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MID-APRIL 2019
Full Size Floodlit 3G Astro Letter Pitch Coming To South YET MORE LORRIES Charnwood High School ON RATBY LANE ARE YOU aware that Crown Crest in Desford are applying to extend the times that lorries are to be allowed along Ratby Lane to access the roundabout at Field Head?
SOUTH CHARNWOOD High School are delighted to announce that the school has successfully secured over £750,000 to build a full size floodlit 3G artificial grass football pitch. The majority of the funding (over £600,000) has come from a grant from the Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund. We are hoping that the diggers will be on site within the next 5-6 weeks and expect this fantastic community facility to be available for bookings by July. Several local football clubs have already expressed an interest. It has taken almost three years of hard work to secure the funding and we would like to thank Caroline Smith from Castele Consulting for her support. More details about hire costs and how to book this amazing community facility will be available in due course. If you would like any further information, please contact Mrs Preston or Mr Andrews on 01530 230731 or email office@southcharnwood.org.
The hours will be from 6 o’clock in the morning to 11 pm at night Mondays to Friday (this also includes Bank Holidays). 8 o’clock in the morning till 6 at night on Saturdays, and even Sundays will be 9 o’clock in the morning till 1 in the afternoon. As a Ratby Lane resident, I ask that everyone go onto the Hinckley and Bosworth Bourough Council website, www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk and in the planning application search box put Crown Crest and object to this proposal. The noise and vibration from these lorries literally rattles the windows of houses along Ratby Lane, the impact of this enormous increase of traffic on a small country lane does not bear thinking about. The London Road junction is already very busy, as Ratby Lane is now used as a rat run morning and evening. If this permission is granted, the impact on the whole village will be huge. There is no crossing for schoolchildren getting across the road to catch the South Charnwood High School school bus, the 40 mph speed limit is very rarely adhered to, and the already busy roundabout at Field Head will be a constant stream of 38 tonne lorries accessing the M1. I fear if this is granted, it will just be a small step for 24 hour lorries, 7 days a week. Kirby Muxloe and Desford residents seem to be of a mind that Markfield can cope with all these lorries, when we clearly cannot. Please let your objections be known to both Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and your Council representatives: Ozzy O’shea: Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808 585 825 ozzyoshea@ hotmail.com Matthew Lay: 01530 245189 m.russellay@gmail.com You can also post comments to the following address: Development Services, Hinckley Hub, Rugby Road Hinckley Leics LE10 0FR Thank You
A Ratby Lane Resident
Christian Aid Week
House-to-House Collection in Markfield 12th May – 18th May 2019 CHRISTIAN AID envelopes will be delivered this year between 12th and 18th May. We are unable to return to each household to collect the envelopes but we kindly ask those who would like to contribute to return the envelope, with donation enclosed, to any of the listed addresses attached to the envelope. Why not drop in to the Christian Aid Coffee Morning on Sat 18th May at the Congregational Church Hall, 10am to 12noon and return your envelope? If you are a UK taxpayer remember to Gift Aid your donation - Christian Aid can receive 25p back from the government for every £1 you contribute, at no extra cost to you. Just write your name, address (including post code) and amount you are donating on the form attached to the envelope and place it in the envelope with your donation. Thank you to everyone for your continuing generosity.
Churches Together in Markfield
Time to Vote! Borough Council Elections take place on Thursday 2nd May 2019.
Don’t forget to exercise your right to vote.
NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 18TH MAY - ARTICLE/ADVERT DEADLINE: 3RD MAY
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Letter
Does Markfield need a dog warden? WHILST I agree with some of the comments in John Thatcher’s letter in last month’s Herald, what we need more of are “Responsible dog owners”. We don’t need the council to come round now and again, we need those disgusting dog owners who think that it’s acceptable to let their dogs poo and leave it for everyone else, to do what THEY should be doing. I have caught a few people on my road who have allowed their dogs to poo and leave it for children to step in etc and when challenged they have picked it up, albeit a while later. We can blame the council for not patrolling disgraceful dog owners enough, but it all comes down to taking “responsibility”. I have two dogs and I don’t ask anyone else to pick up their poo or let them leave a mess outside someone else’s house for them to clear up or tread in. Some people just don’t care, let’s be honest. As long as the poo is somewhere else apart from their front door they don’t care. I have contacted the council recently about dog poo incidents and they were brilliant. I chose not to pursue the matter even with hard evidence, as the people apologised and picked it up. Do I need a dog warden to make me pick up my dogs poo? Do I need a sign on the floor to pick up my dogs poo. Do I need a sign on a lamp post to pick up my dogs poo? Or do I just need to do the right thing? You referred to the freedom of information to see if anyone has been fined which is a good point, but what about the freedom to allow our kids to play safely on the playing fields, walk along a clean path to school, for our elderly to be able to move freely with mobility aids etc, or anyone else who just goes about their daily activities. The message has to be “It’s YOUR DOG” so clean up after it. The council will never fully stop the appalling behaviour of the dog owners who allow Markfield to be treated as a dog toilet and a lot of people don’t want to challenge in fear of repercussions. Nice to see you on the front page of the Herald John, as this has more of an impact. We can only do so much and let’s hope by you, myself and others keeping this topic alive in the Herald this disgusting behaviour will improve.
Markfield resident and responsible dog owner
Family-sized homes revealed at Stanton under Bardon housing development A STUNNING selection of family-sized homes has now been unveiled to property-seekers at a much-anticipated housing development in Stanton under Bardon. Developer Westleigh Homes marked the opening of Stanton Meadows, a fabulous collection of three and four-bedroom homes at the heart of the popular Leicestershire village, with a special launch event during which the magnificent three-bedroom Drayton showhome was revealed to would-be buyers. While quick-off-the-mark purchasers spared no time in taking their pick of the plots by reserving off plan, a range of three and four-bedroom homes remains up for grabs at Stanton Meadows, with prices starting from £269,950 and £331,950 respectively. These include the three-bedroom the Witton at plots 18 and 23, and the four-bedroom Wainwright at plots 16 and 17. For example, the Witton, which is ideal for growing families and professional couples alike, features a light and airy living room, a dualaspect kitchen/diner with double doors leading to the private rear garden, and a guest cloakroom off the entrance hallway. Upstairs is home to three goodsized bedrooms, one of which comes complete with its own en-suite facilities, and a family bathroom. Meanwhile, the Wainwright is
set across two and a half storeys and boasts a spacious living room, a dual-aspect kitchen/diner with double doors leading to the private rear garden, a handy utility room, and a guest cloakroom off the entrance hallway. The first floor landing leads to three good-sized bedrooms, one of which comes complete with its own en-suite facilities, and a stylish bathroom, while the topfloor layout is commanded by the luxurious en-suite master bedroom. What’s more, Westleigh has extended its £99 reservation fee offer at Stanton Meadows until the end of March, meaning prospective purchasers have the opportunity to make a move to the development for even less than they might have thought possible. Mariana Knight, Sales and Marketing Director, said: “We are
Leicester Rowing Regatta ~ Sunday 28th April 2019 all day! ~
delighted to have unveiled the selection of homes for propertyseekers to discover at Stanton Meadows. “The homes here have certainly struck a chord with quick-off-themark buyers and we are already seeing a great deal of interest in showhome. “While it is possible to get a feel for how a house looks from its floorplans, there really is no substitute for taking a tour for yourself. “Therefore, I would urge anyone who is yet to do so to come along and view the Drayton showhome!” To find out more about the range of homes available at Stanton Meadows, call the Sales & Marketing Suite on 0333 240 0581, or visit www.westleigh.co.uk/ stanton-meadows.
Discontinuation of Ratby’s Annual Show We, the show team, have regrettably reached the decision to discontinue the above event due to circumstances beyond our control.
WANT TO watch a day of exciting races? Free of charge? Want to support Leicester rowers at their own club? Have an opportunity to see a different sport close up? Around 200 crews will be racing from all over the region, plus fabulous refreshments, and local people representing Leicester. Then come and join us at Leicester Rowing Club, Upperton Road, Leicester.
Don’t forget to send us your news! Any job is a dream job if you fall asleep in meetings.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all previous entrants for their most enthusiastic support and goodwill. Our very grateful thanks go to the extremely hard-working volunteers and show judges who gave many hours of their time to bring the show together and make it the success it has been. Thank you all.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Markfield & Thornton Theatre Group’s next production
CAUGHT IN THE NET by Ray Cooney THE MARKFIELD AND THORNTON THEATRE GROUP PROUDLY PRESENTS
Caught Net Wednesday 8th Mayintothe Saturday 11th May A Comedy by Ray Cooney
THIS TIME last year I directed Ray Cooney’s “Run For Your Wife” for MTTG. Although it is an improbable and often ridiculous story concerning a taxi driver with two wives and two lives, it proved to be a fun-filled production and a very happy experience, for both actors and audiences. Cooney, the “Master of Farce”, believes that farce probably has more in common with tragedy than it has with comedy. Comedy is frequently about an eccentric person in an everyday situation: whereas farce (and tragedy) usually involves ordinary people attempting to deal with an eccentric situation. There can be few situations more eccentric than that faced by hapless taxi-driver John Smith when circumstances conspire to jeopardise his double life. Cooney’s larger-than life characters, clever and quick-witted dialogue and a complete orgy of doorslamming had our audiences rolling with laughter! A year on, and I realised that, as the four main protagonists in “Run For Your Wife” were willing to be involved, the opportunity presented itself for me to direct the sequel ...”Caught in the Net”. Eighteen years have passed.. and John Smith’s secret is till safe. The bigamist taxi driver no longer has to use a home phone to call wife Barbara in Streatham, where she lives with teenage son Gavin, and wife Mary in Wimbledon who has a teenage daughter, Vicki; he can do all his double dealing more privately on the mobile. However, if you think that your life is stressful, imagine the reaction of John
All Tickets £5 the computer-literate Wednesday 8th - Saturday 11th Smith when Gavin Available on 0116 2322876 May 2019 from Doors Open 7:00pm, andor Vicki accidentally make contact via Thornton's Corner Shop Show Starts 7:30pm a chat room and plan to meet – they Thornton Community Centre, Main Street, Thornton, LE67 1AH have so much in common! What if they embark upon a relationship? The result is confusion, lying, and all sorts of craziness. So, returning to the stage will be Keith Barnes, (as John Smith), Charlotte Parish and Julie Marlow as his two “wives” and Wayne Roberts as not-sobright lodger Stanley Gardiner. (Earlier this year Keith played the wicked Abanazar, Wayne played Widow Twankey and Julie and Charlotte played Hai Din and Lai Lo, the princess’s bodyguards, in our pantomime “Aladdin”) Grace Hill, (last seen as Princess Cherry Blossom), is to play Vicki Smith, and
newcomer Oliver Snookes is cast in the role of Gavin Smith. Oliver is not actually new to our stage, as he has often danced in the pantomime choruses in previous years, however, this is his first acting role with MTTG. The cast is completed by Roderick Lay, (Sum Ting Wong in the pantomime!), who plays Stanley’s confused Dad who thinks one of Smith’s homes is a hotel where he’s been taken for a holiday. Where’s the beach? We have begun rehearsals and I am always mindful of the sheer hard work required from our members to make this production possible. Every department has its own hurdles to jump. Building the complicated set on the small stage at Thornton is a tremendous challenge and learning the convoluted and often repetitive lines requires a tour-de-force from the cast. Planning, rehearsing and staging “Caught in the Net” all call for boundless energy and commitment. Why do we do it? Well, we do it because our reward will be, hopefully, the fact that our audiences will enjoy a night of fun and laughter... and we will too. I promise not to run out of energy, if you promise to run out and buy tickets! Tickets - priced at £5 - are available on 01530 469714 or from Thornton’s Corner Shop. The venue is Thornton Community Centre, Main Street, Thornton LE67 1AH. Show starts 7.30pm and doors open at 7pm. You support will be much appreciated.
Muriel Walker (Director)
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Nominate Someone! The Rumour By Lesley Kara When single mum Joanna hears a rumour at the school gates, she never intends to pass it on. But one casual comment leads to another and now there’s no going back . . . Rumour has it that a notorious child killer is living under a new identity, in their sleepy little town of Flinstead-on-Sea. Sally McGowan was just ten years old when she stabbed little Robbie Harris to death forty-eight years ago – no photos of her exist since her release as a young woman. So who is the supposedly reformed killer who now lives among them? How dangerous can one rumour become? And how far will Joanna go to protect her loved ones from harm, when she realizes what it is she’s unleashed?
