THE HERALD MAY 2023

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

Joshua Bailey is named Lord-Lieutenant Person of the Year 2023 Award

THE 2ND MARKFIELD Brownies have together planted a wild cherry tree to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

We were running out of time for tree planting season! To give the tree the best chance of survival, we planted it a few weeks before the Coronation. The Brownies were all involved from tree carrying, wheel barrow expertise, shovelling soil and watering can duty!

It is located on the green area of Launde Road, Markfield. And is the start of a row of trees planned to go along the path. We hope to raise funds to purchase a more permanent wooden plaque soon. If we have another dry summer like last year, some support in watering would be appreciated. Just a bottle whilst out on a walk now and again would be a great help.

A big thank you to all who were involved in the process. A special mention to Hilmarco Farm for donating the tree to us and Leicester Lawn Mowing for taking time out to transport it and carry out the preparation work. markfieldbrownies@hotmail.com

INSIDE THIS MONTH

• HBBC Local Plan: 3 • Markfield WI: 4

Community Centre: 6

ON THURSDAY 27th April 2023, Joshua Bailey was invited to attend the LordLieutenant’s Awards for Young People 2023 after being selected as a finalist for the Courage Award. These prestigious awards were held at the County Hall, Glenfield.

Mike Kapur OBE, Lord-Lieutenant is the British Monarch’s personal representative and is an honour to be in his company.

Joshua was nominated for the Courage award at the beginning of the year after overcoming the death of his late great grandmother, making a stand against bullying on a large scale, his endless volunteering within the community and at school and his outstanding achievements in the world of equestrian, Overall, this young 16-year-old is an exceptional role model.

The nominations from all nominees were of a very high standard and it was an honour for Joshua and his family to attend these Prestigious awards.

After the judging panel met for the last time, it was decided that Joshua Bailey would be awarded the winning prize of the Courage award and being acknowledged for his Volunteering within the community. From the winners of all other category’s Joshua then went on to win the overall LordLieutenants Young Person of the year 2023 award, being presented by LordLieutenant himself a beautiful personalised Crystal Trophy.

When Joshua was asked what is it that makes him believe in himself? Joshua responded with “I feel I have achieved so much so far because I set myself goals in order to aim high. I would say to any person wanting to give up, you can achieve whatever it is you turn your mind to as I’m living proof of that”.

From the words of Joshua’s family, we are all so very proud of his achievements, he is an inspirational young man and so deserves this recognition and we believe it will give him great foundations for his future. He took the evening all in his stride.

Top Photo: Joshua receives his award from Mike Kapur OBE.

Lower Photo: Joshua with his family.

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Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council sets the record straight on its Local Plan

FOLLOWING QUESTIONS raised in Parliament recently over the status of the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Local Plan the Council has issued the following clarification.

The Council currently has an adopted Core Strategy and Site Allocations plan, guiding development in the Borough through to 2026. Reliance on these policies ensured the Council was recently able to successfully defend an appeal for 110 houses in Barwell. The Council also has an up-to-date Good Design Guide, helping to ensure good design in all new developments.

The Council supports neighbourhood planning across the Borough, with adopted neighbourhood plans in place in Market Bosworth, Burbage, Markfield, Desford, Stoke Golding, Barlestone and Sheepy These neighbourhood plans include locally promoted and supported allocations for future housing growth, ensuring community buy in to shape development in the borough and helping to defend against speculative development.

The Borough Council therefore has key adopted plans in place to guide development and protect the local environment and is committed to progressing its new Local Plan following a refresh of its programme published in December 2022.

The Council considers the Local Plan is crucial when it comes to planning in the borough, controlling what can be built and where.

It sets out preferred locations for new housing and employment and includes several planning policies. These policies cover issues such as conserving and enhancing the environment, sustainable transport, and addressing the growing issue of climate change.

Originally, the Local Plan had been due to be sent to the Secretary of State for examination, after the council finished the necessary public consultations on the document in March last year.

However, the Council was forced to review its timetable based on several key factors including new national requirements and housing targets, uncertainties around various Government statements on proposed changes to the Planning system, delays in the publication of promised national guidance, uncertainty over national housing targets, need for clarification over Leicester’s unmet housing need and the need for further work to assess and advise on local impacts such as highways and education.

Following legal advice on these matters the Council has been forced to review its programme. Work is now progressing in line with our revised published timetable.

Calling all bargain hunters!

GLENFIELD MILLENIUM GREEN

are hosting a Table Top and Plant Sale on the 20th May between 10am12pm.

If you would like to sell some of your own things and would like to book a table, please contact us via facebook or our website.

www.glenfieldmilleniumgreen.weebly.com

The tables cost £5 and all money raised will go directly to supporting the upkeep of this green space. We look forward to seeing you on the Green!

The Herald

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Tel: 01530 244069

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

Markfield WI in the Workhouse

Lynda Owen reports

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.

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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.

AT OUR APRIL MEETING we had a visit from the Workhouse Storytellers, one man and three women who had volunteered at Southwell Workhouse and had now got together to give performance talks to groups. After a brief history of workhouses from the Matron they told individual stories as Matron and residents of the workhouse. It was surprising to learn that people applied to go into the workhouse, albeit when they had no other choices, and could leave and return as their circumstances changed. The able bodied were expected to work hard for their keep (we didn’t think we would cope well with recycling old rope or breaking rocks) and children were given a rudimentary education and training for employment; in exchange for this they received three meals a day and food and lodging. The old and feeble were cared for and had basic nursing care. The hardest thing to us was that families entering the workhouse were separated and would rarely meet.

FOLLOWING OUR TALK from the Storytellers we had organised a visit to Southwell Workhouse for Saturday 22nd April. There was a lot to see and do and our members Ruth and Jeannie decided to emulate the Storytellers by raiding the dressing up box. Conditions in the Workhouse were spartan, residents were assigned a dormitory on the basis of gender, ability etc. and there were nurseries for the children. Residents also had prayers before breakfast and after supper and a Church service on Sunday. The meeting hall still has what they believe to be the original organ which our member Mary was invited to play (it must have been obvious she could hardly keep her hands off it). The organ had a beautiful sound and could be heard throughout the building even to the attics.

The NT has worked hard to restore the building and contents to give an authentic feel to the place; it included an infirmary, kitchen gardens, extensive cellars to keep food fresh and had a system of rainwater collection which provided a supply of good clean water. The Workhouse was built in 1824 and changed over the years, in later years it provided temporary accommodation for homeless families before being closed in the 1980s. After our visit to the Workhouse went into Southwell where many of us went to the Minster while others took the Town Trail. It was a lovely, and educational, day out and both visits ones we would recommend (and it helped that the weather was kind).

