Mid-March 2021 Herald Magazine

MID-MARCH 2021

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

Garden waste collections still good value despite £6 increase A 25% INCREASE in the cost of Hinckley and Bosworth’s garden waste collection service may sound like bad news. But, at £30 per annum from 1 June, it still represents good value compared to the service provided by some other local authorities.

The Government website says “Some councils provide a home collection service for garden waste - there may be a small fee for green waste collection.” Although some councils make no charge, for the people of Harlow, who were shown to be paying £96 per annum a couple of years ago, that may have been an understatement. They are no doubt pleased that the council cut the cost to £42 last year, with the portfolio holder for environment admitting that “the cost has been too high for too long.”

Sunny Eastbourne residents face a £70 charge this year.

The £24 charge hasn’t been increased for 5 years, and the start date for the new year has been put back by two months to the first of June to compensate customers for the collections missed when the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020. The service now runs from 1 June 2021 to 31 May 2022, though subscribers can renew from 1 March onwards.

“The £6 increase is to reduce the level of subsidy required from other budgets,” explained a spokesperson for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. “The garden waste service last year cost £1,411,350 to run. The income from garden waste subscriptions was £780,000, so subscriptions currently only represent around 55% of the cost of providing the service.”

Norman Griffiths

Laptops for Mercenfeld Primary School FOLLOWING on from my appeal in the last issue of The Herald for laptops for Mercenfeld Primary School now is the time for an update.

As of 1st March we will have provided the school with 30 laptops that have undoubtedly helped those children with the greatest need move forward in their education in these unprecedented times.

You, the readers of The Herald, have helped so much in boosting the number of devices we have provided for the children. Not every laptop could be used for various technical reasons, but we have been able to harvest spares and perhaps two donations have made one useable device. The spares have also enabled us to update older laptops to make them quicker and more reliable.

I would like to thank Paul Hossack, without whose help and technical expertise this effort would not have been possible. His technical knowledge in making do and mend and then getting the devices ‘school ready’ was key to helping the children at the school in their continuing development.

With schools returning on the 8th March these laptops will still be used and needed. If you, or anyone you know, may have a laptop lurking somewhere we can still use them. Feel free to contact me either on 07584 683022 or by emailing me on alanrockey@hotmail.com or find me on the local Facebook groups Spotted Markfield and Markfield Watch or the Good Neighbourhood Scheme.

Thank you everyone who has donated – be it from reading my appeal in the last issue, Facebook or via the Good Neighbourhood Scheme. Your kind thoughts actions have put a smile on a lot of young faces.

You have made a difference.

Thank You

Alan Rockey

Important information for residents of Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton-under-Bardon HERALD readers in Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton-under-Bardon will find an important 8-page pull-out stapled into the centre of this issue.

The document is the Executive Summary of the Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton-underBardon (BT&SuB) Neighbourhood Plan and will be of interest to residents of all three villages.

The Neighbourhood Plan will be used to help shape the futures of Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton under Bardon.

If you live in one of these villages, and your Herald does NOT include the 8-page pull-out, please contact Mike Wilkinson at The Herald on 01530 244069.

The Markfield Snake

DURING the first lockdown children and adults of Markfield created the stone snake that grew and worked its way along the pathway on the community park.

The stones now need to be removed to allow park maintenance to be carried out. As the present lockdown is soon to end, could we ask children or adults to remove any stones they placed on the path. Once the lock down has ended any stones left will need to be removed.

Thank you for your assistance in this.

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AN UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL LIBERAL DEMOCRAT TEAM Following our update in the January edition of the Herald many people have got in touch with us with various bits of casework, so we thought we would take this opportunity to update you on a few pieces of activity. If there is anything that we can do to help then please get in contact with us and we would be happy to help.

POUNDSTRETCHER APPEAL UPDATE We were delighted that the Poundstretcher / Crown Crest appeal was dismissed with the inspector saying, “the harm I have found would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the Scheme.” This is a real victory for local democracy and shows what happens when people can come together to raise concern. Robin took part in the appeal hearing expressing the depth of feeling across the area around the increases to HGV activities and was delighted the residents of Markfield and beyond have had their quality of life protected.

Robin has campaigned on a range of highways issues including HGVs and speeding in places like Launde Road, Markfield

ACTION ON SPEEDING TRAFFIC AND HIGHWAYS We are delighted that our calls for action on the highways are finally starting to heard by County Hall. Since launching our campaigns on speeding we have started to get some responses about these issues – although there is still a long way to go.

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Robin has opposed inappropriate development such as that proposed in Stanton Under Bardon

We also continue to take up further highways issues, with people coming forwards to express concern that issues of speeding, parking, pot holes and road safety are not being responded to quickly enough. We will continue to campaign for more effective and safer highways RESISTING INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT Along with issues of traffic, many people continue to raise concerns about the ‘build, build, build’ culture coming out of Westminster. We are concerned about the demands being made to build houses and what this means for local amenities. We will continue to campaign for sustainable development, ensuring local people are engaged in discussions about it.

HIGHLIGHTING DRAINAGE ISSUES During the recent poor weather we have seen and had reports of blocked and overflowing drains. We have reported these as soon as we have been made aware of them.

SUPPORTING OUR CARERS Currently, we are joining with the national Liberal Democrat campaign to highlight the work and role of carers during this challenging time. We are calling for the government to do more to help those who are working as carers and with caring responsibilities. Specifically we are calling for a £1000 increase in the allowance for unpaid carers. We know, first hand, how intense caring can be, and with the added sense of isolation during lock down we want to pay tribute to all those caring during this time.

Robin Webber-Jones has reported numerous reports of drainage issues, including this one in Bagworth.

We are certainly living in strange times and, while the vaccine gives us all hope that 2021 will become brighter, we know that people are currently suffering with dark days and challenging circumstances. We are in touch with teachers, key workers, those involved in home schooling and admire each and every one of you. A huge thank you for all you are doing.

As ever – If we can do anything to help please get in touch. Take care and stay safe ROBIN WEBBER-JONES

MICHAEL MULLANEY

07899952241

07576289910

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michaeltmullaney@yahoo.co.uk Published and Promoted by Robin Webber-Jones. 4 Daisy Close, Bagworth

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Dominique’s 130 Miles Charity Pledge: A mile for each type of Brain Tumour MARCH is Brain Tumour Awareness Month and last year I walked 2.5 miles a day round my local reservoir and despite covids interruptions I managed to complete my challenge locally.

So this year had to be better so here goes ....

We as a family are pledging to Walk, Run or cycle 130 + miles during March. Why 130? Well there are over 130 types of Brain Tumours so we thought this would be a good amount to aim for and beat if we can.

Last year I had lots of volunteers to join me for a lap and as March goes on and restrictions are lifted if anyone wants to pledge a mile and join me I would be delighted!

So why do I set myself a challenge in March?

AS MANY of you know in July 2019 shortly after giving birth I was diagnosed with a Brain Tumour. I have had it successfully removed and feel very lucky that it was found, diagnosed and removed all within a week.

Finding out you have a 4cm tumour in your head is a pretty scary thing. At the time it was all a big blur and even to this day it still feels like a dream. My focus at the time was bringing my girls up. The thought of leaving them without a mum was NOT an option in my eyes. then I fight to become stronger and Having never had any surgery fitter than I was previously. I have under anaesthetic before I was turned to exercise to help keep my petrified of not waking up. Hearing body healthy and my mind clear of my name and coming around after worries and unnecessary stresses. a very long operation all I could do was to smile. From that moment I Did you know that brain tumours knew I could get better. kill more adults and children than ANY other cancers? Yet it receives The scar took me a while to come the bare minimum of funding for to terms with but my hair’s growing research. As you can imagine I back and I have learnt to love the have read so much about them stronger person I have become as a over the last 6 months and I want to result of all of this. do my bit to help a cause that is in I chose these charities not only for great financial need. the money to help fund research The Brain Tumour Charity is but also because 91% of people the world’s leading brain tumour diagnosed have said it’s affected charity and the largest dedicated their mental health. I can safely say funder of research into brain that its affected me and this charity tumours globally. Committed to supports the mental health of all saving and improving lives, were brain tumour patients too. moving further, faster to help every Unfortunately my tumour may single person affected by a brain return as it wasn’t benign and it’s tumour. We’re set on finding new a constant worry that plays on my treatments, offering the highest mind but I remain hopeful that it level of support and driving urgent doesn’t come back. Even if it does it change. will be found and acted on before it And were doing it right now. can grow to the extent it was. Until

Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait!

I have set up a JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/dominique-nicholson3 Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Dominique Nicholson

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The Ministry of Bodies

By Seamus O’Mahoney Seamus O’Mahony charts the realities of work in the ‘ministry of bodies’, that huge complex where people come to be cured and to die.

From unexpected deaths to moral quandaries and bureaucratic disasters, O’Mahony documents life in the halls and wards that all of us will visit at some point in our lives with his characteristic wit and dry and unsentimental intelligence.

Absurd general emails, vain and self-promoting specialists, the relentless parade of self-destructive drinkers and drug users, the comical expectations of baffled patients: this is not a conventional medical memoir, but the collective biography of one of our great modern institutions - the general hospital - through the eyes of a brilliant writer, who happens to be a doctor.

Don’t forget to send us your news.

Thanks!

John Simm to play Roy Grace in ITV drama

PETER JAMES has sold millions of his books about detective Roy Grace – and the series is coming to ITV at 8pm this Sunday 14th March.

The two-part drama (each episode lasting two hours) is adapted from the first two novels, Dead Simple and Looking Good Dead – but there are a total of 17 books in the series.

As a big fan of the Roy Grace Series, I’ll be glued to the box, and seeing if the actors playing the regular characters look anything like I imagined them.

