May 2018 herald online

Circulation: 4,000 copies Monthly

MID-MAY 2018

May fundraiser at Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary – with a ‘sheep’ theme!

TRUSTEES, STAFF and volunteers at Redgate would like to invite readers to the Markfield Sanctuary (LE67 9PW) for our next Open Day. It will be held on Sunday 27th May, from 11am – 2.30pm and the theme will be based around our small flock of sheep, whom you can watch being sheared on that day. There will also be sheep/wool themed activities and all the usual games, tombolas and raffles. Entrance and parking are free.

We are also delighted to announce that Syston Brass Band will be playing their toe-tapping music for us during the event to create a jolly atmosphere!

The cafe will be open to sell delicious refreshments and home-made cakes, jams and craft items and a fantastic range of second-hand books and DVDs. Please put the date in your diary and also spread the word, to help us make it a lovely, traditional day out for all the family. And don’t forget, you will also be able to walk around the site and visit the other Redgate animals.

Every penny we raise will go towards vet’s bills.

If you have not visited before, we are based at the end of Shaw Lane beside the A511, half way between Markfield and Coalville.

Mrs Jo Leadbetter – Trustee http://www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk/

Bin Rounds are changing EVERY HOUSEHOLD in Hinckley and Bosworth will be receiving a new bin collection calendar during May setting out how changes to bin collections will affect them.

BAGWORTH has clearly got a great deal of talent, especially amongst the people who use the Community Centre, as many of them have recently won awards.

Dance-tastic takes place on a Wednesday evening when a wide variety of people learn ballroom dancing. Classes are continuing to grow as word of mouth and competition successes are spreading the word about Dancetastic. Jo James, who teaches the sessions, has over 30 years teaching experience.

Recently many of the group took part in the second leg of the NATD (National Association of Teachers of Dancing) qualifiers which was held in Whitby. All of the competitors (both children and adults) from Bagworth qualified for the two day Grand Final in Blackpool in September this year. A total of 41 trophies were won on that day alone by the Bagworth contingent.

All the competitors made a weekend of it and enjoyed a fish and chip supper and a trip to the arcades as a team building exercise the night before the competition. Obviously this worked.

More recently, the Bagworth dancers have been to a social competition in Nottingham where it was not unusual for the heats to have over 40 competitors in them. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 ...>

The calendar is particularly important this year as many residents will soon see a change in collection days for their refuse and recycling bins.

Residents are being urged to make sure they read the information on the calendar and take note of any changes to when their refuse and recycling bins are emptied – and, importantly, to make sure they don’t throw the new calendar away.

The changes start from Monday June 11. All recycling and refuse collections will continue on the current collection days until then.

The new calendar gives residents important information about changes to bin collections. For some residents this may mean they need to put their bin out on a different day from June 11, or they may have an extra collection because the time between their recycling or refuse collection is longer than usual so residents are urged to read it carefully and keep it for future reference.

The calendar sets out collection dates for the black, blue lidded and garden waste bins so that residents can clearly see how the changes will affect them.

The Borough Council has reorganised the collections to improve the overall efficiency of the waste and recycling collection service, with rounds redrawn to reflect new homes built around the borough since the last time rounds were reviewed nine years ago.

Residents are also reminded that bins must continue to be placed out by 7am on the day of collection. This is particularly important as the time when waste is collected is likely to change for many streets, even if the bin day hasn’t changed. From 25th May residents will be able to check bin collection dates throughout the year in their area at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ collections

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 16TH JUNE - ARTICLE/ADVERT DEADLINE: 2ND JUNE

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THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

from page 1 They still came away with trophy successes.

Next on the agenda is the second exam day where all pupils (again both children and adults) will be taking separate exams in Ballroom and Latin American dancing. There will be subsequent competitions throughout the rest of the year. Look out in the Herald for details of yet more successes.

For a relatively recently formed dance school.

This is an extremely fantastic performance.

Bagworth clearly does have talent.

Another successful group who use the Community Centre is Andrew Walker’s martial arts group. This is the Zen Goshin Ryu Karate/ Jutsu group and they are also feeling proud.

Following their gruelling 2 1/2 hour grading on the 10th March 2018, the following students passed their Black Belts. Congratulations to • Jade Tate Shodan 1st Degree Senior • Holly Flynn Shodan 1st Degree Junior • Ben Ferns Shodan 1st Degree Junior • Ella Stinson Shodan 1st Degree Junior • Hannah Lowe Shodan 1st Degree Junior • Ellie Sanders Junior Black Belt • Isabel Lee Junior Black Belt The students showed incredible effort throughout their gradings and fully deserved their belts. All of the students have been training at the club for over 6 years and their dedication should be applauded.

These are just two of the many groups who use Bagworth Community Centre. Congratulations to all of them.

Latest news from Markfield WI AT OUR April meeting our speaker was Jane Arnold who talked about the Women’s Land Army in WWII. I think most of us knew in general about the work the landgirls did but Jane brought these women to life. Through her collection of memorabilia - not least a suitcase of original clothing including underwear - we could imagine what a big change it as for these women, many leaving home for the first time. A uniform (which Jane was wearing) was provided along with strict instructions as to how it was to be correctly worn. A pattern for the breeches is available.

At its peak in 1944 there were more than 80,000 landgirls working anywhere in the country, in all weathers, in all jobs including rat catching and the timber corps.

Jane’s talk really brought home the hard lives of the landgirls and we felt proud that women had done so much, and with so little recognition, to aid the war effort.

The contraption that Jane is holding in the photograph was used in the canning of fruit and vegetables which was of course one of the WI’s contributions to the war effort.

Spring Open Day LANDLORDS, ARE YOU UNHAPPY WITH YOUR CURRENT AGENT ?

Your property is likely to be your biggest asset and you need an agent you can trust. Oaktree Lettings is a local independent agent and we pride ourself on our professional but friendly service, dealing with landlord clients who have one or numerous properties predominantly in the West Leicestershire area.

If you are unhappy with your current agent and wish to instruct us to take over the management of your property or properties, we will deal with the transfer from your current agent for you and give you the first two month’s management free!

Most of our clients have found us through recommendation and continue to recommend us We are happy to offer a letting only service or full management at very competitive fully inclusive rates with no hidden charges we also offer rent guarantee and legal cover to protect your investment further

REDGATE FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY

Sunday 27th May 11am – 2.30pm

With Sheep-shearing Display; Brass Band; Delicious Food; Raffles and Tombolas; Home-made Cakes, Jams & Crafts

For more information please contact Marianne or Louise T: 0116 2870334

Oaktree Lettings And Management

E: lettings@oaktreelettings.co.uk

86 Faire Road, Glenfield,

W: www.oaktreelettings.co.uk

Leicester, LE3 8ED

Free entry !

It currently feels like we’re living in the “Days Leading Up To...” section of the history books.

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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Great news for Open Gardens Event in Thornton MANY THANKS to all those who have agreed to open their gardens for the event on June 17th. I am pleased to officially confirm that it will be taking place.

We have a good spread of gardens but could always do with more! Now gardens are beginning to grow at last, if you decide that you would like to be added to the list, it is not too late, we can take additions to the list right up until the beginning of June. Ring 231502 or e-mail thornton. opengardens@outlook.com.

If you do not want to open, please come to the event itself.

For details, please see the separate advert on page 24.

How hard is it to pay off a student loan?

IT DEPENDS on who you ask. Thus, 90 per cent of school leavers believe it will be possible, within 30 years.

But by the time they graduate from university, nearly half of recent graduates suspect that they will never be able to pay back their student loan. This is according to a recent report commissioned by the new universities regulator, The Office for Students.

And some education experts from University College London, Kent University, and the government, believe that some young people would actually do better to skip university and go straight into the labour market without such a big debt around their necks. As one explained, many will never ‘earn what they expect.’

The Groby Gatherers

A date for your diaries THE GROBY GATHERERS would like to welcome you to their 2nd Charity Garden Party to be held on Saturday, June 16th from 12 noon – 3 p.m at 10 Jonathan Close, Groby.

This year all proceeds will be in aid of the Toc H Children’s Camp (Derby).

Like last year’s event, along with tea, coffee and soft drinks, there will be delicious homemade cakes, fudge and scones for sale, plus some savoury treats (sandwiches, quiche etc.)

Our plant sale, bric-a-brac, and 2nd hand books will also be there, along with the Tombola and a selection of jams and other preserves to buy. Come along and enjoy the community spirit – Meet friends, old and new!

This is a social event with the added bonus of supporting a very worthy cause.

There will be gazebos and sheltered seating should our June weather become inclement. We hope very much to see you there!

Cats are a great pet if you’ve ever wanted convenient access to a friend that hurts your feelings.

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THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Wool, beads and buttons urgently required for a good cause MRS WRIGHT in Markfield is knitting Twiddlemuffs for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s (40 so far) and she needs help from Herald readers.

If you have any unwanted wool or any old jewellery - especially beads - to decorate the outside, she’d be pleased to hear from you.

Also - if you have any large buttons which you no longer need, Mrs Wright would be grateful for those, as they are also used on the Twiddle Muffs. You can contact Mrs Wright on 01530 242117.

What’s a twiddlemuff?

A twiddlemuff is a knitted, crocheted or fabric tube with accessories such as ribbons and buttons sewn on to them. They are usually made up of many yarn textures, with notions sewn on the inside and outside of the muff. This allows for the person’s hands to stay warm while they are able to twiddle with the bits and pieces.

Why are Twiddlemuffs used?

For many people with dementia, there are developments and changes to their personalities, one of which is to become increasingly agitated.

Twiddlemuffs help to ease agitation and calm the person’s mood, as they can keep their hands and minds occupied. Many hospital wards have found that the muffs have a positive effect on patients by keeping them comforted, as well as encouraging movement and brain stimulation.

My dog Minton ate all my shuttlecocks. Bad Minton.

Looking for a specific advert?

Use our new ADVERT FINDER on page 31

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

A date for your diaries

Open day in Bagworth ON SATURDAY 7th July 2018, we are holding a Community Centre Open Day from 12 noon to 4.00pm.

This will be open to members of the public to showcase our Community Centre and its facilities.

As well as having fun activities for visitors to take part in, we want to give all of our regular users the opportunity to showcase what happens in our centre and give people the opportunity to join if they wish.

If you have never been inside the Centre, do take this opportunity to come in and have a look around.

Even if you know the Centre well, you are likely to be surprised by the different activities that happen in the building. There is something for everyone. If you have ideas about activities that are not presently taking place here, then please let us know.

This is a great opportunity for the people of Bagworth to see what is available on their doorstep and we really hope you are able to join us to help us promote our centre and the great groups who use it.

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New arrivals at Redgate!

On 3rd May two new “foraging friends” arrived at Regdate Farm Animal Sanctuary, Markfield, rescued goats Mum Ivy aged 3 years (with the red collar), and her little daughter Bramble aged 1 year.

Ivy and Bramble are white British Saanen cross-breeds, both are very friendly and sociable.

They are currently in 4 weeks’ quarantine in the winter pen, and in early June will be combined with our well-known herd of older goats.

Mum Ivy was brought in with a deformity and foot rot and had been in some pain. Both goats are very thin and need to put weight on, so we are giving them high protein food and lots of fruit and vegetables and certain tree cuttings to chew on. So here comes the appeal: please, if you can, would you donate some fruit and vegetables; or if you have any clippings from the following trees (no other species please), we could use them too: Willow (all types) – Elder – Hazel – Hawthorne – Ash - Blackthorn – Apple – Lime - Eucalyptus. Goats especially love Willow; if you have clippings or branches please bring them to the Sanctuary.

With grateful thanks from all at Redgate. Telephone 01530 243 925 or Email: redgate@mail.org. Visit us any day between 12 noon and 3.30pm.

(N.B. Please do not bring conifers, evergreens, rhododendron or hydrangea, as these are poisonous and we cannot use them for animals).

Most people are shocked when they find out how bad I am as an electrician.

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THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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 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.

This issue of The Herald is being delivered by The Herald’s team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Sarah Jane, Lyn, Lily, Ian, Ann, Gill, Miles, Sandra, Jeanie, Jenny, Calum, Lisa, Yvonne, Margaret, Daniel, Jessie,Stacey, Maisie, James, Louie, Mike and Rowan

Hospice Hope now operating 5 days per week in LE67 and LE65 HOSPICE HOPE was formed at the closure of the Sue Ryder Hospice at Staunton Harold in 2002. Its vision is to see those with a life limiting condition given longterm pastoral care within the community.

