December 2021 Herald Magazine

MID-DECEMBER 2021

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

More success for Joshua Bailey and Bughill Darcy LOCAL LAD Joshua Bailey continues competing on 8 yr old Bughill Darcy, following on from his big success winning the Lands Eventing Arena Eventing Championships 2021 at the beginning of the year.

Poppy Appeal 2021: Bagworth, Markfield, Stanton under Bardon and Thornton THIS IS THE Centenary year of both the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal.

Joshua and Bughill Darcy in action

Since January 2021 they have continued to go from strength to strength qualifying in each discipline for the 2021 Championships competing for Atherstone District Riding Club, Atherstone Pony Club, Horse Events and British Show jumping.

Winning Pony Club Area and British Riding Club qualifiers in Show Jumping, also individual Show jumping, Winning the BRC National Championships at Lincoln Show Ground with his Athersone team mates for Show jumping.

Winning the Arena Eventing Championships for Lands Eventing.

Winning the AREA 5, Working Hunter, Show Jumping, Best Equitation, Best Handler and 2nd in Best Turned Out qualifying for STARS Champion of Champions, held at Aintree Equestrian Centre. He was also awarded most points overall and Best Junior Representative.

Winning Regional Overall points and Show jumping.

Placed individually 3rd at the National BRC Hunter Trials at Swalcliffe The proudest moment for Joshua to date is qualifying for the Grand Prix in British Show jumping to compete at Aintree Equestrian Centre where he qualified with 5 double clear rounds winning each class.

He has just arrived back from Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool where he represented Atherstone District Riding Club in the Working Hunter, Best Equitation and Best Handler.

He was the only junior to clear the course in the working Hunter and one of the only 6 clears in the whole class. He placed 5th overall and won Best Junior also the “Rising Star” award in the Best Handler.

Joshua and Bughill Darcy have also been fortunate to be sponsored by Watlings JCB who is proud to support his achievements. Joshua remains to put hours of hard work into getting to these championships and should be very proud of himself and what he has achieved in such a short space of time.

One hundred years ago, veterans were begging in the streets and surviving on hand-outs and soup kitchens. The fabric of our society had been wrecked by WWI, and the health and social care that we take for granted today did not exist then.

The Legion began its life to meet an immediate need to support the returning veterans and their families. Today the Royal British Legion is the largest military charity and has Remembrance, welfare, and campaigning at the heart of all we do. We have a network of members that works nationwide to educate all members of the community and to keep the act of Remembrance alive all year round.

The collections and donations from our four villages this year totalled £2,947.06. The schools in our area raised a total of £1,218.63, which is exceptional. Every penny that was raised through this collection will go directly to welfare. My thanks go to all the school staff, pupils, parents, villagers, businesses, Markfield WI, youth organisations and the Parish Councils that have helped in the Poppy Appeal this year.

Liz Mitchell

Thornton Action Group Donation

THORNTON ACTION GROUP was founded to fundraise in relation to Keep Thornton Green, a direct response to planning applications on the far side of the reservoir.

The funds have remained in place for several years now in case they were needed but the Action group have decided to relinquish monies held in this account. It is with the greatest of pleasure that the members of TAG have passed on over to Thornton Saint Peters Church over £1,500 to help with the arboriculture work which has taken place within the church yard.

We have also paid for two new sets of pads for the defibrillater housed on the car park side of the Bricklayer’s Arms which have an expiry date when they need to be replaced and are now due for action. We are happy to be involved with two worthwhile projects.

May we wish all readers of the Herald a peaceful Christmas and healthy New Year.

Thornton Action Group

Next Issue Out On 15th January - Adverts & Articles Required By 1st January Please

www.oaktreelettings.co.uk

LANDLORDS Demand for rental property has never been higher, whilst the risk to landlords is increasing in these uncertain times Place your property under full management with us and receive free rent guarantee and tenant eviction protection for 12 months* We pride ourselves on our friendly yet professional approach and are pleased to be celebrating our ten year anniversary this year, Contact us and see why so many landlords recommend us * terms apply, please see our website for full details

Contact Louise or Marianne for an information pack or to arrange a free property appraisal

Call: 0116 287 0334

Email: lettings@oaktreelettings.co.uk 86 Faire Road, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8ED

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

3

Markfield WI NEWS AFTER A quiet October we have been busy in November.

On 6 November Ming held a second silver clay workshop for members who made various pieces of jewellery and enjoyed an excellent homemade lunch. Our thanks to Ming for a lovely day and for offering to do a third workshop in the future if there is enough interest. As part of Remembrance Day Fran laid a wreath at the War Memorial in Markfield on behalf of the WI and it was good to see many members attend.

On 12 November we held our annual (apart from covid interruptions) fundraising quiz at Coalville Rugby Club. The quiz was well attended with twelve teams and the quiz master did a sterling job having to cope without a working microphone. The winning team were duly presented with bottles of wine and the raffle raised around £140 for Children in Need.

At our November meeting we had Sandra Moore from the Friends of Belgrave Cemetery, a group formed in 2004.

Sandra came dressed as Mrs Eliza Billington who ran the Bull’s Head in Belgrave. Eliza was born in 1848 and died in 1915 and is now one of the 15,000 residents in the Cemetery.

Accompanied by a slide show of photographs from the time she told us about some of the businesses and tradespeople who lived and worked in the area before taking their place in the cemetery, some of them well known names from Hoskins of brewery fame to Barry Young whose wish it was to be brought home from Spain to be buried at Belgrave. It was a fascinating talk and we hope to hear more from Sandra in the future.

• FOR OUR DECEMBER meeting we will be having a presentation of Body Shop products as well as our Secret Santa and possibly a mincepie and carols.

We would like to wish a Happy Christmas to all our members and offer a warm welcome to any of you who would like to become members in the New Year.

AT THE

LINFORD

New Year’s Eve till 1.00 am

MINT plus Buffet

Tickets On Sale Now at The Linford £12.00 each Also Last Friday in the month at The Linford FREE admission 8.30 - 11.30

My girlfriend broke up with me last week, and she did it cruelly. She sent me a letter saying she’d run away with a tractor salesman.

I was devastated.

It was the first time in my life that I’ve received a John Deere letter.

Funding for Community Projects A NEW FUND to help prevent crime and protect vulnerable people has been unveiled as a national campaign gets underway to reduce violence against women and girls.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has announced details of his Commissioner’s Safety Fund – a new grants scheme which will channel funding into community projects that help reduce the risk of crime and abuse and increase public safety.

The Fund, which amounts to £600k over the next two years, will be shared among local organisations which successfully apply and prove their project addresses the Commissioner’s key safety priorities.

Mr Matthews’ recently-published Police and Crime Plan sets out ambitious goals to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of service for domestic abuse investigations, including greater use of body-worn cameras and domestic violence protection orders/perpetrator programmes.

As part of the new fund, the Commissioner is keen to hear from organisations that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of women who are at risk of violence or abuse and their children and also aim to challenge the unhealthy attitudes and behaviour that fuel such violence.

Mr Matthews has ring-fenced £250,000 for the Fund in 2021-22 and a further £400,000 for 2022-23. Some grants have already been issued under the previous scheme and the balance for 2021-22 will be distributed before the end of March 2022.

The Fund is open for applications from any community-based group, parish council, school or business (if the business can match-fund and supply their service free of charge) and grants up to a maximum of £10,000 will be allocated per project.

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.leics.pcc.police.uk/Commissioners-Safety-Fund

Considering all the lint you get in your dryer, if you kept drying your clothes would they eventually just disappear?

4

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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

Message from Dr Luke Evans MP

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

AS WE LOOK towards the festive season and the end of the year, it is a useful time to reflect on all of the progress for our community that we’ve made in the last 12 months.

The Herald is a monthly local magazine delivered free to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Markfield, Field Head, Stanton under Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth.

Contact Mike Wilkinson with your articles, news items or advertising enquiries.

Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown.

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Herald Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. The Herald cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. The Herald reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication.

All contents © The Herald.

None of the articles or adverts contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from The Herald.

I’m also particularly pleased that after we all had to scale back our Christmas celebrations last year, this year we can celebrate the festive season in a more normal style!

This time of year traditionally brings with it the chance to reflect on the year, and the fantastic work in our community. I can’t start anywhere else but with a big thank you to you all, for how we have supported and looked after each other during lockdown, and then of course through the vaccine rollout. I was so impressed by the hard work of our local NHS to deliver the vaccine, how our schools provided quality education in difficult times, and how our businesses and local residents worked together to get through what has undoubtedly been a torrid time.

We aren’t quite out of the woods yet, however, and I would remind all of those who are eligible to get their booster jabs ahead of the festive season. But needless to say, I could not be prouder to be the representative for our community, and have the chance to tell the world how Bosworth battled the pandemic together.

Although this year has brought its difficulties, there has also been some genuinely exciting wins for our area.

One highlight of the year was significant progress for Sketchley Brook, after residents first contacted me in February with their experiences of poor broadband speeds affecting the entire estate. Since then, I’ve raised it right to the top of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and

liaised with Openreach and Leicestershire County Council, and In the last few weeks, it has been confirmed that plans to upgrade the entire estate with superfast broadband have been approved. Thank you to all of the Sketchley residents who brought the issue to my attention. I am on a mission to improve our local broadband provision, so if you are aware of areas that are suffering poor speeds, please do let me know.

Perhaps the biggest present of all for our area this year was the news in October that the Levelling Up Fund bid for Twycross Zoo had been successful, with a huge £19.9 million investment heading straight to our area. Having worked with the zoo closely since being elected, through all of the struggles which they experienced throughout lockdown, I was absolutely delighted to hear the news!

I have no doubt that work at the zoo will go from strength to strength, bringing a further boost to our local economy, and driving cutting edge conservation training right on our doorstep!

Other work this year also included areas like animal welfare, local crime, access to local healthcare, support for our high streets and local businesses, funding for local schools, and puppy smuggling – to mention just a few! There have been so many positive developments locally, it is difficult to stop this update from sounding like an excited child’s wish list to Father Christmas!

To end on a more serious note, what really matters is that throughout the difficulties of

the pandemic, the kindness, generosity and goodwill of those in our community has been, and continues to be, truly inspiring.

It is a real privilege throughout the year to hear so many of these stories, and it is truly one of the best parts of the job.

What I raise in Parliament, and the work I do locally, is guided by your views, so a big thank you to all of those who took the time to contact me this year. As ever, it is very much appreciated. This month is also a personal milestone for me as it marks two years since I was first elected, and there is no doubt that serving as your Member of Parliament has already been the absolute privilege of a lifetime.

Finally, I’d like to wish you, and your family, a very merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year!

Dr Luke Evans MP | Member of Parliament for Bosworth | House of Commons | London | SW1A 0AA w: drlukeevans.org.uk t: constituency: 01455 635741 parliament: 0207 219 4250 m: 07920 619812 twitter: @drlukeevans instagram: drlukeevans

WANTED VINYL RECORDS

ALBUMS & SINGLES IN GOOD CONDITION ALL GENRES CONSIDERED WHOLE COLLECTIONS PURCHASED RING JOHNNY ON 07941 237223

or email: strawdog33@hotmail.com

Apparently, three and a half out of seven people overcomplicate things.

