News

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St Peter’s Church, Thornton.

Can you help? Do you have a few spare hours in the week or the month? Then please read on.

Our ancient and beautiful church has an important place in the life of the village.

Maybe you enjoy a walk that takes you through the church grounds seeing the snowdrops,
beautiful trees including the copper beech, spotting the squirrels or hearing the
woodpecker.

Maybe it’s visiting the church for some solitude or quiet prayer.

Enjoying one of the church services.

Or maybe it’s the amazing heritage and history of the
building.

Or even just the reassurance that it gives.

There is no doubt that this church is valued by many villagers.


This is our problem: the team ‘looking after’ the church is small in number, aging and needs help.


And it does need a lot of ‘looking after’.

From cleaning, gardening, odd jobs to fund raising for repairs.


We would be so very grateful if you could help in one of the many ways.

And you do not need to be a church attendee, just someone who is interested and wants to help this church building and its grounds survive for future generations to enjoy.


This is where we need help:
Cleaning – could you give a couple of hours every 3 weeks or so to help us clean the
church?


Church yard maintenance – We try to meet monthly on a Saturday morning for 2 hours to look after the churchyard.
Odd jobs that need doing from time to time.


Fund raising – The happy band of people that make up the Friends of St Peter’s has been
raising money for the church building since 1995. But now we really need folk with
energy and enthusiasm to help raise the funds to keep this grade 1 listed heritage
building from crumbling.

Money is always needed. If it’s not the roof, it’s the stonework
or the plaster work or the bees or death watch beetle, or mildew or …


There are always things that need doing in and outside this building which we all care
about.


If you are interested in finding out more, please do contact me
shirley.garlick19@btinterent.com or phone 07925170803.

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Markfield and Thornton theatre group (MTTG)

Markfield and Thornton Theatre Group (MTTG) is based at Thornton Community Centre .

We welcome new members. We meet every Wednesday 7:30 – 10 pm at Thornton Community centre.

Our next production is “The Vicar of Dibley “on 10th to 13th June 2026.

Contact: MTTG. Theatre@gmail.com.

The theatre group are currently taking part in the all  England 1 Act Play Festival.

They finished 3rd in the quarter finals this week and qualified for the Central Area semi final in May.


Paul Hurst and Wayne Roberts were nominated for best male performance and Wayne won.


Charlotte Parish and Katie Wells were nominated for best female performance.


The group received the adjudicator’s award for the best choreography sequence.

Why not pop along on a Wednesday evening and meet the ‘players’.

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Bagworth, Thornton & Merry Lees annual Parish meeting.

The Annual Parish Meeting for Bagworth & Thornton Parish

Mon, 27th Apr 2026 – 6:30 pm

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Parish Meeting for Bagworth and Thornton Parish will be held on Monday 27th April 2026, at Thornton Community Centre, commencing promptly at 6.30pm.

Venue:Thornton Community Centre LE67 1AH

Contact:Parish Clerk

Agenda:

2026 04 27 Annual Parish Meeting Agenda (PDF, 71 Kb)

Are you interested in what is happening in your village, then  perhaps you should consider attending this meeting.

Are you aware of the plans for a solar farm at Merry Lees?

Did you know there was a community consultation event in June 2025 at the Bagworth Community Centre, in Bagworth, Coalville regarding this application.

Heath Road Solar Farm

Or the plans to build on land off St Peter’s Dr, Warwick Close at the rear of Sharpe’s Close?

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/controversial-leicestershire-land-sale-pulled-10919798

Or like me have you noticed that a house is being built within feet of your garden fence, with no prior knowledge or consultation from the planning department?

Please note … The poster shown above, published by the Parish council and circulated around the village is confusing.

It states the venue is at Thornton community centre but lists that as being at Bagworth with a Bagworth post code.

My understanding is that the venue is definitely at Thornton.

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FRIENDS OF ST PETER’S (village fundraising group supporting St Peter’s Church, Thornton) will be holding their ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING on Wednesday 13th May at 7.30 pm at St Peter’s Church. Everyone is invited

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Thornton Nature Notes

Summer visitors arrive as Winter birds depart.


Cool breezy weather in early March encouraged birds to linger and migration seemed to be on hold.

A single Egyptian Goose was at the out flow on the 11th and two Ravens were fly overs.

On the 13th 120 Starlings were heading east and eight Snipe were at the Top End.


Two Kingfishers were chasing each other on the 14th and photos from a nearby private site confirmed mating.

Warm and sunny weather on March 18th had Brimstone and Peacock on the wing and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming from the Church yard.

Noctule and Pipistrelle bats were also out at dusk.


On the 19th good numbers of Smooth Newts were active in the garden pond and the Wigeon count on the reservoir reached 61.