Groby Village Society Thursday April 25 “Rest in Peace” Brian Johnson Thursday May 23 “Joseph Merrick”
Meetings held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. unless stated otherwise For Further Details Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842 e-mail:- pcastell42@gmail.com Non Members are Welcome
Awards will honour volunteers who ‘make a difference’ THE HUNT is on to find Hinckley and Bosworth residents who make a difference to the lives of others through volunteering. The Council is urging residents to nominate a person or group that deserves recognition for the help they give to others. The Making a Difference community awards are sponsored by the Borough Council and include individual and group categories as follows: • Inspirational volunteer(s): An individual or group that you admire or feel are inspirational in respect of their voluntary work. • Young volunteer(s): A young person or a group (under 18) who volunteer and contribute their time and skills to benefit others within our community. • Creating a sense of community: Volunteers who help individuals or groups of people to feel included, supported, involved and enabled to enjoy life within their community. • Protecting, improving or supporting our environment: An individual or group who contribute to, and benefit our environment, making it a better place for us all. • Contributing to our local heritage, culture or tourism offer: An individual or group who enable others to appreciate and benefit from our local heritage and cultural offer, making this a borough for us all to enjoy and attract visitors. • Keeping people safe and well: An individual or group who volunteer for the benefit of others safety and wellbeing. To find out more about the different categories, nominate online or download an application form visit www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ makingadifference Alternatively contact the Council’s Community Planning Officer, Tracy O’Grady, for a nomination form on Tel: 01455 638170, email: tracy.o’grady@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk Nominations must be received by Friday 10 May 2019. A judging panel will consider all of the nominations and the awards will be presented at the voluntary and community sector celebration event on Thursday 6 June. All nominees will receive a medal and the overall winners in each category will receive a trophy.
The truth about vacuuming PLUG-IN vacuum cleaners are still more effective than the latest cordless ones. So says ‘Which?’
In tests, corded models picked up an average of 70 per cent of dust on a carpet, compared to the cordless models’ average of just 41 per cent. In fact, ‘Which?’ found more than a third of the cordless models to be so poor that they were ranked as Don’t Buys. The average cost of a Best Buy corded model is £240; the average cost of a Best Buy cordless is £300.
Don’t forget to send us your news!
For each action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, plus a social media overreaction.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Letter
Does Markfield need a Dog Warden? MY THANKS GO to John Thatcher, as a dog owner, for his thoughts on dog poo and the irresponsible owners who fail to clean up and follow the bye laws stated on notices:
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“Dogs should remain on a lead and under control whilst being exercised on the playing field at all times.” At any time of day when walking through the newly renovated Community Park there are numerous dogs freely roaming the grassy area. A reserved estimate would be fifty dogs a day. It is the responsibility of the Parish Council to manage this area as the new recreational footpaths provide access to the school. Do they want dog poo trailed in to class on the shoes of children? The council are failing in their duty. According to HBBC, the Parish Council are responsible for appropriate signage and since only two of the entrances to the park have notices regarding the control of dogs there is nothing the Borough Council can do. So with council elections due next month it will be interesting to know how the present councillors intend to manage the use of the park so it is truly a Community Park for all to enjoy and not just a place for dogs to roam free. Have the Parish Council considered creating a designated area for dogs where they can lawfully be allowed off the lead? Maybe this is the solution.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Markfield WI
Meetings are the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7.45pm at the Methodist Church, Main St Markfield. Further information from Fran Johnson 01530 243350 or Jane Barrington 01530 243285. WI Programme 2019 April ~ Local Artist - Art Workshop Sally Matterson May ~ Resolutions Evening then Monologues ~ Rosie Woodland
MARKFIELD HOMEMAKERS
MARKFIELD HOMEMAKERS meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, LE67 9UU on the second Wednesday of the month at 8pm. April 10th ~ Allan Rimmer The Gary Gap Year May 8th ~ Mathew Morris Cardinale, Castles & Queens
For more information, call: Brenda on 01530 242173.
Calling Classic Car, Truck & Bike Owners
Join us for Drive it Day on 28th April JOIN US at Little Markfield Farm for a road run around the local area. Meet at the farm at 10am for a cuppa, before setting off at 11am taking in the local scenery before returning to the farm. Meals will be available at the farm on your return see Little Markfield Farm on Facebook for menu. We will be raising money for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, £2 donation per vehicle to be paid on the day. • Last but not least have a good day, enjoy the run, the company and the nostalgia. • Obey the speed limit • The event is open to all classics cars, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and kit cars, however in order to avoid congestion we have limited the number of vehicles to 50 so entry will be on a First come first served’ basis. All entries to be received by the April 21st 2019 please. • For more information contact Brenda on 07774 047571 • Please book your Vehicle in via our Facebook page event or contact Brenda Little Markfield Farm is on Forest Road, Markfield, Leicester, LE67 9UQ.
My boss told me to have a good day. So I went home.
BOOK SPOT Cross Her Heart By Sarah Pinborough When you think you’re safe, YOU’RE NOT. When you think the past is over, IT ISN’T. When you think you know someone, YOU DON’T. When you think you’ve guessed this twist, YOU HAVEN’T. One moment will change three women’s lives forever.
Wise Words Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. Oprah Winfrey
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
News from Markfield WI
Call the team you can trust.
IN MARCH several of our members attended the Federation’s Annual Council Meeting at Wyggeston Grammar School. As usual there were several speakers at the event together with various stalls and competitions to be browsed at lunchtime. The main speaker was a wonderfully entertaining Gyles Brandreth and everyone went home happy and looking forward to next year. At our March meeting Brenda Featherstone and her “wonderful assistant” husband David came from Little Markfield Farm to demonstrate some farmers’ recipes adapted over the years by Brenda. Most of the ingredients used were ones we would already have in our kitchen cupboards, without the need to go out and buy at great expense. A full meal, plus more was produced including Tomato and Squash Soup and Pineapple and Mandarin cheesecake and best of all we got to sample the recipes at the end of a very pleasant evening. The recipes proved so popular some have been tried at home already and with Brenda’s permission we include one below. Our April meeting will be an art workshop with local artist Sally Matterson.
RECIPE: Shredded Wheat Loaf • • • • • • •
3 Shredded Wheat 1 cup sugar 1 cup mixed fruit 2 cups self-raising flour 1.1/2 cups milk 1 egg Cherries, nut or chopped apricots
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Sweet dreams DO YOU, or don’t you? Many of us feel reluctant to admit that we would like to do it, even if usually we do not. Have a snooze after lunch, that is. A 20-minute nap seems to work wonders – many studies find that people awake feeling refreshed, with their energy levels renewed and with a much-improved mental focus. But getting the chance to have your kip is rarely easy, as most workplaces in the UK frown on workers falling asleep on their desks. How different from the Far East, where in Vietnam workers drape themselves over their scooters to sleep, or where in Tokyo and Hong Kong businessmen often sleep in public places. The Japanese even have a polite term for it: inemuri – ‘being present while asleep’. Dropping off to casual sleep has been recorded in Japan since the 10th century. Some UK companies are sympathetic. One CEO of a major advertising company agrees that “a powernap mid-morning or midafternoon sets you up for the rest of the day. You are much more alert, and it also promotes creativity.”
County Councillor’s Report from Peter Bedford IT HAS been a busy few months and the year seems to have flown by. I cannot believe we are almost at Easter already! Since my last report I have been working with the County Council, Parish Councils of Markfield & Stanton under Bardon and local residents’ groups on a plethora of issues affecting local people:
Speeding AS IS the case in all of the villages across the Division speeding remains the number one issue in my post box. I have met with Officers of the County Council to share intelligence on speeding hot spots across the villages as well as pushing for average speed cameras to assist with the abatement of this important issue with potentially fatal consequences. Sadly, at present, 100% of the money raised from the fines goes to central government; meaning that local authorities are losing out on vital funding which could help to control and reduce speeding. As such I continue to support
Leicestershire County Council in lobbying Ministers to change this anomaly so that more of the money raised from fines can be used and reinvested here in Leicestershire on speed reduction initiatives.
Parking A NUMBER of residents continue to raise with me the issue of Parking; particularly in hot spots such as London Road. We all recognise that inappropriate parking has the potential to cause harm to persons and property; and as such I continue to press Leicestershire County Council and the enforcement teams at Hinckley and Bosworth to ensure that parking restrictions are vigorously enforced.
Altar Stones Lane At a recent meeting of Markfield Parish Council a number of residents of Altar Stones Lane expressed their frustration and dismay at the parking and lorry movements associated with BTE. Members of the Parish Council and myself listened to the concerns of residents and have agreed a joint
Peter Bedford approach to assist them in resolving these issues.
Brexit However you voted in the 2016 referendum, in my view, it is time our politicians got on with it and delivered; a failure to do so will undermine trust in democracy for a generation. … and finally I would like to wish all residents a pleasant Easter Break!
Peter Peter Bedford, Chairman - Bosworth Conservative Association & County Councillor for Markfield, Desford and Thornton
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Elections Thursday 2nd May An independent voice for the residents of Markfield, Stanton & Field Head Following on from the shambles in central government & the huge increase in council tax and councillors allowances it is time for change. Local residents need a voice that represents them not political parties.
David Sprason Fed up of your vote being ignored by the establishment parties then vote for change. Tel: 07940 838507 email: davidsprason@hotmail.com Promoted by D Sprason 73 Ashby Road Markfield LE67 9UB
Education is important but other stuff is more importanter.
THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Changes in your living room
St Michael and All Angels – It’s Your Parish Church Did you know St Michael and All Angels’, Markfield is the village parish church?
DO YOU have a matching three-piece suite?
Oh dear! John Lewis is no longer even offering them ready made; customers must now specifically request them. Nowadays just two percent of searches on the John Lewis website are for three-piece suites, as we increasingly choose mismatched furniture for our living rooms. And we are getting bolder over colour and texture: the current best-selling sofa colour is mustard yellow. As for decorative items, the sales of brass, copper, velvet and marble objects for your living room are up by a third. As one home-buying director explains, “Nowadays we want statement sofas and accent chairs to express our personal styles.”
Under the Church of England parish system, the country is divided into geographical areas, or parishes. Everyone living in a parish is served by an ordained person (for St Michael’s the Rector, Reverend Simon Nicholls) who is responsible, at least theoretically, for their spiritual well-being. Also, anyone living in the parish (and in some circumstances others too) are entitled to arrange weddings, baptisms and funerals with us. Contact details are available at https://www.j22churches.org.uk St Michael and All Angels’ Church is therefore privileged to play its part in the everyday life of the people of Markfield. Providing the opportunity for worship through our regular services; sharing the joy of all who come to be married or baptised, comforting bereaved families and friends, hosting school celebrations throughout the year, participating in village commemorations (including recently the centenary of the end of World War One) and more. The church may simply be the familiar historic landmark, you frequently pass by. You may have read the blue plaque, near the entrance, marking the thirteen visits of John Wesley to preach in the village or heard the ring of the six bells, the oldest hung in 1617 and the newest added after the Second World War in thanksgiving for victory. Have you spotted the five Norman zig-zag stones or the now built in ‘leper window’ in the South wall, heard the story of the rectors fined for poaching and evicted during the civil war (1642 – 1651), or found the grave of the son of ‘The King of the Gypsies’? Whatever your interest in the parish church we warmly welcome you to all our services and activities. April events include: Easter Egg Hunt at Little Markfield Farm on Saturday 13th April 11am to 3pm and Messy Easter at Bagworth Community Centre 3pm to 4pm. Service times can be found on the ‘Local Church Services’ page of The Herald.
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I ate a shepherd’s pie for lunch. He was pretty upset about it.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Calling all knitters In The Dark By Cara Hunter Do you know what they’re hiding in the house next door? A woman and child are found locked in a basement room, barely alive. No one knows who they are - the woman can’t speak, and there are no missing persons reports that match their profile. The elderly man who owns the house claims he has never seen them before. The inhabitants of the quiet Oxford street are in shock. How could this happen right under their noses? But DI Adam Fawley knows that nothing is impossible. And that no one is as innocent as they seem . . .
Read a good book recently?
Recommend it to Herald readers!
