Your village paperEditor:Lorraine Jackson101 Stanton RoadSapcote

Tel: 274733 E-mail: jacksonlorraine@hotmail.co.uk

Local Girl Carys wins

Silver Medal

Carys O’Reilly, a 13 year old Sapcote Swimmer, recently returned from competing at her first

ever British National Age Group Championships, with a Silver Medal in the Girls Age 13/14 200m

Breaststroke.  The British Championships took place at Ponds Forge, Sheffield during the last week of July.

Across the final weekend of the qualifying window (which opened in March and closed end May), Carys

qualified with the fastest time in Britain for that event, with a time of 2 minutes 36.11 seconds winning the

East Midlands Regional title.  At the same time, she claimed a clean sweep in all the Breaststrokes, securing

both the 50m and 100m Regional titles too, as well as gaining medals in 400 & 200 Individual Medley (IM)

events  and for the IM Relay team.  In addition to the pool events, Carys had also trained at Stanton Lakes

before competing and winning the Regional 1.5k Open Water Champs at Market Bosworth for Age 14 girls

(during July), to secure her place in the National Open Water final, also held end July.

Carys, who lives in Leicester Road, and is a pupil at St Martins Academy in Stoke Golding, trains at City of

Leicester Squad at Braunstone and in total qualified for six events at the British Championships – which

means that she is within the Top 24 British swimmers for her age group in these events! 

Against really intense competition, Carys was placed first in the heats of the 200m Breaststroke, going into

the British Champs Final with the  fastest time, although slightly short of her qualifying time. The final saw

her time improve her time from her heats to achieve the  brilliant Silver. During the Championships,

nobody beat Carys’s qualifying time, so Carys for the moment retains the No 1 position for her age group in

that stroke, which puts her in a great position at the start  of her next season.

Having this  experience and getting into three British pool finals, winning the British Silver medal in 200m

Breaststroke and coming 6th

overall nationally in the 1.5k Open water final  is a massive achievement and

highlight of Carys’s swimming career to date.  Training will step up from September as Carys moves up

into the Senior Elite squad at City, with training before and after school on most days, so for the moment,

she’s taking a well deserved break with a complete month away from any kind of swimming...!

SAPCOTE NEWS Published by SRGMC

(Sapcote Recreation GroundManagement Committee)

SRGMC has no opinions on the articles in this edition

All articles submitted will be included in the earliest edition where possible, and the editor on behalf of the SRGMC reserves the right NOT to publish any material deemed to be unsuitable.

The views and opinionsexpressed in this and any edition are NOT those of the editor unless detailed accordingly

DEADLINE FOR NEXT SAPCOTE NEWS

All articles and adverts to be forwarded to the editor by:

12th November 2017

Sapcote NewsSapcote News

Page 2 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

Stitch in time ………….

Jeans & Trousers shortened from £8.50

Dresses shortened from £10Zips replaced from £10

Call Marilyn Brown31 Castle Close, Sapcote

Tel: 01455 273135or email

marilyn.a.brown@hotmail.comfor appointment

SORRY NO CURTAINS

HIRE THE PAVILIONAvailable to hire by the hour / day

Includes kitchen facilities, tables /chairs, baby changing facilities, disability access

Suitable for private parties / functions, exercise classes, social groups, meetings

For more information please telephone Tony Griggs 01455 274245 or 07816 951636

Page 3 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

Letters to the Editor

Just a last minute reminder that the above event is taking place later this month on Friday 29 th September at the Sapcote Pavilion and to let everyone know we have some special Golf related Raffle prizes as well as our usual Bill of Fare. Please put the date in your diary, we look forward to seeing you there. Jenny and the team

Hinckley Round Table

"It may be a long time ago, but it'll soon come round again. Hinckley Round Table wanted to once again thank the everso generous folk of Sapcote as they rallied at Christmas time, greeting Round Table members and Santa, collecting for local charities and good causes. Santa also wanted to say a big thank you to Sapcote Scout Group who helped collect on the final Friday before Christmas. 

