October 2012 Herald

Dogs looking for homes!

See page 24

Concert in Stanton A Mini Prom Concert, with Stanton under Bardon Singers and Musicians is to be held in St Mary & All Saints church on Friday 12th October 2012 at 7.30pm.

Tickets on the door £4 in aid of church funds, refreshments included.

Gail Massey

Barn Dance in Bagworth!

The ‘Friends of St. Peter’s are holding a ‘Barn Dance/Ho Down’ on Friday 19th October at Bagworth W.M.C. 8pm-11pm.

This event is ticket only. The tickets are priced at £5 and are available from Eric Roberts on 01530 230743.

The last ‘Barn Dance/Ho Down’ held by the charity in March was a great success and tickets sold out very quickly.

Pete Shaw

OCTOBER 2012

Welcome to the minister Trinity Methodist Church Markfield gives a warm welcome to their new Minister, Rev. Stephen Clark and his wife Sue. For the past twelve years Stephen has been a minister in the Doncaster Circuit of the Methodist Church where one of his duties was to serve as chaplain to Doncaster Rovers football club.

He is originally from Hull, and states that he still supports the “real Tigers” Hull City, we shall certainly have to put that right!

However, his main concern is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to get along side people as they live out their lives. We here in the The new Minister: Rev. Stephen Clark with his wife Sue church look forward to working with him over the next five years and we hope many of you in the village will get to know him.

Ian Lay

Update on the Markfield Skate Park Project from Ron Grantham As promised, here is an update on progress for a replacement skate park for the village.

With the help of our young skaters and BMX riders we have virtually agreed the design of the new skate park and the overall cost.

It’s a good job that our young enthusiasts have been involved from the start as the new designs includes quarter pipes, grind block, volcano, jump box, flat banks, roll over and a manual pad and to be honest I haven’t got a clue what all these terms mean but they sound exciting and are what the kids want.

Pictured to the right is a copy of the proposed design, and more detailed plans are on view at the Centre. As I write this article we are still awaiting responses from a number of funding application sources to finalise our overall plans for the skate park so, it’s everything crossed that we succeed. Our aim is to raise all the total cost of the project without it being a financial burden on the village and in particular the Parish Council. We do predict that we will have to raise some more funds ourselves through sponsorship and fund raising events and, as I mentioned previously our local County Councillor and resident David Sprason will be doing a sponsored DISCOTHON in the very near future to help us out. So, please give us your support when the time comes.

In the mean time the current skate park struggles to survive and, if it wasn’t for the support of our young people it would have been closed and probably dismantled by now. However, our older users have managed to keep it going and safe to use by “borrowing” materials and doing their own DIY. This just shows how much they value the skate park and its use.

At some point we will have to dismantle the old skate park and this is where you can help us reduce cost by helping us dismantle the old site, dispose of waste metal and wood as well as clearing the site for the new construction. Any voluntary help you can give would be most appreciated and eliminate a projected cost of around £1,500 from the overall project cost.

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 6th October - Advert & Articles Needed By 22nd September

DON’T BE ALONE CHRISTMAS DAY

C o me a n d J o i n u s a t

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TO BOOK YOUR PLACE PLEASE RING

01530 243445-Kerry Sharpe or 0116 2368811-Julie Ford If anyone would like to volunteer or make a contribution please also contact above Supported by Leicestershire County Council Community Forum

I’m amazed how many people go to Ascot when it’s windy. Still, hats off to them.

The Herald PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Tel: 01530 244069 info@markfieldherald.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk

The Herald is a monthly local magazine delivered free to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Markfield, Field Head, Stanton under Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth.

Contact Mike Wilkinson with your articles, news items or advertising enquiries.

Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown.

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Herald Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. The Herald cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. The Herald reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication.

All contents © The Herald None of the articles or adverts contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from The Herald.

This issue of The Herald is being delivered over the weekend of 6-7 October 2012 by The Herald’s team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Amy, Maureen, John, Libby, Sam, Lydia, Jordan, Ian, Ann, Gill, Janet, John, Helen, Don, Jeanie, Jenny, Lauren, Daisy, Heather, Margaret, Matthew, Alexander, Mike, Rowan, John & Sue.

Upcoming events at Markfield Library Are you looking for something for the kids to do during October half-term?

If you’re brave enough then why not come along to Markfield library for ‘Spooky Stories’. The event takes place on Monday 22nd of October, 4-5pm, with stories in our reading garden (weather permitting) and lots of scary crafts to make and take away with you! This event is suitable for 5-11 year olds and costs just £1 for the first child in the family and 50p for subsequent children.

Call the library now to book your place on: 0116 3053642.

Also coming up, the library will be holding its ‘Yuletide Cheer’ event on Friday 14th of December. Our doors will stay open all day (10am-5pm) as we are joined

by Mercenfeld school choir and a range of local independent retailers.

Come along to sample cupcakes, buy handmade cards or purchase some fantastic wooden toys as a stocking filler. We will also have festive crafts and refreshments available so make sure you put the date in your diary – it’s not to be missed!

Your Remembrance Services on 11th Nov

Come and support your Local Air Ambulance at

Markfield Community Centre Mayflower Close Markfield on

Saturday 27th October 2012 1.00 p.m. — 4.00 p.m.

Admission free Come and view a variety of stalls.

Refreshments available

Dance, Bingo & Raffle at Bagworth WMC A Social Dance will take place at the Bagworth Working Men’s Club at 8 pm on Saturday 20th October.

Come and join our uniformed young people’s organisations and other members of our congregation as we remember those who gave their lives during the two World Wars and in the many conflicts since then.

On Sunday 11th November at our 10.30 a.m. service we will lay wreaths at the war memorial in St. Michael and All Angels’ Parish Church in Markfield. We will observe a two minute silence at 11.0 a.m. and pray for peace in our world. This service is designed for people of all ages. The evening service at 6.0 p.m. will be another Remembrance Service involving all the Churches Together in Markfield.

Similar services take place at St. Peter’s, Thornton, at St. Mary and All Saints, Stanton under Bardon at 10.30 a.m., and an Act of Remembrance at the war memorial at Holy Rood, Bagworth at 10.45 a.m. The Remembrance service at St. Peter’s, Copt Oak will be at 6.0 p.m.

All are welcome to join us at any of these services on this important day.

Tickets cost £1 on the door. The evening will also include a Bingo session and a Raffle. The people who attend these events always enjoy themselves. Why don’t you give it a try? It could be a £1 very well spent.

Ken Hill

Don’t worry A little boy was told that he should try and be good, and that he could ask God for help with this.

So he prayed: “Lord, please make me good, if you can. But if you can’t, don’t worry about it. I’m having a real good time like I am.”

I got a job as a historian, but I soon realised there was no future in it.

Let Santa Help Your Charity

A bit about ...

Bagworth Historical Society

Did you know that you could use the Loughborough Santa Fun Run to help raise much needed funds for your favoured charity?

We are a group of people who are very interested in the history of our village.

We know that Bagworth is an important place. In Domesday, not only is Bagworth mentioned but it is also in charge of Ibstock. We know that Bagworth has literally had an effect on the rest of the world. Next time you hear a hooter or klaxon or whatever on a train, wherever in the world you happen to be, it is because of Bagworth. In the early days of the railway an accident happened on the level crossing on Thornton Lane and because of that, Stephenson designed a steam whistle or steam trumpet to allow all trains to warn people of their imminent appearance.

If you would like to learn more about Bagworth, please come and join us. We meet on the second Tuesday in the month at Bagworth Working Men’s Club at 7.30.

If you are interested, we have designed a historical calendar about Bagworth for 2013. These cost £5 and can be obtained from me on either 01530 230429 or Austin@bagworth.freeserve.co.uk or at the Working Men’s Club in Bagworth. In addition, myself and a friend, who is sadly no longer with us, have written 6 historical books about Bagworth.

Finally, if you have any old photos of Bagworth, either scenes or people, I would love to see them.

Again, I can be contacted via the details above.

Bob Austin

The event is now in its eighth year and will be held on Sunday 9th December running from Loughborough University into the Market Place and back. Since it started, the Santa Run has raised more than £280,000 for charities and one of the charities benefitting from this year’s event could be your own particular favourite.

All you have to do is enter a team and give the charity details including its registered number to Loughborough Rotary Club who will help you do the rest. Last year, as well as teams running and raising funds for their own charity, groups from local schools who had charity fundraising projects as part of their timetable also took part very successfully. So talk to your friends or form teacher to decide which charity you would like to help. For more information, the Santa Run website is www.santa-fun-run.co.uk and the Entry Co-ordinator, Rachel can be contacted on email carl.hughes@hughesdrivertraining.co.uk, telephone 07856 377708.

As before, a prize will be given to the team with the most original costume and it’s a great way to help your cause whilst at the same time getting into the Christmas spirit by joining in one of Loughborough’s major festive activities. This year’s event promises to even bigger and better, with live entertainment along the route and the new Loughborough Christmas Pudding Sunday market taking place at the same time.

Keep warm with community grants Organisations are being offered the chance to keep their community venues cosy and reduce their energy bills at the same time.

Leicestershire County Council is offering Shire Community Climate Change Grants of up to £5,000 for organisations to improve energy efficiency in their community buildings.

Charities, faith groups, village halls, sport / community building committees and parish councils can apply for the money.

The grants could cover projects such as the installation of energy efficiency measures including new heating systems, roof or cavity wall insulation, water conversion systems and solar panels.

They are also available for community events or projects that promote awareness of the issues of climate change and training courses relating to energy efficiency and climate change Richard Blunt, County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Action, said: “Communities across Leicestershire have already benefited from these grants which help them reduce their carbon emissions, keep their meeting venues cosier and cut their energy bills.

“Now we would like to hear from more community organisations that are interested in finding out more about this energy saving scheme.”

To apply and for full details including examples of projects that have benefited from a SHIRE Community Climate Change grant go to: www.leics.gov.uk/climatechange_grants Alternatively call Nailesh Ramaya on 0116 3058111 or Di Braker on 0116 3057082. *To apply for a practical project, applicants must first either have undertaken an energy audit or an Energy Performance Certificate.

Things improve with age. I’m approaching magnificent.

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays We now have SKY and ESPN See ad page 13 www.bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 13th Oct: THE DIRTY WATER BAND playing for our presentation evening in support of ‘Help the Heroes’. Starts 8.30pm Fri 26th Oct: CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY with DJ CHICK - 6pm to 8pm.

Sat 27th Oct: HALLOWEEN SPECIAL with MR ROKARD and special Guset Stars from the 70s.

Sat 17th Nov: THE DIRTY WATER BAND backing MR SIMON HENLEY as Elvis Presley. Also their own electric and acoustic set.

Coming Soon: TOM’S MUSIC QUIZ, and female vocalist HOLLY. Tel: Karen on 01530 230631 for more details.

We Also Have Bingo Every Tuesday Evening All Welcome www.myspace.com/ thorntonclub The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats 6th October and 20th October with ’King of the Road’.

Saturday 27th October - KRISIS - One of the Midlands’ top covers bands.

See ad on page 15.

The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Garden & Pub Games etc.

Sat 13th Oct: PHIL CARR - male vocalist - Singing songs you will remember Sat 10th Nov: THE DEL SHARONS - female group - Rock & Roll covers plus other songs The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN Saturday 6th Oct: MIA & THE

MOON - As Seen on the XFACTOR! Tuesday 30th Oct: Come along for a TAROT READING - £15 The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm.

