May 2011
Deputy Head goes on an
African Adventure
CALLING ALL STALLHOLDERS! THORNTON CARNIVAL DAY 2nd July 2011 1.00pm-4.00pm
Plans are underway for this year’s Village Carnival in Thornton which is held in the Community Centre Grounds. (Indoors if wet!) If you would like to have a stall at this event, then tables may be booked by ringing Muriel Walker on 01455 822148. The fee for a table is £10. All profits raised on the day go to the upkeep and improvement of our Village Centre.
W
hat are your first thoughts when you hear the word ... Rwanda? It’s in Africa? Starving people and poverty? Thousands of people killed during the Genocide of 1994? Well, from my recent visit to several schools in Nyagatare, North East Rwanda, my overwhelming comments are smiles, warmth, excitement, respect, community spirit and family values. So how did I find myself in Rwanda? In an attempt to broaden the curriculum at South Charnwood High School, we were offered the opportunity to link up with a school in Rwanda, through the British Council Global Schools Partnership scheme in March 2010. We felt that the pupils learning would greatly benefit from working together with a group of young people from a different country, to challenge stereotypes and find out what it is like to live and learn in another continent. South Charnwood was chosen as part of a group of 10 Leicestershire Turn to page 3
New Bagworth Children’s Centre completes £16m programme The last of 42 new children’s centres in Leicestershire is now officially open – completing a £16 million programme. The new centre in Bagworth, which is on Station Road alongside the existing community centre, will be run by Leicestershire County Council in partnership with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. The two authorities will also work with other partners such as the Bagworth Trust and Bagworth Parish Council. The centre will cater for families in the borough of Hinckley and Bosworth, in particular those living in Bagworth, Thornton, Markfield, Groby, Ratby, Stanton and Field Head. It includes a large family room, meeting and consultation rooms and a secure outside area with canopy. The majority of sessions will be run by invitation only and are for parents and families experiencing difficulties and are in need of extra support. There will be other open sessions including breastfeeding support, Bump and Baby Time – a session for new parents, Boogie Bods – a fun music and movement session, and there’s a weekly toy library. A programme leaflet will be available from the centre or families can speak to their health visitor or social worker who can make a referral to the children’s centre for support. The aim of the Children’s Centre Programme is to provide additional support to children and families at risk of poor outcomes in terms of early health, learning and development and to address child poverty through early and targeted work.
Markfield Congregational Church Walk
As part of our ongoing Church Roof Appeal members of Markfield Congregational Church will be holding a sponsored walk to Bradgate Park on 9th July 2011. We would like to invite anyone who can to join us. The walk will commence at 9.30am from our church. The return walk is optional. Please contact Doreen Murby on 243977 for a sponsorship form. All money raised will go to the roof fund.
NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 4th June - Advert & Articles Needed By 21st May 2011
TABLE TOP SALE At Without Walls Christian fellowship 135 Main St. Stanton under Bardon
Saturday 14th May 10am-12noon ÂŁ5 per table Contact 01530-243620 to leave a message and book a table,( inside or outside), or just turn up on the day
I was at an ATM money machine when an old lady came up and asked me to check her balance. So I pushed her over.
This issue of The Herald is being delivered over the weekend of 7th & 8th May 2011 by our team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Amy, Coral, Daisy, Matthew, Janet, Jack, Don, Sam, Maureen, John, Phoebe, Lauren, Gill, John, Helen, Jeanie, Jenny, Sarah, Susan, Thomas, Tracey, Alex, Ann, Rowan and John & Sue.
Next Issue (June) Out on Weekend of 4th & 5th June 2011. Adverts & articles required before 21st May 2011.
The Herald 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 or Susan Hatton 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.
Visit to Rwanda schools linking with 10 schools in Rwanda. We were partnered with Groupe Scolaire Nyagatare, a school of 1400 pupils in both primary and secondary education (7-16). Obviously, communication at the beginning was difficult as e-mails were sent and it took several weeks for our colleague in Rwanda to respond. I found out on my visit that the school does not yet have any computers and the headteacher needed to travel to an Internet cafe to access his e-mail, even then the connection may be down! Consequently, progress with the partnership was slow. However, we received a DVD from the Rwandan school in November that gave us an idea about what the school is like and one of our tutor groups wrote letters to their pupils. In February this year, I was very lucky to be chosen, with two other colleagues, to represent the ten Leicestershire schools on a visit to the Rwandan schools. I was very apprehensive before setting off, as our pupils found out from my assembly the week before I left, as this was my first trip to Africa! Needless to say, I had nothing to worry about as we were made to feel very welcome from the moment we touched down in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. It is country that is developing very quickly since the very dark days of the 1994 Genocide. The people are determined that education and health are the main priorities and it was encouraging to see that a number of new schools and buildings are being constructed. We only saw one class being taught under a tree, though many classes have at least 50-60 pupils to one teacher! Behaviour was impeccable wherever we went and the pupils were very focused on their learning, as a good education provides them with an opportunity to escape from the poverty that many of them experience every day. The visit gave me a chance to see our partner school, GS Nyagatare, in action and meet the Headteacher, Mr William Wasswa, in person. The welcome, as always in Rwanda, was very warm & friendly and the children were very excited by my visit. I was treated like royalty, as the whole school gathered to watch pupils read poetry, sing and take part in traditional dancing. There was lots of laughter when the ‘Mzungo’ (white man) was encouraged to join in! Like all schools, they were very keen to hear me speak and they repeatedly stated that they felt ‘honoured’ to be partnered with a school in England. It was very overwhelming.
I was able to spend some time, later that evening, with the Headteacher to discuss in more detail how we could ensure that our partnership would develop further. One idea was that groups of students and teachers at their school would write to our pupils and staff – this was completed within 48 hours showing the desire of both the children and teachers to find out more about life in England. We also agreed that letter writing would be extended to involve the whole school and I am delighted to be sending over 500 letters, from both pupils and members of staff, to our colleagues in Rwanda. We are eagerly awaiting their replies. I have even had a request from a parent to write to a parent in Rwanda – I hope that many members of our community will get involved in the partnership in the future. Other joint curriculum projects that we intend to launch include creating & exchanging school anthems, looking at sustainable tourism and whether international tourism is a good or bad thing and personal poetry about our place in the world. We also hope that both schools will be able to participate in a virtual Olympics
continued from page 1
next year. In addition, we are hoping that a reciprocal visit grant from the British Council will be successful and enable Mr Wasswa of GS Nyagatare to visit South Charnwood later in the year. I have been delighted that my visit has already had an impact on the pupils at South Charnwood, with many of them asking interesting and, sometimes, challenging questions about Rwanda (eg. Food, Sport, Weather, Toilets and Genocide). Staff have noticed that many pupils are thinking and discussing developments in other countries, such as the instability in the Middle East and the earthquake in Japan. It seems the partnership is already bearing fruit with pupils considering their place in the world – learning really is global. There is no doubt that my visit to Rwanda has, personally, made a big impression on me and I have made many new friends. I hope that our pupils and staff will also make new friends through the partnership and it extends learning in both schools.
SIMON ANDREWS Deputy Headteacher South Charnwood High School
“It seems the partnership is already bearing fruit with pupils considering their place in the world.”
LETTER
Praise for The Bricklayer’s Arms I think The Bricklayer’s Arms in Thornton should get a pat on the back for the bunting they took time to put out for the Royal Wedding celebrations (it was in time for St George’s Day too!) As you drove or walked down the village it was so lovely to see the red, white & blue and England flag bunting and it must have brought back nice memories to many people of how the village used to be and of the things that used to take place. It is good to see how this pub gets involved in village life and I hope the Garden Party they are putting on for the children of Thornton for Kate & William’s wedding is a wonderful celebration.
Glynis Straw
I had a dog named Minton who had an unfortunate habit of eating shuttlecocks. Bad minton.
Why you really need a comfortable chair
Enrichment – South Charnwood style!
Simply sitting in your favourite armchair can help put you in a better mood, and affect your behaviour. Research has found that our physical surroundings directly affect the way in which we view the outside world. The softer the touch, the happier and more generous we are. A harder, rougher touch, and we become more selfish and aggressive. “Our minds are deeply and organically linked to our bodies,” said an expert from Yale University. Even holding a warm drink as opposed to a cold one can alter your perceptions of others, and influence decisions that you make. “Physical experiences not only shape the foundation of our thoughts and perceptions, but influence our behaviour towards others.”
Christian Aid Week
Street Collection in Markfield: 15th May to 21stMay 2011
This year we are unable to collect the envelopes as we have done in previous years but we ask those who would like to contribute to return the envelope with donation enclosed to: The Rectory, 3A The Nook, Markfield LE67 9WE Or to the address handwritten on the label. This will be the address of the person who distributed the envelope. From: Churches Together in Markfield
Raising funds for Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity (Registered Charity No. 1102529)
ROCK ‘n’ ROLL/JIVE EVENING
Featuring Manchester-based professional Rock ‘n’ Roll Artist COLIN PAUL
Pupils at South Charnwood High School enjoyed two days of exciting whole school activities on 7th and 8th April. The normal school timetable was suspended for all pupils and different departments organised events, with something for everyone to enjoy. The Science Department experienced life as a Pirate; Humanities spent a day with the Romans; and Modern Languages tempted pupils with a taste of Spanish food amongst other Spanish themed activities. Music and Drama took part in a Battle of the Musicals; while Maths spent the day creating board games. The creative skills of the Art, Design and Technology department were tested to the max with tasters of possible GCSE courses; and English hosted a Taming of the Shrew workshop. Last, but by no means least, the PE Department took pupils to an Outdoor Pursuits Centre, where great fun was had by all.
Bagworth Historical Society If you are a newcomer to Bagworth, you may not realise how important the village is in history. In Domesday, Bagworth was in charge of Ibstock. There was very nearly a castle built in Bagworth. It was the site of battles in the Civil War. One of the first railways in the world came to Bagworth in July 1832. There are many other reasons why the village is important. Bob Austin and the late Frank Gregory have written six books about the village. These include The Railway, Bagworth Park, The People of Bagworth, The Village, The Churches and The School. They range in price from £2 to £7 (the more expensive ones got bigger!) Alternatively you could buy a full set for £25, a saving of £3. Bob can be contacted on 01530 230429 or on Austin@ bagworth.freeserve.co.uk If you are really interested in the history of the village, we have a Bagworth Historical Society which meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm at the Working Men’s Club. We have outside speakers, a visit in the summer, (last year we went to Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe in Melton Mowbray and made pork pies. This year we are thinking of a visit to a brewery.) and we have a Christmas celebration in December. If you would like to join us please come along. We are a friendly group of people ranging from young to, well, you decide!
