THE HERALD November 2022

BAGWORTH AND THORNTON WARM SPACE

WITH THE cost-of-living crisis in the UK putting unprecedented pressures on people this winter. Despite the support given by Government, many people in Bagworth & Thornton will be forced to make tough decisions about when and what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home.

Bagworth & Thornton Parish Council wants to do more to help its residents, delivering upon its commitment to put individuals and families at the heart of everything they do.

A warm space is a community building, open to all during advertised opening hours, where anyone can come and will be treated with dignity and respect. Individual reasons for seeking the warm space will be kept confidential and there will be no judgment on anyone needing to seek a warm space this winter. Our Warm Space will be located in the Whistle Stop Café in the Bagworth Community Centre, Monday to Friday, 10.30am – 2.00pm.

The Warm space will provide hot drinks, lunch (which can be pre-booked by parish residents by calling 07930 419146, just leave your name and postcode) and there will also be interaction and access to food bank services.

It’s OK not to be OK and you can get support through your GP surgery, where they can refer people through to local area coordinators who can help socially and support.

It is so important to look after yourselves throughout the winter. Worried regarding your electricity costs, remember to warm yourself before the house, hot water bottles, additional blankets

• Bagworth, Thornton and Stantonunder-Bardon Response Team

• Brew about You

• Thornton Tea with a Twist – 3Ts –Thornton Community Centre

• St Peter’s Church, Thornton

• Suzanne Palmer – Community Recover Worker – 07526 928359

• Food bank Desford – Free Church, Chapel Lane, Desford

• Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville01530510515

• www.gov.uk

• www.leicestershire.gov.uk

• www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

• Martin Lewis web site

• Citizens Advice Centre

Come & Sing Carols On The Green!

MARKFIELD Parish Council and Churches Together in Markfield invite you to join them in singing carols around the tree on The Green before going into the Methodist Church rooms for refreshments.

The event will take place on Friday, 2nd December from 7.00 to 8.00 p.m. and there is no charge. Please come prepared with a torch.

Markfield Congregational Church News

Sunday services start at 10.30pm a list of speakers is on the notice board.

Brew About You

Our free Tuesday coffee morning 9.30 to 11.30 “Brew About You” has been a resounding success with so many of you enjoying a time to chat and reminisce. Because of the current energy situation, we have extended the opening hours now to 1.30pm to provide a WARM SPACE along with a soup and a cob.

October’s edition of the Herald listed all venues in Markfield that are providing WARM SPACES.

Coffee Morning with Santa

Santa will be at to our Coffee Morning on Saturday 3rd December 10 till 12 with mince pies and drinks. Santa will have gifts for children and those young at heart with an opportunity for Parents to take photographs.

Burns Night - with Rev Dr Rob Hunter

We appointed a new minister in April - the Rev Dr Rob Hunter - and he has literally been a Godsend to us in so many ways.

Rob as a proud Scot is planning a Burns Night on Saturday January 21st when he will be hosting and cooking a traditional Burns Night supper, haggis and all the trimmings whisky included. Places are limited and tickets are on sale at £8 each from Angela Berry 07971 254165.

We believe we are doing God’s work by loving one another as friends and neighbours.

Judy Leacy

We as a Church have suffered a great loss. Judy Leacy (nee Wood) has sadly passed away. Judy grew up in Markfield and was taken to church very soon as her mum Phyllis played the organ. She has left a huge gap in our church life and is sadly missed.

Helen and Amanda arranged a wonderful service (standing room only) followed by a wonderful buffet at our church provided by Brewster’s across the road.

With Special thanks to Bizzle, Charlotte and Wendy for their help in serving everyone.

Please come and see us sometime, all are welcome.

Angela Berry

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

SINCE WE re-opened our doors again after an extensive refurbishment, we have been very active with a range of successful social events plus room hire to a range of different providers.

Carols & Festive Readings

MARKFIELD Methodist Church choir invites you to their concert of Christmas music and festive readings on Saturday, 3rd December at 4.00 p.m.

During the varied programme there will also be the opportunity for the audience to get into the spirit of Christmas by singing some favourite carols.

Tickets are £6, including seasonal refreshments, and are available by calling 01530 242607 or 242166.

For sale in Bagworth

A NEW enterprise has begun in Bagworth. During the winter months, Debbie is organising a monthly table top sale in Bagworth Community Centre.

This is proving to be popular for buyers and sellers. The next ones will take place on Sunday 13th November and Sunday 11th December. Buyers can get in from 9am. Admission is 50p for adults. In addition to three rooms of stalls, food and hot drinks are also available. This includes bacon rolls and a vegetarian option. If you wish to book a stall please contact Debbie on 01530 231928 or see the Facebook page.

Markfield WI News

IN SEPTEMBER Markfield hosted a group meeting for the Bradgate Group of WIs.

Members of each WI were invited to a concert by Fool’s Gold, a musical duo from Durham. Their shows are themed and include well known and original songs and the stories behind them together with projected videos. They play a range of instruments including guitars, bouzouki, flute, whistle and keyboards. We had asked them to include audience participation which they did which went down very well with the audience. The performance was followed by tea and cake and the evening was enjoyed by all.

October was our AGM. It was a chance to look back on all the things we had done during the past year and to set out the speakers and events we hope for in the coming year. All of the Committee were willing to continue and we were pleased to welcome Pam as a new Committee member. Following the business of the evening we had a collection of board games to choose from which gave us a chance to chat together and show our competitive sides.

• AT OUR NOVEMBER MEETING we will be trying our hand at some Christmas crafts.

Lynda Owen

Bonjour in Bagworth!

IF YOU are interested in improving your French, a group meets in the Meeting Room at Bagworth Community Centre from 10.30 to 12.30 on a Tuesday morning.

We are a small but friendly group of people who enjoy improving their knowledge and understanding of the language. If you are interested you are welcome to come and meet us and maybe join us to see the sort of things that we do. If you do decide to join us, we pay a very small amount each week to cover the cost of hiring the room.

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

Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Message from Dr Luke Evans MP

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Tel: 01530 244069

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

Funding has been approved for a new testing unit at Hinckley and District Hospital, making it easier for people in our rural area to get MRI tests, CT scans, ultrasounds and more. This is a big step forward for healthcare in Bosworth and I’m delighted to have worked alongside local NHS to secure this!

I’ve kept our community appraised of my decisions via my website and social media channels throughout his period but wanted to provide you with an update in this column if you hadn’t seen my posts.

