September 2014 herald magazine online

SEPTEMBER 2014

Licensee gives back after fight with cancer, raising £3,500!

Overwhelmed by response

Markfield Medical Centre Fund Raising Appeal

Licensees David Landless and Jan Siddons, from The Coach and Horses pub in Markfield have raised a staggering £3,500 for the charity Cancer Research, following Jan’s recent battle with cancer.

£2,500 was raised by Jan, her daughter, two granddaughters, niece and a close friend who participated in the Walk of Life across Leicestershire.

Jan has battled with three different types of cancer over the past 18 months and desperately wanted to give back to the people who have helped her to fight this disease. Feeling strong enough Jan completed the walk in great time and all with a smile on her face.

Customer, Harry Murphy, put on a gig on Saturday evening with some pals and raised £1,000 towards their grand total. The live entertainment was greatly enjoyed by locals and newcomers alike, and a raffle was held to help with donations.

Licensee David said: “After seeing how strong Jan has been, and her wanting to give something back, all of the staff and locals at the pub got behind her to support the fundraising. We have raised a fantastic amount that will help to fund more research and help more people like Jan to fight cancer.”

Markfield course in dry stone walling The county council and the Stepping Stones partnership, which aims to enhance green spaces, are offering NCFE certified courses in dry stone walling.

Dry stones are constructed without using mortar to bind them together - a very skilled craft. On this course, an experienced dry stone waller teaches you all you need to know in this fascinating and important rural skill.

The course is ideal for anyone wanting to develop their construction and maintenance skills this could include conservation students, gardeners and landscapers.

Dates: 20 & 21 September 2014 (2 day course) Location: Markfield Cost: £80 per person, £60 Stepping Stones area (see website for details) To book call: 0116 305 7221 or email: steppingstones@leics.gov.uk

Dr Trzcinski and the partners at Markfield Medical Centre have been overwhelmed by the response to their recent fund raising appeal.

The partners launched the appeal to raise money for a Hyfrecater which is used during minor operations to cauterise and stop blood flow. This machine is used during the removal of moles and skin tags and means that patients can come to the surgery rather than go elsewhere to have these procedures carried out.

The appeal raised nearly £3,000 which means that other vital pieces of equipment can be purchased such as an advanced blood pressure machine which provides a more effective solution for GPs in the prevention of strokes.

Dr Trzcinski commented ‘We have been really touched by the response and generosity of our patients in supporting the surgery to buy this equipment and would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported us.’

The Patient Participation Group (PPG) played a big part

FUNDRAISING: Muj Rahma of Indian Fusion Restaurant, Markfield is pictured handing over a cheque for £300 to Dr Chris Trzcinski of Markfield Medical Centre.

Included in the photograph is Angela Patton, Practice Manager, and members of the Patient Participation Group, Alan Bourne, Angela Berry, Anne Cook, Mary Pepper, June Oakley and Rosie Woodland. in supporting the fund raising appeal, although their main role is to interact with the Doctors and become more involved in the running of the surgery. They do this by providing practical support and improving communication between the practice and its patients.

The PPG at Markfield Surgery is made up of a number of patients as well as medical and administrative staff from the surgery and the local Pharmacist. The group meets four or five times a year and is involved in discussions concerning such things as new Health initiatives, patient views (as shown in the Continued on page 3 ...>

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COMMEMORATION St. Peter’s Church

Sunday 14th September 3.00 – 4.15pm With local stories, original drama, wartime poetry, music & singing - Followed by refreshments Entry free to all, but there will be a retiring collection for the Royal British Legion

I never drink unless I’m alone or with somebody.

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

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

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

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

Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown.

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

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

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

This issue of The Herald is being delivered by The Herald’s team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Sarah Jane, Maureen, John, Lyn, Lily, Ian, Ann, Gill, Sandra, Helen, Don, Jeanie, Jenny, Lauren, Lisa, Daisy, Stacey, Ennyd, Margaret, Ellie, Hannah, Charlotte, Mike, Rowan, John & Sue.

Local author Mick Stidever gets his ‘ramblings’ published Thinking of the agonies some youngsters are currently experiencing awaiting their exam results reminds me of when I passed my ‘O’ level Geography exam, some sixty years ago, and failed everything else.

I continued my education through night school which led me towards the RAF and a subsequent career in electronics.

During this time I had the good fortune to walk and explore many areas of the UK and around the World, from walking the Pennine Way with my son, sharing a horse with a sackful of potatoes at 16,000 feet in the Peruvian Andes, trekking to an eight thousand metre mountain in the Karakoram, visiting the Arctic and Antarctic and to many places inbetween.

Armed with a few sketchy notes and searching my memory banks I set myself the task of recording a few of these trips on paper, eventually completing a book which I produced solely for the interest of my grandchildren and friends. Since then I have been eager to see whether or not I could get the book published.

After travelling down many false alleyways I have finally been successful and a book titled ‘The Ramblings of a Grandad’ is now available through Amazon and Waterstones. I was very fortunate to get a Forward written

by John Merrill, the marathon walker; I quote “The enjoyment of The Ramblings of a Grandad is its diversity.”

My English teacher would be flabbergasted.

Herald readers may find the book of interest; should you have a similar urge to publish something of yours I can only say go for it, the exercise can be very rewarding.

Another book of mine; for those interested in such things, - ‘A Diary of a Woodcarver’ should be available by Christmas.

Any queries/comments would be most welcome at stidev@AOL.com

Mick Stidever Field Head

Markfield Medical Centre from page 1 results of the patient survey) and ways in which the experience of the patients can be improved. For example, as a result of comments in the patient survey, the waiting room chairs were moved to give more privacy for those waiting to be seen. The group helped to organise and run an ‘Open Day ‘ at the surgery where visitors had health checks such as blood pressure or weight measurement and found out about the symptoms and prevention of some common illnesses. Building on the success of this day the group is hoping to hold workshops dealing with conditions such as Diabetes and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and, if possible ,to draw up a list of patients who would be willing to discuss their experiences of a particular condition or illness with a newly diagnosed patient and help inform and reassure them.

The PPG represent the voice of our patients and although the Group has only been running for just under 3 years play a valuable part in ensuring that the surgery is meeting the needs of our patients.

If you are interested in becoming part of the group or would like more information please approach any of the PPG members or Angela Patton, Practice Manager.

... is an opportunity to relax, find peace and 'refl world, with creative suggestions for reading, thin

Trinity Methodist Church

Thursdays 11th Sept 9th October and 13th N

Come for as long as you wish and leave Refreshments will be available. All

Further information: Karen (249829) or R

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak

Harvest Supper and Entertainment With “The Griffin Singers”

Saturday 27th September in church at 7.30pm prompt Tickets £7 Early booking recommended Sue Gammon 244229 Ted Pepper 249101

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If you are interested, please email admin@ ukgasservices.co.uk or call (0116) 2878000.

Cows would live longer if they weren’t made of steak and leather jackets.

4

Spending a rewarding month with little Igor from Belarus Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald

I write this month’s article on the day that we said goodbye to Igor, a seven year old boy from Belarus who stayed with us for the month of August.

VISITING MARKFIELD: The group of children from Belarus who spent a month with local families in the Markfield area in August.

He was with us courtesy of the charity ‘Friends of Chernobyl’s Children’ which is active in our community and has been for a number of years.

I am still not 100% sure why we ended up volunteering to become a host family but having known others who had done so and understanding a little of why the charity operates, we put our names forward and completed all the required checks and formalities to go ahead. It was at this point that I began to get a sense of the huge amount of voluntary work that goes on simply to select the children and get them over here and I was very impressed by those who help organise the local FOCC group which for us was the West Leicester branch, based out of the Markfield Scout Hut. The Friends of Chernobyl’s Children is one of a number of charities that seeks to help those who remain affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which remains the world’s worst and happened way back in 1986. It started in October 1994 when one little Belarussian girl came to stay in Lancashire with Olwyn Keogh MBE, the now Founder / Director of the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children charity. The impact of that first visit initiated the beginnings of the FOCC and the following year 50 children came from Belarus for a four week recuperative visit to East Lancashire. Since then the charity

has grown nationwide and today there are 31 FOCC groups across the country.

Friends of Chernobyl’s Children is a registered charity which devotes its energies to raising funds to bring children, who are at risk, from Belarus to the United Kingdom for a month every year. The charity targets children from orphanages or disadvantaged homes, aged between seven and thirteen. These children are in great need and come from social situations that make it difficult for them to get the care they require at home.

‘Belarus Necklace’ Through direct exposure from the atmosphere and indirect exposure through the food chain, children in the Chernobyl area received a dose of radiation 40 times above permissible levels. The number of incidences of thyroid cancer rose by over 3000 per cent and it is estimated that over the next 1520 years over 40,000 children in Belarus will contract the disease. In Belarus, cancer of the thyroid is so prevalent that the scar left after a thyroid operation is now chillingly referred to as a Belarus Necklace, thus marking them forever as Chernobyl’s victims.

There are so many other radiation related health crises occurring in the region that for the first time in Belarussian history, the death rate is higher, than the birth rate.

In excess of 80,000 children have

reduced life chances due to a disaster of someone else’s making.

The charities aim is to relieve some of this suffering.

Having a child form Belarus was not straight forward. When the children are selected they often start coming at the age of seven which is very young and they also come for 4 weeks (a long time for them to be away from home) as this is felt to be of maximum value to their health and wellbeing.

They are allowed 5 annual visits.

When they first come, they speak almost no English and we of course speak no Russian (the language commonly spoken in Belarus). I did buy myself a ‘Russian for Dummies’ book but this proved a bit of a waste of money telling me how to use the Moscow subway or hand a library book back. The language issue presents a real challenge and apart from a few words, you end up relying more and more on a form a basic sign language and facial gestures. Of real help was ‘google translate’ but it does feel odd conversing through an Iphone.

Fruit and ketchup Another big challenge is the diet and what they will or will not eat. As they were here to get a health boost you want to give them lots of good healthy food but we soon found that Igor had different ideas and apart from fruit and tomato ketchup he was not going to be eating anything healthy. The food issue was at the beginning a struggle and Julie went as far as making traditional Russian dumplings, which I loved but Igor clearly did not. Using trial and error we discovered he loved mashed potatoes, super-noodles, sausages, pastrami and sweetcorn. The saving grace was also his appetite for breakfast cereals (coco pops and honey hoops). He would often have two sometimes three bowls and as these are laden with added vitamins plus the milk we at least assured ourselves of the nutritional benefit of this.

It was fair to say that at times his behaviour could be a challenge.

In particular challenges came in trying to persuade him to have a bath/shower or to clean his teeth, all made so much harder by not being able to communicate through language. His idea of play was also more challenging and the shear array of toys acquired by already having two boys, was at times overwhelming. Still we

Matthew Lay all persevered and found ways of accommodating each other and generally making it a success.

Having another child around was also interesting for our two boys.

We decided to ask our two boys to share a room so Igor could have his own and this seemed to work reasonably well, although I think they felt a little put out at the beginning. Still they got on with it and by the end of the 4 weeks they all seemed to be best friends with an understanding of each other which only children can probably achieve.

The 4 weeks soon flew past and before we knew it, it was time to prepare for Igor to go home. We had had highs and lows during the stay but I definitely think it was worthwhile. During the week he had something different planned for him and the group every day. The volunteer helpers and organisers had thought of everything and prepared well. We also had the help of two interpreters who came over with the group from Belarus.

