Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

Great Central Railway held their Autumn Steam Gala, Featuring four days of intensive timetabled engine movement along the line I took a trip to Rothley station to see the various arrivals and departures over the course of the Friday afternoon and early evening. From goods trains to double header express trains and even a cheeky diesel loco there was something for everyone. We begin at Leicester North but it's not long before we find ourselves arriving at the picturesque Rothley Station kept immaculately by a dedicated group of volunteers and station staff some of whom we see throughout the film. So take a step back in time (no TARDIS required) and witness the lost era of steam at one of Leicester and Leicestershire`s great attractions the ‪GCR‬ another great reason to ‪Visit Leicester.

  The Annual HinckleyBID⁩ Motor Show came to the town on 20th September, and with 2026, the show reached the milestone of its 15th anniversary. Welcoming over 700 vehicles, the show was a petrol heads’ paradise with much-loved cars, bikes, scooters, and more from across the decades lining Castle Street, Market Place, and more, including Argents Mead Park and the town’s leisure centre. We begin as the scooters arrive with the distinctive sound of their two-stroke engines evoking the days of the Mods, etc. Next, we see the wide selection of cars parked along the streets, including a line of very colourful VW Beatles with their mini duplicates ready to inspire the next generation of enthusiasts. Next, it’s through the gates into Argents Mead Park, or maybe that should be Jurassic Park as a 4x4 from the franchise is on display (dinosaurs not included!). As the band strike up Waterloo by ABBA in the bandstand, we take a look at a variety of big American cars from the 50s era and beyo...

  The 1st Newbold Verdon Scout troop hold their annual gala bringing the village together for a day of fun and games. We begin with the Ibstock Scout band leading a parade through the village ending at the Primary school on Dragon Lane . We see the band entering the showground next to a steam roller before they are dismissed and the scout leader opens the gala. Next we see the there and back railway giving rides followed by fun with inflatables and Sumo suits . Nearby (but not too close !) there`s axe throwing and we see the steam roller from earlier letting off steam. Next up the Dogs (and owners) of the village take part in a Fun Dog Show with prizes for various categories being presented by Local MP Dr Luke Evans (CON). A Classic car show line up includes various cars including a soft top Morris Minor and Scooter with a herd of alpacas watching the events unfold around them. Back to the showground and the horticultural tent sees competition for longest carrot and mos...

  In the second of my films from The Victory Show in 2026 the focus shifts to the Aircraft and the Magnificent flying machines of the era. On the ever popular flight line walk we see the beautiful chrome plated "Hap-penstance" a rare Douglas DC-3/C-47 Skytrain and is famously the last surviving C-41A. Next up we walk the line of smaller aircraft in bright colours etc these where the ones who took part in the famous dogfights of the war. With various aircraft flying high over the showground there is movement on the runway as the Lockheed 12A Electra G-AFTL manoeuvres for take off. Then gliding high overhead we see the Arial ballet of the airborne pyrotechnics display team before the twin propellers of the Bristol Blenheim Mk.IFL6739 (G-BPIV) start up and it makes it's way onto the runway too. Next up a very special Spitfire variant known as the aerolite spitfire a modern take on a classic design and then almost as if to offer a compassion the original version can ...

The Victory Show returned to Foxlands Farm in Cosby for the annual wartime event that brings history to life. We start with a runway battle (new for 2026) before heading onto the showground where various vehicles are on display. Back on the runway, the beautiful chrome Happenstance shines in the Leicestershire sun, meanwhile an American tank display is captured in canvas by artist TJ Durham in his unique style. The instantly recognisable Spitfire is seen on another display before we switch to the soldiers and large tanks leaving the battlefield having variously won and lost the demonstration (dependent on the side they were playing!). In the woods, a lady fishes for her dinner in a small stream before two soldiers stationed in a trench track a plane flying by. We end with a song from the Market Harborough Ukulele Band as the credits roll. Look out for a companion film taking a closer look at the aircraft of the event coming soon on this channel. 

  I went along to Hinckley town centre for the @hinckleybid August Classic Vintage Vehicle meet , which sees cars (pre-2000 models) on display by their owners around the town centre. We see the cars arriving and find their places with everything from more modern sports cars to a green classic Austin Martin polished to perfection in the evening sun. There’s also a Mini with a Union Flag roof and a Mustang with a selection of stickers on its back window. Down at the bottom of the hill, we find a vintage French limousine with a fun Pirate Duck as a hood ornament.  

    I was given the chance to take a look inside a red brick water tower in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire . The tower, built in 1884 by the Leicester Poor Law Union , was part of the Countesthorpe Cottage Homes complex , which was an attempt by the Poor Law Union to place impoverished and orphaned children into model "cottage homes" rather than large central workhouses and foster a family-style environment. The tower housed the main water supply tank for the complex, and the adjoining building, the site’s central boiler house and coal store, provided heating and hot water to the cottages. The tower’s design was created by prominent local architect Isaac Barradale , using red brick with stone corbels and brick machicolations around the upper gallery and a steep pyramid-shaped roof. The building is currently Grade II listed (as of 1981). The building was converted into a private residence after the cottage homes closed in 1972. My visit was part of a fundraising event ...

  I took a visit to Norton Juxta Blooms directly opposite @TwycrossZoo in Leicestershire to see their spectacular Sunflower field, we made the visit at Sunset so as the sun slid below the horizon the field started to glow deep yellow and oranges. We also had an unexpected flypast by some Para motors which took off from an adjacent field flying low over the Sunflowers adding to the special atmosphere. In this film i explore the field finding a bright blue tractor contrasting against the Yellow flowers and exploring the maze of paths throughout, as the sun sinks lower the Sunflowers seem to be soaking up the last few rays and bow their heads till sunrise tomorrow. please see the Norton Juxta Blooms website for opening times and a special thanks to the team there for allowing us to film after hours.  

  The Dinosaurs have come back to life and are walking the streets of Leicester !. No it's not the plot of the latest instalment in the Jurassic Park franchise it's Dino Fest bought to Leicester by ‪@bidleicester‬ and starring Dinosaurs from ‪@rentadinosaur1303‬ the prehistoric fun sees the old town transformed into a Dinosaur playground with people of all ages gathering in front of ‪@LeicesterCathedral‬ to witness the show. The enthusiastic Dino Wranglers show the audience the beasts of an earlier time, with a little help from some of the younger members the Dinosaurs are bought under control and the fun, educational show concludes. Next we go for a wander around the old town area of Leicester with Ruby the Red Dinosaur , this area of the city is home to many independent shops etc like Patina , Which Ruby takes a look inside maybe to see if she can grab on of their exclusive T-Shirt prints !. Ruby continues to explore with a visit to St Martins Square well known for its...

  The Cosby Yarnbomb returns after a one year break bigger and better than ever before, in 2026 were going on a trip around the world in 80 displays !. Like Willy Fogg we`ll be exactly right on time as our Journey takes us under the sea and across African plains for a walk on the wild side, yes that is a life sized giraffe in Cosby !. We also go interstellar as we fly through the solar system on a planet parade (can you spot any Aliens ?). a Chinese dragon , the terra-crochet army , Tulips from Amsterdam and a windmill, add to our globetrottingy trip. This film does not include all 80 displays (that would be a very long film) so a visit to the Yarnbomb itself is highly recommended Cosby Yarnbomb and Community Togetherness Day 2026 have been supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England ,Who along with Sponsors fund the costs of putting on the event, including performances, workshops and activities.