MID-NOVEMBER 2021
Markfield, Field Head, Stanton-under-Bardon, Thornton & Bagworth
Sad News from Thornton churchyard AS MANY of you know, there is a beautiful avenue of magnificent beech trees along Thornton church path.
These elderly trees, all with Tree Preservation Orders, are around 115 years old, and their wonderful canopies are greatly admired and loved by us all, indeed, are a feature of our beautiful churchyard. Well, the very sad news is that the beautiful fruiting fungus growing around the base of the beech tree tagged T1 and nearest the lychgate, has caused the demise of this tree. The fungus has been identified as Meripilus Giganteus, a giant polypore which attacks the tree’s root system. Advice from three separate tree surgeons, and an ecologist was that, as the tree now had very little root support, it was in danger of toppling over. This confirmed my daughter’s warning in early October of the danger this poorly tree posed after she had identified the fungus as a giant polypore. As the tree is very close to housing and two footpaths the felling of this tree, needed to be dealt with as soon as possible. However, once felled, the shelter it provided for the beech tree on the opposite side of the path, tagged T2, would have been removed making it vulnerable to wind and rain. To avoid the loss of branches this tree will need to be pruned to reduce its height and spread. This tree is even closer to housing. As the tree was unsafe to climb a cherry picker would need to be used. There are headstones and memorials in the vicinity of the poorly tree, which needed to be temporarily removed to allow the work to take place. Permission was given by HBBC and the diocese to fell the tree, T1, and temporarily remove the headstones and memorials. Permission for the pruning work to be carried out at a later date is underway. The estimated cost for these works is currently over £7000 (other quotes produce an estimate of over £21000!) made up as follows: to fell T1 £4860, for the works to T2 £1320, and to temporarily remove, store and then reinstate the headstones and memorials £1135. There is not enough money in the churchyard account to pay for these works. Any help towards this work would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate, cheques should be made payable to Thornton, Bagworth and Stanton PCC. Any cash donations could be sent to the address below. If you would like to use BACs transfer please let me know, and I will provide the details. We do try to fund most church building repairs and maintenance ourselves, through fund raising by the Friends of St Peter’s, grants and Legacies, for example the Death Watch Beatle treatment earlier this year, and recent urgent stonework repairs to stop the ingress of water. We should not be using the money that people have given for the repair and maintenance of the church building and for the installation of a vertical lift for work in the churchyard. I am truly sorry to convey this news. We will replant whenever and wherever a tree is felled, taking advice regarding appropriate species. We need to keep a sharp lookout for any fruiting fungus around the roots of the other beech trees. There is the possibility that this amazing but deadly fugus will spread to the other beech trees! If you spot any, please do let us know. For now, the only suggestion I can make is that we enjoy these beech trees while we can and take a lot of photos.
Shirley Garlick Email: churchwarden.
thornton@gmail.com
The Luke Jackson Fund - deferred THE TRUSTEES of the Luke Jackson Fund have decided, in the interests of safety of both the distributors and recipients during the current covid crisis, to defer the payment of the monies usually given out to the parishes of Bagworth and Thornton , and Stanton under Bardon until the New Year. The trustees have agreed to fulfil their obligation of payments to the eligible villagers during the spring of 2022. We will announce the date for the distribution in the spring of the New Year on the parish notice boards and via the Herald. We hope to see you all then when things become clearer in these uncertain times. In the meantime may we wish you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Bradgate Rotary
Christmas is Coming Christmas Trail- 12 days of Christmas AN EXCITING Christmas Trail around the village of Groby with a theme of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has been created by members of Bradgate Rotary. Visit Groby Library to collect a map and find the letters on the trail. Maps are only £1. Answer sheets need to be returned to the library to be entered into the prize draw. Santa is also likely to make a visit.
Santa to visit Groby, Markfield and Anstey! WEDNESDAY 15th December – with the help of Bradgate Rotary. Santa will be visiting the Laundon Road Co-op Store, for a couple of hours during the afternoon. Santa, on his sleigh, will be available for photos and a quick chat, as well as handing out goodie bags to youngsters. • Monday 20th December – Santa will be visiting pupils at Mercenfield School, Markfield. Further visits are still to be planned for The Nook in Anstey, Glenfield, and several others. Come and join us and make a difference to your community Anyone interested in joining their local Rotary and helping the community please email your contact details to Adrian Walker – walk77a@yahoo.com
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And some good news from Thornton ...
Phil Durham
01530 231928 Mob: 07535 182402 290 Station Road BAGWORTH LE67 1BN
HOMELESSNESS DONATIONS AND SERVICE Sunday 28th November 1030 Markfield Methodist Church ALL THE CHURCHES in and connected to Markfield worship and work very closely together regularly.
One of things we do is raise funds and donate goods to homeless charities. This year we are donating and collecting for the Falcon Centre in Loughborough, who support people in various ways including a daily drop in centre, community support, crisis accommodation, supported living etc…
DONATIONS URGENTLY NEEDED Mens clothes (small and medium), non-perishable foods including tins. Any of these items can be brought to the Service, get in touch with any of the Churches below, or directly to the centre. The Falcon centre also have an amazon wish list and you can also donate direct to them. Please see their website for further details about them and also ways to donate – www. falconsupportservices.org.uk As always ALL are very welcome at any of our Churches Services, for more details on any of your village Churches please see below, or just pop along to any of our Services.
Markfield Churches – working together for our community Methodist Church – www. markfieldmethodistchurch.org or FB Anglican Church – j22churches. org.uk Congregational Church – FB Catholic Church – http:// stwilfscoalville.blogspot.com
COLIN BROWN has finished building the dry-stone wall on the west boundary of the churchyard!
The wall was partly rebuilt by The Conservation Volunteers and a few local people under instruction from an expert in dry stone walls during 2017/8. We thought we had done a pretty good job! This year a local person, who wishes to remain anonymous, has paid for the wall to be finished completely along the west boundary. Well, you can really spot our amateur attempts when you compare our achievements with Colin’s work. Wow, what an excellent job he has done. A huge thank you to him and especially to the donor who has funded this project. Thank you both so very much.
Shirley Garlick
Little Markfield Farm Festive Events
AT THE
LINFORD
New Year’s Eve till 1.00 am
MINT plus Buffet
Tickets On Sale Now at The Linford £12.00 each Also Last Friday in the month at The Linford FREE admission 8.30 - 11.30
THANK YOU to everyone who came to the harvest supper hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did putting it on.
We are having a Advent Supper and Quiz on Friday 26th November. £10 each with a hot meal. To book call 07774 047571. 4th December Craft Fair Santa will be go around the village first starting from Little Markfield Farm about 10am then be in is grotto all day. Craft fair will start 10.30am. 19th December live nativity at Little Markfield Farm. Starting at 2pm Christmas day we are putting free Christmas Dinner on for anyone who will not be spending Christmas day with family. Call Brenda on 07774 047571 to book. Thank you
Brenda Featherstone
Don’t Forget To Send Us Your News. Thanks!
Why don’t autobiographies end with the person writing the book?
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
The Herald PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: 01530 244069
Message from Dr Luke Evans MP
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.
ALTHOUGH we are lucky enough to be surrounded by lots of beautiful and often quiet countryside, it’s important to remain vigilant towards different types of crime. Since being elected in 2019, I’ve worked closely with local police to find out how I can help and support the work that they are doing, right across our community.
This month, the message of remaining vigilant was more pressing than ever, as Leicestershire Police completed a large-scale operation to crack down on County Lines drug dealing in Hinckley, and help keep our streets safer. The police investigation, named Operation Impose, has led to 20 people being charged with drugs offences. Fifteen others remain under investigation, with the hard work by the team continuing, with more charges expected. During the operation, 73 warrants were executed, 76 addresses were searched, and 600 statements were taken, whilst officers recovered almost £200,000 in cash, various offensive weapons and around 6kg of heroin with a value in excess of £300,000 – not taking into account the street value. Criminals from larger cities move to provincial areas, often into vulnerable people’s houses in order to take over their lives by establishing a drug supply criminal
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enterprise in that area and creating a ‘County Line’. Police believe this can have significant consequences for communities and vulnerable people, whilst also raising levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. I’d like to thank both Detectives and Officers from Leicestershire Police for all of their hard work locally on cracking down on these county lines, resulting in an extremely successful operation that helps to take drugs off the streets and keep our community safer. It’s also a timely reminder that crime can happen anywhere, even in quieter, rural areas like ours. Following the news of the successful drugs bust, I met Inspector Jamie Osborne from the Neighbourhood Policing Team for Hinckley and Blaby to thank them for all of their hard work, and discuss the other fantastic work that local police are doing. At the Party Conference in Manchester recently, I caught up with the Policing Minister, and I know he was as pleased as I was to hear about this crackdown on drugs in our area. Over the next couple of months, officers are also planning a wide range of initiatives to help keep us protected from other types of crime, including StreetSafe. This is a new website designed to help you anonymously report areas which you feel unsafe in as a result of environmental issues like poor street lighting, for example, which helps to inform police where they should direct resources to. This can be accessed at: www.police.uk/ streetsafe, and I would encourage people to make use of it. In addition to this, officers are working with local secondary schools on knife crime awareness, have dedicated additional officers to help respond to domestic abuse incidents, have planned a Darker Nights Campaign to raise awareness of additional crime taking place
once the clocks have gone back, and are working on a campaign to assess the kinds of crimes which older, more vulnerable people are at risk of in our area, including in quieter, rural areas. This campaign in particular builds on the addition of a rural crime team to Leicestershire Police last year, which was fantastic to see. Our local Police and Crime Commissioner is also currently running a consultation on his draft Police and Crime Plan for our area, and I would encourage everyone to have their say on policing in Leicestershire, by visiting: https://bit. ly/3BLG8Y. A huge congratulations to Leicestershire Police once again, and a huge thank you for all of their hard work!
Dr Luke Evans MP Member of Parliament for Bosworth House of Commons | London | SW1A 0AA w: drlukeevans.org.uk t: constituency: 01455 635741 parliament: 0207 219 4250 m: 07920 619812 twitter: @drlukeevans Instagram: drlukeevans
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Apparently, three and a half out of seven people overcomplicate things.
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Groby The
Ex-Servicemen’s Club
Friday 17th December 2021
JAMIE CAVEN & KEVIN PAINTER
DARTS EXHIBITION at the Club
Jamie Caven is carrying out a round robin of different venues in Leicestershire. Groby Club have secured Kevin Painter to star alongside him. Tickets are £8 each or £30 for 4 tickets. Visit the club to purchase your tickets. Event starts at 7PM. This event is open to All.
