The Herald Mid-March 2023

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

Organist Required Are You The One?

MY HOME is in the village of Thornton where I have lived since 1909 in the Church of Saint Peter.

Although advanced in years, I am in excellent physical condition, having undergone a complete overhaul recently at a cost of £32,000.

Behind my glass frontage can be seen two rows of polished black and white keys, whilst on each side multiple draw stops appeal for caressing whilst feet are busy on the pedals which bring into play a whole rank of pipes.

Throughout the years, I have taken part in many ceremonies-both public and private- and have added my voice to both sad and joyous occasions.

I am now looking for someone,(ideally of Grade VI ABRSM standard), to undertake these musical duties at Saint Peter’s. Such a one, needs to be available when possible, on each Sunday morning and for occasional services as they occur.

My further details can be obtained from churchwarden Shirley on 01530 230 422 or from the Rector, Rev. Andrew, on 01530 249 746.

Martin Foster

Something to do in Bagworth

FIRST OF ALL, a date for your diaries: Sunday May 14th is the date for the Bagworth Spring Food and Craft Fair at the Community Centre.

There will be lots of stalls selling a variety of different items, especially food. This is organised by the Bagworth Forward Group who aim to enhance the village and the life of the village. Look out for more details of this event in next month’s Herald.

In addition would you like to improve the village environment? We would like to form a group of Bagworth residents to take responsibility for planting, watering and maintaining the floral displays in the village planters. All costs will be covered by BFG. If you are interested please have a chat with Rob on Facebook or on email at robatbfg@btinternet.com

Help to make Bagworth, your home, a village of which we can be truly proud.

Bob Austin

Party in the Park planned in Stanton to celebrate coronation

STANTON UNDER BARDON is planning a Party in the Park to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

The event is due to take place from 12 noon to 5.30pm on Sunday 7th May 2023 at the village recreation ground on Main Street, Stanton.

A committee has been formed, consisting of Parish Council members, Village Hall Trustees, volunteers from the village, and members of the Golden Jubilee Committee - who have had much involvement and success with previous village events.

The line-up is currently being finalised, but we are planning:

• A variety of stalls

• A Bouncy Castle and Obstacle Course

• Beer Tent

• Pizzas, Doughnuts and other food stalls

• Live music and performers

• Face Painting and Balloons

The Village Fete Committee is currently seeking donations from local organisations and businesses to help fund the day, but entry will be free.

The committee is also working to make sure that other village events complement and work together to help the village celebrate in style, including a ‘best dressed house’ and scarecrow competition.

So, please mark your calendars and help us celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

Deliverer Andy to visit the Landmarks of Leicester in a charity fundraising walk

HERALD DISTRIBUTOR Andy Lewis is off on a mini adventure to see the many sights of Leicester on a charity run and walk.

If you live in Thornton or Bagworth, Andy will be familiar to you as he has been delivering your Herald single-handedly every month for many years.

On Saturday March 25th he will be running the Braunstone Park Run and then will walk to Fosse Park, Everards Meadow, The Black Horse in Aylestone via the Great Central Way . Then he will adventure off to Grace Road, King Power Stadium and Welford Road Stadium before crossing Victoria Park to take in some culture at the De Montfort Hall, New Walk Museum,Curve and Phoenix.

To finish the walk he will head off to the home of more Leicester sporting heroes at the Morningside Arena, before gently strolling round Abbey Park and eventually ending at Jubilee Square.

Andy likes to do what he can for local causes and is doing this walk for local charity Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Projects (LAMP). If you’d like to make a contribution - however large or small - to this very worthwhile cause, please visit Andy’s fundraising page at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/andylewis or scan the QR code above. The Landmarks of Leicester Walk was inspired by Cool as Leicester and their social group which promotes Leicester and its events and has given Andy the inspiration to see some of the City’s landmarks.

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Letter Sport for all? Sport in Markfield and the Jubilee Playing Fields?

MANAGING any local resources in times of financial constraint can be challenging - not least when that resource is relatively remote and underutilised.

This perhaps describes the Jubilee Playing Fields - a local resource for Markfield and environs for sporting endeavours. Yet, despite a severe lack of accessible/free sporting facilities in our area, I understand this place is in the process of being privatised as the parish council looks to transfer the lease to a local sporting limited company. The unintended consequence is the increased restrictions that local residents will face when using the space. Indeed, any or all users will have to pay for the privilege.

My sons have used the space for years for their own exercise – something which it is intended for. They have caused no damage or inconvenience to anyone. My wife picks litter there. Yet increasing heavy-handed tactics with statements, ‘this is private’ and ‘you can’t be on here’ highlight the potential problems to come for dog walkers and those exercising alike. Privatisation of public spaces rarely benefits communities but instead places restrictions, limits, and costs. I appreciate everything must be within reason. Yet still, when individuals with no legal delegated authority, approach children and ask them to leave - or even photograph them - it makes me wonder about sport for who? Who benefits? Where are children and young people supposed to go?

Sadly, it isn’t just young people; a second incident was relayed to me. An elderly resident wanted to sit on a bench and look at the scenery near the cricket pitch. Given her disability, she used the adjacent car park only to be told by a ‘committee member’ that she had to leave, which she did in tears. Who benefits ?

I have written previously in the Herald about the litter, drug paraphernalia, alcohol bottles at Altar Stones and the problems this creates for our community. Yet equally insidious is the ‘you have no rights’ approach to something once funded by and for the community for so long. Did we vote for this? Who agreed to this? Sport for who ?

John Goodwin

Put it in your diary

Holistic & Mystic Event at Groby Community Centre

JANET LOWE

is organising

Markfield Defibrillator Project Mid-March Update

THE POPULAR Defibrillator Location MAPS are all over the village, they are free and are still available – just email me at markfieldaedproject@ outlook.com .

More news in April.

Robert

Date for Your Diary

The event will feature accredited practitioners and respected mediums. Admission is FREE and refreshments will be available.

Fayre

St Mary & All Saints Church, Stanton Under Bardon Spring

To be held in the Church on SATURDAY 1st April 2023 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Variety of Stalls, including Home Baking and Preserves, Craft, Tombola, Raffle.

Admission is FREE COME & JOIN US FOR A FRIENDLY CHAT AND CUPPA. Based

My wife has an electric toothbrush. I only have an acoustic toothbrush.

The Herald

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Tel: 01530 244069

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

Markfield WI News

From Lynda Owen

FOR OUR FEBRUARY meeting we had an interesting talk by Bill Haley (not that one) about his time on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Accompanied by a screen presentation he took us through the history of the Royal Yacht from its launch in 1953 to its decommissioning and retirement to Edinburgh. Although now much visited as a tourist attraction its demise was a sad time for the Royal family and for many of us in Britain.

Bill told us of the Yacht’s trips around the world as a symbol of Britain and the Commonwealth; we heard tales of the glamour of State visits, Royal Honeymoons and of relaxing family holidays, we also learned of the billions of pounds gained through trade and business deals brokered during the Yacht’s time in various parts of the world.

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.

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Bill was one of around 220 crew on board, there was a lot of hard work as well as a lot of fun at times and he obviously looked back on his time with nostalgia and a great deal of pride.

• OUR MARCH MEETING will be Andrew Smart with a talk entitled ‘That Ruddy Cucumber’.

WHAT A WONDERFUL occasion our second Clear Out Sale on 25th February was.

At 8.30am the Community Centre was completely empty and silent. At 9.30am both the hall and the sports hall were awash with cardboard boxes of every size, carry bags, loose items, people scurrying around setting up their stalls and the smell of cooking bacon. It felt like chaos! But it wasn’t and soon everyone was all set. Even before 11 am people were finding bargains to buy. And what bargains – goodness me. From a circular drinks cabinet to puzzles, glamorous dresses to jewellery, from tools to clothes airers, tables to cushions, the list is endless. It was amazing. People were leaving with bags, sometimes as many as 6! Full of stuff.

I heard comments from folk that the sausage and bacon cobs were the best ever. And Raj’s - or should I say Raj’s wife’s - samosas were delicious.

And as ever with Thornton events the atmosphere was happy throughout. And the weather was kind!

And then by 2.30 pm all was empty and quiet again. All quite amazing.

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Thanks from St Peter’s, Thornton

Then we discovered that a staggering £639.15 had been raised at this event by the Friends of St Peter’s - all of which has been donated to the DEC earthquake appeal – Turkey and Syria. Though, as always, there are loads of repairs needed at St Peter’s, in the grand scheme of things their need dwarfs ours completely. The people of Turkey and Syria need all the help they can get.

The DEC is the Disasters Emergency Committee and brings together 15 leading aid charities at times of humanitarian crisis overseas including Christian aid, British Red Cross, Save the Children and Tearfund.

