November 2015 herald online by Michael Wilkinson

NOVEMBER 2015

Urgent appeal for volunteer families FRIENDS of Chernobyl’s Children (West Leics) are appealing for volunteer host families who could offer a secure, loving home for a child living with the after effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster for one month next summer. The charity is also urgently seeking hosts for two English speaking interpreters who will be accompanying the children on their trip. All host families need to live within 30 mins commuting distance of the charity’s day centre in Markfield and should ideally have their own transport. Hosts will be required to drop off their child/interpreter in Markfield between 8.30am and 9.00am each weekday morning and pick them up again at approx. 4.30pm each weekday afternoon. The children will be expected to spend evenings and weekends with their host families. All host family members aged 18 and over will be required to have an enhanced DBS check and provide details of two referees. There are no age restrictions but hosts need to be fit, able to manage a vulnerable young child and willing to provide them with a loving and stable home for 4 weeks. Group Coordinator John Buckby explained “We have a long waiting list of children who would really benefit from a month of respite from the conditions they endure in their homeland, but we are desperately short of volunteer host families. Although the children will not be arriving until 30th July 2016, there are lots of formalities that have to be completed in Belarus before the children are able to travel and time is against us. We need to sign up potential hosts by early December if we are to stand any chance of offering a place next summer to just some of the really needy children on our waiting list. Hosting can be a hugely rewarding experience and I would love to hear from anyone who is interested in working in partnership with the charity to provide a lifechanging recuperative holiday for a child from Belarus. My fingers are firmly crossed that local families will come forward in time.” For more information about the charity’s Family Hosting Programme, visit www. focc-westleics.org.uk or contact John Buckby on 01455 285799 e-mail john. evolution@btinternet.com.

Help socialise our kittens APPEAL FROM REDGATE FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY

COULD YOU spare an occasional hour for Redgate to help socialise our kittens? At the moment we have about 14 cats and kittens at Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary near Markfield, and we would like to ask your kind Herald readers if they might be able to help us with the following requests. Firstly, ‘socialisation’ through company. We’d love to see you

Continued on page 2

LET’S CELEBRATE! ON DECEMBER 5TH, 6th & 7th Markfield Methodist Church is holding a festival celebrating Christmas traditions both religious & secular. There will be twenty trees/displays, one of which is a knitted Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. This has to be seen! Opening times are: Saturday, 10.00 – 4.00, Sunday, 12.00 – 4.00 and Monday, 9.30 – 12.00. Admission is free and refreshments will be served throughout with soup & roll on offer on Saturday from 12.00 to 1.30. Also on Saturday there will be a cake stall, chocolate tombola, raffle and “Guess Teddy’s Birthday”.

Come & Sing Carols! HERE’S another opportunity to get into the festive spirit. Join us at the festival on Saturday 5th between 2.30 and 3.30 and choose your favourite carol to sing in an informal café setting. We look forward to seeing you sometime over the weekend.

Stanton Christmas Fayre Saturday 29th November 2 - 4 p.m CHRISTMAS FAYRE. Various stalls, Craft, Bric a Brac, Raffle, Tombola, Books and Cakes. Tea and coffee will be available. Come and Join us for this Fund Raising Social Event.

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 5th December - Adverts & Articles Needed By 21st November

Kittens needing company! Continued from page 1

even if you cannot re-home any of our lovely little residents - but might you be able to come and sit with them for a short while every now and again (any day between 11am and 3pm). This helps to keep them company, as cats and kittens do get lonely too. Animals in longterm care can also show signs of depression. Also, the problem for all animals in an unnatural setting such as any rescue centre, is that they can become institutionalised and with kittens this can mean they can start to go a bit ‘wild’. What rescue centre animals need is company, play, fuss and perhaps even a bit of background music. Would this kind of volunteering appeal to you? There is a in each pen where you could sit and provide warmth and company for the little ones. Bring a book or a radio. Secondly, (you knew this was coming!), as we have lots of cats and kittens coming into Redgate Farm (and, luckily, being rehomed), we are always short of cat and kitten food pouches and kitten biscuits. If you would think about bringing us some cat/kitten food, or donating in the donation bins at Markfield Community Centre or

Safe driving this winter THE TEMPERATURES are dropping now, and it is a good idea to nurture your car battery. Cold, damp weather can cause problems for it. The RAC recommends the following to take best care of your battery: •

Jollyes, Coalville, we would be so very grateful. We are full-throttle with fundraising events for the animals from now till Christmas too, so please come along and support our Christmas Fayres, stalls, raffles, displays and tombolas. Luckily, our local halls and organisations have some truly fabulous events coming up: • Bagworth Community Centre Christmas Fair – Friday 6th November, 7 – 9pm • Thornton Community Centre Christmas Fair – Saturday 14th November, 10.30 – 2.00pm

•

Coalville Town Centre precinct – Saturday 21st November, 9am – 4pm • Markfield Community Centre Christmas Market – Sunday 6th December, 11am – 3.30pm • And Christmas tree festival at St. Martin’s church, Desford, 5th – 7th December Thank you! And don’t forget to keep an eye on the Redgate website: www. redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk telephone 01530 243 925, or visit any day, 11.00am – 3pm. Jo Leadbetter, Secretary Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary

•

Before you switch off your engine at the end of a journey, turn off the lights, wipers and heaters. This prevents any unnecessary drain on the battery next time you start the car. Check that everything is switched off before your turn on the ignition. Avoid using the heater longer than necessary, as it puts high demands on the vehicle’s battery. Check that you don’t leave interior lights, satnavs or phone chargers connected. If possible, park in a garage.

Funny how they say we need to talk when they really mean you need to listen.

County Council to discuss changes to waste sites

Success for local photographer

CHANGES TO Leicestershire’s waste sites to save £670,000 will be discussed by councillors next month. The proposed changes include reduced opening hours at the 14 sites across Leicestershire and new charges for non-household waste. The proposals, being discussed by Leicestershire County Council’s ruling cabinet on November 18, are designed to help save the authority more than £670,000. If agreed, the proposals would see all sites move to five-day opening all year round, 9am – 4pm October to March and 9am – 7pm April to September. New charges would also be introduced for non-household waste such as rubble, concrete, bathroom suites and fence posts. Additional changes to be discussed by councillors include the introduction of permits for paint disposal and a review of charity and parish council waste permits. Recycling and reuse credits given to voluntary and community organisations would also be revamped following feedback, to ensure credits are only paid on items that cannot

easily be recycled elsewhere such as mattresses and carpets.

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER Bill Allsopp of Bagworth was delighted to receive this email from the Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition organisers: “The judging of all shortlisted images in the Take a view Awards has now been completed and the final results decided. “We are pleased to tell you that one of your images (View of the River Thurne at Sunset, Norfolk, England) has been commended by the judges and has won a place in the Awards book and will appear at the London exhibition.” This is the second time Bill has had an image selected. Visit his website at www.billallsopp.co.uk

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Women spend more time wondering what men are thinking than men spend thinking.

Being a hypochondriac is going to save my life one of these days.

Glenfield U3A Roadshow: 11th Nov

County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason

ARE YOU retired or semiretired? Are you looking for new challenges, friends and fun? Do you have knowledge on a particular subject that you would like to share with others?

Cuts to the Fire Service proposed THE FIRE SERVICE in Leicestershire currently has 542 members of staff including 405 fire-fighters - as well as 231 retained firefighters. It received £17.8 million in government grants in 2013/14 - but it is predicted that in 2019/2020 it will receive just £9.1 million. Due to these massive cuts in funding from central government, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) must reduce its budget by £1.5 million over the next few years to keep in line with diminishing funding by central government. The fire service is consulting on reducing the number of firefighters, fire engines and fire stations. But the current proposals are dangerous, say a group of 12 retired senior firefighters Two fire stations face closure and nearly 90 jobs could be lost as part of sweeping cuts at Leicestershire Fire Service. The city’s Central fire station, in Lancaster Road, and Kibworth fire station are set to close to save money, it has been announced. Fire service chiefs have also said they will potentially have to make 88 redundancies, which are likely to affect the service’s ‘oncall’ workforce. Plans also include replacing eleven traditional fire engines with three new tactical response vehicles. The tactical response vehicles will be used for call outs that do not require the equipment of a larger fire engine - but they can still pump water, can extricate people from cars and carry breathing equipment. The changes have been proposed to save Leicestershire Fire Service £1.5 million annually, which it needs to do to cope with government funding cuts. But fire service bosses say they will improve resources at other fire stations to compensate for the closures and so immediate response to every emergency will continue. They say some areas will have improved coverage. Richard Chandler, chief fire officer for Leicestershire Fire Service, as quoted in the Leicester Mercury, said: “If you dial the fire and rescue service we will still come. If you need us we will still come. You will get a fire appliance to you in the same amount of time,

and in some areas there will be an improved service. “It is about being wise about how we use the resources to make sure we offer that same standard of service. It is just a slightly different service to what we are used to.” Talking about the possible job cuts, he added: “We would look to explore all options before putting anyone at risk of redundancy.” Twelve former senior firefighters have joined the fight against costcutting plans by Leicestershire fire service, saying that if implemented they would put people’s lives in danger. The former senior firefighters have come together to pen an open letter to the fire authority expressing their concerns over money-saving proposals which they say will put firefighters and members of the public in danger.

But the suggestions, such as axing fire engines and closing stations, which are currently part of a public consultation, will “undermine the safety of the residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland,” said the letter. Drawn together by their shared concerns over the proposals, the group has drafted a number of alternatives and sent them to each member of the CFA, including Councillor Ozzy O’shea who is a member of the CFA. Retired station commander and former operational planning officer Chris Bilby, one of the organisers of the joint letter, as quoted in the Leicester Mercury, said: “We all have an in-depth knowledge of the service and do not believe that options proposed are the only ones available. “We believe that the statement that, ‘the public safety will not be reduced if the proposals are enacted’ is misleading and incorrect.” Chris Bilby said that many serving firefighters - even at senior levels -

were unhappy with the proposals, but have been warned about speaking out against them for fear of reprisals. He said: “My contacts within Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have been made to feel that they are not in the position to speak out against the proposals. “There is a culture of intimidation, and a series of very thinly-veiled threats, which mean staff feel as if they cannot speak out.” This is why we’ve felt as if something has to be done - so this is partly on their behalf.” With more than 300 years of experience between them, the collection of retired operational officers and station managers has been meeting over the last month to draft alternatives to the fire service’s cost-cutting plans which includes; •

Increasing the fire precept

•

Selling the new headquarters in Birstall

•

Buying the fire engines which are coming to the end of their leases

•

Dropping day crewing plus shift system, for which firefighters get an additional 27 per cent of their wages for being part of

•

Cutting back on uniforms and embellishments

Then why not come along to the annual Glenfield U3A ‘roadshow’ on Wednesday 11th November 2015. The ‘roadshow’ is being held at the Scout Hall, Stamford St, Glenfield, LE3 8DL between 10am and midday. Members of the Committee and Group leaders will be on hand to meet and greet visitors to discuss over refreshments the 40 group activities available to members and the various events planned for the forthcoming year. Annual membership is just £16; this includes free entry to the monthly meetings, (held on the fourth Thursday of every month at St Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield), a local quarterly newsletter and a quarterly national magazine.