Chairman Neil Tyack added, 'this year, we collected £711, a record collection for one night in the history of Hinckley Round Table. It's an astonishing amount and we can't thank people enough. Social media has played a big part in raising awareness of the Round Table and their own Hinckley Santa with the latest apps allowing children to follow the movement of the sleigh as it toured the village and surrounding areas. Children and adults can follow the sleigh route for Xmas 2017 on www.hinckleysanta.com

"Rest assured, we'll see you all once again in the line up to Christmas" For further information on how to get involved, please contact Neil on 07976416967

Page 4 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

Letters to the Editor cont’d

Dear Editor

"This place is really scary,” those were the words my grandchildren said last winter.

And what they were talking about was the slippery under foot, overgrown and dark walk way between Harecroft Crescent, past the Bath House to Stanton Road.

And right now, it looks even worse and it's still supposed to be "summer".

Please, those that are responsible for its upkeep, would YOU, please walk through it at dusk !

And then I'm sure you Will feel, I hope so, that you need to do something !

Or you might just ignore it and do yet another token tidy up.

Our village is looking real good, with lots of flowers and Marion picking up our litter!

So can we please also have a tidy up of paths that are hidden from sight but are a real nuisance for those who regularly have to use them.

A normally" happy resident " Berendina Williams

Dear Editor

On June 14th 1992 I received a letter from the then, Clerk of Sapcote Parish Council, offering me the job of village monitor (litter picker) for a one month trial period.

I have now completed 25 years, keeping the village tidy, and would like to take this opportunity to thank the Parish Council especially the clerk, Mr Mike Guntrip, for all their support during this time.

Thank you also to all the villagers who take the trouble to stop me when I am walking around the village and say what a good job I am doing and how nice the village always looks. It’s very pleasing to know that it is appreciated, and I hope that I shall be able to carry on for a while longer yet. It would be very interesting to know how many miles I have walked during these 25 years.

Once again, many thanks Marian Cross

Page 5 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

Letters to the Editor cont’dDear Editor

I am writing to Sapcote News in response to the Annual Report of the Chairman of the Parish Council.

I have been very disappointed that the response to housing developments in the vilage has seemingly been universally negative. I am also not confident that this can be a representative view of the Sapcote residents and the lack of engagement with the consultation exercise on the Fosse Villages Neighbourhood Plan is indicative of this.

I fear the voices being heard loudest are those of the objectors and I am struck that one of those campaigning with flyers himself moved into an earlier development. The increase in housing provision in Leicestershire has been striking but essential. I see no reason why Sapcote should be exempt from meeting that need.

There is a corresponding need for improvement to local services and infrastructure, but there are also many positives, the vulnerable bus service written about elsewhere in the report might even become more viable.

It should be of far more concern that access to the M69 towards Birmingham will greatly increase the traffic flow through the village, including heavy goods vehicles, because this would just be unsafe for all of us.

Helen Taylor

SAPCOTE GOLF SOCIETY

Did you know that the Village has a small golf society. We generally play at the weekend, usually on a Sunday from the end of March to October.

We play anywhere within a 50 mile radius. The society is open to all and is a fun day out.

The general format is a full English breakfast and 18 holes of golf.

There is a Captains Day and an end of season Player of the Year day.

You do not have to a brilliant golfer to play with the society. A general outline of the rules and etiquette is all that is required.

If you would like any more information about the Golf Society, then please give me a ring, Andy Jackson, Fixture Secretary on 07770 473631

We look forward to welcoming new members.

Page 6 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

(East Midlands)The Tree Stump Removal Specialists

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Domestic, commercial and trade work undertakenAvailable across the East Midlands; Local to LeicestershireBusiness friend to Sapcote Community Library

Please call, text or email for a free quotation07737 769247 OR 01455 372016

stumps@stumpbusters-leicandnotts.co.ukwww.stumpbusters.co.uk

Insured and City & Guilds Qualified Mason Bro’s Ltd Sapcote,

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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SAPCOTE NEWSSapcote News is published quarterly and discounts are provided for advertising for:

Full Page £30.00 (1 issue) or £28.00 each (4 issues)Half Page £16.00 (1 issue) or £14.00 each (4 issues)Quarter Page £8.00 (1 issue) or £7.00 each (4 issues)Eighth Page £4.50 (1 issue) or £4.00 each (4 issues)

Pictures can be added at no extra costJust e-mail your advert to Lorraine Jackson at jacksonlorraine@hotmail.co.uk or Telephone 274733

SAPCOTE METHODIST CHURCHLeicester Road, Sapcote

Minister: Rev Tim Woolley 

Page 7 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

01455 635654

www.sapcotemethodistchurch.co.uk or follow us on facebook!  