Breakfast with Santa
SANTA AND GROBY CLUB would like you and your family to join us on Saturday 11th December from 10-11.30am for breakfast and festive fun. Have a delicious breakfast followed by a meet with Santa, listen to him read a Christmas story, chat with the children and sing some Christmas songs. Children will also receive a gift. The only rule - attending adults must also purchase a breakfast (win-win!) Please be aware there are limited spaces. To book your table, please use the booking form inside the club, stating your membership number, number of adults/children along with ages (so a suitable gift can be selected). The event is aimed at children of 6 and under, but all are welcome.
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Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Social Club Ltd, 16-18 Leicester Road, Groby LE6 0DJ
Tel: 0116 287 1809 Email: groby.exservicemensclub@gmail.com
I don’t mind going to work. It’s the eight hour wait to go home that annoys me.
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Local history is a great source of interest Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald I RECEIVED some nice correspondence following my last Herald article which concerned the old trade directory from the 1880’s, that set out to describe Markfield. Most notable was a letter I received from a previous Rector for the local community, Canon Geoffrey Willett. He explained that the 4 local charities which existed at the time of the publication of the directory, had subsequently merged and consolidated under the Jane Avery Trust, which does still operate today. I also had some correspondence which is ongoing, over one of the major landowners at the time of the 1800’s who was referred to as John Biggs. Although we have no definitive proof, this John Biggs could have been linked in some way to the same John Biggs who was a notable political reformer and Mayor of Leicester for many years. He has a statue to his name in the City and his link to the local area is worthy of further investigation, although I am reliably informed many John Biggs existed at the time, so any link maybe tenuous. Interestingly the fields that ran up to Field Head from the main village were in the past referred to as Bigg’s field. So the Biggs family were obviously notable in the area.
The interest in genealogy has increased a great deal over the past twenty years and today various online offerings can support your quest to understand your own family heritage. I happen to have in my possession a great booklet that was produced by local historian Di Lockley, which documents the early names of Markfield Villagers taken from St Michael’s Church Parish Register – 1571-1784. This work was supported by the very same Canon Geoffrey Willett who took time to write to me about last month’s Herald article. The Parish Church would have had a wider significance in what would have been a very agrarian community, with boundaries less certain and communities much smaller than today. It would have likely also included Stanton and other neighbouring areas such as Charley, Ulverscroft, Copt Oak and Bardon. The work of deciphering old records, some of which have been kept in less than perfect condition or were not clearly legible at the outset, is not an easy task. But it has been done carefully to record interesting facts about our communities past lives and occurrences. The use of non typical names has become far more common today than it was when I was born, but I particularly like the colourful names from our past which have been recorded in
Parish register. Favourites include; ‘Agrilla Bacon’ – born 13/4/1702, ‘Frythen Cook’ – born 01/08/1731, ‘Livewell Pallett’ – born 26/05/1661, ‘Wynter Darker’ – born 13/07/1784 and ‘Cicely Jecombottomly’ – born 15/03/1720. My own family surname first appears in November 1600 when Abraham Lay is registered. Another local family name Chapman, is actually the second baptism recorded in the register, when Robert Chapman’s baptism appears in 1563! Impressive. Local History remains a great source of interest for me and for many others. As I mentioned last time, the local history group is up and running again, so if you are interested, keep you eyes out for the meetings on their website, I am sure you will be given a big welcome. One of the reasons I like to understand the local history of our community is because it helps in getting a better perspective on matters that impact on us today. One such matter is the ongoing development pressure both housing and industrial, which if not managed changes the very nature of our communities that have existed for generations. Myself and my fellow Borough Councillor Andy Furlong are
Taking Zinc tablets could ‘cut how long respiratory infections last’ and ease symptoms A ZINC supplement may reduce the length of respiratory tract infections (RTI) while also easing symptoms, a new study suggests. The study found taking zinc orally or through a nasal spray may ward off infection and could make people feel better more quickly. RTI’s can affect sinuses, the throat, airway or lungs, but most infections get better without treatment. Symptoms of an RTI include coughing, sneezing, stuffy or running nose, sore throat, headaches and a high temperature. What did the data say? The new research, from the journal BMJ Open and experts including those from Western
Sydney University, did not include data specifically related to Covid-19 cases. Researchers found that taking zinc may prevent five RTIs in 100 people per month, and on average, symptoms resolved two days earlier if zinc was taken through an under-the-tongue method or as a spray. In the group that did not take zinc, it was found that 19 more adults per 100 were still likely to have RTI symptoms seven days into their illness. There were “clinically significant” reductions in how people graded their symptoms three days into their illness. The authors concluded: “In adult populations unlikely to be zinc
deficient, there was some evidence suggesting zinc might prevent RTIs symptoms and shorten duration. Where can zinc be found? Zinc, found in foods like meat, mushrooms, chickpeas, spinach, broccoli, kale, oysters and crab, is important for wound healing as it helps the immune system to function properly. In the study, the most common zinc formulas were lozenges, followed by nasal sprays and gels containing either zinc acetate or gluconate salts. The researchers said zinc is “a viable ‘natural’ alternative” to manage RTI symptoms at home, although an ideal dose was not mentioned.
waiting with bated breath to see the first draft of the new local development plan for Hinckley and Bosworth and in particular how it impacts our Council ward of Markfield, Stanton and Field Head. The pressure on local Councils to deliver housing and industrial growth remains as intense as it has ever been in my time as a Councillor. The adopted neighbourhood plan for Markfield should be the guiding force in any consideration for Markfield but I remain nervous as to what the local plan will suggest, as this is a much bigger beast and looks at allocations from a more remote perspective. As I have previously highlighted, a huge volume of land has been put forward for consideration by landowners and developers who have no interest in the needs or the history of local communities. This is wrong and should not be allowed. We have put on the table a way forward which is reflective of local needs and compromises. We now need to defend that position and hope that good sense prevails going forward.
Matthew
Beware junk food driving IF YOU are out on the roads this month, beware: drivers who eat fast food may increase their risk of crashing cars. That is the finding of a recent study into the effects of what happens to drivers when they eat snacks high in sugar and fats. Such foods were found to cause drivers to drive at higher speeds, and to also reduce their concentration at the wheel. The recent research at Tartu University in Estonia found that people with poorer diets have higher accident and driving convictions. Yet an estimated £1.25 billion is spent on food at service stations each year, with sweets the most popular choice for hungry, tired motorists.
My wife said she’s had it with my ‘Mr Know-it-all’ attitude. I had a feeling she would say that.
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We’re hiring. We’re looking for several people to join our team at Anstey & District as a casual driver/bearer. As a company we are committed to providing a high standard of service to our clients and families during such a difficult time. Duties would include: • Attendance on funeral services • Coffin bearing at funeral services • Driving funeral service vehicles • Out of hours duties on a rota basis The people that join our team must be: • Smart and presentable in appearance • Physically fit and able to lift • Reliable, courteous and respectful • Flexible with regards to days / hours • Hold a full UK driving license • Live within a short drive of Anstey No previous experience is necessary as full training will be given. Please note this is not a full time position, nor are there any guaranteed hours. Availability of work will be based on the funerals we are carrying out. For further information, please contact Arran on 0116 234 0548 or email arran@ansteyfunerals.com
My short attention span really irritates me. But luckily not for long.
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
The Real Christmas Tree Keeping It Fresh
IF YOU’RE worried that real trees are not good for the planet, don’t forget that a British-grown tree is most definitely not an ecological disaster zone – they’re a crop plant rather like a field of wheat. Here’s our guide to buying and caring for your real tree.
IF YOU do buy one quite early then the most important thing is to keep it outside – just recut the end of the trunk and put the tree in a bucket of water in a sheltered spot.
Options THE NORWAY SPRUCE (Picea abies) is the traditional tree.
It has gorgeous dark green pointed needles and that unmistakable pine aroma, but sadly it is the most likely to drop its needles. Having said that, if you treat it well, it won’t perform that badly and you can enjoy the lowest cost of the real trees. The Scots pine is now a regular option as a Christmas tree and with its long paired blue-green needles it’s quite distinctive. The needles are fairly densely packed on the branches and they also hold quite well. The Serbian Spruce (Picea omorica) has long been the favourite festive tree in central Europe, as it’s good looking and has good needle holding but there’s no Christmas-tree smell.
The Nordman fir (Abies nordmanniana) has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with its shiny green needles being almost impossible to shift is a good choice for those who hate any mess. The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is less regularly available, but the combination of its good looks and needle-holding capacity make it well worth considering.
Choosing The Best One IT’S IMPORTANT not to buy a real tree too early as the longer they hang around after they’ve been cut, the more likely they are to go downhill.
Check that your tree has a good, full shape and that it’s not too gappy or lopsided. The needles should be glossy (for those varieties where this is a characteristic) and the correct colour for the type of tree you’ve chosen. They also need to be free from pests and diseases – basically avoid anything yellowed or inclined to shed, or with white fluffy bits.
If it was in a net when you bought it, remove this as it’s important to have air circulating around the needles. When you bring the tree inside, try to avoid putting it anywhere too warm or close to a heat source and make sure that you use a stand with a water reservoir with water levels really well topped up. If kept well supplied with water, then even the notorious (but lovely) Norway spruce Christmas tree should hold its needles well.
Recycling WHEN CHRISTMAS is over and it’s time for the tree to come down, complete the green loop and make sure you recycle it.
They’re not the easiest things to recycle or compost at home, but many councils and garden centres now offer a recycling and Christmas tree chipping service.
Thornton Christmas Tree Festival at St. Peter’s Church, Thornton
“Christmas Stories in any Media, including Film” FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS of the 2019 Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter’s Church, Thornton, the Friends of St. Peter’s (FOSP), are organising their third Christmas Tree Festival at the church.
It will be open to the public over the weekend of Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December (50p entrance per adult, with refreshments available for a small charge) and all money raised will go towards the maintenance of this lovely 14th century listed building. Would you like to bring, decorate and exhibit a tree and be part of this event? We do hope so! There will be prizes in various categories and an impressive and colourful display of trees will make the Carol Service on Sunday, 12th December even better than ever. The theme of the Festival is “Christmas Stories in any Media, including Film”, so all you need to do is to take your inspiration and decorate a tree based on topics associated with Christmas traditions or stories.
