The Herald Mid-April 2022 issue by Michael Wilkinson

MID-APRIL 2022

Markfield, Field Head, Stanton-under-Bardon, Thornton & Bagworth

Isle of Wight URGENT REQUEST FOR NEW Challenge for Local VILLAGE HALL TRUSTEES Breast Cancer Programme STANTON UNDER BARDON VILLAGE HALL

THE STANTON Under Bardon Village Hall Trust is urgently looking for new Trustees to join us.

We meet approximately every 2 months to discuss issues affecting the smooth running of the Hall and feel we need more people of all ages to offer their input and ideas. The Hall is used by regular groups – Yoga, Pilates, Dancers, Baby Sensory and Socatots not to mention weekend bookings for parties, weddings and special events. If you are interested or would like further information please email:stantonvillagehall@gmail.com

Mark Stephens, Chairman

The Bagworth Show is Back! MEMBERS of the Bagworth Forward Group (BFG) are pleased to announce that the Bagworth Show will once again return after a forced break of two years due to the pandemic. The Show will take place on Saturday August 27th at Bagworth Community Centre.

Bagworth Show is open to all and classes include, vegetables, fruit, flowers, baking, arts and crafts and a children’s section. There are trophies and cash prizes to be won. Details of what is required in each class will appear in the schedule which will be available nearer the date. Two other classes include the best kept allotment in Bagworth and the best front garden in Bagworth. The latter is subdivided into two parts, the best small and best large front garden. All front gardens and allotments in Bagworth are automatically entered and judges will view them at least twice during the year. This year we have a new garden judge. BFG would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the previous judge who performed this role for several years. We are very grateful to that person, who decided to retire last year. For obvious reasons we keep the identity of the judge a secret. On Show day there will also be a Dog Show on the field next to the Sure Start Centre. The classes include serious and not so serious ones and again the details will be available in the schedule, published nearer to the date. On the day of the Shows, hot and cold food and drink will be on sale at the Centre. If you are a newcomer to the village, if you have attended the event in the past or even if you have not you can be assured of a very warm welcome to the Show. Many of the exhibits will be on sale at the end of the day. If you haven’t been before you will be amazed at the size of some of the vegetables as well as the quality of the exhibits. As well as being a good day out, it is also one of the important ways in which BFG adds to its funds. As always, all of the money that is made on the day is ploughed back into BFG’s main aim of enhancing the life of the village of Bagworth. Thus the village and villagers will benefit from this event.

Bob Austin

IN FEBRUARY 2020, aged 37, with no family history, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At this point Covid 19 was something affecting the other side of the world and we were just going to wash our hands a bit more and be fine.

I had lifesaving surgery 3 days before the schools closed (for most children) so then had my children, at that point 3 and 7 at home full time. A cancer diagnosis at any point is difficult but on the brink of a global pandemic, it was impossible to process. Having chemotherapy during the height of the first peak, when people were still scared to pass each other in the street was really frightening. I really struggled to process everything that was happening to me, and everything that was happening to the world. Then one day when I was at Sue Young Cancer Support in Leicester I found a flyer for In the Pink Breast Cancer Pilates Rehabilitation Programme. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...>

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For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

MTTG’S SPRING PRODUCTION

Oh this year we’re off to Sunny Spain y viva España! DO THOSE WORDS bring back memories of happy holidays in the sun? Well, pack your suitcases, stock up on the suntan lotion, (forget Spanish tummy!), because MTTG invites you to take a package holiday with us!

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From Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th April , at 7.30 nightly at Thornton Community Centre, the Group is presenting “Surprise Package” - a popular farce written by Duncan Greenwood and Derek Parkes . Farce is defined as a comedy that seeks to entertain an audience through situations that are highly exaggerated, extravagant, ridiculous, absurd, and improbable, and this one doesn’t disappoint! There is no shortage of comical misunderstandings, accidental compromising positions and mislaid trousers as the Tinsley family’s package holiday in Spain proves to be an even greater change from Blackpool than expected as their holiday turns into mayhem. The play was written at the end of the 1970’s when it seemed that Britain had become crazy for the Costas! Alicante airport opened in 1967, and 100 hotels were built in Benidorm in a decade! MTTG ( then MTG) staged a production of “Surprise Package “ in 1992… so back we go to the Pension Maria thirty years on! Two of the original cast step on to the boards again – Andy Dobrolwski and Julie Marlow. Andy now finds himself cast as the father of the family whilst Julie’s daughter , Emily, will be on stage with her in the teenage role that was once Julie’s. Charlotte Parish recreates the role played in our original production by her Mother, Muriel Walker! Anne Dobrowolska has climbed out of the prompt box to direct the play this time round! Notable is the fact that, thirty years on, we are laughing a lot and having fun at rehearsals as we summon up the picture postcard energy that the play transmits! We were absolutely thrilled that so many of you came to see our Murder Mystery in December – out first attempt at getting back onstage after the pandemic struck. Tickets sold out on the first week. PLEASE COME AND SEE “SURPRISE PACKAGE” in April and bring your friends. A warm welcome awaits you. Tickets (£5) are AVAILABLE ON 07983669689 OR EMAIL:Emilyg. marlow981@gmail.com We advise that the play is not suitable for young children. If you are unsure how this affects your booking, please talk to Emily.

Muriel Walker for MTTG

Show us your moves at the ...

Charity Family Disco: 30th April GET YOUR dancing shoes on and join us for a Charity Family Disco on Saturday 30th April 2022 at Markfield Community Centre 7.30pm start.

Tickets are limited and priced at £5 per person, to include a buffet. There will also be a raffle with some great prizes to be won. All proceeds are going to CANCER RESEARCH. For more information contact 07748 915829. Come along and enjoy a good night whilst raising money for a charity close to my heart.

Diane Dowell

ISLE OF WIGHT CHALLENGE - from page 1 Getting a place on this programme helped me to get me back. I stopped waking up in pain every day and started to be able to look to a future I had been too scared to think about. This August I am walking the entire 71 miles of the Isle of Wight coastal path with 10 other women, all with a personal link to breast cancer. The Programme leader lives in Measham, 3 of the other women are from Ibstock, and one is from Nailstone, so this really is a local charity that helps local people. If anyone would like to sponsor us so that In the Pink can continue to be free for local woman that would be amazing. https://www. totalgiving.co.uk/ mypage/iow-walkingchallenge If any local businesses are interested in offering any level of corporate sponsorship, and getting your logo on our t-shirts and other promotional material, please contact Michelle at Sue Young Cancer Support on 0116 223 0055 or activities@sy-cs. org.uk This would help to cover accommodation and transport costs. Many thanks for reading.

Jen Pick, Markfield

She has her husband eating out of the palm of her hand - it saves on the washing up.

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Bagworth Craft Club

The Herald PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: 01530 244069

WE HAVE a small, friendly club for all sorts of crafting. Just bring whatever you are working on and a mug if you would like a hot drink.

info@markfieldherald.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk

We meet at 7pm every Monday for 2 hours at Bagworth Community Centre. Everyone welcome.

Fiona Sinfield

Packed lunches are back in style 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.

WITH FOOD prices soaring, who needs a bought sandwich or salad?

They can cost nearly £8 a day from LEON or Pret or other food outlets. Instead, it seems we are investing in plastic food containers (John Lewis reports sales are up 64 per cent on last year) and taking our own lunches to work. As one cookery blogger explains, “You can’t reduce your council tax, but you can make little savings on everyday meals, which add up to a significant difference.” “It’s ‘cool’ these days to take a packed lunch to the office,” says Suzanne Mulholland, author of The Batch Lady: Shop Once. Cook Once. Eat Well All Week. “Being organised and prepared is seen as a good thing.” As for coffee, consider this: buying a £3 cappuccino every day adds up to £1,095 a year. Far cheaper to fill a flask at home.

Those memorable school reports… WHAT DID your teachers say about your progress at school? The following were sent into the Daily Telegraph some years ago….

• One of my French reports simply said: ‘Sheila attended the lessons’. - Sheila Blow, Surrey • My housemaster wrote: ‘He has an overdeveloped unawareness.’ - Ian Jones, Wirral • A friend’s son’s report said: ‘By the time he has mastered French, he will be too old to cross the Channel.’ – M Knaggs, Dorset • My teacher observed: ‘The improvement in his handwriting has revealed his inability to spell.’ - Colin Sutherland, Switzerland • My teacher was a realist: ‘I am sorry to have to tell you that he is doing his best.’ - Stan Proctor, Surrey

Spot The Difference The Difference CanSpot You Spot the 10 Differences?

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.

See if you can spot the 10 differences in the cartoons above. Answers are on page 20. Everyone now works for the government, either on the payroll or on the tax roll.

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Bagworth Bridge goes from strength to strength BAGWORTH Whistlestop Bridge is meeting every Thursday afternoon for duplicate bridge.

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With just less than 40 members some 6 tables or 24 players attend each week for this fascinating game. The club has recently been joined by 4 new local playing members. New players are assured of a warm welcome and the club is always pleased to hear from people wishing to learn, so just let them know. Full information is on their website: Bagworth Whistlestop Bridge Group, UK (bridgewebs.com). Recently the club organised a collection for the Ukraine via the Disasters Emergency Fund and through members’ warmth and generosity raised a total of £700. The club is also offering free participation for Ukrainian refugees in their Thursday session and offering free tuition for any living within close proximity to Bagworth.

Severn Trent Community Fund: Vote before 24th April! SEVERN TRENT is encouraging its customers to vote for their favourite projects to receive funding as part of its partnership with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The water and waste company is the Official Nature and Carbon Neutral Supporter of the Games - assisting Birmingham 2022 in their pledge to leave a carbon-neutral legacy. The Severn Trent Community Fund has committed to giving away more than £10million over five years to support new projects by local charities and community groups across its region. Nearly £4m has been donated over the past two years to help 390 good causes, and to maximise the legacy of the Games and its environmental partnership, the Community Fund will be funding new projects that reduce carbon and help communities care for nature through these three key themes: • Green spaces – projects that create and enhance green spaces and offset carbon; • Recycling and making the most of resources – projects that help reduce the carbon footprint of community spaces and activities; • Water saving heroes – projects that preserve water and reduce water use. The water and waste company is calling on its customers to vote for their favourite project in each Award category – Bronze, Silver and Gold, with a total of £250,000 ready to be awarded to the top projects. Voting is open until Sunday 24 April on the Severn Trent website, and to help customers choose who to vote for there is a handy map, with each project filming a 30 second video explaining how they’re making their community an even better place to live. Natalie Cunningham, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer, said: “What’s good for nature is good for water and as a company taking care of one of life’s essentials, we’re passionate about making a positive impact on the communities and the environment where we live and operate. We have some wonderful submissions for this particular round of funding and the public vote is now open. It will be great to see as many of our customers as possible visit our website to vote for their favourite projects.” To see the projects and cast your vote, please visit: www.stwater.co.uk/publicvote.

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South Charnwood High School ‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’ Headteacher: Andrew Morris Deputy Headteachers: Simon Andrews, Abigail Lear Assistant Headteacher: Kathryn Juszkiewicz Business Manager: Alistair Keates

Lunchtime Supervisors Lunchtime Supervisors

We require, as soon as possible, Lunchtime Supervisors to join our team, who are responsible health and safety, wellbeing and security of We require, as soonfor as the possible, Lunchtime Supervisors to join our children during team, who are responsible for the theschool healthlunch and break. safety, wellbeing and security of children during the school lunch break. Term time position (39 weeks), 1 hour 15 minutes per day, 6.25 hours per week. Normally, the hours of work are 12.50pm to 2.05pm daily, Term time position weeks),to1change hour 15 per day, 6.25 hours but may (39 be subject dueminutes to exams etc. per week. Normally, the hours of work areper 12.50pm Rate of pay is £9.79 – £9.89 hour. to 2.05pm daily, but may be subject to change due to exams etc. Rate of pay is £9.79 – £9.89 hour. If youper are interested in the position, please find further details and an application form on the school’s website If youwww.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk/about-us/current-vacancies are interested in the position, please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and If you require any further information about this role, please contact application form. Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or Alistair Keates, Business Manager on 01530 242351 or email: email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org office@southcharnwood.org

As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBSBarred check with Barred list willout be by carried out by the school check with list will be carried the school. ‘South Charnwood High School - Committed to Safeguarding ‘South Charnwood High School - Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People’ Children and Young People’ www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB Telephone: (01530) 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539

Flying is not dangerous. Crashing is dangerous.