The final Webs count took place on March 21st and totals included 75 Mallard, 44 Tufted Duck, 35 Coot,25 Great Crested Grebe and 22 Moorhen. Also on this date 9 Buzzards, 4 Skylarks and my first Holly Blue of the year were noted.


March 25th observations revealed that seasonal change overs were taking place. A female Brambling was feeding up before heading back north, and three male Swallows were new in from their wintering grounds at the Western Cape of South Africa.

On the following day a Little Ringed Plover was on the dam and more recently there has been a probable pair.

As March drew to a close Buzzards, Red Kites, Peregrines Sparrowhawks and Kestrel were all recorded, and many were displaying.

My first Comma was sunning itself on the month’s final day.


April has commenced with typically changeable weather and some very warm days.

On the first a male Goosander was heading north, and on the second a Tortoiseshell butterfly was in the garden.


On April 5th Sandmartin numbers had increased to 130 but the highlight was an Osprey that flew west.

On the following day three Common Sandpipers were on the dam, three Red Kite were circling and Linnet was added to the year list.

Orange Tip was an addition to the butterfly list.


The thrill of April 8th was a stunning male Emperor Moth found by Dave.

Copyright Dave Wright

This species despite being common and well distributed is rarely seen. This may be due to a short flight season, so the glorious weather was an important factor.


As I write summer visitors are arriving with House Martin and Willow Warbler new in. The dawn chorus is in full swing as bird species commence their breeding cycle.

Avoiding disturbance of hidden nests is much appreciated at this time.


Andy Smith 11/04/2026

Willow warbler
Swallow
Little Ringed plover
Female brambling
Egyptian goose – all copyright of Andy Smith.

See the separate Nature Notes page for more information.

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Working Party – St Peter’s church, Thornton

There will be a churchyard working party this Saturday (11th April) from 10am until 12 noon.

All the usual jobs as ever!  Do hope you are able to join us even for a short while.  Remember stout gloves, and shoes and any tools you might like to use.

Shirley G

 

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Exciting June Events in Thornton

A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Local Talent

Residents and visitors alike have two fantastic weekends to anticipate in June 2026, as Thornton gears up for a pair of remarkable community occasions.

Open Gardens Returns

On Sunday 21st June, the much-loved biennial Open Gardens event will make its return. This cherished community gathering offers a unique chance to explore some of Thornton’s most beautiful gardens and celebrate the area’s horticultural talent.

Introducing the Thornton Artisan Festival

The following weekend, from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June, Thornton will host the inaugural Thornton Artisan Festival. This new annual event aims to highlight and celebrate local creativity and the vibrant community spirit that defines the area.

Thornton Artisan Festival 2026: Celebrating Local Creativity and Community Spirit

Festival Overview

Set to take place at the Thornton Community Centre and Grounds on Main Street, the Thornton Artisan Festival 2026 is poised to become a highlight of the summer calendar. Organised by the Community Events Committee and supported by local artists, crafters, and residents McSmith Events, the festival is designed to bring the community together for a three-day celebration of art, craft, food, and entertainment.

Festival Goals

The festival’s primary objectives are to showcase local talent and independent businesses, foster a sense of community pride, attract visitors to the area, and provide support for small creative enterprises and local food producers.

All profits generated will go towards funding a new central heating system for the Community Centre, an essential upgrade requiring £24,000 to replace the existing, failing 53-year-old installation.

What to Expect

Festival organisers promise a lively and inclusive atmosphere. The Community Centre and its grounds will be transformed into a hub of creativity, featuring:

  • Featured Artists Gallery: The Main Hall will host a curated exhibition of local art, photography, and sculpture.
  • Craft & Makers Market: The Sports Hall will showcase handmade goods from talented artisans and independent creators.
  • Artisan Food & Drink Zone: Outdoors, local producers will offer quality food and refreshments.
  • Children’s Zone: Activities and entertainment tailored for younger visitors.
  • Community Gallery Wall: A space for residents to display their creative works.
  • Live Music: Performances throughout the weekend to enhance the festivities.

Festival Opening and Entry Details

The festival will commence on Friday evening with a special ticketed performance by renowned Celtic music band Govannen. Tickets are priced at £20 and must be booked in advance via thorntonvillage@aol.com. Tickets are selling fast – don’t delay in booking yours!

Daytime entry on Saturday and Sunday will be free. Funds will be raised through stallholder fees, sponsorship, advertising, programme (£1) and a community raffle. Organisers are actively seeking prize donations and sponsorship from local businesses, which offer valuable promotional opportunities and directly contribute to the Community Centre’s improvement.

Get Involved

Artists, crafters, entertainers, food vendors, and sponsors are encouraged to participate in this exciting new community venture. Those interested in booking a stall, donating raffle prizes, or becoming a sponsor can request further details and a booking form by contacting thorntonartisan@gmail.com.