Gill Tapping

www.u3asites.org.uk/glenfield

•

More collaboration with EMAS and other health agencies, which would mean access to extra streams of outside funding The current cost-cutting plan, known as the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP), is in a period of public consultation, which ends later this year. It includes closing two stations, including central station in the heart of Leicester, removing 11 fire engines and axing a third of its firefighters. This is yet another example of local front line services being axed due to the current governments funding priorities. If this was going to be a genuine consultation all options should have be made available with nothing ruled in or out. The safety of our family, homes and businesses is very important I would urge you to take part in this consultation and lobby your local CFA member with your views.

This isn’t working out. I think we should start making other people miserable.

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, Maureen, John, Lyn, Lily, Ian, Ann, Gill, Sandra, Jeanie, Jenny, Calum, Lisa, Yvonne, Ray, Margaret, Daniel, Jessie, Selina, Charlotte, Mike and Rowan

Letter Important message from Redgate Animal Sanctuary IT HAS COME to the notice of Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary that some items of post addressed to the sanctuary may have gone missing in recent months, and we are currently looking into this possibility. This is a precautionary measure, and if you have sent us mail recently, we would be grateful to hear from you, and for your help, as follows: If you have sent a letter, a card or a donation, to Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary recently and it has not yet been formally acknowledged by us, please get in touch with the sanctuary as soon as possible, as we may not have seen your original correspondence. Please email redgate@mail.org or telephone 01530 243 925 (day), or 01530 230 455 (after 6pm), or call into the sanctuary office on Shaw Lane, Markfield any day between 11.30am – 3pm. If you prefer to write to us, please ensure the letter is made for the attention of the Sanctuary Supervisor, or the Committee of Trustees. If you have sent a cheque to Redgates, and receipt has not been acknowledged by us, could you please enquire at your bank to see if your cheque has been cashed or not - then please contact us to let us know (contact details as above). Many thanks From: The Secretary on behalf of the Committee of Trustees Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary 233, Shaw Lane Markfield LE67 9PW Registered charity number: 1036506 www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk

Why a walk is better than a run when you hit 60 THE NIGHTS may be long, the weather cold and damp, but do try and keep active this winter. Walking or cycling for just 20 minutes a day can reduce a 60-year-old man’s risk of heart failure by a fifth. Research in Sweden found that both too little and too much exercise as we age can be bad for us. Just twenty minutes of cycling or walking each day is far better than none, and more beneficial than heavy-duty exercise. The research was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Heart Failure.

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 5the December DEADLINE: 21st November

I’m having an introvert party and you’re all not invited.

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7 Interesting project being undertaken by Thornton WI

Would you like to come along and help us to make some Fidget Quilts? UNTIL ENLIGHTENED by one of our members, Marina Briers, I had never heard of such things. Marina came to one of our meetings with a most interesting package of information about the quilts. They are designed to safely stimulate and soothe people with Alzheimer’s, (or people with dementia, autism, ADD, head trauma , or persons recovering from strokes). Fidget Quilts are made from a variety of textures and objects that dementia or Alzheimer’s patients find appealing as their once busy hands search for something to occupy them. for a loved one during a time of already As the disease progresses, the in place! uncertainty in their lives. hands get more nervous and I hasten fidgety. All of us could immediately see to add that it was an old shirt! the benefits such quilts may bring, In the latter stages of Alzheimer’s, So , the upshot of the rest of our so it didn’t take much persuasion on patients have been known to pull conversation is that Sue will lend my part for the members to decide on bed linens or clothes – or run her expertise to the project! their fingers up and down the to launch themselves into a quiltmaking session. We had already When a few of our members sheets repetitively. Even though attended a recent “Button Dabble planned to have a “crafty” evening their minds have been impaired, Day”, it came to light that most of in November, lead by myself, and their hands still search for items to us possess some craft skills which manipulate. what better use of our time could there be? lie hidden nowadays. As youngsters The quilt is similar to a toddler’s some of us were taught, both at Among our members is gifted “busy book” with activities like home and at school, to sew, to quilter, Sue Roberts. I was plucking zippers, Velcro, laces, buckles, knit and to crochet. However, up the nerve to ask for her ribbon, buttons, gloves, and you may have different craft skills assistance when the phone rang. It items – such as stuffed animals which you would love to employ. was Sue! “I’ve been thinking about and photographs– to place inside Actually, it doesn’t matter if you feel these quilts.....” she began. Whilst pockets. Fidget Quilts can be you have NO practical craft skills... ironing husband Trevor’s shirt, she individualized to match a person’s believe me, the WI ladies will be had thought how easy it would be interests or personality. They can delighted to have you with us, and to cut out a patch with a pocket also provide warmth and security

your hands will soon be busy in some way! I am a big believer in encouraging people to “Just have a try!” We already have a stock of material and are starting to collect all kinds of things to add colour, texture and interest to our quilts. So do feel VERY WELCOME to come and join in our Quilt Workshop on 12th November, at THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE at 7.30 p.m. We would greatly appreciate your interest.

Muriel Walker (Thornton WI President)

I need to start paying closer attention to stuff. Found out today my wife and I have separate names for the cat.

Sell Your Stuff!

HERALD

FREE Small Ads • Handmade, nearly new SHOP COUNTER with 4 drawers, till recess, and under-counter storage. Light Oak. Price: £180 o.n.o. • 2 sheets of PURPLE PERSPEX, 4’ 4½” x 3’ 9” and 3’ 9” x 3’ 3½” Price: £50 o.n.o. • Casio electronic CASH REGISTER 140 CR Price: £99 o.n.o. • 10L DEHUMIDIFIER - hardly used, excellent condition. Price: £60.00 Tel: 01530 243329 • CORBY VALET STAND incorporating electric trouser press. Mahogany finish - excellent condition. Price: £20 • Electric CONVECTOR HEATER. Price: £8 • Duraflex MAGIC LADDER. 5 in one portable aluminium ladder. Folds up to fit in smallest space - eg car boot. Price: £20 • Helpmate DIY SAFETY PLATFORM. Price: £12 • Also a QUANTITY OF HAND TOOLS- ring for details. Tel: 01530 244388 SEND your Small Ads IN WRITING to: The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or email to: info@ markfieldherald. co.uk (please include your address - not for publication).

Don’t forget to send us your news! Thanks

LUPUS COFFEE MORNING A BIG THANK YOU WE ARE REALLY grateful to everyone who supported the recent coffee morning to raise funds for Lupus UK and to raise awareness of the illness. It was a happy social occasion with much “catching up” over a cuppa. Proceeds of the morning, sale of quizzes and generous donations amounted to £268. We think that’s brilliant! Sincere thanks for your support.

Linda & William Walmsley

Going sober for Macmillan Cancer Support WE WANT to say huge congratulations and well done to Joe Krych of Stanton Under Bardon, who, for the month of October has been abstaining from any form of alcohol to become a sober hero and raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. We all probably know someone who has had a cancer diagnosis, so each and every one of us is affected in some way by this disease. Macmillan offer support from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, but they need our support to raise funds so they can carry on with the tremendous work they do. Those of you that know Joe will already know what a keen rugby supporter he is. Joe is a season ticket holder at the Leicester Tigers, and, ‘back in the day’ a Tigers player. He would normally have watched the Rugby World Cup with a pint to celebrate success, or on present form, to drown his sorrows! But nothing stronger than a ginger beer has passed his lips. In fact the Krych household has been alcohol free throughout October as we support him as our sober hero. As I write this Joe has raised nearly £700 from donations from family, friends and work colleagues, and there is still a week to go. So well done Joe, we are proud of you. If you would like to donate or check to see how much Joe finally raised for this fantastic cause then please visit: https://gosober.org.uk/profile/joekrych

Alison, James and Becky Krych

The county’s skyline to glow red for the Poppy Appeal A COLOURFUL initiative to commemorate the First World War across Leicestershire is once again encouraging organisations to illuminate their buildings in red. The local initiative, by Leicestershire’s WW1 centenary reference group and the Leicestershire and Rutland Royal British Legion (RBL), will run during the RBL’s Poppy Appeal until Armistice Day on 11 November. This is a local initiative by Leicestershire’s WW1 centenary reference group with the support of the Leicestershire & Rutland RBL. The event is led by the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Lady Gretton, and Colonel Robert Martin, County RBL president. Lady Gretton said: “It was very moving to see parts of Leicestershire’s skyline lit up in remembrance and support of the Poppy Appeal last year.” Colonel Martin said: “As the custodians of Remembrance, the RBL is delighted to be supporting this collective appreciation for the men and women of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces who have selflessly and courageously served our country and continue to do so. David Snartt, Chairman of the County Council, said: “We are delighted that such an eye-catching way of promoting the RBL Poppy Appeal will continue this year and would encourage other organisations to join us in showing their support for this initiative.” Other organisations wishing to join the initiative should email Lieutenancyoffice@ leics.gov.uk.

You’re not old until a teenager describes you as middle-aged.

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Stanton (Recycled Teenagers Christmas Party) & Luke Jackson Pay out THIS YEAR’S Annual Over-65s Party in Stanton under Bardon will take place on Saturday 5th December, and it has now been going for an amazing 14 years. Everyone over 65 in Stanton who we already know will automatically receive an invitation. This states that any senior citizens can get in touch with us to request an invite, and replies should be given back to me or dropped into the Post Office by 1st December, so that we can plan the catering. The Party this year is on Saturday 5th December, from 2pm - 4.30pm at Stanton Youth Club. It is free to attend (you just need to live in Stanton), as we fundraise earlier in the year. At the party there will be music, a sing song, a little tea, Bingo and a visit from Santa, etc. Anyone who has not received an invite by mid-to-late November, or knows someone who may not be on our list, needs to ring me Sally Wilkins on 01530 242847. We try to contact everyone eligible in the village. The Luke Jackson Charity money will be given out on this day. Anyone due to receive a payment who is unable to attend the party should please contact Pete Wilkins on 01530 242847 and it will be delivered.

Sally Wilkins

(Stanton under Bardon Queens Golden Jubilee Committee) member

Final meeting of Bradgate Flower Club On Wednesday 2nd December, Bradgate Flower Club welcomes Lorena Dyer (pictured below) from Coventry. The CAP Money course is taking a break now until the New Year, but there will be a course running early in 2016. The course runs for 3 easy sessions to help set up a household budget and saving system. It is for everyone - students to the newly retired, single people and for families. Contact details: Steph Beeston-Clarke Lead CAP Money Coach stephbc@hotmail.co.uk 01530 243606 / 07572 852684

Places are limited, so if you (or someone you know) would like to book please contact Steph - you don’t have to wait for the dates. To find out more please contact Steph or visit:

https://capuk.org/i-want-help/cap-money-course/course

She will follow a seasonal theme, ‘It’s Christmas - let’s Sparkle’. Regrettably, this is the last ever meeting of the Club. We invite former members, friends and visitors to join us for this, our final demonstration. We meet at Newtown Linford Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Visitors are welcome. A charge of £5 is made. Details from Lillian Coleman on 0116 2363191.

TABLE TOP & CRAFT FAYRE Refreshments included homemade soup Large selection of stalls

SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER

12noon till 3.30pm COPT OAK MEMORIAL HALL LE67 9QB Stalls £10 – booking essential / Entrance 50p – children free Further details contact - 01530 244229 or 0116 2674746 Ample free parking - Proceeds in aid of St. Peter’s Church Copt Oak.

