FEBRUARY 2020 HERALD MAGAZINE by Michael Wilkinson

Circulation: 4,000 copies Monthly

MID-FEBRUARY 2020

Cross Hills Baptist Church

Free Film Show

Our first Church Ladies Weekend was a great success!

FLICKS IN THE STICKS

THIRTEEN of us, with ages varying from 12 to over 80, had a great time at Somersal Herbert Cottages, near Sudbury Hall from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th January, for our first ever Cross Hills Church Ladies Weekend.

MARKFIELD Congregational Church had the idea of presenting film afternoons to encourage the community to come together and enjoy a film, cakes or biscuits and good company.

The ‘cottage’ was actually a very large 3 storey house in the countryside that you could get lost in, with lots of bedrooms and, even more importantly, lots of bathrooms for all those ladies! There were plenty of activities for everyone – a short worship and devotional time each day, accompanied by two of our guitar playing ladies, a visit to Sudbury Court on Saturday morning for the artisan shops and a meal, crafting on Saturday afternoon (with plenty of time for chatter whilst we were relaxing and sewing!) and some hilarious games that we’d taken with us to play in the evenings – not easy trying to open a bar of chocolate whilst wearing oven gloves then eat it with a knife and fork before the next person to throw a 6 on the dice wants a turn! We then all shared a lovely Chinese meal on Saturday evening, delivered by the local Chinese take-away! The crafting squares that were designed, sewed and embroidered are being made up into a memory wall hanging for our hall at Cross Hills as a reminder of our weekend. We finished off the weekend on our return by meeting up with some of those we’d left at home, for a lovely Sunday Lunch at the Field Head restaurant. Plans are already afoot for the 2021 Ladies Weekend as it was such a great success! Look out for details of a Men’s Breakfast, hopefully coming in the near future. Our Growth Group is continuing with its study based on the book of James, ‘Faith that Works’, meeting at various member’s homes.

We had a large screen installed to allow the most professional viewing experience possible. Please come and join us for an enjoyable time of relaxation. Our Licence does not allow us to advertise the name of the film so give us a call on 07971 254165 or 01530 242578 and we can give you the details.

Rev Peter Evans SINCE the death of my husband Peter, just after Christmas, my family and I have been overwhelmed by the kind messages and cards we have received from so many people in the local villages. We want to thank them for their kindness and sympathy which has been a great comfort to us all.

Avril, Mark, Lynne and their families

Enhancing Bagworth THE BAGWORTH Forward Group (BFG), whose aim is to enhance the life of the village of Bagworth, organised another Beetle Drive, which was held on the last day of January. The result of this was an evening which everyone who attended enjoyed themselves. As well as the games, which brought out some people’s very competitive side, very tasty food was enjoyed, not forgetting some delicious

homemade cake. As well as enjoying this event, BFG also raised over £160 which will be used to further their aims. The next organised event takes place on Saturday 25th April at the Community Centre. If one of your new year’s resolutions was to declutter your home, BFG will help you to do this as they are organising a TABLE TOP SALE on that date between 10am and 2pm. If you are a seller, a table top will cost you £10 to rent. To book your table top, please contact Karen on 01530 230573. If you are a buyer, admission will be 50p. As well as the sale, hot food and drinks will be available, including some delicious bacon butties. You are still more than welcome to take part in this event even if no new year’s resolutions are involved!

BFG’S MAIN EVENT during the year is the Bagworth Show which this year will take place on Saturday August 29th, along with the Dog Show on the field next to the Sure Start Centre. The Dog Show will be supporting ‘Guide dogs for the Blind’ this year. This may seem a long way off but for us it comes around all too quickly. And if you are one of our entrants who displays vegetables, flowers or fruit, then you need to be aware of the growing season, culminating in the Show.

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 14TH MARCH - ARTICLE/ADVERT DEADLINE: 29TH FEBRUARY

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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

Thornton announces date for Open Gardens 2020

Message from local writer Chris Calder

SPRING is just around the corner and thoughts begin to turn to our gardens and the months of beauty and enjoyment ahead.

Win a signed copy of My Brother’s Keeper

The Friends of St Peter’s Church are looking for gardens in the village of Thornton to take part in this year’s OPEN GARDENS which will be from 1-6pm on Sunday 21st June. To register your interest or ask for more details – no commitment at this early stage - please contact Sue Bakewell 01530 230643, Delia Geary 01530 230112 / 07796 391859 or e-mail Lis Muller thornton.opengardens@outlook.com.

info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Interesting Vacancy at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council

www.markfieldherald.co.uk

The Herald is a monthly local magazine delivered free to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Markfield, Field Head, Stanton under Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth. Contact Mike Wilkinson with your articles, news items or advertising enquiries.

Apprentice Administration Assistant – Estates and Asset Management This is an opportunity to join Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Estates and Asset Management Team. Dealing with a wide variety of administration tasks and assisting in the day to day running of the operational property, capital projects and supporting the commercial estate. Weekly wage: £160.95 - £303.77 • Working week: Monday - Thursday between 9.00am - 5.00pm and Friday between 9.00am - 4.30pm with 30 minutes for lunch.Total: 37 hours/week. • Ref. number: VAC001614462 Apply by 21st Feb.2020. Visit www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk for details.

TODAY marks an important day for me, as I have re-launched, “My Brother’s Keeper” with Heddon Publishing, including a new cover, and some small edits to the story. You can read more about the novel below. Most importantly though, I am giving away three signed copies of the paperback edition of the book. All you have to do to enter the competition is share this email with your friends. That simple! Simply use the Facebook, Twitter or email links below and I will enter you into the prize draw. I will be randomly drawing the winners on the 19th February 2020. Best of luck

Chris Calder

My Brother’s Keeper

Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown.

The opinions expressed by APPROVAL 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 PRINT HxWmm can be accepted for loss or DIGITAL WxHpx 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. This issue of The Herald is being delivered by The Herald’s team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Sarah Jane, Lyn, Ian, Sandra, Jeanie, Callum, Lisa, Yvonne, Margaret, Daniel, Jessie, Maisie, Ray, Stacey, Andy, Luke, Mackenzie, Mary, Emma, Emily, Conor, Hannah, Rowan and Mike.

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TROUBLE-SHOOTING like never before! Dominic Barratt is a Catholic priest who is ordered to help, in secret, other priests with problems. But he has his own demons to confront. Once engaged to be married, Dominic split up with his fiancée Hazel to join the priesthood. Now she comes back into his life, hoping to convince him that he has made a mistake. She wants him to resign and marry her. Already unsettled by events that challenge his faith, Dominic is tormented by his reawakened feelings for Hazel. Bound in conscience by his vows of Chastity and Obedience, he now faces a seemingly insoluble dilemma.

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THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

FRIENDS OF CHARNWOOD FOREST NEWS THERE IS AN old definition of a ‘weed’ for a gardener which states that it will thrive and multiply under the prevailing conditions, whereas a ‘flower’ will not. ‘Flowers’ can become weeds, but rarely do weeds become flowers, and then only when they are moved from their country of origin to somewhere else. So, what does ‘prevailing conditions’ mean? To start with, the soil; this can be too wet or too dry for certain plants. It must not be too acidic or too basic: it must or must not contain certain minerals. The amount of light the plant receives must be just right. Some plants will not thrive in shade, others in direct sunlight. The temperature range must be just right; many plants are said to be ‘hardy’ if they survive the lowest temperatures of the winter – clearly this will depend on where in the world they are. Non-hardy plants will be killed off by those temperatures. In some places this can be governed not only by the location of the place there are in, but whether they are on a north or south facing slope. Our speaker this month, Uta Hamzaoui, has been working on the Living Landscapes project in the Charnwood Forest since 2012. Her job is to explore the various areas in the Forest, mainly outside designated reserves, and to advise landowners of the best methods of maintaining interesting environments, mainly for the plant life, though she did mention a couple of rare bugs at the end of her talk. At present the Living Landscape project covers the Forest and the Soar and Wreake valleys, but may be extended to two further areas around the Eyebrook reservoir. Certain ‘prevailing conditions’ did not have to be covered; the Forest has a fairly uniform climate, and annual plants will have seed that set and flourish at the right time of year. Light is not a problem, as there are no real mountains to shield out the sunlight. This only leaves soils. These depended on the nature of the rocks where they were formed and the drainage. The oldest rocks in the Forest are over 600 million years old, and formed part of the volcanic activity which took place in those times. Soils on those rocks are thin and acidic. By 250 million years ago mudstones had formed, and desert conditions prevailed. The heavy clays we now see are red in colour from the sands. Finally the glaciers of the ice age carved through the rocks, resulting in some places having excellent drainage, others poor, and a few places where there is virtually none. The next invasion was the farmer and agriculture. The tree cover was virtually eliminated. Most of the Forest is not suitable for ploughing, with rocks protruding through the soil, so pasture and grazing animals formed the bulk of the farming activity. In fact, certain types of heathland can only be preserved economically by grazing. Streams and rivers drained much of the land with a little encouragement, but in a few places bogs and wetlands still prevail. Our speaker selected examples of each type of habitat, and gave us details of some of the plants to be found on each, including some interesting facts about symbiotic plants and semi-parasitic ones. These were all well illustrated with ‘slides’. We all came away somewhat wiser than we may have been before. • THE NEXT MEETING will be on 17th February at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall, when Peter Liddle, once the county archaeologist, will talk about Lady Jane Grey and Bradgate House.

Why is it called Alcoholics Anonymous when the first thing you do is stand up and announce your name?

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Technology Hits Bagworth Bridge Group THE BAGWORTH Whistlestop Bridge group goes from strength to strength. Now with over 40 members and some 6 tables of players attending weekly at the Bagworth Community Centre, the group has been uplifted by the introduction of technology. The club has developed its new website… www.bridgewebs.com/ bagworthwhistlestopbridge and with the aid of its own fund raising has managed to purchase a computer and 8 seven inch tablets loaded with scoring software to enable players to enter and monitor their scores onto the web site. Even those totally inexperienced in using technology have developed confidence through the use of the tablets. Bridge is well known as a mind sport to keep the brain active and the group in Bagworth is very welcoming, fun and sociable as well. Throughout the 18 months since it was established the group members have worked tirelessly to make themselves self- sufficient via table fees, raffles, donations and teaching. The group is run entirely on a voluntary basis. If you are interested in learning or just want to see how it is played, do come along to visit the group and observe. You will be welcomed and usually with a tea or coffee and can enjoy the good facilities at our local Community Centre…so come on in!! In April the group will be running and Improvers Course focussing on ‘Extending the Bidding to find the best contract’ and ‘Using and Responding to weak Twos’. Members from other clubs and those who do not play club bridge are welcome to join…costs are £10 for the day including tea and coffee and all course materials. Contact Carol or Shelagh at whistlestopbridgeinbagworth@gmail.com

South Charnwood High School Markfield Leicestershire LE67 9TB

EXAMINATIONS INVIGILATORS REQUIRED Part time, flexible working hours paid at £8.70 per hour available between 8.00am and 5.30pm (as appropriate for the exams) The school is now looking to recruit a team of responsible people to invigilate our Year 11 exams throughout the academic year. Training will be provided and is compulsory.