Mary was invited to play the original workhouse organ

The Workhouse Storytellers

Mercenfeld Primary School’s Partnership with Leicester Riders

EARLIER this year, Mercenfeld Primary were lucky to have coaches and players visit from Leicester Riders Basketball Teams to film a video to promote the amazing work they do in the community.

The school works closely with the Leicester Riders Foundation who send coaches to work with the children to deliver, develop and engage with the sport of basketball. Through the Foundation pupils have also had the chance to attend professional games, play on the Riders court at the Morningside Arena as well as talk to players from both male and female teams. Some of our pupils now also attend their LRF Academy to develop and progress their skills.

The day stated with a very engaging assembly where 6’10’’ Maurice ‘Mo’ Walker talked about his professional career and answered some very probing questions by the children. During the day the school was also filmed by ITV Central News with a short piece being seen that evening. BBC Radio Leicester also did a further piece on the school’s participation. Everyone was so excited by the visit and it has continued to motivate and inspire the pupils to participate not just in basketball, but all sports.

The finished promotional video is now available BBL’s (British Basketball League) YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IscgjoYSoTk

More success at Bagworth

THE MEMBERS of the Bagworth Community Centre Trust (BCCT) are very pleased and delighted with the variety of groups who use the Centre and the success that they gain.

Groups like Dance-tastic and the martial arts groups always do very well when they enter competitions etc and they are not the only ones to use the Centre who achieve great things.

Incy Wincy’s Preschool Group is achieving many positive successes. This is reflected in the fact

booked until September and the places in September are very quickly filling up so if you are planning to use this valuable facility you will need to contact them as soon as possible. One of the things that they do is to co-operate with the Sign and Rhyme group who use the Centre, so the Preschool attendees are learning sign language, a good skill for anyone to have.

In addition, the Preschool Group are offering a Stay and Play session on a Thursday morning at the Centre from 10.00 to 11.30 am. This is also quickly becoming a popular activity. It costs £2.50 per family and that includes a drink of juice and biscuits. If you would like to learn more about what they do have a look at their Facebook page or contact them on incywincyspreschool@outlook.com

Also on Facebook it is possible to see other groups who are calling the Centre home. One particular group who are highly recommended are Forever Savvy who run the coffee shop every weekday from 10.00am to 2.00pm. They provide hot and cold drinks as well as a variety of food. It is a good place to have lunch. Not only is the food very tasty but also the prices are extremely reasonable.

Cryptic Clues for Parts of the Body

QUIZ QUEEN Sheila Fox has sent us another list of cryptic clues - this time about parts of the body.

See how many you can find.

1. I’m in charge of a school.

2. I’m nosy and got a rubber one!

3. The last part of a journey.

4. Mrs. Brown’s are up!

5. I’m a tree, olive and fruit.

6. An Imperial measurement.

7. Measure a horse with this.

8. Have walls got them?

9. Captain Birdseye’s favourite fish food.

10. Pulls away.

11. A male deer will give you the answer.

12. Maybe playing tennis is the clue for this.

13. Would you like to cry on this? .

14. A carpenter uses these.

15. Does left over food go to this? .

16. I’m a flower as well.

17. A letter of the alphabet.

18. Rabbit’s cousin going to a musical.

19. Sounds like a sailor’s body part.

20. Pat me on it for thinking of this quiz! .

Answers on page 22.

Spot the difference!

Spot the difference!

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

LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS

Markfield, Stanton & Field Head

Number of seats: two

Candidate: HARRIS Claire

Party: The Conservative Party Candidate

Votes: 779 ELECTED

Candidate: LAMBERT Christopher David

Party: Labour and Co-operative Party

Votes: 797 ELECTED

Candidate: MARTIN Robert

Party: Labour and Co-operative Party

Votes: 674

Candidate: QUILTER Leigh Zouga

Party: The Conservative Party Candidate

Votes: 674

Candidate: WREN Lisa

Party: The Green Party

Votes: 195

Turnout: 34.85%

Ratby Bagworth & Thornton

Number of seats: two

Candidate: BOOTHBY Christopher William

Party: The Conservative Party Candidate

Votes: 950 ELECTED

Candidate: MARTIN Ashley Simone

Party: Labour Party

Votes: 378

Candidate: MULLANEY David James

Party: Liberal Democrat Focus Team

Votes: 163

Candidate: O`SHEA Ozzy

Party: The Conservative Party Candidate

Votes: 1062 ELECTED

Candidate: ROBINSON Noel

Party: Liberal Democrat Focus Team

Votes: 126

Candidate: WREN Mark

Party: The Green Party

Votes: 369

Turnout: 29.36%

Letter

Saving our Countryside

The CPRE (The Countryside Charity) have identified 1.2 million homes that could be built on previously developed, disused land across England. These are viable building plots for houses.

Out of all of the annual ‘State of Brownfield Reports’ they only analysed 344 of these reports, out of these 344 reports they identified 23,000 separate sites that could be utilised for new homes. It came to light that there were three densely populated cities, London, Birmingham and Manchester that were found to have the most brownfield sites, with London alone harbouring almost 400,000 plots.

A suggestion would be that we rebuild on all brownfield land in the first instance as this would help to alleviate development pressure that is being placed on the green belts surrounding our villages and cities. It should be noted however, that of the 1,232,592 identified locations who currently having planning permission for redevelopment, accounts for 45% of brownfield sites. This is due to developers not wanting to apply for planning permission on brownfield land due to the extra cost involved in developing the site.

On a more local issue, I have read Dr. Luke Evans’s (our MP) message in the Herald regarding local planning. I was under the impression that Markfield had completed its 5 year neighbourhood building plan yet in his message it reads as if we have not.

Could I please ask Dr. Luke Evans to explain a little more clearly; have we or have we not completed our 5 year neighbourhood plan for Markfield, if not what is the delay.

Faye Dulon (Markfield)

Enhancing Bagworth

THE BAGWORTH Forward Group (BFG) exists to enhance the village of Bagworth and the lives of the people who live in the village.

This year we are trying something new. We are looking for volunteers to help us make the planters look the best they have ever been. This is the first time for many years that this job has been done ‘in house’. We will be choosing our own plants/colour schemes so if you have any suggestions regarding this then do let us know.

Many volunteers have already stepped forward and we are very grateful to them but we do need more. BFG will pay for the plants from money raised at our village events. They will be purchased at the end of May, when they will need planting.

This is your chance to help the village in which you live in a practical way. Please contact Rob at robatbfg@btinternet.com if you would like to assist in this project.

Dates for your diary: Sunday May 14th Craft Fair at Bagworth Community Centre 11am to 3pm. Admission adults £1, children free.

