THE HERALD OCTOBER 2022

Monster Hollyhock

MARKFIELD LIBRARY

It’s that time of year again...

Back by popular demand.

The Halloween spooky woods!

WE HAD AN AMAZING response to this event last year so we will be hosting it again!

Join us on the 30th of October between 4pm and 6.30pm.

Tickets are limited and cost £1 per child (adults need not pay) and are on sale at the library now.

We will also be selling tickets after school on certain days, the school will inform you of this.

There will be games, ghouls, tombola, hot drinks and much more...

We are super excited this year as we have the collaboration of the amazing youth group Bee Unique, who will be hosting a Halloween workshop here at the library on Saturday the 15th of October from 2pm till 5pm. All are welcome but booking is essential, please contact Bee Unique direct to book your session: Rebecca 07946 631218 or Gemma 07860 357245.

Be brave, be bold - we can’t wait to see you there.

RESERVE DELIVERERS

MARKFIELD

The Herald needs a few additional reserve deliverers

to step in on the occasions when one of the regular deliverers is unavailable. Are you able to help?

No training is required, it’s a healthy way to spend an hour or so once a month, and you get paid! You need to be over 13.

Contact Herald Delivery Manager Rowan Pell on 01530 242059 for more information.

LETTER: Parking at dropped kerbs

I JUST WONDER if some people are aware of what dropped kerbs are for?

There is one on Chitterman Way, Markfield at the bottom of the footpath coming down the green on Bradgate Road, which is quite often blocked by parked cars (usually in the evenings and at weekends).

For some people using mobility aids or with pushchairs this would cause a problem getting across the road, maybe having to go further along the road to the next available drop kerb to be able to cross.

I would imagine the people parking here could easily walk the extra distance to their houses.

Would the Council be able to add a yellow line or make it like some of the other dropped kerbs with the raised bits on so it is more noticeable?

Name

Markfield A cupuncture Clinic

Thornton Teas with a Twist –

October

How some homeowners may pay twice for services

ITSEEMS THAT developers may have found a way of avoiding paying millions of pounds of section 106 monies that would have been given to democratically accountable councils to be invested back into local communities. S106 contributions are required to compensate communities for the impact on local services of new development.

This is how legal avoidance works. Some housebuilders hand the management, and perhaps ownership of public open spaces, to third party private concerns, obliging residents to pay an annual management fee which can be hundreds of pounds. This fee can increase without any safeguards, protections, or guarantees that services of an acceptable standard will be provided. The Welsh government has already examined this problem and concluded these charges had created two-tier public open spaces.

The practice has been around for some years, and back in 2017 the Guardian revealed how, not only recreational spaces, but also “unadopted” new-build estate communal areas such as roads, grass verges, and pavements, were sometimes retained by the developer, who sub-contracted day-to-day management.

So how do some pay twice?

The paper said that costs are passed on to homeowners (both freeholders and leaseholders) via a deed of transfer which obliges the homeowner, under the Law of Property Act 1925, to pay for maintenance of this land. (An “estate charge” or “service charge”). These are on top of full council tax – even though the council doesn’t undertake maintenance.

Cathy Priestley, spokesperson for the Homeowners’ Rights Network, and a freeholder on a private estate, commented that the private estate model seemed to be the norm for new-build estates. “We can only speculate as to why this has happened. The main benefactors are the plc developers who get to keep the estate land, don’t have to prepare it to adoption standards and don’t have to pay for its maintenance or the commuted sums for adoption,” she added.

While leasehold owners have some (albeit limited) statutory protection, explained the Guardian, freeholders have very few options. They can take cases to court, but this can be expensive and time consuming. If they decide to simply not pay, they can ultimately lose their home. “Any arrears will normally be recoverable as a debt claim in the county court.

Adrian McClinton, associate solicitor at Coffin Mew, warned that homeowners should be cautious as the rent charge owner may have a number of options including the ability to take possession of the property

Borough Council to act

The issue was raised by Borough Councillors Lay and Furlong at the HBBC September meeting. Their draft resolution for action was supported by members and it was agreed that the Council should:

• raise the matter with local MPs,

• work with other local authorities to campaign effectively

• offer support to residents wishing to challenge unfair fee increases

• enable the council to work with parish councils to retain public ownership and accountability

• consider what more can be done to ensure parish councils have greater support and guidance in the negotiations with developers.

November

JOIN US AT Thornton Community Centre for a cuppa, cake and time to chat. Jig saws, and board games will be provided and a book swap and recycle table. There will be toys available for young families.

pop in and spend some time in happy surroundings.

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

by the village for the villagers.

more information

me, Shirley,

Thousands of Leicestershire pensioners eligible for £100 payment

VOUCHERS have been sent to around 11,000 pensioners in Leicestershire to help them with the continuing cost-of-living crisis.

The one-off £100 payment is the latest part of Leicestershire County Council’s £10 million-plus package of support designed to support people in the face of soaring energy bills and rising food prices and other day-to-day costs. The wide-ranging support is helping people make their homes more energyefficient, delivering food vouchers for 14,000 children during school holidays and providing emergency food, fuel and debt advice.

The voucher can be exchanged for cash at any PayPoint retailer by 16 December.

Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “Everywhere you look it is obvious that vulnerable people in Leicestershire are feeling the bite of the cost-of-living crisis.

“We, as a council, cannot control some of the major economic factors pushing up costs but we are in a position to help our older residents who may be finding things harder than others.

“There are thousands of Leicestershire pensioners who are worried about paying their bills.

“The new £100 payment will offer them some relief and I’d urge them to claim it.”

Information about support with cost of living is available on the County Council’s cost-of-living pages at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ leisure-and-community/find-help-with-cost-of-living

The £100 payments and food vouchers are available through the Household Support Fund.

Norman Griffiths

The Herald

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

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

Message from Dr Luke Evans MP

FOR 10 DAYS following the sad passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II we entered a period of national mourning. I was still in London so passed by Buckingham Palace a few times to see the flowers and, despite the crowds, with each visit I got closer.

As a backbench MP you can move around London relatively unknown and so I was able to listen to people candidly share their memories outside the Palace. It was touching to see people who were once complete strangers bond over their admiration for the Queen. Even after her passing Queen Elizabeth II was still bringing our nation together, a true testament to her legacy.

of everyone’s mind, and I’m pleased that the Government announced measures to help people and businesses, as well as schools and hospitals over the coming months. The Energy Price Guarantee and Energy Bill Relief Scheme placed caps, from October 1st, on the unit prices and standing charges that energy companies can charge both domestic and non-domestic customers.

Dr Luke Evans MP

Member of Parliament for Bosworth • House of Commons

• London • SW1A 0AA

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.

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After a fitting and incredibly moving funeral for the Queen, Parliament swiftly got back to business with three big announcements from the Government. I welcomed the new Health Secretary’s priorities of an ABCD approach – which stands for Ambulances, Backlogs, Care, Doctors and Dentists – and a Plan for Patients.

Locally I have been holding regular meetings with key NHS stakeholders from the Leicester Royal Infirmary to stay up-todate on their plans to tackle the backlog and I’ll be making sure that national healthcare plans are followed through.

We know that cost of living pressures and energy prices are at the forefront

Letter

Anstey Lunch Club

The above is on top of the support announced in May. A grant of £400 for each household will be applied to energy bills over the next six months, averaging in a reduction per month of £66. This is in addition to £300 for pensioners and £150 for people on certain disability benefits. In total there’s up to £1200 of support for over 8 million of the most vulnerable households.