Sunday 11th Nov: WEDDING FAYRE 11am-3pm Tribute Nights: Fri 12th Oct: MOTOWN & SOUL Fri 26th Oct: ROBBIE WILLIAMS Fri 9th Nov: CHER See ad on page 30.

Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth.

Tel. 01530 230205 New members welcome.

Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each - last Friday of the month Sequence dances Sunday Nights. £1.00 admission 8 pm Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission.

Sat 13th Oct: 60s & 70s DISCO in support of MacMillan Nurses.

Free entry - 7.30pm start.

Sat 20th Oct: SEQUENCE DANCE - £1 entry - all welcome.

Sat 27th Oct: HALLOWEEN FANCY DRESS FAMILY DISCO. Prizes for the best fancy dress adults and childrens. Free entry.

Starts 7.30pm.

Fri 16th Nov: 1940s NIGHT with live act on stage at 8pm (doors open at 7pm). Entry is £5.

ASK ABOUT OUR FREE ROOM HIRE FOR THOSE SPECIAL FAMILY OCCASIONS. For further details, tel: 01530 230205 Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Sat 13th Oct: CHRISSY Fri 19th Oct: MIKE BLISS Sat 20th Oct: VICE VERSA Fri 26th Oct: SAVANNAH Sat 27th Oct: DOUBLE XL Fri 2nd Nov: MICHAEL JONES Sat 3rd Nov: EXIT Fri 9th Nov: FALL GIZE Sat 10th Nov: LEE RICHARDS

I’m not saying my husband is fat, but we’ve been married six years and I still haven’t seen all of him.

Many people living with dementia ‘do not receive any formal diagnosis’ Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald I have been the Chair of the Borough Council’s Scrutiny Commission for a number of years.

In that time the commission has sought to hold the executive at the Council to account. It is not easy especially as we have few legal powers but a number of achievements have been secured over the years simply by exposing the relevant facts and persuading members at the Council to consider what is best for the Borough as opposed to their political party.

A work programme is created on an annual basis and this identifies the areas the scrutiny commission will focus on. Members of the commission have a say on what goes in the programme.

The majority of the work we carry out deals directly with the Council’s services and how well they perform. We also consider the Council’s wider strategic direction and how it responds to government’s various directives.

Alongside this work we also seek to consider and comment on issues of wider significance and which, have a particular impact on citizens of the Borough. One such issue is dementia and in looking into this illness we wanted to both understand the condition and how the Borough Council could help. It was an area of work that members had themselves suggested and it was one of the most emotive pieces of work yet carried out.

We started the review by scoping the work as long ago as last year and we determined to interview a wide range of affected people.

The list of participants in the review turned out to be the biggest ever

used in a single report. It included officers from the County Council, experts from the Alzheimer’s Society, first line carer’s, a manager of a specialist residential home, those working in the health community, family members of those with dementia and Borough Council staff.

To summarise is always hard but we established some key facts and made a series of recommendations which we felt we could control. The Borough Council is only a relatively small player in the field. So what did we find out?

In 2007 a report called ‘Dementia UK’ was carried out by the Alzheimer’s Society. It estimated that at the time some 560,000 people in England had dementia, and estimated that that figure would increase nearly 40 per cent over a 15 year period. Subsequent reports such as “Living Well With Dementia: A National Dementia Strategy (NDS)’ published in February 2009, estimated that the prevalence of dementia was over 700,000 and anticipated that this figure would increase to 1.4 million over the next 30 years. This is a quite staggering statistic and makes one realise that at some point dementia will touch every family in the UK. It also make one appreciate the challenge ahead for society to manage this increase.

A key finding of both above reports suggest that many people living with dementia, do not receive any form of formal diagnosis, at any point during their care or progression of their condition. This is tragic in its own right as we were told that, It is widely accepted that early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve the quality of

life for people with dementia and increase their independence as their condition progresses.

In responding to the National Dimension Strategy and the predicted increases in people with dementia across Leicestershire, the following strategic partners, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, Rutland County Council, NHS Leicester City and NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland, formed the Dementia Joint Commissioning Group (DJCG), which subsequently went on to develop the ‘Joint Dementia Commissioning Strategy 2011 – 2014’, to meet the key objectives contained within the National Dimension and improve outcomes for dementia sufferers. This joined up action was exactly the right course to follow and recognised the gravity of the challenge ahead.

This is demonstrated by more locally based assessments which show that by 2025 the number of people over the age of 65 who will have dementia across Leicestershire and Rutland is estimated to be 12,728. This increase will have a significant impact on the projected number of people with dementia locally within the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough.

The recently published Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2012 (JSNA) detailed that in 2010 there were estimated to be around 1300 people in Hinckley and Bosworth with dementia. By 2030 this is estimated to increase to around 2600 people, an increase of 103%.

Behind every statistic, all of which seems so daunting, is personal heartache and often despair at what is a harrowing condition especially for those closest to the

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He was such a hypochondriac, he insisted on being buried next to a doctor.

one with the illness. Although the illness predominantly impacts on those over 65 it can start earlier in life and early onset dementia brings with it additional issues which were given a graphic account of at one meeting. Despite the problems faced we did hear tales of great care, compassion and dedication.

So what can and what should the Borough in Council do. Although no cure as yet exists, medication is available to help slow the disease and a big issue is getting early diagnosis of the condition. The commission felt that this was an area that the Council could have some positive impact on and efforts should be focused in this direction.

So we recommended that the training of frontline staff on the issues surrounding dementia are extended from wardens of the Borough Council’s Sheltered Housing Schemes to as many frontline staff as possible and consideration given to extend this to all staff. In fact we asked that the Council undertakes to do as much awareness raising as possible to ‘take the fear out of ’ dementia and raise the rate of early diagnosis.

We tasked the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction) to raise through the Health and Wellbeing Board the need to ensure that a Dementia Advice pack is prominent in all public buildings

and on the Council’s website. This pack should become a vital weapon to again increase early diagnosis and support those dealing with dementia. Again we need to make sure that people are encouraged to seek the support of their GP at an early stage.

Through our research we found a range of groups and activities which support those caring for and those with dementia with and we have requested that the Council collate a database of support groups and that this is publicised on the Council’s website and is used by customer services and other frontline officers in their interactions with carers and those concerned about Dementia.

It was agreed that I should write as the Chair of the Scrutiny Commission to GP’s to understand what their approach is to diagnosis.

We requested that the crucial involvement of Assistive Technology to support people with dementia is acknowledged and endorsed and that its importance is communicated to the County Council.

Finally we asked that the work of the Commission is passed to “Changing Minds” to support them in their work to help people living with Dementia.

Despite the detailed work carried out, in reality we only just touched on the problem and the challenges faced by a range of people and organisations. Our recommendations will I hope help but they only scratch the surface of what is required. Still it was absolutely a worthwhile exercise and helped shed just a little light on what often remains behind closed doors and out of sight.

Bradgate Lions Club News We are currently into the third month of our 24th. Year, which started in July and will run until the end of June 2013.

During this period we will be attempting to raise funds in support of mainly local charities, as we have done over the previous years, raising over £145,000.00 since we formed in 1988.

Although we a part of the world’s largest service organisation, Lions Clubs International, with over 1.45 million members worldwide, spread over 45,000 clubs in over 200 countries, we try to concentrate our efforts, mainly in helping our local deserving causes such as Air Ambulance, Coping with Cancer, LOROS, Rainbows Children’s Hospice and also national charities like Children in Need.

This current year we will be raising funds with bucket collections at local stores, Santa & Easter Float Collections around villages such as Anstey, Ratby and Kirby Muxloe, A Race Night in Botcheston, and a St, Georges Celebration Brass Band Concert in Markfield, as well as attending local village Galas and Fetes’.

We also carry out welfare commitments in the area such as taking disadvantaged Children to Ashby Statutes Fair and Christmas Ward Visits to Glenfield Hospital with a Choir and gifts for the patients.

Our members enjoy a very active social life with monthly visits to the theatre, pub meals etc; and we have already enjoyed a River/Canal cruise + picnic lunch, and a Garden Party with BBQ in the last two months.

Bradgate Lions Club meets twice a month on the second and fourth Thursday evenings. The first meeting is a business meeting held at Forest Hills Golf Club, Botcheston, were the clubs affairs are discussed and the second is our social event, venues for which vary.

The area covered by our club, (but not restricted to), encompasses Anstey, Botcheston, Desford, Glenfield, Groby, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester Forest East, Markfield, Newtown Linford, and Ratby.

We should like to welcome new members, both Male and Female into our club, with no restriction on age over 21.

For further information please ‘phone the membership officer, Roger Gamble (01530)242912.

Roger Gamble

I hope that after I die, people will say of me: “That guy sure owed me a lot of money.”

Bagworth Parish Matters

I think that it is important to comment on the contributions made by Cllr. Boothby in the two previous issues of ‘The Herald’ regarding separating the Parish Councils of Bagworth and Thornton.

Before I begin, can I say that I am not a sudden convert to this belief. I wrote in the then ‘Village Voice’ at the end of 2007 that I believed separating the two Parish Councils was the right thing to do and I still believe that today.

Cllr Boothby says that if the councils were separated ‘any shortfall in the respective precept (budget) for each village would be met by residents as the Local Authority would not be responsible for any shortfall’. Any decision to separate the Parishes will be taken in 2013, it will not happen until 2015 when the next election occurs. That allows for plenty of time for planning and organising precepts that will be fair to both villages.

He goes on to say that each council would need to provide resources for a Parish Clerk and for maintenance work.

I don’t understand why this is a problem. The Clerk is at present working for two villages, when they are only working for one there will be half the amount of work and this will be reflected in the hours that they work and the amount they get paid. The same is true for the maintenance work. At present maintenance work is carried out in both villages. If they are separated the Bagworth Council would only pay for the work carried out in Bagworth.

Finally Cllr Boothby says that Thornton has never been asked for their opinion. This is clearly not correct. The Local Government Review was open to all and was clearly advertised both on the internet and in the media which all households receive from the Borough Council.

In the September edition of ‘The Herald’ Cllr. Boothby states that the Review received 35 submissions from Bagworth accepting the proposal and 4 from Thornton that were against. The recommendations given to the Councillors last week in preparation for the meeting on this matter and available on the internet states: ‘35 submissions were received from residents of Bagworth and 4 from Thornton. The majority request that the parish be split into separate parishes and the minority request that they remain as one parish.’ It does not say that all of the Bagworth submissions were for and all of the Thornton ones were against.

Bob Austin

Gold Footprint for Hinckley & Bosworth stray dog service A GOLD Footprint award has been given to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council by the RSPCA for its work with stray dogs.

The prestigious award recognises local authorities which have clear procedures in place to ensure both the welfare of stray dogs and a consistency of service. The work of the dog warden service at Hinckley and Bosworth was awarded the gold award, the highest possible.

As well as recognising the day-to-day work of the dog warden service in collecting stray dogs and ensuring they are either reclaimed by their owners or re-homed, the award also recognises the dog warden’s educational and preventative campaigns, which are designed to reduce straying in the first instance, such as microchipping and neutering.

The award also recognises the high quality animal welfare advice and support the dog warden service provides to borough residents.