For me the best moment was when we took a trip out to Anderby Creek on the East Coast. Igor had never seen the sea before and the look on his face when we stepped down onto the beach was brilliant.

Another highlight was going to see the Leicester Lions speedway team perform, courtesy of David Hemsley for which we were very grateful.

It was with a sense of both sadness and joy that we said goodbye to Igor as they departed from the Scout Hut. It was clear that all the hosting families had made emotional connections with these lovely children who at the beginning seemed to have almost come from another world. The children were heading home and they were excited at the prospect of being back with family and friends. I hoped they were all leaving with good memories and an understanding of some the best aspects Britishness, that of compassion and charitable giving.

I saw plenty of that in all those who helped and all those who have made this charity such a success. A little bit of our community is now firmly implanted in the affected lands of Belarus and it is something we can all be very proud of.

I never argue with my wife. I might win, and then there’d be a proper row.

5

Thornton WI News Update Next meeting: Thursday 11th September, 2014 at 7.30p.m. in Thornton Community Centre.

Those of us who love dogs would most heartily agree with the following quotation:- “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself” - Josh Billings We are looking forward to welcoming Ella Tonge to our September meeting to talk to us about the work of “The Dog’s Trust”. The Trust is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK and was previously known as the Canine Defence League.

The National Canine Defence League (NCDL) was founded in 1891 at a meeting during the first Crufts show chaired by Lady Gertrude Stock. The NCDL campaigned against vivisection, unnecessary muzzling and prolonged chaining, as well as providing care for stray dogs. It also campaigned against cruel treatment of dogs by railway companies, who often refused to provide water for dogs. More unusually, in the 1920s, it provided AA wardens with pistols. This was because dogs and other animals were often involved in car accidents, and the pistols were provided to allow the wardens to euthanise the animal as a last resort in the worst cases.

In 1957, the NCDL campaigned against the use of the Russian space dogs in space flight, organising a minute’s silence in honour of Laika, who died in orbit from overheating and stress. In 2003, the NCDL was rebranded as “The Dogs Trust”.

Each year, the Trust cares for around 16,000 dogs at their nationwide network of eighteen rehoming centres. Their proud boast is that no healthy dog is ever destroyed. The Trust also gives preventative veterinary care to dogs belonging to homeless people and assists overseas animal welfare charities by training their staff in best practice.

Our competition should be fun as we will each attempt to draw a dog in ten minutes! I wonder what Ella will make of the resulting works of art?

There will be a BRING & BUY STALL. The Visitor’s Fee is £3 . YOU are very welcome to join us on the night.

Muriel Walker

JOB VACANCY AT A LOCAL, FAMILY RUN BUSINESS We are a local business that provides carpet, upholstery, rug, stone floor, Patio & Driveway cleaning services to our clients throughout the Midlands and are looking to add a person to our team to work three days a week and to learn the technical aspects of the services we provide.

The postition is a varied role that will involve driving to our clients and

carrying out the relevant service or working at our base in Markfield. Ideally you will be a team player and enjoy working with others as well as working on your own initiative. Here's what we are looking for...

We're looking for someone who, after training, can work Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays but we would like you to be flexible with this and we'd like you to be willing to work extra days to provide cover during our busy periods and holidays if required.

Do you have a full, clean driving licence? We are looking for someone that has held a full, clean license for at least 5 years.

Because of our commercial insurance policy for our vehicles that you will be driving you need to be over 25 years of age.

We need you to be willing to learn the different aspects of our business as your tasks will be varied and you'll be expected to work on your own initiative at times.

The ideal person will have excellent mechanical and D.I.Y. skills so you will be able to wield a spanner and mix mortar.

Our clients are the second most important people in our business, after our staff, so we need you to be able to communicate effectively with our clients as well as your team members.

You'll be working in our clients' homes, working alone as well as with your team members so it is vitally important to us that you are trustworthy.

Most of the work we do involves moving large and sometimes heavy furniture and equipment so we are looking for someone who will be able to carry out these tasks safely.

If you think you are a good match then call us on 01530 249 370 and we'll arrange to have a chat.

(Thornton WI President)

Did you hear about the guy who had a personalised number plate BAA BAA? He had a black jeep.

6

Fibre Broadband is coming to Markfield Update from Mike Williams

We are sincerely grateful for all the friendship, thoughtfulness and support shown to John during his illness, and to us his family.

Back in 2011 I asked you to register your interest on the BT website for Fibre broadband.

Superfast Leicestershire is a project to bring fibre broadband to as many premises in Leicestershire as possible. It is a partnership between the county council, the district and borough councils, economic bodies, and voluntary and charity organisations who want to achieve this.

Their website is http://www. superfastleicestershire.org.uk/ Leicestershire County Council is investing £4m in this project. £1.1m has been allocated by the District and Borough Councils, with an additional £3.3 million coming from Government and £1.2 million from the European Union. BT is also contributing £8.3 million towards the overall cost of the Superfast Leicestershire deployment.

There have been several meetings at county hall which I have attended so that I can keep you informed.

Good news; finally we have an FTTC “Ready For Service” (RFS) date for our exchange of 31-Dec2014. The Sam Knows website at http://www.samknows.com/ broadband/exchange/EMMKFIE confirms this. I understand that the data for this web site comes directly from the BT database, so it should be accurate.

What will be happening is that BT will install new fibre cabinets near the existing cabinets. BT will

In memory of John Preston

Thank you Markfield.

Love

Lindsey, Georgia and Will then connect the new cabinets to the exchange with fibre optic cable as shown below. This effectively reduces the length of copper wire the broadband signal has to travel over, thus giving us the increased speeds. (Diagram from http://www. thinkbroadband.com/guide/fibrebroadband.html) Some of the houses nearer the exchange are not connected via the old cabinets; these require the installation of a stand-alone cabinet (i.e. not paired with an existing cabinet). These will probably be last to be installed, as they require extra work.

There are two sizes of fibre cabinet as shown below.

The new fibre cabinets are easy to spot as they will be a) freshly painted and b) have ventilation slots c) possibly have a brightly coloured sticker on them advertising fibre broadband.

Huawei large cabinet with two doors pictured (on right) next to old cabinet, maximum capacity is approx. 288 lines.

Huawei small cabinet with one door capacity is approx. 96 lines.

I will be updating my wordpress blog at http://fibre4markfield. wordpress.com/ with any updates.

Please feel free to post any comments.

Mike Williams

CLA urges the public to ‘stop using dangerous sky lanterns’ The CLA (Country Land & Business Association) has responded to the newly announced code of practice for sky lanterns by calling on the public to refrain from using them.

The organisation said while the code of practice is a step in the right direction, the only way to completely reduce the many dangers posed by sky lanterns is for the public to cease using them.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “We have campaigned for many years on the dangers posed by sky lanterns and while the new code of practice will go some way in controlling their use, they remain a serious fire hazard.

“These flying bonfires endanger the lives of grazing livestock while their burnt out remains are hazardous to wildlife and create unnecessary litter.

“We urge the public to think twice about the implications of releasing a naked flame with no control over where it will land. Without an outright ban, it is up to the public to do the right thing and stop using dangerous sky lanterns.”

Do YOU have storage space going spare?

The LOROS Fundraising Department are desperately searching for a new home to store their event props and equipment due to the changing ownership of their current premises.

LOROS have an event calendar full to the brim with fundraising activities ranging from, golf days, to dog walks and fireworks to luncheons. Over time the LOROS Fundraising Department have come to “collect” a large amount of event props and infrastructure which helps them to put these events on and ultimately and keep costs to a minimum by not having to outsource.

Do you currently have an empty space that LOROS could utilise?

Ideally the new premises would be within a three mile radius of the Hospice (Glenfield, Leicester) and would be on the ground floor. The space would be a minimum of 70 square metres and would allow for free standing racking to be erected.

Please contact LOROS Fundraising on 0116 2318431 or e-mail fundraising@loros.co.uk if you feel you may be able to help or require any further information.

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

I took my car for a service last week. It was a real struggle getting it into the church.

8

I was a man trapped in a woman’s body. Then I was born.

9 Macmillan Coffee Morning - 26th Sept 2014 Bagworth Community Centre There are currently 2 million people living with cancer in the UK. By 2030 there will be 4 million.

One in three of us will get cancer and for most it will be the toughest thing we ever face. That is the time when you need a team of inspiring people in your corner with you.

The Macmillan team provide medical, emotional, practical and financial support and give you strength and energy to face the fight and get through it.

Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event is ‘The Coffee Morning’ where people across the UK are asked to hold a coffee morning for people living with cancer. In 2013 a record £20 million was raised.

Bagworth Community Centre will be holding a coffee morning in support of The Macmillian Team on Friday 26th September between 10a.m. & 1 p.m. at their newly refurbished centre.

Everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy a coffee/tea and slice of cake amongst friends. There will be craft stalls, raffle, book sale, bric a brac etc.

Entry is £2 per person which includes 50p donation to The Macmillan Team, hot drink and cake. All proceeds of the day to the Macmillan Team.

Contact Karen Prime - 01530 230573 karen.prime1@btinternet.com

MUSIC CAFÉ at Markfield Methodist Church MUSIC CAFÉ is a new venture based on an afternoon of joining in with a variety of musical activities.

These will include sing-alongs – but humming or whistling is acceptable! – listening to music, quizzes etc. and the occasional guest performance. We hope to create an informal café setting where there will also be plenty of time to chat over a cup of tea.

We will meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 2 till 4 o’clock and the charge is £1 each session. Transport can be arranged.

So, don’t be on your own. If you fancy an afternoon out, a change of scenery and the opportunity to meet new friends, why not come along and give it a try? The first meeting is on Thursday, September 25th. You will be most welcome.

For more information telephone 01530 242607

Want to stay ten years fitter than someone else your own age?

Get a dog. Dog owners over the age of 65 have the same fitness levels as someone a decade younger.

In fact, some researchers suggest that public health officials should even introduce ‘dog loaning’ schemes, to enable more people to benefit from having a pet. Not only do dog owners achieve exercise levels the same as those people 10 years younger, dog owners also have significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression. Blood pressure and heart rate are, on average, lower. As a senior lecturer at the School of Geography and Geosciences explained, “Dog ownership may motivate personal activity and enable older people to overcome many potential barriers such as lack of social support, inclement weather and concerns over personal safety.”

Rain stops play at Redgate Dog Show

Disaster for local animal Sanctuary’s fundraising It was with very heavy hearts that the Staff, Trustees and Volunteers of Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary surveyed the rapidly flooding fields on Sunday 10th August.

The valiant stallholders, activity organisers, café staff and barbecue chefs – our marvellous supporters – who had come along hoping the weather would change, also looked on in disappointment at the sodden marquees and gazebos. But the drizzle turned to a steady shower and then to a blustery storm, so we knew that the muchanticipated 28th ‘Annual Dog Show and Open Day’ would have to be cancelled, leaving a big hole in our funds and a worry over fundraising for the remainder of this year. It was to have been the biggest ever, with stalls and activities filling two fields instead of the usual one. But, alas, Hurricane Bertha dictated it was not to be.