One important side note, as this is something that constituents contact me about, is that there is already a windfall tax in place. In May, via the Energy Profits Levy, taxes on profits made by energy companies extracting gas and oil in the UK increased from 40% to 65%.

w: drlukeevans.org.uk

t: constituency: 01455 635741

parliament: 0207 219 4250 m: 07920 619812

twitter: @drlukeevans instagram: drlukeevans

That week was capped off with a financial statement in which the Government detailed their Growth Plan for the UK. Key takeaways which I have welcomed for people and businesses in Bosworth are a cut in the basic rate of income tax and keeping corporation tax at 19%.

For more on my work for Bosworth please visit my website: www.drlukeevans. org.uk

Entertaining at home is making a comeback

ANSTEY LUNCH CLUB is every Friday, run by RVS volunteers and consists of a two-course lunch plus tea and coffee.

The club is held for mainly socially isolated people, who would enjoy a hot meal in the company of others, and served by a lovely group of volunteers.

The cost per meal is £6.60.

Transport can be provided at a cost of £5 pick-up and return.

The meals do have to be ordered in advance, so it is not just a ‘drop-in’.

Please contact Elizabeth Jarvis on 0116 287 6110 if you require more information and are interested in joining us.

WITH THE cost-of-living crisis starting to bite, more and more of us are choosing to share meals with our friends at home, rather than pay the soaring costs of eating out.

John Lewis has noticed the trend, as its sales of tablecloths, crockery and dining tables are on the increase. Tables and chairs are up by 28 per cent, dinner sets up by 34 per cent, and wine glasses and champagne flutes up by 88 per cent.

In a recent survey, John Lewis found that four in ten of us have held a dinner party in the last 12 months, while six in ten of us say we want to host even more in future.

A spokeswoman for John Lewis says: “Entertaining at home is definitely on the rise, and we predict that more customers will be making memorable moments at home with friends and family over the coming months.”

Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.

Those two are a fastidious couple. She’s fast and he’s hideous.

An appreciation of the work carried out by our local faith communities

IHAVE

OFTEN SPOKEN and written in the Herald about the importance of community. This is not just rhetorical for me, it is something that truly matters to me and I salute all those people and organisations who have played a part in making our community stronger and more secure. We have in my lifetime been blessed to have many community orientated people and groups who have made such a difference to our lives, enriching them and supporting them.

For my Herald article if you will forgive me, I wanted to pick out one such group as they are worthy of mention and don’t often get the praise, they deserve for the difference they have made to people’s lives across Markfield and Stanton and Field Head over countless generations. On the contrary they seem unfairly to get a negative press which I don’t think is deserved. This group, although it’s not a single organisation, is the respective faith communities in our midst.

Support network

Growing up, my extended family was heavily involved in the Methodist movement and my Mum and Dad still are. I not only had a blood family which was extensive, but also a Chapel family (obviously some were the same people) and I was therefore well aware of the good works carried by the Chapel folk. I was also aware of the parallel activities of the Congregationalists and the Churches at both Markfield and Stanton. Many jumble sales, coffee mornings, fetes, trips away, annual festivities, random events etc were held by these members of the faith community. They were never exclusive, and all were welcome. It was many and varied and as I look back, I can appreciate the support network such activities provided to communities like Markfield and Stanton. The roles these organisations played simply cannot be underestimated. Community was not abstract but was at the beating heart of all they did.

Many children who grew up in the 70s around Markfield and Stanton were familiar with activities like Sunday school which today’s generation would struggle to recognise, but were significant at the time. And it wasn’t just one Sunday school for all the Christian faiths, but each Church had its own version, with a stream of volunteer helpers who made it all click, and almost all these volunteers were local to the community. People I came to know well.

Alongside the Sunday School there also used to be youth clubs as well. We had a junior version called ‘Friday gang’ which took place in the Methodist schoolrooms and an older kids’ version which I don’t think had a specific name, but which took place in the Congregational Hall which is now the Congregational Chapel (after a recent and impressive refurbishment). This also took place on a Friday night. These youth clubs also had a significant attendance and again a body of volunteers who kept them going. Neither of the youth clubs were religious as such, they were safe and enjoyable places to go and again all were welcome to attend. You didn’t need to be affiliated to a church to come along and many who did were not. We also had a more serious youth gathering which was more religious. This took place on a Sunday evening and was more thought provoking and helped me in formulating my political thoughts even if that wasn’t the intention of the organisers.

Out of the respective Churches came many activities which were not in the slightest bit religious, but which touched the lives of so many. I think, for example, of Angela Berry’s play group which was based in the Methodist Schoolrooms. It was a very popular and a very important childcare service in the days before childcare was seen as critical as it is today. Many other such examples are evident. A number of groups existed for those who were more elderly such as the ‘Welcome Club’ which provided a string of activities and trips and in doing so provided a great social service at very little actual cost to the taxpayer. These groups live on and the Music Café has become very popular.

Just recently I was able to attend a meeting of the ‘Churches Together’ in my capacity as the local Borough Councillor. The ‘Churches Together’ group brings the local Methodists, Congregationalists, Anglicans and Catholics together to work as one. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss how they might seek to provide some warm spaces for people in need this winter. It’s a tragedy that such ‘warm spaces’ are even needed in a country as wealthy as ours, but no doubt they will be and so the churches are together looking at how they can do more on top of what they are already doing. They won’t be the only ones helping but they will be doing what they can, in the same way they continue to collect food for the Coalville foodbank. Unbeknown to many in our community, almost every week somebody from one of the local Churches takes the aggregated donations of food collected to the local foodbank.

Shaped my development

Over the years I have been a part of this community I have known the good works of our local churches. Most of what I write concerns the non-spiritual activity which is given by the many volunteers freely without obligation. The spiritual support is also not to be underestimated and has been a life saver for some over the years. It is also evident in religious festivities, baptisms, weddings and funerals. The truth is though, that we have become a more agnostic society and so less people attend church or see its works as important. This means that the good works undertaken become harder to provide as less people are available to put their shoulder to the wheel.

Faith is deeply personal and so the purpose of my article is not to suggest we have strayed far from the path. I am certainly not one to judge on such matters. I just felt I needed to say a big thank you to all those who over the years have been involved with our local churches and our faith community. They have played an immensely positive role in the development of Markfield and Stanton. Much of it is unknown or unseen. It is not without faults but who is, it may not have always risen to the high standards it sets itself but who does. It may have received a bad press, but what institution hasn’t.

All I can say, and want to say is, that my own development as a person has been shaped by this community. It is actually more to me than that, it is a family, and I am glad and thankful to have been part of it and to have been touched by its kindness, its care for me and those around me and its belief in wanting to do good. Long may it continue.

Matthew

Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald

More achievements in Bagworth

THE MEMBERS of the Trust at Bagworth Community Centre are delighted to announce that people who attend sessions at the Centre have been successful in gaining awards.

Strictly is back on the telly and so the dancers at Dance-tastic are back hard at work and entering their first competition after the school holidays.

These great results come after their recent exam day back in July where the whole school boasted a 100% Highly Commended pass rate with the National Association of Teachers of Dancing. One Waltz was given the highest mark of 98% and with 78% of all the marks in the 90%s, the pupils (adults and children) can be very proud of their achievements.

Dance-tastic is based in Bagworth Community Centre with lessons for children and adults, both in groups and private lessons. If you want to know more visit the website at www.dancetasticacademy.co.uk Jo James is obviously a very good teacher as can be seen in the results above.

Another group with a very good teacher is the martial arts class who have also achieved some great success. Congratulations go to all of the cadet students at the Zen Goshin Ryu martial arts school for passing their recent gradings.