For an information pack and application form, please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk or email Mrs Heather Green at:

Smile for the camera! LOROS photo competition is open for entries DO YOU love taking photos? Are you a dab hand with a DSLR or skilled with your smartphone? LOROS Hospice is launching a photo competition and is inviting you to submit your images! Gary Dale, Retail Manager at LOROS, said: “We’re looking for pictures that show the best of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Lovely landscapes, wonderful wildlife and magnificent buildings – if it’s local, then snap it and send it in. The winning photos will be used in LOROS’ 2021 calendar and sold to raise vital funds to support the Hospice’s care of patients and their families. “We’re inviting everyone to submit entries, not just professionals. A photo taken on a smart phone is absolutely fine. So if you have a passion for photography and would like to help LOROS raise money, get snapping,” Gary added. Twelve winning entries will be selected to form the LOROS 2021 calendar which will be sold across LOROS’ 29 shops. Entries must be submitted online – please visit loros.co.uk/calendar/ to enter and for terms and conditions. The deadline to send in photos is 5pm on 26th April 2020. Good luck!

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THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Fish Cryptic Quiz Local Quiz Queen Sheila Fox has sent us another set of cryptic clues to keep our grey matter in good shape. Can you identify the 20 fish? 1. Cockney’s favourite snack 2. Sky with rows of white fluffy clouds 3. I’m struggling helplessly to find this fish 4. The Abbot’s brothers are catching this 5. Initially digital audio broadcasting! 6. Welsh symbol blowing fire 7. Jaws! 8. Man mending shoes 9. Mens’ hairstyle from the 70’s 10. Long spear used by Infantry 11. Au! 12. Budgie’s seat? 13. Puppet series of the 60’s by Gerry Anderson 14. Do I take quick photos of this fish? 15. Excalibur fighting? 16. Low fishy songs from a man 17. Squashed in a tin! 18. Boat’s captain over soggy ground 19. Watch out for the thorny bits 20. I’m complaining and going on and on about this fish. ANSWERS ON PAGE 27.

The Last Day By Andrew Hunter Murray THE WORLD has stopped rotating due to the close approach of a white dwarf star, and the majority of the planet is divided into two uninhabitable zones, one frozen and the other sun-scorched.

CHAPLAINS WHAT DO THEY DO? Each week a chaplain working in different organisations will be doing a presentation to tell us about the organisations they work in and what they do. Everyone of any or no faith will be most welcome. There is no charge and light refreshments will be provided. Come along to 1, a few or all of the talks! Wednesdays March 4th, 11th, 18, 25th and April 1st at 7.30pm All at Markfield Methodist Church EXCEPT March 18th which will be in Markfield Congregational Church For more details and a programme of speakers, please see markfieldmethodistchurch.org For further details about each Church please see… Methodist Church markfieldmethodistchurch.org or FB Anglican Church j22churches.org.uk Congregational FB Catholic stwilfscoalville.blofspot.com

Markfield Churches – working together for our community

Fortunately for the United Kingdom, it exists in the temperate meridional strip, and now rules over stretches of western Europe with totalitarian ruthlessness. Ocean scientist Ellen Hopper, employed on a rig in the North Atlantic, is whisked to London by government operatives. Her former Oxford tutor has earth-shattering information to impart, but dies before he can do so. What follows is a taut, thrilling runaround as Ellen, aided by her ex-husband and brother, works to uncover her tutor’s secret while keeping one step ahead of those who will stop at nothing to discover it before her. Shaky science aside, The Last Day is an impressive dystopian technothriller. Murray paints a grim picture of a draconian isolationist Britain, with some vivid descriptions of a much-changed London, and the novel’s climax has a neat twist.

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THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

MARKFIELD HOMEMAKERS

MARKFIELD HOMEMAKERS meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, LE67 9UU on the second Wednesday of the month at 8pm. 12th Feb Games Night 11th March Jeff Harris 8th April Peter Coombs

For more information, call: Brenda on 01530 242173.

Markfield WI

Meetings are the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7.45pm at the Methodist Church, Main St Markfield. Further information from Fran Johnson 01530 243350 or Jane Barrington 01530 243285.

Community groups receive £50,000 funding to tackle youth violence FUNDING worth more than £50,000 is being invested into community groups across Leicestershire to help prevent young people falling into violence and knife crime. Leicestershire’s Violence Reduction Network (VRN) - a multiagency initiative dedicated to preventing youth violence across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland - has allocated grants of up to £5,000 each to 13 community and non-profit organisations to deliver mentorship-based programmes and initiatives which build the confidence and skills of young people at risk of getting involved in violence. The VRN’s Community Fund amounts to a total of £57,006 and will expand opportunities to help and intervene in the lives of young people aged up to 25 who are at risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of violence. The VRN received a total of 25 bids for funding and following a vigorous assessment process, 13 applications were approved. Projects must be completed by the end of March 2020.

Among the successful applicants was The Melton Learning Hub which received £5,000 for its Engage project which will deliver one-to-one mentoring to divert key individuals at risk of antisocial behaviour. The project will include intensive outreach work with cross border agencies. The VRN was established in August 2019 following a successful application to the Home Office’s Serious Violence Fund, which resulted in an £880,000 grant. Further grant funding worth £880,000 has secured its work until March 2021. The VRN brings together multiagency partners and communities from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to coordinate the local response to serious violence, adopting a public health approach focusing on prevention. One of its core aim is to build capacity among communities to support young people achieve better outcomes for their lives, particularly young people up to the age of 25 who engage in or are at risk of violence and knife crime.

The full list of grant recipients is below: • Women 4 Change (Street Mentor Project) £4,658 • Outspoken (My Story) £1,200 • The Urban Equestrian Academy (T.U.E.A) (The Rebel Riderz programme) £5,000 • HCYC (Harborough District Children and Young People’s Charity) HCYC Youth Mentoring Development Project £3,697 • 2Funky Arts (Belgrave Unite) £4,030 • Goldhill Adventure Playground (Rise Above with GAP) £4,068 • Somali Development Services CIC (Somali Development Services Mentoring Project) £4,931 • Somali Community Parents Association (SOCOPA) (Space 4 youth Project) £4,970 • Team Troupers Dance Academy CIC (Youth Café Project) £4,977 • Phoenix Supplementary School (The Phoenix Community Mentoring) £4,500 • The Melton Learning Hub (Engage Project) £5,000 • Antoin Akpon Achievements Foundation (Intervention and Prevention Mentor Project) £5,000 • St Matthews Big Local (Leicester) SMBLL (Aspire Project) £4,975

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THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Work starts on Snibston regeneration project

Diary of a Somebody By Brian Bilston

IT’S JANUARY 1ST and Brian Bilston’s life needs to change. His ex-wife has taken up with a new man, a motivational speaker and marketing guru to boot; he seems to constantly disappoint his long-suffering son; and at work he is drowning in a sea of spreadsheets and management jargon. Brian’s resolution is to write a poem every day; poetry will be his salvation. But there is an obstacle to his happiness in the form of Toby Salt, his arch nemesis in the Poetry Group and rival suitor to Liz, Brian’s new poetic inspiration. When Toby goes missing, Brian is the number one suspect. Part tender love story, part murder mystery, part coruscating description of a wasted life, and interspersed with some of the funniest poems about the mundane and the profound, Diary of a Somebody is a unique, original and hilarious novel.

Celebrations as Andrew Green from Fortem and Nick Rushton, LCC leader, break ground at Snibston A GROUND-BREAKING ceremony has taken place to officially mark building work starting on an ambitious project to transform the former Snibston Colliery site. The £3m regeneration scheme, carried out by Leicestershire County Council, will see the site turned into a vibrant place to live and visit. The work currently taking place is part of plans to build a new environmentally-friendly café which will form part of the Century Theatre and open during the evenings with themed events to complement the theatre’s programmes. Once finished, the café will aim to become a plastic-free zero waste hub for community events and recreational activities like cycling. The authority is also planning to include a new heritage trail, improved country park, a play area, open space and picnic site. Visitors will enjoy cycle routes, mountain bike trails and a new interpretation of the historic colliery site.

I never forget my wife’s birthday. It’s the day after she reminds me about it.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Trust in Bagworth I REALLY like showing people around the Bagworth Community Centre because the word ‘wow’ is frequently heard.

rt o p up ers s e as vertis e l P ad n! a c r ou f you i

Recently I showed around a couple of people from Ellistown who are hoping to have a Centre built there. They were looking for ideas. One of their comments was, ‘Wow, you drive past this building and you don’t realise what it is like inside.’ The building itself was erected in 1932 and was called the Miners’ Institution. You may still hear people in the village who refer to it as the ‘Stute’. Over the years it has served many purposes, including part of it being used as a part time doctor’s surgery. If you know the building, the rear part: the Rear Hall, the Meeting Room and the kitchen were added on first. The original plan was to make the Front Hall and the Rear Hall one big room which would be separated by folding doors. However there were problems when the roof was built on the Rear Hall and the result was that supporting struts had to be placed in the wall, thus preventing the use of dividing doors. The building is owned by Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council and they applied to the Lottery for a grant to be spent on the front half. The lottery agreed to donate one third of a million pounds on the proviso that a Trust, rather than the Parish Council, ran the Centre. Consequently, the Bagworth Community Centre Trust (2013) Ltd was set up by a group of volunteers. As well as being a limited company, the Trust also applied for and received charity status. Sadly through the years, the Trust has lost some of its hard working team, for example because they have moved out of the village. We have now reached the stage where this small group of hard working volunteers really needs some new blood. Could that be you? The Trust is a blend of working and retired people. We meet once a month and communicate a great deal by email. If you are interested, you are more than welcome to attend a meeting and meet us face to face. You can then see whether belonging to this friendly group is for you. I can be contacted on austininbagworth@gmail.com or on 01530 230429 (you may need to leave a message and I will get back to you) if you are interested or if you require more information.

I went to our local bookshop to buy a book about conspiracies. There were none there. Coincidence?

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Depressed doggie?

News from Markfield WI

IS YOUR pet depressed? Seriously. It seems that more and more pets are developing mental health problems, according to some research by Compare the Market. Certainly insurance claims for pets being treated for mental health problems have gone up by 50 per cent. In the past year alone, insurers have paid out more than £750,000 for dogs with depression, cats with anxiety and similar ailments. In fact, treating your pet for a mental health complaint has become so commonplace that even eight of the 10 cheapest pet insurers now offer such cover.

AT OUR JANUARY meeting Matthew Copley came to talk about Love your Clothes as part of the Waste Initiatives by the County Council. The textile industry is the second most polluting in the world; 350,000 tonnes of clothing goes into UK landfill every year. Thinking about what we buy and making those clothes last longer by adapting, repairing or recycling, thereby extending the life of clothes just by 9 months would mean a 20-30% reduction in each of carbon, water and waste footprints - washing at 30 degrees also helps to extend the life of clothes. Even when clothes are no longer wearable natural fibres such as cotton, linen, silk and wool can be chopped up and added to the compost heap. Matthew’s talk was certainly food for thought and although we pointed out that most of the members remembered the days of ’make do and mend’ we would try to pass on the message and lead by example. On 19 February our speaker will be Samantha Hancock talking about Cyber Awareness and Online Safety. We will also be having a Bring and Buy with the proceeds going to LOROS in memory of our member Jean Lemon who sadly died at Christmas.

To advertise in the Herald, call Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 or email: info@markfieldherald. co.uk

“Still Friday” 2019 Each evening will include simple reflective worship songs, silence, prayer, readings and responses and last up to an hour. All are welcome. Come along and enjoy the peace.