Rob Parkinson, the council’s Chief Officer for Environmental Health, said: “The dog warden service at Hinckley and Bosworth is a team effort and recognition is given to all involved and in particular the council’s dog warden Anne McDonald. Special recognition is also given to our partners Leicestershire Animal Aid and Blaby District Council.”

In 2011 the dog warden service collected 213 dogs. Of these 138 were reclaimed by their owners and the remaining were adopted by Leicestershire Animal Aid at Huncote for re-homing where possible.

Since introducing a microchipping service in 2011 the dog warden has microchipped more than 50 dogs. This helps to limit the number of stray animals in the borough and helps them to be returned to their owners.

Owners should also ensure their dog has a collar and address tag at all times.

Councillor David Gould, Executive Member responsible for the Environment, said: “I am delighted to see that the hard work of council staff has resulted in this award. Dogs form a very important part of their owners’ lives, and the award shows clearly that, as a council, we take animal welfare seriously.”

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the UK’s largest animal welfare charity and their Community Animal Welfare Footprint scheme promotes and celebrates those organisations in the public sector that have made an extra effort and gone beyond basic service requirements to ensure higher animal welfare standards in animal welfare related services they provide. It is supported by the Trading Standards Institute and Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

The 2012 scheme received 150 entries from 109 different organisations nationwide.

Markfield W.I. Events Markfield Womens’ Institute has enjoyed a packed and interesting programme of events during 2012. The year is nearing its end, and there are just three events left in the programme.

They are: •

17th Oct : AGM & Phoebe Whittington: Trip to Tanzania

•

21st Oct: Our Birthday Meal

19th Dec: Twelve Days of Christmas: Anne Hughes We meet at the Methodist Church, Main St, Markfield on the 3rd Wednesday in the month and meetings commence at 7.45pm.

Visitors are always made very welcome.

•

Thornton St.Peter’s Church Spot Quite often in the past when I have sat down to pen this St Peter’s article for the Herald, I have been hard pressed to put a positive slant to things/ events which have been givjng us, the church family, no little concern.

An example of one such event was the very worrying movement of the Tower and its separation from the Nave.

This article however presents me with no such difficulty, as recent events will testify.

Among these are 1. An architect’s inspection of the Tower confirms that the recent Summer rains (which we all have moaned about!) have helped to restore the water table in the subsoil, and the Tower is moving back into place.

2. The long awaited air2air heating system is fully installed, after a fortnight of hard work - interestingly the work revealed that the church walls are 4 foot thick.

3. Contractors have been appointed to construct a hand rail, on the right hand side of the church path, leading from the lych gate to the porch entrance. This should be installed hv Christmas.

4. Lightning conductor tests; Portable appliance tests; Fire appliance tests and Health and Safety tests have all been successfully done ready for our quinquennial inspection in October. (This is a legal requirement which the church has to undergo, by a Diocesan architect, every five years.)

5. During the recent Heritage weekend of 8/9 September we welcomed a record number of 67 visitors. Thanks are due to church members who supplied them with numerous cups of tea and made them welcome.

And now we are looking forward to the Harvest Festival service at 10.30am on September 23rd and to the visit of Bishop Tim on October 14th. This, of course, will be a very special occasion with the Service at 10.30 and I encourage you all to be there.

Martin Foster Churchwarden

When I was young, I could remember everything, whether it happened or not.

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

Thanks!

I’ve been trying for some time to develop a life style that doesn’t require my presence.

11

Young blood needed to help ...

Bagworth Forward Group For people who are not aware, the Bagworth Forward Group is a small group of about six volunteers which was set up nearly 11 years ago.

One of the reasons why it was set up was to have a group who could apply for grants which were not open to the Parish Council. Since that time we have raised a considerable amount of money through gaining grants and by fund raising. All of the money that we raise is ploughed back into the Village of Bagworth. Our motto is to enhance the life of the village and we do this by improving the environment and by organising events such as the recent Bagworth Show.

In places like Ibstock you will see planters containing the name ‘Ibstock Parish Council’. In Bagworth it is our group who are responsible for these and who keep them full of flowers and plants throughout the year. A lot of the daffodils that appear in the spring have been planted by us.

We are a small group and when it comes to the Bagworth Show, we are able to call on other villagers who willingly lend a hand and to them we are very grateful. The problem is that we recently enjoyed our 10th annual Show. This means that we are all 10 years older. We need to have some younger people to help us out, especially round about the Show time which is always on the August Bank Holiday Saturday. It isn’t an event on one day.

We begin on the previous Wednesday and are doing things for the Show until the Monday after the Show. If you would be prepared to help us in any way at all we would be grateful to hear from you.

Having said all of that, despite the poor growing season and the poor weather near the Show, we had a good time. We decided to have the stalls inside which is not ideal and makes for cramped conditions. Nevertheless, we raised nearly £1800 at the Show, which was slightly down on last year, but not too far away. We are very grateful to everyone who made this possible. We have some bigger cheques from local firms, but we also rely on people who advertise in the schedule, people who sponsor classes (including two dogs and a horse) and people who spend their money on the day in a variety of ways.

All of the money we make goes towards enhancing the village. We are at present working on two projects. We want to place a seat in the village to mark the Jubilee. We are also working on a Village Sign and boards which provide historical information, which will be sited at key points in the village. We expect the latter to lead, eventually, to a map of the village being produced.

If you would like more information about our activities, we can be contacted on: Rosemary (01530 230347) or Bob (01530 230429) or Austin@ bagworth,freeserve.co.uk

Markfield Open Gardens There will be a meeting for all those interested on Tuesday, 27th November 2012 at Methodist Church Schoolroom, Main St, Markfield, 7.30pm In June 2011 Markfield WI and the Methodist Church organised a very successful Open Gardens event in the village. It has been proposed that we hold this event again and to this end there will be a meeting for those people who would be interested in joining in and opening their gardens. At this stage we only want to get an idea of how much interest there would be as we would need a minimum of between 10 and 15 gardens to make the event worthwhile. The proposed date for the Open Gardens would be 27th and 28th June but gardens do not necessarily have to be opened on both days. At the meeting we will outline the organisation as it was last time and discuss any changes which could be made to improve the event this time round.

We would like to stress that your garden does not have to be a perfect, RHS standard garden. The range last time was very wide, we had large gardens, small gardens, lots of veg, no veg, riots of colour and shades of green. Anything goes! So do come along to the meeting if you think this event would appeal to you. We had a lot of fun last time and most of us met some interesting and friendly people. We even had an invitation to visit a French garden!

If you require further information or would be interested but are unable to attend the meeting you can contact us, Fran and Pete Johnson by phone, 01530243350 or by email markfieldfran@hotmail.com.

Good news is just life’s way of keeping you off balance.

12

All the latest news from Markfield Community & Sports Centre Skate Park Update

Halloween

An update on progress for a replacement skate park for the village is featured on the front page of this month’s Herald.

As you read this article Halloween will once again be fast approaching so we are starting to plan our traditional Youth Club Halloween Party that will take place on Tuesday 30th October from 7pm to 8.30pm.

25th Anniversary – Special Thank You Offer Readers will recall that this year is the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Community Centre in 1987 by Sebastian now Lord Coe. Over the years literally thousands of customers, friends, supporters and villagers have passed through the doors using the Centre’s facilities for which we are eternally grateful. By way of a BIG thank you the management committee has agreed to give free bar function booking hire for all over the coming year. This basically means you can book your family party, functions, community or charity event without having to worry about the cost of the room and bar hire. Potentially this will save you loads of money dependent on the number of rooms you want. You can view our facilities by visiting our website www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com.

Our only stipulation is that a refundable deposit is paid in advance and at the time the booking form is completed prior to the event. We have had many fantastic parties and functions at the Centre and always try our level best to make your event special and are always here to help. If you are planning a function and want more information please contact the Centre Manager who is always here to help make your event special and cater for your needs.

Charity Jazz Night Once again our very own Jane Thompson is organising a Charity Jazz night on Saturday 20th October.

The event aims to provide much needed funds for DEBRA the charity that supports children and young people who suffer from the terrible Butterfly Syndrome. The Hiss “n” Boo Jazz Band will once again be getting your feet stomping to traditional jazz songs and get you singing along. There will also be a buffet to revitalize your energy. For tickets please contact Jane on 07740 516986

Half Term – Football Coaching During half term we will be holding our ever popular Schultz Football sessions from 23rd to 26th October inclusive.

The summer coaching courses were amazing and rammed with budding young footballers so, book your place early to avoid disappointment.

As customary the party will include traditional apple bobbing, spooky games, pumpkin lantern making and of course our “infamous” chamber of little horrors and fancy dress competition. Also one of our customers is planning a Charity Halloween Dance for Saturday 30th October so, watch out for our posters and come along and join in the fun.

New at the Centre Tag Tots: Tag Tots is for children aged 2 to 5 years old and is a fun way to develop children’s physical and social skills.

Sessions use floor ladders, hurdles and cones to improve children’s movements and confidence. This type of activity has been developed by experienced nursery managers and professional rugby coaches. Sessions are held at the Centre on Thursday mornings.

BOKWA Fitness: New Bokwa sessions are now being held at the Centre on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

What is Bokwa I hear you ask? Bokwa is a new and completely different approach to group exercise that is rapidly spreading across the globe.

Bokwa participants draw letters and numbers with their feet while performing an energising and cardio workout routines to today’s most popular music. It is suitable for participants off all ages.

Some Dates for Your Diary •

20th October – Charity Jazz Night

•

27th October - Halloween dance

•

17th November – Charity Fashion Show (TBC)

•

30th October – Youth Club Halloween Party

•

15th November – Police Authority Elections

For booking and enquiries please contact Markfield Community and Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST, ring us on 01530 242240 Visit our website at www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com to see our facilities, latest news and information about the Centre

Ron Grantham, Markfield Community Association

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Always speak well of your enemies - after all, you made them.

13

South Charnwood celebrates Year 6 National Test results South Charnwood celebrates Year 6 National Test results We always eagerly await the publication of our KS2 publication of our KS2 results to see how far all theand hard results We toalways see eagerly howawait farthe all the hard work, dedication work, dedication and commitment of our staff and pupils is rewarded. Well, this year it commitment of our staff and pupils is rewarded.

Well, this certainly was. year it certainly was.

Sports Fans ...

We now have

SKY

Table

Leics Leics 10+ Schools South Charnwood

English 4+ 5+ APS 4+ 85.7% 38.2% 28.1 84.2% 82.6% 30.1% 27.5 75.2% 86.5% 38.2% 28.2

Maths 5+ APS 40.5% 28.4 31.0% 27.2

82.9% 40.6% 28.2

E&M Reading 4+ 5+ 4+ 5+ APS 79.9% 28.0% 86.8% 49.7% 28.8 71.3% 20.2% 82.9% 41.5% 28.1

E&M APS 28.2 27.4

78.8% 27.1

28.2

85.3% 52.9% 29.0

*E & M = *E English and Maths.( TheThe percentage pupils achieving this level in & M = English and Maths.( percentage ofof pupils achieving this level in both English Maths) both English andand Maths) *APS = Average point score *APS = Average point score As the above table shows South Charnwood matchedmatched or exceeded,or in many cases As the above table shows South Charnwood exceeded, in significantly exceeded, the average of all the other 10+ high schools in Leicestershire. many cases significantly exceeded, the average of all the other 10+ high What is particularly pleasing is that, in many cases, we also exceeded the average of the schools in Leicestershire.

