sadie welcome you to their friendly, family run showroom based in Ibstock facing the FREE car park (post office end). We specialise in walk-in shower enclosures, bathroom suites and much, much more. Call in now and visit the showroom!!

GREAT DEALS FOR 2016 SUITES STARTING FROM

£450.00 COMPLETE!

To order your free brochure call 01530 816425. Visit our Holiday Centre at Midland Road, Hugglescote, LE67 2FX, or view all our products on-line at www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk ABTA Number Y6278

• Free home pick-ups* • Modern executive coaches • All excursions included^ • No change of vehicle en route • Fully ABTA bonded

• Free home pick-ups*

• Modern executive coaches

• All excursions included

• No change of vehicle en route

• Fully ABTA bonded

Roberts Holidays and Paul James Holidays are part of the Roberts Travel Group*In our designated zone, excluding Cruises and Eurostar Breaks.

Make new friends or catch up with old ones with destinations throughout the UK & Europe

Coach Holidays Have Never Been This Good

We also do specially selected

Cruises & Eurostar

European City Breaks

Coaches holidays have never been this good....With the passing of another fantastic year, roberts holidays has continued to do what we do best! With caring, friendly, welcoming staff, we are happy and grateful that so many of you choose to travel with us.

Although we are expanding our 2016 programme, we will NEVER forget our traditional COACH HOLIDAYS. Bookings for 2016 are extremely promising and we already have many tours that are well into double figures. If there is a tour that you have your eye on but not yet booked, let us know and we will check the availability for you. Please keep giving us your feedback, it is a valuable part of what we do and as the old saying goes, “if you like what we do, tell others, if you don’t then please tell us”. We always strive to ensure that your holidays are the best that they can be. The ladies in the office are more than happy to answer any questions about any destination or hotel.

Our European Programme also continues to flourish, and this year we have a host of exciting destinations in our brochure. Visit the Battlefields of the Somme (2016 is the 100th Anniversary year), Croatia, Colditz and Dresden, Lake Maggiore, Donegal in Ireland or Christmas in Austria! All our European Tours are couriered by an experienced tour manager. Don’t miss your chance to visit Europe in 2016. The world is your oyster and we can’t wait to help you explore it.

Our Day Trips programme has really taken off in 2015, with more of you choosing to travel with us than ever before. 2016 looks set to be another great year for our day trips so why not treat

yourselves to a day out by the seaside, a flower show or a theatre break…visit our website www.robertstravelgroup.co.uk for all of our up to date fabulous days out.

For 2016 we are excited about our new ventures as we branch out into the world of Cruises and travel by Eurostar! We are so encouraged by the uptake for the Fred. Olsen Norwegian Fjords Cruise in May, that we have now added 2 more Fred. Olsen Ocean Cruises and a River Cruise. Why not visit Spain and Portugal or perhaps Madeira and the Canaries for a lovely bit of winter sun? If the bigger ships are not for you, why not take a leisurely river cruise on the Rhine and Moselle? Don’t forget, FREE SECURE PARKING at the depot in Hugglescote and transfers to and from the port are INCLUDED with our Fred. Olsen Ocean Cruises!

Travel by Eurostar to Paris, Brussels or Lille in 2016, with coach transfers included to St Pancras Station! Included in our itinerary is a walking tour of your chosen city with a professional and knowledgeable guide. The rest of the time is yours to explore at your own pace. Prices start from just £299 per person

If you would like more information on any of our Cruises, Eurostar breaks, or European Holidays please give us a call on 01530 816425 or pop down to see the ladies in the Travel Centre in Hugglescote.

Here’s to a great 2016 with our old friends and hopefully our new ones. We send you all our best wishes and hope to see you in 2016!

Margaret Sam and the Holidays Team.