I nominated Penny Mordaunt to become Party Leader, having supported her candidacy in July. Unfortunately, Penny didn’t secure enough nominations but, having backed Rishi during the summer for the vote between himself and Liz Truss, I have been pleased to welcome him as Prime Minister. Rishi has my full support moving forward.

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.

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With regard to the big news nationally… Things move quickly in politics, but no period has better exemplified this than the 10 days between 14th October and 24th October. On Friday 14th, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng stepped down following significant concern from the markets regarding sweeping tax cuts announced a few weeks earlier.

Prime Minister Liz Truss announced, on the 20th, that she was resigning as Leader of the Conservative Party. Four short days after this resignation, Rishi Sunak was appointed Party Leader after being the only candidate to secure nomination from over 100 Conservative MPs.

Despite the recent changes in Government, I have been working to deliver on priorities both locally and nationally. Here’s a snapshot of my work over the past month.

I was honoured to play a part in passing the Energy Prices Act through the House, which legislated for the cap on unit prices of gas and electricity for both households and non-domestic users (businesses, hospitals, etc). The coming months will be difficult for us all, and I’m pleased that the Prime Minister is prioritising the cost of living. Information on what support is already available can be found via Gov.uk/helpforhouseholds.

I have also spoken in a debate on online safety, called for an independent review of Rugby Union governance after the collapse of Wasps and Worcester Warriors,

Remembrance in Bagworth

IT IS THAT TIME of year again when our thoughts turn to the past.

At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month 1918, the First World War ended. That time has since been used to remember both the First and the Second World Wars and especially the people who died in those wars. As well as that time, the Sunday nearest that date is marked as Remembrance Sunday. Consequently in Bagworth on Sunday 13 November we will meet to remember the men and the woman of Bagworth who lost their lives in

the two wars.

This will take place at the War Memorial at the top of Church Hill and School Hill in the Churchyard. We will meet at 10.30am when the names of those who lost their lives are read out and a wreathe will be laid on the Memorial. We will then show our respect by engaging in two minutes silence.

‘They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. We will remember them’

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

met with the Environment Secretary to discuss animal welfare, raised illegal and legal immigration in the Commons, expressed concern with the parole system ahead of a review of Colin Pitchfork’s case and raised the Borough Council’s delay-plagued Local Plan with the Planning Minister.

In his job my dad’s never lost a case. That makes him Gatwick’s top baggage handler.

WHILE MUCH of the news has been dominated by changes in Westminster I wanted to share with you the headline story for our area…

The recent political turmoil will have serious consequences

THE PAST MONTH has been one of unprecedented political turmoil, upheaval and consequence. You will be aware of the turmoil and upheaval because it played out in front of our very own eyes.

A new Prime Minister was given a coronation following an internal party election and within weeks was gone, along with her chancellor and government. In the space of a few brief moments in our history, we witnessed turmoil like no other, with a mini-budget leaving us at the mercy of international financial speculators. And these speculators had a greater say on our future destiny than you or I did, because of course we didn’t get to have any say in the political direction of the new Prime Minister.

These few short weeks left UK plc further in debt and more uncertain than at any point in recent memory. A strategy of ‘going for growth’ was resulting in the exact opposite and forcing up real interest rates at which real people borrow money. For many the results were dire and it was inevitable it couldn’t last. So we witnessed the disposal of a Prime Minister and her Government, they were now being sacrificed in an attempt to restore some order.

Again a new Government was formed, the third in as many months and from the same political tribe, and again the public were not to be consulted. This Government is now planning ahead to try and recover the situation which is now suddenly being described as ‘very serious’ and everyone is now to be asked to put our shoulders to the wheel and push.

That was the turmoil and upheaval (for the time being anyway) but what of the consequences? Which is really what I am concerned about.

Grimmest financial report for 28 years

Well, we had a key financial update at the Borough Council last week and it was very sobering. In fact I observed it was probably the grimmest financial report I had seen in my 28 years on the Council and I was not alone in that observation. In the financial year 2022/23 - of which we are not fully two thirds complete - the Council

is projecting some £1.2million of overspend and will be forced to use its own savings to plug that gap.

It’s a massive figure and is a result of many reasons which are all related to our economic decline.

To give you some examples or highlights if you can call them that:

• The Council is set to overspend on homelessness provisions by some £120,000, such is the increase in demand for emergency housing support for the very most vulnerable in our Borough. This alone is unprecedented and is happening before we have even gone into the predicted bleak midwinter. Much of this money will be spent in housing people in bed and breakfast accommodation because we have so few Council properties left or resources to deploy.

• We will be spending an extra £220,000 on fuel and utility costs. Fuel costs for our vehicles, especially our refuse vehicles has risen sharply. The increase mirrors the rise in fuel prices resulting from the invasion of Ukraine. It is however made worse by the weak pound which means oil is more expensive to buy as it is priced in dollars.

• We are now suffering from a marked deterioration in income from our rental properties and market stalls as a recession starts to bite – some £50,000 of lost income is now predicted for this year from what would be a normal financial return.

• We are also now expecting to be down by some £130,000 of car park income as economic activity suddenly declines across the Borough and people use our car parks less.

• Further to these pressures we are also having to significantly increase the amount of money we spend on staffing agencies for specialist roles like planning officers. Some £170,000 is now planned to be spent this year as we no longer pay salaries that can compete with the private sector, so we are less attractive as an employer for those with the required qualifications and skills. Planning is a statuary function so its not that the Council can simply refuse to deal with applications. This is a problem across the whole country and actually local authorities are finding it difficult to recruit to a wide range of roles

as pay in the sector has not kept pace with inflation for some time. This year’s pay settlement is again below inflation, but because inflation has accelerated beyond anybody’s projections, the cost of meeting the pay deal has added further significant pressure to the Council’s finances.

To make matters worse and to demonstrate how sharp the downward pressure is, the original financial projections for Hinckley and Bosworth less than a year ago, suggested that the budget for 2022/23 would actually put money into the Council savings as we built up reserves, some £464,000 was projected to be added. We are now instead going to take £1.2million from our reserves.

Losses and reasons for them are not going away

Hinckley and Bosworth are not alone in reporting such dire financial positions, it is widespread and includes much larger authorities like Leicestershire County Council. The problem is made worse by the fact that the losses and the reasons for them are not going away (i.e. not one off costs) and so will occur again in 2023/24 without something drastic happening which it is not obvious. However it is actually significantly more problematic because if the overspend wasn’t bad enough and crisis already dire, local authorities are being told that the funding they receive from Government is likely to be actually reduced. Reduced at a time of high inflation - which is normally a recipe for disaster - but is now potentially catastrophic.