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

TWO MORE HOUSING APPLICATIONS

‘The notion of local decision-making is being destroyed.’

Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald

T SEEMS WE cannot get away from the planning blight that has been so encouraged by the present Governments determination to build, build, build, without due regard to the consequences. After the recent successes in getting 3 major applications turned down last month, we are now faced with yet further battles on this front that demonstrate if you needed any proof, that the system is totally broken. For the record, in 27 years as your Borough Councillor I have dealt with very few major applications for housing. And yet in the past 18 months we have witnessed a mad rush by developers to bang in applications left right and centre and it’s not getting any better as landowners and developers look to cash in, before people wake up and realise the immense harm that has been caused. The two communities of Markfield and Stanton have grown during these past 27 years, and we have seen housing development take place to accommodate local need. It is why Markfield took the proactive stance of planning for a housing allocation up to 2039 via its neighbourhood plan and this action has been fully justified and it proved that the community is willing to accept managed growth to a limit, but sadly it seems it doesn’t end there. Markfield and Stanton sit on the edge of two other local authorities, Northwest

Leicestershire and Charnwood Borough. It is the action of those two authorities that now causes the greatest concern and threatens the stability of our communities and the carefully constructed plans in place. We know that Charnwood Borough Council has allowed itself to fall so far behind its 5 year land supply target that everything is up for grabs. I witnessed that myself as did residents when it sought to give development permission for the land off Ashby Road in Markfield. It flagged next to no concerns about the developments impact on Markfield and produced a report full of contradictions knowing full well that it was in a desperate position and needed to get the application passed. Helpfully part of the site was in Hinckley and Bosworth and after much work we were able to get the application refused at Hinckley, meaning the development could not go ahead despite Charnwood having given consent. As expected, the developers have now appealed to the Government, and we must now wait for that appeal to be heard (we do not know when that will be). To pour salt into the wound it now transpires that Charnwood have been encouraging another development site to come forward on the edge of Markfield. This site sits between Markfield Lane and Leicester Road and it is understood a developer is about to unleash a proposal for some 150 houses. I only know about this, following contacts from local residents, not of course from Charnwood Borough Council whose behaviour in all this remains questionable. The challenge is that this application may not need any approval from Hinckley and Bosworth so no

locally elected representatives will have a say - which is unacceptable. The situation is not tenable because for a start we do not have the local school places available and the Markfield Primary School will only just be able to manage the new housing growth from the Jelson development for which Jelson are making a significant contribution towards. The school site will not be able to grow any further due to land constraints. Sadly that doesn’t seem to matter anymore in the consideration of planning matters, and so children will have to find primary school places in villages many miles away. So much for sustainability and environmental concerns. Equally concerning to me is the fact that a new development proposal has suddenly come to light in Stanton. This proposal is for 50 houses and although not yet a full application it is clear one is likely in the pipeline. The location is to the bottom of the village and having had a look at the development site some key questions spring to mind. Firstly, access to it must be questionable bearing in mind the narrowing of the road at the bottom. The second issue is that the County Council continues to progress its plans for the supposed A511 improvements. It has been suggested that the works required will now cost as much as £70 million and rising, all to take just over a minute off journey times from the A42 to the M1 in 15 years’ time. I doubt this is even accurate when you consider the unbelievable scale of development now taking place from Bardon to Hugglescote with thousands of new homes and huge warehouses being constructed across the boundary in North West Leicestershire.

A retired husband is a wife’s full-time job.

The relevance of this is the fact that Stanton is now to be penalised by the Leicestershire County Council because its plans include removing the right for residents of Stanton to turn right or go straight on towards Copt Oak, from the Flying Horse roundabout. This is scandalous behaviour by the County Council and other options exist which could avoid this happening. Why on earth would a resident entering the roundabout at the Flying Horse wanting to go right, turn left? It makes no sense. It will add to problems locally and disadvantage residents who are having themselves to deal with a proposition of accepting more housing creating additional traffic. Put simply it is wrong. What this all demonstrates is that slowly, bit by bit, the notion of local democracy and local decision making, the belief in improving local communities and strengthening them, the essential notion that we advance together, or we don’t advance at all, is being destroyed. It is being trampled under the weight of unscrupulous developers with their expensive consultants, advisors and lawyers and encouraged by public officials who are so desperate to be seen to be doing something they forget what they are supposed to be doing.

Matthew

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk DEVELOPERS ARE BELIEVED TO BE PREPARING A PLANNING APPLICATION FOR AROUND 150 HOUSES ON A GREENFIELD SITE BETWEEN MARKFIELD LANE AND LEICESTER ROAD AT FIELD HEAD. THE LEAFLET BELOW HAS BEEN PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED TO NEARBY HOMES BY A GROUP OF FIELD HEAD RESIDENTS TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THE SITUATION.

Knit a corgi for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Wanton Ecological Vandalism at A Time of Climate Emergency CHARNWOOD SHELAA SITE ASSESSMENT PSH41, PSH320 & PSH347

Leicester Road Field Head Almost 12 hectares of green field land running between Leicester Road Field Head, and Markfield Lane Newtown Linford have been designated as both “available and suitable for the development of around 200 dwellings By Charnwood Borough Council. Access points have been identified both on the A50 slip road and Markfield Lane through the demolishment of existing properties.

Site Reference PSH 41 Over 8 acres of meadow grass and horse resting paddocks have been deemed suitable for development of residential dwellings with “no irresolvable physical/environmental constraints”. The rationale being site is: “Charnwood as a whole is seen as a desirable place to live and market homes”. When declaring the site suitable, Charnwood Borough Council state: “The site is in a suitable location in terms of its access to Markfield which is defined as a sustainable location in the Hinckley and Bosworth Core Strategy. So once again Newtown Linford and Charnwood Borough Councils are knowingly exploiting boundaries in order to shift the impact on the neighbouring communities, their amenities, environment, and wider community facilities.

Site Reference PSH320 This proposal identified land suitable for the development of 27 dwellings per annum

Site Reference PSH347 A further 2.05 hectares of greenfield land has been declared available for a further 40 dwellings, This option coincides with PSH41

Note: Plans have already been drafted and developers are working closely with planning officers to ensure a smooth journey through the various committees and governing bodies. https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/files/documents/newtown_linford_2020_proformas/NEWTOWN%20LINFORD.pdf

Impacting The Wider Communities of Field Head, Newtown Linford & Markfield

THOUSANDS of people across the country are buying in light brown and white wool just now, in order to knit up a corgi in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

It is a fun way in which anyone with knitting needles can get involved in the coming celebrations. If you google ‘knitting patterns for corgis’, you will find a wide variety of free patterns on offer. Knitted corgis could help decorate house windows, local shops and churches as the big day approaches.

Parking space ANGUS WAS driving down the street worried because he had an important meeting and couldn’t find a parking place. So, looking up toward heaven, he said “Lord, take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to church every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up whisky.” A moment later, miraculously, a parking place appeared. Angus looked up again and said, “Never mind. I found one.”

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

County Councillor’s Report from Peter Bedford Email: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk • Tel: 01455 824733 Web: www.facebook.com/peterbedfordmdt

Leicestershire Chief Constable Simon Cole AS I WRITE this month’s article the sad news is breaking of the death of recently retired Leicestershire Chief Constable Simon Cole.

I always found Simon to be a constructive and helpful local leader and the news of his premature passing is truly shocking. I know that residents will want to join me in sending condolences to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Great Big Nature Boost

AS SOME residents will know, outside of my political work, my ‘day job’ is actually within the Finance Team at Severn Trent Water.

Last month it was great to be able to combine these roles for a day to take part in Severn Trent’s ‘Great Big Nature Boost’ in the Borough. I joined volunteers from Severn Trent, and local residents, to plant over 650 saplings at Langdale Park, Hinckley. This project was part of Severn Trent’s commitment to promoting a ‘carbon neutral’ Commonwealth Games that will take place at the end of July. I am very keen and am pushing for similar green initiatives to be rolled out within the Markfield, Stanton, Bagworth & Thornton areas later this year.

Hinckley & Bosworth Local Plan AT THE MARCH meeting of Leicestershire County Councils Cabinet I expressed my grave concerns about the preparedness of Hinckley & Bosworth’s Local Plan (Reg.19). It is the responsibility of the Local Planning Authority, in this case HBBC, to develop a robust and sound Local Plan. This is important for many reasons, not least in ensuring that our communities are protected from unsustainable and speculative developments. There have clearly been difficulties within the Planning Function at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. As I understand it the majority of the Planning Department and at least 3 of the policy team have left in the last year. The proposal by HBBC to submit their plan without an up to date sustainability appraisal, without proper consideration of the transport impacts or mitigations is a real concern. We need a properly prepared Local Plan to ensure that critical infrastructure issues e.g. transport and education are properly considered. It saddens me that, as it stands, the HBBC Local Plan is not considered to be ‘justified’, ‘effective’ or ‘consistent with national policy’, or indeed ‘positively prepared’. The current administration at HBBC has been in office for 3 years now, and I would urge the Borough Council to rethink its approach, to ensure that these issues are addressed promptly for all our sakes.

Quarry Community Fund DURING THE month I chaired the Bardon Hill Quarry Community Fund. The Fund was set up by Aggregate Industries in 2017 as a means to support local

community groups in the vicinity of Bardon Hill Quarry; typically, the villages of Markfield, Stanton, and Coalville in Northwest Leicestershire. I have had the honour of chairing this fund since its inception and to date we have granted over £200k of grants to projects across the area. If you are involved in any environmental / outdoors type projects and would like to discuss whether funding could be available, do get in touch.

Work & Skills Leicestershire IN MARCH I was interviewed on BBC Radio Leicester on the County Council’s ‘Work & Skills’ scheme to support people getting back into work.

To date over 300 people have benefited from face-to-face consultations at one of four hubs (Hinckley, Coalville, Wigston or Loughborough). I would urge anyone in need of this support to look through the website: https:// www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobsand-volunteering/skills-for-jobs/ work-and-skills/contact-work-andskills

Cost of Living WITH THE country emerging from the pandemic, and the senseless conflict in Ukraine, I share the concerns of most residents about rising inflation and the ‘cost of living’ crisis.

Whilst I would like to see Government going further to help with this, I do welcome the steps taken to support people through this difficult time. In particular I would urge all residents with a Band A-D property to take advantage of the £150 Energy Rebate that will be administered by local billing authorities (HBBC) in April: www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk/energyrebate. I also welcome the news that local authorities will get another £500m for the Household

Support Fund from April to help vulnerable house-holds with rising living costs: https://www. leicestershire.gov.uk/adult-socialcare-and-health/assessment-andeligibility-for-care-and-support/ household-support-fund. However, with unprecedented levels of inflation, by modern standards, I will continue to lobby Government to do even more to support people through what is set to be a challenging year.

Markfield Easter Bonnet Competition

MANY RESPONSIBILITIES rest on the shoulders of local Councillors, but none so great as the pressure in judging local competitions!

On Sunday 17th April (Easter Sunday – between 12pm – 3pm) I will be joining volunteers at Markfield Library to help judge the Easter Bonnet Competition. There will be prizes for the 3 categories: Adults, Junior, and Younger Children with refreshments and cakes on sale! I would like to wish you and your families a Happy Easter; and if you would like to discuss or raise any local issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch, Best wishes,

Peter

(County Councillor for Markfield, Desford & Thornton) E: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk or T: 01455 824733 www.facebook.com/ peterbedfordmdt www.twitter.com/PeterBedfordMDT

I became a member of the Secret Seven. It’s so secret, I don’t even know who the other six are ...

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Letter

South Charnwood High School

Irresponsible dog owners

I KNOW THIS is a contentious subject, but we can all do our bit and call the “Clean Neighbourhood Team” on 01455 238141. They are a very supportive team, and your call will be totally confidential.