Where to obtain your entry form
IF YOU would like to participate, forms will be available from the shop, school and the church from 15th November or email Mary Gibson on baba. gibson@yahoo.co.uk or Shirley Garlick on shirley. garlick19@btinternet.com
*Please note: Battery-operated lights only please (no electrical leads/cables). Trees up to 1m (38”) high will be displayed above floor level on boards, ledges etc: all trees over 1m high will be displayed on the floor.
Day/time to bring your tree to church to decorate
St. Peter’s will be open for preparations on Friday 10th December, 2pm - 7pm for
you to bring your tree into the church and decorate it. You will be allocated your space on arrival. If you need to come outside of those times, please contact Sue Bakewell to arrange a mutually convenient time: E-mail: suembakewell@gmail.com or telephone: 01530 231625
Day/time to take down and remove your tree from St. Peter’s
ST. PETER’S will be open on Tuesday 14th December, 2pm - 7pm for you to take down and remove your tree. If you need to come outside of those times, please contact Sue; email suembakewell@gmail. com or Telephone 01530 231625 to arrange a mutually convenient time. Alternatively, you may leave your tree in the church for the Christmas services and collect after Christmas
– contact details to arrange this are as above. Hope to see you at the festival and also don’t forget the annual Carol Service which will be held at 6pm on Sunday 12th December.
Note: The Christmas Tree Festival will go ahead, subject to Covid-19 guidance.
I think my smartphone is broken. I pressed the home button but I’m still at work.
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For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk
Hinckley & District Parkinson’s Group November News THE HINCKLEY & District Parkinson’s Group have been welcoming so many members back to their gatherings during the past two months, and they have been joined by so many new members, many having been made aware of the Group from articles like this one.
Looking ahead to the coming month our Sunday meeting at the Mary Forryan Centre [LE10 1LW] in Hinckley will be at 2.30 on November 14th. At the October meeting members were treated to ‘Those Radio days’, an afternoon of pure nostalgia, with memories of radio programmes, their themes and personalities, from the 1940s to 60s. The Saturday morning ‘Children’s Favourites’ with Uncle Mac on the Light Programme was well remembered [for younger members substitute ‘Junior Choice’ with Ed ‘Stewpot’ Stewart on Radio 2!] and as a result a further afternoon of nostalgia will recall those most requested records. Members are to be asked to vote for their favourites and a musical afternoon, perhaps with a singalong, will be planned for the future. Our Tuesday exercise class, Nordic Walking and Friday choir [‘A-Choir’d –taste’] are all being well attended, while the new dance class on Fridays at Elmesthorpe has proved a great success, for both people with Parkinson’s and their carers – even those who reckon they have two left feet! There are so many benefits from singing, dancing and general exercise for those with Parkinson’s. Our monthly social drop-in at Dobbies [‘Woodlands’] at Stapleton will be on Monday November 15, between 2.00 and 4.00. Just buy a drink [and perhaps a cake] at the restaurant counter and join us in the Soft Play Conservatory area. No, sorry, we don’t actually use the soft play facilities! With Christmas fast approaching we are also planning a Christmas Lunch for members and a visit to the Hinckley Concordia for the pantomime. To check on any events or to contact the Hinckley & District Parkinson’s Group give our Chairperson Janet Kavanagh a ring on 07932615233. So don’t let Parkinson’s dictate how you live your life, come along and join the Hinckley Group and see the benefit of being part of a group for yourself.
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Lights of Love 2021 Join us at home via YouTube Sunday 5th December Join us at 4pm on Sunday 5th December for our Lights of Love service on YouTube*, in remembrance of those we have lost and in support of the services we offer to people in the North West Leicestershire area. This year we have again produced special ‘In Memory’ tags for you to complete and hang on your Christmas tree at home. Full details can be found on our website, Facebook page or by ringing 07935 800 658. All donations from this event will help us to continue to provide our free services, supporting people, their partners and carers where a condition limits the quality or length of their life. *The video will be available on YouTube for anyone to view at their convenience from this date until mid-January. Facebook “f ” Logo
Supporting people, their carers and partners in North West Leicestershire whose quality or length of life is affected by their condition, by providing a wide range of free services.
www.hospicehope.org.uk
Charity No. 1169561
I was so poor growing up, I didn’t build sandcastles - I built sand mobile homes.
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Favourite Christmas Carols
CHRISTMAS CAROLS in English first appeared in a 1426 work by John Awdlay, a Shropshire chaplain, who lists 25 “caroles of Cristemas”. These were probably sung by groups of ‘wassailers’, groups who travelled from house to house, singing carols, for which they were often rewarded with an appropriate drink.
SILENT NIGHT One of the most beloved Christmas carols, Silent Night originated in the tiny village of Oberndorf in the Austrian mountains. The story goes that the day before Christmas Eve in 1818, Father Joseph Mohr, pastor of Saint Nicholas church, discovered that the church organ was broken, meaning there would be no music for his midnight mass. Taking a verse he had written two years previously he travelled several miles through the snow to his friend Franz Gruber, a school teacher and musician, and Gruber set it to music. At midnight mass, Father Mohr and Gruber, accompanied only by Gruber’s guitar, sang the gentle song “Silent Night, Holy Night” for the first time. The carol has been translated into nearly 300 languages and dialects and its message of heavenly peace sets the theme for Christmas celebrations around the globe. The song was sung simultaneously in English and German by troops during the WW1 Christmas truce of 1914, as it was one of the few carols that soldiers on both sides of the frontline knew.
GOOD KING WENCESLAS This famous carol tells the story of a Bohemian king going on a journey and braving harsh winter weather to give alms to a poor
peasant on the Feast of Stephen (26 December, the Second Day of Christmas). During the journey, his page is about to give up the struggle against the cold weather but is enabled to continue by following the king’s footprints, step for step, through the deep snow. In 1853, English hymnwriter John Mason Neale wrote the ‘Wenceslas’ lyric in collaboration with his music editor, Thomas Helmore, and the carol first appeared in Carols for Christmas-Tide, published in the same year.
O HOLY NIGHT Listeners to Classic FM have consistently voted O Holy Night to be their favourite Christmas carol. Originally based on a French-language poem by poet Placide Cappeau, written in 1843, with the first line “Minuit, chrétiens! c’est l’heure solennelle” (Midnight, Christians, is the solemn hour), was set to music by composer Adolphe Adam in 1847. The English version is by John Sullivan Dwight. The carol reflects on the birth of Jesus as humanity’s redemption.
IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER Based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti, this carol was written sometime before 1872 in response to a magazine request for a Christmas poem. The poem became recognised as a carol after it appeared in The English Hymnal in 1906, with music by Gustav Holst.
The Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf
I’m not awake until I’ve had two cups of coffee and a nap.
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Letter Warning to anyone booking a plane flight
NOW THAT travel restrictions are leading to many people booking holidays abroad, I think it’s worth printing a warning re the recent treatment we received.
The day before we were due to fly we attempted to download our boarding passes. We were told we needed to pay for priority boarding in order to take our cabin bags onto the plane, although, in the event, this was not needed as the plane was half empty! We then reached the point where we were asked if we wanted to pay for a seat or have random seats allocated. In view of the fact the plane was still half empty, we asked for random seats. At this point the website refused to go any further. We tried many times with the same result. I had three online chats, waiting in long queues each time, no help whatsoever, just told if we did not get the passes we would have to pay £55 each at the airport. We finally gave in much later that night and paid for two seats, our boarding passes immediately appeared. In the event the plane was half empty. In my opinion this dishonest practice needs to be highlighted.
Colleen Evans Markfield
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Pain is my body’s way of reminding me I’m a wimp.
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Markfield Community and Sports Centre News Tel: 01530 242240 • www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com
THE CENTRE – COVID 19 IT SEEMS that this awful virus is never going away.
Cases continue to rise as well as hospital admissions. We know of more people now that have contracted the virus than ever before including those who have been double vaccinated. So, to protect our staff, volunteers and Centre users, we are continuing to remain cautious and ask you to please be careful, wear a face mask on entering the building and in our designated FACE MASK ZONES where there is the greatest risk of passing on infection. We would also ask you to sanitise your hands on entry and we continue to maintain a track and trace system. Just a reminder that if you are unfortunate enough to contract the virus or have to self- isolate the Markfield COVID 19 Good Neighbours Scheme is still here to help and support you if you. IT’S STILL OKAY TO ASK and if you need any help, support or advice just ring us on 07885 243033 and we will do our level best to help.
SPOOKY HALLOWEEN ON HALLOWEEN evening Sunday 31st October we held our now annual Spooky Halloween Trail around the village.
The Centre was lit up and decked out with Halloween lights and decorations. Children accompanied by their parents and even grand parents followed a trail of clues around the village before ending up at the Community Centre to collect their prizes of a Halloween goody bag. It was great to see the youngsters and indeed parents dressed up in their Halloween costumes and enjoying the fun. Many thanks must go to Sarah Beesley for organising the event and to all who helped her during the evening all of whom were voluntary workers. Hopefully the event helped to reduce nuisance caused by trick or treat in the village.
MAYFLOWER CLUB OCTOBER was a very busy month for the club.
Unfortunately, due to other commitments, the Fire and Rescue Service were unable to come along so we had to improvise. The English language is full of sayings relating to the good and the bad characteristics of animals. These are called idioms for example “sick as a parrot”, “Bear with a sore head” and literally dozens and dozens more. WE use them all the time without considering why. So, we did a picture quiz where members had to identify the idiom.
On the 13th October we held our now annual “Conkers Championship”. This really brought back memories of when we used to play conkers at school having baked the conkers and “borrowed” dad’s bootlaces to string them up with. The contest involved striking the opponents conker as many times as you could in a minute. There followed a shoot out between Julie and John to determine the overall winner. John emerged as the overall champion winning the coveted and new Conkers Cup with Julie coming a valiant second and claiming the Mary Smart Silver Cup. We all remember listening to and singing nursery rhymes to our children and people still do. Most are hundreds of years old but many originate from dark and sinister events and historical infamous people yet we still use them. You all probably know that “Ring A Ring of Roses” relates to the Black Death but there are also many other nursery rhymes with gruesome origins. Both “Oranges and Lemons“ and “There was an Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe” have horrible endings as does the lullaby “Rockabye Baby in the Tree Top.” Would you have guessed that Humpty Dumpty was a cannon used in the English Civil War? Anyway, the quiz got members singing these rhymes trying to remember the words and being quite startled as to their origins. On the 27th October we held our annual HALLOWEEN PARTY. Members arrived by broom dressed up as witches and other Halloween monsters. John won the fancy dress competition with his amazing and very realistic Dracula costume. Instead of apple bobbing (it’s hard to get the false teeth out of apples) we had an “eating the doughnut” competition. The doughnuts with extra sugar were suspended from a string with members having to try sand eat them with their hands behind their back. It was good fun even though their faces, hair and clothes were covered in sugar.