Whilst the NHS has made some provision since the closure at Staunton Harold, there is nothing that comes close to offering what was available. The situation in North West Leicestershire for people with life limiting conditions and their carers has changed little in the last 15 years, there is still very little choice.

It became clear to Hospice Hope some 7 years ago that if anything was to change, then we would have to do it ourselves.

So, it was decided to open a “Support Café” in Ashby for one afternoon each week, providing emotional and practical support. The group has proven to be very successful and is facilitated by an excellent group of volunteers, drivers and therapists.

Following the success at Ashby, in July 2013, we opened a second Support Café at the Hall Lane Methodist Church, Whitwick, on each Wednesday afternoon with a similar range of excellent volunteers.

Our third Support Café opened in November 2015 at the Ibstock Methodist Church, Melbourne Road.

In April 2017, we opened Hope House in Griffydam, where people with life limiting conditions can spend a day in a peaceful and tranquil environment; receive a complementary therapy and an excellent two course lunch.

Transport to and from Hope House is provided by volunteer drivers and no cost is incurred by our guests for any of our services. Hope House is open two days per week on Mondays and Thursdays.

Hospice Hope is committed to being at the centre of providing support for the people of LE67, LE65 and North West Leicestershire with life limiting conditions and ensuring that they have the support and the care that they deserve and need.

If you feel that you can help in any way, please contact us using phone or email as written at the head of this piece.

Likewise if you know anyone we can help!

Markfield Surgery and Patient Participation Group (PPG) news AS PART of the ongoing work to find out about the range of support that patients can access, we invite a speaker to talk briefly at the beginning of each meeting about a particular resource or initiative.

Patients may not be aware that, although Markfield Medical Centre lies within the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council area, in terms of Health and Social Care the practice lies within North West Leicestershire. Consequently we are always keen to hear of initiatives which will benefit our patients from within NWL. At our most recent meeting we were very interested to hear from Stewart Shepherd about ‘Hospice Hope’, a charity set up following the closure of the Sue Ryder Hospice at Staunton Harold in 2002. Its vision is to see those with a life limiting condition given long-term pastoral care within the community. The charity runs ‘Support Cafes’ in Ashby, Whitwick and, most recently, Ibstock. Their latest initiative is the opening of Hope House in Griffydam in April 2017. Stewart has very kindly sent the following information which gives more detail about all the work that the charity does. They are always looking for volunteers, so please do contact them if you could help in any way. If you feel they may be of help to you personally then please get in touch – the contact details are included below.

We are always looking for speakers to let us know of any support that is available to patients – if you know of anything please contact the surgery or a member of the PPG – details are in the foyer of the surgery.

Police have arrested the World tongue-twister Champion. I imagine he’ll be given a tough sentence.

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Memories in Bagworth THE NEXT charity dance at The Club is at 8pm on Friday May 18th.

This is called the ‘Memories’ dance because it is when the members of The Club who enjoyed dancing, but sadly who are no longer with us, are especially remembered.

On this occasion, the charity which is being supported is Wishes 4 Kids and this will be particularly poignant in view of the above. Russell Brickett who played a major role in that charity has, sadly, recently died. He used to be invited to attend the Wednesday Tea Dance to receive the money that had been raised at the charity dance. He was a lovely chap who would always tell the dancers exactly how the money would be used. He was a very interesting man who was always happy to share details about the wishes that his charity had helped to become a reality. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed. Obviously the work of the charity will continue, building on the firm foundation which Russell helped to create.

Admission to the charity dance at The Club is £2.50. There will also be a raffle with many prizes, all of which are donated. Music will be provided by Ken’s cds.

There will also be a social dance beginning at 8 pm on Friday on June 15th.

Admission is £2. July 20th will be the next charity dance. Look out for more details of this in the June edition of the Herald.

As always the Wednesday tea dances will continue between 2 and 4 pm.

Admission to these is £1 which includes a hot drink and biscuits or cake if there are birthdays to be celebrated. If you wish to make a donation to the charity dance, either in the form of a raffle prize or of cash, the contact number is 01530 230467.

LFE Film Evenings will be showing on Thursday 7 June 2017 “Breathe” THE INSPIRING true love story between Robin and Diana Cavendish, an adventurous couple who refuse to give up in the face of a devastating disease.

When Robin is struck down by polio at the age of 28, he is confined to a hospital bed and given only a few months to live. With the help of Diana’s twin brother and the groundbreaking ideas of inventor Teddy Hall, Robin and Diana dare to escape the hospital ward to seek out a full and passionate life together raising their young son, traveling and devoting their lives to helping other polio patients.

Cast: Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Tom Hollander, Hugh Bonneville Venue: the Parish Hall, Kings Drive, LFE. Cost: £5.

Doors open at 7.00pm. The show starts at 7.30pm and will run for 2 hours.

On arrival a complimentary hot drink and biscuits are provided, as well as a free raffle prize of a double ticket to be used at any future showing.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no showings in July and August. The new season will begin on 6 September, 2018.

I own a pencil that used to be owned by William Shakespeare, but he chewed it a lot. Now I can’t tell if it’s 2B or not 2B.

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THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Official Launch of the Homelessness Drop In is a Success LAST DECEMBER the Homelessness Charity in Loughborough, Falcon Support Services, was helped with generous donations from the annual Markfield Churches Together Homelessness Service and villagers. Here is an update on how your kind support is being used.

On Friday 6th April, three Markfield Churches Together members attended the charity’s annual Open Day for the official launch of the Drop In and Minnie’s Kitchen. The event received an overwhelming attendance, including over 80 representatives from organisations, large and small, who support or work together to enable the charity to make a difference to those in the community.

The Drop In is a day centre, based at the Falcon Centre, 27-31 Pinfold Gate, Loughborough, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am – 1.30pm - for those that are homeless, vulnerable or socially isolated in the community. The Drop In works with service users to give the individual a realistic chance to break the cycle of homelessness by: • meeting immediate needs for those in crisis and rough sleeping, including shower facilities, toiletries, use of a washing machine, clothes donations and food through Minnie’s Kitchen; • pro-active action to end rough sleeping by providing an open access service with support available including debt management, housing, benefits, mental health, substance misuse support groups and referrals to specialist services; • providing opportunities to inspire change, including access to education, training, employment, volunteering, as well as providing a programme of meaningful activities.

Minnie’s Kitchen, named so as a legacy to Minnie’s Friends, founded

by Carol Phillips in memory of her daughter Minnie, was recognised by Falcon Support Services. Carol was presented with a bouquet of flowers by the Mayor of Charnwood and a plaque unveiled at the Drop In by MP Nicky Morgan.

Falcon Support Services provides 73 supported accommodation bed spaces over 9 properties, and runs community projects - the Drop In, Minnie’s Kitchen and MUTO. To find out more please visit www.falconsupportservices. org.uk or follow the Charity on Facebook www.facebook.com/ FalconSupportServices

Stanton Village Hall NEWS WE WERE delighted with the turnout for our last Film Night, which featured the award winning and poignant Dunkirk.

We hope that our final film for this season, Paddington 2 on 19th May, proves as popular, despite all the other events being held that day, including the Royal Wedding! (We did ask Harry if he would change the date, but it wasn’t to be!)

As ever, we are grateful for the support and sponsorship from Midland Quarry Products which help us keep the ticket prices down.

We are also pleased to announce that the hall will be getting a makeover at the end of May, so it should be spic and span for all the summer weddings and party bookings.

A note to all our parents with young children, did you know we have two popular weekly sessions for Mums and Toddlers. There is the innovative Story Imaginory Baby Group on Wednesday mornings from 09.30 - 10.30 and again from 11.00 - 12.00 bringing stories to life with play. Also Bumbletots on Friday mornings from 10.00 - 1.00 with free tea and coffee for the mums, snacks for the the kids and lots of fun and games. Both provide an excellent opportunity for your toddler to socialise and make friends, and for mums to meet up for a chat. All newcomers will be very welcome. Come along and meet your new BFFs! If the Spring sunshine is inspiring you to try a new activity, why not check out our website stantonvillagehall.com.

We currently have regular classes for Yoga, Pilates and Ballroom Dancing. Or if you want to book the hall for your own event or children’s party you can check availability and contact our Booking Secretary from there.

You can also follow our Stanton under Bardon Village Hall Facebook page to keep up with upcoming events.

We hope to see you at the Hall soon.

Mark Stephens - Chairman, Stanton under Bardon Village Hall Trust

Help with homework A QUARTER of British parents do not help their children with homework, as they fear the embarrassment of not knowing how to do the work themselves.

Just one in ten UK mothers and fathers spend the equivalent of at least an hour a day assisting their children with school work. On average, British parents spend about 3.6 hours a week helping their children. This compares to parents in India, Vietnam, Columbia and Malaysia, who spend seven hours a week helping their children. The Campaign for Real Education, which carried out the survey, warns “It is a tragic situation, where children are not getting the right support. Children who suffer the most are ones whose parents can’t help them. We need an adult literacy and numeracy programme.”

Interviewer: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Me: “I’d say my biggest weakness is listening”

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Art SPOT FABIAN PEREZ to visit Whitewall Gallery in Leicester AS PART of his UK tour in June, Argentinian artist Fabian Perez will visit Whitewall Gallery in Leicester’s Highcross Centre as he showcases his new atmospheric collections of original paintings and collectable canvases.

Fabian is enjoying unparalleled success at present with all of his work, original and published, receiving a rapturous reception both in the UK and internationally.

He is now one of the world’s most collected artists, with celebrity admirers ranging from sporting superstars including Sugar Ray Leonard, Shaquille O’Neal and Lionel Messi, to musicians Scott Weiland, Rihanna, Shakira and Phil Campbell, comedian John Bishop, actors Micky Rourke, Mario Lopez and Megan Fox, singer song writer Juan Gabriel, President of the Latin Grammy Awards Gabriel Abora, President of the American Grammy Awards Neil Portnow; he was recently a guest at the Vatican where he presented Pope Francis with his portrait which now hangs in the Pontiff ’s personal private collection.

Fabian Perez will be at Whitewall Gallery in The Highcross, Leicester from 6pm to 8pm on Friday 8th June 2018. Visit: www.whitewallgalleries.com

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PILATES Strength Balance & Flexibility

Small group mat based Pilates classes! Fun, friendly and relaxing! Suitable for mixed abilities. The exercises can be modified for a safe & effective workout.

Tuesday 5.45 - 6.45pm Bagworth Community Centre, Station Road, Bagworth, LE67 1BH

Tuesday 7.10 - 8.10pm Activities Centre, Ulverscroft Manor Priory Lane, Markfield, LE67 9PH

Combines ballet barre exercises with pilates for a total body workout. It is designed to tone the thighs, lift the butt, sculpt the arms and flatten the abdominals whilst giving a low impact workout

Wednesday 7.30 - 8.30pm Activities Centre, Ulverscroft Manor Priory Lane, Markfield, LE67 9PH For bookings contact Sally Tel: 01455 824095/ Email: sallyeastham@gmail.com

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I only drink on days beginning with “T”. Tuesday, Thursday, today and tomorrow.

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THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Stanton Under Bardon Parish Council Minutes Extracts from the Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 10th April 2018 Report by Councillor Matthew Lay Cllr Lay stated that there should be more accountability for the disposal of Section 106 money, which he considered should be spent in the locality for which the planning decision had been made.

The parish council agreed to support Cllr Lay and write to HBBC planning department.

Councillor Lay agreed to investigate the alleged breach of planning permission by the Solar Farm in digging up the newly planted hedge.

Neighbourhood Planning Mr Briggs reported that arrangements for the Stakeholder meeting had now been finalised and the meeting would be held on Thursday 12th April at S-u-B village hall. Regrettably, only 10 Stakeholders had agreed to come to date. The minutes of the Steering Group’s most recent meeting were presented. There were no changes to the balance sheet.

Planning Two planning applications had been received:-

a. Alterations and extensions to existing bungalow. White House Farm, Ellistown Lane – no objections b. Erection of building for B2 and or B8 employment and associated works amended scheme to Plot 3.

Location: Battleflat Lodge Farm, West Lane - no objections

Parish Properties It was AGREED that rent for parish properties will not be increased.

Enforcement Officer The Enforcement Officer passed on his apologies with a view to rescheduling his presentation for another meeting to be arranged by the clerk.

