YOU DO REMEMBER BROWN’S BLUE! I would like to thank all those who responded to my appeal for information about Browns Blue; I have received many phone calls which have proved very useful and informative. My apologies to those I have not been able to meet yet, but I will be in contact with you as soon as possible. Unfortunately I still have very little information about the bus nicknamed the “Nancy”, hopefully someone will come forward. My phone number is 0116238 7735 (after 8p.m.) or email mickgamble@tiscali.co.uk
Mick Gamble
Local Lad Wins at Crufts Again! Jacob Peatfield-Straw of Markfield has won his second PAFTA in a row with PAT Dog Fidget. PAFTA stands for Points Awarded For Tremendous Achievement. He has won the Jaylinar Trophy for 2010 and was awarded it at Crufts 2011 where he helped promote the charity.The award is given to a Junior Pets As Therapy member who works hard for the charity throughout the year and writes a diary of the places and events they have attended. Over the past year he has visited Headway with his Mum. Headway offer a range of services to adults with brain injuries or illnessess and those close to them. He has also helped with a talk to adults with learning difficulties at a college in Stapleford as well as numerous charity collections at shows in the County and beyond. Jacob Peatfield-Straw and Fidget Well done Jacob and keep up the hard work! For details of the charities go to : www.petsastherapy.org.uk and www.headwayleicester.org.uk
Judi Peatfield (Proud Mum)
Essential repairs to Learn how to produce lovely Congregational Church Thornton W.I. Next Meeting: 14th April
hanging baskets “April hath put a spirit of youth in everything!”
So wrote William Shakespeare, and it’s true that April is a month when Nature around us seems to be recreating herself. For gardeners it is one of their busiest months – not that true gardeners ever really rest! We are greatly looking forward to our meeting on 14th April, when local nurseryman, Alan Ginns, will teach us how to plant our hanging-baskets. We shall watch intently and take advice so that in the blooming summer months we will delight the neighbourhood with our own creations. Meantime, we are wondering how our very own beehive is faring at Brooksby Hall Agricutural College. You will, no doubt, be aware of the NFWI’s 2009 campaign to save the honeybee. After months of pressure by WI members, the beekeeping community and campaigners, the Government has announced the projects that will receive £10 million of funding towards researching pollinator health. Thanks to the grant, research will now be carried out into issues like bee diseases, the effect of mite control chemicals and pesticides on honey bee learning, and the varroa mite. Honey bees also feature in projects to look at crop pollination in the UK, possible links between wildflower and pollinator decline, pollinators in urban areas and bee nutrition. Continued on page 4
Markfield Congregational Church is watertight again after essential repairs were carried out to the roof. Markfield-based builder Tim Lewis (pictured right) carried out the work during March. A Roof Fund has been set up to help pay for the repair. If you’d like to make a donation, send your cheque (made payable to Markfield Congregational Church) to Michael Hockaday at 23 Narrow Lane, Hathern, Loughborough, Leics. LE12 5LH or alternatively cash can be given to Dot Pickering at 2 Avery Drive, Markfield.
NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 7th May - Advert & Articles Needed By 23rd April 2011
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I once built a ship in a bottle. They had to break the bottle to let me out.
This issue of The Herald is being delivered over the weekend of 2nd & 3rd April 2011 by our team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Amy, Coral, Daisy, Matthew, Janet, Jack, Don, Sam, Maureen, John, Phoebe, Lauren, Gill, John, Helen, Jeanie, Jenny, Sarah, Susan, Thomas, Tracey, Alex, Ann, Rowan and John & Sue.
Next Issue (May) Out on Weekend of 7th & 8th May 20 11. Adverts & articles required before 23rd April 2011.
The Herald PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT
Tel: 01530 244069 info@markfieldherald.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk
The Herald is a monthly local magazine delivered free to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Markfield, Field Head, Stanton under Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth.
Contact Mike Wilkinson or Susan Hatton with your articles, news items or advertising enquiries. Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Herald Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. The Herald cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. The Herald reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All contents © The Herald None of the articles or adverts contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from The Herald.
Youth Voice
The Herald’s new young writer speaks out for the area’s youth
H
aving lived in Bagworth and Thornton throughout all of my childhood, I know about the sheer boredom you teens may experience on a day-to-day basis.
You’ve got no money to go to town, all your friends seem to be busy, two younger siblings annoying you, Mum nagging you to get some ‘fresh air’ and it’s only 10:07am. However, as limited as the fun sounds, there are lots of ways to banish the boredom. You could get fit; keep it simple and go for a twenty minute walk every day, maybe around the reservoir if you live in Thornton. Or bring it up a notch and go swimming at your local pool - children usually swim for free and if you’re over 16 and still at school or college you can receive a discount. Still not busy? Okay, you could make a little bit of money. Although, when you’re under sixteen it seems like you can’t DO anything, but you’re wrong. You could offer to babysit younger siblings, cousins or family friends. You could make a flyer and post it around, offering to walk dogs for busy or elderly owners. Be imaginative. If you’re over sixteen there’s nothing to stop you from getting a part-time job at your local shop, garden centre or hairdressers. Then, if all else fails, find volunteer work; it’ll fill in the boring hours, you’ll make new friends and it looks great on future job applications. If you’re still bored at this point, you’re going to have to make the fun happen. You can do this in lots of ways, but a great way is to get involved in your local community. Become a more active member at your local youth club. Join your local Youth Council and improve facilities in your local village. Go to www.thejitty.com for more info. If you’re still not entertained then read a book or listen to some music or clean your room or paint a priceless masterpiece. The choice is yours.
What do you want to hear about? Suggestions welcome at kittyaldis@hotmail.co.uk
Kitty Aldis
Christian Aid Week
Street Collection in Markfield: 15th May to 21stMay 2011
This year we are unable to collect the envelopes as we have done in previous years but we ask those who would like to contribute to return the envelope with donation enclosed to: The Rectory, 3A The Nook, Markfield LE67 9WE Or to the address handwritten on the label. This will be the address of the person who distributed the envelope. From: Churches Together in Markfield
St Mary & All Saints Church Stanton under Bardon
Spring Fayre on Saturday 16th April. 2 - 4 p..m, Stalls, Cakes, Raffle, Bric a brac, Plants, Crafts and others. Teas & Coffee will be served. Please come and join us.
Date for your Diary
Rock ‘N’ Roll/Jive Evening with Colin Paul & Matt Evers at Charnwood Arms Hotel on Friday 20th May raising funds for ‘Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity’. Tickets: £6 pre-booked or £8 on the Door. Telephone Ann on 01530 230 389 after 5pm.
Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain.
LETTER County Council’s Scrutiny Review Panel, Ignore Residents 2,000 Signature School Bus Petition The Scrutiny Review Panel set up by Leicestershire County Council to review Home to School Transport have finalised their report. The all party panel (with a Conservative majority, including neighbouring councillors David Snartt & Ruth Camamile) have made the following recommendations: 1. Children will be accompanied by a responsible adult on their journey to school. 2. Recommend that no minimum footpath width should be specified in the guidelines. 3. Make a desktop reassessment of the route every 10 years. 4. Street lighting should not be a factor, 5. Both schools and parents have a responsibility to be reminding children of the dangers of travelling during dark hours. 6. Where traffic volume is increased, the school must have a robust travel plan. 7. Weather conditions and remote locations should not be a consideration. The final recommendations were due to be presented to the County Councils full cabinet for ratification, this has now been postponed and will have to wait until after local Borough & District Council elections and quite possibly until the school term ends in the summer. The full report is available at http://politics.leics.gov.uk/ mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=927
What does this mean? The council have clearly decided that our concerns over child safety are not valid and that they know what’s best for our children. The School BAG committee have spearheaded this campaign and many other areas around Leicestershire have watched with interest in our progress, hoping that a positive outcome in our area would impact other areas who also have school routes with questionable safety aspects. The School BAG committee are very disappointed by this decision and also the lack of support from certain local representatives. We sincerely hope that our fears and concerns will not become a reality. A final note. School BAG would like to thank everyone in Markfield for demonstrating such great support for this worthy cause. We will continue to monitor the situation but are somewhat resigned to the idea that the Council have zero interest in this matter since it would cost money to resolve.
Ray Palmer
South Charnwood High School School Bus Action Group
Extracts from Stanton Under Bardon Parish Council Minutes Here are brief extracts from the unapproved minutes of the meeting of Stanton under Bardon Parish Council held on Tuesday 8th March 2011 at The Youth Club, Stanton under Bardon: COMMUNITY POLICE COMMENTS 1 x Burglary Dwelling - Main Street Vehicle stolen - enquiries ongoing. Road markings at Flying Horse Roundabout are now all done. Parish Council Elections - Close Nomination date: 04/04/11 (Election - 05/05/11) RCC Membership renewal - It was decided not to renew the annual membership this year. Recreation Ground and Quotes - Quote obtained for fencing at the entrance to the Recreation Ground and for the trench. Another quote to be obtained. Clerk to contact Brian Mee to ask to spray brambles at the entrance and cut back the long grass to the back of the houses on the Recreation ground. Grazing Land rental - The grazing land has been advertised but no replies yet. Dogs on Leads/Dog Signs/Dog Fouling Bin - An email has been received from two residents asking the Parish Council to reconsider their proposal to keep dogs on leads on the Recreation Ground. It was decided that the Council would refuse this request and Clerk to contact HBBC to
see what guidelines need to be followed to enforce this and signs will then be ordered. A resident informed the Council that a new dog waste bin is needed for the Recreation Ground - Clerk to order. MATTERS PENDING/TO BE ACTIONED BEFORE NEXT MEETING - It was decided that this year there will be no Allotment and Right of Way rent collection at the Youth Club. Instead letters will be sent out asking for payments to be made via the Post Office and a receipt will then be forwarded on. Clerk to display notices advertising this. DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH MEETING AND ANNUAL MEETING - The next meeting of Stanton under Bardon Parish Council is to be held on TUESDAY 5th APRIL 2011 at 7.00pm at Stanton Youth Club, Main Street, Stanton under Bardon, Leicestershire
Multi-tasking in action
Nattering whilst knitting
Wednesday, March 2nd saw the first meeting of the WI Knit and Natter group at the Bull’s Head, Markfield. A group of eight enthusiastic knitters, and we’re quite good at nattering too, met to share some chat, liquid refreshment and knitting time in one of our local pubs. As the photo shows a good time was had by all and I think we caused some amusement to the regular customers too! We intend to meet on the first Wednesday of the month and will be deciding at our next meeting on a charity project which we can support with our knitting. We also intend to use the meetings to swap skills, teach each other new skills and share projects. Aside from this we hope we are doing a little to support one of our ‘locals’. If you are interested in knitting, or want to learn this fast growing popular craft why not pop in at the Bull’s Head between 7pm and 9pm on the first Wednesday of the month. Our next session will be Wednesday, 6th April.