What is particularly that, in of many typical primary schools in Leicestershire which keep pleasing their pupils is until the end Year 6. is a exceeded fantastic achievement. cases, weThis also the average of the typical primary schools in

Leicestershire which pupils until the end of Year This and is a Of particular notekeep was thetheir high % of our Year 6 pupils achieving level 56. in Maths This is evidence of how highly our more able pupils achieve and, also of how fantastic English. achievement. many other pupils rise to the challenge, work hard and achieve the highest grade.

Of particular note was the high % of our Year 6 pupils achieving level 5 in Maths Itand English.

This is that evidence highly more able is also worth emphasising although of the how statutory Englishour writing paper was pupils internally teacher assessed, the reading andrise the Maths paper were set andwork markedhard achieve and, also of how many otherpaper pupils to the challenge, externally by the Department for Education. This confirms unquestionably the high and achieve the highest grade. achievement of our pupils.

It is also worth emphasising that although the statutory English writing The results were even more impressive as they were achieved at the same time as we paper was internally teacher assessed, the reading paper and the Maths were providing our year 6 pupils with a broad, balanced and exciting curricular.

This paper were set Science, and marked externally the Department for Education. included Languages, Humanities,by ICT, Music, PE and ADT, as well as, obviously, literacy and numeracy, taught by specialist teachers in specialist This confirms unquestionably the all high achievement of our pupils.areas.

This has proven to be an excellent springboard for outstanding attainment at Key Stage 3 The results were even more impressive theyforwere achieved the same and beyond.

Our congratulations go to all theas pupils their success and ourat grateful thanks to allproviding our parents for their support. time as we were our year 6 pupils with a broad, balanced and exciting curricular.

Andrew MorrisThis included Science, Languages, Humanities, ICT, Music, PEHeadteacher and ADT, as well as, obviously, literacy and numeracy, all taught Southteachers Charnwoodin High School by specialist specialist areas. This has proven to be an excellent springboard for outstanding attainment at Key Stage 3 and beyond. Our congratulations go to all the pupils for their success and our grateful thanks to all our parents for their support.

Andrew Morris

Headteacher, South Charnwood High School

Family tree At a drinks party at a wealthy golf club, the conversation turned to the subject of ancestry.

“Of course, we trace our family back to coming over with William the Conqueror,” observed one lady with satisfaction. She turned to a second woman, who was new to the club, and asked, “What about you dear? Can you go back very far?”

“Not very far,” came the reply. “You see, all the early family records were lost in the Flood.”

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

Cara from confused.com can really sing!

Cara - the cartoon character who belts out the song in the confused.com television adverts is not the best looking girl in the world, but she sure can sing.

That’s because Cara is voiced by Louise Dearman, a British musical theatre actor and recording artist.

Visit her website at www.louisedearman. com and you can read all about her career so far. There is also a video of Louise performing ‘Little Bird’ which is absolutely brilliant.

The advantage of exercising every day is that you’ll die healthier.

14

Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council

Letter from the Chairman

Community Governance Review

Unfortunately Parish Council did not learn of the Community Governance Review until shortly before closure of the consultation period.

In response Council’s letter emphasised that to reach a properly considered opinion enabling residents to express an informed view within the consultation process required a thorough analysis of all current and possible future cost-benefits/cost effectiveness issues potentially affecting residents of both Wards of the Parish. It felt that there was insufficient time to do this effectively Shortly before closure of the initial consultation period, a public meeting was held in Bagworth, organised by a minority of residents advocating formation of a separate Parish Council for Bagworth. A campaign mail drop had taken place in Bagworth inviting residents to the meeting at which prepared narrative was distributed ready for residents to complete and send to Borough Council seeking a split.

It was therefore not entirely surprising as reported in the last edition of the Herald by our Ward Councillors Chris Boothby and Ozzy O’Shea that the Borough Council recommended to split the Parish. However, the working party has recommended a second round of consultation allowing all residents of both the Bagworth and Thornton Wards to have their say. I very much hope that there will be a good evidence base in the next consultation document explaining the reasons why the recommendation to split has been reached, and the benefits to either or both Wards. I hope too that the questionnaire includes a balanced question so that the recommendation is not accepted by default. I will only comment

that what strikes me as obvious is that the cost of two Parish Council Offices and two Clerks for the same population is almost certainly going to cost more not less and as I understand it, the cost of setting up any new arrangements will have to be paid for by residents.

These are simply my comments.

Parish Council has yet to consider the matter.

Parish Council Administration Since election of the new Parish Council in May 2011 priority attention has been given to improving the quality of administration, especially in financial matters.

To accelerate the process of establishing a high standard of accounting, Council decided to appoint an accountant, Mr Roger Snowdin in the role of Financial Officer. Ann Murray, who worked previously in administering the Lottery bid is now engaged in the role of acting Clerk. I feel confident that these appointments and other measures will soon achieve Council’s objectives and improve the standard of service to the villages we serve.

Bagworth Community Centre – “BIG” Lottery Grant application The project management problems unearthed by our excellent professional team from Pick Everard while preparing the cost development plan for refurbishing the old building were extensive.

These included finding that the newly built hall was not constructed

Watercolour painting class in Groby There are still a few spaces left in the watercolour painting classes at Groby Village Hall.

according to planning design, for which Council had to apply for retrospective planning permission, and that the construction work had not been signed off by building control. Also there were compliance shortcomings in the new and old buildings of which Parish Council was not previously aware, now corrected.

In my role as project leader in the Parish Council’s application for in excess of £330,000 I can now report that following further rounds of detailed questions regarding our Stage 3 application we have provided all necessary information and hopefully satisfied “BIG” that our application is a deserving cause.

I will not dwell on the amount of time this has required. Paradoxically as a resident of Thornton, the Bagworth Community Centre has required easily 90% of my Parish time. Only Parish Council members, from Thornton and Bagworth alike, who have tirelessly supported the scheme over recent months as our first operational priority really know the pressure the project has placed on us all. For their support and the excellent teamwork with Pick Everard and Ward Councillors Chris and Ozzy I say thank you.

The decision from “BIG” is expected around the middle of October. For the good of the Parish, especially the residents of Bagworth I hope we are successful.

Barry White Chairman Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council

0781 687 6069

Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.

Artist Mark Wilde is running Watercolour Painting for Beginners on Friday mornings.

This class is aimed at complete beginners, or those who want to brush up on their basic skills, and includes step by step demonstrations and one to one tuition.

His Watercolours Intermediate classes also have spaces left and are aimed at those who have learned the basic skills but need to move on to a more advanced level. One class meets on Tuesday mornings and one on Tuesday afternoons.

For more information, contact Mark at 01509 673064 or by email markwilde8@gmail.com.

New book of poems from Bagworth writer BAGWORTH RESIDENT Ivan Marriott has produced a book of poems entitled Inspired Words.

The book, which includes Bible verse references, is priced at £4, which includes postage to anywhere in the UK. After publishing costs, profits will be given to good causes.

To obtain a copy, write to Ivan Marriott, 85 Station Road, Bagworth, Near Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1BJ.

The Traffic Warden’s funeral As the coffin was being lowered into the ground at a Traffic Warden’s funeral a voice from inside screamed: “I’m not dead, I just passed out for a moment! Let me out!!!”

The Vicar smiled, and leaned forward, sucking his teeth.

He muttered: “Too late, the paperwork’s already done”

15

Markfield Ladies from the early 1950’s

Patricia Bown of Markfield has kindly sent this lovely picture of local ladies pictured outside the Coach and Horses where the old Airbourne factory was once situated in the Skittle Alley. Recognise anyone?

Date for your diary

Christmas Shopping Evening at Mercenfeld School A Christmas shopping evening will be held in aid of Mercenfeld Primary School Parent & Teachers Association.

The event will be at Markfield Primary School on Friday, December 7th between 7pm and 9pm.

Stalls will include Small Print, ANA Javiar Scarves, Deli to Dine 4, Queens Park Preserves, Gambia Jewellery, Scentsey, Jaques Designs, Phoenix Cards, MySpa Beauty, Indian Cookery Demo, Sherwood Fair Trade and many more!

Jewellery, clothing, gifts, preserves, chutneys, crafts, cupcakes and handbags can be bought. There will also be Indian food, a bar and refreshments. Mini manicures and pedicures, massage, reflexology, nail art and beauty demonstrations will be available Tickets, which include one drink and complimentary nibbles and also entry into our Beauty Hamper Prize draw, can be bought in advance from Rachael Underwood or by emailing ptamercenfeld@live.co.uk for more information call 07581 222168. All proceeds raised will go directly back into the school.

TABLE TOP & CRAFT FAYRE to include

Bric a Brac, Cakes, Crafts, Refreshments & Raffle

SATURDAY 10th NOVEMBER 2012 1.00pm till 4.00pm COPT OAK MEMORIAL HALL LE67 9QB Stalls £7 – booking essential / Entrance 50p – children free Further details contact - 0116 2674746 Ample free parking - Proceeds in aid of St. Peter’s Church Copt Oak.

This bloke said I looked like a medieval stringed instrument. I said ‘Are you calling me a lyre?’

16 Police Report: - PC Harlock & PCSO 6639 Williams had sent there apologies and had emailed the following crime figures prior to the meeting: August 2012 Crime Figures 2 Burglary Dwellings, - Ratby Lane and London Road, enquiries ongoing 1 Theft from Motor Vehicle Janes Way 3 Theft Of Motor Vehicle - Uplands Drive, Billa Barra Lane, enquiries ongoing All crime recorded is: 2 Assaults 7 various thefts 1 Damage to Motor Vehicle 1 Drugs 3 Vulnerable reports Anti social behaviour Chittterman Way, near Doctor’s Surgery, youths were identified and the parents had been contacted.

Motorcycles on Hill Lane special attention was being paid to this by the local police.

Speeding on Thornton Lane, Previously resolved, the Parish Council would pay £150.00 for the installation of a metal post. The police were still undertaking speed checks and confirmation of the precise location was awaited.

Car Sales on A50 at the Field Head Roundabout – It was suggested that the Leics County Highways could plant some sort

of “Green Screening” such as the Willow Tree planting to the junction of the M1 roundabout.

Mr Sprason reported that he had been informed by a police officer that two known offenders were now residing in the Markfield area and that members of the public should pay extra attention to security around their homes and vehicles.

Parish Council website: admin@markfieldparish.org.uk: - The clerk informed the members that Leics County Council had now closed the website because the Parish Council did not agree to pay a charge of £375.00 plus VAT per year for the provision of support for the parish council website.

Resolved, after further consideration the parish council agreed to pay £375.00 for the provision of the website for one year only – to be reviewed September 2013.

Further resolved, the parish council would look into the possibility of charging local businesses to advertise on the website.

Local History Group – Proposal to erect a War Memorial in Markfield: Mr T Lockley had provided an initial sketch of the proposed memorial at the top of Neville Drive and gave a brief description.

The War Memorial plaque would be attached onto a stone wall and a

Extracts from Markfield Parish Council Minutes The following items were among the topics discussed at the meeting of Markfield Parish Council on Tuesday 4th September 2012.

The information comes from the unapproved minutes, and therefore may be subject to correction or alteration. small paved area would be created to allow for Remembrance Day wreaths to be placed. In order to achieve this, a small part of the existing stone wall would need to be removed to create an entrance incorporating disabled access and a joining stone wall would be built to create a small enclosure.