21st February

20th March 15th May 8th June

16th July 17th September 15th October 18th November No “Still Friday” in April, August or December Fridays

Fridays 8.00 pm at St. Michael & All Angels’ Church

Thursday 27th February & 26th March

As a boy I ran away with the circus, but the police made me take it back.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

A greener future for those affected by climate change YOU ARE warmly invited to a Coffee Morning with pancakes on Saturday 22nd February, 10 am to 12 noon, in the Congregational Church Hall, Main Street, in aid of Christian Aid’s Lent Appeal. The appeal focuses on the ongoing drought in Kenya where droughts are now more frequent and more intense due to the climate crisis. Without water their people cannot grow crops so they do not have enough to eat or sell. Climate change means that the rains are very poor and their livestock very few. Fortunately, Christian Aid with local partners in Kenya, help communities by building sand dams to retain all rainfall. With your help, Christian Aid can help more communities to increase resilience to climate change and to fight for a greener future.

Church Magazine Bloomers YOU KNOW what they meant, but what they said was.. • AT THE evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be ‘What Is Hell?’ Come early and listen to our choir practice. • EIGHT NEW choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. • THE SENIOR CHOIR invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to see the organist after the service. • NEXT THURSDAY there will be try-outs for the choir. They need all the help they can get. • THE RECTOR WILL preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing: Break Forth Into Joy. • THE WOMEN’S TEA for next week has been cancelled. We are sorry for any incontinence this may cause. • THE COST OF the Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. • THE CHURCH will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. • PARISH SUPPER Sunday at 5pm - prayer and medication to follow. • DON’T FORGET the Singles Progressive Dinner. Attire is optional. • THE PASTOR would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday. • THURSDAY AT 5 PM there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All wishing to become Little Mothers, please see the minister in his private study. • ATTENTION PARENTS. There will be a conference on how to help your teen avoid pre-marital sex. The featured speaker will be Molly Kelly, a nationally known speaker on abstinence and mother of eight. • THE SERMON this morning: ‘Jesus Walks on the Water.’ The sermon tonight: ‘Searching for Jesus.’ • LADIES, please don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. • DON’T LET worry kill you off - let the Church help. • FOR THOSE of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs. • IRVING BENSON and Jessie Carter were married last weekend in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. • PLEASE PLACE your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. • THIS BEING Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar. • LOW SELF Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 pm. Please use the back door. • WEIGHT WATCHERS will meet at 7 pm at the Baptist Church. Please use the large double door at the side entrance.

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield Main Street LE67 9UU Friday 6 March 2020 at 7.00pm

Piano Recital by Tanya Avchinnikova

Music by Schubert, Beethoven, Shostakovich, Liszt and Medtner Tickets: £12 (under-16s £6) Please see our website for information about Tanya and details of how to purchase tickets www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

or contact Kerry on 07979 607099

Don’t forget to send us your news! Thanks.

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.

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

My wife and I already have five kids, but we’re going to keep on trying until we get one we like.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council

LGBT+ History Event, Wednesday 19 February NEW ORLEANS Heat made a welcome return to the Jazz Club in February bringing us a great evening of traditional jazz. A seven piece band, they played the old style New Orleans jazz and included blues, spirituals and boogie woogie numbers including Jo Avery’s Place, Weary Blues and Beer Barrel Polka. Roger Bird on clarinet, played two wellloved requests, St Philips Street Breakdown and Burgundy Street Blues. The evening ended on a sad note as Barry Grummet informed us that from next year the band would no longer be travelling and therefore this would be their last appearance at the club. They will be sadly missed. • NEXT MONTH we have The Tenement Jazz Band; a group of young musicians from Edinburgh who are making a well earned name for themselves. Do come along to Newbold Verdon Social Club on Friday March 6th at 8.00pm and join us for what I’m sure will be a great evening. Admission £9 with drinks and snacks at club prices. For more details please contact Kelvin on 01455 822824 or Pauline on 01162 865496.

AN EVENT to celebrate LGBT+ History Month is being hosted by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, Leicester LGBT Centre and Leicestershire Library Service on Wednesday 19 February in the Britannia Centre from 10.00am to 1.00pm. LGBT+ History Month is an annual celebration that provides education and insight into the issues that the LGBT+ community faces. Representatives from the partnership will be on hand to speak to passing residents and visitors outlining future events and to gain an insight into what support is required in the borough. Information will be available from a host of national and local organisations. Council Leader Stuart Bray said “This event is very much an information Each evening willwant include simple worship songs, silence, exchange and we to hear fromreflective members of the LGBT+ community. prayer, readings and responses andyoung last up to anashour. We particularly welcome students and people it is important thatare wewelcome. listen to ourCome younger generation. This is your opportunity to have All along and enjoy the peace. your say; get involved in future events and raise the profile of the LGBT+ community 21st locally.” February 20th March 15th May 8th June Barwell-based LGBT+ Rights Campaigner Mathew Hulbert said “It would be fantastic seeSeptember lots of people engaging ourNovember group and 16th July to 17th 15th Octoberwith 18th showing a keen interest in the programme of events that we are launching. They are not our local LGBT+ communities, butFridays also for straight Noonly “Stillfor Friday” in April, August or December allies and, indeed, for people who would just like to learn more.”

“Still Friday” 2019

News from Little Markfield Farm WE WOULD like to thank everyone that came to our Live Nativity on 22nd December. We would also like to thank the children that took part in playing the roles in the nativity. On the day we raised £111.29 in donations to go towards St Michael and All Angels Church, Markfield. Forthcoming Events 15th Feb- Valentine Open Farm 5th April (Sunday) – Easter event 26th April (Sunday) – Drive it Day 10th May - Alpaca Shearing Day 7th June (Sunday) – Farm Open Day Details of more of our events can be found on our Facebook page.

Coralie

Fridays 8.00 pm at St. Michael & All Angels’ Church

Thursday 27th February & 26th March

Developing tiny minds and enhancing well-being We offer a number of different classes: • Baby Yoga • Messy Crafts • Sensory Play • Baby Massage • Rhythm and Rhythm

10%

off your first booking use code: ALJ860

or to book For more information visit www.babybelleswithsam.co.uk

or call: 07446802781 Joining together with Christians from other traditions for sharing, praying, contemporary worship, refreshments

I used toMarkfield dress offCongs the peg,7.00pm but now Hall, 57780_RKH_Baby Belles-Ad-Herald-130x95px.indd 1

my neighbours take 14/10/2019 their washing in at night. 17:31

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

FOR THIS MONTH’S Report I thought I would update residents on a few issues that I have been working on over the past few months.

South Charnwood High School TOWARDS the end of last year I was contacted by local resident Adele Rafton, and a number of parents, about safety concerns with the walk to/from South Charnwood High School. Concerns include the width of the footpaths, the speed of traffic, illegal parking, and the overarching risk to the safety of children and young people as a result of the conditions of the road. As your County Councillor I take these concerns very seriously; Since then I have met with a parents several times, conducted a ‘school walk’ with Officers from Leicestershire County Council (LCC) Highways, held meetings with the Assistant Director of Highways and lobbied the Leadership at LCC for resource to help alleviate these concerns. Some of the options that I am currently exploring include: A reduction in the speed limit approaching the school, better enforcement of illegal parking near to the school premises, speed reduction measures such as speed bumps, the cutting back of vegetation across the footpaths, and review of the costs associated with the current ‘school bus’.

Quarterly Report

from County Councillor Peter Bedford I would like to thank Adele for working with me on this important local issue, but we need your help in taking this forward. The more support we can get from local parents the greater our voice will be. I therefore encourage parents to email me their comments so that we can begin to get traction on this important issue. E: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk

Parking Enforcement MANY RESIDENTS have raised with me the state of grass verges in Markfield as a result of inconsiderate parking by a minority of residents. The approach here needs to be two pronged; residents need to be considerate of their neighbours when parking their vehicles, but pressure also needs to be placed on parking enforcement to ensure that where it occurs it is enforced. I am keen to work with the Parish, HBBC and LCC to ensure that the village has more robust enforcement of parking related issues going forward.

Road Traffic Accidents OVER RECENT months I have been concerned about the number of incidents on Ashby Road / Leicester Road as a result of speeding traffic and the layout of the road. I have requested that Officers from LCC visit this stretch of road to review how best to address this issue for the safety of local residents. However it is really important that any incidents, no matter how minor, are reported since the number of incidents feeds into Highways models on road safety.

Health & Social Care AS SOME of you may be aware during the past six months I have been supporting my Nan as she has battled with a terminal diagnosis for breast cancer. Sadly, she passed away on Monday 27th January. During this period I have reflected on what more needs to be done by Government to support people in similar situations. The two main parties need to come together, put party politics aside, and

Peter Bedford construct an integrated Social Care Policy that is fit for purpose for an ever aging population. Governments of all colours have failed to ‘grasp the nettle’ instead spreading fear that the other side will tax you more, or that you will lose your home - without formulating a solution to this important issue. This experience also posed some fundamental moral questions for me such as a person’s ‘right to choose’ when they have a terminal diagnosis and their quality of life, towards the end, is poor. I think these are important questions and I will be encouraging our new Member of Parliament, Dr Luke Evans, to explore an open conversation with residents. I very much welcome you contacting me on these or any other issues; Best Wishes,

Peter

E: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk or T: 01455 824733

My dog’s so lazy that he can’t be bothered to bark. He just waits for another dog to bark, then nods.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Some observations on life today... • A child, like your stomach, doesn’t need all you can afford to give it. - Frank A Clark • Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief. - Anon • The more you have to live FOR, the less you need to live ON. Those who make acquisitions their goal never have enough. Sydney Harris • Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. Abraham Lincoln • Nature is wonderful. A million years ago she didn’t know we were going to wear spectacles yet look at the way she placed our ears. • Sign in school hallway: Free Monday through Friday: knowledge. Bring your own container. • If you would like to live a quiet, peaceful, uneventful life, you are living at the wrong time. • Everyone now works for the government, either on the payroll or on the tax roll. • Too much of the world is run on the theory that you don’t need road manners if you are a five-ton lorry. • What constitutes a living wage depends upon whether you are giving it or earning it.

Letter

Fancy a European Trek in May?

Fabric grant funding made easier for churches

CHANGES have been announced making it easier for parishes to apply for funding to support fabric repairs.

I AM PLANNING to walk this trek on 13th May where I fly into Budapest (Hungary) and walk through to Croatia, Slovenia and end in Triest (Italy). A Four Country Walk of over 300 Km (190 miles) over 11 walking days with a rest day in the middle at Ljubljana (Slovenia). Is there anyone else interested in joining me on this self guided walk? If so, please contact me on: cosmic784@hotmail.com for more info. www.europeanpeacewalk.com/

Ash Kotecha

Eating Disorders Awareness Week: 2nd – 8th March A STAGGERING 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder. And every one of them is affecting other people by that disorder. In fact, it is reckoned that as many as five million of us in the UK are struggling to help someone whom we care about, who has an eating disorder. If you know anyone with an eating disorder, or if you have an eating disorder, there is a website may help. Please go to: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/edaw

I can tell when my wife drinks. Her face gets blurred.

