Events

Anstey Local History Society 2026

This is the events schedule for our society for 2026.

Nanpanton: The Community at the crossroads

Many people have travelled down Nanpanton Road to Loughborough and stopped at the traffic lights next to The Priory pub. But did you know this area was once a village with an interesting history?

Dr Pam Fisher from Leicester University has led a study into the area as part of her role in the Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust and will share her fascinating findings.

Attribution: The Priory in Nanpantan by Mat Fascione

The History of Ladybird Books

Ladybird Books are a publisher of mass-market children’s books.

The company traces its origins to 1867, when Henry Wills opened a bookshop in Loughborough. Shortly afterwards he progressed to printing and publishing guidebooks and street directories. He was joined by William Hepworth in 1904, and the company traded as Wills & Hepworth.

By August 1914, Wills & Hepworth had published their first children’s books under the Ladybird imprint. The ladybird logo has since undergone several redesigns, the latest of which was launched in 2006.

Attribution: Angel Yard, Loughborough by OpenStreetMap

Rutland, the secret county

It’s tiny, it’s a latecomer, and few outside Rutland know where it is. But for all that, the little county is chock-full of amazing stories and great figures – heroes, powerful women, ghosts, witches, egregious liars and saints.

There are unlikely creatures and famous battles. But is there actually a very deep secret here? Did the old kings of England keep this place private – because the secret was quite simply too perfect to be shared with anyone else?​

Attribution: Normanton Church Museum alongside Rutland Water by OpenStreetMap

The Village of Cropston

Although the village of Cropston is only ‘up the road’, how much of its history do you know?

Jane Smith, a member of Cropston and Thurcaston History Society will tell us about the buildings and some of the people who inhabited them.

Attribution: Public Domain

The Village of Cropston

Although the village of Cropston is only ‘up the road’, how much of its history do you know?

Jane Smith, a member of Cropston and Thurcaston History Society will tell us about the buildings and some of the people who inhabited them.

Attribution: Public Domain

Ulverscroft Books

Ulverscroft has been based in Anstey for over 60 years, publishing large print books and many Anstey people have worked for the company.

However, its legacy stretches back much further.

Robert Gent will tell us about the company’s history and its legacy as well as the wonderful work the company continues to do all around the world to help people who are blind or have impaired sight.

Attribution: © Ulverscroft Books Ltd