The proposal also included improving the existing flower bed with low annual planting immediately surrounding the area with more permanent shrub planting behind - away from the junction of the highway.

Erect some timber bollards on the boundary at the other end of the verge, adjacent to the driveway of the property next to the verge to prevent further vehicular damage.

There was already evidence that vehicles are being parked on the verge and causing damaging to it.

The County Solicitor’s Office had confirmed that the Upper Green VG41 was recorded in the Register

of Village Greens held by the Parish Council. The County Council would not oppose the replacement of the grit bin with the War Memorial.

Mr B Gannon confirmed that the History Group already had the funding to produce and mount the memorial.

Resolved, the Parish Council’s preferred option was the site at the top of Neville Drive. The clerk would notify Mr I Grierson, Highways Team Manager, Leicestershire County Council that the Parish Council wished to apply for a License to Cultivate the full extent of the adopted highway verge on the northern side of the junction of Neville Drive and Main Street.

Mr B Gannon would take the proposal to the next Local History Group meeting and also discuss applying for additional funding for the project.

I wouldn’t touch the Imperial measuring system with a 3.048m pole.

17

Plant a tree for the Jubilee, Stepping Stones – Open Space off Chitterman Way: - Previously resolved the Parish Council accepted the quotation to plant a heavy standard native broadleaf Hornbeam 3.50m in height at a cost of £172.00 in Memorial to Mr R Cooper.

Miners’ Welfare Institute: Mr Lay stated that a new application had been submitted, but it hadn’t been verified yet.

He stated that the Trustees’ had now set aside a donation of £35,000 towards the new skate park project.

Resolved, upon completion of the project a commemorative plaque should be installed to recognise the Miner’s Welfare Institute’s contribution.

A new application had gone in the PC had made the following comments: • Parking – not enough spaces provided for business use as

parking along Main Street was already problematic and there were no spaces available along Main Street or in the public car park • It appeared that some of the construction works would have to take place from Parish Council land.

The 3 main windows in the bungalow would all face directly onto a well treed section of the Millennium Garden, the Parish Council would also come under pressure in the future from the property owners to remove some of it’s mature trees.

Skate park: Mr Lay stated that MCA had received a donation of £2000 from the Miners’ Welfare Institute for the maintenance of the skate park; he would discuss this with Mr & Mrs Grantham.

“Gravity” had redesigned the final scheme and this preferred design would cost £58,586 exc. VAT. A total of £45 000 of funding had been secured to date.

Further applications were waiting approval: £5,200 Shire Grant £2,000 Sport Ed £10,000 Big Society £5,500 Post Code Lottery £5,000 MCA grant applications £27,700 Total

Famous examples of the law of attraction Here are three examples of famous people who have used the techniques of visualization to activate the law of attraction in their lives.

John Assaraf’s Vision Board. Successful entrepreneur and author, John Assaraf, brought the age-old concept of a vision board to the mainstream public by relating his story of it in the motivational documentary, The Secret. In May of 2000, John was working in his home office inside his beautiful new home in Southern California when his five-year old son came in and asked him what were in the dusty boxes in the corner of his home office. John told him that it contained his vision boards. His son didn’t understand what they were, so John opened one of the boxes to show him. When John pulled out the second board from the box, he began to cry. On it was a picture of a 7000 square foot house on top of six acres of spectacular land that he had seen and cut out from Dream Homes magazine in 1995. It was the exact house that he had just purchased several weeks prior—A sure testament to the law of attraction at work.

Bruce Lee’s Letter. The late martial arts legend, Bruce Lee, understood the power of the law of attraction. As a struggling entrepreneur and actor, Bruce sat down one day and wrote the following letter to himself: “By 1980, I will be the best known oriental movie star in the United States and will have secured $10 million dollars… And in return, I will give the very best acting I could possibly give every single time I am in front of the camera and I will live in peace and harmony.” In 1973, months after Bruce’s untimely death, the blockbuster movie Enter the Dragon was released in both the United States and China, elevating Bruce to the level of an international star. According to Jack Canfield, that very letter that Bruce wrote to himself is hanging up on one of the walls at Planet Holly wood in New York City.

Jim Carrey’s Cheque. As a struggling young comedian trying to make it in the make or break city of Holly wood, Jim Carrey was just about ready to give up his dream of becoming a professional actor and comedian. He had just performed at an open mic session at one of the nightclubs in Los Angeles and had been booed off the stage by his audience. He sat by himself at the top of Mulholland Drive and looked out at the city below him—the city that held his future success or failure. He then pulled out his cheque book and wrote himself a cheque for 10 million dollars and made a note on it: “For acting services rendered.” He then carried that cheque with him in his wallet every where he went from that day forward. By 1995, after the success of his blockbuster movies: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Dumb and Dumber, and The Mask, his contract price had risen to the price of 20 million dollars.

Did you know you can’t get Dairylea Triangles in Bermuda?

18

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

Awesome Sunday This started on Sunday 9th September and we were pleased that some of the children from the Awesome Holiday Club were able to come along.

The next Awesome Sunday is on 7th October at 10.30am when there will be fun, games, crafts and songs and we would love to see any local children who would like to come and join in.

If you need any more information, please contact Ruth Holmes on 231893 or at ruthholmes@live.co.uk or Robert and Bekki on 231901 or at r.holmes314@btinternet.com

Parish Nurse - Prayer Tree We have already had prayer requests attached to our small olive tree and have been praying for those mentioned.

In case you missed last month’s Herald, the information about the tree and prayer request post box is below: As part of our commitment to pray for those in need, we have planted a small Olive Tree. If you wish you may attach your prayer to the tree, or you may put your prayer request in the outside post box. The olive tree and olives are mentioned over 30 times in the Bible, in both the New and Old Testaments. It is one of the first plants mentioned in the Bible, and one of the most significant. For example, it was an olive leaf that a dove brought back to Noah to demonstrate that the flood was over. Perhaps as you sit in our small garden of remembrance at the front of the church and reflect on the tree and your prayer needs, God will also help you overcome the troubles that have flooded into your life. For any further information please contact our Parish Nurse Vera Harding on 01530 230557.

Church Chairs – In Memory As many will know the chairs in the church have a small plaque on them in memory of a loved one.

We now have room for another 10/12 chairs. If you would be interested in donating 50% towards the costs of a chair in memory of someone then please contact Pastor Garry Kelly, either at church or on 07816 616189. The total cost of a chair is £85.00.

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal If you would like to be involved this year, you will need a leaflet that gives you all the information about what can be put in a box and includes a label for the outside.

To get your leaflet or for further information please ring Glynis or David Straw on the number below. Our completed shoeboxes will be going to South Charnwood School for collection this year, as we discovered through an article in The Herald earlier in the year that they have also been involved with this Appeal for a number of years. The deadline is Friday 16th November to get your boxes to either Cross Hills or South Charnwood School. SEE OPPOSITE PAGE FOR DETAILS OF HOW TO PACK YOUR SHOEBOX. You can see short films about the journey of the shoeboxes at www. operationchristmaschild.org.uk Details of our Services are in the Church Service Information section in this magazine if you wish to join us on any Sunday. We serve tea and coffee after our services and always make anyone who is visiting for the first time feel welcome.

Contact Numbers Pastor - Garry Kelly: 07816 616189 Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 07910 440243 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557

Glynis Straw Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

I’ll tell you what often gets overlooked. Garden fences.

19

What to pack in your Christmas Child Shoebox Choosing gifts to put in your shoebox is a fun part of getting involved in Operation Christmas Child.

There is something rewarding about giving to a child you will probably never meet in this world – especially when you know your simple act of kindness will be felt and appreciated in more ways than you can imagine.

Once you have decided whether your shoebox is for a boy or girl and what age group, you need to think carefully about gifts that will be most appropriate for the age group you’ve selected.

P.S. Before you spend all your money on great shoebox gifts, don’t forget to put £2.50 aside for the shoebox donation for every shoebox you donate.

Don’t forget, you can also choose your gifts when doing a shoebox online which we then make up and send out to a child in need.

Yes Please! We’d love you to choose from each of these 4 categories: Toys: Bear, soft toy, tennis ball, finger puppet, jigsaw, yo-yo, building blocks, small musical instrument.

For boys; trucks and cars, for girls; dolls, clip on earrings, etc.

Educational Supplies: Felt pens, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, colouring book, notepad, picture or puzzle book, chalk, pencil case, stickers, etc.

Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, hair clips, bar of soap, flannel, etc.

Other Items: Sweets (sell-by date to be at least March of the following year), gloves, scarf, sunglasses, cap, hat, bangles, necklaces etc.

All gifts should be new, please include items from each category.

No Thanks! Please note the items we do not wish to be included in the shoeboxes: No Food especially chocolate - nonchocolate sweets are allowed No medicine or vitamins of any kind No war related items toy guns, soldiers or knives of any kind No clothing other than listed above No fragile items glass containers, mirrors.

No liquids including blow bubbles, shampoo, bubble bath, toiletry sets or aerosols.

No dangerous items sharp objects, scissors or razors No novels Nothing of a political nature No hand-knitted stuffed toys without a CE mark (knitted items we can accept)

The Club in Thornton - Update Karen Orme has asked us to say a big Thank You to everyone who has made donations and offered help to keep Thornton’s Club alive.

The next Action Group meeting will be at The Club on wed 10th October at 8pm.

The other day a tornado hit my local fair. It was a cruel twister fete.

20

Stanton Minutes At the meeting of Stanton under Bardon Parish Council on Tuesday 4th September 2012 the following items were among the topics discussed (UNAPPROVED MINUTES):

a

Churches Together in Markfield initiative

an opportunity to relax, find peace within ourselves and 'reflect' on our place in the world; offering creative suggestions for reading, thinking and exploring prayer.

Trinity Methodist Church 6-7pm

Markfield HomeMakers Programme for 2012 Markfield HomeMakers meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, on the second Wednesday of the month at 8pm.

Call: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436

Wednesday 17th October Wednesday 14th November

Oct 10th ~ Fiona Ure Everything stops for tea

Come for as long as you wish and leave when you want. No intrusive questions, though people will be around if you need to talk or pray with someone.

Refreshments available. All are welcome, whether or not you feel church is for you.

Nov 14th ~ Food Link

Further information: Karen (249829) or Rosemary (242844)

Dec 12th ~ Christmas Party Jan 9th ~ Dinner

COMMUNITY POLICE COMMENTS There had been one attempted Burglary (Dwelling) - at Everards Crescent.

PCSO 6639 Stephen Williams will now be point of contact for meetings.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT An appeal has been put in with regard to the David Wilson Planning Application.

Many schools have now gone to Academy status in the area.

The Flying Horse Roundabout has been cleaned - The Councillors raised their concerns again with regard to the cars and lorries running red lights at the Roundabout and requested a red light Camera should be put there.

Mr Sprason advised the Council to write to the Police with their request again.

QUESTION TO THE CHAIR Letters were being sent to all Bottom Allotment Holders inviting them to attend a meeting on the 18th September 2012 at 6.00pm at Stanton Youth Club to discuss the proposed plans for the new allotments.

WEEDS ON PAVEMENTS LCC have been in touch with regard to the weeds on the pavements and they will be coming out shortly to try and resolve this.

With regard to the weeds/hedges that need cutting on Meadow Lane, this is not LCC property and therefore is the Land Owner’s responsibility.

Register of Interests - Parish Website As per the Localism act 2012 all register of interests for the Parish Councillors needs to be displayed on the Parish Website. Clerk to action this.