The Church of England, working with the Wolfson Foundation and the National Churches Trust (NCT), has announced that during 2020 administration of the Wolfson Foundation funds for fabric repairs of churches will move from the Cathedral & Church Buildings Division of the Church of England to the National Churches Trust. (The Wolfson Fabric Repairs grants programme supports fabric repairs for Grade I and II*, A and B+ listed Anglican church buildings throughout the United Kingdom. £400,000 per year is awarded to projects, including urgent roof repairs, improving rainwater goods, drainage works, and wall repairs. In 2019, awards were given to 79 parishes.) The move to the National Churches Trust will result in a simplified funding application process for fabric repairs. Parishes will be able to submit one application form and be considered for up to two fabric repair grants. This will reduce form filling for the parishes. There will also only be one reporting and claims process for the two grants, again reducing the burden of paperwork on parishes.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Isn’t general taxation a more efficient way to pay for public services? Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald WE ARE ONCE again approaching the Council budget setting period during which decisions will soon be taken on how much local tax will be charged to residents in our community. This is an annual process for all tiers of local government or precepting authorities. In Markfield, Stanton and Field Head we have various authorities charging amounts which make up what you and I know as the Council Tax. Although the actual bill you receive comes from Hinckley and Bosworth and is administered by them, they will only take a small percentage of the total tax take. The largest percentage by far goes to the Leicestershire County Council which has the increasing cost of adult social care to worry about. The other charging authorities are the Police, Fire Service, The Borough Council and Parish Councils. In the last 9 years some of these authorities have been capped from increasing bills while at the same time the amount of central government support has declined significantly. This has meant a significant rationalisation in the provision of local services and / or a move to charge for services which were once provided universally to residents free of additional charges. It is well known or well stated anyway that people don’t like paying taxes. Ultimately however we all have to pay for public services, it’s just what is the most efficient way to do this and how does that work in world in which as consumers we want choice, but the more choice that is provided the greater we fragment things, create inequalities and actually increase costs for others or for ourselves in the future. I have made the point many times before, that charging for services that are well used or had been free at the point of use, is often more expensive to the taxpayer than if it had been taken as a tax. The classic example of this is the charge made by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to collect the brown bin with garden waste. This was a service that was free to residents and when the Council lost a source of external funding, it decided to make a charge rather than increase the Council Tax. It did this despite all residents having had access to the service and general take up rates being high. The charge was significantly more per household than what it would have cost had it been via the Council Tax. The reasons are simple; charging separately requires more bureaucracy to administer it, has to incur VAT which goes to the Government (who of course have withdrawn funding making this happen in the first place) and there is a temptation to charge more than necessary to make up for potential dropping off in numbers taking the service up. The costs of providing the service are not significantly reduced because the bin lorry collecting the green waste is still going up and down every street in the Borough and the take up has remained high because the service was always popular in the first place. So a service that was provided and available free to all residents, (paid for through taxation and income) has become a charged for service that you need to renew every year and is costing you almost double what you would be paying if it had been included in your Council Tax. Yes it is true you now have a choice not to pay it and not get the service, but the service was important and socially good which is why it developed in the first place. It wasn’t introduced simply as a customer convenience, but a successful attempt to reduce waste going to landfill and to increase recycling and reuse. The point about this though is, that it isn’t just about the brown bin charges - that is just an example and anyway the charge for that service is quite modest. It’s about a developing range of service charges that public authorities are introducing or have introduced in recent years, some of which are incredibly costly like, for example, University tuition fees which are many thousands of pounds. And yet it’s really not that long ago that these were also provided free of charge, funded by general taxation and available to all. I was actually a beneficiary of both free tuition and a student grant. In fact tuition fees did not appear on the agenda anywhere, until I spent time in the United States which had a well-established and costly universal system of tuition fee schooling. I remember talking to my friends over there who were amazed that we didn’t have fees to pay and even more amazed that my schooling was paid for through general taxation. I remember feeling a little smug but also proud because I thought it was the mark of a civilised society that we had arrived at a social compact, that meant we all paid a little more in general taxation and in return we provided a range of services

without charge and ensured an equality of opportunity for all. Today we face ever more increasing costs through fees and charges across a range of public services. I am not saying for one second they are not justified, but how does it help us build a greater and more progressive community? And are we steadily going backwards instead of advancing as a society? Those who claim or seek to claim great credit for freezing taxes really should be scrutinised further and deeper than they often are. The old bible saying goes ‘the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away’ and this sums up my feelings well. As local authorities grapple with reduced funding and yet increasing public expectations, beware those that claim some magic efficiency tree growing great fruit. In reality somewhere and often out of necessity the money needs to be found, and if they can avoid the terrible stigma of tax, charging separately for services becomes an attractive proposition even if it is inefficient, costly - because you end up paying more - and is duplicitous at best. I think someone somewhere is trying to call that progress. It doesn’t look it to me.

My mate is such an egotist. He joined the navy so that the world could see him.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On the nonsense of having a lavatory at church The Rectory St James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren THIS YEAR, the rigours of Lent have taken second place to a far more pressing matter: the installation of a lavatory at St James the Least of All. Personally, I entirely disapprove of this additional sign of decadence in our moral fibre; we have survived perfectly happily for the last 800 years without one, so why is there such an urgent need now? And being surrounded by acres of fields, there seems to be a completely acceptable alternative. It also spoils the pleasure I used to take, informing ushers at weddings, having liberally refreshed themselves at our local pub before the Service, that we have no facilities and that they would just have to wait. Their look of pained resignation, developing to clear signs of repentance as the Service progressed, was most cheering. It also meant that wedding parties did not linger after the Service but disappeared with commendable speed to safe havens. I anticipate that now we have the thing, a sub-committee will form to devise a commissioning Service for the person who will be in charge of its maintenance. I can already foresee Lady Bartlett proposing an appropriate set of robes for the office holder – although it will need some tact to select suitable insignia on the sleeves. In fact, the project has not been entirely successful; we still need to have a lock fitted and so at present, occupants have been advised to sing hymns loudly. A hymn book has been installed as an aide memoire. The greater difficulty arises from our antiquated plumbing system. A member of the congregation can leave a Service perfectly discreetly; they can enter the lavatory unseen by anyone, but on flushing, water is drawn through pipes running the length of the inside of the building with a thunderous roar. I am sure that in your worship centre you will have lavish cloakrooms furnished with colour co-ordinated walls and towels, baby-changing facilities and video monitors relaying everything going on in the service. But we are made of sterner stuff, and I maintain that our congregation should be grateful that they now a lavatory at all. And to think that someone suggested it should even have heating! Your loving uncle,

Eustace

What’s in your child’s lunchbox? TEN YEARS AGO, too many children’s lunch boxes contained processed ham sandwiches and packets of crisps. Sadly, today, little has changed. A recent study at Leeds University has found that the majority of lunchboxes still fall well below nutritional standards. Only one in five include any vegetables or salad. Less than one per cent have sandwiches with plant-based fillings, such as hummus. There is also a drop in various minerals and vitamins such as A, C and zinc. Even the bread is less healthy: as tortillas and wraps are gaining in popularity. But as one public health information officer points out, “given the choice of unhealthy food and drinks that are often marketed as ‘family packs’ or ‘good for lunch boxes’, it is hardly surprising that busy parents go for these options.”

Treat Mum to a Meal on Mothering Sunday (22nd Marc

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

FLICKS IN THE STICKS AT MARKFIELD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HALL ON FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY AND FRIDAY 27TH MARCH STARTING AT 2.00pm. For Further Details call Angela Berry 07971 254165 or 01530 242578 NO CHARGE

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

Traditional Sunday Lunch 1 Course - £9.00 2 Courses - £12.00 3 Courses - £15.00

With personal service to your table

Home-Made Pie Night - Tuesdays - £6.45 Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Garden & Great Food!

My idea exercise is to sit in the bath, pull the plug and fight the current. FLICKS IN of THE STICKS Markfield Congregational Church had the idea of presenting film afternoons to

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

QUIZ NIGHT ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST AT 7.30PM

All the latest news from

THIS MONTH we have new displays in our library which highlight our group activities. Our Book Clubs, Writers’ Group, Art Class, Ancestry, Knitters and Reading/Rhymes for Toddlers are all featured and the walking group too. These are also on our website with the free services the library offers. Visit markfieldcommunitylibrary. co.uk to take a look or on Facebook at MarkfieldCommunityLibrary.

NOW FOR A NEW PROJECT COFFEE MORNING ON MAY 9TH. The BANK HOLIDAY on FRIDAY, May 8th, 2020 WILL BE THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF V.E.DAY. You are invited to share your memories of V.E. CELEBRATIONS and wartime work. Please help us by writing or talking of your family memories. Come and see the display.

NOW HERE IS TODAY’S STORY FROM ONE OF OUR HELPERS.

MY NAME is Margaret and I have lived in Markfield since the summer of 1978. So many bymydementia Then we did people not have a libraryare buildingtouched and I remember taking then very young children down to the library in Groby. We have had a permanent library for many years now and I am proud to be playing my small part in keeping this facility open.

During my years in Markfield tried to get involved with village life and activities, most notably PLEASE COME TOI have OUR FRIENDLY COFFEE MORNIN with the local scout group where I have been a beaver leader for 30 years. During this time hundreds of children have through and whilst not being able to remember most11am of them this has given atpassed MARKFIELD LIBRARY at me the opportunity to get to know a lot of people in the village. I have also been the treasurer and Can YOU be a DETECTIVE or newshound to th committee member of theWednesday Markfield WI group for the 18 last 15 years. As a group we also try to get on January. discover your family’s memories? involved in village life whenever possible.

HELP OUR PROJECT: A CHALLENGE TO CHILDREN

Ask your mum and dad, or their mother and father or their mothers and fathers. Write or type your story, send or bring it to the library by April 9th and we will put it on our display board. GROUP 1 is stories about the street parties and celebrations on V.E.Day. GROUP 2 is memories of the queues for food and the shortages and “MAKE DO AND MEND”. GROUP 3 is ideas of where your family members went in the war and what they did. V.E.DAY was the day for the street parties and village festivals to celebrate the end of WWII. We hope to celebrate this anniversary as we did the 100 years since the end of WWI IN 2018. We would like to include YOUR FAMILY memories of V.E.DAY Celebrations and of life during the war.

I have been a volunteer since the start, at the fete which launched the community library I was performing in a demonstration by the local Zumba class and ended up volunteering. I chose working in the library partly because I felt this was where I would be most useful and also because I like talking. I have settled into my regular Tuesday afternoon slot and enjoy meeting and chatting to our customers. Besides the routine work I am involved with the local school children. For the past 2 years children from Mercenfeld have come into the library on a Tuesday afternoon on a class by class basis. Although they are not there very long it is full on while they are. Checking books in and out, locating book they are interested in and generally dealing with the requirements of 25+children. However, we love having them as it gives the library a real buzz and hope that the school will continue to send them. I am also a coordinator for the Summer Reading Challenge which we take part in every year. In the summer term I have been going into local schools at assembly time and given a presentation on that year’s challenge and tried to encourage the children to join in. This year for the first time the library gave prizes to some of the children who had completed the challenge and I went into Mercenfeld to give these out. It gave me an opportunity to congratulate all the children who had achieved this. The library is a lovely building and it is good that it is now used by so many groups, however our core purpose is to allow people to take out and read books and without this we cannot continue so I hope everyone will try to help us keep open.

Would you please spend just one hour to understand a little more about dementia It could help you, family, friends, neighbou - our whole community.