Enquiries and Information please contact Les Makepeace 01455272415

Room Bookings: Alan Watts Tel 01455 272747

Our Church newsletter can also be found online too!

What’s on? Sunday Service

Our Sunday Service starts at 10.30 am and you are welcome to join us for Coffee has resumed to its original time of after the service.

For children we have children’s church in the church hall. Crafts and activities for all ages.For babies and Toddlers we have a crèche area in the church There is often an Evening Service held on a Sunday too. This can be in the format of a Prayer and Praise, Healing and Wholeness or a discussion group. Log onto our website or check out our newsletter found online for the next evening service.

Café Church 1st Wednesday of each month 7pm Café opens for your evening meal followed by discussion, songs and chat

Messy Church 3rd Sunday of each month - Suitable for the whole family kids and adults alike! – crafts, talks, painting, cooking, sports, games and chat

Finishing with a shared tea – bring along a sandwich or two, or cake to share with your messy church family

Thursday Afternoon Tea 2.30-4.30 A weekly event – all are welcome for tea and cake – come along for a chat and make new friends

Youth Club Year 7 upwards to come join us on a Thursday evening from 7-8.15pm, We provide a space for our young people to hang out, play games and eat snacks! Fancy an oreo milkshake?Contact Ben on 07720977145

SAPCOTE HERITAGE GROUP

OUR HERITAGEMembers of the Heritage Group were pleased to man a stall at Sapcote Community Library’s Summer Fayre in May. It created a lot of interest from visitors. Photographs of the work of the Heritage Group were on display as well as many folders of work on the History of All Saints Church,

monument, cover the period from when it was a motte and bailey castle to its development as a fine manorial site. Sapcote was included in a major exhibition on the Castles of Leicestershire and Rutland at Donington Manor before going on to other museums in the county. It has also been included in a recent book on Medieval Leicestershire.

Page 8 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017 the William Spencer Letters, excavations undertaken in the 1950s and 1960s on Sapcote Playing Fields Castle and Manorial site, excavations on the Roman Villa Site and an illustrated history of the Basset family. There were also folders of illustrated histories of Sapcote Water and Windmills, Sapcote Bath and the House of Industry.

A LOOK AT OLD SAPCOTE.Having taken the University of the Third Age (U3A), Countesthorpe branch on a part village walk last year, Parish Heritage Warden, Keith Hextall was requested to continue round the remainder of the village. Using old photographs from Sapcote Heritage Collection stops were made at relevant points on the walk to enable the group of walkers to look at the village as it is now and to see a photograph of the same view as it was over the last century. In some cases the scene has changed out of all recognition.

FROM CASTLE TO CHURCHFor the first time Sapcote was asked to participate in the Leicestershire and Rutland Festival of Archaeology which ran from Saturday 15 th – Sunday 30th July. Keith Hextall as Sapcote Parish Archaeological Warden agreed to lead a walk on Thursday evening, 27th July entitled from Castle to Church, After several downpours during the day the sun shone on the 20 plus participants, some locals and others from such diverse places as Diseworth, Nailstone, Glenfield and Leicester. Photographs of the excavations were shown to illustrate what had been found and what is actually under the ground. Comments were made about what a wonderful building the manorial site would have been, after seeing some of the architectural finds that had been uncovered. The remains under the playing fields, which are now a scheduled ancient

The walk continued to All Saints Parish Church, one of the few collegiate churches in Leicestershire. After a look round the outside of the church the group were able to visit the interior where they viewed the Norman font, a medieval gargoyle and the grave of the last Lord Basset. Keith was able to read from a full copy of Lord Basset’s will. This gives a wonderful description of his directions for his funeral and tells of the personal possessions he left together with the vast amount of money left to numerous religious orders. He also left money to his tenants and personal staff. The evening ended with refreshments in the Church Hall provided by the Heritage Group. Proceeds from the evening were donated to All Saints Parish Church Organ restoration fund.