Tarquin Vandyke Other people don’t like my queue jumping. Especially when I use my motorcycle.

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

The Herald Message from Dr Luke Evans MP PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: 01530 244069 info@markfieldherald.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk

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

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

Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown.

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

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

All contents © The Herald.

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

I GREW UP in Dorset and as a child the community around me loved animals, but since living in Newbold Verdon something that has struck me again and again is what a wonderful community of animal lovers our constituency is!

It came as no surprise that in a recent petition asking the Government to act on the growing problem of pet theft the number of signatures from the Bosworth constituency came in the top ten of all 650 parliamentary constituencies!

Every time I go out for a walk with my dogs I meet other local people out walking too. We will stop and chat (mainly due to my unruly whippets!) and more often than not the subject of discussion turns to our pets. Of course there are a huge number of cat lovers in Bosworth too, as well as those who are passionate about horses.

I’m proud that the Government is passionate about animal welfare too.

They have rightly committed to maintaining the highest welfare standards for animals now that we have left the European Union, and I have no doubt that in some areas they will raise them well above EU standards.

But we all know that Government doesn’t exist in a vacuum and there is always more to do.

I am very concerned that as a result of the pandemic puppy profiteering has taken off, and we must act swiftly to address it.

I’m sure, like me, each time you log onto social media you will read concerning stories about puppies being transported in poor conditions across Europe, or even worse, the all too common theft of dogs. Those that have been affected by theft of their pet describe it as the “kidnapping of a family member”.

The fact that so many of us are spending more time at home has led to an unprecedented surge in the price of puppies. I know from personal experience that in the seven months from last March to October the price of whippet puppies more than doubled, many breeds have increased in price between 300 and 400 percent.

I was pleased to support my colleague, Chris Loder’s, private members bill late last year which calls for tougher sentencing for breaches of the Animal Welfare Act and have volunteered to be a part of the report stage for that legislation.

In the chamber I have asked what steps the Government are taking to combat puppy profiteering and whilst I am pleased to see they have introduced the ‘petfished’ campaign (a play on the social media term ‘catfished’), they must do more to promote it.

I have also joined the Dogs Trust’s ‘puppy smuggling taskforce’, which calls upon government to set a minimum age of 6 months for the importation of puppies – which will help to make them less desirable; and to bring in tougher penalties against deceitful sellers.

I’m heartened to hear the Home Secretary only last week talk about “going after” pet thieves, and I will be pushing to ensure there is a tangible outcome. After all during lockdown pet theft has increased by 170% according to the DogLost Charity.

If anything, Coronavirus has made our pets an even more important part of our families. It’s essential that Government understands this important change and responds positively to it.

Kind regards

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

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Doing yoga got me out of the habit of biting my fingernails. Now I bite my toenails.

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Litter picking heroes offered support

Apply for equipment for your group LEICESTERSHIRE County Council is supporting local litter picking groups - often called wombles by pledging to help them access the equipment they need.

Across Leicestershire, there are hundreds of groups who collect litter from Leicestershire streets, parks, verges and other public spaces.

Now, practical support is being offered through a new fund which will supply these groups with road signs and hi-vis jackets to help keep them safe, and extra-long litter pickers to reach under bushes and hedgerows.

Louise Richardson, Leicestershire County Council for communities, said: “Womblers provide a vital community service. The benefits are numerous - litter-picking keeps our public spaces clean, aids wildlife, promotes walking and increases recycling.

“That’s why we want to support our local groups by giving them the equipment they need. It’s a great example of how we can support and empower our communities to make a difference in their area.

I applaud our womblers and hope that our support bolsters their brilliant work.

Claim your equipment at: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-andcommunity/community-schemes-and-funding/support-for-community-litterpicking The project joins the package of financial support recently championed by the council which included a dedicated pot of cash for Leicestershire’s volunteer groups, pubs and small businesses.

Retirement is wonderful. It’s doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it.

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

What it’s like to be a Puppy Parent for Canine Partners Leicestershire resident Jenny Burden has been a volunteer Puppy Parent for Canine Partners since July 2019. She is currently looking after her first puppy-intraining. This is her story: I AM a new Puppy Parent and my first puppy came to me in November 2019.

I had recently retired from work and have always wanted a dog and thought it would be very rewarding to join an assistance dog charity, such as Canine Partners.

I have looked after friends’ dogs when they have needed it, such as holidays and dog walking, and I also had a few dogs as a child.

I have also experienced how an assistance dog could have helped and made a huge impact on a severely disabled youngster that I know of. The person concerned, has various challenges both mentally and physically, but the comfort and delight in his face when a relative with a dog visited was immense and heart warming.

The dog seemed to instinctively know this and stayed by his side.

To know that I have helped to raise

a puppy which will eventually be placed with a person in need is an amazing feeling.

My role is to help look after a puppy from about eight weeks of age until they are 14 months old.

I do this with guidance from a specialist Puppy Trainer, including Puppy Classes, one-to-ones, and training sessions in town. I teach the puppy basic training and the vital skills they need to become a future assistance dog. The end goal is to have reared a happy, well-adjusted puppy that is ready to go on to the next stage of their training at one of the two national Training Centres.

They will eventually be placed with someone on the waiting list who is living with a physical disability.

Seeing for myself the skills taught to Canine Partners’ puppies is amazing. The realisation of how dedicated the staff and the whole team are in achieving this and all of their hard work, (and the dogs of course), only fuelled my desire to

Have your say on 6th May A NEW DRIVE is urging people not to miss the chance to have their say in Leicestershire County Council’s election on 6 May.

Residents are being encouraged to use their vote to shape the wide range of services delivered by the authority including adult social care, children’s social care, public health, transport, education, planning, road maintenance, libraries, waste management and trading standards.

Arrangements are being put in place to ensure polling stations are safe places to cast ballots and people can expect many of the measures they’ve become used to over recent months such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face coverings.

Postal votes are also an option and need to applied for by 20 April.

Graeme Wardle, head of member services at Leicestershire County Council, said: “I’d strongly encourage people to vote on 6 May and have their say on who represents them.

“Whether it’s road maintenance, recycling and waste, support for schools or social care, our services play a key part in everyday lives and by going to the polls, you can help to shape these for the next four years.

“Polling stations will be safe places to vote and you’re likely to see screens, hand sanitiser, social distancing floor markings and need to wear a face mask. We’ll continue to work closely with the Government and public health leads to make sure arrangements reflect the most up-to-date guidance.

“We want to make sure that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so, regardless of the pandemic, and you can also choose to apply to vote by post or proxy instead.”

The ‘use your vote’ campaign will run up until May across social media, newsletters and more, and aims to encourage people to get involved in democracy and shape where they live.

My wife says she enjoys my company. Good thing I own it.

make an impact to someone’s life by becoming a Puppy Parent.

My part is only the start of an amazing journey, and every day I feel proud of this, even though I know the puppy will have to leave me, she will, I know, make such a difference to someone’s life.

The wonderful thing is, when my puppy has successfully been placed with their partner, I can do it all over again with another amazing dog. Canine Partners are doing absolutely amazing work, and more volunteers should come forward and change someone’s life too, the rewards are outstanding.

What does it take for a life to transform? It starts with a puppy, adorable and warm. Could you love and care for the UK’s future assistance dogs?

Please visit caninepartners.org. uk/puppy-parents to find out more.

In praise of the afternoon nap

A SHORT NAP in the afternoon improves your memory and keeps your brain more agile.

People who nap tend to speak more fluently, have greater mental agility, and remember things better than those who do not break up their day with sleep.

Even a five-minute nap can offer your brain a chance to down-time and replenish itself, so that it is ‘good to go’ again.

If you want longer than five minutes, try to stop at 40 minutes, before you enter the deepest stage of sleep. If you do carry on, sleep for two hours, which is a full sleepcycle. The study was published in the British Medical Journal.

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Markfield musician releases second album LOCAL AMATEUR musician Stefan Hewitt released his second album of electronic instrumental music on 1st March after a twelvemonth writing and recording process.

Stefan, who lives in Markfield and works in a local distribution business, released his debut album Turning Point in 2017 and since that time has released four more four-track ep’s in the electronic music genre.

The new album is called Precious Things and contains eleven self-composed tracks ranging from what Stefan calls ‘dark ambient’ on the opening track ‘Outer World Inner Space’ to more up-tempo dance-orientated sounds on the tracks ‘Firestorm’ and ‘Pressure Wave’.

The album, along with all of Stefan’s other releases, is available for streaming listening on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and YouTube Music and purchase on iTunes and the Amazon Digital Music Store.

As the artist Stefan is able to monitor the countries where the music is streamed and to date this has included listeners from not just the UK, but as far afield as Australia and South America.

You can access the album and back catalogue on your preferred device and listening platform and join others in enjoying Stefan’s music.

ARE YOU A TALENTED LOCAL WRITER, MUSICIAN OR ARTIST? If so, drop a line to the Herald with news of your latest project, and we’ll include a mention in a future issue. Thanks!

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I don’t even talk to the girl until the second date.

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

Marie Curie National Day of Reflection Tuesday 23rd March 2021

Letter Things ain’t what they used to be!

DURING LOCKDOWN I have looked out of my window to see lorries from the main supermarkets delivering all our essential groceries without us moving from home.

SINCE THE first lockdown began in 2020, hundreds of thousands of people have died. Too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved.

Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind.

Join us on 23 March, the first anniversary of the first UK lockdown, for a National Day of Reflection to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.

There are still tough times ahead, as the death toll continues to rise. This annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss we’re facing, and support each other through grief in the years to come.

More information can be found - https://www. mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection

In the 1940s, I lived on the Hillside in Markfield, which had a very narrow road for the purpose of traffic, but we managed to have our deliveries in a very different manner then.