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

5

Dove Bank Remembers WINTER SALE NOW ON ZANUSSI

BOSCH

Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 8kg Load Capacity E Rated 2yr Guarantee

Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 7kg Load Capacity D Rated Express Wash

ZWF845B4PW

14 Programmes

Thanks to Mr Stephenson, Mr Haughan and Mr Bee, as well as the pupils for a wonderful tribute to those in the local community that lost their lives in combat.

2021 marks 100 years since the nation’s collective Remembrance traditions were first brought together, such as the poppy, twominute silence, Armistice Day, the service for the Unknown Warrior, and the march-past at the Cenotaph.

HOTPOINT

Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 7Kg Load Capacity 28 Min Fast Full Load 16 Programmes D Rated

Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 7kg Load Capacity D Rated 45min Rapid Wash

NSWE743UWS

White

BOSCH

BEKO

Dishwasher 12 Place Settings 4 Programmes Time Delay Vario Speed F Rated

Tall Freezer Frost Free F Rated 168 Ltr (Net) White H145 W54.5 D59cm

SMS24AW01G

“Wishing all our Customers good health” Merry Christmas

If you’re being chased by a police dog, try not to go through a tunnel, then on to a little see saw, then jump through a hoop of fire. They’re trained for that.

15 Programmes

Blomberg

LWF174310W

PUPILS & STAFF at Dove Bank School paid their respects to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth.

WAJ28008GB

and a Happy New Year” From all the Staff at Keith Smith (Anstey) Ltd

FCFM1545W

FREE DELIVERY

ANSTEY

with Personal Service

“Ask About our Same Day/Next Day Installation and Removal Service”

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 JOB VACANCIES Required from the 23rd August 2021

We require, as soon as possible, Lunchtime Supervisors to join our team, who are responsible for the health and safety, wellbeing and security of children during the Learning Support school Assistant – Art, Design & Technology lunch break.

(Predominantly)

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 Learning Support Assistant – General support (x2) 2.05pm daily, but may be subject to change due to exams etc.

Rate of pay is £9.62 – £9.71 per hour (with pay award pending)

Learning Support Assistant – Specific pupil support

If you are interested in the position, please find further details and an application form on the school’s website: Receptionist www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk/about-us/current-vacancies

Lunchtime Supervisorsabout this role, If you require any further information please contact Alistair Keates, Business Manager on Please see the school website at 01530 242351 or email: office@southcharnwood.org

www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk/about-us/current-vacancies As information this job is designated as aapplication ‘regulated activity’ enhanced for an pack and form.anAlternatively, DBS check with Barred list will be carried out by the school telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org ‘South Charnwood High School - Committed to Safeguarding

Closing date for applications: 9am,People’ Monday 21st June 2021 Children and Young www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk

As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBSto check with Barred list check I don’t mind going to work. It’s the eight hour wait go home that annoys me. is essential

6

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The planning system is broken and I have never known it so bad Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald I HAD YET another depressing encounter with our broken planning system this past week, it was truly awful.

We had been made aware some time ago of a planning application to build some 90 houses on land north of Ashby Road, Markfield (the outstanding application for the land south of Ashby Road is still to be decided). Most of this site sits within Charnwood Borough Council with only a strip of land running alongside the Ashby Rd being in Hinckley & Bosworth and under their jurisdiction. The application like many others was being held up and it was not clear when it would be determined. It was always seen as a speculative application; the land affords fantastic views across Ulverscroft and is a nice linear end to the settlement of Markfield. At one time of course the Ashby Road was the main Leicester to Ashby route, that was until the Markfield bypass was built following the completion of the M1. It is why the boundary is what it is today.

Without any notice the application was suddenly appearing before a special planning meeting at Charnwood with a recommendation for permit. The report to the planning committee was in my view inadequate and was weighted heavily in favour of the development. The report refused to even acknowledge the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan and made light of the fantastic views from the Ashby Road which are such a feature of the local area. Most ridiculous of all was the allocation of developer contributions (section 106) to neighbouring settlements in Charnwood ignoring Markfield altogether. Money was to go to Loughborough, Newtown Linford and Barrow. This was somewhat bizarre and contradictory because the report justified permission being granted because the site was linked to the Markfield settlement,

meaning the new residents would use the services available in Markfield but that these very same services would receive no financial benefit. Several complaints about this were immediately made and I placed a request to appear before the planning committee in Loughborough to speak against the application. The request was denied due to it being out of time, despite Charnwood acknowledging this was a special meeting and that those living in Markfield would not have been aware of the application going to their committee. I appealed the refusal and was made to wait until the night in question to be certain that I would be able to object in public. I was helpfully joined in that by the Chair of Newtown Linford Parish Council who also made strong representation against the application and in support of Markfield.

Having read back to front the planning officers’ report, I was already certain that the application would be passed. I discovered that the planning situation in Charnwood was even worse than it is in Hinckley and Bosworth (which is saying something but at least they have some planning staff).

Charnwood it turned out only had a just over a 3-year housing land supply when 5 years is the Government-mandated target. So weak is that figure, it was going to be unlikely that Charnwood councillors would overturn a plan for houses in an area that was of little consequence to them, and so it proved on the night.

I was very unhappy with the some of the remarks from officers and the developer at the Charnwood hearing, suggesting they had considered the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan (basically saying it didn’t apply to them as they were Charnwood) and yet had not made one single mention of it in the report or in the summing up

on the night. They also downplayed the value of the land and talked more about the view towards Ashby Road from the lowest point of the field as opposed to the vista from Ashby Road which is priceless.

In truth they were only obsessed with the number of new houses it would bring to Charnwood. We did however succeed in shifting the developer contributions back towards Markfield but it was a token victory only.

It proved to me once again the depressing reality that many local authorities can barely keep up with the demands being placed on them by this developmentobsessed Government. This won’t lead to more houses being built for local people, it will simply add more value to the developers and the land holders bank balances at everyone else’s expense.

Much criticism has recently been levelled at Hinckley & Bosworth for its lack of a five-year land supply and slow progress on its local plan, some of which is justified, but before me that evening was a neighbouring local authority in even poorer shape. Not a very enticing prospect but one that leaves everyone vulnerable.

The system is broken and I for one have never known it so bad.

Over many years some control has always been exercised to protect local communities yet today it’s a free-for-all. Those involved in the production of the neighbourhood plan must despair, but all is not yet lost, and the plan is an effective barrier for applications in Hinckley & Bosworth. I have said before we can do no more as a community.

• UNFORTUNATELY, that wasn’t the only depressing planning matter to befall our community.

We also received the outcome of the planning appeal (which went to the Government’s inspector) on the plans to build some new huge

warehouses off the B585 towards Stanton under Bardon. These plans were passed despite Hinckley & Bosworth twice refusing them at a local level. These are totally unnecessary sheds which will rip up a very attractive landscape, all funded by some ‘who knows where’ offshore tax havens. The local area is already impacted by quarrying which many of us accept as a local feature and which provides good local employment.

At least quarries have to commit to land restoration when they finish their economic life. They also engage with the local community and try to resolve local issues when they arise. These giant sheds are going to dominate the area for generations and developers will keep looking to expand ever closer to Stanton. At least the revised application that was given the greenlight by the inspector has to provide a landscape buffer to minimise the impact but frankly its still too much and the harm to the local environment too great.

• FINISHING on a positive note I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Once again it seems to be on us too soon. After last year’s Christmas events meant no extended family get-togethers, I do hope we are able to celebrate as one and make the most of this special time of the year. I will again toast those not with us and spare a thought for those less fortunate than myself who may be having a difficult time.

Sometimes the world can feel a very hostile place, but Christmas can at least remind us of what is good in the world and on the end what really matters. Take care everyone and see you in 2022.

Thank you.

Matthew

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.

Of all the people I know, you’re one of them.

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

7

Hard floor cleaning On site curtain cleaning Rugs, including oriental and antique All types of upholstery, especially leather RUGS - we are CLEANING SPECIALISTS traditional Persian or Chinese, Gabbeh or Kilim, we even love Wiltons and Shaggy ones!

01530 244900 ■ 07825 795558 stuart@theprofessionalcarpetcleaner.co.uk www.sjscarpetcleaners.co.uk CHECK OUT QUALITY OF OUR SERVICE ON SJS GOOGLE REVIEWS FOR BOTH LEICESTER AND LOUGHBOROUGH

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

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

Mobile phone: A way to speak to yourself without anyone noticing.

8

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • 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 I CANNOT BELIEVE it is December already. Where did the year go?!

Since my last update I have represented residents at meetings on a number of bodies.

Some of my activities include:

• REMEMBRANCE DAY

During the month I paid my respects, on behalf of Leicestershire residents, to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we all too often take for granted. It was great to observe the inclusion of local schoolchildren and young people in Remembrance Day – educating the next generation on why this is such an important event for us all.

I would also like to thank Sandra Compton for her sterling work, over many months, renovating and cleaning the War Memorial in Bagworth. It really does look amazing and a fitting tribute.

MEMBERS HIGHWAYS FUND (MHF) Markfield

I continue to progress the installation of MVAS (Mobile Vehicle Activated Signs) units in Markfield to assist with the perennial problem of speeding. As it stands preliminary work is underway for two sites in the village; but if my MHF budgets allows I will be pushing for a third unit as well. The County Council and Markfield Parish Council are working through the finer details of this project, but I very much anticipate this being completed early in the new year.

Thornton Reservoir

The informal consultation on parking restrictions around the Reservoir has concluded.

Letters went out to over 500 households in the area.

A big Thank You to Chris Allen & Colin Harris for leading on delivery of these. In summary of those that responded, some 52% supported the proposals, 38% opposed, and 10% did not specify their support/opposition either way. Whilst I have already ringfenced some of my MHF to this project I will be having further discussions with LCC Highways Officers to decide the way forward in helping to solve this long-standing problem.

The County Council has offered to assist HBBC in refining its Local Plan, particularly in respect of some significant deficiencies with the highways impacts of such developments; and I very much hope the two authorities can work on a cross-party basis to reach a sensible position.

LLEP BOARD MEETING

I recently attended a Board Meeting of the Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership. As part of this I was given a tour of the Space Park in Leicester where I got to see first hand the benefits of some of the regeneration projects underway across the City/ County area. Having a real passion for social mobility I am keen that our county continues to attract the businesses, skills and talent of the future; which will continue to be a focus of mine in Cabinet at Leicestershire County Council.

I continue to work with residents on a range of local issues and if I can be of assistance please do not hesitate to get in touch…

But finally have a MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Best wishes,

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

How to hug somebody THE PERFECT HUG should last between five to ten seconds, and it should be done with your arms criss-crossed behind the other person’s back.

That is the finding of psychologists who experimented using more than 100 pairs of friends. They found that when it comes to hugging someone, “more is definitely more.”

It seems that a ten second hug gives great pleasure, a five second hug is adequate, but a brief hug of just one second leaves nobody comforted.

