News Archive
Fun and Festive Christmas Lunch
The Big Village Christmas Lunch, held on Sunday, December 1st 2024 at the village hall, was a resounding success, bringing together the community for a festive feast and cheerful celebration. Diners were treated to a sumptuous meal of perfectly cooked turkey with all the trimmings, alongside delicious vegetarian options. For dessert, guests enjoyed the choice between traditional Christmas pudding and a luscious chocolate cheesecake, both of which received rave reviews. The hall was filled with the warm hum of conversation as friends and neighbours shared stories and laughter, punctuated by the pop and humour of Christmas cracker jokes.
The atmosphere was truly magical, with the soft glow of the Christmas tree lights and the comforting warmth of a roaring log fire. Traditional Christmas music played gently in the background, adding to the holiday spirit. The well-supported raffle was a highlight of the afternoon, raising £170. With the addition of generous donations the event raised over £675, contributing to the ongoing extension and renovation project for the village hall. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and support to make this festive gathering so special!
RBL Poppy Appeal
This year’s (2024) Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal saw outstanding support, with fantastic contributions from individuals and communities. A big thank you to Eleanor and Graham Spence for their tireless dedication in raising an impressive £487.85 in Goadby Marwood. Their contribution added to a great district total of £5,634.85, reflecting the local community's heartfelt commitment to supporting veterans and their families. The Poppy Appeal continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.
Eleanor is pictured alongside Peter Hackett of the Hose & Harby branch of the RBL attending the well-supported Remembrance Service at St. Denys' Church in Goadby.
Rural Food Hub Expands
On November 18th 2024, our village hall hosted visitors from Melton Borough Council and other local village halls at an event held to publicise the recently launched Rural Food Hub Network.
This new initiative was launched in February and has since received many requests for food and support from rural households across the borough. A council spokesperson said: "Our hubs are located in areas where we have seen a demand for support for households, and we are really grateful to our teams and volunteers who have created and continue to support the hubs, leading to us expanding our offer in terms of the services that can be offered and the geographical reach of our network of hubs across our rural borough." Read more on BBC NEWS and MELTON TIMES.
The Food Hub network operates by a voucher based system – if you or someone you know is struggling due to financial hardship and you require food or other essential items, you can access this support by contacting the COMMUNITY SUPPORT HUB. Tel: 01664 502342, email: here4melton@melton.gov.uk.
The hub at Goadby Marwood Village Hall is open for prebooked collections every Monday between 5pm and 6pm.
Heating Upgrade
In November 2024, just in time for the winter weather the village hall was upgraded with a brand new heating system, featuring modern infrared units that are not only more efficient but also align with our ongoing commitment to improved sustainability. With zero CO2 emissions at the point of use and 100% recyclability, the new heating system should help to reduce the hall's environmental impact. Additionally, the infrared units boast lower running and maintenance costs compared to traditional heating, ensuring long-term savings. More importantly, they provide superior thermal comfort, creating a warmer and more welcoming environment for all.
This upgrade comes just in time for our newly established community events, such as the Pop-Up Village Lunch and Cosy Coffee & Chat, which will now be held in a much more comfortable atmosphere. The improved heating also makes the hall an even more attractive option for those looking to hire it for special occasions like weddings, birthday parties, or even exercise classes and business meetings. Whether for social or professional gatherings, the enhanced warmth and comfort will be a benefit to everyone who uses the space.
Notable Visits
The Village Hall has been a hub of activity in recent months, hosting two notable visitors who have shown tremendous support for our renovation and extension plans. The first visit was from Edward Argar, the newly elected MP for Melton & Syston. Despite his demanding schedule, Mr. Argar took time to meet with the trustees, learning about the village’s rich history and our ongoing efforts to secure funding for the much-needed renovation and extension of the Grade II listed building. He was keenly interested in the project and offered his assistance in navigating the complex landscape of government funding, particularly the Community Ownership Fund, which has been on hold since the election was announced in May. Mr. Argar has committed to helping us better understand the new government's position on this funding, potentially a vital resource for community-led projects like ours.​
In October 2024, we were honoured to welcome John Chatfeild-Roberts, the High Sheriff of Leicestershire. Mr. Chatfeild-Roberts spent a relaxed morning with the trustees, enjoying coffee and cake as he learned more about the hall’s historical significance and the extensive plans we have to restore and expand the building. The trustees shared details about the various fundraising initiatives already in progress, designed to ensure that this beloved space remains at the heart of village life for generations to come. Impressed by the community’s enthusiasm for preserving the hall, Mr. Chatfeild-Roberts offered his full support; he generously committed to writing a letter of endorsement for the project, recognising that such backing could greatly strengthen our efforts to secure additional funding over the coming months. His support, along with the ongoing support from Mr Argar, has reinvigorated our mission of revitalising the village hall.
Right: Mr Chatfeild-Roberts pictured outside the village hall with some of the trustees during his recent visit..
Right: Mr Argar pictured outside the village hall with some of the trustees during his visit in October.
Left: Mr Chatfeild-Roberts gamely trying to hold up the gable end wall that is in need of significant repairs.
Spice & Delight at Our Curry Night
Last weekend (Oct 12th), the village hall hosted a fantastic curry night that brought the community together in a warm and lively atmosphere. The evening was filled with the tantalising aroma of spices, as guests enjoyed an array of delicious, freshly prepared curries. The well-stocked bar ensured that everyone had the perfect drink to accompany their meal, with a wide selection of wines, beers, and soft drinks on offer. Laughter and conversation flowed throughout the night, creating a sense of togetherness that made the event truly special.