Markfield is a lovely place to live, so let’s name and shame the irresponsible and ignorant dog owners, and let them pay a fine for their selfish behaviour. Let’s all do our part in keeping children safe from dog faeces. IT’S YOUR DOG SO DO THE RIGHT THING AND PICK UP YOUR DOG’S POO!

‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’ Headteacher: Andrew Morris Deputy Headteachers: Simon Andrews, Abigail Lear Assistant Headteacher: Kathryn Juszkiewicz Business Manager: Alistair Keates

Premises Officer Permanent, Full-Time - 37 hours per week (See note below) Grade 7 – Actual salary - £20,856 to £22,131 (depending on relevant experience and particular trade skills) Hours of Work – Monday to Friday Normal term-time shifts between = 6:30 am and 6:00 pm* (in conjunction with Assistant Premises Officer) Normal out of term-time shifts = 8:00 am to 4:00 pm* Occasional evening and weekend work will be required as and when required. Note: For this post applications for part time will be considered. This role would suit a confident, conscientious and self-motivated individual who enjoys working within a team. This role will assist in providing a safe, secure, clean and well-maintained environment for all working or using the school’s facilities.

Markfield resident

The successful candidate will find the role rewarding and varied, with every day bringing different challenges. If you have experience of working in a premises related environment or possess some practical maintenance skills, we would love to hear for you.

At the Table

Please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form. Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org

By Claire Powell

TO NICOLE and Jamie Maguire, their parents seem the ideal couple - a suburban double act, happily married for more than thirty years.

So when Linda and Gerry announce that they’ve decided to separate, the news sends shockwaves through the siblings’ lives, forcing them to confront their own expectations and desires. Hardworking - and hard-drinking - Nicole pursues the ex she unceremoniously dumped six years ago, while people-pleasing Jamie fears he’s sleepwalking into a marriage he doesn’t actually want. But as the siblings grapple with the pressures of thirtysomething life, their parents struggle to protect the fragile façade of their own relationship, and the secrets they’ve both been keeping. Set in 2018, Claire Powell’s beautifully observed debut novel follows each member of the Maguire family over a tumultuous year of lunches, dinners and drinks, as old conflicts arise and relationships are reevaluated. A gripping yet tender depiction of family dynamics, love and disillusionment, At the Table is about what it means to grow up - both as an individual, and as a family.

As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred list check is essential Closing date for applications: 9.00am, Monday 25th April 2022. ‘South Charnwood High School – Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People’ Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB Telephone: (01530) 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539

Went to the corner shop - bought four corners.

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The Markfield DEFIBRILLATOR Project APRIL UPDATE IN MARCH we promised more good Defibrillator (AED) news and our April Update keeps that promise.

The Coach and Horses on the A50 led the way with their AED and eye-catching green Cabinet. Many congratulations and thanks to their generous customers and to Larry and the staff for arranging for this to happen so quickly. Markfield Library should be receiving their AED and Cabinet within a few days, likewise the Queen’s Head on Ashby Road, with the Hill Lane Industrial Estate not too far behind. Followed hopefully by the Bull’s Head and the Post Office and Village Store on Chitterman Way. Any day now “the bunting will be out” at the Community Centre for the arrival of their secure AED Cabinet, kindly donated by the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust. This will house their AED outside the Centre for 24/7 emergency access. There are other sites in the pipeline, which could be starring next month. • MEANWHILE we have another little campaign. Although thankfully unusual, young children can suffer a cardiac arrest. The standard Pads in AEDs are not suitable for those of 8 years old or younger, or weighing less than 55 pounds (25kg). Some current AEDs have a built in Paediatric capacity, for others separate Paediatric Pads are available at a moderate price. AEDs in or near Markfield’s schools and the Library will have appropriate Paediatric capacity, but what about the times when kids will be elsewhere across the village? It would be beyond awful if a small child died solely of a cardiac arrest perhaps because there was no Paediatric capacity at the nearest Markfield AED. In consequence all AEDs acquired with the Project’s support will have Paediatric capacity. Also as part of its community objectives, the Project will try to ensure that all appropriate AEDs in the village have Paediatric cover, either built in, or by way of separate Pads. • THIS MONTH’S top ‘thank you’ is to another of our very generous supporters. The charity Heartbeat UK from Coventry with its scheme to increase the number of 24/7 public access AEDs, mainly in rural areas, is making a huge difference to the Project’s ability to give Markfield the quality AED coverage it needs. I am sure that we all have quiet moments when we reflect on what is happening beyond our front doors, whether it be the desperate situation in Ukraine, or elsewhere in the world, or for so many in this country. Yet amidst everything, a little Project such as this in Markfield still gets supported with real enthusiasm. Thank you to one and all. To support the Project or help one of the AED sites, or to find out more about the Project please contact Robert at MarkfieldAEDProject@outlook.com

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Congratulations due in Bagworth IT IS A SIGN of the times that there is some return to normality at Bagworth Community Centre. This is evident in the fact that at least two of our groups have been involved in winning and gaining awards.

Logan Turton and Angel Findley

Members of the Bagworth Community Centre Trust would like to extend their congratulations and Logan Turton and Angel Findley best wishes to all of those involved in these ventures.

Chloe and So For the Dance-tastic group who excel in ballroom dancing, there was an emotional return to the competitive ballroom for its pupils recently. It had been a break of two long years as all competitions had to stop due to the pandemic, so it was good to be able to return to the Beckett School in Nottingham where the andmade Sophie Moore event took place. And Team Dance-tastic showed what they Chloe were of when they brought home the bacon, or rather the trophies, 64 of Emilia Bond them! Pupils as young as 7 years old and one first-time adult competitor danced in both solos and couples categories in the waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, tango, cha cha cha, samba and rumba to thunderous support from all of the spectators who had also missed having a wonderful fun day out. To see the dance floor awash with luminous colours, sequins and feathers again was truly glorious and the joy on the faces of everyone involved, absolutely heart warming.

Congratulations to all those involved. Music and movement – what more do you need to lift spirits and get fit? For details of children’s and adult’s classes and private lessons get in touch with Bob at Bagworth Community Centre to find out more. Emilia Bond

Emilia Bond

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The Friends of Charnwood Forest ON WEDNESDAY 23rd March the meeting of the Friends of the Charnwood Forest heard a talk given by Mr Richard Bailey on Bawden Lodge Farm.

His grandfather started the family business when he took up farming at Outwoods Farm, and Bawden Lodge was acquired in the course of the following years. Because the prices of farm products are fixed whilst suppliers to the farms do not suffer this restriction, costs rise and incomes do not. Thus there is a need to diversify. Mr Bailey showed slides of the developing Bailey Wood which had been planted in 30 acres of the farm and was centred on an oak tree. Business premises had been created from farm buildings; recently these have tended to be let to businesses that are involved in lifestyles. 220 Solar panels had been installed and were expected to pay for themselves within six years. Events, including weddings, concerts and plays had been put on. Mr Bailey made a point that weddings often involved starting preparations at 8.00 a.m. and finally finishing between 2.00 and 3.00 the next morning. The present author has been to performances of plays in the open air on the farm, and notes that car parking was provided. An old grain store has been converted into a shop cum café, and its turnover in the first four months of operation was greater than the farm’s for the previous two years. As well as all this the farm is still an active business, and one slide depicted a cart of hay destined for a stables. Mr Bailey ended by warning of the dangers of isolation as a farmer. In his younger days he was chairman of the Farmers’ Union, he is a borough councillor and was involved in the planning of the UNESCO geopark, which was the subject of the Friends last meeting. • THE NEXT MEETING will be at the Woodhouse village hall, when the subject will be beekeeping in Botany Bay in Charley. It will take place at 7.30 p.m. on 20th April.

Assistant Premises Officer Permanent, Part-Time (20 hours per week) Grade 5 – Actual salary £10,414 to £10,623 per annum Hours of Work – Monday to Friday Normal term-time shifts between = 6:30 am and 6:00 pm* (in conjunction with Premises Officer) Normal out of term-time shifts = 8:00 am to 4:00 pm*

*Note: Occasional evening and weekend work will be required as and when required.

This role would suit a confident, conscientious and self-motivated individual who enjoys working within a team. The role assists in providing a safe, secure and clean environment for all working or using the school’s facilities. The successful candidate will find the role rewarding and varied, with every day bringing different challenges. This role is part of our Premises Team and will work alongside our Site Manager and Premises Officer. Please note that even though this is an all year-round contract, the school would also consider applications from candidates that only want to work term-time days. Salary would be pro rata. Please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form. Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred list check is essential. Closing date for applications: 9.00am, Monday 25th April 2022. ‘South Charnwood High School – Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People’ Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB Telephone: (01530) 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539

Dr. McNeil

I told my girlfriend I had a job in a bowling alley. She said, ‘Ten pin?’ I said, ‘No, permanent.’

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Methodist Chapel recitals

Saxophone Concert was wonderful ALL WHO CAME to see the super Saxophone and Aerophone concert given by Alistair Parnell had a wonderful evening.

We try to make our concerts a more intimate atmosphere and have a short “question and answer” session with each musician to find out more about them, which has been a lovely addition. Our next concerts are: • Friday 2nd September: Piano recital by Hungarian pianist Domonkos Csbay. Please take a look at our website in the events section and you can find a link to see Domonkos perform. Tickets are also available via our website or call 07979 607099 • Friday 11th November. Piano and Cello by John Parsons and Beate Toyka. Further details on our website, tickets will be available on and after 2nd September. www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB Markfield Methodist Church

Borough hosts annual Rural Conference AN ANNUAL RURAL Conference has helped to identify a work programme to tackle some of the most common issues faced by people living in rural areas of the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough during the next year.

Each year the event offers delegates the opportunity to keep up to date on the most important issues faced by communities in rural areas of the Borough and receive updates on work going on in the area. Delegates were able to return in person to the Twycross Zoo venue this year following last year’s virtual event, although everyone also had the option to attend online, enabling greater access to the event. The event, which is organised by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC), attracted 90 delegates representing the rural parishes of the borough, along with key partners including Leicestershire Police, the Rural Communities Council, Midlands Rural Housing and Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland Resilience Partnership as well as voluntary and community sector and business representatives. This year’s event focused on celebrating some of the great work that has been delivered in the borough’s rural communities over the last year including important community projects funded through the Borough Council’s Parish and Community Initiative Fund – such as defibrillators at Sutton Cheney, Desford allotment pitch and hedge laying in Carlton - as well as the completed renovation of St Margaret’s Church in Stoke Golding supported by the council’s Developing Communities Fund. Delegates heard a welcome from Sharon Redrobe, Chief Executive at Twycross Zoo, reporting on their recovery from the impact of the pandemic, and the securing of £19 million levelling up fund to support the development of world class research and conversation centre at the Zoo.

Inspector Jamie Osborne, the Local Police Unit Commander, and Rachel Burgess from the HBBC Community Safety Team, also spoke to report on the key challenges, successes, and priorities for rural policing. Delegates were also reminded about the recently refreshed Climate Change Strategy, and heard about a range of community initiatives supporting this strategy, with a particular highlight being a presentation by students from the Eco Club at St Martins School reporting on the work they are doing to raise awareness within their school about the measures all students and teachers can take to help reduce the impact of climate change. The event respectfully acknowledged the crisis in Ukraine with delegates observing a one minute period of silence and reflection. Councillor Martin Cartwright, Executive Member for Rural Affairs said: “Almost two years ago I hosted my first rural conference at Twycross Zoo as Executive Member for rural issues. Days later the whole country went into lockdown at the start of the pandemic. Now, two years on we just seeing the last of the restrictions being removed that have changed all our lives. “It was great to be back at Twycross Zoo seeing everyone and for the first time ever jointly streaming online. “I would like to thank all of our Parish Councillors and Clerks along with our partners for all the work they do for the Borough’s communities. The Rural Conference is held to celebrate that great work, update on issues still be resolved in the future and the opportunity to network once again face to face.” For further details about the rural work programme and strategy please contact Edwina Grant, Strategic and Community Planning Officer, Edwina.grant@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

My wife and I decided we don’t want children. If someone wants them, we’ll drop them off tomorrow.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Letter

Walking 100 miles to raise funds for Ukrainian families

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We thoroughly enjoy living village life and also appreciate the lovely countryside that surrounds us. Ukraine is part of my heritage, my fathers family are from Zhovkva, Ukraine. I feel I want to help in some small way with this awful conflict to help Ukrainian families at this difficult time. On the 29th March I decided to set up a fundraiser for the DEC Humanitarian Ukraine Appeal. My personal challenge is ‘Walking a 100 miles during the month of April’ around the local countryside. Since the 1st April I have walked 34 miles in the local area and so far raised £650 of my stretched target. My justgiving page is: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ann-stevensukraineappealfundraiser

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Facilities Assistants - 3G Pitch and Lettings (Casual hours that can fit around other commitments)

We are looking for Facilities Assistants who will be part of our Premises Team, supporting afterschool 3G pitch and whole school lettings. The role will involve opening and shutting the site, assisting with the setting up of facilities, clearing of pitches, ensuring the area is kept clean and free of litter and liaising with and assisting users. The hours of work will fall between the times of Monday to Friday between 4:45pm and 10:00pm and Saturday and Sunday between 8:45 am and 6:15pm. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants to work within the community. These are casual hours and can fit around other commitments. Rate of pay is £9.79 to £9.89 per hour. If you are interested in this role, please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form. Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred list check is essential

‘South Charnwood High School – Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People’ Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB Telephone: (01530) 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539

A lot of people were confused at the grand opening of my ribbon-repair business yesterday.