Audit 2016/17 Grant Thornton raised the following comments about the financial year 16/17: 1. The declaration form should be dated on two separate occasions 2. The council is holding too much money in the day to day accounts 3. The Council should seek advice for any matters concerning HMRC and minute accordingly.

Weedkilling It was AGREED that the clerk

Village Hall Boiler Problems with the boiler at the village hall have now been resolved.

Report On The Meeting Attended By Councillors would establish whether the Litter Picker would be prepared to undertake a training course on weedkilling. The clerk would investigate costs and other relevant information.

War Memorial It was AGREED that the Council place a hook for the wreath on the War Memorial and purchase two planters for bedding plants either side of the Memorial.

Solar Panels It was AGREED that the Clerk would inform the Solar Panel company, having been provided with additional information by the company, they wish to proceed with the installation of Solar Panels on the Village Hall.

Parish Newsletter It was AGREED that Mrs Briggs will produce a Parish Newsletter on a trial basis.

Mrs Briggs presented a report from the external meetings that Councillors had attended in the last month.

Rural Achievement Awards It was AGREED that Mrs Briggs would complete the application form for the Rural Achievement Awards nominating the Parish’s Village Hall.

Annual Meeting Date The Chairman advised that the Annual Meeting of the Parish be held on Thursday 24th May at the Village Hall at 7pm.

Church Mowing It was agreed that the Clerk would contact LRALC to enquire whether the Parish Council was acting in accordance with the current regulations by including the mowing of the church grounds in its contract with its ground maintenance company.

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THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Cat Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray this cushy life to keep.

I pray for toys that look like mice, And sofa cushions, soft and nice.

I pray for gourmet kitty snacks, And someone nice to scratch my back, For windowsills all warm and bright, For shadows to explore at night.

I pray I’ll always stay real cool And keep the secret feline rule To NEVER tell a human that The world is really ruled

by CATS! Author Unknown

Fieldhead Hotel giving away Wedding Party Package to mark the Royal Wedding ROYAL WEDDING fever is in full flow, with the big day just around the corner.

The Fieldhead Hotel in Markfield, part of Old English Inns, want to celebrate alongside Meghan and Harry by giving one lucky couple a wedding party to remember.

The stunning venue, on Markfield Lane, is searching for an engaged couple to help make their wedding dreams a reality. It may not be able to give you Meghan’s designer wedding gown and Windsor Castle to match the royal couple’s nuptials, but it is looking to give someone’s wedding or civil partnership budget an impressive boost by giving them and their guests a wedding party at the historic hotel.

Ben Cameron, General Manager for the Fieldhead Hotel, said: “Here at the Fieldhead we are all very excited about the Royal Wedding and cannot wait to see Harry and Meghan tie the knot. We love nothing more than hosting weddings at our beautiful hotel and we want to give one lucky couple a helping hand towards the cost of their big day.”

Included in the prize wedding package is a three-course wedding breakfast and drinks for up to 50 guests. The venue will be beautifully decorated, and a dedicated wedding coordinator will help plan the wedding reception to ensure you and your guests have a day that is truly unforgettable.

Old English Inns create the perfect setting for weddings and celebrations – the historic inns and hotels are full of character and charm to make a unique day truly unforgettable.

Many of the hotels have wedding licences so services can be held there too. There are packages to suit all budgets, with prices starting from £999.

To enter the competition and be in with a chance of winning your wedding party, simply visit https://www.oldenglishinns.co.uk/winyourwedding2018 and explain why you think you and your partner deserve to win in no more than 200 words before June 30th.

One lucky couple will be selected by an independent judge and will win their wedding party. Full terms and conditions can be found on the Old English Inns website.

Go germ, go YOU MAY be wasting your money on antibacterial wipes and sprays because common germs can replicate themselves in just 20 minutes, recolonising to their original mass.

And so it is that Dr Clare Lanyon, a biomedical scientist from Northumbria University, says that using wipes on kitchen surfaces is in fact ‘an absolutely redundant’ exercise.

Following a programme for the BBC, Dr Lanyon said: ‘The point of the show is that you don’t need to be so fastidious in cleaning your home because you can’t actually remove all bacteria, and nor would we want to – exposing ourselves to everyday pathogens is good in keeping the immune system healthy and strong.’

She goes on, ‘Personally, I don’t waste my time purchasing antibacterial products for the home… our research found that a lot of antibacterial cleaning products were not as effective as good old-fashioned soap and water.’

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THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Update on Community Park Project and some other local issues Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald IT’S TIME for a few updates this month from your Borough Councillor and I want to start with what I believe will be a really exciting development, the Markfield Community Park.

The Community Park has taken slightly longer to get going due in part to the desire of the Parish Council to engage in greater public consultation. This was essential to strengthen the case for both the application to the public works loan board (PWLB) and the necessary planning approval that is required.

It’s always best to work with the relevant agencies on matters such as this and it generally pays dividends to do so.

The public consultation was very positive and we had a good response to our online survey and the two drop in sessions held at the community centre. Essentially we received widespread support for the proposals (over 95% of those responding online or in person supported them) along with some understandable concerns about the impact on a few neighbouring properties (with regards to the extension to the all weather playing surface). We are addressing these concerns through the planning process and we believe the enhancements to the facilities will improve matters not make them worse. We will of course continue to engage with residents long after these processes have been completed or should any problems arise in the future.

The PWLB application was approved by the Government meaning all the financing is now in place to support the planned works. This includes a grant from the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council of £178,000 which make it by far the biggest contribution to the improvements and a further grant from Bardon Quarry of £30,000.

All in all it will be a substantial investment in the community with we hope something positive for everyone, not least the children who attend the Mercenfeld Primary School who will benefit significantly from the new all weather sports pitch.

Subject to a positive resolution at the planning application stage, works will begin we hope in the late summer and will be completed in stages. The end result will be a fantastic community park sitting in the middle of a community hub that

includes; the primary school, the community library, the community centre, the post office and doctors surgery.

I am also hoping for further good news this month from applications I have supported which will bring more investment from the Borough Council through the Parish and Community Initiative Fund.

This year could be a bumper year as I have supported 6 separate schemes which is a record.

Although I cannot be certain the Council will approve them all, I am hopeful that the majority will get passed.

I am particularly impressed and supportive of the application by the Stanton Village Hall Trust who are looking to purchase a moveable stage so they can put on live productions in the Hall. This would be a further enhancement for what is already a first class facility. We will know soon if the grants have been approved.

Mindless vandalism at Hill Hole ON A NOT so positive note, I was disappointed with the vandalism that recently took place at the Hill Hole nature reserve, especially the damage that was done to the toposcope.

The Hill Hole is a special place for many local people and was preserved for future generations when the Borough Council purchased it around 2002 thanks to significant grant aid from the now defunct East Midlands Development Agency and the National Forest.

I was personally very proud to have played a part in ensuring this site became a key nature site protected for the community and this sort of mindless vandalism serves nobody. I have complained to the Borough Council a number of times over the lack of maintenance on the site in recent years and I don’t think it’s been acceptable.

There is a particular challenge on the allotment site when paths become so overgrown it gets ridiculous. I have requested improvements and they are I hope being considered. These include new signage and better maintenance schedules that are followed up on. It’s a similar situation at the Billa Barra Hill country park, which again has not received the level of attention it deserves.

Refuse collection ONTO more mundane but nevertheless crucial matters, that of refuse collection.

In June the Council is changing a number of its refuse rounds to accommodate; housing growth across the Borough, the integration of the recycling contract into direct Council control and changes to its vehicle fleet and crews. One of the rounds that is changing serves our community and so we will all be moving from a Friday to a Tuesday for our refuse and recycling collections. Everybody should have received a calendar with information telling them of this.

As I understand it, Friday the 8th June will be our last Friday waste collection and Tuesday the 19th the first Tuesday waste collection.

Friday the 1st June will be the last Friday collection for recycling and garden waste but it won’t be collected again until the Tuesday 26th June which is nearly 4 weeks.

This is due to no collections taking place during the week of the 11th June. During this period resident will be allowed to put out extra waste. I am disappointed that provision wasn’t made for the break in the recycling and have made my concerns on this known.

Combining authorities FINALLY you may have read in the last few weeks about a proposal by the Counties of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire to examine the benefits of forming a combined authority that will gain powers from central government and stave off the financial crisis that is very much evident in all Shire County authorities.

This is interesting for a few reasons.The first is that the notion of some form of East Midlands authority has been around for generations and various ideas of bringing this forward have been attempted. The irony is that some of the strongest opponents to regional government are now pushing this agenda. In the past they all struggled to reach a consensus on what form it should take and how it should operate. I

Matthew Lay suspect this time will be no different.

In truth though we do need to consider how we organise our public authorities and how we value our local communities. A great example of this can be seen simply in how we organise grass to be cut on public land. The late onset of Spring (following what seemed like a long winter) means we are having to get out and mow our lawns and tend to our gardens. It is the same for public authorities. In Markfield and Stanton you can see three different public authorities in action.

Recreation grounds, village greens and operational cemeteries, etc are cut by the local Parish Council.

Housing land, country parks (owned by the Borough Council i.e. Hill Hole and Billa Barra) and closed churchyards are maintained by the Borough Council. Finally Highway land such as grass verges throughout both villages and on main roads/roundabouts etc are maintained by the County Council.

The quality and frequency of the mowing depends on which authority is doing the mowing. The worst examples in my opinion are the grassed areas on highway land managed by the County Council.

The grass is not cut with sufficient frequency, so it’s too long when they do eventually mow, it makes a mess and is yet longer again when it is time to be cut. The County with its many pressures clearly cannot prioritise this mowing and it has been this way for some years. Yes we might complain but they will say they have no money to increase the quantity and quality of the cuts. For them it’s a case of priorities.

It’s little things like this that give an impression of a place and one is left wondering why work with other authorities to develop an acceptable schedule of work that does a decent job has not progressed sufficiently.

It’s all well and good proposing a new regional tier of government but if you cannot get the schedule of mowing grass so it looks half-decent or allows flexibility for a community to increase the number of cuts, its hard to see what positive outcome will follow. Are we changing for the purposes of doing things better as opposed to changing them to save yet more money and offer even less accountability.

My parents read the book I was writing. They said the main character wasn’t likeable. It was an autobiography.

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

News from Thornton WI

Supporting you in your home

FOR OUR meeting in April we were very pleased to welcome Paul and Elaine Bivins from the charity Blood Bikes.

With almost 3000 volunteers nationwide , this organisation transports blood products, theatre equipment, biopsies, specimens and even breast milk between hospitals across the country . They are worthy charity, their only aim being to support local NHS and associated organisations with the provision of free transport of medical essentials. The life-saving service relies solely on donations. To learn more about them, and how you can lend your support , visit their website at www.lrbloodbikes.org.uk.

• In April, we started a new Crafting and Chatting Group with the intention that we meet up once a month at Thornton Community Centre to share and demonstrate our varied skills. At our first meeting we were shown how to hand-embroider cards, to knit “continental-style”, to crochet and to make fabric garlands and wreaths for all occasions.

Our meetings will be on the last Tuesday of every month. We have plans to continue with crochet for beginners and to have various demonstrations and workshops including sugarcraft and fabric flowers. So if you want to learn a new craft, to share your skills with new friends or simply to come along for a chat and a cuppa then please, pop along to the Community Centre and we’ll be there to meet and welcome you from 1pm. (“By the Pricking of my thumbs, something evil this way comes!)

• Our next OPEN MEETING will be on Thursday 14th June, when we will be welcoming Repco, who will be entertaining us with a modern, dramatic and musical version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth entitled “Joe McBee”.

Repco, (with their inspirational directors Venka Davies and Margie Regan), is currently touring local schools and colleges with their performances, so a WI audience will be very different for them. We’d love you to come along and enjoy their work. When we hear so many negative comments about today’s youngsters, it is so encouraging to see this lively group of youngsters, aged from eleven to fourteen, sharing their talents and giving enjoyment to others. Gentlemen are most welcome too!

Please don’t forget that our usual WI meetings are on the second Thursday of each month, at 7.30p.m. in Thornton Community Centre.

Come along and see what we’re all about.

13

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Bosworth Homecare’s well-trained and friendly staff team have been providing support for over 25 years. All of our staff have full references, an enhanced DBS and have completed extensive training.