Saturday August 26th Bagworth Show at Bagworth Community Centre. Schedules will be available in the very near future. There are over 20 trophies to be won as well as cash prizes. There are a wide variety of classes with something for everyone.

Thank you Matthew!

WE CANNOT pass by this opportunity to send our sincerest thanks and appreciation to Matthew Lay. As you may know, Matthew has recently withdrawn as both a Borough and Parish Councillor after many years of dedicated service.

Despite being a Councillor, having a demanding job, raising his boys and even keeping his allotment going Matthew has always had the needs and the welfare of our community at heart. Being a Councillor is challenging and you can’t please everyone all of the time. However, Matthew has always tried his level best to help and support our residents which we and many others do really appreciate.

May we wish you and your family every success and send our best wishes for the future.

Once again thank you Matthew, Dawn and Ron Grantham Markfield Community Association

Miscellaneous observations on life

• I burn about 2000 calories every time I put on fitted sheets by myself.

• It’s weird, being the same age as old people.

• One who boasts of being a self-made person relieves the Lord of a lot of responsibility.

• You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?

D O G T R A I N I N G

W o u l d y o u l i k e t o t r a i n y o u r d o g t o b e m o r e r e s i l i e n t , h a v e m e n t a l s t r e n g t h a n d b e a b l e t o c o p e i n s i t u a t i o n s t h e y f i n d t h e m s e l v e s i n ? W o u l d y o u l i k e t h e m t o b e c a l m , t o o r i e n t a t e b a c k t o y o u a n d b e a b l e t o s e l f - r e g u l a t e ?

W o u l d y o u l i k e t o d e v e l o p Y O U R c o n f i d e n c e i n h a n d l i n g y o u r d o g ?

W e u s e p o s i t i v e m e t h o d s o f d o g t r a i n i n g t o g e t t h e b e s t o u t o f y o u r p a r t n e r s h i p C o n c e p t d o g t r a i n i n g i s a s o l u t i o n - f o c u s e d a p p r o a c h I t t a r g e t s t h e W H Y b e h i n d b e h a v i o u r s , r a t h e r t h a n t h e s y m p

75 years since the arrival of Windrush

IT WAS 75 YEARS ago next month, on 21st June 1948, that the passenger ship

HMT Empire Windrush docked in London, bringing the first large group of immigrants from the West Indies to the UK.

It was a result of the British Government’s invitation to people from Commonwealth countries to settle in Britain and help rebuild the country after the devastation of the Second World War. The promise was one of prosperity and full employment, and the Windrush – ironically built and launched in Germany in 1930 – carried more than 1000 people, though the figure is often given as 492. In fact, there were probably 492 men from Jamaica, but also men and women from other islands, plus Polish men and women. Most of the Caribbeans remained to settle permanently, despite mixed reactions. The first of what became known as the Windrush generation were housed temporarily in the Brixton area, where Windrush Square – an open space in front of the Brixton Tate Library – marks their arrival.

The Windrush generation generally defines everyone who emigrated to Britain from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1971, at which point all Commonwealth citizens living in the UK were given the right to remain. In 2018 a scandal emerged involving ineptitude by the Home Office which had resulted in people from this generation being wrongly detained, denied legal rights and threatened with deportation. It was calculated that more than 80 had been wrongly deported.

These people had been living and working in the UK for decades but had never been provided with the official paperwork, and the Home Office had kept no record of those granted leave to remain. The UK Government apologised, and the Home Secretary at the time, Amber Rudd, described her department’s performance as “appalling”.

Worried that your life is changing beyond recall?

A WISE farmer rotates his crops. No one thing should always be grown in the same place. In fact, change and diversity are the key to long-term health. It is the same for us: for us to be at our most productive, we must not be surprised if God suddenly rests us from ‘growing corn,’ and gives us something else to do instead. Often it is something we would never have imagined!

Life is lived in seasons: in each of our lives, there is a time to do this, a time to do that. Too many of us lose our sense of self-worth and direction because we don’t understand when we’re leaving one season and entering another in life. We struggle and want to hang on to what we had.

But sometimes God wants to give us something new, to make us productive at every stage of our life. God will never put you in a place too small to grow. You may be asked to grow in ways that seem uncomfortable at first, but He is out to develop you fully, in every aspect of your being – not just the ones at which you are already good!

The brilliant Pascal

FOUR HUNDRED YEARS ago next month, on 19th June 1623, Blaise Pascal was born in central France. This brilliant mathematician, physicist, theologian and philosopher invented one of the first mechanical calculators – among many other things.

Pascal, whose mother died when he was three and who was brought up by his father, was prominent from a young age in different scientific fields – he laid the foundation for the modern theory of probabilities, created Pascal’s principle of pressure, invented the hydraulic press and the syringe, and devised a primitive roulette wheel while searching for a perpetual motion machine. He created his calculator – the Pascaline – to assist his father, then the local administrator at Rouen, in his tax assessments. It operated by counting integers and thus was in a sense the first digital calculator.

At the age of 31 he had a mystical experience that he called a “night of fire”, which changed his life. After that he became involved closely with the Catholic Church (as was his similarly brilliant sister, Jacqueline) and wrote extensively on theological matters, insisting that men must be brought to God through Christ alone. His scientific training lent his Christian writing a strength of argument, and he produced many memorable quotes, such as the words he put in Jesus’ mouth: “Be comforted; you would not be looking for me if you had not found me.”

Pascal was never a well man, possibly suffering from coeliac disease, and died in great pain in 1662, probably from a combination of stomach and brain cancer. One of his last major achievements was introducing the first bus service to Paris, using a carriage with many seats on a fixed route at a fixed price. Whereas most buses are late, this service was before its time and closed in 1675.

Markfield A cupuncture Clinic

Markfield Community Association News

Platinum Jubilee Tree

IT’S NOW NEARLY a year since we celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a community event at the Community Centre on the 4th June.

The sound and sight of the Memorial Flight Spitfire zooming over the Centre was a wonder to behold. As part of the celebrations, the Association planted a commemorative silver birch tree with villager Pat Fossey shovelling in the first spade full of soil. The reason I am mentioning the tree is the fact that spring is here and the tree has burst into life with fresh new leaves. It has survived the summer’s blistering heat wave, drought and the winter frosts and snow. Indeed, it has grown a couple of feet and is thriving and hopefully will continue to do so for decades to come. The tree is a fond reminder of memories of the late Queen and now celebrates the future of our new King Charles III.

Mayflower Club

HERE IS A FLAVOUR of what we got up to in April.

On the 5th April we held our annual Easter Egg Hunt and of course our Easter Bonnet Parade. Members had gone to a lot of trouble in making their bonnets and it was a very difficult decision as to who was the winner. Fortunately for me, Faye Coward from Voluntary Action Leicester was on hand to do the judging which she did with great aplomb. Well done to all those who took part.