Hinckley and Bosworth has always been a lean authority in terms of expenditure and is amongst the lowest Council Tax raising authorities in the UK. The sorts of savings that will be needed to avoid a potential bankruptcy in future years are difficult to contemplate, especially when most of what you provide is statutory i.e. legally required such as refuse, planning, environmental health etc. Things are still uncertain, largely as a result of the speed of the downturn and increases in costs. It may turn out to be not as bad, we might instead see some Government help rather than hindrance but we cannot plan on that. The months ahead are going to be challenging and I am certain people will soon notice.

As I was told as a child, actions have consequences. It won’t be just one action or one event that has led us to this position but a series of them, but we need Governments that are at least competent and not making difficult situations worse. The solutions ahead are not obvious but they will need to be found and found quickly.

Matthew Lay

wife bought me a Fitbit to count steps I said, ‘There’s still five of them, but H is looking a bit peaky.’

Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald

My

“We need Governments that are at least competent and not making difficult situations worse.”

Thornton Christmas Tree Festival St. Peter’s Church, Thornton

Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December

THE FRIENDS of St Peter’s are holding their fourth Christmas Tree Festival at the church over the weekend of 10th and 11th December. The theme of the Festival is “Colours of Christmas”.

If you would like to participate and decorate a tree based on topics associated with Christmas colours, please let us know by contacting Sue Bakewell on 01530 231625, Mary Gibson by email on baba.gibson@ yahoo.co.uk, or Shirley Garlick on 01530230422 or email shirley. garlick19@btinternet.com.

Please note that only batteryoperated lights are allowed. Trees up to 1m (38”) high will be displayed above floor level on boards, ledges etc and all trees over 1m high will be displayed on the floor.

There will be prizes in various categories and an impressive and colourful display of trees will make the Carol Service which starts at 6 pm on 11th December even better than ever.

We hope that the winner of each category will be announced during the Carol service.

Entrance to the festival will be 50p per adult, with refreshments available for a small charge.

For more information, please contact one of the people above. All money raised will go towards the maintenance of this lovely 14th century listed building.

Markfield Local History Group Presents AND

NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

An intriguing talk by Douglas Maas “History” is everything that has happened before you read this. Such a variety! An impromptu talk - more of a chat really – has been surprisingly well received elsewhere and word must have got around. So enjoy this kaleidoscope of happenings and reminiscences about this and that. In just one talk, could it be possible to include the following, and more besides?

A life story, a murder mystery, a guy called Adolf Hitler and how to keep occupied during the pandemic.

Could you imagine that these will be some of the ingredients for an intriguing November evening? Let’s find out together on the 15th.

Tuesday November 15th 7.30 pm The Methodist Church Rooms, Main Street, Markfield Non-members £3 to include refreshments www.markfieldhistory.org

The Satsuma Complex

By Bob Mortimer

GARY THORN goes for a pint with a work acquaintance called Brendan.

When Brendan leaves early, Gary meets a girl in the pub. He doesn’t catch her name, but falls for her anyway. When she suddenly disappears without saying goodbye, all Gary has to remember her by is the book she was reading: The Satsuma Complex. But when Brendan goes missing, Gary needs to track down the girl he now calls Satsuma to get some answers.

And so begins Gary’s quest, through the estates and pie shops of South London, to finally bring some love and excitement into his unremarkable life…

A page-turning story with a cast of unforgettable characters, The Satsuma Complex is the brilliantly funny first novel by bestselling author and comedian Bob Mortimer.

Perhaps all the changes at Westminster have left us feeling a bit dizzy. Maybe we feel frustrated with it all. “When will they ever learn?” said a newspaper article, quoting a well-known protest song. I’ve certainly felt that sense of confusion, frustration and even a bit of anger.

But maybe another question is “When will we (wider humanity) ever learn?” Governments can, and should, govern with justice and compassion. But I also keep thinking of Jesus’ comment, “Take the log out of your own eye, so you can see the speck in your brother’s (or sister’s) eye.” When have I, when have we, thought of my/our own comfort before others? (“Looroll-gate” of March 2020, or the petrol pump mayhem of autumn 2021?) When have I, when have we, been too busy to notice the needs of others?

It’s not always clear cut. How much time or money any of us has to give, varies. But November is also a time when we remember what humanity is capable of- the best and the worst- so we don’t do the worst again. May we, this November, all learn new ways of loving one another, and of living God’s justice.

Judith Lincoln

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

FB Markfield Methodist Church

Local Church Services

DATE CHURCH TIME SERVICE

13 November 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield 10.00am (10.50am Memorial)

St Peter's, Copt Oak 3.00pm

Remembrance Service

Remembrance Service followed by Peace Tea

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF

ST WILFRID OF YORK  53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB Tel: 01530 832098

CHANGES TO MASS TIMES AND VENUES FROM SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER ONWARDS

Amalgamation of Parishes

Sunday Masses:

Saturday 6 pm: Holy Cross Church Whitwick*

Sunday 9 am: St Wilfrid’s Church, Coalville

Sunday 11 am: Holy Cross Church, Whitwick*

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

Weekday Masses:

Monday 10 am: St Wilfrid’s Parish**

Tuesday – No Mass

Wednesday 10 am: Holy Cross Church

Thursday 10 am: St Wilfrid’s Parish Friday 10 am: Holy Cross Church ** St Wilfrid’s weekday Masses are held in the Oratory. Please access via the front door of the Presbytery, beside the Church.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

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

Parish Contact

Parish Priest:  Fr Gabriel Offor –01530 832098  www. stwilfspriest@gmail.com  Parish Website:  www. stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk

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

Remembrance Service

St Peter's, Thornton 10.30am Remembrance Service St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am Remembrance Service Bagworth 10.30am

20 November 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield 10.30am Holy Communion

St Peter's, Copt Oak 3.00pm Holy Communion

St Peter's, Thornton 10.30am Morning Prayer

St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am

27 November 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield 10.30am

St Peter's, Copt Oak 6.00pm

J22 Worship with Holy Communion

Homeless Service at Congregational Church

Evening Prayer

St Peter's, Thornton 10.30am Holy Communion

St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am

4 December 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield 10.30am

Something Different’ service

J22 Worship with Holy Communion

St Peter's, Copt Oak 6.00pm Holy Communion St Peter's, Thornton 9.00am Advent Community Breakfast (at community centre)

St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am Holy Communion

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

Churches Together in Markfield United Services

Sunday 13 November at 10.50

am – Remembrance Sunday –War Memorial at St Michael’s Church, the Green.

Sunday 27 November at 10.30 am – Markfield Community Congregational Church –Homelessness Service.

