SOUTH KILWORTH NEWS October 2010 DIARY Fri
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No. 401 10.00– 12.00 19.00 09.30 19.00 10.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 09.45 09.30 10.00 19.00 09.45 10.00 19.30 19.00 10.30 10.00 19.00 14.0017.00 09.45
Macmillan Cancer Support World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, Far Hemploe, The Belt First Friday, White Hart 18th after Trinity, Holy Communion, Stanford-on-Avon Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall MaMites, Village Hall Mobile Library (School 12.00, Leys Crescent 12.30, North Road 12.50) Art Club, Village Hall ‘Allo, ‘Allo, Village Hall ‘Allo, ‘Allo, Village Hall ‘Allo, ‘Allo, Village Hall 19th after Trinity, Family Service, St Nicholas Church Group Weekday Holy Communion (BCP), St Nicholas Church MaMites, Village Hall Art Club, Village Hall 20th Sunday after Trinity, Holy Communion, St Nicholas Church MaMites, Village Hall W.I., Village Hall Mobile Library (School 12.00, Leys Crescent 12.30, North Road 12.50) Art Club, Village Hall Last Sunday after Trinity, Avon Swift Group Holy Communion (CW), St Nicholas Church MaMites, Village Hall Art Club, Village Hall Handmade Card Masterclass, Village Hall 4th Sunday before Advent, Joint Holy Communion at North Kilworth
ADVANCE NOTICE
Wednesday 3rd November Saturday 6th November Saturday 13th November Saturday 20th November Saturday 4th December Saturday 18th December
Natural Self Defence, Village Hall Bonfire Night, Village Hall Operation Christmas Child, St Nicholas Church Safari Supper Church Christmas Bazaar, Village Hall Children’s Christmas Party, Village Hall
VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS Contact Michael Murphy on 01788 861877 or 0777 6065385
The South Kilworth News is edited by Ann Saunders Please send copy for the November edition by 23rd October to Ann Saunders Smithy House, Welford Road Tel: 575 338 Email: am.saunders@virgin.net The South Kilworth News is printed by Colin Olle. Advertising enquiries to Colin Olle Croft Acre, The Belt Tel: 575 791 Email: colin.olle@tiscali.co.uk
TEAM CURATE’S LETTER OCTOBER 2010 Love, love, love...dum dumdy dum... Those readers who lived through the Beatles era will be singing along – and may be haunted by the tune all day! Sorry... But it’s not a bad theme, love. It - not money - is what makes the world go around. Without it we would be unable to feel compassion or to receive kindness, to empathise with our fellow human beings, or give children stable families and loving parents. Christians believe that God is the essence of love, and that he looks upon us as his children, from generation to generation. Therefore we should look upon each other as brothers and sisters. Or grandparents and grandchildren. My head runs on that theme recently. I am delighted to say that my son and his wife had a daughter, Hannah, last month, thanks be to God. How things change when a new life arrives in the world. Parents well know that the tiny newcomer becomes the centre of the world, and all else is put on hold! But at any stage a new life brings an enormous alteration, not only in the practical aspects of life, but in the emotional ones too. Becoming a grandparent has made me aware of another level of love, of which I had been only theoretically aware before, and again of how unconditional it is. I have been looking out pictures of my son as baby and child so that my daughter in law can see if her baby looks like her daddy. Going through them, and adapting our family tree, has brought home to me again how families develop, and wax and wane in some generations. One of my great-great grandmothers had 17 children! Only five of them grew up, though. Such was the way of childhood then, and each of those losses must have been as terrible as the first. We are lucky to live now, I think. Isn’t it amazing how much love is born with each child, before we ‘know’ him or her? And how our love for our other children is not diminished by our love for the newcomer? That inexhaustible supply continues as the generations move on. We humans put a huge investment of love and commitment into our children, which is renewed in our grandchildren and, my mother tells me, in our great grandchildren. God understands that, and through our own experience of loving through our families, we can begin to understand the infinity of God’s love for us. The mercy of God endures from generation to generation, as Mary said when she knew she was to be mother to the son of God. Her song of praise and prayer, called the Magnificat and found in Luke 1 v46, emphasises this very feature, and exalts the inheritance of God’s love that she claims for herself and her descendants; ‘as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.’ That love is ours, too. For ever. Love, love, love, dum dumdy dum… Jane Kennedy. All enquiries regarding Church matters should be directed to:The Revd Canon Kenneth Baker, Homestead, The Green, Lilbourne, Nr Rugby, Telephone: 01788 860 409 The Revd. Emma Davies, The Vicarage, 5 Church Lane,Gilmorton, Telephone:-01455 556 573 The Revd Jane Kennedy, 17 Cromwell Close, Walcote, Lutterworth, Telephone: 01455 554 065
CHURCHWARDEN’S NOTE Parishioners will have noticed that we have started locking the church during the day earlier this year, although it is our general policy to keep the church open as much as possible. We decided to take this measure due to a number of minor mischievous incidents that have occurred in recent weeks. For a number of years, it has been our policy to keep the church locked during the darker months, November to April and the subject will be re-examined at the next PCC meeting. Any change in future policy will be announced in the South Kilworth News. As previously, anyone wishing to enter the church is welcome, and keys are available as indicated on the church notice board. Sam Lloyd Tel:- 01858 575 937