After training hard over the summer holidays, they produced an outstanding display of techniques and demonstration. Andy says that it is great to see so many local children taking part in the club and gaining a valuable life skill.

Grandad’s Typewriter

A total of 51 trophies were won and all of the pupils who entered in the couples events reached the finals. Special mentions go to Sophie Moore and Sienna Fox, who came 1st in all of their couples events and were finalists in their solo events too, William Spurling and Emilia Bond who came 1st in both their Ballroom finals and a respectable 3rd in their Latin American finals after only being partnered up for 3 weeks practice and last but not least the youngest additions to the team, Rohan Chambers and William Bond who entered their first ever Solos competition and came away with 5 trophies between them.

Congratulations also go to Ellie Sanders for her promotion to full club instructor. Ellie has been training at the club for over 11 years and gained her promotion for all the help and support she offers the other students. The club runs classes at the community centre on Wednesday and Thursday evenings for students aged 5 plus. If you require further information please contact Andy on 07975 833078.

Well done to everyone involved in these two classes but especially to Jo and Andy who have achieved a great deal in their sessions. May that long continue.

My Grandad had a typewriter

Imperial, I think

Used to command his empire With black typewriter ink.

He wrote his lengthy letters

On subjects to him dear Then sealed them, stamped them, sent them

To places far and near.

He was quite heavy fingered Those keys he’d really pound

The house’s very timbers

Vibrated with the sound; It went on for long hours And we’d hear everything

And at the end of ev’ry line A little bell would ring!

He sent them to the mission field

And to our poor MP

He sent them off to strangers

And to his family; So then he’d watch the postman And how his wrath would burn

If his poor correspondents Replied not by return!

I never thought I’d miss it But, looking back, I do;

A sound, like many others, That wove my childhood through. What sounds today, I wonder That do not bring us bliss, Will soon be just a memory That we might really miss?

By Nigel Beeton

How to make a BIRD NUT BALL

YOU WILL NEED: equal quantities of melted fat and breadcrumbs; nuts, seeds and dried fruit; string; dried apricots; peanuts in their shells.

Mix together the melted fat and the breadcrumbs, and stir in half of the nuts, seeds and dried fruit. As the mixture starts to solidify, shape it into a ball around a length of string and place it in the refrigerator to harden.

Place the remainder of the fruit, seeds and nuts on a piece of newspaper and roll the hardened ball around on it until it is completely covered with the mixture.

Make a loop from the string that protrudes from one side of the ball and thread apricots and peanuts in their shells onto the string on the other side of the ball.

Hang the bird treat from your bird table of the branch of a tree.

From Country Traditions by Stephanie Donaldson (Southwater, £8.95 ISBN 1842151789)

Has covid changed your personality?

IT MAY WELL have done – especially if you are a young person.

A recent study has found evidence that the pandemic may actually have changed the way they think, feel and act.

Researchers at Florida State University College of Medicine found that young people have become more prone to stress and less cooperative with others. Other social personality traits such as extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness, have also declined.

Purring

LITTLE GEORGE was visiting his aunt. He found the cat in a sunny window purring cheerfully.

“Oh Auntie, come quick,” cried George. “The cat has gone to sleep and left his engine running.”

Talbott

The Markfield Defibrillator Project

News from the Friends of the Charnwood Forest

OUR FIRST meeting of the new season, on 21st September, had a talk about the discovery of the now famous Rutland Roman villa, which was found by Jim Irvine, the son of the local farmer.

LAST MONTH’S ‘Hot off the Press’ news was Markfield Parish Council’s approval to the Project’s proposal for a 24 hour access Defibrillator (AED) at Markfield Cemetery.

It was delivered to the Project at the end of September with this Defibstore 4000 unit and fittings. This state of the art Cabinet is made from high security polycarbonate and double skinned for extra cold weather protection.

By the time you read this it should be installed and fully functioning to give AED coverage to the Leicester Road end of Chitterman Way and surrounding area, taking the 24 hour access AEDs in Markfield Parish to 10. This more than achieves the Project’s target number for Markfield.

The Markfield Medical Centre’s boundaries roughly stretch from Thornton, Stanton under Bardon to the A511 Charnwood Arms Roundabout, north to Copt Oak and east to parts of Newtown Linford.

The communities and organisations in and near these areas who have installed AEDs deserve huge applause and thanks, particularly for also registering on the vital National NHS Circuit with either 24 hour, or partial, public access. Without registration AEDs are not on the 999 ambulance call out system.

I am very happy to offer support, and hope to be able to contact every owner in the area in the coming weeks, but please don’t wait, feel very free to contact me first at MarkfieldAEDProject@outlook.com give me a phone number and I will call you.

Those at the scene of a Cardiac Arrest need as much help as possible as quickly as possible. Who is dialling 999, who is fetching the Defibrillator, who can give resuscitation?

Apart from giving the entry code for the AED Cabinet, activating the Ambulance and giving guidance the 999 call handler will also link to vital support from Community First Responders (CFRs), trained local volunteers who can be at the scene of medical emergencies quickly and help deliver life-saving treatment before their fulltime Ambulance Service colleagues arrive.

The Project has just met with Richard Nevin the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) co-ordinator and Community First Responder at the National Forest CFR group, and Ron Grantham of the Markfield Community Centre and bookings have been arranged for Richard to give CPR and AED training talks at the Community Centre on 21st November and 5th December – Full details are in the Community Centre’s article in this month’s Herald.

Richard is also very keen to recruit more local volunteer Community First Responders for our area.

Would You Like to Become a Community First Responder?

If you would like to know more, or would consider becoming a Community First Responders please go to National Forest – Ambulance Responders (nationalforestresponders.org.uk) or Community first responders | East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (emas.nhs.uk)

As always my contact email is MarkfieldAEDProject@outlook.com

Our speaker was Jennifer Browning of the University of Leicester archaeological department, who gave us a report on the second year of digging. The mosaic floor, which depicted Archilles and Hector and which is unique in Britain, was set in the context of the other rooms in the villa using magnetometry and ground

penetrating radar, plus digging.

The hypocaust heating system was uncovered. Also, further buildings were revealed, though to date it is not known if they were contemporary with the main building. Two of these buildings flanked the villa to form a square. A third building seems to have been divided into two parts, one part barn and the other perhaps living quarters.

Under part of this building post holes suggested yet another building. A small building behind one of the flanking ones could have been a bathhouse, but no sign of heating was found.

The University of Leicester is the main participant in the dig at present. It is funded by Historic England, whose archaeologists were also on the dig, among other things digging to examine the ditches surrounding the site. Some burials were discovered. Work is continuing.

• THE FRIENDS now meet on Wednesdays, once a month, at the Woodhouse Village Hall. The next meeting is on 26th October, when a talk will be given on the proposed Mountsorrel quarry extension and the effects it would have on the environment.

Dr D McNeil

EDITOR’S NOTE: You can view an excellent You Tube video by Jennifer Browning on this topic at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=G530JW9L-yQ

Freeze your leftover food, advises Sainsburys

DURING THE cost-of-living crisis, shoppers should learn to freeze everything from eggs to herbs to yoghurt, according to the supermarket’s latest advice.

The average family wastes £60 a month by throwing food away, according to the waste charity WRAP. “If it were a country, food waste would have the third largest carbon footprint in the world, behind only the USA and China,” Catherine David, from WRAP, said.

Sainsburys says that just one in ten of us even know that it is possible to freeze eggs. The most commonly thrown-away food includes breads, milk and salad.

Do you still cook roasts?Sunday

IT SEEMS that one in five of us feel we can no longer afford to use the oven for that length of time, and so we use our microwaves for other meals instead.