Bosworth Homecare build and tailor packages of support to meet their clients individual needs. These can be a combination of the many services we provide including anything from a befriending service, personal care, assistance with shopping and domestic tasks to being accompanied on a hospital visit or a trip to play bingo.

Rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission and becoming the first homecare provider to achieve the local authority’s Dignity and Respect Award, whatever help and support you need, Bosworth Homecare’s team will assist you.

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Andrea Kellett

(Thornton WI’s Secretary)

I redid my entire house with mirrors. You could say it really reflects who I am.

14

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

T

HERE’S A LOT to see in the Library this month as it is Local and Community History Month.

We are very lucky in Markfield to have a wealth of history dating back to pre-Cambrian times, that’s over 530 million years ago, and we are equally as lucky to have an active and enthusiastic local history group, dating back not quite that far - just to the late 1990s..

Among the group are some local historians who’s tenacious research has led to the preservation of much of Markfield’s local history and who’s research has led to many local and national publications.

We have put together a display in the Library with the help of Markfield Local History Group.

There are some fascinating facts and figures accompanied by some old photographs - you wouldn’t believe what Main Street or The Nook looked like.

In 1901 Markfield had 11 pubs for just 1,372 people?

Seven of these were on what was called High Street.

So what did become of the Quarrymans Arms, The Earl Grey Arms or the President Lincoln Inn? There were many occupations in the village at that time too including boot makers, blacksmiths, carters, there was even a tailor and a hosier.

Markfield also had lots of shops including 3 butchers, 3 bakers but unfortunately there doesn’t appear to have been a candlestick-maker!

There has been a Co-op in Markfield since around 1869 when it had three ‘departments’ - grocers, butchers and haberdashery. No self service in those days!

Markfield is mentioned in the Domesday Book and was known as Mercenfield. It is one of the highest villages (and probably one of the coldest!) in Leicestershire.

Perhaps this could be one reason The County Sanatorium and Isolation Hospital was situated in Markfield. It had 203 beds in six wards with isolation for fever patients - usually children with diptheria, scarlet fever etc. and a sanatorium for patients with TB. As well as the wards there was a chapel, two mortuaries, a swimming pool and tennis courts.

Parts of the old Hospital are now used for very different reasons.

Lots of information including old photographs and maps are available on the Markfield Local History website but call into the library anytime during May to get a glimpse of what life was like and you can pick up a Self-Guided Village Trail, published by the Local History group, with some 39 points of interest and explanations of their historical significant.

If you have any photographs of old Markfield we would love to see them, please either email the library or call 0116 305 3642.

All the latest news from

Most children will have at least one favourite story or book. So chat to them about what makes the book so special and why they like it, this will help the them to think about books more and help them form opinions Most children love being read to.

Reading a bedtime story is one of the best ways to help them with their literacy as well a spending special quality time with them.

For thousands of years there were no books, instead people gathered together to listen to storytellers. So why not have a go at making up your own story and involve your child too. You might even decide to illustrate the story with pictures or photos.

Finally - visit the library. This is one of the best ways of getting your children into reading. We have a dedicated childrens area with board books for babies right through to the latest bestsellers as well as old favourites and it’s all for free. We also have our Friday morning Reading and Rhymes sessions where our dedicated readers and helpers will help you and your children enjoy everything there is about books - the sessions run from 9.00am - 9.45am every Friday and are free.

So many people are touched by dementia.

PLEASE COME TO OUR FRIENDLY COFFEE MORNING at MARKFIELD LIBRARY at 11am on Wednesday 18th January.

Would you please spend just one hour to understand a little more about dementia?

It could help you, family, friends, neighbours National Weeks - our whole community. Awareness THERE are two national awareness weeks in May.

From 14th to 20th May is national Mental Health Awareness and from 21st to 27th May is Dementia Action Week. Our Books on Prescription lists will highlight any books which you might like to borrow or order as well as other information including contacts and helplines.

Our free, valuable and interesting Dementia Friends Information Session is just about asking everyone to understand a bit more about dementia and how we might make life that bit easier and more pleasant for those Volunteers Week people who live with it.

THE FIRST week in June is Volunteers Week and as with any other charity we would not exist without the help and support of volunteers.

Please do be a Dementia Friend.

We are always in need of new volunteers to train up as librarians or just to simply help out with our activities. If you are interested or would like more information please call into the library anytime to have a chat.

Art Class National Share a Story month MAY is also National Share a Story month and there are plenty of ways to do this with your children, which don’t always involve books.

Think back to your own childhood and the stories which have stayed with you - no doubt one will have had a big impression on you, so why not share it with your child?

You don’t necessarily need a copy of the book, you could tell it from memory and put your own slant on it.

OUR ART Class has enjoyed meeting on Thursday lunchtimes so much that they have decided not to return to Tuesday evenings after all.

If you would like to join them anytime between 1.00pm and 3.00pm on Thursdays you would be made most welcome. The cost, including all materials, is £5

What happens if Usain Bolt misses his bus? He waits for it at the next stop.

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk and you will be given all the help and advice you need by our Art Teacher.

Women’s Prize for Fiction WOMEN’S Prize for Fiction, previously called The Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction and also the Orange Prize for Fiction, is one of the UK’s most prestigious literary prizes and is awarded annually to a female author for the best original full-length novel written in English.

The winner of the prize receives £30,000, along with a bronze sculpture called the Bessie created by artist Grizel Niven, the sister of actor and writer David Niven.

The six books on the shortlist this year are • Elif Batuman, The Idiot A novel about the bluffs and blunders of youth and the pleasures and inadequacies of language, The Idiot is a sharply observed and very funny portrait of growing up.

Following a Turkish-American student, Selin, through Harvard, moving from frustrated learning to campus romance, Batuman creates a compelling portrait of a young life in flux.

• Imogen Hermes Gowar, The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock Plunging readers headlong into a melee of 18th century London, the discovery of a rare mermaid curio draws together a wayward cast of merchants, courtesans and

collectors in pursuit of mystery, fame and fortune. A riotous delight of a novel, irreverent, compelling and tinged with magic.

• Jessie Greengrass, Sight This is a meditative novel that traverses one woman’s experience of pregnancy and motherhood taking in reflections on grief, psychoanalysis and the invention of the x-ray. Sight is strikingly original in its consideration of the limitations of human insight and the extent to which we can ever really know ourselves and others.

• Meena Kandasamy, When I Hit You: Or, A Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife This novel lifts the lid on cultural constrictions and traditional family values in contemporary India. Trapped in a marriage to a violent psychopath, a young woman attempts to forge a daring rebellion

that will either lead to freedom or death. Inspired by the author’s own experiences, this is a gripping novel and a quest for freedom and meaning in a world where women are still shockingly undervalued.

• Kamila Shamsie, Home Fire Divided into five sections, each told from a different character’s point of view, Home Fire is a passionate story of desire, family and divided loyalty.

It’s a novel set against the backdrop of contemporary Islamophobia that subtly and devastatingly questions where we belong, to whom we owe our allegiance and what we dare risk for love.

Jesmyn Ward, Sing, Unburied, Sing A new take on the Great American Novel, this is both an intimate story of one family’s haunted journey and a confrontation of the reality of life for America’s poor and disenfranchised.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Homemakers invites you to

Flower Arranging In Unusual Containers

By Kerry Evans With Cheese & Wine On Wednesday 13th June 2018 At Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield £5.00 each Contact Brenda on 01530 242173

For more information about any of our events, Groups or clubs then please visit our website: markfieldcommunitylibrary.co.uk or email markfieldcommunitylibraryevents@mail.com Monday

9.00am to 10.00am

1.00pm to 3.00pm

6.00pm to 7.00pm

Tuesday

9.00am to 10.00am

1.00pm to 3.00pm

6.00pm to 7.00pm

Wednesday

Closed

Closed

Closed

Thursday

9.00am to 10.00am

12.30pm to 3.00pm

6.00pm to 7.00pm

Friday

9.00am to 10.30am

1.00pm to 3.00pm

Closed

Saturday

10.00am to 12 noon

Closed

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Closed

Closed

15

MARKFIELD LIBRARY OPENING TIMES

My friend David was a victim of ID theft. Now we just call him Dav.

All will be made welcome

16

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

2018 Markfield WI Programme May: Resolutions Evening Taste and Compare June: Linda Khalid Mindfulness

News from The Markfield And Thornton Theatre Group OUR NEXT production is to be “Run For Your Wife” – an adult comedy by Ray Cooney.

About The Play

July: Revd Canon Alan Haydock Confessions of a Country Vicar August: Dave Andrews Radio Leicester September: Louise Brooks Day in the Life of a Thoroughly Modern Milliner October: Jan Gaskell My Time as a Lady Mayoress November: Peter Wood Willow Weaving December: Christmas Party

Meetings are the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7.45pm at the Methodist Church, Main St Markfield.

Further information from Fran Johnson 01530 243350 or Jane Barrington 01530 243285.

Bardon Park Chapel www.bardonchapel.co.uk

FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE: Come and worship the Lord with us on the 1st Sunday in every month at 10.00 am. Our gatherings are fairly informal.

THURSDAY ART CLASS: Between 7pm and 9.00pm.

THE MONTHLY PRAISE MEETING: 1st Saturday in each month at 3.00pm. Enjoy a lively time of singing, encouragement, fellowship, testimonies and uplifting messages.

Bardon Park Chapel, Shaw Lane, Bardon, Coalville LE67 1TD There is a large car park at the back.

For more details on any of the above please contact: Richard Norburn on Tel: 01530 242526

John Smith, a London taxi driver, is having a very, very bad morning.

The night before, he rescued a woman who was being robbed by three thugs. In the confusion of the moment, the woman hit Mr. Smith on the head with her handbag and the resulting injury sent him to the hospital for some minor repairs.

John’s problem - or, rather, the catalyst that exposes his multiple problems - is that in his groggy state of mind he gave different addresses to the police and to the hospital.

Well, two addresses would seem innocent enough and, after all, John is a hero.

But this taxi driver, who everyone describes as a simple, ordinary man, has a wife at each address.

Barbara Smith is the wife in the Streatham flat. Mary Smith is the wife in the Wimbledon flat. One thinks her husband works the late shift, while the other thinks hers works the early shift.

When the policemen investigating the mugging find discrepancies in their paperwork, it seems that John’s happy bubble of domestic bliss is about to burst. Or is it?

The Author: Ray Cooney Britain’s greatest living farceur! Last year the “Master of Farce” celebrated both his 85th birthday and his seventy years of working in “Showbiz”.

It is with delightful anticipation that we have chosen a Cooney comedy for our next production.

Every other one of his plays that we have produced has brought laughter in good measure to both ourselves and to our audiences.

“Run For Your Wife”, (Cooney’s biggest success), ran for nine years in the West End and is its longestrunning comedy. His plays are structurally complicated, (which fact keeps the cast on its toes!), and very often the larger-than-life characters find themselves talking at cross-purposes and leaping to assumptions whilst the audience enjoys the joke. Cooney, (discussing his plays in an article in “the Telegraph “ in 2014), says, “The characters are believable – it is the situations that are slightly out of the ordinary. Ordinary people who are out of their depth in a predicament which is beyond their control and they are unable to contain.

Farce is teamwork. The characters aren’t standing centre-stage, spotlit, intellectualising about their predicament. They’re rushing about dealing with it.”

We do hope that you’ll come along to see how the characters deal with the strange situations in “Run For Your Wife”! (And there is a lot of “Rushing about”!)

Our Production Keith Barnes plays the part of well-intentioned and hopelessly-romantic John Smith, and “wives” Julie Marlow and Charlotte Parish battle their way through the intricacies of his schedule.

Wayne Roberts, as work-shy Stanley Gardner from the upstairs flat, finds himself drawn into a tangled web of deception as he becomes John’s unwitting accomplice. David Woodward and Dale Palmer represent the strong arms of the law as the bemused and baffled detectives. Tadeusz Dobrowolski plays a cameo role and gives us a quick flash as the

press photographer and audience favourite Roderick Lay flounces in as dress-designer Bobby Franklyn.

Dates For Your Diary The play will be staged from WEDNESDAY 6TH TO SATURDAY 9TH JUNE AT THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE. ALL TICKETS ARE £5 AND ARE AVAILABLE ON 01455 822148 OR FROM THORNTON’S CORNER SHOP. THE PLAY WILL START AT 7.30p.m. (Doors open at 7.00 p.m.)