We hope you don’t mind if we make a plea and ask you, if you love animals as much as we do, if there is anything you could do to help us raise ‘new’ funds for our sanctuary, which relies on public donations. Or perhaps you could become a ‘Friend of Redgate’? The waiting list for local animals to be admitted into the sanctuary for care and/or rehoming is always being added to, and we are there to help in emergencies.

We really want to be able to help as many animals as possible.

On the bright side (and we always have to be optimistic with usually about 100 animals to look after!), re-homing is going well with several cats and rabbits being rehomed in the past month, as well as four dogs. We also have some great young volunteers and work experience students from local schools and colleges.

We are also planning for the Big Autumn Dog Walk on Sunday 26th October, a sponsored walk starting at the sanctuary at about 11am (see our website nearer the day for more details). The walk will be followed by a shared lunch of soup, cheese rolls and cake and there will be a small raffle. We are also currently in talks with a local youth organisation about a sponsored bike ride and a children’s dog agility competition (with rosettes!). Please support us if you can. www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk Tel: 01530 243 925 or 01530 230 455 or find us on Facebook.

We will also soon have some news for you about the Redgate Christmas Party in December!

The Age of Revolutions An East Midlands Focus.

Tutor: Dave Taylor— Loughborough WEA Revolution in farming with the coming of new methods: revolution in transport by way of turnpikes and canals, and the beginning of the industrial revolution. All this against the background of political revolution in America and France. The course will examine how all of these impacted on our local area in various ways.

Groby Village Hall; Tuesdays 10.00—11.30am 9 meetings starting 16 September.

Fee for course :£52.00 (discounted £46.80) To enrol phone 01509 268636 or online at https://enrolonlinewea.org.uk/online—for an informal chat phone Dave Taylor 0116 2871895

I got my son a flat piece of cardboard for his birthday, although why he wants an ex-box I’ll never know.

10

Watson's Electrical All Domestic Work undertaken From a Fuse to Full Rewire

Contact Rob on 01530 231770 / 07896 532975

rob@rewireme.co.uk www.rewireme.co.uk

Momentous week for talented local couple Norman Griffiths catches up with Aynsley and Steph Lister It’s natural for newly weds to look happy when they take time off work and jet off somewhere.

Quality Handmade Ironwork 01530-243804

Made to order to your individual design

www.handmade-ironwork.co.uk

When Markfield residents Aynsley and Steph Lister left for Cuba for their honeymoon last month they had another reason to be smiling.

Aynsley had just won two of the five categories he had been nominated for in the annual British Blues Awards, and was named runner up in the three others. The title song from his 2013 album Home won the award for Best Song, and Aynsley also won the Best Songwriter award.

It’s been a long road for the former Groby Community College student and these awards are an important milestone in his career.

The twelve months since the release of Home last summer have been significant for Aynsley and Steph, as the album was the first release on their own record label, Straight Talkin’ Records. This new venture was in addition to the other business services they offered such as an in-house, professional design service for a range of different projects. This includes tour flyers, leaflets and t-shirt design to album covers and full promotional campaign work. Then there’s a website design service, catering for many different styles and providing ecommerce solutions so clients can start selling their products and merchandise.

And with Steph taking over as Aynsley’s manager they also gained the experience to offer Artist Management services.

They can help with booking full tours to providing advice on professional matters, long-term plans and personal decisions.

They currently book venues in the UK, Netherlands and parts of Germany. All this is in addition to a demanding touring schedule which is particularly intense overseas with rarely a day off.

Aynsley also gives guitar tuition and there is even the opportunity to spend the weekend with him and his band for a guitar workshop. After dinner on the Friday evening there’s an evening jam - 2 guitarists at a time getting up to jam with the band. During the rest of the weekend the blues/rock musician, and now award winning songwriter, talks to the group about various aspects of playing and they will get a chance to put any ideas discussed into practice with the band.

As if this isn’t enough the couple have signed a young German to their record label which meant an extra workload in the studio recording his debut album with him. “It’s a different direction to Aynsley and certainly isn’t blues,” said Steph.

Their honeymoon plans meant they weren’t able to attend the awards ceremony but Aynsley said he wished to thank everyone who had nominated and voted for him.

“There were some amazing musicians nominated this year and a lot of my closest friends were in the running, so it’s a real honour to have won two of the awards,” he said.

And their thoughts on their marriage?

“Finally married my best friend... my straight talkin’ woman! The most amazing day ever,” said Aynsley. “It’s been such a fantastic week - two awards, a wedding and a honeymoon!” added Steph.

PICTURED LEFT: The two awards won by Aynsley Lister at the British Blues Awards 2014.

I’ve just plucked my eyebrows. I think they’re out of tune.

11

The Association is encouraging its members to engage with local groups responsible for administering the LEADER programme, which the Government has tasked with delivering the new rural funding on a local level.

CLA Midlands regional director Caroline Bedell said: “With funding still being finalised, there are potentially 15 LEADER groups throughout the Midlands and they all need ideas and suggestions from local farmers and rural business owners as to how the money should be spent. Many are currently conducting surveys, consultations and public meetings, so this is a good time to find out if you have a local group, and how to best contribute.

LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs) are made up of representatives of a local community, including the farming and business sector, who decide which projects should be supported.

Mrs Bedell added: “LEADER is basically a rural funding stream led and driven by those at grass roots in rural communities who have a tremendous track record for delivering projects at a local level.

“Government has now made it clear that jobs and business growth must be the priorities for future funding, so we’re urging farmers, landowners and other rural businessmen to put themselves forward to ensure their interests are represented.”

The European Union has already set out the priority areas for the next round of funding. These are: Micro & small enterprises; farm diversification; increasing farm productivity; rural tourism; forestry productivity; and provision of rural services and heritage.

Anyone who would like further information on their local LEADER programme should contact the CLA Midlands regional office on: 01785 337010 or email: midlands@cla.org.uk

One Hundred Per Cent again!

Students, parents and staff at Our Lady’s Convent School, Loughborough, were again celebrating after the release of the latest GCSE results.

Once again the students have achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate with 88% of students achieving five or more A* to C grades.

We congratulate all of our students on their results. We are very proud of the achievement of each student, they have worked hard and are now ready to embrace the next stage of their educational journey.

Speaking after opening her results Claire Smith said “I’m relieved and so happy with my results.”

Speaking at the same time Katie McCauley said, “I am very, very pleased with my results and I’m looking forward to studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Food, Nutrition and Health at A level.”

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Could you bear to be left alone with your thoughts?

How would you cope with doing absolutely nothing but being alone with your thoughts?

It seems that most of us are unable to switch off, and struggle to spend even brief periods of time alone, with nothing to do but think or daydream. In a research study situation, people who were deprived of access to music or smartphones even preferred to give themselves mild electric shocks rather than simply sit still and think for 15 minutes.

The study was published in the magazine ‘Science’.

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Farmers urged to secure a share of rural funding

A Warm Welcome Awaits All At Our Family Friendly Pub And Restaurant Food Served Daily With Offers Throughout The Week

MONDAY: 2 For 1 On All Grills

WEDNESDAY: 2 Main Meals And A Bottle Of Wine For £20

SATURDAY: Kids Eat Free When An Adult Has A Main Meal

SUNDAY: Selection Of Roast Meats Served With Homemade

Yorkshire Pudding And All The Trimmings

Old Thatched Inn

Stanton Under Bardon LE67 9TQ

Tel: 01530 243976

My grandma says she has eyes in the back of her head. I hope it’s not hereditary.

12

Garden Jottings with Ted Brown of Markfield

Herbs I read a useful tip in a newspaper recently.

Because of its spreading habit, many of us grow Mint in large containers. Sometimes the middle becomes a little bare with the outsides pressing against the pot sides. Solution: take the whole lot out of the pot and with a saw or large knife cut into two.Then repot place the two outsides into the centre of the container.

Lavender Now is a good time for trimming back Lavender.

Also, if wished, some of these pieces could be used to make cuttings. I know that Lavender is often stated as suitable for low hedges. I love Lavender, but would always be doubtful of its suitability for this, having seen so many gaps in established rows.

Even our so-called English Lavender (actually from warmer climes) can be vulnerable in a severe Winter. But always plant Lavender - no garden should be without it.

Viburnum Davidii

best varieties is Citrus x Meyeri ‘Meyer’.

Pick one fresh to grace your Gin and Tonic!

I have mentioned before that so called common shrubs should never be despised as they have become popular because they are so very good. But always choose good forms.

In Spring, look around at Forsythias. Some are covered in flower almost right down to the ground; others where flowers are limited to the top few inches. Check the Plant Finder to choose varieties awarded RHS awards of merit.

Always popular both as garden plants for colour and as cut blooms.

The Seed Search Whereas the Plant Finder is well known, less so the Seed Search.

Very useful, particularly for locatingmore unusual seds. My copy is now quite old. Whether Karen Platt (the originator) is still updating the editions I cannot say.

This is one of the best small evergreen shrubs.

Super corrugated foliage, white flowers and blue berries on female plants. A male plant is needed for pollination. Sadly, plants on offer are rarely labelled as to sex. Some nurseries do separate male and female plants and some of these are listed in the Plant Finder.

Lemons If you are wishing to grow a lemon - and it must be inside the house or a warm greenhouse - one of the

Kaffir Lilies

Common Shrubs

Scabious

There is still time to sow Parsley (preferably again in a large pot) for Winter use. May be placed near the kitchen for convenience. I prefer the curly-leafed type, although the plain-leafed one has a reputation for better flavour.

I have been surprised at some of the new colours in addition to the ordinary whites and blues. Try Hayloft Plants for a good selection ring 01386 554440 for a catalogue.

This is the name by which gardeners know this lateflowering, mostly red plant.

The correct name has been Schizostylis - difficult to both say and spell. It will remain Kaffir Lily although the word is rather offensive in Southern Africa.

Now, however, Scizostylisis well and truly out and the correct name is Hesperantha Coccinea.

How gardeners hate these name changes!

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0116 275 0101 (home) 07880 973 742 (mobile) I’m reading a very unusual murder mystery. It seems the victim was shot by a man from another book.

13

News from Cross Hills Baptist Church

Walkway down to the Reservoir

Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area Awesome Holiday Club in August

Olive Branch Support Club

This year’s Awesome Holiday Bible Club at Cross Hills Baptist Church was a great success, enjoyed by children and leaders alike.

This is organised by our Parish Nurse and is usually held on the 1st Monday of each month at Cross Hills Church from 2pm to 4pm.

Although there were slightly fewer children this year, due to other events being held at the same time in the local area, those that were there shared lots of fun and laughter and enjoyed crafts, games, memory verses, puppets, singing and lots more.

You should be able to find more about this year’s Holiday Club and some photos in a separate item in this month’s Herald. Why not see if the children can spot themselves in our photos!

Don’t forget we hold a Sunday Club every Sunday at Cross Hills for children of all ages – it’d be lovely to see some Awesome members there (and their parents too)!

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal Cross Hills Church will as usual be collecting filled shoeboxes for this 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 it includes a label for the outside. The leaflets will be available soon, or for further information please ring Glynis or David Straw on the number below. If anyone has any surplus sturdy shoeboxes (not boot boxes) that they could spare, please let us know and we can arrange to get them from you.

You can see short films about the journey of the shoeboxes at www. operationchristmaschild.org.uk

There are various activities and often visiting speakers. Please contact Vera on her number below for more details and to confirm the dates of each meeting.