LFE Film Evenings on Thursday 2 December will feature “Judy” THIRTY YEARS after starring in “The Wizard of Oz,” actress and singer Judy Garland arrives in London to perform soldout shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub.
While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband. Starring Renée Zellweger, this film captures the waning days of
a beloved performer with cleareyed compassion. Venue: the Parish Hall, Kings Drive, LFE, LE3 3JE. On arrival complimentary hot drink and biscuits are provided. As we have no licence, please
feel free to bring your own drinks. You also get a free raffle ticket for a double ticket prize to be used for a future showing. Doors open at 7.00pm; showing starts at 7.30pm. Cost: £5.
My idea of a high stress job is one where you work with other people.
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Words and Pictures from Ron and Dawn Grantham We now have the following events planned for the coming months: • 17th November – A Talk by Trading Standards on Current Scams • 24th November – A Day at the Races followed by an Auction • 1st December – We are visiting Ulverscroft Manor and having a Christmas Lunch • 15th December – A Creative Arts session making Christmas Decorations • 22nd December – Our annual Christmas Party
MONDAY AFTERNOONS IF YOU ARE at a loose end or want some company the Club also has sessions every Monday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm.
At these sessions you can play dominoes, cards, and other indoor games and meet new friends over a cuppa. If you would like to join in, please come along on Monday and Wednesday afternoons 2pm to 4pm. The cost is only £2.00p per session and includes a cuppa and biscuits. Please remember to bring your face mask and sanitise your hands when you come into the Centre.
NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE THE NATIONAL BLOOD Service really appreciate using the Community Centre for blood donation sessions so much so, they have provided a list of sessions for 2022. The dates are shown below. You can book your blood donation appointment on line with the National Blood Service and “Do something amazing” by donating your much needed blood.
DATES 2022
• 19th January • 9th March • 11th May • 6th July • 31st August • 26th October • 21st December All sessions are from 11.30am to 9pm For bookings and enquiries please contact Markfield Community and Sports 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.
Ron and Dawn Grantham
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All Of Us At The Coach & Horses Wish You All A Very Merry Christmas And A Happy And Healthy New Year In 2022. A Great Big Thank You To All Of Our Customers For Their Support During 2021.
Web: www.kerb-appeal.co.uk
I am at my most photogenic when the pictures are of somebody else.
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM We Need You
After a long sleep Thornton’s
centre is FOUR MONTHS on after Thorntoncommunity Community centre reopened, post Covid restrictions, work on the centre in gradually waking up toislife full swing. post Covid.
Between ‘lockdowns’ we had the long-awaited new We are now open for noticeboards erected, either side of the entrance to the business as usual. hall driveway and two new motion detector lights were The hall is a wonderful also fitted above the hall resource in the village and doors. With this in mind one The long list of work was welcomes, residents and visitorsof alike. the trustees decided prioritised, with repairs to to approach a local the flat roof over the sports Forterra, the view in the county, looking out across The hall must certainly take thebusiness, prize for the best hall deemed the most urgent. large brickworks at Thornton reservoir and the National Forest. Quotes were obtained and Bagworth Heath, to Skyline Roofers from Anstey seek financial help. We completed the necessary works in August;An making roof watertight once idealthevenue for many different events including were contacted by their wedding receptions, corporate days. more and cleaning and repairing the guttering. representative business and group meetings, concerts, quizHelen nights and much more. Meanwhile, the trustees were made aware of a problem with the Newbury, who visited overgrown shrubbery and ivy along both sides of the driveway, which also the hall to meet with The contacted community also benefits from a separate Sports Hall – where there are facilities needed urgent attention. Two local firms were and centre the hedges three of the trustees. around the car park were trimmed and the shrubs cut back to tennis,Helen totrees playand badminton, table basketball, five went away anda side football and more. ground level along the driveway; then stumps and rubbish removed and pleaded our case to her quarry waste put down prior to landscaping. Work on this bosses who kindlybirthday. However, thearea hallisisongoing. fast approaching it’svery fiftieth donated £2500 to the Another job at the hall ‘signed Community Centre. off ’ by the trustees last year Residents got together in 1972 to fund raise for the hall and by 1973 the hall was built and was the purchase and erection This money has been being managed by a group of trustees. of two new signs above both very gratefully received the hall doors, displaying the and has been spent The trustees were able to meeton in aJuly formounted the first time in many months and take stock of new village logo. We were ceiling unable to complete this work projector and screen. the ravages of time upon the hall. between ‘lockdowns’, but Trustees Liz, Paul and finally succeeded in August. (left to right) show It is apparent that much work isMary needed on the old hall to move it firmly into the twentyThe Fisher German team off the new projector. taking part in the National This will be a very useful addition to the hall’s facilities. first century and make it fit for purpose. Forest Trek that used the hall The remainder of Forterra’s donation together with the £500 donated facilities during their 75 mile year by 7-year-old Katie Smith be used We have a long list of essential earlier worksthis that need to be carried out will at the hall.to purchase two walk from Beacon Hill to the three-seater benches made from 100% recycled materials to place in the National Arboretum, posed for hall grounds. Urgent roof repairs. Extensive work required on the entrance borders. New toilets. Drain us to show off one of the new The next two major projects to be tackled are the installation of a hearing signs. inspection. A decking area builtloop at the rear of the hall. Hearing loop fitted throughout. system and new toilet facilities. Another much needed addition to the hall facilitiesextended. was the purchase Carpark Newand kitchen floor. Re-decoration throughout. New furniture. New on The hardest part for the trustees hasn’t been what to spend monies installation of a freezer in the main kitchen in October. but trying to get tradespeople to quote and complete the work. We are Screen projector. Plus, so much more. With so much remedial, new works and curtains. projects required to and get the desperate for the new toilets to be fitted but the builder who had been hall back up and running and make it desirable for the local community, engaged to do this work in October cried off at the last minute. Do you quotes already been obtained for some of the works and it is already apparent businesses and groups to use on a regular Several basis we knew thathave we would know anyone who could quote and complete this work? Please get in need to spend a great deal of money on the 50-year-old building, to enable if you have anyall skills or works run a business that could help with any of the that we will need approximatelytouch £100,000 to do the necessary. us to compete with the newer more modern halls at Bagworth and Stanton projects we have mentioned. under Bardon. The hall has to pay for its own upkeep especially as we are Forthcoming events; craft fair, murder mystery night, the seniors christmas We are asking the community and local businesses if they can help us raise money losing the current parish council grant, which is reducing by a thousand party and quiz night will be held at the centre in the next couple of months. necessary to carry out the works involved, by fund raising, donations (money, time, goods), pounds annually over the next 8 years to zero. With more events in the planning stage for the summer months. As we fast Whilst the centre has a fairly healthy bank balance it was obvious that we offering grants or simply hiring approach the hall.the 50th anniversary of the opening of the hall we would love to would need money towards the major projects; landscaping the borders, hear your ideas on how we might celebrate the event. new toilets, hearing loop, decking, enlarging the car park, decorating - thorntonvillage@aol.com – Visit our website for local If you think you can help – pleaseContact: contact us through email address throughout, new curtains, new doors, repainting the car park lines and so information – www.thorntonvillage.org much more, all major expenses costing farthorntonvillage@aol.com more than we have available. - www.thorntonvillage.org
Injection pen recycling initiative launched
NOVO NORDISK has announced the launch of PenCycle, a recycling initiative for pre-filled injection pens – a first-of-its-kind in the UK, designed to address the challenge of recycling injection pen devices, used by people living with diabetes, obesity and growth disorders, which otherwise end up in landfill or incinerated.
The pilot initiative will launch initially across Greater Manchester, Leicestershire & Rutland, and Greater Glasgow and Clyde, ahead of a planned national roll-out next year. Users of Novo Nordisk’s prefilled FlexPen® and FlexTouch® devices, used to dispense insulin and other medications, will be able to recycle their empty pens as part of this initiative. This can be
done through returning their pens via local participating community pharmacies, via pre-paid Royal Mail boxes, or through an ‘at home’ collection pilot service for people using growth hormone pens. As a circular initiative, the pens will be returned to Denmark where the plastic will be recycled into a range of items, such as chairs and lamps. The pilot alone aims to recycle over 150,000 pre-filled plastic
injection pen devices, ensuring over two tonnes of plastic materials is diverted from UK landfill. At the end of 2022, it is expected that 1.1 million pre-filled plastic injection pen devices will have been recycled, with a potential to recycle over 3 million pen devices in 2023, preventing over 56 tonnes of plastic waste. Visit www.pen-cycle.co.uk for more information
When James Bond is out of his home country of England, is he known as +44 07?
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Markfield Memories Framed drawing by local artist Ian Lay
Local Artist Ian Lay has created a new drawing, some 40 years after he produced a series of local scenes which proved very popular at the time. The drawing is titled ‘Markfield Memories’ and for a limited time they will be available to purchase for Christmas. Each framed picture will include a personal signature and the number sold. The framed picture in A4 size will retail for £35 or in A5 size at £45. The price includes a £5 donation to Pancreatic Cancer UK. If you are interested in purchasing one of these limited framed pictures please email us at: MarkfieldMemories@gmail.com Thank you.
IDC Home Maintenance Painter and Decorator NO JOB TOO SMALL From papering one wall to a complete house re-decoration
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No matter how loud car alarms are, cars never seem to wake up.
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Dove Bank School of Rock!
Using our new dealing machine... m flew by and we suddenly find ourselves racing through the second half of t
Bridge in Bagworth is back!
THE BAGWORTH Whistlestop Bridge Group is back in business at the Bagworth Community Centre.
We kept in touch with each throughout the lockdown and played ed Harvest, and asother a school our bridge in wonderful new ways on line, using Bridge Base on Line and
RealBridge. We had a marvellous t food donation to a time learning new technologyamounted skills, some having more success than others, and we are all maybe a grams, which has an estimated little plumper and greyer but we are very happy to be back playing with cards and seeing smiling faces forreal Elohim Christian Church in again. We have put in place a number alsohealth launched Times Tables Rock and safety measures to ensure that the environment is a safe as possible and we are ldren and staff had a rockin time! gradually feeling more comfortable and confident.