MESSAGE FROM OUR NEW TEAM VICAR I have recently been licensed as Team Vicar in the Avon Swift Benefice and am beginning to find my feet in this lovely area of the world. I am living in the vicarage in Gilmorton with my husband, John, and our two boys, Tim (12) and Ben (10). John is a part-time instrumental music teacher and the boys are settling well into local schools. We have experienced a very warm welcome from everyone we have encountered so far (thank you!) and look forward to getting to know lots more people in due course. Before moving to Gilmorton, we spent 3 years in Market Harborough, and before I was ordained we lived for 12 years in Bottesford in the Vale of Belvoir. We are delighted to be living in the countryside again. John and Tim are keen bellringers, and John and I enjoy singing as well as most kinds of music. I very much look forward to ministering in the different communities which make up the Avon Swift Benefice, alongside Canon Ken Baker, Revd Jane Kennedy and the many lay folk who contribute so richly to church life. Please note my contact details below including the new vicarage number (the old one was re-allocated during the interregnum). I shall make time to introduce myself in the villages where I can, but please do contact me if you think I can be of help to you, and please introduce yourself when you see me out and about! God bless. The Revd Emma Davies The Vicarage, Church Lane, Gilmorton. LE17 5LU. New Telephone no: 01455 556573 Email: emma.davies1@sky.com
W.I. REPORT At this months meeting we had a lady from the PDSA come to tell us all about the work they do. She brought with her two tortoise's, one had been well looked after the other not so. Its shell was all lumpy and misshaped due to a poor diet. The evening finished with tea, coffee and home made cakes. Next month we have a bit of a spooky theme (ready for Halloween). We are having a Victorian Murder By Candle Light, this is on October 19th at 7.30pm and you would be most welcome to join us. Louise Boffey
HELP CREATE A HUGE STIR…. and be part of the World’s BIGGEST Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday 1st October 10am – 12noon at Far Hemploe The Belt South Kilworth Lots of stalls, Tombola, Raffle, Bring Buy Cakes etc ALL WELCOME !
FROM THE SCHOOL New term, new pupils, new staff, new building, new head teacher. We are all happily settling in and will update you with our news and articles next month. We have asked for the Ragtex information to be put in the SK News but please do not bring your items to the school until we provide a date for this in January.
SOUTH KILWORTH BIRDS It was at least 30 years ago when I first became acquainted with Stanford reservoir - having persuaded my father to take me there, I have a vivid memory of testing my field craft out observing the wildfowl on the reservoir. However, without realizing, I had placed myself on top of a large red ant nest which subsequently caused me problems for the rest of the day! The intervening years have seen me making infrequent visits to Stanford reservoir, chasing county rarities including great white egret, lesser yellow legs (rare American wading bird) and wilsons phalarope to name but a few. Having officially taken up residence in the village I am now trying to spend some more time on the bird life of the reservoir as well as the village and surrounding areas. For those of you who have no interest I apologise now (in fact you may have not got this far). However, even if your interest only stretches as far as feeding the birds in the garden, my ramblings - which may appear from time to time in this newsletter may be of some interest. What is certain is that with over 70 species of bird already recorded in our garden in just over a year there is an abundance of wildlife on our doorstep. Recent sightings A few visits to Stanford over the past few weeks have produced some interesting birds. We have at least 10 red crested Pochards at the moment along with some wintering duck such as wigeon starting to return. Along the dam there has been common sandpiper, little ringed plover and 2 turnstones (very uncommon away from Rutland water). Kingfisher and grey wagtail have also been seen on most visits. Away from the reservoir - our family of spotted flycatchers have been entertaining us all summer in the gardens along north road with their great insect catching skills. Also the regular buzzards are a-plenty (we take this a bit for granted now but it was as little as 20 years ago when the only place to see these birds of prey was in Wales or Devon)! Also watch out for red kites - following the re-introduction programme in Northamptonshire these majestic birds are now spreading. I have seen red kite at least 3 times this summer over the garden or golf club. What to look out for in early autumn As we move into autumn the last of the swallows and house martins will be departing. These will be replaced by winter thrushes such as fieldfare and redwing. During the harsher weather last winter I put some apples down on the ground (stored from the apple tree in the garden) and had up to 50 of these birds feeding. If you plan to feed the birds this autumn/winter then great. However, birds very quickly become reliant on a food source and therefore it is wise to try to maintain this feeding on a regular basis. Look out for great spotted woodpecker, coal tit, siskin and maybe even a nuthatch on your bird feeders. More ramblings to follow......