Please note that Thornton Centre has facilities for the disabled and wheelchair users are most welcome.

PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL GROUP. We’d love to have you with us! Laughter is a great medicine!

Muriel Walker

I beat a black belt at karate. My next challenger is a green sock.

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk An evening of music with the

Hesperides Quartet Saturday 16th June at 7.30pm Markfield Methodist Church, Main Street, Markfield Mendelssohn’s String Quartet op 44 no.2 in E min Schostakovich’s String Quartet no.1 in C Stravinsky’s 3 Pieces for String Quartet featuring local violinist and music teacher, Karen Silverwood Tickets £10.00 including refreshments available in advance from Karen 07739 555015 karensilverwood@ googlemail.com

• •

MARKFIELD HOMEMAKERS meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, on the second Wednesday of the month at 8pm • May 9th: Pauline Fitchett A talk ~Mining, memorabilia and afternoon tea.

• June 13th: Kerry Evans Flower arranging in unusual containers

• Sep 12th: Jenny Perry RNIB • October 10th: Felicity Austin The Swinging Sixties

Sat 19th May: Farrell FAZ Crowson Sat 23rd June: Punk & Disorderly Sat 4th Aug: RockSka

Coming soon to The Thornton “Stogies” Blues bands - DJ’s - Dancing See Face book: The Thornton - Thornton Club

WHAT’S PLANNED FOR MARKFIELD HOMEMAKERS

• August 8th: Skittles at Little Markfield Farm

Coming Up At Thornton Club •

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• November 14th: Sandy Leong History of Witches & Witchcraft

Formed in 2016 the Hesperides Quartet is a group of musicians exploring repertoire for string quartet from the Romantic period to the present day.

Rooted in their years of experience as professional instrumentalists, their approach combines close attention to the composer’s wishes with musical creativity. As well as their lives as players, the members of the quartet are all committed teachers with a belief in holistic music education.

Friendship and humour are at the heart of their music making.

• December 12th: Christmas Party

For more information, call: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436.

Father’s Day is 17th June.

Our Beer Garden awaits your Dad!

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Main Street, Street, Thornton Thornton Tel: Tel: 01530 01530 230808 230808 213 www.bricklayersarms.net www.bricklayersarms.net

Wednesday is

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

Traditional Sunday Lunch 1 Course - £9.00 2 Courses - £11.00 3 Courses - £13.00

With personal service to your table

Home-Made Pie Night - Tuesdays - £5.95 Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Garden & Great Food!

I was wondering what my parents did without the internet. None of my 13 siblings could tell me.

18

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

National Trust Leicester Association NEWS WE ARE now in spring and it will soon be summer and National Trust gardens are looking wonderful.

All of our gardens are looked after by a team of qualified gardeners augmented by large groups of volunteer gardeners.

Close to Groby the four acre garden at Stoneywell Cottage (pictured) already has lots of colour.

The garden has the best display of rhododendrons in the East Midlands with varieties that flower virtually throughout the year. There are also many other flowering shrubs and trees to enjoy and in addition the walled kitchen garden. All visits to Stoneywell must be pre booked on 01530 248048.

Close to Ashby de la Zouch the seven acre walled garden at Calke Abbey is also in full bloom. In one corner the rare surviving Auricula Theatre also houses a spectacular display. The “theatre” is a centuries old idea of a covered shelved structure to show off your auriculars and other potted plants.

At Canons Ashby, near Towcester, the formal garden was restored to its former glory only four years ago and now has a wonderful floral display based on the garden design of the 1850’s. In addition the paddocks in the parkland have drifts of wild flowers.

A little further afield at Clumber Park, near Worksop, the large walled Kitchen Garden has colourful herbaceous borders and a wonderful collection of old varieties of fruit and vegetables including the National Collection of Rhubarb. In addition the garden houses a large Edwardian Long Range Glasshouse, which at 450 feet long is the longest in the care of the National Trust. Following a recent renovation project all 2,000 panes of glass in the structure are now in place.

Even further afield, at Gunby Hall near Skegness, another seven acre walled garden is totally awash with colour including the largest and most impressive collection of roses at any NT property in the Midlands. In addition, the other three sides of the house are covered with lawn and formal planting.

The gardens at all of the properties mentioned are open daily until late autumn. Check www.nationaltrust.org.uk for full details.

For details of the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

Teeth or children ...

‘Gain a child and lose a tooth’ may not be just an old wives’ tale.

Recent research has found that women who have three children are likely to have fewer teeth than women with two children.

It is thought that pregnancy hormones may be interfering with calcium absorption, thus leaving teeth more likely to decay or get gum disease.

The research was reported in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.

The Whistle-Stop Bridge Group COME AND PLAY Bridge at the WhistleStop Bridge Group at the Bagworth Community Centre and get those little grey cells working!

This new session starts on the Thursday 21st June 1.004.00. We will start informally using Chicago scoring and then move onto duplicate sessions. No partner required and all will be made very welcome.

We hope eventually to be fully affiliated to the English Bridge Union by being ‘adopted’ by an adjacent larger club, so master points will become available if that is your aim.

The room available to us is light and airy, with free wifi and full disabled access. The Whistle-Stop Cafe will provide you with a lunch of home made food at very reasonable prices.

The sessions will be organized by EBU trained teachers and an EBU trained director.

For more info or to register your interest:- email whistlestopbridgeinbagworth@gmail.com or call Carol 01530 231525 or Shelagh 01530 231165.

Canon David Winter is saddened by the widespread ‘negativity’ around…

‘People nowadays’

‘Everyone seems to be against something’, someone said to me the other day, and I had to agree.

‘What I can’t stand is . . .’ can be followed by almost anything, from babies screaming in the coffee shop to people who will say ‘Take care!’, junk mail, careless parkers or even someone’s accent or hair style on television.

Identifying ourselves by what we are against is an ancient but ultimately soul-destroying attitude. Older people like me have our own version of it: ‘People nowadays . . .’ followed by our particular dislike about modern ways. ‘People’ are us, actually, and I dare say our little foibles equally irritate some younger citizens.

The answer, someone suggested to me, is to replace ‘What I can’t stand is. . .’ with ‘What cheers me up is . . .’ I worked out my own list, including children laughing, a dog’s devotion, ‘Hiya David’ from a neighbour, a favourite hymn in church, and the supermarket check-out person who has just beeped their five hundredth item of the day but still smiles and says hello as though she means it.

Come to think of it, I quite like the dismissal, ‘Take care!’ I need to.

I come from a very musical family, even the sewing machine’s a Singer.

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

19

Grants available: don’t miss out!

THE PRINCE’S Countryside Fund grants now available to support community-led groups and projects in rural areas around the UK. Applications opened on April 30th for community groups and charities to apply for grant funding of up to £50,000 from The Prince’s Countryside Fund, until June 14th 2018.

The Fund is committed to supporting projects which will reinvigorate and sustain community networks, by providing services and amenities.

Volunteering in Shropshire’s community run Beckbury Shop which was supported by The Fund in 2017, “has been the best thing I’ve ever done – it’s given me a new sense of get up and go” said local resident Inez. Having been housebound for several years following two operations, Inez now volunteers twice a week.

Claire Saunders, Director of the Fund said: “This is a critical time for people and businesses in our rural areas, and we are seeking applicants for our grant programme who can help to ensure that their rural communities can thrive now and in the future.

“We want to hear from innovative and creative community led projects that are responding to local needs and would urge people to consider applying. Whether this is bringing new life to your village shop and pub, increasing access to rural employment and training, or bringing together farming communities, we would love to hear from you.”

Funding is also available for projects that will improve the prospects of viability for family farm businesses, for example by providing training or education schemes.

Jen Andrews from Newquay Community Orchard said: “Our grant from The Prince’s Countryside Fund has enabled us to do so much - we have helped to foster an interest in rural skills to bridge the ever-widening gap in the understanding of the care, attention and sheer effort that our food producers put into creating our food.

“We also wanted to inspire careers in the rural sector and have been training disengaged young people in Practical Outdoors and Employability skills - we hope to see more young people getting into the rural sector, it has so much to offer!”

Organisations that directly support agriculture, such as The Farmer Network in Cumbria, are also eligible. The Farmer Network has run schemes to encourage young people to develop farming enterprises, through their Business Support For Young People programme, as well as providing ongoing assistance to farming families.

The Fund’s grant giving helps to support a diverse range of projects, often delivered locally by grassroots organisations and community groups, and since the Fund was set up by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2010 it has distributed more than £9 million to communities across the UK. The Fund is particularly keen to receive applications from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Grant applications can be made from April 30th to June 14th 2018. Find out more and read the full eligibility and guidance document at www. princescountrysidefund.org.uk/grants or contact Helen Aldis on 020 7566 6659 or Helen.Aldis@bitc.org.uk

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I once took to the stage as Hamlet, which really annoyed the rest of the cast of Mamma Mia.

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THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Bagworth, Thornton & Stanton-underBardon NP Steering Group THE BACKGROUND information gathering for the Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton under Bardon Neighbourhood Plan continues.

Last month we held a Stakeholder Meeting with representatives of businesses, clubs and associations which operate in the three parishes. Whilst the number of Stakeholders attending was low, the quality of the information gained was high and we thank those people who took the time to attend the meeting.

The Rural Community Council is now gathering the information together and will report to us shortly. We will then review this information with a view to formatting the questionnaire which will be submitted to each property in the Designated Area. Using your responses to the questionnaire we will start to write the Plan.

A lot of work is being undertaken which is not immediately visible. However, in the next few months, with the circulation of the questionnaire, YOUR input will be vital. Please ensure you complete and return the questionnaire to us. The Borough Council will submit the draft Neighbourhood Plan to a referendum of all parishioners and stakeholders in our designated area. The Plan will only be adopted if a majority of you approve it.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL OF YOU TO ASSIST US! LOOK OUT FOR OUR QUESTIONNAIRE ARRIVING THROUGH YOUR LETTERBOX IN A FEW WEEKS TIME!

Steps through time WE ARE only weeks away from the next Groby Sings extravaganza!

This year there will be an interesting mix of songs from different periods in the past through to modern times including folk songs and film tunes, songs to have you jigging in your seats and others to bring tears to your eyes.

Ian Briggs

Vice-Chairman, BT&SuB NP Steering Group

The Hare and the Tortoise

I recently had a poorly car The garage man said”mmm and ah I’ll take a look and see what’s wrong And let you know it won’t take long” Five days later he gave me a ring To let me know it was a spring Completely sheared off.... there’s a thing He said road humps are sure to blame So drive with care avoid a claim No need to rush just take your time And everything will work out fine Don’t feel intimidated by cars behind you , take your time over the humps and be like the tortoise, you’ll get there in the end.

Sandra Pickering

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

26th

We know our audiences like to join in and there will be plenty of opportunities to sing along with the choir so make sure to put these details in your diaries: SATURDAY 30TH JUNE 7.00PM (please note earlier start time than usual) and SUNDAY 1ST JULY 3.00PM. Both performances at Groby College.

TICKETS still only £5 will be available from Chaplin’s Butchers, Groby from Tuesday 5th June.

Chaplin’s opening times: Tuesday/Wednesday/ Thursday 9.00-1.00, Friday/Saturday 9.00-4.00.

Please note that tickets sell out extremely quickly, particularly for the Sunday performance, and several people were disappointed to miss out last time so don’t leave it too late! If you know any choir member, they will have an extra opportunity to purchase tickets on Mondays at rehearsals so you can also ask them to try to get tickets for you.

Finally, remember that Groby Sings is a true community facility that is open to everyone and it is never too late to join in our singing sessions whether you want to perform at the concerts or just want to enjoy singing, good company and cake once a week.

Sessions are held at the Groby Club on Mondays: 1.15-3.00pm or 8.00-9.30pm for adults and 3.404.40pm, i.e. after school, for our young singers.

Email grobysings@gmail.com or view our website www.grobysings.org for further information or enquiries, including availability of lifts to the Groby Club, parking or afternoon childcare.

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I’m selling my old tennis equipment but I can’t work out what’s the net worth.

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

21

Loads to do at Leicester’s Riverside Festival!

LEICESTER’S Riverside Festival 2018 will take place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June. With free events for the whole family to enjoy, this is an event not to be missed.

Taking place on Bede Park, Mile Straight, Western Boulevard and Castle Gardens, the festival features stalls, food and activities for the whole family.