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Christmas Musical Entertainment with

Serenata

Saturday 5th December 7.30pm Tickets £5 to include mulled wine and mince pies. To book contact Sue Gammon 244229 or Ted Pepper 249101

Bagworth Community Centre

Christmas is coming ..... THE BAGWORTH Community Centre Trust (BCCT) has been delighted and very impressed by the work of the Events Team. Jade and Geoff have put in a great deal of effort to organise events at the Centre. Following on from a successful pre-Hallowe’en disco on 24th October, other events to look forward to include a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 28th November, from 1 pm to 4 pm. This is a chance to buy your bespoke gifts and a chance for children to visit Santa and meet his surprise helper. Admission is free and there will be stalls in both the Front and the Rear Hall. The team are also organising a New Year’s Eve event. Admission is by ticket only and must be purchased by 15th December. (Tickets are available from Jade [01530 230922, hovellj22@outlook.com] or Geoff [0770 283 8920, bubbleblower1948@hotmail.co.uk]. Tickets cost £10 per person and include a drink on arrival. Children are free but must be accompanied by an adult. The bar will be open and there will be a hog roast. What a great way to see in the New Year. BCCT have also really appreciated the efforts made by Debbie who has run Stay and Play and Messy Play at the Centre. Sadly she is moving on to pastures new. A sign of the high esteem in which she is held was seen on her last Stay and Play. She received lots of deserved gifts and the tears of sadness were displayed not only by Debbie but also by the parents. Members of BCCT who were present were also emotional. Good luck for the future, Debbie. Debbie has been so successful with these activities that it was felt that they could not be abandoned. Therefore, they will continue but the times, however, will change. Messy Play will continue on a Thursday afternoon (1.45 pm to 2.45 pm) but Stay and Play will switch to afternoons, namely Tuesday and Friday afternoons at 1.45 pm to 2.45 pm in the Front Hall. They have proved to be not only a great activity for the children but also a good way for new villagers to meet each other. Several people have stated that they have really appreciated this. As a result of the changes, the Coffee Shop opening hours will also change. It will be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm each day. BCCT would like to extend these hours but require more volunteers if they are to do this. If you could spare time to do this, not necessarily every week, please inform BCCT. Kate has decided to cancel ‘Insanity’ on a Wednesday evening and, for the time being, concentrate on Tuesday evenings. She has a class doing PiYo (a cross between Pilates and Yoga) from 7 to 8 pm and an ‘Insanity’ class from 8 to 9 pm. If you would like to see what is involved in these classes please drop in at the appropriate time. The usual events continue throughout November. Don’t forget that the BCCT Prize Bingo takes place on Monday 9th November at 7.45 pm. If you have ideas for events/ classes at the Centre or if you would like to volunteer your help in any capacity or you would like to join the Trust, please let us know. We are a friendly bunch and you would be warmly welcomed.

What’s coming up at Markfield HomeMakers MARKFIELD HomeMakers meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, on the second Wednesday of the month at 8pm. Call: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436.

•

Nov 11th ~ Brian Langtry ~ Song of the Soar

•

Dec 9th ~ Christmas Party

•

Jan 13th 2016 ~ Dinner ~7.15 for 7.30pm

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Worked out for 30 minutes this morning. I did a push up.

12 South Charnwood High School Markfield Leicestershire LE67 9TB EXAMINATIONS INVIGILATORS REQUIRED Part time, flexible working hours paid at £7.52 per hour available between 8.30am and 5.30pm (as appropriate for the exams) The school is now looking to recruit a team of between 20 and 30 responsible people to invigilate our Year 11 mock examinations in the week beginning 7th December 2015 and our final exams between Monday 16th May 2016 and Wednesday 22nd June 2016. Training will be provided and is compulsory. For further enquiries or to show an expression of interest at this stage, please email our Exams Officer, Mrs Heather Green on heatherg4@southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk or telephone her on 01530 242351 South Charnwood High School is a “Safer Recruitment School” and this position is a regulated activity. www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk

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Funding public services Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald HOW DO we fund public services? That is a question that has been considered a great deal in recent times and is currently a matter under consideration at the Borough Council. The truth is that after freezing Council Tax for the last 5 years while at the same time having the grant it receives from central government slashed repeatedly, the financial situation at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and in truth at many councils and public authorities in the UK is starting to look pretty grim. As a result many Councils have been looking at the services they provide and are radically changing the way they are delivered or stopping them altogether. This process has been going on for some time but many public authorities still need to find year on year reductions which means that core services are starting to be impacted. For example, right now big cuts to the Fire Service in Leicestershire are being contemplated and you can view and comment on these online at www.leicestershire-fire.gov.uk/irmp and I have written previously about how the County has driven through changes to library provision which means that in future it will be reliant on volunteers to keep it going. Such is the mindset these days that increasing Council tax to raise money to fund services has become not just difficult due to obstacles placed in the way by Government but also because everyone seems to accept the public aren’t willing to contemplate it. I get that people don’t want to pay more taxes after all who does, but at the same time public services are required and demanded and so we end up in a catch 22 situation. One of the ways this has been addressed is to increase direct charges for services as and when they are used. These charges can be levied with few obstacles and so represent an easy option but in my reckoning a costly one. As soon as you move away from providing key services funded by forms of general taxation you lose universality of provision. It is this universality that ensure that everyone has access to them and the net unit cost of providing the service is reduced. Topically I can give a very good example of this because the Borough Council at Hinckley is engaged in a public consultation

on funding key services. The key service in this instance is the door to door recycling services the Borough provide to every resident. The funding that supports the Brown Bin collection has already been axed by the County Council and the funding that supports the Blue Bin (paper, card, plastics, tin etc) collections is set to be slashed, again by the County Council, meaning that unless new funding is found it is hard to see how these current universal services can continue to be delivered. The thing about these services is that we know they are popular and well thought off. Without them and with waste collections every 2 weeks it is hard to see how people would manage their waste and how they would recycle, which is essential to avoid more landfill sites being required of which in Leicestershire there is almost no capacity anyway. So the Borough Council is asking residents what they should do. They (you) are being presented with 2 options. The first is to increase the Borough portion of the Council Tax by around 16% or £16 per annum / 31p per week on a band D property (less if you live as most people do in a lower band property such as B or C) This increase would secure the funding required to maintain these services going forward but the challenge of this option is that it would need to be put to a public referendum. This is because only increases of 2% and below are allowed by the Government without such a referendum. This despite the Borough Council having the 8th lowest Borough rate in the UK and having made significant savings already. The other option to raise an equivalent amount of money, to keep these services going, is to introduce a separate charge for the service. This would start with a Brown Bin charge which you would pay if you wanted the service. This charge would be £35 per annum and on top of this everyone would see a 2% Council Tax increase which does not require a referendum. This option would of-course see the end of the current universal brown bin collection as only those who paid the £35 charge would receive it. The high charge reflects the fact that 20% of the income would be lost as VAT would need to administered (the Council Tax is not a charge so is exempt) in addition

to this, administration costs would be increased to manage the charging system and the same bin lorry would still be required to go down almost every street in the Borough (so the same fixed costs are required) but this time just collecting from those who had the bin and had paid the charge. In essence the choice is yours. Pay £16 (a Council Tax increase of around 16%) and probably less, per annum and keep the service free of any charges and available to all as at present. Or pay a 2% increase in Council Tax and £35 extra if you want the brown bin service. It really is as simple as that. I for one see no sense whatsoever in destroying a successful service which is provided to every home in the Borough and could be

Matthew Lay funded at half the cost of a charged for service. Sadly such is state of the body politic in the UK that we can happily destroy something good and pay for the privilege of doing so. The consultation can be found online at www.hinckley-bosworth. gov.uk/fundingsurvey and it will be included in the next Borough Bulletin. Some households will have received it by freepost and this can be returned as per instruction.

Groby Sings Goes to Town We at Groby Sings are practising hard for our next production, Groby Sings Goes to Town which will take place, as usual, at Groby Community College. Although this is our winter concert, this year there is not a snowflake in sight! However, there could be some Rain in Spain or even On The Street Where You Live and so we’ll have umbrellas and parasols at the ready to help us entertain our audiences with songs from My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins and more. We’ll all need our teeth in for Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious so make sure you don’t miss our latest extravaganza by purchasing your tickets now before they sell out (they always go like hot cakes) and come along to see which stunning outfit our conductor, Helen Hayes, is modelling this time! If you aren’t aware of us, Groby Sings is your local community choir for anyone who wants to make music for the sheer enjoyment of singing. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive choir so everyone is welcome. Currently, we have about 240 adults and young singers, aged from 7 to 107 (potentially!), who come from Groby and surrounding villages. Come and support us at our concerts and, if you feel you’d like to join us, come along to the rehearsals for our next summer production - you’re sure to meet someone you know. To let you into a little secret – you don’t need to be a good singer and there are no auditions, you just turn up and sing! We always have fun, eat cake, and, with a lot of guidance from Helen and her accompanists, we manage to put on a great show. Why not join us? Performances: Saturday 28th November 7.30pm and Sunday 29th November 3.00pm Tickets ONLY £5 from Chaplins Butchers or any choir member. Enquiries to: Helen Hayes 07867 963328 or Ruth Matthews 07759 395072 (not to the College, please)

Crocodiles can grow up to 20 feet, but most have just four.

Britain’s best blues guitarist lives in Markfield Norman Griffiths reports on the 2015 Blues Awards MARKFIELD resident Aynsley Lister, has recently been voted Britain’s Best Blues Guitarist in the 2015 British Blues Awards. The British Blues Awards are run by unpaid volunteers and rely entirely on sponsors and donations to pay for the trophies and entertainment at the presentation. The nominees are chosen by a large panel but the winners of the awards are chosen by blues fans themselves in an online vote every year. “At first the nominations and votes was decided completely by the public, but this became too much to cope with, so we changed the rules,” explained a spokesperson for the Awards. “Now we invite a group of people to form a panel at the beginning of the year, and we try to make sure that the whole of Britain is represented. We include people that run the Blues Festivals, Venues, Radio and Internet Broadcasters. Blues Websites, Publications, Journalists and Reviewers. Each member of the panel is asked to nominate their top three in each category with 3 points given to their first choice, 2 points to the second and 1 point to the third. The points for each nominee are added together and the top six (more if there is a tie) in each category become the short-list for the public vote.” Aynsley came runner up in the male vocals category and is pleased to add the 2015 awards to those he won last year. In 2014 in addition to being runner up in three categories he was named the Best Songwriter and also won the Best Song award for the title track from his ‘Home’ album. Drummer Wayne Proctor, who played on ‘Home’ also won “Drummer of the Year” for the third time in a row. In order to prevent an over dominance by any act in any of the categories, three times winners are inducted into the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame,which means that they are excluded from future polls in that category. No doubt that’s a position Aynsley would be happy to be in. Voting is not limited to the UK, which probably helps Aynsley as the band tours abroad every year. Back in July he appeared at a festival in France which also featured Gordon Matthew Sumner, better known as Sting, and Mark Knopfler who rose to fame with Dire Straits. In the Spring his band became 10 strong for a visit to Poland, and the quality and experience of the musicians he added is a measure of the strength of his growing reputation. But being so far away from home can have it’s complications, as the band found when their bus broke down before their show in Hamburg on their recent European tour. Luckily Jürgen Kulp, who Aynsley describes as “a very special friend,”came to the rescue. “Within 10 minutes of our breakdown, Jürgen had his bags packed, his trailer ready and was on the road to collect us,” said Aynsley. “He got us to our first show in plenty of time for a champagne arrival and a stress-free soundcheck. We had the pleasure of keeping Jürgen on the road with us for the last shows while the AA did a great job looking after our bus.” For the next few months the band will be playing at venues across the UK. These include their Christmas appearance at The Musician in Leicester on December 13th, when fans won’t expect any Christmas carols but may be hoping to hear some of the songs to be featured on the band’s next album.