Village Contact

Margaret on 01530 243292

Dear Friends, We’ve certainly been living in “interesting times” these past few weeks.

Animal Aid’s Mission to Find Ralph a Home this Christmas - can you help?

THE STAFF AT Leicester Animal Aid have a few animals that have longer stays than others, and Ralph here is one of them.

He is a loveable 9-year-old Husky, and has been with Animal Aid now since June. Even Santa has been helping in the search for his furrever home and called in to visit recently!

Ralph is a clever boy, and very talkative. He needs a secure garden with a high fence as he likes to jump and will need a strong walker. He is a handsome boy, and you might notice that he has different coloured eyes – a condition called heterochromia which is common in certain breeds including Huskies. Animal Aid think it makes him even more special and are hoping to find him a responsible and loving home really soon.

If Ralph doesn’t find his home in time for the big day, then he and all the other animals in their care over the Christmas period will receive a gift which will be thanks to generous members of the public who donate to their Christmas Appeal. If you would like to help, then please visit the LAA website and click ‘donate now’.

Leicester Animal Aid is a rescue and rehoming centre for dogs and cats. Every year, they care for more than 300 dogs and cats who are lost, abandoned, neglected, unwanted or relinquished because their owners can no longer look after them. They rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our doors open to the hundreds of animals who need help.

Tel: 01455 888257 • Website: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

COACH & HORSES (MARKFIELD)

“THE PUB IS THE HUB”

Janice & Larry Would Like To Wish All Our Customers

And Markfield Villagers A Very Merry Christmas And A Very Happy And Safe 2023.

HERE AT THE COACH IN DECEMBER

Fri 9th Dec from 8.30pm: “BIG BAD WILF” Live And In The Flesh!

Fri 23rd Dec from 8.30pm: “THE ABBA TRIBUTE”

Great Entertainment - Late Disco - Come in ABBA Fancy Dress!

NO TICKET REQUIRED FOR THE ABOVE

From Tuesday 6th December, We Will Be Serving CHRISTMAS DINNER Every Day: £14.95

From 10th November - Every Thursday Evening in 2022 IT’S STEAK NIGHT AT

I

Tyler Satnav,

The Markfield Defibrillator Project

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Markfield Parish Council for the installation of their Defibrillator (AED) and Cabinet at the entrance to the Cemetery on Leicester Road.

It is one of the Project’s long-held targets, so thank you also to our generous donors and Heartbeat UK of Coventry for the charitable funding help, and to a very kind firm in Hill Lane Estate for all the installation work. It is a vital link in the Village’s AED coverage and completes the Project’s main targets for Markfield.

All the village’s latest AEDs should be fully primed and ready by the time you read this, but if you search the Circuit (the National Defibrillator Network) you will find that Markfield has a 24 hour public access AED that might be a surprise.

Here it is at Wigwam Holidays Charnwood Forest adjacent to John’s Lee Wood near the Leicestershire Round Footpath nestling in the forest off Markfield Lane as you head for Newtown Linford.

The Project can claim no credit, but it is delighted to give Wigwam Holidays a big fanfare of trumpets for their AED.

Training Talks

Don’t forget the Training Talks on Resuscitation (CPR) and AEDs on 21st Nov and 5th Dec at the Community Centre by Richard Nevin from Community First Responders, a group who are so vital to local communities in medical emergencies Communityfirstresponders@ emas.nhs.uk

Meanwhile we are quietly planning for the Herald’s Christmas Number. As always my contact email is MarkfieldAEDProject@outlook.com Robert

Safe driving this winter

THE TEMPERATURES are dropping now, and if you are going away for Christmas, it is a good idea to nurture your car battery. Cold, damp weather can cause problems for it. The RAC recommends the following to take best care of your battery:

Before you switch off your engine at the end of a journey, turn off the lights, wipers, and heaters. This prevents any unnecessary drain on the battery next time you start the car.

Check that everything is switched off before you turn on the ignition. Avoid using the heater longer than necessary, as it puts high demands on the vehicle’s battery. Check that you don’t leave interior lights, satnavs or phone chargers connected. If possible, park in a garage.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” Henry David Thoreau

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” —Earl Nightingale

The mysterious ways of MISTLETOE

MISTLETOE has long been used as part of our Christmas decorations. It is not your usual kind of plant.

Instead, it is hemiparasitic, meaning that although its leaves enable it to feed itself through photosynthesis, its roots invade the host tree or shrub to extract water and other nutrients.

Mistletoe loves living in apple, lime, hawthorn, poplar or oak trees. You may spot it high up, as a large globe, on the bare trees in winter. There is one spectacular example in Windsor Great Park, clearly visible from the path on the opposite side of the Thames.

Mistletoe’s berries are almost translucent, fleshy and sticky. They form in the forks of mistletoe’s many branches. While they are toxic to humans, they are attractive to birds, who wipe the remaining seeds off their beaks onto the nearest branch, which of course helps the plant to spread.

For some reason, Romans thought mistletoe represented Peace, Love and Understanding. Perhaps that is how it got into our Christmas celebrations? The earliest documentary evidence for kissing under mistletoe dates from the 16th century, but we don’t know who got kissed first.

Luke Jackson Charity, Stanton Under Bardon Payments 2022

LUKE Jackson is a local charity whose aim is to make a small, annual payment to those resident in Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton under Bardon in receipt of State Pension.

Payments have already been made in Bagworth and Thornton for 2022. Unfortunately this was not able to happen in Stanton under Bardon.

2022 payments will be delivered to recipients’ home addresses in Stanton during November 2022. If you believe yourself to be eligible and haven’t received a payment by 1st December please contact me on 01530 242847.

Pete Wilkins, Chair of Trustees, Luke Jackson Charity

Thornton Tea with a Twist 3Ts

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TEAS

Wednesday 9th and 23rd November, 14th December 2 to 4 pm.

Join us at Thornton Community Centre for a cuppa, cake and time to chat. Jigsaws, and board games will be provided and a book swap and jigsaw library. There will be a small play area for young families.

Just pop in and spend some time in happy surroundings.

If you would like to help with these Wednesdays, even for just the odd one, please do let me know.

For more information contact me, Shirley, on 01530 230 422 or email: shirley.garlick19@ btinternet.com

Organised by the village for the villagers.

County Council News

from Peter Bedford

Email: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk

Tel: 01455 824733 Web: www.facebook.com/peterbedfordmdt www.twitter.com/PeterBedfordMDT

AS SOMEONE of mixed heritage myself, of a British-Indian father and English mother, it would be remiss of me not to mention the significance of the appointment of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister.

