Category: Clubs and Societies

On a damp Thursday evening, sixteen of us visited the University of Leicester Botanic Garden. We enjoyed a very informative guided walk around some of the well-kept gardens. They are in an area covering 16 acres. 

"The Secret Garden" remains a classic of English children’s literature, having been written by Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1911. The title of the book could aptly be applied to the lovely garden that was the venue for the Illston-on-the-Hill WI annual garden party this summer. The garden was enchanting, the more so because it is secluded and completely invisible from the road.

Illston Abey Cricket Club hosted a T20 white ball cricket tournament in July to raise money for the homeless children in Sri Lanka.

On 30 June Noel Tyler handed over the reins of his Presidency to Paul Kirby. Paul has been a member since the club was chartered in 1987. Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary. The foundation receives donations and uses them to fund projects and provide grants.

As many now know, our founder President was Richard Darke. In memory of Richard we started an award scheme of our own. The award is given, not necessarily based on academic achievement, but for a pupil’s overall contribution during their time at the school.

I’m sorry to begin with some disappointing news. Many of you will remember our annual Comedy Night, which the village has enjoyed for the past five years. You may also have heard that the company behind the Leicester Comedy Festival has unfortunately gone into liquidation. Sadly, we are one of the many groups affected, and we have lost money as a result. We have not received payment for the tickets sold through the website, and as the event was a full house, this amounts to over £1,500.

Next year it's an unbelievable 50 years since ‘The Harborough Singers’ hit the World Stage. Oh, well, alright, it was actually a Salvation Army Hall in Willesden, North London - on 7th May 1977. A small beginning, but it sprouted great things. Half-a-century of fine music making and many, many, memories for many, many people.

Kibworth & Smeeton WI’s summer programme began in June with a craft evening led by Beverley, who gave members a prepared pack containing instructions for making a sheep-shaped keyring.

Saturday 5 September was Mia Ashton’s Junior Captains’ day at Kibworth Golf Club. The event was well attended with 27 junior golfers battling it out over 18 hole, nine hole, and flag 50 competitions. During the day Mia also ran a raffle with all proceeds going towards the captains’ charities (Heartwize and Melanoma Trust). Through the generosity of players and parents, £430 was raised. Mia would like to thank everyone who donated a prize, with some local organisations donating (Farley Country Attire, Jewson Market Harborough, The Co-op, and MB performance golf). The winners on the day were, Oscar Williams (best Gross), Daniel Robinson (best Net), Joshua Buzzard (nine hole) and Harry Wiggly (Flag 50).

Kibworth Allotment Society are looking for new members to join us at our friendly site on West Langton Road, Kibworth.

The recently formed local Leicestershire Right to Roam (R2R) is based primarily in and around Market Harborough. The club has been busy recently campaigning for greater access for those wishing to walk or swim in and with nature.

Dear Editor

Illston Abey Cricket Club welcomed former England spin wizard Monty Panesar to the opening Sunday Cricket T20 tournament at Illston Abey .

With quite a bit to report on this month, I’ll do my best to be succinct.

At our May meeting, Illston on the Hill discussed the Resolutions and dealt with all the business necessary so we could proceed with our quiz, very ably set by Kathy Moss. It was really good fun – entitled ‘Food and Drink’ – it suited all of us. It was an excellent set as all teams were within 5 points of each other. No one actually got full marks, but we were very close. A really good evening which ended in lovely refreshments and catching up with all our friends.