Markfield’s History in the Old Newspapers

Parrs Life Pills ARE PARRS Life Pills still available? ‘Mrs Mary Kimber of Markfield stated that after taking a few of Parrs Life Pills she has felt better than she has done for four years, during which time she had suffered greatly from nervous debility. ‘She always felt poorly and could hardly get about and was obliged to sit down two or three times a day. ‘She could neither draw water from the well or do the washing. Now she can draw bucket after bucket and the washerwoman said when she saw her at the wash tub “How you have altered”. She had walked to Leicester 7 miles that morning.’

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Farewell to Dad’s Army – 70 years on

‘DAD’S ARMY’ has been one of the BBC’s most popular sitcoms, its characters’ catchphrases universally known: ‘Don’t panic!’, ‘You stupid boy!’, ‘We’re doomed!’ It means that generations of TV viewers feel they know all about the Home Guard. Next month marks the date of its final disbandment, on December 31st 1945, seventy years ago. The Home Guard – originally the ‘Local Defence Volunteers’ – came into being in the summer of 1940, when the Nazi forces were encamped across the Channel, waiting for orders to invade Britain. People were understandably nervous. Civilians clamoured to be given weapons so that they could defend their towns and villages. In response, the Government began recruiting local volunteers – men who already possessed weapons (farmers with shot-guns, typically) and others who could make and use ‘Molotov cocktails’ – petrol bombs. The new prime minister, Winston Churchill, wanted something more recognisably military, and at his insistence these volunteers were mobilised in a ‘citizen army’ which he called the Home Guard. The Government expected about 150,000 volunteers – within a month there were 750,000. Over the war years these men (and later a few women) who were either too young or too old for military service or deemed unfit for it, guarded air fields and strategic buildings, manned coastal look-outs, and watched for enemy parachutists, freeing regular soldiers for combat duties. Even so, 1206 members of the Home Guard were killed ‘in action’, mostly by bombs or rockets. Dubbed ‘Dad’s Army’ at the time, their contribution to final victory was certainly no joke.

Our

CHRISTMAS MENUS are now available

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Wednesday is

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Traditional Sunday Lunch 1 Course - £8.00 2 Courses - £10.00 3 Courses - £12.00

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Christmas Craft Fayre

Saturday 14th November 10 am to 2.30 pm Thornton Community Centre Special guest Father Christmas Crafts and gifts, raffle, tombola, home-made cakes, quiz, Parish calendars, Face painting, Glitter tattoos, games, lunches and refreshments Entrance 50 p, children under 14 free if with an adult Offers of help, cakes, raffle and tombola prizes welcome. Contact Dianne 01530 230372, Shirley 01530 230422 A Friends of St Peter’s Church event. All proceeds for St Peter’s Church, Thornton.

I’m really pleased with my new fridge magnet. So far I’ve got eight fridges.

Deck the Halls ... WITH BOUGHS of holly. For those who are creative amongst us and those who would like to be creative, there are workshops taking place at Bagworth Community Centre and the topic is Christmas wreath making. This is a hands on experience where you will learn the art of making a wreath and you will be able to take home and use your finished product. You will be able to make a unique wreath, unlike any ones that your neighbours will have bought for large amounts of money. There are three workshops taking place on Friday 27th November 10 am to 1 pm, Saturday 28th November from 9 am to 12 noon, and on Sunday 29th November from 10 am to 1 pm. (Please note that the dates given in the October Herald were incorrect. These are the right dates.) For further information and to book a place on one of the workshops, please phone Rachael on 01530 231648. Places are limited on the workshops so it would be better for you to book sooner rather than later.

Can you believe that my neighbour knocked at my door at 2AM!? Luckily, I was up playing my drums.

Superfast Leicestershire reaches 50,000 homes MORE THAN 50,000 homes and businesses across the county can now benefit from fast fibre broadband thanks to the Superfast Leicestershire project. The partnership project between Leicestershire County Council and BT is on course to bring high-speed fibre technology to more than 72,000 premises in Leicestershire by the end of 2018. Recent areas to ‘go live’ include: Stapleton, Rearsby, Hoton, Billesdon, Gaddesby and Long Whatton. More homes and businesses have also been connected in Fleckney, Kirby Muxloe, Hathern, Syston Wymeswold, Market Bosworth and Ibstock. Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for rural broadband, said: “It’s great news that we’ve already reached another milestone for this project and are continuing to support communities and businesses in reaping the benefits of access to fast broadband.” Superfast Leicestershire is using new ‘cutting edge’ technology to help ensure hard-to-reach communities get access to faster broadband. In Glenfield, the county’s first ‘all-in-one’ fibre broadband cabinet went live recently, providing access to download speeds of up to 80mbps for some of the 3,400 homes and businesses in the area. The ‘Glenfield onesie’, on Tournament Road, combines the existing copper service with the new fibre technology into one cabinet. Although not suitable for all locations, a ‘onesie’ helps reduce the number of street cabinets and is less expensive to maintain, allowing savings to be reinvested in providing broadband to more communities across the county. Steve Henderson, BT’s regional director for next generation access, said: “Superfast Leicestershire is progressing extremely well and our Openreach engineers are connecting communities across the county as quickly as possible. We’ve said from the outset that new technology will play an important part in this rollout so I’m pleased to see the very first all-in-one cabinet being installed in Leicestershire.” There are a number of locations across Leicestershire where ‘all in one’ technology is the most suitable option available including Ibstock, Markfield and Shepshed. The work is being carried out by Openreach, BT’s local network business, meaning people with access to the fibre network can choose from a range of internet providers and so can benefit from competitive pricing. Benefits of fibre broadband include faster download and upload speeds; the ability to access the internet via multiple devices without experiencing a slow connection, faster downloads of films and music, a better online gaming experience, improved file sharing for businesses, solutions based on Cloud computing and being able to work more flexibly. Funding for the Superfast Leicestershire partnership (both phases) has been provided by a wide-range of organisations including the county council, BT, Broadband Delivery UK (the Government’s broadband delivery arm), the European Union, and Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership as part of its Local Growth Fund. For more information about Superfast Leicestershire visit www. superfastleicestershire.org.uk or look out for #SuperfastLeics on Twitter.

News from Markfield PlayAway Group MARKFIELD PlayAway Playgroup has been serving this community for over 40 years and over the years have developed experience in dealing with an extensive range of needs, challenges and expectations. It is important for parents to be aware of what we have available. Currently Markfield PlayAway Playgroup offers 4 mornings, which allows us to offer 15 hours of free childcare per week for eligible children, with the potential of being able to also offer afternoons if numbers and demand requires it. Our aim at Playgroup is to help children to develop beyond their home environment to become confident in meeting, interacting, playing and sharing with other children whilst being cared for by other adults preparing them for the classroom experience. We have a great deal of satisfaction in seeing children leave us better prepared to move forward and indeed some such as Nicola Wood, sand sculptor and TV presenter, and Greg Eason who went to America to pursue a golf career have become very successful in their life choices. We are a group of mature workers who enjoy implementing the Early Years Curriculum as laid down by the government and as such are Ofsted inspected to ensure this, our current Ofsted rating is good. In addition to the usual indoor activities we also have an outside play area with a good range of equipment. We encourage parents and carers to visit and see what Playgroup is all about. We do not charge until children can do a 2 hour session on their own. Many of you will know Kate Manning (nee McAuliffe) and she has now settled into the role as Playgroup Manager and is really doing an excellent job. As the government will be offering 30 hours childcare to working families in the near future and as the village grows we anticipate a larger demand for places. Therefore please don’t delay in calling me for more details and come in and see what we have to offer you and your child. We recently held 2 open days, which included sessions from the Matt Elliott Markfield Soccertots Academy and the children really enjoyed them. During these open days it became clear that there are a number of grandparents in the village caring for their grandchildren, therefore we would be pleased to welcome any grandparents or parents who would like to bring their children to experience socialising and play, helping them to gain confidence to eventually be able to join in fully at Playgroup. A separate room can be made available for these children if required. We would charge £3 per adult and children are free. Thank you to those of you who have supported Playgroup over the years and a big welcome to the new families that we hope to serve in the future. Please do come along and see us for yourselves.

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My doctor asked if I drink to excess. I told him I’ll drink to anything.

Your views wanted on social care approach THERE’S STILL time to add your voice on the approach which Leicestershire County Council will take on adult social care over the next four years. The county council is seeking views on its vision and strategy and how the authority balances the rise in demand for social care and support at a time when Government funding has fallen by 26 per cent. A consultation on the strategy runs until 20 November and can be found at www.leics.gov.uk/ asc_strategy For general comments or enquiries, call 0116 305 0213 or email ascengage@leics.gov.uk

Bagworth History

Learning from the Past THE NEXT history meeting in Bagworth is on Tuesday November 10th at 7.30 pm. This will take place at The Club and is an open meeting. Elizabeth Riding, an interesting and informative speaker, is giving a talk about the history surrounding Christmas and its traditions. You may well learn lots of things of which you were not aware with regard to this festive season. Get into the Christmas spirit early. Non-members will be charged £1 admission. What good value for money.

Don’t forget to send us your NEWS! Email to: info@ markfieldherald. co.uk Thanks!

News from MARKFIELD COMMUNITY LIBRARY OCTOBER saw us hosting both of our Book Clubs.

The Afternoon Book Club is held on the first Monday of each month at 2.00pm, and our Evening Book Club is held every 6 weeks. Please email markfieldbookclub@gmail. com if you are interested in joining either club or for more information. We started our new Games Afternoon which is held every Tuesday between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. If you would like to join us there is no need to book just turn up and enjoy the games. We also held our new Coffee and Cake Club which meets the second Monday in the month at 2.00pm. We had a range of cakes and all of them were really yummy! Come along with your baking creation to share with others and swap recipes, hints and tips over a cuppa As part of the nationwide Big Draw we hosted an art class during half term where children came along to draw lots of pictures relating to Autumn On the last day of October we held a Halloween spooktacular, where we had spooky story-telling and a book related scavenger hunt, as well as lots of Halloween fun and games, even the drinks had a scary look about them! We have some new and exciting groups and clubs starting up over the next month or so. For more information please email markfieldcommunitylibraryevents@ mail.com or pop into the library to find out more. Please don’t forget to bring your library card with you if you want to borrow a book, order a book, or make use of our computers including free internet. We also have free Wi-Fi and all the local papers and magazines for you to browse.

WRITERS GROUP We are very lucky to have John Kitchen, a published author, poet and playwright to lead our new Writers Group. Are you interested in writing short stories or flash fiction; composing a poem or keeping a journal. Do you wish to begin writing or develop your skills within a supportive group? Our inaugural Writers Group is being set up for the New Year and for further information or to express an interest please email markfieldcommunitylibraryevents@ mail.com or pick up a leaflet from the library. Numbers are limited so it will be on a first come basis. “Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” E. L. Doctorow

ART CLASS

We are starting a new weekly evening art class for adults. We are holding two drop in taster sessions between 6.00pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday November 24th and Tuesday December 1st and there’s no need to book just drop in. These are free events where eve-rything will be provided for you and these sessions are open to all abilities and to those over the age of 16. Beginners are very welcome and there is no need for you to be able to draw or paint, just come along and enjoy working with colours and different materials and learn as you go along. For more information email markfieldcommunitylibraryevents@ mail.com, call into the library for more details - or just come along on the evenings. You will be made most welcome.