DOWN ON THE FARMThanks to members Derek and Mary Forster the Heritage Group once again spent an enjoyable social evening at their Leire home. Marquees had been erected on their lawn and an area had been set aside for the faith supper brought along by members. Once again Mary had organised a quiz which kept everyone puzzling. There was an entertaining talk on old Leire and members had been asked to bring along their favourite holiday photograph and their favourite piece of music. The best holiday picture was judged to be one of Margaret Hextall ‘dancing’ alongside the statue of Eric Morecambe in Morecambe. The group really appreciate this relaxing evening and thank Derek and Mary for all their hard work in making it such a success.

Page 9 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

SAPCOTE HERITAGE GROUP cont’d

TO THE MANOR BORNA perfect July afternoon saw Heritage Group members wending their way to the 1620s House and Garden at Donington le Heath near Coalville. Formerly Donington le Heath Manor House, it has undergone a stunning refurbishment in order to tell the story of its former owners and residents.This rare and beautiful house is a surviving example of a family home built in the 13the century and then modernised in 1618. The house has been home to many families over its 700 year history. The Digby family, which included the Gunpowder Plotter Sir Everard Digby, lived in the house for over two hundred years. It is towards the end of the Digby ownership that the newly refurbished house is focussed, showing how people lived in late Elizabethan and early Jacobean times.Group members were given a guided tour of the beautifully restored period rooms and at the same time learned about the history of the house, the families that lived there and about life in the 1620s.After partaking in drinks and huge slices of home made cakes we continued with a tour of the beautiful 17th century style gardens, an orchard, herb garden and maze.

At the end of the tour members were each given season tickets entitling them to visit the house free of charge at any time for a year

.

FUTURE PROGRAMMESeptember 21 – The Castles of Leicestershire and Rutland – Richard KnoxOctober 26 – ‘Wonderful, Wily, Wicked Wallis’ – Julie EdeNovember 16 – It Started with a Barrel – A Sapcote Girl’s Story from WW1 to WW2 – Keith HextallDecember 7 – Christmas Social and Faith SupperAll indoor meetings are held in All Saints Church Hall at 7.30pm. Please contact Keith Hextall on 01455 274662 for details.

Celebrating 50 Years of Voluntary Service

A party of approximately 35 people gathered in the gardens of the Stanley Burroughs Almshouses, Sapcote on Saturday 8th April to celebrate the work carried out by Derek Hincks as a trustee over the past 50 years. Derek who celebrates his 90th birthday this week has decided to call it a day and was joined by his family, friends, local dignitaries, present residents and fellow trustees to plant a rowan tree in the garden and unveil a plaque in recognition of his services to the trust. Derek was thanked for his unwavering service over the years by the present chairman, Mike Newton and Derek responded rather lightheartedly by saying he thought he was only ever recruited in the first place because he worked in the bank and it was felt he would be the only person in the village who could balance the books. This work was to carry on for more than 50 years. Everyone was then treated to a tour of one of the almshouses by courtesy of resident Louise Towers before taking refreshments in the parish church hall where Derek really enjoyed catching up with all his family and friends.

Page 10 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

Sapcote Community Library Celebrates First Year Success!Sapcote Community Library celebrated its first highly successful year of operation with an informal party in its Church Street premises in the last week of July. Library volunteers and Parish and District Councillors were invited to the celebration to thank them for their support and help, without which the committee could not have succeeded in launching the community library venture.In 2016 Leicestershire County Council had determined that it could no longer fund the County’s smaller libraries, which would therefore have to close in very short order. With Parish Council support, the community decided to grasp the opportunity to set up the Sapcote Community Library: a management committee and a dedicated charity was formed, and a group of volunteers was recruited and trained. Since taking over the Library 12 months ago, the group has radically changed the activity levels and range of services that Sapcote Library offers the village. This change has resulted in the highest increase – 136% - in membership of any of the 36 Leicestershire Community Libraries. The new and enhanced facilities now include: -

Additional opening hours, giving more access to the library’s 6 internet connected computers, high quality colour printing and photo copying.