A massive thank you to everyone who supported this event: The community Centre Trustees, the folk who set up and cleared away at the end of the day, the kitchen girls, the raffle and wine & water game organisers, the people manning the door, the quiz writer, all the stall holders, the money counters and of course all the visitors. You are all amazing.

We will be holding this event again next year, most likely the end of February, so watch out for details. Thank you!

Shirley Garlick

grandad said he always used to leave his back door open in the old days, which was probably why his submarine sank.

Britannia expert Bill Haley

decision demonstrates everything that is wrong with the planning system

Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald

IT WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING to learn last week that the Government’s planning inspector had overturned the refusal of planning permission by Hinckley and Bosworth, for a large housing development north of Ashby Road in Markfield. This decision demonstrates everything that is wrong with the planning system and further highlights the damage being caused by the disastrous changes made to the planning system by the present government in 2012, changes which gave such a leg up to housing developers and has encouraged speculative developments like this to get the go ahead.

I repeat this ad nauseam, but Markfield did everything to comply with the Government’s wishes and therefore I believe was deserving of full protection from a Government inspector. Having attended the appeal and made various representations along with local residents, Cllr David Snart and both Markfield and Newtown Parish Councils, it felt as if we were wasting our breath. ‘Get out of the way’ was the approach taken by the developers and the hefty legal team they had assembled. Ignorant of our concerns and the work the community had undertaken, to bring together its ‘made neighbourhood plan’ that allocated enough land for development and which of course is now being developed providing for our housing needs and more.

It is true, as the inspector pointed out, that the actual housing is in Charnwood Borough Council and only the access is in Hinckley and Bosworth. But the impact of the development is clearly in Markfield and yet, few if any of the few proposed mitigations will come to the village, but we will have to deal with the combined loss of the vista, the clear historic boundary, the principles of managed growth and the spirit of the Government’s intentions to give communities a real say in developing local plans.

The access to the site is in Hinckley and Bosworth and it was absolutely right for Hinckley and Bosworth to recognise that by giving consent to the access it would have effectively given consent to the whole development, so refusal was the correct action by the Borough Council and was the third such planning refusal

made since we completed the neighbourhood plan.

Unfortunately, the inspector claimed that, as the housing itself was in Charnwood, it was really for Charnwood to give weight to the impact on Markfield and that he was satisfied this was done properly. Clearly, he wasn’t in attendance when Charnwood Borough Council made its determination. I was present that fateful night and spoke against the development on the basis of its impact on Markfield and the contravention of its neighbourhood plan. I was wrong to expect a reasonable consideration of the facts and Charnwood were only too glad to pass this application as they are faced with a planning deficit which is far worse than that in Hinckley, and of course this application carried few political risks for Charnwood because its impact is on a neighbouring authority and community, it was really simply an afterthought. I would however like acknowledge the support given to us by Cllr David Snart and Newtown Parish Council, but I do lament the decision by Newtown Linford Parish Council not to allow the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan to include the border lands in its plan. It would have made a difference but that is now history, and it is the national planning legislation and guidance that needs to reflect on the inherent and damaging contradictions in the system.

Ultimately the decision by the inspector clearly flies in the face of the spirit of neighbourhood planning and the protections these plans should afford local communities. Excepting that many communities do not have external Borough boundaries as we have in both Markfield, Stanton and Field Head, this decision still undermines the whole process undertaken in Markfield. In fact one is left wondering what more will follow on the Charnwood side of the boundary. Is the A50 a physical barrier or is the

leg up to developers so great that developers consider going further in the Charnwood Forest. I sincerely hope not, as this is some of the best countryside in the country which seemingly has little in the way of protection under current interpretations.

I am so frustrated at this decision, and it concerns me greatly as I complete my tenure as a Borough Councillor. I have taken to writing to our local MP to express my frustration and asking him to raise this case (as it sets a worrying precedent) with the Secretary of State as he could still overturn the decision of the inspector and precedent for this exists. He has been supportive of neighbourhood planning, so this is an opportunity to give a clear demonstration of that and in doing so right a clear wrong. Actions always speak louder than words.

Public Transport

A NUMBER of local residents have been in touch over the past couple of months to complain about the dire state of public transport serving Markfield and Stanton.

It is true, the situation is dire and one can only see it getting worse. Very soon the only bus service of use will be that linking Coalville to Leicester that happens to pass Markfield. Even that service is prone to numerous cancellations meaning people have frustrating experiences and are late for work or important appointments. It’s a far cry from the days when we succeeded (thanks to the help of local residents) in getting improved services like the Lougborough Bus and better links to Stanton and the retirement village. I say this because it’s important to remember how far we have fallen in recent years largely due to the reductions in Government funding - which in itself is also bizarre when you consider the Office for Budget Responsibility are predicting the

Governments tax burden will hit a record high of 37.5 per cent as a share of GDP in 2024-25. At this level it will represent the highest sustained level of tax seen in the UK since the aftermath of the Second World War. Your taxes go up but at the same time you get less in return, it cannot be right!

It’s similar to the complaints I receive about the lack of local policing. A service that was massively reduced during the present Government’s time in office. Once again it’s worth remembering how far we have fallen. We once had a team of 6, comprising 3 police officers and 3 PCSO’s working out of a dedicated office at Markfield Community Centre. It was a great success and gave people in the community a great deal of confidence that crime and anti-social behaviour was being addressed - unlike today in which the service has been reduced significantly.

We should aspire to having the best public services possible for Markfield and Stanton and to campaign hard for them. They don’t often just stop, they are allowed to first wither and once they no longer work properly, they are removed, and we are told we cannot afford them anymore.

How is this possible? It happens when we accept second best as the only way forward. As I step away from being your local Councillor, I would urge everyone who wants the best for our communities to work together to achieve it, to have some ambition and to demand that we come first in the line.

Don’t accept anything less.

Better weather on the way: it’s time to get walking again!

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Walking in Leicestershire (https://www.

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John Harris (who maintains the website) said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Leicestershire (part of the Walking in England website) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.

With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.

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Newtown Linford Ladies Luncheon Club

THIS LUNCHEON CLUB originally started in Newtown Linford but now has members from all over Leicestershire. There is a monthly meeting on every 3rd Wednesday and you can have 3 visits initially to see if you wish to join.Members pay an additional £20 a year to cover the speakers’ fees on top of their monthly £19 for their meal. There are no meetings in July and August but often an outing is arranged instead.

• NEXT MONTH’S MEETING is on Wednesday 15th March 2023 with a three-course lunch at Lingdale Golf Club, Joe Moores Lane, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire LE12 8TF, starting at 12 noon to 3pm, and afterwards there will a talk by Stuart Dixon on The Garden of Hebb’s Farmhouse

If you are interested in attending this Luncheon Club meeting, then please telephone Sheila Price 0116 2205225 before Friday 10th March to book a place. All dietary needs are catered for.

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Every time I go to a school reunion, I find my old classmates are so fat and bald they hardly recognise me.

WITH SPRING on its way we start to think about getting out to walk in the beautiful English countryside again, but where to find new and interesting walks?

A Bad Day for Brutus?

“Look, there’s a sign for a country park,” Pauline pointed. “Let’s stop for ten minutes and let Brutus out for a tiddle.”

“A bit of fresh air will do us all some good,” Neil agreed, slowing down.

They had spent the bank holiday weekend camping with Neil’s brother and his family, who were the devoted owners of Brutus the lurcher although not quite devoted enough to make room for him in their own car. Neil and Pauline luckily had a roof box for all their extra camping equipment so had Brutus riding with them.

Brutus had an unfortunate habit of jumping out of vehicles, so they’d been driving for an hour with the windows shut. Brutus had also spent the entire weekend luxuriating in cow fields so the air in the car was eye-wateringly pungent.

They drove towards the car park entrance. As they approached the barrier a young man in a baseball cap waved his hands at them, as though

warning them not to go in.

“Why doesn’t he want us to go in?” Pauline asked anxiously.

“Do you think it’s full?”

Neil drove on. “There’s always someone about to leave if you’re patient.”

instantly. With a sickening bang, the car made impact with something large. Pauline shrieked. “We’ve run over the dog!”

Neil slammed on the brake. The man who’d been waving at them tapped on Neil’s window. Neil wound it down.

“Mate, I tried to warn you.” He shook his head. “I’d recommend you stay in the car. It’s pretty bad,” the man grimaced. “Not sure it’s retrievable to be honest.”

Neil said, feeling queasy. “Should I go forward or back?”

“I’d try reversing slowly. It’s going to be nasty but at least you’re only going back over the bits that are already crushed.”

The sound of scraping and dragging vibrated through every nerve in his body. Finally it ended.

“That’s it mate, you’re clear,” the man said, tapping the bonnet. “Do you want to get out and have a look?”

Neil did not particularly.

Stanton News Celebrating the Coronation of Charles III

THE QGJ COMMITTEE have been in action for 23 years now, We started out for Queen Elizabeth II golden Jubilee.