Keep those knitting needles clicking for the Big Knit! THE BIG Knit campaign continues through 2019 and Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is calling on Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to keep knitting or join in for the first time! Whether a knitting ninja, purling pro, crochet connoisseur or just keen to have a go it’s time to get wild about wool and join the Big Knit. Now in its 15th year, the campaign needs to recruit more knitters to help create an impressive 1.6 million hats to adorn innocent smoothie bottles. For each be-hatted smoothie sold, Age UK receives 25p, and that money helps the Charity support older people who are facing later life alone. Tony Donovan, Executive Director of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland said: “We need local people to join us and help knit as many miniature hats as possible to help us hit our huge 80,000 local target by July 2019. It’s such a fun campaign to get behind and it does so much to help older people in our area. “The money raised will make a big difference to the lives of older people by funding our hugely important services and classes. These services, which include Day Care, dementia support, Men in Sheds and befriending amongst so many others, give local older people the chance to come along and make friends, learn new skills and most importantly have fun.” Last year alone, more than one million hats were lovingly created nationally, with designs including the hugely popular unicorn, grizzly bear, fluffy sheep and desert island. For more information on The Big Knit contact Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland on 0116 2992233 or visit https:// www.ageuk.org.uk/leics/get-involved/fundraising/the-big-knit/. Please send completed hats to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland at Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA or hand them in at any of our 24 shops or Resource Centres. This year’s hat knitting patterns are available to download - to find out more visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/bigknit or pop into any of our addresses to request a leaflet
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Markfield Medical Centre and Patient Participation Group AT OUR MOST recent meeting, the PPG discussed a number of important issues. We are following the use of the ‘extended hours’ provision and there has been positive feedback from people who work during the day and who have been able to access more convenient appointments through this scheme. The surgery also wants to make sure that there is still availability at the surgery for those people who are frail or without transport who might find it difficult to get to the ‘extended hours’ locations. We would welcome your thoughts and experiences of this service so that we can continue to develop better access to appointments. Members of the PPG have been working on improving the PPG information on display in the Surgery. We are trying to get a balance between giving patients as much information as possible on the surgery notice boards without too much overload. Whilst we realise that many patients prefer to sit quietly waiting for their appointment, others find the displays useful. The Carers information Board and the winter health advice boards have been updated and offer some useful information and support. Another group has been busy creating a ‘Cancer Care’ Pack for newly diagnosed patients. This will help signpost patients who need advice to relevant organisations. In the future it is hoped to extend this to help patients suffering from other conditions such as diabetes and COPD. One area that was discussed in some detail was the number of DNA (‘Did not attend’) appointments. The figures for February have been collated and cover appointments for the doctors, nurses and Health Care Assistants (HCA). We noted that most appointments were made in advance, so might have been forgotten by the patient, although a number of patients had been sent a reminder by text message. It was a little concerning to note that 4 missed appointments had been booked on the day itself. In total, doctors lost 250 minutes, Nurses 290 minutes and HCAs 133
minutes of booked appointments. There seems to be no one age group of patients who missed more than others (see the table below) although the 0-18 age group would have most probably come with parents and so these would add to the 19-30 and 31 – 40 year group figures. The implications of these figures are twofold. Firstly, these appointments cannot be given to anyone else and so reduce the number of available appointments for other patients. Secondly, the cost to the NHS of these missed appointments is becoming of great concern. Nationally, more than 15 million appointments are being wasted each year because patients do not turn up and fail to warn surgeries that they will not be attending. Of these missed appointments, 7.2 million are with GPs. The NHS estimate that each missed appointment costs an average of £30 (https://www. england.nhs.uk/2019/01/missed-gpappointments-costing-nhs-millions) and they urge that if patients cannot make it to an appointment or no longer need a consultation that they should let the GP practice know in advance so that the appointment can be filled by another patient. If you think that it would be useful for you to have a text reminder for your appointment, please make sure that the surgery has your consent to sent text messages to your mobile phone. The GDPR regulations now require that specific permission is given in writing, rather than the implied consent which used to be assumed
“Still Friday” 2019
Each evening will include simple reflective worship prayer, readings and responses and last up to an h All are welcome. Come along and enjoy the peace.
once you gave the surgery your mobile number. Average Age of those who missed appointments in February • 0 – 18 years 15 • 19-30 years 13 • 31-65 years 20 • Over 65 years 16
15th March
17th May
16th August
20th September
15th November
21st June
Fridays 8.00 pm at St. Michael & All Angels
Easter holidays Just to remind you that the Surgery is closed on Good Friday 19th April and Easter Monday 22nd April. Please make sure you put a repeat prescription into the Surgery in plenty of time for it to be signed and dispensed by the pharmacist before the Easter break. Thank you.
Keep going “Sitting still kills.”
This rather startling observation from a scientist at Queen’s University Belfast follows research which found that couch potato lifestyles could be causing up to 70,000 deaths in the UK each year. More than 10 per cent of all deaths is due to sedentary living, which raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. But as one doctor says, more exercise “doesn’t have to mean major lifestyle changes - just build more activity into your everyday life. Stand on the bus, stand when you talk on the phone. Take regular short walks.”
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When I was a kid, we were so poor that when the wolf came to the door he brought his own sandwiches.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Working together enriches our community Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald AS I WRITE what might be my final article for the Herald (I hope not, but I take nothing for granted) I had something I wanted to say while still the local Borough Councillor for Markfield, Stanton and Field Head. That something was a massive thank you. A thank you to all those who have played a part, big or small in enriching our community over the past 24 years whilst I have worked on your behalf. So much of what I think of as a positive improvement in our community has been achieved by working together. Sometimes this might just be another individual. Sometimes a group or an organisation, sometimes it’s another Council like the 3 local Parish Councils in the my ward. Often it is people volunteering their time for the benefit of others. Having been around for some time you do really get to appreciate the work people do to make the community in which we all live, a better place to be. Of course in saying that I am also aware that you get to meet people who do the opposite but often this is more due to lack of consideration rather than a deliberate attempt to annoy or do harm to others. It’s simply not possible to list everyone but for starters I have had the pleasure to work closely over the years with many local volunteer Parish Councillors at both Stanton and Markfield Parish Councils. Those involved in these institutions have come and gone, but all have tried to leave the community better than when they started. Both Parish Councils have achieved many positive things and have positive plans for the future. The Powers of a Parish Council to address some of
the local issues which cause most upset and anxiety are limited but nevertheless they have tried and persisted. I advocate more powers being handed to Parish Councils so they can get more things done especially around issue like parking and enforcement. They would need more support to this but it would improve community life. In Markfield and Stanton we are fortunate to have so many voluntary groups, clubs and societies operating in our community. We also have lots of public venues and halls to host them in, all requiring volunteers to keep them going. A big thanks goes out to all those who support these activities which bring so many people together. A few I would mention include the local history group, the Cubs/Scouts/ Beavers/Brownies/Guides etc and the Mayflower club, but this is just for starters. I grew up in a family closely involved with the Markfield Methodist Chapel and whatever your views are on religion I have witnessed and always been impressed with the countless volunteers involved in all our local churches providing a range of services (not all spiritual) to a good many people. This has included entertainment events, fund raising events and groups for young and old. Keeping the church buildings alone in a fit state is no mean achievement and we have a good number to upkeep so it requires a lot of volunteers and lots of effort. A big hand to everyone involved because the work can be thankless. One of the really positive things that has happened on our community in recent years was actually born out of a big negative. When the Leicestershire County Council decided it would no longer staff its own libraries, local people came forward to volunteer to keep it open and raise the funds
necessary to make it a success. It has undoubtedly been that and it offers a great community service which would definitely not be around if people hadn’t stepped up to take it over. We know this because some local libraries did close. The call for volunteers was responded to by local people and this made the task of securing the libraries future possible. A great achievement by all involved. Another big positive for our community is the fact we have two really good recreation and community centres in Stanton and Markfield. Both of these are run by volunteer organisations who give time so these facilities can be used by all in our community. Both centres host a wide range of activities which bring people together for recreation, social activity and events. Both are great adverts for modern community focused and multi-purpose buildings and the management committees and the staff all play a really important role for without them they would not function. Alongside our community centres we have many sporting clubs and societies and the Jubilee Playing Fields management committee. These organisations support formal and informal sporting activity which is such an important feature in any community. These clubs and societies also give many young people an important outlet for their energy and sets them up for future life. This conveniently leads us onto our local schools who of course operate in the heart of our communities. Remember though, sitting behind each school is yet another host of volunteers on governing bodies and parent teacher associations. As funding for our schools becomes ever tighter, the role for such bodies becomes ever more important in
Matthew Lay part plugging gaps. We need to recognise more that the learning and development of our children must be one of the highest priorities and responsibilities. My final thank you recognises the those involved in the publication and distribution of the local Herald which I have faithfully contributed to over many years. The magazine allows groups and societies, individuals and more to raise profile, ask for support or simply inform others what is happening. Without such a publication it would be harder to sustain the voluntary works of those they represent. I hear many positive things about the Herald and if it didn’t exist we would have to invent it of that I am sure. The people, groups and organisations I have mentioned above (which is not a conclusive list by any means) really do make a difference to our lives even if you don’t always notice it. They just go about doing what needs to be done. It can be hard sometimes when contributions go unrecognised but I do think that in the end more notice and appreciate than is realised. I for one recognise that my efforts working in this community would be so much harder without the countless others going about doing their bit. It’s for that reason I wanted to say thank you just in case nobody else does. You make our community a better place to be.
Matthew Lay
I know I’m drinking myself to a slow death. But, then again, I’m in no hurry.
THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
National Trust Leicester Association NEWS
VISITS AND tours around “stately homes” are nothing new. At Kedleston Hall, near Derby, which was built in 1760 there have been tours of the state floor, for the selected few, since 1766. The central section of the house was not designed to be lived in but as a “show area” to show off Lord Curzon’s fine art collection, the striking Robert Adam architecture and the lavish furnishings. From 1766 until her death in 1809, Mrs Garnett, the housekeeper to the Curzon family, showed selected visitors around the state floor. Indeed members of the landed gentry on their journeys up and down the country would make detours to visit the hall. Visits became so popular that in 1769 the first guidebook was printed with an initial print run of 200 copies. The guidebook had 28 pages and covered 18 rooms including the Music Room, the Library, the Saloon and the State Bedroom, but also the Kitchen Pavillion, the Laundry and the Attic. There were several reprints before 1790. The National Trust owns an original copy which contains additional handwritten notes by Mrs Garnett so that she could add additional details on the tour. These tours were greatly appreciated by visitors and in 1793 James Plumptree wrote “Of all the Housekeepers I have ever met at a Nobleman’s Home, this was the most obliging and intelligent I ever saw”. Mrs Garnett was also highly regarded by the family because a portrait of her by Thomas Barber the Elder hangs inside the hall. Her grave can also be seen beside the entrance to Kedleston church, where inside the Curzon family are buried. This year, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the first tour, two “Mrs Garnett” special 25 minute guided tours are being run at 11.10am and 11.30am every Saturday to Thursday before the Hall is fully open. Tickets, obtained from visitor reception, are limited and are on a first come first served basis. Following the tour visitors are free to visit the rest of the house and property. Normal admission prices will apply with the special tours being free. The NT Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 24th April when Caroline Roberts will present a talk entitled “Leicester Cathedral”. The meeting will be held at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester, at 2.30pm. Admission to the meeting is NTLA members £2.50, visitors £4.00, including refreshments. During May the Association will move to its summer programme of outings, visits and a holiday and meetings with a speaker will recommence in September. For details of the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 2229133.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
All the latest news from
Public Services in the Library
Three Literary Birthdays in April APRIL 2ND in 1805 was the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish writer well known for his children’s stories such as “The Little Mermaid”, “The Princess and the Pea”, “The Tinderbox” and many others translated into English for us and known world-wide. He wrote, “Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” April 13th, in 1906 was the birthday of Samuel Beckett, an Irish novelist and playwright best known for the play, “Waiting for Godot” who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1969. April 23rd is St. George’s Day when we celebrate the birthday of William Shakespeare, who lived from 1564 to 1616, over 400 years ago. He is still England’s most famous author, the writer of wonderful plays known throughout the world. He gave us many famous quotes, the foundation of our English language. Try these, “We have seen better days” and “The uncertain glory of an April day”.
COMMUNITYare LIBRARYtouched in Markfield is now by run by dementia. ny OUR people volunteers for LCC libraries service. DO COME IN and get your FREE membership. You can join the library in just a few minutes.
Praise for the Book Spots in the Herald
We have about 3000 books and 1000 for children on our shelves and you DO LOOK at these Book Spots. If you find a book that COME TO OUR FRIENDLY COFFEE MORNING can request books to be sent from any other Leicestershire library. Printed interests you ask to borrow it from the library. books, both fiction and non-fiction, can be borrowed for three weeks at a at MARKFIELD LIBRARY at 11am time. You can also borrow ‘e-books’ to a tablet or computer for three weeks A Visit to Markfield Community Centre and ‘e-newspapers and magazines’ for free! th on Wednesday 18you can January. We have desktop computer terminals where reach your own IN MARCH some of our committee enjoyed a pleasant internet service or the “Worldwide Web” for free and can print from these for 25p for an A4 sheet – more for colour. You can also get photocopies at this price and use our laminator.
