The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, is the unsung hero non-profit organisation supporting the community of Leicestershire for over 30 years.

Situated just outside Markfield, 15 minutes from the city of Leicester, close links to Loughborough and Coalville and just off junction 22 to the M1, it is surprising to know that many people are unaware of its existence.

The foundation was set up in 1989 by business owner David Clarke, and was funded by the most staggering sale of an acquisition of Mr Clarke's … a prototype Ferrari which he purchased in 1969. The car sold for £5.1 million in 1988.

After the sale, a dream was quickly realised by David to leave a wonderful legacy to his mother's love by purchasing Ulverscroft Grange on Whitwick Road.

This was quickly followed by the purchase of Ulverscroft Manor In 1991, located just a small distance away. Both properties are connected by a gravelled track and can be accessed on foot or via one of the Foundation's buggy tour rides.

The focus of the Foundation was to help reduce isolation and to be a safe haven for anyone who needed a chat or a hot meal. That testament today is as real as ever. With an expansion of wellbeing activities now stretching over two sites and a purpose-built activity centre.

For respite days for groups, either care home or support circles, the Manor continues to provide a fully welcoming and inclusive home-from-home environment, the backdrop - a wonderful comfortable place to relax, unwind and have an easy carefree day out.

The Manor, nestled in 55-acre woodland, has a beautiful large lawn with stunning views over Charnwood Forest and Bradgate Park, which are complemented by a collective of friendly deer.

The Manor also hosts wellbeing activities and support groups for 'Support Thursdays' and outdoor activities to increase mental and physical wellbeing.

The Activity Centre also delivers activities such as yoga, seated pilates, Shuttlewood Singers, arts and crafts groups, and serves as the perfect base, for corporate hire, networking meetings and party hire.

Today the woodland is home to our Nordic Walking group and Motivate Mondays, a forest school and the Yew Trail – an educational trail enjoyed by Early Years students from local schools.

Ulverscroft Manor woodland is open to everyone to enjoy Monday to Friday 10am-3.30pm, and there is free parking.

To find out more about Ulverscroft Manor respite days or corporate hire of our facilities – boardroom, activity centre, Yurt, and outdoor space please call 01530 245680.

To discover more about the support and wellbeing groups please visit HERE or call 01530 244914.

There is a great deal to be said of the support and friendship among the network of wonderful volunteers at the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, knitting together a community where there is a sense of belonging.

It is just a joyful place to be and we are honoured to continue to realise David's dream.

Visit Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation's Facebook page or click HERE.