Fran Johnson
Thornton WI News Update - from page 1 This is great news—and we hope the research will shed some light on the threat to these vital insects. You can download an action pack from the NFWI website which is most informative and gives many tips about how each of us can help in some small way to make our environment bee-friendly. Last year, Thornton WI members decided to use some of the legacy left to us by former member Mrs. Kay Chaplin, to buy a hive of bees and a queen bee. (The idea came to us from Swannington WI who bought their own hive the previous year). The Thornton hive is now safely installed at Brooksby, under the watchful eye of Brian Cramp, Apiary Manager for the Leicestershire and Rutland Bee Keepers’ Association. Ten more bee keepers per year can now be trained with the extra hive
and requests for training course places through Brooksby Agricultural College are at an ‘all time’ high. We hope to go and visit our bees in the summer ... when all our hanging baskets will be in their full glory! If you’ve been reading this information and aren’t a WI member, but would like to see what we have to offer, then why not come along to our meeting?
Next meeting: Thursday, 14th April at 7.30 pm. at Thornton Community Centre VISITORS VERY WELCOME. (Visitor’s fee £2) MEMBERS’ COMPETITION – A Floral Picture EASTER RAFFLE
Muriel Walker
Bursary on offer for talented young musician A MUSIC bursary worth £1,000 is again being offered this year to a talented young musician in Hinckley & Bosworth. The bursary is being provided by the Borough Council and the Matthew Fulham Foundation to enable the successful young musicians (aged 15 to 19) to further their expertise in their chosen field of music. Application forms are available to download from the council website at www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk and the Foundation website at www.matthewfulham.org. Applications must be supported by a music teacher either at school or a private teacher. The deadline for the receipt of applications is Friday 8 April 2011.For more information contact Lindsay Orton, Creative Communities and Tourism Officer, on 01455 255833.
HAMLIN’S PLUMBING SERVICES All Types of Plumbing Work Undertaken No job too small Call Mick on 01530 245155 or 07813 065538 Qualified Local Plumber with Years of Experience After two days in hospital, I took a turn for the nurse.
Markfield Swimming Pool Opening: April 1973
These photographs were taken at the official opening of the Markfield swimming pool in April 1973. Villagers contributed lots of their time and money to bring the project to fruition. Hundreds of local residents were present to see the new facility declared open. Will a new one be opening soon? Watch this space ...
My doctor gave me two weeks to live. I hope they are in August.
New Funding Freedoms as Central Control goes The Government grant settlement this year includes all previous ring fenced grants which included the aggregate grant and many others. The point of the new approach is to allow local authorities greater flexibility in how it uses the money it receives from central Government and reduces the amount of resources needed to feed back to specific grant administrators in Whitehall. The new flexibilities will allow local authorities to target its funding to the areas of greatest need. The County Council has decided to put into the budget next year £1 million for the ‘Big Society’. This funding will go to support community initiatives and projects. It will enable local projects to access greater support with match funding and to access other funding pots available from the national lottery and the ‘Big Society Bank’. So the new localism agenda is clearly at the forefront of what the County Council wishes to promote over the next three years. We would like to see a greater take up of community led projects with local residents having a greater say on planning, the environment and the level of council tax charged. We will be looking for greater resident engagements through the community forum network were you can have your say. School Transport The all party scrutiny review panel on home to school transport has finalised its findings and reported to Cabinet with a number of recommendations using the ‘Road Safety GB’ guidance. The panel noted that ‘Road Safety GB’ are reviewing the current guidelines and will run training sessions with local authority officers when the new guidelines are published. The panel endorsed the legal requirement for children to be accompanied by a responsible adult on their journey to school they also recommended walking buses should be more widely promoted. The panel endorsed the approach regarding pupils and parents with disabilities as special cases. The panel recommended that no minimum footpath width should
County Councillor’s Report
from David Sprason
be specified and a more robust approach to land owners to remove obstructions to public footways. The panel recommended that if major changes occur then the route will be reassessed if not a ten year rule would kick in. The panel have introduced an appeals mechanism which allows a school or parents to independently challenge a route assessment. The panel concluded that street lighting was not a factor to be considered and endorsed the ‘Be Seen Be Safe’ campaign provided in schools. The panel concluded that were traffic has increased considerably on site then it is the schools responsibility to address. That route assessments are carried out at the most appropriate times and publicised to the school and parents. The route assessed should be published by the school and be included in the school travel plan. Winter maintenance will be dealt with by schools who are offered salt bins and free salt/grit during the winter season. The panel recommends that the policy should be rewritten in a user friendly format and schools include it on their websites highlighting the appeals process. School travel plans should be more widely promoted and refreshed by schools. The panel recommended that the home to school transport policy should be clear, transparent, fair and consistently applied. The panel said there is no longer justification for the continuation of services which are provided as a ‘Historical Exception’ as they are out of policy. The panel supported the distance measuring criteria used but recommended that printed maps of the routes should be made available to parents. The full report is available on the County Council website www.leics.gov. uk under the agenda and minutes section. I do not agree or support the panels findings as I believe a minimum width of footpath should be adopted, I will await to see the new guidelines coming out of ‘Road Safety GB’ until I submit another challenge regarding the policy. So what does this mean for the 838 school bus, well nothing has changed it will still run as it has for the past 50+ years and the bus fare charged will continue to secure its future.
Volunteering project shows how Leicestershire has been delivering the ‘Big Society’ Leicestershire has a longestablished tradition of volunteering by local community groups and organisations. For the last two years, Leicestershire County Council’s Libraries, Heritage and Arts Service has been piloting a volunteering scheme which has lead to over 350 local people contributing nearly 23,000 hours of their time to projects in their communities! Building on previous activities, the Volunteering, Internships and Placements (VIP) project was funded by Leicestershire Together. The aim of the project was to support cultural and environmental volunteering in North West Leicestershire. Run by the County Council and hosted at Snibston Discovery Museum, VIP worked with a range of partners including the National Forest, North West Leicestershire District Council, Stephenson College, v-Involved, Job Centre Plus and the local community. The VIP project enabled the volunteers to develop new skills and many of them were able to use this to their advantage in the search for employment. Some have gone on to university whilst others have changed their careers because of their new found skills and enthusiasm. An external evaluation of the VIP project concluded that it was a ‘resounding success’. This was attributed to a number of factors including a well-resourced and
specialist team, activities that people ‘wanted to do rather than had to do’ and the partnership approach between organisations, volunteers and local communities. Since it started in 2009, over 350 volunteers joined the scheme and around half of these were young people. Some of the volunteers had learning disabilities and over 90% of the participants had never volunteered before. The project also encouraged families to get involved. VIP was innovative in the development of unique partnerships between the heritage and environment sector. This presented an intriguing and exciting opportunity to people who had never volunteered before, introducing them to their local heritage and environment. These are just some of the things that the volunteers have been involved in: Working with museums and heritage centres to learn new skills in the care and preservation of their heritage Preserving and maintaining local country parks, nature reserves and their natural heritage. Funding from Renaissance (MLA) will enable the VIP project to continue for another year as it seeks to roll-out its successful model in targeted areas around Leicestershire by working together with local communities. Danielle Kennell, aged 25 from Leicester, is one of the volunteers from the project, she said: “I’ve had more support while volunteering than I have actually experienced in a paid working environment. This role has re-established my aims and goal for the future. Given me a huge confidence boost and made me realise that I can achieve things.” Another volunteer, Paige McWilliams, aged 15 from Coalville, said: “VIP is inspirational. Because of volunteering I now know what I want to do with my life and I have the confidence and the skills to go out and get it.” A DVD featuring some of volunteers has been produced and was shown at a recent celebration event. For more information about the VIP project or if you are interested in volunteering please contact the Volunteer Team on 0116 305 6899 or email: VIP@leics.gov.uk http:// www.leics.gov.uk/volunteers
My uncle had a rabbit’s foot for 30 years. His other foot was quite normal.
Thornton St.Peter’s Church Spot After what seems to have been months of planning its all happening at St Peters. Pointing of the stonework is continuing, whilst some of the weather corroded stone needs to be replaced completely. Inside the church loose and flaking plaster, with some stones, has been removed from the area above the Choir – and Henry came into his own to clean up the mess! The split gutter over the vestry window has been repaired and, in the Churchyard, the overgrown ivy has been cleared from the area around the yew tree. And the refurbished porch with its cleanly painted walls and wooden benches, is splendid. Away from the cares of the building, the Friends of St Peters has planned an ambitious programme of fund-raising for the year – the details of which will be available at the Annual General Meeting on Monday 16th May, and of course in this column. By the time this issue is in your hands British Summertime will be here (March 27th) and Easter will be on the horizon. This prompts me to bring the following dates to your attention: - all at St Peters:Mothering Sunday Service 10.30am April 3rd. Annual Parochial Church Meeting 7.30pm April 5th Easter Day Service of Holy Communion April 24th On behalf of all at St Peters may I wish you a very Happy Easter.
Martin Foster
Test your grey matter Stanton’s Quiz Queen Sheila Fox has set readers another Cryptic Quiz - this time on the subject of Trees and Plants. Answers are on page 30. 1. Result of burning? 2. Weeping one at cricket ground? 3. Primate’s conundrum 4. Equine box is daft! 5. Mr. Atkinson’s tree? 6. Magical lady with brown eyes? 7. Just an ordinary tree 8. Smarten up for this clue 9. The senior tree 10. Does a steer go fast to this plant?
11. It’s not me it’s …….. 12. Fumbling speaker has prickly spine 13. Crustacean’s computer maker’s tree 14. Find the mice daring to climb this 15. Container for shrubs 16. Animals keep warm with this 17. I’m yearning for this 18. Were you flogged by this? 19. Canada’s favourite tree 20. Are you stuck on the sand to get this clue?
Set aside half an hour every day to do all your worrying, then take a nap during this period.
What Next For The Maynard?