Even worse, since Covid, elbow bumping has become popular. But a bump on the elbow doesn’t do much for anyone.

The research was done at the University of London and the University of Bristol.

Bagworth

I have also agreed to allocate some of my MHF to an MVAS unit in Bagworth. County Council Highways Officers are liaising with B&T Parish Council on the most appropriate location for this in the village.

LOCAL PLAN SITE ALLOCATIONS

During the month neighbouring County Councillor Ross Hills and myself have held a number of meetings to discuss HBBC’s draft site allocations that went to their Scrutiny Committee on 18th November. Having lived, until very recently, in Newbold Verdon I was most concerned to read of a further 221 dwellings being allocated at Brascote Lane. The infrastructure locally, not least school provision, is already strained and I fear this additional allocation will place further pressure on local services.

When I was little, my grandfather asked me how old I was. I said, “Five.” He said, “When I was your age, I was six.”

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

Insomnia is what you think you’ve got when you lie awake all night for an hour.

9

10

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Santa in Bagworth

Time to nominate your sporting heroes WHILST THE traditional format of Hinckley & Bosworth’s Local Sport and Health Alliance (LSHA) annual sports awards has been cancelled the LSHA still want to recognise all of the hard work individuals, sports clubs, organisations and schools have undertaken to help others keep active and healthy particularly during lockdown by celebrating online.

THE BAGWORTH Forward Group (BFG) organised their annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 27th November.

Despite the weather, this proved to be a popular event with over 30 stalls selling their products and well over 100 in attendance, not forgetting all of the children in addition. One of the popular events on the day was the visit of Santa who had a special word with the young people in his grotto (see picture). The children then received a present from Santa.

Both of the larger halls were full of people buying and selling. There was a lovely atmosphere around the building. Debbie’s food went down a treat, especially the turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce rolls and the home made mushroom soup (thanks for that, Lorna).

The BFG stalls proved to be very popular. The raffle had some excellent prizes, not the least of which was the first prize of a large hamper. This was won by Pym. Kirk won second prize and third and fourth went to Rosemary and Steph respectively. Tracey won the Pound in the Bucket and Gemma correctly guessed the weight of Santa (not the real one!).

As always, Mrs Martin on the Tombola stall displayed her splendid gift of ‘encouraging’ people to part with their money.

The members of BFG were very pleased with the afternoon’s event and were even more pleased when around £700 was raised. As always, the money will be used to enhance the life of the village of Bagworth.

Adopt a Winter Planter near you CAN WE REMIND you that BFG are not putting winter plants in the planters throughout the village this year. The summer plants have been removed and if you live near to a planter and wish to adopt it you are more than welcome to buy some winter plants and put them into your planter so that they can be enjoyed both by people living in the village and by people passing through.

LAWN MOWING AND GARDENING SERVICES THROUGHOUT LEICESTERSHIRE

Would you like to thank someone or a sports club/organisation/school for their support; recognise and celebrate their hard work during the pandemic? Has your gym instructor gone online and delivered a zumba, pilates or karate class via zoom? Has someone helped an older person keep active by joining them on a social distanced walk regularly? Do you know someone who has helped get their sports club started again once restrictions were lifted? Does your school have a ‘Joe Wicks’ inspirational PE teacher or have you as an individual taken up a new sport and got the family to join in– we want to hear all those active health stories.

Nominations are needed for: • A sports club / organisation • A school (primary or secondary) • Individual Nomination forms are available online.

The closing date for all nominations is 4pm on Wednesday 15 December 2021. All those nominated will receive a certificate and with permission will feature on the council’s social media channels from early January 2022.

What is happening to our public loos?

IT WAS George Jennings, an English sanitary engineer and plumber, who in 1851 invented the first public flush toilets.

He said: “The civilisation of a people can be measured by their domestic and sanitary appliances.”

Yet now, across the UK, public lavatories are in dismal and steep decline.

The number of lavatories maintained by local authorities has declined from 3154 to 2556 since 2015.

The effect can be doubly difficult. The Royal Society for Public Health pointed out in a 2019 report that closing public loos imposes a ‘urinary leash’; on people who then feel wary of venturing far from home. Also on the rise is the revolting phenomenon known as ‘wild toileting’, which increased greatly during the pandemic, when public loos were closed.

The Victorians took a philanthropic pride in their public lavatories.

How would George Jennings rate our level of civilisation today?

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

For a Free Quotation Call Ian on 07885 541428

For a free quote, call Dan Hardy on 07598 200 185 or visit www.leicesterlawnmowing.com

or

E-mail: i.crowhurst@btinternet.com Full Tradesman Liability Insurance held

www.facebook.com/leicesterlawnmowing You may pretend to dislike me, but deep down, you know you hate me.

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

11

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST WILFRID OF YORK 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB Sunday Masses – Saturday 6 pm and Sunday 10 am.

Weekday Masses – on Zoom.

Please see Parish Newsletter on the website.

Masks, hand sanitising, social distancing and a track and trace system are in place to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable in Church.

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 Christmas Masses Please see the Parish website above, the Parish Newsletter or call the presbytery (01530 832098) for the Masses on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Sunday 26th December. Government Covid restrictions may affect these services at short notice so the details are not yet finalised.

Village Contact Margaret on 01530 243292

Mobile, Visiting Chiropodist, Podiatrist SUFFERING FOOT PROBLEMS? Why not have them treated in the comfort of your own home?

Treatments include: Corns, Callus, Nail Cutting, Nail Problems, Diabetic Foot Care, Plus More.

StepWell Podiatry

Call: 07954 052 736

Or email: stepwell.pod@gmail.com ‘Smile,’ they said, ‘Life could be worse.’ So I did, and it was.

12

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The music you love best – and when you love it IF YOU ENJOY listening to music, ever notice how the kind of music that you like changes throughout the day?

According to research published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, our tastes over just one day will vary in preference to a perceived tempo, loudness, bounciness, and danceability.

In late morning, we tend to go for loudness and energy in our music.

By afternoon, the tempo begins to increase, and the beat and danceability also increase.

The highest tempo is preferred in the evening, between 8pm and 11pm. After that, we tend to prefer softer, slower music. But by 4am, the picture is muddled, as “the handful of people awake at this hour are often up to very different activities.”

According to a scientist at Aarhus University in Denmark, it all seems to point “to there being a circadian rhythm, even in our preference for music.”

Cinema Club For senior citizens

Venue: Ratby Parish Church at 2pm (doors open at 1-30pm) Why not come and enjoy an afternoon of free entertainment and companionship each month, we show a selection of films specifically suited for the senior citizens.

Some films are fairly recent releases but we also show some of the great old classics.

The next dates are as follows: • Friday 10th December: Miracle on 34th Street - starring Maureen O’Hara and John Henson • Friday 14th January: Fisherman’s Friend - starring Daniel Mays and Tuppence Middleton Tea/coffee and cakes are available after the show. For more information please contact Joan Hawkins on 0116 482 6721 or 07545 909868.

News from Thornton

THE BEECH TREE suffering from Meripilus Giganteus in Thornton churchyard has now been felled much to everyone’s relief.

The storms of late November caused some anxiety, but all is safely sorted now. Beddow Tree Specialists, a very caring and conscientious company, did an excellent job, taking great care to avoid any damage to the remaining headstones and surrounding trees by lowering each branch using a pulley system.

We were really worried about how the cost of all the work involved would be met but the generosity of local people has been lovely and very encouraging. Thank you everyone. A huge thank you to the Reservoir Action Group. At a meeting on 25th November they voted unanimously to donate just over £1,500 towards the beech tree costs. I was overwhelmed when Ben presented me with the cheque. Thank you everyone.

At the time of writing, we have £1,850 towards the costs. In May I applied to the Jack Patston Charitable Trust for help with the cost of the Death Watch Beetle treatment. I really didn’t think they would be able to help, but last week we received a cheque for £2,500, half the cost. And Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council have recently given us a grant of £6,238 to help with the cost of the roof repair after the thieves stole the lead in 2019 and the recent stonework repairs to the church to stop the ingress of water. This represents half the cost. I can’t tell you how relieved we all are. Thank you. During the month of November alone we have accumulated bills amounting to over £14,000, what with the tree works, stonework repairs, maintenance and monitoring costs for the roof alarm, and the maintenance of the heating system.

The Christmas Craft Fayre was an amazing day. We had so many people supporting this event that we ran out of raffle tickets, tombola prizes, and Martin’s quiz sheets. Father Christmas had to send out twice for more Christmas parcels. The café ran out of bacon cobs by 12.30, and had just a few potatoes and 3 tea bags left at the close of the fayre!

The only things we did not run out of were happiness and enthusiasm.

This after the day not starting off so well as Father Christmas had to walk to the Community Centre. Gemini, the steam engine bringing him, very sadly was poorly at the last minute. The good news is that Colin her owner quickly diagnosed the problem, and she is back in full working order. By the time Father Christmas arrived he already had an excited queue of children waiting to visit him in his grotto.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported this amazing day. Stall holders, your stalls looked great, full of beautiful items many of which were handcrafted. Thank you. And thank you to everyone that pitched in to help with so many of the jobs. You are all wonderful. We raised an amazing £1,590. Every penny of this goes towards the cost of maintaining and improving our beautiful, ancient church.

We are hoping that we have very few demands on money over the next couple of years as we are really hoping that the plans for a vertical lift into church and the creation of a comfortable multi-use area will come to fruition soon. We know this will be costly, but have every faith that the funds will become available through grants, fund raising and generosity.

I am hoping for no more bees, leaks, beetles, poorly trees, thieves or any other problems!

We wish you all a joy filled and peaceful Christmas and 2022. Stay well and safe.

Shirley Garlick and all at St Peter’s Church Email: churchwarden.thornton@gmail.com

NEW DEFIBRILLATOR at The Old Thatch

The management of the Old Thatched Inn are please to announce that a New De-Fib unit is to be installed at The Old Thatch in Stanton.

Funded and provided by Stanton under Bardon Parish Council, with the support of Marston's Pub Co' for the wellbeing of residents of Stanton under Bardon. A welcome input for the community and surrounding areas.

Charity Spectacular featuring MINT

THERE WILL be a fundraising Charity Spectacular at The Church Hall, Thurncourt Road, Leicester on Sunday 12th December 2021 between 4.00pm and 7.30pm.

Local band MINT will be performing, and the entrance fee will be £10 which includes a Buffet.

The event is in support of The Church Hall.

To book, contact Julie on 0116 274 3537 or mobile: 07976 662 925.

Booking and article deadline for the January issue of The Herald is 1st January 2022. Don’t miss out!

Every Olympic event should include one average person competing, for reference.

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

Botcheston WI BULLETIN

A Very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our customers from Jan, Ben & the staff at The Bricklayers Arms!

AT OUR AGM in October the Committee had a shuffle round and we had to vote in a new President and Treasurer – the 2 Elaines deciding to stand down after quite a few years service to Botcheston WI.

The new president is Monica Norton and the Treasurer is myself – Sheila Flatt. We thank the two Elaines for their many years service and wish them the best to enjoy WI Life without the stress.