“I’ll ask him, he seems pretty insistent.” Pauline began winding down her window. “You never know, there could be a wild animal on the loose.”

“Round here?” Neil snorted at the suggestion. “Like what? A horde of rabid squirrels?”

At the mention of squirrels, Brutus leapt through Pauline’s open window.

“Stop, Neil!” Pauline screamed. “The dog’s jumped out.”

“I can’t stop,” Neil said, “I’ve got cars behind me.”

He regretted his decision

He turned off the engine and climbed out. This was just the opportunity Brutus needed to leap back in, smearing muddy footprints all over Pauline and the upholstery.

“He’s fine, he’s fine. Not a scratch on him. So what was that awful noise, Neil?”

Neil was just discovering that the roof box he’d forgotten all about had been two inches higher than the car park height restriction barrier. Had been, but no longer was.

By Jackie Brewster

Visit Glenfield Country Market!

THE GLENFIELD COUNTRY MARKET is a weekly event held in the centre of Glenfield. Producers cook, craft and grow, displaying their wares at this popular market held each Friday in St Peter’s Church Centre, Church Road, Glenfield (LE3 8DP) from 9am-11am.

We are hoping the village will help us show how great the village is to celebrate these events.

So we are asking villagers to dress the front of your house and/or dress a scarecrow.

It’s a £1 per entry per event.

The Theme is “Royalty”.

Post entries to Sally & Elaine, c/o 176, Main Street, Stanton under Bardon. or call 01530 242847.

There will be a prize for each winner of the competitions.

Let’s make Stanton a red, white & blue spectacular.

Sally Wilkins

QGJ Committee member

We are aware that people are tightening their belts but it is worth saying that we still offer good value for money across the craft, bakes and preserves and plants displays. We are also currently reducing some of our prices to enable our producers to make room for new creations.

Why don’t you give us a try? It’s a friendly, informal and free event and we will be very happy to see you. There are refreshments available as well as a wide range of hand-crafted goods to buy. Our crafts, bakes and plants are specially displayed each week so you will be spoilt for choice! We take card payments to make your shopping experience even better! You can now like and follow us on facebook: ‘The Glenfield Country Market’ too! Thank you.

Ruth Lane - Secretary for Glenfield Country Market

The air in the car was eye-wateringly pungent.

Hobby Spot Are You a Potential Beekeeper?

AS THE DAYS get longer and the temperature begins to rise, beekeepers start to look forward to the start of the next bee keeping season.

Right now, our Queen bees are increasing the rate at which they lay eggs and the worker bees that emerged last autumn are rearing the young larvae to be the next generation of bees. Beekeepers are checking on the hives to make sure the bees have sufficient stores to last until there is plenty of forage for the bees to collect, and noticing when the bees venture outside on the warmer days. There are catkins out already and these are an excellent source of pollen, essential for raising the new bees and a good place to observe them. It’s also a time when anyone who has considered looking into beekeeping as a hobby can sign up for the training offered by Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeeping Association (LRBKA).

LRBKA offer a 5-week (one evening per week) Theory course, running by Zoom on Tuesday evenings and starting on 14 March. The theory course concludes with a ‘Meet the Bees’ opportunity one weekend, when we lend you a bee suit and give you the chance to watch a hive being opened and the bees being inspected. The theory course includes presentations on the lifecycle of the bees, how to site an apiary, equipment needed for bee keeping, introduction to honey, the beekeeping year, swarming, and introduction to bee diseases.

We have practical courses running from the beginning of May till mid-July at three different apiaries. Here the beginners will learn practical beekeeping skills to enable them to become beekeepers themselves, should they choose to do so.

The courses are only open to members of LRBKA, and more information is available from the LRBKA website at https//lrbka.org/

Church Services

Sermon

A PASTOR, known for his lengthy sermons, noticed a man get up and leave during the middle of his message. The man returned just before the conclusion of the service. Afterwards the pastor asked the man where he had gone. “I went to get a haircut,” was the reply. “But,” said the pastor, “why didn’t you do that before the service?” Came the reply: “Because I didn’t need one then.”

Age UK launches discounted wills promotion

MORE THAN HALF of adults (56%) in the UK don’t have a valid will, this means that their estate (their property, financial and other assets) will be left to someone they haven’t chosen when they die.

To encourage residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to take action now to make or update a will, local charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is launching its much awaited annual will writing promotion.

The successful scheme, which runs from the 1st March – 30th April 2023 is supported by many local solicitors who have generously agreed to reduce their Will Writing charges for older people (55+) to only £35 + VAT for an updated or a single uncomplicated Will for the duration of the promotion.

It’s important that a will is in place as it gives not only you, but your family peace of mind for the future and can prevent the risk of significant problems when dealing with your estate. It’s also advised that you regularly review your will to ensure it is up to date.

To request a will writing promotion pack, please contact enquiries@ageukleics. org.uk or call 0116 299 2233. More information is also available at www.ageukleics.org.uk

HBBC Council Tax charge to go up

HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH

Borough Council is to increase its council tax charge for 2023/24 by £5 following a decision of the full council at its budget-setting meeting on 22 February 2023.

This means the average Band D council tax (including the Special Expense Area) for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council will increase to a charge of £149.87 for the 2023/24 financial year, the lowest in Leicestershire and anticipated to be the 15th lowest in England, and certainly within the lowest quartile.

This figure will be supplemented by the charges levied by Leicestershire County Council (£1,525.46), the Police and Crime Commissioner (£273.23) and the Fire Authority (£79.29).

Markfield Local History Group 2023 Programme

MARKFIELD LOCAL HISTORY Group meets every other month and has a variety of speakers and activities. All folks of all ages will be made very welcome. Below is our 2023 Programme and folks are welcome to come to meetings ad hoc (£3 per meeting) or become a group member (£8 per year and then no extra charge for the meetings).

All meetings are at Markfield Methodist Church Rooms, Main Street, Markfield LE67 9UU (opposite The Green) at 7.30pm

21st March: Outlaws in the Midlands

Find out about 14th century Follville gang who rustled cattle, kidnapped judges and burned mills. Learn about Highwaymen who didn’t have a horse and the last hanging in the city of Leicester of Peppermint Billy.

Speaker: Gareth King

16th May: Hidden meaning of place names

Place names give us a fascinating insight into Britain’s past history. Some place names come from the earliest inhabitants of Britain, but many are associated with our invaders who have left their mark. Did you know that Nottingham used to be called Snotengham (Snott’s Settlement)? Some place names have evolved over the centuries and others have stayed the same and some aren’t what they seem.

Speaker: Sandy Leong

18th July: Markfield Village history walk

Details to be confirmed nearer the time.

19th September: Nanpantan Hall and its walled garden

Find out about the history of Nanpantan Hall and garden, with its beautiful flora and fauna.

Speaker: Sue Hall

21st November: Local talk – To be arranged

For information on Markfield history and any updates to the meetings – please see our website www.markfieldhistory.org

BYGONE MARKFIELD is a Facebook group with photos and personal memories of Markfield, with 950 members and counting. Please ask to join.

Witness extreme adventure with the Banff

Mountain Film Festival Tour!

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THE BANFF Mountain

Film Festival World Tour is bringing a night of thrilling adventure films to the De Montfort Hall, on 19 April.

The Festival features a collection of short films from the world’s top adventure filmmakers, with epic skiing, climbing, mountain biking and more in remote corners of the planet. For more information and to book tickets, see www.banff-uk.com

The Hinckley & District Parkinson’s Group

DR LUKE EVANS, the MP for Hinckley & Bosworth, recently visited some of our group activities. He experienced the ‘Movement to Music’ and ‘Singing for Fun’ sessions on a Friday afternoon at Elmesthorpe.

He seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself, taking part in all the activities. He discussed everything from the benefits of singing and dancing to how the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Hinckley Hospital could accommodate the needs of group members and their carers.

This was another important step in making sure that everyone in the area knows about the support and activities available for those with Parkinson’s Disease.

WORLD PARKINSON’S DAY takes place on 11 April every year to raise awareness of Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is different for everyone - different symptoms and different experiences. Diagnosis remains scary and there is currently no cure. Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging but one thing stands out: the Parkinson’s community is bright and brilliant.

This year’s World Parkinson’s Day will celebrate those moments of laughter and light that lift us up. It could be the person who is always there for you, or a new challenge that you’ve faced and overcome.

In a group all can share experiences because they understand what everyone is going through, not just on World Parkinson’s Day but every day. Why not wear blue on April 11 to show your support?