Monday coffee mornings

Twice monthly Story and Rhymes sessions for under-fives.

Monthly book club meetings and special interest activities for children.

Second hand book and DVD sales.

Surgeries for our M.P. Alberto Costa and Local Councillors.

Community Events like this year’s highly successful Summer Fayre.

Additionally, the library grounds have been radically smartened up and replanted, making an attractive open space for events and improving the appearance of Church Street in general.

Leicestershire County Council continues to supply the Library’s books and I.T. systems; but everything else is run and funded by the Sapcote Community Library’s volunteers and fundraising! Their success means that more volunteers are urgently needed.The activities requiring support include counter service, building maintenance, fundraising and book stock management. Working in the library provides many opportunities to get to know what is going on in the village and to make new acquaintances and renew old friendships, even in some cases from schooldays!

Page 11 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

The Sapcote Community Library Committee would like to thank all the current volunteers for their help and support. If you are unable to volunteer yourself, why not become a “Friend of Sapcote Community Library” – which only costs £5.00 a year, and support the library. In addition, the current innovation of the “Business Friends of Sapcote Community Library” has generated excellent support from the village’s local business. This will help to ensure that the village’s children and teenagers can continue to add to their education, general knowledge and enjoyment though books and other Library activities. These businesses, that have demonstrated their commitment and support of the Sapcote Community Library, will be receiving full acknowledgement and recognition. So please, if you have a local business, join in and support the maintenance and development Sapcote’s future facilities.

Contacts Volunteer Co-ordinator – Mrs. Lorraine Jackson – 01455 274733 – lorraine.jackson@sapcotelibrary.com

Secretary – Mrs. Teresa Lee – 01455 272496 Secretary@sapcotecommunitylibrary.org.uk

Page 12 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

Stepping Stones PreschoolMethodist Church, Leicester Road, Sapcote

Learning Through Play !established for 20 years

Offering excellent care, fun and friendsin our bright airy setting with a lovely outdoor space

for outdoor play – everyday!

Call us to arrange a visitto see what we can offer your child

Or visit our facebook page at:Stepping Stones Preschool Sapcote

Tel: Sadie on 0758 6306640or email: Claire.steppingstones@gmail.com

Stepping Stones is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all childre

Page 13 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

ALL SAINTS CHURCH SAPCOTE Welcomes you to Sunday Worship11am Morning Worship is lively and relevant for all the familyTIGA – Trust in God Always – Youngsters aged 5-14Sunday mornings at 11.00am, starts in the Church and continues next door in the Church Hall. For details of when they are meeting please contact Rachael Matthews 0116 286 7989. Toys are provided for children under 53.30pm Evening Worship (3rd & 5th Sundays)3.30pm worship is quiet and traditional

www.allsaintschurchsapcote.co.ukMESSY CHURCH – Usually held on the First Sunday in the month, in Church at 4.00pm. Fun activities for all the family. Starts in All Saints Church followed by light tea in the Church Hall next door. They will meet on 3rd September,1st October, 5th November and 3rd December.