Last night (Thursday 25 November) we had Mike Lister give us a talk on Playing Cards – this was very interesting and enlightening. We discovered that playing cards originated in China in the 9th Century and were more like a bookmark in shape, they travelled across the continents, eventually landing in Europe in the 15th Century. The names of the suits and the court cards have evolved over the years, finally appearing in the recogniseable form that we know today in the 18th Century. Duty was abolished on playing cards as recently as 1960. The Earl of Sandwich did not want to be taken away from his game of cards so requested his butler to ‘put some meat between 2 slices of toast’, resulting in the birth of the Sandwich!

The Desford Christmas Tree Festival will have taken place by the time you read this – thanks go to the Craft and Coffee Monday Group who have put so much effort into our tree. The theme of this years festival is a Christmas song and we have decorated in the them of The Little Drummer Boy. Special thanks go to Linda, Monica and Margaret for doing a sterling job in putting up the tree.

Our last meeting of the year is nearly upon us – which will be a bring and share supper evening with traditional parlour games, one week earlier than normal –Thursday16 December.

This Christmas we are making a collection of both product and money for the local branch of the Baby Basics charity. At our Monday craft meeetings we make a small donation at each meeting and it was decided that monies held from this group would be put towards Baby Basics.

Baby Basics, started in Sheffield in 2009 and now with 50+ groups across the UK, is a volunteer-led charity aiming to support new mums and families who are struggling to cope with a new baby – both financial and practical – with families referred in via the professional teams (mid wives, social workers etc) 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.

From Botcheston WI I would like to wish all the readers a Very Happy Christmas and hope that the New Year brings us all good health.

We look forward to welcoming you.

13

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!

Sheila Flatt

Materialism is buying things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people who don’t matter.

14

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Bagworth School in the 1950s 1950: The school reopened on Jan 10th.

A MANAGERS’ meeting was held on March 24.

It was decided to give a teaching job to Mrs Evans The meeting noted that the school and canteen were in urgent need of internal decoration. In addition, the lighting in Classroom 1 was unsuitable and required three additional points, especially during the winter.

The school was closed for Easter from April 5th to 25th.

The Headmaster says that on May 1st, Mrs K M Evans was appointed as Infant teacher.

At the Managers’ meeting on July 24th, the Headmaster had wanted the summer holiday dates to be changed.

The Committee had refused.

Instead the Headmaster was granted leave of absence on September 6th to 8th so that he could take part in a bird watching expedition. It was noted that the school holidays could not be changed because they were fixed centrally by the committee. The Managers could decide on 16 occasional days, though it was strongly suggested that there was at least a three day break during the Autumn term because of its length. The Managers decided to have a mid term break to coincide with the Bagworth Wakes. Mr Dorsett had asked the County Architect to inspect the school regarding subsidence. The Managers suggested that a representative of the Committee visit as well as soon as possible as the ceiling was dangerous in a number of places.

The school closed on July 25th for the summer holidays and there were 20 leavers. When it reopened on September 6th there were 124 children on roll. At the Managers’ meeting on September 27th Mr Prime was appointed as chairman for the ensuing year. The Coal Board had carried out repairs regarding subsidence.

Mr Dorsett had raised the question of having a suitable medical inspection room. The school kitchen also needed urgent redecoration. In addi-

tion, the hole for the flue pipe for the old range had not been filled in and when it rained water dripped onto the new stove.

At the same meeting, the Maynard Trust had had two applications for grants. Patricia M Frearson had passed her School Certificate Examination and intended to go to Coalville Grammar School. She was not given a grant because money had been gained through Maintenance Allowance under the Committee’s Scale of Aid money. The second request was from Thomas M Foster who was a student at Loughborough University. He was not given money from the Trust because he had already received a County Scholarship covering tuition fees and £190 p.a. for maintenance.

The school was closed on October 2nd, 3rd and 4th for the Wakes. The school was closed on December 18th as there was no fuel.

1951: The school reopened on Jan 9th.

AT A MANAGERS’ meeting on March 31st the Clerk was asked to write to the Committee regarding a medical inspection room which would double as a staffroom.

The Clerk of Works was to inspect all of the ceilings in the schoolhouse which had cracked. In addition, the copper in the schoolhouse required attention as it had come away from the wall.

A Managers’ meeting on June

5th heard that the Clerk of the Works and a representative from the NCB had inspected the school and had made arrangements for immediate repairs which were due to subsidence.

The school closed on July 13th because 49 children were taken to London to see the Festival Exhibition. (This was the Festival of Britain exhibition. The aim of the exhibition was to raise the nation’s spirits after the war years and to celebrate the best of British art, design and industry. ) When the school closed for the summer vacation on July 24th five transferred to Coalville and Ashby Grammar Schools and thirteen went to Ibstock Secondary Modern School.

When the school reopened on September 11th there were 134 on roll.

The school was closed on October 25th because of an election. A Managers’ meeting was held on October 29th.

Mrs Chiswell had resigned as caretaker. There were three applicants for the post: Mrs I Willett, 23 Main Street, Mrs O Kirk, 14 Northfield Estate and Miss C Haywood, 20 Station Road. After interviews, Miss C Haywood was appointed.

A Managers’ meeting was held on November 20th. The County Architect Building Inspector had met Mr Hemsley of the National Coal Board on August 10th and they had looked at the school and the schoolhouse.

They had agreed the following repairs: repairs to boundary

wall and rebedding of loose coping stones; take down and rebuild part of the front gable and square up the windows; cutting out of fractured brickwork in various places and pointing in new brickwork.

This would be done before the school reopened and would complete the repairs.

Redecoration would then take place at Christmas. In the schoolhouse, the cracks in the ceilings were not dangerous.

Due to the near retirement of the Headmaster, it was decided to defer the work until the schoolhouse was unoccupied.

The Committee had accepted a tender of £223 from Mr J V Kelley, Coalville to redecorate the school.

At the same meeting it was reported that the Headmaster had granted free school meals to two children of Mrs Haywood whose husband had been killed recently in tragic circumstances.

For these to continue, the Headmaster required details of the family’s income but it was not forthcoming. The Managers agreed that the free meals should continue.

The Education Committee had looked at the way that caretakers’ wages were worked out. It was decided that it should be worked out on floor area. Consequently, Miss Haywood’s wages would rise from £100 to £121 6s which would be backdated to her appointment. The school was closed for Christmas on December 20th and the Christmas party was held.

1952: The school reopened on Jan 8th.

A MANAGERS’ meeting was held on February 19th.

There had been further movement in the buildings since the Christmas redecoration. Mrs Haywood had still not provided information about her family’s income.

It was agreed that the free school meals would be discontinued after the mid term holidays. A window of the school had caved in and three chairs had been smashed by the debris. These would need to be

One reason why computers can do more work than people is that they never have to stop and answer the phone.

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

From Bob Austin “The Headmaster reported that the playground appeared to be sinking, but not in a way that was dangerous to the children.” replaced.

A meeting of the Managers took place on June 24th. Mr Prime was absent so W J Dorsett took the chair. He was congratulated on recently becoming an Alderman and being appointed to the Aldermanic Bench. The Headmaster reported that the playground appeared to be sinking, but not in a way that was dangerous to the children.

A Managers’ meeting took place on November 4. Mr Prime was appointed as chairman for the ensuing year. The tender of Mr A Gough was accepted for the external painting of the school, the schoolhouse and the kitchen. By the time of this meeting, that work had been completed.

Four portable screens to create a medical inspection area had been delivered. One of the large windows had moved.

Messrs R Screaton had been called in to wedge the window as a safety measure. A second window was now also moving and a number of other windows were showing signs of subsidence movement which needed checking. The Clerk of the Works was to be asked to investigate immediately.

A Managers’ meeting on December 9 received the resignation of the Headmaster with regret. He would terminate his employment on April 30th. It was ‘unanimously resolved to place on record the Managers’ great appreciation of the faithful service which Mr Heath had given to the school and the village of Bagworth during the 22 years he had served as Headmaster of the school. It was further resolved that the Clerk should inform Mr Heath of the Managers’ resolution and convey to him their best wishes for a long

and happy retirement.’

1953: The school reopened on Jan 6th THE HEADMASTER was absent from January 6th to 20th and from March 30 to April 1st.

On January 28th a Special Meeting of the Managers was held to interview the applicants for the Headship.

The applicants were: Mr H R Bowering of Warrington, Lancashire.

Mr J C Foster of Coalville Mr C N Hunter of Rothley Mr J D Nourish of Lutterworth Mr A Taylor of Blaby.

Mr Bowering was appointed.

A meeting of the Managers was held on March 3. The Director and Education Committee had decided that schools could be let rentfree for suitable meetings to organise Coronation activities and for Coronation lettings.

The only fee to be paid would be to the caretaker. The Clerk had received a request from the Secretary of the Bagworth Coronation Committee to use the school on Coronation Day. The Managers agreed to support this.

At the same meeting they heard that Mr Bowering had visited the schoolhouse and had a list of repair requests.

The Managers recommended that these should be done as no money had been spent on the house for over 20 years, but money had been coming in in the form of rent. Albert Gough was paid £101 2s 6d for decorating the outside of the school. Miss Hounam had collected £5 from the scholars for a leaving present for the Headmaster. It was suggested that she might consider purchasing an electric razor and/or a reading lamp.

On April 1 Mr Heath wrote ‘My duties terminate today after 22 years as Headmaster of this school’. Mr Harold Ruskin Bowering was appointed as the new Headmaster. His duties were to commence on April 21st.

15

Groby The

Ex-Servicemen’s Club

Friday 17th December 2021

JAMIE CAVEN & KEVIN PAINTER

DARTS EXHIBITION at the Club

Jamie Caven is carrying out a round robin of different venues in Leicestershire.

Groby Club have secured Kevin Painter to star alongside him.

Tickets are £8 each or £30 for 4 tickets.

Visit the club to purchase your tickets.

Event starts at 7PM. This event is open to All.

Ever yone at Groby Ex-Ser vicemen’s Social Club would like to wish you all a ver y Merr y Christmas & Happy New Year!

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Social Club Ltd, 16-18 Leicester Road, Groby LE6 0DJ

Tel: 0116 287 1809 Email: groby.exservicemensclub@gmail.com

One of the greatest labour-saving devices of today is tomorrow.

16

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

MARKFIELD METHODIST CHURCH RECITALS

A WONDERFUL CONCERT AND TRIBUTE

MARKFIELD Methodist Church have once again been treated to the wonderful music of Hungarian pianist Renata Konyicska (pictured above).

This was a very special performance, being both the first since the pandemic began, and since Malcolm Goldring sadly passed away. It was Malcolm’s concept, drive and connections in the world of music that brought recitals to our Church and, with Renata being our first recital performing in 2017 when she inaugurated our beautiful new piano and then becoming a good friend to Malcolm and Rebecca, it was very fitting that she played some of Malcolm’s favourite music. The evening was a very wonderful tribute to Malcolm who himself was of course a wonderful musician, conductor and composer.

Our 2022 recitals promise more wonderful evenings, please see our website for more details or call 07979 607099.