Just under £900 was raised towards the much-anticipated extension and renovation of the village hall. This exciting project aims to enhance the space for future events and community activities, and the success of the curry night brought the village one step closer to making these improvements a reality. Thank you to everyone who cooked, served, sold raffle tickets, set-up, cleared away or supported the event - we could not have done it without you!
Village Open Day
The annual Village Open Day on June 22nd 2024 was a resounding success, blessed with a sunny day that drew people from Goadby Marwood and other surrounding villages. Stalls lined the area in front of the village hall, offering a delightful array of plants, bric-a-brac, and the ever-popular tombola. There was a fascinating display of spinning and weaving, the hook-a-duck game was a hit with the children, while the human fruit machine provided endless laughter, with its quirky, animated volunteers. Adults enjoyed the well-stocked bar and the smoky aromas wafting from the barbeque, while the tea and cakes served in the village hall offered a sweet respite from the summer heat. The day was filled with joy, laughter, and a strong sense of community, making it an unforgettable event for all who attended. Over £1,400 was raised towards our Village Hall Repair & Renovation Fund.
She Said Yes!
When Liam discovered our beautiful village hall online, he knew it would be the perfect place to pop the question to his lovely girlfriend, Meg. He secretly adorned the hall with balloons, candles, and red roses, before inviting Meg for a country walk in Goadby Marwood where he suggested taking a break to peek inside the unusual Grade II listed building. The cosy open fire added to the romantic atmosphere and, of course, Meg said yes! We're thrilled to have played a small part in the start of their lives together and wish them all the happiness in the world.
National Garden Scheme Open Day
The National Garden Scheme Open Garden Day on May 19th 2024 was a resounding success with the community coming together to raise funds for charities supported by the NGS and for the much-needed repair and renovation of our village hall. Blessed with perfect weather, the event saw a steady stream of visitors from mid-morning until late afternoon, all eager to explore the beautiful gardens on display. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the vibrant flowers and lush greenery, creating an idyllic setting for families and friends to enjoy a leisurely day out. The gardens at Goadby Hall and The Old Rectory, lovingly tended by Vicky & Harry Westropp and Nettie & Nigel Allen, showcased a stunning array of colourful blooms and carefully manicured topiaries, and are a testament to the dedication and horticultural skill of their owners. An amazing sum of over £3,600 was raised for NGS supported charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie.
A fantastic array of delicious, locally-made treats was available at the village hall to delight visitors of all ages. Tables laden with a variety of cakes, from classic Victoria sponges to decadent chocolate fudge cakes, tempted the sweet-toothed, while savoury offerings such as locally baked quiches, tasty scotch eggs, and delicious sausage rolls provided a perfect balance for those preferring something less sugary. The community spirit was palpable, with volunteers cheerfully serving refreshments and engaging in lively conversations with guests. A raffle featuring gardening themed prizes drew considerable interest and contributed to the overall fundraising efforts. By the end of the day, the event had raised a fantastic total of £1,636 for village hall and church funds, exceeding expectations and reinforcing the strong sense of unity and collective effort that defines our village.
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The Music of Trees
On Saturday 9th March 2024 visitors to our beautiful parish church were treated to a wonderful concert of inspiring guitar music.
Trees have presence, personality, longevity, mythology, colour…and music.
Geoff Robb, composer and classical guitarist, has composed melodies whilst spending time in his local forest. Each species of tree has its own quality and Geoff’s music is inspired by the “magic” and wonder of his experiences with them.
We are grateful to Geoff for travelling from Brighton to our remote village and performing to a full house in our Grade I listed Church. An evening of beautifully played acoustic guitar; meditative and full of soul. These melodies were interwoven with tales about the experiences that inspired Geoff, and, little known facts about the connectivity of trees with each other and the rest of the natural world. Thanks to ticket sales and a grant from the Hinrichsen Foundation we raised £668 to be shared between our Village Hall and Church.
Annual Quiz Night - A Great Success!
On Saturday evening (27th January 24) the Goadby Marwood Annual Quiz night took place in front of a roaring open fire at the wonderful Grade II listed Old School Hall.
Hosted, organised, catered and delivered by the incredible double act, Denise and Kit Kitson. The hall was full the tickets completely sold out. Each of the attendees was treated to a home cooked two course meal of local sausages/potatoes/peas and onion gravy with the option of vegetarian cottage pie for those that may prefer it. Pudding was either hazelnut cheesecake and cream or homemade pancakes with lemon, sugar, fresh fruit and ice cream.
The inimitable Pat Sutton brilliantly ran the raffle and no one was able to refuse her charm and determination. A superb £187 was raised from the raffle alone.
The main event being The Quiz was an enormous success. Ten rounds of questions matched everything that Mastermind, University Challenge and Only Connect can offer and more. Subjects including sport, music and magnified images of unusual objects were supplemented by questions including ‘How many men have walked on the moon?; what does a lorimer make? and what was the name of the Leicestershire resident who was the first to be kicked out of the Traitors castle this year’.
So, an enormous thank you to Denise & Kit Kitson, Gerry & Jody Downes, Pat Sutton and all the amazing crew who prepared, served, cleaned and tidied up afterwards. A grand total of £922 was raised towards saving our Grade II listed Village Hall.
Further Success Towards Funding Target!
We are excited to announce that in early December 2023 we were awarded a generous £5,000 grant from the Leicestershire County Council Shire Community Fund. This award comes in addition to £5,000 we were awarded by Eaton Parish Council in November. We have also received donations from the Samworth Foundation and Melton Building Society bringing the total amount raised so far to nearly £35,000. We are extremely grateful for the continued support from our volunteers, who share our passion for creating a vibrant and welcoming space for the whole community. We still have a long way to go - our target for the building repairs, renovation and extension is £240,000, so if you can help with fundraising ideas let us know!
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