LITTLE SAINTSOn Monday mornings in All Saints Church Hall next to All Saints Church, young children and their carers meet for two hours to meet up with other children, play with the toys and have some refreshments. The children, boys and girls aged 4 or under are all welcome. As a lot of the 3 and 4 year olds have moved onto School, Pre School and more formal play groups, we do have a number of spare places on the register. All we ask is a donation per child of £1 or less each Monday they attend. If you are new to the village with young children or have recently had a baby join your family, we would be pleased to meet you. Our hall is small so we only have 25 children on the register. For further details, please call Margaret Riley 01455 271595 or e-mail me at: msriley123@btinternet.com All Saints Church building, which has good heating, lighting, sound and hearing loop systems, can be found on Church Street near the junction with Cooks Lane. For enquiries about baptisms/weddings contact the Rector Rev Mick Norman on 272215. The adjacent All Saints Church Hall (next to Sapcote Library) has kitchen, toilets and baby changing facilities, It is used by our children’s groups on Sunday mornings and by other community groups during the rest of the week. For enquiries about All Saints Church hall bookings contact Christine Glover on 274597.ALL SAINTS “DROP IN GROUP”Everyone is invited to join the Drop In Group held in All Saints Church Hall, Sapcote held twice a month on Tuesday mornings at 10.15am. They enjoy a cup of Tea or Coffee with hot buttered toast and marmalade. We have time to chat and enjoy the company often with jokes and lots of laughter. The morning lasts about an hour. There is no charge but small donations are always welcome. Dates – 5 th and 26th September, 10th and 24th October, 7th and 28th November and 12th December.

Our Mission Statement:All Saints Church, Sapcote belongs to the world wide Christian family. In response to God’s love for us, we will:

Love God Love others as ourselves Make Jesus known to others

FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE TELEPHONE REV. MICK NORMAN TEL: 01455 272215

OTHER DATES

Sunday 8th October – Concert by Heart of England Recorder Orchestra (HERO) in memory of Liz Hextall, and proceeds to All Saints church Organ Restoration Fund (see advert Page 17)

Sunday 12th November – 10.45am Remembrance Service at the War Memorial, Church Street followed by refreshments in the All Saints Church Hall

Page 14 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

WI NEWSSummer with the W.I. The warmer months see the ladies of the W.I. venturing further from the Methodist Church Hall, in body and in mind. Our May meeting is a reminder that we are part of an influential organisation called upon to advise Government and other bodies of the opinions of ordinary people. Each year at National Conference various resolutions are debated by delegates from groups of W.I.s who have already discussed the proposals at their monthly meeting. So the delegates can make informed decisions and vote accordingly. At our May meeting we discussed whether loneliness in the community can be reduced by statutary intervention or volunteers, and whether Government should be more proactive against pollution by microplastics.We followed the serious business with some fun. Patsy and Ian Paterson had brought a Maypole and members learned some basic moves creating a twisted pattern of ribbons on the pole. Most were very neat, much to the amusement of the observers who anticipated total confusion and tangle. Ian valiantly anchored the pole by standing on the base and suitable tunes were played on a recorder.As part of the community of Sapcote, the W.I. manned (womaned) a stall at the Village Fayre held on June 3 and hosted by Sapcote Library. This was a great success, thanks to perfect weather and the support of so many groups. Another community initiative we plan to support will be litter picking with Mary Eales, chosen as part of our Federation Centenary Challenge.The speaker at the June Meeting was Rev. Canon Alan Haydrick, who told amusing anecdotes about his life as a country vicar. Though modest in appearance and attitude he had his audience rolling in the aisles. In July we look forward to a day trip, this year we went to Blenheim Palace.

In August we visit Sapcote Garden Centre for a demonstration and tea party and following the visit of Nic Hamilton to the Spring Council Meeting a trip to Barnsdale has been organised for September.During the summer members have also enjoyed Strawberry Fair at Stoney Stanton, a cookery demonstration at Brooksby and represented Sapcote in the Federation Quiz. Each month brings something different organised by County Federation or High Cross Group, some prove to be more interesting than the title would suggest. In November High Cross Group invite all to a Murder Mystery evening at Sapcote Club - I can hardly wait!Sapcote WI go to Blenheim Palace“It is a truth universally recognised…” or at least by members of Sapcote W I, returning from a trip to Blenheim Palace on July 10th, that without the enthusiasm and dedication of Boun Norton, the guide from the Education department who gave us a talk followed by a tour, the visit could have been as dry and dusty as the terraces and pathways of the formal gardens.38 members and friends left the village promptly on a glorious summer morn, clutching umbrellas or walking sticks as appropriate. We arrived on time for the talk, ‘Hatches, Matches and Despatches’ organised by Audrey Malkin and enjoyed coffee and biscuits, as Boun told us about marriages arranged to create links with other aristocratic families and other liaisons that were not quite so above board.