Last year’s festival was attended by over twenty thousand people, and featured live music, world food, boat trips and displays.

The River Soar is one of Leicester’s most historic locations and acts as the festival’s centrepiece for the weekend. Once Britain’s most profitable commercial navigation route, it also boasts beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Do you own a canal boat?

If you own a canal boat, and would like to join in the fun, why not take advantage of free mooring for all non-commercial boats? Part of what makes the festival special is the colourful spactacle of narrow boats and vessels of all shapes and sizes, bringing charm to this stretch of the waterway.

To register you boat for the festival, please email festivals@leicester.gov.uk

If these crime syndicates were as good at crime as they say, they wouldn’t have to keep buying lottery tickets.

22

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Congregational Church

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

Sunday 24th June 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 27 May 10.15am Morning Worship followed by Communion

Other Events at Trinity Methodist Church: All Very Welcome • Music Café 2:00pm to 4:00pm 24th May, 14th & 28th June • Music for a May Evening Friday 18th May at 7:00pm See Website for Details and Ticket Information

Catholic Church of St Wilfrid of York 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB

Sunday 3 June 10.15am Morning Worship Sunday 10 June 10.15am Morning Worship Sunday 17 June 10.30am Churches Together United Service in St Michael’s Parish Church

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 20th May 10.30am Christian Aid Service Pentecost Sunday 27th May 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 3rd June 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 10th June 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper Sunday 17th June 10.30am Morning Service and Sunday School Anniversary Father’s Day 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 www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org Facebook : Markfield Methodist Church Sunday 20th May 10:30am United Service for Christian Aid 4:00pm Circuit Service and LP Accreditation Sunday 27th May 9:45am Focused Prayer Fellowship 10:30am Morning Communion Service 6:00pm No Evening Service Sunday 3rd June 10:30am Morning Worship 6:00pm Taize Service Sunday 10th June 10:30am Morning Worship 4:00pm Café Church Sunday 17th June 10:30am United Service at Parish Church 6:00pm Evening Communion Service Sunday 24th June

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield Friday 18th May 8.00 pm “Still Friday” Sunday 20th May 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Service for Christian Aid week at Methodists 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 27th May 8.00 am Holy Communion (said service) 6.00 pm Evening Service

Sunday 17th June 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 24th June 10.30 am “Something Different” Service

See Newsletter on the website below for details of weekday Mass times, Confessions, and other events.

St Peter’s Church, Thornton

Parish Contact: Parish Priest: Fr Tom Breslin – 01530 832098 www. stwilfspriest@gmail.com

Sunday 20th May 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 27th May 10.30 am All Age Service Sunday 3rd June 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 3rd June 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 10th June 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 10th June 10.30 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Sunday 17th June 10.30 am Holy Communion

Friday 15th June 8.00 pm “Still Friday” Sunday 17th June 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Service 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 24th June 8.00 am Holy Communion (said service) 6.00 pm Evening Service

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon

Sunday 24th June 10.30 am All Age Service

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 3rd June 9.00 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 20th May 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service)

Sunday 20th May 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 27th May 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 27th May 10.30 am “Something Different” Service

Sunday 3rd June 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Sunday 3rd June 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 10th June 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday Mass Saturday Vigil: 6 pm Sunday: 10 am

Sunday 10th June 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 17th June 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service)

Parish Website: www.stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk School Details: St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www. st-clares.leics.sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle.leics.sch.uk

Markfield Masses

Held at the Congregational Church Hall on Main Street, next to the Chinese take-away. All are welcome.

• Wednesday, 20 June at 7 pm • Wednesday, 19 September at 7 pm • Wednesday, 21 November at 7 pm.

Quiet A Sunday school teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to church service, ‘and why is it necessary to be quiet in church?’

One bright little girl replied, ‘Because people are sleeping.’

Blessing A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and asked her to say the blessing. ‘I don’t know what to say,’ the girl replied.

‘Just say what you hear Mummy say,’ the wife answered.

The daughter bowed her head and said, ‘Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?’

First pancake A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5 and Ryan 3.

The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. She said: ‘If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, “Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.”’

Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, ‘Ryan, you be Jesus!’

Elton John hates talking about Indian clothing. Sari seems to be the hardest word.

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

23

May the toys be with you

Exhibition there is. Like it you will ADVENTURE. Excitement. A Jedi craves not these things. But find them you will, at Leicester’s New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, from this summer.

In praise of knitting KNITTING can be astonishingly good for you.

This gentle hobby has been found to lower blood pressure, reduce depression, keep your mind alert, slow the onset of dementia, distracts from chronic pain (such as arthritis), boost wellbeing, and reduce loneliness.

A major study by the organisation Knit for Peace has found that knitting lowers the heart rate by an average of 11 beats per minute and induces ‘an enhanced state of calm.’ The repetitive movement also boosts calming serotonin, which lifts your mood and dulls any pain. Knitting also boosts the reward centres of the brain, because it allows people to feel that they can still make a contribution to society.

In Britain, where the NHS spends more than £2 billion each year on blood pressure treatments, around £300 million on antidepressants, and about £26 billion on dementia, and unknown billions on various chronic pain, perhaps more people should take up knitting. As one expert says: ‘Research has shown that there is a growing crisis in primary care. As a skilled and creative occupation, knitting has therapeutic potential. There is an enormous amount of research showing that knitting has physical and mental health benefits.’

A stunning new exhibition May The Toys Be With You – will showcase one of the UK’s finest and most complete collections of original Star Wars toys and film posters.

The exhibition, which opens in July, celebrates the vintage, collectible Star Wars line of toys and iconic film poster artwork, from the personal collection of Star Wars devotee Matt Fox. Like many millions of children growing up in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Matt began collecting Star Wars merchandise as the must-have play thing.

He went on to assemble one of the most detailed and best-condition collections of Star Wars figurines anywhere.

Visitors will be able to explore the figures and other merchandise chronologically, from the very first ‘Early Bird’ set of figures onwards.

Some of the exhibits will be on display alongside their more rare, alternative versions, while film posters carrying the now legendary Star Wars artwork will complete the picture, including a previously unpublished original alternative artwork for the first Star Wars film by artist Tom Beauvais.

An estimated 300 million Star Wars action figures were produced between 1977 and 1985, with Coalville-based toy manufacturer Palitoy at the forefront of producing the original figures.

The figures quickly became highly collectible, with sales of merchandise even outstripping the box office record set in 1977 by the first instalment of the Star Wars saga.

The original Star Wars trilogy – Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi – tell the story of a galactic civil war, involving the Rebel Alliance trying to free the galaxy from the grasp of the Galactic Empire, and follows Luke Skywalker’s quest to become a Jedi.

May The Toys Be With You runs at Leicester’s New Walk Museum and Art Gallery from July 21, to October 28.

Bread IT TAKES a year to produce a loaf of bread, from field to fork.

Yet in the UK we throw away 24 million slices of it, every day. The average person will throw away more than half a loaf of bread every month.

A recent survey by Love Food Hate Waste has also found that among 18 to 34-year-olds, 69 per cent throw bread away every week. The campaign is urging people to slice and freeze their bread when they get it home, so that it can last for several months.

I really like driverless cars. In fact the other day I saw a whole car park full of them.

24

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Snibston renovation given green light AMBITIOUS plans to completely transform the former Snibston Colliery site and country park have been given the green light.

The County Council is to carry out a £1.7 million regeneration project, which will see the site turned into a vibrant place to live and visit.

The plans were approved by North West Leicestershire District Council’s planning committee on 9th May. The plans include: • A new café extension to the Century Theatre; • Creating a heritage trail so people can learn more about the former colliery’s historic pithead buildings; • Improving the country park, with picnic tables, outdoor play area and mountain bike trail; • Creating a car park and pedestrian walkway; • Outline planning permission to develop 144 homes on part of the site – this would part-fund the project; • Preparatory work, including tree-felling, fences and footpath improvements.

Music in Markfield

M

ARKFIELD Methodist Church were delighted to host a second piano recital on the newly-acquired piano in the church, given this time by Andrei Ivanov from Belarus.

He’s currently an advanced post-graduate student at Birmingham’s Royal Conservatoire; the week before coming here he starred in the Conservatoire’s Royal Gala Concert in front of Prince Edward ... one week royalty, the next week Markfield!

Andrei had a quiet, disarming manner but he stormed his way through a dazzling performance of Schumann’s first Piano Sonata. Before that we heard a wonderfully poised rendition of a Bach Prelude and Fugue, followed by Chopin’s Barcarolle and the unknown ‘In the Mists’ by the Czechoslovak composer Janacek. The capacity audience was delighted.

We are so lucky to be able to welcome musicians of such quality to our village, and it’s with great excitement that we can announce the return of Renata Konyicska on 16 November this year: she stunned the audience at last year’s inaugural recital, and we are delighted when she said she would love to return! Book the date now! We are about to confirm the date for a recital next spring to be given by the Russian Roman Korsyakov. A graduate of the Moscow State Conservatory, he too is studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatory. He has just won the International Piano Competition at Hastings, seeing off entrants for South Korea, China and Taiwan. These young pianists are really putting Markfield on the map!

Yet another musical date for your diary: Friday 17 May 2019. We will welcome the distinguished saxophonist Alistair Parnell who thrilled the audience at a recent concert in Derby by his creative and sensitive playing of some wonderful pieces.

For information about any of these musical events, or to be placed on our mailing list, please visit www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org or contact Malcolm Goldring on 01530 242742.

Forthcoming Dances at Bagworth Club Social Dances • June 15th Charity Dances • May 18th • July 20th All the Dances are on Friday nights.

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THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

HERALD Small Ads Pick Up A Bargain!

• Mahogany finished circular DINING TABLE. Used but good condition. 105cm extends to 150 cm. Price: £25.

• 2ft. double steel TOWEL RAIL As new. Price: £6 Tel: 0116 2243505. (Groby) • For sale TOURING KIT for Kawasaki versys 650 (2010-2013) • 1 PLXR450 Quick Release PANNIER RACK. Price: £75 ono • 1 Pair of MONORACK ARMS for Rear Rack. Price: £30 ono All in good condition, telephone Alan on 07715 056674 (Groby).

• Self propelled SCOOTER Reflex X. Suit age 8 plus. Good condition.

Price: £25.

Tel: 07547 901657 (Groby) • Large car ROOF BOX for sale, Odyssey Karrite make, excellent condition, as new. Photos & measurements available if required.

Perfect for holidays. Price: £80 • ROOF BARS to fit Vauxhall Vectra, Corsa, Meriva. Very good condition.

Photos available if required. Complete with original instructions. Price: £45.

Buy both for £110!

• CHILD’S BICYCLE, suit ages 7-10yrs approx. Apollo Xpander mountain bike.

Bright green. Very good condition, outgrown in a few months. Photos available. Price: £70.

Tel: 07951 991408. (Markfield) • Manhattan Plaza HD-S Freesat High Definition DIGITAL SET TOP BOX. Fully working and in good condition.

Complete with remote, HDMI cable and instruction manual. 12 volt so ideal for camping, motorhome, or boat, as well as home use.

Price: £10 o.n.o.

• A pair of Paddy Hopkirk ROOF BARS, good condition. £10 o.n.o.

Tel: 07305 234044 (Groby) • Samsonite SUIT CASE (Large Black Colour) Excellent Condition. Price: £20.

• Antler SUIT CASE (Large Black Colour) Excellent Condition. Price: £20.

Tel: 01530 245319 (Markfield) • Collection of 5 named DELPHINIUM PLANTS, various colours. Price: £15 for the collection.

• Collection of 5 named IRIS GERMANICA (BEARDED IRIS) PLANTS, various colours.

Price: £15 for the collection.

• Collection of 5 named ORIENTAL POPPIES, various colours Price: £15 for the collection.

All good quality plants. Proceeds to raise funds for Animal Aid. Tel: 01530 230389.

• 27 PAVING SLABS - 450mm square grey. Free to collect.

• RYOBI STRIMMER. Price: £10 to LOROS Tel 0116 2873251 (Groby) • Gtech Rechargeable POWER SWEEPER. Hardly used. Price: £30 • Flymo Electric HOVER MOWER. Good working order. Price: £15 • Cylinder DOOR LOCKS x 4 Three keys with each lock.

Price £8 each Tel 0116 287 0378 (Glenfield)

• TOURING CARAVAN - 1995 Avondale Sport 390. One owner – retiring from caravanning. Some accessories available.