Our free, valuable and interesting Dementia Friend Information Session is just about asking everyone t understand a bit more about dementia and how we m make life that bit easier and more pleasant for thos PLEASE HELP US TO MAKE THIS SPECIAL IN MAY. people who live with it. FOR GROWN-UPS If you would rather talk to us come to the library for a chat and we will do the writing. Try Friday, March 6th or March 13 from 1-3pm or Monday, March 2nd from 1 to 3pm or 6 to 7pm.

Please do be a Dementia Friend.

Monday

9.00am to 10.00am

1.00pm to 3.00pm

6.00pm to 7.00pm

Tuesday

9.00am to 10.00am

1.00pm to 3.00pm

6.00pm to 7.00pm

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

9.00am to 10.00am

12.30pm to 3.00pm

6.00pm to 7.00pm

Friday

9.00am to 10.00am

1.00pm to 3.00pm

Closed

Saturday

10.00am to 12.30pm

Closed

Sunday

Closed

I live with fear every day, but sometimes she lets me go to the pub.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Woodbine Willie: bringing love with cigarettes and the Bible HERE’S A ‘SAINT’ that the Church of England remembers from the 1st World War - the Revd. Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy MC, or ‘Woodbine Willie’, as everyone knew this popular, much-loved army chaplain on the Western Front. Studdert Kennedy (27th June 1883 – 8th March 1929) had been born in Leeds as the seventh of nine children. After reading divinity and classics at Trinity College Dublin, he’d studied for ordination at Ripon Clergy College, and served his curacy at Rugby. By the time war broke out in 1914, Studdert Kennedy was vicar of St Paul’s Worcester. He soon volunteered to go to the Western Front as a chaplain to the army. Life on the front line in the trenches was a desperate affair, but soon Studdert Kennedy had hit on a way of bringing a few moments of relief to the stressed out soldiers: as well as good cheer he gave out copious amounts of ‘Woodbines’, the most popular cheap cigarette of the time. One colleague remembered Kennedy: “he’d come down into the trenches and say prayers with the men, have a cuppa out of a dirty tin mug and tell a joke as good as any of us. He was a chain smoker and always carried a packet of Woodbine cigarettes that he would give out in handfuls to us lads. That’s how he got his nickname. He came down the trench one day to cheer us up. Had his Bible with him as usual. Well, I’d been there for weeks, unable to write home, of course, we were going over the top later that day. I asked him if he would write to my sweetheart at home, tell her I was still alive and, so far, in one piece… years later, after the war, she showed me the letter he’d sent, very nice it was. A lovely letter. My wife kept it until she died.” Kennedy was devoted to his men, so much so that in 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross at Messines Ridge, after running into no man’s land in order to help the wounded during an attack on the German frontline. During the war, Kennedy supported the British military effort with enthusiasm, but soon after the war, he turned to Christian socialism and pacifism. He was given charge of St Edmunds in Lombard St, London, and took to writing a number of poems about his war experiences: Rough Rhymes of a Padre (1918) and More Rough Rhymes (1919). He went on to work for the Industrial Christian Fellowship, for whom he did speaking tours. It was on one of these tours that he was taken ill, and sadly died in Liverpool in 1929. He was only 46. His compassion and generosity in the face of the horrors of the Western Front was immortalised in the song ‘Absent Friends’: “Woodbine Willie couldn’t rest until he’d/given every bloke a final smoke/before the killing.” He himself had once described his chaplain’s ministry as taking “a box of fags in your haversack, and a great deal of love in your heart.”

The Fear By C L Lewis

WHEN Lou Wandsworth ran away to France with her teacher Mike Hughes, she thought he was the love of her life. But Mike wasn’t what he seemed and he left her life in pieces. Now 32, Lou discovers that he is involved with teenager Chloe Meadows. Determined to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself, she returns home to confront him for the damage he’s caused. But Mike is a predator of the worst kind, and as Lou tries to bring him to justice, it’s clear that she could once again become his prey…

ST. PETER’S CHURCH COPT OAK invite you to join us for a

FULL ENGLISH BIG BREAKAST

with cereal/yoghurt, toast, tea & coffee Saturday 7th March 9.00 till 11.30 Copt Oak Memorial Hall, LE67 9QB Admission £7.50 Various Stalls including Jams & pickles ~ Cakes & Books Booking advisable - Please contact 01530 244229 or 0116 2674746 Markfield Local History Group Presents

‘The Archaeology of Leicester Castle’ A talk by Mathew Morris Project Officer, University of Leicester Archaeological services (ULAS)

Tuesday 17th March 7.30 pm The Methodist Church Rooms, Main Street, Markfield Non-members £3 to include refreshments www.MarkfieldHistory.info

I was making coffee today. I pushed down on the plunger and a cafe in the next street blew up.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

‘Snooze it, don’t lose it’ when the clocks go forward DON’T sacrifice your sleep when the clocks go forward on Sunday March 29 2020! When it comes to the weekend’s ‘lost hour’, advice from The Sleep Council is to “snooze it rather than lose it.” Says chief advisor Lisa Artis: “Rather than lose an hour’s sleep, shave it from the day and have an extra hour in bed, if you possibly can. Although it’s only 60 minutes, it can affect our body clocks which in turn affects our sleep patterns.” Not so easy for those with small children who don’t understand Daylight Saving Time adjustments! According to research from America*, whether the clocks go forward or back, around half of parents questioned said it affected their children. More than a quarter (29%) reported more difficulty getting children to sleep after the time change. And of those who reported bedtime challenges, 94% said it took two or more days to get youngsters back into their regular sleep pattern. Said Lisa: “It can take people of any age, time to get back into a routine and that can impact on energy levels, general wellbeing and even productivity at work.” So, if you’re among those unable to ‘snooze it rather than lose it’, or are wondering how to steer children through the time change, try following The Sleep Council’s top tips for taking on the clocks: • Move bedtime a little earlier, by just 10 minutes or so, in the days approaching the clocks going forward. It won’t seem too bad come Sunday when you lose those precious 60 minutes! • With a change of natural light patterns, keep the bedroom as dark as possible. Light suppresses secretion of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. So, while it is important to expose yourself to natural light during the waking hours as much as possible, conversely, do not expose yourself to bright light when it is dark outside. • Practice good sleep hygiene. Create a sleep-friendly environment that enhances your chances of falling asleep, staying asleep and sleeping well. This includes a cool temperature (around 16-18 degrees) and eliminating distractions (i.e. banning mobiles, tablets etc. in the hour before bed). • It may sound simple, but make sure your bed is comfortable. It’s difficult to get deep, restful sleep on one that’s too soft, too hard, too small or too old. If it’s older than seven years, maybe use the weekend to look at replacing it. • Try not to overindulge in caffeine, food and alcohol over the clock change weekend, as these all have a negative impact on sleep. Similarly, try to make sure young children don’t over-indulge in sugary treats before bedtime as the ensuing sugar rush could keep them bouncing long into the night! • If you can’t sleep, don’t lie there worrying about it. Get up and do something you find relaxing such as reading a book until you feel sleepy again - then go back to bed. *Survey by the Better Sleep Council, published March 2017 The Sleep Council has lots more free tips and advice. For more information visit www.sleepcouncil.org.uk

Oral Care Recycling - fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society I’M CO-ORDINATING a scheme in Leicestershire whereby I collect used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes etc and send them off to be recycled and in return it raises money for our local Alzheimer’s Society. Please contact me for further information.

Lisa Dent

Email: lisa.dent@gmx.com

A Ballad down Memory Lane

... inspired by the Markfield Local History Group News article in the Dec edition of The Herald about the local pubs a drink in Markfield? take your pick go anywhere of course; for a Sunday brunch or evening meal then try the Coach and Horses the Bull’s Head is our oldest pub the locals go for beer or try the Queen’s with TV screens that mark the sporting year but I will wander back in time where memories belong drink with the ghosts dissolved in ale from inns that are now gone the Earl Grey Arms – a hardware store The George – that’s now the co-op the poor Red Lion – a take-away are the ones we can be sure of we can’t leave out the Quarryman’s Arms the Plough Inn by the school and if you think that’s not enough we had the Boot Inn too and then there’s those with names that sound made up, although they’re not the Rising Sun, the Ab Lincoln the Wagon and Horses. Stop! here’s the spot the Wellington stood but now the trail runs cold they changed the name to leave no trace along the no through road it’s pubs that make a village soul where folks will meet and natter relax a while, with drinks and snacks to share with friends that matter

Jill Simpson Field Head

Before starting your lawn mower, always count your toes and choose the ones you’d most like to keep.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Borough Councillor Andy Furlong’s UPDATE

‘GENERALLY speaking, would you say that things in this country are heading in the right direction, or are they off on the wrong track?’ This is a question asked regularly by my favourite market research company, Ipsos MORI. They ask the same question every month in 28 different countries. It’s a good way of finding out what people are thinking and comparing levels of optimism around the world. The latest findings make for disheartening reading. There are just three countries in which a majority of the population thinks that their country is on the right track - China, India and Saudi Arabia. Everywhere else, Britain included, appears to think that things are going in the wrong direction. Optimism has improved since the general election in December, but according to Ipsos MORI, here in Britain, the doom mongers still outnumber the cheerful by a ratio of three to two.

Leicestershire worries THIS set me thinking. What do people worry about in our corner of Leicestershire and what can a local councillor like me do to help? Ipsos MORI’s figures suggest that the top two ‘worries’ in Britain today are health, followed by crime. Judging by the conversations that I have with friends and neighbours, things are no different in Markfield, Stanton and Field Head. I’ll share my thoughts on the healthcare challenges facing our community in a future column; but this month I thought it would be useful to lift the lid on crime.

Local crime data THERE’S a really handy resource on the web called Police.UK. The website contains masses of crime data and some really clever interactive maps. You simply select a month, type in your postcode and up pops a map showing every instance of reported crime in your local area. I crunched last year’s numbers and calculated that 365 crimes were reported across our patch last year. For the record, 172 of these were in Markfield and Field Head; 159 were on or around Shaw Lane (particularly at, or near the petrol stations) and there were 35

crimes reported in Stanton. Given that we have a total population of around 7,000, a rough calculation suggests that the chance of being a victim of crime last year was around 5%. That number feels quite low, but nothing to be complacent about, so I’ve done some more digging to find out what kind of crime is happening round our way. In December 2019 the total number of crimes reported in Markfield, Stanton and Field Head was 28. Theft topped the table with 13 crimes - much of it on the A511. There were ten recorded instances of violence and sexual assault – largely in the home. The remainder was made up of criminal damage and vehicle crime, a single burglary in Markfield and a public order incident in Field Head. Crime over the Christmas period was lower than in 2018 or 2017, but clearly there’s enough happening to keep our local beat team busy; bearing in mind that Sergeant James Cross and his small team are covering a large rural area that stretches all the way over to Atherstone.

Police cuts THE bigger picture doesn’t look so good.

represent anything other than a belated attempt to fix the damage caused by a decade of police cuts; and, even when the new officers finally appear, we’ll still be way below where we were in 2010.

Reporting crime SO, WHAT can we all do in the meantime? If you’ve been the victim of a crime or think you have witnessed one; report it to the police straight away. Your information could be used to prevent other crimes and help keep others safe. The easiest way to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response, is to use the new Leicestershire Police online reporting portal at leics.police.uk/report-online, alternatively call 101. If you want to report a crime, but you do not want to be identified to the police, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Remember, if someone has been attacked or badly hurt in any way; or if a serious crime is in progress, ring 999 immediately. The call should be answered within 10 seconds.