Blenheim was the gift of a grateful nation’ made by Queen Anne following the battle victories of John Churchill However he died before the grand scheme was completed and

Page 15 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

WI NEWS cont’d

it was the vision and determination of the Duchess, Sarah that created the dynasty and its estate. She was able to influence the law to allow the eldest child to inherit, as in so many of the generations the eldest son had died prematurely-(you might guess at a reason for this). In later generations the family was one of the first to contemplate divorce. We heard anecdotes about other famous family members down the years, including Sir Winston, and Princess Diana.After the customary group photo using the Palace as a backdrop, we had time for a snack before our conducted tour of the Palace. Boun told us of the different ways that visitors were welcomed, according to importance, from being met by the porter in the hall to reception by the Duchess in the principal Reception room now used by the family for Christmas Dinner at a table that can seat over 40.- And the front door key as big as a table tennis racket! There were portraits, but no landscapes, one of the dukes table that can had sold the lot! Similarly in the Library there were plenty of books, but they’d been bought by the metre to replace the valuable books sold by another naughty Duke. We completed our tour by visiting the chapel

where the memorial to yet another Duke dominates the North wall, the altar was insignificant and the organ tucked under the stairs, the organist must have needed a thick skull.There was plenty of choice of places to eat, we chose the Water Terrace café, where we could get cooked meals, various salads, or indulgent scones (ask Gill) and could sit in the fresh air with a mist from the fountains and feel like we were in Versailles.We climbed the terraces and explored the rose garden, passing stately beech and oak trees whose quirky sculptural trunks had featured in Harry Potter films – apparently. Just time then for a retail opportunity – my sister in law’s silver wedding – before returning to the coach to compare experiences.There is so much more to Blenheim than I had realised, its all in the detail and I haven’t the space to tell more here but it certainly warrants a return trip.And what about that outlandishly dressed couple who appeared in different places in different outfits? An art installation? A wager?

Congratulations toConkers Before and After School Club based at All Saints C of E Primary School,

Bassett Lane, SapcoteAfter a recent OFSTED report they were awarded OUTSTANDING in May

2017

Just some of the comments made: Staff create an exceptionally welcoming and enabling environment for children.

They show deep interest in children's learning and have high expectations. This results in children who are extremely eager to engage in activities and show high levels of motivation and self-esteem.

Children are robustly supported when they start at the setting. Staff vigilantly gather information about children and take time to learn about their likes and dislikes. This helps them to plan a developmentally challenging environment to meticulously meet all children’s needs.

Page 16 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

Page 17 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

HEART OF ENGLAND RECORDER ORCHESTRA

Pictured above are H.E.R.O who plan to perform a special memorial concert for the late Elizabeth Anne Hextall, a local musician and music teacher, on Sunday, October 8 from 4.30pm in All Saints Parish Church, Sapcote.As one of her many and varied musical activities, Liz was for some twenty years a member of this group of enthusiastic and experienced recorder players. They will travel to Sapcote from all parts of the country to play many kinds of music in Liz’s memory.Their programme will include renaissance, baroque, classical and modern, original recorder pieces and arrangements, played on all sizes of recorder – sopranino, descant, treble, tenor, bass, great bass and contrabass under the baton of their conductor Michelle Holloway.Two H.E.R.O. members Gay and Alan have also promised to bring along their set of handbells to demonstrate why they proved such a popular act on TVs ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ some years ago.The musical evening will hopefully feature other guest appearances by Liz’s friends.Tickets, price £6, accompanied children free, are now available from churchwarden Christine Dixon on 272886 or Keith and Margaret Hextall on 274662. After expenses all proceeds are to go to the parish church’s Organ Restoration Fund, as did over £1,000 in kind donations at Liz’s funeral last Autumn.