Monthly Informal Prayer Meetings These are usually held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at Cross Hills from 9.30 to 11am.

If you need some quiet time or an informal chat and prayer amongst friendly and supportive people, please come along. Coffee, tea, toast and marmalade/jam will be available at the start of each of these meetings so you don’t even need to have breakfast before you come! Contact Garry Kelly (see below) for more details.

Details of our Services are in the Church Service Information section in this magazine. Our Harvest Festival Service is at 10.30am on Sunday 21st September and all the gifts of food together with a special offering will be donated to this year’s chosen charities.

Big Beautiful Beer Garden

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Main Street, Street, Thornton Thornton Tel: Tel: 01530 01530 230808 230808 213 www.bricklayersarms.net www.bricklayersarms.net

Wednesday is

“STEAK NIGHT” 2 Steaks, With Hand-Cut Chips, Peas, Tomato, Mushrooms & Two Glasses of House Wine - £18.95

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

With personal service to your table

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!

Contact Numbers Pastor - Garry Kelly: 01455 457802 / 07816 616189 Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 01455 457802 / 07910 440243 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557

Glynis Straw

Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

I was drinking in town last week, so I took a bus home. It might not sound a big deal to you, but I’ve never driven a bus before.

14

Adult BOXERCISE Classes Thornton Community Centre Starting Monday 8th September at 7.00pm Train like a boxer without being hit Have Fun and Keep Fit

For Details Contact Harry on: 01530 230834 or 07534 657210 www.facebook.com/groups/ BoxerciseThornton/

‘Bespoke Gifts and Unique Crafts in Support of Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation’

Organ Recital on 13th September

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation will be hosting their annual craft fair on Saturday 4th October. Stalls will include handmade jewellery, fabric crafts, watercolours, cards and much more!

I will be giving an organ recital at St Michael’s Church, The Green, Markfield on Saturday 13th September commencing at 7.30pm.

Alan Norman Chief Executive of the Foundation said ‘Come along and browse the individual craft stalls at the Copt Oak Memorial Hall. A variety of stalls will be presenting a selection of interesting, unique handcrafted items. An ideal opportunity to purchase a bespoke gift or treat yourself to something special.’ He added ‘The Foundation’s craft fair will help to raise much needed funds, enabling us to continue and expand the services that we have to offer.’

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation’s Craft Fair will take place on Saturday 4th October from 11.00 am – 3.00pm at Copt Oak Memorial Hall, Whitwick Road, Copt Oak, Leicestershire, LE67 9QB Entry is by suggested donation of £1.00 per adult and 50p per child.

Refreshments and light lunches will be available at Ulverscroft Grange Tearooms, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft between 10.00am and 4.00pm providing an opportunity to enjoy view across the Charnwood Forest and browse for a bargain in the Foundation’s charity shops.

For more information regarding the Craft Fair and details of forthcoming events please contact Helen Baxter on 01530 244914 or email hello@ shuttlewood-clarke.org

Bradgate Flower Club September and October On 3 September Bradgate Flower Club is hosting a Harvest Supper with a presentation on ‘Corn Dollies’ by Judy Marshall of Peatling Magna. As well as demonstrating her skills, Judy will also lead a ‘have a go’ session.

The meeting starts at 7.30 in Newtown Linford Village Hall (LE6 0AE) bring a contribution to the meal. Visitors are welcome - a charge of £5 is made. Details from Lilian Coleman on 0116 2363191.

Bradgate Flower Club meets on Wednesday 1st October for a demonstration by Lynda Stamp of Market Harborough. Lynda’s theme is ‘Nature’s Fantasia’. The meeting starts at 7.30 in Newtown Linford Village Hall (LE6 0AE). Visitors are welcome - a charge of £5 is made. Details from Lilian Coleman on 0116 2363191.

And looking further ahead, our fund-raising Bridge Drive: Newtown Linford Village Hall is the venue for a Bridge Drive on Thursday 13 November - 1.30 for a 1.45 start. The charge of £6.00 per person includes afternoon tea. A donation will be made to Bradgate Flower Club’s 2014 Charity - MacMillan Nurses. Book a table by contacting Sue Howard on 01530 245373.

Geraldine Abbott

This is in support of the Royal College of Organists which was founded 150 years ago to promote training of organists and choral conductors.

There is no admittance fee but a retiring collection.

Programme J.S.Bach (1685-1750) - Toccata And Fugue in D Minor Maria Von Paradis (1759-1824) Sicilienne Mendelssohn (1809-1847) - Sonata 3 (2nd Movement) G.F Handel (1685-1759) - Alla Danza (Water Music) Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) Two Vesper Voluntaries Alfred Hollins (1865-1942) - A Trumpet Minuette Henry Smart (1813-1879) Postlude in C

David Seal

Organist of St Michael’s Church, Markfield.

BADMINTON Friendly Badminton Club requires players at Groby Community College.

Wednesday evenings: 8pm - 10pm.

Tel: 0116 267 5800

As a boy, I ran away with the circus, but the police made me take it back.

15

LETTER

A great weekend of fundraising at the Coach & Horses Herald readers might be interested in a recent fundraising weekend involving the Coach & Horses pub at Field Head.

First, on 26th July, Harry Murphy held a gig at the pub, raising £1,200.

Then the following day, myself, my daughter, my two granddaughters, my niece and a good friend became ‘Team Janma’ in the Race for Life, raising over £2,000 - all for Cancer Research UK. I like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who helped us raise this fantastic amount of money in one weekend.

Jan Siddons

Coach & Horses, Field Head p.s. The Coach & Horses will be hosting the MacMillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 26th September, from 10am onwards. Please come along for a coffee and support this great charity if you can.

Why you feel you need more money Do you feel poorer than you did a few years ago? That is not surprising - it seems that the amount of money a typical family needs to maintain a basic standard of living has risen five times as much as earnings since before the recession, according to recent research.

Markfield Police News Last month there were two burglaries which happened around the same time, one in Stanton Under Bardon and the other in Markfield (attempt).

Please remain vigilant, if you see any suspicious activity then please report via 101. In an emergency then please report on 999.

I am appealing for witnesses to a road rage incident which occurred on the A50 at Groby on 24th July 2014 at 5pm. The incident involved a black Citroen Xantia and a green Volvo. The vehicles were travelling county bound. If anyone has witnessed this incident then please contact me on 101 ext: 5675 and leave a voicemail for PC 4675.

Details for the up and coming beat surgeries are as follows; Markfield (Library) • Sept 5th 3pm • Nov 21st 3pm Stanton under Bardon (Youth Club car park) • Sept 13th 3pm • Oct 11th 3pm • Nov 29th 2pm • Dec 6th 12pm These will be held by PCSO Ed Green, everyone is welcome.

PC 4675 Katie Harris

Nowadays, a couple with two children needs around £40,600 between them to afford a decent, but far from luxurious lifestyle, according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. In 2008 they would have needed just under £28,000 between them to get by to roughly the same standard.

That is an increase of 46 per cent, but it compares with a rise of only nine percent in average earnings in that time. The annually assessed ‘Minimum Income Standard’ is compiled by the Centre for Policy Research.

The best way to remove red wine stains from a white blouse is with a pair of scissors.

16 MARKFIELD CRIME FIGURES 01/06/2014 TO 30/06/2014 Damage x 3: • Ornaments were removed from the rear garden of a property on Bradgate Road and were later found under a nearby hedge and had been damaged.

• A fence panel on Forest Road had been damaged by what looked like a saw.

• A vehicle parked on a driveway on Leicester Road had its window smashed by persons unknown.

Theft from motor vehicle x 3: • 2 sets of number plates were removed from vehicles overnight that were parked on Little Shaw Lane/ Shaw Lane.

• A vehicle parked at the Travelodge had been entered by forced entry and tools were removed from inside.

Investigation is still ongoing.

Anti-social behaviour by youths at the Community Centre and Mayflower Close. Ongoing.

Dedication Service Armed Forces Day Saturday 28th June 2014 at 10.30am - 11am.

The memorial had been completed and Richards Environmental had laid new turf as requested. Hilmarco had kindly donated the bedding plants which had been planted by Mrs A Lay, Mr I Lay and Miss H Murby.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT: Leicestershire Library & Museum Consultation: - This consultation on the 36 community libraries and Snibston has now ended. We await

Extracts from Markfield Parish Council Minutes The following items were among the topics discussed at the meeting of Markfield Parish Council on Tuesday 8th July 2014. The information comes from the unapproved minutes, and therefore may be subject to correction or alteration. the report and recommendations coming from the Conservative administration in both these areas.

It does appear that a report was commissioned by the County Council, denied by the lead member, to look at alternative delivery models for museums.

Recycling Performance: - The Leicestershire Waste Partnership has achieved a combined recycling, reuse and composting performance in 2013 of 53.32%, compared to a performance of 55.46% in 2012.

The forecast for 2014 is predicting a further fall to 51% the drop in performance is due to the change in guidance which has prohibited the composting of mixed wood. This performance still leaves Leicestershire in the top five waste and disposal authorities in the country.

Two fatalities Ratby Lane – There had now been another very serious accident at the junction of Ratby Lane and London Road involving a car and a van, one person was seriously ill and on life support and another with

serious facial and leg injuries.

The clerk had written to Leics County Highways to report the matter of the overgrown hedge adjacent to the highway of Ratby Lane, when exiting the junction of London Road the visibility to the right was obstructed by the hedge.

Mr M Lay had been contacted by the family of the deceased motorcyclist and after some discussion they requested a memorial bench to be placed opposite the junction of Ratby Lane and London Road where the motorcyclist was killed.

After further discussion the Parish Council agreed that the site was not suitable for a memorial bench in the interests of highway safety. The bench would be better sited on the grass verge owned by Groby Parish Council, adjacent to the site, where it could be set well back from the highway.

BOROUGH COUNCILLOR’S REPORT: Bob Jones’ Garage: - Mr J Evans has now purchased the building.

Traffic enforcement: - Mr M

Lay informed the members that a Neighbourhood Officer had attended the site adjacent to the highway along A50 Flying Horse roundabout but there were no vehicles present at the time.

H & BBC future finances: Mr M Lay stated due to a £1.5 million underspend last year the Borough Council was looking into keeping the New Homes bonus in its present format but it still wasn’t clear whether this would be passed onto Parish Councils. However, if the New Homes Bonus was phased out the Parish and Community Initiative Funding would increase. Some Section 106 money was available to the Parish Council from the development of the Co-Op site.

Various planting schemes throughout Main Street and Chitterman Way: The Parish Councillors were very pleased with the appearance of the Parish Council’s planting schemes this year and particularly the hanging baskets.

However the planted area outside of the Bakery and Hairdressers was in need of improvement. The Parish Council would make enquiries regarding taking over/helping with the maintenance of the area.

Car Parking on the Village Green: - The clerk had asked Richards Environmental to place some rocks where the vehicle was parked but they were put in the wrong place. She suggested that a “Heritage Bollard” could be placed there instead which would match the other bollards.

VT15126C004 23-May-2013 7:42

Those push-up bras don’t work. I bought one for my girlfriend, but she can still only do 10 before her arms get tired.

17

A great night of laughter, fun and some snooker!