As a firm believer that you should be judged not on who you are, or where you are from, but what you do with your life I warmly welcome the first British-Asian Prime Minister as he steers the country the choppy economic waters we face.

The cost of living and the impact of high inflation, exacerbated by Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, continues to take its toll on us all.

At LCC’s October Cabinet meeting I backed the £3.6m Government Household Support Fund that will run from 1st October 2022 – 31st March 2023.

This dedicated fund will be used to provide support to third party organisations, support for families with food and fuel vouchers, and provide food vouchers to those children in receipt of free school meals during the school holidays.

Further information on this fund can be found: https://resources. leicestershire.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/care-referrals/householdsupport-fund or by emailing: householdsupportfund@leics.gov.uk

During the month I have spoken with dozens of local residents about the key issues affecting them locally, including speed safety concerns on Ashby Road, maintenance of green spaces, the perennial issue of speeding on London Road/Forest Road and noise complaints. Working collaboratively good progress has been made on these issues; and I have agreed to fund an additional MVAS sign on Ashby Road to help alleviate the speeding on this straight stretch of road.

In the month I also attended a presentation at Forest Hill Golf Club about their proposed hotel complex which has the potential to bring an economic boost to the area.

I want to thank publicly Jackie Williams (Chair) and Margaret Bowler (Vice Chair) who have both recently stepped down from Markfield Parish Council. Jackie and Margaret have worked tirelessly, over many years, for the residents of Markfield. I want to put on record my thanks for their support, guidance, and the constructive way we have always worked together for the benefit of local residents. I know that important pieces of work such as the ratification of Markfield’s Neighbourhood Development Plan would not have gotten over the line without their input and expertise.

If residents would like to raise any local issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes,

Peter Bedford County Councillor for Markfield, Desford & Thornton

Hinckley and District Parkinson’s Group

DID YOU WATCH the recent documentary on ITV about Jeremy

Paxman ‘Putting Up With Parkinson’s’?

You will have heard that Parkinson’s Disease is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.

In the UK 18,000 are diagnosed each year! Jeremy Paxman revealed that a few years ago quite suddenly he fell over, not once but several times. Meanwhile a doctor watching him on University Challenge had noticed what he described as a ‘Parkinson Mask’ on his face, meaning it was less expressive than normal. This well respected presenter of ‘Newsnight’ for 20 years and 28 years at the helm of ‘University Challenge’ was subsequently diagnosed with the disease and a scan on his brain confirmed a deficiency of dopamine, one of the tell-tale signs. Apparently Paul Sinha, of ‘The Chase’, himself a former doctor, had the same experiences as Paxman it was revealed.

Parkinson’s is a very complicated disease, often featuring slowness of movement and a less expressive face.. It does not always involve tremors. It had been named after an East End doctor who had the tremors, known as ‘shaking palsy’ at the time. Gut problems and constipation are also now thought to be an early sign, but many of the 40 or so symptoms can be the signs of other conditions which are not always as serious.

Jeremy Paxman was fully aware that his condition could not be cured, but with medication the progress could be delayed. Exercise was known to be a useful delaying tactic. Paxman was certainly not into exercise but he has taken this on board and now does all sorts of exercises which he feels has helped his condition. Dance improves posture and confidence [the programme showed the involvement of the English National Ballet], walking was equally helpful, but also singing and any form of exercise including boxing and bowling. He was not so keen on starting those!

Paxman described how he felt tired all the time and he just had to give up his hosting of University Challenge. He described hallucinations which were so vivid in the later stages and he mentioned research going on into the ‘Parkinson smell’ perhaps a new way of detecting the disease.

Jane Asher, the President of Parkinson’s UK, had contacted Jeremy twelve years ago asking him to donate his brain to help research. This was well before he had been diagnosed with the disease. He had agreed to this at the time and is still happy for this to happen when the time comes. So much more research is still necessary before further progress can be made into finding a possible cure.

Jeremy’s final advice to viewers with Parkinson’s was to “keep doing things, keep as active as possible”.

The local Parkinson’s Group certainly follows this advice with a full range of activities every week as well as monthly get-togethers. Jeremy spoke of the need to meet other people in a group as the best thing to avoid isolation and hiding away, and help understanding and coping with the symptoms. So if you or someone you know or care for has Parkinson’s please do not hesitate to get in touch with your local Parkinson’s Group.

For further information please contact Janet Kavanagh on 07932615233.

So don’t let Parkinson’s dictate how you live your life, come along and join the Hinckley Group and see the benefits for yourself.

Robert A. Leake

Planning Apps

Proposed front extension by remove existing porch and replace with new entrance hall and toilet 2.41m wide x 2.1m deep - at 5 Warren Close, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9SJ

Demolish exiting dwelling, replace with new dwelling and triple garage - at The Homestead, Thornton Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9RP

Christmas card

RICHARD, my husband, and I had a hectic Christmas holiday schedule involving work, care of parents, driving of teenagers, shopping, and all the required doings of the season.

Running out of time, I asked a local printer to simply print our name on our Christmas cards, to save me signing each one. Soon we started getting cards from friends signed ‘The Modest Morrisons’, ‘The Clever Clarks’, and ‘The Successful Smiths’. This baffled me until I looked again at our card. I had posted out a hundred cards neatly imprinted with ‘Happy Holidays from the Rich Armstrongs’.

My singing coach is amazingly selfish. It’s always mi mi mi with him.

Jeremy Paxman

Andy Furlong’s UPDATE Borough Councillor

IT FEELS LIKE barely a day goes by without our country lurching into a new crisis.

Since my last scribbling, we’ve seen yet another ‘change’ of government with the painful departure of Liz Truss and the curious coronation of Rishi Sunak. From where I stand, it feels like nothing much has changed; although this wasn’t the view of the disgruntled Conservatives councillors sitting behind me in the chamber last week. I get on quite well with my Tory colleagues and we talk openly, but even I was a little shocked to hear our new multimillionaire Prime Minister denounced as a closet socialist. Herald readers can draw their own conclusions. As I see it, Mr Sunak may have a more realistic view of the mess we are in than his predecessor; but he’s certainly no socialist. Nonetheless, I wish him luck. He’s going to need it.

Britain in 2022

I’M WRITING THIS column on a train. Things aren’t going well. We’re running late, there’s no hot water, the catering trolley has lost a wheel, the card machine has packed up and they don’t take cash. To make matters worse I’m seated rather too close to a decidedly fragrant toilet.

My overpriced journey on our privatised railway is one small example of the trials and tribulations of modern life. I’ve added it to the list which includes waiting on hold for a GP appointment, ambulance queues, staff shortages, food banks, spiralling mortgage repayments, double digit inflation and the cost of living crisis for many local families.