Our milk was brought by Farmer Hooton, in his mittens, with a horse and cart. The milk was in churns and everyone brought out their jugs to be filled at the cart.

Some fruit and vegetables were brought up the road by Mr ‘Shouty’ Downes in his wheezy old lorry that usually survived the hill, leaving behind a pungent smell of petrol.

Alf Wardle’s lovely bread was brought round the village by horse and cart. David Wardle had charge and would always say, “Good Aff ” to everybody regardless of the time.

We also had ice cream from Rossa’s van, which stopped at Preston’s house to serve the children. With him was the Corona man with his exciting drinks such as ‘Tizer’ and ‘Vimto’ for sale.

Mr Bott’s coal lorry brought much needed fuel to us, and of course the post and newspapers gave us excellent service.

The Co op was the nearest thing we had to a supermarket here, and woe betide us us if we forgot our ‘Divi’ number.

In a way, yes, we also had our home deliveries to keep us going through hard times and were very grateful.

However, now our deliveries are done by an anonymous driver who has no time to chat, and times lack the warmth of former years maybe.

Who knows - will we expect deliveries by ‘drone’? It could be possible!

Margaret Pike Markfield

My 10 year old niece says her prayers every night, but instead of ‘amen’, she says ‘click, send.’

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Two new planning applications illustrate the importance of Neighbourhood Plans Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald THE MARKFIELD NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN is out to formal consultation and I hope the Stanton plan will not be too far behind.

I know I keep repeating it, but these plans are so important if we are to have any say at all on housing development in our communities. It is also the case that even with the plans in place it is no guarantee we will succeed but we have to try. The pressure coming onto us from a host of developers in Markfield and many other communities is frankly unacceptable, and the government needs to row back on its build, build, build mantra before it’s too late. The problem is that I see no intention of them doing so.

We have had clear examples of this pressure in the ridiculous housing application before Christmas in Stanton for 82 houses which was rightly refused but clearly demonstrated that landowners and developers are keen to cash in on the buildbuild-build mantra and care not for the harm they might cause.

And we now have another speculative development in the offing for Markfield with a pre planning consultation launched for 75 homes on land south of Ashby Road towards Hill Hole.

This is from a developer called Glenalmond Developments Ltd who I really know nothing about. To compound this it is also now very likely that another pre planning consultation is going to materialise this time for land north of Ashby Rd down running down to the A50. This land is not even in Hinckley and Bosworth as the border between Hinckley and Bosworth and Charnwood lies along the Ashby Rd. It is therefore likely to be determined by another local authority which concerns me greatly.

On the pre planning application for the land South of Ashby Rd the leaflet put out by Glenalmond suggests that the proposal is designed to respond ‘to the increasing need for housing in the village to meet the needs of the community of Markfield’.

Let me be unequivocally clear, this is utter rubbish. The neighbourhood plan for Markfield has already done that by meeting the housing targets set for the

village. I don’t use the words ‘needs’ because I don’t think the evidence suggests the village ever needs this scale of development, but it is a target set for us which is only going unfortunately in one direction. The site chosen for meeting our housing requirements is however clear and that should suffice, and it also meets any affordable housing need too. Don’t let these pre application selling exercises fool anyone and I would urge everyone to be vigilant on this and respond when they occur.

‘Circling like vultures’ One of the main reasons for the development of the local neighbourhood plan is that it was becoming clear that developers were circling like vultures around our communities ready to pounce and so it is proving to be. And sadly, this is not just a Markfield or Stanton issue. A competent neighbourhood plan is one of the only key defences a community can build, and it is why we chose that course of action. It does not itself guarantee success, but it is vital we have it in our armoury.

Residents can still support the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan by going online at www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk/markfieldplan and I would urge you to do so if you have not already. The next step for the plan will be for it to be submitted to an inspector to asses it and then I hope to a local referendum and ratification.

I have said before that nobody I know wants to see open countryside developed but we knew we had no choice but to allocate land to accommodate the houses we are now required to provide for. The allocation of land in the ownership of the developer Jelson means that we can provide all the land we need to accommodate the required housing growth and at the same time limit the scale that Jelson had originally intended to apply for in one go. I have always been clear (and we took advice on this) that on a housing and planning policy basis this site was going to be very difficult to defend against, and the screening assessment for the originally proposed 450 homes development did not flag any major issues on this land. That fact combined with the defeat of the Council and residents at appeal to

the Government back in 2011 to the first Jelson application, meant we had very few tools in the locker to mount a successful defence.

We have rightly taken a pragmatic position on the Jelson proposition and while it remains regrettable that this scale of development is likely to come forward, a focus on getting what is possible for the community out of it and mitigating the negatives is now crucial.

£4m to mitigate the impacts I have previously said that if we are to have the housing proposed

by Jelson we need to ensure the mitigations proposed are sufficient.

We have sought significant contributions to support our local schools, GP practice, play and open space and generally to help improve resources in the community. Developers work to formulas for much of this and so some limitations are placed on what is and is not possible. I am however pleased that Jelson have committed some £4 million to mitigate the impacts of the proposed development. This includes some significant sums of money for South Charnwood and for Mercenfeld. It also includes a significant sum of money for the GP surgery to fund a new multi-use consulting room, money for offsite sport pitch provision and money for the provision and maintenance of additional play and open space that are to be provided. Looking at the figures they go some way to meeting our demands, but you can never really compensate for the loss that will be incurred.

• ONE THEME that I will return to in a future article and which is linked to the housing growth and warehousing growth I have referred to previously is the progression of the so called A511 growth corridor. This development needs to be closely monitored as it is

starting to look very concerning.

The plans which had been subject to some consultation by the County Council were taken away for further consideration. The main job now seems to be raising money via developments to ensure they can secure the funds necessary to then secure the offer of money from the government. One of the mitigations put forward by Jelson is a substantial sum for highway improvements to the already designed scheme for the A50 roundabout. This roundabout is a key exit point for residents from Markfield and has been the subject of some congestion at peak times.

And yet the scheme that was proposed appeared not to benefit the residents of Markfield but instead was designed to reduce the time it took for traffic moving along the A50/A511 from East to West. In fact if this is not handled correctly, the money going into this scheme from the Jelson development will actually make matters worse for the village - which is not a mitigation at all. This will be another thing that we will have to watch carefully over the coming months.

If this all comes across as a rather pessimistic contribution, I apologise, but I need to be honest.

The forces now reigned against us are considerable and as someone who has lived pretty much his whole life in this community, it’s troubling me more than at any point in my 26 years as your Councillor. Its great when we have victories as we did with the recent Poundstretcher appeal, but this shouldn’t mask what lies ahead.

These are very challenging times; I believe we have done what we can and lets hope we can weather the oncoming storm.

Matthew

Accidentally fell asleep smoking an e-cigarette and when I woke up the whole house was on the internet.

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

County Councillor’s Report from Peter Bedford Email: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk • Tel: 01455 824733 Web: www.facebook.com/peterbedfordmdt WELL, IT HAS certainly been a busy month; not least for me personally, since after a gruelling 17 weeks, I finally completed my house move!

It is often said that moving house is one of the most stressful things that you can do…. absolutely! I wanted to start this month’s update by thanking the many residents for their kind “new home” cards; a really nice gesture during an extremely stressful process!

Crown Crest (HGV) Appeal It was great to hear the Appeal by Crown Crest for extended HGV dispatch and delivery times was dismissed at Appeal. This issue first hit my inbox back in 2019 when along with Matthew Lay (Markfield PC), David Sprason (former Councillor), and Chris Boothby (Borough Councillor) I met with approximately 50 or so residents in Markfield to hear their concerns about this proposal that would have blighted the lives and local amenity of so many residents. In particular I would like to send a massive THANK YOU to Cllr Margaret Bowler, Vice-Chair of Markfield Parish Council, for her usual forensic examination of the evidence and for articulating this to the Planning Inspector.

specifically for a “deep dive” on Thornton/ Botcheston and will be reporting back to the respective Parish Councils on this matter in due course.

HGV Weight Limits Following concerns from residents of I have also held discussions with Leicestershire Police on the enforcement of HGV weight limit restrictions through our villages. It is unacceptable for HGVs, in breach of these weight limits, to be passing through our villages and I have reiterated the need for Police enforcement of this matter. This has also been an issue in Bagworth over the years and we have had some success in reducing these instances by contacting the hauliers directly with evidence of such breaches. With this in mind if residents do have photographs/evidence of this taking place do send these on and I will take the necessary action.

Review of Speed Limits During the month I have had a number of meetings with Officers of Highways and can confirm that a number of roads in and around the area are currently being considered for a review of their speed limits. I will share these recommendations once I am legally able to do so.

Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) One of my many hats at County Hall is as a member of the Local Pensions Committee. During the month I was contacted by a number of residents on the subject of ESG. In particular questioning what the Council is doing to ensure that its pension scheme investments are ethical and environmentally friendly. I want to assure residents that ESG is a topic that is discussed at each and every Pension Committee meeting. The County Council takes seriously the balance between maximising investment returns for its pension schemes with the ethnical and environmental impact of companies in certain sectors (e.g. oil and gas).

Litter Wombles

This was a great example of residents and Councillors, from all political parties, working together for the common good – something we certainly need more of! A great “win” for local residents!

Flooding During the month the County Council’s Scrutiny Panel reported back on its Flooding Report. This was an important piece of work and as the residents of Thornton/Botcheston will confirm is a perennial problem in and around the villages. Following on from this report I have had meetings with Officers to push for a more strategic approach to flood prevention to ensure that when we do get torrential rain our villages are not cut off. I have asked

At LCC Full Council Meeting on 17th February it was great to hear a new scheme launched by the County Council to support litter-picker community groups. Across Leicestershire, there are hundreds of groups who collect litter from streets, parks, verges, and other public spaces. This new scheme is offering practical support and will supply road signs, hi-vis jackets, and other equipment to support the great work so many community volunteers do to help keep our local environment clean and green! Further information on the scheme can be found: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ news/litter-picking-heroes-offered-support

Casework I continue to work through resident’s casework on a broad range of issues and if you would like help with any local issues please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes, Peter

(County Councillor for Markfield, Desford, Bagworth, Thornton, Botcheston, and Stanton under Bardon)

How much does a Cockney spend on shampoo? Pantene.