Bob Austin
Time is a great healer, but a terrible beautician.
plus Special Guest appearance of professional “Dancing on Ice” Skater MATT EVERS at The Forest Suite, Charnwood Arms Hotel, Beveridge Lane, Coalville, Leics., LE67 1TB (just off Junction 22, M1) on FRIDAY, 20th MAY, 2011 Doors open 7.00 p.m. until 11.00 p.m. Tickets: pre-booked £6, on the door £8 (includes entry into Quality Raffle) Food Available At Venue If Required Book Now To Avoid Disappointment Contact Ann On 01530 230389 (After 5.00 P.m.) Large Free Carpark • Bar Everyone Welcome Venue Is Disabled Friendly Please Support Us By Attending This Great Event – A Rare Opportunity To See Both A Top Vocalist And “Dancing On Ice” Professional Skater In Person!
LETTER
You are invited to the
Churches Together in Markfield Alpha Course
Wednesdays from May 2011, at 7.30pm Is Old Markfield an4thattraction at The Rectory, 3a, The Nook, Markfield parkTheto be exploited? evenings will consist of light refreshments, a video and an informal
Newly Refurbished
opportunity share experiences Christian faith. I read with interest to the comments (byand Mr.explore Lockleythe - April HERALD) onThe the tendency to view old Markfield as yet Course lasts for 12 weeks, and will meet on Wednesdays another attraction park tothe besummer, exploited such. during plusasone Saturday. It would appear to beinformation an endemicfrom marketing as evidenced Further Simontendency or Rosemary - 01530 by 242844 the passed plans for a further development on Main Street. Once upon a time, the facade called a “street scene” would have been called simply a “front elevation” by architectural professionals.
Large Garden
Main Street Resident, Markfield
St Michael’s Church May Fayre Saturday 14th May at the
Congregational Church Hall from 10.00 am till 12.00 noon Donations and offers of help welcomed Come along yourself Bring your family, friends and neighbours
The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street, Thornton Tel: 01530 230808 www.bricklayersarms.net
Home-Made Pie Night Tuesdays - £5.95 Pasta & Rice Night Wednesdays - £6.95
with Play Area and Walk Way to Reservoir
Traditional Sunday Lunch 2 Courses - £9.00 or 3 Courses - £11.00 With personal service to your table
Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Garden & Great Food!
Art of letter writing dying out More than a quarter of all seven to 14 year olds have not written a single letter in the past year. One in ten has never written a letter in their entire life. Yet about half of them in this age group regularly send emails or leave messages on a social networking site. World Vision, who commissioned the recent poll, found that child education experts are concerned at these findings. It seems that many children are leaving primary school unable to even set out a letter. As one expert says: “If children do not write or receive letters, they miss out on key developmental benefits.” A hand-written letter is more personal than an electronic message any day.
I have friends who swear they dream in colour; I say it’s just a pigment of their imagination.
County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason More local improvements delivered I was really pleased to be able to officially open the £340,000 Bagworth Sure Start Centre at the beginning of April. This is the last centre to be agreed and funded by Leicestershire County Council; it will assist the communities of Bagworth, Thornton, Stanton under Bardon, Field Head and Markfield. The centre is there to help and support new parents, families who are struggling to cope and is also available for advice and support for mums and dads. It is pleasing to see that the County Council has continued to support Sure Start by investing another £340,000 in our area especially when other authorities including Leicester City
have decided on closing Sure Start Centres. The new £250,000 Bagworth Community Centre extension is almost complete again the County Council have contributed £129,000 towards this project. The Centre is vital for the residents of Bagworth and together with the Sure Start Centre will bring in new services for the whole community. The completion of the three outdoor activity play areas at Thornton, Desford and now Bagworth worth another £150,000 have also enhanced the facilities for young people in the area. Shire Grants, Aggregate Grants and Vibrant Villages Grants have contributed to Markfield, Bagworth and Thornton with village enhancement schemes, South Charnwood High School outdoor learning area and many new tree planting schemes these have attracted in excess of £70,000 in
Left: The New Rear Extension to Bagworth Community Centre
Right: The New Bagworth Sure Start Centre
funding which I am pleased to say I have been able to support. A number of people have recently asked me about voting in favour of the County Council budget and yes I did - the result is £689,000 of County Council funding coming into this area as well as freezing your council tax at last years rate. Others would have preferred me to vote against this budget due to the fact that the subsidy of £14,000 (which went straight into the operator’s pocket) for the South Charnwood School bus would go, twelve months on the school bus is still running and thriving without the need of the tax payers subsidy.
Reform of the planning system With all that has gone on with the recent controversial developments of housing and traveller sites the Government have announced changes to the planning system through the localism bill which will ensure fair play. The previous government introduced a series of planning changes which undermined local discretion and turned a blind eye to unauthorised development. The new planning guidance abolishes the previous top down targets for housing and traveller pitches and revokes John Prescott’s notorious Planning Circular 01/2006. The new planning guidance strengthens the protection of the green belt and the open countryside it also deletes the need for local authorities to compulsory purchase land for traveller sites. The new guidance contains provisions to tackle the abuse of retrospective planning permission, gives stronger consideration and weight to the protection of local amenity and the local environment. Local planners should now take account of the guidance as it is emerging policy, planning authorities should be taking into consideration the guidance now as a material consideration in all planning applications.
ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
As part of our aftercare service, we now offer a monthly Bereavement Aftercare & Support Group, which has been set up to provide a FREE support service, not just to our clients, but to ANY bereaved person, irrespective of their age, creed, religion and length of bereavement. The group meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12noon.
Next dates: Sat 21st May & Sat 18th June ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548
There is a certain freedom in having nothing left to lose.
New health group launched A new group to make public health services more effective, joined-up and accountable has been launched in Leicestershire. Leicestershire County Council is one of the first authorities in the country to set up a Health and Wellbeing Board, made up of councillors, GPs and health and care officials and representatives of patients and the public. The board aims to improve health services for the public by: • encouraging closer joint working and efficiency savings • focusing partners on public health priorities such as tackling smoking and obesity • boosting democratic oversight of the health service County council chief executive John Sinnott said: “The board will be a new group of people operating in a new way, to make a big difference to Leicestershire people. We want health care to be more efficient, more effective and have better outcomes.” Dr Peter Marks, Director of Public Health, said: “The health and wellbeing board will enable us to improve the health of the population, through one joined-up system. Over the past year, we’ve already seen the benefits of joinedup working between the county council and the primary care trust – the board will build up on this partnership and provide a great opportunity to address the causes of ill-health.” Dr Chris Triczinski, joint chair of the new West Leicestershire GP Consortium, said: “GPs are looking forward to working with social services to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities.
Thornton St.Peter’s Church Spot Each discipline, we accept, has a language of its own. I am quite comfortable with ‘mark sheet’, ‘project’, pie-chart’ and ‘flow diagram’. I am reluctantly taking ‘e-mail’, ‘YouTube’, ‘twitter’ and ‘pixel’ on board. (Although I did have to ask for an explanation when a friend told me that the TV was pixellating!) More recently whilst talking with the stonemason at St Peters I have learned to become conversant with ‘string course’, ‘drip stone’, ‘buttress’ and ‘transom’. (Thank goodness there isn’t a ‘portico’, a ‘pilaster’ or a ‘pediment’ to confuse the issue). Take my word for it – it’s a fascinating language, and of course in its context it must be used correctly to ensure accuracy and to avoid misunderstanding. (It’s no use talking about a ‘corbel’ when you mean a ‘cornice’). Any building as old as St Peter’s is inevitably going to demand constant upkeep and repair. Happily I am able to report that this ‘stitch in time’ to its stonework is now complete. On behalf of the PCC, I would pay tribute to the work of Stephen Anstey our stonemason and to the efficient way he has carried it out. But it has not been plain sailing all the way – we all know from our own experience that when a particular job is started there is always some unforeseen extra complication. Ours took the form of loose stones on the East Parapet, a cracked frame stone in the Lady window and weathered boarding under the lead of the South Aisle – the latter will have to wait until funding is available. In the meantime we are able to proceed after Easter with repairing the plaster inside the church, some of which has been exposed for more than two years to allow the walls to dry out. To say that this is exciting is perhaps an over-statement but it certainly is encouraging to see all these improvements and repairs underway after so many months of anticipation.
Martin Foster
June Open Garden Event at The Rowans, Main Street, Stanton under Bardon on Saturday 11th June 2011. Time 2.00p.m.- 4.30p.m. • Admission £1.00
Local professional tradesmen caring for your home
Charnwood Property Improvements Specialising in high quality: garage conversions kitchen refurbishments bathroom installations • General building work • Plastering • Electrical work • Tiling • Carpentry
• Decking • Landscaping and patios • Fencing • Roof and gutter repairs
Tel: 01530 243922 Mobile: 07917645382 email: charnwoodproperty@btinternet.com
Stalls of various types, tombola, raffle, bric -a brac, cake, cream teas/coffee. Jane’s Groovy Movers will perform a keep-fit routine. Other events will take place during the afternoon. Everyone welcome! Please come and join us.
Adolescence and snow are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough.
News from Markfield Community & Sports Centre Report from Ron Grantham, Treasurer of Markfield Community Association Visit the website at www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com
Markfield - Friends of Chernobyl Children The recent upheaval caused by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the catastrophic damage caused to the nuclear plant at Fukushima are a stark reminder that it was the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the former Soviet Socialist Republic state of Ukraine on the 26th April 1986. Although the Japanese disaster owed a lot to the destructive powers of mother nature, the Chernobyl disaster was due to a sudden power surge in reactor four during a manual systems check. A sudden power surge caused the reactor vessel to rupture causing a series of explosions that sent plumes of radioactive fallout into the atmosphere. This radioactive plume drifted over an extensive geographical area including the former Soviet Union as well as east and west Europe including Great Britain. Along with Fukushima, this remains the worst nuclear plant disaster the world has experienced. In the Soviet Union over 360,000 people were evacuated in areas of the Ukraine, Belarus and Russia.