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? If you are interested in tracing your family tree or would like to learn more about how to begin your search then these Ancestry and Family Tree sessions are just for you. Every Thursday from 1.30pm we will be holding taster sessions to start you off on your search and for the more advanced searches we will have experts joining us once a month to guide you deeper into your research. Our taster sessions will be £2 and our advanced sessions will be £3. Numbers are limited so if you are interested please email markfieldcommunitylibraryevents@ mail.com or call into the library to register your interest.

BOOK SALES If you have any books you would like to donate to the library, please drop them in when the library is open. We plan to hold regular book sales throughout the year and our first one will at Markfield Community Centre’s Christmas Fair on December 6th when we will be promoting the library, having quizzes and selling donated books. We would be very grateful for any books you would like to donate and

rest assured we will price up each book individually and give it a price we think it deserves.

STORY TELLING (WRIGGLY READERS) Our weekly childrens story telling sessions will be starting shortly. We have a dedicated childrens area with seating for little ones as well as story books and picture books for all ages. We will have a story teller who will bring the stories to life and there will be refreshments available. Keep an eye open in the Library for more details or visit our website www. markfieldcommunitylibrary.co.uk

LOGO COMPETITION Don’t forget our logo competition….entries must be in by noon on Saturday November 28th. Can you think of a good logo for our new Community Library? We’re giving you the chance to make history! We need a logo designing and we’re asking you to design it for us. We are running a competition to find the most appropriate logo for the Library and the competition is open to all ages and abilities. Not only will your logo appear on our letterheads and web site but will also feature in our library and on everything associated with the library like posters or leaflets. Even more, the winner will also receive a prize of a £15 book token. So here’s what we are looking for. A simple design that reflects the Library and the community within our area. You don’t need to provide a finished piece of artwork, just a concept drawing will be ok. You can paint it, draw it, or send your design via email. Our panel of judges will then select the most appropriate design and we’ll recreate as near a faithful version as we can. The closing date for the competition is 12.00 noon on Saturday November 28th So get drawing. You can submit your design via email to markfieldlibrary@gmail.com or give your paper design to one of our volunteers in the library and please don’t forget to include your contact details

I was at the ATM when an old lady came up to me and asked to check her balance so I pushed her over.

So happy designing and good

Funding consultation extended

RESIDENTS in Hinckley and Bosworth now have until mid-December to have their say on the future of council funding after the council extended the closing date of a major public survey. The survey - called Difficult Times, Difficult Choices –should have been delivered to every home in the borough during October, but the council has become concerned that the third party contractor employed to complete the delivery has failed to post a survey to every household as they were required to do. Now the council will include the survey within its own newspaper, the Borough Bulletin, to be distributed during the last two weeks of November. Any residents who have not already taken part now have until Friday 11 December to complete the survey online at www.hinckley-bosworth. gov.uk/fundingsurvey or by clipping out and posting back the survey to be printed in the Borough Bulletin using the freepost address supplied. Borough Council Chief Executive, Steve Atkinson, said: “It is important that every household has a chance to have their say on this important survey, so we’ve decided to include the survey in the Borough Bulletin to make sure

it’s available to everyone. “We can only apologise for the failure of the contractor we employed in good faith to complete this work and assure residents that we do not intend to make payment to the contractor, as the delivery has not been completed to our satisfaction. What’s more, including the survey within the Borough Bulletin means the survey will be delivered using existing budgets – there will be no additional cost to taxpayers. We had used an external contractor in order to complete the consultation by early November, to enable a longer time to assess the results, before the scheduled distribution of the Borough Bulletin.“ The survey asks whether residents would be prepared to accept an increase in council tax of approximately £16 per year (31 pence per week) or an annual charge for the garden waste service of £35 per year (67 pence per week). The garden waste charge option would be introduced alongside a council tax increase

of 2% (around £2.20 per year for a Band D property). The option to increase council tax by £16 equates to 16.67% of the Borough share of £95.96 per year per household. The council currently has the 8th lowest Council Tax level of all 201 district councils in England. If this option is the most popular, then the council will be legally required to carry out a local referendum, as the increase in council tax will be over the 2% referendum limit. If a referendum resulted in a ‘no’ vote, then the council would have to give serious consideration to the introduction of an annual charge for garden waste in order to contribute to meeting the shortfall. Steve Atkinson explained: “Although we have already taken action to make £1.5 million of the savings needed, we still have a shortfall that simply cannot be found without severely cutting services. This is not something that the council ever wanted to ask, but continuing reductions in government funding have left us with no option and we are legally required to set a balanced budget and legally required to

go to referendum, if we intend to increase our element of the council tax by more than 2%. We are asking residents, therefore, for their opinion on the best way to raise what is still needed, to inform the decision which councillors will take later in the financial year.”

• You can complete the survey online by going to: www.hinckley-bosworth. gov.uk/fundingsurvey

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Enhancing Bagworth THANK YOU to all of the people who helped to make the annual Bagworth Show a success. This includes not only the people who helped but also the people who exhibited and the people who visited and spent their money. One person in particular, who shall remain nameless, proved to be particularly adept at separating people from their money. We raised over £1500 over the two days. This was slightly down on last year’s takings. Many people have suggested that they would prefer to see the Show return to one single Show, rather than split in two parts. The Bagworth Forward Group (BFG) have listened to these comments and are seriously considering doing this in 2016, though there are practical problems to address and overcome before this happens. If this happens it will be on the Bank Holiday Saturday at the end of August (27th). The money raised by BFG will, as always, be used to enhance the life of the village of Bagworth. Our next event is the ever popular Christmas Bingo at Bagworth Community Centre on Monday 30th November. As always, this is prize bingo and it will not surprise you to know that the prizes will have a Christmas theme. Eyes down is at 7.30 pm.

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays We now have SKY and BT Sports Multi Screen. Ask about our new CHRISTMAS menus! www.bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open To Non-members Sat 7th Nov: IMP - Classic Rock Covers Band Sat 13th Nov: CHILDREN IN NEED - Fundraising Acoustic Evening with Eve, Rob, Ben & Phil. Also Jane’s Birthday Celebrations - All Welcome Sat 28th Nov: The Return of THE LAST STAND BAND Sat 5th Dec: The Wicked WELLARD WILLY Band, Celebrating The Thornton’s, Entertainment Secretary’s 60th Birthday - All Welcome Sat 19th Dec: Thornton’s Own Punk Band: PUNK & DISORDERLY Sat 20th Dec: CHILDREN’S XMAS PARTY - 4pm - 6pm Please Put The Children’s Names On The List In The Club For Catering, Etc. New Years Eve: The Dirty Water Band Sky & BT Sports Free Room Hire Available For Your Perfect Party - Bingo Every Tuesday Evening - View Our Website On www.facebook.com/ TheThorntonClub

Send details of your local live entertainments and we’ll give you a FREE mention! Tremendous!

Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth. Tel. 01530 230205 Find us on FACEBOOK search Bagworth WMC New members welcome. Sat 14th Nov: SOCIAL DANCE Fri 20th Nov: CHARITY DANCE - Tickets £2.50 Sat 19th Dec: SOCIAL DANCE Thurs 31st Dec: SOCIAL DANCE Every Tuesday night - TARGET SHOOTING - call for details Every Monday night: DOMINOES - only £1.50 entry, which includes supper. Bargain! Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Bingo & Raffle every Wednesday and Saturday Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each - last Friday of the month - and RAFFLE - with excellent prizes. Sequence dances Sunday Nights with live organist - £2.00 admission 8 pm Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission. Ask about our FREE ROOM HIRE for those special family occasions.

The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield. T: 01530 242 496 ALL SKY SPORTS & BT SPORTS All live TIGERS games. The Bull’s Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Garden & Pub Games etc. POKER NIGHT - Tuesdays starts at 8pm

‘Women of the Year’ at Markfield Slimming World Group

Awards for super slimmers Andrea Ogleby and Ashley Upton ANDREA OGLEBY from the 5.30 group and ASHLEY UPTON from the 7.30 group fought off competition to win the Markfield Slimming World Group’s ‘Women of the Year’ awards last month, This award recognises these two ladies not just for fantastic losses but also for the support and help they give to other slimmers week in, week out at their group in Markfield. Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan encourages slimmers to fill up on satisfying, yet healthy everyday foods like fruit and veg, lean meat and fish, pasta, potatoes, rice and pulses without having to weigh or measure. Many people worry about joining a slimming club because they don’t know what to expect, but they needn’t be afraid. Right from the first moment you walk into a Slimming World group, they make you feel at home, and the support and motivation you recieve each week is second to none. Estelle Burton, who runs the Markfield group, says: “I’m so proud of Andrea and Ashley. Not only do they look fabulous, thay have improved their health, are bursting with energy and are a huge inspiration to everyone in our group. I hope they inspire other women in Markfield to change their lives in the same way.” The Markfield Slimming World group is held every Monday at 5.30 and 7.30 at South Charnwood High School. To join or find out more call Estelle on 07919 284924.

Workplace teams invited to take part in Festive Business Games TEAMS from workplaces across Hinckley and Bosworth are being invited to take part in an exciting evening of multisports competitions in December. The first Hinckley and Bosworth Festive Business Games will be held at Hinckley Leisure Centre on Thursday 3 December featuring sports such as volleyball and golf as well as a range of individual challenges across a variety of other sports including canoeing, netball, athletics and badminton. The event is being organised by Active Travel Hinckley and is scheduled to take place between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. All activities will be led by fully qualified staff and require no experience the emphasis will be on fun and enjoyment for all. Tickets are priced at £40 per team of six players, which include free t-shirts, catering and festive treats. To book a place please go to: www.workplacechallenge.org/lrsport/ competitions, or for more information contact Anna Macdonald on 01455 255950 or email Anna.Macdonald@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

Accordion to a recent survey, replacing words with the names of musical instruments in a sentence often goes undetected.

What type of computer can sing? A Dell.

Bagworth Club

Charity Social Dance on 20th November

THE NEXT charity social dance at The Club, Bagworth, will be on Friday 20th November at 8 pm. This is organised, as usual, by Ken and Glenda and their small team of volunteers, so you can be assured of a good time if you decide to attend. The dance music is provided by Ken’s CDs. He always knows which tunes to play to get the audience up on their feet. There will also be a raffle, where the large number of prizes are all donated, and a bingo session during the evening. All of the money raised will be given to Wishes 4 Kids, a very worthwhile local charity. Their website says the following: “Wishes 4 Kids has been created to grant a wish for children and youngsters in Leicestershire who are life limited, terminally ill, have experienced life-changing physical or emotional traumas, have suffered major abuse or are diagnosed as HIV Positive. The Charity grants wishes for those of eighteen years and below.” “Wishes 4 Kids has already granted hundreds of wishes for local children. Sadly we do not have a magical cure for the suffering of these youngsters, however, we can bring a short period of respite. The time when a child has a wish granted is a moment that will be treasured by them for the rest Together of their life. It isChurches also a time which parents will remember - that time when in Markfield their child forgot the suffering.” initiative When Russell collects the cheque, he always has some moving stories to tell and is also able to say exactly how the money raised in Bagworth will be used. Please support this worthwhile venture. There will be socialprayer, dances on Saturday 14th November and 19th Creative suggestions for reading, thinking andalso exploring December at The Club, admission £2. And there will be a social dance with time and space just to be. on New Year’s Eve at 8 pm. Tickets on thatHall occasion will cost £3. All of Congregational Church - 6-7pm these will take place at The Club, Ken and Glenda and their Thursday 26thBagworth. November team are also organising a social Come for as long as you wish and leave when you want. dance at Bagworth Community Refreshments available.Centre All are welcome. on Christmas Eve, where the proceeds will go towards the running of the Centre. Lots of chances for you to enjoy yourselves and support worthy causes at the same time.