Saturday afternoon at the Community Centre.
We were delighted to see the bright smiles on the faces of visitors as they enjoyed activities and fun on the field. We were there to publicise our library and were very pleased with the interest shown by many of the people to whom we spoke. Very warm thanks go to Dawn for welcoming us.
d you please spend just one hour to Weekly Activities at the Library stand little about dementia? WE AREa keeping busy at more the Library with many activities for all age groups. help you, family, friends, neighbours - our whole community. All these activities happen during our regular Open Hours and are FREE. For more information visit our website, markfieldcommunitylibrary.co.uk. •
On Mondays there are meetings of our two Book Clubs. The Afternoon group meets on the first Monday of each month, 2 to 3 pm and the Evening group every 6 weeks, 6 to 7pm.
•
On Tuesdays the sessions are quieter, more suitable for homework on the computers.
e, valuable and interesting Dementia Friends • On Wednesdays we are closed all day. On Thursdays we have our busiest afternoon with the Knitters AND tion• Session is just about asking everyone to the Art Class AND the assisted Ancestry session. • Fridays, morningabout and afternoon, dementia and Saturdays, 10 to 12.30 are just how we might d a bit more and for our borrowers. Extra Clubs at Other Times. e that bitMeeteasier and more pleasant for those The Guides have used the Library for more than a year for meetings on Wednesdays. The new Queen Bee Youth Project meet on it. Thursday people who live with evenings and on Fridays the late morning is for the very young. Our warmest thanks go to the volunteer organisers of these groups.
A Visit be to the WRITERS’ CLUB at the Library Friend. lease do a Dementia ONE OF the clubs or classes in our library is the writers club. I go to learn from others to put words together to make stories or interesting reports. So clever, my new friends! I am slowly learning a lot.
Six or eight of us are guided by a leader who sets a theme or challenge for next time. We are to write in a set style, poem or prose or on a given topic. Will they all sound the same? No, not often! On a recent evening around the table we heard poems, mysteries and two descriptions. In poems we ‘swallowed’ drugs and coffee and fingered tablets, was that a pun? Then we refused all drinks with a reason from ‘boring’ to ‘bad for your health’. False clues built mysteries leading to ‘surprise’ endings. One story had a warm family embrace and the other a shudder of fear. Detailed descriptions carried us along on an exciting journey by sailing boat to safe harbour and a room inventory which revealed a man’s life from the table his skills had made. It is ‘fun with words’ that we enjoy, this playing with our English language.
Picture of our table in the Community Centre.
Details of Bank Holiday Closing
PLEASE note that Markfield Community Library will be CLOSED on Good Friday and Easter Monday, April 19th and 22nd and on Monday, May 6th and Monday, May 27th. Otherwise we shall be open as usual during the school holidays.
Ann Aveling, Secretary Monday
9.00am to 10.00am
1.00pm to 3.00pm
6.00pm to 7.00pm
Tuesday
9.00am to 10.00am
1.00pm to 3.00pm
6.00pm to 7.00pm
Wednesday
Closed
Closed
Closed
Thursday
9.00am to 10.00am
12.30pm to 3.00pm
6.00pm to 7.00pm
Friday
9.00am to 10.00am
1.00pm to 3.00pm
Closed
Saturday
10.00am to 12.30pm
Closed
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Closed
Closed
MARKFIELD LIBRARY NEW OPENING TIMES
It’s funny how day by day, nothing changes. But when you look back everything is different.
THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
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It’s your community and your votes matter in Markfield, Stanton & Field Head You have TWO VOTES in the Borough election on Thursday 2nd May We are your local Labour and co-operative party candidates. This election is about local issues and with your two votes we can build on Matthew’s achievements over the last 24 years
Our priorities - Protecting our open countryside - Improving our neighbourhood policing - Getting our fair share from Hinckley - Better traffic management at our local schools - Supporting you, working with you, putting our community first
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t: 245189 e: m.russelllay@gmail.com Promoted by Patrick Casswell on behalf of Andrew Furlong and Matthew Lay, all at 23 Craven Close, Loughborough, LE11 2SR
Lady Gaga so famous, even babies know her name.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Pick up a bargain
Herald Small Ads
• 37 DR WHO BOOKS, all in good condition and from the Tennant/ Eccleston era. Price: £10.00. Tel: 07941 594057 (Groby). • X2 Groby School V-NECK JUMPERS. Size 96 cm. Photo available via WhatsApp if required. Collect from Markfield. Price: £5.00 for the pair. Tel 01530 243015. • WOODEN ROCKING CHAIR. Adult Size, Good Condition. Price: £30.00 Tel: 07867 806474 (Markfield)
• DESK, office style, wood with drawers. 32” wide by 60” long. Price: £40.00 • WOOD TABLE, oval shape, 35¼” wide by 60” across. Price: £25.00 • TRAILER with cover. Nearly new with apex top. 45½” wide by 82” long. Price: £650. • TRAILER - 37” wide by 53” long. Price: £150.00 • FIRE SURROUND - antique, natural oiled finish. 47½” wide by 48” high. Opening in the middle: 35”. Ring for price. Tel: 01530 244572 or 07977 036445. (Stanton under Bardon) • 1939 GOLF CIGARETTE CARDS fully framed and in amazing condition (rare product) Price - £70.00 Tel: 07814 171552 (Groby) • Hoover frost-free FRIDGE FREEZER. As new. One year old. Price: £200.00. Tel: 0116 231 2002 (Groby) • Handheld ‘Easy Home’ WINDOW VAC CLEANER,. Rechargeable and hardly used so is in great condition. Complete with spray pistol, cloth holder, microfibre cloths, charger and instructions. Price: £15.00 • Benchtop ‘Powercraft’ TABLE SAW with foldable extension table, electric, adjustable saw angle and depth. With accessories safety blade guard, Mitre gauge, rip fence and instructions. Ideal for cutting wood, boards and small panels. Very good condition and full working order with very little use. Price: £40.00. • Full Length DRESSING MIRROR, floor standing and tilting, approx 5ft., Pine. Good condition. Price: £20.00 • Pine COFFEE TABLE, 930mm x 530mm x 450mm tall. Shaped carved legs, good condition. Price: £20.00 • Free Standing HAMMOCK with carry case. Foldaway steel frame and central hanging. Like new condition, ideal for garden or camping and very easy to assemble. Price: £23.00 Tel: 0116 287 0375 (Groby) • Full size IRONING BOARD. Folds flat. Price: £5.00 Tel: 0116 238 7425 (Ratby)
• Large Bar-B-Que ( New York 3 Gas Barbeque with side burner) for sale. Bought 7 years ago for £100. Used 4 times only. Yours for £20 only. • Kitchen stove changed from gas to electric so 2 ( 1 full, 1 part used) LPG bottles for sale. Refill price for 1 bottle from Flogas Leicester is £30. £15 secures you both bottles. Tel: 0116 238 7715 (Ratby) • LADIES MOTORBIKE JACKETS, size 16-18: Revit’ - black, detachable liner; ‘Hein Gericke’ - black, blue and white, detachable liner; ‘Crane’x2 - black/ grey, and black with white piping, detachable liner; ALL NEW. ‘Akito’ jacket and trousers, used. Jckt black/grey with red flash; trsrs black. Price: £40.00 each ALSO BMW inner pannier bags; magnetic tank bags (large and small), and pillion seat bag. Price: £10.00£30.00. Tel: 07982 753457. • Clipper 3 CYCLE CARRIER fits behind towball allowing use whilst towing. Price: £20.00 o.n.o. Tel: 01530 450552 (Coalville) • EXERCISE MACHINE - Powertech 2000W Vibration Machine programmable settings, very good condition. Price: £60.00 Tel: 0116 260 1865 (Groby)
Animal cryptic clues QUIZ QUEEN Sheila Fox has sent us another batch of cryptic clues to test our grey matter. See if you can identify the animals from the clues: 1. Is Paddington friendly with Poo? 2. I’m worth £500 3. Being dishonest when playing games 4. Is Nellie going to the circus? 5. Big pony neighing with a cough 6. Talking on and on 7. I’ve got the hump! 8 £25 will solve this clue 9. Are you following me to go to sleep? 10. Is Tony putting petrol on his cereal? 11. Greyhounds are my enemy 12. Three of me make up the English Football emblem 13. Mini and Micky are timid 14. Roland was on Children’s tv 15. A castle in Leicestershire is the answer to this 16. Pin the tail on me! 17. Animal crossing the road! 18. You get me when I’m annoyed 19. Do police ride round with me? 20. I’m in sheep’s clothing! ANSWERS ARE ON PAGE 31.
rt o p up ers s e as vertis e l P ad n! a c r ou f you i
• 13 JACK REACHER BOOKS - all in good condition. Price: £10.00 Tel 07880 863027 (Groby)
IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Herald, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum EIGHT items please. Our postal address is Herald Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@markfieldherald.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘Small Ads’ in the subject line, and include your postal address (not for publication).
Wise Words I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don’t intend to waste any of mine. Neil Armstrong
One of the ‘World’s Strongest Man’ events should be “Pulling apart two shopping carts that are stuck together.
THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Markfield Local History Group News AT OUR recent meeting members and visitors were once again delighted to welcome Mathew Morris of the University of Leicester Archaeological Services who gave another very interesting talk entitled ‘Buried between road and river: new insights into the people of Roman Leicester’. Mathew explained how excavations within the Roman town had revealed new information about life in Roman Leicester. In terms of buildings, the remains of a possible Roman theatre have been identified, and a courtyard house. Amongst the finds were two scratched curse tablets giving details of the sort of crimes that were committed and how ordinary people tried to deal with them! The Servandus curse tablet explains that the writer has had his cloak stolen and names all the people he thinks might have taken it! These are probably all slaves from one household and the list of names indicates different nationalities Latin, British, Germanic and Greek. These tablets are very important as written records don’t usually survive, since they are on wax tablets or wood. More evidence comes from the inhabitants’ physical remains – that is, their skeletons. Excavations of Leicester’s Roman cemeteries, which by law had to lie outside the boundary of the Roman city, has revealed some fascinating information about the citizens who lived in and around Leicester from the First to the Fourth century AD. A great deal of this information has been added over the last ten years. The cemetery to the East of Leicester lies in Clarence Street and was excavated in the 1990s. The Southern cemetery lies on Newarke Street, near Magazine Gateway. Burials were found here in neat rows with the head and feet
aligned West to East indicating that these are Fourth Century Christian burials. In AD 380 Christianity became the State religion of the Roman Empire. The Western cemetery lies on the site of the old Equity shoe factory. When the Victorians were building there they found Roman and Saxon remains and so named the streets Roman Street, Saxon Street etc. This area had been countryside up until the late nineteenth century and there had only been one factory on the site. Roman remains were located in one part just below the surface. Burials were found in clay, soil and rock cut holes. Because of the wet conditions, preservation of the skeletons was not as good as the other cemeteries. However, burials span the entire Roman period. The burials had a range of alignments and spacings, and nearly 15% were buried prone (face down). This has not been found in Leicester previously but does happen elsewhere in Roman Britain. Half those in this cemetery were buried in wooden coffins of different shapes and sizes, custom made for each individual, whilst others were buried in shrouds. Evidence of clothing from the graves includes hobnails from shoes, brooches and even a buckle. About one third of the burials contained grave goods buried with the body such as ceramic vessels and jewellery, flasks, glass beads, hair pins and so on. Some grave goods were placed outside the coffin. Mathew explained that the skeletal remains give some indication of the lifestyle and health of the population. Stable isotope analysis of the bones suggests a diet low in protein with not a lot of seafood, although the presence of fish and shells shows that these were eaten. Evidence for diseases such as rickets and scurvy was seen but in adults who had these conditions in
childhood showing they survived these. Some skeletons showed evidence of sinusitis, caused by living in a smoky atmosphere, as well as TB and other lung diseases. Sometimes it is possible for archaeologists to use information from the skeleton and the grave goods to suggest the person’s occupation in life. One skeleton, of a man aged between 36 to 45 years shows fractures and muscle injuries. In addition, his grave goods comprised of a belt set in the Germanic Roman art style. This may well be a Roman soldier who had broken his shield arm and sustained muscle injuries through over rotating his sword arm. All this information suggests that Roman Leicester was more important in the Province of Britain than was at first thought. The town lay in an important strategic position with roads leading to other parts of the province going straight through the town. No town in roman Britain has as many legionary seals, which are usually found in forts and other military sites. Two objects from the courtyard house – a Roman/ Egyptian box fragment and lead seal - indicate trade or travel from long distances to Leicester. The seal is inscribed ‘ Legio III Cyrenaica ‘ which only served in Africa and the Middle East. Lots of questions and discussion followed before and during tea, and we look forward to another stimulating talk from Mathew in the future. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 21st May. We meet at the Methodist Church hall on Main Street, Markfield at 7:30 pm. Visitors are very welcome – entry costs £3 and includes refreshments. Details about the speaker to follow. For more information about the Markfield Local History Group, visit the website at www. MarkfieldHistory.info or phone Rosie Woodland on 01530 244497.