The worst hit area was the nearby town of Pripyat that, to this day remains an abandoned ghost town in the exclusion zone that still remains around the now abandoned Chernobyl power plant. Apart from the tragic consequences of hundreds and thousands of people and families being displaced to safer areas there has, as you can imagine, been severe health issues for the human population. The Chernobyl disaster released FOUR HUNDRED times more radioactive material than the atomic bomb that fell on Hiroshima. As a result the population exposed to this radiation have seen dramatic increases in thyroid cancer, leukaemia, deformities and other related health issues especially amongst children and adolescents. This is an ongoing human tragedy with no foreseeable end in sight. As you will recall in previous editions of the Herald, the Markfield Friends of Chernobyl Children have over the past years raised funds to bring children from the affected areas over to this country. The aim is to help improve their health as well as their quality of life. Children stay with local families are taken on sight
seeing trips and given opportunities that they would never normally experience. One such fund raising event was held at the Centre on the 5th March and consisted of a Beetle Drive and supper organised by Rachel Taylor and Sue Baines. The event raised an invaluable ÂŁ360 for this worthwhile cause. If you would like to get involved with or support the Friends of Chernobyl Children please contact the Centre and we will put you in touch with the organisers. Fortunately Chernobyl and Fukushima are (fingers crossed) rare human disasters however, despite medical advances cancer in
its various forms remains a worry and concern for all of us. At the Centre we are committed to supporting events that raise funds for medical research or supporting sufferers of cancer or other serious medical conditions. Below are a few forthcoming events that you may be interested in attending or supporting: 1st June - National Blood Service 26th June - Leicester Kidney Association Fund Raising Event
Patients
2nd July - Cancer Research Family Disco 28th September - National Blood Service 8th October - Cancer Charity Night
Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use.
Please see posters at Centre for further details and give your support.
Family Celebrations March and April had a wide range of family celebration events hosted at the Centre and I will mention a few briefly. • On the 12th March Mitchell Blockley celebrated his 21st Birthday with family and friends. Happy birthday from all at the Centre. • On the 19th March Deanna and Erden Tugcu celebrated their wedding that had previously been held in Kusabadasi, Turkey on 22nd September. This was a chance for family and friends who had been unable to attend the wedding to celebrate this happy event. Congratulations to you both.
• On the 9th April Markfield bade farewell to villagers Daina and Jamie Kirk who are off to pastures new and making a new life for themselves in New Zealand. Jamie a qualified electrician and Daina a Chartered accountant have been planning this life-changing move for almost three years and will be moving out to an area north of Auckland. Wishing you every success in your new life.
Dates For Your Diary 31st May to 3rd June - Soccer Coaching Course 1st June - National Blood Service 11th June - Christian Aid Charity Evening featuring the Ratby Band 26th June - Leicester Kidney Association Fund Raising Event
Patients
2nd July - Cancer Research Family Disco 28th September - National Blood Service 8th October - Cancer Charity Night
Junior Youth Club As mentioned in my previous article I intend highlighting the various clubs at the Centre. This month it is the turn of our Junior Youth Club. The club first opened over ten years ago with a small grant from the Police and the Borough Council. Over the years dozens and dozens of our local youngsters have passed through our doors many of who are now bringing their own children along – ah how time flies!! We have dozens of photos of our old youth club members and, to celebrate the Centre’s 25th anniversary next year, we will be dusting them off
Always forgive your enemies but never forget their names.
and putting them on display for all to see and no doubt be suitably embarrassed about – so be warned. The club is held on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and is open to children aged 8 to 14 years. As a member you can enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities and there is even a tuck shop. Entrance fee is £1 per session and you do have to register your details on joining the club. So, come along with your mates and enjoy the fun. Don’t forget you can view all the Centre news and activities on our website at: www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com
For booking and enquiries please contact Markfield Community and Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST or ring 01530 242240.
10
Markfield Open Gardens Things are progressing well on the Open Gardens front and we have 20 gardens open for viewing. They are well spread around the village from two at Field Head, one on Ratby Lane and the rest around the more central part of the village. We also have the school garden open so altogether there should be plenty to interest everyone. Refreshments are planned at the Methodist Church and the Scout Hut on both days and there will be exhibitions at the Methodist Church. Make sure you put the date in your diary, Saturday and Sunday 18th/19th June and cross your fingers for a weekend of wonderful sunshine! Admission by programme - Adults £3 - accompanied children free. Programmes available from The Methodist Church, The Scout Hut or the Gardens
Fran Johnson
(See also item on page 27)
Youth Voice
The Herald’s new young writer speaks out for the area’s youth As we make our way into the month of May we’ve been greeted by good weather, the Easter holidays, the Royal Wedding and May Bank Holiday. Sounds great right? Sure, if you’re not suffering from hay fever allergies, like myself and many of you readers too. With hay fever affecting around 20% of people in the UK, it’s difficult to enjoy summer activities, especially those that are based outside. Whether you suffer from a runny nose or watery eyes, it is an obvious irritant and if it’s getting in the way of your school work or social life, there are some simple methods of prevention. Some of these are as simple as just changing your clothes and washing your face after being outside or keeping the windows shut in your house. As well as hay fever, there is another thing dampening my summer and that is the daunting prospect of exams. Whether you’re taking A Levels, GCSE’s or just end of year tests, you’re bound to be as stressed as I am. Work hard and daydream of being brilliant, leaving home and becoming internationally famous and you will be perfectly fine. Despite these downsides to the start of the summer I definitely do not miss catching the bus to school in -8 ° Celsius and I’m sure I’m right in saying that once Christmas has made an appearance, we are all longing for summer to emerge from where it has been hiding during those dark months. When it returns we can start to look forward to holidays, barbecues, water fights, and those long warm nights. The summer is also festival season and if you’re looking to stay close to home, Summer Sundae Festival at De Montfort Hall and Gardens is in the heart of Leicester and has a great reputation of having an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. What do you want to hear about? Suggestions welcome at kittyaldis@hotmail.co.uk
Kitty Aldis
A truly revolting event at Mercenfeld Primary! On Thursday 7th April 2011 at 7pm year 3 children performed a play called “Revolting Rhymes” in the school hall at Mercenfeld Primary School.. The play was about four postmen who were walking down streets, delivering letters to houses all over Fairytale land. For example, they delivered an invitation to Cinderella for a ball being held by a dashing fella! Cinderella was unhappy about this because in the past she’d been to a ball where the prince had chopped off ladies’ heads! Another letter was delivered to Red Riding Hood and then there was a bricklayers bill for the third pig and a summons for Goldilocks calling her to appearing court. The funniest parts were the parts that made the audience laugh the most. One was when the girl called Holly stomped onto the stage and shouted “Disgraceful fancy running out in your underwear!” The audience loved the play. One person said, I thought it was the best play ever! Year 3 children feel very proud!
Reporters: Alex, Hannah, Matthew & Wezley
Charity Car Boot Sale
At Copt Oak Memorial Hall Field (LE67 9QB)
Saturday June 4th 9a.m - 1p.m. Cars £5 Vans and Trailers £7 Visitors 50p Refreshments including teas and Sausage and bacon rolls Home made Cake Stall To Book ring 0116 267 4746 Proceeds to St. Peters Church Copt Oak
LOST: Sony digital camera in red case I think it was lost in or around The Green/Main Street in Markfield As much as I’d like the camera back, it is replaceable, unfortunately I cannot replace the many photos that are on the memory cards. If you’ve found my camera could you please, at least, return the cards to me at: 22 Chitterman Way, Markfield.
A Word From the Head At the end of a busy term at Mercenfeld it was a real pleasure to see our year 3 children performing so confidently on stage. Parents, Grandparents and staff were all very proud of their achievement and can definitely see several budding actors. We had our first community gardening day on March 27th and I would like to welcome even more of our local community to help with our next gardening project on Sunday 15th May. We plan to lay out a new maze for the children and construct an army of scarecrows to protect all the seeds and young plants the children have set out. There will be bird box making, children’s games and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic. On Saturday 18th June we will be opening our grounds again as part of the open garden weekend as well as putting on our summer fair. Andy Kitchen Mercenfeld Head Teacher
A note left for a pianist from his wife: “Gone Chopin, have Liszt, Bach in a Minuet.”
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ntee
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Any man who laughs at women’s clothes has never paid the bill for them.
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Diane to take on Snowdonia for Cancer Research
Diane Dowell of Markfield is organising a charity climb up the Snowdon mountains in Wales on 14th May 2011 along with friends and family, to raise money for Cancer Research. If anyone would like to join them, or sponsor her, please contact Diane on 07748 915829 diane.dowell71@btinternet.com. Also on the 2nd July 2011 Diane will be doing a charity family disco at Markfield Community Centre with, again, all proceeds to Cancer Research tickets £2.50 each (includes food). Over 75 great raffle prizes. For tickets contact Diane. Diane did a bike ride and disco last year and raised £6,500 for Cancer Research.
Royal Wedding Celebration Event
Villagers enjoy a Culinary Delight
Around 35 people supported and enjoyed a super ‘Royal Wedding Celebration’ Lunch on Saturday 30th April at the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield. Brenda Featherstone, husband David and their children Coralie, Tim & Alice all worked very hard preparing and serving a variety of tasty homecooked courses. The profits raised from the meal and raffle will be donated to St Michael’s Bell Tower Fund and the Congregational Church Roof Fund. Extra Photos from the day can be viewed on www.markfieldherald.co.uk
Charity Music Evening in Groby A music evening will take place at the Stamford Arms in Groby on Friday 13th May from 9pm. The event hopes to raise cash for Loros, Wishes for Kids and Parkinson’s Disease. Tickets are £5 for Adults and 32.50 for Children. T: 0116 235 0729.
By the time a man realises that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he’s wrong.
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Extracts from Stanton Under Bardon Parish Council Minutes Here are brief extracts from the unapproved minutes of the meeting of Stanton under Bardon Parish Council held on Tuesday 5th April 2011 at The Youth Club, Stanton under Bardon:
Community Police Comments • The Beat surgery was successful. Speed checks will soon be done in the village. Cars parking on the footpaths is also being looked into.