A recent poll by the BBC has found that soaring energy costs are influencing our kitchen habits, with 23 per cent of us saying we use the oven and hob much less than we did.

And nearly 19 per cent of us are opting for meals that are faster to cook.

Meanwhile, 34 per cent of us say we have stopped buying takeaways, and 31 percent of us are eating out less often.

FLASHBACK TO AUTUMN 1995 ...

THE MORNING CREW - IT’S ALL YOU NEED TO PUT ON ...

THIS CHEEKY photo and the following article appeared 27 years ago in an earlier incarnation of The Herald - a magazine called The Villager - which was popular back in the 1990s.

EVERY WEEKDAY MORNING,

it’s Two Guys and a Girl - Guy Morris, Guy Harris and Sara Blizzard - the Morning Crew on The New Leicester Sound Greatest Hits 103FM.

It’s an off-the-wall show of zany humour, fun competitions and your favourite music.

friend

Guy Harris is a home-grown star who joined the station earleir this year (1995) and will be on our TV screens in December when he joins Jeremy Beadle in his new show Hot Shots. Guy Morris is ‘Mr Leicester’, having been with the station for over ten years, and Sara Blizzard has been melting hearts on the Breakfast Show for the past two years.

HOW RUDE! The three presenters visited Filbert Street

The New Leicester Sound has enjoyed great success since launching a more music format. Audiences have increased dramatically with the station now listened to by 174,000 people every week.The station is always involved in exciting promotions with big prizes, and the 103FM Black Thunder is a regular sight around the county.

South Charnwood High School

South Charnwood High School

‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’

‘encouraging excellence,

Administration Officer

Permanent role from 8.00 am to 3.30pm (Monday to Friday)

35 hours per week over 39 weeks per year

(Term-time plus training days).

Grade: 6 - Actual salary £16,151 to £16,845 per annum (pay award pending).

Required, an excellent administrator and communicator with good IT skills, that can work flexibly in an environment of changing demands. The role involves undertaking whole school administrative, receptionist, telephonist and general office support.

Please see the school website at:

for an information pack and application form. Alternatively, telephone

242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org

As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred list check is essential Closing date for applications: 9.00am, Monday 24th October 2022

‘South Charnwood High School – Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People’

later

can ask him what he meant.

Recognise the lady in the middle?

Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen From County Councillor Peter Bedford

HER MAJESTY the Queen’s reign spanned over seven decades; a period which the saw immense social and political change.

I was recently reminded at Desford Scarecrow Festival, whose theme this year was The Platinum Jubilee, just how much history was made during Her Reign:

• 1953, the year of the Coronation, saw the First Men to conquer Mount Everest and scientific breakthroughs in our understanding of the structure of DNA.

• The 1960s saw Man land on the Moon and England win the World Cup.

• The 1970s saw the decimalisation of our currency and the very first mobile telephone.

• The 1980s saw the fall of the Berlin Wall.

• The 1990s saw the Opening of the Channel Tunnel and the creation of the World Wide Web.

• The new millennium saw the mapping of the Human Genome and proliferation of Social Media.

Who can forget Her Majesty’s double acts with James Bond at the London 2012 Olympic Games; and her recent skit of having tea with Paddington Bear?!

In 2019 it was a real honour to attend Buckingham Palace for one of the Queen’s Garden Parties. This was a truly amazing experience, with the Queen and Prince Harry mingling with representatives of various charitable and voluntary groups from across the Country.

The Queen had this remarkable ability to focus her attention on you;

making you feel like you were the only person in the room.

Such was the popularity of Her Majesty opinion polls have consistently shown support for Her and the Monarchy at above 75%.

Polling figures that we elected politicians could only dream of!

It is somewhat ironic that many public bodies and national events have been cancelled during this period of National Mourning. I say it is ironic because Her Majesty continued her own public service right to the end, appointing her 15th British Prime Minister just 2 days before her passing.

Her sense of duty coming before all else.

Your Majesty: Thank you.

Thank you for a lifetime of loyal service and devotion…to the Nation… to the Commonwealth… and to your People. God Save The King.

Peter Bedford

The POPPIES of Remembrance Sunday

In late 1914, WW1 erupted across Northern France and Flanders. Great swathes of previously green fields and forests were blasted and bombed, leaving them bleak and barren, with seemingly every living thing destroyed.

But then in the Spring of 1915, something beautiful began to come out of all the destruction. Tens of thousands of bright red Flanders poppies began to put out tentative shoots across the endless vistas of mud. These resilient little flowers had actually flourished in the middle of so much chaos and destruction, because their seeds grow when exposed to sunlight, through disturbances to soil.

We all know that these endless fields of cheerful poppies, growing in the midst of such misery and destruction, were what inspired the Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, to write the now famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’.

And it was McCrae’s poem which inspired an American academic named Moina Michael to adopt the poppy in memory of those who had fallen in the war. She got it adopted as an official symbol of Remembrance across the United States, and worked with others who were trying to do the same in Canada, Australia, and the UK.

A French woman, Anna Guérin who was in the UK in 1921, caught the same vision, and planned to sell the poppies in London. There she met Earl Haig, the founder of the Royal British Legion, who was persuaded to adopt the poppy as its emblem in the UK.

The Royal British Legion, which had been formed in 1921, ordered nine million poppies and sold them on 11 November that year. Ever since then, the red poppy has been a symbol of Remembrance, of support for the Armed Forces community, and also of hope for a peaceful future.

Planning Apps

Two storey side extension and loft conversion - at 90 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DN

Two Storey Rear and Side Extension - at 269 Main Street, Stanton Under Bardon, Markfield Leicestershire LE67 9TQ

Holding a FIREWORKS party on Bonfire Night?

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life

In the first half of life, ambitious strivers embrace a simple formula for success in work and life: focus single-mindedly, work tirelessly, sacrifice personally, and climb the ladder relentlessly.

It works. Until it doesn’t.

It turns out the second half of life is governed by different rules. In middle age, many strivers begin to find success coming harder and harder, rewards less satisfying, and family relationships withering. In response, they do what strivers always do: they double down on work in an attempt to outrun decline and weakness, and deny the changes that are becoming more and more obvious. The result is often anger, fear, and disappointment at a time in life that they imagined would be full of joy, fulfillment, and pride.

It doesn’t have to be that way. In From Strength to Strength, happiness expert and bestselling author Arthur C. Brooks reveals a path to beating the “striver’s curse.” Drawing on science, classical philosophy, theology, and history, he shares counterintuitive strategies for releasing old habits and forming new life practices.

Proposed two storey front extension, a new monopitch roof above the existing garage and internal alterations to the existing dwelling at 21 Beech Close, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9RT

Erection of barn (resubmission of 19/00263/FUL) - Barnhills Farm, Merrylees Road, Thornton, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1AP

Proposed division of existing commercial vehicle workshop to form 3no employment units. Recladding of existing walls and addition of 3no roller shutter doors - at Poplar Farm, Copt Oak Road, Copt Oak, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9PJ

IF YOU ARE planning to set off fireworks at home on Bonfire Night, you may wish to review the Fireworks Code, to help keep you and your family and guests safe….

• Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.

• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.

• Keep fireworks in a closed box.

• Follow the instructions on each firework.

• Light at arm’s length, using a taper.

• Stand well back.

• Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.

• Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.

• Always supervise children around fireworks.

• Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.

• Never give sparklers to a child under five.

• Keep pets indoors

Warm Spaces in Markfield

Warm Spaces in Markfield

Churches Together in Markfield (CTiM) in response to the energy crisis and the coming winter have identified 'warm spaces' in village churches and other public buildings in the village which may be accessed free of charge.