However, it feels a bit odd that the newspaper are more interested in the difficulties facing our new Home Secretary as a result of her mishandling of the immigration system.

I’ve spend a lot of time on the doorsteps in Markfield, Stanton, Thornton and Bagworth over the years. Immigration does feature in the conversation from time to time. This is nothing new. I can painfully recall a local election in the 2000s which saw the British National Party attract an alarming number of votes locally.

Immigration prompts real worries among some Herald readers and whilst I can understand this, I often wonder if things are being blown out of all proportion.

Facing an invasion?

THE HOME SECRETARY rather foolishly chose to use the word ‘invasion’ to describe the flow of migrants across the English Channel in

recent months. Whilst this wasn’t quite on a par with Enoch Powell and his ‘Rivers of blood’ speech in 1968, it wasn’t the wisest use of language. So why did she say it?

the number of people fleeing conflicts around the world. Even when we take a look at the country as a whole, we aren’t particularly high up the league table of countries in terms of asylum seekers.

Out 28 European nations we are 8th, and if you present the number as a percentage of the settled population, we drop to 19th. The UK has provided sanctuary to around 1% of the 27 million people who have been forced from their homes in recent years. We are not disproportionately affected and despite what you might read in some newspapers, we’ve never been a ‘soft touch’.

Asylum seeker or economic migrant?

‘Invaders’ on the starboard bow

Apart from a brief flurry of excitement last year, when the Home Office came up with a shortlived plan to accommodate asylum seekers in Earl Shilton, immigration hasn’t featured much in the council chamber at Hinckley. There’s a reason for this. A quick glance at the Home Office statistics for the number of asylum seekers receiving support in Hinckley and Bosworth is; cue a drum roll… None.

Towards the bottom of the league

BUT ‘HOLD ON’, I hear you say again. ‘Most of these people aren’t asylum seekers, they’re economic migrants.’ Well, it’s a simple fact that there is no clear line between a genuine refugee fleeing conflict and a migrant seeking new opportunities. It’s quite easy to be both. Besides, Britain enjoys a reputation as a safe country with plenty of opportunities for those who are willing to work hard, play by the rules and pay their taxes, and I for one am rather proud of that. Additionally, we have widespread labour shortages, particularly in the health and social care sector and what we are seeing is the old-fashioned process of supply and demand in action. In other words market forces. Finally, we speak English. English is a widely spoken global language and this is another factor which makes Britain an attractive destination for those seeking a new life.

Distraction

I’VE LOOKED AT data going back to 2014. Our ‘invasion’ peaked two years ago when a grand total of two asylum seekers were being supported by your council tax. But ‘hold on’, I hear you murmur. ‘What about Leicester? Have you been down the Clock Tower recently?’

Well, the latest figures show that 949 asylum seekers are being accommodated, or supported financially, by the city council. The current population of the city sits at around 360,000. Thus, asylum seekers account for around 0.3% of the city population, which is tiny given

IN CONCLUSION, I return to the question posed earlier in this column. Why did the Home Secretary choose to use such inflammatory and inaccurate language? Personally, I think it’s a deliberate attempt to distract people from the real problems facing our country. So next time you hear about a patient waiting for hours in an ambulance, an energy company making record profits on the same day that your electricity bill causes a panic attack, you read about rising crime or the latest ministerial blunder; ask yourself this question:

“Who’s to blame for the hardship I’m experiencing here in Leicestershire - the terrified twelve year old child floating in the middle of the English Channel; or the people who’ve been running the country for the last twelve years?”

Andy Furlong

ONE OF THE local main routes will close at nights for more than a week this month.

The closure affects the A50 from its roundabout at the M1 junction 22 in Markfield up to the Field Head roundabout - a key section of the road that links North West Leicestershire with the city. The works will involve Leicestershire County Council undertaking ‘highway patching’ work.

The work is due to begin on Tuesday, November 22nd and will result in the closure of a one-mile stretch of the road in both directions. The roadworks will be split into two halves, with patching on the westbound section beginning first.

Closures will come into effect at 8pm and be in place until until 6am each day between Tuesday, November 22 and Thursday, December 1. Drivers are already being warned that the roadworks mean access from the Whitwick Road slip-road will be restricted throughout.

Good home

AFTER THE CHRISTENING of his baby brother in church, young Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, “That minister said he wanted us to be brought up in a good Christian home, but I want to stay with you guys.”

IN OCTOBER we held out AGM and the current committee were re-elected en bloc – obviously we are providing a range of activities that suits our members (hopefully).

After the business side of the meeting we held a bring and share supper and there were a number of fun quizzes to take part in – or you could just have a natter.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 24th November and the subject of the evening is “WINE: WHY PAY MORE?” This should prove to be a popular evening as it does also include wine tasting, so cleanse that palette and be ready to taste wines on a budget. The competition for the evening will be AN UNUSUAL BOTTLE OPENER.

If you would like more information out Botcheston WI, or WI in general please contact our secretary on 01455 821228.

LETTER

George Herbert Lee: 1923 - 2022

THE FAMILY of the late George Lee of Thornton would like to say a huge heartfelt ‘Thank you’ for all the lovely cards and tributes received by them following the passing of George.

It was lovely to see so many people at the roadside paying their respects and at the Church for his funeral service and then afterwards at the Community Centre.

The donations to George’s Animal Aid (dog rescue) Charity in Huncote reached a staggering £322.20.

We would also like to thank everyone who kindly helped setting up the tables and chairs etc at the Community Centre. A fitting send off for a special gentleman who will be sadly missed.

Susan Blanshard (Daughter of George)

Making car journeys with children more

• ANIMAL NAME GAME: One person names an animal to begin this road trip game. Then, everyone must name another species that begins with the last letter of the last animal named, for example, elephant, tiger, raccoon, or newt. In this game, there are no winners or losers.

• NAME THAT SONG: No car ride is complete without singing songs. Take turns performing a song’s lyrics. Everyone can guess who the singer is or which movie it is from. There are bonus points if they can predict both. This is a great travel game for older kids and teens.

Markfield Community and Sports Centre News

Tel:

HELP SAVE SOMEONE’S LIFE - A REMINDER

FOLLOWING an article in last month’s Herald people are already signing up to the following free training course that will help them to save people’s lives.

The East Midlands Ambulance Service will be providing training and will demonstrate how to perform CPR and how to use an AED defibrillator. They will explain the importance of the quick use of the defibrillators you see located around the village. There will also be an opportunity for you to have a go yourself with training manikins and the defibrillator if you wish.