County Councillor’s Report • Improvements are being proposed on the A511 to reduce speed. The New Bagworth Sure Start building is about to open and villagers in Stanton and Markfield can also use this facility. • The County Council has received an excellent rating for equalities and is the only council to receive this rating. • A consultation has opened on the Proposed Opening times of Museums and Libraries, which would open an hour later and close an hour earlier, this is in place of closing them down as other authorities have done. • A meeting has been arranged with Mr Sprason with regards to obtaining Lottery Grants for the Villages. Borough Councillor’s Report • The Parish Council’s application for the Community Initiative Grant has been recommended for approval to the sum of £11,000. • Proposed work at Billa Barra has not yet started. Matthew Lay is looking into this.
Questions to the chair A member of the public referred to his previous email to the Council about the Council’s Proposal to request that dogs be kept on leads on the Recreation Ground and asked for the Parish Council’s reasons for this decision. The Council stated that as the play equipment is currently not fenced in, the main concern was for the safety of the children using the recreation ground, and priority must be given to them. Dog Fouling is also a problem and needs to be reported.
Playschool Donation Stanton playgroup thanked the
Council for the donation to cover the insurance excess to replace the roofing felt which came adrift during the recent high winds. They also enquired if any grants would be available to help pay for the replacement of the remainder of the roofing felt. Clerk to write to tell them to tell them to contact Matthew Lay who may be able to offer help. A play scheme is also taking place over the summer holidays and the playgroup have asked the council for a donation towards this event. Clerk to write to ask them for a breakdown of costs of the scheme before a donation is considered.
Quotes for fencing and extra mowing Quotes for fencing have been received, Council are to accept Copt Oak Fencing’s quote, with the work to take place ASAP. Brian Mee has given a quote for the extra one off mowing which was also accepted. The quote for the extra monthly mow of £40.00 + VAT was considered too high by the Council, Clerk to ask if quote could be re-looked at.
Dogs Signs/Being kept on Leads A new dog litter bin will be ordered for the Recreation Ground as the current one is broken. With regard to enforcing that dogs be kept on leads, HBBC have informed the Council that a dog control order would have to be obtained which would be a lengthy and expensive process. Full information can be found on the DEFRA website, all councillors to have a look at this to see if they want to proceed.
Date of the next parish annual general meeting The next meeting of Stanton under Bardon Parish Council is to be held on TUESDAY 17TH MAY 2011 AT 7.00PM At Stanton Youth Club, Main Street, Stanton under Bardon, Leicestershire
Ted Brown’s Gardening Notes Unfortunately, Ted Brown is unwell at present, so we are unable to include his very popular gardening column. We wish him a speedy recovery, and look forward to bringing you his gardening wisdom again very soon.
Confidence is the feeling you have before you understand the situation.
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Bagworth Forward Group We have two dates coming up for your diary. These are a Spring Prize Bingo on Thursday May 19 in the Bagworth Community Centre at 7.30 pm. This will be raising funds to help us to enhance the life of our village. The second date is also a prize bingo on Thursday 23 June also at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre. This is to raise money for the new trust that has taken over the running of the Community Centre. Can we take this opportunity to say that the Bagworth Forward Group is not a part of the new Trust that runs the Community Centre. Nor is it a part of the Parish Council. We are a totally separate entity run by volunteers and all of the profits that we make help to enhance the life of our village. All of the planters around the village and most of the spring bulbs have been planted by us. We can only do this with your support and for which we are very grateful. A final reminder is about the Bagworth Show which will take place on Saturday August 27. We hope you are already growing vegetables, flowers and fruits and planning your arts and crafts entries. More details nearer the date.
Bob Austin
Ben takes over as manager at Thornton St Peter’s FC Thornton St Peter’s Football Club would like to thank their manager, Damien Moore, for his efforts over the past ten years. He is stepping down due to family commitments. Current team captain Ben Hargrave will be taking over as manager. If you would like to be part of our football club in any way, call Ben on 01530 230423.
LETTER
My Triple Whammy Fundraiser! As part of my journey to becoming a karate black belt in October this year, I am challenging myself to complete an adrenalin filled sponsored event. On 18 June I will be travelling to The Abyss at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Sheffield to attempt the Triple Whammy challenge – set in darkness, the Triple Whammy includes a 250ft zip wire at a height of 70ft, a free abseil and finally, the really scary one - a 150ft Powerfan jump which simulates a parachute jump! I am hoping that lots of people will sponsor me to complete this challenge which will raise funds for Tinkerbella’s Wishes (www.tinkerbellaswishes.co.uk) and the Elite Fighters Fund at my karate club, Stealth Black Belt Academy in Coalville (www.stealth-uk.co.uk). Tinkerbella’s Wishes is a local fund to support Bella Flint a pupil at Mercenfeld Primary school who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour when she was 4 years old. Bella has since undergone major brain surgery to remove the tumour, intense radiotherapy and a year of chemotherapy. The money raised will go towards Bella’s future needs, equipment for children’s cancer wards and also supporting other children suffering with cancer. If you would like to sponsor me you will find sponsor forms at Mercenfeld Primary School and Markfield Library.
Joseph Hughes (age 11)
Criticism should always leave people with the feeling that they have been helped.
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BBC Local Radio is crucial for rural areas – so support it, urges CLA Widely discussed proposals that the BBC is considering reducing its local radio output to two shows a day – breakfast and drive time - have been described by rural business watchdog, The Country Land & Business Association (CLA), as a loss to communities and a setback to communications in the countryside. The CLA believes that local radio brings isolated communities together as well as being a source of information and entertainment that networked national radio would struggle to fill. CLA East Midlands director Andrew Shirley said: “BBC local radio helps people to feel part of their community, but if the proposals, as reported, were to go ahead, the local day-time programmes would simply disappear. This would be a loss to all those who spend hours without any other contact – new mothers, the elderly and disabled people. “With localism so high on the Government’s agenda programmes on BBC local radio must surely be
safeguarded.” The loss of a local information source, especially in times of crisis when printed media may not be able to get through is another cause for great concern. “Our countywide stations are the first port of call for many during an emergency, for local news, weather and traffic news, and they fulfil this role well,” says Mr Shirley. “Frequently the rural areas are the first to lose power supplies and in any case cannot depend on a reliable internet connection. In times of crisis with no power, radio is often the only medium still working, in vehicles or via battery or clockwork radios. “Crises do not occur at convenient times, and radio can often be the only source of current information. Just last winter constantly updated bulletins on school closures prevented many unnecessary and unsafe journeys. “BBC local stations in our region have also shown their worth during flood threat – indeed standing instructions to inhabitants in floodprone areas is to listen to local radio. During major incidents listeners are able to get updates as and when
they happen.” The BBC has said that the proposal is only an idea, but Mr Shirley suggests that if everyone shouts loud enough the rural voice will be heard and the decision makers will be convinced of the distinctive value of local radio. “We cannot tell the BBC where it should make its cuts, but we can try to ensure that informed decisions are made. “BBC local radio frequently campaigns for so many causes – but when it comes to defending itself the rules don’t allow it to do so. “So though there is not even a public consultation yet, I want to urge everyone to take every opportunity to make local views known. The CLA will be writing to the BBC Trust emphasising all these important points.” In 2010, the total operating expenditure for the 40 BBC Local Radio stations in England was £137.7 million – just 3.2 pence a user hour - and together they produced more than 240,000 hours of output. Make your views known and write to BBC Trust Unit, 180 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5QZ or email: trust.enquiries@bbc.co.uk
Sometimes I feel old enough to be my own father.
Are you nature deficient? Do you remember climbing trees, making daisy chains and playing conkers? Chances are that you are over 34. It seems that the younger generation is increasingly deprived of everyday outdoor experiences. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which commissioned the study, believes that children kept indoors too much end up with “nature deficit disorder.”
Charity event at Markfield Community Centre On Sunday June 26th 2011, we are raising funds for the Leicester Kidney Patients’ Association and also raising awareness of this chronic illness, We have on the day a Golden mile sponsored walk and lots of stalls and games, so hopefully people will come and join us and have lots of fun. It all starts at 11am.
Ann Carter
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Tallie goes for a 17 day walk! LETTER
W
e live in Thornton with our two dogs Tallie (3 year old Shetland sheepdog) and Cassie (11 year old collie cross).
We had only had Tallie for three weeks when she spooked whilst off the lead and ran off, becoming lost for a total of 17 days! We postered and leafleted in places where she was spotted – most days we would get a call about her, one day we had 9! So many people helped us in our search for Tallie – complete strangers came with us looking for her day and night, farmers allowed to us to go across their land even during lambing time, shops and businesses put up notices at the till or in the window free of charge. A sniffer dog from the company DogLost helped track Tallie as she went all the way over to Woodhouse Eaves and then on to Bradgate Park (about a 12 mile trek by the route she took), crossing the M1 and the A50 at least twice. The story ended on the 28th March when she walked back to Thornton Reservoir, across the primary school playground, across Main Street and down Hawthorne Drive, waiting on our drive until a helpful neighbour realised it was her, grabbed her and waited for us until we could come home! She is now quite the celebrity, particularly with the children at Thornton Primary, and has been featured in a local dog magazine and the Leicester Mercury. The vet has confirmed she is none the worse for wear except losing all of her excess weight! She seems to be a more relaxed little dog after her escapade and has even begun agility classes at the local Harlequin Canine Academy at Tomlinsons Kennel in Markfield. We want to thank everyone who helped, all the local (and non-local) people were absolutely fantastic in our search for Tallie. Particular thanks go to all local businesses and shops for letting us put up posters, the whole of the DogLost team including Phoebe, Wispa and all the volunteers, the previous owners Karen and Laura, Little Markfield Farm, John Barker and College Garth Kennels, all the dog wardens, kennels and vets, Jean at Redgate for the advice, Maria from Markfield’s Ivanhoe Hairdressers, the staff at Thornton Primary School, Gerry, Mrs Brown, Mrs Grey, Tom, Susan, Doug and Lauren, Keith and all the unnamed dog walkers, horse riders and farmers who rang us or gave us advice, we couldn’t have done it without you.
The Broad Family, Thornton
More bins please Last month’s correspondent (Rosemary Masters) is not the only dog-walker to pick up litter on regular walks in Bagworth. But such public-spirited action was made more difficult by the removal of the litter-bin which was originally placed near the children’s play area on the Haslam estate. This open-topped bin was well used by children for their crisp packets and teenagers for their cans, but frequently overflowed with soiled nappies and bags of dog dirt, because it was so rarely emptied. So what did the authorities do? They took it away! Clearly it was a health hazard. (But I suspect it was because it took someone thirty seconds to walk from Station Road to empty it). Now we have neither litter bin nor dog bin at a crucial cross-road of paths used by children, teenagers and dog-walkers, and the amount of litter and dog mess lying around has increased. Recently the District Council have put up more notices threatening dog walkers with fines and CCTV cameras (Probably illegal for this purpose), when what we need are more litter bins, with lids, and proper dog dirt bins. This would help us all to be tidier, including those who don’t like carrying dirt they’ve bagged and public-spirited litter-pickers who would have somewhere to put the stuff others have thrown away.