OUR MEETINGS continue on the second Sunday of each month, at 2.30 on March 12th but then April 16th because of Easter, at the Mary Forryan Centre; our ‘Challenge’ weekly exercises at 3.00 at the St. Francis Centre; ‘Movement to Music’ at 2.30 and ‘Singing for Fun’ at 4.00 both on Friday afternoons at the Elmesthorpe Village Hall; plus our monthly ‘drop ins’ at Dobbies at Stapleton on the third Monday of the month, [March 20 and April 17] between 2.00 and 4.00 in the Restaurant Conservatory. We also have a monthly Carers Group on the third Tuesday each month at the same time as the exercise class. Nordic Walking is back on certain Thursdays from the Acorn Café at Burbage Common. (Ring Peter on 01455 636776 for details.)

For further information on any of our activities please contact Janet Kavanagh on 07932615233.

So don’t let Parkinson’s dictate how you live your life, come along and join the Hinckley Group and see the benefits for yourself.

Robert A. Leake

Iris Lydia Gleeson

IT IS WITH sadness that we mark the passing of Iris. She was born in Ibstock and grew up in a large family where, however hard times were, her hardworking parents never turned anyone away from their door. Her father, Fred, a talented tenor, supplemented the family’s income by entertaining at various venues, As soon as allowed , Iris joined her father.. and so began her lifelong love of singing and performing. Much of the social life of Iris’s youth centred on Ibstock Baptist Chapel. She sang in the choir and performed in many Concert Parties. It was there that Iris married John in 1967.

The move to Thornton, with son Martyn , to settle into John’s family home, gave Iris a whole new focus as she took the village of Thornton to her heart.

She was one of the people who began the monumental task of raising funds, almost entirely from the villagers, to build the Centre, and how proud she was when the dream was realised! Together with John, she supported all Centre activities…never ceasing to organise events, to welcome users, and to act as unpaid custodian. What a debt the village owes her!

She loved seeing villagers in party mood at the Carnivals and enjoyed participating in Concerts. She had a great sense of fun. Who can forget her appearing in blue tutu, complete with wings, to sing “Nobody Loves a Fairy When She’s Forty/Fifty./Sixty”? One of her favourite songs was , predictably, “Don’t Go Down in the Mine, Dad”?

She found her niche at St. Peter’s, too, where she was a dedicated, supportive member of the congregation and sang in the Choir and rang the bells. She participated in every church event over the years. That dedication was also evident in her long membership of the Broomleys Choir .

Iris did many kindnesses. For years she went, early each morning, come rain or shine , to light an elderly resident’s fire. She helped at the shop when needed and spent many hours as barmaid at “The Bricklayers’ Arms”, enjoying the convivial atmosphere. Iris belonged to the WI, where she could be relied upon to stand up and give a vote of thanks when others shied away from that task! She and John supported the village sports teams and she would cater singlehandedly for events, such as the Cricket Supper, knowing where to obtain the very tastiest foods.

She loved to drive and, in her younger days drove all over the country making deliveries.

Most of all she loved Thornton, its people and its history. John’s intensive knowledge added to her own made them a fount of information , and many people found their way to the Gleesons to ask for information. None was ever turned away.

Now we can no longer say, “Ask Iris!”. She really was a very special lady.

Muriel Walker

Bradgate Rotary News

Another Well-being Event planned – March 29th

FOLLOWING THE HUGELY successful Well-being Events held at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Groby and in Anstey, Bradgate Rotary are organising an Easter Event on Wednesday 29th March at the Activity Centre at Ulverscroft Manor.

The afternoon is free to anyone from the Bradgate area (Groby, Glenfield, Ratby, Markfield, Newtown Linford and Anstey areas). The purpose of these afternoons is to help the many vulnerable adults and people sheltering to enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment and activity to help combat loneliness.

The Easter Event will feature the local acoustic musicians, John Montague and Steve Convey, who will play and sing well-known songs, including a selection of Neil Diamond covers. This Acoustic Duo are back by popular demand and places will fill very fast.

The popular prize bingo, raffle and fun quiz will keep everyone entertained for the afternoon. Starting at 2pm and finishing by 5pm, there will be a few Easter surprises plus tea and cake.

To book a place for the afternoon please call or text Bradgate Rotary on 07851 796798.

• A FURTHER WELL-BEING EVENT is also planned for Thursday 8th June in Glenfield and will again be open to anyone throughout the Bradgate villages.

Rotary helping to eradicate Polio

FOROVER 35 YEARS, Rotary and its members have been committed to fighting to eradicate polio across the world.

The Purple4Polio activities are to raise funds and awareness for End Polio Now, Rotary’s global campaign. You may have seen the purple crocuses that Bradgate Rotary planted to raise awareness throughout sites in Groby, as well as Markfield memorial stone and Ratby library.

Thanks to Rotary, and the support of our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, there are now just two countries classed as endemic with Type 1 remaining in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

I hate it when your wife asks you to hold her handbag, and it doesn’t match what you’re wearing.

CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF ST WILFRID OF YORK AND HOLY CROSS

53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB –01530 832098

SUNDAY MASSES:

Saturday 6 pm – Holy Cross Church Whitwick*

Sunday 9 am – Holy Cross Church, Whitwick*

Sunday 10.30 am - St Wilfrid’s Church, Coalville

* Holy Cross Church, Parsonwood Hill, Whitwick, LE67 5AT.

WEEKDAY MASSES:

Monday 10 am – St Wilfrid’s Parish** Tuesday – No Mass

Wednesday 10 am – Holy Cross Church

Please see the Newsletter on the Parish website for more details.

** St Wilfrid’s weekday Masses are held in the Oratory. Please access via the front door of the Presbytery, beside the Church.

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICE and MASS

TIMES, with VENUES

Holy Thursday Mass – 6 April: 7.30 pm at St. Wilfrid’s followed by watching and ending with Night Prayer at 9.30 pm

Good Friday: Stations of the Cross 2.30pm/The Passion of the Lord 3.00pm at Holy Cross.

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8 pm at St. Wilfrid’s

Easter Sunday: 9 am at Holy Cross 10.30 am at St Wilfrid’s

Good Friday Children’s Way Of The Cross at St. Wilfrid’s. Time to be announced. Please see Parish website nearer the date.

Sacrament of Reconciliation: You can book an appointment with Fr Gabriel to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Please call the presbytery to book an appointment –01530 832098.

Parish Contact:

Parish Priest:  Fr Gabriel Offor  Tel: 01530 832098

Email: stwilfspriest@gmail.com

Parish Website:  www.stwilfscoalville. blogspot.co.uk

School Details:

St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www.st-clares.leics.sch.uk

De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle.leics.sch.uk

Holy Cross School, Whitwick: 01530 832 799 www.holycrosswhitwick.co.uk

Churches Together in Markfield United Services:

Sunday 2 April at 10.30 am at the Methodist Church. Palm Sunday Service in the Church and, if the weather is kind, the Palm Sunday Walk, beginning at the Methodist Church, for those who would like to join the walk.

Next Markfield Village Mass:

7 pm at Markfield Congregational Community Church, Main St.

Tuesday 18 April – week after Easter Week

Village Contact:  Margaret on 01530 243292

Job Vacancy – Markfield Court Retirement Village

Part-time Village and Social Centre Assistant

Markfield Court Village is a retirement village with people living independently in their own bungalows or flats and has a Social Centre at its heart. We are a small team, and we are looking for someone who has a genuine interest in people. The role is varied and includes bar work, upkeep of the Social Centre, helping with events, liaising and at times supporting residents.

If you would like more information regarding the role, please call Emma on 07506 826575 / 01530 244930 or email: markfieldcourtvillage@hotmail.com

CLOSING DATE: 20TH MARCH 2023

Planning Apps

Outline planning permission for new dwellinghouse (all matters reserved) - at 319 Markfield Lane Service Road, Field Head, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9PR

Erection of detached garage and flat roof dormer window to rear elevation of existing loft space - at 126 Main Street, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9UX

Variation of conditons 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12 & 14 of planning permission 20/00481/FUL. Amendment to substitute drawings, change materials, finish floor level, drainage, geo-environmental investigation, site management plan and fibre connection - at Land Adjacent Stanton-Under-Bardon Primary School, Main Street, Stanton Under Bardon, Leicestershire

AS I WRITE THIS, we have just marked a year since Russia invaded Ukraine- and I’m sure we all long for the war to be over, for the Ukrainian people’s sake, and for world peace.

We have also just marked the beginning of Lent, a time when we remember Jesus being tempted in the wilderness- but also reflect on our own lives and characters. We remember the wrong things we do, say and think, and the good that we fail to do- and turn again from self to God and others.

Now, the situation in Ukraine is not of our making- but has been caused by people who, as Jesus was tempted to do, seek to protect self above others, use power for the wrong reasons, and seek to use that power and status to control and dehumanise others. It is easy to call these people evil- I have done so myself many times. But in the long run, if we want a better, more peaceful world, we all need to do our bit. Like Jesus, who said “NO!” to all the temptations, may we also say “NO!” May we seek a decent standard of living for all, not look down on others, and may our power be exercised with love.

