Rutland: Much in Little

Check out this post on my new blog 'Snapshots of Britain'

Snapshots of Britain: Rutland: Much in Little

Help shape countryside and urban access in Leicestershire

If you enjoy walking and riding in the countryside, or are interested in exploring the local area, you are invited to apply to join the Leicestershire Local Access Forum.

The forum is an independent official body that brings together the diverse views of land owners, farmers, ramblers, horse-riders, cyclists, conservationists and other groups.

Focusing on how people can make the most of the great outdoors, Access Forums were set-up by government to represent all the different fields or areas of interest concerned with public rights of way and countryside access.

Roy Denny, Chairman of the forum, said: "The forum works alongside and advises Leicestershire County Council, and other local authorities and public agencies.

“It helps watch over - and shape the future of – open access land and public footpaths, bridleways, byways, and cycle trails. Anyone who has the time available and who can contribute positively is invited to apply."

Forum members are unpaid volunteers who meet four times a year to debate topical rural and urban access issues, discuss policy and planning proposals, and raise matters of concern.

Lesley Pendleton, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "The County Council values forum members' commitment and contribution.

“The forum means all those with an interest in public access to the countryside can come together and better understand each other's views.”

For a Membership Pack see the web at www.leics.gov.uk/lafapply email accessforum@leics.gov.uk or phone 0116 305 7655 for more details. The closing date for the current round of applications is January 16, 2012.

Rainbows to benefit from X Factor charity single!



One Direction with Sam & Alex
Bolton during their visit to
Rainbows in October

It's great to hear that Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough is going to benefit from the X Factor charity single, a cover of Rose Royce classic ‘Wishing on a Star’. The single has been recorded by the last sixteen X Factor contestants as well as JLS and One Direction, who paid a surprise visit to the hospice in October.

Net proceeds from the sale of the single (launched on 27 November) will go to Together for Short Lives who represent all children’s hospices nationally, including Rainbows. The charity was handpicked by Simon Cowell, who is a patron and has supported the organisation for a number of years. “I have seen first-hand the invaluable care and support they offer to thousands of young people and their families" he said, "so I am thrilled that the X Factor charity single this year will benefit this charity."

Scott Lea of Rainbows said: “It’s amazing to have such an iconic patron as Simon Cowell spreading the word about children’s hospices. Rainbows has been so incredibly lucky recently. The X Factor single, our surprise visit from One Direction and coverage on BBC1’s The One Show is not only helping us to get our fundraising message out there, but more importantly new families have approached us who are in need of our services. We’re so very grateful for all the support.”

For more about Rainbows go to http://www.rainbows.co.uk/

Artist's work explores Leicestershire’s past

A free temporary exhibition exploring the work of John Flower, one of Leicestershire's greatest 19th century illustrators is currently on display at Melton Carnegie Museum.

John Flower worked during the nineteenth century and produced a wonderful array of watercolours and sketches, and was chiefly known for his architectural drawings, many of which were of buildings in Leicester and Leicestershire.

Born in Leicester in 1793 John Flower was apprenticed to a framework knitter in 1806, his interest in drawing and natural talent led him to give drawing lessons before he was twenty years old. He gained the famous Leicester embroidery artist Miss Mary Linwood as a patron and spent a year in London studying with the watercolour artist Peter de Want. He returned to Leicester working as a landscape artist and teacher of drawing.

In 1826 he published a volume of lithographs 'Views of Ancient Buildings in the Town and County of Leicester'. This new exhibition on Flower's life and work is entitled 'A Self-Taught Genius' and is on display at the museum until the end of December.

David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities said:

"John Flower's beautiful illustrations are an inspiration to all those who see them and this exhibition showcases his extraordinary skill and his contribution to the history of Leicestershire. I would urge people to go along to the museum and take a look at the wonderful pieces on display."

The museum is also hosting a range of events and activities for visitors throughout October including:

• Wacky Wellies on Thursday 20th October, 10.15am, 11.30am and 2pm
It’s the season for jumping in muddy puddles so join the museum for this wacky welly workshop. (Free Event - pre-booking is required, all children must be accompanied Tel 0116 3053860)

• Myths and Beasties - Family Learning Sessions every Saturday throughout October for craft based workshops from 10 am-12.
(Free event pre -booking is required. Suitable for children aged 4+ who must be accompanied Tel 0116 3057806.)

For further information about the exhibition or any of the events above, please call: 0116 305 3860, email meltonmuseum@leics.gov.uk or see: www.leics.gov.uk/meltonmuseum.

Free resource packs available to help communities go green

A novel set of free resources to help householders and local communities to reduce their environmental impact has just been launched by the Communities Cutting Carbon project.
Community Greening Packs contain useful gadgets such as energy monitors and water-saving equipment, along with a wide range of useful information from local organisations on how to go green. They are available now for free loan to communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

For more information click here