If you’d like to advertise in The Herald, contact Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 or email: info@ markfieldherald. co.uk Thank you!

TABLE TOP & CRAFT FAYRE Refreshments included homemade soup Large selection of stalls

SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER

12noon till 3.30pm COPT OAK MEMORIAL HALL LE67 9QB

Light up a Life LOROS is once again inviting people to remember a loved one at Christmas during this year’s Light Up A Life service. The annual event will be taking place on Sunday 6th December at the Groby Road Hospice and is open to anyone wanting to remember that special someone during the festive period. In return for a donation, a light will be lit up in memory of a loved one on the LOROS Christmas tree, kindly provided by Palmers Garden Centre. Visitors attending this year’s Light Up A Life will also be given a star to tie to the tree in the Chapel at LOROS, which they can write a personal message on. There will be a Book of Remembrance at the service and on display in the Chapel afterwards. To attend this year’s Light Up A Life, which is sponsored by Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd, please visit: loros.co.uk/lual, call LOROS fundraising on: (0116) 231 8431/2 or email: fundraising@loros.co.uk Application forms to attend needed by 30th November.

Churches Together in Markfield initiative

Creative suggestions for reading, thinking and exploring prayer, with time and space just to be.

Congregational Church Hall - 6-7pm

Stalls £10 – booking essential / Entrance 50p – children free

Thursday 26th November

Further details contact - 01530 244229 or 0116 2674746 Ample free parking - Proceeds in aid of St. Peter’s Church Copt Oak.

Come for as long as you wish and leave when you want. Refreshments available. All are welcome.

9 years ago I asked the girl of my dreams out on a date, today I asked her to marry me. She said no both times.

Your Countdown to Christmas – 25 ideas 1. Find the perfect cards…. But hurry! If you don’t already have a favourite charity, try the Combined Charities Christmas Shop at http:// www.christmas-cards.org.uk/ for ideas. 2. Your Count-down dates to Christmas might include: - 30th Nov – 4th Dec: Write your Christmas cards. Start with the ‘must-sends’ first, so the pressure eases off. Draw up your present list. - 5th & 6th Dec: A good time for the children to make home decorations. Also, start shopping for presents… - 12th & 13th Dec: Unless your family tradition dictates otherwise, this would be a good weekend to bring the tree home - Week of 14th – 18th – A good time for a cleaning day to get the house ready for decorating… and finish shopping for presents. - 19th/20th Dec: Time to pull things together - decorate the tree and the house and finish wrapping the presents you will give out personally. 3. Choose a colour theme for this Christmas. Red? Gold? Purple? Silver? Then use it on everything from your candles, tree baubles and wrapping paper, to table napkins and Christmas cards and lights. 4. Plan your Christmas lunch. Try and think of everything that you will need on the day – and make sure you have it ordered or bought in good time. 5. Set aside enough time for those shopping trips – and prepare a list so that you don’t waste time. 6. Plan your budget – don’t let Christmas ‘fever’ make you

reckless. Be careful you don’t go over any overdraft with your bank – the penalties are expensive! Also, really and truly, beware using credit cards if you can’t pay them off quickly. 7. Pick the perfect tree. Bear in mind that an artificial tree is not just for Christmas, but for life…. all that non-renewable plastic will spend eternity in some landfill site. So why not branch out and look for the real thing. For more options, visit The British Christmas Tree Growers Association www.christmastree.org.uk 8. Learn some party games. For games that are easy, slightly harder and fiendishly hard, visit: http:// www.oxforddictionaries.com/words/ puzzles-and-games 9. Hang a wreath. You can buy one, or get creative with a mixture of foliage from your garden. 10. Practical details: Make sure you have in a good stock of coal and logs, Christmas tree lights that work, a clean oven, a stock of candles and matches, and spare batteries. 11. Fill those Christmas stockings - a must for Christmas mornings. Cleverly planned, they might even delay the time when exhausted parents are awoken from slumbers…. 12. Wrap those presents - what you get and how you wrap it will say a lot about your attitude towards the person you are giving to! So select your presents and wrapping materials with care, use only sharp scissors, and put your Sellotape on neatly. Adding some ribbon is well worth the effort. 13. Enjoy those Christmas markets and fayres - is there a

house-bound neighbour or friend you could take along? 14. Display your cards with style. The simple ideas are often the most stylish. So have fun with wooden clothes pegs, sprayed gold, and peg your cards along ribbon that can be looped from one end of a curtain pole to the other. 15. Deck the halls - especially yours. Would your front entrance hall take a small tree, wreath, or maybe just a bowl of pretty sweets? Run a garland up the bannister. Add some ivy and some fairy lights. 16. Donate to charities who help the homeless and the migrants. 17. Sing carols – and play carols at home. Remind your family what it is really all about. 18. The trip to Bethlehem. Dig out your nativity set, and start Mary and Joseph and the donkey at the top of your stairs – moving them a bit closer to the manger downstairs each day. And don’t forget to start the wise men on their way, from another part of the house. (Beware your dog eating anyone on the way!) 19. Think about decorating your table - you could use holly and ivy and narcissi and snowdrops… and lots of red ribbon. But if you use poisonous plants, be very careful around the children… and pets. 20. Give your pets some extra care. If you have a curious dog or cat, avoid tinsel on the tree – your pets could choke on it. Keep a watchful eye on the turkey bones on Christmas Day – and dispose of them safely.

If they splinter in your pet’s throat on Christmas Day, you could easily double the cost of your Christmas with just one visit to the vet…. Don’t leave scraps of wrapping paper around if they might be eaten. Finally, ensure your pets can find a quiet place to rest if all the family is there. 21. Go crackers. In 1847 the confectioner Tom Smith invented the Christmas cracker. Legend says that he spotted a beautifully wrapped French bon-bon, and had a ‘eureka moment’. In effect, he said to himself: “What that bon-bon really needs is a tiny plastic key-ring, a groaninducing pun on a piece of paper, a tissue paper parody of royal headgear, all wrapped up inside an exploding toilet roll.” The rest is history. 22. Plan the Boxing Day walk. By then tempers will be frayed, and thank–you letters will be looming. A good long walk that includes some lovely scenery will do you all good. 23. Read your children the Christmas story. There are any number of excellent children’s books which tell it with wonderful illustrations. 24. Make sure your neighbours are all right - is there anyone who could use a helping hand? Anyone needing a lift to church? 25. On Christmas Eve/ Christmas, make time to have a family reading of the Nativity stories in Matthew and Luke. As a family, make time to praise God for the gift of Jesus!

Markfield Medical Centre Patient Participation Group News AT THE BEGINNING of October several PPG members were in Coalville Shopping Centre to take part in an initiative called ‘Healthy You, Happy You’. This was organised by NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands (GEM) Commissioning Support Unit and was aimed at helping people learn about how they can be healthy in a fun way, improving their sense of wellbeing. For example, a bicycle was set up where ‘smoothies’ could be created using pedal power alone! This proved popular, as did the information from Public Health with advice on issues such as how to stop Smoking, Alcohol Awareness and healthy eating. Information on support and advice that is available for carers was also on offer. Visitors to the stalls welcomed the opportunity to talk about their health and ways to improve it. In addition, activities were set up to inform people about which health service route would be the best one to follow in the event that they were feeling unwell. For example, we challenged people to take part on the ‘Wheel of misfortune’. Having spun the wheel and landed on a particular symptom, the person had to say which urgent care services they should use, i.e. self-care, pharmacy, GP, Urgent Care Centre, NHS111 or A&E. In this way we were able to raise awareness of alternative services to A&E. This is one aspect of the work that the PPG does, although just as importantly we talk to patients at the surgery and collect ideas and concerns which we then feed back to the Practice in order to improve the service for all. To this end, members of the PPG attended the Flu clinics held at the Surgery on two Saturdays in October and chatted to patients as they waited for their flu jabs. Thanks to all who spoke to us and gave us feedback which we will take to our next meeting. Don’t forget that contact details for members of the PPG are on display in the foyer of the Surgery should you wish to contact anyone.

I’m getting worried, my boomerang should have been back hours ago.

Star performers recognised at South Charnwood High School MONDAY 7th July 2015 saw the annual Celebration of Achievement Awards at South Charnwood High School for Year 9 pupils. The audience was welcomed by Mr Liptrot and Mrs Parrott playing a Piano and Flute duet. A packed hall of parents, grandparents, brother, sisters and friends then saw the Year 9 nominees receive certificates and gift tokens in the first half of the evening. After a short break for refreshments and photos, the second half of the evening commenced with more outstanding musical performances from singers Evie Robinson and Hannah Robinson, Pianists Sophie Kwok and Joel Cranefield and Trumpeter Henry Smith. The winners within each category were then announced. Each pupil received an engraved salver. A new award this year was the Outstanding Contribution to the Community award, presented by members of the Bradgate Rotary Club, Rose Goldberg and Jane Black. The other prizes were presented by Mr Alan May, Chair of Governors. It was an uplifting and emotional evening. The prize winners were as follows: • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in Art award – Daniel Beal • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in Drama award – Evie Robinson • The winner of the Outstanding performance in Drama award – Alex Kidd • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in English award – Sarah Pitcher

• The winner of the Outstanding achievement in Food Technology award – Joel Cranefield • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in Geography award – Lewis Wood • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in History award – Elena Morey • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in ICT award – Euan Pattinson • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in Maths award – Euan Pattinson • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in Modern Languages award – Rosie Moore • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in Music award – Henry Smith • The winner of the Outstanding performance in Music award – Hannah Robinson • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in PE award – Joshua Iyalla • The winner of the Outstanding Personal Development award – Sophie Meskiri • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in Resistant Materials Technology award – Holly White • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in RE award – Macy Parkinson • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in Science award – Rosie Moore • The winner of the Outstanding performance in Sport award – Thomas Dayman • The winner of the Outstanding achievement in Textiles award – Sophie Kwok

Our photo shows Evie Robinson and Cole Potter, winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Community Life award with Bradgate Rotary Club members Rose Golderg (left) and Jane Black (right). • The winners of the outstanding Attendance award (2011-2015) – Amelia Keates and Ellie Robinson • The winner of the Mentor of the Year award - Lily-Marie Gibbins • The winner of The Outstanding

contribution to School Life – Evie Robinson • The winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Community Life – Evie Robinson and Cole Potter Congratulations to them all.

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News from Cross Hills Baptist Church ‘My Father’s House’ Harvest Appeal WE DID IT! Details of the BMS World Mission Harvest Appeal were in our ‘News from Cross Hills’ section in the October Herald and we were hoping to raise £175 over the 4 weeks of this appeal, sufficient to be able to fund a wheelchair in Nepal. We decided to run the appeal each Sunday at our Morning Service over 5 weeks and our grand total was £190 which should fund not only a wheelchair but some vital physiotherapy as well. Thank you to everyone at our services who contributed to this successful appeal.