• Friday 18th March – Saxophone – Alistair Parnell • Friday 2nd September – Piano – Domonkos Csabay • Friday 11th November – Piano and Cello – John Parsons and Beatte Toyka www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB – Markfield Methodist Church

Spotted on a church notice board When you were born, your mother brought you here.

When you were married, your partner brought you here.

When you die, your family will bring you here.

In the meantime, why not try coming on your own sometimes?

AWARD WINNING SCUBA IS BACK BETTER THAN EVER!

THE AWARD-winning SCUBA business networking event held at South Charnwood High School was back last week for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Almost thirty local companies were in attendance to enjoy the hospitality, keynote presentations and network with each other. They enjoyed a fascinating talk by James Taylor from the firm Macildowie, one of the UK’s leading independent recruitment businesses, discussing the current labour market and the impact of the great resignation. Gerarde Manley from the LLEP (Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership) explained the growth areas in business & employment expected in Leicestershire over the next 10 years.

SCUBA is organised and run by Year 10 pupils at South Charnwood High School with the help of Simon Andrews (Deputy Headteacher) and Kathryn Juszkiewicz (Assistant Headteacher & Careers Lead). The success of this business network was recognised by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce as the winner of the Business and Education Partnership Award in 2020.

We encourage local SME businesses to join our growing network at our next event held at the school between 4.00-6.00pm on Thursday 24th March 2022. Please contact Simon or Kathryn at the school to register your interest or book a place at the event in March via office@southcharnwood.org

While the Swiss Army Knife has been popular for years, the Swiss Navy Knife has remained largely unheralded. Its single blade functions as a tiny canoe paddle.

I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.

A harp is a piano with no clothes on.

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

Christmas Cryptic Clues from Sheila 1.

2.

Papa Noel Evergreen dropping its needles at home 3. Victoria Cross, George Medal & Purple Heart 4. Martin selects Christmas decoration 5. Tinkerbell’s illuminations 6. I saw Santa Claus kissing Mummy under this 7. Willoughby, Hunter & Johnson picking up prickly leaves?

8. Celebrity in the sky?

9. Donations from Santa Claus?

10. Rhyming slang for eyes 11. Sweet goes up in flames?

12. European vegetable loved by all!

13. You don’t have to go there for dinner 14. This red bird goes bob, bob, bobbing along 15. How can Santa visit places without them?

16. Is one horse pulling this open tobaggan?

17. Kirkwood, Vaunderman & Decker vocaling these at Christmas?

18. Ace of Diamonds, 4 of Clubs & King of Spades 19. Rock as bye baby but not in the tree top 20. Muhammad Ali & George Foreman sparring on this day?

21. Winter type of male perhaps 22. Icy cold cereals maybe 23. Hung on the end of the bed in bygone times 24. This tradition goes with a bang 25. It’s behind you!

ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

17

LEICESTER CURRY AWARDS WINNER

Indian Fusion Charity Dinner raises £1,500 for LOROS

TO CELEBRATE Indian Fusion Bar & Restaurant winning the Leicester Curry Awards 2020/2021 they organised a Fundraising Charity Dinner in Aid of LOROS on Sunday 7th of November.

The event was a massive success and raised £1,500 for the Hospice. Indian Fusion, based in Main Street, Markfield, would like to thanks their friends and customers for their amazing support with the event.

The presentation was attended by Debbie Dickman, Supporter Engagement Co-ordinator from LOROS. Debbie said “It was a pleasure to attend and accept this donation on behalf of LOROS. The last 18 months have been an extremely difficult time for the Hospice and the support of businesses in the community raising much needed funds for the Hospice, really is appreciated.

Phil Durham

01530 231928 Mob: 07535 182402 290 Station Road BAGWORTH LE67 1BN

IT’S BACK!

2 CARPETS FOR £50

Funding extension means support for hundreds of local firms

A KEY source of support for Leicester and Leicestershire’s businesses will be able to reach nearly 200 more firms following a decision to extend its funding.

An additional £2million of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money has been awarded to Leicester City Council and partners for the Growth Hub project – a service providing a one-stop shop for business support across the city and county as part of the Business Gateway Growth Hub service.

The funding award means businesses will now be able to get a share of additional grants totalling just over half a million pounds, and continued access to a range of business support services. Leicester City Council is the accountable body for the current ERDF project and the additional £2m of funding means the programme will now be extended until June 2023, enabling it to provide continuing support to firms still recovering from the disruption to the their trading caused by Covid-19.

The Growth Hub services include: • Professional business advisers to support businesses throughout their development, offering advice on issues including business planning, funding and growth • A programme of business-related events and workshops/ seminars, covering a range of topics including reducing carbon emissions, becoming more innovative and adopting digital marketing • A dedicated programme to accelerate the growth of businesses created from 2018 onwards • Regular webinars on aspects of finance including where to find funding and how to apply for it successfully • Referral of clients to complementary grant schemes such as the Digital Growth and ‘Scale-Up’ programmes The additional funding means it will be able to provide support to another 188 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the city and county. The service has already helped over 500 SMEs and created over 200 jobs.

The funding makes available a further £490,000 of capital grants and £163,000 of revenue grants for businesses.

Businesses wishing to access support should visit https://bizgateway.org.uk or call 0116 366 8487.

The horse I bet on was so slow, the jockey kept a diary of the trip.

18

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Dear Friends, It’s looking a lot like Christmas…and I dare say, many of us would rather not have a repeat of last year, especially all the uncertainty.

Though the situation did also spark some great cartoons.

One showed the Three Wise Men bringing….milk, pasta and loo roll, because the nonessential shops were shut!

This gave me a laugh, but also made me think. Weren’t the lavish gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh wasted on a baby who had no idea what was going on?

Well, maybe. Yet by giving these expensive gifts, the Wise Men were recognising Jesus as someone special and significant. Though Jesus’ active ministry didn’t start until he was about 30, he was already significant and special, as God’s Son. This also says something both about our value to God, and how we should value others. God knew each of us before we were aware of us, and continues to love us when we’re too old or ill to “do” anything. God loves the people we like and the people we don’t like, the people whom the world rates as important, and those whom it disregards.

This Christmas, may we know more deeply God’s constant, unconditional love for us… and share that love with all whom we meet.

SERVICES WE OFFER PATIO INSTALLATION BLOCK PAVING DECKING FENCING TURFING & ARTIFICIAL GRASS JET WASHING

GARDEN MAINTENANCE LAWN MOWING HEDGE TRIMMING WEEDING PLANTING UP

Judith Lincoln

Call, text or whatsapp Liam on 07904645654

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

KIDS’ BOOK SPOT More Sausages

By Arabella Bumfuzzle

HAVING spent many years volunteering in a Dog Rescue Centre, Arabella portrays the behaviour and possible thoughts experienced by the dogs through a series of entertaining happenings.

The book is set to become a firm favourite among dog and animal loving children and is aimed at those aged 6-9 years.

In addition, parents who are rescuing a dog for their family will benefit greatly from purchasing this book for the whole family to enjoy together.

Helping understand what dogs have been through in the kennels before becoming a new member of the family is vital, and Arabella’s book words the encounter perfectly for a child to digest.

The story is based around a dog named Carter, only two years old.

Carter’s owners are becoming old, and are retreating to a retirement home where dogs are banned. The couple decide to give Carter reluctantly to a shelter. Here, the Collie learns the hardships of living there. Hungry, bored and homesick, a great deal of his time is spent performing for the public as they pass him by each day as he desperately tries to get a forever home.

With this book comes another positive. With the sale of every book, a proportion of that profit is given to the Blue Cross. Cleverly written, ‘More Sausages’ is fun, packed with adventure, and provides an educational experience for children.

WINTER TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS

A government warning said that anyone travelling in icy conditions should take: shovel, blankets, sleeping bag, scarf, hat and gloves, 24 hours supply of food and drink, de-icer, rock salt, torch, spare batteries, road flares, reflective triangles, tow rope, a five gallon petrol jerrycan, first aid kit, and jump leads. So … I looked a complete idiot on the bus this morning!

Cryptic Quiz Answers 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

Father Christmas Christmas tree Decorations Tinsel Fairy lights Mistletoe Holly Star Presents Mince pies Christmas pudding Brussel sprouts Turkey Robin Reindeer Sleigh Carols Cards Crib Boxing Day Snowman Snowflakes Stocking Crackers Pantomime

Fordslandscapingandgardens @gmail.com

Ford's landscaping and gardens

Markfield Congregational Community Church TO KEEP everyone as safe as possible, please note that the following events will be held following Covid-19 guidelines and if you have any covid symptoms please stay at home to protect yourself and others.

SATURDAY 11TH DECEMBER Coffee / tea and mince pies 10.00 to 12.00 table service following covid guidelines.

SUNDAY 12TH DECEMBER Nativity service 10.30 to 11.30.

SUNDAY 19TH DECEMBER Lessons and Carols 10.30 to 11.30.

MONDAY 20TH DECEMBER Sing Christmas 7.00 to 8.00.

We will be following the Radio Leicester service with words projected onto our large screen.

For further information please contact Angela Berry on 07971 254165.

If you enjoy reading the Herald, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it.

I’ve always wanted to be normal, but lately I’ve come to suspect that this is it.

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

19

Markfield Community and Sports Centre News from Ron & Dawn Grantham CHRISTMAS CLOSURE

The Centre will be closed over the Christmas holidays from 24th December and reopen on -January 2022

PRECAUTIONS

In order to protect our staff, volunteers and Centre users, we are continuing to remain cautious and ask you to please be careful, wear a face mask on entering the building and in our designated FACE MASK ZONES where there is the greatest risk of passing on infection. We would also ask you to sanitise your hands on entry and we continue to maintain a track and trace system.

SEASON GREETINGS

May we take this opportunity to wish all staff, volunteers, Centre users and all those who have supported us over the years a very Happy and, with fingers crossed, an enjoyable Christmas with family and friends. We also wish you all a safe and healthy New Year hoping that 2022 will see us all go back to some level of normality and this terrible pandemic finally subsides.

Our special greetings and thanks go to all those dozens of volunteers who have supported our Markfield COVID 19 Good neighbours Scheme and our Mayflower Club over the past year.

Going back on what the Scheme has done to support the village over the past year is absolutely amazing. Their voluntary support for our community has remained unwavering and will continue into the future. Happy Christmas to you all and a BIG THANK YOU. Without your voluntary efforts we could not have achieved such tremendous support for those who needed it the most. Hopefully conditions will get better allowing us to have a big thank you party in the spring or summer. Once again thank you all.

Please remember that IT’S STILL OKAY TO ASK if you need any help, support or advice just ring us on 07885 243033 and we will do our level best to help.

details please contact the Centre.

MAYFLOWER CLUB A Farewell To Joyce

Sadly, one of our original members of the Mayflower Club, Joyce Briggs passed away this month.