During the lockdown we received a grant from the Parish Community Initiative Fund which enabled us to purchase a shiny new dealing machine. The machine can randomly deal the cards into boards which the players then use to play the hands. We have sufficient boards and cards to enable us to deal four sets of boards in advance This means that each set of cards is used only once every 4 weeks, helping to cut down the risk of spreading infection. Much more than this, the hands that have been played can be uploaded onto our website along with the results and all the bidding by other pairs. You can then spend as long as you like pointing out to your partner where you went wrong. It can also generate specific deals which can be used as a teaching tool. We are very happy to welcome new members and we want to hear from you if you are interested in learning this mentally stimulating, sometimes frustrating but very enjoyable game. It is an extremely friendly group and no partner is required. Check out our website on Bagworth Whistlestop Bridge Group.
med our new families to our school in Oak class have enjoyed Forest nt to use potato peelers to make kitchen knives toplay safely area chop fruit, Markfield ul observations their faces. officiallyofre-opened THE CHAIRMAN of Markfield Parish Council, Councillor J. Williams, accompanied by Councillor K. Sinkpiehl, and Borough Councillor M. Cartwright formally re-opened the Children’s Play Area on the Mayflower Close Recreation Area in Markfield following the installation of the new play equipment that was partly funded by a grant from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council.
THE LAST HALF term flew by and we suddenly find ourselves racing through the second half of the autumn term.
We have celebrated Harvest, and as a school our generous harvest food donation amounted to a massive 150 kilograms, which has an estimated value of £254.83 for Elohim Christian Church in Barlestone. We also launched Times Tables Rock Stars and the children and staff had a rockin’ time!
Andrea Fletcher, Deputy Headteacher
The latest news from Markfield WI Lynda Owen REPORTS OUR OCTOBER meeting was our AGM and our first meeting back at the Methodist rooms since lockdown began. The Treasurer, Secretary and President all read their reports and it was interesting to be reminded of what we had done since our last AGM (sadly not as much as we would have liked) and to look forward to the things we hope to do in the coming year. All of our current committee members were re-elected and we were pleased to welcome Ruth on to the committee; it was also lovely to welcome three guests and we hope they will go on to become members in due course. Following the business of the meeting we had social time to give us an opportunity to chat and catch up with one another. We also had a newspaper game and handbag bingo (amazing what women have in their handbags). AT OUR NOVEMBER meeting we have Sandra Moore of Friends of Belgrave Cemetery whose talk is entitled ‘What Business is it of Yours’. As always guests are very welcome.
The children in Birch class have been very creative, building towers, tunnels and bridges through their topic of Castles.
The Chairman said “that I am very happy to report that this year Markfield was again successful in securing a grant from Hinckley & Bosworth Parish Community Initiative Fund. This grant allowed us to add two pieces of equipment: a three-tower climbing frame with net plank bridge and a wheelchair carousel to our play area. The Parish Council remains mindful that as our village expands with a new Jelson housing project, our numbers of young people will increase, so this year we decided to update the well-used community play area and are thankful to the Borough’s funding to allow us to do this”.
class had a fantastic experience called ‘Bird on the Hand’ as well biscuits.
Every Olympic event should include one average person competing, for reference.
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Mercenfeld Primary School
Mercenfeld Primary School Call now to book a tour!
01530 243 151
We’d love you to come and see us for yourself, meet Luna the school rabbit and let our children tell you how much they love being here!
✔ Mercenfeld makes best use of being a part of a well-run academy trust, instigating a new curriculum developed with Outstanding and Good Schools. ✔ Every child is encouraged to reach their potential in a safe, warm and nurturing environment. ✔ The school provides the opportunity for all children to shine, to build their confidence and resilience. ✔ Great behaviour management means a lovely place for children to learn without interruption.
Mercenfeld Primary School is set in the heart of Markfield and offers primary education for children aged 4-11. This is a school that’s on the up! We joined the respected Bradgate Education Partnership in 2019 and have a newly appointed experienced Head Teacher who is keen to see all pupils succeed, be happy and love learning!
Call now to book a tour! 01530 243 151 www.mercenfeld.bepschools.org
Mercenfeld A5 postcard v2.indd 1
✔ We have a new system to track each child’s progress aligned with the curriculum so that we can tell you how your children is doing at all times. ✔ Our amazing school produces vegetables and fruit in our own garden which are used in our freshly cooked school meals. ✔ Children take part in Forest School where they can do exciting things like build dens, learn how to make a fire and toast marshmallows. ✔ We have two hours of PE each week and run regular after school sports clubs.
Take a look at our new school video you can see it on our website now!
www.mercenfeld.bepschools.org 01/10/2021 16:13
Mercenfeld A5 postcard v2.indd 2
I appreciate the police escort, but shouldn’t they be in front of me?
01/10/2021 16:13
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Memories of Bagworth School from Bob Austin THE 1901 CENSUS says that James Williams was the Certified school teacher. He lived at the school house with his wife, Ada and one servant. There was also a visitor on census night. By 1921, the Head master was J. C. Williams, and Miss Edith Dexter was the infants’ mistress. Another person who used to live in Bagworth talks about the village at a similar time: My memories of Bagworth are first of all my School Days at Bagworth Primary School. Our Headmaster was Mr Heath he was very strict, if you didn’t pay attention you would have either a piece of chalk thrown at you or a crack with the board-rubber. And anytime you misbehaved in anyway or did anything wrong that he didn’t like, you certainly had to watch out. Also when the bell went, we all had to line up in the playground, in class order and show if your hands were clean – shoes were polished, and your nails clean. Also after a month or so there was a visit from the school nurse to see if your hair was clean and tidy, but the main thing you didn’t want was Mr. Heath’s split cane and his belt, yes, belt treatment, and you really felt it. But after all that he was a good teacher and a real disciplinarian, but we had many happy times, especially at the Christmas school party. We used to make our own decorations and streamers to hang across the classrooms and lanterns. There were also party games – musical chairs dancing and Nativity plays. On my way to school, I would call at the Post Office which was also a sweet shop run by Mr and Mrs Walmsley a grand old couple. My most favourite treats were Palm Chocolate Toffee and those long liquorice sticks, gob stoppers and sherbert dabs, also aniseed balls. The Primary School was at the top of a hill off the Main Street, there must have been one hundred and eighty pupils approximately who attended there. Also there was the Church next to the School. Houses are now standing where the School was. Both have been demolished.
Memories of Bagworth School from ‘Village Lives’.
Wynford Jones (born in 1914) recalls his schooldays at Bagworth: I started at Bagworth School when I was five and one interesting thing is that the teacher who first taught me when I went to school was a Mrs Dean, who was then Miss Neill and I’ve since met her, she’s
still alive and she tells me she can remember me starting school and I was wearing a little red jersey. One of the bad things for Bagworth was the 1926 strike and I remember we used to go to school and sometimes they’d got a free dinner for us at school, we didn’t get one every day, so it was a job to know when to take a plate and a knife and fork. We very often got to school and found out there was a dinner on and we
hadn’t got a knife and fork and plate and we lived a long way from school. There were two ladies who lived at the bottom of the school lane, Mrs Evans and Mrs Holyoak, and what we used to do was go down to them at dinner time, soon as I came out of school and ask them if I could borrow a knife and fork and a plate. Now these two ladies always gave us a knife and fork and a plate and they never refused us. One of the things as stands
out in my memory now is fancy having more than a dozen children descend on you all want¬ing a knife and fork and a plate, never thinking they wanted washing up - took them back dirty and yet I can never remember them getting angry or nasty or refusing. They were always such kindly women. All the while I went to Bagworth School there was no drinking - water at the school, so if you wanted a drink you had to go down to these ladies and borrow a cup and get a drink of water from their pump. I remember the pump stood in their yard. George Swann (born 1909) says: I remember going to school at the age of five years. School life in those days was far different than today. There were very few classes, only four teachers and the headmaster, Mr Williams. Mrs Wain took the class of the older children, she taught all the things we learned in those days, mathematics, history, geography and English. I was in the top class at ten years of age, later my sister joined the same class and then my brother. There was only two years and nine months difference in our ages. When my brother joined the class Mrs Wain exclaimed, ‘Blessed Trinity, three-inone, one in three.’ This did not last long as I left school at thirteen years of age. The year I left, the leaving age went up to four¬teen. George Lowe (born 1907) remembers his school days in the following words: I remember old John Miles of the Poplars Farm with his cloth cap, walking stick and mutton chop whiskers. He was one of the governors of Bagworth School and would sometimes turn up on a Friday afternoon looking ready to admonish everyone in sight, from the Headmaster down to the last little inoffensive urchin. Then he sat next to the teacher’s desk with his intimidating presence for ten minutes or so. He would sign the register and depart, leaving a relieved atmosphere like that of a summer sunrise. At Bloxham’s farmhouse there was a finishing school for young ladies until the Principal, Miss Annis, married Tom Bloxham who was then farming in Thornton at the south corner of Markfield Lane. On mar¬riage he moved to the house at Bagworth and I can remember, how resplendent he used to look in morning clothes, cravat, silver waistcoat and Churchillian top hat when he was going off to the Royal Show or other such farming attractions.
The police got me a really bouncy castle for my birthday. All I had to do was stand on a ledge outside my office.
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I’d mind my own business if yours was a little less interesting.