Shoebox Sunday Service, 15th November Come and join us at 10.30am for our special ‘Shoebox Service’ when we will be gathering the completed shoeboxes together ready for their onward journey to needy children in some of the really tough parts of the world where they live. We understand that this year some 30,000 boxes will be going to refugees in the camps in Northern Iraq, 30,000 to refugees in Eastern Europe with boxes from Germany going to Syrian refugees as it is not safe for the Samaritan’s Purse workers to distribute boxes inside Syria. If you haven’t already let Glynis and David have your filled shoebox, this will be your opportunity to bring it along to Cross Hills. If you have already given us your box, or helped us in any way, a very big thank you for your kindness in taking part in this year’s campaign. We will let you know in a future issue of The Herald how many boxes were collected altogether this year. Please note that the final deadline for bringing your boxes to 110 Main Street, Thornton is 8pm on Sunday 15th November ready for the start of their onward journey.

Sunday Lunch and social time Our Shoebox Service on 15th November will be followed by a Bring and Share Sunday Lunch and social time in our hall at Cross Hills. If anyone wishes to join us for this they will be welcome but, for catering reasons, can you please ring Robert and Bekki Holmes on 01530 231901 before 12th November to make the necessary arrangements.

Mission Trainees’ visit, Sunday 25th October As a Baptist Church, we support the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) World Mission. We had the great pleasure of hosting 2 of their

mission trainees at our 10.30am Sunday service. They shared with us their testimony and call to mission and the work they have already been doing both here and abroad over many years. They told us how they became involved with BMS World Mission and invited our prayers for their future work in the rural areas in Northern Thailand where they will going at the end of their training. It was lovely to then share fellowship and conversation with them over tea, coffee and biscuits after the service and the Thai biscuits they brought along to share with us were delicious!

Cross Hills Social Events • Beetle Drive As I am writing this, we are looking forward to our Beetle Drive and Fish and Chip Supper at Cross Hills on Friday 30th October. This is always a very lively and noisy occasion, with the excitement of being the first team to complete a Beetle! • Cross Hills Puppeteers On Saturday 31st October Hinckley Baptist Church were holding a special Open Day celebrating their newly refurbished church. There were organ recitals, drama, musical theatre and a Gospel choir planned and the Cross Hills Puppeteers were thrilled to have been invited to perform for 15 to 20 mins. It was the first time they had been invited to perform at another church, so preparations were made and songs practised a little nervously during October in readiness. Some of the other members of Cross Hills planned to go along in support and afterwards the annual Sunday Club outing was to be held at the Pizza Hut when we would be able to thank the children who worked with the puppets. At the time of writing, these 2 events are coming up but will have already taken place by the time this issue of The Herald reaches everyone. You’ll find our Services details in the special section towards the back of this magazine. Why not come along on a Sunday? – you’ll find we’re very friendly and there’s tea, coffee and biscuits in our hall after the services.

Contact Numbers Pastor - Garry Kelly: 01455 457802/07816 616189 Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 01455 457802/07910 440243 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557 Glynis Straw Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church

W.I. BARDON HILL GROUP MEETING

THE BARDON HILL WI Group Meeting was hosted by Bagworth as part of the nationwide celebration of the 100 years since the formation of women’s institutes in 1915. Approximately 50 members from the 6 Institutes in our group were very fortunate to be able to welcome Jill Stidiver as our speaker. Jill who lives in Markfield was the worthy winner of the 2014 BBC Get Inspired “Unsung Hero” award after a lifetime of helping children learn to swim. She described how she was able to encourage young people with a disability become athletes and indeed to take part in Paralympic events. She has worked in Desford, Ibstock and Wigston until the latter burnt down. Although we did wonder how a swimming pool could catch fire. She ended by giving an hilarious account of taking part in the award ceremony in Glasgow. How the contestants were prepared in case they were the winner and how she found that her brief notes for the speech had been left in her hotel room. A thoroughly enjoyable evening thanks to Jill. One of our members baked a Centenary Cake to the recipe as served to the Queen, which everyone was able to take home in a small goody bag. These were provided by another of our members who also made a bookmark for each bag. A poem for the Centenary written by Janet Jones of Ibstock who joins our meeting whenever she is able was also enclosed. The meeting ended after enjoying the buffet supper with many friends from across the 6 Institutes. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Bagworth Community Centre from 7pm to approx 9.30pm. Everyone is welcome and the first meeting in January is to be ESP or Dreams, given by Norma Blakey a noted psychic who has visited us in the past with amazing results.

A POEM FOR THE WI CENTENARY The Queen has got her hat on, she’s going out to tea With Wls from all the land, the likes of you and me. From Isle of Wight to Isle of Man, from Scotland to Westward Ho! You’ll find a Women’s Institute wherever you may go. They gathered at the Albert Hall for a very special meeting A flock of brightly coloured hats bobbed in friendly greeting. When it began, in time of war, one hundred years ago The men all gone, the women stayed to fight another foe They made the most of what they had, let nothing go to waste, They baked and brewed, they patched and darned and learned new skills, in haste. To drive a bus, a train or tram to keep the nation moving And all the while a woman’s lot was gradually improving. When peacetime came WI went on, became a federation With branches starting everywhere across the entire nation. One hundred years of meetings, following a pattern; Jerusalem; the minutes and apologies for absence A speaker, then a cup of tea, “please judge the competition” “A neatly rolled umbrella”, “a necklace made of berries” “Ways to fold a plastic bag”, a dessert made with cherries”. But WI is so much more than cakes and competitions, “Keep Britain Tidy”, “Save the bees” just two of our petitions. So if you’re in some unknown place and feel yourself a stranger Ask when and where the WI meets and there will be no danger That you’ll be left just making jam and listening to idle chat. Your local Women’s Institute is so much more than that And there is time for fun as well, for singing and for laughter Who can forget the Calendar Girls and all that came thereafter? So find new interests, learn new skills with mutual admiration And you’ll receive a welcome from the Leicester Federation. Janet Jones Bagworth WI September 2015

I’m not racist but I absolutely hate marathons.

Markfield Community Centre News Grand Christmas Fair PLANNING for the Centre’s Grand Christmas Fair is steaming ahead. The fair will be full of Christmas stalls, entertainment and displays. Father Christmas has put it in his diary and your children can pop in and see him as well as posting a letter in our special North Pole Post box. Rudolph cannot make it on the day so, he is sending along one of his special friends to take his place. So, put the date in your diary and come along and enjoy the Fair, sample some hot mulled wine, have some refreshment and look for some early Christmas goodies and presents.

Toys on the Table Appeal DON’T FORGET our Christmas Toys on the Table appeal in partnership with the Leicester Mercury. You can start donating toys to the appeal now by simply bringing them into the Centre and we will ensure that they are passed on for children to open on Christmas Day.

Mayflower Club Update The 2015 Mayflower Club Conker Championship On Wednesday 14th October the Mayflower Club held it’s first ever Conker Championship. Fourteen intrepid and enthusiastic members eagerly prepared their locally gathered conkers to take part in this knock out competition eager to be crowned the Mayflower Conker Champion 2015. The first conker battle was between “Smasher” Smart and “Cheater” John. This was a truly epic battle that went on and on for nearly an hour before the exhausted contestants called it a draw and settled for a cup of tea. Through a series of elimination battles the final was a three way affair with “Crasher” Chris finally overwhelming both “Hatchet” Helen and “Crusher” Carol. Members also had a go at making models of animals and other strange looking objects from conkers held together by cocktail sticks. It was great fun and brought back many child hood memories of collecting conkers, “hardening them up, using Dad’s bootlaces and of course conker fights at school (sadly no longer allowed) and being the proud owner of a “sixer” champion conker. Trip out to Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary On the 7th October we had a trip out to Redgates Animal Sanctuary in Markfield where the staff kindly showed us around the site and introduced us to all the animals that they have rescued or cared for. They explained the history of the site, why it was set up and how and why it functions. This is a truly marvellous charity that helps animals to survive. You can support it by donating animal food or clean bedding into our special donation bin at the Centre.

Stanton Under Bardon Village Hall News Unfortunately we had to cancel the barn dance as we didn’t sell enough tickets but we are planning to offer another next year.

What’s next? OUR NEXT public event will be a Christmas Fayre on Sunday 6th December. Put it in your diary now – there will be lots to see.

A new Trustee wanted

A Wonderful Open Day! WE HAD a wonderful Open Day on Saturday 3rd October. There was a wide variety of activities on offer to suit all ages including pony petting, bouncy castle, balloon modelling and candy floss, the story of the finding and identification of Richard 3rd, music making, face painting, an art exhibition, a concert, craft stalls, raffle and tombola. Tea and coffee, cakes and a licenced bar kept us all refreshed. A good time was had by all and we have had several bookings as a result.

SADLY our chairman has had to resign due to health reasons so we have a vacancy for a new Trustee. This involves helping with the day to day running of the hall and supporting events the Trust puts on. If you live in Stanton and think you could help us, please apply in writing to The Village Hall Trust, Stanton under Bardon Village Hall, St John Cole Crescent, Stanton under Bardon, LE67 9AE telling us what you can bring to the Trust. Closing date is 15th December.

Finally If you are interested in booking the hall, want more information or just want to have a look round, please get in touch.

You can contact us via the website www. stantonvillagehall@gmail.com, by phone on 01530 243631 or speak to one of the Trustees.

Hang on guys, I think my toddler is getting to the good part of his four hour long story and I don’t want to miss it.

From Ron Grantham (Markfield Community Association) festivities as Weight Watchers is coming back to the Centre as from Monday 2nd November. Sessions start at 7.30pm.

Dates for your diary Give blood The National Blood Service will be at the Centre on the 18th November. Recent reports by the Service indicates that the country needs another 850,000 donors to ensure that there are adequate supplies of blood available in the country. Perhaps you can give some of your blood to help and DO SOMETHING AMAZING. Charity Jazz Concert On 15th November Jane Thompson is organizing a Charity Jazz Concert. Last year’s concert was superb and had everyone foot tapping. The concert is well worth attending and to reserve your tickets please contact Jane on 07740 516986. Charity Race Night On 21st November the local Rotary Club will be holding a Charity Race Night to raise funds for the Air Ambulance and other Rotary Club supported charities. Race nights are always exciting and you can also enjoy either a hot or cold meal. The first race starts at 7.15pm so, to get your tickets please contact Peter on 07752 026070 or email peterdorans@hotmail.co.uk Photos from the Mayflower Club Above, left: Members having a conker fight left to right “Naughty” Nora and “Jolly” Joyce Left: Winners of Conker Championship left to right “Hatchet” Helen, overall champion “Crasher” Chris and other finalist “Crusher” Carol Above. Visit to Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary Mick of the Antarctic On 21st October villager Mick Stidever gave us a marvellous presentation on his recent trips to both the Arctic and the Antarctic. His photographs of local wildlife, majestic icebergs, ice flows and the Inuit people were amazing. Mick’s always wanted to experience some of the terrible conditions that past polar explorers such as Scott and Shackleton endured on their epic expeditions. He experienced kayaking in ice flows, eating local food, getting up close to whales and sea lions as well as spending a night in a tent on the Antarctic coast line. I wonder where Mick is off to next and what challenges he will have a go at. Grant news A bit of good news is that we were successful in getting a grant from Hinckley and Bosworth VCS that will keep us going up to the end of March 2016 and enable us to plan even more exciting and informative sessions. If you want to join in just turn up at the Centre on Wednesday afternoons 2pm to 4pm it only costs £1 per session and you get a “cuppa” and biscuits included.

