Showtime Circus Academy – Thornton Community Centre
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.
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
See the separate Nature Notes page for more information.
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
Thornton Open Gardens – Sunday 21st June
Sunday 21st June 2026
1.00pm to 6.00pm
Thornton is holding its biennial Open Gardens event on Sunday 21st June from 1-6pm.  Contrasting gardens will be open for you to wander around and enjoy. There will also be refreshments – including cream teas –  and a plant stall.
Dogs on leads are welcome at many of the gardens.
Proceeds
All proceeds from this event are for the maintenance, restoration and improvement of our beautiful historic church.
Cost
£5.00, accompanied children free.
How to get tickets / programmes
Programmes will be available from Thornton Nurseries, The Bricklayers Arms, The Corner Shop. St. Peter’s Church, all participating gardens and the Community Centre.
Contact the organisers
Phone: 01530 231 502
Email:Â thornton.opengardens@outlook.com
Directions / Parking
Head for LE67 IAH
Some parking is available at the Community Centre.
Accessibility: It should be noted that Thornton is built on a ridge and so many of the gardens are on slopes or are terraced with steps and are therefore not ideal for those in wheelchairs or with impaired mobility. Some of the pavements are also narrow. Our printed programme attempts to indicate those more suitable.
The Thornton – The Disorderly
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
Markfield & Thornton theatre group
BudoKan Kempo Karate Association
Thornton Artisan Festival 2026
Thornton Artisan Festival 2026 to Celebrate Local Creativity and Community Spirit
A brand-new celebration of art, craft, food and community is set to bring Thornton to life this summer as the Thornton Artisan Festival 2026 takes place from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June at the Thornton Community Centre and Grounds, Main Street, Thornton.
Organised by the Community Events Committee supported by local artists and crafters, and residents McSmith Events.
The three-day festival aims to showcase the area’s creative talent while uniting residents and visitors for a vibrant, family-friendly weekend.
The festival has been designed with a clear purpose: to promote local talent and independent businesses, boost community pride, attract visitors to the area, and support small creative enterprises and local food producers.
All profits will go towards funding new central heating for the Community Centre, with £24,000 needed to complete the essential replacement of a failing 53-year-old system.
Festival organisers promise a lively and inclusive atmosphere, with the Community Centre and its grounds transformed into a hub of creativity and entertainment.
The Featured Artists Gallery in the Main Hall will display a curated exhibition of local art, photography and sculpture, while the Craft & Makers Market in the Sports Hall will showcase handmade goods from talented artisans and independent creators.
Outdoors, the Artisan Food & Drink Zone will celebrate local producers offering quality food and refreshments, and a Children’s Zone will keep younger visitors entertained. A Community Gallery Wall and live music will add to the weekend’s festivities, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The festival will open on Friday evening with a special ticketed performance by one of the UK’s best-known Celtic music bands, Govannen. Tickets are priced at £20 and must be pre-booked via thorntonvillage@aol.com.
Daytime entry to the festival on Saturday and Sunday is free, with funds raised through stallholder fees, sponsorship, advertising and a community raffle. Organisers are currently seeking prize donations and sponsorship from local businesses to help support the event. Sponsorship offers valuable promotion and visibility while directly contributing to the improvement of the Community Centre.
Artists, crafters, entertainers, food vendors and sponsors are all invited to get involved 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.
For updates and announcements, follow the festival on Facebook at Thornton Artisan Festival and on the village website www.thorntonvillage.org.
Workshop – Thornton Community Centre
Sunday March 1st 10.15-11.30
We have something a little bit different at Thornton Community Centre.
St Peter’s Church would like to invite you to a (free) workshop where you’ll create little metal charms called Milagros. Their full meaning will be explained on the day but they have a spiritual connection.
Our time together starts and ends with contemporary Christian song and a period of reflection or prayer.
Leading us will be the talented artist Hayley Fern from St. Johns Church, Hugglescote – some of you may recognise her from her pilgrimage to draw all the churches in the Leicester diocese.
https://www.instagram.com/hayleydrawschurches?igsh=MTE1cHVnYWw4MWFyOA==
Please do join us for a very creative hour or so. No age restrictions.
No charge, all materials provided and no experience required!
Please contact Delia if you have any queries on 07796391859
Thornton 