Epitaphs found on headstones
In London: Here lies Ann Mann Who lived an old maid But died an old Mann. In Hartscombe: On the 22nd of June Jonathan Fiddle Went out of tune. In Wimbourne: John Penny Reader if cash thou art in want of any Dig four feet deep and thou wilt find a penny. In Pennsylvania: Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake Stepped on the gas Instead of the brake. In Maryland: Here lies an Atheist All dressed up, and no place to go.
Afternoon: that part of the day we spend worrying about how we wasted the morning.
THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Celebration of marriage in Thornton DID YOU, or someone you know, get married at St Peter’s church in Thornton? In St Peter’s, on the weekend of June 22nd - 23rd, there will be a flower festival with a display of all things wedding related. We would love to include photographs, wedding dresses, and any other memorabilia people have kept from their weddings at St Peter’s. To become involved, please email: paulineashby@googlemail.com or call 07866 721655. And check out next month’s Herald for more details of what will be happening that weekend, including a special invitation!
The Monty Python phenomenon THE MONTY Python surreal comedy group was formed 50 years ago, on 11th May 1969.
They pioneered a type of stream-of consciousness television sketch show, Monty Python’s Flying Circus whose influence on comedy has been compared with the Beatles’ influence on music. 45 episodes were made over four series, and the Python phenomenon developed into stage shows, films, albums, books and musicals. Being iconoclastic and anti-establishment, the Pythons – John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam – were inevitably controversial and made many Christians uneasy, especially after the release of their Life of Brian film in 1979, which seemed to poke fun at Jesus, though they denied that this was the intention. Ironically, by 1994, the point was already being made that they had “begun to occupy an institutional position in the edifice of British social culture that they had once had so much fun trying to demolish”. The term “pythonesque” as a definition for a type of humour is included in standard dictionaries – a fact that Terry Jones said meant that they had failed. Seven asteroids are named after Monty Python or its members. The word “spam” referring to unsolicited e-mail is derived from their TV “Spam” sketch in 1970.
My wife says she enjoys my company. Good thing I own it.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Friends of Charnwood Forest Incognito: The Secret Lives of The Brain by David Eagleman *Why does your foot hit the brake pedal before you are conscious of danger ahead?* *Why is it so difficult to keep a secret?* *How is it possible to get angry at yourself: who, exactly, is mad at whom?* In this sparkling and provocative book, renowned neuroscientist David Eagleman navigates the depths of the subconscious brain. Taking in brain damage, plane spotting, dating, drugs, beauty, infidelity, synaesthesia, criminal law, artificial intelligence and visual illusions, INCOGNITO is a thrilling subsurface exploration of the mind and all its contradictions.
Ratby Methodist Church
Saturday 20th April 10.00 am to 12.00 noon
Coffee Morning
Colourful characters of Bradgate Park
THE TALK at our meeting on the 18th of this month was given by Mr P Tyldesley, Director of the Bradgate Trust, on the subject of ‘Colourful Characters of the Bradgate Park’. Certainly some of their names were equally colourful. For example, in the reign of Edward the Confessor the land was owned by a Mr Ulf. Later it was owned in turn by the Beaumont family, the de Quincys, de Ferrers and lastly the Greys – rather a let-down namewise, it would seem, but they stayed for 500 years. In 1928 the Park went up for sale and bought by Charles Bennion, who gave it to the people of Leicestershire. The first mention of a deer park dates from 1241, when it was much smaller than it is now. Over the years bits of land were added and other bits taken away – usually to pay for debts incurred by the family. Cropston reservoir occupies one of the latter ‘bits’. About the time it passed to the people the council had added more land, and as well an agreement was reached with the trustees of Bradgate Wood to bring that under the Bradgate Trust as well. The house was the ambition of the son of Elizabeth Woodville who was one of those powerful women ultimately of the royal household. It was her grandson who finally finished the project in about 1520. It was occupied until 1732 when the new owner preferred one of his other houses. The Grey family were one of those moderately successful families of their age. They seemed to be politically adaptable, changing sides several times during the Civil War, though not always at the right time. They were good at having their lands confiscated, then restored to them. They slowly accumulated titles, often it seems by marriage, and they were good at not producing heirs. This latter strength meant that often distant relatives occupied Bradgate in the absence of an heir, and did result in 1732 when the relative preferred his current dwelling to Bradgate House. The outstanding name, of course, is Lady Jane, the ‘9-days queen’, though for four days before she was proclaimed the country was in limbo. This was thanks to Henry VIII declaring children of his previous marriages illegitimate. Nobody knew where they stood when he shuffled off. Mary stepped in and order was restored. At this moment the Greys demonstrated their political versatility which resulted in yet another family talent – having their heads chopped off. The last Grey of note seems to have been George Harry (1828-1883), who had a bit of a gambling problem; he took up owning race horses, and even had a race track around Old John tower. He actually lived in Field Head House, and when he died he left it to his widow to restore the family fortunes. The ‘Friends’ meet in the Woodhouse Eaves village hall at 7.30 p.m. once a month as well as organising visits in the summer.
“Still Friday” 2019 Each evening will include simple reflective worship songs, silence, prayer, readings and responses and last up to an hour. All are welcome. Come along and enjoy the peace.
and Easter Egg Hunt
17th May
21st June
19th July
16th August
20th September
18th October
15th November
No “Still Friday” in April or December
Fridays 8.00 pm at St. Michael & All Angels’ Church
I guess we’ll never find out who let the dogs out.
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 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.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Have Your Say on New Planning Guidance RESIDENTS and businesses are being invited to have their say on the latest planning guidance for new build developments and extensions when a new consultation opens next month. The Borough Council will be consulting on a document - known as ‘The Good Design Supplementary Planning Document’ (SPD) - for four weeks starting on the 15th April 2019. Once agreed, the document will guide developers, agents and members of the public with the design of their developments and extensions. It will set out the general principles accepted by the council for new residential, existing residential, barn conversions, commercial and shop front developments. The Council will publish the consultation version of The Good Design SPD and details of how to comment on its website on 15th April and anyone who wishes to take part has until 12th May 2019 to do so. Following the consultation, comments will be analysed and necessary changes will be incorporated into the final document for adoption by the council, anticipated to be later this year. To take part, go to hinckleybosworth.gov.uk and select ‘have your say’ from 15 April onwards, Voters urged to make sure they are registered to vote With just under five weeks to go until the local elections, the Borough Council is encouraging its residents to make sure they’re registered to vote. On Thursday 2 May local voters will go to the polls to elect their Borough and Parish Councillors Bill Cullen, Chief Executive at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, said: “I am encouraging everyone eligible to vote in Hinckley and Bosworth to take action now
Borough Councillors’ Report Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea
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would both like to thank you all for your support and remember we are only a phone call away. Remember we are local and deal only with local issues. We have No Influence on National Issues, We only work for you and have both been proud to serve you. Regards
Chris & Ozzy Working for you.
Cllr Chris Boothby. Cllr Ozzy O’shea Cllr Chris Boothby Tel: 0116 216 1461 or 07880 711222. Email chris.boothby@hotmail.com
Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808 585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com
if they haven’t registered to vote already, particularly residents who have recently moved and young people who will be 18 on or before 2 May. He said “Our message is simple: if you are not registered by 12 April, you can’t vote. It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote . If you’re not sure, please double check.” To register to vote visit www.gov. uk/register-to-vote Residents can also check whether they’re registered to vote by calling the council on Tel. 01455 255835.
affordable housing with little or no106 monies for Education. Police or the parish Council. We support affordable housing but it needs to come with the necessary money for Education, services and the local community. This application is back again with no amendments to the design and layout and will be heard by the Planning Committee on Tuesday 23rd April. We will be attending again and supporting the views of both residents and the Parish Council.
16/00758/FUL – 121 Station Road, Bagworth THIS APPLICATION is for the erection of 10 two storey dwellings and two 1 bed flats on the vacant site on Station Road, Bagworth. All of which are intended as affordable housing, on behalf of the housing association, Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA). At the planning committee in January 2019 the committee were minded to refuse the application due to the design and layout both myself and Chris spoke against this application on design and layout as did the chairman of the Parish Council. We have already had 66
19/00177/HOU Resubmission of 18//00375 part retrospective. Tara House, Barlestone Road Bagworth. THIS APPLICATION for the erection of a detached garage is going to the planning committee at the Borough Council on the 23rd April with a recommendation from officers to refuse the application. We will be there to support a refusal on behalf of residents. This will be our last report before the upcoming Borough Council Elections we would both like to thank residents for the giving us the opportunity to represent you and we
On a scale of 9 to 10, how would you rate me?
Tel 0116 2161461or 07880 711222 Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808585825 Email Chris.Boothby@hotmail.co.uk Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com
Bardon Park Chapel www.bardonchapel.co.uk
FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE: Come and worship the Lord with us on the 1st Sunday in every month at 10.00 am. Our gatherings are fairly informal. THURSDAY ART CLASS: Between 7pm and 9.00pm. Bardon Park Chapel, Shaw Lane, Bardon, Coalville LE67 1TD There is a large car park at the back. For more details on any of the above please contact: Richard Norburn on 0116 332 9634
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Local Church Services Markfield Congregational Church Sunday April 14 10.30am United Service in Trinity Methodist Church for Palm Sunday Friday April 19 7.00pm Good Friday Meditation Sunday April 21 10.15am Easter Day - Morning Worship Sunday April 28 10.15am Morning Worship Sunday May 5 10.15am Morning Worship followed by Communion Sunday May 12 10.15am Joint Family Service with St Michael’s congregation in our Church Sunday May 19 10.30am United Service for Christian Aid in Trinity Methodist Church h
Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 14th April (Palm Sunday) 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper, with the Cross Hills puppets Friday 19th April (Good Friday) 7.30pm - Joint Barton Fabis Group Service at Barton Baptist Church Sunday 21st April (Easter Sunday) 10.30am Family Service With the Singing group and decorating the rugged cross with fresh flowers Sunday 28th April 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 5th May 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 12th May Christian Aid week 10.30a Morning Service with Lord’s Supper There is a Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during the Morning Service, other than for family or special services when they join with the main church. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section of this magazine.
Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org Facebook : Markfield Methodist Church
Sunday 14th April – Palm Sunday 10:30am Churches Together in Markfield United Service 6:00pm Choir Palm Sunday Service Thursday 18th April – Maundy Thursday 7:00pm Communion Service with Dramatization of the Trials of Christ
Sunday 21st April – Easter Sunday 9:00am Easter Breakfast followed by Meditation 10:30am Easter Communion Service 6:00pm No Evening Service
Sunday 28th April 9.00am Holy Communion (said service) 6.00pm Evening Service Sunday 5th May 10.30am Holy Communion
Sunday 28th April 10:30am Morning Communion Service 6:00pm No Evening Service
Sunday 12th May 10.15am Joint Service at the Congregational Church 6.00pm Holy Communion
Sunday 5th May 10:30am Morning Service 6:00pm Evening Taizé Service
Friday 17th May 8.00pm “Still Friday”
Sunday 12th May 10:30am Morning Service 4:00pm Café Church Service Sunday 19th May 10:30am United Service 6:00pm Evening Communion Service Sunday 26th May 10:30am Morning Service No Evening Service
Other Events at Trinity Methodist Church Everyone Very Welcome Music Café - 2:00pm to 4:00pm 25th April, 16th & 23rd May
Sunday 19th May 10.30am Churches Together in Markfield Service at the Methodist Church 6.00pm Evening Prayer Sunday 26th May 9.00am Holy Communion (said service) 6.00pm Evening Service
St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 14th April 10.30am Holy Communion Thursday 18th April 6.30pm Maundy Thursday Supper and Holy Communion
Sunday 28th April 10.30am All Age Service Sunday 5th May 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 12th May 9.00am Holy Communion Sunday 19th May 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 26th May 10.30am All Age Service
Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 5th May 9.00am Holy Communion
St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 14th April 3.00pm Praise Service Tuesday 16th April 7.30pm Tenebrae Sunday 21st April 9.15am Easter Holy Communion} Easter Day Sunday 28th April 6.00pm Evening Prayer
Sparklers Group – Monday 3:15pm to 4:15pm For Children Zero to Reception Age & Carers Church Club – Monday after School until 4:30pm For Children from Mercenfeld School - Every Week during Term Time
Friday 19th April 7.30pm Good Friday Meditation
Sunday 28th April 10.30am “Something Different” Service
Sunday 19th May 9.15am Holy Communion (Said Service)
1-2-5 Birthday Celebration Events Saturday 6th April 10:00am to 12:00noon - Easter Coffee Morning Saturday 11th May 10:00am to 11:00am - Seated Exercise with Refreshments £3.50g
Sunday 5th May 10.30am Morning Service
Sunday 26th May 6.00pm Evening Prayer
Sunday 12th May 10.30am Holy Communion
Catholic Church of St Wilfrid of York 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB
St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield
Sunday 26th May 10.30am “Something Different” Service
Sunday Mass
Thursday 30th May 7.30pm Ascension Day Holy Communion
Sunday: 10 am
Sunday 14th April 10.30am Churches Together in Markfield Palm Sunday Service Palm Sunday at Markfield Methodist Church 6.00pm Holy Communion Friday 19th April 2.00pm Good Friday “Hour at the Cross” Good Friday Sunday 21st April 5.45am Easter Sunrise Service at Hill Hole Easter Day 10.30am All Age Easter Service 6.00pm Easter Holy Communion
Sunday 21st April 10.30am Easter Holy Communion Easter Day
Sunday 19th May 10.30am Morning Service
St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 14th April 9.00am Holy Communion Friday 19th April 10.00am Good Friday Family “Stations of the Cross” Sunday 21st April 10.30am Easter Holy Communion Easter Day
Sunday 5th May 6.00pm Holy Communion Sunday 12th May 3.00pm Praise Service
Saturday Vigil: 6 pm
See Newsletter on the website below for details of weekday Mass times, Confessions, and other events. Parish Contact Parish Priest: Fr Gabriel Offor – 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@ gmail.com Parish Website: www. stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk School Details St Clare’s RC Primary School,
They say winning isn’t everything and I’ve decided to take their word for it.
THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Methodist Minister’s Reflections
Coalville: 01530 837747 www.stclares.leics.sch.uk
“Still Friday” 2019 De Lisle RC College, Loughborough:
Each 268739 eveningwww.delisle.leics. will include simple reflective worship songs, silence, 01509 prayer, readings and responses and last up to an hour. sch.uk All are welcome. Come along and enjoy the peace.
21st June Holy17th WeekMay and Easter Services at St 16th Coalville August 20th September Wilfrid’s, 15th November
19th July 18th October
No “Still Friday” in April or December
Passion Sunday: 13/14 April. Fridays 8.00 pm at St. Michael & All Angels’ Church Masses on Saturday at 6 pm and Sunday 10 am. Holy Thursday: 18 April at 7.30 pm, Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday: 19 April at 3 pm, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Holy Saturday: 20 April at 8 pm, The Easter Vigil Easter Sunday: 21 April at 10 am, Mass
Just got back from a job interview, where I was asked if can perform “under pressure”. I said I wasn’t too sure about that but I do a wicked “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
Markfield Masses Congregational Church Hall, Main Street, Markfield (next to the Chinese takeaway) Wednesday, 15 May at 6.45 pm. Please note change of time. Wednesday, 18 September at 7 pm.
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I had to turn off my carbon monoxide detector. The constant beeping was giving me a headache and making me hallucinate.
A FEW weeks ago I attended an auction, as there was a particular lot coming up for sale which I had my eye on.
Aware of the danger of getting carried away with bidding, I had set in my mind a maximum figure which I was prepared to bid. As it happens, the final price of the item was over twice as much as I was prepared to offer! Clearly, someone else had valued the item far more than I had. One of the ways one can work out the value of an item is by knowing how much someone is prepared to pay for it. How much is a human life worth? When we read about recent senseless killings on our streets, we may think that a human life seems to be worth very little in some people’s eyes. But how does God value human life? If the value of something can be measured by how much is paid for it, then we can be encouraged by the wonderful verse in the Bible which states, ‘God loves the world (and everyone in it) so much that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him might not perish, but might have eternal life.’ That’s the wonderful message of Easter!
Steve Clark
Minister, Markfield Methodist Church • www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB - Markfield Methodist Church
I tried being all things to all people. I ended up being nobody to everybody.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
What’s Been Happening at Markfield Community and Sports Centre Words and pictures from Ron Grantham • Tel: 01530 242240 • www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com
Proposed Markfield Good Neighbour Scheme
Annual Family Trips to the Seaside
MANY VILLAGES in Leicestershire have or are in the process of setting up Good Neighbour Schemes.
AS MENTIONED previously the coach trip to Skegness is fully booked however, we have started a reserve list for anyone who still wish to go and, if there is sufficient demand, we may be able to put on an extra coach.
The schemes are community led projects that link people who need help and support with volunteers who are willing to help them. This help and support can be provided in a variety of ways such as doing a bit of shopping or gardening, taking a dog for a walk, giving someone a lift to the doctors, hospital or other appointment etc. Although these tasks may be small they can make a BIG difference to someone’s life. I know that there are many people in Markfield who are already helping others on a voluntary basis or would be prepared to give up a bit of their time to help others in need. This project will pull people together and coordinate a Good Neighbour Scheme for the village for the benefit of those in need of help. To start off the new proposed scheme for Markfield there will be an open meeting at the Community Centre at 7pm on Friday 26th April. If you are interested in supporting this project PLEASE come along. WE NEED YOUR HELP. If you cannot attend the meeting but are still interested in supporting the project please contact the centre on 10530 242240 or email markfieldcommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk
Adventure Rural Play Afternoon
There are a handful of seats available for the trip to Llandudno on Wednesday 24th July. It only costs £16 per person and to book your place please contact the Centre.
Easter Football Focus BY POPULAR request we have arranged a new series of football development classes that will take place at the Centre over the Easter school holidays as follows: • WEEK 1 – Monday 15th April to Thursday 18th April • WEEK 2 – Tuesday 23rd April to Friday 26th April The classes are for children aged 5 to 12 years and are from 9am to 3pm. Early drop off and late collection service is available. Children attending should bring along a packed lunch. The classes are led by a UEFA B Futsal and Football Coach. Places are limited so, PLEASE book early to avoid disappointment. To book your places or for further information please contact 07455 023366
Teddy’s First Birthday Party ON SATURDAY 16th March our very own little villager Teddy Jackson Grewcock celebrated his first birthday at the Centre with a family and friends birthday party.
SATURDAY 23rd March was a lovely sunny day with bit of a chilly wind which did not deter many people coming along to the Centre with their children to enjoy an exciting afternoon of fun and games on the park. Intrepid youngsters were scaling the heights of the climbing wall, playing games, building dens and having their faces painted. It was really nice to see the youngsters and their parents having fun. The event was provided by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council staff who were very pleased with the turn out and hope to put on a similar event in the future.
Teddy had his Christening party at the Centre in August last year so, it was nice to see the little man also celebrating his birthday at the Centre. Mother Helen and dad Leon proudly cut the birthday cake with Teddy with cheering from relatives and friends from around the country. Happy first birthday Teddy from all at the Community Centre and we hope it won’t be long before we see you again.
Mayflower Club’s Update The 6th March saw our now annual Pancake Tossing competition. Members were challenged as to who could toss the most pancakes in a minute. As usual there were various degrees of success often with pieces of pancake flying everywhere but luckily there was no need for the first
Did you know that being fat lowers your chance of getting kidnapped.
THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk aid kit! The eventual winners were Pat, for the ladies and Peter for the gents. Pat and Pete competed in a final shoot out having to toss pan cakes to each other. They were so good we had to call it a well earned draw. After the competition we had a snack of pancakes with all the customary trimmings. . We were then entertained by villager Pat who gave us a wonderful ukulele concert and sing along that we all thoroughly enjoyed. The photograph shows one of our stalwart members Joyce Briggs who celebrated her 94th Birthday. Joyce is always keen to join in with our activities always with a big smile and a laugh.
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We are now planning our session for the coming months which includes:: 3rd April Experience a real life Magistrates Court “Mock Trial” 10th April Hanging Basket Making 17th April Easter party, Bonnet Parade and Egg Painting 24th April St. George Pub Quiz and supper 1st May Old Mother Riley’s Jungle Treasure Show 8th May Tales from an Old Copper 15th May Line Dancing Demonstration 22nd May Meet your Local Councilors 29th May Alzheimer’s Society 29th June Markfield History Group Talk Please note that the above may, for various reasons, be subject to change. If you are interested in coming along to any of our Mayflower Clubs simply turn up either on at Monday Afternoon Friendship Club or on Wednesday afternoons for the main Mayflower Club. Both clubs are from 2pm to 4pm and only cost £1.50p per session. You will have fun, meet new friends and be most welcome.
Annual General Meeting THE ANNUAL General Meeting of Markfield Community Association the charitable body responsible for the running of the Community Centre will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday 30th May. This is an open meeting and anyone interested in the running and development of the Community Centre will be most welcome.
“There’s Cash In Those Them Darn Hills” AS SO many people were delighted in the Cash for Gold event at the Centre in March that we have arranged another event that will take place on Friday 31st May. So, if you have any old unwanted or damaged gold or silver items that you want to turn into cash please bring it along. The items will be honestly valued by an expert who will give you a fair price. See posters nearer the day.
New at the Centre Little Giggles: This is a baby and parent group that now meets at the
The session on the 13th March was very unusual, interesting and fun. The two Janet and Janet came along and provided a team competition based on their knowledge of antiques. Teams had to guess the value of four sets of various antiques with the overall winners receiving a box of chocolates. Members also brought along memorabilia and family heirlooms to show other members. The completion was great fun and members have asked to have it put on again. Money raised by the two Janets goes to Merry Midwives Charity. On the 20th March we celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day with another popular “Day at the Races”. Members placed their “bets” and raucously cheered on their horses over five races. This year the final race was the “Kevin the Carrot” obstacle race where overall winners and losers had to race their “carrots” over an obstacle course. Carol Kemp won the 2019 Nora Boardman Memorial Vase. After the races members used their “winning” to bid for mystery prizes in a Saint Patrick’s auction The 27th March session was all about the importance of doing some exercise. Pat, one of our members, demonstrated exercises that reach all parts of the body from toe to head. Even doing a bit of exercise each day helps your physical well being. If you fancy taking up a bit of exercise why not try our Mature Movers classes that take place at the Centre on Monday mornings from 10am to 11am – it will be well worth it.
Centre on Wednesday mornings from 10am to 12md. Little Giggles offers a friendly environment to come and meet local parents and their babies for general baby chit chat and play. It includes baby play mats, sensory toys, ball pool, relaxing music and baby scales. The costs is £3 per parent and baby and 50p for nay additional children
National Blood Service: The next session will take place on Friday
26th April and Wednesday 19th June. You can book your blood donation appointment on line so please book your place with the National Blood Service and “Do something amazing” by donating your much needed blood.
Money Saving Special Offer Don’t forget that if you are planning a special family event, party or function with a bar we only charge a modest hire fee of £10 per room. This hire fee is very competitive to other venues in the area and will save you money. For bookings and enquiries please contact Markfield Centre and Sports ,Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST on 01530 242240 or email markfieldcomunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk or you can visit our website www. markfield communitycentre.com to view our facilities, latest news, photo gallery and information about the Centre.
REMINDER: The Community Centre is the local polling station for the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and Markfield Parish Council elections (if necessary) on Thursday 2nd May.