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

11

No One Can Change Your Life Except For You

by Laura Whitmore LAURA WHITMORE knows lucky breaks come to those who are ready to step into their own power, even when they’re feeling nervous as hell about it.

In No One Can Change Your Life Except For You, she shares her experiences of overcoming heartbreak, body image worries, self-doubt and insecurity.

Laura has learned that optimism, self-belief and learning to accept yourself, will bring you more than anyone else can ever give you. And she shows how her own struggles can help you through yours.

Frank, heartfelt, inspirational and funny, this is a book to remind you that the hero you are looking for is YOU.

Planning Apps Replacement of single storey garden room with single storey extension - at 2 The Orchards, Thornton, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1BS Single storey extension at front and rear, two storey extension at side of house - at 18 The Hawthorns, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9SS Erection of a single storey extension - at 18 Countryman Way, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QL Change of use from shop to hot food take away, ventilation flue - at 99B Main Street, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9UT

Canon Paul Hardingham considers the eternal promise of Easter

“We can trust Jesus’ plan for the future of our world and lives” “SO MANY PEOPLE right across the country are anxious about employment, anxious about food, isolated from loved ones and feel that the future looks dark.”

These are words from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s sermon on Easter Day 2020. Who would have thought that we are experiencing the same uncertainties this Easter!

Yet the Easter story remains one of hope overcoming darkness and despair. The women

arrived at the tomb on Easter morning with mixed emotions, as they came to anoint Jesus’ body (Mark 16:1). They were confused, as they tried to make sense of Jesus’ death.

Their hopes were dashed with an uncertain future. In the current pandemic, we too are left asking: Where is God in all this? Yet the young man at the tomb tells them not be alarmed: “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:6).

The women had forgotten Jesus’ promise to the disciples that He would die and rise from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection is also the sure foundation of hope for us in the present crisis.

He turns our confusion and fear into joy and wonder! We can trust Jesus’ plan for the future of our world and lives, despite the fact that things can’t return to the way they were: “There needs to be a resurrection of our common life, a new normal, something that links to the old, but is different and more beautiful.” (Justin Welby).

I used to wonder if Elton John liked Iceberg lettuce but then realised he was more of a rocket man.

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

Markfield Community and Sports Centre News Tel: 01530 242240 • www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com

More light at the end of the tunnel AS I WRITE this article it is amazing to note that first time vaccinations have now exceed 20 million doses.

With the R Rate going down and new cases and deaths declining on a regular basis there hope that this dreadful pandemic is on the retreat. But we MUST still keep our guard up and stay safe. You will all know by now the Government’s road map to recovery giving the various steps towards “normality”.

As far as the Community Centre is concerned, we are looking towards a gradual and COVID-safe return as follows: Step 1 - On 29th March we should be able to accommodate organised outdoor sports for both adults and children.

Step 2 - On 12th April Community Centres will be allowed to re-open, though we do not yet know exactly what the rules on social mixing and distancing and activities will be required.

Step 3 - On 17th May organised indoor adult sports.

Step 4 - On 21st June no legal limits on social contact.

However, the above dates are the earliest that may be allowed and are subject to review if circumstances change.

So, hopefully we should be able to manage a gradual and COVID-safe return.

Markfield Good Neighbours Scheme PLEASE REMEMBER that our Markfield COVID 19 Good neighbours Support Scheme is still going strong with our volunteers still available to give you help and support if you need it.

If you need any help with shopping, collecting prescription, other problems or just someone to chat just give us a call on 07885 243033.

IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP. If you would like to join our band of volunteers or need some help please contact us at markfieldcommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk or ring us on 07885 243033.

Mayflower Club EVERY YEAR prior to the pandemic we have held a pancake flipping competition which was always great fun despite all the pancake debris flying across the hall.

This year it had to be different with members making their own pancakes at home and flipping them with various degrees of success. Unfortunately,

we could not declare a winner this year but members managed to enjoy their pancakes with whole variety of toppings.

The club meets virtually every Wednesday afternoon and we are planning other events including perhaps something special for Easter. It is a good way of keeping in touch with people and giving them something to look forward to each week with an update call from Carole Kemp, recipes, jokes, quizzes and useful information.

You can join in if you wish by simply contacting us at the Centre. Hopefully we will be able to resume the sessions at the Centre after 12th April provided that we can meet Government guidelines and rules.

National Blood Service THE NEXT sessions will take place on Wednesday 24th March and Wednesday 9th June.

You can book your blood donation appointment on line so please book your place with the National Blood Service and “Do something amazing” by donating your much-needed blood.

Ron and Dawn Grantham

Notices found in church newsletters ... that didn’t quite come out right!

• • • • • • • • •

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs Brown, our church warden, to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

Ladies are requested not to have children in the church kitchen.

For those who have children and don’t know it, we have a crèche in the crypt.

Bring & share church supper: Prayer and medication will follow.

Don’t let worry kill you. Let the Church help!

The organist invites anyone who enjoys sinning to volunteer for the choir.

At the church meeting last week the rector spoke briefly and delighted the audience.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick both of our church and the community.

Smile at someone who you find hard to love. Say ‘hell’ to someone who doesn’t much care about you.

How do so many people get simple sayings wrong? Answers on a coastguard please.

Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton-under-Bardon (BT&SuB) Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton-under-Bardon (BT&SuB) Neighbourhood Plan - Executive Summary Neighbourhood Plan – Executive Summary 1. Background The opportunity to prepare a neighbourhood plan (NP) was established through the 2011 Localism Act. Once the NP has been formally ‘Made’ by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC), it will sit alongside the Borough’s Local Plan and all planning decisions taken by HBBC will need to take the NP’s policies into account.

The NP has to be in general conformity with the strategic policies in the Borough’s Local Plan and have regard for the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It cannot promote policies that do not accord with these requirements. NPs therefore represent the opportunity for local people to shape planning policy in their area and help to make sure that planning decisions taken by HBBC reflect local issues and not just Borough-wide concerns. Therefore, they add local detail to HBBC strategic planning policies.

2. Introduction Stanton-under-Bardon and Bagworth and Thornton Parish Councils joined forces in April 2017 to

prepare a neighbourhood plan and established a Steering Group Committee involving Parish Councillors and residents from both parishes.

HBBC formally designated the neighbourhood area on 23 October 2017. The Steering Group Committee has met regularly throughout the process.

An initial open event took place in April 2018. A survey was distributed throughout the Parishes in late 2019 and 1 in 5 residents contacted in this manner.

Theme Groups were established to identify the Designated Area policies needed to deliver an effective NP for the Parishes, looking at areas such as housing; the environment; community facilities, employment and transport. Over 100 people attended a launch event in February 2019. Members of the Steering Group Committee were joined by other residents to progress this work. These groups continued to meet into 2020. Further open events were planned but had to be put on hold because of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Formal pre-submission consultation is planned for the spring of 2021 where all residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the draft Plan before it is finalised and submitted to HBBC. It is hoped that this Executive Summary of the NP helps to reach everyone in the Parishes and to reinforce in plain English why we are preparing a NP, how we are doing it and what it contains.

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BAGWORTH, THORNTON AND STANTON-UNDER-BARDON (BT&SUB) NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The vision underpinning the NP is as follows: Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton-under-Bardon will continue to be attractive and desirable places to live, meeting the housing needs of all ages with a community seeking to provide a good quality of life for all residents in a rural village environment.

It will be a thriving and sustainable community, supported by appropriate infrastructure, whilst maintaining green areas that are a haven for wildlife.

The vision will be realised by a small number of planning policies specific to BT&SuB, grouped around the key policy issues identified by the community as being of special importance to them. These include policies that: • • • • • • • •

Ensure that development takes place in the most sustainable locations; Encourage the right types of development that meets local needs; Protect important community facilities that are special to the local community; Promote good design; Facilitate appropriate employment opportunities; Ensure that the community continues to have good access to the surrounding countryside and green spaces; Protect open spaces that are important to the community and/or wildlife; Improve pedestrian and cycle connections within the Plan area and into the surrounding areas.

The Plan will be kept under review.

3. Housing And The Built Environment The policies in this section seek to shape residential development in line with locally important issues. The Borough Council is unable to identify a specific housing target for the neighbourhood area. Numbers provided by HBBC (Apportionment based on the Core Strategy - 90) are considered by them to be unreliable. The Borough Council has made it clear that this housing requirement may differ significantly once the Local Plan is adopted and so the approach taken in this NP is to plan to meet the housing need identified in the Core Strategy and consider an early review of the NP when the housing requirement is finalised through the new Local Plan.

During the process of preparing the NP, a detailed, independently led, Site Sustainability Assessment exercise was undertaken to determine the most suitable sites amongst all those put forward by landowners for development.

Following this process, 4 sites were identified as allocations in the NP to help meet the housing requirement. These are Rear of Main St Thornton for about 12 dwellings; Thornton Nurseries for about 21 dwellings; Land off Meadow Lane, Stanton-under-Bardon for around 12 dwellings and Land opposite South Charnwood High School in Stanton-under-Bardon for about 45 dwellings.

These allocations are described in Policy H1.