The training will take place at the Community Centre on Monday 21st November and Monday 5th December at 7pm onwards.

To pre-book your course on either of the above dates, please contact the Centre on 01530 242240 or contact us by email to markfieldcommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk

MAYFLOWER CLUB

IN LAST month’s edition of the Herald I promised, to give you the answers to our Jack the Lad Quiz.

The quiz contained many common English language words and phrases which use the name Jack plus there are nursery rhymes, children’s television programmes and famous people who also have the name Jack. Common words or phrases

Jack in the Box, Jackdaw, Jack Knife, Jack Frost, Jack Boot, Jack Ass, Jumping Jack, Steeple Jack, Jack Tar, Jack Pot, Union Jack, Jackal, Jack of All Trades, Jack Hammer

Lumber Jack, Hijack, Car Jack, Flap Jack, Jack Russel, Jack O Lantern, Jack of Hearts

Nursery Rhymes, Television Programmes and people called Jack Jack and Jill, Little Jack Horner, Jack and the Bean Stalk, Jack Sprat. Cracker Jack, Jackanory

Jack the Ripper, Jack Ruby, Jack Warner, Jack Nicolson, Jack Whitehall, Jack Duckworth

Jack Charlton, Jack Nicklaus, Jack Sparrow, Jack Grealish, Jack Dee

Perhaps you can think of some more?

This month’s activities

ON THE 5TH OCTOBER we were treated to a guitar sing along by John and Steve from Monty’s Music (right). They were absolutely fabulous performing popular songs and even members requests from members. They soon had us all singing along to the lyrics and ended with a finale of Sweet Caroline which we all joined in with much enthusiasm. It was a fabulous performance by John and Steve and we sincerely than them both for coming along John and Steve and entertaining us all.

ON THE 12TH OCTOBER we held our annual Mayflower Club Conkers Championship. Members had a minute to see how many conkers hits they could achieve. I must say that their efforts were hilarious, with conkers flying all over the place. The eventual winners were Alan and Jane (pictured) who engaged in a final decider shoot out. After a “titanic” battle Alan emerged as the overall winner, well done.

ON THE 19TH OCTOBER ghouls, ghosts and witches flew into the Community Centre for our annual Halloween Party. Members joined in the fun with a Halloween fancy dress parade and of course pumpkin lantern making.

ALSO RELATING to Halloween on the 26th October we all went to the Birch Tree to have a Halloween Lunch. Apart from having a wonderful hot lunch we also had a Halloween Jokes quiz and a spooky Halloween free raffle which involved a black bag full of Halloween surprises. Our thanks go to the staff at the Birch Tree for looking after us so well.

Other Club events coming up include:

Coping with Arthritis, Stories of a Teenager in the 1960’s, a 50’s and 60 music quiz, the Football World Cup, Christmas Decorations making, Christmas Party, Burns Supper and the Chinese New Year celebration. In February 2023 we will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Mayflower Club and to mark the occasion we are starting to plan a special event.

I must repeat what I wrote in last month’s edition of the Herald. We are often told stories of people living in the village who are feeling lonely depressed and cut off from the world. The Mayflower Clubs may be the answer for you. Many of our members have suffered the same feelings but, by coming along to the Mayflower Club, it has made such a difference. They have met new friends, enjoyed the activities we have put on and, they will tell you, it is somewhere nice to go to and look forward to each week.

If you are in this position or know someone who is, please don’t stay home alone. Give the Mayflower Club a go and you will find it friendly and most welcoming and of course it is somewhere nice and warm if you are struggling with heating bills.

Mayflower Sessions are as follows:

Monday afternoon Friendship Club from 2pm to 4pm where you can enjoy a game of cards or dominoes and a natter.

Wednesday afternoons Club again from 2pm to 4pm where you can enjoy a whole host of activities.

In both cases it only costs £2 per session and you even get a cuppa and biscuits thrown in for free.

Members of our Arts and Crafts Club have nearly completed their ponchos with wonderful results. The tutors are now turning their minds to create Christmas items and decorations so. If you would like to join in just turn up on Monday afternoons. It costs only £2 per sessions and materials are provided.

NEW AT THE CENTRE

WEIGHT WATCHERS sessions returns to Centre on Tuesday evenings. For further information please contact the Centre

MARKFIELD GOOD NEIGHBOUR’S SCHEME –DONATIONS FOR FOOD BANK

THE CURRENT financial and energy crisis is starting to bite and the winter may prove extremely difficult for many people and families.

With this in mind, we have started to collect donated items which we will deliver to Coalville food bank to help with their supplies. If you have any donations of non-perishable food or other items, please drop them off at the centre or call us on 07885 243033.

NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE DATES

• 21st December - All sessions are from 11.30am to 9pm

BOOK THE CENTRE

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.

Showbiz at Dove Bank

CHRISTMAS MINCEMEAT

THIS RECIPE comes from my childhood friend, Joan Ditch, (nee Bateman).

Services at Trinity Methodist Church Markfield

www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

FB: Markfield Methodist Church

Sunday 6th November

THE CHILDREN at Dove Bank Primary School had a fantastic morning when M&M Theatrical Productions came to our school.

The children and staff loved it and were mesmerized from start to finish.

Our children were so well behaved and were, as ever, a credit to us.

Mrs. A. Fletcher, Head of School

BLOOMER! Apologies in Bagworth

EDITOR’S MISTAKE: There was an error in last month’s promotional piece about Jo James’ Dance-Tastic at Bagworth Community Centre.

In the Herald last month an article about her and her group was included but contained some wrong information. Jo’s group DOES NOT have a web page which was mistakenly added by the Editor in that issue.

Apologies for this error and any confusion.

To contact Jo James, Principal of Dance-tastic, call 07790 322486 or email her: dance-tastic@sky.com

As the Herald’s Bagworth correspondent Bob Austin reports, Jo does very well with the people she teaches, indeed she is currently working towards competitions and examinations. At present it is her intention to increase the number of 3-8 year olds whom she teaches. If you know of young people in this age category who would be interested, then please contact Jo. You will not be disappointed.

Joan married an American serviceman and now lives in Young Harris, Georgia. It was given to her, over sixty years ago, by a very old lady with whom she lodged when she left Thornton and went to work on a US Forces Air Base.

Mincemeat Method

Mix together one and half pounds of each of the following :- raisins, mixed peel, currants and chopped apples.

Add one pound of grated suet, the juice of three lemons and one orange, a teaspoon of ground ginger and a little grated nutmeg.