19
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
LOTS OF HERALD SMALL ADS • Marlin 7070830 Electric Guitar (2 strings missing and lead) £25.00. • Tangle wood Guitar plus box, W-400N £25.00 • Mini mouse pink/purple canvas bed and mattress.£25.00 • Wooden dolls house/contents. £8.00 • Morphy Richards food mixer (unused), includes: beater, dough hook, whisk. £15.00 • Round Gateleg Table, £25.00 • Used Land Survey Equipment theodolites, Laser mark level, Prisms, Poles, Tripods. Prices negotiable. Tel: 01530 243057 (Field Head) • BMX Mongoose program bike £50 • StunStreet Scooter £15 • Tennis rackets Childrens with covers (Prince and Gnenlon ProFocus) £5 each • Table tennis bats £2 each • Inline skates (childrens adjustable size) £5 a pair • Hockey sticks childrens (kookaburra and Serpent sola) £5 each • Various Barbie and Cindy dolls = £2 each • Jigsaws ( 1000- 4000 pieces) £1-£4 Tel: 0116 287 3229 (Groby) • Steel Scaffold Tower - It can be built up in sections of 75cm to a maximum working height of about 450cm (15ft). Working area 123cm x 180cm. £35. • Karcher WV2 Plus Window Vac with additional spray cleaner. Boxed as new £20. • Simplehuman mirror - sensor stainless steel mirror lights up automatically as you approach. USB port for battery charging. Excellent condition, 5x magnification. £25. • Art deco mirror - Rectangular with bevelled edges. Size 49 cm x 76 cm. Excellent condition. £25. • Storage box Laura Ashley upholstered storage facility in excellent condition with removable castors - Grey velour - hinged lid offering lots of easily accessible storage space - ideal for lounge or bedroom - Size - W 93 cm - D 57 cm- H 41cm. (36 x 22 x 16 inches) £55. • Travel Garment Bag - 40 inch for ample storage - 4 hangers ideal for travel or business trips keeping clothes crease free - adjustable shoulder bag and multiple pockets v good condition - £10. Tel: 07763 110929 or 01530 242318 (Markfield)
• 30 litre Bi-Orb fish tank with accessories including water plants. Price:- donation of interested person’s own choice towards the restoration of the windows at St. Peter’s Church, Copt Oak. Tel: 01530 249101 or 07875 380 917 (Field Head) • Two stand alone fridges for sale. Larder fridge. Good condition. Price £25. • Curry’s larder fridge. Like new, little used. Price £40. Tel: 01530 231089 (Thornton). • WANTED - Pentax ME Super and MX Film Camera. Good condition and working, for student use. Good price paid. Tel 0116 222 5211 (Groby) • Mothercare travel cot including mattress in excellent condition. Easy to erect and collapse. Cot has 2 wheels for easy mobility and folds to 20x20x80cm. Mattress is 97x65x8cm and comes with cover. Price: £20. • ‘Ollie the Owl’ Gro Anywhere blackout blind. Sticks to window with suckers and is size–adjustable with Velcro strips. Maximum size 198x130cm. Includes carry bag. Ideal for overnight stays. Price: £20. Tel: 0116 291 9119 (Groby) • 5x1000 piece Jigsaw Puzzles. Village life scenes, lovely puzzles to do on dark winter nights, or buy as Xmas present. Price: £4.00 each. Tel: 07790 734858 (Groby) • Yamaha Portatone full sized electronic keyboard, PSR-3, with stand, instruction manual and music, boxed. Price: £60. • Olivetti electric typewriter, ETP1000, boxed. Price: £25 • 21” LG television. Price: £30. • Vintage Pantium deluxe camera, DL1000, boxed. Price: £10. • Vintage Jones electric sewing machine (needs new belt). Price: £10. • Browning Agressor competition 11 metre fishing pole, and Avanti pole runner. Price: £75. • Pair of wrought iron drive gates (each gate measures 3 feet high by 4 feet wide). Price: £35. Tel: 07742 596064 (Markfield) • Trailer for sale - new tyres spare wheel, etc. Ring for details. Tel. 01530 243469 (Groby)
Sat 27th Nov - put it in your diary
Bagworth Christmas Fair - be there! “Ho ho ho”. If you and your children want to hear the unmistakeable sound of Santa, there is only one place to do it and that is at Bagworth Community Centre on Saturday November 27th.
Between 1pm and 4 pm there will be a great deal going on at the Centre. The two large halls will be full of a wide variety of stalls, including a raffle, a tombola, games and people selling such delightful things as homemade cakes. In addition, there will be hot and cold food and drinks for sale including turkey and stuffing rolls and hot mince pies. The event is organised by the Bagworth Forward Group (BFG) whose aim is to enhance the life of the village. Our biggest fund raising event is normally the Bagworth Show held in the summer. Sadly, due to the current situation we were forced to cancel the last two which means that we need to increase our funds. Please help us to do this by coming along on November 27th and supporting us. As well as doing that, you can be assured of having a good time. We are charging £1 entry for adults, children are free. Seeing Santa and receiving a present will cost £3. I would like to say a very big thank you to the person who mended the planter on the sign at the Ellistown end of the village. It looks good back in its proper place. ON MONDAY 29TH NOVEMBER at 7.30pm in the Rear Hall at Bagworth Community Centre, BFG are organising a prize Christmas Bingo session. There will be some great prizes to win, the young lady who organises the evening ensures this in case she wins! This is always a very enjoyable evening, especially if you come away with some of the prizes.
• Bell & Howell Super 8 Movie Projector. Reasonable offers invited. • Imperial 65 Typewriter. Reasonable offers invited. Tel: 01530 230476 (Bagworth) • Two stand alone fridges for sale. Larder fridge. Good condition. Price £25. • Curry’s larder fridge. Like new, little used. Price £40. Tel: 01530 231089 (Thornton) • Large frameless mirror, as new condition 1200 x 1000 complete with fixing kit. £25.00. Tel: 0116 2876715 (Groby) • Calor gas heater, black,good condition,hardly used. Complete with instruction manual. Price: £50. Tel: 07885 296828 (Markfield) • WANTED - Pentax ME Super and MX Film Camera. Good condition and working, for student use. Good price paid. Tel 0116 222 5211 (Groby)
IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Herald, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum 8 items please. Our postal address is: Herald Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@markfieldherald.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘SMALL ADS’ in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication, just to know where you are).
The Widow By K L Slater
MY HUSBAND was not a monster. No matter what they say… The day my husband, Michael, stepped in front of a lorry after being questioned by the police, my world fell apart. He was devoted to me and our six-year-old daughter. But they’d connected him to the disappearance of a young mother from our tiny village.
Now I stand at Michael’s funeral, clutching my little girl’s hand, with tears in my eyes as I insist to all our friends that he died an innocent man. Yet the questions have started, and nothing I say will stop them digging for the truth. But none of them can read the secrets in my heart, or know about the phone I found hidden in his toolbox… I’m determined that my daughter will not remember her father as a monster. I will erase any hint of wrongdoing in this house whatever the cost. Because to keep my daughter safe, the last thing I need is for people to start looking at me…
Still waiting for Google Earth to have a layer that shows lost frisbees.
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21
Mobile foot care service All instr Autoclauments ved for 10 STERIL 0% ISATIO N
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Treatment in the comfort of your own home. Nail cutting, thickened nails, corns, callus, cracked heels and foot health advice.
Call today for an appointment 07340 029861 or email Donna at: hinckleyfootcare@gmail.com
Markfield Acupuncture Clinic Acupuncture has proven bene ts in the treatment of a range of medical conditions including the management of Chronic Pain, Migraines, Tinnitus, Fertility, Mental Health and many more. Please get in touch if you have any questions or to book an appointment.
Contact: Hayley Curd on 07500 808762 or email contact@mark eldacupunctureclinic.co.uk
Hayley Curd MBAcC is a fully licensed member of the British Acupuncture Council.
CRYPTIC CLUES TO ... Buildings & shops It’s time to sit down with a cup of tea and a biscuit, while you solve another set of Cryptic Clues. This lot has been set by Quiz Queen Sheila Fox and her twin sister ... Answers on page 29. 1. Use your loaf 2. Bloomin’ lovely 3. Making a meal of it 4. Down in the mouth 5. On the side of the river perhaps 6. This begins at home 7. Where dons and masters meet 8. Chance your luck here? 9. Whose needling you? 10. Good to see you 11. ‘None’ shall live here 12. Nurse an illness perhaps 13. Are you having a good look? 14. Dying to get in there 15. Big plates of meat are here no doubt
Supporting you in your home We are leaders in the community helping people to live at home indepenently. Our friendly and supportive staff have been providing assistance to our clients for over 25 years our staff have full references, an enhanced DBS and have completed extensive training. At Bosworth Homecare we build and tailor packages of support to meet our client’s individual needs. Our support plans can be any combination of the many services we offer including, medication, personal care, assistance with domestic tasks and shopping. We also support our clients to hospital appointments, social activities and offer a befriending service.
Domestic Duties • Shopping • Meal Preparation Medication Assistance • Personal Care Support with Social Activities, Hospital Appointments and a Befriending Service
Tel · 01455 292648
We have been rated GOOD by the Care Quality Commission and became the first homecare provider to achieve the local authorities Dignity and Respect Award. If you would like to discuss any support needs for yourself or your loved one please contact our dedicated team.
Friendly and Compassionate Carer’s also required to support our clients in your area
Email · managementteam@givecare.co.uk | www.bosworthhomecare.co.uk Bosworth Homecare 7a Main Street Market Bosworth CV13 0JN
I have enough money to last me the rest of my life, unless I buy something.
22
THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Are You De-Cluttering?
It’s Battram Bowls Club!
VINYL RECORDS
Turn your unwanted items into CASH! I am interested in: Vintage Games Jewellery Silver China Brass Ornaments Small Furniture Fair Prices Paid for Items in Good Condition
RAGE
&RARE Call Vic
07583 016098
WANTED ALBUMS & SINGLES IN GOOD CONDITION ALL GENRES CONSIDERED WHOLE COLLECTIONS PURCHASED RING JOHNNY ON 07941 237223
PRESENTATION evening was held at the clubhouse, trophies were presented to club competition winners and runners up by Sue English wife of the Club President.
or email: strawdog33@hotmail.com
With the start of the outdoor flat green bowling season being delayed, due to Covid restrictions, it was ten weeks into the scheduled season before Government restrictions were eased, and bowlers could cautiously meet on the greens and safely resume friendly fixtures, and Coalville & District league fixtures. For Battram Bowls Club most of the members safely returned with a few new faces. It was a successful season for Battram in the C & D leagues, finishing top in the over 60s triples league, and runners up in the Thursday triples league 1, also two players got to the final of the C & D pairs competition. One of our junior members, Mitchell Allen reached the final and finished runner-up in Bowls Leicestershire under 25 competition. Club competitions were completed in the shortened time frame. The depleted season was enjoyed by the members. Anyone who would like to try flat green bowling at Battram, whether a novice or experienced player would be welcomed. Visit our web site for details battrambowlsclub.weebly.com or come along to the club, contact Club Secretary for information, best times etc.
BOTCHESTON WI - THURSDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2021
THE SPEAKER for our November meeting is Mike Lister and he will be giving an illustrated talk about PLAYING CARDS – history, mystery, facts and myths and other interesting information.
Did you know that duty was once charged on playing cards? Where did the Joker come from? If anyone would like more information on Botcheston WI (or WI in general) please contact our secretary on 01455 821228 or come along to one of our meetings when you will receive a warm wlecome, coffee and cake. We look forward to welcoming you.
Sheila Flatt
New Bank MOTHER decided that ten-year old Cathy should get something ‘practical’ for Christmas.
“Suppose we open a savings account for you?” she suggested. Cathy was delighted. “It’s your account, darling,” mother said as they arrived at the bank, “so you fill out the application.” Cathy was doing fine until she came to the space for ‘Name of your former bank.’ After a slight hesitation, she put down ‘Piggy’.