Borough Councillors’ Report Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea
Dear Residents As your Borough Councillors, we have always taken the matter of lack of infrastructure in Bagworth as a serious problem that should have been put in place during the redevelopment of the village but was omitted to the detriment of local residents and this was a failure of the local authority and the Parish Council at that time. Since then, we have seen various schemes come and go without ever coming to fruition such as the previous plan to redevelop the Community Centre and the shop which was to be built on the community use land opposite Warwick Close. We have seen new amenities come to Bagworth, working in partnership with the County Council and the Parish Council, such as the new Sure- Start centre and the new extension to the Community Centre. However, talking to residents as we do on a regular basis, the two things you really miss and want is a village pub and a shop. It is true that a pub provides a local meeting point, a so-
Cllr Chris Boothby Tel 0116 238 8301 or 07704 345637 Email chris.boothby@hotmail.co.uk
Cllr Ozzy O’Shea Tel 0116 239 4336 or 07808 585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com
cial hub where residents can come together and meet new friends and socialise, something most people take for granted. In terms of a shop, we supported the plan for 6 houses and a retail store on that land and succeeded in getting planning permission for it. It may be, however, that in this financial climate the owner and applicant cannot fulfil on his promise to deliver. So that leaves you with the working men’s club (lovely as it is ! ) and not a lot else. In terms of the existing Maynard Public House, or what’s left of it, you will recall that the previous owner wished to turn it into something resembling a rural nightclub with extended hours for alcohol sales, food sales and dancing until as late as 2am
throughout the week much to the horror of residents in the immediate vicinity. This was refused and then there was the accidental fire which was most unfortunate and left the Maynard site in the state you see it in today. We have been made aware of the sale of this site and can confirm that it was sold to a local developer and this sale was completed on March 1st 2011.We were also made aware by our Planning Officers that there were enquiries in regard to a pre-application to develop the land at the rear of the Maynard, adjacent to Jackson Rd and continuing around to the rear of Daisy Close. We set out to talk to residents of the surrounding streets and were told overwhelmingly that they wanted a
shop, the pub to be saved and really didn’t want any more development but thought it would happen anyway. We have since met with a representative of the new owners to discuss their plans and the wishes of the local community. Those plans could possibly mean a development of some 40 odd small starter homes with a retail facility on the pub site. We have put forward the possibility of redeveloping the pub on its present location and a discussion went forward with the potential reduction of affordable housing allocation in return for the retention of the pub and a shop. Having talked to senior planning officers in regard to this, their initial reaction is to agree that these two facilities would be of such significant benefit to the community that an alternative allocation of affordable housing would not be against current policy. Negotiations should be forthcoming between the developers, ourselves and HBBC but it is your opinion that really counts. In these days of the “Big Society “ and Localism, residents wishes have never been more important and as your voice at Hinckley, it is really important to us that we get any possible feedback as to what your thoughts are on this possible development of the Maynard. We would like to stress that no planning application has been submitted at this stage. We have requested that the developer fully consults with residents before
Intellingence is like underwear: everyone has it, but you don’t have to show it off.
any application is submitted which they have fully agreed to do. As always, our contact details are at the bottom of the page and we are waiting to hear from you.
Jackson Road Play Equipment Back in 2007, during the canvassing period prior to the election, we were made aware of the piece of land on Jackson Rd that was due to have play equipment placed in the middle of it. We were assured at that time, by the Parish Council, that negotiations were ongoing between the developers and the P.C. Fast forward to 2011 and we have once again been contacted by residents who are dismayed that nothing has been done in regard to the installation. After some investigation, we have discovered that provision was made through Developer Contributions (section 106) to provide play equipment and the sum of £49,000 for maintenance for this site and the play site on Maynard Walk. Unfortunately, the land has not been taken over by the P.C. for various reasons including the failure to provide the play equipment. We broached this subject with the P.C. and were told that it was HBBC’s responsibility to force the developer to deliver. Having talked to the responsible officer at HBBC, it seems a deal was reached with the developer and the P.C. albeit for secondhand equipment that was advised against by Planning Officers. We have instructed Officers to re-open negotiations with the developers to deliver the equipment that was agreed originally therefore the need for further planning permission will not be needed. That is presently ongoing and we are determined to bring that equipment to local residents that they have waited so long for. Chris and Ozzy are proud of their record of working for local people on local issues that affect you.
Digital Switchover Information Most of us in Markfield and surrounding area will be receiving our TV signals from either the Sutton Coldfield or the Waltham transmitters. Waltham is the closest but has slightly lower average output power of 7.3kw for the six UHF channels (1@10kw, 3@8kw, 2@5kw), Sutton Coldfield is the next closest and has an output power of 8kw on all 6 channels. These two transmitters are 190 degrees apart so they do not generally interfere with each other. They both have a very similar Digital Switch Over (DSO) dates of 31st August and 21st September so there should not be too much interference. However if you look at the table below you will see that whereas there is currently not much advantage of either of the two closest transmitters, but after DSO the output power of Sutton Coldfield is going to be approx. 5 times stronger that Waltham. Transmitter Distance (km) Bearing Power DSO Date Post DSO Power Sutton Coldfield 39.3 256 8kw 21/09/11 200kw Waltham 34.2 66 7.3kw 31/08/11 37.5kw The Wrekin 86.6 269 2kw 20/04/11 15kw Sandy Heath 93.3 130 20kw 13/04/11 175kw Belmont 103.3 44 10kw 17/08/11 116,667kw Emley Moor 106.4 346 10kw 21/09/11 174kw When DSO occurs the method of transmission will also be changed to squeeze more TV channels into each UHF channel. When this is done your quality of reception will be more dependent on signal strength than previously. People currently using the Waltham transmitter are more likely to encounter difficulties receiving all TV channels. The cure should be simple in most cases, rotate your TV aerial by approx. 180 degrees to point to the Sutton Coldfield transmitter on a bearing of 256 degrees and re-tune your TV, Hard Disk Recorder etc. Also you can see that the power of the Sandy Heath transmitter is being increased to 175kw on 13th April. Under certain (rare) atmospheric conditions this may cause interference. Most Digital TVs etc will start to receive TV channels numbered 800 or greater when the equipment is receiving signals from more than one transmitter, so this should be easy to check for. If this happens a rescan should be all that is necessary to fix the problem. Q) How do I know which transmitter I am currently using? A) If you receive west midlands (Birmingham) news your aerial is pointing to Sutton Coldfield. The information used during production of this article was extracted from UK Free TV (http://www.ukfree.tv)
Mike Williams
Materialism is buying things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people who don’t matter.
10
Cross Hills Baptist Church News Serving Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area
Lent Course Our Lent Course has been continuing each Saturday from 10am to 11.30am, led by Pastor Garry Kelly. We have been looking at the peaks and troughs in our lives, whether we are risk-takers or prefer the safety of what we know, with discussion about being called as Christians to step out of our comfort zone and taking on the challenge of things we feel Jesus might be leading us to do. The final meeting will be on 9th April and anyone can join the course at any time. For further details please ring Garry on his number below.
Easter Services We look forward to welcoming you to any of our Services this Easter and full details of the dates and times are in the Church Service Information section in this magazine. We will be decorating a large rugged cross again this year with fresh flowers during our Easter Sunday service. You will then see it outside the church for a while afterwards, celebrating the
resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Why not come and join us this year to celebrate the true meaning of Easter? Other events taking place in Leicester and Leicestershire this Easter are:
• Easter Son Rise Service For the early risers! This Service starts at 6.30am on Easter Sunday morning at Beacon Hill. If you would like more details, please contact our Secretary, Robert Holmes on his number below.
• Christ In The Centre This dramatic and thought provoking Easter Passion Play is in Leicester on Good Friday, starting at 10am in St Peters Square, Highcross and finishing in Humberstone Gate at 12 noon. More details and pictures from previous years are on the new Christ in the Centre website citc. dioceseofleicester.com along with information on how you can help financially to ensure that this annual event continues in the future.
• Quackers Our latest venture, this parent and tots group, is on Friday mornings from 9.30am to 11.30am. We would love you to join us, so please come along with your child any week to give it a try. Refreshments are served, for which we ask a £1 donation. There will be no meeting on Good Friday, 22nd April, or on the day of the Royal Wedding, 29th April. If you would like more information, please contact Bekki on 01530 231901 or r.holmes.314@ btinternet.com We are a very friendly church and we serve tea and coffee after our services giving the opportunity for friendship and fellowship together. We are always here for the community’s spiritual needs and our Pastor’s contact details are below.
Glynis Straw Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family
Contact Numbers Pastor -Garry Kelly: 01455 457802 • Secretary - Robert Holmes: 01530 231901 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 • Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557
Gardening fun at Mercenfeld School On Sunday 27th March pupils, parents and staff from Mercenfeld primary school joined together for some gardening fun. The day was part of a large project at the school called “Experiencing our surroundings.” The project is lottery and NHS funded as it aims to involve families and the local community. Almost 100 volunteers turned up during the day and the atmosphere was fantastic. We had families working together and children spending hours digging holes and moving wheelbarrows of compost. One parent even said that there was no need to buy expensive toys anymore, a large pile of soil that the kids can move around was clearly far more fun. When the children took a break they were able to make bird boxes with a volunteer from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers(BTCV). During the day the children helped to make over 20 boxes. In school time children, along with family members, are creating vegetable gardens which will eventually produce enough food to sell to our school canteen. As well as learning about gardening the children will also use the project for maths, science, art and design and technology work. I would like to say a massive thank you to all the adults and children who gave up their Sunday to help begin the project. I hope they enjoyed the day as much as me and will come in regularly to see the results of their hard work. There will be another community gardening day on Sunday 15th May. We hope to see you then. Andy Kitchen
New bursary will encourage talented young artists AN EXCITING new arts bursary has been created to reward and encourage talented young artists in Leicestershire. The Borough Council and Creative Hinckley have teamed-up to offer a bursary of up to £400 to help young artists develop their practice. There are two age categories for the award: 11 to 15 years and 16 to 19 years. Young artists have been asked to submit a piece of artwork and the short-listed and winning entries will be featured in an exhibition to be held in the new Creative Hinckley Gallery in the Atkins Building and Hinckley Library Gallery in May 2011. There is also an opportunity for the winners to work with a mentor. Application forms are available from Lindsay Orton, Creative Communities and Tourism Officer, on 01455 255833. Entries must be submitted to the Atkins Building on Saturday 16 April.
Drop in for a Cake & a Cuppa with Iris & John Gleeson On Thursday 28th April, Iris and John Gleeson invite friends and neighbours round for a cake and a drink to celebrate John’s 90th birthday. Drop in between 2pm and 6pm at 137 Main Street, Thornton.
My biggest problem is that I believe almost everything I tell myself.
11
STREET FAIR & CEILIDH 25th June 2011 Markfield Road, Groby 12 NOON TIL 8PM Ceilidh will start at 5pm Applications are invited from anyone who would like a stall. We would also like to hear from local Bands and Artists who could perform a 20-30 minute spot throughout the day. There will be fun and games for all age groups with many attractions.
Everyone is invited.
Further details can be obtained from: 0116 287 6724 01530 243469 ab.johnston@talktalk.net csturgesssmith@aol.com Keep watching the Herald for more information
My interest is in the future because I’m going to spend the rest of my life there.
12
Mercenfeld raises over £600 for Comic Relief Mercenfeld school raised an amazing £610 for comic relief on Friday 18th March. The school council had a sponsored switch off where they gave up technology for a day and gave the money saved in electricity to charity. They also went for a non uniform day without fancy dress as they felt their parents might spend money creating the costumes that could be given to comic relief instead.