Money Saving Special Offer Have you got a family celebration, party, charity fund raiser or other event coming up that requires a licensed bar? If so, why not take advantage of our special offer of free room hire for such events. This offer will save you lot of money and help you enjoy your special day. For further details please contact the Centre. For bookings and enquiries please contact Markfield Community Centre, 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.

Mayflower Friendship Club After literally decades of running the Friendship Club, Barbara Pearce has decided to take a lesser role in running the club. Rather than letting this popular club fade away we have decided to run it as part of the Mayflower Club project. With the support of Carol Berridge the club will continue on Monday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. This is a lovely social club for the more elderly residents who can enjoy indoor games and have light refreshments over a cuppa with friends old and new. It only costs £1 per session so, please come along and enjoy the company.

New at the Centre BALANCEABILITY – It’s Fun to Ride Balanceability is the UK’s first and only accredited “learn to cycle” programme for children aged two and a half years to six years. Sessions run over six weeks using balance bikes and other equipment to give children the confidence, spatial awareness and balance to ride a bike. Your child can develop their skills over two levels. Level 1 courses start on Sunday 1st November 1pm to 2pm and repeated on Sunday 3rd January 2016 with Level 1 1pm to 2pm and Level 2 from 2pm to 3pm. If your child is getting a new bike for Christmas this is the ideal chance to help them learn to ride with confidence. Further information can be obtained by visiting www.minibikers.co.uk. Weight Watchers Now is your chance to lose a few pounds in weight before the Christmas

I want a pet sloth just so I can look like I do everything quickly.

Local Church Services Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon Sunday 8th November. Service 10am Tuesday 10th Nov. Singing cafe Shepshed Library 10-11am Prayer meeting 6pm Friday 13th Nov Singing Cafes Loughborough library 10.15-11.15am, Coalville Library 1.30-2.30pm Sunday 15th Nov service 10am Monday 16th Nov. Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 17th Nov. Singing Cafe Shepshed library 10am. Fellowship dinner 6.30pm Friday 20th Nov Singing Cafes Loughborough library 10.15am, Coalville library 1.30 Sunday 22nd Nov Service 10am Monday 23rd Nov. Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 24th Nov Singing Cafe Shepshed library 10am Bible study 6pm Friday 27th Nov Singing Cafes Loughborough library 10.15am, Coalville library 1.30pm Sunday 29th Nov Cafe 4U 4pm

Markfield Congregational Church 01530 242142 Sunday 15th November 10.15am Morning Worship Sunday 22nd November 10.15am Morning Worship in Church Hall with Sunday Club Sunday 29th November 10.30am United Service at Trinity Methodist Church Sunday 6th December 10.15am Morning Worship in Church Hall followed by Communion

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 8th November - Remembrance Service 10.45am Morning Service Please note the later start time Sunday 15th November 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 22nd November 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 29th November 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 6th December 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 13th December 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper 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 in this magazine.

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield Sunday 8th November - Remembrance Sunday 10.00am Morning Service 4.00pm Afternoon Café Service Thursday 12th November 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café Sunday 15th November 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Service Sunday 22nd November 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service Thursday 26th November 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café Sunday 29th November 10.30am United Churches Together Service at Methodist Church 6.00pm No Evening Service Sunday 6th December 10.30am Morning Communion Service 6.00pm Evening Taizé Service Thursday 10th December 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café Sunday 13th December 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Christingle Café Service Sunday 20th December 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Carol Service Thursday 24th December 11.15pm Christmas Eve Communion Service Friday 25th December 10.30am Christmas Morning Service Sunday 27th December 10.30am United Churches Together Service at Congregational Church 6.00pm No Evening Service

on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays, term time All Age Service in Church on the 2nd Sunday each month. Sunday 8th November 10.00 am All Age Remembrance Service followed by 10.50am Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial 6.00 pm Holy Communion for Remembrance Sunday Sunday 15th November 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Friday 20th November 8.00 pm “Still Friday” Sunday 22nd November 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 29th November 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Advent Service at Trinity Methodist Church 6.00 pm Joint Evening Service

Sunday 20th December 10.30 am Carol Service Christmas Eve 24th Dec 4.00 pm Christingle Christmas Day 25th Dec 10.30 am Christmas Day Communion Sunday 27th December 10.30 am Joint Baptism Service at St Peter’s, Thornton

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 8th November 10.30 am Remembrance Service Sunday 15th November 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 22nd November 10.30 am All Age Service Wednesday 25th November 10.00 am Midweek Communion and Coffee Sunday 29th November 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 6th December 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 6th December 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 13th December 10.30 am Nativity Service at the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Sunday 13th December 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 20th December 10.30 am Holy Communion 6.00 pm Carol Service

Friday 18th December 8.00 pm “Still Friday” Sunday 20th December 6.00 pm Carol Service

Christmas Eve 24th Dec 4.00 pm Christingle 11.30 pm Midnight Communion

Christmas Eve 24th Dec 6.00 pm Christingle 11.30 pm Midnight Communion

Christmas Day 25th Dec 10.30 am Christmas Day Communion

Sunday 27th December 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Service at the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Joint Communion Service at St Peter’s, Copt Oak

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 8th November 10.30 am Remembrance Service Sunday 15th November 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 22nd November 10.30 am “Something Different” Service Sunday 29th November 10.30 am Holy Communion

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield

Sunday 6th December am Morning Service

10:15-11.30am Sunday Club for Children in the Congregational Hall

Sunday 13th December 10.30 am Holy Communion

I haven’t exaggerated in 300 years.

10.30

Sunday 27th December 10.30 am Joint Baptism Service

Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 6th December 10.30 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 8th November 6.00pm Remembrance Service Sunday 15th November 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service) Sunday 22nd November 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 29th November 6.00pm Joint Evening Service at St Michael’s, Markfield Sunday 6th December 6.00 pm Holy Communion

The way to a woman’s heart

Sunday 13th December 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 20th December 6.00 pm Lessons and Carols

CHRISTMAS is not a time to be alone, and so men will do well to bear in mind some recent research. This Christmas, if you want to woo a woman, feed her first.

Christmas Eve 24th Dec 9.00 pm Christmas Eve Holy Communion Sunday 27th December 6.00 pm Joint Communion Service

As the scientist in the journal Appetite explained: “We found that young women had greater brain activation in response to romantic pictures in reward-related neural regions after having eaten than when hungry.” In other words, romantic dinners are worth it.

Catholic Church of St Wilfrid of York 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB Sunday Mass Saturday Vigil: 6 pm Sunday: 10 am See Newsletter on the website for details of weekday Mass times, Benediction & Confessions. Parish Priest: Fr Tom Breslin – 01530 832098, www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website: www.stwilfscoalville. blogspot.co.uk St Clare’s R C 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 in the Congregational Church Hall, Main St, beside the Chinese Takeaway • Wednesday 18 November 2015 at 7 pm All are welcome

Thornton Christmas Concert Join us for an evening of Music & Dancing by The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society & Entertainment In aid of

Tickets - £10.00pp (Including buffet)

Raffle & Licensed Bar For more details contact: Gwen - 01530 813422 or Joy - 01530 451549

Sunday 13th December 3pm – 5pm

* Please be seated for 2.50pm

A cornucopia of musical treats at St. Peter’s church!  Natalie Nightingale  Thornton School Choir  Keely-Anna’s School of Dance

And the organ and bells of St. Peter’s church ! £5 including refreshments and raffle ticket - Under 15’s free Profits will be shared between the Friends of St. Peter’s and Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary

I wanna get rid of this memory foam mattress, but it knows too much.

West End Shows Wordsearch FIND THE NAMES OF THE12 LONGEST RUNNING WEST END SHOWS in this month’s Wordsearch puzzle and you could win 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.

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of the 12 longest running West End theatre shows. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: ENCORE! The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 25th November 2015. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s Trilby will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel. Good luck! Find the following 12 WEST END SHOWS: THE MOUSETRAP • LES MISERABLES THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA • THE WOMAN IN BLACK BLOOD BROTHERS • CATS • STARLIGHT EXPRESS MAMMA MIA • NO SEX PLEASE WE’RE BRITISH DISNEY’S THE LION KING • THE CRAZY GANG • CHICAGO Name: ................................................................................................... Address: ................................................................................................ .............................................................................................................. .......................................................... Postcode: .............................

Last Month’s Competition Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch Competition was: WILLIAM McDERMOTT of Northfield, Bagworth. Congratulations! Your voucher will be sent to you soon.

Health for Teens website shortlisted for Best Website 2015 award We are delighted to announce that Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT)’s Health for Teens website (www.healthforteens.co.uk) is in the running for a prestigious industry award, having been shortlisted for an Association of Healthcare Communications and Marketing (AHCM) award in the ‘Best website’ category. The Health for Teens site, the first of its kind within the NHS, is aimed at and co-designed with 11-16 year olds. It enables young people to easily access health and emotional wellbeing information and advice from school nurses and clinicians in a format that suits them. Since its launch in March 2015, the site has had over 33,000 page views and over 8,000 unique visitors. A Health for Teens twitter account has been set up to drive traffic towards the website, and links to other social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat will also be incorporated in the future. The AHCM awards ceremony will take place at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole on Thursday, 12 November. Lynda Scott, Chair of the AHCM, said: “These are the only awards that recognise and reward excellence in NHS communications, marketing and engagement. We were thrilled to receive the largest number of nominations for awards this year. Our independent judging panel of experts, drawn from national leaders in communications, were really impressed with the quality and variety of work our teams are doing to improve patient care.”

If you enjoy reading The Herald, please pass it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it. Thanks! Everyone who smoked after I quit smoking is so disgusting.

31 Markfield in a spin

Images that are worlds apart!

MIKE PRATT, local amateur artist and photographer, has Markfield in a spin! But not just the village of Markfield, he has been wandering around neighbouring villages taking photographs and creating images which he is calling his Worlds Apart’ series. His worlds apart images are a result of many hours work combining up to one hundred photographs carefully cut out and artistically placed before being given a 360 degree wrap. They make for a very original and unique picture – they are literally ‘worlds apart’ from any other! But then why stop at the local villages when there is the whole world to go at? So his portfolio is slowing expanding to include other well-known cities, including Leicester, of course, and one representing the whole planet! Any artist will know that creating work is the easy part. Selling work is extremely difficult and needs a lot of exposure to get noticed. Mike has setup a facebook page (search for ‘worlds apart by mike pratt’), so please like and share his page if you can. His images can be purchased through Etsy. com (an online marketplace for handmade goods). Mike is also looking at the possibilities of having a local exhibition in the near future.

Live

music

Panto

charact ers

Sunday 6th Dec 2015 •11am • Market Place, Loughborough

Run, walk or stroll!

Join over 1000 Santas on this approx. 5km fun event starting in the town centre to Epinal Way and back for a Market Place ﬁnish

Free Santa suit and medal for each entrant • Raise some cash for your chosen charity Kick oﬀ Christmas with this

Santa Spectacular

www.santa-fun-run.co.uk

Pre-event as Dog Best Dressed Christm competition Enter your pooch online

I would consider doing yoga if it wasn’t illegal not to tell everyone.

m EL in IV im E um R Y or de r)

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