Joyce had celebrated her 96th Birthday earlier this year. But, it’s a happy farewell with lots of fond memories of Joyce. Joyce had a full and rich life often recounting her times when growing up, being a member of the Land Army during the war and even driving a tractor, working in the hosiery trade and also being a pub land lady. There are many fond memories of Joyce at the Mayflower Club. She always joined in with all our activities no matter how difficult they may have been for her. She famously became our “World Conkers” Champion and on one occasion even won our “Wimbledon” Ladies swing ball tennis championship.

She really enjoyed all our parties especially the food and the odd tipple of home-made wine. The fondest memories of Joyce are of her cheeky smile and laughter.

All our heart-felt condolences go her family BUT cheers Joyce you will always be missed and fondly remembered.

Last Month

On the 10th November Carol Hill gave us a very useful and interesting talk on CARERSUK.

This is a voluntary organisation that provides information and support for carers across the country. The talk provided a Carers Guide on the challenges of being a carer, how to get help and support, financial support and how to juggle work with caring.

On the 17th November Zina Visa the Scams Liaison Officer from the Leicestershire Trading Standards Projects Team came along to give us all a talk on the latest scams.

These scams or attempted scams blight all our lives but are especially worrying and indeed frightening for our more elderly and vulnerable residents. Zina’s talk gave us an insight into the current scams going around, how to avoid them and even how to report them to the authorities.

On a lighter note we headed to the Bull’s Head at Abbots Oak on 24th November for a lovely lunch and social. Many thanks to all the staff at the Bull’s Head for making us feel so welcome and providing a lovely lunch. We all really enjoyed it.

On the 1st December we spent the day at Ulverscroft Manor.

Starting off with tea/coffee and biscuits our members soon settled down playing pin ball and cards.

At lunch time we were treated to a fantastic Christmas Dinner of turkey and all the trimmings followed by Christmas Pudding. It was scrumptious. In the afternoon

Supporting you in your home We are leaders in the community helping people to live at home indepenently. Our friendly and supportive staff have been providing assistance to our clients for over 25 years our staff have full references, an enhanced DBS and have completed extensive training.

At Bosworth Homecare we build and tailor packages of support to meet our client’s individual needs. Our support plans can be any combination of the many services we offer including, medication, personal care, assistance with domestic tasks and shopping. We also support our clients to hospital appointments, social activities and offer a befriending service.

CHRISTMAS

The Centre is supporting other Christmas activities:

Toys On The Table

To ensure that all needy children receive a Christmas present on Christmas Day the Centre is acting as a collection point for gifts of toys.

Toys must be new and they will be wrapped for you. Please just drop off your donated toys at the Centre.

Don’t Spend Christmas Alone

Anstey Church has resumed providing a Christmas Day event and meal for those who will be alone on Christmas Day. For further

members again enjoyed indoor games or just gathered round to have a good old natter. The more adventurous of us braved the weather to explore the site on a buggy. I was amazed as to how big the site is and what marvellous woodland activities it has to offer and it’s right on our doorstep. The day concluded with tea, coffee and delicious home-made mince pies. The truly magical Christmas treat and enjoyed by all. Our sincere thanks go to Jenni and all the volunteers at the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation.

We are now planning events for 2022 including: A 9th Anniversary Party, Burns Supper, a talk on Wills, Probate and Wishes, Creative Arts and much more.

If you are lonely, need company or just want to get out and socialise why don’t you make it your New Year’s Resolution to come along to the Mayflower Club sessions you will be most welcome.

If you would like to join in, please come along on Monday and Wednesday afternoons 2pm to 4pm. The cost is only £2.00p per session and includes a cuppa and biscuits. Please remember to bring your face mask and sanitise your hands when you come into the Centre.

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.

Domestic Duties • Shopping • Meal Preparation Medication Assistance • Personal Care Support with Social Activities, Hospital Appointments and a Befriending Service

Tel · 01455 292648

We have been rated GOOD by the Care Quality Commission and became the first homecare provider to achieve the local authorities Dignity and Respect Award. If you would like to discuss any support needs for yourself or your loved one please contact our dedicated team.

Friendly and Compassionate Carer’s also required to support our clients in your area

Email · managementteam@givecare.co.uk | www.bosworthhomecare.co.uk Bosworth Homecare 7a Main Street Market Bosworth CV13 0JN

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?

20

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Medical Centre and PPG December Update

Markfield Medical MarkfieldCentre Medical Centreand and PPGPPG DecemberUpdate Update

AFTER ALMOST complete reliance on Zoom for somewhat irregular meetings during the pandemic it is pleasing to be able to report that members of the Markfield Medical Centre Patient Participation Group have now held two faceto-face meetings this autumn, notwithstanding the continual need to observe appropriate Covid safeguarding measures.

Barring any more unforeseen events it is hoped further updates like this will once again become a regular feature in The Herald.

• COVID VACCINATIONS at Measham Leisure Centre will be ceasing at the end of December.

The Coalville Community Hospital site will continue into 2022 but the service will be run by the CCG rather than practices. From January 2022 Covid vaccination appointments, including boosters, will only be bookable through the national booking site online or by calling 119, but vaccinations will be offered at various sites across Leicestershire including pharmacies, details of which are expected to be announced by the NHS in due course.

• ADDITIONAL HCA AND NURSE APPOINTMENTS are being made available from January 2022 following the receipt by the practice of additional NHS funding. Blood test appointments will be bookable from 7.15 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays and routine HCA and Nurse appointments will be available on alternate Saturdays from 8 January.

• UP TO 400 PHONE CALLS per day have been received by the surgery over the last three months and naturally, some days have been busier than others. Needless to say, there is a finite number of staff available to handle these calls and regrettably this leads to congestion and delays in calls being answered, especially at peak times such as trying to book an appointment from 8.00 am.

The inevitable consequence is that patients become increasingly frustrated and feel that they are not receiving the level of service they expect. Unfortunately, at this time of year the incidence of (mainly) minor illnesses increases and this has an adverse impact on the number of phone calls received. However, there are a number of ways in which patients

Christmas and New Year Surgery Opening Hours – patients are advised to get their prescription requests in early to the restricted overare theadvised Christmas andtheir New Year Christmas and New Yeardue Surgery Openingopening Hours times – patients to get holiday period.

Requests at present canrestricted be accepted up to 10 days advance. prescription requests in early due to the opening times overin the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Requests at present can be accepted up to 10 days in advance.

Friday 24th December 8am – 4pm Closing early – Out of Hours service covering 6.30pm Friday 24th December 8am – 4pm Closing early – Out ofuntil Hours Saturday 25th December CLOSED Closed as normal service covering until 6.30pm Sunday 26 CLOSED Closed as normal Saturday 25ththDecember December CLOSED Closed as normal th th Sunday December CLOSED Closed asHoliday normal Monday2627 December CLOSED Bank Monday CLOSED Bank Holiday Tuesday27 28ththDecember December CLOSED Bank Holiday Tuesday 28th December CLOSED Bank Holiday Wednesday 29th December 8am – 6.30pm Open as normal st th December Wednesday 29 8am – 6.30pm Open as normal Thursday 30 December 8am – 6.30pm Open as normal st st December Thursday 8am – 6.30pm Open as normal Friday 3130 December 8am – 4pm Closing early – Out of Hours Friday 31st December 8am – 4pm Closing early – Out ofuntil Hours service covering 6.30pm st service covering until 6.30pm Saturday 1 January CLOSED Closed as normal Saturday 1ndst January January CLOSED Closed as normal Sunday 2nd CLOSED Closed as normal Sunday 2 January CLOSED Closed asHoliday normal h Monday 3rdh January CLOSED Bank Monday 3rd January CLOSED Bank Holiday Tuesday 4th January 8am – 6.30pm Open as normal Tuesday 4th January 8am – 6.30pm Open as normal

PPG members, GP Partners and staff of the Markfield surgery wish patients and their families a • WEIGHT non-emergency medical problem canPPG helpmembers, to alleviateGPmatters Partners and staff of the Markfield surgery wish patients and theirMANAGEMENT families a Merry Christmas and Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year.

Referral Programme is available or for generalNew advice from a GP themselves as follows: Merry Christmas and Happy, Safe and Healthy Year. to assist patients with a BMI over or other members of the Practice • THE APPOINTMENT LINE 30 to lose weight. Patients can team.

01530 242313 is strictly for phone and speak to the practice You can use your smartphone, making appointments and should secretary to arrange a referral tablet or computer to have an not be used for enquiries; and without first having to speak to online consultation and the the Enquiry Line 01530 249461 is a GP or a member of the nursing service is accessed via a link available from 10.00 am. (Note: In team. response to patient criticism the on the practice website www.

• SELF-CARE is being promoted length of the standard recorded markfieldmedicalcentre.org.uk. by the NHS and offers the message has been shortened).

A reply will be sent within 48 following advice: • DIAL 111 for information and working hours by text or email advice on health conditions and PPG members, GP Partners and giving you advice about what to symptoms. staff of the Markfield surgery wish do next and if a member of the patients and their families a Merry Practice team needs to get in • ONLINE CONSULTATIONS is Christmas and Happy, Safe and touch with you, a phone or video an online consultation service you Healthy New Year. consultation might be suggested. can use to ask for help about a

Why is it that people say they ‘slept like a baby’ when babies wake up like every two hours?

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

21

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR ELECTRICIAN A one-stop professional & reliable service ♦Fixed Wiring Testing ♦Landlord Certification ♦Expert Fault Finding ♦Fuse Board Upgrades ♦Extra Sockets & Lights ♦Electric Heating

County Councillor Peter Bedford

♦Complete Rewiring (with minimal disruption)

♦Cottage Specialists ♦Electrics Showers (Inc. Plumbing) ♦Security (Alarms, CCTV, Lights) ♦Free No Obligation Quotes

Control Electrics (Leics.) Ltd

Peter.Bedford@leics.gov.uk

Call: 0116 268 2910

01455 824733

Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7BR

• 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

Mobile: 07494820600 - Telephone: 01530 231 631 Email: eandlmaintenanceltd@outlook.com

I never start something that I am not going to fi

22

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Library News WHAT A BUSY couple of months it has been here at the community library, with volunteers working their socks off!

Our Halloween Haunted Woods event went down a treat (literally - we had no treats left!)! It was the first time it had been done and we hope you feel the same way we do, in saying it was fantastic and great to see the community coming together, enjoying hot drinks and watching the children (and adults) enjoy themselves. We hope, with your support, we can hold this event next year. A special thanks to all volunteers and their spouses, friends and family and also to the Markfield Co-Op for their generous donation of sweets.

We then transformed into Remembrance, with a lovely display and a sea of poppies. This year a wreath was placed on the village War Memorial on behalf of the library, by Trustee Chris Robson. Lest we forget.

Christmas has come around quickly and we won’t be holding an event this year, but, watch this space for the “Events Calendar 2022”.

We will however, be holding a small raffle so do pop into the library and support us. We will also be putting the “yarn bomb” between the trees for all to place your decorations.

You may have seen the Christmas lights on the lamp posts on Main Street? Aside from the Parish Council working hard to achieve this, your Community Library also made a contribution towards the costs.

We would like to say thank you for the

generous donations of good quality used children’s books from the local community. They have been sent to Leicestershire County Council to be wrapped and distributed through their Children and Family Wellbeing Service to make sure as many children as possible get the gift of a book this Christmas.