Housing Development The Council has now signed with Persimmons for the Planning Option. A query was raised if the Play Group would re-locate to the new Village Hall when it is built as if so outside space would have to be provided as this is now a requirement. The Council could offer no comment as they do not know if they would move or not.

St. Michael’s Church November Fayre Saturday 10th November 10 am till 12 noon Congregational Church Hall raffle, gifts, cakes, refreshments All welcome

Censorship makes me so bleeping angry.

21 HAMLIN’S PLUMBING SERVICES All Types of Plumbing Work Undertaken No job too small Call Mick on 01530 245155 or 07813 065538 Qualified Local Plumber with Years of Experience

Proposed Visa Charges Threaten Chernobyl Children’s Visits A local charity’s best efforts to make life more bearable for youngsters growing up in the shadow of Chernobyl have been threatened by government proposals.

The West Leicestershire branch of Friends of Chernobyl Children that provides respite holidays for children suffering from the effects of the 1986 nuclear disaster, fears for the future of some of the girls and boys they support if new visa fees are introduced.

Families across the western half of the county welcome a group of 712 year olds from Belarus into their homes for a month of recuperative care each summer at a cost of approximately £500 per child. The The children from Belarus enjoyed some time at Whetstone Pastures new visa fee, due to be introduced by the government in March 2013, will add an extra £86 per child to the cost of bringing them to the UK. Until now the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have waived the visa charge for children visiting the UK for health reasons.

John Buckby who is Group Coordinator for the West Leicestershire branch fears that the charity could be forced to reduce the number of children it is able to help each year unless the plans are thrown out of Parliament in the New Year.

He said “This is devastating news for us because if these proposals go ahead, we will have to find an additional £1,300 each year which will place a very heavy burden on our small, self-supporting charity. We are run entirely by volunteers and meet the full cost of these life-changing breaks through our own Thornton Community Centre fundraising endeavours. We receive no statutory funding of any kind and I am concerned that we could be forced to reduce the number of children we assist”.

Special guest “We are part of a national charity that provides aid and essential healthcare to around 600 children nationwide and since the disaster happened, we have Father Christmas provided a lifeline for thousands of youngsters and their struggling families whose plight has been largely forgotten by the international community”.

Crafts and gifts, raffle, tombola stall, “If they proceed with their plans, the UK will be the only government in the whole of the EU to start charging for the children’s visas. All other EU home-made cakes, games governments provide the visas free of charge in acknowledgment of the important work done by Chernobyl charities with these needy children” Martin’s quiz, Parish calendar, Mr Buckby urged people to voice their opposition to the extra cost by signing a lunches and refreshments nationwide online petition and he explained that more than 100,000 signatures are needed before January 2013 for the issue to be debated in Parliament.

Entrance 50p, children under 14 free if To sign the petition visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/37945 For more information about the charity, please visit the national website at accompanied by an adult. www.focc.org.uk or contact John Buckby on 01455 285799 or e-mail him at john.evolution@btinternet.com

Christmas Craft Fayre Saturday 10th November 10.30 am to 3.30 pm

Our advertisers are wonderful!

Please support our advertisers, as without their contribution, production of the Herald would not be possible. Thanks!

Offers of help, cakes, raffle and tombola prizes very welcome.

Contact Kathryn 230 372 Shirley Garlick 230 422.

A Friends of St Peter’s Church Event

Nelson had five children but only one of them was called Horatio. That’s Horatio of one to five.

22

County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason £10m ‘Lend a Hand’ scheme to help first time buyers The question is often asked about the role of local government and how it can assist in boosting the local economy.

So I am pleased to be able to report this month on an innovative approach the County Council has taken to help the local housing market.

A £10 million scheme to help more than 400 first time buyers has been launched thanks to Leicestershire County Council and Lloyds TSB. LCC is lending £10 million, to enable the bank to provide affordable mortgages, through the ‘Lend a Hand’ scheme.

LCC initially provided a loan of £2 million to Lloyds TSB – which could help up to 90 first time buyers and boost the economy, by enabling them to purchase a home with a deposit of just five per cent. The full £10 million will enable more than 400 first time buyers enter the housing market. It should result in a further 2,000 house moves, by freeing up houses for rent as more people buy their own homes.

The scheme has already proved a success in Blaby, where the district council has already invested £1 million. The county council’s scheme would expand it to the rest of Leicestershire, excluding the city of Leicester.

So how does the scheme work: The council lends money from its reserves to the bank. The money allows the bank to offer mortgages of up to £142,500, reducing the size of deposit that first-time buyers have to find to just five per cent. After five years, the bank repays the money, plus interest, to the council.

We know first time buyers are struggling, so it makes sense to lend the bank some of our reserves, to help them get on the property ladder. This helps people into homes, boosts the economy and enables the council to get its money back, with interest, from the bank.

By introducing the ‘Lend a Hand’ scheme in Leicestershire we’re making the housing market more accessible to more people. Helping people to buy their first home is crucial in achieving and maintaining a sustainable housing market.

Christina East, of Melton, said “I’m still living at home, age 24 – it’s a bit sad really, but I couldn’t afford a deposit of about £8,000. I heard about this scheme on the news and got advice. I’m so impressed that I can borrow five times my salary and only have to find a £4,000 deposit.

Now I can start looking for a property, instead of just dreaming. It’s a really good opportunity for young people.

I should be able to get a nice terrace in Melton”.

First-time buyers often say that raising a deposit is the biggest challenge they face when looking to take their first steps onto the property ladder. Responding to calls for further innovation in the first-time buyer market, Lloyds TSB worked with Sector Treasury Services, part of the Capita Group, to develop the Local Lend a Hand product. The scheme enables borrowers to buy their first home with a deposit less than the 10% required by most mortgage lenders.

The fixed rate mortgage products that will be available during this scheme will also be at a lower rate of interest than would normally be available for this level of deposit.

With the introduction of the Lend a Hand scheme in Leicestershire, we’re making the housing market more accessible to more people. We know that many young people turn to the bank of Mum and Dad to get their foot on the ladder, but that is not a solution for everyone. Helping people to buy their first home is crucial in achieving and maintaining a sustainable housing market. Lend a Hand addresses some of the problems that prospective buyers in Leicestershire might face.

Many potential first-time buyers, including those on Hinckley councils housing register, or currently occupying affordable or social housing units, are unable to save sufficient deposit, even though they could afford mortgage payments on a typical first home. This initiative is designed to bridge that gap. It should free up social housing for the vulnerable and reduce payouts

Rangers News

The New Season is Here The new season is under way and the Markfield Rangers 1st Team started where they left off last year by beating Sileby Athletic 5-1 at home.

to private landlords and expensive short-term accommodation. More people will be able to take the step of buying their first home, stimulating the local housing market and benefiting the wider economy.

The scheme is subject to Lloyds TSB’s usual lending criteria, borrowers are able to select any existing property in the area covered

by Leicestershire County Council up to the maximum loan of £142,500.

First-time buyers will put down a minimum 5% of the property price, and Leicestershire County Council will provide a cash backed indemnity of up to 20% as additional security. The local authority then earns interest on this amount. The first-time buyer owns the property in its entirety, and will have access to a range of products at a lower rate of interest than would normally be available for this level of deposit.

LCC is able to offer this innovative approach to first-time buyers due to the government introducing the new freedoms of local competence to local authorities. So to the answer to the opening question of can local government boost the local economy, well yes as this scheme demonstrates.

For further details of the scheme, please contact the mortgage advisers at your local Lloyds TSB branch: • Alan Patterson 075252402287 – Loughborough & Melton Mowbray • Sabiha Moghal 07725447130 – Loughborough • Su Thornley 07841491009 – Coalville & Ashby • John Sutton 07584580542 – Leicester High Street and London Road branch

Goals from Bates (3), Clayton and Saar saw the visitors off. They then travelled to FC Poplar where they routed the home team 8-2 thanks to goals from Pallett (3), Eames (2), Quilter (2) and Saar. The month ended with a fine 5-1 victory away to Cropston Rangers who had proved a tough opposition the year before.

Goals in this one provided by Pallett, Rousseau, Fletcher, Eames and Baker.

The Reserve team got off to a slow start but soon moved up the gears. A disappointing 4-3 defeat to Pied Bull despite goals from Ryland, Chappell and Lowe, was soon forgotten with a 2-1 home win against AFC The Vic Reserves (Rousseau, Chappell).

They then saw off Cossington Royal Oak 6-3 (Chappell 4, Lowe 2) before a 2-2 draw against Coalville Athletic (Chappell, Lowe).

The season is now in full swing with the games coming in thick and fast.

Both teams have started well and are looking to build on the success of last season.

Tom Flowitt

New village barber for Markfield JMC Hair & Beauty Salon in Main Street, Markfield are currently advertising for a professional barber to work in their salon.

The barber will be open for business on a non-appointment basis.

Details will be advertised in the window of JMC hair & Beauty, and in next month’s issue of The Herald.

I tore my girlfriend’s lingerie and I was done for criminal negligee.

23

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At WOW…. 135 Main St. Stanton Under Bardon Wednesday 31st October 5.30-7pm Fun, Games, prizes. Come in your best fancy dress costumes!

Please call 01530 564623/07875 378628 for details

I had dinner at Uri Geller’s house and got soup all down my front.

24

Could you give a loving home to one of these dogs?

Jo Leadbetter has emailed photographs of a few of the dogs currently residing at RedgateFarm Animal Sanctuary at Shaw Lane, Markfield.

All of these charming animals are looking for a loving home to go to. Can you help?

Why not pay a visit to Redgate and make friends with one of these dogs. They have a lot of love to give!

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When I was 40 I wanted to be an Egyptian. It was a pyramid-life crisis.

25

Library computers – you may have to pay but for others it’s free Norman Griffiths reports on a postcode lottery for library charges No-one would argue that Leicestershire County Council (LCC) had to make difficult decisions when deciding how to reduce costs and generate income, but some users of the Council’s services are asking whether one of the changes to library charges introduced in April 2012 is unfair to customers in many villages.

The Leicestershire Communities and Wellbeing service, which provides libraries, has to reduce its spending by £4.3 million, or 43 per cent, over the next few years.

In order to boost income the charges for some library services were changed in April. Before April computer use in libraries was free of charge, subject to a weekly allowance of 6 hours, but following the changes this was reduced to a daily allowance of one hour. Any daily use over one hour is charged at the rate of £1 for 30 minutes.

Within a few days of the changes one customer had written to the Leicester Mercury complaining about the change from a weekly to a daily allowance and the reduction in opening hours at County libraries.

“When the system is slow, you cannot log on to websites and printing needs to be done via staff.

Often little can be completed in one hour,” she wrote. “If no-one is waiting or booked, let us continue to use our hours weekly, otherwise more demand may occur another day and prevent access then for some. It seems this new punitive daily limit is an attempt to recoup costs, rather than regulate demand to ensure fair access for all with reduced opening.”

Ratby hardest hit

In Markfield if computer users don’t travel to other libraries they are restricted to 5 hours free each week as the library is only open for 5 days. But in Loughborough and Oadby the libraries are open 7 days a week, so users enjoy 7 hours free.

As the amount of free use depends on how many days a library is open this means that their users actually get an increase of an hour in their free computer use each week,

Ratby Village Society meetings start at 8.00 pm in the Village Hall, Main Street, Ratby, on the third Tuesday monthly with the exception of JULY & DECEMBER when there are no meetings.

