Bagworth Flower & Produce Show – Saturday 29th August
Thornton Monday Night Sports club
Did you know there is a sports club in Thornton held on a Monday evening at the Community centre?
The centre has a badminton court and equipment, two table tennis tables and equipment, and recently purchased pickleball equipment.
Why not give it a go, have fun and get fit.
Contact Paul Muller thorntonmindaysports@gmail.com.
Or if you would rather play with family and friends then you can always hire the hall (see TCC pages for cost), and hire the sports equipment for £10 an hour (£10 refundable deposit on the equipment).
Contact Kate the Centre’s administrator tccbookings@yahoo.com
Hive Counselling
Caretaker Required – Thornton Community Centre
Thornton Community Centre, a small registered Charity (No. 521506) is seeking a reliable and trustworthy Caretaker to help keep our centre secure, welcoming and ready for our community groups and hirers.
Hours
- Approximately 2 hours per week on average, with hours varying according to centre bookings.
- The role primarily involves opening and closing the centre, usually at weekends and in the evenings (up to 11.00 pm).
- Rate of pay: Negotiable.
Main responsibilities
- Opening and securing the Community Centre for hirers.
- Carrying out light housekeeping duties to ensure the building is clean, tidy and ready for the next users.
- Watering and maintaining the planters at the front of the centre.
- Reporting any maintenance or security issues to the Trustees.
The successful candidate will:
- Hold, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS check.
- Be reliable, trustworthy and punctual.
- Be confident working independently.
- Be willing to follow the policies, procedures and directions of the Community Centre Trustees.
- Take pride in maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all centre users.
This role would suit someone local who is practical, organised and community-minded.
Applications are invited from individuals who are able to provide these services on a self-employed basis.
For further information or to express an interest, please contact:
Delia Geary
Email: Thorntonvillage@aol.com
Telephone: 07796 391859
Closing date: 27th August
Children’s party venue
Are you looking for a venue for your child’s party .. then look no further.
Thornton Community Centre has the perfect facilities for you in their recently refurbished sports hall.
There is a super new kitchen with full cooking facilities, hob, oven, microwave and a large fridge/freezer. Together with 2 new unisex toilets and a toilet for the less able (with baby changing facilities).
The hall is clean, light and airy after a complete refurbishment last year and the ceiling high enough to accommodate some bouncy castles.
To add to this the Centre now boasts a number of outdoor/indoor games for children for hire at just £10 per session.
If this is of interest to you please mention the hire package when you book.
See the separate Community Centre pages for information on how to book.
THORNTON SET FOR A SPECTACULAR FESTIVAL WEEKEND!
Music, crafts, entertainment and family fun as Thornton Community Centre comes alive this June
Thornton is preparing for a fantastic weekend of celebration, creativity and community spirit as the village launches an exciting brand-new annual event at the end of June.
From Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June, Thornton Community Centre will burst into life with three packed days of entertainment, arts, crafts, music, food, family activities and fundraising fun — all designed to support the Community Centre while bringing the whole village together.
A MUSICAL KICK-OFF
The festivities begin on Friday evening with the welcome return of the hugely popular Celtic band Govannen. Famous for their energetic performances and infectious atmosphere, the band promises an unforgettable evening of lively music, dancing and great fun.
Dancing may not be compulsory — but organisers warn it’s very difficult to resist!
A licensed bar will also be available throughout the evening, making it the perfect start to an exciting community weekend.
THORNTON ARTISAN FESTIVAL
On Saturday and Sunday, the Community Centre transforms into the vibrant Thornton Artisan Festival, running from midday until 5pm on both days.
Visitors can explore a wonderful gallery of local artists, photographers and talented craft makers showcasing unique handmade creations and inspiring artwork. There will also be plenty to entertain younger visitors with children’s crafts, activities and interactive fun throughout the weekend.
One of the festival highlights will be a fascinating astronomy talk from BBC Sky at Night presenter Pete Lawrence, alongside the magical world of Sarah’s paper and toy theatre.
Live music, quizzes, raffles, delicious food and drink, plus a packed programme of entertainment ensure there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
FREE ENTRY & PARK AND RIDE
Entry to the festival is completely FREE, although donations to support the Community Centre will be warmly welcomed.
To make visiting easier, organisers are also providing a convenient Park & Ride service from South Charnwood High School directly to the Community Centre.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME ON SALE NOW
A special 8-page festival programme is now available for just £1 and includes:
Full weekend entertainment line-up
Festival information
Children’s activities
Local business features
A fun quiz with a £10 prize for the winner
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Organisers have also thanked Pallex for sponsoring the event and helping make the festival possible.
With music, creativity, entertainment and community spirit at its heart, the inaugural Thornton Festival Weekend looks set to become one of the village’s most anticipated annual events.
Make sure it’s in your diary — Thornton is ready to celebrate!
Thornton Community centre AGM
Thornton, transitions from spring to summer with plenty of excitement this year.
Thornton, transitions from spring to summer with plenty of excitement this year. Several events are scheduled at the Community Centre beginning at the end of May and continuing through June, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
On Friday 29th May the Community centre will host 2 performances by Sarah’s Paper theatre, of the Golden Goose , a light hearted adventure with a happy ending, suitable for all ages. Entry for adults £5 and £2 for children.
A brief respite before the Markfield and Thornton theatre group presents a stage adaptation of the Vicar of Dibley, by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter based on the original tv series written by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew. Produced by Tiger Aspect Productions. A beloved British comedy; the plot centres around Geraldine Granger, a lively and unconventional vicar who surprises the sleepy village of Dibley by taking over—despite the parish council expecting a male vicar. Much of the comedy stems from Geraldine’s encounters with the eccentric locals and the humorous clash between her progressive views and their traditional ways. The play runs from Wednesday 10th to the 13th June. Tickets £8.