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

Erection of featherboard fencingat 29 Forest Road, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9UN

Outline Planning Application for the construction of a new dwellinghouse (All matters reserved except for scale, layout and access) - at Ben Venuto, Thornton Lane, Markfield Leicestershire LE67 9RP

Severn Trent offers free trees to landowners across its region

SEVERN TRENT is offering free trees to landowners of between 2.2 and 5 acres across its region.

The water company is asking interested landowners to get in touch BY THE END OF MARCH to access the exciting offer, which will see Severn Trent assist with pre-planting planning and maintenance costs over 10 years.

Severn Trent, who was the Official Nature and Carbon Neutral Partner of Birmingham 2022, will provide a desktop assessment of the land, and will draw up a tree planting plan which will include trees that are in keeping with the area that they will be planted in.

The trees planted will contribute to the 2,022-acre Commonwealth Forest that the company committed to planting following the Games.

To register your interest in free trees, please email: forestdelivery@severntrent.co.uk by the end of March. Landowners with over 10 acres can also get in touch via email as Severn Trent still has Commonwealth Forest opportunities for the next planting season.

Chess Club and Games Meet-Up launches this month in Glenfield

A NEW Chess Club & Games MeetUp will be starting on Monday 27th March at 3.30pm and it‘s FREE!

A chance to meet other games fans in a social, friendly local venue (The Nag‘s Head, Station Road, Glenfield) to play Chess, as well as Dominoes, and Card Games. Everyone is welcome, you don‘t have to be an expert, just come along and have fun. Drinks and snacks can be bought at the Bar. For any details either call Carlym (evenings) on: 0116 287 8886 or email: carlymquantrill@hotmail.co.uk or call Donna on: 0116 287 2794.

Or just turn up at our first meet-up on Monday 27th March Monday at 3.30pm. See you there, (please bring along a Chess Set, Dominoes, or Cards if you have them), and don‘t forget it‘s FREE! We will then meet regularly every Monday.

(If you are between 14 & 17 years old and would like to join the Chess & Games Club, please contact Carlym or Donna, you are welcome, but obviously you can‘t drink alcohol.)

REQUEST TO READERS: If you have a chess set, dominoes, or packs of playing Cards lying around that you don‘t use, we would be most grateful for any donations. If you could drop them off at The Nag‘s Head, Station Road, Glenfield, we would really appreciate your generosity.

South Charnwood High School

‘encouraging

South Charnwood High School

Cover Supervisor

Permanent, 34.5 hours per week, over 5 days, term time (39 weeks)

Hours of work: 8.15am to 3.45pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.15am to 3.15pm Friday

Required as soon as possible, an enthusiastic and committed person to deliver planned lessons as a Cover Supervisor in this 11-16 Secondary school with outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes (Ofsted 2019). The school lies in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, with easy access to the M1.

Grade: 7 – Actual salary £18,093 - £19,533 per annum (depending on experience)

Please see the school website at www.southcharnwood. leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form.

Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org

As this job is designated a ‘regulated activity’, an enhanced DBS check with Barred List check is essential.

Closing date for applications:

12 noon, Friday 17th March 2023.

Interviews: To be confirmed

‘South Charnwood High School - Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People.’

I have a claim to fame. I used to be the world’s youngest person.

IHOPE MOST residents recognise that I keep my monthly editorials non-party political in order to focus on the local issues that people contact me about and that I have been working on.

This month I wanted to cover four topics: the County Council Budget, Local Plans, Bus Subsidy Review and the Household Support Fund.

County Council Budget

EACH YEAR the County Council is required to set a balanced budget, of approximately £500m, to ensure it can continue to deliver local services such as for ‘children and families’, ‘adults and communities’ and ‘highways’.

At the February meeting, the Council agreed to a 4.99% increase in Council Tax (includes the 2% Adult Social Care precept) to enable it to continue to deliver as many of these services to as high a standard as possible. The MTFS is designed to increase support to the vulnerable by £57m over the next 5 years with corresponding levels of efficiency savings required. With inflation running at c.10%, and a maximum increase of 4.99% clearly tough decisions have been considered. I take every budget process seriously; it is always a balancing act between the increasing financial demands of special educational needs and elderly care with more discretionary areas such as subsidised bus routes and environmental grants. I would like to thank everyone who responded to the budget consultation; your input gave a steer on local priorities. However, I know that most pragmatic people recognise that you can only spend a pound once and having to prioritise where that money is spent is a difficult yet necessary job of elected representatives.

Local Plans

UNDOUBTEDLY one of the most emotive issues locally is development and as such I will keep the politics out of this article.

Since my appointment to LCC’s cabinet in 2021 I have been calling for all Boroughs and Districts across Leicestershire to get their Local Plans in place. This is important for a number of reasons not least because it affords rural communities additional protections against speculative planning applications. It also enables upfront planning of infrastructure such as for schools and highways beforehand. The current timetable at HBBC is to finally complete its Local Plan in 2024 (although this realistically looks to be 2025) and as such I have grave concerns about the number of developers swooping into rural areas. I would add that I have also hammered this point to colleagues on Charnwood Borough Council due to its proximity to Markfield. The recent Ashby Road application in Markfield is an example of this. The County Council continues to engage with all Boroughs and Districts across the County to support them in getting these plans finalised. I very much hope that the lower tier planning authorities will work collaboratively, irrespective of party affiliation, to do so. My contributions on this issue can be found in County Council Cabinet Meeting minutes: politics.leics.gov.uk

Bus Subsidies

NINETY PER CENT of bus services across Leicestershire are commercial; i.e. they are fully funded and operated by private companies.

However, 26 routes do currently receive some form of subsidy from LCC. Indeed some of these routes have a subsidy of in excess of £20 per passenger to run. Since my election as your County Councillor in 2017, I have met regularly with residents to discuss the importance of the ‘125’ service that passes through Stanton under Bardon and Markfield village. I recognise the lifeline that it provides to so many in order to help them go shopping, get to medical appointments and generally socialise with their friends and neighbours - points that I will be making to the Highways Department as the current review gets underway. However, in order to ensure we keep this service I need your support; as the saying goes ‘use it or lose it’. The more people that use the service on a regular basis the greater chance we have of demonstrating its continued need!

Household Support Fund

I WELCOME the news that the Government has extended a further £7m for Leicestershire through the Household Support Fund. This fund is specifically to support those in the most need as a result of the current cost of living crisis. It will provide Free School Meals (schools and early year providers), Food vouchers, Fuel vouchers, Pension credit support, Pension warm home support packs and Third Party Organisation support to those in need.

Further information on this package can be found: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/assessmentand-eligibility-for-care-and-support/household-support-fund or by emailing householdsupportfund@leics.gov.uk

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

Best wishes, Peter

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

Sign up by Wednesday, March 15 if you’re interested

Funding available to run holiday clubs this summer

FUNDING IS AVAILABLE for organisations to run holiday clubs for children and young people in Leicestershire this summer.

Leicestershire County Council, working with Active Together, has secured £1.5m from the Department for Education funded Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme to co-ordinate the schemes during the school holidays. They are looking for Leicestershire schools, charity, voluntary and community sector organisations, and other out of school and holiday activity organisations, to deliver the Leicestershire ‘Holidays Together’ provision.

Providers interested in offering a range of activities across the county for young people who receive benefits related free school meals this summer need to register an interest (link is external)by Wednesday, March 15.

An online Q & A session will be held for anyone interested in signing up, via Microsoft Teams at 6pm on Thursday, March 2.

Holidays Together sessions could include:

• Creative activities, for example putting on a play, junk modelling or drumming workshop

• Fun experiences, for example a nature walk, cooking activities or a trip

• Physical activities, for example parachute games, swimming, dancing or sports

Providers also be asked to provide at least one healthy meal a day to participants.

If you have the potential to become a Holidays Together provider and are interested in finding out more about running a HAF programme this summer - or would like to take part in the online session - you can register your interest online at https://www.active-together.org/holidaystogetherproviders

For more information, or any queries about the programme, email the County Council at haf@leics.gov.uk

Twice the fun as Groby Players present TWO one-act comedies

OUR NEXT PRODUCTION on March 23rd/24/25th, in the Village Hall, Groby, consists of TWO one-act, comedy plays.

The first is about a group of women, waiting for a bus, who indulge in gossip to pass the time, revealing their differing views on life.

The second is about the ‘The Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society’ who are in trouble, and need to sell tickets fast, and the only thing that will sell tickets, argues Gordon, the Chairman, is ‘Sex’!!

It’s café style seating , so bring your own refreshments for the interval, and enjoy an evening of local entertainment. Doors open at 7pm. Curtain up at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced at £8, are available from grobyplayers@ yahoo.com, or tel/text 07790 861033, or message on our Facebook page.

Dot Hollins

Dominique is fundraising again!

