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