I am in regular contact with Sergeant Cross, so please keep me informed of any concerns that you have. Furthermore, the Borough Council has a statutory duty to make our villages safer and I can talk directly with the Community Safety Team at Hinckley. Let’s work together to keep Markfield, Stanton and Field Head heading in the right direction by keeping our eyes open, sharing information and reporting all instances of crime and suspicious behaviour. For the latest on crime in your neighbourhood, check out http:// bit.ly/NH29beat

And finally ... Finally, you can find out what the world is worrying about here http://bit.ly/ worldworries

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

The crime figures for Leicestershire as a whole have skyrocketed. Back in 2010 the police were recording around 70,000 crimes annually. Ten years on, that figure is above 90,000 and climbing. Offences including the possession of weapons, violence and robbery are all on the increase. At the same time, the population has grown. Thus, it’s deeply worrying to note that police numbers fell dramatically during the last decade. The Leicestershire Police were hit very hard by central government cuts. Officer numbers fell from over 2,300 in 2010 to less than 1,900 in 2019. It’s no surprise that crime soared and public confidence in the police dipped locally. Leicestershire’s elected Police & Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, has been sounding alarm bells for the last four years. He’s also acted to raise police numbers locally, delivering modest increases in 2017 and 2018 and a further 107 officers in 2019. The penny has dropped in Westminster too. The government has recognised that less cops means more crime. It’s a pity it took them ten years to figure this out! If things go to plan, we can look forward to additional police resources in Markfield, Stanton and Field Head, but don’t be fooled into thinking that these ‘extra’ officers

Smoking makes a woman’s voice go harsh. If you don’t believe me, try flicking cigarette ash on her new carpet.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

More Bagworth Village History - from Bob Austin

N THE LATE 1930s Bagworth was a thriving village.

The main industries were the colliery and secondly the brickworks, which was at the Ellistown end of the village. The clay hole had been worked out and a new clay hole was formed at the west side. Access was through a tunnel which went under the road so clay could be transported through the tunnel up the old gantry to the existing mill and the brick making machinery. The clay hole team men traveled from Nailstone Ellistown and Stantonunder-Bardon. The charge hand was Bagworth-based Bill Watson. Most of the other people in the workforce were Bagworth men. The manager of the brickworks was Reg Fairbrother and administration was by Leonard Fairbrother. They lived in adjacent houses (Stag Cottages) opposite the brickworks. The Colliery was managed in two separate categories. The Top Seam by Mr. Alfred Whitmore and the Deep Seam by Mr. Joseph Street. The colliery manager was Mr. F.C.Neath. Most of the people in the workforce were Bagworth men but some traveled from Nailstone, Ellistown, Markfield and Thornton. It was a very productive colliery. Most of the working women in the village traveled by train from the village station to Leicester to work in the many hosiery factories, the main one being Corah’s. They caught the 8 a.m. train returning on what was known as the factory special at 6 p.m. The shops in the village consisted of Smiths greengrocery and provisions who had a cart which he drove up the village selling his produce. Bert (Chick) Rowbottom sold fish and chips and Harry Roberts was the Grocer and Milkman. All his milk was sold out of churns. The milk came from Thompson’s Farm which is where the club car park is now. Horace Kene had a little wooden shed and petrol pumps where men could buy all the tools they required for pit work including picks, shovels and hammers. Hilda and George Percival sold minerals (pop), made by Beckworths of Whitwick, from their back kitchen. Next door was Mrs Finney’s selling almost everything. There was no counter in her shop just a big table in the middle of the room. Lees’ shop was the first house in the bigger houses by the pit. It used to be called Cabbage Row (reason unknown). They sold everything including carbide and paraffin. Further up the road was a fairly modern shop compared to all the others. This was Harris Whitmore’s Post Office, Newsagency and Stationery.

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

worked at the colliery and farmed three fields and George Percival who had a small holding in the Battram area. On a sad note, at bereavement times before chapels of rest came into existence, the deceased lay in the parlour of a house or cottage and was conveyed to the place of rest on a carriage known as a bier. A procession of mourners followed the coffin in order of closeness to the deceased. The procession traveled through the village to the church, which was situated, on Main Street. The bier was housed in the Bier House on Main Street and belonged to the Parish Council. One of the characters who appeared every Saturday morning traveling down Station Terrace at 8 a.m. was a little man called Aaron Wilkinson who was pushing a giant wicker basket on four wheels. It had two doors, which opened to display shelves of clothing from factory shops in Leicester. He used to peddle his wares from Station Road through the whole village until 8 p.m. At this time he caught the train back to Leicester. Other tradesmen selling their wares included a greengrocer named Mr. Passim from Ellistown. He had a horse drawn dray as did Henry Johnson, greengrocer. Arch Dunkley came to the village on Tuesdays selling all kinds of pots and pans, lamps and wicks etc. Alfie Eggington from Ibstock came with similar items. Milk was delivered around the village by: The Co-op, Jenny Dilks of Main Street, Mrs Cart whose farm was behind the brickyard and Harry Roberts of Station Road. There were also Bakery deliveries by: The Co-op, Gearys of Ratby and Barratts of Newbold On Sunday afternoons a Mr Gilbert from Ellistown came to the village selling ice cream and on Fridays Masserella’s horse and cart would stand outside the pit. When on school holidays children would

stand outside the pit and wait for their dads when they stood a good chance of getting one on Fridays because it was pay day. Most of the recreation time, especially in the winter, took place in the Institute (or Stute, now the Community Centre) where billiards and draughts were played. This was a well frequented place. The two football teams ceased to exist when war came along in 1939. Later mid way through the war and on a Sunday afternoon there was the Crew mob who played card games. The card school consisted of: Jim Watson (Flyly), Gordon Gowdridge (Tawdy), Ronald Digby Hudson (Pussy), Ken Cure (Candy), Denis Collett (Coll), Ron Ottey (Rocket), Jack Taylor (Tika), and Bob Whathall (Hairpin). On one occasion, whilst the boys were playing, the local vicar approached, a young person by the name of Reverend Redgrave who was on his way from the church. They were embarrassed to say the least, but to their surprise he asked if they would be interested in forming a youth club. The answer was ‘yes’ and that is how the Bagworth Youth Club was born and, in time, a football team and a cycling club were also started under the guidance of George Mugglestone (Juddy) and George Watkins. There were also two Doctor’s surgeries in the village twice each week. Doctor Souza, who held his surgery in Oliver Bowler’s front room, and Doctor Meldron, who held his surgery in Mrs. Rosanne Lee’s front room. One was at the top of the village and the other at the bottom of the village. Two tailors also came to the village. Teddy Barnes from Ellistown and a man called Gledhill from Kirby Muxloe. A person was measured for a suit of clothes in their own home and they paid so much per week for it. By the time it was paid for another one was required!

It’s better to have loved a short man than never to have loved a tall.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Medical Centre and Patient Participation Group NEWS from Rosie Woodland

Letter

Bake Sale to raise funds for Gorse Hill City Farm

THE PPG HELD its AGM on Monday January 27th 2020 at 5.00pm at which members reviewed the goals which we had set ourselves in view of patient comments and feedback. We looked at how successfully these had been addressed during the last year. Both Cancer care and COPD information packs have been put together and have been or will be given to any patients who are diagnosed with these conditions. It is hoped that these will give useful information and contact numbers which patients can read at their leisure and refer to as and when necessary. We plan to produce further packs in the future so, if you know of an area which you think might be usefully covered in this way, please let the PPG know via the Surgery. During Flu clinics PPG members asked patients if they would like to sign up for online access. Over one quarter of patients now take advantage of this service. By signing up to GP online services you will be able to use a website or app to book or cancel appointments online with a GP or nurse, order repeat prescriptions online, view parts of your GP record, including information about medication, allergies, vaccinations, previous illnesses and test results and view clinical correspondence such as hospital discharge summaries, outpatient appointment letters and referral letters. Another aim is to broaden the membership of the PPG. Posters have been produced to encourage others to join the PPG – we are particularly keen to encourage younger patients to come along to give their perspective on practice related issues. This is one of our ongoing goals, whilst new goals for 2020 will be set at the next PPG meeting. The PPG has been working closely with the practice over the last few months to look at the appointment system and at how we can improve access for patients. The practice now has a plan in place which will be rolled out over the coming months and this includes recruitment of new staff and a new telephone system. If you have recently travelled back from China and have cold / flu symptoms, please call 111 in the first instance and do not attend the Practice or Pharmacy. Following last month’s article talking about improving your health, the PPG came across this information from Leicestershire County Council which might be of interest to you.

A FUNDRAISING Bake sale in support of Gorse Hill City Farm will take place on Wednesday 19th February (during the school half term break.) It will start at 2:30pm and finish at 5:pm. My friend and I from the farm are doing it because we don’t wish to see it go as it holds a place in our hearts. It is a great place for young children to come into contact with animals they wouldn’t usually. Friends of mine will also help out. The majority of the items will be home baked the day before by myself and a few friends who took cooking year 7 to 9. The prices will be £1.50 for slices of cakes, £1.00 for any cupcakes and cookies, and 50p for fudge and brownies. We will be happy for people who come to ask questions if they so wish. The farm is at risk of closing down since the council removed funding. We hope to keep it open as long as possible. You can also donate through Gorse Hill City Farm website (www. gorsehillcityfarm.org.uk) Thank you.

Lorelei

Leicestershire New Year health campaign

LEICESTERSHIRE County Council’s New Year health campaign focuses on the support available for people across Leicestershire from the weight management service and stop smoking services. Both services offer tailored support and advice, to ensure that they are working with people and are helping in ways that are achievable for them. The services are non-judgemental, confidential and free. If you, or somebody you know, need any support to stop smoking or to achieve a healthy weight, please visit the website www.leicestershire.gov. uk/healthier-you or call the Quit Ready team on 0345 646 6666 or weight management team on 0116 305 1510. #HealthierYou #Healthier2020

A husband is someone who can guess what his wife is going to say before she repeats it.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Congregational Church

10:30am Morning Worship 6:00pm No Evening Service

Sunday 16 February 10.30am United Service at St Michael’s Parish Church

Sunday 29th March 10:30am Morning Worship 6:00pm No Evening Service

Sunday 23 February 10.15am Morning Worship - Isaac Watts hymns Sunday 1 March 10.15am Morning Worship followed by Communion Sunday 8 March 10.15am Morning Worship Sunday 15 March 10.30am United Service in our Church

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 16th February 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 23rd February 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 1st March (1st Sunday in Lent) 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 8th March 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper Prayer Meeting prior to service 9.40 to 10.10am Sunday 15th March 10.30am Morning Service Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during Morning Service. For Family Services they join in with the main church. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section in this magazine.