On the 19th April we commemorated St.George’s Day with some stories around the myths and legends of the Saint. We then had a “pub picture quiz” followed by a pub “lunch” consisting of faggots, sausages, mushy peas, baked beans and potatoes.

On the 26th April and as part of the club’s Coronation celebrations Jayne Pointon our arts and crafts instructor helped members make a Coronation souvenir. This consisted of making a Coronation pin cushion which members could take away to mark this special event. By the time you read this article the Club will have had its Coronation Party. It will be fun with a Coronation tea, special games, music and even a guest appearance of the “Royal Family”. Read all about it in the next edition of the Herald.

May I remind you that the Mayflower Club Friendship Club meets on Monday afternoons 2pm to 4pm there is the Friendship Club where you can play a game of dominoes or cards and also join in with our arts and crafts sessions and the main club meets on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. So, if you are fed up with being stuck at home, feeling a bit lonely and left out or simply want to meet new friends and have a bit of fun please come along and join us. They are a right friendly bunch and you will feel most welcome. Just pop in and join in. If you want to know more, please give us a call on 07885 243033.

Markfield Good Neighbours Scheme

AS MENTIONED previously, the Markfield Community Association is committed to keeping the Markfield Good Neighbours Scheme up and running and our volunteers are still here and ready to help and support those in need wherever we can.

If you need any help or support just pick up the phone and contact us on 07885 243033 or 07904 222552.

Ron and Dawn Grantham (Markfield Community Association)

Why does your feline friend like to sit in a box or bring you (unwelcome) gifts? There are some explanations!

Cat presents

Few owners are grateful for the gift of a dead mouse or bird posted through the cat flap. But it’s natural instinct for cats to hunt, and presenting their catch to you means you are part of their family and they want to boast of their success. There’s no point getting angry as they won’t understand it.

Cat in a box

Cats are instinctively attracted to small, enclosed spaces because they provide a sense of safety and security. They can feel protected and observe their surroundings without feeling threatened. The box is also warm, smooth and slightly padded. As far as a cat is concerned, what’s not to like?

Cat on top

As a natural hunter, climbing to high places allows a cat to survey their environment and assess potential threats. It is also a natural form of exercise for cats. It helps them maintain their balance, coordination and agility, which are important for hunting and self-defence.

No water thanks

Cats are descendants of desert-dwelling wild cats, and their ancestors did not need to swim or interact with water regularly. As a result, cats did not develop an affinity for water like some other animals, such as dogs. Furthermore, water can make their fur mat, hence making it difficult to groom, which, as a fastidious animal, can be uncomfortable.

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My wife accused me of being self-important. I nearly fell off my throne.

MTTG’s next production: Going Green

THE GROUP will be performing “ GOING GREEN” by David Tristram from Wednesday 17th to Saturday 20th May 2023 at Thornton Community Centre at 7.30 p.m. nightly.

David Tristram is one of the UK’s most-performed comedy playwrights – in fact, his comedies have now been performed more than 10,000 times by professional and amateur companies all over the world. To put that in context, it means that for the past 30 years or so, on average, someone somewhere in the world has been performing a David Tristram play every single night!

That’s an amazing statistic for someone who first dreamed up a comedy whodunnit just to help out his local am-dram group back in 1985! Such has been the interest in the writer’s work that he has become the UK’s most popular comedy playwright. The honour was unveiled by Samuel French Limited of London and New York, the world’s biggest agent and publisher of plays, after the company analysed performances of authors across different genres. In a recent interview, Mr Tristram was asked about the future of amateur theatre, and said, “ Well, like all of us, I hope that theatre in general won’t be permanently scarred by the recent lockdowns, but in particular I hope that

grassroots theatre at amateur level will be able to survive and thrive.

I also passionately believe that comedy, which has always been at the centre of my work, is not some sort of fluffy luxury – it’s a precious, vital commodity, essential to a balanced society’s mental wellbeing, and we lose it at our peril.”

In choosing “Going Green”, a tragicomedy, as our next production, we know that we have set our cast a huge challenge as the actors cope with the fast-paced dialogue and the various scenarios called for on stage. It will be a challenge, too, for member Katie Wells, who takes on the director’s role for the first time.

Years ago, the word “green” seemed quite an ordinary one. We were encouraged to eat our “greens” and to count the bottles hanging on the wall - but that was about it! Now, however, the word has quite a different connotation when “going green” involves living an environmentally-responsible life, and making choices that will help to preserve the Earth and its nonrenewable resources instead of destroying them.

As the play opens, people have lost faith in the political establishment –worn down by expenses scandals, cash for questions, fat-cat bankers, austerity and riots. The whole country is crying out for a new direction, a fresh start. Step forward John Brown - future leader of the Green Party. John gives a blistering

speech at the annual conference and the party faithful rise as one to greet their hero as John stands to deliver his stark message to the waiting world - “Go green …. or die”. Can this charismatic, driven man save the future ? That is debatable because John is hiding a terrible secret… one which will have surprising consequences. We hope that you will come to discover what those consequences are. We promise to keep you wondering, guessing, and laughing too! Tickets, (All £6), are on sale now and are available on 07438 508166 or email mttg.theatre@gmail.com

Your support for your local Group is much appreciated.

Muriel Walker for MTTG

Planning Apps

Hidden Meanings of Place Names

Speaker: Sandy Leong

Place names give us a fascinating insight into Britain’s history. Some place names come from the earliest inhabitants of Britain, but many are associated with our invaders who have left their mark. Did you know that Nottingham used to be called Snotengham (Snott’s Settlement)?

Some place names have evolved over the centuries, others have stayed the same and some aren’t what they seem!

Everyone is very welcome to come along.

£3 for visitors or become a member for £8 per year, and then no additional charge for talks/ activities.

Just cal our small, friendly firm - whether it’s one window or a full house - with approximate sizes, and we’ll

CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF ST WILFRID OF YORK AND HOLY CROSS

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

SUNDAY MASSES:

Saturday 6 pm – Holy Cross Church Whitwick*

Sunday 9 am – Holy Cross Church, Whitwick*

Sunday 10.30 am - St Wilfrid’s Church, Coalville

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

WEEKDAY MASSES:

Monday 10 am – St Wilfrid’s Parish**

Tuesday – No Mass

Wednesday 10 am – Holy Cross Church

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

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

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:

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

PARISH CONTACT:

Parish Priest: Fr Gabriel Offor – 01530 832098 www. stwilfspriest@gmail.com

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

If you need a priest, please contact Fr Gabriel – details above.