AS MANY OF you know in March I always pledge my time into fundraising for The Brain Tumour Charity.

Three years ago, the unexpected hit us hard and when we least expected it! Since then I have remained in a stable position BUT so many people that I have heard from sharing their stories haven’t been as fortunate.

This year its for them!

I would love for as many of my friends and family to get involved. Go on a short walk, somewhere you love, share it on social media(tag me in it) and share my fundraising page and poster.

Alternatively WALK WITH ME! PICK A DATE AND WE’LL BOOK IT IN. Lets see how far we can walk and how much awareness we can raise!

Brain tumours are not to be messed with BUT we will not be beaten by them.

https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/dominique-nicholson5

Dominique Nicholson

School

South Charnwood High School

Facilities Assistants

3G Pitch and Lettings

(Casual or permanent contracted hours that can fit around other commitments)

We are looking for Facilities Assistants who will be part of our Premises Team, supporting afterschool 3G pitch and whole school lettings.

The role will involve opening and shutting the site, assisting with the setting up of facilities, clearing of pitches, ensuring the area is kept clean and free of litter and liaising with and assisting users.

The hours of work will fall between the times of Monday to Friday between 4:45pm and 9:45pm and Saturday and Sunday between 8:45 am and 5:45pm. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants to work within the community. These are casual or permanent contracted hours and can fit around other commitments. Rate of pay is £10.78 to £10.88 per hour (with an additional 12% up lift for holiday pay).

If you are interested in this role, please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form. Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org

As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred List check is essential

Andy Furlong’s

UPDATE Borough Councillor

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

LAST MONTH I attended my last-but-one full council meeting in Hinckley. The main business of the night was a vote on the 2023-24 budget. This particularly interests Herald readers since it determines how much council tax you will pay this year.

The cost-of-living crisis affects just about everybody. Local authorities are no exception. Inflation is still in double figures following last year’s disastrous mini-budget. This has a direct impact on things like wages and the cost of the fuel in the lorries that collect our bins. Consequently, Markfield and Stanton’s typical council tax bill will rise by £101.37. That’s about 5%, taking the annual charge for a band D property to £2090.22.

Follow the money

Readers need to know who is getting what, so here’s a breakdown:

and decarbonisation technology. The world is already heading in this direction. Global investment in clean energy technology exceeded a trillion dollars in 2022. Spending on low-carbon energy technology is on the brink of overtaking fossil fuels. I want to keep pushing things in the right direction.

The motion asks Leicestershire County Council to bring forward a transparent plan to adopt responsible investment policies and get out of fossil fuels by 2030. I’m delighted to report that the motion was carried by 16 votes to nil. Sadly, my Conservative colleagues abstained after arguing that things are best left to the free market. I disagreed; it was the free market that got us into a climate emergency in the first place.

How the fund managers will react to this instruction remains to be seen. Nonetheless, I’m an optimist and will work with borough councillors elsewhere in Leicestershire to keep up the pressure. Future generations will not thank us if we keep dragging our feet.

And finally ...

As you will see, even though your bill has the borough council’s name at the top, we get to keep barely any of the cash. The lion’s share goes to Leicestershire County Council, which has been struggling with its finances and cutting services for many years. Apparently, by some mysterious political trickery, this is Sir Peter Soulsby’s fault - even though he has nothing to do with the finances at County Hall - but let’s not let the truth get in the way of a good story, eh folks?

Moment in the sun

WITH CLLR MATTHEW LAY enjoying a well-earned holiday in Scotland, my moment in the sun finally arrived. Not only was I required to respond to the budget, but I also had an opportunity to present a motion to the council for the first – and probably last – time.

It is said that all politics is local, and whilst I broadly agree, it’s also the case that lives in Markfield, Stanton and Field Head are heavily shaped by global events. Regular readers will recall that I have written about climate change before, so you won’t be surprised that this was the subject I focused on for my penultimate appearance in the chamber. I studied global warming as an undergraduate chemistry student in the 80s. The evidence was utterly compelling 40 years ago, and the fact that humanity has never really gotten to grips with man-made climate change has always baffled me.

Climate emergency

FOUR YEARS AGO, many local authorities, including ours, woke up to the scale of the problem and formally recognised the climate emergency. Matthew asked me to join a cross-party working group tasked with drawing up Hinckley’s response to the challenge. We broke the problem down into three parts. First, we identified measures to reduce the council’s direct carbon footprint. Second, we examined the climate impacts created by the goods and services the council buys. But it’s in a third area where I believe we can really make a difference – where does the council invest its money, and what happens to it?

Before readers get excited about a hidden stash of cash that could be spent to keep your council tax down, I’m talking about the funds tied up in our staff pension scheme. Hinckley doesn’t run its own pension scheme. Leicestershire County Council Pension Fund holds the HBBC staff pension pot. The total investment exceeds more than £4 billion; however, of this, perhaps around £150 million is invested in fossil fuels. Investments of this kind fail to pass the test of environmental and social responsibility; it’s time for a rethink.

Focus on renewables

My motion called on the pension fund managers to end investment in energy companies that actively exploit new fossil fuel reserves and shift the focus to equities and bonds in funds supporting and developing renewable energy

FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES prompted me to step down as your councillor after one term of office. Eleven months after moving to South Wales, I don’t regret the decision. The news that Matthew is also ‘retiring’ has surprised many in the community. I know how hard he’s worked over the years, and I reckon a break is well-deserved. Still, we both take comfort that two excellent candidates are waiting in the wings.

Chris Lambert is well-known in Markfield. He spent 35 years working in local government and knows how to get things done. His running mate, Robert Martin, works in the NHS. He also campaigns for a fair deal for disabled children in Leicestershire; he’s a strong performer who makes a real impact. Robert and Chris have the full backing of both Matthew and myself. If you give them a chance, they won’t let you down.

Andy Furlong

Call

Nailstone PLAYGROUND appeal

THIS SMALL village in rural Leicestershire has a growing number of young children yet there are limited places for them to play and learn together.

With the help of a design company, we have produced a visualisation of a trim trail that local children of all ages can use and that will fit the existing surroundings.

Sourcing funding for this project has been difficult and the delay is impacting the children who are very excited about having a new trim trail that will help them to develop their physical and social skills.

Every donation, small or large, from a private person or a company will make a massive impact.

Thank you for your support on behalf of every child.

To support us please donate at: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nailstone or scan the QR code above.

I never forget my son’s first words... “Where the heck have you been for 16 years?”

South Charnwood High School

South Charnwood High School

Lunchtime Supervisors

We require, as soon as possible, Lunchtime Supervisors to join our team, who are responsible for the health and safety, wellbeing and security of children during the school lunch break.

Term time position (39 weeks), 1 hour 15 minutes per day, 6.25 hours per week. Normally, the hours of work are 12.50pm to 2.05pm daily, but may be subject to change due to exams etc. Rate of pay is £10.78 to £10.88 per hour (with an additional 12% up lift for holiday pay).

If you are interested in the position, please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form.

Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org

As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred List will be carried out by the school

‘South Charnwood High School - Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People.

Trinity Methodist Church Markfield Services & Information

www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

FB: Markfield Methodist Church

Sunday 12th March

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 19th March

MOTHERING SUNDAY

10.30 a.m. Morning worship with Holy Communion

6.00 p.m. Taize Prayer

Sunday 26th March

PASSION SUNDAY

4.00 p.m. Sunday worship with items by the choir

Sunday 2nd April

PALM SUNDAY

10.30 a.m. CTiM United Service & Walk of Witness

Sunday 9th April

EASTER SUNDAY

10.30 a.m. Morning worship with Holy Communion

Music Cafe

Thursday 23rd March, 13th April & 27th April

2.00 - 4.00 pm

Don’t be on your own - join us for a music-based afternoon of friendship & fun on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month. For more information please contact Linda on 01530 242607.

“Come for a Cuppa”

Every Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00

We welcome you to come to our “Warm Space” on Wednesday mornings. There is no charge for the refreshments and you can “swap a book”. Just come through the main church building and you’ll find us in the back room.

Coffee Morning & Bacon Butties

Come and chat with friends and enjoy bacon butties on Saturday, 22nd April from 10.00-12.00.

Friends of Charnwood Forest

In a re-arranged schedule of talks, the January meeting of the Friends of the Charnwood Forest heard a talk by Marilyn Upstone on the Moira Furnace and museum.

The furnace was built in the estates of the Earl of Moira, from whom it took its name. The Earl was born in Ireland in 1762 and inherited the estates, whose base was Donington Hall. His links with the Prince of Wales, later George IV, led to the loss of much of his fortune, but was appointed Governor General of India by the Prince Regent, so that he could avoid his creditors. He resigned in 1821, whereupon he was made governor of Malta. He died at sea. He was buried in an elaborate tomb Malta – except for his right hand, which was buried with his wife when she died.