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BAGWORTH, THORNTON AND STANTON-UNDER-BARDON (BT&SUB) NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Thornton allocations

Stanton-under-Bardon allocations

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BAGWORTH, THORNTON AND STANTON-UNDER-BARDON (BT&SUB) NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A reserve site is identified in Policy H2 in the event that there is a failure to deliver the allocated sites in the Parish. This is the site adjacent to the Public House in Stanton-under-Bardon and will deliver around 50 dwellings if needed to meet the housing requirement.

Policy H3 introduces a Settlement Boundary for each village to distinguish between where development is acceptable (subject to conformity with other Plan policies) and where development will be carefully controlled. In statutory planning terms, land outside a defined settlement boundary, including any individual or small groups of buildings and/or small settlements, is classed as open countryside.

Reserve site

The policy says that development proposals will be supported on sites within the Settlement Boundary where the proposal complies with the policies in this NP. Housing development outside this red-line boundary, in the countryside, is restricted to those categories of development identified in the NPPF, Local Plan and this NP.

Thornton

Bagworth

SuB

Policy H4 seeks to address the imbalance in housing stock currently within the Parish by supporting a mix of housing that promotes smaller dwellings of 2/3 bedrooms and properties suitable for older people.

Policy H5 sets standards for Affordable Housing where it meets a local need, supporting provision for people with a local connection and supporting development where the Affordable Housing is indistinguishable from market housing.

Policy H6 sets a range of conditions against which support for windfall development will be judged. These include meeting a local need; being within the Settlement Boundary; provides safe access; retains existing natural boundaries and does not impact on the amenity of neighbours.

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BAGWORTH, THORNTON AND STANTON-UNDER-BARDON (BT&SUB) NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Villages in the Plan area have developed over a long period of time with certain times showing an increase in construction activity, for example during the 1960’s and 1970’s. New development proposals should be designed sensitively to sit within the distinctive settlement patterns of the villages within the Plan area.

The aim of the design standards policy is to keep what is special whilst accommodating modern building and design.

Policy H7 on design seeks to reflect the design principles which the community believes will help to achieve this aim. The overall aim is to retain the character of the Plan area.

The policy says development proposals will be required to be accompanied by architectural drawings describing the development, which should enhance the character of the area. It says that contemporary and innovative materials and design will be supported where positive improvement can be robustly demonstrated. A range of other conditions seek to ensure that development meets high standards of energy efficiency and enhances biodiversity wherever possible.

4. The Natural And Historic Environment The policies in this section identify and protect the most important environmental aspects of BT&SuB from inappropriate development. They have been informed by the completion of an ‘environmental inventory’ of fields in the neighbourhood area, compiled by local people who have measured each field against national criteria, resulting in a detailed catalogue of environmental features.

Thornton

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BAGWORTH, THORNTON AND STANTON-UNDER-BARDON (BT&SUB) NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Policy Env 1 designates the most important local environmental sites as ‘Local Green Spaces’. These areas will be protected from inappropriate development in perpetuity and will be given the same level of protection in planning terms as the Green Belt. The fields selected for this designation are as shown on the figures opposite and comprise Thornton Recreation Ground, Community Centre field and Thornton Meadows wildlife site; St Peter’s Churchyard Thornton; Bagworth Colliery Local Country park; Memorial Bagworth Garden, Church of the Holy Rood churchyard Bagworth and St Mary and all saints churchyard, Stanton-under-Bardon.

Policy Env 2 identifies other significant features that are present elsewhere in the Parish. The features are detailed in the Environmental Inventory and represent features of environmental significance. Any development proposal will need to take these features into account and will not be supported unless it can be demonstrated that the benefit of the development outweighs the harm caused. Policy Env 5 identifies similar structures with historic significance.

Policy Env 3 addresses biodiversity and requires development to safeguard, and enhance, habitats and species.

Local Heritage Assets are recognised in Policy ENV4 which seeks to provide added protection against inappropriate development affecting buildings and structures recognised as being locally important. These comprise Thornton Water Mill, War Memorial and Thornton Water Works.

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Stanton under Bardon

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BAGWORTH, THORNTON AND STANTON-UNDER-BARDON (BT&SUB) NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Ridge and Furrow fields are a rapidly diminishing resource. Policy Env 6 identifies the remaining areas of Ridge and Furrow in the Neighbourhood Area and records them as non-designated heritage assets. Any development requiring a planning consent will have to demonstrate that the benefit of development outweighs the harm.

Some open spaces scored highly in the environmental inventory for their community value. Policy Env 7 resists development on these sites unless the open space is replaced by an equivalent space or the space itself is no longer needed by the community.

Env 9 considers locally important views in the Parish. 8 views are identified as shown on the map alongside. Development proposals must consider, assess and address, with mitigation where appropriate, their impact on the important views.

Important Views

Footpaths and bridleways are considered in policy Env 12 which does not support development proposals which result in the loss of or have a significant adverse impact on the existing network of footpaths.

5. Community Assets This chapter looks at aspects of village life including: - community assets; transport and traffic and business & employment.

The NP describes the range of community assets in the Neighbourhood Area and their importance to the community. Policy CA1 resists the loss of these important facilities unless they are no longer needed or demand for them, it is no longer economically viable or appropriate alternative provision is made available and promotes appropriate new or improved community assets where no additional transport issues are presented, including parking issues, access for disabled people is provided and the scale is appropriate for the village in which it is situated.

In support of improved broadband and telecommunications, policy CA2 supports new development which has access to superfast broadband. Any above-ground installations must be sympathetically located and away from open landscapes.

Policy T1 says all development must: be designed to minimise additional traffic generation and movement; incorporate sufficient off-road parking provision; provide any necessary improvements to site access and the highway network either directly or by financial contributions; consider, where appropriate, the improvement and where possible provide additional pedestrian crossings.

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BAGWORTH, THORNTON AND STANTON-UNDER-BARDON (BT&SUB) NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Policy T2 requires any development to provide cabling to facilitate electric vehicle charging points and supports the provision of communal charging points in the Plan area.

Policy BE1 supports the retention of existing businesses unless it can be demonstrated that the premises in question are not viable and reasonable steps have been taken to let or sell the site for business purposes. Policy BE2 supports proposals for new businesses which are appropriate for the communities within the Plan area, do not create unacceptable levels of traffic movement or increase noise or pollution levels that impact on nearby residential properties.

The growing importance of home working is recognised in Policy BE3 which supports home extensions for business use where there are no resultant unacceptable traffic movements; provide adequate parking and do not impact detrimentally on nearby residents.

Farm diversification is supported through policy BE4 where development which extends the range and diversification of businesses is supported insofar as its use is appropriate for a rural location; it respects local character; it does not generate traffic that cannot be accommodated by the road system, provides adequate off-road parking and has not significant adverse impact on neighbours or historic features.

The growth of electric vehicles is recognised in Policy INF5 which requires new development to provide charging points and supports communal vehicular charging points in the Parish where this does not diminish existing parking provision.

6. Review The NP will be subject to formal review to ensure it remains a helpful tool in determining planning applications. This is likely to occur when the HBBC Local Plan is updated, when housing need changes or with amendments to national planning policy.

7. What Happens Now? The NP is in formal pre-submission consultation between 15 March and 4 May 2021. The full NP, along with all appendices and supporting information, can be found on the Parish Council websites or at http://www.spanglefish.com/bagworththorntonandstantonunderbardonnp/index.asp Please take the opportunity to complete the comment form where appropriate.

Once all comments have been considered and amendments made where necessary, the Plan, following Parish Council approval, will be submitted to HBBC, who will undertake their own sixweek consultation and send the NP and all comments received to an Independent Examiner, who will consider the NP against local and national strategic planning policies and make recommendations for any changes felt to be necessary.

Once the Examiner’s report has been accepted and the changes made, the final NP will be put before the local community in a Referendum in which everyone on the electoral roll will be able to vote, and the NP will pass or fail on the basis of a simple majority.

Once the NP is ‘Made’, it will be used by HBBC, alongside its own Local Plan, to determine planning applications in the Parish.

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The good news about your forgetfulness YOU KNOW the scenario – you go into the lounge, and then wonder what you wanted.

Or you need to make a phone call but can’t find the phone. You go to the cash point and forget your pin number. Or your car keys are lost in the kitchen, but even when you find them and go shopping, you forget stuff on the list.

If at times you find yourself living in an annoying brain-fog, the good news is that it is not because you are ill or getting old.

To varying extents, everyone does it.

A recent study at the University of Edinburgh has found that forgetfulness is as common in people in their 20s as it is in people in their 50s. Although some of the people in the study were worried about getting dementia, a neuropsychiatrist at the university reassured them: “People think that if you are starting to forget things – something like misplacing your keys – that is something to worry about. But it is normal.”

Good reasons for forgetting things range from the fact that too much was happening in your life at the time, you were stressed about something, not paying attention to what you were doing, or just too busy thinking about something else entirely.

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Dear Friends, AS I WRITE this, the weather has taken a dramatic turn for the better, after weeks of either freezing cold and snow, or grey skies and rain.

It’s amazing what the sun coming out, and the days getting a bit longer, can do for our mood and general wellbeing. After all we’ve been through in the past year, the coming of spring can seem like a promise that there will, eventually, be light at the end of the tunnel.

Jesus is described as the “light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it”.

Whoever we are, whatever we have to deal with, we’re not alone.

But Jesus also says to us, “You are the light of the world.” We are called to be light for others- by our love, by our joy, people who encourage and bring hope to others. Some of us are the “sparkly” type, bubbly and outgoing. Some of us may be more like the gentler light of a candle flame. Both are needed, and valuable. We may also wonder what difference we can make individually. But the deepest darkness can’t overcome the smallest light. Together we are many lights, parting the darkness, bringing hope to the world.

Judith Lincoln

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

A bloke on a tractor has just driven past me shouting ‘The end of the world is nigh’. It was Farmer Geddon.

