St. Guthlac’s Church
Guthlac was a young tearaway nobleman from the Kingdom of Mercia who in AD697 repented and became a monk at Repton (Derbys) and then went to live as a hermit at Crowland (Lincs), passing this way and founding the church in about AD699. For 800 years the present church has been providing for the spiritual needs of the village community. It is open every day and a service is held on most Sundays. Check the shops and church porch for details. All are welcome at St. Guthlac’s.
The Red Lion Inn
A friendly, local pub designed to bring first class local produce and British food to a wider audience. The Red Lion Inn hosts a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere with friendly and informative staff. It was recently awarded the prestigious accolade of the “AA Pub of the Year” in the 2006 AA Pub Guide.
Belvoir First Aid (BFA)
BFA was established to offer first aid services at local village events. Its services are offered free in return for donations and collections. The formation of BFA has allowed village fetes and garden parties to meet their insurance requirements without the inherrent costs of hiring the larger first aid organisations to attend small events. BFA is staffed by volunteers and is always looking for able people with first aid certification to assist. www.belvoirfirstaid.org.uk
Belvoir First Aid was the winner of the Melton Times / Ragdale Hall 'Make it Happen' award 2007
Friends of Stathern School (FOSS)
The Friends of Stathern School was set up in 2002 to assist the local primary school in raising extra funds for the children who attend the school. This has been a very successful organisation, raising in excess of £3000 over the last few years. Many of the parents and children from the village support their events, and hopefully will continue to do so.
Stathern Recreation Association (SRA)
The SRA has been running for over a decade. Its main responsibility is the maintenance and development of the Village PlayPark which, in more recent years, has become the site for the annual Party in the Park. The PlayPark is centrally located and used by the school as well as by the children in the village. It has play equipment and a large open space for children to play safely.
The Plough Inn
A long-established pub in the centre of the village which, thanks to its comfortable lounge and practical function room, plays host to many local group events. With guest beers, pub games and traditional “pub grub”, you’re guaranteed a friendly welcome.
Stathern Women’s Institute (WI)
The WI was set up in 1915 and exists today with approx 215,000 members. It was initially set up to provide women with an effective role in the community. The Stathern WI is a thriving organisation and has many members from around the Vale. It holds regular monthly meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of the month which are well attended.
War Memorial Institute
The War Memorial Institute in the centre of the village provides a small hall for village events with kitchen facilities. Built in the early 20th Century, it is now desperately in need of updating to cater for the needs of a much expanded village, and we need to give it all the support we can so that we continue to have this vital village facility.
The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to the many people associated with our armed forces. The local Hose & Harby branch, celebrating its 80th birthday next year, still thrives today raising much-needed funds for local ex-servicemen. In 2005, Stathern alone raised over £780 for the RBL Poppy Appeal. The Branch are again delighted to play their part in the Stathern Festival which we believe will be as successful as the first one last year.
Framland Local Archaeological Group (FLAG)
Formed in 2000 after a course on local archaeology, FLAG has about 18 members and meets every 2-3 weeks in The Plough Inn. There have been three digs in Stathern and others in the surrounding area. FLAG welcomes new members and helpers for future local digs. Contact David Stanley, 0115 9892555.
The Art Society
The Vale of Belvoir Art Society meets every week at Bottesford, and has members from throughout the Vale from Bingham, to Harby, Stathern and Grantham. It is a progressive group promoting local art and currently has around 25 members. The members usually hold 3 or 4 exhibitions per year. Contact Eddie Lilley on 01949 861409.
The Stathern Chillzone
Founded this year, the Stathern Chillzone offers the village’s 8-14 year old children a place to meet once a week. Lots of exciting activities are planned for the coming year. The Chillzone meets in the War Memorial Institute Hall every Friday night.
Melton Mowbray Dog Training Club
A long established club for pet dogs, for agility, obedience, puppy and fun training. Based in and around Melton Mowbray, meeting several times a week for various classes. New members are always welcome. Contact Sandra Lock on 01664 564764, or refer to web site www.bestofbreed.com/clubcorner/dogs.
Mother and Toddlers
The Mums and Tots Group meets once a week on Fridays at 10.00 - 12.00 in the Methodist Chapel, providing play and social opportunities for both parents and their young offspring. New members welcome. Contact Bev Wakefield on 01949 861341
Harby Harlequins
The Harby Harlequins are a dynamic amateur dramatics group well-known (or infamous!) throughout the Vale for their first class annual pantomimes. New members are always welcome, whether your passion is for acting, backstage, music, costumes or just helping front of house. Contact Eddie Lilley on 01949 861409
Dove Cottage Hospice
Situated in Stathern, Dove Cottage is a voluntary organisation that offers high quality palliative daycare to those living in the Vale of Belvoir. Their aims are to provide the best possible standard of physical, emotional, social and spiritual support for those living with a life-threatening condition..