The furnace is sited on the Ashby Canal which was to have joined the Coventry canal to the Trent and thence to London. Sadly part of its route proved unsuitable due to the terrain, and so horse drawn tramways were substituted. The area around the furnace proved to be rich in coal, clay and mineral water. There was a deposit of iron ore which the furnace used for a time . but, firstly, the coal was not coking-coal, coke being needed for the furnace, and, secondly, the ore was not rich enough in iron to make it economically viable. Production started in 1812, but the system was out of use by 1816. The furnace and its adjacent buildings fell into disrepair, and some were demolished, including a bridge over the canal which was important to the stability of the main building.

By the 1940s the canal had silted up. Leicestershire Industrial History Society in the 1970s drew attention to the historical importance of the furnace as one of the first coke-fired furnaces, previous furnaces having used charcoal, and carried out preliminary excavations there. Subsequently, support from North-West Leicestershire District Council led to the furnace being listed was listed as an ancient monument and work started on rebuilding the bridge and restoring the remaining buildings and the canal. The furnace was reopened in 1985. The Ashby Canal now ends at Conkers basin, the National Forest Visitor Centre, and is in use southwards to the Coventry Canal. Near the furnace is a bank of lime kilns, which burnt lime for agricultural purposes. The furnace has a museum, but an engine built at the foundry next to the furnace in the 1820s is now in the Henry Ford Museum in Chicago.

Forthcoming Events

• Wednesday 22nd March: Recent advances in our knowledge of Charnwood fossils

• Wednesday 26th April: The Shuttleworth-Clarke Foundation’s role in Charnwood Forest

Dr D McNeil

Livvy comes on leaps and bounds in Supported Living

AN INSPIRATIONAL young woman has reflected on her time within Leicestershire County Council’s Supported Living programme and the incredible progress she has made.

22-year-old Livvy was awarded a tenancy in one of the council’s Supported Living step-through schemes and has thrived within the service, gaining independence and achieving several qualifications along the way.

On her initial impressions, she says: “I was blown away by how flexible it was here – everything was just out, no need to ask for things. Right from the start, everyone made me feel so welcome. The staff gave me valuable emotional support - at the beginning, I couldn’t regulate my emotions or express how I was feeling, but now I can.”

Supported Living is part of the county council’s Adult Social Care service. This particular step-through scheme helps people who have experienced mental health difficulties and is delivered in partnership with the Affinity Trust. Supported Living provides individuals within the service a pathway to a safe and suitable place to live, either by themselves or with others. It is designed to give people the chance to be more independent and live the lives they want.

Some of Livvy’s initial challenges included struggling to adjust to new routines such as 24-hour and oneto-one targeted support. With the

help of the staff at her accommodation, she progressed to needing just four hours of one-to-one support.

Livvy explained: “I have emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) and autism, so I love routines. I felt anxious, so I would constantly test boundaries and try to run away. Before this, I was held under the Mental Health Act in a psychiatric hospital, so I had become a bit institutionalised. I may have scars, but now I see them as a reminder of how far I’ve come on my journey.”

Now, she describes herself as “happy, healthy and living my best life.”

Over the last two years, Livvy’s incredible determination has seen her complete the YES learning programme and the Prince’s Trust 12week programme. Additionally, she is no longer subject to a Community Treatment Order.

Livvy’s achievements don’t stop there - she has also completed youth offender training, which means she can now mentor young people who have been in trouble with the law.

There are also ambitions to complete a Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care to achieve Livvy’s goal of becoming a mental

health nurse. She has already demonstrated a will to help others in a similar situation, offering new Supported Living arrivals advice and encouraging them to make the most of the opportunity.

So, what’s next for Livvy?

“I’m moving on to a different type of accommodation which is still supported, but I’ll have my own flat. I’ll still have help when I need it, but it means I can be even more independent. I can’t wait!”

There are currently 600 tenants in over 130 properties within Supported Living across Leicestershire. The programme currently includes six step-through schemes: four supporting individuals with mental health difficulties and two aimed at young adults with disabilities, with another opening this summer.

For more information about Supported Living, visit: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/supported-living or email psl@leics.gov.uk.

ate a shepherd’s pie for lunch. He was pretty upset about it.

left for the many cakes that were to follow, but valiant efforts were made! Several of the cakes were prepared by Cafe Savvy, a local organisation based in the J22 BeneÞce that helps teach work skills to young adults with learning difficulties. A good time was had by all; you always meet a few new friends down on the farm!

Bishop Martyn’s Lent Pilgrimage 2023

AFTER A BUSY WEEK of events at the beginning of Lent, from a pancake supper at the Copt Oak Pub, to a very busy clear out sale at Thornton Community Centre raising money for crisis relief in Turkey and Syria, we also had a special visit from the Bishop of Leicester as part of his Lent Pilgrimage around the Diocese.

ce to have been visited two years in a row by the Bishop (having led a service at St Michael’s in MarkÞeld last year), and it was so nice that we had Bishop Martyn and his Chaplain, Revd James spend most of the afternoon with us on this occasion, taking time to chat with many of us. Our prayers are with Bishop Martyn and everyone he encounters as he spends these forty days of Lent exploring more deeply the places and people of our Leicestershire communities.

Revd Andrew Smith

Rector of the J22 BeneÞce

Bishop Martyn has planned, during the forty days of Lent, to explore areas of the Diocese that he has rarely or not yet visited so far. Having never visited St Peter’s church in Copt Oak before, Bishop Martyn arrived from a string of morning events in neighbouring communities, just in time to find a space in our quickly filling car park. It is always a joy to welcome first time visitors into this special space.

Although the service was led by Bishop Martyn, he was also joined by clergy and lay leaders from across the Benefice, and of course, our organist David Seal, who played some Lenten hymns that fitted the seasonal service perfectly. At the end of the service our Churchwarden, Les Gammon, was presented with a souvenir Ordnance Survey map of the Bishop’s route around the Diocese. I don’t doubt that every inch of his route will tell a rich story by the end of his travels!

After the service, Bishop Martyn, Bishop’s Chaplain, Revd James, and the gathered congregation moved along to Little Markfield Farm for a celebratory afternoon tea party prepared by Brenda and her team. The tables were heavy laden with home-made pies, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, sandwiches and steaming pots of tea. There was barely room left for the many cakes that were to follow, but valiant efforts were made! Several of the cakes were prepared by Cafe Savvy, a local organisation based in the J22 Benefice that helps teach work skills to young adults with learning difficulties. A good time was had by all; you always meet a few new friends down on the farm!

We are fortunate enough in our benefice to have been visited two years in a row by the Bishop (having led a service at St Michael’s in Markfield last year), and it was so nice that we had Bishop Martyn and his Chaplain, Revd James spend most of the afternoon with us on this occasion, taking time to chat with many of us. Our prayers are with Bishop Martyn and everyone he encounters as he spends these forty days of Lent exploring more deeply the places and people of our Leicestershire communities.

Revd Andrew Smith

Rector of the J22 Benefice

Spot the Difference Answers

1. Blonde beard, 2. Onion missing, 3. Jumper Pattern,

4. Sauce bottle gone,

5. Badge, 6. Menu board,

7. Customer coat, 8. Ears,

9. Money, 10. Spatula bottom

Pictogram Answers

1. Full marks, 2. The devil is in the detail, 3. Easy money

HERALD SMALL ADS

• SINGLE DIVAN BED with mattress, complete with attractive white metal headboard. All as new.

Price: £120.00 o.n.o. Collection only.

Tel: 07966 253612 (Markfield)

• STAIRGATE, VGC, with fixings and instructions. Price: £10.00.

• Sivac medium DOG CRATE. VGC. Price: £20.00.

Tel: 07745 356447 (Glenfield)

• A Go Go Elite travellers

MOBILITY SCOOTER - New 2 years ago,only been out on it twice. Red in colour. Just serviced. New Battery- have receipt for it. Dismantles to fit in the boot of a car.

Price: £450.00 o.n.o.

Tel: 0116 233 5983( Glenfield )

• TRAVEL LITE PLAYPEN/ TRAVEL COT, complete with case and easy assembly instructions. Excellent condition. Ideal for holidays and for when grandchildren come to stay. Price: £30.00.

Tel. 0116 2870916 (Groby).

• 5 ECO BOARDS - Colour Natural - Size 1.795m.

• 1 Eco Panel Top - Colour Natural - Size 1.829m

All items are new and unused, boxed and stored inside. Price: £80.00.

Tel: 0116 287 8411 (Glenfield)

• STORAGE CUPBOARD, Colour Oak, 2 Doors, 2 Shelves, Lock with keys, New Condition, Size HxWxD 108,80,47 cm. Price: £50.00

• REFRIGERATOR, IceQ48B, small drinks fridge for cans and bottles, colour Black, size HxWxD 50,45,43 cm, good condition. Price: £30.00.