Sunday the 21st June sees the return of the beloved biennial Open Gardens. A number of gardens will be open between 1pm and 6pm. There will be refreshments, stalls and other attractions around the village, a plant sale, and cream teas available at the Community Centre. Admission is by programme, available at various locations around the village. Programme £5. Organised by Friends of St Peter as a fund raiser for the maintenance of the church.
On the following Friday evening, the 26th June, Govannen, one of the UK’s leading folk groups, return to Thornton for another magical evening of Celtic music at its best. There will be a licensed bar provided by McSmith Events. Tickets £20. Raising funds for a new heating system at Thornton Community centre.
The month concludes with the first of what is hoped to become an annual two day artisan festival at the Community centre. The centre is open from midday to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday 27th and the 28th June, The main hall will feature artwork and photography, whilst the sports hall features crafters and makers, and childrens’ crafts. Outdoors there will be food stalls, a bar, and live music. Donations welcome. Raising funds for a new heating system at the Centre.
More information on www.thorntonvillage.org
Markfield & Thornton Theatre Group
Proudly present …..
Tiger Aspect Production presents an amateur stage adaptation of the beloved British sitcom, The Vicar of Dibley.
🎭 What’s the play about?
The plot centres around Geraldine Granger, a lively and unconventional vicar who surprises the sleepy village of Dibley by taking over—despite the parish council expecting a male vicar. Much of the comedy stems from Geraldine’s encounters with the eccentric locals and the humorous clash between her progressive views and their traditional ways. The script usually incorporates key moments from the TV show, such as:
- Geraldine’s arrival in Dibley
- Parish council meetings filled with quirky personalities
- Alice and Hugo’s budding romance
- Their famously chaotic wedding
✍️ Playwrights
The adaptation for the stage was written by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter, drawing inspiration from Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer’s original sitcom.
🌟 Main characters featured
- Geraldine Granger (the vicar)
- David Horton (the pompous council chairman)
- Alice Tinker (the lovable but scatterbrained verger)
- Hugo Horton (David’s timid son)
- Jim Trott (“No, no, no, no… yes!”)
- Owen Newitt (straightforward farmer)
- Frank Pickle (fastidious minute-taker)
🎬 Comedy style
This light-hearted production delivers feel-good British humour, often with rapid set changes between the parish hall and vicarage. It preserves the famous jokes and inviting warmth of the television series.
MTTG production features some new faces, alongside our regular performers.
For tickets, priced at £8 each, email us at mttg.theatre@gmail.com or ring Anne on 01530 469714 / 07450 137182
Thornton Community Centre – request for donations
Charity Number – 521506
History of the Community Centre and Sports Hall
The village’s spacious community centre and sports hall stand as a testament to the commitment and hard work of residents and fundraisers from the late 1960s and early 1970s. At that time, the village was experiencing growth yet lacked suitable venues for communal activities. Doctors, clubs, and other groups were forced to meet in private homes and public houses, highlighting the need for a dedicated gathering space.
In 1969, with the opportunity to access new land and the backing of the Parish Council, Reverend John Seymour and a committee initiated fundraising efforts and began planning for a community facility. Their dedication culminated in the construction of the main hall in 1973, built on leased land—a practice that continues to this day.
Further fundraising made it possible to add a separate sports hall, which was officially opened in September 1988.
Management of the Community Centre
The community centre is overseen by a dedicated team of unpaid volunteer trustees. These individuals play a pivotal role in maintaining and managing the facility, ensuring it continues to serve as a valuable asset for the village. New members are warmly encouraged to join the trustees, helping to safeguard this wonderful resource for the benefit of future generations. To facilitate the centre’s smooth operation, the trustees convene one evening every six weeks, addressing any issues and planning for ongoing improvements.
Revenue and Funding
Recent Improvements and Expenditure
In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, the community centre has undergone a significant transformation, with numerous enhancements made to modernise the 53-year-old building. Essential works included the installation of a new drainage system and a new ceiling in the sports hall, the addition of extra toilets and a second kitchen, and the upgrade of lighting to energy-efficient LED fixtures and more. These improvements were crucial to ensure the centre remains functional and fit for purpose. Over £98,000 was invested to carry out these necessary works, with the drainage and ceiling repairs emerging as urgent priorities that were not part of the original plans but became essential to keep the centre open.
Future Projects and Urgent Needs
Planning permission was successfully obtained for the creation of a decked area at the rear of the centre and the extension of the car park. Although efforts are underway to secure funds to complete these projects, the centre is currently facing a more urgent requirement: replacement of the heating system in the main hall. This system, now 53 years old, has developed multiple leaks beneath the wooden floor in recent months, making its renewal a pressing priority for the remaining funds.
Sources of Revenue
The community centre depends almost entirely on payments and donations from regular user groups, fees from hiring the centre for parties and events, a modest annual precept from the parish council, and occasional small grants from local businesses. These sources form the backbone of the centre’s income and are vital for ongoing maintenance and improvements.
Appeal for Community Support
With fuel bills continuing to rise, the centre urgently needs support from the community in the form of donations to help sustain and further enhance its facilities. Every contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and will help ensure the centre remains open and accessible for all.
How to Donate
If you are able to contribute, please consider donating to the Thornton Community Centre fund. Donations can be made to the following account: Please use the reference ‘donation’.
- Sort Code: 09 01 54
- Account Number: 66997701
Thornton 