I went to the Missing Persons Bureau to make a report. No one was there.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
The Huncote Hound Club Lots of fun with animals and nature for the under-16s at Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid (L.A.A.), Forest Road, Huncote Activity Mornings for the Under-16s Here at Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid (L.A.A.), we are passionate about promoting animal welfare and a love of nature, and we believe that by educating youngsters we can create our Ambassadors of the future. Our Huncote Hound Club is a special club for animal-lovers aged 16 and under. Members receive a very interesting Quarterly Newsletter packed full of information including updates on our furry residents, fun competitions and tips on how to care for animals and the environment. Take a look at the photos to see how much fun we have! It costs just £8 for a full year’s membership. New members also receive a metal badge and a certificate. One of the highlights for members is the opportunity to attend ‘Activity Mornings’ at the Centre (Elmwood Farm, Forest Road, Huncote), which are held four times a year. The youngsters find out how to look after animals, nature and the environment whilst having lots of fun and, more often than not, making an enjoyable (and educational) mess! The next activity is planned for June. Some of the many and varied activities have included making pine-cone bird feeders, baking doggy muffins and biscuits, bug-hunting and turning nature detectives. We also have a tour around the Centre and usually get to meet the residents. You can join our Club online at www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk or call us on 01455 888 257, or for general information, or email: info@leicesteranimalaid.org.uk
Huncote new Community Garden and Totem Pole Thanks to the support and generosity of Mars Petcare UK we have created a Community Garden on our site which will be opened soon, during spring. One of the features is a carved Totem Pole and the sculptor, who generously donated it to us, asked the Huncote Hound members if they would draw animals and birds that she could include in her design. At the March activity morning for the Huncote Hound Club, the children and young people were excited to see their designs carved into the totem pole and got to work painting their creations. The youngsters are looking forward to making full use of the garden at their next meeting in June including pond-dipping, looking for insects, discovering who has made their home in the ‘bug hotel’ and bird-watching - seeing the different types of feathered-friends visiting the newly planted garden. All very exciting and all in the fresh air. The Huncote Hound Club is just £8 a year and the money helps to sponsor a cat pod and also a dog kennel at the Centre. DON’T FORGET TO GET ENROLLED READY FOR JUNE ! Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff at Work By Richard Carlson
Most people spend at least 40 hours a week in the office, and constant deadlines, heavy workloads, and daily dilemmas can make working a stressful experience. In this book, Richard Carlson shows readers how to interact more peaceably and joyfully with colleagues, clients and bosses. He reveals tips such as planning what you’re going to say in a meeting or presentation, taking a deep breath before reacting to a co-worker’s criticism, and asking for a raise in the most effective way possible. Transforming your outlook at the office will not only ease stress in the workplace, it will also lead to a happier life at home.
Coming up at The Club, Thornton Sat 13th April: PUNK & DISORDERLY - local punk and rock covers band. Sat 27th April: MONKEY BUSINESS - covers band. Sat 18th May: MALPRACTICE - Dr Feelgood tribute band Sat 22nd June: ROCKSKA - Ska & rock covers band.
Jane Walters Fundraising Assistant (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri – from 11.15am to 4pm) Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association Elmwood Farm, Forest Road, Huncote, LE9 3LE Tel No. 01455 888 257 http://www.leicesteranimalaid.org. uk/what-we-do/what-we-do www.facebook.com/ LeicesterAnimalAid Registered Charity 242560 A Member of the Association of Dog and Cat Homes (ADCH) Affiliated to Wood Green Animal Shelters
Information supplied by Karen Orme.
Wise Words In the household in which I was raised, the themes were pretty simple. ‘Work hard. Don’t quit. Be appreciative, be thankful, be grateful, be respectful. Also, never whine, never complain. And always, for crying out loud, keep a sense of humor.’ Michael Keaton
“I give it 75 years, tops.” - cynical guest at tortoise wedding.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Letter From Uncle Eustace
On the tribulations that await a curate in his first parish…
Trinity Methodist Church, Main Street, Markfield LE67 9UU
Friday17 May 2019 at 7.00pm
Alistair Parnell
Saxophonist Extraordinaire!
The Rectory St James the Least My dear Nephew Darren SO, YOUR BISHOP is dropping hints that you should begin to consider a move to having your own parish – ‘not forever in green pastures’ comes to mind. Do not be too hasty to leave; remember that a curate can do no wrong, but a vicar can do no right. That means that as soon as you get your own parish, you will be held accountable not only for everything that goes on inside the church, but also for the goal average of the local football team and the state of the economy. And if it rains for your first Summer Fete, you will be told reproachfully that this never used to happen when ‘the former vicar was here’. As you begin to ponder this momentous decision, allow me to give you a few pieces of advice. It will be assumed in the parish that every new incumbent is bound to be worse than his predecessor. The greatest compliment I ever received when leaving a parish came from an elderly parishioner: “I’ve known six Rectors of this parish; you weren’t the worst.” Naturally the church you go to will have asked for a married man between 30 and 35 with a wife who will not have her own job but who wants to devote her entire life working for the parish - and it will be a definite advantage if she is a brilliant organist, professional caterer and fully computer literate. They will expect you to have two children, one of whom should be of primary school age, so he can attend the local Church school, where you will naturally wish to be chairman of governors and coach of the football team. They will want you to have exceptional talents for attracting young people - but for young people who enjoy the sorts of Services that the present congregation prefer - and you should have the ability to stop a baby crying during Mattins with the briefest of glances. They will want you to bring ‘a breath of fresh air’ into parish life without changing anything. They will hope you will shun holidays, preach short sermons and be able to run a tight jumble sale. Your CV is a little thin. If you could acquire a wife and family within the next six months, become an expert flower arranger and qualify as a football referee, chartered accountant and trained electrician and plumber, it would prove very helpful. If in addition, you learned how to service photocopiers, had a mini-bus available for church outings, were an heir to a family firm producing a single malt whisky and could provide reliable horse racing tips, your choice of parishes would be endless. On the other hand, my advice would be to stop attending all meetings where you know the bishop may be present; out of sight, out of mind. Have your phone disconnected, your letterbox sealed and only appear in public wearing dark glasses and a false beard. Keep your head down, lay low, hold on to the charmed life of being a curate for as long as possible. Life will never be better.
Your loving uncle,
Saxophonist Alistair Parnell presents an eclectic programme of music from Baroque to Jazz including new arrangements of some well known tunes. He will also play the new Roland Aerophone and demonstrate the amazing possibilities to this electronic wind instrument. Backed by his own accompaniments, there will be music to suite all tastes and ages.
Tickets: £10 (under-16s £5) available from our website by clicking on the “Contact us” button or by calling 01530 242742 | 07979 607099| 01530 244497 www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org Facebook – Markfield Methodist Church
Monetary Prizes - Card bingo
Bring your own buffet and drinks to share
WHEN
WHERE
Saturday 8th June 2019 Doors open - 7pm
Thornton Community Centre 175 Main St Thornton LE67 1AH
Tickets - £5 per person. Maximum number per team = 6.
Eustace
(Teams can be arranged on the night – pre booking essential)
Contact Gill Tapping – 07719 882144 – gilltevents@aol.com www.thorntonvillage.org
Stanton Family Fun Day in May COME AND JOIN us at the Thatch, Main Street Stanton Monday 27th May from 2pm for a fantastic Family Fun Day. There will be a raffle, tombola, water & wine, games, face painting, cake stall, lucky dip, apple bobbing, white elephant, £1 in the bucket, wheelie bin race, BBQ from 3.00pm, and live music from “Jonnie & The Rockers” from 4.30pm.
Stanton Scarecrow Competition Walt Disney Theme Make a scarecrow in your front garden based on anything relating to Walt Disney. Put your name and address and what your entry is. Please include your 50p entry fee (by village request) with a piece of paper, or the entry form coming through your door, and put it into the box at Stanton Stores by 23rd May 5pm - any later may result in being missed off the judges’ and visitors’ maps. Judges will view on Monday 27th May after 12 noon and winners will be announced at the Thatch after 5pm. Any donations towards the Raffle, Auction, Tombola or cake stall would be gratefully received, any further info just contact me, Sally Wilkins, on 01530 242847 or at 176 Main Street, Stanton. 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 Tel: 242847 or call at 176 Main Street. Or contact Elaine on Tel: 244820. We are a very informal group and just love putting on events for the village.
Sally Wilkins
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I don’t even talk to the girl until the second date.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
1991: Memories of Bagworth people OLIVE BURCHELL (nee Harrison) tells of attending chapel services three times every Sunday at Cross Hills Baptist Church. The highlight of the year was the Anniversary Sermons, which were held in May. “Are you sitting up this year?” was the all-important question on the lips of every local child during the preceding weeks. The expression ‘sitting up’ evolved because the children occupied high platform seats in the chapel. Mrs Roberts played the organ and Mr Billy Prime was the conductor. Although very many practices were required to achieve perfect singing harmony, the children were instilled with enthusiasm right from the beginning. The term that was used during rehearsals was, “Getting them up”, for the Anniversary, or Sermons. As the big day approached, Olive described to me how the mounting excitement swept over her and the other children. “Mother would save the Coop ‘Divi’ throughout the year to buy new dresses for me and my sisters. As I was the youngest daughter it was my only chance to acquire a new outfit. Most clothes were usually handed down, from the tallest to the smallest in the family. “On the big morning, one of dad’s jobs was to wave his girls’ hair with the crimping irons, preheated on the open fire. There was such a good turnout on the great day that benches and chairs were placed outside the chapel. People who weren’t fortunate enough to get inside could listen through the open doors.” Olive’s eyes lit up. “Another eagerly awaited day was the Chapel Treat, held in the field opposite the chapel. It belonged to Mr Shepherd. There were games, races, tea and treats for all the children. In those days there were big families and many children used to attend chapel.” Olive was in the Cross Hills choir and she recalled how she also sang at the ‘Prims’ (Primitive Chapel) Anniversary. Here, Mrs Dolly Reed played the organ, her father conducted. Before entering the chapel the children would
hang their coats in the adjacent farmhouse (Poplar Farm). Then they would enter the chapel looking resplendent in pretty dresses and smart suits. So many people attended the sermons that chairs, borrowed from local houses, were lined up in Station Road to accommodate the overflow on this special day. The Co-op gala day was vividly etched into the memories of Olive Burchell, Eileen Hurd (nee Johnson) and Doris Bills (nee Turner). The gala was strictly for Co-op members’ children only. They would gather in front of the Co-op building (just below the WMC) and march in orderly fashion down to the railway station. Here, they boarded the Coalvillebound train pulled by a steam locomotive. From Coalville they marched to Ravenstone, where ‘Co-op children’ from other villages gathered. They recall queuing for their ration of slab cake, a bag
“At the time all the kids were convinced that, one day, we as a couple would really marry each other”, Olive laughed. Mr Tommy Boulton recalled, “Mr Wilkinson was Headmaster when I started school in 1921. He also taught my father. It was a proper family affair, because the Head’s two daughters were teachers too.” Tommy explained, “Mr Bradley became the next Head at Bagworth. He was reputedly sent to instill law and order into the school. Being an Officer in the 1914-18 War, he certainly had the credentials. Children had to salute him and address his wife as ‘Maam’, otherwise it was the cane!” With a twinkle Tommy added, “Another teacher, Polly Wain, was a ‘nasty old devil’ who hit out with her left hand to inflict more pain. You see, she wore her rings on her left hand.”
of buns and a two-penny bar of chocolate. “Tremendous excitement and fun was generated,” remembers Olive, “even though the buns were pronounced stale by everyone every year. There were the donkey rides and the fun fair to enjoy. It was always a real get-together with genuine community spirit.” Tired but happy, at the end of a perfect day, the children would head for the railway station at Coalville for the return trip. Olive and friends also spoke of the Christian Endeavour meetings held weekly at Cross Hills Chapel. Occasionally, they also met at old Mr Farmer’s house in the ‘Forty Row’, where they were always made very welcome. Mrs Eileen Hurd recalls there was an annual village Carnival which was organised by Mrs Hopley, a local farmer’s wife who lived in Main Street. “It was a real fun day,” Eileen said. “I remember I was too short at that time to dance round the May Pole.” There was the time when Olive was chosen to be Cinderella, with Ernie Hill as Prince Charming.
Tommy paused for a moment, deep in thought. He stirred suddenly. “Then there was a Mr Williams who chose to admonish his pupils with the flagpole!” I wondered what the European Court of Law would have made of that! I told Tommy that I didn’t blame him for leaving school at the tender age of 14, and I was pleased he managed to get a job. When Olive started school in 1922 the Deputy Head was Mr Golding. Olive says: “I remember Polly Wain and Miss Tranter. Polly had a habit of picking on children, in particular my sister, Lucy. Things came to a head one day when mum laid in ambush. When Polly rode home from school, our mum jumped out on her, encouraged by our brothers. They were shouting, ‘Get her, mum!’, as Polly rode level. Mrs Harrison promptly pulled the startled teacher from her bike and threatened to pull out her hair.” Henceforth, Polly’s attitude softened somewhat, particularly towards Lucy, Olive remembers. “According to Thornton man, George Farmer, it was a regular occurrence for teachers to be waylaid while cycling along Station
Road.” Eileen Hurd, whose schooling began in 1926, reckons she was a quiet little girl. But this did not impress Mr Golding, who singled her out from a corridor full of noisy children and promptly smacked her bottom. At playtime Eileen ran to her nearby home on the pretence of getting something to eat and, because she didn’t relish going back to school, had to be frogmarched back by her mum! One school Monitor, Eileen recalls, was Dorothy Holyoake. During the 1926 General Strike, the year Eileen started her education, soup was brought to school for the hungry children. One day, the airship R-101 flew over and the children were allowed to watch it from the playground. Mr Heath was Head when Doris Bills (nee Turner) started school, in 1929. Doris says: “Mrs Barker taught the infants, while Miss Darker and Miss Burton took the older children,” Doris said. “The cane was used very regularly in those days. When the children came home from school, they often dallied at the blacksmith’s shop, in The Square. The forge drew them like a magnet. They were allowed to pump the forge bellows, which was great fun.” Mr Tom Boulton said, “Twentyfive school children were once summoned by local farmer, Mr Insley, of Laurel Farm. He accused them of throwing stones into his pond at the recreation ground, just off Barlestone Road. Liddington’s coach was hired to take the children and their parents to Market Bosworth Magistrates Court. Although some of the accused were only 9 or 10 years old, they were each fined five shillings, a huge amount in those days. “On their way home the young ‘criminals’ and their furious parents passed Mr and Mrs Insley riding sedately in their horse and trap. They opened the windows of the coach and sang defiantly, ‘Monkey cock your tail up’ to the startled Insley’s as they motored by them. “When they all alighted from the coach outside the school on Main Street, they all made a beeline for the Plough Inn, instead of going back to school.”