SCHOOL DETAILS:

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

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

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

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN MARKFIELD UNITED SERVICES:

On Sunday 21 May at 10.30 am at Markfield Trinity Methodist Church - Christian Aid Service. Everyone is most welcome.

NEXT MARKFIELD VILLAGE MASS:

7 pm at Markfield Congregational Community Church, Main St.

Tuesday 13 June 2023

Village Contact: Margaret on 01530 243292

With a career that has led him from restaurant kitchens to TV screens – and with another new cookbook to his credit – ever-popular chef James Martin has his finger in plenty of pies.

Chef and proud Yorkshireman James Martin has had a love of food since he was a child. His family were farmers on the Castle Howard estate in North Yorkshire and as James recalls: “My passion for food began when my father took the role of catering manager at the Castle Howard estate.”

Just an ordinary bloke!

Having starred in TV food series aplenty, penned 20-plus cookbooks – the latest celebrating the humble potato – appearances on a number of high-profile daytime shows, such as Loose Woman, along with Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and Strictly Come Dancing, James is keen to play down his celebrity status. What, does he think then, is the secret of his popularity? “Honestly, I have no idea. I’ve always been honest and straight with the viewer and believe in great food…and have never been one for trends or fads.”

Life in the fast lane

James may have had a love of food for a long as he can remember, but it wasn’t his first choice.

“I did want to be a racing driver, but the closest I got to a go-kart was a Massey Ferguson tractor. It was never going to happen for me.”

But he has never lost his love for speed and is a self-confessed petrol head, with an impressive

private collection – from Ferraris and Fords, classics to electric and everything in between –said to be worth millions. He is also a qualified helicopter pilot.

Beginnings and returns

James was just a lad when he started working in restaurants, as he explained on ITV’s This Morning, where he is a guest chef on the breakfast show. “I started cooking in a professional kitchen when I was ten, washing pots.”

Following catering college and training and working in France, James then landed a job at Antony Worrell Thompson’s One Ninety Queen’s Gate restaurant in Kensington, London. In 1993 he became a junior pastry chef at the acclaimed Chewton Glen in Hampshire, where today he heads up The Kitchen.

Two years later, aged just 21, his journey into culinary celebrity was about to begin when he joined Hotel Du Vin in Winchester as head chef. On the road

James has several tours under his belt, which feature live shows and demos. What does he enjoy about them? “Going out and about and seeing people enjoying themselves. The buzz you get from thousands of people who have come out to spend the evening with you is pretty special.”

James is planning to tour again this October/ November and he will be appearing at the Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival in July.

UK foodbanks busier than ever

MORE FOOD PARCELS were given out in the UK this past year than ever before. During December 2022, an emergency food parcel was handed out the equivalent of every eight seconds.

These are the most recent figures from the Trussell Trust, which supports more than 1300 foodbanks in the UK.

In all, the charity says it gave out nearly three million food parcels between April 2022 and April 2023. More than one million of these were for children.

These three million parcels from the charity’s foodbanks represent a 37-per-cent increase in England on 2021. And more than 760,000 people used a foodbank for the first time, which is up more than one third in 2021-22.

As my late father always said, get a decent watch.

Soaring inflation and energy costs have driven the increase in demand. The charity reports an unprecedented rise in the number of employed people using their foodbanks, because they are “no longer able to balance a low income against rising living costs.”

The problem now, says the trust, is that food donation levels are not keeping up with the need. “This is putting us under a lot of strain.”

From James Martin’s Islands to Highlands, published by Quadrille, priced £25. Photography © Peter Cassidy.

AS I WRITE THIS, plans for the Coronation are in full swing- both for the King and those directly involved, and for the nation as bunting and Union Jacks go up…

There has been much discussion about who will be there, the format of the day, and how Charles III will approach (and is approaching) being King. It has also been said that the British, by and large, enjoy a bit of ceremony. This is perhaps because it lifts us when times are difficult, but I wonder also whether these ceremonial moments remind us of the high points and big commitments in our own lives.

At his Coronation, the King makes a very serious commitment to serve the nation. Perhaps at this time we can also think of the big commitments and promises we’ve made, and perhaps recommit ourselves to them. As we wonder how the King will balance power and wealth with responsibility and service, maybe it’s not a bad idea if we take stock of our own lives too. How are we using our power and responsibility? We also, like the King, face tasks that are a big ask- but we know that like him, we’re not on our own- the God who created us and calls us, also equips us.

Judith Lincoln

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

FB Markfield Methodist Church

There’s an old saying about nothing being certain in life but death and taxes. Death may indeed be inevitable, but there’s still a few ways you can get money without taxes. These are partially or fully excluded from your income when calculating your National Insurance and Income Tax liabilities.

£1,000 trading allowance

You can make up to £1,000 a year from selling goods on eBay or similar activities. That’s because of the ‘trading allowance’, which covers income that isn’t your main job or self-employed business activity. As a general principle, you can make up to £1,000 in income without having to register as self-employed with HMRC or declare the income from it on a tax return. If you took in more than £1,000, you need to report it, but you can deduct a flat £1,000 in expenses rather than your actual costs.

Rent a room

If you have a spare room, you can make up to £7,500 income in rent before you have to start paying tax thanks to the ‘Rent a Room’ scheme. Despite the name, you can actually rent out more than one room. The £7,500 limit covers all income from rent in the property. The allowance is split if more than one person shares the income (e.g. you and your partner). You can only claim the allowance when renting furnished rooms in your home, meaning a building that you own and live in. (If you rent out a property you don’t live in, you can instead claim Property Allowance, which reduces your taxable income from the rent by £1,000 a year.) Remember, your legal relationship with the renter differs depending on whether you also live in the property.

Time for a Smile

This next one…

A local DJ was introducing a record at our annual church fete/parish party. “This next one,” he said, “is for Charlotte, a choir member, who is a hundred and eleven! Hey, Charlotte, congratulations on a ripe old age!”

There was a short pause and then the DJ said in a somewhat more subdued voice, “I’m sorry, I got it wrong. This next one is for Charlotte, who is ill.”

Man and wife

With Bible in hand, I read to my Sunday school class: “‘For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife.’ Okay,” I said, “from this Scripture, what do we learn is important in marriage?”

A voice at the back blurted: “Cleavage!”

Gardening

Pension pot

The State Pension is taxable, as are the regular payments you get from a personal or occupational pension scheme. However, your scheme may let you take lump sum withdrawals before your regular pension payments begin. As a general principle, you can take out 25% of the total value of your pension fund as tax-free income. Always take expert advice so that you understand the implications for both your taxes and your retirement income.

Double check

Dividend allowance

If you own shares, you may receive an annual dividend. For the tax year 2023/24 the first £1,000 is tax free, although it is scheduled to fall to £500 from April 2024. Anything over this limit is taxed at 8.75 per cent if you are a basic rate taxpayer.