On Saturday 16th August, legendary snooker champions Steve Davis and John Parrot played at the Leicester Grammar School Hall.

The evening started in the right “frame of mind” with former player and commentator John Virgo entertaining everyone with a series of trick shots ably assisted by several in the audience.

Steve Davis and John Parrott then played doubles with the Leicester City legends Muzzy Izzet and Steve Walsh, followed by a match against two of the Winchester Snooker Club’s academy players.

After the interval Steve Davis took on 7 year old player, Wesley Cooper and then a member of the audience played a match against John Parrott.

The evening finished with a 3 frame match against Indian’s no1 player, Aditya Mehta with Steve Davis winning 2-1.

The auction & raffle raised over £2,700 for LOROS and part to the Paul Hunter Foundation.

The main organiser, Mukesh Parmar, of the Winchester Snooker Club, Wigston said “The audience were thoroughly entertained by all the great players and I am so pleased we raised a significant sum for LOROS and the Paul Hunter Foundation.

Don’t stop now! Keep working!

Elderly people will live longer and be happier if they continue working instead of retiring at 65, the new Government ‘champion’ for older workers has said.

Too many people ‘write themselves off ’ when they are still fit, according to Ros Altmann, a former director-general of Saga. Many people find they miss work because it not only reduces their income, but also gives them less contact with other people.

Working longer, on the other hand, improves people’s health and wellbeing. They don’t waste their talents and experience. If everyone worked just one year longer, it would bring in an extra £16billion, or add one per cent to the economy. “Older workers have a huge amount to bring to any workforce and are a vast, untapped talent in the British labour market... it makes sense for employers to train someone in their fifties, as they are likely to stay on for 10 years.”

A letter landed on my doormat with ‘Do Not Bend’ on it. I thought: How am I going to pick it up?

18

All the latest news from Bagworth Look No Further Looking for a great night out where you can also do a good deed?

Then look no further. Come to the Charity Social Dance at Bagworth Working Men’s Club on Friday 26th September at 8 pm. There will be two sessions of Modern and Sequence dancing as well as a bingo session and a raffle which always has a lot of very good prizes. Cost of the evening is £2.50 (excluding the bingo session). Richard Keeling is providing the music via his keyboards. All of the profits will go to Leicestershire Air Ambulance service, a very worthwhile cause.

Do come along. You can be assured of a very warm welcome and a very friendly atmosphere, not to mention a nice pint of beer kept to the best standard by the Club Steward. In addition you will be supporting a very good cause.

If you can’t wait that long, there is a Social Dance at the Club on Saturday 13th September at 8 pm. The evening will follow the same format as above. Admission on that occasion will be £2.

Bagworth Forward Group The first part of the Twelfth Annual Bagworth Show took place on Saturday 23rd August.

If you were not present, you missed a delightful event. Vegetables, fruits and flowers were included in this part of the Show. There were 55 classes and only one had no entries in it. Of the remaining classes, only eight had less than three entries. The standards were very high. The sizes of the onions, leeks and cabbages were a sight to be seen. Bagworth was introduced, for the first time, to ‘cucomelons’, a cross between a cucumber and a melon. A debate ensued as to whether they were fruit or vegetables.

The Show was held in Bagworth Community Centre with the Front Hall full of exhibits and the Rear Hall full of a wide variety of stalls. A farrier was also present outside demonstrating the shoeing of horses and answering any relevant questions, and some that were not relevant.

A visitor from the other side of the county commented on what a friendly experience is enjoyed by attending the Show. The Deputy Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Mr Keith Nichols, presented the trophies, including the winners of the best allotments and the best small front garden and the best large front garden in Bagworth. The Group were pleased that he was able to attend this event. Mr and Mrs Nichols also took first prize in the raffle, so that was a bonus for them.

The second part of the Show is on Saturday October 4th. This includes cooking and baking, arts and crafts and a children’s section. This will follow the same format. The exhibits will be received into the Front Hall on Saturday morning from 8 am to 10.30 am. At 11.15 the hall will be closed for judging. There are certificates and trophies to be won. Each certificate carries with it a cash prize for adults and rosettes for the children. The Front Hall will be opened for viewing at about 2 pm after the

judging. There will be a wide variety of stalls in the Rear Hall which are open from 1 pm.

Trophies will be presented and exhibits will be auctioned at 4 pm. If you require a schedule for the Show, phone Rosemary on 01530 230347.

The Bagworth Forward Group uses the money raised to enhance the life of the Village. Most of the Planters around Bagworth were purchased and are maintained by this group, as are the spring flowers that grow in the grass verges.

The Group’s present project is on-going and is about providing a village sign, historical signs placed at important points and a trail around Bagworth. The Group, which is small and consists of volunteers, would like to thank all of the people who support their efforts in any way.

Bagworth Community Centre Trust This is another group of volunteers who work to run the Bagworth Community Centre which has recently been refurbished at a cost of a third of a million pounds of Big Lottery money.

The Group was pleased to support the annual Bagworth Show. They are delighted to see the premises being used more and more. The Bowls Club and Bagworth Pre-School are regular users, as are the Drop In group, Angling Bingo and Zumba. More and more parents are choosing to have their children’s birthday parties in the Centre. During the school holidays, The Group were were very pleased that Pamela Miles gained a grant and organised a dance and drama group and a multi-sports session for the over 5s, which were both well attended. The parents of the over 5s decided

Some excellent leeks

to organise a session for the under 5s called ‘Stay and Play’. Hopefully, this can be built on in term time.

During these sessions the Coffee Shop and Tuck Shop were open and staffed by volunteers. This proved to be popular. The Group want to continue to offer this service when Pre-School continues and also maybe at weekends. However, it is a small group of volunteers and they do need more helpers. It doesn’t have to be on a regular basis. They are happy to work around you. Let the group know if you can spare an hour or so in a week.

The group can be found on Facebook and on www. bagworthcommunitycentre.org.uk If you would like to receive the monthly email magazine of what is on at the Centre, then please leave your email address at bookings@bagworthcommunitycentre.org Alternatively, keep an eye on the notice boards and the ‘Herald’.

The Group have just begun Indian Cookery sessions on a Wednesday evening which have proved to be very popular and tasty. On Wednesday 3rd September a Yoga Group is beginning in the Rear Hall from 7 – 8 pm. On Monday 8th September a Martial Arts group is commencing from 5.30 to 6.30 pm. Both are weekly groups and both have available places.

There is a good chance that a Craft group will begin in the not too distant future. If you would like to organise a group or you would like a group to be organised for you, please contact the Trust. The Trust members are very grateful for all of the people who support them in many different ways. They would like to especially thank Gary Prime who has contributed a great deal of time and effort in order to produce the magnificent Coffee Bar. We are looking for a name for the Coffee Bar and would welcome any (sensible) suggestions.

The Trust want to make the Centre a success for the Community. With your help they can do it.

Bagworth Historical Society The history group enjoyed an illustrated talk by Ian Vickers on Tuesday 12th August.

Ian’s (whose Granddad lived in Bagworth) has been involved in a North West Leicestershire project to write the stories of the men whose names are on the various war memorials commemorating the First World War. Five or six books will be produced as part of this project.

The book with which Ian was most closely linked was the one that included: Bagworth, Ellistown, Heather, Ibstock, Nailstone, Newton Burgoland, Normanton-le-Heath, Odstone, Snarestone and Swepstone. The book is called ‘Lest We Forget’. It is priced at £10 and because of people’s generosity, the whole of that money will be split between ‘Help for Heroes’ and the ‘British Legion’.

Ian was able to tell the group about some of the people involved and, obviously, there were some sad stories. It proved to be an interesting evening. The Bagworth Historical Society meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Bagworth Working Men’s Club at 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

Some days I have to take three or four baths to make the phone ring.

19

Awesome Holiday Club at Cross Hills Baptist

On 11th to 13th August, we held our annual Awesome Holiday Bible Club at Cross Hills Baptist Church.

Although smaller numbers this year Awesome still remained very popular with numbers increasing every day and 35 children attending in total over the three days.

We shared lots of fun and laughs learning about our theme this year of “Joseph”. It was a truly inspirational and encouraging three days (as well as tiring!) but all the children who attended went home excited and talking about their day and singing the songs.

On Monday we looked at Joseph and his coat and loving one another.

Tuesday the focus was on Joseph and interpreting dreams and God’s plan for each of us and on Wednesday we looked at forgiveness and Joseph forgiving his brothers. We sang songs, learnt memory verses, made crafts, and much more each day and there was lots of laughter and joining in with everything! Tuck shop was always very popular and children loved playing all sorts of games and working in a team.

Both Benedict (the egg) and Scruff (the dog) made appearances at the end of each morning to share more on our theme and sing songs and on the last day Scruff brought along his puppet friends for a special performance with the Cross Hills Puppeteers.

It’s fair to say we had a lot of laughs during the three day and despite being tiring the leaders all enjoyed it immensely and we all hope that our enthusiasm for the love of God was taken away by all the children who attended.

Thank you to everyone who came - I hope you had an AWESOME three days!

Don’t forget we hold a Sunday Club every Sunday at Cross Hills for children of all ages – I look forward to seeing a few familiar faces there soon!

Ruth Holmes

My dad was kicked to death in the pub last night. He tripped over while leading the conga.

20 Census shows rise in population

County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason

The release of the census information for Leicestershire helps to prove how the County Council’s services will come under increasing pressure.

the largest drop in numbers since 2001 are those aged 30-34. Their numbers have fallen from 45,400 to 35,100 this represents a decrease of 27%.

The number of households has increased from 245,200 to 267,400 an increase of 9%.The districts which has seen the largest increase in the number of households is Harborough with a 13% increase, 60,500 to 66,500 and Charnwood with a 10% increase, 30,850 to 34,900.

The information, released by the Office for National Statistics, shows that the population of Leicestershire has increased and that the number of older people has risen. We need accurate census information to enable us to plan our services. The latest figures show that the council is correct to plan on the basis of increased demand for adult social care services, which will take up a growing part of the budget. That is why we have to continue to look at which services we support, how we support them and whether we can explore new approaches, such as community leadership. The census is available at www.ons,gov.uk.

The key findings are that the resident population of Leicestershire has increased from 609,600 in 2001 to 650,500 in 2011. This represents an increase of 6.7%. Since the 2001 census, Leicestershire districts have seen their population rise by; • Blaby, 3,600 (4.0%) • Charnwood, 12,600 (8.2%) • Harborough, 8,800 (11.5%) • Hinckley and Bosworth, 5,000 (5.3%) • Melton, 2,500 (5.3%) • North West Leicestershire, 8,000 (9.4%) • Oadby and Wigston, 400 (0.7%) The number of residents in 2001 aged over 65 in Leicestershire was 95,400. Ten years on that figure has grown to 115,000, this represents an increase of 21%. The number of residents in 2001 aged over 85 was 10,900, ten years on that figure has grown to 15,200 an increase of 39%. The age group which has had the largest increase in numbers since 2001 are those aged 60-64, their numbers have grown from 30,600 to 44,400 a 45% increase.

The age group which has seen

Adult Social Care Reform The release of the 2011 census information clearly shows that we have a rising ageing population.

We are all living longer due to advances in medicine, better living conditions and life choices. We should celebrate this achievement but with it comes a greater demand on our own finances and the finances of the Leicestershire County Council social care services.