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The All Balls and Glitter Tour

Craig Revel Horwood’s

coming to CURVE CRAIG REVEL Horwood’s longawaited debut solo tour has started and he will be performing in Leicester on 1st May at the Curve Theatre.

Join Craig as he talks about his life from Australia to the West End to Strictly, reveals a wealth of backstage gossip with his trademark wit and candour, and gives a very special performance of some of the music which has been the soundtrack to his career. Best-known today for being a judge on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, Craig’s professional training began in his home country of Australia where he appeared in productions including West Side Story and La Cage Aux Folles. On arriving in Europe Craig joined the famous company at the Lido Du Paris as a dancer and then as principle singer at the Moulin Rouge, finding himself a year later in the UK tour of Cats. Since then, Craig appeared in the West End in Miss Saigon and was an original cast member of Crazy For You. He crossed over into choreography to huge success, being nominated for an Olivier Award for the West End productions of Spend Spend Spend and My One and Only. Since then he has had numerous credits as director/ choreographer across the world, ranging from the hugely successful UK tour of Sister Act to the movie Paddington 2. Craig continues to perform onstage, with ten years in pantomime and as Miss Hannigan in Annie in the west end and on tour.

Out and about on the roads? Remember the NEW Highway Code WHEN DID you last read the Highway Code? Various ‘fundamental’ changes were recently made which will surely affect you.

For example, there is a new hierarchy of road users, where drivers now have new responsibilities to watch out for people who are walking, cycling, or riding a horse. Another example is that cyclists are now advised to cycle in the centre of lanes in slower-moving traffic. Finally, do you even know how best to open your car door? According to the Highway Code, you should use your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder. You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code

Nature threatened by DOG POO THESE DAYS, it is unthinkable to leave your dog’s waste on the pavement when in town. But in the countryside, too many of us still think it is okay to let our pets foul an area of natural countryside.

Now a recent study has found that this can be especially harmful to nature reserves. The problem is that dog waste contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which can damage many species of plants. As one scientist explains: “In many nature reserves, the management is specifically directed towards lowering soil nutrients levels, to enhance plant and animal biodiversity. Our findings suggest that the currently neglected inputs of dogs in nature reserves could delay restoration goals.” The findings were published in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence

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One day I’ll look up from my phone and realise my kids put me in a nursing home.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Age-proof your hair Hair, like skin, suffers two types of ageing: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic ageing is the effect of everything that your locks are exposed to, like heatstyling, sun damage and colouring. Intrinsic ageing comes from below the scalp and reveals the signs that your hair is past its prime: reduction in melanin, decline in sebum production and a change in hair diameter. What that means is that greys start to appear, the shine starts to disappear and your hair loses its bounce. Either way, there’s plenty you can do to keep your crowning glory looking its best.

Always be aware of your hair Try to limit extrinsic damage. Lay off the heated styling tools, prevent your hair from being frazzled by the sun by applying a deep conditioner to the lengths and ends when you’re on the beach, and cut right back on products that can dry your hair, like hairsprays.

Reconsider your colour Although you might colour your hair to hide greys, choosing the wrong hue can be very ageing. An all-over colour can be hard to wear as you get older, particularly when it’s very dark. Choose a base colour that’s no more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hue and add highlights.

Condition, condition, condition Smother the lengths and ends of your hair with a rich deep-conditioning treatment once or twice a week. Try hair oils and products that are specially formulated for ageing, thinning or dried-out hair.

Try a new hairstyle

Out-of-date, unflattering styles really do make you look a lot older than you are. That’s why it’s important to take a fresh look at yourself every so often. Talk to your stylist or try a new salon. The opinion of someone who doesn’t already know you and your hair can result in a fantastic new look. Any hairdresser worth their salt can advise on what styles work best for thinning or ageing hair, but generally it’s worth considering a couple of points: Long locks look lovely if they’re bouncy, thick and full of life, but if that’s not the case then they really aren’t worth holding on to. Chopping long hair into a flattering, blunt, midi-cut is a quick way to create more youthful-looking hair. Ridding your tresses of dead split ends improves condition and a blunt cutting technique will create the look of fullness. Try a fringe or have some soft layers added to the styling around your face. This lifts your features and makes you look younger.

A professional opinion is best Although it’s normal for your hair to show signs of change such as thinning over the years, it’s worth seeing your GP if you notice any sudden changes. Hair loss can be caused by hormone deficiencies – low thyroid levels, for example – a deficiency in nutrients, stress and the side-effects of various medications. So if you’re in doubt, ask your doctor’s advice.

I’ve started working for a bicycle wheel making factory. I’m the spokesman.

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Services at

Trinity Methodist Church Markfield www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

FB: Markfield Methodist Church

Sunday 17th April Easter Day 10.30 a.m. Morning worship Sunday 24th April 10.30 a.m. Morning worship 6.00 p.m. Taize Prayer Sunday 1st May 10.30 a.m. Morning worship with Holy Communion Sunday 8th May 10.30 a.m. Morning worship Sunday 15th May Christian Aid Service 10.30 a.m. CTiM United Service We extend a warm welcome to everyone to join us for worship & praise.

Stanton’s Jubilee Celebrations THIS YEAR is 20 years since we QGJ (Queen’s Golden Jubilee Committee) held our first event for Stanton Golden Jubilee.

We enjoyed it so much we went on to have May Day events on the Recky and parties for our “Recycled Teenagers”. Although we cannot put on as much, we would love as many Stanton villagers as possible to join in. We are asking everyone to dress their houses for the jubilee event and to take part in a “Royal” Scarecrow Competition for the Platinum Jubilee Weekend - 4th June by 12 noon. For those wishing to take part - we need you to put your name address telephone number on an envelope with £1 to enter. These can be left at 176, Main Street, Stanton. They will be judged and the winner and runner up will receive a prize. We are still in the process of this so further details to follow. Let’s make Stanton proud. We plan to have information sheets for where the scarecrows will be.

Sally Wilkins & Elaine Parmar Tel: 01530 242847

Markfield Homemakers

MARKFIELD HOMEMAKERS are a group of ladies that meet on the second Wednesday of the month in the Barn at Little Markfield Farm in the afternoon. At our March meeting,Alf the Butcher gave us a demonstration of sausage making. Some of the ladies had a go and went home with theirs. Alf has made a new sausage for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. After tea, coffee and cakes, he told us all about the history of tea. The next meetings are • April 13th - Battle Drive - Start 2pm • May 11th - A talk by Dugg Mass - Start 2pm • June 8th - Ian Maber - Jewel in the Crown - Start 2pm • August 10th - Skittles • September 14th - Peter Coombs - Start 2pm For more information call Brenda on 07774 047571. All welcome.

Phil Durham

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All COVID Guidelines Adhered To.

Deadline for next month’s issue is 30th April.

I didn’t realise how bad a driver I was until my sat nav said: ‘In 400 feet, do a slight right, stop, and let me out.’

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Events Coming Up

The Couple At Table Six

at Little Markfield Farm

IT WAS impossible not to notice them. The perfect couple at Table Six...

24TH APRIL DRIVE IT DAY

By Daniel Hurst

Max and Nadine Murphy have a tradition. Friday night is date night and it’s always at their favourite restaurant. But that regular routine means somebody at the restaurant has become fond of them... Hannah is the waitress who has found herself drawn to the couple at Table Six and the more she observes them, the more she wants to know everything about them. What is their home life like? What do they do for work? Why does Mrs Murphy look agitated? And could Mr Murphy ever be interested in becoming romantically involved with his waitress? As Hannah begins to intricate herself into their lives, she learns they have been keeping secrets from each other. The couple aren’t as perfect as they seem. But Hannah has secrets of her own, and the closer she gets to the couple, the more she is putting everything in her fragile life at risk... She should have stayed away from the couple at Table Six. Now their lives will never be the same again...

If you would like to book a classic/vintage, vehicle in for the road run please email Brenda at brenda_featherstone@hotmail.com Or Tel 07774 047571

13TH MAY BARN DANCE -7PM

£10.00 each including food Raising money for Markfield Church

12TH JUNE OPEN FARM SUNDAY

10.30am to 3.30pm See Little Markfield Farm Facebook page for more info about the events.

IDC Home Maintenance Painter and Decorator NO JOB TOO SMALL From papering one wall to a complete house re-decoration

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Letter

A BIG Thank You I WANT TO thank the lovely people who gave me a lift from St Margaret’s Bus Station on Saturday evening when several 29 buses failed to turn up.

It was truly generous of them and very much appreciated!

Anne (Markfield)

Encyclopaedias SORTING OUT books for the local fete, a parishioner came across some wellworn and dusty illustrated encyclopaedias, treasured from his childhood.

Unwilling to part with them, he put them on a shelf in the garage where his small grandchildren found them and spent many happy hours looking at the pictures. These books, however, caused him great embarrassment the day the minister came to visit. One of his grandchildren suddenly said: “Grandad, can we go look at those dirty books you keep in the garage?”

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To all of those people who said that I would never amount to anything, I can now truly say, “How did you know?”

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Community Library News Springtime Detox Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bonnet Competition WE HOPE you receive your Herald before our Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 17 April, between 12pm and 3pm.

Tickets have been available to purchase at the library from 1 April. Tickets are £1, there might be some left on the day, and all children must be supervised by an appropriate adult. The Easter Bonnet competition is being judged by County Councillor Peter Bedford who has personally provided prizes for each category; adult, junior and younger children. Markfield WI will be hosting a cake stall, tea and coffee is also available and there will be some craft activities to get involved in. Bring your bonnet on the day or you can leave at the library – please attach your name and age category.

70 FOR 70 - Our quest to attract 70 new library members this year! YOUR LIBRARY needs you! If you have still not joined your local community library, please think about doing so.

We are aiming to attract 70 new members in this Platinum Jubilee year. It is FREE! You can join online if you’re aged over 16. If you are under 16 you will need to visit the library with a parent or guardian - www. leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/join-the-library

Are you seeking employment? WE ARE very pleased to be hosting the Rural Community Council Work Live Leicestershire Project.

If you need help with finding employment then there is still a session to catch on 21st April from 1pm to 3pm at the library. This will be the last of 4 sessions at the library. It is a drop-in session and you can find out how the outreach team can support you in finding work.

Graham Palmer, 1943 - 2021 WE ARE very grateful to Richard and Ed from Johnson Tree Care (pictured, right) who have guided us in purchasing and planting a tree in memory of Graham Palmer.

We were very sad when Graham passed away last year as he was a daily visitor to read the papers at the library and kept an eye on the building for us out of hours as a near neighbour. His wife, Gabriella, has been one of our library volunteers from the start. The tree is just inside the pedestrian gate where we hope, apart from reminding us of the loss of Graham, it will provide some comfort to Gabriella and joy to us all as it flowers each Spring.