David Butcher Bagworth
What adults like most about rollercoasters is being able to sit down after standing in line for two hours.
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The Urban Falconer Falconry is the art of training and hunting with birds of prey. Whilst there are few people engaged in the sport in the UK, the number of falconers in the country is growing. There are falconers, who train falcons, and austringers who train hawks. The term austringer may also be applied to those who train other birds of prey like eagles, owls or even vultures. A bird of prey is not a good pet whatever Harry Potter may have led you to believe. Most pets have been domesticated, bred over hundreds of years to create an animal that co-exists well with humans. An austringers’ hawk is genetically identical to a wild hawk of the same species and is not at all domesticated. Falconers cross breed some species to emphasise certain characteristics of the bird, notably the Gyr x Saker (read ‘Gyr Saker Hybrid’) popular in the Middle East for its impressive flight and beautiful plumage. Nor is the bird tame; rather the austringer understands the birds’ behaviour sufficient to manage it. Most hawks are raised by their natural parents, but some species are raised by humans. This process is known as imprinting and leads the bird to identify with a human as the same species and can lead to some embarrassing displays of affection when a bird comes into season. When I am out and about with my hawk, people ask a number of common questions. Commonest
is undoubtedly ‘Can I touch it?’. The simple answer is no, but no austringer will neglect the opportunity to garble on about her sport so I rarely use the short answer. Firstly, there is the concern that Apenimon, my female Redtail Hawk can exert about 200 pounds of pressure with her talons so putting unprotected hands around her is risky unless you’re good at predicting her behaviour. Secondly, touching the birds’ feathers can undermine its confidence in its ability to fly well and therefore in its ability to run away from danger or take advantage of a passing meal. The hawk is happy to sit on my glove because she is confident that the glove is a nice place where nothing bad ever happens and occasional meals happen along. If her confidence were to be damaged whilst she is on the glove, by touching her feathers, she would not be happy with the glove as a perch and would go and sit in a tree and decline to return to the glove after flying. Most people will also ask what
she is and where she comes from. My hawk comes from Gloucestershire, where she was bred in captivity, but is native to America where they are prolific. Her Latin name is Buteo Jamaicensis which will have the bird watchers fidgeting with unease about why a hawk belongs in the classification Buteo (buzzard). In the US a vulture is termed a buzzard, and buzzards are termed hawks hence Redtail Hawk. The Redtail Hawk is not a common bird for an apprentice in the UK because they are very temperamental and stubborn. Most apprentices will start with a Harris Hawk. Next time you’re out for a walk, keep your ears open for the jingle of Apenimons’ bells, and pop over to chat to me (unless the hawk is up a tree and you have a dog; she is a little nervous of dogs unless she’s on the glove). If I have a
In my opinion, the lollipop industry is making suckers of us all.
spare glove with me you might even be able to hold her yourself. As an urban austringer, I am in need of quiet land free of small livestock on which to fly my hawk. If you have a few acres, free of small livestock (hens, pheasant) and are willing to let me fly Apenimon there please contact me on rebecca.pritchard1@virginmedia. com. We will not cause any damage to the land or distress local livestock. Terms of access can be negotiated.
Rebecca Pritchard
18 Fine weather for traditional event
Palm Sunday Walk
Micro-chipping service for dogs launched by HBBC A NEW micro-chipping service for pet dogs has just been launched by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s Dog Warden Service. Micro-chipping is now the quickest and easiest way for a lost pet to be identified by the Dog Warden, or by a vet, and returned to its rightful owner. Without micro-chipping, it is estimated that less than half of the animals that go missing each year are reunited with their owners. A micro-chip is a small electronic device, which is the size of a grain of rice. For a cost of £18 the Dog Warden will implant the chip under the skin using a special implant gun. No anaesthetic is required and the procedure should cause no more discomfort than a standard vaccination. If anyone would like to discuss the micro-chipping service they can do so by contacting the Dog Warden Service on 01455 238141.
Congratulations to 2nd Markfield Guides! Palm Sunday this year was on Sunday 17th April and it was a beautiful warm and sunny day for the Churches Together in Markfield Palm Sunday Walk round the village. Members of St Michael’s Church of England, Trinity Methodist and Markfield Congregational Churches, along with representatives of the local Roman Catholic community, joined together with the children and leaders of the Sunday Club to share in this traditional event. Each year, one of the churches plans a route and chooses appropriate hymns, songs, readings and prayers to remember the events of the first Palm Sunday, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem to great acclaim and the waving of palm branches just a few days before he died on the cross (Good Friday) and was raised from the dead (Easter Day). Symbolic palm crosses were distributed to all the walkers, while the Sunday Club children had also made ‘palm branches’ to wave. This year the route took us along Main Street, Leicester Road, Park Avenue and The Nook. It was a well attended event, and participants enjoyed the fine weather as well as the company of others from the various churches.
Rosemary Nicholls
Markfield Parish Council Surgery Dates Markfield Parish Council Surgery takes place on the following Fridays between 10am and 11.30am at Markfield Community & Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield. • May – none due to local elections Friday 3rd June 2011 • If you have any concerns or issues you’d like to raise with Parish Councillors, please come along.
The guides celebrated their 8th Birthday on the 22nd March with a cake decorating activity run by Coralie Featherstone as one of the activities that she is doing for her Young Leader Qualification.
Autumn is a season for big decisions -- like whether or not it’s too late to start spring cleaning.
19 Cross Hills Baptist Church News
Serving Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area
Local Schools
This year we were able to send the schoolchildren at Thornton and Dovebank, an Easter present from Cross Hills church with a mini chocolate egg and card enclosed which explained to the children the promise of new life that Easter brings.
Quackers
Our parent and tots group, on Friday mornings from 9.30am to 11.30am restarts on Friday 6th May following Easter and the Royal Wedding. Please come along with your child any week to give it a try. Refreshments are served, for which we ask a £1 donation. If you would like more information, please contact Bekki on 01530 231901 or at r.holmes.314@btinternet.com Spring Fayre With the alterations taking place at Bagworth Community Centre, at the time of writing arrangements have not yet been made for our usual Spring Fayre/ Bank Holiday Bonanza. If we are able to hold this event, full details will be on posters in the local villages towards the end of May.
Hall available
Just a reminder that our large fully carpeted hall is available for community use. Please contact us if you have anything in mind so that we can arrange for you to see the hall and discuss further whether it is suitable. Kitchen facilities are available with a hatch through to the hall.
Retreat Groups from other churches often use the main church and/or hall for quiet days, especially as we are surrounded by such beautiful countryside. There are Powerpoint facilities in the main church. Please contact us if we can be of help in this way. You will find details of our Services in the Church Service Information section in this magazine. We are always here for the community’s spiritual needs and our Pastor and Parish Nurse’s details are below, along with some other revised contact details.
Date for your Diary The Awesome Holiday Club will be back again this year, but 2 weeks earlier! This year’s dates are Monday 1st August to Wednesday 3rd August 9.30am to 11.30am, with Registration from 9am. For children ages 3 to 11. Watch for more details next month.
Glynis Straw Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family
Contact Numbers Pastor: Garry Kelly: 07816 616189 Secretary: Lynda Kelly: 07903 774491 Treasurer: Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 Parish Nurse: Vera Harding: 01530 230557
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When I was a child I always had my nose in a book. My parents couldn’t afford Kleenex.
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News from Thornton Women’s Institute We welcome any opportunity to socialize with members from other Institutes, so it was very pleasant to see a full hall at the Centre at our March Group Meeting when we welcomed Polyanna Pickering, the renowned Wildlife Artist, who came to talk to us about her work . As well as enjoying the company of the other WIs in the Bardon Hill Group, we were especially pleased to welcome members from neighbouring Botcheston WI, which is a very young and new Institute compared to our own. As you can imagine, the conversation flowed as freely as did the tea which accompanied the refreshments! In April, we sought nurseryman Alan Ginns’ advice and watched him demonstrate how to plant hanging baskets. “It all looks so easy when you know how!” is an oft-quoted saying. Whether we’ve managed to acquire the touch of the expert remains to be seen! Look out for some spectacular floral displays in the environs of Thornton this summer.
Two Resolutions have been short-listed for the AGM in June The appeal to many of us of belonging to the WI is that it gives us a voice in affairs of great importance and the opportunities to campaign on issues that matter to us and to our communities. There are 205,000 WI members in the UK alone! Every year, members put forward resolutions for discussion at the AGM in June. If passed, these then become mandates and form the basis of our campaigning and awareness raising activities in the years ahead . In the past three years, the NFWI ‘s campaigns have been concerned with the mandatory, clear origin labelling of food; an “SOS for Honey Bees” and measures to prevent the inappropriate Imprisonment of the mentally ill. Two resolutions have now been short-listed for this year’s AGM in June. They are as follows:• Proposed Mega Farms “This meeting abhors the practice of factory farming particularly large animals such as pigs and cows and urges H.M. Government to ensure planning permission is not granted for such projects.” Moved by Dilton Marsh WI, Wiltshire Federation. • The Closure of Local Libraries “This meeting urges H.M. Government to maintain support for local libraries, as an essential local educational and information resource.” Moved by Nedderton WI, Northumberland Federation. Are they issues which concern you? Do you care? Intensive farming has been the subject of contentious debate in the UK recently with significant media attention focused on a recent planning application submitted to farm 3,770 cows at Nocton Heath, Lincolnshire. While consideration of large scale farming units inevitably raises questions about ethical and animal welfare issues, as well as the environmental impact, these issues cannot be considered in isolation from broader debates about long term food security and the changing landscape of British farming. The issue of library closures has been high on the political agenda as many local councils have recently announced plans to close library branches altogether, reduce opening hours or reduce investment as part of a broader programme of spending cuts. There are currently 4,125 UK library buildings and 573 mobile libraries in the UK. The Chartered Institute of Library Professionals (CILIP) estimates that over 600 libraries in England could close, and some local authorities in Wales are also considering library closures or service reductions. WHY NOT COME ALONG AND JOIN THE DEBATE AS WE DISCUSS THESE ISSUES? Are you concerned about the THE RESOLUTIONS MEETING takes place on possible downscaling of the Thursday, 12th May at 7.30 p.m.at library service? Thornton Community Centre. VISITORS ARE VERY WELCOME. (Visitor’s fee £2) THE MEMBERS’ COMPETITION – A Decorative Tin
Muriel Walker
Charity Modern Sequence Dance at Bagworth WMC On Friday 13 May at 8.00 pm at the Bagworth Working Men’s Club there will be a charity modern and sequence dance, called ‘Memories’. This dance is in memory of friends and club members who supported the club over the years. Tickets cost £2.50 and can be bought on the door. There will also be a raffle and bingo at this event. This is always a good night which is enjoyed by everyone.