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org Facebook : Markfield Methodist Church Sunday 16th February 10:30am No Service at our Church – United Service @ St Michael’s 6:00pm Evening Communion Service Sunday 23rd February 10:30am Morning Worship 6:00pm No Evening Service Sunday 1st March 10:30am Morning Communion Service 6:00pm Evening Taize Service Sunday 8th March 10:30am Morning Worship 4:00pm No Afternoon/Evening Service Sunday 15th March 10:30am No Service at our Church – United Service @ Congregational Church 6:00pm Evening Service Sunday 22nd March (Mothering Sunday)

Other Events at Trinity Methodist Church - Everyone Very Welcome Beetle Drive 2:00pm to 4:00pm 5th March - Tickets Available Now @ £3.00 Each Lent Chaplaincy Talks 7:30pm to 9:00pm Wednesdays March 4th, 11th, 25th and April 1st Wednesday 18th March @ Congregational Church Hall Music Café 2:00pm to 4:00pm 27th February, 12th & 26th March Sparklers Group – Monday 3:15pm to 4:15pm - For Children Zero to Reception Age & Carers Church Club – Monday after School until 4:30pm - For Children from Mercenfeld School - Every Week during Term Timee

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield Sunday 16th February 10.30 am Churches together in Markfield 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 23rd February 9.00 am Holy Communion (said) Sunday before Lent 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Wednesday 26th February Benefice service at St Peter’s, Thornton Ash Wednesday 7.30 pm Holy Communion Sunday 1st March 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 8th March 10.30 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 15th March 10.30 am Churches together in Markfield 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Wednesday 26th February Benefice service at St Peter’s, Thornton Ash Wednesday 7.30 pm Holy Communion Sunday 1st March 10.30 am Morning Prayer Sunday 8th March 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th March 10.30 am Morning Prayer Sunday 22nd March 10.30 am Something Different Service

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 9th February 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 16th February 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 23rd February 10.30 am Morning Prayer Wednesday 26th February Benefice service Ash Wednesday 7.30 pm Holy Communion Sunday 1st March 10.30 am All Age Service Sunday 8th March 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th March 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 22nd March 10.30 am Morning Prayer Wednesday 25th March Benefice service 10 am Holy Communion and Coffee

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Sunday 1st March 9.00 am Holy Communion at the Community Centre

Sunday 22nd March 6.00 pm Evening Prayer n

Catholic Church of St Wilfrid of York 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB Sunday Mass: Saturday Vigil: 6 pm / Sunday: 10 am See Newsletter on the website below for details of weekday Mass times, Confessions, and other events. Parish Contact: Parish Priest: Fr Gabriel Offor – 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website: www.stwilfscoalville. blogspot.co.uk School Details: St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www.st-clares.leics. sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle.leics.sch.uk The Markfield Catholic Community is part of Markfield Churches Together and participate in the monthly United Services detailed in the Markfield Churches’ service details. Markfield Masses • Wednesday 18 March 2020 • Wednesday 20 May 2020 • Wednesday 16 September 2020. at Congregational Church Hall, Main Street, Markfield (next to the Chinese takeaway) at 7pm.

Sunday 9th February 3.00 pm Praise service Sunday 16th February 9.15 am Holy Communion (said Service)

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon

Sunday 23rd February 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday before Lent

Sunday 9th February 10.30 am Holy Communion

Wednesday 26th February Benefice service at St Peter’s, Thornton Ash Wednesday 7.30 pm Holy Communion

Sunday 23rd February 10.30 am Something Different Service - Sunday before Lent

Sunday 15th March 9.15 am Holy Communion (said Service)

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak

Sunday 22nd March 9.00 am Holy Communion (said) 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 16th February 10.30 am Morning Prayer

Sunday 8th March 3.00 pm Praise service

Sunday 1st March 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Apparently if you go to the movies alone, you’re considered a loner and a bit weird. So I took my cat with me.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

at Leicester Animal Aid Bardon Park New beginnings Learn about Pet First Chapel Aid at LAA, Huncote www.bardonchapel.co.uk

FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE: Come and worship the Lord with us on the 1st Sunday in every month at 10.00 am. Our gatherings are fairly informal. THURSDAY ART CLASS: Between 7pm and 9.00pm. Bardon Park Chapel, Shaw Lane, Bardon, Coalville LE67 1SY There is a large car park at the back. For more details on any of the above please contact: Richard Norburn on 01530 242526 ADVENT SUNDAY SERVICE: 10 am Sun 1st December CAROLS: 6.30 pm Sunday 15th December MIDNIGHT MASS: 9.00 pm Tues 24th December Christmas Morning Celebration: 10.00 am Wed 25th December New Year Celebration: 10.00 am Sunday 5th January

WE VERY much hope that 2020 is the year that 2 year old black and white crossbreed, Taylor, finds his forever home.

This was his second Christmas with us at Huncote, and we have everything crossed that his search for a new family will soon be over. Sadly, life hasn’t been easy for Taylor and he has been hurt and upset in the past. He is quite an anxious dog, especially around other dogs, and needs patience and dedication. He can be scared of new people, but once he gets to know you he will be your best friend. Taylor is looking for an experienced and patient dog owner in a quiet home, without young children, where his confidence and trust can grow. He does need to be the only dog in the home. If you feel you could offer Taylor a home please, please do get in touch. We would also like you to know about gentle young sweetie Hope, a beautiful 2 year old female lurcher. She is quiet and shy and longing for a home of her own. For some of our other dogs available for re-homing please see our website: https://www.leicesteranimalaid.org. uk/dogs/dogs

Would you know what to do if your dog or cat collapsed or was injured? Those first few minutes can make all the difference, until you can get your dog or cat to the Vet’s. Our interactive first aid courses cover everything you need to know including practical sessions on bandaging and CPR. You also get a course booklet and a certificate.

Cat first aid The Cat first aid course is on the afternoon of Saturday 16th May, starting at 2pm.

Dog first aid course Our morning Dog first aid course runs on Saturday mornings from 10am: 21st March, 16th May and 10th October. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or other behavioural issues then our halfday morning workshops could be for you.

Monthly Workshops Tellington TTouch for Dogs You’ll learn how Tellington TTouch, a gentle and easy to learn practice, can increase our understanding of dogs and improve

their well-being and our own relationship with our dog(s). It can offer solutions for many different behavioural issues and anxieties including separation anxiety, jumping up, pulling on the lead and barking or chewing excessively. It also helps you to building a stronger bond with your fourlegged friend. We usually run these morning workshops every month. To find out more information on our courses visit our events section of our website. Please support us and our animals in 2020 Each year we rescue and rehome around 400 cats and dogs. We couldn’t do this without the support of our local community. There are lots of ways you can help us from organising your own fundraising event to having one of our collection boxes for your loose change. We have a fundraising pack on our website which gives you lots of ideas!

Jane Walters Tel No. 01455 888 257 Leicester & Leicestershire Animal Aid Association - Registered Charity: 242560 Forest Road, Huncote, LE9 3LE www.facebook.com/ LeicesterAnimalAid

I was proud that my dad made a name for himself, although the police called it identity fraud.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

What’s Been Happening at Markfield Community and Sports Centre Words and pictures from Ron Grantham • Tel: 01530 242240 • www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com

“Eyes Down”- Friday Night Bingo is back at the Centre MANY PEOPLE have asked us to bring back the Friday Night Bingo so we are pleased to announce that we will now be holding cash prize bingo every Friday evening starting on Friday 28th February. Sessions will be from 7pm to 9pm. There will be a ROLL OVER JACKPOT and other cash prizes including a FLYER and BONUS BALL and the bar will be open for liquid refreshments. Just come along and have good evenings fun and a chance to win some cash. Please note that, due to licensing regulations, players must be over the age of eighteen.

New Age Curling Evening Club

February. Sessions are from 9am to 3pm each day. To book places or for further information please contact 07455 023366 or 07957 173313 or email jb-futsal@outlook.com. JB Futsal also provide regular weekly sessions at the Centre as follows: • Wednesdays 5pm to 6pm for five to seven year olds and 6pm to 7pm for eight to eleven year olds • Thursdays mini kickers two to 4 year olds 10.30am to 11.30am • Saturdays 9am to 10am for five to seven year olds and 10am to 11am for eight to eleven year olds

VE (Victory Europe) Celebration YOU MAY or may not know that the May Day Bank Holiday that would have taken place on Monday 4th May has been pushed back to Friday 8th May to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. To mark this special historical event the Centre is teaming up with Markfield Library to have special celebration events. The Centre’s Mayflower Club will have a special VE Day celebration party on Wednesday 6th May and the Library will be holding an event Saturday 8th May. In partnership with the Library we will also be recording VE Day memories of our older residents about their recollections of that historical day seventy five years ago. If you would like to have your memories recorded please let us know and we will arrange a recorded “interview”. Also if any of you have photographs of VE Day events or parties or any other VE Day memorabilia we would be most grateful if we could borrow them.

Mayflower Club Update JUDGING from the sounds of laughter coming from our new daytime New Age Kurling Club players are having fun playing indoor curling as well as carpet bowls. We realised that other people may want to come along but cannot make the day time sessions. So, starting from Wednesday 19th February, we will be starting an extra evening club on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. The bar will also be open so this may test your skills after a couple of pints! New Age Kurling is similar to Curling on ice but played on an indoor surface. Together with carpet bowls you will have good fun and, as a bonus, it is a good form of exercise. The Wednesday morning sessions take place from 10am to 12 noon. In both cases the cost is only £2 per hour so you can do either one hour or two hours and it includes a “cuppa” and biscuits to keep your energy levels up. Just come along to either of the sessions and give it a go and I promise that you will enjoy it.

Markfield Good Neighbours Scheme WE MADE good progress at the Scheme’s planning meeting on the 29th January. Things are now starting to fall into place and hopefully we should be in a position to launch the scheme in April/May this year. The next meeting will be at 6pm on Wednesday 4th March. If you would like to do more in the community and help others then this is an opportunity for you to volunteer a bit of your time for a worthwhile cause. You will be most welcome to come along to the meeting and learn more.

Half Term Football for Youngsters LEICESTER FUTSAL Football Development is putting on special classes at the Centre over the February school half term holidays. Youngsters, both boys and girls, love to play football and also to be coached. The half term sessions for children aged 5 to 11 years will take place at the Centre each day from Monday 17th February to Thursday 20th

ON THE 22nd January we held our annual “Burns Supper”. The Haggis was ceremonially brought into the room by one of our members Rob escorted by Val McKay with crossed whiskey bottles and our resident Scot Wee Carol McBerridge. The Haggis was presented to our master of ceremonies Hugh McKay who, dressed in his clan’s regalia, addressed the Haggis and promptly stabbed it with his dagger. The haggis was then toasted with a wee dram of whisky. Following a quiz on famous Scottish people we then tucked into a traditional feast of haggis, neeps and savoury Scottish mince followed by shortcake. It was all washed down with a tipple of whisky or Irn Bru. • ON THE 29TH JANUARY we commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz. The horrors of this evil death camp were revealed in a fact sheet talk. It was truly sobering and the inhumanity and evil must never be forgotten. We have now got some really exciting sessions in place for the coming

In our relationship, I bring home the bacon and my girlfriend carries the rest of the shopping.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

confidence and discipline.

months as follows: 19th February 26th February 4th or 11th March 18th March 1st April 8th April 23rd April 6th May 20th May

How to make your own Ginger Beer Pancake Day and St.David’s Day Talk on Joseph Merrick (The Elephant Man) St.Patrick’s Day at the Races Nails Demonstration Easter Bonnet and Egg Hunt St.George Pub Quiz VE Day Celebration Terror from the Skies (Talk on WW1 Zeppelin Bombing Raids)

All Welcome to any of the above IF YOU are interested in coming along to any of our Mayflower Clubs, simply turn up either on at Monday Afternoon Friendship Club or on Wednesday afternoons for the main Mayflower Club. Both clubs are from 2pm to 4pm and only cost £1.50p per session. You will have fun, meet new friends and be most welcome. K9 Parkour Classes for your Dog Parkour is a challenging but fun activity to do with your dog. It includes jumping, climbing and balancing and strengthen your relationship with your pet dog. The course is over six weeks and covers a whole range of training activities for you and your dog. Classes start at the Centre onSunday 1st March from 9am. To book your place or for more information please contact K9 Education on 07880 923000 or visit www.K9education.co.uk . The classes include a wide range of training activities.