Always check the tax status of any income you receive, whatever the source. It could affect your PAYE tax code and whether or not you need to complete a self-assessment tax return. Whenever you use any of the options mentioned in this article, remember that you may still need to mention the income when claiming for Universal Credit and other benefits.

Overheard at my gardening club meeting: “I never knew what compost was until I met my husband.”

Bye bye

I had to ask my housemate Calvin to leave because he kept breaking the laundry equipment. Washing machines live longer with Cal gone.

Ungrateful

I MADE my girlfriend’s dreams come true by marrying her in a castle, although you wouldn’t have thought it from the look on her face as we were bouncing around.

By Caroline Knight

What do we mean by exotic plants?

It’s not unusual for those who love gardens to yearn for something that looks tropical or exotic. These plants remind us of holidays and help with a contemporary feel.

Tropical gardens

Bold foliage and dazzling flower colours can create a lush, dramatic oasis. Tropical plants can be used to create a framework for your garden and the spaces between can be filled with plants that provide complementary shapes and colours. Grasses such as carex and miscanthus work well, as do large-leafed evergreens including Fatsia japonica and ferns. Hostas can pop up during spring and summer, together with shadedwelling brunneras, brightly-flowering crocosmia and day lilies in the sunnier areas. Japanese anemones are partial-shade lovers that fit in well for some late-summer flowers combined with interesting foliage.

It is possible to grow bananas (Musa) here in the UK, although they might need some winter protection. They can form huge statement plants up to three metres high and their tropical leaves can reach a length of two metres. It is rare for them to form fruit in the UK, but it is possible! Then there are the much- coveted tree ferns, Dicksonia antarctica, which are said to be some of the oldest plants in the world.

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

The iconic tropical forest trees are palms, such as Trachycarpus fortunei and wagnerianus, also known as windmill or chusan palms, Phoenix canariensis, the Canary Island date palm and Chamaerops humilis, the dwarf fan palm. These varieties have proved to be fairly hardy here in the UK, although they often sustain damage that needs to be tidied up in the spring.

Go for a lush, full appearance and consider using bamboo to screen out the constraints of your boundaries. Clumping varieties including fargesias are easier to maintain, but use a root barrier to be sure your bamboo won’t invade further afield.

Desert gardens

It’s not easy to create a desert garden within a country with high rainfall. However, if you have a south-facing, sheltered site and you prepare the ground adequately, it is not impossible. Desertdwellers need very free-draining soil of almost pure grit or sand. Plants will be those that store water, such as cacti, agaves and aloes. You can use desert as your inspiration and be inspired by the Sahara, Gobi and Kalahari, creating a garden that has the atmosphere of this unique type of ecosystem. Ornamental grasses are a must for the desert vibe, with their sandy-coloured seed heads and narrow leaves. Yuccas are well-adapted to desert life and you can include perennials such as salvias, cistus, sedum and creeping thyme. Drought-tolerant plants often have silvery foliage and fine hairs on the leaves that help them conserve moisture. You will definitely not see a lush lawn in a desert!

My girlfriend and I are having a communication problem. Every time I ring, her husband answers the phone.

Canary Island Date Palm

Agave desert plant

Banana palm with fruit

Trinity Methodist Church Markfield Services & Information

www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

FB: Markfield Methodist Church

Sunday 14th May

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 21st May

CTiM United Service for Christian Aid

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

6.00 p.m. Taize Prayer

Sunday 28th May Pentecost

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 4th June

10.30 a.m. Morning worship with Holy Communion

Sunday 11th June

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 18th June

10.30 a.m. CTiM United Service at St.Michael’s

Music Cafe

Thursday 25th May, 8th June, 22nd June. 2.00 - 4.00 p.m.

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

“Come for a Cuppa”

Every Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00

Come and meet each other on Wednesday mornings. There is no charge for the refreshments and you can “swap a book”. Just come through the main church building and you’ll find us in the back room.

We welcome you to join us at our services & other activities.

Upcoming Events at Leicester Animal Aid

LEICESTER ANIMAL AID has some events coming up over the next few months.

Although the Leicestershire-based charity’s top priority is caring for cats and dogs and helping to rehome them, they also run a children’s activity club, host dog shows and have stalls at local events, and have cat and dog first aid courses at their Centre in Huncote. There’s plenty going on, so make sure to update your diaries with these dates!

Sunday, 14th May |

Burbage Common Open Day, Hinckley, LE10 3DD

A family fun day will be taking place at Burbage Common, and Leicester Animal Aid will be present. There will be a tombola and information stall with members of staff available for a chat. Drop by, say hello, learn a bit about the Charity and enter the tombola for a prize every time.

Saturday, 20th May & Saturday, 29th July | Cat and Dog First Aid Courses, L.A.A., Huncote, LE9 3LE

If you have a cat or a dog, would you know what to do in the event of an accident? These First Aid Courses at Leicester Animal Aid will teach you just that, with up-to-date techniques taught by a veterinary professional. Attendees will also receive a certificate.

The Cat First Aid Course on Saturday, 20th May is £40 (the dog course is now fully booked), and this includes a donation to L.A.A. The courses on 29th July are free, aimed at those on low-income or who are unemployed. You can book online via their website under the events section: https:// www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk/event/calendar

How more protein could help prevent your midlife spread

EATING more protein can help prevent your midlife spread, partly by suppressing your appetite.

A recent study has found that people eat 210 calories more per day than when they are on a low-protein diet.

Yet most of us aren’t eating enough protein. A study from the University of Sheffield found less than half of over-65s studied met the official UK reference nutrient intake (RNI) of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (2.2lb) of their body weight per day – or about 50g a day for a 10st person.

Adding an egg, smoked salmon, authentic Greek yogurt, nuts, or half a can of beans on two slices of wholewheat toast and a 250ml glass of milk, can all help.

The great thing about protein is that it is so filling you might not need to snack. But if you are still peckish, avoid biscuits, chocolate and crisps, and instead choose nuts and seeds, cooked chicken, a bowl of Greek yogurt or a small piece of cheese.

Some proofreading needed!

THE FOLLOWING true-life headlines found in local newspapers make you wonder: is proofreading a dying art?

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Syston Funtopia

FUNTOPIA, ‘The BIG Day Out for Little Kids’ is coming back to Syston for TWO fun-filled visits this summer!

Funtopia is a fantastic funpacked Children’s Festival which is specifically designed for under 10’s. Filled with role play areas, sumo suits, huge water fights, stage shows, giant inflatable games, character meet and greets, under 5’s area, high energy inflatables and more!

The Children’s Festival has several new attractions this summer, which include:

• ‘The Baby Zone’ where the tiniest of visitors can learn and play

• Giant 110ft Obstacle Course (where both kids and grown ups can compete!)