If things get better with age, I’m approaching magnificent.
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23
You are invited to attend the next award winning
SCUBA Business Network Meeting Wednesday 24 November 2021 South Charnwood High School 4.00 – 6.00 pm RSVP by 22nd November 2021 via telephone: 01530 242351 or email: scuba@southcharnwood.org th
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS BUILD OUR FUTURE INSPIRE TO ASPIRE
0116 234 0548 We can take care of every detail, advise and help you on each and every step of the way. • Qualified Funeral Directors • Floral Tributes arranged • Hearse, Limousines and alternatives available • Monumental Service • Car parking available
• Online tribute and donation profile • Catering suite • Chapels of rest • Funeral plans available • 24 hour service
Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred.
Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 7AT Email: talbotthouse@ansteyfunerals.com Website: www.ansteyfunerals.com
I measure my fitness level by whether or not my bath towel still fits around me.
24
THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
New drug delivery could significantly improve treatment outcomes for localised prostate cancer
RESEARCHERS at Queen’s University Belfast have developed a new treatment to be used in combination with radiotherapy that could significantly improve treatment outcomes for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The treatment can make cancerous cells up to 30% more receptive to radiotherapy while simultaneously reducing adverse side effects that limit quality of life. Radiotherapy is extensively used to treat various localised cancers including prostate cancer, offering the best chance for curative intervention. However, approximately 30% of prostate cancer patients experience treatment failure leading to disease progression. The research team at Queen’s have developed a new nanomedicine comprised of tiny gold particles, coated in a small peptide called RALA. If these nanoparticles are present in tumour cells when treated with radiotherapy, they increase the cell killing potential of this
conventional treatment, helping to reduce the risk of disease relapse. In the absence of radiation, the gold nanoparticles are not directly toxic, meaning that risk of treatment related toxicity is low. Various groups around the world have reported that gold nanoparticles, or other highatomic number elements, hold the potential to sensitise tumour cells to radiation treatment, but one key challenge has been delivering these particles in sufficient levels to the right regions within the tumour cells. Combining the gold particles with RALA increases the efficiency of nanoparticle uptake, while also enabling the gold particles to be delivered to regions within the cells which are more sensitive to the effects of radiation damage. The study, published in Nanobiotechnology, shows that through the new formulation, prostate cancer cells were rendered up to 30% more sensitive to the cell killing effects of the same radiotherapy used to treat patients. Furthermore, in experiments investigating the magnitude of effect in small 3-dimentional models of prostate tumors
TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH MARKFIELD
www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org
called tumourspheres, the combination of radiation and RALA-gold nanoparticles completely suppressed tumoursphere growth. The multi-disciplinary team have recently been awarded £376,000 from Prostate Cancer UK to evaluate the effectiveness of these implants at increasing the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to radiotherapy. Dr Jonathan Coulter, (pictured) from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast, explains: “Our research has shown that ultra-low concentrations of the RALA-gold nanoparticles effectively sensitise prostate tumour cells to radiotherapy. Now we want to build on this work, to address the second major challenge, consistently delivering sufficient nanoparticles to the tumour throughout a patients’ radiotherapy. We are delighted that Prostate Cancer UK are supporting our proposal to develop a biodegradable implant designed
to provide sustained release of the gold nanoparticles.” “Following insertion into the main tumour lesion, the biodegradable implant will consistently release the nanoparticles over time. This is opposed to current approaches that involve daily injections. Following consultation with a local prostate cancer patient focus groups, we learned that a one off implant would be better tolerated by patients than regular injections to the tumour.”
DON’T BE ALONE CHRISTMAS DAY Come and Join us at ST MARY’S CHURCH ROOMS ANSTEY
For DINNER AND FESTIVITIES For people on their own over 70 in Anstey and surrounding villages TRANSPORT CAN BE ARRANGED
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE PLEASE RING Kerry Sharpe – 07979 607099
There is no charge for the day, we just want everyone to have the opportunity of being with others on what can be a lonely day If anyone would like to donate a chocolate orange/chocolates/biscuits/any non-perishable
CONTACT: IAN 01530 243811
LINDA 01530 242607
treats, there are 2 drop off points – Roy Greens in Anstey, or Markfield Community centre. Or please call me on 07979 607099. Thankyou
I’ve been sacked from my job. Or as I prefer to think of it, I’m on eternity leave.
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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST WILFRID OF YORK 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB
Sunday Masses – Saturday 6 pm and Sunday 10 am. Weekday Masses – on Zoom. Please see Parish Newsletter on the website. Masks, hand sanitising, social distancing and a track and trace system are in place to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable in Church. Sacrament of Reconciliation You can book an appointment with Fr Gabriel to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Please call the presbytery to book an appointment – 01530 832098. Parish Contact Parish Priest: Fr Gabriel Offor 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website www.stwilfscoalville.blogspot. co.uk School Details St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www.st-clares.leics.sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle.leics.sch. uk Churches Together in Markfield Remembrance Sunday 10.50 am at the Village War Memorial on the Green. Annual Homelessness Service Trinity Methodist Church at 10.30 am on 28 November. Village Contact Margaret on 01530 243292
25
Award winning SCUBA is BACK Bradgate
WE ARE DELIGHTED to announce that the next award winning SCUBA business network event will take place on Weds 24th Nov 2021 at South Charnwood High School between 4.006.00pm.
If you didn’t know, we were delighted that our SCUBA networking event beat tough competition to win the Leicestershire Education and Business Partnership 2020 award held virtually during the pandemic. We are really looking forward to meeting new delegates, as well as those who have attended in the past. Our new Year 10 business ambassadors are currently busy organising this event gaining valuable skills for future employment. To book your place, please register through our eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scuba-business-network-eventtickets-188218736307 or email the school (office@southcharnwood.org).
Gardening Club at Dove Bank Primary School
The children in Maple class at Dove Bank Primary School have really enjoyed growing their own fruits and vegetables in our allotment area. This year we have had a bumper crop of beetroot.
I’m on a forgotten-name basis with quite a lot of people.
u3a NEWS THE u3a is a United Kingdom wide movement of locallyrun interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities for people to meet up and to explore new skills and activities together.
We are an organisation for people, who are no longer in full time employment or looking forward to retirement, who wish to meet new people and enjoy exploring a wide variety of interests at low cost. We provide the opportunity for lifelong learning in its broadest sense, enabling members to share their interests, knowledge and skills. The range of activites is so broad that there really is something for everyone. The local Bradgate u3a has groups for art, canasta, card making, Come & Sing choir, carpet bowls, croquet, dry crafts, garden visits, heritage group, Knit & Natter, mahjong, military history, National Trust, petanque, stitching crafts, reading, Ride & Amble, scrabble, stitching crafts, strollers, table games, ten-pin bowling and walking. There are also monthly meetings with a speaker. There are also national groups for more specialist interests. To join up see our website at https://u3asites.org.uk/ bradgate/home for contact details or telephone the Membership Secretary on 07805 717416. On 1st December there will be a Christmas party at Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey.
Ian Welch
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Markfield Library News AS I WRITE this, we are looking forward to our Halloween spooky trail.
The indoor Halloween displays at the library have been put together by Claire Harris and Sarah Smith over several weeks and they must be thanked for all the time and effort they have put in to helping the library run this event. The window display is worthy of any large store! All tickets (free) have been snapped up and we look forward to see what the spooky trail has in store – it has been a closely guarded secret. We are also delighted that the grandparents of Holly Philpott, Markfield residents David and Hazel Kemp have kindly donated a copy of Connections A Collection of Short Stories from both professional and amateur writers. Dedicated to all those affected by the pandemic, the stories explore the relationships we make whether they are fleeting or last a lifetime, happy or sad, monumental or fanciful. Holly has always had an interest in books from an early age, visiting the local library with her mum. Whilst at Elizabeth Woodville Primary School, she really enjoyed writing stories and her teachers were impressed with her writing skills. At Brookvale Groby Campus she continued to write, winning school competitions and always had a dream that one day she would have one of her stories published. It was with huge excitement that her story Lights, Camera, Chocolate has been published.
Holly has now completed her A levels in June 2021 and is currently at Nottingham University studying German and History and looking to have another short story published in 2022. We are-very proud to stock the book at Markfield Community Library. You can find the book in the short story section in the library and if it is in loan, you can reserve the book by quoting the number 0731159 either in person at the library or online via Leicestershire Libraries website.
Margaret Bowler
Chair Markfield Community Library
Make it 7,000 WALKING 7,000 steps a day, or the equivalent of a three-mile stroll, is enough to reduce the likelihood of death in middle age by 72 per cent. The study was done by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Their findings also suggest that there is negligible, if any, benefit to walking 10,000 steps a day, as compared to 7,000 steps.
Why do dogs always think the knock at the door is for them?
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27
News from Markfield Congregational Community Church WE HAVE settled into our beautiful newly renovated Church.
It is so lovely to meet again for our Sunday services where approximately 14 of us share an hour of fellowship and hymn singing each Sunday from 10-30am. We have a different speaker each week and the names can be found on our notice board on the front of the Church. Unfortunately, as COVID-19 infection rates continue to rise we have taken a decision not to host any further coffee mornings or public gatherings for the foreseeable future. However, as our Church services are more easily controlled these will continue as normal. We look forward to being able to invite people back in for social gatherings to experience our new building as soon as the COVID-19 situation improves and becomes safer again. We now have a few bookings where people are using our Church for music rehearsals. On a sadder tone the Church was used for the funeral of Josie Cooper in October, Josie had been a long-standing friend of the Church, we are pleased to be offering such support to our community. Anyone interested in using our building should contact Linda Allen our lettings manager on 01530 244200 for further information.
Clive Berry
SERVICES WE OFFER PATIO INSTALLATION BLOCK PAVING DECKING FENCING TURFING & ARTIFICIAL GRASS JET WASHING
GARDEN MAINTENANCE LAWN MOWING HEDGE TRIMMING WEEDING PLANTING UP
Call, text or whatsapp Liam on 07904645654
Fordslandscapingandgardens @gmail.com
Ford's landscaping and gardens
BOWN’S HOMEWARE 100 Main Street Markfield Tel: 01530 242057 Winter Opening Hours: 9am-4pm Mon-Sat
WINTER FUELS COAL LOGS KINDLING FIRELIGHTERS HEAT LOGS
HARDWARE PLUMBING ELECTRICALS DECORATING CHRISTMAS STOCK AVAILABLE EXTENSIVE RANGE OF LIGHTBULBS & BATTERIES FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ON BULK ITEMS MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS OLD AND NEW A surprise party is a great way to show your wife how convincingly you can lie to her.