On that note, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Markfield Community Library!

CHRISTMAS CLOSURE DETAILS The library will be closed on Friday 24th December, reopening on Tuesday 4th January 2022.

Margaret Bowler – Chair Claire Harris – Volunteer (Events and Fundraising)

Happy Christmas from Cross Hills Baptist Church

DO YOU FIND that Christmas seems to be a hurried rush of buying gifts, preparing food, shopping, organising, writing cards, wrapping presents, merrymaking and lots more each year? Christmas comes and goes and then once the rush is over you are exhausted, before you know it, you are back to your normal daily routine.

This last couple of years have taught us to appreciate what we already have, to love the company we are able to be with and to see Christmas in a way that seems to have been lost in that hurried frenzy of preparations.

As Christians, there is nothing more meaningful than learning more about Jesus Christ, the Saviour whose birth we celebrate. For He is so much more than a baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Jesus is someone to put your trust in, have courage to believe in God just like Joseph and Mary did when they undoubtedly suffered ridicule. Mary, a virgin and pregnant, Joseph learning that Mary was going to have a baby. How must they have felt when they discovered this? Who did they turn to? who do you turn to when life is not what you anticipated?

Maybe this year is your year to make a change, create time to appreciate what you already have and make a meaningful Christmas. Trust that God has everything in hand, trust that He is someone you can turn to when things don’t seem to be going too well, trust God when His ways are different from ours.

Trust Him! Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

Bekki Holmes and all at Cross Hills Baptist Church.

Rummaging in an overgrown garden will always turn up a bouncy ball.

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

HERALD SMALL ADS • Mothercare Tiger HIGH CHAIR, v.g.c. Price: £10.

• Lindam STAIR GATE, hardly used.

Price: £10.

Tel: 07811 636187 (Groby) • Dwell Marseille 3 seater LEATHER SOFA, purchased October 2016 at a cost of £1,099. Colour is specified as stone (putty colour). Very good condition as always had throws over it. Very similar sofa can be seen on Dwell’s web site under the new name of Albi at a cost of £1,599 (dim’s differ slightly). Original paperwork can be viewed. Framework under guarantee until October 2026. Dimensions are : h:73cm, w:198cm’ d:87cm. Price: £250 o.n.o.

Tel: 01530 244893 (Groby) • Two portable WORK BENCHES. Good condition. Price: £10 each.

Tel: 07547 901657 (Glenfield) • Quingo Sport MOBILITY SCOOTER for sale. Drives very well but needs new batteries for peace of mind. Price: £195.

Tel: 01530 243158 (Markfield) • REVITIVE MEDIC V2 & ACCESSORIES as seen on TV. Hardly used, remote controlled, power adaptor, instruction booklet.

Dual mode electrode body pads and travel bag, both unused. Comes with original box. Offers over £175.

Tel: 07831 763257 (Groby) • CD PLAYER with two speakers.

Good working order. Hardly used.

Price: £10.

Tel: 01530 245482 (Markfield) • Wicker PICNIC BASKET (as new) 2 plates, 2 knives, 2 forks, 2 tea spoons. (Ideal to make christmas hamper) Price: £10.

• Brass DOOR HANDLES (5 pairs) Price: £10 the lot.

• Sainsburys Fitted SINGLE COTTON SHEET. (New in packet) Light blue.

Price: £3.

Tel: 07547 901657 (Glenfield) • Duracraft DEHUMIDIFIER. Price: £30.

Tel 01530 243022 (Markfield).

• Ladies Jaques Vert full length CAMEL COAT. Hardly worn. Size 18.

Price: £50 Tel: 07941 049939 (Markfield) • DRUM SET (full size) red. Gear 4 Music, Bass drum, floor tom, 2 small tom’s,snare drum ,High hat, cymbel on stand & seat, hardly used, comes with practice pads. Model no BDK-1 Price: £95.

• Squier Stratocaster sunburst ELECTRIC GUITAR, comes with 10 watt practice amp & carry bag, good condition again, hardly used. Price: £100.

Tel: 07561 816369 (Groby)

• Einhem ROTOVATOR - 2 years old, in good working order, deep cutting tynes, single wheel at front.

Tynes - 2 no.Price: £250.

• Men’s MOUNTAIN BIKE - 3 years old, 40” wheels, steel frame, full suspension chassis, shenaldo 6 gears, complete with helmet, sports camera for handle bars or helmet.

Price: £75 o.n.o.

• Wurzburgh GASOLINE GENERATOR W-8500, complete with plug leads. Purchased 9 months ago. Cost £220, used 4 times. Five connection points. Suitable for all 240 volt tools and machinery. Price: £130.

• Switzer ROTOVATOR, 4 stroke, 6hp, 14 months old. Cost £450. Used 2/3 times on allotment. Real heavy duty machine. Price: £375.

• Tanaka STRIMMER - 2 stroke, bush cutter compete with spools and bush cutting blades, 2 no. Serviced regularly. For use on allotment. In good working order. Price: £95.

• 2 Stroke CHAINSAW - complete with guard and helmet. Regularly serviced. Price: £60.

All the above have been used on allotment. Reason for sale: I am giving up allotment. I will deliver anywhere within Markfield area.

Tel: 01530 589369 or 07908 505037.(Stanton-under-Bardon) • Multi COMPUTER CABINET - Light solid oak from Next (Heavy).

Perfect to hide your computer and printer.Very good condition.

Price: £45.00 Tel: 0116 231 4288 (Groby) • Electric GOLF TROLLEY Powakaddy classic legend - with battery charger. Good condition.

Price £65.

Tel: 07771 971773 (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).

Positive Thoughts

A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results. - Wade Boggs

23

Groby The

Ex-Servicemen’s Club

Great LIVE Entertainment right here on your doorstep!

New Year’s Eve

Kellie

plus

Mr D Smoov

A Night Not To Be Missed As We Celebrate New Year’s Eve In Style Here At The Club Tickets: £5 members - £7 non-members

Tickets Available NOW FROM THE BAR STAFF

bottle bingo! h Tuesdays 14t er b & 21st Decem Bingo Tickets On Sale From 8pm And Eyes Down At 8.30pm Come on down and enjoy with family & friends!

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Social Club Ltd, 16-18 Leicester Road, Groby LE6 0DJ

Tel: 0116 287 1809 Email: groby.exservicemensclub@gmail.com

Despite constant warning, you have never met anybody who has had their arm broken by a swan.

24

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Local Church Services Sunday 12th Dec

St Michaels & All Angels, Markfield 10.30am Nativity at Congregational Church St Peter’s, Copt Oak 6.00pm Carol Service St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am J22 Community Worship 6.00pm Carol Service St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am Carol Service

Sunday 19th Dec

St Michaels & All Angels, Markfield 2.00pm J22 Community Nativity at Little Markfield Farm St Peter’s, Copt Oak 2.00pm J22 Community Nativity at Little Markfield Farm St Peter’s, Thornton 2.00pm J22 Community Nativity at Little Markfield Farm St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 2.00pm J22 Community Nativity at Little Markfield Farm

Friday 24th Dec

St Michaels & All Angels, Markfield 6.00pm Christingle 11.30pm Holy Communion St Peter’s, Copt Oak 9.00pm Holy Communion St Peter’s, Thornton 4.00pm Christingle 11.30pm Holy Communion St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 4.00pm Christingle

Saturday 25th Dec

St Michaels & All Angels, Markfield 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion at St Mary’s SuB St Peter’s, Copt Oak 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion at St Mary’s SuB St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion at St Mary’s SuB St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion at St Mary’s SuB

Run Pee - the must-have app for cinema-goers WE’VE ALL BEEN there, enjoying a movie, when nature calls. It starts with a whisper, then becomes a shout. Before you know it, you’re not watching the movie so much as watching for a chance to make a mad dash to the loo.

Many consider the RunPee app “the” essential movie app, because it does so much more than just give you the best moments to Run and Pee during a movie: • Built in Timer so you can enjoy using the RunPee app during a movie without disturbing those around you.

• Anything Extra in the end credits? We’ll let you know the details: exactly when the extra scene(s) are shown, how long they last, are they worth waiting for, and how long the credits last, etc.

• Peeple’s Poll: the definitive movie rating system that will tell you how people like a movie compared to their expectations, plus break down the ratings by gender and age, so you’ll know what people in your specific demographic think about a movie.

• Movie News and reviews: content related to the movie you’re seeing, and more.

• IMDb and RottenTomatoes: quick access directly to the movie you’ve selected at IMDb.com and RottenTomatoes.com.

• 3D movie quality: wondering if a movie is worth viewing in 3D?

CHILDREN IN NEED at Dove Bank School

CONGRATULATIONS to the School Council at Dove Bank Primary School for arranging a fantastic ‘Bring and Buy’ sale.

The children arranged this from start to finish and it was a great success. Everything that was donated has now found a new home and lots of money has been raised along the way.

Andrea Fletcher, Deputy Headteacher

Spot Spotthe TheDifferences Difference

Sunday 26th Dec

St Michaels & All Angels, Markfield 10.30am Online Benefice Service St Peter’s, Copt Oak 10.30am Online Benefice Service St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am Online Benefice Service St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am Online Benefice Service

Sunday 2nd Jan

St Michaels & All Angels, Markfield 10.30am J22 Community Worship St Peter’s, Copt Oak 6.00pm Holy Communion St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am All Age Service St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am Holy Communion

Can YOU spot the 10 differences in the cartoons above?

Answers are on page 27. Good luck!

My wife will buy anything that’s marked down. Last year she bought an escalator.

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

Planning Apps Single storey extension at side and rear of house to form residential annexe, dormer extension at rear - at 36 Highfields, Thornton, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1AD Conversion of agricultural building to dwelling, including single storey extension - at Hill Farm, Markfield Lane, Botcheston, Leicestershire LE9 9FH One outbuilding - at 3 Old Hall Barns, Markfield Road, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0FL Timber frame outbuilding to be used as annexe in rear garden - at 57 Forest Road, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9UN Conversion of roof of existing building to raised platform, greenhouses (retrospective) - at Former Copt Oak Youth Hostel, Whitwick Road, Copt Oak, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QB

Don’t forget to send us your news.

Email us at: info@ markfieldherald.co.uk

Leicestershire County Council aim to plant 700,000 trees THE COUNCIL is aiming to plant 700,000 trees - one for every person in Leicestershire.

Landowners and farmers are being invited to register for their free tree pack, in a bid to help the county council plant 700,000 trees – a tree for every person in Leicestershire.

Each pack includes 45 native trees - 15 each of oak, crab apple and hazel.

Leicestershire is one of the least wooded areas of the country, currently around 6 per cent woodland – well below the national average of 10 per cent.

The authority aims to get to the root of the problem as the initiative has been designed to help renew and restore existing tree cover, as well as regenerate countryside which is under threat from diseases such as Ash Dieback.

This forms part of the council’s aim to help plant a tree for every person in the county and enhance Leicestershire’s landscape.

Recipients of the tree packs today collected them from Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, near Loughborough.