Day Location Times

Monday: Markfield Library (Books, Newspapers, 9am-10am Oakfield Avenue, Computers, Internet & 1pm-3pm Markfield. LE67 9WG. Broadband access) 6pm-7pm

Markfield Community & Sports Centre Mayflower Close, (Mayflower Friendship Club) 2pm-4pm Markfield. LE67 9ST.

Tuesday: Markfield Library (Books, Newspapers, 9am-10am Oakfield Avenue, Computers, Internet & 1pm-3pm Markfield. LE67 9WG. Broadband access) 6pm-7pm

Services at Trinity Methodist Church Markfield

www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

FB: Markfield Methodist Church

Sunday 16th October 9.00 a.m. - CTiM United Service at St. Wilfrid’s, Coalville

Sunday 23rd October 10.30 a.m. Morning Worship

Sunday 30th October

10.30 a.m. Morning worship with Holy Communion 6.00 p.m. Taize Prayer

Markfield Congregational Community Church

9:30am-11:30am 104, Main Street, (Coffee Morning) Markfield LE67 9UU.

Wednesday: Markfield Trinity Methodist Church

10am-12am 42, Main Street, ('Come for a Cuppa' Markfield. LE67 9UU. -Starting: 26.10.22.)

Markfield Community & Sports Centre Mayflower Close, (Mayflower Friendship Club) 2pm-4pm Markfield. LE67 9ST.

Thursday: Markfield Library

(Books, Newspapers, 9am-10am Oakfield Avenue, Computers, Internet & 1pm-3pm Markfield. LE67 9WG. Broadband access) 6pm-7pm

Markfield Trinity Methodist Church 2pm-4pm 42, Main Street, (Music Cafe, 2nd & 4th Markfield. LE67 9UU. Weeks in the month.)

Friday: Markfield Library (Books, Newspapers, 9am-10am Oakfield Avenue, Computers, Internet & 1pm-3pm Markfield. LE67 9WG. Broadband access)

Saturday: Markfield Library (Books, Newspapers, 10am-12:30am Oakfield Avenue, Computers, Internet & Markfield. LE67 9WG. Broadband access)

Sunday: Markfield Congregational Community Church 10:30am104, Main Street, (Morning Service) Markfield. LE67 9UU.

Sunday 6th November 10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 13th November

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 10.00 a.m. Morning Worship 10.50 a.m. United Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial

Music Cafe

Thursday 27th October, 10th November, 24th November

We have just celebrated our 8th Birthday with a birthday tea and a variety of games and singing - all made most enjoyable because of everyone’s willingness to participate in the fun. Much the same as usual really - except refreshments are usually biscuits rather than sandwiches and cake.

So, if you feel the need of a change of scenery and a bit of company, why not join us in the Methodist Church for a musicbased afternoon on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 2.00 till 4.00 p.m.

For more information please contact Linda on 01530 242607.

Markfield Trinity Methodist Church

10:30am42, Main Street, (Morning Service ) Markfield. LE67 9UU.

Stuart Crossley, Secretary, Churches Together in Markfield.

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

Botcheston

BOTCHESTON WI has been back going here and there

On the August Bank Holiday weekend it was the Desford Scarecrow Festival and we provided refreshments on the Sunday. It was a warm day and the kitchen was kept busy with a good trade in in teas, coffees, cakes and sandwiches - I think word must have got round after the Heritage Weekend of where the best refreshments were!

On Sunday 18 September a group of our ladies went to the Leicestershire and Rutland WA Autumn Lunch at Devonshire Place in Leicester, were the speaker was Nick Hamilton (son of Geoff Hamilton, from Barnsdale Garden Centre). A most enjoyable lunch and informative speaker.

The day before our September meeting a group of members attended a First Aid evening where we were given instructions on how and when to perform CPR – whether they be babies or adults. We were also informed on how to use a Defibrillator – they are very easy to use and the machine talks you through every stage, so if you are ever in a situation where there could be a requirement, please do not be afraid to use it. The evening was rounded off with instruction on how to deal with a choking situation. We all came away with a little more knowledge and confidence that could be put to use if the need arose.

Our September meeting (the way the dates fell this month was quite early) saw us being entertained by a speaker with the title ‘Helping Hedgehogs’, you could not have

from Sheila

had a speaker who was more passionate about her subject –Dianne was very entertaining and give many tips on how to attract hedgehogs into your garden, and once they are there, how to keep them.

The next September event will have taken place by the time this is delivered through your letter box –it is a Forest Group of WIs meeting at Glenfield and the subject of the speaker is ‘The Weaker Sex’ – I’ll leave your to make your own mind up on that one!

• OUR MEETING

IN OCTOBER

will be our AGM when we will have, after the business side, a quiz and bring a share supper. If you would like more information out Botcheston WI, or WI in general please contact our secretary on 01455 821228.

Drinking coffee is good for you

DRINKING TWO to three cups of coffee a day may help you live longer.

According to a recent study by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia, coffee can slow down cardiovascular disease.The coffee can be decaffeinated, ground or instant, scientists say They believe that the benefit of the drink comes from chemical in the coffee beans themselves, regardless of the caffeine present.

Changes to opening times at waste sites

AUTUMN and winter opening times changed from Saturday 1st October.

The seasonal change in opening hours for Leicestershire’s recycling and household waste sites came into effect at the start of this month.

From Saturday 1st October to 31 March, autumn and winter opening times will apply, with all county council waste site opening times changing to 9am to 4pm, on the days they are open. Last entry will be at 3.55pm.

• Sites at Lount, Lutterworth, Melton, Mountsorrel and Whetstone are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

• The Barwell, Coalville, Loughborough, Market Harborough, and Oadby sites are closed on Thursdays and Fridays.

• Shepshed is closed Sunday to Wednesday.

• The Bottesford site is open two days per week every two weeks.

• The Kibworth site is currently closed for redevelopment work and the Somerby site is also closed until further notice due to ongoing staff shortages.

LINGDALE

WINTER FAYRE

Thursday 3rd November 6-9pm at Lingdale Golf Club, Joe Moore’s Lane, Woodhouse Eaves, Loughborough, Leics.LE12 8TF. Free entry and parking with a raffle raising funds for Rainbows.

Browse amongst stalls selling a range of lovely goods and confectionery. The bar will be open serving drinks and snacks.

Dear Friends,

October is a time of autumn colours, conkers, rosehips… so perhaps it’s appropriate that a saint who loved nature, Francis of Assisi, has his feast day on 4th October.

His “Canticle of the Sun”, translated and paraphrased, has become our well-known hymn, “All creatures of our God and King”. Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Sii” takes its name from the first phrase of that Canticle: he is indeed, in that sense, a saint for our times.

But maybe Francis also says something important through his prayer which has become known as the hymn “Make me a channel of your peace”. It asks that where there is hatred, we may bring love, where there is injury, pardon, where there is darkness, light, and where there is sadness, joy. It also asks that we might console, love and understand others, before we seek consolation, love or understanding.

In our divided world today, this is a powerful message. It’s often been said that our late Queen could unite people- by being politically neutral, but also by her attitude of loving service. May we, like St Francis, like the Queen, be people who unite others by our love, our empathy, our light and our joyGod’s love alive in us.