Summer Reading Challenge 2022 2nd July – 10th September 2022 WE NOW know that this year’s theme is GADGETEERS. The Challenge is presented by the Reading Agency in partnership with libraries and the Science Museum Group.

The theme is science and innovation. The Challenge inspires children to see the science and innovation behind everyday objects, showing that reading and science is for everyone. Last year in 2021, the Challenge still managed to attract over half a million children as the lockdown eased. Parents should be aware of the dip in reading skills while children are out of school for the long summer holidays and therefore this year’s Challenge is never more important, especially following missed education during COVID-19. The characters and artwork have been created by Julian Beresford. More details will follow, keep an eye on the Herald, communications from local primary schools and in the library.

Margaret Bowler, Chair – Markfield Library

Local Poet wins Publishing Prize BILLA BARRA LANE resident John Gallas has been awarded the Brian Dempsey Memorial Poetry Award for a collection of poems called ’17 Paper Resurrections’.

The prize is publication of the collection, and the book will be out on May 1st. It can be viewed, ordered and bought at: https://www.dempseyandwindle.com/ johngallas.html and will be the poet’s 30th publication. AWARD WINNER: Complete with his own computer-art illustrations opposite John Gallas, who each poem, this is a book that is, according to the judge, lives in Billa Barra “… a fresh, original voice conjuring vivid, imaginative Lane, Markfield. portraits of mostly ordinary Welsh men, women, young, old, military, civilian, from the 14th to the 20th century”.

AS WE PULL up the old and plant the new in our gardens and allotments this spring, think twice before pulling up those pretty dandelions with their persistent roots. They could be trying to tell us it’s time for a spring detox! Bitter foods were once common in the western diet but are now sadly lacking. They are essential for digestive health, among many things they increase bile flow, help eliminate waste and support the liver to detoxify. This may lead to a kickstart in weight loss. Bitters also help ward off sugar cravings. You can add chopped young dandelion leaves to salads for a gentle bitter taste and they will add essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to your meal. Or you can dig down deep and pull up the root, scrub it with a nail brush, chop it and dry it. It can then be boiled for 5 mins (1tsp of chopped root per cup of water) and drunk. Try adding some cinnamon bark or ginger root if you don’t like the taste. The dandelion root with spices makes an excellent detoxifying and digestive tea, best drunk 15 mins before a meal to prepare the body for better digestion. Pregnant women should avoid dandelion tea and bitters may interact with certain medications.

Karen Silverwood

Not expecting this THE YOUNG minister took his wife to the Maternity Hospital and was told it would be a long labour.

So, he agreed to ring at lunchtime for news. But when he phoned, he dialled the wrong number and got the County Cricket Ground. He said: “I brought my wife to your place early this morning. Is there any news?” He was surprised to be told: “Yes, there are seven out and the last two were ducks.”

Positive Thoughts “You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like there’s nobody listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” William W Purkey

Sundays are always a little sad, but the day before is a sadder day.

Groby Club’s

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

April Botcheston WI BULLETIN MARCH ARRIVED and in the blink of an eye it was gone – the days are getting longer and we have had some very welcome sunshine – as I write this the sun is blazing through my kitchen window!

Saturday 19th March saw the return of the Leicestershire and Rutland Federation of WIs Annual Council Meeting to Leicester Grammar School – 2020 having been cancelled and 2021 held via Zoom. A group of 12 members arrived at the Grammar School in lovely sunshine – the morning of the meeting being taken up with the business side followed by very entertaining and informative Monica plants a tree to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee speakers – Susan McEniff of the Leicester based Charity Link and then Dickie Arbiter, the Queen’s former Press Secretary. A packed lunch and a short sit in the sunshine was followed by the afternoon speaker – Dr Annie Gray - a Food Historian talking about Churchill’s Cook – highly entertaining and enlightening, many of us making a mental note to look up her books – Victory in the Kitchen being the basis of her talk. Dr Gray has appeared on TV and radio and written many books about different eras of food and recipe books to accompany TV programmes – including Downton Abbey. On Monday 21st March, during our Craft and Coffee morning to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we planted a tree at the Village Hall as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy. The tree was a Liquid Amber ably planted by President Monica (thanks Andy for digging the hole!). March saw one of our oldest members – Trish – reach her 90th birthday and President Monica presented Trish with a bouqet of flowers from all her friends at WI. The speaker at our March meeting was a trip down memory lane for many members with Hilary Ayling entertaining us with her Joyce Grenfell monologues, anecdotes and general chat about the life of Joyce – did you know that Joyce was of American parentage, Trish with her bouquet

she appears so quintessentially English. Our next meeting is Thursday 28th April at which the subject of our speaker will be a Decadent Desserts – a subject close to many of our hearts and the competition is a recipe for your favouite decadent dessert. If anyone would like more information on Botcheston WI (or WI in general) please contact our secretary on 01455 821228 or come along to one of our meetings when you will receive a warm welcome, coffee and cake. We look forward to welcoming you.

Pressure Washing & Garden Upkeep LOCAL, FRIENDLY SERVICE • • • • •

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Trimming & Pruning Lawn Mowing Lawn Care Weed Control Border Upkeep CALL TIM

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on 07942 321709

Won an Award?

TELL HERALD READERS ABOUT IT!

OR EMAIL tim@kerb-appeal.co.uk FIND ME ON FACEBOOK

Web: www.kerb-appeal.co.uk

Warm Welcome to All A Modern Service of Christian Worship in our Community Contemporary Music Family Friendly Refreshments, Chat, Prayer & Support For details contact j22rector@yahoo.com

J22 Community Worship First Sunday of the Month St Michael’s, Markfield 10:30am Second Sunday of the Month St Peter’s, Thornton 10:30am Third Sunday of the Month St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 10:30am

Make time for your older relatives MANY OF OUR older people are lonely. They lost touch with their families during the pandemic, and it seems that they have still not caught up again.

A recent survey by Age UK found that as many as 27 percent of people aged 60 and over admit that they speak less to their families now, and 24 per cent of older people say they feel less close to their relatives than before the pandemic. The survey also found that millions of older people have lost the confidence to go out, and suffer more from memory loss, disturbed sleep, and anxiety. The charity is urging people to reach out to their older friends and relatives and encourage them. It warns: “The pandemic has had a big impact on everyone and very few of us are emerging from the last two years completely unscathed.”

Did you spot all 10 differences? 1. Pan on wall, 2. Knife disappeared, 3. Steak and beet swapped places, 4. Utensils turned around, 5. Moustache, 6. One parsnip missing, 7. Top buttons missing, 8. Bottle tops, 9. Pepper shaker, 10. Crease in hat.

My poor knowledge of Greek mythology has always been my Achilles elbow.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

• New Guttering • Wood Staining • Repointing • Ridge Tiles • Chimney Stacks • Roof Valley • Dry Verge • Flat Roofing • Dry Ridge • Lead Flashing • Moss Removal • Slate/Tile Roofing • UPVC Fascia, Soffits & Gutters FREE QUOTATION AND FREE EMERGENCY CALL OUT Proprietor: Elias Bell

1 Maynard Close, Bagworth, LE67 1BU

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THE PLAY IS NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE LE67 1AH

WEDNESDAY 27th -SATURDAY 30th April at 7.30 nightly (Doors open at 7.00 p.m.) AVAILABLE ON 07983669689 OR EMAIL:Emilyg.marlow981@gmail.com If all else fails, stop using all else.

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

More Bagworth Village History from someone who was there ... IN THE LATE 1930s, Bagworth was a thriving village.

The main industry was the colliery and secondly the brickworks which was at the lower end of the village. The clay hole had been worked out and a new clay hole was formed at the west side. Access was through a tunnel which went under the roadway so clay could be transported through the tunnel up the old gantry to the existing mill and the brick making machinery. The clay hole team were:-Bish Brookes, George Windram, Gerald Brewin and Sid Brewin. The men traveled from Nailstone Ellistown and Stanton -under-Bardon respectively. The charge hand was Bagworth based Bill Watson. Most of the other workforce were Bagworth men. The manager of the Brickworks was Reg Fairbrother and the administrator was Leonard Fairbrother. They lived in adjacent houses (Stag Cottages) opposite the Brickworks. The Colliery was managed in two separate categories. Top Seam by Mr. Alfred Whitmore and the Deep Seam by Mr. Joseph Street The colliery manager was Mr. F.C.Neath. Most of the workforce were Bagworth men but a percentage traveled from Nailstone, Ellistown, Markfield and Thornton. It was a very productive colliery. Most of the working ladies in the village traveled by train from the village station to Leicester to work in the many hosiery factories, the main one being Corah’s. They caught the 8 a.m. train returning on the factory special at 6 p.m. The shops in the village were as follows: Smiths greengrocery and provisions he had a cart which he drove up the village selling his produce. Bert (Chick) Rowbottom, Fish and Chips, Harry Roberts, Grocery and Milkman. All his milk was sold out of churns. The milk came from Thompsons Farm which is where the club car park is now. Horace Kene had a little wooden shed and petrol pumps where you could buy all the tools you required for pit work including picks, shovels and hammers. Hilda and George Percival sold minerals (pop) made by Beckworths of Whitwick from their back kitchen. Next door was Mrs Finney’s selling almost everything. There was no counter in her shop just a big table in the middle of the room. Lees’ shop was the first house in the bigger houses by the pit. It used to be called Cabbage Row (don’t know why) they sold everything including carbide and paraffin. Further up the road was a fairly modern shop compared to all the others. Harris Whitmore kept the Post Office and he was also a newsagent and stationer. Further up Station Road came the Coop complex starting with the butcher

then grocery and provisions. You could also buy pig meal, chicken feed and carbide. Adjacent to this was Miss Middleton’s clothing and footwear shop where the miners of the village bought their moleskin trousers and pit boots. At the south side of the Co-op was a square of land where Harry Burchall the local bookmaker had a haulage business. Next to this was Linsdell’s shop selling provisions of all kinds. Customers would collect their needs throughout the week on tick which would then have to be paid for on Friday. Serious debtors would have their names put in the shop window, an embarrassment for most and to be avoided at all costs. The next shop was that of Sol Silk who sold bicycles. Last in this block of cottages was Len the Barbers (Leonard Spencer) a special village character indeed. On now to Main Street where the first shop was Wom Dalmsley’s general provisions, then just down the road on the right was Ernie Websters Fish and Chip shop. A few yards further down was a shop which was built onto the Barrell Inn during the time that the Cures kept the pub. It had several different uses. First a clothes shop then it was used to sell vegetables, bric-a-brac and finally a hairdresser. This lasted many years, the business belonging to Reg Bateman. The other shop in Main Street was that of Eliza Radford who sold general provisions. In the Crew or Post Office square was Herbert Miles butcher who used to deliver in the village. He had a beautiful cream horse to haul his very impressive butchers cart. In Barlestone Road were two shops, one belonging to Norman Wayne and the other to Herbert Statham. There was also a hairdresser, Mrs. Jaques who lived at the top of Thornton Lane. She moved later to Barlestone Road and used a shed behind Statham’s shop. Mrs. Statham and Mrs. Jaques were twin sisters whose maiden name was Silk. Connie and Fannie both went by the nickname of Con-Fan For a short time a shop operated in Park Lane. This was set up by a family called Darners. The family only stayed a few years in the village. Down at the bottom of Heath Road, adjacent to the drive to Desford pit, Mr Bill Cawson had a general store. There were several haulage firms in the village:¬ • George Percival, Station Road • Harry Roberts, Station Road • Reg Willet, Station Road • Chris Bateman, Park Lane • Bert Bennet, Main Street • Harry Burchell, Station Road There were two part time farmers in the village Mr. Gilbert who worked at the colliery and farmed three fields and George Percival who had a small holding in the Battram area.