LETTER
Not happy with nameplate change Some days ago I was shocked to discover that a new road name plate had been installed at the top of Neville Drive - replacing a perfectly good one with something, which would be more appropriate in a second-rate theme park. Other “olde worldy” style name plates have appeared along Main Street and also on the Lower Green. They all contain a Markfield Parish Council symbol, which appears to be a knight in armour holding a large fish - quite probably a Cod - how appropriate. To add insult to injury, adjacent to the new Neville Drive name plate is a ramshackle dog bin lashed to a sign post by bits of wire. Why wasn’t money spend replacing that rather than on pretentious and totally unnecessary new road name plates, which also add to street clutter? Main Street may be within the village Conservation Area but using poorly designed pseudo-Victorian name plates does nothing to enhance it’s appearance. I should add that the new Parish Council notice board on Main Street is a distinct improvement on its predecessor.
Tony Lockley
Neville Drive, Markfield
Nothing seems to bring on an emergency as quickly as putting money aside in case of one.
13
A Rabbit is for Life, not just for Easter!
(and not just in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit) Usually, articles from Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary are about the dogs and cats, but one animal that is often overlooked is the Rabbit which is the third most popular pet in Britain. And as Easter is approaching, with the promise of the “Easter Bunny’s” visit, (and 2011 is also the Chinese Year of the Rabbit), let’s dedicate this article to this particular, often overlooked, pet. Redgate Farm has some lovely rabbits ready for re-homing, and we’d love to chat with you if you are considering taking on a rabbit as a pet. If you prepare well in advance and read up on rabbit care, (and are prepared for a daily “rabbit routine”) you will have a contented, healthy pet. But BEFORE you take the step to becoming an owner, please read up on rabbit care.
Before you collect your rabbit: • A small hutch is never enough– the bigger the hutch the better. If you buy a rabbit as a baby, always find out how big he will grow and then do the calculations for the hutch and run sizes. A hutch should always be tall enough to allow the rabbit to stand up on his back legs and stretch up fully – don’t forget the long ears! • There should be a run attached/ attachable, also tall enough for a rabbit to stretch and lengthy enough for him to take at least several hops. It would be ideal if the run could be moved to different positions in the garden so the rabbit has fresh grass every so often. Do not use weed-killer / moss-killer on your grass! • Rabbits have to have regular exposure to the sunlight to make Vitamin D • The wire mesh on the hutch front should be thick and strong to prevent attack from foxes and dogs. Also make sure it has no sharp edges. • In cold weather, move the hutch into a sheltered spot or an outbuilding and put carpet over to keep out the cold draughts. Please note that Rabbits are sociable creatures and much more intelligent that many people think. The owner’s reward is to have a healthy, happy rabbit (or rabbits), enjoying as full a life as possible.
When your rabbit arrives at its new home: • When you collect your rabbit, take it the vet’s as soon as possible to be vaccinated against Myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease.
A VERY SPECIAL EASTER CHARITY CONCERT Not to be missed ! • Ask your vet about neutering. • Every day - clean the water and food bowls / bottles and rinse and dry well. • Every day – check to see how your rabbit is eating and drinking. How does he look? Is he bright or lethargic? Does he come to the front of the cage to see you? • Every other day - put a layer of clean newspapers on the base of the hutch and some fresh hay in the sleeping compartment. • Once a week - clean the whole hutch thoroughly while the rabbit is enjoying his run, but be careful what cleaning products you use – nothing caustic or poisonous. • Watch out for fleas in their coat - these can be easily dealt with these days. • Feed your rabbit on a varied diet including hay, grass, root vegetables, herbs, and specialist rabbit mixes / nuggets from the pet shop or the vet’s. • Ensure their teeth don’t get too long – Rabbits need to chew. • Don’t pick him up by his ears! Above all, make friends with your pet. Talk to him – pick him up, gently, every day – observe him - groom him. Research ways of keeping your rabbit from getting bored. Build a “rabbit warren” or a rabbit assault course! Two websites that will be very useful for rabbit owners are those of the RSPCA and British Veterinary Association:www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/ pets/rabbits and www.bva-awf.org.uk/pet/buying/ rabbit.asp
AT THE CLUB, MAIN ST, THORNTON Saturday 16th April IN AID OF REDGATE FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY Starring: Not one but TWO fantastic Leicestershire acts:-
The UpBeatles And
James Aaron King as ‘Elvis’ Singing the greatest hits of the 1960’s and 1970’s
Commencing at 8:00p.m. Entry £5
See you there!
Fantastic Raffle with loads of prizes! Filled rolls & snacks available
Jo Leadbetter For Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary: Tel: 01530 243925 www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eye off the goal.
14
Bracken Walk town house to be auctioned
Schools Art Interfaith Event
Markfield and Leicester students of different faiths work and have fun together
BAGSHAWS RESIDENTIAL Estate Agents are offering for sale BY AUCTION No.37 Bracken Walk, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9WZ. The property (LOT 7 in the catalogue) comprises a twobedroom mid-town house with gardens to front and rear. The auction takes place on Wednesday 13th April 2011 commencing at 11.30am at The Dave Mackay Suite, Derby County Pride Park Stadium, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8XL. Viewing is by arrangement with the Joint Auctioneers: Connells, 85 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6FB - telephone: 0116 254 2626.
The Islamic Foundation hosted a schools interfaith event in March. Children from Mercenfeld, Thornton Primary, and South Charnwood enjoyed drawing and painting murals with other school groups from Al-Aqsa and Uplands Junior in Leicester. The artist and workshop facilitator was Ayesha. The enthusiasm and good will of the locals and role models from the community together with the strong support of heads of schools all helped in making the project a success. One Head teacher wrote afterwards about the project: ‘All pupils seemed to really enjoy the activity and get much from it. Let’s hope we can continue the good work.’ This project was supported by Faiths in Action.
Jasmine Ansari
Librarian and Secretary of Markfield Interfaith Group
Interesting FREE Local History Event • Are you perhaps a Local Historian/ researcher, History Teacher, Librarian or someone with responsibility for teaching research skills to Year 12/13 students? • Do you have a passion for Libraries and an interest in how they are going to develop into the future with regard to technology? • Do you use a computer to collate, manage and share your research? • Would you like to learn more about developing technology, especially the growth of the Internet? IF YOU HAVE ANSWERED YES and if you are free on Tuesday 10th May from 10am – 2pm, your are cordially invited to a FREE event at the University of Leicester (the John Foster Hall, Manor Road, Oadby – about 2 miles south of Leicester city centre). A complimentary lunch will follow for all participants. We will have fantastic presenters from the British Library; the Leicestershire Record Office and the Universities of Leicester and Salford; plus technology from the Media Zoo. You will need to book a place in advance please as we are also providing lunch (and resources to take away). Please telephone: Jo Leadbetter on 0116 229 7597 or 01530 230 455. Or email: jl172@le.ac.uk
NB. Deadline for receipt of bookings is Thursday 5th May.
Anstey & District Funeral Service Independent Family-Run Funeral Directors
We take care of every detail, advise and help you every step of the way. • •
• • • •
Traditional hearse & fleet Horse drawn carriages, motorcycle hearse & alternatives available Memorial showroom Extensive car parking Private catering suite Private chapels of rest Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred
0116 234 0548 Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AT
www.ansteyfunerals.com
One good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others.
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Young entrepreneurs to get a helping hand Young people are being offered the chance to turn their creative business ideas into reality, with a pilot fund of nearly £30,000 available to set up new social enterprises in Leicester and Leicestershire. The ‘Bank of TMC’ is inviting young people aged between 16 and 25 to send in a short video explaining their business idea and how it will benefit their community – 10 successful applicants will be offered up to £500 worth of support to turn their great idea into a sound business plan and 5 of those business plans could be offered up to £5000 start-up money. The ‘Bank of TMC’ has been put together by Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and The Mighty Creatives to promote social enterprise and entrepreneurism amongst young people. Social enterprises are businesses that are run for community and environmental benefit. The Bank of TMC has been created with the help of a group of young people from all parts of the City and County; Emma Hampson (16) of Lutterworth said, “This is a great way of providing opportunities for those young people who may have hit a dead end, or are looking for a way of improving their lives and others’ lives in their community”. Hassnain Safdar (16) of Stoneygate, Leicester said, “You could be the one to make a difference – if you’ve got a good idea send in a video, it’s simple and easy to do”. David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities said:“This is a fantastic opportunity for our young people and could provide a boost to many young entrepreneurs within our midst. We have so many talented people in Leicestershire and I would urge anyone with a good business idea to get in touch – this could help change their lives.” Full details of who can be involved, what information the video needs to include and the next steps are available from www.themightycreatives.com www.leics.gov.uk/cip or by emailing davey.ivens@leics.gov.uk Deadline for video entries is 5pm Monday 18th April 2011.
One reason why computers can do more work than people is that they never have to stop and answer the phone.
16
So proud to represent my local Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald Well yes, another four years have passed since I was last elected to serve as the Borough councillor for the Markfield, Stanton and Field Head ward at Hinckley. I ask myself where does the time go, it seems only yesterday that it was 1995, I was 23 years old and standing for the first time for the Borough Council. Casting my mind back, I think about the motivations I had to run those 16 years ago and think that they have not altered a great deal since. Those motivations have been simple ones, some might say they lack ambition to do greater personal things, to cast my net further a field, but it has not been those things that inspired me. What has given me the strength and the satisfaction to represent my local community is that I am proud to do so. It is my home, with my family, friends and a community I have grown up with. This makes everything more relevant to me personally
and more satisfying when positive developments take place which you have contributed something towards. After all it is where you chose to live and where I want my two sons to grow up. I have over the years been fortunate of course, to have had the confidence of the community, without which I could not have served as your Borough Councillor. I was always brought up never to take things for granted and that is something I have never done. This has kept my feet firmly on the ground and ensured I do not become complacent in my role. It is always important to put your community first and not to sacrifice it for other gains. I have seen others at Hinckley and elsewhere forget why they may have wanted to stand for election. They do not stand up for their communities and allow decisions to pass which have a negative impact on their community, without so much as a word. Sometimes they are told what to do and if they have an important position on the Council through patronage, they are worried about losing it if they
do not toe the line. That is the downside of party politics, but how can you forget your local community? If I look back to 1995 I think to myself that much has been achieved. This of course you could say is a subjective judgement, after all I am not likely to say it has all been a waste of time. What I do know is that those achievements that have been made, have not been made alone, far from it. In fact lots of people can take credit and gratitude for the improvements which have been seen over the years. I think of the other local councillors who I have served with. The Parish Councillors and Clerks who I have worked with over the years, who have all contributed something to improving community life. The local businesses who have often responded to requests to support improvements. The community groups and volunteers who take time out to do something positive. The schools, churches, sports groups, youth groups. The list is comprehensive and shows that we have in Markfield, Stanton
and Field Head a rich vein of activity which in its own way has contributed to the many improvements I been fortunate to have played a part in. I am full of thanks for their contributions. The contributions of all our community matters a great deal and this was so clearly evidenced when people responded to campaigns to protect our countryside and when they so professionally organised a campaign to save the South Charnwood school bus.