Offers invited.

TEL: 0116 222 7551 (Groby) TEXT only: 07580 560740 • Black Leather SOFA. Price £80.

• Stag Minstrel BOOKCASE. Price £135.

• CAR WHEEL AND TYRE. Unused 17” Alloy wheel with 195/55R16 87V Dunlop tyre. Price £55.

• Two Interior, part glazed, DOORS. Price £15 each.

Tel: 0116 2874155 or 07565 110185.

• AQUA LIFT. Unused bath lift ready for collection complete with instruction manual and battery charger. Cost £2,000, offers around £600.

Tel: 01530 249853 (Markfield Court Retirement Village) • MOBILITY SCOOTER - red and black. In very good condition. Model: Ellite Traveller 4, which can be taken on planes. Price: £550 - £600 Tel: 07510 272873 (Groby) • Hoover VACUUM CLEANER - 2200W - with tools. Good working order. Price £15.

• CRASH HELMET - red - with cover bag. Brand new. Never been worn.

Price £20.

• Goodmans BREAD MAKER, good working order, complete with recipe booklet. Price £25.

Tel: 07881 885927 (Markfield).

25

Methodist Minister’s Reflections I WONDER if you’ve ever had a really embarrassing experience which made you feel like something of a fool in front of other people.

I was recently watching a clip from the BBC Breakfast programme in which sports reporter Mike Bushell was about to interview some of the Commonwealth Games swimming medallists.

The swimmers were sitting round the edge of a small pool.

As Bushell was about to start the interview, he fell into the pool!

The swimmers were overcome with laughter, and I’m sure the incident will be replayed many times over coming weeks and months. I did feel a bit sorry for Mike Bushell.

It was interesting that Easter Sunday this year fell on 1st April, known as April Fools’ Day. The apostle Paul, writing one of his letters, admitted that the message he proclaimed, of Christ dying and being raised to life, might appear “foolishness” to some. And yet, as he himself discovered, when a person embraces the reality of the message, it is life-transforming.

I suppose that the person who first suggested that the earth was round and not flat was treated as a fool. Sometimes, what appears foolish at first sight turns out to be a vital revelation of truth.

Steve Clark

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

• Two BOOKCASES - light grey, 24”x24”x9”. Price: £6 each.

• TRAVEL CLOCK in zipped container.

3¼”x2⅛”. Price: £5.

• Bosch DRILL BIT SET (12 pieces) unused. Price: £3.

• Decor Ladies TRAVEL CASE. Very good condition. Three zipped compartments. Two wheels. Extending handle. 8”x14”x24”. Price: £8.

• Brown TRAVEL CASE. Very good condition. 7”x13”x22”. Price: £5.

• TUNING DIAL (including tuning capacitor). Ex 1154/55 Tx/Rx. As in wartime Lancaster. Price: £100.

Tel: 0116 287 5973 (Groby) • DESK TABLE - as new. 31”x47”, light oak veneer. Good quality. Price: £30. To be collected.

• Wooden GARDEN TABLE & CHAIRS. Excellent condition. Stored away during winter months. Price: £40. To be collected.

Tel: 01530 587950.

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

Maximum EIGHT items please. Our postal address is Spotlight Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘Small Ads’ in the subject line, and include your postal address (not for publication).

To the man on crutches dressed in camouflage who stole my wallet: you can hide but you can’t run.

26

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

What’s Been Happening at Markfield Community and Sports Centre Family Trips To The Seaside

JUST TO LET you know that both of our family trips to Skegness and Llandudno are now virtually fully booked but you can put your name down on a reserve list with a chance of a place if someone withdraws.

Birthday Celebrations

• ON SATURDAY 14th April villager James Hodges celebrated his 30th Birthday along with family and friends including his partner Sam and children Imogen and Harvey. Sorry I didn’t manage to get any photographs.

• ON SATURDAY 28th April villager Barry Dunn celebrated his 70th Birthday with his wife Audrey, family and friends. Many of his friends harp back to the 1970’s when they all went motorcycle racing. There was even a surprise visit from Audrey’s sister Sandra who popped over from Ireland especially for the party.

Barry is a picture framer by trade and Audrey arranged a special birthday cake to recount a hazardous trip Barry & Audrey Dunn recently in France that nearly put paid to his hopes of reaching his birthday.

Apparently they were on a camper van holiday in France when SATNAV led them on a route up a mountain pass. It was pitch black with a narrow single lane road with steep drops over the side. When Barry finally got to the top he exclaimed “Well that was pretty dangerous”. They had missed the signs advising them that the route was dangerous and treacherous and SATNAV didn’t tell them!

Anyway they survived the ordeal and the birthday cake Barrys Birthday Cake reminded them of this adventure.

The cake even had an amazing candle that projected a flame very reminiscent of a volcano erupting.

Happy birthday to both James and Barry from all at the Centre.

Snap Dragon Children and Family Summer Scheme

I AM PLEASED to let you know that, following our successful and much appreciated summer activities scheme last year, we have been successful in obtaining a grant from the Borough Council to once again provide a similar event this summer.

The Snap Dragon Summer Play Days will take place on Thursday 26th July and 2nd, 9th and 16th August all from 9am to 11.30am. The sessions will be run by parents from our Parents and Toddlers group but once again children of all ages up to 12 years old are most welcome. So, whilst the toddlers are playing and parents are socializing the older siblings can enjoy football and indoor sports sessions provided by Matt Elliott Sports Development.

Once again we intend to conclude with an end of summer party and awards presentation. It will only cost £1 per person per session and will be a great opportunity for families to have fun together.

Mayflower Club’s Update

THE PAST WEEKS have been very busy at the Mayflower Club with many exciting and informative sessions.

We have had a very amusing talk by local author David Bell on the subject of “Down the Garden Path – Tales of the Privy”. This brought back many memories and stories of how we or our grand parents managed with the

old outdoor toilet often shared with others.

To celebrate St Patrick’s Day we held our very own “Irish Grand National” with raucous cheering and laughter as horses romped home across the winning line (or not).

To celebrate St George’s Day we held a special St George’s Day Pub Quiz followed a pub feast of faggots, sausages, new potatoes and of course mushy peas.

Grand National Winners

Winners of the St George’s Quiz On 11th April Ian Retson from the Woodland Trust came along to give a very interesting talk on the work of the Woodland Trust.

Considering that we are very close to the National Forest and have many Woodland Trust sites in our locality it was nice to learn about their history, how they are maintained and their use by the public.

Talk on South Africa On 25th April following my return from a fantastic holiday in South Africa I was persuaded to give a talk about our adventures. Apart from meeting up with family it was amazing to have a trip around the Western Cape including a trip up Table Mountain, a visit to see the penguins at Boulders Bay and the seals on Seal Island.

But perhaps the highlight was our stay at the Aquila Safari Reservation where we saw up close the BIG 5 African wild animals including Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Zebra, Ostrich and many others. The highlight was the reservation’s pride of lions.

We have got more exciting and informative events in the planning for you, including a talk Scam Buddies and Arthritis but our main event in May will be our Royal Wedding celebration banquet on the 16th May. On this day our very own Queen of Markfield and Prince of Thornton will be gracing our presence along with other members of the “royal family”.

The Mayflower Club meets on Wednesday afternoons and our Mayflower Friendship Club on Monday afternoons. Both are from 2pm to 4pm and only cost £1.50p per session and that includes a “cuppa” and biscuits. Come along, you will be most welcome.

Years ago I used to supply Filofaxes for the mafia. I was involved in very organised crime.

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Reminder Crazy Badminton Special Offer

20 Cryptic Clues to Rivers

JUST A REMINDER that if you fancy a game of badminton or perhaps bring your kids along and have a game in the school holidays or at other times we have some slots free from Mondays to Fridays where, for just £7 per hour, you can hire our badminton court.

We can provide the nets and a fully marked court and we do have a limited supply of rackets and shuttle cocks if you do not have your own. The offer is subject to availability but contact the Centre if you are interested.

SHEILA FOX - now of Markfield - likes to test our grey matter every now and then.

ME Sports Holiday Soccer Schools

ME SPORTS will be holding soccer schools during holiday periods as follows: 29th May to 1st June AND throughout August

National Blood Service

THE NEXT opportunity to donate blood via the National Blood Service will be on Wednesday so come along and “Do something amazing” by donating your much needed blood.

South Africa’s Table Mountain

Money Saving Special Offer

DON’T FORGET that if you are planning a special family event, party or function with a bar we only charge a modest hire fee of £10 per room.

This hire fee is very competitive to other venues in the area and will save you money.

For bookings and enquiries please contact Markfield Centre and Sports ,Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST on 01530 242240 or email markfieldcomunitycentre@ hotmail.co.uk or you can visit our website www. markfield communitycentre.com to view our facilities, latest news, photo gallery and information about the Centre.

Ron Grantham

27

Lions pictured in South Africa’s Aquila Safari Reservation

Fathers’ Day – time to celebrate male role models IN THE UK, USA and Canada, the third Sunday in June is Father’s Day. It’s a good time for sons and daughters to take their father to his favourite restaurant, or to watch a favoured sport, or whatever else he enjoys doing.

How will you celebrate it this year? If your own father cannot be with you, is there a ‘spare’ father somewhere in your church or your circle of friends whose children cannot be with him, and who would welcome some special treat on the day?

How do these special days ever get started, anyway? Well, Father’s Day began because way back in 1909 there was a woman in Spokane, Washington, named Sonora Louise Smart Dodd. That year she heard a church sermon about the merits of setting aside a day to honour one’s mother. Mother’s Day was just beginning to gather widespread attention in the United States at this time. But Sonora Louise Smart Dodd knew that it was her father who had selflessly raised herself and her five siblings by himself after their mother had died in childbirth. So the sermon on mothers gave Sonora Louise the idea to petition for a day to honour fathers, and in particular, her own father, William Jackson Smart.

Sonora Louise soon set about planning the first Father’s Day celebration in Spokane in 1910. With support from the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA, her efforts paid off, and a ‘Father’s Day’ was appointed.

Sonora Louise had wanted Father’s Day to be on the first Sunday in June (since that was her father’s birthday), but the city council didn’t have time to approve it until later in the month. And so on June 19, 1910, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane.

Gradually, other people in other cities caught on and started celebrating their fathers, too. The rose was selected

She has kindly sent us some cryptic clues to NAMES OF RIVERS. See if you can work them out.

Answers are on page 29.

1. Beetle that affects potatoes 2. The prong of a fork 3. After six 4. Is a lady calling for cosmetics here?

5. Dot the I’s and cross the?

6. Adam and Eve’s garden 7. Throw this at a board or use it in sewing 8. Ordering online from this river?

9. This marks the spot 10. Professor at University 11. Found on a river near Newcastle?

12. Penultimate letter asking a question 13. This goddess lives near Oxford 14. Is a monster living on this river?

15. Take a ferry across this 16. I’m a coward 17. After third 18. Irish form of Neil found in Egypt 19. River of peace?

20. Where the monks live in Ireland

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

Thanks!

as the official Father’s Day flower. Some people began to wear a white rose to honour a father who was dead, and a red one to honour a father who was living. Finally, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day - a permanent, national holiday.

Today, Father’s Day is a great time to celebrate any sort of male role models, like uncles or grandfathers, as well as dads. Certainly Father’s Day has become a day for greeting card companies to rejoice, and sales of the most popular gifts for Dad (shirts, ties, and electric razors) increase considerably.

Perhaps most telling of all, though, is how children continue to see their fathers: in America, for example, more ‘collect calls’ to home are recorded on Father’s Day than on any other day of the year!

Old ladies in wheelchairs with blankets over their legs? I don’t think so… retired mermaids.

28

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Word Search Puz FRESHWATER FISH Wordsearch

13/05/2018

FIND 12 TYPES OF FRESHWATER FISH in this month’s Wordsearch puzzle and Passcode/Create you could win Forgot username or password? yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are offering a tasty prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel.

J H Z N L Q L Q C X G Z M N H J H

P R A C N A I C U R C I G C L C Q

H G C P C V D O A V C L S V A H J

J Y L G C Y J Y M T Y R T O A R Q

E M L Q H Z L O R A Y T R D X Q S

U K R V C I G E D U E C I R O D K

Z Y W V N U U R Q Z D R S C R L G

R O Q G E A D M T W R D B O I B U

K N M R T T G U H C R E P Z B Z Y

T Y Z H Z X E L J J C D L G S P T

fortoDistricts To go into the draw,Solutions all you have do is find - and mark a line through -Free 12 types of freshwater fish.