Tel: 0116 231 2395 (Groby)

• WOODEN RADIATOR COVER

- Painted White. Size - Length 1.5 metres, Height 800cm. Good Condition. Price: £10.00.

Tel: 01455 823675 (Markfield)

• Two men’s Arco dark grey JACKETS - size large brand new.

Price: £15 each.

• Two-tier VEG STEAMER - as new.

Price: £8.00.

• JUICER/BLENDER - as new, hardly used. Price: £8.00.

Tel: 07780 798243 (Glenfield).

• TABLE TOP FREEZER - Ice King. Height 19½“ by Width 19“.

Price: £60.00

Tel: 0116 232 1341 (Glenfield)

• WHEELCHAIR - folds compactremovable foot rests - self wheeled or push. Price: £40.00

• Copper Coal Bucket. Price: £10.00.

Tel: 07773 894093.

• BEKO 7Cu ft Frost free TALL FREEZER. Model TZDA 524F

Colour:- Silver. Suitable for indoors/ garage/shed. Excellent condition.

Price: £50.00

Tel: 01530 249101 (Markfield)

• BREAD MAKER - used only once.

Price: £15.00

• Set of 10 ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA CHILDREN‘S EDITIONS. Price: £5.00 o.n.o. Tel: 07504 801793 (Groby)

• TREADMILL/RUNNING MACHINE - vgc. Price: £70.00. Will need collecting.

Tel: 07467 949192 (Groby)

• Dark brown LEATHER THREEPIECE SUITE - 3 seater sofa and 2 chairs. Good condition. Price: £100.00.

Tel: 0779 255 6490 (Groby)

• 10 internal six panel NATURAL WOOD DOORS - 762mm x 1981mm x 35mm with handles. Excellent condition. Price: £15 each.

Tel: 01530 243397 (Markfield)

• LEATHER DINING CHAIRS - 6 tall light brown dining chairs in good condition. Very comfortable.

Price: £200 or near offer .

Tel 01530 243142

• 5FT CHRISTMAS TREE Very bushy.Build up each row. Numbered rows. Used but very good condition.

Price: £25.00

• Bissell Cleanview Reach 37Y8 CARPET SHAMPOOER. Little used. Very good condition. Price: £50.00.

Tel: 01530 245944 (Markfield)

• Two white VENETIAN BLINDS in good condition. Size: 185cm wide (73ins) by 115cm drop (45ins). Price: £40.00 each or £75.00 for both.

Tel: 07720 661602 (Markfield)

• RONSEAL ONE COAT FENCE LIFE. 3 x 5 Litres. DARK OAK. Unopened. Price: £20.00.

• CAR STEERING WHEEL STOPLOCK, One Key. Price: £15.00.

Tel: 07773 011247 (Markfield)

• SONY BRAVIA 32in TV. Good condition. Price: £50 o.n.o. Tel. 07905 558349 (Bagworth)

• CASIO KEYBOARD & STAND

- LK-55, key lighting system. Price: £50.00.

Tel: 0116 231 1161 (Glenfield)

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).

SATURDAY 25TH MARCH

ANDY’S Fundraising Walk In Aid Of LAMP

www.justgiving.com/campaign/andylewis

Braunstone Park Run (Starts 9am)

Fosse Park (Everards Meadows)

Aylestone (The Black Horse)

Upton Steel County Cricket Ground

King Power Stadium

Mattioli Woods Tigers Ground

Victoria Park / De Montfort Hall

New Walk Museum

The Curve & Phoenix

Morningside Arena

Abbey Park

Jubilee Square

www.barbarabagley.co.uk

Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project (LAMP) is a local mental health charity providing free independent community mental health advocacy to people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Lamp’s mission is to navigate people through the complexities of mental health support and empower them to rebuild their lives.

Find out more visit: www.lampadvocacy.co.uk www.lampadvocacy.co.uk

Embroidery classes - places available after Easter

EMBROIDERY is beautiful and fascinating. It has so many different forms. It can be detailed or bold, colourful or monochrome, magnificent or miniature. It’s a great aid to mindfulness in anxious times. It can be a record of happy places and events. It can be wonderfully intricate, or it can be very simpleand still really effective.

For forty years, Jennie Fox has been teaching a superb range of hand embroidery skills to many happy embroiderers from all around Leicester. Students come saying they couldn’t ever do beautiful pieces like hers - and surprise themselves with what they create. Jennie is as skilled at inspiring people as she is at showing them actual techniques. Sometimes Jennie suggests a design, but everyone chooses different colours or size or detail. Sometimes each person just brings their own project. Looking at fellow students’ work is part of the enjoyment and the learning of a class. The classes are so friendly and encouraging and supportive as well as full of lovely work!

THE NEXT TERM of Jennie’s classes begins after Easter. There are a few places available on Wednesday evenings at the Church Hall in Syston, so if you think this might be for you, give Jennie a ring on 0116 260 7585.

Background artwork by Barbara Bagley Art ©

Forthcoming Events at Little Markfield Farm

24th March - at 7pm

CURRY AND QUIZ NIGHT

Please book with Brenda

8th April 11 - at 2pm

EASTER EGG HUNT

£3 per child

23rd April DRIVE IT DAY

Please book your vehicle in with Brenda

26th May - at 7pm

QUIZ AND SUPPER

Please book with Brenda

11th June - 10.30 to 4pm

FARM OPEN DAY

For More Information Call

Brenda On 07774 047571

Homemakers

Program 2023

Meet at 2pm at Little Markfield Farm.

More information call Brenda on 07774047571

March 8th

BEETLE DRIVE

April 12th

DAVID MCDOWELL – TALK

BEE FARMER

May 10th

COLIN KING - TALK

TRADITIONAL FOLK TALES FROM WARWICKSHIRE, LEICESTERSHIRE & FURTHER AFIELD

June 14th

PETER COOMBS - TALK

ANTIQUES FROM THE BOTTOM OF A BOX.

Aug 9th

SKITTLES

Sep 13th

LEICESTERSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE - FIRE SAFETY

Oct 11th

IAN MABER - TALK AND QUIZ THINGAMEBOB

Message from Dr Luke Evans MP

WE RECENTLY marked one year since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the impact of this is felt across the world. I take heart in the way the UK and, more importantly, our community has responded.

Post-pandemic and with the war still going on, times are tough for a lot of families and business across the country. Growing the economy, halving inflation – which will ease the cost of living – and reducing debt are three of the Prime Minister’s top priorities, which I discussed with him during a meeting earlier this year.

There’s a lot of work still to do, but I’ve been really encouraged to see there are a record number of employees on payrolls across the UK. Across Bosworth 2.5% of people aged 16-64 (compared to the national average of 3.7%) are claiming unemployment benefits.

Speaking of jobs and employment, last month we found out that not only is Leicestershire a Net Zero economy hotspot, which is fantastic news for our community as it brings thousands of jobs – where the average wage is £42,600 compared to the national average of £33,400 – but Bosworth stands out as an

area of particularly high activity! I am proud that our area is leading the way once again on advanced manufacturing, highly paid jobs and research and development.

I have also been pleased to see more than 10,960 apprenticeships and traineeships have been created in Bosworth since 2010! One of my promises to our community is to enhance skills, education and opportunities which is why I am continuing to raise the Apprenticeship Levy with Ministers and ensure that red tape isn’t holding local businesses back from employing local people in in high paying industries.

Recently the fourth edition of the Household Support Fund was announced and I welcomed a further £7,240,078 for vulnerable households across Leicestershire. This is making a huge difference to residents in Markfield and across Hinckley and Bosworth. The Government have been supporting households and businesses with cost of living pressures since Russia’s war drove up energy prices. Assistance so far includes the winter £400 energy bill grant for all households, £900 for the most vulnerable (this will be split into three payments throughout 2023/24), an increase in the National Living Wage to £10.42 per hour and

Have a drink. Have two drinks!

DRINKING is really good for you. Drinking water, that is. Recent research has found that people who drink a good amount of water are less likely to develop chronic conditions, or to show signs of advanced ageing.

The key seems to be in your serum sodium levels, which go up when your fluid intake goes down. Adults

a commitment to keep in place the pensions triple lock, which I lobbied the Chancellor for last year, while uplifting the state pension by 10%.

If you need help accessing any of this support, please contact either the Job Centre Plus in the Hinckley Hub, Citizens Advice Hinckley and Bosworth or my office (by emailing luke.evans.mp@ parliament.uk) and we will point you in the right direction.

with high serum sodium levels are more likely to develop chronic illness, and also more likely to die younger.

“The results suggest that proper hydration may slow down ageing and prolong a disease-free life,” said one scientist.

The study was published in a recent issue of the eBioMedicine journal. According to NHS England, people should have six to eight drinks a day, which can include water, lower-fat milks, tea and coffee.