Improvements Despite the improvements that have taken place much still needs to be done. I have for a few years now been frustrated in my attempts to secure a public car park to the rear of the Co Op. Well at last the Co Op have submitted plans which will lead to a big improvement at the heart of the village with a modern improved store, public car park and supply yard. We need to make sure these deliver for our community. An improvement yet to be delivered, is a new community hall for Stanton which is so clearly
Skier: someone who pays an arm and a leg for the opportunity to break them.
17
community needed to go along with the now refurbished and extended Community Centre at Markfield. The swimming pool could be a reality if we make it happen. I am committed to working with others to help secure these projects and others that the community wish to take forward. They may take time as large projects often do but with the will to succeed I think it can be achieved. A key priority of mine since 1995 has been to protect the open countryside around our local community from further housing development. This is not a NIMBY response - rather a view that we have over the last 30 years seen significant housing development here. The developers of course have different ideas and see Markfield, Stanton and Field Head as rich territory and a prime site. This was evidenced at the Jelson planning appeal when clearly Jelson spared no expense in getting the original refusal overturned. The original decision to refuse their application had been made at the Borough Council’s planning meeting. I was
there at that planning meeting arguing against the development, I was also at the appeal arguing against the development and I was at the public inquiry into the Council’s local development framework, arguing against the numbers of houses allocated to our community. This much is public record, let no one claim otherwise. So after 16 years is my heart still in it? Well sometimes it can be hard going especially when thinking what I should write in the next Herald. I have had my moments of despair, anger and doubt but also pleasure, pride and satisfaction. As in all things you take the rough with the smooth and push on. I am still as motivated and committed as I was, all those years ago. I know times have changed but many of the key ingredients have stayed the same. I am honoured that I have had the opportunity to be the Borough Councillor for Markfield, Stanton and Field Head. I thank all those who have over the years, supported and worked with me. I
Country Music Show still going strong ... on the internet Mick Smith’s Country Show, which was axed by BBC Radio Leicester, has a new lease of life on the internet. Go to www.micksmithradio.co.uk and you can listen to the shows on your computer.
hope that not too many people have been disappointed in my actions. I apologise now if I have let anyone down. I would like to carry on being your Councillor but of course I accept whatever judgement you wish to pass on May 5th which unfortunately will also be my 40th birthday. Should I not be re-elected I would wish my successor well and to say I look forward to reading their contributions in the Herald. All the very best.
St Michael’s Church
May Fayre Saturday 14th May Congregational Church Hall from 10.00 am - 12.00 noon Raffle, cakes, refreshments, stalls All welcome
Matthew Lay
Newly Refurbished
Good Friday: Special Fish Menu
The Bricklayer’s Arms
St George’s Day: Pie & Pint Special Easter Sunday: Book Early
213 Main Street, Thornton Tel: 01530 230808 www.bricklayersarms.net
Royal Wedding Garden Party
Home-Made Pie Night Tuesdays - £5.95
Traditional Sunday Lunch
Pasta & Rice Night Wednesdays - £6.95
2 Courses - £9.00 or 3 Courses - £11.00 With personal service to your table
Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Open Fire & Great Food!
The one who says it cannot be done should never interrupt the one who is doing it.
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LETTERS
Litter louts are making Bagworth a dump! Whilst walking my dog this morning I filled two large carrier bags with litter, discarded drink cans, crisp bags, other peoples’ dog mess bags, newspapers etc. Other people looked on slightly bemused, maybe they thought I was mad! But it is such a shame to see our village in this state, also cars driving through the village throwing litter from their windows rather than taking it home with them. The problem has got much worse of late and Bagworth looks a dump. It is not helped by the dog mess left everywhere, some pet owners halfheartedly clean up after their pooch only to throw down to the ground full bags of dog mess, what is the point of that? Is there anything that can be done? I shall continue my litter picking but can’t help thinking its just a drop in the ocean. HELP!
Rosemary Masters
Bring thoughtless dog owners to account Further to the dog attacks in Markfield. Isn’t this a wake-up call to everyone that all dogs should be on leads in public places and for non-dog owners to speak up and report offenders to our Councillors and Borough Council? Are we to wait for a child to be attacked before action is taken? Apart from the considerable danger to pedestrians, children and other dogs there’s the growing problem of dog mess which is a disgusting sight and a health hazard. I feel for the people who play on the ground next to the community centre as it’s a dog-loo haven. The grass verges around the village are also in a terrible state; London Road appears to be a Public Dog Loo – I’ve counted an excess of seventy separate piles within a space of less than 200 yards. We do indeed have some wonderful picturesque places to walk but these are being ruined by the selfish, thoughtless dog-owners who should be brought to account.
Local professional tradesmen caring for your home
Charnwood Property Improvements Specialising in high quality: garage conversions kitchen refurbishments bathroom installations • General building work • Plastering • Electrical work • Tiling • Carpentry
• Decking • Landscaping and patios • Fencing • Roof and gutter repairs
Tel: 01530 243922 Mobile: 07917645382 email: charnwoodproperty@btinternet.com
Responsible Dog-Owner
Thornton & Breedon on the Hill Church I am Ann Cowlishaw (Bodycote) and am sure many people in Thornton will remember me although I left the village in 1955 after I got married. No I am not dead yet! But someone with the same name is. These pictures are of a stone plaque in the church at Breedon on the Hill – and a memorial stained glass window in memory of her husband and only daughter. As this was at Easter – albeit 1878 – I thought it a fitting article for the April Herald.
Ann Bodycote (Cowlishaw) Waltham on The Wolds p.s. There may be people in Markfield that will recognise the name as I attended South Charnwood School between 1943 – 1946.
There is nothing wrong in having nothing to say, unless you insist on saying it.
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Extracts from Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council Minutes The following items are among the topics discussed at the meeting of Bagworth & Thornton Parish Council on 7th March 2011 at Bagworth Community Centre. Maynard Pub: The pub has been sold and further details are awaited from developer. Precept: Borough councillors advised residents are concerned about the large increase in the precept, advised it might be an idea to put out an explanation in the form of a leaflet to residents. Chair explained precept had been held at same level for 3 years and now no reserves were left to cover ongoing maintenance costs etc. Bagworth New Wood: A resident asked why the Parish Council has withdrawn from their proposed purchase of Bagworth New Wood. The clerk advised it was a case of not wanting to commit the council to on-going maintenance costs if they purchased the wood. A member of the public asked if it was possible for private individuals to purchase the wood. The Clerk was instructed to find out and inform the resident accordingly. Affordable Housing: A presentation was given by Richard Windley, Rural Housing Enabler and Valarie Bunting of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. The Parish Council discussed the previous problems with the housing needs survey, and it was resolved to form a sub-committee comprising A Brettle, J Walker and Mrs E Johnson. The committee’s remit will be to consider the notes from Richard Windley and Valarie Bunting and bring the findings back to the next meeting, Grant for the Community Centre: An email had been received from Leicestershire County
Council with regard to the £61,500 grant for the community centre. The county council want to take a charge over the building to prevent the Parish Council from selling the building at a later date and retaining the funds themselves. The clerk advised the PC had only received £30,000 so far and were not likely to get the remaining £31,500 unless the PC agrees to the terms, after much discussion it was resolved to accept the term on the proviso that the word ‘loan’ was removed from the document. Council accounts: Discussion took place at this point with regards to the financial accounts of the council after which it was agreed that the clerk would provide the members with financial reports at the end of March, June September and December each year in future. Bagworth Community Centre: Councillor Harris voiced concerns over the project as did Councillor White, as there appear to be discrepancies in the business plan. After a long discussion the Clerk was asked to ascertain the terms of the lease with the BF Trust and Councillor White will engage with the trustees and report back to the council on the position. Complaints procedure: Councillor Walker had produced documentation relating to a complaints procedure to be used by the council. It was agreed all members would read the documentation thoroughly and bring any comments back to the next meeting.
The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions.
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Ratby Mid Band Returns to Markfield Over the past few years Ratby Mid Band has entertained appreciative audiences in Markfield.
The band will make a welcome return on June 11th at the Community Centre where it is hoped that more brass band enthusiasts will have the opportunity to hear them in this larger venue. The event, which starts at 7.30 p.m., is being organised by Churches Together in Markfield and all proceeds are for Christian Aid. Tickets are priced £6 adults, £3 children and are available from the Community Centre or by calling 01530 242607, 243079, 242142, 244261. There will be a bar, tea & coffee, and a raffle. It would be wonderful to see a full audience at what promises to be an evening of first-class entertainment.
Linda Walmsley
Kids’ Fun in the Garden!
at The Coach & Horses, Field Head, Markfield on Royal Wedding Day 29th April Bouncy Castle • Face Painting Sumo Suits • Inflatable Slide
PLUS TV on in the pub for Mum!
Holy Week and Easter Special services across the Benefice Why not experience the old story in a new way this Holy Week and Easter?
Tenebrae
Tuesday 19th April at 7.30 pm St Peter’s, Copt Oak Tenebrae services of worship date back to the 4th century of the Christian Church. ‘Tenebrae’ means shadow, and lighted candles are extinguished one by one as we trace the steps of the Passion from the shadow of the Betrayal to the Shadow of the Cross through Bible readings and hymns. Silences give us opportunity for meditation and renewal of commitment to Christ as Lord.
Fish and Chip Supper and Holy Communion Maundy Thursday 21st April at 6.30pm at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon
Family Stations of the Cross
Good Friday 22nd April 10.00am at St Peter’s, Thornton An opportunity to spend 30-40 minutes remembering the story of Good Friday and Easter, as we travel round the church, looking at pictures, singing songs and sharing readings and prayers. Followed by tea, coffee, cold drinks and Hot Cross Buns. Suitable for all ages.
Meditations
Good Friday 22nd April 2-3pm at St Michael’s, Markfield An hour reflecting on the story of Good Friday and Easter, with hymns, readings, prayers and silence. 7.30pm at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon An opportunity to reflect and meditate on the Passion narratives from the Bible
Calling all Herald Readers with a Digital Camera!
2012 Parish Calendar Reminder First of all, a big Thank You to everyone who has already sent in photos for the Parish Calendar competition so far – don’t forget that you can carry on sending them in, as and when you want, or just keep them safe on your computer, and send them all in together by 1st September 2011. The photos should be landscape and colour and should depict scenes from Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton, Merrylees or Horsepool Grange. ENTRY IS COMPLETELY FREE and you can send in as many (or as few) photos as you wish. Or just one. On the back of each photo please write your name and telephone number and the month the photo was taken. Please do not email photographs yet. Either leave prints at Sue and Lloyds shop on Main Street, Thornton or post at 34, Highfields, Thornton. Telephone 01530 230455 or 01530 230422 for further information. Over Heritage Weekend (10th / 11th September) the winning photographs will be chosen to be immortalised on our 2012 Parish Calendar! Our impartial judges will also choose the three “Best of the Best” images for a special prize. So please take part, and Get snapping!!