The reform of social care is long overdue successive governments have ducked the issue for the past 20 years.

So it is good to see that the current government has introduced the Care Bill that should reform social care in England. I was optimistic about the Care Bill for Social Care.

It is clearly evidence informed; it builds on the best of existing approaches and progresses key neglected challenges, including: Stronger emphasis on prevention and low-level, local-level support (or as older people have described it, ‘that bit of help’ in your home and community) including a proposed duty on local authorities to commission and provide preventive services, and commitments to support approaches that combine community development with care

and support locally.

More attention to the role of housing alongside health and social care for disabled and older people – backed up by £200m of capital funding over 5 years for a new ‘care and support housing fund’ to develop new housing options for older people and disabled adults, and an expectation that NHS and local authorities work together to support housing options. The right to support for informal carers (this is long overdue) a national minimum eligibility threshold for social care and improved portability.

The promise of a single statute (thereby putting an end to decades of a hotchpotch of legislation) is significant indeed, as is the commitment to provide a single authoritative source of information, as we know people need more than the information: advice, assistance, advocacy locally. And there is a commitment to supporting a better evidence base via a ‘national library’ from 2013. All this is very good.

The proposal to extend current practice on deferred payments and make it universal is not a ‘watershed’ announcement. It is a form of public equity release which exists already across the county and country. It can ease pressures for some older home owners, but I would not underestimate the challenge of making this more widely available and of negotiating the terms with local authorities already strapped for cash. It is a helpful measure, but not new, and no substitute for deciding on the ideas from Andrew Dilnot.

But we will have the best policies and laws in Europe on social care, but stuck onto an out-dated, unsustainable, ineffective funding system. One step forwards but two steps back. It has taken one year for all three parties to say they broadly agree with the Dilnot principles for

care funding in England. Instead of showing political bravery and foresight, the government has put a few more sticking plasters on the growing care crisis – just as we saw under successive Labour administrations which also failed to grasp the urgency of reform.

Without real funding reform, we will have the best policies and laws in Europe on social care, stuck onto an out-dated, unsustainable, ineffective funding system. What the Chancellor and the Treasury above all needs to grasp is that the current system is chronically counter-productive.

It stops us all from planning, whatever our age or support needs, whatever our means. It piles pressure on the NHS and other services, creates crisis and uncertainty, and carries a high human cost. Local government will continue to lobby central government for the introduction of the whole reform package, including the introduction of an affordable cap on the amount an individual will have to pay for their social care. The government promised much to meet the challenges of a ever increasing number of older people with care needs but in affect has done little. It continues to cut local government grants to the detriment of those in need, resulting in more rationing of health and social care and less preventative services. Is it not time that we looked at the increasing cost of foreign aid and time for the political parties to seriously look at their priorities.

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21

Letter

Villagers raise their concerns about proposed Bagworth wind turbine An application for a 94 metre wind turbine for Bagworth has been submitted to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. Villagers Against The Turbine (vatt) will be opposing it.

At a meeting held on the 30th April 2014, local villagers raised their concerns regarding the stability of disused mining land, loss in property prices, shadow flicker, turbine noise, blade turbulence, loss of enjoyment etc. One villager asked Mr Miles (the applicant) the simple question ‘What will the Villagers get out of this’ but despite asking three times, we still don’t know.

So, here is our understanding of what we WON’T be getting: REASSURANCE REGARDING SUBSIDENCE - In a LANDshapes Oral History interview on 18th April 2005, the actual landowners Roger and Celia Miles when talking about the land said “So it’s not moved, but it might move. I mean, who knows? All the buildings, all the farm buildings are all knocked down with subsidence and the ones that are there now have still got twisted girders as a result of the pull. Cos you see, some of the land dropped about, I don’t know, about 14, 15 feet. There’s hills and valleys on the farm that weren’t there before.”

Words conveniently forgotten perhaps, but VATT understand that the ground is still moving as evidenced by tilting pylons, fishing lakes dropping and occasional subsidence in fields. The outcome of erecting a massive vibrating, oscillating tower onto this land should concern everyone.

CHEAP ELECTRICITY - The electricity feeds into the national grid so there is no ‘special’ benefit to Bagworth. From their model (but not from actual wind speed tests), RES tell us that the predicted wind speed is 7.5 kilometres per second (17miles/hour), but this will only produce sufficient electricity for 116 homes (not 500). At 12 mph this drops to just 41 homes. Met office data states average wind speeds are just 8mph in the area. Fact is, without subsidies, not a single farmer would consider erecting a wind turbine of this scale.

UNSPOILT LANDSCAPE - Using the equivalent of trick photography, all photos submitted for planning are displayed in such a way that the size of the turbine is diminished (all legal so far as planning is concerned). The majority of views are from villages so far away, they aren’t even involved in the consultation process. But the fact is, at 10 times the height of a two storey house, it will be difficult to miss. There is, apparently, an average of one incident a day of wind turbine accidents, some as serious as blades crashing to the ground.

CONTINUED PEACE AND TRANQUILITY - for walkers in Underhills Wood, Bagworth New Wood and fishing lakes at Wiggs Farms. Sited approximately 800 metres from the nearest houses, residents can be subjected to outdoor pulsing or oscillating sounds (as blade speeds reach up to 100 mph), indoor low frequency sounds that penetrate walls and windows, high pitched sounds from the nacelle (hub) and shadow flicker from the sun and the moon.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT - Given the depreciation in our house values (even RES admitted we could lose up to 10%), any donation to the village could never compensate us for the substantial losses we all face. Don’t take our word for it, phone an estate agent. And by the way this ‘benefit’ doesn’t bring any new money to the village as it is you and I paying for it in increased fuel bills and taxes.

END OF COAL AND GAS POWER STATIONS - Ask yourself – how do we get our electricity when there is no wind and the turbine blades aren’t moving? Same goes for gale force winds when they have to be turned off (costing £3 million on 11th August). Wind turbines alone cannot support the generation of electricity so we will always need conventional power stations. Denmark (world leader in Wind Turbines), Germany and the Netherlands have now stopped the erection of any more turbines. Why? Because the sums just don’t add up.

Please make a difference and make your objection heard. For help go to www.bagworth.net

Wendy Myers

For Villagers Against the Turbine

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22

Markfield Community Centre News The Fantastic Six Triumph On the 25th August Markfield once again experienced a typical Bank Holiday Monday with day long pouring rain, dark skies unseasonable cold temperatures and, of course, a sodden playing field.

Despite this NINE football teams, their supporters and umbrella laden onlookers turned out to watch a five a side football tournament organised by Dianne Dowell her friends and family to raise even more funds for Cancer Research.

Each team played a total of eight matches on a league basis. The announcement of the tournament winners was a tense affair as, we all knew that the result was going to be a close call. To cheers of delight and victory the Fantastic Six, despite their lovely pink socks, were declared the winners beating Markfield Rangers by a single point.

The winning team comprising of Josh Sharratt, Kieran Hardy, Connor Boyes, Shane Smith, Greg Howard, Louis Boyes and Nick Wardle gleefully accepted their winner’s trophy and medals kindly donated by American Football UK and are now eagerly awaiting a rematch next year. The event raised over £600 for cancer research and our thanks go to Dianne, all who helped out on the day as well as those who supplied raffle prizes, cakes, face painting, bouncy castle, hot food, and snacks. Of course our biggest thanks go to those who participated in the tournament and as well as those who came along to watch and support the event despite the atrocious weather.

For advertising rates, contact Mike on 01530 244069 or visit www. markfieldherald.co.uk

Annual Family trip to the Seaside Early on Wednesday 20th August a coach load

villagers set out in bright sunshine heading for the east coast for our annual family trip to “Skeggy”.

Despite the bad weather we have suffered this summer the weather held out till early afternoon when ominous rain clouds were seen to be approaching us from the North Sea. It was a good job we all managed to dive into the nearest café, fish and chip bar and restaurants as we were predictably subjected to a deluge of biblical proportions that, fortunately soon moved away south and the sun came out again.

Although it was not a day for sun bathing on the beach the normal brazing sea breezes were calm and we all managed to once again enjoy the delights of a traditional seaside trip. See you again next year “Skeggy”.

The jackpots for both are getting larger and larger by the week and this is a chance for you to win a good amount of cash as well as enjoying a good old social evening.

Sessions start from 7pm to 9pm with “eyes down” at 7.30pm.

Markfield Mayflower Club Update If you are over 50 or a carer for the sick and elderly why don’t you come along and join in with our Markfield Mayflower Club.

Since the club started in February we have had many enjoyable and interesting sessions that are

Friday Night Bingo – “Under New Management” Don’t forget that our new Friday Night Bingo sessions with old style prize bingo and cash bingo.

Mayflower Club Talk

Don’t Forget to Send Us Your News!

If something interesting or newsworthy has happened where YOU live, please drop a few lines to: The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or email the information to: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

I don’t see how these new light bulbs save energy. I still have to get up and switch them on.

23 From Ron Grantham (Markfield Community Association)

How far will you travel to hear live jazz?

Norman Griffiths looks for venues in nearby villages There’s not a lot of opportunity to hear jazz locally nowadays.

So how far would you travel to attend a live jazz session? Perhaps you’d nip down the A50 to Groby.

Sadly The Brant, the Stamford and Groby Club have all tried to establish regular jazz sessions but all have eventually been dropped.

both informative and fun. For example, we recently have had a very interesting talk on the work of Magistrates as well as a very poignant session to commemorate the centenary of the out break of the Great War. Below are some of the sessions we are planning for the autumn: • 10th September: “Old Time” Prize Bingo • 17th September: Services provided by Citizen’s Advice Bureau • 24th September: Citizen’s Advice Bureau (Part Two) • 1st October: Social Event • 8th October: Markfield Village History Walk • 15th October: Stories of 1970/80’s Copper • 22nd October: Bogus Callers and current scams • 29th October: Halloween Party If you are interested in joining simply turn up at the Centre on Wednesday afternoons. Sessions are from 2pm to 4pm and only cost 50p, which includes a “cuppa” and biscuits. Why not bring a friend along with you – you will be most welcome.

Renewed Money Saving Special Offer 2014/15 May I take this opportunity to remind you that the Centre’s Management Committee have agreed to extend our special offer available of free room hire for bar functions for the coming year.

Over last year this offer has helped people out with the cost of arranging special events, family occasions, parties and other celebrations. For further information please contact the Centre.

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

In August there was a one off café format session planned at Groby Village Hall featuring Ian Millar and Dominic Spencer, a saxophone and keyboards duo from Scotland. Unfortunately it had to be cancelled and it seems that local jazz fans missed a treat. The duo have had sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and perform classic jazz standards as well as original compositions to a video backdrop of scenes from the Scottish landscape.

Would you travel 5 miles?

With little jazz in Groby you could try the monthly big band sessions at the Royal Oak in Kirby Muxloe. They play on the last Monday of the month, so the next performance is on the 29th September at 8.30 pm and costs £5. That’s good value for a band this size. Musical Director Roger Parsons and the Leicester Big Band provide for your entertainment “the very best in hot foot-tapping music from the great swing and jump jive era from the 1940s to the 1960s, recreating the original arrangements of the great Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Count Basie and Artie Shaw.” Fronted by two vocalists and having a full complement of saxes, trumpets and trombones , they are well placed to produce some nostalgic big bands sounds.