For more information, telephone: 01530 230467.
Help for Heroes Mrs Glenda Hill has written to tell us that the last Modern & Sequence Dance held at Bagworth Working Mens Club raised £270 for ‘Help for Heroes’. Fantastic! Another one is planned for Friday 13th May at 8pm at the same place. Your participation would be very much appreciated – see item above for ticket details.
Ratby Event You may be interested to attend an unusual and interesting event organised by the Ratby Village Society. ‘Personalities Revealed’ Starts at 8pm on Tuesday 17th May at Ratby Village Hall on Main Street at a cost of £2.50 for visitors which includes refreshments. Andy Cereseto will be talking to 3 local people, getting to know a little more about their life and what makes them tick.
Gold medallist visits South Charnwood Team Superschools organised a sponsored event at South Charnwood High School on Thursday 14 April. Julian Golley, the gold medal triple jumper visited school to give a demonstration and to answer questions about his sport. Pupils had the opportunity for a photo with Julian and could take part in a sponsored fitness circuit including sit-ups, leg drives, press-ups and star jumps. The money raised will be used to fund Prefect and Mentor training activities; Eco School initiatives and other extra-curricular opportunities across the school; as well as helping to support the Superschools Award Scheme, which gives financial assistance to talented pupils in their chosen sport so that they can become international stars themselves. For more information, visit www. teamsuperschools.co.uk
I told my son to bring me my book on “aggressive child behaviour.” He said, “Make me!”
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The chest X-ray showed I had pimples on my left ventricle. I said, “Doc, what does that mean?” He said, “You’re still a teenager at heart.”
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How Markfield’s New Co-Op Will Look Plans were deposited with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council on 14th April 2011 for the development of a replacement Co-op Supermarket on the site of The George Public House at Main Street, Markfield. The planning application (ref: 11/00195/FUL) requests permission for the demolition of Nos. 84 and 86 Main Street and buildings to the rear of 78 Main Street, and the erection of six new dwellings and 4,890 square feet of retail space. Details of the application - along with drawings - are available for viewing on the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council website at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk The proposed development retains the front aspect of the former George public house, which will reduce the visual impact of the new store when viewed from Main Street. Goods access to the new store will be at the rear, and there will be three disabled parking bays and a cycle rack. The rear boundary of the site will be landscaped with trees and a hedgerow. The target determination date for the application is 14th July 2011, and the designers of the scheme are Henry Mein Architects of Nottingham. Details of the progress of the project will be featured in future issues of The Herald.
Sponsored Organ Play of Favourite Tunes by Martin Foster The ‘Friends of St. Peter’s’ are pleased to invite you to come along to our special fund-raising event marking the installation of the organ in Thornton Church 100 years ago this year.
Sunday 12th June at 2.30pm Tea & refreshments served afterwards SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 27
I bought a new water softener. Now my water is so soft, when it drips it doesn’t make a sound.
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Bagworth & Thornton Neighbourhood Watch Update It has been nearly a year since I started in post and I am very pleased with the progress which has been made in recruiting NHW Co-ordinators and their members. The feedback I have received is very positive and that the information which is circulated is very useful and informative, which is great to hear! I would like to continue the success of NHW within the Parish, so I will be hoping to recruit more co-ordinators and members over the coming months. If you are not already a member of a NHW group and would like to receive regular crime information as well general community information please contact me on the details below.
Bagworth Crime within Bagworth is on the increase and I would like to try and help combat this by recruiting more NHW Co-ordinators in the Bagworth area. The main areas of concern are Station Road and places like Jackson Road. If you live on either of these Roads or know a friend or family member who maybe interested in getting involved, please contact me as soon as possible so together we can make Bagworth a safer place to live.
Facebook I have set up a new facebook page for ‘Bagworth & Thornton Neighbourhood Watch’ I will be updating the page with all the latest community information so please take a look at the following link and click ‘like’ to receive updates: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#!/pages/BagworthThornton-Neighbourhood-Watch/104071403008188
Anita Beeby m: 07889 219843 or e: nwdo@btinternet.com You can also find the latest Neighbourhood Watch information at: http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/thornton/bagworth-and-thornton-nhw. html
‘Coffee Morning’ & ‘Table-Top Sale’ to be held at Thornton Community Centre Saturday 21st May 10.00am ‘till 12.00 noon Admission 50p
Had a Spring clear-out ? Sell your items at the Table-top Sale Tables - £5.00. Please book in advance: Kathryn 01530 230372 A ‘Friends of St. Peter’s’ event.
You know it’s too wet to play golf when your cart capsizes.
24
National survey reveals state of UK churches The results of the National Churches Trust Survey, recently published, was open to all of the estimated 47,000 churches, chapels and meeting houses in the UK. It has found that these buildings play a key role in local life as venues for volunteering and community activities – but need support in undertaking repairs and maintenance. The survey is unique in revealing not just the physical condition of churches, but also the way they are managed, funded and used by their communities. Here are just some of the findings of the survey: • More than 90% of the UK’s church buildings hold a service at least once a week • More than 50% are regularly open to the public beyond their worship services. • 1.4 million members of church congregations volunteer in any capacity in their church building along with an estimated further 200,000 people from the wider community. • Nearly half of the UK’s church buildings are used for arts, music and dance activities. • More than half of the UK’s church buildings facilitate activities such as nurseries, youth groups and additional activities for young people. • More than two-fifths of the UK’s church buildings are used for support services such as homelessness, drug & alcohol misuse, finance & debt, parenting & mental health. For further information about the National Churches Trust and to download the full report visit www. nationalchurchestrust.org
POLICE Message From Markfield’s Beat Officer PC 4338 Sadie Harlock
Dog Attack I would like to ask if anyone has information about a Dog Attack that took place on Thurday 31st March, early afternoon. A report has been received that a large black short hair dog was on the playing fields at Markfield Community Centre, and some how it managed to get through some hedging and enter a property on Beech Close and seriously hurt the owner’s dog. Unfortunately that is all the information we have. Were you around on the park at about 13.45pm, or maybe your dog has run off and you were not aware of what has happened. Any info to myself or any of the Beat Team please. Next Beat Surgery will be on 11th May between 13.00 - 14.00hrs, at Markfield Community Centre, please pop along for a chat. Many Thanks
Sadie
PC 4338 Harlock
Markfield HomeMakers meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, on the second Wednesday of the month at 8.00pm. Contact No’s: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436 • May 11th ~ Ady Dayman ~ Gardening • June 8th ~ Outing to Shenton Glass Blowing • Aug 10th ~ Skittles ~ 7.15 for 7.30pm At the Coach & Horses • Sep 14th ~ Adrian Hunt ~ Home Remedies • Oct 12th ~ Kate Moore ~ Andes to Amazon • Nov 9th ~Malcolm Warner ~ Christmas in words and music • Dec 14th ~ Christmas Party • Jan 11th 2012~ Dinner
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No matter how tempting it is, never try to vacuum a sleeping grandparent.
25
You are invited to the
Churches Together in Markfield Alpha Course Wednesdays from 4th May 2011, at 7.30pm at The Rectory, 3a, The Nook, Markfield
The evenings will consist of light refreshments, a video and an informal opportunity to share experiences and explore the Christian faith. The Course lasts for 12 weeks, and will meet on Wednesdays during the summer, plus one Saturday. Further information from Simon or Rosemary - 01530 242844
Letter from Uncle Eustace
On simply getting to St Michael’s Church church now that petrol’s May Fayre gone up... Saturday 14th May
The Rectory St. James the Least of All
at the
Congregational Church Hall
My dear Nephew Darren
from 10.00 am till 12.00 noon ince your parishioners live in an area of half a square
S
mile, where their only in getting to church Donations and offers ofconcern help welcomed
is whether to take the underpass, or to risk a dash Come along yourself across the ring road, you may have little understanding Bring your friends neighbours of the problemsfamily, our folk haveand in travelling miles along country lanes to church, now that it requires a loan from the International Monetary Fund to fill the car with petrol. Several now only arrive half way through the Service, having underestimated the time it takes to park a pony and trap and the noise they make at the back of church, removing waterproofs, propping up whips and looking for somewhere to stow travel rugs even drowns out “Onward Christian Soldiers”. Those who arrive on horse, leaving them to graze in the churchyard, have had to be reminded that flowers in memorial vases are not fodder; neither were the imitation ones on Lady Metropole’s straw hat, left in her open topped car. But having our verger standing outside for an hour holding the reins of half a dozen horses is not, as he loudly points out, part of his job description. Apart from which, restraining his amorous charges from visiting the local stables during Mattins is beyond his strength. Major Crompton’s discovery that the fuel for his sit-on lawnmower is considerably cheaper than petrol has inspired him to travel to church on it. Since he is unable to uncouple the mowing apparatus, the tarmac on his 4 mile drive is acquiring interesting patterns. His drive at 2 miles per hour along narrow lanes means he arrives leading a procession of cars with drivers given the opportunity to exercise their gifts of Christian tolerance and forgiveness. It doesn’t help that he uses his stately journey to finish his breakfast of bacon and eggs, with his wife walking by his side with the coffee pot. The majority, naturally, arrive on foot, having negotiated fields, stiles and assorted cattle. The countryside may well praise God, but one does wish they wouldn’t bring quite so much of it into church with them. Lord Lipton who “is in oil” – which makes him sound like a sun-dried tomato – is apparently trying to come to some private arrangement with a Shiekh of his acquaintance. Should he be successful, while life in your city may grind to a halt, rural Evensong will be able to continue on its serene way, floating on an ocean of cut-price petroleum
Your loving uncle, Eustace
HAMLIN’S PLUMBING SERVICES All Types of Plumbing Work Undertaken No job too small Call Mick on 01530 245155 or 07813 065538 Qualified Local Plumber with Years of Experience
Remote controls are very valuable. They let you see that there’s nothing on TV worth watching a lot faster.