New At The Centre HATHA YOGA is a fun class that focuses on mental and physical well being. Sessions are from 10am to 11am on Sunday mornings. It suits people of all abilities. Please bring a mat if you have one.

Kung Fu Juniors

To book your two week free trial or for further information please contact 07909952227 or visit www.urban martialarts.com

Dates for Your Diary • An Audience with Warren Bailey Warren Bailey has been a working as a medium for many years touring venues throughout the country. We will be holding an evening with Warren during the evening of Saturday 16th May. Further details will be published at a later date but put it in your diary.

• Blood Donors The National Blood Service have arranged further sessions at the Centre for the following dates Wednesday 11th March and Friday 10th April. You can book your blood donation appointment on line so please book your place with the National Blood Service and “Do something amazing” by donating your much needed blood.

The County Council Local Elections These will take place at the Community Centre on Thursday 7th May.

Family Parties and Social Events Offer 2020 DUE TO its popularity the Centre’s Management Committee have decided to continue with our special offer of only charging £10 per room for any event or function with a bar (excludes 18th Birthday Parties). So if you are planning a family or other event during 2020 consider using the Community Centre. This hire fee is very competitive to other venues in the area and will save you a lot of money. Just contact the Centre and we will sort out what you want and see to your needs. For bookings and enquiries please contact Markfield Centre and Sports, Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST on 01530 242240 or email markfieldcomunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk or you can visit our website www. markfield communitycentre.com to view our facilities, latest news, photo gallery and information about the Centre.

These sessions will help youngsters to have skills for life,

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I’m puzzled when they say Jesus was a carpenter, because I’ve got all their records and I don’t remember him singing on any of them.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Pick up a bargain

Herald Small Ads • WANTED: HALF GLAZED EXTERIOR DOOR and WINDOW about 3 feet. Tel: 01530 244049. (Stanton under Bardon) • Lovely light wood ROCKING CHAIR, with padded seat and back cushion. Great for mum and baby or just to sit and relax. As new condition, easily un-assembled for collection. Can supply photo. Price: £45.00. • Attractive GIN BOTTLE LIGHTS with re chargeable batteries. Price: £6.00 each. Can supply photos. Tel: 07790 734858. (Groby) • Gentleman’s navy blue evening jacket. Price: £20.00. • Pair of ladies size 38 1/2 high heeled italian evening shoes. Price: £15.00. • Movie camera. Price: £25.00. • Video camera lens. Price: £20.00 • Rapesco electric nailer/stapler. unwanted gift as new and still in the box. Price: £15.00. • Collection of gardening magazines. Price: £25.00 • Two CB radios and one car aerial. Price: £250.00. • Travel alarm clock (unwanted gift used once). Price: £6.00. Tel: 07845 241817. (Markfield) • Tower 14-1 EXPRESS COOKER. Still in box. Never used - unwanted present. Price: £55.00 o.n.o. Tel: 01530 244450. (Markfield) • Ladies white bowling shoes, worn twice, size 6. Price: £5.00. • Ladies silver ballroom dancing shoes, small heel, new, size 41. Price: £10.00. Tel: 07769 034279 (Markfield) • OFFICE CHAIR - good condition, charcoal grey, height adjustable. Price: £10.00 • FIRE POKER - bone handle. Price: £5.00. Tel: 01530 231102 (Thornton) • Badger Stretcher Carp Fishing Bed. Price: £75.00. • White five-drawer 40” high CHEST OF DRAWERS. Price: £50.00 • King Size Bed, brown wood, no mattress. Price: £75.00. Tel: 0116 232 1922. (Groby) • GHD eclipse hair straighteners. Boxed, new. Half price - £75.00. • UGG boots. Sheepskin lined, very little worn. Size 8-9. Price: £25.00. • Braun Multiquick Blender. Boxed, as new, 160 watt. Price: £7.00. • Lakeland throw. Grey, as new, size 78” x 56”. Price: £10.00. Tel: 01530 242318. (Markfield)

• Cashbox with key. 12” by 8” by 5”. Price: £12.00 • ‘Wind in the Willows’ by Kenneth Grahame, ‘My Dearest Mouse - Wind in the Willows Letters’ by Kenneth Grahame, and ‘The Hedgehog Feast’ by Edith Holden. Price: £10.00 the lot. • Eight Pictures, in gold coloured frames, of costume designs for Bolshoi Nutcracker Suite 1919, limited edition of 5,000. Price: £80.00 the lot. • Two large oriental calendars. 2005, with unusual pictures suitable for framing. Price: £6.00 the pair. • Craft magazines for card making, plus kits. Price: £10.00 the lot. Tel: 01530 243660. (Markfield) • CLAUD BUTLER Criterium Road Bike; frame size 59cm - Price: £100.00. • MOONGOOSE PROGRAM Black BMX Bike - Price: £60.00. • LOGO What Am I Board Game. Price: £10.00. • Rare Vintage Falcon De-Luxe JIGSAW; Houses of Parliament 5000 pieces; complete with photo evidence - Price: £12.00. • Physioworld FOAM ROLLER 45cm unused; core fitness / muscle massage Price: £10.00. • SLEEPING BAG, McKinley Racoon Ext.Childs in Blue; used once. Price: £20.00. • Selection of 14 DOLLS + accessories inc. Bratz, Barbie & Disney. Price: £40.00. Tel: 0116 287 3229 (Groby) • Caravan porch awning - Kampa Rally 260. Price: £50.00 • DeLonghi Multifry Multicooker (uses low oil). Used 4 times. Price: £50.00. Tel: 0116 287 5955 (Groby)

IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Herald, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum EIGHT items please. Our postal address is Herald Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@markfieldherald.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘Small Ads’ in the subject line, and include your postal address (not for publication just so we know whereabouts you are).

~ News from Cross Hills Baptist Church ~ Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area LENT – A TIME TO RENEW This year at Cross Hills for our Lent Study Group, we are very privileged to have the Rev. Dr. Anthony Thacker join us as our guest leader / speaker. Anthony will be introducing our group to the book of Revelation, a book of the bible very often avoided by many timid Christians. With Lent and the theme, ‘A Time to Renew’ in mind it is hoped that our group will be better informed, enlightened and feel more comfortable and able to explore the last and one of the most challenging books of the bible. Any one is free to come along and our evening meetings are not just for members but for all who through Anthony’s guidance would seek to move forward during this important time in the Christian Calendar. Study Group Dates March 2020; Tuesday 10th, Tuesday 17th, Tuesday 24th, Tuesday 31st. For venue confirmation please contact Pastor Garry; email; pastor.garry@outlook.com or mobile 07816616189.

Church Services We are always pleased to welcome newcomers to our church and you’ll find the times of our services in the Church Service Information section in this magazine. We serve tea, coffee and biscuits (and sometimes cake!) in our church hall afterwards so there is plenty of time to chat and make new friends. We are well known as a very friendly and welcoming church and look forward to meeting you.

Contact Numbers • Pastor: Garry Kelly: 01455 457802 / 07816 616189 • Secretary: Lynda Kelly: 01455 457802 / 07910 440243 • Treasurer: Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 You can also find us on Facebook

Glynis Straw

On behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

ALTHOUGH the Christmas period now seems a long time ago, I look back with some fond memories of special Christmas services and events, and also the opportunity to spend some quality family time. Since my wife Sue and I moved to the area in 2012, six grandchildren have been added to our family. It was joyful to have them all together with us over Christmas, although the decibel level was quite high at times! One of the experiences which I really enjoyed was taking the grandchildren out to look at the Christmas lights which had appeared in many residences around where we live (thanks to all those who took the time and effort to put them up). Not only were the grandchildren enthralled, but I was taken back to my own childhood memories of gazing in awe at Christmas lights in the village where I lived. Some would say that the world in which we live today is a ‘dark’ place, with much to bring concern. Yet it is when darkness is present that the light can be most clearly seen. The Bible speaks of Jesus as the Light of the world. In him, we can find hope, even in the darkest of times: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’

Steve Clark Minister, Markfield Methodist Church www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB Markfield Methodist Church

My uncle is such a noisy eater that when he started on his soup in the restaurant, four couples got up to dance.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.ukWord Search 27 Puz 11/02/2020

Seas of the World Wordsearch

H S T A K C C R B L I D J D V L M

A T C C K A I F O R M N F R T A V

R C A G S J C T Q M V M M J B R U

I L N P X Y A Y A D I M O L T O A

B O I X F I S G C I O T J V R C E

G A N M E D I T E R R A N E A N G

N Z A I Q P S S D A N D P K Z Y E

FIND THE NAMES OF 12 SEAS in this month’s Wordsearch puzzle and you could win yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are offering a tasty prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel. To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 seas. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: SAILING, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 29th February 2020. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel. Good luck!

I U S Z A J H D N C A F A I H G A

K N Q W U N U I Y J E M G J J Q N

Y Y O U Q T H O D J B H S T C B W

E A Z G U C S L K V B G O Q H P Z

P A R D H U C A A B I P K T X O C

V D G T B Q F Q Y R R O D C C Z B

M N U H E I X Y E J A S P X N G F

O O P F O T Y Z E G C L W K M P O

S M P D B L T T O S S A G R A S O

B E R I N G A T I N E G Y Z K F H

Here are the 12 SEAS you have to find:

ADRIATIC • AEGEAN • BERING • BLACK CARIBBEAN • CASPIAN • CORAL • IONIAN MEDITERRANEAN • SARGASSO • SOUTH CHINA • TIMOR

Name: ................................................................................................... Address: ................................................................................................ .............................................................................................................. .......................................................... Postcode: ....................................

Last Month’s Competition Winner

The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch Competition was: MRS JAYNE LISTER of Churchill Drive, L.F.E., Leicester Congratulations! Your prize voucher will be sent to you soon.

ADRIATIC AEGEAN BERING BLACK CARIBBEAN CASPIAN CORAL IONIAN MEDITERRANEAN Fantastic international musicians, winners of prizes and SARGASSO accolades, all coming to YOUR village. SOUTHCHINA TIMOR See them at a fraction of the cost of a large venue, in an

MARKFIELD CHAPEL

RECITALS 2020

intimate setting which makes it even more special!

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com

6th March

Piano

1st May

Saxophone

4th Sep

Cello & Piano

27 November

Piano

For further details on any of the concerts please see our website www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org, “like” our Facebook page, see posters on our Church & Markfield village notice boards and of course adverts in our wonderful Herald magazine. Tickets are £12 adults, £6 children (includes a programme and light refreshments) and will be available at and after each proceeding concert

CRYPTIC FISH ANSWERS 1. Eels, 2. Mackerel, 3. Flounder, 4. Monkfish, 5. Dab, 6. Dragon fish, 7. Shark, 8. Cobbler, 9. Mullet, 10. Pike, 11. Goldfish, 12. Perch, 13. Stingray, 14. Snapper, 15. Swordfish, 16. Bass, 17. Sardine, 18. Mud skipper, 19. Barbel, 20. Carp.

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17 The Nook | Anstey | Leicester | LE7 7AZ