The AGM takes place in February.

Admission for members is £1.60 (Membership £5.00) and casual guests £2.50 refreshments included.

All welcome.

16th October 2012 - Not to be missed for all you Anne Halsey fans as she delivers her talk entitled ‘Rails and Rockies’, in which she describes in her own “inimitable way” a rail trip from Toronto to Vancouver and into the Rockies via the Rocky Mountaineer.

The effect of the changes is that customers in Markfield could potentially pay hundreds of pounds a year for a service which other areas receive free of charge.

Libraries budget slashed

RATBY VILLAGE SOCIETY Open Meetings

whilst others have suffered a cut, unless they travel to another library.

Because of the new tariff Markfield customers have to pay £4 a week if they wish to use the computers in their local library for 7 hours in one week. This could amount to hundreds of pounds over a year.

Vulnerable affected “Unemployed people will still get free access,” explained a County Council spokesperson. It is true that there is some help for the unemployed and children, but it is not free access as these groups also have to pay the £1 per 30 minutes after a more generous daily allowance of 2 hours. But one library customer who receives just a weekly carer’s allowance finds that finances just don’t stretch to paying the surcharge. For this carer visits to the library to research family history provide a welcome relief from the responsibilities at home. Because of those duties it is not always possible to visit the library every day, which wasn’t so critical with the former weekly allowance. Anyone who has used the internet for family history searches will know that is is time consuming and an hour soon passes.

“The decision to introduce a cost for computer use was a difficult one to make,” explained the spokesperson. “We wanted to provide a simple to remember and consistent cost across the county. Customers can use any library across the county to access computers throughout the week.

Knowing that we needed to introduce a revised charge to meet income targets, we looked at other authorities and tried to be as fair as we could.”

And there is no doubt that the charges for computer use in

neighbouring counties are less generous than in Leicestershire.

But the fact that a postcode lottery which determines whether or not you pay for the service also operates in other counties is little comfort to those who have to pay for something that some other Leicestershire residents receive free. Whilst the new charges meet the County’s requirements for a simple to remember and consistent cost across the county they do not take account of the inequity that the shift from a weekly allowance to a daily allowance makes because of the limitations imposed by differences in library opening hours.

“We all pay the same Council Tax for County services,” said one unhappy customer, “but it is only some Council taxpayers that are having to pay more if they can’t use another library. The change to a daily allowance is purely to generate income and quite unfair”.

Unexpected consequences

The County Council has confirmed that the changes haven’t worked quite as expected. “It would be fair to say the issues that you have raised were an unexpected consequence of the charges,” confirmed the spokesperson. “A forecast of £20,000 additional revenue was anticipated from this charge. However, early indications are that this figure may be challenging. To date, around £2,000 has been achieved. The charge will be reviewed this autumn although it is too early to say what decisions we will take as a consequence of the review.”

Hopefully the charges will be revised to ensure that everyone pays the same rate for the same use wherever they live in Leicestershire.

20th November 2012 – Relive the memories of the great songs of the musicals and Broadway with ‘The Lives and Music of George and Ira Gershwin’ with Chris Simpson. Chris will delight us with his talk and musical recordings of this famous couple. Refreshments this month will include seasonal mince pies!

Circuit training sessions to begin A NEW programme of weekly circuit training sessions are about to begin in Hinckley for those who would like to get fit with a full body workout.

Run by Shaun Curtis of SC Personal Training, in conjunction with Active Together, the 45 minute sessions include a series of exercises that make use of various equipment such as dumbbells, exercise balls and resistance bands.

The sessions will take place at the Green Towers Youth Club in Richmond Road, Hinckley every Saturday. They will begin at 9.30am and cost £4.

For more information about the sessions contact Shaun Curtis on 0777 287 8745.

I went into the local record shop and said ‘Have you still got the Troggs?’ He said ‘How dare you!’

26

Look What’s On At The Palace, Ibstock 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 267303

~ Forthcoming Events ~ a

Herald Film Review from Tom Flowitt

Looper

(15)

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt

Churches Together 188 Minutes in Markfield Loopers are assassins that execute victims who have

Sunday, 7th October – Northumberland Theatre Company presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. In conjunction with ‘Centre Stage’, the rural touring theatre scheme). An original, imaginative take on ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, a delightful, accessible and funny introduction to Shakespeare for children and adults alike. Tickets: £8.00, concessions £6.00, Combination ticket (1 Adult & 2 concessions) £16.00 From Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

initiative

been sent 30 years back in time from a future where time travel is possible but controlled by the criminal underworld.

They do this until one day the victim is Sunday, 21st October – Palace Indoor their future self Car boot Sale from 9.00am – 1.00pm. who they must Pick up a bargain! Admission 20p. For kill, thus closing more details contact Maureen on Tel: 12th, 13th, 14th, October - Ibstock Beer 01530 452028 the ‘loop’. But Festival - Friday 12th October til Sunday what happens 14th October. Venues include The Friday, 26th October - Skittles Night if you don’t Palace Community Centre, the Boot Inn, - with faggots and within mushy peasourselves supper anInn, opportunity find peace and the Ram Waggon & Horsesto pubrelax, and pull the trigger included. 7.30pm start. Tickets: £5.00 the Whimsey Inn. Live entertainment when your from world; Halls, High Street, Ibstock, creative Tel: 'reflect' on our place in the offering on Friday and Saturday night at some future self 01530 260460 venues.

Over 30 real alesfor plus traditional suggestions reading, thinking and exploring prayer. appears? Or ciders, perries and fruit wine. Hot food Saturday, 27th October - Free Family what if they available at selected venues. Event Halloween ‘Dracula Spectacular’ Disco don’t let you? times: Friday: 6pm – 11pm, Sat.: 12 Party – Party starts at 7.00pm until noon – 11pm, Sun: 12 noon – 10.30pm.

Set in 2044, 10.00pm. FREE ADMISSION. A Family Come and enjoy real ale at its best!

Looper shows evening with party games and prizes.

For further details contact Tel: 01530 Prizes for the best fancy dressed us a future that seems chillingly authentic and very plausible. It doesn’t 267303. boys and girls. Hot dogs and burgers go with the ‘everything turns out all right’ future that has flying cars and a available. variety of life changing gadgets and gizmos. Instead it shows us a future Saturday 13th October – ‘Local Produce where society has many cracks and flaws and although new technologies Event’ – as part of the Ibstock Beer Friday, 2nd November – Charity Organ Festival weekend the Palace will be exist, it hasn’t been able to save us from ourselves.

Concert with Tom Horton. Tickets: £6.00 hosting the ‘Local Produce Event’, from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460 This version of our future is not a new concept I’ll grant you, but never showcasing locally made produce that’s or Mr Martin, Tel: 01455 290145 or Mr has it felt so believable. What’s more, even though it has the Blade produced right on your doorstep – from Lines, Tel: 01530 457274.

Runner vibe throughout, it always feels original. The smartest move it ‘artisan’ breadmakers, handcrafted makes is by setting the story in a not too distant future that manages to cheese, delicious pickles and preserves Saturday, 3rd November - Palace Social Come for as longandas youDance wish and leave when youshow us a world different from our own that we can still connect and to succulent sausages and meats – A very popular evening of butter, yoghurt, cream and milk, plus Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence with want. No intrusive questions, though people will relate be to. much more. Come along and see how Eddie ‘The Collector’, (D J and host).

The key to the film’s success is that it concentrates heavily on character differently food tastes when it’s made to talk Doors/box office/barwith open atsomeone.

7.00pm. around if you need or pray and story. Most sci-fi films forget this and try to fill two hours with special with passion by producers who really Dancing from 7.30pm ‘til 11.00pm. effects. knowRefreshments their trade. Event open available.

12 noon All £5.00 are from welcome, or The best and most memorable ones let the characters drive the Tickets: Halls, Ibstock,whether Tel: story. to 5pm. Contact the Palace on (01530) 01530 260460. not youdetails. feel church is for you.

267303 for more Gordon-Levitt, who seems to be everywhere at the minute, plays his Friday, 9th November – A Film Night ‘film noir’ part well but Bruce Willis gives us another example of how he Friday, 19th October - Film Night – An ‘Halloween’ special! – ‘The Woman in Further information: Karen (249829) is losing his edge. Thankfully on this occasion it doesn’t happen too often evening of film featuring Leicestershire’s Black’ (12A). A young lawyer travels to and doesn’t have much impact on the quality of the film. In fact when the heritage. Showing a variety of films shot a remote village where he discovers the or Rosemary (242844) pair are on screen together it works very well. around Leicestershire throughout the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is 20th Century. Urban and rural life from terrorizing the locals. Starring Daniel Overall: Instant classic, certainly the best sci-fi film this year and possible 1920’s to the 1970’s. Presented by Pete Radcliffe. Doors, Box Office and even the best film of the year so far. It will still hold its own in 30 years Groschl. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Films start like all the great sci-fi films of the past.

Bar open at 7.00pm. Films start at at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 from 5 Stars 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 from Halls, Halls, High Street, Ibstock,Tel: 01530

Trinity Methodist Church 6-7pm

Wednesday 17th October Wednesday 14th November

High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

260460.

St. Michael’s Church November Fayre Saturday 10th November 10 am till 12 noon Congregational Church Hall raffle, gifts, cakes, refreshments All welcome

Helping hands needed for local furniture re-use!

If you want to give something back to the community and have some spare time, then volunteering is for you.

The REACT furniture re-use project in Coalville needs volunteers to help in their furniture warehouse and with their furniture delivery service.

The REACT project based behind the Marlene Reid Centre in Coalville, is based around furniture re-use. Any funds raised from selling the reused furniture is returned to the project to fund training for the long term unemployed.

REACT provide delivery of re-used furniture for a nominal charge and for anyone in North West Leicestershire on means tested benefits, delivery is completely free.

They need more volunteer delivery drivers and assistants to help get the furniture to the people who need it. Being a volunteer offers lots of flexibility – anyone can volunteer as much or as little time as they want, work on a regular basis or be as flexible as they need to be; any time on any day of the week would be very much appreciated. So if you think this is the thing for you and you do have any time to spare call Lorraine Harrison on 01530 512454 or email react@mrc.uk.net to become a volunteer and get involved with MRC.

He said ‘You remind me of a pepper pot.’ I said ‘I’ll take that as a condiment.’

27

Ambulance visit to South Charnwood High School A new school year and a new experience for South Charnwood pupils as the school’s Year 8 and 9 pupils on the ASDAN (Life Skills) course were treated to an exciting visit from two paramedics from the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

The paramedics arrived in one of the region’s newest ambulances which was full of the most up to date equipment, which the pupils, eagerly, investigated.

The pupils took part in the session with great enthusiasm and learnt how to take a pulse and how to put each other into the recovery position. They keenly asked many probing and interesting questions. The highlight for the pupils was being able to get close up to all the equipment in the ambulance.

Inevitably, the siren was activated several times.

Who knows? After this visit, some of our pupils may be inspired to take up a career with the emergency services.

This visit from the East Midlands Ambulance is just one of the many opportunities pupils on the ASDAN course get to experience. Readers may remember our account of their visit to the Old Cliffe Hill Quarry.

Our grateful thanks go to Andy and Sam for giving up their time to come and speak to our pupils.