On a sad note, at bereavement times before chapels of rest were not in being, the deceased lay in the parlour of a house or cottage and was conveyed to the place of rest on a carriage known as a bier. A procession of mourners following the coffin by protocol which was very important in order of closeness to the deceased. The procession traveled through the village to the church, which was situated, on Main Street. The bier was housed in the Bier House opposite the church and belonged to the Parish Council. One of the characters to be seen every Saturday morning traveling down Station Terrace at 8 a.m. was a little man pushing a giant wicker basket on four wheels. It had two doors, which opened to display shelves of clothing from factory shops in Leicester. He used to peddle his wares from Station Road through the whole village until 8 p.m. By this time he was pushing a much lighter vehicle. He caught the train back to Leicester. His name was Aaron Wilkinson. Other tradesmen plying their wares was a greengrocer named Mr. Passim from Ellistown who had a horse drawn dray as did Henry Johnson greengrocer. Arch Dunkley came to the village on Tuesdays selling all kinds of pots and pans, lamps and wicks etc. Alfie Eggington from Ibstock came with similar wares. Milk was delivered around the village by: The Co-op, Jenny Dilks from Main Street, Mrs. Cart from the farm behind the brickyard and Harry Roberts from Station Road There were also Bakery deliveries by: The Co-op, Gearys of Ratby and Barratts of Newbold On Sunday afternoons a Mr Gilbert from Ellistown came to the village selling ice cream and on Fridays Masserella’s horse and cart would stand outside the pit. When on school holidays children would stand outside the pit and wait for their dads. Fridays were a good chance because it was pay day. Most of the recreation especially in the winter took place in the Institute (the Community Centre) where billiards and draughts were played. It was a well frequented place. The two football teams ceased to exist when war came along in 1939. Later mid way through the war and on a Sunday afternoon there was the ‘Crew nob’ as it was called playing the usual game of cards. The card school comprised of: Jim Watson (Flyly), Gordon Gowdridge (Tawdy), Ronald Digby Hudson (pussy), Ken Cure (Candy), Denis Collett (Coll), Ron Ottey (Rocket), Jack Taylor (Tika), and Bob Whathall (Hairpin). Strange nicknames they all had.

Don’t blame the photographers - the Loch Ness monster actually really is blurry.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Whilst engaged in this pursuit the local vicar approached on one occasion. He was a young person by the name of Reverent Redgrave who was on his way from church. They were embarrassed to say the least, but to their surprise he asked if the boys would be interested in forming a youth club to which the answer was yes and that is how Bagworth Youth Club was born. A Football team and Cycling club were also formed under the guidance of George Mugglestone (Juddy) and George Watkins. There were also two Doctors surgeries in the village twice each week. Doctor Souza held his surgery in Oliver Bowler’s front room, and Doctor Meldron held his surgery in Mrs. Rosanne Lee’s front room. One at the top of the village and one at the bottom of the village. Two tailors also came to the village. Teddy Bames from Ellistown and a man called Gledhill from Kirby Muxloe. People could be measured for a suit of clothes in their home and pay so much per week. By the time it was paid for you required another. Then of course Jack Sharpe of Ratby came on his three wheeled bike.

Stanton to be added to Mobile Post Office

Explore Thornton Reservoir and the beautiful Bricklayer’s Garden

NINE EXTRA communities are to be added to the Mobile Post Office, operated by the Postmaster for Linton, which serves Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. Post Office services will be restored next month to the communities of Netherseal, Castle Gresley, Stanton Under Bardon, Ellistown, Appleby Magna, Harlaston, Coleorton, Barrow Upon Soar and Long Whatton. This starts the week commencing 18 April. Netherseal and Castle Gresley will receive visits on a Monday afternoon. Coleorton, Stanton Under Bardon, Ellistown, Appleby Magna will benefit from visits on a Tuesday. It is a Thursday for Barrow Upon Soar and Long Whatton vistits. Harlaston has been added on a Friday. These will be temporary Mobile services whilst we continue to look for permanent solutions. A Mobile Post Office is a tried and tested way to serve smaller communities.

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Main Street, Street, Thornton Thornton Tel: Tel: 01530 01530 230808 230808 213 www.bricklayersthornton.co.uk www.bricklayersarms.net

WEDNESDAY is

“STEAK NIGHT” 2 Steaks, With Hand-Cut Chips, Peas, Tomato, Mushrooms & Two Glasses of House Wine - £19.95

Traditional Sunday Lunch 1 Course - £9.95 2 Courses - £12.95 3 Courses - £15.95

With personal service to your table

Home-Made Pie Night - TUESDAY- FROM £6.95 Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Garden & Great Food!

LOOKING FOR NEW PL AYERS

Bagworth Bowls Club New members of any experience are welcome to come and give Lawn Bowls a go throughout the upcoming season starting from Monday 18th April 2022. Your initial three bowls sessions are completely free so come and try your hand and see just how much enjoyment can be had. Feel free to bring friends & family with you, all you need with you is a pair of flat soled shoes/trainers - we will provide everything else.

If you decide after your first 3 free sessions that this is the sport for you, then membership for new members costs £35 for the 2022 season and entitles you to be able to access the bowls clubs facilities in your own free time throughout the open season April to September. For more information please contact our club secretary Josh Tel: 07718499408 Email: bagworthbc@hotmail.co.uk Bagworth Bowls Club Station Road Bagworth LE67 1BH

Free to come and have a go!

I held a coconut shell up to my ear and heard the sound of a one-legged horse standing very still.

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Local Church Services DATE

Dear Friends, AS I WRITE this, it’s been a day of very weird weather. Bright sunshine has alternated with snow and hail storms - and after balmy temperatures last week, it’s freezing!

In life, summer and winter, joy and sorrow, can seem all mixed up together. Some of us will be celebrating while others are grieving. Terrible events are unfolding in Ukraine, people all round the world are frightened- but some of those same frightened people are responding with tremendous courage and generosity. At Easter, joy and sorrow, light and darkness are again all mixed up. After the last meal with His friends, Jesus is terrified… but He loves others to the end. Even on the cross, He thinks of those close to Him, and comforts the thief dying alongside Him. That first Easter Day, Mary Magdalene first sees the risen Jesus through her tears, mistaking Him for the gardener. I hope and pray that in the scary times we’re in, amid all the mixed emotions, we will know the presence of Jesus, who has shared the worst of our pain, and broken the cycle of violence with His love. May we, knowing that we’re loved even in the darkest times, share that love with others, and break the cycle of violence.

CHURCH

TIME

SERVICE

17 April 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield St Peter's, Copt Oak St Peter's, Thornton St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon 24 April 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield St Peter's, Copt Oak St Peter's, Thornton St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon 1 May 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield St Peter's, Copt Oak St Peter's, Thornton St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon

10.30am

CTiM United Service at St Michaels

3.00pm

Holy Communion

10.30am

Morning Prayer

10.30am

J22 Community Service with HC

3.00pm

Holy Communion

6.00pm

Evening Prayer

10.30am

Holy Communion

10.30am

Something Different Service

10.30am

J22 Community Service

6.00pm

Holy Communion

10.30am

All Age Service

10.30am

Holy Communion

St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield St Peter's, Copt Oak St Peter's, Thornton St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield St Peter's, Copt Oak St Peter's, Thornton St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon

10.30am

Morning Prayer

3.00pm

Praise Service

10.30am

J22 Community Service with HC

10.30am

Morning Prayer

10.30am

Morning Prayer

3.00pm

Holy Communion

10.30am

Morning Prayer

10.30am

J22 Community Service with HC

PRESS RELEASE for April issue please 8 May 22 Judith Lincoln

Minister, Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB Markfield Methodist Church

Film Evenings Parish Hall, Leicester Forest East When: The first Thursday of every month Where: The Parish Hall, Kings Drive, LFE, LE3 3JE.  

On arrival hot drinks and biscuits are available. As we have no licence, please feel free to bring your own drinks.

Time: 7.00 p.m. for film starting at 7.30 p.m. Cost: £5.

OUR MAY 2022 FILM IS: Off the Rails

OPEN AGAIN

Three fifty-something women set out to repeat the European inter-railing adventures of their youth, after their close friend passes away leaving them rail tickets, and a final request: to take her teenage daughter with them. Cast: Jenny Seagrove, Sally Phillips, Kelly Preston, Peter Bowles, Ben Miller

15 May 22

MARKFIELD METHODIST CHURCH

FLOWER FESTIVAL

“QUEEN, COUNTRY & COMMONWEALTH” We have started to plan another Flower Festival in our church, this time for the Platinum Jubilee of The Queen, on 3rd, 4th, 5th June. The theme is “Queen, Country & Commonwealth”. Please put it in your diaries. We have always valued the support of village groups and invite them to join us again in making their own flower displays. So if you have the desire to participate, or know anyone who would, please let me know – it is open to anyone. “Do come and have a try.” Call Ann Lay on 01530 242166

Humming birds are just regular birds that don’t know the words.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Planning Apps Single storey extension to rear - at 200 Little Shaw Lane, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9PP Erection of a single dwelling and formation of associated ancillary parking and associated amenity space - at 295 Main Street, Stanton Under Bardon, Leics. LE67 9TQ Change of use of agricultural building to a single residential dwellinghouse - at Hall Farm, 16 Altar Stones Lane, Markfield Leics. LE67 9PX

Est.

Ben’s Kitchen is based in one of the oldest pubs in Leicestershire offering a wide array of proper, locally sourced homemade food.

Light Lunch / Proper Pub Grub Modern Restaurant / A La Carte Specials Children’s Play Area / Beer Garden

Proposed two storey side extension and single storey rear extension (following demolition of existing conservatory) - at 14 The Hawthorns, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9SS Proposed two storey rear extension, first floor front gable extension (adjacent to garage), removal of rear bay window, alterations and extension to front entrance area, new driveway access and associated landscaping - at 320 Leicester Road, Field Head, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9RG Demolish existing garden room and garage, construct new single storey rear extension and garage at 11 Neville Drive, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9WJ

2015

Large Car Park / Disabled Access Pooches are also welcome in the pub and garden area. Famous for Sunday Lunch, Tapas Tuesday and around the world specials from talented, passionate chefs. Ben’s Kitchen can cater for ANY occasion, fine or simple, small or large and I am now very proud to also offer a beautiful venue called The Old Crown Inn, Snarestone which also has function rooms available to hire. Don’t just take my word for it! Ben’s Kitchen is rated one of the best restaurants in Leicester on TripAdvisor with over 250 five star reviews! Just search “Ben’s Kitchen Leicester” to find out more. Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-9pm, Sundays & Bank Holidays 12pm-5pm

Demolish outbuilding and construction of a single storey rear and side extension - at 9 Neville Drive, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9WJ

Booking recommended to avoid disappointment.

015304486468 info@benskitchenleicester.com benskitchenleicester.com

Demolition of existing threebedroom dwelling and erection of new dwelling - at Ashleigh, Merrylees Road, Thornton, Leics. LE67 1AP

From dancing on ice to walking on fire! LIBBY CLEGG, Paralympic Champion has officially joined the team at Vista and is the local charity’s newly appointed Community Fundraiser. Libby has a deteriorating eye condition known as Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy disease giving her only slight peripheral vision in her left eye – she is registered blind.

Libby’s first challenge is to walk on fire for the charity on Saturday 28th May at Loughborough University. Libby is organising the firewalk and is seeking likeminded daredevils to join her. Libby said: “If you’re looking for a fundraising challenge that will push your boundaries please join me - whether it’s solo, with friends, colleagues or family members, everyone over the age of 18 is welcome”. Libby goes onto say: “I’m really excited to be working for Vista, supporting local people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland with sight loss and to be able to witness the direct

impact the charity has in the community. The pandemic has really hit our fundraising and local support is vital to the charity in helping us to deliver our sight loss services.” If you think you can handle the heat, please visit www.vistablind.org.uk to sign up today. We have limited spaces available so be quick! Led by the experts at UK Firewalk, this is a great chance to conquer the coals and raise money to help support local people affected by sight loss.

I look forward to paying off all my debts and finally getting back to just being broke.

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Community and Sports Centre News Tel: 01530 242240 • www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE

MAYFLOWER CLUB

WE ARE EXCITED to tell you that our bid to secure a fly past of a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight aircraft has been successful.