If me sleeping in the nude really bothers you so much why don’t you just take a different bus ma’am.
09/04/2019 THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Wor 29
ELECTION TERMINOLOGY Wordsearch
X Q T V O S D Y O R U F Z H G
Q O L K Q B T F D R A K T M Y
P O B G Q I V E G A T O X B G
X O I T R K M N T U O N R U T
T B L O O O V V X B U P H U S
N N J I C L E X G E Q L U M Z
V A U R T C L N Z T I N P C H
FIND 12 WORDS YOU MIGHT HEAR AT ELECTION TIME in this month’s Wordsearch puzzle and you could win yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are offering a tasty prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel. To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - 12 WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTIONS. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: MANIFESTO, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Friday 3rd May 2019. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel. Good luck!
M G A O X I I A I A N G P Z H
C C G H C T C I B R C I F Z T
Y B M J O E C A R O U A L B O
R K N V U V R V L T M P N B R
E T A D I D N A C C B M I G V
E X I T P O L L R E E A Q C C
Z K I N X Q O D W L N C N N U
P V N Y I W T K O E T M P T D
Here are the 12 ELECTION WORDS you have to find:
BALLOT BOX • CAMPAIGN • CANDIDATE • DEMOCRACY ELECTORATE • EXIT POLL • INCUMBENT • MAJORITY POLITICAL • RECOUNT • TURNOUT • VOTING BOOTH
Name: ................................................................................................... Address: ................................................................................................ .............................................................................................................. .......................................................... Postcode: .............................
Last Month’s Competition Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch Competition was: A.TOON of Forest Road, Markfield. Congratulations! Your prize voucher has been sent to you.
FRIENDS OF CHARNWOOD FOREST
BALLOTBOX Monday April 15th 2019 CAMPAIGN Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall 7.30 pm. CANDIDATE DEMOCRACY Members free, visitors £3. ELECTORATE The Gardens at Stoneywell EXITPOLL INCUMBENT STONEYWELL COTTAGE seems to grow out of the rocky MAJORITY outcrops of Charnwood Forest, but various members of the POLITICAL Gimson family have transformed areas of it into a garden RECOUNT which has interest all the year round. TURNOUT Donald and Ann Gimson were keen gardeners and planted the many VOTINGBOOTH flowering shrubs that one sees today. Roy Mitchell, a member of the Talks Service at Stoneywell, where his wife is a garden host, will describe the development and the various seasons of the garden. This will be followed on Thursday May 16th by a guided visit to the gardens – tickets will be available for this at the April meeting as numbers are limited.
Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com
Monday May 20th 2019 Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall 7.30 pm. Members free, visitors £3.
Butterflies of Charnwood Forest PREBENDARY Canon John Woolmer read Mathematics at Oxford, taught at Winchester College where he had a reluctant call to ordination and also rediscovered a childhood interest in butterflies. He has combined this interest with his wife Jane’ s photographic skills to photograph butterflies in many parts of the world, and has published widely – notably in his book, The Grand Surprise. This talk will feature butterflies in and around Charnwood Forest. John and Jane live in Newtown Linford.
Could you please not ask me how I am. Because then I have to ask you how you are, and then it’s like this whole thing.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
News from Cross Hills Baptist Church Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area Palm Sunday We are pleased that our Holy Week and Easter services will begin this year with a puppet performance during our 10.30am service on 14th April.
Lent – “The Geography of Jesus” Our Tuesday evening Lent Group, held at various people’s homes and led by Revd David Butcher, has been very well supported and we’ve looked at the places where Jesus worked amongst and spoke to the people during his ministry. Many of these places had similarities to how our own small villages were made up at around the same time, even though they were many miles away. We’ll now follow this up with the Holy Week prayer breakfasts, starting on Monday 16th April, when we’ll be meeting together at the church at 9am each day for a short time of reflection and prayer to lead us up to Good Friday. This will be followed by a light breakfast each day with the addition of Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday. Anyone can join us to find out more about the true story of Easter, so please ring us on any of the numbers below if you need any more information.
Easter Sunday, 21st April We are pleased to be welcoming to our service Helen and Wit, pioneer church planters who are working with BMS World Mission among the largely unreached indigenous Thai Buddhist people group in Thailand, and we are looking forward to hearing about their work. During our service, the large rugged cross will again be decorated with the colourful fresh flowers that we bring along, then placed outside the church for a short while to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection of Jesus on that special day over 2,000 years ago. Our Sunday Club leader, Ruth will also be doing an Easter themed children’s talk during the service with the help of one of our puppets. Our Easter Sunday service is always an especially enjoyable one for us as it is so important to our Christian faith and we look forward to meeting anyone who would like to come along to see how we celebrate this special time of year. The Church Service Information section towards the back of this magazine gives details of our weekly services each month. We are a friendly and welcoming church and we would love you
to join us this year for our Easter services or on any Sunday. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served in our hall afterwards giving everyone the chance to spend a little time together before going home or on to enjoy the rest of the day.
Contact Numbers Pastor - Garry Kelly: 01455 457802 / 07816 616189 Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 01455 457802 / 07910 440243 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272
Glynis Straw Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family
It’s good to share! If you enjoyed reading this issue, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it. Thanks!
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK: 12-18 MAY
The charity works for and with people of all faiths and none, as well as with churches and other organisations, to promote sustainable development, strive for social justice and pursue their vision of a world without poverty. In 37 countries, they support poor and marginalised people, whatever their beliefs, sexuality, gender and ethnicity, to lift themselves out of poverty. COFFEE MORNING Markfield Congregational Church Hall (Next To Ma’s Chinese) Saturday 18th May 10am-12. Please come along and join us . Toasted tea cakes for breakfast, tea, coffee, squash or just come along and browse the stalls, just pop in any time between 10-12! JOINT CHURCH SERVICE Markfield Methodist Church (Main St. opposite The Green) Sunday 19th May 1030am. All 4 Churches in Markfield work very closely together for the benefit of our community. This service is held in the Methodist Church but led by members of the Catholic Church. Everyone of all ages will be made very welcome. Markfield Churches – working together for our community Methodist: www. markfieldmethodistchurch.org or FB Parish Church – j22churches.org.uk Congregational Church – FB Catholic Church - www. stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk
MARKFIELD METHODIST CHURCH EVENTS 2019 Sat 11th May: Seated Exercise Friday 17th May: Saxophone Recital Sat 22nd May: Songs of Praise & Cream Tea Sat 13th June: Wimbledon Tea & men’s cake competition 24th-26th August: Flower Festival weekend Sat 28th Sept: Ploughman’s lunch Thurs 3rd Oct: Boat Trip Fri 1st Nov: Piano Recital Sat 9th Nov: WI Coffee morning Sat 7th Dec: Sitwell singers Sat 14th Dec: Sing carols plus turkey cobs!
All are very welcome at any of our services, events and activities. Further details plus much more can be found on our website www. markfieldmethodistchurch, on the notice board outside our church and also of course in the Herald! Please “like” our Facebook page to follow us!
The Next Step UK tour is coming to De Montfort Hall in October FEATURING nine of the cast, The Next Step – Absolute Dance Live On Stage will be a brand-new show that offers fans a chance to get up close and personal with cast members from the global hit TV series. The 90-minute stage show features solos, duets, trios, and group numbers choreographed to popular hit songs along with original music from the show. Cast members starring in the expanded live stage show in October 2019 include: Isaiah Peck (“Henry”), Shelby Bain (“Amy”), Alexandra Chaves (“Piper”), Berkley Ratzlaff (“Davis”), Sage Linder (“Summer”), Dylan Ratzlaff (“Jacquie”), Liam Mackie (“Finn”) and Noah Zulfikar (“Kingston”). The show will also star Briar Nolet (“Richelle”) who recently wowed judges and executive producer Jennifer Lopez with her latest performance during the Redemption round on America’s favourite dance show, World of Dance. (View it on YouTube) Show date: 21 October 2019 at De Montfort Hall, Granville Road, Leicester LE1 7RU For ticket information visit www.demontforthall.co.uk or call the box office on 0116 233 3111 or email: dmh-tickets@leicester.gov.uk
I’ve narrowed it down. Getting up was where I went wrong today.
THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Date for your diary
Try Bowls!
Family Fun Day in Charnwood Forest BRADGATE Rotary is organising a special Family Fun Day, including a Fun Run, on Sunday 15th September. This event will take place at a beautiful Charnwood location with stunning views across the forest. As well as the Fun Run, there will be a variety of other attractions on offer - something for everyone. Watch this space for further information.
The Inexperienced Gardener A vicar, from Islington way, Permitted his rose to decay. His wife, with more vigour Bought a hose with a trigger And said to her spouse, “let us spray!” By Nigel Beeton
Use your legs There are such things as legs Some people call them pegs So many so often use four wheels Instead of their inactive two heels A few who are so old We cannot fairly them scold But these limbs need no insurance Just a little bit extra endurance Dodgems at the fairground so cool But not on the journeys to and from school Far less swipes of the card And visits to a mechanics yard This situation just ain’t going to alter Unless more feet become a pavement assaulter.
(Author unknown, sent in by a Herald reader.)
Cryptic Animals Answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Bear Monkey Cheetah Elephant Horse Rabbit Camel Pony Sheep Tiger
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Hare Lion Mouse Rat Beaver Donkey Zebra Goat Panda Wolf
• BAGWORTH BOWLS CLUB are looking for new members to join us, whether you are experienced or have never played before. Our season starts in April and goes right through until the end of September. Monday nights is practice night so come and have a go or just pop in for a cup of tea and see what it is like. We play league games Monday and Thursday evenings, from 6pm onwards, in the Hinckley and Coalville areas respectively. Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons are friendly games which are arranged against many club across Leicestershire. Monday 23rd April 2019 is the first new members night - starting from 5:15pm until 7:30pm - all you need to play for the first time is a flat pair of shoes. For more details contact: Ken (07928 799596) or Hazel (07531 067022. • COALVILLE TOWN BOWLS CLUB (rear of Council Offices, Whitwick Road) welcomes anyone to drop in any Monday or Friday evening 6pm onwards from MidApril to try your hand at bowls and have a look around. Just bring some flat shoes. • GLENFIELD BOWLING CLUB meets at the rear of Glenfield Parish Council Office, Stamford Street LE3 8DL and there is free parking. There’s no charge for up to three sessions of bowling and there is someone on hand to provide tuition. Just flat shoes required, equipment available for your use. Monday afternoons (weather permitting) is a good time to meet us, but club members available most times or alternatively contact 0116 2876341 for more details. • ST MARGARET’S BIRSTALL A new bowls season has arrived and with the fresh spring air and lighter days now is the perfect time to come and join us at St Margaret’s Club. The club will be holding an open days 6pm Friday 10 May and 2pm Sunday 12th May and all are welcome. If you would like to have a try at bowls, with no obigation, please ring Sam on 0116 267 7372 or Carolyn on 0116 267 5947. We take players of all abilities and offer free coaching. The first year fee for new bowlers is only £20. Good value fun in anybody’s book. St Margaret’s Co-operative Bowls Club, Co-op Sports Ground, Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DE www.smcbc.com
Easter Egg Hunt at
Little Markfield Farm on Saturday 13th April from 11am to 3pm £3.00 per child Food available Tombola and Plant Stall Raising money for St Michael’s and All Angels Church
There are now 9 times as many smart phones in the world as there are smart people.
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