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 or Graham Tyers on 01530 267300.

attention trades people and small businesses!We are still offering ‘Classified’ advertisements, which are an ideal way to advertise your business to our 5000+ readership from just £8 for two lines of text under your business name. Lineage space will also be available for job vacancy notices. If interested please contact us via steve@latitudeprint.co.uk

page 18 page 19the voice the voice

Names to faces #3.... Ibstock Baptist Church Cricket Club:Everyone named thanks to Cyril!We are indebted to ex-player Cyril Clarke for providing all the names to faces on this cricket team photo that we published last month. Cyril believes the photo was taken sometime between 1950 and 1953 and has named everyone as follows:

Back row (l-r): Billy W Ball; Albert Atkins; Norman Smith; Mr Wylman; Mr Smith; John Woodward; Les Millington.Front row (l-r): Mr Millington; Vince Preston; Joe Preston; George Preston; Charlie Edwards; Jack Warren; George (Docker) Adcock.

melBourne roaD • iBstock • leics • le67 6nntel (01530) 260355 • FaX (01530) 262307

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ST DENYS ChUrCh IBSToCk: DIarY DaTES1st Sunday of every month: 10.30am aLL aGE WorShIP - Kiddies with parents

1st Tuesday of every month: 1.30-3.00pm LITTLE FIShES - Mother & Toddler Group

3rd Friday of every month: 3.30-5.30pm MESSY ChUrCh - Hours of Craft & Fun followed by Worship & Food!

MarCh Sunday 7th March: aLL aGE WorShIP For MoThErING SUNDaY

26th May: 10am – 12 noon in Church EGGSTa Morning of Craft & Easter Story

99 Chapel Street • Ibstock • LE67 6HF

01530 261399Late night appointments available

K a t E H E a t H H a I r d r E S S I n g

MobiltyScooters

Great range of pre-owned mobility scooters, rise & reclining chairs and wheelchairs

We don’t just want to sell you any scooter...We want to sell you the RIGHT scooter!Come and see us at Coalville Market:TUESDAY 8am-2pm • FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8am-4pmOr call 07971 207394 (Andy) / 07833 104569 (Malc)

Part ExchangeSales & RepairCleaning & ValetingServicing3 months warrantyAll scooters supplied fully servicedBatteries supplied & fitted free

hEaThEr ST JohNS FC This being our first article for the Community Voice we are grateful to the Editor for the opportunity of letting you know what the football team has been getting up to, first of all let’s introduce the club.

Heather St Johns runs a number of junior, academy, senior and Ladies teams. The senior team play at St Johns Park, on the edge of the village of Heather in the Midland Football Division One league, which is level 6 of the Football Association national structure, the majority of matches kicking off at 3.00pm on Saturdays, July through to May, training Tuesday and Thursdays evenings, Saturday morning for the junior section, Wednesday evening for Ladies.

We plan to summaries the previous month’s matches and let you know about forthcoming fixtures. However, due to the inclement weather leading to the postponement, we have included matches in December and January.

Midland League div 1 sat 9th Jan 2016Pilkington XXX 2-2 Heather st Johns FCAll square at half-way following a Deqwon Ewbanks debut goal and a converted penalty for the hosts, then Saints taking the lead through a Michael Clark free kick only for the glass boys to rescue a point late on.

Heather made a nervous start were under pressure from the team in 5th spot but the hosts never really created any meaningful scoring opportunities and Heather opened the scoring from a Kyle Bishop free kick, delivering great ball into the penalty box for new signing for Deqwon Ebanks making his

debut to slot home. Pilkington equalised through a penalty. The Saints restoring their goal advantage just after the restart only to be denied the 3 points by another penalty.

Midland League div 1 saturday 26th dec 2015Leicester road FC 5-1 Heather st Johns FCThe Saints matched the team 3rd in the league being good for their one a piece score line at half time, Jordan Taylor headed Heather goal, were thwarted by a 5 minute whirl wind second half 3 goal spell, eventually losing by 5 to one, the score line flattering the hosts.

Midland Football league division 1sat 19th dec 15 Heather st Johns FC 3-1 bolehall swifts FC Saints gave new boss Steven Rigby the best possible start. With both teams languishing at the wrong end of the table, Heather deservedly took the points, although the visitors took the lead courtesy of a Ben Minshull inswinging corner, Conor Wright leveled from the spot just before the hour. Sam Carline’s scrambled goal gave Saints the advantage, cemented with 4 minutes remaining by a Jack Jepson goal.

Forthcoming fixtures: St Johns Park (Ample Parking and full refreshments)

saturday 30th January Heather st John’s FC v Littleton FC (Evesham)

saturday 20th February HsJ v bromsgrove sporting FC (formerly bromsgrove rovers)

Tuesday 23rd February 7.45pm HsJ v Nuneaton Griff FC

page 20the voice

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