Chris Hubbard
EDITORIAL Having seen from the parish minutes that it is suggested that an electronic version may become the norm, I would like to state that it is the SK News intention to continue to distribute paper copies of the SK News whilst we remain economically viable and there is perceived to be a demand for this. At the last AGM it was agreed that whilst we support (and provide the SK News to) the South Kilworth website the paper format of the SK News is currently considered the most accessible for the total village population. We agreed to review the paper / electronic issue at our next AGM but do not anticipate our view changing in the near future. Colin used to email the SK News to a number of people but since the introduction of the South Kilworth website he has asked those people to access it from there. On not quite such a grumpy level, I am pleased that recent articles and comments in the SK News have prompted Phil Alcock as chairman of the parish council to provide some articles. These may elicit more discussion. I, for one, would like to know the methodology behind the LCC statistics on speed reductions – I do not think this is being measured all the time therefore presumably this has been extrapolated from a short visit or two ? Aaargh statistics, damn statistics, (oh dear that was quite grumpy wasn’t it). Also good to have tweetings from Chris Hubbard. Ann Saunders
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD ANNUAL SHOEBOX APPEAL Information leaflets and labels are now available from Eileen Burd 575514 Glebe House, Walcote Road Jacky Harrison 575257 The Old Rectory, Rugby Road Village School We hope you will once again support this appeal and provide a shoebox of small gifts for a refugee child. No child gets more than one box in a lifetime, so this gift is very special. This year our boxes will be going to children in Ukraine. The church will be open on Saturday, 13th. November, 9am. to noon for receiving boxes and donations towards the cost of transport, or these can be given to the above persons any time before then. Thank you. Jacky Harrison
ALLO ALLO 7TH 8TH 9TH OCTOBER Rehearsals are hilarious, all the cast are telling me that they are really having fun! With the panto we have a good old laugh for the first few weeks but with this show everyone is in fits of laughter all the time. Still working on some on the special effects - in particular the knockwurst sausage. A lot more work needs doing with the music (as I'm typing this we haven't even mastered how to play it let alone listen to it)! Costumes are about sorted as well. We have sold out of tickets for Saturday so be sure to hurry and gets yours Louise Boffey
NORTH ROAD DELIVERERS WANTED Two volunteers are required to help deliver the South Kilworth News in North Road. One person to deliver up to and including Leys Crescent, the other to do The Belt and the remainder of North Road. If you can help please contact either Colin Olle or Ann Saunders – contact details on front cover.