Vanessa Stanton ASDAN Co-ordinator

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I’ve got a friend called Lance but I don’t see Lance a lot.

28 Markfield Congregational Church Sunday 14 October 10.15am Morning Worship followed

by Communion Sunday 21 October 10.00am United Service at St Wilfrid’s, Coalville Sunday 28 October 3.00pm Service at Markfield Court Sunday 4 November 10.15am Morning Worship Sunday 11 November 10.15am Remembrance Day Service followed by Communion Sunday 11 November 6.00pm United Remembrance Day Service at St Michael’s Parish Church

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 7th October 10.30am Morning Service and Awesome Sunday Sunday 14th October 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper

Church Services Sunday 18th November - Prisons Week Begins 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Service Sunday 25th November - Women Against Violence Sunday 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Communion Service

Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon Sunday 7th October Meeting at 10am with junior church provided

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth

Please note no coffee morning on Monday 15th October

Sunday 28th October Meeting at 4pm with Cafe 4U

Sunday 11th November Remembrance Sunday 10.30am Morning Communion Service 4.00pm Café Church Service 6.00pm Churches Together United Service at Parish Church

Sunday 11th November 10.30 am Remembrance Service including Holy Communion

Sunday 25th November 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 11th November Remembrance Service 10.45am Morning Service Please note the later start time

Sunday 4th November 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Taizé Service

Sunday 11th November 10.30 am All Age Remembrance Service 6.00 pm Churches Together in Markfield Remembrance Service

Sunday 4th November 10.30 am Morning Service 3.00 pm Bereavement Service - remembering those we love, but see no longer

Sunday 14th October Meeting at 10am with junior church provided

Wednesday 24th October Bible School at 7pm Book of 1 Corinthians

Sunday 28th October 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Service

Sunday 28th October 10.30 am All Age Service

Sunday 25th November 10.30 am All Age Service

Sunday 4th November 10.30am Morning Service and Awesome Sunday

Sunday 21st October 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Communion Service

Sunday 4th November 10.30 am Holy Communion 6.00 pm Bereavement Service remembering those we love, but see no longer

Sunday 18th November 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Monday 22nd October Coffee morning at 10am

Sunday 14th October 10.30am Morning Communion Service 4.00pm Café Church Service

Sunday 21st October 9.00 am Holy Communion

Monday 8th October Coffee morning 10am

Sunday 28th October 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 7th October 10.30am Morning Harvest Festival Service 6.00pm Evening Taizé Service

10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 18th November 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 21st October Meeting at 10am with junior church provided

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield

Sunday 14th October 10.30 am Benefice Service with Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester

Friday 17th November 8.00 pm Iona Style Service

Sunday 21st October 10.30am Morning Service

There is a Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section in this magazine.

St Peter’s Church, Thornton

Monday 29th October coffee morning at 10am Wednesday 31st October GLOW IN THE DARK PARTY 5.30-7 pm, All kids & Adults welcome Sunday 4th November Meeting at 10am with junior church provided

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield 10:15-11.30am Sunday Club for Children in the Congregational Hall on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays, term time All Age Service in Church on the 2nd Sunday each month.

Sunday 14th October 10.30 am Benefice Service at St Peter’s Church, Thornton with Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester Friday 19th October 8.00 pm Taizé Style Service Sunday 21st October 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at St Wilfrid’s RC Church, Coalville 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 28th October 8.00 am Holy Communion

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 14th October 10.30 am Benefice Service at St Peter’s Church, Thornton with Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester Sunday 21st October 10.30 am “Something Different” Service Sunday 28th October 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 4th November 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 11th November 10.30 am Remembrance Service

Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 4th November 9.00 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 14th October 10.30 am Benefice Service at St Peter’s Church, Thornton with Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester Sunday 21st October 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 28th October 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 4th November 6.00 am Evening Prayer Sunday 11th November 6.00 am Remembrance Service

Sunday 18th November 10.30 am “Something Different” Service

Sunday 18th November 3.00 pm Praise Service

Sunday 25th November 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 25th November 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Herald Advertising Rates Ring 01530 244069 to book your advert or email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk Advert Size

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I’ve got a Christian mobile. It’s pray as you go.

29

School bus row - ‘maladministration and injustice’ Norman Grif fiths reads the Ombudsman’s report The Leicestershire County Council (LCC) decision to charge £400 a year for each child to travel by bus from Field Head to Groby Community College was a controversial one and resulted in a campaign by residents, a petition and complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman.

In addition Gary Smith, of Longland Safety Management Ltd joined parents, the Clerk to Groby Parish Council and Field Head Councillor Peter Batty on a winter walk from Groby to Field Head to assist in assessing the hazards which could be encountered by the young people in walking the route. His recommendation was that the County Council should undertake a more formal safety assessment taking into account the volume and speed of traffic. “I would advise that the bus is re-instated on safety grounds until a more specialist assessment can be undertaken at the times the children walk to and from school by the local authority,” he concluded.

In April a spokesperson for LCC said that a “new assessment process is being reported to the Council’s Cabinet on 8th May. The process takes account of the Home to School Travel and Transport Guidance

provided by the Department for Education and Skills in 2007. Once the revised Policy has been approved an assessment, using the new criteria, will be urgently undertaken by an officer not involved with the original assessment. When the result of that assessment is known we will contact the complainant and satisfy the requirements of the Local Government Ombudsman.”

The Ombudsman, however, is not satisfied and his report issued this month finds the County Council guilty of maladministration which has caused the parents injustice. In the report he does not name the complainants or schools, one of which is understood to be Groby Community College. The other school is in another Leicestershire village.

The Ombudsman’s job The Ombudsman considers complaints of service failure and administrative fault causing injustice, and decides whether a council has acted reasonably in accordance with the law, its own policies and accepted standards of local administration.

The Ombudsman cannot challenge properly made decisions even though people may disagree with them, nor the professional judgement of a council’s officers. If there is maladministration the Ombudsman

considers whether injustice has arisen, and any suitable remedy for that injustice.

The Council’s responsibilities A council must provide free hometo-school transport for a pupil up to statutory school leaving age who lives beyond the statutory walking distance of the school and apply special rules to children from low income families. Statutory walking distance is defined as being up to three miles for pupils aged eight to sixteen. This is measured by the nearest available route along which a child, accompanied as necessary, can walk with reasonable safety. The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) guidance places a series of obligations on councils and suggests that in conducting route assessments the following factors should be considered: • “the age of the child; • whether any potential risks might be mitigated if the child were accompanied by an adult; • he width of any roads travelled along and the existence of pavements; • the volume of traffic travelling along any roads: • the existence or otherwise of any street lighting: and

• the condition of the route at different times of the year, at the times of day that a child would be expected to travel to and from school.”

The Ombudsman’s decision The Ombudsman concluded that the Council did not consider most of these factors, and this was maladministration, as was the failure to notify parents of the outcome of it’s reassessment of the walking routes and their right of review. In addition the Council only carried out some of the actions it agreed with The Ombudsman. It has yet to apologise formally and pay £100 each to the complainants to reflect the time and trouble incurred in complaining. It also has to write confirming the outcome of the reassessments and the right of review and undertake a re-assessment of one of the walking routes. LCC is also required to review and amend existing review process to ensure it is fit for purpose.

The Council has three months to notify the Ombudsman of the action it has taken or proposes to take.

The report, which is 10 pages long, can be read on the Ombudsman’s website www.lgo.org.uk/news

Last week I sold the house for £100,000. I was very pleased with that because I was renting.

30

Car Component Wordsearch find 12 Parts of a Car in this month’s Wordsearch puzzle and you could win yourself a meal and a drink.

This month we are offering a TASTY prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel.

R T C G Z N D V K B N C S J F

A E H J L O O E V E Y R T G X

R C B G Q W X O E L R O A W B

T F C R I U F R I S A T R F E

Z N B E O L C N W D D A T V U

ACCELERATOR ALTERNATOR CAMSHAFT CYLINDERHEAD DASHBOARD DIFFERENTIAL EXHAUSTPIPE HEADLIGHT RADIATOR SHOCKABSORBER STARTERMOTOR WINDSCREEN

W D S P L S D Z E S I N E K A

S F T H D E B A Q S A R R A I

G Z D N R Y R A E G T E M X Z

J R I H Z L T A K H O T O D B

P W E P Z A M M T C R L T H Q

C A M S H A F T H O O A O D O

D R A O B H S A D X R H R K J

L A I T N E R E F F I D S M W

F R E E X H A U S T P I P E L

A C V J D G D C L K Z M H D T

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through 12 things you’d find in a car.

These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your entry to: PITSTOP, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics.

LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 31st October 2012.

Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s crash helmet will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel.

Good luck!

Here are the 12 car parts you have to find:

Accelerator • Alternator • Camshaft • Cylinder Head Dashboard • Differential • Exhaust Pipe • Headlight Radiator • Shock Absorber • Starter Motor • Windscreen Name: ...................................................................................................

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

Last issue’s Wordsearch winner!

Dean McGahan of Rectory Road, Markfield

Congratulations! Your Meal & Wine Voucher to spend at the F ield Head Hotel will be sent to you in the next 21 days.

The tiny light that can alleviate the winter blues A tiny light the size of a tennis ball can help alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. As the nights get longer, up to one in four Britons will suffer with SAD. It is caused by the brain not receiving enough daylight which is needed to trigger serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood.

SAD symptoms range from mild lethargy and irritability to depression, anxiety and insomnia. Studies show that light therapy can bring relief by providing a balanced spectrum of light equivalent to standing outdoors on a clear day.

Using the MiniSun portable compact SAD light for just 60 minutes a day can give sufferers a boost and help to combat the symptoms of SAD. It costs £29.99 from Value Lights and is small enough to pop in a bag and taken anywhere. It comes in white, pink or black. http://www.valuelights.co.uk/ sad-lights.html David Gutfreund of Value Lights said: ‘Our customers like taking their MiniSuns to work so they can enjoy its benefits while they are working at their desk. Others put them on while they are watching television or reading in bed.’

Replacing 50w halogen bulbs with the new Daylight MiniSun GU10 3w bulbs will also help SAD sufferers.

The MiniSun is the next generation of LED lighting to help homeowners reduce their energy output, while also offering a cool white light which is very close to daylight. Traditional light bulbs produce a yellow light but a Daylight MiniSun creates a much whiter light. It’s extremely low running costs make it a cheap and effective way to tackle SAD symptoms.

Each bulb has a life span of 30,000 hours and come with a one year guarantee against faulty manufacture. They cost £59.99 for a pack of 10.

Value Lights specialises in providing homeowners with high quality discount lighting. All its lights are in stock and delivery is free.

• www.valuelights.co.uk

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com

I went to the Royal Albert Hall and it was full of pushchairs. It was Last Night of the Prams.

31

SOUTH CHARNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

10

‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’

Yea Guara r

ntee

“an outstanding school”, Ofsted November 2010

South Charnwood High School is a 10-14 High School which welcomes pupils primarily into Year 6, and also into Year 7. The Headteacher, Staff and Governors warmly invite you to visit the school on

Wednesday 10th October 2012 6.00pm to 8.00pm This is an opportunity for parents/carers of Year 5 and Year 6 pupils to view the facilities at the school and to meet staff.

If this date is inconvenient, please telephone the school to arrange a visit.

BROAD LANE, MARKFIELD, LEICESTERSHIRE. LE67 9TB

Telephone: 01530 242351 www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk

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