HERE’S JUST a few of the things we have been doing over the past month:

We applied months ago and were delighted to be informed recently by the RAF that they will be providing the fly past of an iconic Memorial Flight Hurricane (pictured)during the afternoon of Saturday 4th June. Along with the Spitfire, the Hurricane was a fighter plane that was heavily involved in the defeat of the Luftwaffe during World War 2 and which was in combat in theatres of the war across the world. We do not know the exact timing of the fly past as yet as it is still in the planning stage by the RAF. We are really lucky to secure this as, due to the numerous Queen’s Platinum Jubilee events taking place across the country that weekend the RAF had received hundreds of requests for fly pasts. The fly past will be part the Centre’s Jubilee celebrations that we are planning for that day. As soon as we know the exact timings of the fly past we will let you know. So, please come along with your Jubilee flags and wave to the pilot and give a big cheer as the Hurricane zooms down over the Community Centre. By the way we will be handing out souvenir flags to the children who come along to enjoy the spectacle. Further details of our Jubilee celebrations will be published in the next edition of the Herald

MARKFIELD DEFIBRILLATOR SCHEME FINGERS CROSSED - a donated DefibSafe cabinet will be arriving very soon.

Then we will be able to relocate the Centre’s defibrillator outside for public use in an emergency. We are also arranging training on the use of a defibrillator for Centre staff, volunteers and key Centre users. When in position it will support the Markfield Defibrillator Scheme providing cover at key points in the village. Once again, our thanks go to Charles Poole of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust and Robert Quiney the lead on the Markfield Defibrillator Project for all their support and advice in helping us get this important facility up and running.

Do you run a local community group or club? Publicise your activities in The Herald! Attract new members! Try it - it works! Send your email to: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

On the 2nd March we celebrated both St David’s Day and Pancake Day. We started off with a picture quiz on famous Welsh people then came the dramatic annual Pancake Tossing competition. Members took it in turns to see how many times they could toss and pancake in a minute with hilarious results. There was pancake debris flying everywhere. After a titanic battle the eventual winners PANCAKE TOSSERS: John and Carole were John and Carole with their prizes who each received a pot of daffodil bulbs. On the 9th March we dined out at the Bull’s Head in Abbots Oak enjoying a midday lunch. Our thanks go to all of the staff for making us most welcome. On the 16th March we celebrated St Patrick’s Day with our ever popular “Day at the Races”. Members placed their bets on six exciting horse races with the aim of seeing who could win the most “money”. Excitement rose to near fever pitch as members shouted and banged the tables as their horses BOOKIE BASHER: Bev won the Nora galloped round the race track. The overall Bateman Memorial Vase winner was Bev who won the coveted Nora Bateman Memorial Vase. Members then used their “ill-gotten” gains to bid for mystery prizes. It was funny to see them feverously bidding hundreds and thousands of “pounds” to win a prize ranging from a box of chocolates to a bag of straw or some carrots. It was fun. On the 23rd March we celebrated Mother’s Day with members bringing along photographs of their mum and sharing fond memories of her. And finally on 30th March we held our ever-popular Beetle Drive. Sessions for the coming months include:

• • •

13th April - Easter Bonnet Parade and Easter Egg Hunt 20th April - St George’s “Murder Pub Quiz” 27th April – Visit to Snibston Colliery (TBC)

I never change the clock in my car. Six months of the year, I’m an hour late. The other six I’m two hours late.

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Words & pictures from Ron & Dawn Grantham On the 1st June we are going to Ulverscroft Manor for a meal to celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. If you would like to join in just come along to the sessions and you will be most welcome. The Friendship Club is on Monday afternoons 2pm to 4pm and the Mayflower Club is on Wednesday afternoons 2pm to 4pm. In both cases it only costs £2 per session and includes light refreshments. For further information please contact the Centre

MAYFLOWER CREATIVE ARTS CLUB DON’T FORGET that Centre’s new Creative Arts and Crafts Club is now fully up and running.

Our tutors Jayne and Michelle are teaching people how to make some wonderful objects that you can take home with pride and show off to your family and friends. If you would like to join in just turn up on the day or contact the Centre for further information. Sessions are held on Monday afternoons and only cost £2 per session with materials provided.

0116 234 0548 We can take care of every detail, advise and help you on each and every step of the way. • Qualified Funeral Directors • Floral Tributes arranged • Hearse, Limousines and alternatives available • Monumental Service • Car parking available

• Online tribute and donation profile • Catering suite • Chapels of rest • Funeral plans available • 24 hour service

MARKFIELD GOOD NEIGHBOURS SCHEME JUST A REMINDER that the Markfield Good Neighbours Scheme is still continuing to provide voluntary support to people in need and it is still OKAY to ask for help if you need it. Just call us on 07885 243033 and we will see what we can do for you.

NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE THE NATIONAL BLOOD Service really appreciate using the Community Centre for blood donation sessions so much so, they have provided a list of sessions for 2022.

Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred.

Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 7AT Email: talbotthouse@ansteyfunerals.com Website: www.ansteyfunerals.com

The dates are shown below. You can book your blood donation appointment on line with the National Blood Service and “Do something Amazing” by donating your much needed blood. DATES 2022: 6th July • 31st August • 26th October • 21st December All sessions are from 11.30am to 9pm FOR BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES please contact Markfield Community and Sports Centre,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.

Ron and Dawn Grantham

Markfield Acupuncture Clinic Acupuncture has proven bene ts in the treatment of a range of medical conditions including the management of Chronic Pain, Migraines, Tinnitus, Fertility, Mental Health and many more. Please get in touch if you have any questions or to book an appointment.

Contact: Hayley Curd on 07500 808762 or email contact@mark eldacupunctureclinic.co.uk

Hayley Curd MBAcC is a fully licensed member of the British Acupuncture Council.

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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

HERALD SMALL ADS • SETTEE, CHAIR AND FOOTSTOOL - bought about a year ago - still like new. Reason for sale - wrong colour. Cost £1,100 from Wayfair for all three items. Will accept £550. Tel: 07843 290665 (Markfield). • Dark Oak DINING TABLE with barley twist legs. 3 foot by 3 foot and extends to 3 foot by 5 foot. Circa 1920s. In very good condition with just the odd mark. Price: £70. • Terracotta coloured fully lined VELVET CURTAINS. Each curtain is 43” wide by 82” drop. In good condition with a small amount of fading down one side. Price: £20. • HTC Hero MOBILE PHONE. Boxed with original earphones and quick start guide in good condition. Also has original battery and upgraded battery. Unlocked to all networks and is in working order. Price: £45. • Art Deco Silver plated fluted SERVING BOWL. Elkington and Co.early 1920s.In good vintage condition overall, with a bit of rubbing to the silver plate in one place and small amount of stubborn tarnish. Fluted effect with three small ball feet. Measures 27cm in diameter. Price: £25. Tel: 01530 242421 (Markfield) • BOYS CLOTHING, aged 10 – 14yrs – all as new/some unworn. Photos can be sent. • John Rocha Leather look black BIKER JACKET – fur lined - £15. • John Rocha – Smart BOYS JACKET – navy/woven – silk lining - £15. • Ralph Lauren – light PADDED JACKET – blue - £15. • Nike Black & white TRACKSUIT - £8. • Champion TRACKSUIT - Black £12. • Various FOOTBALL SHIRTS (Man U; Liverpool; Leicester; Chelsea etc) - £5. • Various boots/indoor FOOTIE BOOTS – size 3 ½ (Addidas; Nike Air; Levi) - £5 - £8. Tel: 07843 290665 (Markfield). • Titleist 714 AP2 Forged GOLF IRONS. 3-PW. Steel stiff shafts. Full cord lamkin grips. Excellent condition. Price: £350. Collection only. Tel: 07518 081783 (Markfield) • Carlsbro CSD120 ultra compact ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT bundle with drumsticks stool and headphones POP can be viewed Sept 2020 Amazon £269 currently £285. I have set it up and used it once for 10 mins. Price: £90 (sorry no offers). • APPLE IPAD 4 - 64GB, very good condition and full working order reset to factory settings with protective case. Price: £75 Tel: 0771 3327639 (Bagworth) • SLIMLINE FRIDGE - Fridgemaster under counter slimline larder fridge, vgc, 19” wide, 32”high, 17” deep. Price: £45.00 Tel: 07590 764010 (Groby)

• GIANT DEFY 4 ROAD BIKE - M/L Frame. This bike is in immaculate condition, unfortunately due to injury has only been ridden six times from new, sale includes Shimano shoes with cleats and are as new condition. Price: £275. Tel: 07738 484051 (Markfield) • BATHROOM CABINET - cream, high gloss, large bathroom cabinet with front mirror door. Size: 600mm x 450mm x 200mm. Excellent condition. Price: £35. Tel: 07546 427771 (Groby) • MOTORCYCLE JACKET, black leather/yellow stripe. Top Quality, Frank Thomas size 42, as new and yours for £25.00 • METAL ARC WELDING ELECTRODES, full boxes size 2.5mm, 3.25mm, 4.0mm. All dry stored £20 per box. • ELECTRIC SHOWER, RedRing Selectronic, 8.4kW in full working order, £20 Tel: 0116 2876715 (Groby) • Stressless LEATHER 3 SEATER SOFA and matching RECLINER ARMCHAIR buttermilk colour. Excellent condition. £650 for quick sale. • Beautiful antique dark wood ROCKING CHAIR with green faux leather upholstery. £50. • Original retro LLOYD LOOM ARMCHAIR, white with grey velour upholstered cushion. £35. • Retro G PLAN TEAK EXTENDABLE TABLE. Seats 4 - 8. £50. • Small wood upholstered FOOT STOOL - as new. £20. • Oak high back DINING CHAIRS x4 £10 each. • 8 piece Wedgewood Mirabelle DINNER SERVICE never used. £250. All reasonable offers considered. Photos available. Tel: 07961 463080 (Thornton) • PROJECTOR Hanimex Loadmatic 924 - 8 & Super 8mm Auto Threading, new drive belt fitted. Price: £25. Tel: 07743 610 173 (Leicester) • 25pint professional stainless steel MASLIN(PRESERVING) PAN. Price: £20. Tel: 01530 242793 (Markfield) • HOTPOINT WASHING MACHINE - (NSWM743UWUK 7KG - 1400 Spin Washing Machine - White), was £289 when bought 26/07/20. Hardly used. Being sold as part of parents’ house clearance. Excellent condition. Watch it working before sale. Price: £100. • CONSERVATORY CANE & FABRIC FURNITURE - 4 arm chairs, one large seating stool, one glass topped round table. Being sold as part of parents’ house clearance. Good condition. Price: £50. Tel: 0116 287 7786 (Groby) or 07770 702 999.

• PANASONIC TV - 32 inch Flat Screen ( model TX-32LXD85) Price £30.00 • LEGO - Contained in a substantial Box 15”W x 10”H. Contents - several Technic sets plus instructions and much more. Price £30. Tel: 0116 2870079 or 07743911357 (Groby)

• TROPICAL FISH TANK and stand with approx. 20 fish. Tank measurements: 80cm x 38cm x 36cm.

Free to a good home. • HP LASER PRINTER CARTRIDGE ref Q3961A for HP Laserjet 2550 2820 or 2840 Box opened but still in internal sealed packaging • HP LASER PRINTER CARTRIDGE ref C4096A for HP Laserjet 2100-2200 Box unopened. Tel 01530 231241 (Groby) • GARDEN WATER FEATUREConcrete waterfall and cascade- 4 pieces - Price: £25.00. Tel: 07885 808207 (Glenfield) • KITCHEN UNITS - cream, two double and two single wall units, two with glass doors. Two double and three single floor units, plus one corner unit with carousel, and one tall oven unit. Very good condition. Price: £200. • DOUBLE OVEN - Hotpoint double oven with grill. Built-in. 88 cm high by 60 cm. Very good condition. Price: £50. • Double panel RADIATOR - 120 cm x 60 cm. Price: £10. Tel: 0116 319 2662 (Groby) • Red SHOPPING TROLLEY with seat. Price: £15. Tel: 01530 243891 (Markfield) • BINOCULARS, Swift Saratoga 8X40 with carrying case and instruction booklet. Good working order. £25 Ono. Tel. 01530 242025.

For sale due to bereavement. Price: £180. Tel: 07711 044160 (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 8 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 FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication, just to know where you are).