SOUTH KILWORTH WEBSITE I will now be updating the South Kilworth website monthly and in great detail. Every month I am looking for information that people want to feature, photographs of local events etc. As well as extracting the information out of the South Kilworth News anything else is welcome. emily@emirisdesign.com
FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL In response to last months’ “and someone else’s thoughts on road safety” In responding to some of the inaccuracies in John Seaton’s letter it is probably worthwhile clarifying a couple of things; It will be no surprise to most people that the design of traffic calming schemes (or any other road related issue) is outside the authority of the Parish Council – this remit is held by Leicestershire County Council Highways Department. In arriving at the design of the current scheme the LCC Highways Dept conducted extensive traffic measurements (volume and speeds) on all roads in the village, including Welford Road and Walcote Road. The data gathered (and other road definitions regarding speed restrictions, road width etc) established the limits of what options can and can’t be consider for a scheme based on nationally laid down guidelines. When the Parish Council first saw the design of the scheme we had a number of concerns, and one of these was the exclusive focus on the North Road, as we felt that problems do exist on both the Welford Road and Walcote Road. To their credit, the team form the LCC Highways Dept spent significant time and effort listening to the concerns of the Parish Council, and explained at length the data, guidelines and rational behind the scheme. This carried on over several months and they attended the Parish Council meetings and spoke with the parishioners in attendance. This was followed by a leaflet drop throughout the village and culminated in an all day and evening presentation and consultation in the village hall which many parishioners attended. The team responsible from LCC Highways Dept met many parishioners and again explained the limits of the scheme and what led to the design. Whatever our concerns around the design or the limited scope, one thing we have to acknowledge is that there was an extensive consultation process during which we all had ample opportunity to express our opinions and get our questions answered – and this all happened in the last two years, so relative newcomers to the village also had the same opportunity! The LCC Highways Dept continue to monitor traffic speeds to evaluate the impact the scheme is having – here is the latest set of results from LCC. • Within the 30mph speed limit an overall speed reduction of 14.5% has been achieved including a 14mph reduction at the North Road 30mph gateway and a 12 mph reduction of speeds entering the village on Rugby Road. • As a result of the new 40mph speed limit on North Road speeds have reduced by 9.5%. • Although recorded speeds opposite Leys Crescent have not reduced we are aware that the bus shelter canopy and village hall sign currently restricts the forward visibility to these signs. LCC are arranging for a post extension to be fitted to increase the height of these signs. • LCC are arranging a video survey to monitor driver behaviour at the road narrowing layout on North Road. These results are consistent with the feedback provided so far by parishioners (see previous correspondence in SKN). To answer some of the specific points in Mr Seaton’s letter; • To suggest that traffic on any road travelling in excess of the speed limit is not a safety issue is frankly ridiculous. • A resident who lives at the Rugby Road end of Dog Lane is on the Parish Council, and reports no noise problems, but we will continue to check this and provide feedback to LCC. • There are absolutely no plans to introduce any further traffic calming measures, be it on Walcote Road or elsewhere, at this stage. • The Parish Council has always acknowledged the problems on Welford Road and raised these repeatedly with the LCC. • Road markings and pinch points have been discussed with the LCC – but the issue is that these measures are intended to control speeds, and as you acknowledge that isn’t actually the problem
At several Parish Council meetings recently there have been complaints about the lack of consideration shown by some residents in parking on Welford Road, so the residents of that road certainly don’t agree with your view. I recognise that modern traffic either driving through or parking in a village built in the days of horse and carts is always going to create challenges for us! - and I don’t for one minute think the traffic calming scheme is perfect. However, I do think it is an improvement, and for constructive debate we need to recognise that LCC have to work within guidelines and constraints, and we should acknowledge the efforts they made to explain these to us all. Phil Alcock Chairman Parish Council •
Welford Road Parking At last months Parish Council meeting (when a number of parishioners were present to express frustration at the parking congestion on the Welford Road) it was suggested that a ‘Residents meeting’ might be a useful way of getting together and discussing the problem. It was generally recognised that more considerate parking, while not entirely solving the problem, could go a long way towards helping things. The Parish Council would be very happy to organise a meeting, but it would be useful initially to get your feedback on this approach – do you think it would be a good idea? Please let us know through email or speaking to any of the Parish Councillors. Phil Alcock Chairman Parish Council Bag It, Tie It, BIN IT! It is unfortunate, but we seem to have an increase in dog fouling in South Kilworth. This seems to be particularly bad on unmade footpaths, such as