Jo Leadbetter
Updated ‘toolkit’ available for events organisers A TOOLKIT that is used by organisers to plan their events in Hinckley & Bosworth has just been relaunched. The Borough Council’s ‘Event Safety Toolkit’ contains vital information and ensures that events take place successfully and in safety. New and up-to-date information has been added, including a new risk assessment form, which is quick and easy to complete. The toolkit also contains an event application form, which must be submitted to the council for advice and guidance for any events that are to be held on Borough Council land. Commenting on the new toolkit, Executive Member responsible for Cultural Services, Councillor Wendy Moore said: “The toolkit is a valuable item which gives guidance to event organisers. There will be an increase in events with the celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics and I recommend organisers obtain a copy of the toolkit.” It can be downloaded from the council’s website (www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk), while a hard copy has been distributed to all parish councils. For any further help or advice please contact Sherrilee Fahey on 01455 255893.
Markfield Seminar Sun 15th May
Crystal Singing Bowls Sound Therapy
with Joanne Driver 11am-4pm £20
Book your place Pay on the day Tel/Txt: 0778 032 2695 www.leicesterlectures.co.uk
email: peter.leadbetter@dsfc.ac.uk
When I walk backwards, it feels like I’m helping everyone else to move forward faster.
21
When I was a child I could remember anything ... whether it happened or not.
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Local dancers perform Alice in Wonderland
Over a hundred local young dancers recently put on three fantastic performances of Alice in Wonderland at Babington Community College. The many characters on display included balletic Alices, a set of pre-school dancing crabs, street-dancing boys doing the ‘worm’, a glow-in-the-dark Cheshire Cat, and ‘funky’ white rabbits. The dancers are all students of Miss Keely-Anna, who runs regular classes in Markfield, Ratby and Anstey. According to Miss Keely-Anna,“I was so proud of all my dancers - they were just wonderful! I think it’s important that all my students have the opportunity to work towards a real performance, and it’s also a great reward for their families to see them in action.” There’s no time for Miss Keely-Anna to rest on past successes though, as the students have just voted to put on a Christmas panto version of Peter Pan. “We’re used to dance-only shows, so the technical challenge of adding speech and acting is a big one! But if we’re constantly asking the kids to improve their skills, it seems only fair that we should do the same for them.” Details of Miss Keely-Anna’s dance and fitness classes are available at her website, http://www.keelyanna.co.uk/
Mercenfeld celebrates special World Days From 28th February to the 4th March Mercenfeld celebrated several big events including World Maths Day, World Book Day and World Spelling Day. Many activities took place during the week including….
Farm Open Day Stall Holders Wanted Visit a farm on Open Farm Sunday and discover the story behind our food. A day for everyone to meet the people, who grow our food and care for our countryside. Date: 12th June 2011 Where: Little Markfield Farm, Forest Road, Markfield, Leicester, LE67 9UN. Time: 10.30am to 5.00pm Contact: Brenda 01530 242173 or 07774047571 Activities: • Come and see sheep being sheared, wool being spun, • Cows, Sheep, Pigs and Chickens with their babies; feed the lambs!
• Farm walks • Hot dogs & Beef Burgers using farm produce, • Home made cakes & Pies, • Beer festival • Modern & Vintage machinery, • Crafts stalls, • Sausage making • Pumpkin growing competition for the children,
£1 entry fee per adult Children Free We will be raising money for LOROS, Rainbows and Markfield Church.
On Tuesday 1st March ,World Maths Day, there was a crystal maze maths trail around the school for families to try. We had over 100 people take part in challenges ranging from bean bag throwing to complex algebra equations. On World book day the children and teachers all dressed up as their favourite book character and took part in many fun activities including a hungry caterpillar assembly. All week parents and grandparents came into school in the afternoon to share books with the children. We all thoroughly enjoyed the week and many thanks to all the people who made it so special.
Andy Kitchen When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
23
An Invitation from Bagworth Bowls Club Bagworth Bowls Club is now looking forward to the new season which starts in April and runs through the summer to September. We invite all residents in the area to join us. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience, or if you have not played for a time - you can be sure of a warm welcome. Bowls and tuition from experienced members is on hand to see you through the initial stages. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can pick it up. It’s one of the cheapest sports to play - the main item is a set of bowls which new can be quite expensive but for beginners there is always a set available from the club to use so that you may find out the best weight for you - this is recommended anyway. There are also often used sets of bowls to buy. Add a pair of Grey and White trousers, a white top and a pair of smooth soled shoes (to protect the Green) and that’s it. Games are played on the format of a’ Roll-up’ on Monday Nights, a friendly match on Wednesday night and also on Saturday afternoons. Annual fees and match fees are also very reasonable. Roll-up nights are very informal where club members of all abilities mix to enjoy the game for itself. New Players are invited to the club for our first new members roll-up (behind the Community Centre), on Monday, April 25th from 5.30pm onwards. If you would like further information please contact me:
Nigel Gray
Members Secretary, Tel: 01530 231417 Email: graynigel@sky.com
Can you help?
‘Friends of St. Peter’s’ volunteer committee positions The ‘Friends of St. Peter’s’ have now been fund-raising for Thornton Church for over 15 years and are currently looking for new people with new ideas to keep up the impetus of those last 15 years. We are looking for new Committee members and are particularly looking for a Chairperson and Secretary as both these positions will be coming up soon. We hold around half a dozen meetings per year, usually on a Friday evening at the Community Centre so if you are willing to take on any of these volunteer positions why not get in touch for more information. Please phone Kathryn Shaw on 01530-230372 or e-mail: peter.shaw975@btinternet.com
Who says nothing is impossible? I’ve been doing nothing for years.
24
Gardening Notes with Ted Brown of Markfield
ALMIGHTY
Strawberries, Raspberries & Japanese Knotweed
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Strawberries
Raspberries
From a breeding programme in the States, involving nearly two thousand crosses, an excellent new Strawberry ‘Albion’ has become available.
Again breeders have been busy – this time in Poland resulting in the variety ‘Polka’ which promises to become possibly the favourite Raspberry for all gardeners.
Said to have superb flavour, with also a long cropping period from June/July right until October. Already available from a few sources including Thompson & Morgan – about £10 for 10 plants. Once obtained, propagation from runners is easy. As for all Strawberries do not allow fruiting in first season – this is to allow strong rooting. Then crop for two seasons only before discarding plants. Meantime runners are grown-on (individual plants) to replace.
Already gained an R.H.S. Award of Merit both for its large sweet and juicy berries together with its cropping ability. It is one of the socalled ‘Primocane’ types, capable of two crops each year. Initially on the previous year’s canes, followed by an autumn crop on the current year’s canes. Should soon become generally available. Those universal suppliers, Thompson & Morgan, have it listed in their 2011 catalogue. Two other recently introduced varieties – particularly
for commercial growers – are ‘Tulameen’ from Canada, and ‘Tadmore’ from New Zealand. Both should be available for home gardeners soon.
Japanese Knotweed Originally introduced as an ornamental garden plant, this vicious weed has proven resistant to all chemical weedkillers.
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I noticed last year that two strands on Forest Road in Markfield (one on either side of the school-turn and to Thornton) were flourishing, although I think treated with weedkiller, probably on several occasions, as Knotweed has been there for some years. Incapable of producing seed, so must have been spread around by people. Help is now on the way. An aphid type insect, introduced from Japan, and tested for about 10 years to ensure it would not kill other plants, is being openly released.
All are welcome. All money raised goes to St. Michael’s Bell Tower Fund and Congregational Church Roof Fund. To book a place call Brenda on (01530) 242173 or you can just turn up on the day. Saturday 30th April in the Congregational Hall from 12 noon. Mains: £7 Lamb chops with New Potatoes & a selection of fresh Steamed Vegetables Beef with a red wine gravy & New Potatoes & a selection of fresh Steamed Vegetables Ratatouille with rice (V)
3 courses for £12 • 2 courses for £9 • Including Tea or Coffee
INSTALLED ALL IN.
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS
Come and celebrate the Royal Wedding Starters: £3 Homemade Vegetable Soup (V) Cucumber Mousse Homemade Pork & Brandy Pâté
£85
Desserts: £3 Chocolate Mousse Warm Fruit Salad Spanish Cream Cheesecake
It is amazing how nice people are to you when they know you’re going away.
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LUPUS What is Lupus?
Proceeds for
Lupus UK
To raise awareness and support research
So few have heard of it, yet worldwide it’s seen as more common than leukaemia, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Some 50,000 people are believed to suffer with the disease in the UK, of whom 90% Saturday, May 7th are female. Men and young children can also be affected by 10.00 – 12.00 lupus. Systemic lupus Markfield Methodist erythematosus (SLE) causes Church the body’s immune system to go into overdrive and start to attack itself. The symptoms are many and varied, and the illness often seems to mimic other diseases. This gives rise to difficulty in diagnosis and the condition can be overlooked, sometimes for years, unless the GP or consultant is alert to the possibility of lupus. Discoid lupus is a condition of the skin alone but in a very few patients may develop into SLE. Lupus is neither infectious nor contagious. It can be triggered – at puberty, after childbirth, through sunlight, during the menopause, after a viral infection, as a result of trauma, after a prolonged course of medication. The symptoms of lupus may include – extreme fatigue, joint/muscle pain, eye problems, depression, mouth ulcers, facial or other rashes, risk of miscarriage, hair - loss, kidney problems, anaemia, migraine, flu-like symptoms and/or night sweats. A person with lupus may have four or five symptoms. Some of these might recede, and/or others develop. There is as yet no cure. People diagnosed with lupus normally remain under medical care with continuing medication. Many symptoms have less impact as a result, but side effects may occur. Achieving an early diagnosis allows a better opportunity for control of the disease and the patient will need to adjust to the demands of the illness and the impact of medication. For some patients the illness can still be debilitating in the extreme but the majority will be able to regain quality in their everyday lives. (Information from Lupus UK. Visit www.lupusuk.org.uk to find out more.)
IDC Home Maintenance Painter Decorator and Property Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL From changing a light bulb to complete house re-decoration. For all the jobs you need to do but simply don’t have time.
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01530 245461
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Full Tradesman Liability Insurance held
Markfield HomeMakers Meetings Coming Up Markfield HomeMakers meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, on the second Wednesday of the month at 8.00pm. Contact No’s: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436 • • • •
or
3 The Nook, Markfield, Leicestershire
April 13th ~ Denis Baker ~ The Early development of the CO-OP May 11th ~ Ady Dayman ~ Gardening June 8th ~ Outing to Shenton Glass Blowing Aug 10th ~ Skittles ~ 7.15 for 7.30pm At the Coach & Horses
It is important to stay cool, but be sure not to get frostbite.