Judith Lincoln

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

FB Markfield Methodist Church

Local Church Services

DATE CHURCH TIME SERVICE

16 October 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield

10.30am CTIM at St Wilfred’s Coalville

St Peter's, Copt Oak 3.00pm Holy Communion

St Peter's, Thornton 10.30am Morning Prayer

St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am J22 Worship with Holy Communion

23 October 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield 6.00pm Holy Communion

St Peter's, Copt Oak 6.00pm Holy Communion

Annointing Service

St Peter's, Thornton 10.30am Holy Communion

St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am ‘Something Different’ service

30 October 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield 10.30am Benefice Service to held at St Peter’s Thornton

St Peter's, Copt Oak 10.30am Benefice Service to held at St Peter’s Thornton

St Peter's, Thornton 10.30am Benefice Service to held at St Peter’s Thornton

St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon 10.30am Benefice Service to held at St Peter’s Thornton

6 November 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield 10.30am J22 Worship with Holy Communion

St Peter's, Copt Oak 6.00pm Holy Communion

St Peter's, Thornton 10.30am All Age Service

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

Catholic Church Of St Wilfrid Of York 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB 01530 832098

CHANGES TO MASS TIMES

AND VENUES FROM SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER ONWARDS –Amalgamation of Parishes

Sunday Masses: Saturday 6 pm – Holy Cross Church Whitwick*

Sunday 9 am – St Wilfrid’s Church, Coalville

Sunday 11 am – Holy Cross Church, Whitwick*

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

Weekday Masses:

Monday 10 am St Wilfrid’s Parish**

Tuesday – No Mass

Wednesday 10 am Holy Cross Church

Thursday 10 am St Wilfrid’s Parish

Friday 10 am – Holy Cross Church

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

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

Parish Contact:

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

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

School Details:

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

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

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

Churches Together in Markfield United Services

Sunday 16 October at 9 am at St Wilfrid’s RC Church, London Rd, Coalville LE67 3JB.

Sunday 13th November at 10.50 am

Remembrance Sunday War Memorial at St Michael’s Church, the Green, Markfield

Markfield Village Contact: Margaret on 01530 243292

Thornton Christmas Tree Festival at St. Peter’s Church, Thornton Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December “Colours of Christmas”

FOLLOWING the success of past Christmas Tree Festivals at St Peter’s Church, Thornton, the Friends of St. Peter’s (FOSP), are organising their fourth Christmas Tree Festival at the church.

It will be open to the public over the weekend of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December (50p entrance per adult, with refreshments available for a small charge). All money raised will go towards the maintenance of this lovely 14th century listed building.

Would you like to bring, decorate and exhibit a tree and be part of this event? We do hope so! There will be prizes in various categories and an impressive and colourful display of trees will make the Carol Service even better than ever.

The theme of the Festival is “Colours of Christmas”, so all you need to do is to take your inspiration and decorate a tree based on topics associated with Christmas colours.

How to enter

If you would like to participate, please let us know by contacting Sue Bakewell on 01530 231625, Mary Gibson by email on baba.gibson@ yahoo.co.uk, or Shirley Garlick on 01530 230422 or email shirley. garlick19@btinternet.com

Entry forms will be available shortly.

*Please note: Battery-operated lights only please (no electrical leads/ cables). Trees up to 1m (38”) high will be displayed above floor level on boards, ledges etc: all trees over 1m high will be displayed on the floor Day/time to bring your tree to church to decorate

St. Peter’s will be open for preparations on Friday 9th December, 2pm7pm for you to bring your tree into the church and decorate it.

You will be allocated your space on arrival. If you need to come outside of those times, please contact Sue Bakewell to arrange a mutually convenient time: E-mail: suembakewell@gmail.com or telephone: 01530 231625.

Day/time to take down

from St. Peter’s

St. Peter’s will be open on Tuesday 13th December, 2pm - 7pm for you to take down and remove your tree. If you need to come outside of those times, please contact Sue; email suembakewell@gmail.com or telephone 01530 231625 to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Alternatively, you may leave your tree in the church for the Christmas services and collect after Christmas – contact details to arrange this are as above.

Markfield Community and Sports Centre News

A Tribute to The Queen

IT IS STILL hard the believe that only a few months ago we were celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and that she has now sadly passed away.

Having read the heartfelt tributes that villagers have written in the book of condolence which we had at the Centre during the period of National mourning we sincerely echo all the sentiments of love, respect, memories and thanks expressed to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We now all wish King Charles III and his Queen Consort all the very best for the future and long may he reign over us.

It is hard not to walk past the Celebration Silver Birch tree that was planted on the Community Park to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee without having fond memories of her. By the way the tree, despite the extreme hot and dry weather this summer, is thriving and has

The Queen’s platinum jubilee celebration Sunflower Challenge

OUR THANKS go to all those people who entered our Jubilee sunflower challenge and thank you for the photographs.

It is amazing that you managed to grow your sunflowers through the hot dry weather as my own effort shrivelled up in the heat despite watering. Our winner in the community is Susan Heath whose plant produced not one but three flowers. Members of the Mayflower Club really took the challenge to heart but the winner at the Club has to be Shirley who grew a gigantic flower. It was so big she had to get a saw to it in order to cut it down and be able to use the hundreds of seeds it produced. Well done everyone who took part no matter how successful you were. It’s the taking part that counts and all your efforts raised over £100 to support the Ukraine Emergency Appeal.

Help save someone’s life

WOULD YOU know how to save someone’s life?

Would you know how to use an AED (Defibrillator) or give someone CPR (Resuscitation)?

Would you have the confidence to act in an emergency?

The East Midlands Ambulance Service are offering free training where they will demonstrate how to

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

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

It would be useful if you could pre-book your place on the either of the above by dates by contacting us by email to markfieldcommunitycentre@ hotmail.co.uk or ringing the Centre on 01530 242240.

Community First Responders

WHEN YOU ring 999 you will want a quick response from the emergency services.

Did you know that there is a team of volunteers who work alongside the fulltime ambulance crews whose aim is to attend 999 calls in their local community to help you in time of need.

Volunteers respond in their own time, often from home. Community First Responders are often first on the scene to medical emergencies and deliver lifesaving treatment before their full-time colleagues from the Ambulance Service arrive. The 999 Control desk will send the volunteers to cardiac arrests, unconscious casualties, chest pains, patients struggling to breathe and other conditions where every minute counts.

Community First Responders come from a variety of backgrounds, not all work fulltime as medical professionals, but they are highly trained to respond to a patient in time of need.

There are Community Responder teams throughout the region. Our local responder team is the National Forest Responders who attend on average a 1,000 calls a year.

If you would like to know more, or would consider becoming a Community First Responder please go to:

• National Forest - Ambulance Responders (nationalforestresponders.org.uk) or

• Community First Responders – East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (emas.nhs.uk)

Mayflower Club

THE LAST MONTH was once again busy for our members.

On the 31st August we had lunch at The Bull’s Head in Abbots Oak. About 30 of us went along and it was great to all get together and have a natter over a lovely pub lunch. During the lunch we had a free raffle with prizes coming from left over money we had raised during the year. Our thanks go to Helen and Carole for arranging the lunch and of course the staff at the Bull’s Head for looking after us so well.

On the 14th September Carrie Johnson came along to give us a very interesting talk on the Light Bulb Project. This project is all about supporting people with dementia enabling them to stay in their homes for as long as possible. Carrie showed us a whole range of products and gadgets that can help people in their homes ranging digital reading magnifiers, automatic pill dispensers, safe kettles and a whole host of other useful items. If you have a relative or friend who would benefit from such support, please visit the Light Bulb Project website or contact us, you will be amazed as to what help is out there.

The name Jack is still a popular name. It is not quite sure how the name originated but it seems to come from medieval times and may have been derived from the name John. Perhaps you don’t realise just how many common English language words and phrases contain the name Jack. There are nursery rhymes, children’s television programmes and famous people who have the name Jack.