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

Letter

HBBC Business Recovery Project Fund Launched

EVERY YEAR, when we get snowy weather our friend and neighbour Dennis Moulding uses his motorised wheelbarrow to grit along Hill Side.

SMALL BUSINESSES that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic are being urged to apply to a new fund to help businesses to safeguard jobs in the borough.

A Tale of Two Citizens

It’s a narrow lane, and steep at the bottom, so walking or driving can be treacherous. We’ve lived on Hillside for 20 years and Dennis does this every year, so thank you Dennis - we couldn’t have a better neighbour.

Another good neighbour (although I don’t know his name, or where in Markfield he lives), is the gentleman who walks round the village with a “grabber”, picking up litter. I spoke to him in Holywell Lane, and he told me he does it most days and would be back the following week. He told me there would be as much litter when he came again. “It breaks my heart to see it” was his comment.

Two people who, in a quiet and private way, make this such a nice village to live in (although it would be even nicer if people didn’t throw litter in the first place!)

Jane Bohen Hillside, Markfield

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has launched a Business Recovery Project Fund to target match funded grants to help to small businesses and help them to recover from the impacts they may have faced or are still facing, from the pandemic.

The fund prioritises independent business (including retail), tourism and hospitality business and creative industry and is designed to help toward the costs of investing in new equipment or other capital expenditure to aid their recovery. Other independent businesses that can demonstrate they have suffered severe hardship as a result of the pandemic are also welcome to apply.

Suitable projects might include new equipment or machinery, building a new website, investing in new products and e-commerce such as contactless payment technology or permanent fixtures and fittings to support social distancing such as an awning for a café or restaurant to support alfresco dining.

The grants available range from £1,000 and £15,000 and the scheme will provide 50% grant support with the applicant providing the other 50% as match funding. This grant scheme is funded through the government’s Additional Restrictions Grant.

The council’s initial allocation of £300,000 is for the period to the end of March 2022 or until funds run out.

Businesses should be able to demonstrate their recovery project will safeguard jobs and ideally create new ones.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Stuart Bray said: “We recognise local businesses has been severely impacted by the pandemic and many may need to adapt and change to survive. This grant is available to support our local businesses in implementing a recovery project enabling them to them get back on their feet and grow sustainably.”

For the full guidance and details on how to apply visit: www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk/businessrecoveryfund

Thank God for dentists

HERE IS something gruesome: last year the sale of DIY dentistry first aid kits nearly doubled.

People actually attempted to give themselves lost fillings, caps and crowns.

Most popular were products that offered ‘long-lasting’ temporary repair for caps and fillings, and a first aid kit.

The British Dental Association understands why; because of lockdown, there were 20 million fewer dental treatments available last year than in 2019. That left some people desperate.

But experts warn against the damage that could be done.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, says: “DIY home dentistry is a terrible idea and should be avoided at all costs. Home treatments in untrained hands … can lead to permanent damage to your health.”

The good news is that dental surgeries are now back to relative normality. So – book an appointment if you need one!

Peter

BEDFORD A friend told me that he used milk instead of shaving foam. ‘Pasteurised?’ ‘No, just around my chin’.

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

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On the best way to run a church council meeting The Rectory St. James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren THANK YOU for inviting me to speak at your church council yesterday.

I began to suspect that my theme of why Eusebius’s dislike of Sabellianism led to his condemnation at the Council of Antioch in 324 was a little misjudged, when the only question I was asked after my lecture was if Eusebius was on Facebook.

I never realised how much technology is needed these days just to discuss church matters. It seemed that everyone had brought their laptop, so they could refer to all the diocesan briefing documents and reports that you mentioned.

I’ve been in the diocese 40 years and have never heard of most of those papers. But then I find it too easy to delete the diocesan mailings, unread, with a click of my mouse.

Our church meetings are far more traditional. Since the church floor seems to have been carved out of permafrost, our meetings circulate round members’ houses. This introduces a nice element of competition, as each host tries to outdo the previous one in the baking of cakes. Meetings at Colonel Drinkwater’s – a more inappropriate name one cannot imagine – are the shortest, since we are always promised wine once the meeting is over. It is remarkable how unanimity is achieved on every subject within minutes, and nothing appears under “any other business”.

Mrs Eddington never troubles us with minutes, largely because she can rarely read the notes she takes. She just shares with us whatever she can decipher at our next meeting. Last month, she accidentally brought her shopping list instead, and so read that out. There followed a lively discussion on whether carrots from our local shop were better than those at the supermarket. When it was found out she intended to use them in a venison casserole, endless recipes were keenly debated.

We always leave our church meetings well fed, up to date with village gossip, and totally untroubled by any church council business. And the lack of any minutes ensures that I can then make all the decisions myself, between meetings. I think you will find our system has much to be commended.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

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Went to Scotland for my holidays five years running. Next time I’m taking a train.

24

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

Pick Up a Bargain!

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• Homemix DJ Party Mixing Station - Twin CD mixer deck complete with speakers, microphone and headphones. Ideal for home parties. Boxed and in good condition. £75.00 • Arbiter Karaoke Machine - Karaoke machine plays CDG Discs. Twin cassette deck. Remote control. 2 x microphone + lead to connect to TV. Boxed and in good condition. £60.00 • Iphone 5S - 16gb boxed with charger and earphones (unused).

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• Moulinex Masterchef 650 food processor. Hardly used, complete. £25.00.

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• Double Headboard for Divan Bed. Beige/Fawn Material in colour.

Very Good Condition. £20 Tel.07885 296828 (Markfield) • FREE - Guinea pig hutch/run, suitable for 1 or 2 guinea pigs.

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Tel: 01530 230 455 (Thornton) • LEC fridge freezer - h47” x w19 x d20”. Nearly new. Price: £70.

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Price: £10 Tel: 0116 287 6078 (Groby) • Mowing Equipment for sale.

Various Strimmers and mowers.

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• Wheel Chair - H/Duty (needs pushing), seat in use 22-inch (56 Cm), Chair width 27-inch (69 Cm), Folded 12-inch (30 Cm), weight (passenger) capacity 450 Lbs (204 Kg). Chair will fit through a standard door in your home.Price £110 or very close.

• Walker - H/Duty with fitted seat and attached bag. Width 24-inch (60 Cm) with brakes - never been outside, so as new.

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IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Herald, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum 8 items please.

Our postal address is: Herald Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@markfieldherald.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘SMALL ADS’ in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication, just to know where you are).

NT clothing collections WHEN MOST people think of the collections in National Trust houses they think of paintings, furniture, silverware and other historic and priceless objects.

However across their properties the Trust also houses the largest collection of clothing in the UK. This amounts to just over 27,000 items of clothing ranging from practical everyday wear to high status fashion.

One of the oldest and most unusual garments is the linen chemise worn

by Mary, Queen of Scots, at her execution in 15870 (pictured right).

An embroidered inscription on the bodice of the garment states this historic fact and the garment is displayed at Coughton Court in Warwickshire.

At Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland something more utilitarian is the battlefield attire of Sir John Astley, a Royalist commander during the English Civil War. It consists of his buff leather coat and doublet worn in battle from 1642 to 1649. An item of very different men’s attire from the late 1600’s is the figured silk doublet and petticoat breeches worn by Sir Edmund Verney. Following the restoration of Charles II the style was brought over from France where the court had been in exile. This item is on display at Claydon House near Buckingham.

Returning to the ladies we come to the famous Victorian actress, Ellen Terry. In her home at Smallhythe Place in Kent there is a large collection of her dresses. The most famous is the spectacular stage costume that she wore as Lady Macbeth which is decorated with real glittering green beetle wings.

Closer to Groby there are a number of items of clothing at Calke Abbey near Ashby de la Zouch. These include a number of items of livery in good condition which would have been worn by the Footmen when Calke was a prosperous estate. At Canons Ashby near Towcester there is a large collection of men’s waistcoats from the late 18th century made from linen, silk and velvet.

Whilst most National Trust properties contain items of clothing, the largest costume collection is at Killerton House near Exeter. Here the Trust cares for approximately 20,000 items of clothing. The whole of the top floor of the house is given over to displaying the items on a rotating basis.

• THE NATIONAL TRUST Leicester Association has currently suspended its meetings but continues to issue its monthly email Newsheet and its triannual printed Newsletter to members. It is also organising “Zoom” meetings with speaker. Please check the Association web site at – www.leicesternt.btck.co.uk for details, including updates regarding Stoneywell Cottage.

Alan Tyler Publicity Officer NT Leicester Association

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I’ll never forget the first time we met. Although I will keep trying.

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25

Borough Councillors’ Report From Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea Borough Council Tax Rise THE BOROUGH Council is to increase its council tax charge for 2021/22 by £5 following a decision of the full council on Tuesday 23 February 2021

This means the average Band D council tax (including the Special Expense Area) for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council will increase to a charge of £139.87 for the 2021/22 financial year, the lowest in Leicestershire and anticipated to be the fifteenth lowest in England, and certainly within the lowest quartile.

This figure will be supplemented by the charges levied by Leicestershire County Council (£1,410.78), the Police and Crime Commissioner (£248.23) and the Fire Authority (£69.29).

The average Council Tax Bill for a band D property in Bagworth and Thornton will be £1966.83 including the Parish Precept.

Residents are reminded they can pay their bill annually, half-yearly or monthly. In a full year the monthly instalments will normally be paid from April to January, however residents can also opt to pay their council tax over 12 instalments if they prefer.

The Administration also put up the Garden Waste Collection 25% from £24 to £30. So much for their claims at the last election that this was an unjust cost. They said they would do away with it if elected.

Last year they kept it at £24 instead of keeping their pledge they have risen it to £30.