To register for your free trees pack, please visit: www.woodlandtrust. org.uk/LeicsTrees or call on 0330 333 5303, and make sure you quote Leicestershire County Council trees. If you are a member of a community group, parish council or school you can also apply for your trees at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees

25

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

When I hear a baby, I always write down the noises he makes, so later I can ask him what he meant.

26

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Borough Councillor

Andy Furlong’s

UPDATE

Tel: 01530 231377 • Email: andy.furlong@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

Mountpark development near Stanton GIVEN THAT this is my final column for 2021, let’s get the bad news out of the way first.

Regular readers will be familiar with the battle to prevent industrial development encroaching onto the village of Stanton under Bardon.

Along with every one of my colleagues on Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s planning committee, I rejected a proposal by the Luxembourg based developer, Mountpark, to build a vast logistics complex on Stanton Lane - not just once, but twice. Predictably, the developer appealed against our decision, and a five-day public-inquiry took place in October. The government-appointed planning inspector disregarded local opinion and reversed our decision.

In her judgement, the inspector concluded that: “I have found that the schemes would result in a significant harm to the intrinsic value, beauty, open character and landscape character of the countryside.” In these times of heightened environmental concern, you might think that this would make for an open and shut case. Sadly not. In her ruling, the inspector went on to say: “I consider that the package of benefits is of such substance, in particular the economic and employment benefits, that it outweighs the harm that I have identified.”

Cash bonanza?

Now, given that much of the profit that will be made from her decision is likely to be squirrelled away in tax havens, one thing is clear. A small number of people just scooped a massive economic benefit. As for the rest of us who live in the area, it remains to be seen whether the muchtrumpeted cash bonanza for local residents ever comes to fruition.

Many conditions have been applied to the planning consent. Councillor Matthew Lay and I will continue to work with Stanton under Bardon Parish Council and local residents to ensure that these requirements are closely monitored and enforced.

Despite the grim warnings emanating from the COP 26 climate change talks, this was another victory for the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build!’ agenda. Whilst I’m all in favour of ‘levelling-up’ it makes me deeply sad to think that this can only be achieved by levelling the land, destroying our Leicestershire countryside in the process.

Borderline decision ELSEWHERE there are more bad tidings for Markfield.

As this issue of the Herald went to press, I received news of a new planning decision

by Charnwood Borough, a neighbouring district council.

Those who know their geography will be aware that Hinckley & Bosworth stops just to the other side of the stone wall along Ashby Road, which lies on the northern boundary of the village. This is an area with an unspoilt view across the Charnwood Forest to Beacon Hill and the western fringes of Bradgate Park. Readers will not be surprised to learn that previous applications to build in this area have been rejected.

Charnwood Borough Council finds itself in a similar predicament to Hinckley & Bosworth. The government is forcing them to build new housing in the face of opposition from local people. The Conservative-led council has discovered an ingenious solution – let’s build some houses in Markfield where it won’t be our problem.

Lines on a map are one thing. The realities of geography are different. If these houses are built, the development will be an extension of Markfield village. Future occupants will become Markfield residents and make use of village services including education, healthcare, roads and other infrastructure; but they’ll be paying their Council Tax to a different borough!

It’s little wonder that people are fed up with politics!

We have not yet heard the last of the matter. The Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council planning committee will meet on 14th December to

consider the application, but only on the narrow grounds of access, tree felling and the fair distribution of section 106 ‘planning gain’ monies. In principle we cannot stop the development from proceeding, but Matthew and I will be working hard to secure a fair deal for Markfield in the face of further unwanted development.

Recruitment drive ENOUGH DOOM and gloom. There are more positive developments to report.

Staffing challenges driven by COVID19 and the national shortage of HGV drivers has caused some disruption to waste collection services in recent months. This has resulted in the cancellation of some brown bin services, street cleaning and bulky waste collections.

At the final full council meeting of the year, we approved proposals to recruit additional drivers and support the training of existing staff as HGV drivers for waste collection services. Things should improve in 2022. Staff shortages in the planning department, which have slowed down the processing of applications across the borough, are also being addressed, notably with the recruitment of additional staff and a new Planning Manager. New appointments will be confirmed in the weeks to come.

Happy Christmas Mum THIS TIME last year, you’ll recall that I wrote about the difficulties facing my dear old mum who had been admitted to a care home in West Wales because of her dementia.

Family visits proved nigh on impossible due to the COVID19 restrictions, which have been far more stringent on the other side of the Severn Bridge.

Thankfully, the situation has eased somewhat, and last week I was able to visit her for the first time in many months. She proved to be in good spirits, and I hope to be able to see her again before the end of the year. I trust that everyone in such tricky circumstances gets the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones.

And finally…

LAST MONTH I wrote about the need for all of us to show more kindness in these difficult times.

Several readers contacted me to say ‘thank you’ for sharing such a positive, optimistic message and I’m pleased that you enjoyed reading it.

This prompted further reflection on modern life and the way in which it can influence our behaviour towards one another.

Like many of you I spend quite a lot of time talking to ‘Siri’ (other virtual assistants are available). Siri might be a robot, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be polite to her. So, I’m getting in the habit of saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when I ask Siri for help. I don’t think she notices for one minute, but it makes me feel better and those who overhear me often raise a smile – and that’s no bad thing.

Merry Christmas and very best wishes for 2022 to you all…

Stay safe.

Andy Furlong Contact me on 01530 231377 or via andy.furlong@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

I don’t mind going nowhere as long as it’s an interesting path.

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

The Grey Lady is for sale at £2m+

27

TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH MARKFIELD

www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

The Grey Estate Lady Agents are offering for sale The Grey BENTONS Sharpley Hill | Newtown Linford | Leicestershire | LE6 0AH Lady, Sharpley Hill, Newtown Linford, Leics.

Situated amongst Charnwood Forests most expensive residential properties and therefore offering considerable potential to convert to a substantial family home adjacent to Bradgate Park in two acres of grounds and offering over 6,500 sqft (planning consent previously granted).

Currently an award winning and high profitable established restaurant business with a fine reputation and an established wedding business. With 125 covers and luxuriously fitted throughout, the property also offers a unique ‘lifestyle’ business opportunity as it also includes a superb first floor living quarters with three reception rooms, five bedrooms, two bathrooms and shower room.

The Grey Lady is a historic property which has been run as a family restaurant for over three decades by two generations of the same family.

Only being offered due to retirement, the property offers a discerning Remodelled Open-plan Living/Dining Kitchen purchaser the opportunity to acquire 23'7" x 21'5" (7.2m x 6.53m) The kitchen section has been refitted with a brand new range of attractive contrasting grey one ofextensive Charnwood prime fronted units with ranges of Quartz work Forest’s surfacing and comprising a one and a half bowl sink with Quooker mixer tap inset within ranges of work surfacing and matching central island,properties full range of base cupboards, eye level units and integrated appliance including a Neff fan situated opposite Bradgate assisted electric oven, Neff integrated microwave with heater drawer underneath, all in stainless steel, central island incorporates a five ring hob with extractor hood over, integrated wine Park and Old John in the heart of the fridge, LG American style fridge/freezer. Attractive tiled splashbacks, LED spotlights, multipaned door and windows to rear, attractive ceramic tiled flooring, the kitchen area Forest.

The location is unsurpassed opening through to a large living/dining area with contemporary style double radiators, twoas sets of sealed double glazed French doors opening onto the roof garden with matching windows overlooking open countryside, further LED spotlighting, tiled flooring, a wedding venue withmatching theceramic romance brushed stainless steel sockets and light switches and a dresser unit with glass fronted display cupboards and matching work surfacing. and stunning views. of the location Sitting Room One The property currently offers three 17'1" x 11'2" (5.2m x 3.4m) Fireplace recess with electric fire and built-in airing cupboard. large restaurant areas and 125 covers Bedroom Two 14'9"together x 12'2" (4.5m x 3.7m) with a separate function room.

Built-in range of bedroom furniture comprising three double hanging wardrobes, two single wardrobes and three chests of drawers. Alcove for double bed.

With over 6,500 sqft of accommodation Study/Bedroom Five 9'6" and x 5'11" (2.9m x 1.8m) a superb five bedroom first floor Leaded stained glass full height window depicting Old John to front. living quarters, the property also lends Bathroom With a white piece suite with chrome period style fittings comprising bath with shower over toandpossible alternative bath,itself low level WC wash hand basin. Colour washed pine panelling,uses. combined towel rail and radiator, ceramic tiled flooring, domed ceiling and spotlights.

Offers over £2,000,000 are invited.

Lobby The lobby is off the living dining kitchen and leads through to provide access to Contact on 01664 563892 bedrooms three and fourBentons and the bathroom. forThree more information, or view the full Bedroom 11'10" x 12'6" (3.6m x 3.8m) on thewindows website Withparticulars wood strip flooring, multi-paned to side andat window to rear overlooking Charnwood Forest, access to roof space. www.bentons.co.uk

CONTACT: IAN 01530 243811

LINDA 01530 242607

DON’T BE ALONE CHRISTMAS DAY Come and Join us at ST MARY’S CHURCH ROOMS

Markfield Churches Homelessness Service

ANSTEY

A FANTASTIC amount of £325 was raised, plus a car full of clothes and food for the Falcon centre in Loughborough.

For

Many thanks to all those who donated. Your village Churches in and connected to Markfield work closely with each other, having regular Services and fund-raising events for a variety of causes. Everyone will be made very welcome at any of your Churches. For more information please see below: Methodist Church – www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org or FB Anglican Church – j22churches.org.uk Congregational Church – FB Catholic Church – http://stwilfscoalville.blogspot.com Markfield Churches – Working Together For Our Community

Did you spot all 10 differences?

1. Trouser Colour, 2. Smiley Badge, 3. Eyebrow, 4. Shoe Laces, 5. Mug, 6. Mountain, 7. Eyes, 8. Jumper pattern, 9. Moustache, 10. Stones

DINNER AND FESTIVITIES For people on their own over 70 in Anstey and surrounding villages TRANSPORT CAN BE ARRANGED

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE PLEASE RING Kerry Sharpe – 07979 607099

There is no charge for the day, we just want everyone to have the opportunity of being with others on what can be a lonely day If anyone would like to donate a chocolate orange/chocolates/biscuits/any non-perishable treats, there are 2 drop off points – Roy Greens in Anstey, or Markfield Community centre.

Or please call me on 07979 607099.

Thankyou

I have like 26 photos of my entire childhood. Most of you probably have that many selfies from this morning.

TAKE THE CHILL OUT OF SELLING YOUR HOUSE SELL YOUR PROPERTY WITH

CHARNWOOD LIVING HIGH STREET SERVICE AT INTERNET PRICES NO SALE NO FEE

LANDLORDS ARE YOU TIRED OF PAYING HIGH FEES?

CALL US NOW TO SEE HOW MUCH WE CAN SAVE YOU Charnwood Living Ltd - Terms & Conditions Apply

0116 243 0880

www.charnwoodliving.co.uk

17 The Nook | Anstey | Leicester | LE7 7AZ