Alternatively you could head off in the opposite direction to the long running Priory Jazz Club on Nanpantan Road near Loughborough. There are bands every Thursday. Most bands booked are traditional, dixieland or New Orleans style bands but some mix this with swing or mainstream numbers for an interesting variety. They have about 20 bands which they book each year but also like to try new bands that are recommended to them.

At times, they have been able to book bands from abroad while they are on tour in Britain. These include The Bla Mandag band from Denmark and The Spicy Advice Jazz Band from Sweden. International jazz violinist, Tim Kliphuis from Holland with his Hot Club of France style tribute to Stephane Grappelli has also appeared. On Thursday October 23rd the Swedish 9 piece Jelly Babies Trad Jazz Band return to The Priory during their sixth English tour, with their lively, happy brand of Jazz. Food is served up to the time the jazz starts at 8.30pm and admission is £8. The club website at http://www.jazzpriory.co.uk/ has full details of bands booked for the next couple of months.

Would you travel 7 miles?

If so you’ll enjoy the monthly sessions at the Newbold Verdon Working Mens Club on Main Street. The club was saved by it’s members when the promoter said he was pulling out. If you decide to visit you’ll find drinks at club prices and although you can’t get a meal there you can pick up a filled roll for supper. “Newbold Verdon Jazz Club has been running for over twenty years and has hosted some great traditional jazz bands,” said Maureen. “If you enjoy traditional jazz we would love to see you at our concerts. Dancers are always welcome too. Do come along and join us and have a great evenings entertainment. ” The next concert is on Friday October 3rd, with Johnny Rodgers and Friends. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 8.30pm start and admission is £8.00. The November date it is Friday November 7th with the Annie Hawkins Jazzmen. More details from Kelvin 01455 822824 or Pauline 01162 865496.

Would you travel further?

You may prefer to listen to jazz at lunchtime which may mean a trip into Leicester or out to Stoughton or Oakham. Trombonist Dave Harmer, whose jazz pedigree goes right back to Leicester’s Russ Merryfield Jazz Band, has produced a list of jazz venues throughout the East Midlands.

You can view it on www.grobyonline.tk but always check with the venue before you travel.

I jogged backwards last week and put on five pounds.

24

Letter The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays We now have SKY and ESPN Ask about our new menus!

See advert on page 8. www.bricklayersarms.net

Brothers vs Madness Sunday 5th October: WEDDING FAIR - free entry - 10am-3pm Friday 31st October - Lady Bacardi Drag Act plus Male Vocalist See advert on page 30.

The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open To Non-members Fri 5th Sept: Rockin Robbins Rock N Roll Evening Sat 6th Sept: Finding Georgie American Rock with Female Singer Sun 14th Sept: The Dirty Water Band - Local Band Playing Rock & Pop Covers 3.30Pm Sat 4th Oct: The Wanderers Young Band Playing 50’S & 60’S Covers Sat 25th Oct: The Boneyard Blues Band - Rhythm Blues And Rock Covers Band Fri 31st Oct: Halloween Special With Band Called T.b.c. - Twisted Melody’s & Mash Ups Sat 1st Nov: Childrens Halloween Party 4-6pm Sat 8th Nov: Tony Wadsworth’s Upbeatles - Charity Evening For Redgates Animal Sanctuary Free Room Hire Available For Your Perfect Party - Bingo Every Tuesday Evening - View Our Website On www. facebook.com/TheThorntonClub The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 Sat 4th October: TRACY - female singer - party night Pub Quiz - last Thursday of the month.

ALL SKY SPORTS & BT SPORTS Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth.

Tel. 01530 230205 Find us on FACEBOOK - search Bagworth WMC New members welcome.

Saturday 13th September: SOCIAL DANCE - £2 entry, on the door.

Friday 26th September: CHARITY DANCE - £2.50 entry on the door - in aid of the Air Ambulance, with organist RICHARD KEELING Saturday 27th September: ‘ALI BY REQUEST’ - free entry.

Every Tuesday night - target shooting - call for details Every Monday night: DOMINOES only £1.50 entry, which includes supper.

Bargain!

Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each - last Friday of the month - and RAFFLE with excellent prizes.

Sequence dances Sunday Nights. £2.00 admission 8 pm Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission.

Ask about our free room hire for those special family occasions.

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm.

Friday 26th September - Blues

The Bull’s Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 6th Sept: MAMA DON’T ALLOW Sat 13th Sept: NITE AIR featuring JOHN STACEY Sat 20th Sept: WAYNE CURTIS All FREE Entry!

Garden & Pub Games etc.

POKER NIGHT - Tuesdays - starts at 8pm The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights Every Fortnight:Next two are Saturday 13th September and Saturday 27th September with ‘King of the Road’.

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Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Friday 19th Sept: Charity EVENT For Loros And Wishes 4 Kids Sat 20th Sept: The Munix Quality - Local Band Sunday 21st Sept: Super Sunday 50 Bingo And Quiz Friday 26th Sept: Just Jacob Guaranteed A Good Night From This Guy Sat 27th Sept: No Strings - Very Good Male/ Female Duo Sunday 28th Sept: Super Sunday 50 Bingo And Quiz Friday 3rd October: A.k.a. - Brilliant Male Duo Sat 4th October: Limozine Excellent Duo Sunday 5th October: Super Sunday 50 Bingo And Quiz Friday 10th October: Savannah Very Good Female Solo Sat 11th October: Limited Edition - Very Good Local Band

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Tel: 01530 230786 •SEND your Small Ads in writing to: The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or email to: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

What’s happened to the Markfield Neighbourhood Watch?

The Markfield Neighbourhood Watch seems to have quietly faded away. The officers, i.e. Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, are all ‘unavailable to comment’.

This makes it an open invitation to all the vandals and hooligans to ‘make hay while the sun shines’ and reported crime is rising.

Where are all these people photographed holding a shield signed by the Chief Constable?

Quite frankly, I am disgusted by this lack of courtesy to the loyal NHW members. No-one will give a contact number for the NHW officers.

No-one knows exactly where the organisation stands.

The local community police appear to have no interest.

People still come to me with problems, but I have no higher backup.

Martin Allardyce Field Head

Come for Coffee Gill Foote and Friends invite old and new friends to the MacMillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning.

This year’s event takes place on Friday 26th September between 10.30am and 12 noon at Willow Court Residents’ Lounge, Upland Drive, Markfield.

rspca Gala Day Woodside Animal Centre in Leicester will be holding their annual fun-filled Gala Day on Sunday 21 September which promises to be the biggest and best yet.

This year’s Gala Day, named Care4Paws, will celebrate Woodside’s 40 year contribution to animal welfare in Leicestershire.

The Gala Day will see the charity make a huge announcement that will dramatically improve animal welfare in Leicestershire.

The Care4Paws Gala Day promises to be a whole day of fun for all the family. There will be a selection of RSPCA stalls, the all new craft corner and a traditional dog show. Refreshments will also be available including a barbeque and pop up tea room.

Woodside’s Branch and Charity Development Manager,Gary said: “This year our Gala Day is bigger than ever, and I am so excited to tell everyone about our plans to completely change animal welfare in Leicestershire. If you are an animal lover you won’t want to miss out on this special day.

“Our Gala Day is a fantastic opportunity for every member of the family, young and old, to get involved in some fun, games and entertainment, which of course is all for a great cause.”

The centre, which takes in thousands of animals every year, is affiliated to the RSPCA but receives no money from the national society or government, and depends entirely on donations and fundraising events for its survival.

The Care4Paws Gala Day will be held at Woodside Animal Centre, Scudamore Road on Sunday 21 September from 10am – 4pm entry is priced at £2 which you can pay on the gate.

For more information please visit http://www.rspcaleicester.org.uk/galaday.aspx

If you enjoy reading The Herald, please pass it to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it. Thanks!

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25

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My mate rang me and said: ‘What are you doing at the moment?’ I said: ‘Probably failing my driving test.’

27 Bradgate Drama Society Christmas production - Wind in the Willows Are you ready to release the animal in you?

If so, how about auditioning for our production of Wind in the Willows and join us on the riverbank. Perhaps you could be our grumpy old badger, a wicked weasel or even an infuriating Toad of Toad Hall. We also have parts for humans for those who don’t look good in furry ears and, if you prefer an even lower profile, we’re always looking for help behind the scenes.

Auditions will be on Monday 8 September at 7.30p.m. in Newtown Linford Village Hall. Rehearsals will be on Monday and Wednesday evenings with performances on Thursday 27, Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November. If you would like further details or would like to take part but can’t make the auditions please call or e-mail Peter Upton on 01530 249257 or petergupton@btinternet.com.

Peter Upton

Secretary, Bradgate Drama Society

Enjoy Music More!

Do you enjoy classical music but would like to know more about IT? Enjoy Music More is a friendly music appreciation and enjoyment group which meets at the Adult Education College in Wellington Street, Leicester on Tuesday mornings from 10-12 from midSeptember to late March each year.

The group is led by Robert Foreman, the well-known local musician and teacher.

We would love you to join us!

For more information ring Jim on 0116 271 9329, Ken on 01455 822285 or Martin on 0116 259 2868.

Alternatively you can e-mail me at taceymartin@hotmail.com

Martin Tacey I think the greatest trick David Copperfield ever did was getting Charles Dickens to write a book about him before he was born.

I went to a drive-in movie last night. I didn’t see much.

There was a bloke in the front row in a combine harvester.

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On the perils of being a school governor The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren I was interested to hear that from this academic year, your vicar has asked you to take his place as a school governor.

A whole new world of exciting meetings is about to open up to you.

Naturally, you will have been told that the governors only meet three times a year. You will probably not have been told that you will also be expected to be on at least two sub-committees, where you will be immediately asked to become secretary, as a way of getting to know the job. Add on training days, parents’ evenings, sports days, school socials, end of term services, charity events and accompanying classes on days out and you will begin to realise that your vicar’s suggestion was not as innocent as you may have thought.

Remember, too, that all meetings require you sit on chairs designed for 5 year-olds. You will then spend countless hours going through a 40 item agenda, trying to look dignified with your knees somewhere round your ears while drawing up school plans as if they were the Normandy landing.

Be prepared to receive paperwork measured by the hundredweight; entire rainforests have been obliterated by your education authority sending what they seem to think is vital information; it does, however, make good cat litter.

Most meetings will be so full of acronyms that for the first few years you will have the feeling that conversation is taking place in a language that may bear a passing resemblance to English, but isn’t. There is little point in trying to learn what they all mean because before too long, they will all be replaced by another set anyway, which will be equally incomprehensible.

Your computer abilities will be expected to be far beyond what anyone over the age of 30 could ever be expected to achieve; if you sink without trace, ask a seven year-old, who will soon put you right.

You will also be encouraged to attend training days; I strongly suggest you select all-day events, as at least you will get a lunch out of it. You needn’t bother to arrive on time, since the first hour will be spent with everyone introducing themselves and you can leave early, as the final hour will go on filling in evaluation forms.

Just keep reminding yourself that your term of office is a mere five years; you may even get remission for good behaviour.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Are you ever offended by things on TV? Do you find sex, violence and swearing on TV bothers you much?

It seems that fewer of us find it offensive than we did even five years ago, according to Ofcom.