HERE’S A CHALLENGE FOR YOU – see how many you can think of. We came up with at least 38 and included them in a picture quiz called Jack the Lad. I must say that our members did really well with the highest score being 37. I will give you the answers in the next edition of the Herald. We are now planning the sessions for the coming months and so far, it will include Monty’s Guitar Music Session, a Halloween Party, Guy Fawkes “Day at the Races”, Coping with Arthritis, Memories of a Teenager in the 1960’s and Christmas Decoration Making.

We are often told stories of people living in the village who are feeling lonely depressed and cut off from the world. The Mayflower Club may be the answer for you. Many of our members have suffered the same feelings but, by coming along to the Mayflower Club, it has made such a difference. They have met new friends, enjoyed the activities we have put on and, they will tell you, it is somewhere nice to go to and look forward to each week. If you are in this position or know someone who is, please don’t stay home alone. Give the Mayflower Club a go and you will find it friendly and most welcoming and of course it is somewhere nice and warm if you are struggling with heating bills.

Mayflower Sessions are as follows:

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

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

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

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

Markfield Good Neighbour’s Scheme – Donations For Food Bank

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

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

National Blood Service

When I’m lying on my deathbed, my one big regret will be that I’m lying on my deathbed.

The Amazing Mister Mittens

Toby Daniels was annoyed that he had to go next door and feed Mrs Withershaw’s cat. His neighbour would be in hospital for a whole week having a hip replacement. The boring chore would make him late home from school, and that meant ten minutes less computer games.

Mrs Withershaw’s seemed like the usual sort of pet, but by the third day of caring for it Toby wasn’t so sure. Yesterday he had left a dirty bowl next to the sink yet today the bowl had been washed and placed on the draining board.

When he was sure Mister Mittens cat had finished his dinner Toby gently picked him up and placed him on the counter.

“Show me how you turned on the tap, Mister Mittens,” Toby whispered in the cat’s ear. Mister Mittens began licking his paws enigmatically, clearly in no mood for performing.

This was not the first time something unusual had happened. On the first day, Toby had knocked over a pile of newspapers. By the next day the papers were piled up neatly again. In fact as Toby walked in, the cat was curled up asleep on top of them. Toby wondered if all cats were as amazing as Mister Mittens.

He decided to ask his Mother. Mrs Daniels seemed genuinely surprised about how clever Mister Mittens was.

“What a very considerate cat,” she agreed.

Over the following days Mister Mittens, while being left home alone, somehow put the empty tins of cat food into the recycling, swept up scattered cat litter and mopped up a puddle of milk next to the fridge.

It began to rain the day before Mrs Withershaw was due to come home from hospital, and the rain continued into the evening. Mrs Daniels noticed that Toby kept glancing nervously out of the living room window.

By Jackie Brewster

“Something wrong Toby dear?” she asked finally. “I’m worried about next door,” Toby said. “I noticed a leak in Mrs Withershaw’s back porch, and if this rain carries on she’s going to have a big puddle there when she gets home. She could slip over and ruin that brand new hip.”

“Oh dear.” Mrs Daniels pretended to read her magazine while watching her son out of the corner of her eye. “What is there to be done about it?”

It amazed and amused her that Toby still hadn’t realised that she had been going round to Mrs Withershaw’s every morning to tidy up the mess he’d made. She was seeing another side to Toby emerging as he cared for that old cat, so she was more than happy for Mister Mittens to take all the credit.

Toby made up his mind and went into the hall for his coat.

“I’m going back there now to put a bucket under it,” he said decisively.

“That’s very thoughtful of you,” Mrs Daniels said, delighted that her son was finally learning to be considerate. Then, unable to resist, she added, “But won’t Mister Mittens do it?”

“Honestly Mum!” Toby sighed, zipping up his coat. “You can’t expect a cat to think of everything.”

Letter Stop lorries getting stuck - Sept. Herald

THE MAJORITY of lorries out on the roads today have specialist navigation tools (SatNavs) that are designed for HGVs and LGVs. But these don’t help when the driver is required to deliver to a village or out in the sticks.

With reference to the lorry in Bristol that blocked the road for 15 hours, the driver shouldn’t have been down there but he had been diverted there by the authorities as the road he should have been using was closed and he couldn’t turn around. The accident only happened because of a large branch that caught his load.

Truck drivers don’t want to get stuck, but unless you are there at the time, you have no idea why they do. There was an incident the other week when an HGV driver had been stopped by a car that refused to move, because the driver of the car said he shouldn’t be there as it was a narrow road.

The HGV driver was delivering to a school, and the school was up the narrow road. The driver of the car held the lorry up for 30 minutes, until a local man told the car driver to move as it was him that was causing an obstruction, and if he had let the lorry go, there wouldn’t be a hold up.

What you have to remember is that they are doing a job and don’t have it as easy as people think. They don’t want to be held up on site, or anywhere else.

Please have a little consideration for the lorry driver.

There are good and bad drivers - both car and HGV.

Blasting at Cliffe Hill quarries to continue until at least 2042

AS REPORTED in the Leicester Mercury, mineral blasting at a Leicestershire quarry will continue until at least 2042 after a request to extend its operating period was approved.

The proposal was submitted by Midland Quarry Products Ltd (MQP) for its operations at Cliffe Hill, in Stanton Under Bardon, near Coalville. Mineral blasting at the quarry had been due to end in 2032, but North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) approved a 10-year extension. The new deal applies to both the old and new quarries at Cliffe Hill, which straddle the village of Stanton Under Bardon and are linked by a tunnel.

The complex is split in two, with New Cliffe Hill Quarry closer to Bardon Hill and the area’s Amazon warehouse, and Old Cliffe Hill Quarry close to junction 22 of the M1 motorway and the village of Markfield. The deal means work can carry on for longer at both. Restoration of the land is also extended by the deal, with that work now ongoing until December 2044.

Andy

Sir Keir Starmer (pictured above) had a good week, and by the time I got home, Labour was enjoying a 33% lead in the polls – numbers not seen since a fresh-faced Tony Blair arrived on the scene.

I managed to grab a quick chat with Keir. The sight of an undercover police officer whispering into a concealed microphone as we talked suggested that things are getting serious. The police marksmen on the roof of my hotel and a gun boat lurking on the Mersey provided a further reminder that as power gets closer, the risks increase. I was grateful that the police were keeping a close watch on things. On a brighter note, the conference season is a great opportunity to meet with friends. I sat down with Cllr Amanda Hack, the Labour Group Leader at County Hall, for a catch up on developments in Leicestershire.

County deal dissected

THE AGREEMENT of a devolution deal between Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire was confirmed in August.

The deal, which is underpinned by a settlement worth around a billion pounds over 30 years, will result in these areas being grouped as a combined authority led by a single elected mayor. The non-inclusion of Leicester and Leicestershire has prompted claims that the deal was blocked by the Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby. Amanda dismissed this as trouble making by political opponents ahead of next year’s local elections. The accusations are being repeated around the county. Here’s the other side of the story.

Most of the deprivation in the Midlands is to be found in cities like Leicester. I am not dismissing the hardship that can be found in some parts of the county, but it’s a sobering fact that 147 neighbourhoods in the city sit in the bottom half of the English deprivation league table, compared with

just 20 here in Bosworth. Furthermore, in a landscape where local councils have been hammered by more than a decade of austerity, it’s no surprise that limited resources are directed towards those in greatest need.

A thriving city

TURN BACK the clock to before 1997 when Leicester split from Leicestershire.