26
Comic Book Heroes
Wordsearch find 12 COMIC BOOK CHARACTERS in the Wordsearch puzzle below, and you could win yourself a nice prize. This month we are offering a first prize of:
Word Search Puzzle
A Main Course for Two plus A Bottle of House Wine at The Field Head Hotel and a SECOND PRIZE of:
A pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at the REEL CINEMA in Loughborough To go into the draw for the prizes, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - 12 Comic Book Characters. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: BEANO, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Friday 29th April 2011. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s Tam O’Shanter will win the Meal for Two, and the second will win the Cinema Tickets. Good luck!
Subscriber Login Passcode/New Users Help STORE
Stanton News
Here are the 12 COMIC BOOK CHARACTERS you have to find: ALF TUPPER • BERYL THE PERIL • BILLY WHIZZ • BLACK BOB COLONEL BLINK • DAN DARE • DESPERATE DAN • LITTLE PLUM LORD SNOOTY • ROGER THE DODGER • THE WOLF OF KABUL • WILSON
from Sally Wilkins May Queen Competition 2011
C M L I T T L E P L U M J L J
O V R I R L C B W G T N U V Z
L K E Z R Y O I O X X B V Z R
O R G H A E L R V B A X I K L
N E D N W S P K D K K H L D I
E P O U O U K E F S W C K J V
L P D N L C S O H Y N E A S X
B U E W E L F F L T O O F L X
L T H Y U L V L Q T L V O C B
I F T Y O S I B I I D Y Y T S
N L R W Y B G G X F Q L R I Y
K A E N A D E T A R E P S E D
J H G R F J U H N Y O Z N G B
T K O Y G V G D Z X A U B U R
I E R A D N A D H F Q V U W S
................................................................................................... Name: ALFTUPPER
Address: ................................................................................................ BERYLTHEPERIL
BILLYWHIZZ .............................................................................................................. BLACKBOB COLONELBLINK DANDARE DESPERATEDAN Last month’s winners! LITTLEPLUM The first correct entry drawn out of the hat last month came from: LORDSNOOTY F. G. Allen of Beech Close, Markfield. ROGERTHEDODGER Congratulations! Your Meal & Wine Voucher to spend at the Field Head Hotel will be THEWOLFOFKABUL sent to you in the next 21 days. The second correct entry drawn out came from WILSON Mrs. M. Hearne of Leicester Road, Markfield.
.............................................. Postcode: ................................................
Congratulations! Your Pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at The Reel Cinema in Loughborough will be sent to you in the next 21 days.
This year there will not be a May Queen Disco**. However we do need a May Queen and two attendants to open the May 2011 Fete. All those who wish to enter please put your name address and age in the May Queen box, at Stanton Stores or post to 176 Main Street. All entrants needed by 15th April, then all those interested will have their names put up on the box in the shop and votes will be asked for. If anyone feels this is not a fair way, please see one of the committee members or ring 01530- 242847 and speak to Sally. The successful entrants will be informed by Thursday 28th April 2010. Crowning will take place prior to the fete. Lads very welcome to enter - we’d be happy to have a Stanton May King. **Disco will return next year.**
Scarecrow Competition Decorate or make a scarecrow in your front garden based on your favourite Prince or Princess. Put your name and address and what your entry is ,with 50p entry fee (by village request) on a piece of paper or the entry form coming through your door and put it into the box at Stanton Stores by Thursday 28th April 5pm. Any later may result in being missed off the judges’ and visitors’ maps. Judges will view on Saturday 30th April. Winners will be announced at the May Day Fete on Sunday 1st May 1pm - 5pm.
May Day Fete 1st May 2011 Come and join in the family fun at the Stanton under Bardon May Day Fete. Starting at the Youth Club at the top of Main Street, the 2011 May Queen and attendants will lead a procession of those wishing to join in the fancy dress parade (Prize for best entry). Assemble 12.30pm for 12.45 start. Fete to be opened at 1pm. Events will include May Dancing, Beer Tent, BBQ, Coconut Shy, Raffle, Tombola, Bouncy Castle and lots more. - and wentry is FREE. • PERFORM! We are looking for anyone who wishes to perform any music at the Fete - either playing recordings or performing live - we’d love to hear from you. Any donations towards the Raffle, Auction, or Tombola would be very gratefully received. We are also looking for old chipped pots for the pot smashing stall, old handbags, and books. Just contact Sally Wilkins on tel: 01530-242847 or at 176 Main Street, Stanton under Bardon. We are looking for new recruits to enable us to carry on with these events and would love to hear from you. Contact Sally Wilkins on 01530-242847 or call at 176 Main Street, Stanton under Bardon.
Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.
27
News from Bardon Park Chapel Christian Fellowship
Monthly praise evenings are held at the Chapel on the 1st Saturday of every month at 7.00pm. We invite you to join us for a lively time of praise and sharing, Sound bible teaching and healing prayers. Tea, coffee, biscuits and fellowship after the meeting in the school rooms. Family Worship Service every Sunday morning at 10.30am. Everyone most welcome.For more details contact: Richard on telephone 01530 242 526.
Markfield & Thornton Theatre Group’s April Production The next production by Markfield & Thornton Theatre Group is a comedy entitled “The Legend of Bockinge Hollow,” written and directed by Muriel Walker, which runs from 6th to 9th April, 2011. The play will be staged at 7.30 each evening at Thornton Community Centre. Tickets are on sale at Lloyd & Sue’s Corner Store in Thornton, or can be booked on 01455 822148. They are priced at £5 Adults and £4 Concessions. The play is entirely suitable for a family audience.
Always forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
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Local Church Service Information
Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield
Sunday 3rd April – Mothering Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Communion Service Sunday 10th April – Passion Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service 4.00 pm Café Church Worship Sunday 17th April – Palm Sunday 10.30 am United Churches Together Procession of Witness starting at the Congregational Church Hall 6.00 pm Special Easter Evening Service with Rev Andrew Pantland and the Choir Sunday 24th April – Easter Day 9.00 am Breakfast 10.30 am Morning Communion Service 6.00 pm No Evening Service Sunday 1st May 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Communion Service Sunday 8th May – Local Preachers Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service 4.00 pm Café Church Worship Sunday 15th May 10.30 am United Churches Together Service at Methodist Church 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 22nd May 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Taizé Service Sunday 29th May 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Service
Congregational Church Services, Markfield Sunday 10th April 10.15 Family Service followed by Communion Sunday 17th April 10.30 Churches Together in Markfield Palm Sunday Walk starting from the Church Hall Friday 22nd April Good Friday Meditation at 7.00pm Sunday 24th April 10.15 Easter Day Service Sunday 1st May 10.15 Morning Worship followed by Communion (This Service will be held in the Church Hall) Sunday 8th May 10.15 SUNDAY CLUB DAY
St Wilfrid’s, London Road, Coalville
(The Catholic Parish Church for Markfield) Thursday 21st April — Holy Thursday 7.30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper Friday 22nd April — Good Friday 3.00pm Liturgy of the Passion & Death of the Lord
Saturday 23rd April — Holy Saturday 9.00pm Easter Vigil Mass (no Mass at 6pm today) Sunday 24th April — Easter Sunday 10.00am Mass
Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 3rd April 10.30am Mothering Sunday Service 5.00pm United Praise Service Sunday 10th April 10.30am Morning Service with the Lord’s Supper Sunday 17th April 10.30am Morning Service – Palm Sunday Good Friday 22nd April Cross Hills is part of the Barton Fabis Group of churches Good Friday Communion for the Group this year is at 7.30pm at Barlestone Baptist Church Easter Sunday 24th April 10.30am Family Service Sunday 1st May 10.30am Morning Service 5.00pm United Praise Service Sunday 8th May 10.30am Morning Service with the Lord’s Supper There is a Sunday Club in our new hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section of this magazine.
St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield 10:15-11.30am Sunday Club for Children in the Congregational Hall on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays, term time All Age Service in Church on the 2nd Sunday each month. Sunday 10th April 10.30 am Holy Communion 6.00 pm Holy Communion Friday 15th April 8.00 pm Iona Style Service Sunday 17th April 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Palm Sunday Walk Palm Sunday walk round the village starting at the Congregational Church Hall 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Friday 22nd April 2.00-3.00 pm ‘Hour at the Cross’ Meditation Good Friday Sunday 24th April 8.00 am Holy Communion Easter Day
10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Holy Communion
Sunday 17th April 9.00 am Holy Communion
Sunday 1st May 10.30 am Holy Communion
Friday 22nd April 10.00 am Family Stations of the Cross
Sunday 8th May 10.15 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 15th May 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at Trinity Methodist Church 6.00pm Evening Prayer Friday 20th May 8.00 pm Taizé Style Service Sunday 22nd May 8.00 am Holy Communion !0.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service
Sunday 24th April 10.30 am Easter Day Holy Communion Sunday 1st May 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 8th May 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th May 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 22nd May 10.30 am Family Service
Sunday 29th May 6.00 pm United Evening Service at St Peter’s, Copt Oak
Sunday 29th May 10.30 am United Service at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon
St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon
Holy Rood Church, Bagworth
Sunday 10th April 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 17th April 10.30 am Family Service Thursday 21st April 6.30 pm Maundy Thursday Fish and Chip Supper and Holy Communion
Please note: This service will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 1st May 9.00 am Holy Communion
St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 10th April 9.15 am Holy Communion
Friday 22nd April 7.30 pm Good Friday Meditation
Sunday 17th April 3.00 pm Praise Service
Sunday 24th April 10.30 am Easter Day Holy Communion
Tuesday 19th April 7.30 pm Holy Week Tenebrae Service
Sunday 1st May 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 8th May 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 15th May 10.30 am Family Service Sunday 22nd May 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 29th May 10.30 am United Service
St Peter’s Church, Thornton
Sunday 24th April 6.00 pm Easter Day Holy Communion Sunday 1st May 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 8th May 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th May 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 22nd May 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 29th May 6.00 pm United Service
Sunday 10th April 10.30 am Holy Communion
ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
As part of our aftercare service, we now offer a monthly Bereavement Aftercare & Support Group, which has been set up to provide a FREE support service, not just to our clients, but to ANY bereaved person, irrespective of their age, creed, religion and length of bereavement. The group meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12noon.
Next dates: Sat 16th April and Sat 21st May ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548
If you have trouble getting your children’s attention, just sit down and look comfortable.