• ‘The Fun-Farm’ a new Role Play Area where kids can run their own farm

• Stage Shows – The new stage features shows, parties and workshops throughout the day Funtopia is All-Inclusive! All of the activities and games are included in the price of your entry. Please note: some activities have height/age restrictions attached.

The 2023 Summer Tour runs from April-August and is visiting Syston on Saturday 27th May and returns Saturday 29th July. For the first time ever the tour will be stopping at Loughborough as well on the 25th June! The Funtopia Tour consists of over 60 dates between April-August and is open daily 11:30am- 5:30pm.

Once you have paid to enter Funtopia, all the activities are included in the price. For only £10 per child, visitors can enjoy a full day of fun!”.

Full tour dates can be viewed on the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/funtopiauk

Funtopia will be held at Central Park, St Peter’s Street, Syston LE7 2EN

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK House-to-House Collection in MARKFIELD

CHRISTIAN AID envelopes will be delivered this year

between 14th and 20th May.

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We are unable to return to each household to collect the envelopes but we kindly ask those who would like to contribute to return the envelope, with donation enclosed, to any of the listed addresses attached to the envelope.

If you are a UK taxpayer remember to Gift Aid your donation - Christian Aid can receive 25p back from the government for every £1 you contribute, at no extra cost to you. Just write your name, address (including post code) and amount you are donating on the form attached to the envelope and place it in the envelope with your donation. Thank you to everyone for your continuing generosity.

Churches Together in Markfield

At the Movies

WE SEEM TO be rapidly heading towards summer now which means that things are hotting up for Groby Sings.

We’re excitedly beginning to look forward to performing our first concerts back at Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Ratby Road, Groby LE6 0FP (known locally as BGLC or Groby College).

We hope to welcome back in the audience the many supporters from home and abroad who enjoyed our previous 15 concert seasons as well as other music lovers who have yet to experience the joy and enthusiasm of the community choir that is Groby Sings. Make sure to put these dates in your diary:

SATURDAY 24th JUNE 7.00pm and SUNDAY 25th JUNE 3.00pm

TICKETS - only £5 - will be available from 22nd MAY at THE GROBY CLUB (during normal opening hours), GROBY LIBRARY (Wednesdays and Saturdays only 10.00am-12.00pm) and via CHOIR MEMBERS, who will be able to purchase tickets at rehearsal sessions.

Whilst many singers are happy to be on stage, we know that it’s not for everyone and so taking part in Groby Sings concerts is entirely optional. If any singer has mobility issues or concerns about standing for long periods, there will be seats in front of the stage and space for wheelchairs and we always try our best to cater for everyone’s needs. It’s important too that anyone who enjoys singing but prefers not to take part in concerts knows that they are still always welcome to join us on Wednesdays and we hope that non-concert singers will take the opportunity to come along and appreciate the performances as part of the audience.

Come along and sing with us on Wednesdays, term time only, at The Groby Club, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ, which has ramps and disabled facilities. Adult singers: 1.30-3.00pm or 7.309.00pm, Youth & Children’s Choir (7 years and over): 3.40-4.40pm. All sessions include a refreshment break. Pre-school children are welcome in the afternoon in the care of their adult with a crèche area available.

Enquiries via our website www.grobysings.org.

Groby Sings is a Registered Charity no. 1180490

HERALD SMALL ADS

• SINGLE DIVAN BED with storage drawers beneath, offered with mattress and attractive white metal headboard. All as new.

Price: £60.00. Collection only please. Tel: 07966 253612 (Markfield)

• Kampa Air Pro 390 CARAVAN AWNING, PUMP, GROUND SHEET. Price: £300.00 o.n.o.

• 43” LED LG TV - 12 months old.

Price: £150.00.

TEL: 07421 000121 (Markfield)

• SET OF GOLF CLUBS and GOLF BAG. Ideal for learner/beginner.

Reasonable OK condition.

Price: £50.00.

• Karcher PRESSURE WASHER, including jet nozzle, no separate tools. Working in good condition.

Price: £60.00.

• STELLA 8” SAUCEPAN with lid and 2 STELLA 10” Frying pans.

Price: £8 each or all 3 items £20.

Tel: 07880 551180 (Markfield)

• 4x Charles Tyrewhitt SHIRTS - 16.5 collar, non iron. As new. £10.00 each.

• Ventuno SUIT black - 34” waist long trousers. £10.00.

• Luke JACKET black XL £10.00

• Moss JACKET navy blue, reg fit 40” chest £10.00

• Lambretta JACKET black 40” chest

£10.00

• Moss TROUSERS 34”waist black £10.00

• Large collection of BABY CLOTHES 0-3 months. Including all-in-ones, hats, mittens, vests, baby grows, Moses basket sheets. Girls& boys. All clean in VGC £30.00.

Tel: 07790 734858 (Groby)

• Rattan Monaco CORNER GARDEN FURNITURE. (Bought from Next @ £1,299) Seats 6/8 hardly ever used good as new. Rising table comes with 2 stools. Price: £595.00.

Tel: 07903 076745

• Rattan GARDEN SOFA and 2 CHAIRS plus cushions and glass coffee table. Price: £40.00

• Electric TREADMILL MACHINEv.g.c. Price: £20.00.

Tel: 07467 949192 (Groby)

• B&D WORKMATE - vgc - almost new. Price: £15.

• Heavy duty PLASTIC TOOL BOX with a few tools £8.00

• Assortment of GARDEN TOOLS from £1.

Tel: 07741 478967 (Glenfield)

• ELECTRIC BIKE - Ladies step through electric bike, Freego Regency, complete with wicker front basket and rear panniers, chain guard and rear wheel skirt. Price: £450.00.

Tel: 07590 764010 (Groby)

• Stone GARDEN PLANTERS / TROUGHS various. FREE OF CHARGE as unwanted. Collection only.

Tel: 07849 019664 (Markfield)

• Silver Cross 3-in-1 PRAM AND PUSHCHAIR. In good condition.

Price: £200.00

• TRAVEL COT, two heights, nearly new. Price: £60.00

• IKEA WOODEN COT AND MATTRESS.Never used.

Price: £60.00

Tel: 0116 225 1789 (Groby)

• Two glass DEMI JOHNS for wine making. Price: £15.00 for the pair.

• Two matching plain cream TEXTURED THROWS. Mediumlarge. Price: £10.00 for the pair.

• HORSE RIDING HAT - Christy Beaufort International XP black. Size 7½/61. Price: £40.00.

• RIDING CROP - black. Price: £5.00.

• RIDING RUBBERS (Boots) - knee high. Slim fit. Size: 40. Cottage Craft make. Good condition. Black. Price: £20.00.