Resources These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally backwards!). Send your entry to: Parents TIGHT What We Offer Who (and We Are Teachers LINES, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 2nd June 2018. Remember to include your name and address. The first allcorrect entry drawn out of the hat will win the Meal for Two at The K P C L B B Q Field Head Hotel. Good luck!

R A H L A O Z M I H Z I H I S H

X B H D I N K I E U W L K K B T

P R W S K Q D S W B R E L V P K

Y F G H Q F V E S W X D C U X O

K H X E J S N O R W P J A F W N

A R B E L B S E J C R N E I D L

T X Z H V K P Z D U O L Q G B K

Find the following 12 TYPES OF FISH:

BARBEL • BREAM • CHUB • CRUCIAN CARP GRAYLING • GUDGEON • PERCH • PIKE ROACH • RUDD • TENCH • ZANDER Name: ...................................................................................................

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

Last Month’s Competition Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch Competition was: SHEILA BURDETT of Main Street, Thornton.

Congratulations! Your prize voucher will be sent to you soon.

BARBEL BREAM CHUB CRUCIANCARP GRAYLING GUDGEON PERCH PIKE ROACH RUDD TENCH ZANDER

MUSIC IN MARKFIELD

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com

From wonderful local talent to World Class musicians right here on your doorstep at the Methodist Church!!

18th May 7pm

Music for a May evening

16th June

Hesperides Quartet

16th November Piano Recital 8th December

Christmas Choir concert

For further details on any of the concerts plus other events happening at the Church please see our website www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org, “like”our facebook page, see posters on the notice board outside Church or of course look in our wonderful local magazine the Herald

I lived in a flat with three girls until they found out.

New

Stu

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On church tourists and outrageous lies The Rectory, St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren I was sorry to hear of the dawn call by the police because your church had been broken into, although the theft of tambourines, books of choruses and banners proclaiming “Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam” are likely to have a limited market. But you are fortunate that those are the only unexpected call-outs you receive.

Those of us with ancient churches are resigned to receiving telephone calls from people living in remote corners of the globe who happen to be on holiday in England and want to trace long-lost relatives who were married or buried in our parishes. They invariably seem amazed when they find you are not personally familiar with someone who died 400 years ago, what family still exists, where they live and what interesting anecdotes you know about their ancestors - preferably something criminal. Any attempts to put them off will be deflected by being told that they fly home tomorrow and since they are booked at a show in London that evening, could they come round early afternoon?

Once inside the church, they will expect a conducted tour. I have a competition with myself to see how outrageous I can make our history, yet still be believed. One family now thinks that the conical tomb in the churchyard is the last visible tip of the spire of the famous cathedral which once stood on this spot but sank into the ground when cursed by a bride who was jilted at its altar.

A second couple now know that a locked safe contains a set of pagan gods which were worshipped by an obscure sect in the parish during the time of the Tudor monarchs. They were removed by the incumbent of the day and locked away. Only the Rector is allowed a key and is only permitted to look inside at the contents on the day he leaves office, as the sight is too terrible.

Yet another couple are convinced that several dozen mediaeval gold chalices are buried in the rectory garden, where they were hidden from Cromwell’s soldiers and their exact location has been forgotten (I told that story when I was looking for volunteers to dig over the rose beds).

Should they get as far as the vestry to inspect the registers of baptisms, marriages and burials, you know that the afternoon is lost. It can occasionally hasten their departure by casually telling them to ignore the mice which will be running round the floor - although hardened visitors are likely to set up their tripods to catch them on film.

The ultimate deterrent is to suggest they stay to Evensong which I am about to say. That is guaranteed to remind them that they have an urgent appointment back at their hotel.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

Kirby Muxloe Archery Club

THE ARCHERY BIG WEEKEND 16 & 17 JUNE 2018 HAVE YOU ever wanted to try your hand at archery but never quite got around to it?

Now’s your chance!!

Kirby Muxloe Archery Club is taking part in a national event called ‘The Big Weekend’. Come and have a go any time between 12.00 mid-day to 3.30 pm on Saturday 16th or Sunday 17th June, or both.

In addition to being good fun and sociable, archery has many physical and mental benefits. It strengthens your upper body, improves co-ordination, balance and concentration and improves your maths skills as you keep score!

Archery is one of the few sports that is inclusive to everyone, as all ages and abilities/disabilities can participate. Kirby members range from 9 to 80 years and we cater for those for whom shooting is a weekly relaxation or family evening out, through to those who aspire to shoot competitively.

The Big Weekend takes place at Kirby Muxloe Sports and Village Club, Ratby Lane, Kirby Muxloe, LE9 2AQ. Those of you aged 8 and up will be able to have a go at archery, shooting at various targets, you may even win a prize!

If you require any further information please contact the club secretary: secretary@k-m-a-c.org

29

The local men in the Trained Band in 1640 IN 1640 this country did not have a standing army.

In time of war the burden of defence would have been borne by locallytrained men fighting side by side with their neighbours, the so-called ‘Trained Band’.

The men chosen for this were farmers, tradesmen, householders, i.e. men with a stake in their community. Mostly, these men were in their early thirties and were married with families.

Every village in the county contributed a number of men. Leicester, the largest town in the county maintained 40 of these soldiers while many villages sent just one man. The soldiers were organised in 5 companies of about 200 men each, the companies were based on the old Hundreds. The company in this area was based largely on the Sparkenhoe Hundred with some men also coming from the West Goscote Hundred and these were commanded by a Captain William Roberts.

The soldiers served as either a pikeman or as a musketeer. A pikeman required strength; he would have worn a steel breastplate and back-plate, a steel helmet and steel thigh guards - these were heavy, and to top it all he carried a pike that measured 18 feet in length, the very sharp tip of which could be as long as 3 feet. Being a musketeer was not without its dangers, you had a very heavy, muzzle loading musket, which you had to stand up to load, and you had to carry gunpowder and a lighted piece of match - a dangerous combination.

So, who were the men from this area who were selected to serve? From Bagworth there were 2 men, Thomas and William Kinton. Thomas served as a pikeman, while William was a musketeer. Markfield provided 3 soldiers: William Holmes, a pikeman, Edward North and William Wildes, both musketeers. Stanton under Bardon had only one soldier, Richard Coales, a musketeer, who had originally come from East Leake, but had married a local woman, Helen Drakeley, and settled locally. Thornton also sent 3 soldiers: Peirce Armeston, a musketeer, who is buried in Thornton Church, (he died in 1673), William Burrows, another musketeer and Thomas Freer, a pikeman. Desford’s contribution was 5 men, 1 pikeman, William Boyleson, and 4 musketeers: Gabriel Cramp, Thomas Donisthorpe, Oliver Grace and Thomas Hollyland. Finally, Ratby had 2 men, a musketeer, William Hunt and a pikeman, William Lea. In August 1642, when Charles I raised his standard in Nottingham, thereby starting the Civil War started, you would expect that many of these would be soldiers to have joined either one side or the other, but evidence indicates they were simply disarmed by the Royalists early on in the war.

The documents containing the names of all 1,000 men who were selected as trained soldiers are available from the Leicestershire Records Office who, if you wish, will provide you a copy; at a reasonable cost of course.

Peter Leadbetter Answers to RIVERS quiz 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Colorado Tyne Severn Avon Tees Eden Dart Amazon Exe Don

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Wea Wye Isis Ness Mersey Yellow Forth Nile Dove Abbey

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

My grandfather invented the cold air balloon but it never really took off.

30

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

News from Cross Hills Baptist Church Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area

New Project

Christian Aid Service

OUR PASTOR Garry has recently taken on the important role of mentoring for the next 6 months Liz Connelly, who is a member at Whetstone Baptist Church and who is seeking accreditation as a Baptist Pastor, with a view to eventually leading a church of her own.

THIS YEAR our Christian Aid service will be at the end of Christian Aid week, on Sunday 20th May, and there will be special topical activities in the Sunday Club.

Coming from a large and thriving church she is hoping to build on her experience of leading services, preaching and being involved in the day to day running of a smaller church. She brings a wealth of experience to Cross Hills and we are enjoying getting to know her.

Having been involved in leading home groups over some 8 years we are pleased that she is now leading a new fortnightly housegroup for us which started in mid-April and which will run until late October.

We are working through 16 chapters of the book of Acts in the New Testament and the first 3 meetings , entitled “The Faith of the First Christians”, “Power from Heaven!” and “The Power of His Name” have been well attended and enjoyed, prompting plenty of discussion and exchanges of ideas.

As always, there is some social time afterwards for further discussions and a general chat over tea, coffee and biscuits. The meetings have been held in various volunteers’ homes, in the same way that the first apostles used to meet, and we would welcome anyone joining us who would be interested in looking at how the Christian church first developed and grew following Jesus’s crucifixion.

Our contact details are below for more information.

A collection for Christian Aid will be taken at this service.

Awesome Holiday Club JUST A REMINDER that this year it will be held on the mornings of Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th July at Cross Hills Church.

Please keep the dates free and we look forward to seeing the children again for the usual lively fun-filled time with games, bible stories, crafts and lots more. There will be much more information in the June/July Herald.

Please join us on a Sunday at any of our services (full details in ‘Church Service Information’ elsewhere in this magazine). We are a very friendly group of men, women and children and we enjoy a short social time after all of our services with a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits (and sometimes cake!)

We look forward to meeting you and you can be sure of a friendly welcome whether you come alone or with friends or family.

Contact Numbers

Pastor - Garry Kelly: 01455 457802/07816 616189 Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 01455 457802/07910 440243 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272

Glynis Straw

On behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

Newtown Linford Gardening Club

Bob Flowerdew comes to Newtown Linford BOB FLOWERDEW’S visit as one of our garden club’s celebrity evenings proved to be one of the most successful.

This genial and very friendly man with his trademark pony tail (it even acted as a place to clip his lapel mike!) entertained a packed hall with his thoughts on the benefits of organic gardening. He emphasised the advantages of using well-rotted manure for vegetables over commercially produced fertilisers explaining to us that the difference in taste is very noticeable. He even told us that his children didn’t like his carrots as much as supermarket ones because they are too carroty!! Using no visual aids, he spoke about his passion for organic horticulture and kept his audience hooked for the full 75 minutes and for the questions which followed. He probably did not convert everyone to his way of thinking, but he certainly left us with plenty to think about. Afterwards he mixed with the members and guests, signed books and answered individual questions with great charm.

The visit of famous gardening experts to our club has now become a regular fixture and it is much appreciated by our members and the visitors who come to join us. Our next celebrity evening is on Tuesday October 23rd when our guest speaker will be Bunny Guinness. She is very wellknown as a horticultural broadcaster and writer, who appears regularly on the radio programme Gardeners’ Question Time. This should prove to be an equally entertaining evening and we, again, invite visitors to come and hear her speak. Tickets are available now and can be obtained by ringing 01530 242452 or emailing us on 32couling@gmail.com. As usual, numbers are restricted because of hall size so tickets will be issued on a ‘first come first served’ basis. We look forward to seeing you all again.

David Couling We have welcomed a large number of new members this year and will be pleased if others want to join us.

If you are interested in our activities just contact the secretary (tel. 242452 or e-mail (32couling@gmail.com) , or come to one of our meetings to see how you like it before making a commitment (£2 for visitors). Alternatively give us a ring and ask for a copy of our programme for the coming year and we will be pleased to send one to you.

Anne and David Couling

No need to cut the grass weekly HOW OFTEN should you cut your grass?

That depends on how much you want to help the bees.

It seems that the ideal ‘gap’ is two weeks. This helps improve the habitat for the pollinating plants that need bees to survive. Cutting the grass more often than every 14 days destroys dandelions and clover and other plants which the insects need for pollen.

Two weeks is ideal – it gives time for the grass to attract a greater diversity of insects. The number of bee species and the abundance of lawn flowers were up to 2.5 times higher when home owners mowed lawns every two weeks compared to once a week.

Don’t be a martyr, though – as three-weekly cuts are also not recommended. The high grass then makes it more difficult for bees and other insects to access flowers.

My wife – it’s difficult to say what she does. She sells seashells on the seashore.

31

THE HERALD • MID-MAY 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Call Andy

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I love face-painting. It’s a lot of fun. Although you do need the person’s permission.