A big part of the reason seems to be a new generation of more ‘relaxed’ pensioners who do not complain to the broadcasting watchdog. Experts suspect that viewers have become ‘desensitised’, with many popular shows now including scenes of sex and violence that might once have been thought of as too graphic.

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

Call: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436.

•

• • •

Sep ~ 10th ~ Judy Marshall ~Corn Dollies - a talk / demonstration and a chance for everyone to have a go.

Oct ~ 8th Jenny Harris ~ Bats in the Belfry Nov ~ 12th Marie Anne ~ Serenity Eco Craft Dec ~10th ~ Christmas Party

If you want to confuse them in a charity shop, just hold up one of their old shoes and say, ‘Have you got this in a 9?’

This bloke said to me, ‘Can I come into your house and talk to you about your carpets?’ I thought, that’s all I need, a Jehoover’s Witness.

We have period furniture. We keep it for a period, then send it back.

28 Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon Sunday Sept 7th Service 10am Monday 8th Sept Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 9th Sept Singing Dementia Cafe Shepshed Library 10-11am Wednesday 10th Sept Prayer meeting 7pm Thursday 11th Sept Pure Gold Drop in for over 50’s 10.30am

Local Church Services Sunday 21 September 10.30 am United Service in St Michael’s Parish Church Sunday 28 September 10.15 am Morning Worship with Sunday Club in Church Hall Sunday 5 October No service in Markfield - Area Autumn Assembly at Yelvertoft Congregational Church at 3.00 pm

Sunday 12th October 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Afternoon Café Style Service Sunday 19th October 10.00am United Churches Together Service at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church, Coalville 6.00pm Evening Communion Service

Sunday 12 October Morning Worship followed by Communion

Sunday 26th October 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service

Sunday 14th Sept Service 10am

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield

Monday 15th Sept Coffee morning 10am

Sunday 7th September 10.30am Morning Service

Tuesday 16th Sept Shepshed Library singing Cafe 10am

Sunday 14th September 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper

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.

Friday 12th Sept Singing Dementia Cafes, Loughborough Library 10am, Coalville Library 1.30pm

Wednesday 17th Sept Social gathering 6.30pm, call 07875 378628 for details Thursday 18th Sept Pure gold drop in 10.30am Friday 19th Sept Singing Cafes, Loughborough library 10am, Coalville Library 1.30pm Sunday 21st Sept Service 10am Monday 22nd Sept Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 23rd Sept Shepshed library singing cafe 10am Wednesday 24th Sept Bible study 7pm Thursday 25th Sept Pure Gold 10.30am Friday 26th Sept Singing cafes, Loughborough library 10am, Coalville library 1.30pm Sunday 28th Sept, Cafe 4U 4pm Monday 29th Sept Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 30th Sept Singing cafe Shepshed library 10am Thurs 1st Oct Pure Gold 10.30pm Friday 3rd Oct Singing Cafes Loughborough Library 10am, Coalville Library 1.30pm Sunday 5th Oct Service 10am

Markfield Congregational Church 01530 242142 Sunday 14 September 10.15 am Morning Worship

Sunday 21st September 10.30am Harvest Festival Service Sunday 28th September 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 5th October 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 12th October 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper There is a Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section of this magazine.

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield Sunday 7th September 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Taizé Service Sunday 14th September 10.30am Morning Communion Service 4.00pm Afternoon Café Style Service Sunday 21st September 10.30am United Churches Together Service at St Michael’s Anglican Church 6.00pm Evening Communion Service Sunday 28th September 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service Sunday 5th October 10.30am Morning Harvest Festival Communion Service 6.00pm Evening Taizé Service

Sunday 14th September 10.30am All Age Service 6.00pm Holy Communion Friday 19th September 8.00pm “Still Friday” Sunday 21st September 10.30am Churches Together in Markfield Service 6.00pm Evening Prayer Sunday 28th September 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Open Church 6.00pm Evening Service Sunday 5th October 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 12th October 10.30am All Age Harvest Thanksgiving Service 6.00pm Holy Communion Friday 17th October 8.00pm “Still Friday” Sunday 19th October 10.00am Churches Together in Markfield Service at St Wilfrid’s RC Church, Coalville 6.00pm Evening Prayer Sunday 26th October 8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 14th September 10.30am Holy Communion

Sunday 28th September 10.30am “Something Different” Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday 5th October 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 12th October 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 19th October 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 26th October 10.30am “Something Different” Service

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Wednesday 10th September 10.00am Midweek Communion and Coffee Sunday 14th September 9.00am Holy Communion Sunday 21st September 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 28th September 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 5th October 10.30am All Age Harvest Thanksgiving Service Wednesday 8th October 10.00am Midweek Communion and Coffee Sunday 12th October 9.00am Holy Communion Sunday 19th October 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 26th October 10.30am Morning Service

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 5th October 10.30 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 14th September 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service) Sunday 21st September 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 28th September 6.00 pm Holy Communion and Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday 5th October 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 21st September 10.30am Morning Service

I’ve just invented a wireless, battery-free, hand-operated hair-dryer. I’m calling it a towel.

29 Sunday 12th October 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service) Sunday 19th October 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 26th October 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Catholic Church of St Wilfrid of York 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB Sunday Mass

Saturday Vigil: 6 pm Sunday: 10 am See Newsletter on the website for details of weekday Mass times, Benediction & Confessions Parish Priest: Fr David Cain: 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website: www. stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk 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

Glenfield U3A – News Update Have fun, make friends, stay fit and exercise the mind. That is the ethos of the Glenfield branch of the U3A. Membership has expanded to over 230 members in four years and we can now boast over 30 active and thriving groups. Some groups are so popular that we have created second or third groups on the same topic to avoid disappointment.

The current groups include; Art appreciation, Badminton, Bird watching/ natural history, Board games, Card making, Computing, Craft, Cycling, Days Out, Discussion, Family History, Film Club, Flower arranging, Gardening, German for beginners, History (1 & 2), Indoor bowls, Luncheon (1 & 2), Photography, Pilates, Reading (1 & 2), Strollers, Table tennis, Tai Chi, Walk & talk (local history), Walking (1,2,& 3) and Writers.

Some groups are for the creative, some for the intellectual, some for the sporty, and some for the social. Many of the groups overlap and cover all those aspects mentioned.

There is something for everyone and if there isn’t, then tell us and we will do our best to create a new group.

Following on from the success of the formation of a Catering team, Angela Barbour, the membership secretary, now has a Welcoming team on hand at the monthly meetings to greet new members – we realise how daunting it can be for some people to attend gatherings on their own and we try to make our meetings as friendly and as welcoming as possible.

Apart from group activities we organise a number of Social events throughout the year. Over 70 members attended the Summer Special held at the Ratby sports club at the end of June. They danced the night away to music from the 60’s and 70’s played by local band Hint of Mint and the club supplied a superb buffet. It was another excellent night which will no doubt be repeated next year.

There will be a U3A stall at the Glenfield fete on Saturday 6th September.

At the monthly meeting on Thursday 25th September, the speaker, Val Williams will talk about an Arctic Experience. Members will be bringing (and buying) cakes, and proceeds from this meeting will be donated to Macmillan.

On Saturday 4th October there will be a Barn Dance at St Peter’s Church Centre. Tickets are £10 and include live music and a buffet.

Thinking of joining the U3A then why not bring fresh ideas and join the Committee too – what better way to become involved in the organisation and make new friends?

Do you have a special interest or talent that you are prepared to share?

If so we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in any of our activities and have entered your ‘third age’ (are retired or semi-retired) then why not join? Membership is only £1 per month + an annual fee to head office for insurance of £3.50.

Monthly meetings are held at 2pm on the fourth Thursday of the month at St Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield. There is usually a round up of U3A news followed by a guest speaker, refreshments and a chance for a natter with friends old and new. The new Welcoming team will be there to meet and greet visitors at these meetings and discuss group activities and introduce you to group co-ordinators.

Please take a look at our website www.u3asites.org.uk/glenfield it is full of information, newsletters, committee meeting minutes, useful links.

Membership forms are available on line.

Email glenfieldu3a@aol.com or telephone Gail Nunn – 0116 2314895 for information.

Gill Tapping

Publicity Officer, Website & Newsletter Editor.

I used to wear a flower in my lapelbut I stopped because the pot kept banging on my belt.

30

Cereals Wordsearch

Passcode/C

Find the names of 12 varieties of breakfast cereal 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.

S Q J M I U M S N C W S E Q P

P H G E A Q O H O W E N R K U

T Q R C H I L R W I E A B A V

X A B E R O N H P S T R I U W

O J E E D F U S Y A A B F N O

ALLBRAN CHEERIOS COCOPOPS CORNFLAKES FROSTIES FRUITNFIBRE GOLDENGRAHAMS PUFFEDWHEAT RICECRISPIES SHREDDEDWHEAT SUGARPUFFS WEETABIX

Q J E H L D I B T D B L N B I

H H L A W R E F U K I L T L K

C K K K C D J D R U X A I L C

X E K E G P E G W O H P U T L

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 types of breakfast cereal. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: SNAP, CRACKLE & POP, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Tuesday 23rd September 2014.

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

S Z C I W Q E F F H S U R C K

U I B Q R C Q H F B E T F M Y

R E K C O H N S N U Z A I J A

C O C O P O P S F I P V T E A

G O L D E N G R A H A M S G S

S F F U P R A G U S H A W Z R

Here are the twelve Breakfast Cereals you have to find: ALL BRAN • CHEERIOS • COCO POPS CORNFLAKES • FROSTIES • FRUIT N FIBRE GOLDEN GRAHAMS • PUFFED WHEAT • RICE CRISPIES SHREDDED WHEAT • SUGAR PUFFS • WEETABIX Name: ...................................................................................................

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

Last Month’s Competition Winner The winner of last month’s Wordsearch Competition was: MRS LYNN CRICK of White House Close, Bagworth Congratulations! Your voucher will be sent to you within 21 days.

Newtown Linford Gardening Club

September brings a special event We, in Newtown Linford, have been very impressed with the changes which have taken place in Bradgate Park under the auspices of its new Warden Peter Tyldesley.

There has certainly been a buzz around the place over the last year and we are looking forward to hearing Peter talk to us about the park and all the things which go on there. We expect a huge turnout for this event with most of our 80 strong membership coming to hear him.

The final highlight of our year is the visit of award-winning gardener Adam Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com Frost on November 4th. His profile is increasing sharply; he appeared regularly on the TV coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show and has had several TV appearances on other programmes since then. It is not common for celebrities to come to Newtown Linford, so we look forward to the occasion. Some of you will remember the visit of Christine Walkden last October and we expect a similarly interesting evening. More than half the tickets have already been issued even though the event is still three months away. Visitors are invited to this event and we know other garden club members will join us for this special event. If you would like to come, tickets for the evening (£10) can be obtained from the club secretary by e-mail, phone or letter.

We have welcomed a large number of new members this year and will be pleased if others want to join us. If you are interested in our activities just contact the secretary (tel. 242452 or e-mail 01530242452@talktalk. net), or come to one of our meetings to see how you like it before making a commitment (£2 for visitors). Alternatively give us a ring and ask for a copy of our programme for the coming year and we will be pleased to send one to you.

Anne and David Couling Can acupuncture do anything for pins and needles?

31

NEW RANGES AVAILABLE

Do racehorses slow down if they see police horses standing by the side of the track?