that leading from the Village Hall down to the Green, and bridleways such as the Belt. It is worth pointing out that it is illegal to let your dog foul in any public place and not clear it up – this includes unmade pathways and grass verges. It is time to send a message to irresponsible dog owners that they need to be more vigilant about picking up dog mess. As well as being plain anti social, allowing your dog to foul our village is downright dangerous, especially to children. The current statistics are that more than 50 children a year are left blind from contacting Toxocara eggs found in dog mess! Bagging dog mess and then throwing it into the hedgerow is not the answer. This just creates dangerous and unsightly litter – and is illegal on two counts! To try and help this problem the Parish Council are buying a number of bins specifically for dog mess and arranging for them to emptied. We want to place then in appropriate locations and our current thinking is one somewhere near the end of the Belt and a couple on the path down to the Green, but please let us have your suggestions. Please let’s get this problem fixed – we should all be able to walk around our village without encountering dangerous mess left by a selfish few. Did you know? It is illegal to let your dog foul in public and not clean it up. You can be fined £100 on the spot for not cleaning up after your dog or be prosecuted through the courts and face a fine of up to £1,000 As well as being unpleasant and a nuisance, you can contract Toxocariasis from dog mess, which could lead to blindness, asthma and epileptic fits. Toxocara eggs take 2-3 weeks to mature. Removing dog mess immediately prevents this and restricts infection. The best way to pick up dog mess is by using doggy or carrier bags and placing them in litter or doggy bins, or by taking it home and placing it in an outside bin. Pooper scoopers are also available from most pet stores. Remember: being unaware of the fouling or not having the means to clean it up is not an excuse under the regulations Phil Alcock Chairman Parish Council
Mrs. Dewes would like to thank everyone who helped with the school clothing collection in July. £346 was raised which is an extremely useful amount and will go towards the redevelopment of the Peace Garden. The school will have another collection in January so please continue to save your unwanted items and perhaps even ask your friends and family to do this as well. Clothes of ANY QUALITY can be accepted, new or old, dirty or clean as we are paid by the ton. The good quality clothes are distributed to people in developing countries or recycled and the remainder are used in rag rugs / insulation etc.
***Natural Self Defence*** Do you want to be able to defend yourself but can’t commit to years of training? A comprehensive 12 week Self Defence class that uses natural movements and body mechanics is now available. Simple to use and even easier to remember moves give you the ultimate techniques to successfully defend yourself. These techniques are the only proven self defence moves fully tested in the last 65 years. Boost your confidence and apply now. Limited places (20 per class). The next 12 week course starts on Wednesday 3rd November 2010, 6:00pm until 7:00pm At South Kilworth Village Hall, Leys Crescent, South Kilworth, Leicestershire LE17 6UK Ages 16+ and any fitness level. £8 per session if paid weekly or £80 for a full 12 week course. ~~Please note that this is not a Fitness class~~ To book or for further information contact Marc on: Tel: 01858 880884 Mobile: 07976 183625 Email: info@naturalselfdefence.com “We all have the right to defend ourselves”
***Natural Self Defence***
HANDMADE CARD MASTERCLASS AT SOUTH KILWORTH VILLAGE HALL OCTOBER 30TH 2-5PM If you are interested in making your own cards, or even an expert who wants to learn some new techniques this is the class for you. We have organised Vicky Dean of Alpha Designs in Leicester to visit South Kilworth for an afternoon of card making. She will provide all the equipment and material you need, introducing new skills and techniques and it's open to all ages - Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult (adult does not have to pay if they do not wish to take part). So come along on Saturday October 30th at 2pm till 5pm and try something new with refreshments provided. £10 per person includes all equipment and card which you can take home with you. Booking is essential. This can be done through Emily Keal. emily@emirisdesign.com or 07540650136
SOUTH KILWORTH’S SEVENTH
SAFARI SUPPER Would you like to meet more neighbours? …… and eat with 22 different people in the village over good food Join the village safari supper on Saturday November 20 7:30pm till 12:00 Start and finish at the village hall (high heels not recommended – bring a torch!) Can you cook for 8 people? (or do you know where Fosse Park M&S is ?) Tickets : £13 : one free to main course cooks: half price for starters and puddings Open to singles and couples Please complete form below by October 22 at latest IN AID OF VILLAGE HALL FUNDS Further information contact Hannah 571148 Tina 575832 Liz 575978 Amanda 575690 Susanne 571055 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------REPLY SLIP Please reserve me …………..tickets for the safari supper (cheques payable to “South Kilworth Village Hall” for £26 per pair or £13/19:50 if cooking main/starter or pudding) Please state if vegetarian / food dislikes eg don’t like spicy food……. ……………………………………………………………………………………… I will cook for 8 people (including myself and partner) Main course Starters Puddings Name : Address :
Tel nos : Email : Please drop this slip off at Woodbank, North Road (Hannah) or 6 The Sycamores (Suzanne) off the Welford Road or Glebe House Walcote Road (Eileen Burd) by October 22