26
Television SitCom
Wordsearch find 12 TV SITCOMS in the Wordsearch puzzle below, and you could win yourself a nice prize. This month we are offering a first prize of:
A Main Course for Two plus A Bottle of House Wine at The Field Head Hotel and a SECOND PRIZE of:
A pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at the REEL CINEMA in Loughborough To go into the draw for the prizes, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - 12 TV Situation Comedies. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: ribticklers, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Tuesday 24th May 2011. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s Homburg will win the Meal for Two, and the second will win the Cinema Tickets. Good luck! Here are the 12 SITCOMS you have to find:
BEWITCHED • BLESS THIS HOUSE • BUTTERFLIES DINNERLADIES • JUST GOOD FRIENDS • OPEN ALL HOURS
Word Search Puzzle RISING DAMP • STEPTOE AND SON
P
THE CUCKOO WALTZ • THE GOOD LIFE THE ROYLE FAMILY • THE YOUNG ONES
Q S R U O H L L A N E P O I J
S Z E F I H M L G S F M U U J
B L E S S T H I S H O U S E M
N E F I L D O O G E H T Z S P
X A P T W S C V V O G J V J O
S T H E Y O U N G O N E S B M
T H E C U C K O O W A L T Z G
U B Y S P M A D G N I S I R X
B U T T E R F L I E S U E L Z
D I N N E R L A D I E S V O M
U Y Q Q I X A E H U B V M J X
C T H E R O Y L E F A M I L Y
H C N H Z P M H X R H Q S O F
O D E H C T I W E B B U R O E
S T E P T O E A N D S O N P Q
Knit and Natter gains four new members The second meeting of the Knit and Natter group was held on Wednesday, 6th April at the Bull’s Head and we welcomed four new ladies who had seen our picture in the Herald and were eager to join in the fun.
Name: ...................................................................................................
Twelve ladies enjoyed a lively evening, as did the couple who were in the pub when we arrived having a quiet drink! The evening progressed from coffee to wine as we knitted, laughed and put the world to rights. We have decided that we will knit garments for the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Infirmary as a group project alongside our own knitting. If you feel like a relaxed evening in good company please come along and meet us. Non-knitters are welcome, there are plenty of us to help get you started whether you want to knit or crochet.
Address: ................................................................................................
Fran Johnson
BEWITCHED BLESSTHISHOUSE BUTTERFLIES .............................................................................................................. DINNERLADIES .............................................. Postcode: ................................................ JUSTGOODFRIENDS OPENALLHOURS Last month’s winners! RISINGDAMP The first correct entry drawn out of the hat last month came from: STEPTOEANDSON MRS. DOROTHY MARTIN of White House Close, Bagworth. Congratulations! Your Meal & Wine Voucher to spend at the Field Head Hotel will be THECUCKOOWALTZ sent to you in the next 21 days. The second correct entry drawn out came from THEGOODLIFE MRS. MARIE WILLETT of Barn Way, Markfield. THEROYLEFAMILY Congratulations! Your Pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at The Reel Cinema in Loughborough will be sent to you in the next 21 days. THEYOUNGONES
Ratby Cooperative Band will perform a Concert of Popular Music at Thornton Church
Saturday 4th June at 7.30pm Admission £7.50 • Accompanied children – FREE Please pay on the door Contact : Kathryn 01530-230372 A ‘Friends of St. Peter’s’ event.
Talk about care-free. He’s got a snooze button on his smoke alarm.
27 A Hundredth Birthday to Celebrate!
MUSIC IN A COUNTRY CHURCH This year, the church organ at St. Peter’s will be a hundred years old! If only it could talk and tell us of all the events in which it has played a part! On Sunday, 12th June, 2011, we invite you to join us in our lovely old church to listen to an Organ Recital given by Martin Foster, former organist at St. Peter’s. Martin will play a selection of familiar and favourite melodies. “The Bridal March” from “Lohengrin”
Wagner
“Nimrod”
Elgar
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel”
Rodgers
“Jerusalem”
Parry
“Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves” from “Nabucco”
Verdi
“Ave Maria” Gounod “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”
Bach
“Nessun Dorma” from “Turandot”
Puccini
“The Lord is my Shepherd”(Theme from “The Vicar of Dibley”) Goodall “Intermezzo” from “Cavalleria Rusticana”
Mascagni
“The Wedding March” from “A Midsummer Night’s dream”
Mendelssohn
“The Lost Chord”
Sullivan
“Trumpet Voluntary”
Clarke
“Morning” from “Peer Gynt” Grieg “Clair de Lune”
Debussy
“The Lord Bless You And Keep You”
Rutter
“Pie Jesu”
Lloyd Webber
“Largo” from “Serse”
Handel
We are sure that the programme must include a melody which brings back special memories to you, or of which you are fond. Martin will begin to play at 2.30 p.m. and we at St. Peter’s would love to have you with us . Tea and refreshments will be available. We know that many of you enjoy walking round the reservoir on Sunday afternoons, so, please, take a little detour across the church field from the reservoir footpath, and come to listen for a while. YOU WILL BE MOST WELCOME.
The Friends of St. Peter’s
MARKFIELD OPEN GARDENS Organised by Markfield WI and Trinity Methodist Church 18th June - 11a.m. - 5p.m. 19th June - 12noon - 5p.m. 20 Gardens open around the village. Admission by programme - Adults £3 - accompanied children free. Programmes available from The Methodist Church, The Scout Hut or the Gardens Lunches, Teas and refreshments available. Sue Gammon, on behalf of the Organising Committee
Markfield Seminar Sun 15th May ‘Crystal Singing Bowls’ Sound Therapy With Joanne Driver 11am – 4pm £20
Book your place Pay on the day Tel/Txt: 0778 032 2695 www.leicesterlectures.co.uk
News from Bardon Park Chapel Christian Fellowship
Monthly praise evenings are held at the Chapel on the 1st Saturday of every month at 7.00pm. We invite you to join us for a lively time of praise and sharing, Sound bible teaching and healing prayers. Tea, coffee, biscuits and fellowship after the meeting in the school rooms. Family Worship Service every Sunday morning at 10.30am. Everyone most welcome. For more details contact: Richard on telephone 01530 242 526
I stopped smoking and extended my life expectancy. My wife is furious.
28
Local Church Service Information
Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon Sunday May 8th Morning meeting at 10.30am Sunday May 15th Morning meeting with guest speaker, Prophet Sandra Duffty, Breaking bread Sunday May 22nd Morning meeting at 10.30am Sunday May 29th Morning meeting with children involved in main meeting at 10.30am Sunday June 5th Morning meeting at 10.30am Sunday June 12th Morning meeting at 10.30am Sunday June 19th Fathers day meeting with children involved in main meeting at 10.30am Breaking bread Sunday June 26th Morning meeting at 10.30am
Markfield Congregational Church Sunday 15 May Churches Together in Markfield United Service in Trinity Methodist Church at 10.30am at the start of Christian Aid week Sunday 22 May 10.15am Morning Worship Sunday 29 May 10.15am Favourite Hymns Service Sunday 5 June 10.15am Morning Worship followed by Communion
Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 8th May 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper Sunday 15th May Christian Aid Week, joint service 10.30am at Cross Hills Sunday 22nd May 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 29th May 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 5th June 10.30am Morning Service 5.00pm United Praise Service Sunday 12th June Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper Sunday School Anniversary 10.30am Sunday 19th June There is a Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section of this magazine.
Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield
Sunday 5th June 10.30 am Morning Service
Sunday 8th May – Local Preachers Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service 4.00 pm Café Church Worship
Sunday 12th June 10.30 am Holy Communion
Sunday 15th May 10.30 am United Churches Together Service at Methodist Church 6.00 pm Evening Service
Sunday 26th June 10.30 am Family Service
Sunday 22nd May 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Taizé Service Sunday 29th May 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 5th June 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 12th June – Pentecost Sunday 10.30 am Morning Communion Service 4.00 pm Café Church Worship Sunday 19th June – Trinity Sunday 10.30 am United Churches Together ‘Open Air’ Service on The Green 6.00 pm No Evening Service
Sunday 26th June 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Taizé Service
St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield 10:15-11.30am Sunday Club for Children in the Congregational Hall on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays, term time All Age Service in Church on the 2nd Sunday each month. Sunday 8th May 10.15 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 15th May 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at Trinity Methodist Church 6.00pm Evening Prayer Friday 20th May 8.00 pm Taizé Style Service Sunday 22nd May 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 29th May 6.00 pm United Evening Service at St Peter’s, Copt Oak
Sunday 19th June 9.00 am Holy Communion
Sunday 19th June 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Open Air Service on The Green 6.00pm Evening Prayer Sunday 26th June 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service
St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 8th May 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 15th May 10.30 am Family Service
Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Please note: This service will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 5th June 9.00 am Holy Communion
St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 8th May 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th May 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 22nd May 6.00 pm Holy Communion
Sunday 22nd May 10.30 am Holy Communion
Sunday 29th May 6.00 pm United Service
Sunday 29th May 10.30 am United Service
Sunday 5th June 6.00 pm Evening Service
Sunday 5th June 10.30 am Morning Service
Sunday 12th June 9.15 am Holy Communion
Sunday 12th June 10.30 am Morning Service
Sunday 19th June 3.00 pm Praise Service
Sunday 19th June 10.30 am Family Service
Sunday 26th June 6.00 pm Holy Communion
Sunday 26th June 10.30 am Holy Communion
St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 8th May 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th May 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 22nd May 10.30 am Family Service Sunday 29th May 10.30 am United Service at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon Thursday 2nd June 7.30 pm Ascension Day Holy Communion
Thursday 2nd June 7.30 pm Ascension Day Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Thornton Sunday 5th June 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 12th June 10.15 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Friday 17th June 8.00 pm Iona Style Service
I don’t mind coming to work, but that 8 hour wait to go home is a real drag.