Page 18 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

POETS CORNERHogging the Limelight in the Moonlight

Sit still, sit so still, so it will still move overyour feet, as it did (if we were there)around 15 million years ago.See it, see it go: snuffling, snorting, stumbling,(can’t see a thing), nocturnal and extant(by eating the odd ant), surviving, thriving, despiteapocryphal tales of being baited, baked by gypsies…this land rover tires of being squished by tyresand run over by Land Rovers.

Begging y’pardon, but in our garden:y’see, in our naivety, if you live rurally,we thought everybody had at least one of thesespecies of creature would feature on their lawn,to roam and adorn with ‘calling cards’ outsidetheir home.

It, er… ‘goes’ as it goes, eats shoots, and leaves,defecating behind its toes; celebrating the onlyspiny mammal that can travel up to six miles an hour.

‘Our’ animal: come shorter days with less of the sun’srays, after having hopefully, happily (bit prickly you know), procreating, now thinks of hibernating.

So as in Formula 1, it’s not too late to formulate:Box Box Box, get into the…(“don’t want to get into the”…)

See it in sight, but only at nightand the only disturbance is a croak by a frog,leaving a box for a precious hedgehog.

David Allinson August 2017

My Childhood DaysWhen I think of my childhood daysHow different they were in many waysWe had no electric or water laid onAnd heated the house with a coal fire, just oneWe sat at night with an oil lamp, to seeA book we were reading or drawing, dear meHow things have changed for the better no doubtBut those were the days I’m thinking aboutThere were no flush toilets as we have todayBut one up the garden twelve yards awayAnd if at night we needed to goWe had to light our way by a candle glowWe walked to school a mile awayNo buses to take us, as they have todayWe seemed a lot safer when we were outWe played in the road, no cars aboutWe learned our Times TablesSo our sums we could doThere were no calculatorsTo help us throughThere were no televisionsIn those far off daysAnd the Wireless had headphonesTo hear the music it playedOur dear mum gave us a pennyFor our Saturday treatsWe went to the village shopAnd spent it on sweetsSo those were the daysWhen I was still youngWe didn’t have much moneyBut we still had our fun!!Hewins Gilbert, age 97

Page 19 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

ALL SEWN UP! CLOTHES ALTERED TO SUIT YOURepairs and alterations of clothes,

wedding dresses & curtainsFittings available by AppointmentFor a friendly, professional service

Tracey   - Sharnford Tel: 01455 274833

ORMobile  0775468423

SAPCOTE ART CLUBThe Sapcote Art Club regroup of

Monday 4th September 2017

We have now arranged for a professional Artist from

Hinckley to visit and give expert advice, lessons and inspiration

Anyone interested in joining our club, please contact Jo on 01455 272156

Opening TimesDay AM PM

Monday 9am – 12.30Coffee Morning

Closed

Tuesday 10am – 12 noon 5pm – 7pmWednesday Closed Closed

Thursday Closed 2pm – 5pm

COME TO SAPCOTESapcote Club

Hinckley Road Sapcote

Sessions every Tuesday at 5.15pm & 7pm

For further details contact

Claire 07796 434882

Page 20 of 20 Q3 – July – September 2017

Friday Closed 2pm – 5pmSaturday 10am – 1pm ClosedSunday Closed Closed

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDWe have a committed set of volunteers, but

there is always room for more. Do you have a few hours you could spare?

Have some fun, hours to suitPlease pop in and see what we are achieving!

Become a Friend of Sapcote Library?Now we are a community Library we need to raise monies to keep the library going so by becoming a Friend of the Library for a small

annual fee of £5 – you will assist us. You also get a vote at our AGM.

Please pop in for a form or email us at admin@sapcotelibrary.com

Sapcote Stories, Songs and Rhymes

For the under 5'sFirst Saturday of the month

11am – 11.30amSecond Tuesday of the month

11.00am – 11.45amShare stories, songs, rhymes and

a craft to take home FREE!Donations towards overheads will be

appreciated

Tea and coffee morningsStart the week on a high note.

Drop in any Monday morning for tea, coffee, cake and biscuits

between 09:30 – 12:30. Meet your friends and make new ones!

Why not pop in for a chat or a quiet read?

OUR BUSINESS FRIENDS

David Pearce (Electrical Contractors) Ltd