Finally, stir in one pound of demerara sugar and a quarter of a pint of brandy. Leave overnight; then put into jars.

The lady has added that “as brandy is dear” she omits it, but, when she opens the jars to use them she stirs in “Any little drops to hand – sherry, whisky, brandy, port, stout or beer”.

I have made this recipe for a couple of years now and it has the most wonderful Christmassy aroma when opened.

A prettily labelled jar makes a welcome Christmas gift. Joan cannot buy shredded suet in America and we had reminisced about the days when a huge lump of suet was obtained from the butcher and we children were given the job of sitting at the kitchen table grating it… often catching little fingers on the old metal grater! The reward was all those scrumptious dumplings and winter puddings!

If you are vegetarian, it’s easy to swap the suet for melted butter. Half a pound should be sufficient.

Muriel Walker

10.30 p.m. Morning Worship Sunday 13th November

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

10.00 a.m. Morning Worship 10.50 a.m. United Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial Sunday 20th November

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 27th November

CTiM United Service for Homelessness 10.30 a.m. Morning worship at Markfield Congregational Church

Supporting “The Bridge” project 6.00 p.m. Taize Prayer

Sunday 4th December

10.30 a.m. Morning Worship Sunday 11th December 10.30 a.m. Christingle Cafe-Church

All-age worship with refreshments and “make a Christingle” Sunday 18th December

4.00 p.m. Carol Service

Music Cafe

Thursday 24th November, 8th December 2.00 - 4.00

If you feel the need for a change of scenery or a bit of company, come and join us in the Methodist church on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month for a music-based afternoon of fellowship and fun. For more information please contact Linda on 01530 242607.

“Come for a Cuppa”

We are open for a cuppa and biscuits every Wednesday morning from 10.00 to 12.00. So why not drop in for a chat? Come through the church to the back room where you’ll find a warm welcome in a warm space.

We extend a warm welcome to everyone to join us for worship and all our church activities.

Live Nativity

On

18th December 2022

at Little Markfield Farm, Markfield, LE67 9UN - 2pm

Father Christmas will be in his Grotto £5.00 per Child receiving a small gift, No need to book

All proceeds to St. Michael’s and All Angel’s Church, Markfield.

HERALD SMALL ADS

• LEATHER THREE-PIECE SUITEdark brown in colour. Good condition. FREE. Must be collected.

Tel: 01530 249171 (Field Head)

• SONY BRAVIA TV - 32in - Good condition. Price: £50. Tel. 07905 558349 (Bagworth)

• SET OF WILDLIFE JOURNALS: (The Living Countryside) vol 37 - 180. Too good for the tip. FREE. Tel: 01530 244531 (Field Head)

• CORBY TROUSER PRESSMahogany 7700 Trouser Press. Price £35 o.n.o. Tel: 07754 703 748 (Field Head)

• Five seater L-Shaped BROWN SOFA, Scotch guarded and complies Furniture and Fittings (Fire) Safety Regulations. Price: £300 o.n.o. Tel: 07711 846528 (Bagworth)

• Three-drawer WRITING DESKgood condition. FREE. Tel: 01530 242025 (Markfield)

• FRIDGE/FREEZER (Hoover) in excellent condition. Price: £95 o.n.o. Tel: 0116 236 7973 (Anstey)

• Ladies WINTER COAT - Joules - size 8/10. Never worn. Cost £190. Would accept £75 o.v.n.o. Tel: 07889 540608 (Groby)

• WHITE BATH plus TAPS. One year old. Price: £25.

• Overbath folding SHOWER SCREEN. One year old. Price: £25. Tel: 07547 901657 (Glenfield)

• Halfords portable CAMPING FRIDGE - 12V. Price: £10.

• Portable Projector SCREEN50” on tripod. Price: £15. Tel. 0116 287 6684 (Groby)

• Mothercare HIGH CHAIR with safety harness. Price:£35.

• Mothercare PRIMARY TRAVEL COT for age up to 24 months. Price: £25.

• Extending FIREGUARD. Price: £10.

All good condition. Tel: 07376 874122 (Groby)

• Halfords Apollo Craze Junior MOUNTAIN BIKE. Suitable for 8-12 year old. White and grey marl pattern. Beautiful, gleaming condition. Price £100.00.

• POGO STICK. Ages 6 and up to 60kgs. Good condition. Instruction sheet included. Price: £8.00.

• DOG CRATE - Two doors. Removable black plastic tray base for easy cleaning. Folds down. 30” length, 18” width, 21” height. Suitable for a small dog or puppy. Price £5.00. Tel 0116 291 3576 or 07891 246871 (Groby)

IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Herald, please SEND DETAILS by post or emailsorry, 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).

Santa and the Baby Jesus Colouring Story Book

LOCAL AUTHOR Hazel Wilcox and illustrator Carol Weir have produced a colouring book version of their original Santa and the Baby Jesus, which includes the full story and colouring pages.

Santa is going about his usual Christmas Eve activities, but he is in for a big surprise, one that will change his life forever. See how, one by one, a heavenly visitor introduces Santa to the characters of the first Christmas and explains the real meaning behind it all.

A Friends of St Peter’s Church event.

All proceeds for St Peter’s Church, Thornton, a beautiful, 13th Century, Grade 1 listed, heritage building always in need of TLC

VINTAGE, CLASSIC

CAR AND BIKE MEET, & STATIONARY ENGINE CRANK UP

On 11th December 2022

At Little Markfield Farm, Forest Road, Markfield, Leicester, LE67 9UN - From 10am

A carvery meal will be available at Little Markfield Farm.

Then at 4.30pm we will have a Christmas Tractor and Truck Road Run.

This interactive book lets children enjoy this wonderful story whilst at the same time colouring in the illustrations for themselves. They can copy the colours shown or use their own imagination. What colour do you think the Wise Men’s robes should be? Available via AMAZON.

Back for a return again after last year’s great success is this Christmas Charity Tractor and Truck Run 2022.

We encourage people to bring a tractor or truck and decorate it with lights etc.

Meet up at Little Markfield Farm from 3.30pm.

We will be raising money for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, so a minimum donation of £10 per tractor & £5 per passenger to be paid on the day.

All bookings for the carvery by 5th December 2022 please. To book in and for more information contact Brenda on 07774 047571

Christmas Craft Fair

On 26th November 2022

At Little Markfield Farm Markfield LE67 9UN

10am – 2.00pm

Father Christmas will be in his Grotto - £5.00 per Child receiving a small gift, CRAFT STALLS

REFRESHMENTS

TOMBOLA

All proceeds to St. Michael’s and All Angel’s Church, Markfield.