29
Herald Film Reviews from Tom Flowitt
Arthur
(12A) Starring: Russell Brand and Helen Mirren 109 minutes
Arthur is a billionaire playboy that has never grown up. When his mum grows tired of his antics she gives him an ultimatum, either marry the girl who will put him on the straight and narrow or face being cut off from his fortunes. The film is a remake of the 80’s original but with Russell Brand as the lead character it feels more autobiographical than remake. It is pure madness from the start and at no point does anything make any sense, which as it turns out works very well. Brand, as you would suspect, is made for the part of the man who indulges too much in booze and women with Helen Mirren adding perfect balance as the anti-Arthur, playing the role of his nanny Hobson. Overall: Will you like this film? It rather depends on whether you like Russell Brand (it depends quite a lot actually). PPP
Red Riding Hood (12A)
Starring: Amanda Seyfried and Gary Oldman 99 minutes
Everyone knows the tale of the girl who has a fondness for red hoods and visiting her grandma but you won’t have seen the story told quite like this. This time the wolf has grown tired of waiting and has begun preying on a nearby village. With the blood moon rising, someone in town has a secret. Throughout the film there is the promise of suspense and scares but they never actually arrive. There is far too much talking and nowhere near enough action which after a while becomes extremely frustrating. You will be tearing your hair out at the stupidity of some characters with the best idea in film of ‘let’s split up’ being just one example. Also if you can guess Gary Oldman’s accent in the film then you are a better man than I. Overall: A disappointing effort, not because it is necessarily a bad film, but because it could have been so much better. PP
Look What’s On At The Palace, Ibstock 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 267303
~ Forthcoming Events ~ • Friday, 13th May Charity Organ Concert. Tickets: £6.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460 or Mr Martin, Tel: 01455 290145 or Mr Lines, Tel: 01530 457274.
movement and meditation. 10.30am – 1.30pm. NO ENTRANCE FEE (donations appreciated) Telephone: 07714215216 to make a reservation or e.mail m.cashmore@ntlworld.com.
• Saturday, 14th May Film Night at The Palace - ‘The King’s Speech’ (12A). (SUBJECT TO RELEASE DATE) Toast of this year’s Academy and BAFTA Awards, The King’s Speech is the cinematic phenomenon of the year. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth, the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460. ADVANCED BOOKING RECOMMENDED.
• Friday, 20th May Ibstock Dolly Mixtures present ‘Melody and Mirth’ – All proceeds to the Ibstock branch of The Royal British Legion. Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £6.00 available from Lois Taylor on Tel: 01530 261686.
• Sunday, 15th May Invest in your health. Discover mindfulness based on wellness. A public seminar with Michael Cashmore BSc (Hons), a pioneer in health and wellness education with 30 years of experience in UK and Far East. Topics include: What is stress and how does it affect you? Achieving emotional freedom. Practical session of Tai Chi
• Saturday, 21st May The World famous Pelenna Valley Welsh Male Voice Choir. The choir was founded in 1980 in the small village of Tonmawr. The choir has performed at many prestigious venues both home and abroad. Whilst on their last visit to Spain the choir was invited to sing in the Marian Devotion in the Basilica at Montserrat. They were also the choir chosen to sing at the 70th birthday party of Sir Anthony Hopkins. Doors and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £10.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460 • Friday, 10th June – Line Dance with Honky Tonk Cliff. Dancing from 7.45pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Tickets: £4.00 from Hall, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.
Start every day with a smile. Then you have the rest of the day to do other stuff.
30
Markfield NHW Update from Alex Ritchie The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 14 May: TYME BEINGS (Local Band) Pool etc. The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield. T: 01530 242 496 ’Take Your Pick’ ~ 50p a ticket Every Fri: 7.15-7.45pm. Ongoing Jackpot (Min £25) ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN The Bricklayers Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite – Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net (See Advert Page 5) The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 7 May: MURDER of CROWS Sat 14 May: TROJAN SCOOTERS Sat 21 May: The JOHNNIEEISENHOWER Band Fri 27 May: ‘PLUG & PLAY’ with RIOT ACT (Bassline & Drums Provided) Sat 4 June: SAINTS of SOUND (Formerly ‘Soul’d Out’) Sat 12 June: FATHER TED www.myspace.com/ thorntonclub The Steam Trumpet 286 Main Street, Thornton T: 01530 231 258 Every Sun: QUIZ 7.30pm – Cash pot prize roll-over. Bagworth WMC Station Road, Bagworth T: 01530 230 205 New Members Welcome FREE Sat Entertainment Sat 7 May: ROB WALKER Sat 14 May: LAUREN KAYE Sat 28 May: PETE BERRY Sat 4 June: RICHARD DEVEREUX Last Fridays: ANDY’S CHARITY QUIZ. £1.50 each. (+ usual Tea & Sequence Dances) The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm. Fri 6 May: TAKE THAT Fri 20 May: MADONNA
Fri 27 May: BEATLES Fri 10 June: MOTOWN Quiz Nite: Every 2nd Tues (See Advert Page 26) The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats 7th & 21st May. (’King of the Road’) Sat 28 May: 2nd Garden PARTY (Family FUN DAY) (See Advert Page 23) Classics Donington le Heath The Manor House Barn T: 01530 817214 Sat 28 May: Pirates of the Caribbean (Meal etc) £30 - Booking Essential. www.classics1485.co.uk Ellistown WMC Whitehill Road, Ellistown T: 01530 260323 New Members Welcome Fri 6 May; THE STREET Sat 7 May: BJ’s (Male Duo) Mon 9 May: GENERAL AUCTION 8pm. Sat 14 May: THE BAND Fridays 20th & 27th May: Laineys KARAOKE Sat 21 May: SOUL COUNCIL Sat 28 May: ACE MEN Sun 29 May: 1-9pm BARMYBARRY’s DISCO, 9pm JAYNE (Motown & Soul Vocalist) ALL SKY SPORTS The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616. (SUNDAYS are 3 ~ 6pm) Sat 7 May: ANDY RANDELL Sun 8 May: HISS & BOO Sat 14 May: JAMES BROTHERS Sun 15 May: AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ Sun 22 May: COLIN KASEY (TBC) Sat 28 May: FINGERS & FUMBS Sun 29 May: Welland Valley Stompers Sun 5 June: New Orleans HOTSHOTS Sat 11 June: FIRE & SKILL
Send details of your LOCAL pub and club entertainments and we’ll include them in this column FREE! Tremendous!
A young father was taking care of his baby daughter while his wife went to town shopping. He decided to go fishing and he had to take the toddler along. “I’ll never take her along with me again!” he told his wife that evening. “I didn’t catch a thing!” “Oh, next time I’m sure she’ll be quiet and not scare the fish away,” his wife said. The father said gloomily. “No, it wasn’t that. She ate all the bait.”
Have You Noticed? Most of us are well aware that many Police Forces across the country have reviewed their resources and made changes to fit the needs of the community and are now deploying these resources in a manner that, hopefully, makes best use of them. As a result, since the beginning of April, the Neighbourhood Team of Markfield, Ratby and Groby have become part of one Neighbourhood Beat which covers a large rural area of over 50 villages including Ratby, Groby, Markfield, Newbold Verdon Desford, Kirkby Mallory, Barlestone and Twycross: Beat L29. This neighbourhood also includes the large market town of Market Bosworth and several tourist attractions that bring many visitors to the area. Overall the previous resource levels and actual personnel have not changed but what it means, police deployment wise, is that there can be more flexibility in allocation of beat resources as and when they are particularly needed. For example Markfield, Ratby and Groby currently have 3 Police Officers and 3 PCSO’s available on the beat team. Under this new system they will have an extra 4 Police Officers and 4 PCSO’s available from the Market Bosworth team when required but, of course, our staff may have to reciprocate this action in other villages on occasion. To date, I have noticed no practical street patrol difference and one thing, for certain, is that the presence of a Police Office in the community centre does give regular Police presence in the area. Against that, I am becoming increasingly frustrated by the slow process in the fully updating a new Police web page and it really does anger me when entering a local Post Code to be told there is no result as far as Police contact is concerned. Logging on, thereafter, to the “Links” column and seeking out our Hinckley pages I can then track down full detail of our local set up and staff with latest crime and general information. Having said that, I must admit our regular email updates from Sgt Trott and FHQ Linda have now reached a good level of consistency. Another bone of contention of mine is my is lack of ability to find our local detail on the new N.W. sites and I object, again, when doing a post code search, to being told we come under Woodhouse and/or Charnwood jurisdiction. Unfortunately I do not have any teenage computer literate grandchildren to call upon for experienced aid with this temperamental computer of mine. Help!!
Local Police Contact What I do know is that our own beat officers strive to attend local parish
meetings etc. and divide their time between villages. They support and value Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the area and encourage residents to become involved. In fact in the last couple of weeks we have another two new members, one a Markfield street coordinator and the other has joined our farming Countryside Watch.
Our Lasses and Lads Without going into particular detail I am delighted to note that a recent news update from our Inspector showed a marked decline in reported crime and bad behaviour and a marked increase in percentage detections. There is no doubt about it we have the best behaved youngsters in the county and, not only that, they are doing an excellent job in keeping thoughtless older friends and relatives under control. For example, parents are obviously thinking twice about leaving cars unlocked and/or leaving tempting items on view now that such carelessness is being drawn to their attention by security conscious offspring. When was the last time anyone saw a parent using a mobile phone when driving? Not when there was a Markfield (or Field Head) youngster in that car. They would not dare.
Finally With headlines, as I write, being dominated by the Royal Wedding I must admit to a strong feeling of nostalgic home sickness. The Queen Mother, whose wedding ceremony was the first publicly performed, originated just up the road at Glamis Castle and the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were regular, accompanied only by their nanny, visitors to local shops including the ice cream parlour. No need for heavy security in these days. How times change. Having said that, one thing that never changes is my ability to put my foot in it (and name drop). I am referring to my last Scottish visit when I went, with friends, to a mini Highland Games at Cortachy Castle. An old man dressed in tartan trews, tweed jacket and tam o shanter cap shuffled up to me and asked me if I was a local. Confirming that I was although no longer resident I told him that my mother used to work at this castle. He asked what her name was and I told him he could not possibly remember her as it was so long ago and she was, in fact, pregnant with me at the time. I went on to tell him that the then Countess, for whom my mother worked, was pregnant at the same time and that I believe I was actually swopped at birth and that I had often told many people that I was really Lord Angus Ogilvy. His reply to that? – “So you are my brother then?” CLANG!
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