Collection of White Goods/Bulky 3 Items has risen from £15 to £20 Collection of White Goods/Bulky 5 Items has risen from £25 to £33 At a time when the Borough is experiencing a rise in fly tipping, I could not support these rises and voted against their budget.

Cllr Chris Boothby

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

the pandemic.

The fund prioritises independent business (including retail), tourism and hospitality business and creative industry and is designed to help toward the costs of investing in new equipment or other capital expenditure to aid their recovery.

Other independent businesses that can demonstrate they have suffered severe hardship as a result of the pandemic are also welcome to apply.

Suitable projects might include new equipment or machinery, building a new website, investing in new products and e-commerce such as contactless payment technology or permanent fixtures and fittings to support social distancing such as an awning for a café or restaurant to support alfresco dining.

The grants available range from £1,000 and £15,000 and the scheme will provide 50%

Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808 585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com grant support with the applicant providing the other 50% as match funding. This grant scheme is funded through the government’s Additional Restrictions Grant.

The council’s initial allocation of £300,000 is for the period to the end of March 2022 or until funds run out Businesses should be able to demonstrate their recovery project will safeguard jobs and ideally create new ones.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Stuart Bray said: “We recognise local businesses has been severely impacted by the pandemic and many may need to adapt and change to survive. This grant is available to support our local businesses in implementing a recovery project enabling them to them get back on their feet and grow sustainably.”

For the full guidance and details

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has launched a Business Recovery Project Fund to target match funded grants to help to small businesses and help them to recover from the impacts they may have faced or are still facing, from

Working for you

Cllr Chris Boothby Cllr Ozzy O’shea

Chelsea Flower Show moves to the autumn FOR THE first time ever in its 108-year history, Chelsea Flower Show will not be held in the Spring, but in the Autumn.

The 2021 Chelsea Flower Show will now take place from 21st to 26th September. The Royal Horticultural Society, the show organisers, will still hold it at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.

The hope is that by September, millions more people will be vaccinated, so that mass outdoor events will be able to happen safely.

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.

Business Recovery Project Fund Launched SMALL BUSINESSES that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic are being urged to apply to a new fund to help businesses to safeguard jobs in the borough.

on how to apply visit: www. hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ businessrecoveryfund We are both working hard in conjunction with partner agencies to keep you all as safe as possible.

Whilst we are all in the same boat, we are both still here to help all of you if you need us in terms of Borough Council Services. As we always say, we are only a phone call away. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support.

Chris & Ozzy.

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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

When I was a child, I always had my nose in a book. My parents couldn’t afford Kleenex.

26

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

Markfield Library News AS I WRITE we are keeping our fingers crossed that the library will be able to reopen after 12 April.

At this time, we do not know for how long and on which days as we still share the building with the Before and After School Club in term time and opening for the full 18 hours per week will still depend on a COVID secure environment of operation of both parties. Another small step but a very exciting one again. Charlotte clearly cannot wait!

Borough Council working with E.ON to offer free central heating systems to eligible homes HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH Borough Council are working with E.ON to offer eligible residents up to 100% funding for either a first-time gas central heating system with free gas connection, or an air source heat pump central heating system across the district.

Margaret Bowler

Chair – Markfield Community Library

When I heard that non essential shops can hopefully reopen in April, my husband asked me where I would go first. I don’t think he expected me to shout Waterstones or the library straight away, but it made me think of all the small things I have missed during lock down.

Yes, we have been able to borrow books and also buy books online, but I miss the joy of walking into a building solely dedicated to books. I miss the smell of books, the joy of wandering down an aisle and finding a hidden gem that you have never heard of but pick up and fall in love with.

I miss talking to people about books, getting a recommendation for a book you would never have considered and finding that it is right up your street.

I love walking into a shop and finding a new book from a favourite author, taking it home and devouring it in one sitting. On that note, here are two March releases that I am excited about! I have myself read advanced reader copies of these books and thoroughly enjoyed them both!

The Littlest Library

By Poppy Alexander WHEN THE library Jess has been working in closes, and her beloved Grandma passes away she decides it’s time for a new start.

Buying a run down house in another village in the spur of the moment may not be the best plan, but Jess is determined to make it work especially when she discovers that she now owns an unloved red telephone box. Can Jess turn this into a small library full of her grandma’s beloved books?

Love In Lockdown

By Chloe James THIS IS a romance reflective of current times.

With Jack going stir crazy due to having to shield he begins talking to his downstairs neighbour Chloe and they begin to fall in love. As well as the romance aspect this is a wonderful story about community and how everyone has pulled together during what has been a turbulent time.

Charlotte

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To benefit from the full funding available residents must not currently have a central heating system and currently rely on inefficient heating systems such as electric storage heaters or solid fuel heating to heat their homes.

You do not need to be an E.ON customer to apply.

To take advantage from the full funding available for an air source heat pump central heating system, residents must currently heat their homes using electric storage heaters and meet the eligibility criteria. You do not need to be an E.ON customer to apply.

An air source heat pump system uses electricity to extract heat from the outside air, in the same way a refrigerator extracts heat to keep the inside cool and can be used to heat both the home and the hot water tank.

Eligible residents could also benefit from free cavity wall and loft insulation and funding towards solid wall insulation as part of the offer.

This offer is operating on a first-come, first-served basis. For eligibility criteria and further information please call E.ON’s call centre on 0330 400 1095 or visit www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/gasfunding The Borough Council’s Executive Member for Housing, Councillor Michael Mullaney said: “We are really pleased to be supporting our residents across the area with this great initiative.

“Through working with E.ON we hope to be able to improve the energy efficiency in hundreds of homes and ensure residents not only save money on their energy costs but can also become more energy efficient at the same time.

“We would urge eligible residents to contact E.ON to find out more and together we can help as many people as possible stay warm and healthy in their homes and help to save money at this difficult time.”

Nigel Dewbery, Residential Solutions Director at E.ON, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to give eligible residents the opportunity to install either a free first time gas central heating system, air source heat pump central heating systems and a range of energy efficiency measures on their properties.

I tried some of that revitalising shampoo. My hair was awake all night.

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27

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28

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

Borough Councillor Andy Furlong’s Tel: 01530 231377 Email: andy.furlong@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk WHEN WE STOOD for election back in 2019, Matthew Lay and I pledged to do everything possible to prevent further disruption by heavy lorries running to and from the Poundstretcher site in Desford.

Heavy goods traffic has long been permitted on the route to the Field Head roundabout, despite its classification as a ‘secondary’ road. However, in recent years, the frequency of HGV movements has caused real distress for local people. Unsurprisingly, the news that the site owners, Crown Crest, wanted to extend the operation into late evenings, Saturday afternoons and Sundays came as a major blow. It was time to draw a line.

Government planning policy is horribly stacked against local communities.

I was in a difficult position. The law prevented me from expressing a view on the application until it came before the borough’s planning committee.

Nonetheless, from my conversations with local people, particularly during a packed public meeting at the community centre, it was clear what was expected of me.

Ten years ago, councillors agreed that it was okay to turn the old Desford Tubes manufacturing site over to storage and distribution. Fortunately, restrictions were put in place to prevent HGV movements at anti-social times. This legal protection gave residents respite from lorries crashing past their homes at all hours. Given that these safeguards had been agreed, why on earth should anyone consider taking them away? This was the question that I put to the planning committee when it considered the application in September 2019. There was no credible answer, and the application was unanimously rejected.

Respite for residents secured

Fast forward to 2020, and after a good deal of chicanery and underhand discussion that I won’t go into, the applicants lodged an appeal against the decision. Some readers will know that I once worked in logistics management.

I was determined to put this experience to good use when the appeal was heard in January.

After two days of detailed discussion, during which I used the phrase “respite for residents” many times, the Planning Inspector adjourned the hearing and went away to consider the case. Four weeks later, we heard to great relief that the appeal had been rejected. Restrictions on HGV movements would stay. We had won the argument.

Politics being what it is, lots of different people are claiming it as a personal triumph. I’ll avoid that mistake, but I kept my pledge, and I think we can chalk it up as a victory - a victory for the people of Markfield and Field Head.

More police, but at a price IN ANOTHER positive development, I’m pleased to report that the strength of our local police beat team has been increased for a three-month trial period.

The downside is that our council tax is going up once again to pay for it.

Following many years of government cuts, police numbers in Leicestershire have been rising since 2018 at the insistence of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach.

A typical household in Leicestershire now contributes £248/year to local policing. That said, I see it as money well spent, and we should extend a warm welcome to PC Greg Rawisinski and PCSO Simon Stevenson.

I look forward to seeing them in and around our villages in the coming weeks.

may come back to the table with a scaled-down proposal that includes significant landscape remodelling and the creation of additional green space to act as a buffer between the site and the village. As usual, the law prevents me from expressing an opinion at this early stage. Still, readers can rest assured that I will work closely with residents and the Parish Council to ensure that the planners don’t ride roughshod over local opinion.

Capers on Captain’s Lane ELSEWHERE on the planning front, there is still no news (at the time of writing) regarding a formal application to build more houses off London Road in Markfield.

The demolition of Vine Cottage at the bottom of Captain’s Lane has been completed, but I was disappointed to see that things got off to a bad start.

Despite a statement in the original application indicating that all rubble would be recycled and remain on-site, residents on Birchfield Avenue were subjected to a merry-go-round of heavy vehicles using the narrow lane to remove debris.

I investigated the situation and concluded that the operation’s management was poor, posing a risk to walkers using the public footpath in the lane and the possibility of property damage. I complained on behalf of residents and action was taken. If the Jelson development goes ahead – and I strongly suspect that it will, given the government’s intention to “build, build, build” – I will monitor the situation carefully and work with residents to ensure that the highest safety and environmental standards protection are secured.

And finally I WAS pleasantly surprised to receive a call from Markfield Medical Centre inviting me to come over for my first COVID vaccination earlier than I’d expected.