Charity urges people in energy crisis to seek free debt help THE NATIONAL debt help charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), is busy responding to people hit by the recent energy price cap rise, which will see households paying around 50% more for their energy bills.

Low-income households, says CAP, “are already struggling to afford the basics they need to live with dignity.” In just the first two months of this year, the charity saw requests for emergency fuel vouchers double, compared to the first two months of 2021. The charity has also delivered over £23,000 worth of crisis support, which includes emergency fuel vouchers, food shops and essential items. CAP is in regular contact with suppliers, Ofgem and the Government to help them understand the impact these increases are having on the people it supports. It is also wants to hear from people in need: “With the expected increases in energy costs running into October and beyond, it’s more important than ever that people who are struggling don’t wait until their debts get out of hand.” If you are struggling with debt and need free help, get in contact with CAP today on 0800 328 0006 or visit www. capuk.org

I used to be addicted to the hokey cokey, but then I turned myself around.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Borough Councillors’ Report From Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea

Cllr Chris Boothby Tel: 0116 2912796 or 07306 390543 Email chris.boothby@hotmail.com

Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808 585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Tribute to Simon Cole QPM WE WERE both shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of former Chief Constable Simon Cole QPM.

Ozzy worked with Simon in the police. He also worked closely with Simon as the former Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council they were good friends. Chris had met him on several occasions and worked with his key officers as former Executive Member for Community Safety at HBBC. Simon came across as a natural leader and cared deeply for his officers and residents alike and promoted Neighbourhood Policing which gave us all that extra security. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and colleagues at this time as we all mourn the passing of our friend Simon. RIP.

Beech Drive Planning Appeal Thornton WE ARE STILL awaiting the planning inspector’s decision and will update residents as soon as we have the decision.

Easter Arrangements THE FOLLOWING opening times during the Easter period have been announced by the Borough Council, together with the arrangements that have been made for various council services: • COUNCIL OFFICE CLOSING TIMES

BOROUGH COUNCIL services at the Hinckley Hub will be closed on Good Friday 15 April and Easter Monday 18 April and re-open on Tuesday 19 April at 8.30am by appointment. To make an appointment please visit www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ contact or call 01455 238141. The 24-hour payment line is 01455 619617. In an emergency call 01455 251137

• REFUSE AND RECYCLING ARRANGEMENTS

ALL REFUSE AND RECYCLING collections will continue as usual during the Easter period, with normal collections on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Once again, we take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and remember we are only a phone call or email away. Regards

Chris & Ozzy ... Working for you Cllr Chris Boothby Tel 0116 291 2796 or Mobile: 07306 390543 Email Chris.Boothby@hotmail.com

Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 239 4336 or Mobile: 07808 585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Why aren’t lawyers sworn to tell the truth along with everyone else at the proceedings?

THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Borough Councillor

Andy Furlong’s

UPDATE

Tel: 01530 231377 • Email: andy.furlong@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk THIS MONTH’S scribblings include some big news that will come out of the blue for most readers. It’s with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that, after more than thirty years here in Hinckley and Bosworth, the time has come to move on. Here’s why…

Those who know me personally will be aware that I’m not from ‘round here’. I was born in West Wales, and regular readers will have seen the updates about my dear old mum, Joy Furlong. She suffers from mixed dementia and now lives in a care home in Pembrokeshire. Lockdown meant a long period during which I could not visit her. This proved difficult for all involved and moving somewhere closer to support my family is the right thing to do. The local connection is via my wife, Sarah, who lived in Groby when we first met. Sarah’s mum and dad moved to Markfield in the 1990s. Sadly, they both passed away almost a decade ago. Still, their memories live on and crop up in the most surprising ways, notably on an occasion where I was calling on residents in Stanton under Bardon and bumped into an older gentleman who cheerfully informed me that, as a boy, he’d been ‘In a gang’ with my late father-in-law, Ron Shuter. Needless to say, I didn’t dig too deeply into whatever it was the ‘gang’ had got up to!

Time to downsize

CLOSE FRIENDS and neighbours will also know that Sarah has fibromyalgia. It’s an unpredictable condition, and she isn’t always in the best of health; thus, we’ve been thinking for some time about downsizing and moving to somewhere smaller and more accessible by public transport. COVID19 added an additional complication, but we finally bit the bullet and started house hunting in earnest last summer. Now, I could fill this entire issue with a sob story about the twists and turns of trying to move house. The move was on; until it wasn’t. Then it was suddenly back on again. You get the picture. So, to cut a long story short, Dr Furlong – that’s Sarah - read the riot act to all parties involved in the middle of March and suddenly, bang! Contracts were exchanged, and the packing began. We were on our way - to Swansea.

Standing down in 2023 FOR THE TIME being, the consultancy business that I run from home in Thornton will remain registered in Hinckley and Bosworth. I still have clients in Leicestershire. For obvious reasons, I won’t be standing for election again when my term finishes next Spring. I’ll be back and forth to Leicestershire regularly, so, with careful diary management, I plan to attend important council meetings in person and continue to manage casework on behalf of residents. People can continue to contact me in the normal manner and I will respond. I will of course continue to work closely with Matthew Lay and Parish Councillors to ensure that any urgent issues in the ward are dealt with face to face where needed. All mail will be redirected, as will calls to my landline.

Donations to local good causes

AFTER TWO years of COVID restrictions, I’ve gotten much smarter at problem solving with a mobile phone, a laptop, and a video camera. Plus, given the productive working relationships that I have built with officers at the Hub in Hinckley, I’m confident that I can maintain the level of service that residents have come to expect from me. I’ll also continue to keep people in the picture through this column. As I will not be living locally, I do plan to donate a share of my monthly

councillor’s expense allowance to local groups and community projects. I already have a few in mind, but if you are reading this and you know of any worthy causes, please drop me an email. So there you have it. I am swapping Thornton Reservoir, Bradgate Park and Billa Barra Hill for Swansea Bay, the Mumbles and the Gower National Park. The decision is being driven by health and family reasons and to be totally honest, as recently as two weeks ago I had serious doubts as to whether it was ever going to happen, but to quote John Lennon, “Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans”.

Wombling free, saving us money READERS WILL be familiar with the sight of blue bin bags on pavements and roadside verges in and around Markfield. It’s a sign that the volunteer litter pickers known as the Markfield ‘Wombles’ have been at work. ‘Hang on’ you might say. Don’t I pay my taxes for the council to do that? Well, the answer is ‘Yes’ but a quick glance in the hedgerows suggests that Leicestershire County Council aren’t exactly doing a great job. So, it’s three cheers for the Wombles. Womble volunteer, Bec Pawley, tells me that during the recent ‘Big Spring Clean’ weekend, nearly 800 bags were filled across Leicestershire. Given that National Highways recently quoted a cost of £40 per bag to clear litter from the roadside, this suggests that a weekend’s worth of Wombling delivered a saving of more than £30,000. Well done to everyone involved, pehaps they should be running things at County Hall? Herald Readers can find ‘Markfield Wombles’ if you fancy trying a bit of community litter picking yourself.

Markfield Services

I’VE USED this column before to express my worries about the delapidated state of the old service station site at junction 22 on the M1. The site was abandoned by the operator during the early stages of the COVID19 epidemic; and, apart from being an eyesore, it has become a magnet for flytipping and vandalism due to inadequate perimeter fencing. On 17 March, eight caravans and a number of other vehicles appeared on the site, prompting a visit by the Leicestershire Police. The occupants were less than co-operative and urgent action was needed. After a discussion with PC Greg Rawisinski I contacted the site owner, BP. Despite employing a mobile security team, BP were unaware of the problem – so much for efficient privatised services! It was agreed that an injunction was needed to clear the site. This was quickly obtained and the visitors were moved on within 48 hours of arriving. My thanks go to Greg for the early heads-up and to BP for responding so quickly. The short term issue has been resolved, but I have sought reassurances about security in the months to come and about the longterm prospects for the site.

And finally ...

AT THE TIME of writing, the ‘Great Pyramid of Markfield’ is still very much in evidence on the A50 slip road between the Field Head roundabout and Junction 22. The road closure was in place, the risk assessments had been signed off. We were all good to go. Then the heavens opened, and the ground became too soft to manoeuvre heavy vehicles without turning the roadside into a complete quagmire. Little wonder that one concerned resident has suggested that we grass the pyramid over, plant flowers and turn it into a tourist attraction!

Andy Furlong

Keep in touch on 07881 922293 or email andy.furlong@ hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

I really want to buy one of those grocery checkout dividers but the lady behind the counter keeps putting it back.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

News from Markfield WI WE WOULD like to congratulate our member Ming Tang on winning an award as an unsung covid hero - it’s good to see people behind the scenes being rewarded. Ming went to Windsor Castle where she was presented with her award by Princess Anne; we also had to admire their sense of colour coordinaton.

Lynn Mellor and her beautiful tatted crown

On 19 March our local Federation of WIs held its Annual Council Meeting. There were fewer of our members in attendance this year but those who did go had a very enjoyable day with very good speakers especially Dr Annie Grey the food historian. As always there were various competitions and our member Lynn Mellor won a third prize with her beautiful tatted crown- we think she should have come first. Markfield WI Member Ming Tang It was Lynn’s turn to shine (right) receiving her Unsung Covid once more at our March Hero award from Princess Anne meeting when our scheduled speaker phoned to say he would not make it as he was held up on the motorway. Lynn kindly stepped into the breach and told us all about her 30 years as a Blue Badge Guide. Lynn is an excellent speaker and we would like to thank her for entertaining us as much as she no doubt entertained those lucky enough to go on her walks and we were pleased to give a donation to her chosen cancer charity. • AT OUR NEXT MEETING we will be making an owl paperweight with Carolyn Boulter.

More News from Glenfield Ladies Co-operative Choir SINCE CHRISTMAS, the Ladies have welcomed a number of new members.

Our numbers were further boosted at our Open Evening on 7th March when seven ladies came to sing with us. We started the evening learning a round by ear which some of us found challenging particularly as it was in Latin. We moved on to sing Lullaby of Birdland, Laura suggesting that we all listened to the Ella Fitzgerald version to see how it was done. We moved on to a Frank Sinatra classic, Fly me to the Moon and finished the evening with Paul Simon’s, Bridge over Troubled Water. Meanwhile the Ladies are practising hard for their forthcoming Spring concert at 7:30pm on Saturday 21st May in St Anne’s Hall, Letchworth Road, LE3 6FH. If previous concerts in the Hall at St Anne’s are anything to go by, we anticipate a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Apart from hearing the choir sing their new programme, the Mother’s Union will be providing refreshments including some delicious cakes. There will also be a cake sale for those who want to take something home with them, and a raffle for those who are feeling lucky. Tickets which include refreshments are £7.50 and can be obtained on the door or in advance from Hilary Allen - tel: 07970 075039 or Lesley Orriss, tel: 07757 335879.

Carol Pick, Choir Secretary

Do You Enjoy Reading The Herald? If so, please pass this copy on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it. It’s nice to share!

Catholic Church Of St Wilfrid Of York 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB

Sunday Masses – Saturday 6 pm and Sunday 10 am. Weekday Masses – Monday and Thursday at 10 am in the Oratory in the presbytery. Please see Parish Newsletter on the website. Mask wearing and hand sanitising are still encouraged and available to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable in Church. Ventilation, with internal and external doors open, is still in place. HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES Maundy Thursday: Mass 7.30 pm Good Friday: Children’s Stations of the Cross 11 am Passion of the Lord 3 pm Holy Saturday: Vigil Mass 8 pm Easter Sunday: Mass 10 am Sacrament of Reconciliation You can book an appointment with Fr Gabriel to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Please call the presbytery to book an appointment – 01530 832098. 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, Coalville: 01530 837747 www. st-clares.leics.sch.uk • De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle.leics.sch.uk Churches Together in Markfield United Services Sunday 15 May at 10.30 am at Trinity Methodist Church – Christian Aid Service. Village Contact: Margaret on 01530 243292

I met this girl at a party. She said people called her Vivaldi. I asked: ‘Is that because you’re a brilliant violinist?’ She said: ‘No, it’s because my name’s Viv and I work on the checkout at Aldi.’

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