The city often came off worse because of decisions taken at County Hall. That’s why Leicester went ‘Unitary’ and then agreed to have an elected City Mayor – sweeping away a lot of bureaucracy in the process. Since then, Leicester has thrived. Look around the city – a new shopping centre, new football stadium, new theatre, new arts centre, new hotels, and new housing are part and parcel of the Labour-led inner-city regeneration.

Returning to Leicestershire, let’s examine the facts. The Conservatives have dominated almost every level of government for decades – at County Hall, in most of the District Councils, in the Parish Rooms and, since 2010, at Westminster too. The Conservatives have held all the cards and yet Leicestershire remains underfunded despite this stranglehold on power Since 2010, county budgets have been stripped of £230 million. This explains why things like social care services struggle to cope and road safety concerns are ignored.

Every version of the ‘Deal’ that emerged during the negotiations left Leicester worse off. This was the verdict of the independent research organisation, Centre for Cities:

“The East Midlands Devo Deal will make levelling up more difficult… and will potentially create more problems than it solves.”

Perhaps Leicester and Leicestershire have had a lucky escape?

And finally…

I’M NOT SAYING the status quo is working, the county as we know it today has existed within broadly the same boundaries since Norman times.

It first gets a mention in the Domesday Book in 1087. So, here’s an idea. Leicester is too small. It needs room to grow; that’s why the city can’t achieve its housebuilding targets. Has the time come to redraw the boundaries?

Maybe we need an arrangement that reflects the social and economic needs of the next generation growing up in the area that we currently call ‘Leicestershire’, not a throwback to William the Conqueror!

Finally, returning to the attacks on Leicester’s Mayor. I can only observe that if Peter Soulsby is so smart that he’s outwitted County Hall and three successive Prime Ministers, then maybe we need more politicians like him out here in the county – at least he gets things done!

Christmas Craft Fayre

Saturday 19th November

10 am to 2.30 pm

Thornton Community Centre

Main Street, Thornton

Craft Stalls, Christmas Gifts, Cakes, Martin’s Quiz, Raffle, Tombola, Bric-a-Brac, Games, Refreshments, Lunches and lots more

Admission 50p

Children under-14 free if accompanied by an adult

Special Guest ~

FATHER CHRISTMAS

Christmas Fair in Copt Oak

ST PETER’S CHURCH, Copt Oak invite you to their Christmas Fair on Saturday November 5th, 10am-2pm in The Copt Oak Memorial Hall, Whitwick Road, Copt Oak LE67 9QB.

There will be a variety of craft and gift stalls and refreshments will be available.

Admission is Adults: £1, children free. Come along for some early Christmas shopping!

Enjoy a Quiz?

The National Forest Quiz hold a quiz on the last Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. at the Railway Pub, Ashby Road, Moira.

Teams of up to four. Entry free (donations to Macmillan Cancer welcome). Friendly atmosphere.

Further details can be found by emailing nfql@live.co.uk or visit the National Forest Quiz League Facebook page or ring Steve Holden 07984 870962

October’s will be on Tuesday 25th October

HERALD SMALL ADS

• MOBILITY SCOOTER - Excel

Excite 4 ‘Galaxy’. Two new 85ah batteries and solid tyres fitted. Head lights, indicators and in good condition.

Price: £750 o.n.o. Tel: 07388 844276 (Markfield)

• Genuine Kickers MEN’S LEATHER COAT Size XL Hardly Worn. Price: £100 ono. Tel: 07885 296828

• Dark Red LEATHER ARMCHAIR. Hardly used. Price: £20. Tel: 07773 186055 (Groby)

• 3/4 size ELECTRIC BED with MATTRESS. Excellent condition Price: £150.00. Tel: 07502 339576 (Markfield)

• Hand Made COPPER CHIMNEY BREAST CANOPY, Width 64cm at base and 97cm height, £25.00, can deliver locally.

• Rukka all weather MOTORCYCLE RIDING SUIT, size Euro 54, as new condition, £20.00.

• Frank Thomas Leather MOTORCYCLE JACKET, Black / Yellow, as new, UK size 42, £25.00 Tel 0116 287 6715 (Groby)

• APOLLO Integer Hybrid SPORT BICYCLE in Blue & White. Shimano 7-speed equipped with 21 gears and made of lightweight aluminium, 18” frame. It has a Pannier fitted. Good working order but needs some TLC hence the price. Price: £50.00.

Tel: 07429 341971 (Markfield)

• CHILDREN’S BOOKS - all over 50 years old. 10 Enid Blytons, 8 comic annuals, 2 Rupert annuals, 1 Jungle Book, 3 annual encyclopedias. Best offers.

Tel: 07794 612335 (Groby)

• Panasonic 50 inch FLATSCREEN TV, good condition. Price: £75.00 Tel: 0116 232 1960 (Glenfield)

• BATH WITH JACUZZI, taps, panel and shower door. Offers.

Tel: 07436 016191 (Markfield)

• BLUE BRICKS - approx. 200. Price: £120.00

• THERMALITE BLOCKS (100mm)approx. 60. Price: £60.00

• RSJ - 6” x 3½” by 7’9” long. Price: £20.00.

• A good few 3” secondhand BLUE BRICKS - offers.

• SEWER/STORM FITTINGS100mm plastic, mostly bends. Offers. Tel: 01530 231605 (Bagworth)

• Stainless steel GARDEN FORK

AND SPADE. Price: £15.00 each or £25.00 the pair.

• CYCLE SECURITY BAND with lock. Price: £10.00.

• 12-volt LEISURE BATTERY.

Price: £30.00.

• Two bricklayer’s SPIRIT LEVELS900mm long and 1200mm long.

Price: £30.00 each.

Tel: 07514 900530 (Markfield)

• Avanti Electron Barbel TWIN TIP

ROD - new.

• Lineaffe CARP ROD - new.

• Daiwa Sensor CARP ROD

• Intruder Alaska WHIP POLE - new.

• Saracen PIKE ROD

• 3 CARP NETS

• BITE ALARM set

• BIVVY - new

Price: £300.00 o.n.o.

Tel: 01530 245754 (Markfield)

• Wireless HEADPHONES - brand new, in box.

• De longhi COFFEE MACHINEnew, in box.

• Denver Senior PHONE

• Lovely cottage garden PICTURE

• Brand new LOUNGER

Offers invited.

Tel: 01530 249413 (Markfield)

• Manual LOG SPLITTER - never been used.

Price: £10.00

Tel: 07508 723698 (Markfield)

• Ladies GREEN JACKET - Fenwicks, size 14.

• Ladies BEIGE JACKET - M&S, size 16.

• White/black fleck JACKET - M&S, size 16.

Price: £5.00 each.

Tel: 01530 244855 (Markfield)

IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Herald, please SEND DETAILS by post or emailsorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum 8 items please.

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

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

HALLOWEEN

Vintage Classic Car and Bike Meet And Stationary Engine Crank Up

On 30th October 2022

At Little Markfield Farm, Forest Road, Markfield, Leicester, LE67 9UN

Join us at Little Markfield Farm for a road run around the local area; meet at the farm at 10am for a cuppa, before setting off at 11am taking in the local scenery, then returning to the farm.

A carvery meal will be available at the farm on your return see Little Markfield Farm Facebook for menu.

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

All bookings for the carvery by 24th October 2022 please.

To book in and for more information contact Brenda on 07774 047571

Piano Recital

Friday 11th November 7PM. Markfield Methodist Church.

Hungarian Pianist Renata Konyiksca returns to wow us with another amazing performance. Our Church has an intimate setting in which the piano is arranged so that as many folks as possible will be able to see Renata play. Tickets £12 adults, £6 children. Via our website http://www. markfieldmethodistchurch.org or call 07979 607099