I accepted without hesitation, and I got my jab on 25 February. The organisation at the surgery was brilliant, and I salute the NHS staff who have been working long hours to make it happen. I am also grateful to the British pharma company Astra Zeneca, which has done a remarkable job scaling up vaccine production and distribution to meet demand. You’ll be pleased to know that I didn’t feel a thing and suffered no ill-effects.

Mass vaccination is key to getting us all through the pandemic. Please make sure you get yours when the time comes. The positive news about a phased lifting of the COVID restrictions is very welcome, but we are still far from safety. The PM appears to have learned from his previous mistakes and looks to have replaced bluster with caution. The future looks more positive, let’s not wreck it

Andy Furlong

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

Bardon 3 Industrial Estate PERHAPS, in less welcome news, the Bardon 3 industrial estate looks to be back on the agenda.

An initial application to extend the sprawling storage and distribution complex to the east of the B585 and down the hill towards Stanton under Bardon was thrown out following widespread opposition from residents.

The US-backed developer, Mountpark Logistics, has signalled that they

I come from a long line of actors. It’s called the dole queue.

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Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Social Club Limited Update HELLO to all our Members and Guests We are delighted to start preparing to welcome our members and customers back to the Club following the Government’s announcement of their roadmap out of lockdown.

We are looking forward to doing what we do best in serving our members, customers and local community at our great Club. It is finally beginning to show light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel.

The Club Committee have decided with the best interests of our Staff, Members and Customers that we stay closed until we can open indoors on 17th May 2021. (Subject to change).

There have been volumes of work in the Club during closure with the Concert Room being decorated to freshen it, bring a new warm atmosphere, and modernise for our usual Saturday night entertainment, Bingo and Open The Box on a Sunday Lunch. As ever we look forward to welcoming parties to hire our Concert Room on a Friday. The Committee has also worked hard at claiming every government and local council grant.

The Club were saddened to hear the passing of an Ex-Serviceman and national hero Captain Sir Tom Moore; we send our thoughts to his family. We also send condolences to everyone throughout Groby and the world that has been through terrible times during COVID-19.

At the moment we have the fabulous Ceri Dupree booked in for Friday 2nd July. Ceri was due to appear last year but was unable to due to lockdown. If you have tickets for last years show, then this will gain you entry for Friday 2nd July 2021. The date is subject to change on Government Restrictions.

We have had questions of when the AGM will be for this year to discuss 2019 and 2020 accounts. Due to the restrictions we are unsure but as soon as we reopen our doors a date will be decided by the Committee and the Club Secretary will inform the members on the Club noticeboards, Social Media and via Groby Spotlight.

The Club is currently having a website being built which will go live on 1st May 2021. All contents of the website will be revealed when we launch.

We look forward to presenting the website to you.

It is certain that we will make up for lost time in the coming months.

Please can I remind you - if you have not done so already - to renew your memberships. Please refer to our Facebook page and previous local magazines on instructions of how to renew.

Please keep safe and we look forward to seeing you very soon.

Eddie Pagett

Club President, On behalf of the Management Committee

If you enjoy reading The Herald, please pass it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it. It’s good to share!

My wife does wonderful things with leftovers. She throws them away.

29

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

Memories of Bagworth School ...

KATE BAINES was interviewed many years ago and this is what she said.

Most of the scholars had smaller brothers and sisters with younger ones still at home. Sometimes in my class, about year 4 I think, a pupil (always a girl) would come to school with a toddler and a tearful story.

“Mam is bad and there is nobody to look after my little sister.”

The teacher was always sympathetic and the infant would be allowed to stay. Much fuss would be made of both big sister and little sister. For some reason this fascinated me and I longed to be able to do the same thing myself. There was only one snag; I was the only child.

However, one week my four year old cousin came to stay. I don’t know what plausible story I told my parents but one day, feeling very important, I dragged my not very willing cousin to school.

We sat in a class in desks with benches to seat two people, and I shared mine with a boy named Bob Sperry. Jocelyn was installed between us and provided with paper and pencil, and the lesson began. All went well until I had to leave the room on an errand.

Teacher said, “Leave your cousin behind, she’ll be all right.”

When I returned the class was in an uproar. I could hear it in the corridor.

Whatever Bob Sperry had done, Jocelyn had objected to it. She was sitting with her legs stretched out along the seat, trying to kick him off and yelling at the top of her voice.

“Get off, you little bugger!”

I didn’t try that scheme again.

Does anyone remember the free meals at school during the miners’ strike in the 1920’s? I don’t know about the older pupils, but the 1st and 2nd infants’ classes were given a free midday meal. Anyone who turned up with a dish or a plate had a portion of what I think was stew and a piece of bread. If you forgot your dish you didn’t get any. I forgot mine one day, I remember standing there, tears rolling down my cheeks, until some kind helper took pity on me and found a spare dish. It was a huge blue patterned soup plate. My cousin and I thought it was wonderful, just like a picnic at school.

Of course, we shouldn’t have been allowed to be there. Our fathers were farmers. But the whole class had been told to bring dishes to school, and so we did, just like the other children. We weren’t old enough to realise the tragedy and suffering behind it. We just enjoyed the treat.

Mr. Williams was headmaster then. Mr. Goulding (a very sarcastic man) the assistant master, and three female teachers. I encountered Mr Williams in a classroom doorway once. He picked me up and swung me around. Another time, I saw him thrashing an older boy, not just rapping his knuckles, but hitting his backside really hard. After Mr. Williams retired, Mr. Bradley was head for the next two or three years, with Mr. Hemsley as assistant master. Mr Hemsley was tall and dark and very good looking. All the other girls sighed over him. One morning we were all standing in lines waiting to march into school when Mr. Hemsley walked by. One of the older girls, by the name Connie Weston, I think, said something to Mr. Hemsley as he passed. It must have been something cheeky because he didn’t reply, but just turned round and slapped her face.

Mr. Bradley was a very good teacher and this was reflected in the numerous pupils who gained scholarships at this time. He was tall and thin.

He taught what he called the Scholarship class. Everyone hated arithmetic lessons, but the English was wonderful. He used to read the ‘Classics’ to us, such as Dickens’ ‘Christmas Carol’, ‘Oliver Twist’ and even introduced us to ‘Don Quixote’. He would enact the different characters, imitating the voices, striding up and down the classroom.

There was a huge battered chest of drawers in the corner of the room, which he nicknamed ‘Rosinante’ after Don Quixote’s horse.

He was very musical and tried to form a choir from the older two classes, but he had no-one with a decent voice so it wasn’t a success. One boy called Boulstridge had a voice like a foghorn.

Mr Bradley didn’t use the piano when we practised. I don’t think he could play it. He used a tuning fork. We sang ‘round’ songs like ‘London’s Burning’, where we divided into three groups and each group started singing a bar later than the one before. It sounds good when sung properly, but ours never was. One group would lose the beat then it would all go to pieces.

She also remembers singing, ‘What shall we do with the drunken sailor?’ and quieter ones like ‘Shenandoah’, ‘Barbara Allen’, ‘Raggle Taggle Gypsies’, ‘My Old Kentucky Home’, ‘Afton Water’ and a dreary Scottish dirge that went:

Oh who will o’er the downs with me, Oh who will with me ride, Oh who will up and follow me, To win a blooming bride.

They also sang to the music of ‘Danny Boy’ words that began: Oh softly shine the darkling vales of sorrow Oh quietly sleep the stormy hills of pain ……..

Another song that she never heard again was ‘Farewell to Manchester’.

Once Mr Bradley got more ambitious and had them singing a song by Mendelssohn, ‘Angels ever bright and fair, Take, oh, take me to your lair.’

As a kid, I was made to walk the plank. We couldn’t afford a dog.

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compiled by Bob Austin The last day of Mr Bradley’s time at Bagworth was spent singing his favourite songs. Miss Burton, the sewing teacher, burst into tears.

Mr. Heath came next as head, and Mr. Jackson his assistant. Mr. Jackson taught science and no-one liked him. He would hit you hard over the head with a blackboard peg if you didn’t know the answers to his questions, or if your notes were wrong. He lodged in the village with Mrs. Ward in ‘The Crewe’. We felt very sorry for her son who had to put up with such a horrible teacher, even out of school.

We also had two lady Scottish teachers for a while. Miss Lawrence and Miss Birnie. Miss Lawrence was tall, wore tweeds, thick stockings, shiny brogue shoes and strode along like a man. Miss Birnie, who was small and dainty, wore pretty dresses and high-heeled shoes and used to trip along up the school hill, trying to keep up with her friend. They lodged at Thornton and usually walked there and back to Bagworth every day.

Miss Lawrence taught my class. She was very strict and it was very difficult to understand her queer accent. She also brought the ‘tawse’ from Scotland with her. It was a formidable weapon of heavy leather, about 8” long and split halfway. It raised great weals on a child’s arm when she used it. I only remember seeing her use it once on a girl named Boulter or Nellie Stretton, I think. The girl went home crying and her mother went to see the Headmaster. The tawse was put away and never seen again.

I think Mr. Heath had been a Major in the 1st World War, and if we could get him to talk about his experiences, dull, boring lessons were forgotten.

Armistice Day always used to affect him and he would try to make us understand about the horrors of war. I remember once that he predicted another war very soon and tried to describe bombs and aerial warfare.

That day I walked home from school feeling very frightened and trying to imagine what it would be like. He wore pince-nez rimless glasses, clipped onto the bridge of his nose. He would tell the boys that they were special glasses that enabled him to see what they were up to behind his back.

Later on, scholars would be allowed to listen to BBC radio programmes that were broadcast during lessons. On one occasion they listened to the commentary on the Grand National and a horse called ‘April the Fifth’ won.

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