Tel: 07587 528973 (Markfield)

• Multipurpose 4-SECTION LADDER

- height open= 11’8” (3.38m)instructions available. Price: £15.00

• Lakeland ‘Radfan’ RADIATOR FAN Price: £10.00.

• Hoover ‘Whirlwind Evo’ (red)

ELECTRIC CARPET CLEANER with instructions. Price: £25.00.

• Hoover ‘Breeze Evo’ (silver/blue)

ELECTRIC CARPET CLEANER with instructions. Price: £25.00.

• Free-standing OIL FIRED

RADIATORS X 2. Instructions included. Bought Feb 2023 - only light use. Price: £25.00 each.

All items - to be collected.

Tel: 07490 587 518 (Groby)

• 2 x Brand new GARDEN RECLINERS, thick dark green cushions. Not used. Purchased from Coopers Stortford.

Price: £80 for the pair.

Tel: 01530 589234 (Markfield)

• Industrial Singer OVERLOCK MACHINE - old but works well with lockstitch machine that interchanges on the same stand.

Price: £40 for both.

Tel 01530 243182 (Markfield)

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

Maximum 8 items please.

Our postal address is: Herald Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@ markfieldherald.co.uk

PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘SMALL ADS’ in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication, just to know where you are).

Interesting new information about VITAMIN D

AN ARTICLE has been published on the Pubmed website regarding the possible protective effects of taking Vitamin D with regard to prostate cancer.

This meta-analysis “suggested that higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was associated with a reduction of mortality in prostate cancer patients and vitamin D is an important protective factor in the progression and prognosis of prostate cancer.”

In the conclusion of the article, the authors say: “Based on the results mentioned earlier, we can draw the conclusion that higher vitamin D level is significantly associated with a risk reduction of all-cause mortality and prostate cancer-specific mortality, indicating vitamin D may exert a protective effect in the progression and prognosis of prostate cancer.

“More cohort studies and randomized clinical trial are needed to further illustrate the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and prognosis of prostate cancer.”

You can read the full article online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC6240137/

The number of working days lost to sickness skyrockets

DID YOU take time off work last year? Many of us did.

In fact, according to recently released official figures, a record 185.6 million working days were lost, due to sickness or injury. That is even more than during the first year of lockdown. In fact, 2022 was the worst year for sick days since 1995, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 138.2 million days were lost in 2019.

The most common reasons we gave were minor illnesses, including coughs, colds, flu or tummy upsets. Respiratory conditions also overtook mental health as the fourth most common reason for absence in 2022.

Answers to Cryptic Quiz

1. Head, 2. Neck, 3. Leg, 4.Knees, 5. Palm, 6. Foot, 7. Hand, 8. Ears, 9. Fingers, 10. Toes, 11. Heart, 12. Elbow, 13. Shoulder, 14. Nails, 15. Waist, 16. Iris, 17. Eye, 18. Hair, 19. Navel, 20. Back

Answers to Spot the Difference

1. Polar bear eyes shut, 2. Claw on polar bear foot missing, 3. Fish on fishing line different colour, 4. Walrus tusk missing, 5. Different mouth on sliding penguin, 6. Small snow pile missing, 7. Trumpet penguin missing, 8. Swordfish ‘sword’ missing, 9. Sun missing, 10. Tongue on middle penguin missing

If you enjoy reading the Herald, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it. This reader did. It’s good to share! Thanks.

I like to have my pudding first, then my starter, then my main. Is that an eating disorder?

Forthcoming Events at Little Markfield Farm

26th May - at 7pm

QUIZ AND SUPPER

Please book with Brenda

11th June - 10.30 to 4pm FARM OPEN DAY

For More Information

Call Brenda On 07774 047571

Homemakers Program 2023

Meet at 2pm at Little Markfield Farm.

For More Information

Call Brenda On 07774 047571

June 14th

PETER COOMBS - TALK ANTIQUES FROM THE BOTTOM OF A BOX.

Aug 9th

SKITTLES

Sep 13th

LEICESTERSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE - FIRE SAFETY

Oct 11th

IAN MABER - TALK AND QUIZ THINGAMEBOB

IT’S A PERENNIAL problem for an MP; how do you understand and best represent our community and what issues matter most to us?

Living here is certainly a good start! But further than that, how do you take stock of what people are thinking? One of my favourite ways to do this is speaking to people from around our area. Whether I’m welcoming constituents to my office in Hinckley, talking to local business owners or crossing paths while walking the dogs, I appreciate every opportunity to hear what matters to our community. Since being elected in December 2019 I’ve received over 70,000 emails, worked on more than 23,000 local concerns or policy queries and invited hundreds of residents to speak with me. But, with over 110,000 people in our constituency (Bosworth spans from Burbage and Hinckley, up to Twycross and across to Ratby and Markfield), it’s tricky to get round to everyone!

I’ve found surveys to be a useful tool in getting a flavour of what local people think on any given topic in a short space of time. Previous surveys cover everything from photo ID and fireworks to international aid and, last year, who should be leader of the Conservative

Church bulletin notices that didn’t quite work…

~ The Revd John Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.

~ The students will present Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ in the church on Friday at 7pm. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

~ A new loudspeaker system has been installed in the church. It was given by one of our members in memory of his wife.

~ The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.

~ The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.

~ The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.

Party. In this month’s column I wanted to share the results of my two most recent surveys: Brexit and immigration.

Following news of the Windsor Framework I asked, ‘Do you think the UK should re-join the European Union?’ to which 64.5% of respondents selected ‘No’.

On immigration I asked, ‘Do you agree or disagree with legislation which will deter people from crossing the Channel via people smuggling gangs?’ to which 80% selected either ‘Strongly agree’ or ‘Agree’. In response to the question ‘Do you support the Rwanda Partnership?’ 62.5% selected ‘Yes’, with 9.2% selecting ‘Don’t know’.

The most selected responses to ‘Which issues are most important to you and your family’ were the NHS, increasing cost of living, the economy, immigration and crime. These reflect the Prime Minister’s five priorities: Halve Inflation, Grow the Economy, Reduce Debt, Cut Waiting Lists and Stop the Boats.

By no means is this scientific… keeping in mind how many people live in our area, these results reflect a small sample size, but surveys are certainly not a tool to disregard. Through sharing links on Facebook, in my newsletter and as posts on my

website, I encourage everyone who would like their voice to be heard to take part – no matter your politics.

If you’d like to receive my newsletter (I’ll be in touch with monthly updates on my work, links to surveys, important news etc) please sign up via www.drlukeevans.org.uk.

Fundamentally as a politician it does come down to your judgement and ultimately for voters their decider is always the ballot box!