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Church Services
CHURCH SERVICES Sunday 14th Nov St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield
10.00am & 10.50am Remembrance Service & Memorial
St Peter’s, Copt Oak 3.00pm Remembrance & Peace Tea
St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am Remembrance
St Mary’s,Stanton under Bardon
10.30am Remembrance Bagworth 10.45am Remembrance
Sunday 21st Nov St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield 3.00pm Evening Prayer
St Peter’s, Copt Oak 3.00pmHoly Communion
St Peter’s, Thornton
10.30am Holy Communion
St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am “Joint TBS service, Morning Prayer”
Sunday 28th Nov St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield
10.30am Homeless Service at Congregational Church
St Peter’s, Copt Oak 6.00pm Evening Prayer
Services at Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield
Dear Friends, November… the month of Remembrance. I guess many of us know these words from the “Kohima Epitaph”: “For your tomorrow, we gave our today.” It is right that we remember people who gave their lives in conflict, in the hope of building a world where war wouldn’t be necessary. In this time of pandemic, we also remember the health care workers who have risked their lives caring for others- some paying the ultimate price. Now military service, or health care work, aren’t for everybody. Sometimes, the language of self-sacrifice has been used to keep (for instance) women, less well-off people, and people of colour, “in their place”. But I wonder if there are other ways in which we can exercise self-restraint, make some sacrifices, today so all may have a better tomorrow. We can continue to be sensible about Covid, taking precautions to protect vulnerable people around us. As COP26 meets, we may want to look at our lifestyles, taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint. It’s not always easy, I like everyone sometimes make the easy choice rather than the thoughtful onebut we’re made in the image of a God who is generous love, who gave himself in Jesus so we might all have fullness of life.
Judith Lincoln
Minister, Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB Markfield Methodist Church
www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB: Markfield Methodist Church
Sunday 14th November
Remembrance Sunday 10.00 a.m. Morning worship 10.50 a.m. Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial
Sunday 21st November 10.30 a.m. Morning worship
Sunday 28th November
10.30 a.m. Morning worship United service for the homeless led by the Congregational Community Church 6.00 p.m. Taize Prayer with songs & silence
Sunday 5th December 10.30 a.m. Morning worship
Sunday 12th December
10.30 a.m. Cafe-Church Christingle You are invited to join us at this informal service. Learn about the story of the Christingle, make your own, and share refreshments.
Sunday 19th December 4.00 p.m. Carol Service
We extend a warm welcome to everyone to join us for worship and praise.
Spot Spotthe TheDifferences Difference
St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am Morning Prayer
St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am Something Different Service
Sunday 5th Dec St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield
10.30am J22 Community Service
St Peter’s, Copt Oak
6.00pm Holy Communion
St Peter’s, Thornton
10.30am All Age Service
St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am Holy Communion
Can YOU spot the 10 differences in the cartoons above? Answers are on page 29. Good luck! It’s really important to obey the laws of grammar, after all rules is rules.
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Positive Thoughts “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” John Lennon “To live a fulfilled life, we need to keep creating the ‘what is next’, of our lives. Without dreams and goals there is no living, only merely existing, and that is not why we are here.” Mark Twain
Twycross Zoo
Warm Welcome to All
£19.9 million bid succeeds to boost local economy
A Modern Service of Christian Worship in our Community Contemporary Music
A TRANSFORMATIONAL BID for a multi-million pound major new Natural Science and Conservation Centre at Twycross Zoo has been approved.
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council in partnership with Twycross Zoo bid for around £20million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund which is designed for long-term, major capital projects. The fund is available to develop both economic and transport projects designed to create jobs, encourage new investment and enable business growth. The Natural Science and Conservation Centre is set to make a significant contribution to the midlands economy and particularly boost the £80 million that tourists already spend every year in the Hinckley and Bosworth area. As well as attracting visitors to its new orang utan facility attraction, the centre will be able to host educational programmes and events for universities and schools alongside conference facilities. It is hoped that work may be able to start early 2022 and the centre could be in use by March 2024.
Cryptic Building & Shops answers 1. Bakers, 2. Florist, 3. Restaurant, 4. Dentist, 5. Bank, 6. Charity, 7. University, 8. Bookies, 9. Tattoo parlour, 10. Opticians, 11. Convent, 12. Hospital, 13. Butchers, 14. Mortuary, 15. Shoe shop
Family Friendly Refreshments, Chat, Prayer & Support For details contact j22rector@yahoo.com
J22 Community Worship First Sunday of the Month St Michael’s, Markfield 10:30am
The differences are: 1. Snow, 2. Flame, 3. Yellow Scarf, 4. Eye missing, 5. Bobble, 6. Dots on blue scarf, 7. Leg missing, 8. Man’s Teeth, 9. Finger, 10. Ear gone.
Second Sunday of the Month St Peter’s, Thornton 10:30am Third Sunday of the Month St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon 10:30am
Enjoy a drink & meal in front of our roaring open fire!
The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Main Street, Street, Thornton Thornton Tel: Tel: 01530 01530 230808 230808 213 www.bricklayersthornton.co.uk www.bricklayersarms.net
WEDNESDAY is
“STEAK NIGHT” 2 Steaks, With Hand-Cut Chips, Peas, Tomato, Mushrooms & Two Glasses of House Wine - £19.95
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Traditional Sunday Lunch 1 Course - £9.95 2 Courses - £12.95 3 Courses - £15.95
With personal service to your table
Home-Made Pie Night - TUESDAY- FROM £6.95 Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Garden & Great Food!
I was a bookkeeper for 10 years… the local library weren’t too happy about it.
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THE HERALD • MID-NOVEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Borough Councillor
Andy Furlong’s
UPDATE
Tel: 01530 231377 • Email: andy.furlong@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
T
HIS MORNING I received an email from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council inviting me to remove my home address details from the council’s website.
This development was prompted by an assessment of the risk posed to local elected representatives in the wake of the dreadful murder of Sir David Amess MP in Leigh on Sea. It’s a sad reflection on our society and politics when a minor public figure like myself and my colleagues are seen as potentially vulnerable to extremist behaviour. Several underlying factors suggest that the threat to those of us who step into the public spotlight may be on the rise. Societal and economic tensions triggered by austerity measures since 2010 have been made worse by COVID19. Economic stagnation, job insecurity, family pressures, stress and deteriorating mental health, provide fertile ground for bullying, harassment, anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and violence resulting in injury, and in extreme cases, murder.
Social media makes things worse A growing sense of alienation draws people under the influence of angry voices on the Internet. My home address, personal and business contact details are readily available to anyone who cares to undertake a little bit of web research. The cloak of anonymity provided by social media makes things worse, as I discovered in September. A fabricated story by political opponents on a widely used social media platform rapidly escalated into a pile-on that saw dozens of strangers hurling abuse at me from the cosy safety of their computer keyboards. Consequently, things rapidly escalated into a series of intimidating phone calls, threats of violence and, in one instance, an anonymous death wish. The storm passed after a day or two. Presumably, the cranks and cowards found other targets and moved on. I’m no worse for the experience, but the episode provides a stark illustration of just how easy it is to become a victim of online abuse. Mindful of the risk that this can sometimes escalate to physical attacks, I agreed to remove my home address from the council’s website; all my councillor colleagues have done the same. This is not good for our democracy.
Jo Cox MP Back in 2016, at the height of the Brexit referendum campaign, temperatures were running high. The Labour MP, Jo Cox, was stabbed outside her constituency office in Batley and Spen by a right-wing extremist shouting ‘Britain first’. Jo was the first MP to be murdered in Britain for over thirtyfive years. Last month, Sir David Amess became the second serving MP to be killed in recent times. The suspect in custody is believed to have been motivated by radical Islamists. Recently, my friend, Jess Phillips MP Tweeted, “A man who was already in prison for threatening to kill me and others was today sentenced to a further ten years for continuing to threaten me.” These terrible events may just be the tip of the iceberg. Police data reveals 678 crimes against MPs between 2016 and 2020. Most were classified as malicious communication, but nine were linked with terrorism, seven were threatening behaviour, and three were recorded as actual assaults on parliamentarians. Abuse of local councillors has also increased. The number of local politicians experiencing verbal, physical or online abuse increased fivefold over the same period.
justice, but that doesn’t make them bad people. It certainly shouldn’t make any of us a target for hatred and violence. I accept that politicians are held in low regard. I expect many Herald readers to grumble about the government’s performance locally and nationally from time to time. Still, given the fate that befell first Jo Cox and now Sir David Amess, it’s a wonder anyone puts themselves forward for public office in the first place.
Be more kind Everyone can do their bit to reduce the tension in public life by following the advice of the Be Kind Movement. We can all be kinder. Kinder to ourselves, kinder to others - even kinder to the planet. It’s far too easy to shoot from the hip, especially when we’re all moving through life at a breakneck pace. Being kind brings positivity. Positivity to yourself and those around you. Here are ten ways to be more kind and show the people around you that you care for them - family, friends, strangers and even those public figures we sometimes love to hate.
• When you think positively about someone – tell them • Set a good example • Volunteer in your community • Listen more • Take care of yourself • Be aware of others around you • Be generous - lend stuff to people • Appreciate how good it feels to be kind • Share the kindness you receive and pass it on • Think about the language you use
And finally… The final bullet reminds me of the lesson from my Sunday School days, which advised us not to point the finger unless we thoroughly search our own hearts and minds to ensure that we are not ourselves at fault - a common theme in many religious teachings. Recently, my initial reaction to a photograph of our maskless Prime Minister, having seemingly fallen asleep whilst seated next to Sir David Attenborough at the COP26 talks in Glasgow, was to use the word ‘idiot’. Nobody has picked me up for this. It’s modern shorthand for a foolish person. We all think that politicians are acting foolishly at times, but throwing insults around doesn’t help. So, prompted by the recommendation to remove my home address from the borough council’s website, I promise to give more thought to the language I use from now on. I would urge others to do the same. It’s time to be more kind…
Andy Furlong Contact me on 01530 231377 or via andy.furlong@ hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
Politicians held in low regard Some people believe that politicians are fair game for this sort of thing. This is absurd. Over the last forty years, I’ve rubbed shoulders with politicians from all parties. With few exceptions, I can say that they have all been trying to do the right thing for society and the voters who elected them. That includes most Conservatives. They may take a different approach to me when it comes to equality, fairness, and social
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I tried drag racing the other day; it’s murder trying to run in those heels.
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