29
Herald Film Reviews from Tom Flowitt
Unknown
(12A) Starring: Liam Neeson and Diane Kruger 113 Minutes
Martin Harris awakes from a coma four days after a car accident to find that his entire life has been turned upside down. His colleagues and even his wife have no recollection of him whilst another man, claiming to be Harris, appears to have taken his place. The Berlin setting, which is a refreshing change, makes the film feel Bourneesque but the reality is that this is nowhere near as good. There is plenty of action throughout but the tempo is too slow with Harris often wandering around aimlessly. As the plot unravels so does the film. There are just too many ridiculous twists that leave you wondering if you even care anymore. Neeson simply doesn’t convince as an action hero. Overall: Unknown has the makings of a good film but sadly never fulfils it. A poor man’s Bourne Identity. PP
The Lincoln Lawyer (15)
Starring: Matthew McConaughey and Ryan Phillippe 119 Minutes
Mick Haller is not your typical lawyer, his methods are at times borderline criminal. When he is presented with the case of Louis Roulet, accused of attempted murder, it seems like just another case but Haller soon finds himself and his family in danger as he struggles with doing what is right and what is legal. The film drags its heels for the first half hour as the story doesn’t really seem to go anywhere. As the case unfolds the film starts to pick up but becomes overly complicated at points. It does however manage to keep you gripped throughout, although at times very loosely. Matthew McConaughey produces a performance that shows his charm as well as a darker side to the role. Ryan Phillippe is equally as good as he effortlessly moves from one persona to the next. Overall: Over complicated at times with a weak ending but does enough throughout to make it a very watchable thriller. PPP
Ratby Co-Operative Brass Band Ratby Co-Operative Brass Band has a great website at www.ratbyband.com which, apart from other things, lists all their forthcoming concerts. It’s well worth a visit.
Look What’s On At The Palace, Ibstock 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 267303
~ Forthcoming Events ~ Saturday 2nd April – Palace Craft and Gift Fair - from 10.00am until 3.00pm. FREE ADMISSION. A large variety of interesting stalls including; Jewellery, wooden toys, hand-knitted goods, ceramics, cookies, books, bags PLUS craft supplies, Fair-Trade and much more! Saturday 2nd April – ‘The Party Knights’ – A great party night not to be missed! Hits from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s & 80’s, Tributes to The Drifters, Little Richard, Roxy Music, T-Rex, Tom Jones, The Rolling Stones, The Bee Gees and many more! Party starts at 8.00pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar from 7.30pm. Tickets: £6.00: Available from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460. Saturday, 9th April – Palace Social Dance – Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence from Eddie, ‘The Collector’, (D J and host). Doors/box office/bar open at 7.00pm. Dancing from 7.30pm ‘till 11.00pm.Tickets: Halls, High Street, Ibstock. Tickets: £5.00 or pay on the door. Friday, 15th April – Film night at The Palace – ‘Made in Dagenham’ (PG15). There is something refreshingly old-fashioned about this film, a lively and delightfully performed
British film, by a great British cast, about the real-life struggle by a group of female factory workers in 1968 at the Ford plant in the London outskirt of Dagenham who go out on strike for wage equality. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock. Saturday, 23rd April – ‘Scam 69’, live on stage, in a St George’s Day tribute to Punk and New Wave music from 1977 – 1982. Widely regarded as the finest New Wave Tribute act in the UK ‘Scam 69’ authentically reproduce the sounds and energy of the Clash, the Undertones, the Buzzcocks, the Stranglers, the Adverts and many more... Doors 7.30pm. Tickets: £6.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock. Friday, 29th April – Celebrate the Royal Wedding at The Palace INDOOR ‘Street Party’. Watch the event with friends and neighbours on the massive Palace screen in ‘High Definition’ with ‘cinema’ surround sound. Home-made refreshments and licensed bar. FREE ADMISSION. Doors open at 10.00am. Tickets from Halls Electrical High Street, Ibstock 01530 260460
No matter what you want to do, there’s always something else that has to be done first.
30
Markfield NHW Update from Alex Ritchie The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 2 April: GEE’N’US Sat 16 Apr: Waxies DARGLE (Local Irish/Skiffle Band) Sat 14 May: TYME BEINGS (Local Band) Pool etc.
The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm. Fri 8 Apr: MICHAEL BUBLE Fri 22 Apr: ABBA Usually Fortnightly Thereafter. Quiz Nite: Every 2nd Tues (See Advert Page 27)
The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield. T: 01530 242 496 SUNDAY Night SINGLES – Night - COMING SOON! (Watch this space) Sat 9 Apr: LYNNE Sat 30 Apr: SOUL BAND ’Take Your Pick’ ~ 50p a ticket Every Fri: 7.15-7.45pm. Ongoing Jackpot (Min £25) ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN
The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats9 Apr & 23rd Apr. (’King of the Road’) Fri 29 Apr: Garden PARTY (Royal Wedding on TV also) (See Advert Page 7)
The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite – Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net (See Advert Page 19) The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 2 Apr: Mr IMPORTANT Sat 9 Apr: PROPSHAFT Sat 16 Apr: UPBEATLES/ELVIS Charity Eve for Redgate – Tickets £5 from Club or T: 01530 230455. Fri 22 Apr: CITY on SKY 5pm Sat 23 Apr: DIRTY WATER Band Fri 29 Apr: ‘PLUG & PLAY’ with RIOT ACT (B.line & Drums Prov) Sat: 30 Apr: LEFT HAND BAND Sat 7 May: MURDER of CROWS www.myspace.com/thorntonclub The Steam Trumpet 286 Main Street, Thornton T: 01530 231 258 Every Sun: QUIZ 7.30pm – Cash pot prize roll-over. Bagworth WMC Station Road, Bagworth T: 01530 230 205 New Members Welcome FREE Sat Entertainment Sat 2 Apr: JOHN LESTER Sat 9 Apr: LES MALCOLM Sat 16 Apr: LOTTIE T-BAY Sat 23 Apr: TONY LEE Sat 30 Apr: LEONA Sat 7 May: ROB WALKER Last Fridays: ANDY’S CHARITY QUIZ. £1.50 each. (+ usual Tea & Sequence Dances)
Classics Donington le Heath The Manor House Barn T: 01530 817214 Sat 14 May: Dreamboats & Petticoats – 50’s&60’s £30 - Booking Essential. Ellistown WMC Whitehill Road, Ellistown T: 01530 260323 New Members Welcome Fridays: KARAOKE Sat 2 Apr: KIM Mon 4 Apr: General Auction From 8pm. Sat 9 Apr: GEORGIA Sat 16 Apr: JAKE Sat 23 Apr: ERICSSON Sat 30 Apr: ANDY GRAHAM ALL SKY SPORTS The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616. (SUNDAYS are 3 ~ 6pm) Sat 9 Apr: GIN & TONIC Sun 10 Apr: STEVE RAFFLES Sat 16 Apr: STONEPARK Sun 17 Apr: MOJOHAND Sat 23 Apr: IRRESPONSIBLE Sun 24 Apr: ANN DUGGAN Fri 29 Apr: ROYAL Wedding Celebration Sat 30 Apr: SKYSCRAPER Sun 1 May: ACEMEN
Send details of your LOCAL pub and club entertainments and we’ll include them in this column FREE! Tremendous!
Cryptic Quiz Answers 1. Ash, 2. Willow, 3. Monkey puzzle, 4. Horse chestnut, 5. Rowan, 6. Witch hazel, 7. Plane, 8. Spruce, 9. Elder, 10.Bullrush, 11. Yew, 12. Hawthorn, 13. Crab apple, 14. Cedar, 15. Box hedge, 16. Fir, 17. Pine, 18. Birch, 19. Maple, 20. Beech
Communication – Another Moan
meantime if you want one give me a ring at 245908 please and I will pop round to see you with one.
Last month I listed, in quite great detail, my daily routine that involved communication within our own membership and also to and from our County and National hierarchy. This had multiplied greatly since the government cut backs which resulted in our loss of direct liaison contact, Richard Lord, at Hinckley Police H.Q. The increase is due, mainly to duplication of messages from differing sources. However, I am pleased to report that, at local level, this has simmered down and our updates from Sgt Trott are now functioning well with just the occasional hiccup – too minor to mention. Conversely though, messages from our upper echelon are, as I write, still being repeated – in some cases in triplicate. Recently these have covered such subjects as changeover of the ACPO Portfolio, (don’t ask), Public Liability Insurance (good news) and Window Sticker availability (more later).
Northern Parishes Crime and Safety Forum
The Good News Having ploughed through the detailed explanation of how to qualify for continued Free Public Liability Insurance available to Neighbourhood Watch Associations/ Schemes in England & Wales which have been formally registered with, and approved by, their local police authority as an authorised Neighbourhood Watch Association Scheme, I came to the conclusion I had no need to pursue the matter as an individual group but that this was something our County Committee should be responsible for. I then sent my query directly to our County Secretary and received the following good news: “Alex - As you are a registered NHW group in the County you are covered.” Regards - Graham Davis - Secretary. That is all we needed to know.
Window Stickers Another item that was widely circulated is the availability of the little round yellow Neighbourhood Watch window stickers and this was accompanied by details of how these could be obtained. Apparently members can order up to a maximum of fifty stickers unless they can demonstrate the need for more. So I tried to do this and, working on the basis that each of our local members could well distribute ten each I asked for eight hundred Guess what? I have just received my allocation – FIFTY! Firmly believing that these small but conspicuous signs show the presence of an active Neighbourhood Watch and act as an effective crime deterrent I am going to try again. In the
I doubt, by now, that there is anyone in Markfield and Field Head who have not heard of the above unit. In the last Herald edition there was a photograph of our Chairman handing over to our Police officers the bicycle donated by a local Watch member. That was one of the easy parts of Peter’s position. But all involvement is not so unchallenging. We received three thousand leaflets explaining the background and activities of the Forum and were asked to distribute these locally. When Peter volunteered to personally deliver each and every one I could hardly believe my ears but, yes, the fit looking young man who pushed these items through your letter boxes was Chairman Peter and I, for one, am proud of him.
Street Contacts At our last Quarterly General Meeting one of our street members raised a complaint he had received that some people did not know who their local street coordinators were. While the above Forum leaflets did give detail of who to contact, when and where and about what, it is a fact that some people do like the comfort of just knowing and talking to their nearest Neighbourhood Watch street representative. All these ladies and gentlemen have signed appropriate forms relating to their membership so I do not think for a minute that any would object to their name being given to a neighbour who wanted to know for a genuine reason. That being so I will, nevertheless, double check and, by the time you read this article, I will be in a position to answer anybody’s genuine query – you know my number. (above)
Finally Having already briefly mentioned our last quarterly meeting it did, in fact, go off quite well and a range of subjects were discussed and decisions made. Additionally, Sheila and Margaret provided lovely cups of coffee and tea - thank you ladies, but I would like to know where they get these very tempting chocolate biscuits from? I know I should not succumb but when these two are around I just lose my will power (Sorry Evelyn) so roll on the next meeting – Tuesday May 31st at the usual Congregational Church Hall, Main Street, venue – commencing at 7pm.
When I’m right no-one remembers, when I’m wrong no-one forgets.
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You are invited to join us for
Easter Afternoon Tea At Without Walls Christian Fellowship, Main St, Stanton under Bardon 2pm Thursday 14th April
There will be a small charge of ÂŁ2 to cover costs.
Childhood is that wonderful time of life when all you need to do to lose weight is to take a bath.