The Herald Mid-August 2023

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

Brownie Teddy’s fundraising for Redgate Farm

COFFEE MORNING FOR CHRISTIAN AID

CHURCHES Together in Markfield are holding a coffee morning on Saturday, 16th September from 10.00 to 12 o’clock at the Methodist Church.

Members of the four church communities will be working together to provide stalls & refreshments for you to come & enjoy. So please pop in for a chat over coffee & a toasted teacake, buy a cake, have a go on the tombola, & browse & buy at the “white” stall. We are very grateful for the support of the village as we continue to raise money for Christian Aid.

Linda Walmsley

Hello, hello, hello in Bagworth

THE MEMBERS of the Bagworth Community Centre Trust (BCCT) who run the Community Centre are delighted to welcome our new Centre Administrator, Dominique. We are convinced that we have made an excellent appointment here. We are very grateful to Lauren for all of the extra work she has done and for her help in ensuring a smooth transition for Dominique. She can be contacted on domiique@bagworthcommunitycentre.org

If you wish to book the Centre this can be done online at www.bagworthcommunitycentre.org

WE WOULD LIKE to share a special story about a Worthington Brownie at Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary, Markfield, Leicestershire on 02/07/2023.

Theodora McDonald - aka Teddy - from Worthington Brownie raised £226 for Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary, Markfield, Leicestershire.

The Sanctuary would like to extend a warm thank you to Teddy for her generous fundraising efforts. She has demonstrated a heart for our community and a passion for animal welfare by raising £226 by selling raffle tickets and selling sweets in just a matter of weeks.

As a result of her hard work and dedication to our cause, we are able to continue providing care and shelter for a range of animals, including cats, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, pigs, rabbits & Guinea pigs.

We would like to commend the Brownie group for taking it upon themselves to make a difference in the community, and for recognizing the importance of supporting animal welfare. The compassion and empathy they have demonstrated will undoubtedly translate into future acts of kindness and generosity.

We wish the Brownies every success in their future endeavors.

Wai IP (Miss), Trustee at Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary, 233 Shaw Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9PW https://www.facebook.com/redgate.farm.sanctuary

This will show the online diary and reveal the many people who now use the Centre. Bagworth is very lucky to have such a great asset in its midst. We do encourage you to use it to the full.

Try the Circular Parish Walk on Saturday 16th September

IF YOU ENJOY walking, why not join us on Saturday, 16th September on a Parish walk of about 8 miles and a few stiles through beautiful countryside visiting some of our local churches: St Michael’s in Markfield, St Mary’s in Stanton, the Quiet Garden at the site of Holy Rood, Bagworth, Cross Hills Baptist Church and St Peter’s in Thornton.

The walk starts at the Lych-gate at St Peter’s Church in Thornton (LE67 1AA) and heads to Markfield following the Leicestershire Round through Brown’s Wood.

From here our path takes us to Stanton, and then onto Bagworth, and finally back to Thornton through the new woodlands.

We will leave Thornton at 11 am. You will need to bring drinks and a packed lunch. Footwear suitable for walking is necessary.

If you would like more information or you would like to take part, please contact William and Shirley on 01530 230422.

Demand for rental property has never been higher, whilst the risk to landlords is increasing in these uncertain times Place your property under full management with us and receive free rent guarantee and tenant eviction protection for 12 months*

We pride ourselves on our friendly yet professional approach and are pleased to be celebrating our ten year anniversary this year, Contact us and see why so many landlords recommend us

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and associated community groups to manage and care for them within the National Forest over next two years.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Hill Hole Nature Reserve in Markfield

Community Woodlands Project

IN PARTNERSHIP with the National Forest Company and Leicestershire’s Rural Community Council the National Lottery Heritage Fund has provided funding to create or enhance ten community woodland sites and associated community groups to manage and care for them within the National Forest over the next two years.

Our aim is to engage local communities to help jointly design new woodland areas whilst meeting the needs of local people which could include providing space for people to meet, community events, outdoor classrooms, volunteering, and wellbeing activities.

The project is overjoyed to report that a site at Hill Hole Nature Reserve has been chosen to participate in the project:

We are looking for local like-minded people to get involved with future initiatives and events at either site to help the design process and then manage and maintain them in the future.

aim is to engage local communities to help jointly design new woodland areas whilst meeting needs of local people which could include providing space for people to meet, community events, outdoor classrooms, volunteering, and wellbeing activities. project is overjoyed to report site at Hill Hole Nature Reserve has chosen to participate in the project: are looking for like-minded people to get involved with future initiatives and events either site to help the design process and then manage and maintain them in the future. would welcome anyone interested or knowing more about the project to please contact us via on either: ktaylor@ruralcc.org.uk or eandrew@ruralcc.org.uk or look out for future event advertisement via Facebook (RCC and Spotted Sites)

I would welcome anyone interested or knowing more about the project to please contact us via email on either: ktaylor@ruralcc.org.uk or eandrew@ruralcc.org.uk or look out for future event advertisement via Facebook (RCC and Spotted Sites)

THORNTON GARAGE

Cryptic Butterflies and Moths

HERE IS another set of cryptic clues from Quiz Queen Sheila. This time, the answers relate to butterlies and moths.

1. High ranking naval person red admiral

2. Floor manager in “Are you being served” peacock

3. On vegetable plots cabbage white

4. Napoleon’s title he gave himself Emperor

5. Migrant bird’s appendage swallowtail

6. Like a slow moving reptile tortoise shell

7. Mona Lisa is this painted lady

8. Owner of boat perhaps skipper

9. Coloured edge of fruit orange tip

10. Fire and this in famous saying brimstone

11. King or Queen monarch

12. Field of wild flowers meadow

13. Punctuation mark comma

14. Policeman’s nickname copper

15. Raptor name for this moth hawk

16. Red striped animal moth scarlet tiger

17. Short name for a cat puss moth

18. World war 1 plane tiger moth

19. Widely known moth feeling depressed common blue

20. African or Indian animal’s raptor elephant hawk moth

Answers on page 24.

AT THE END of June, it was Oscars all round for Groby Sings At The Movies.

It was so good to be back at our ‘home’ in Groby College and to finally have space for all three choirs to come together after several weeks of rehearsing separately at The Groby Club.

It was no mean feat for Musical Director, Simon Lubkowski, who was experiencing his first major Groby Sings concert weekend, to have only one rehearsal in which to blend over 100 voices so that they produced a quality performance in every song.

After the concerts, Simon commented to the choir, ‘Well done for learning your songs so well…… (and)….. showing the enjoyment of singing together in this wonderful group – the youth choir were amazing and I found myself quite emotional at the quality of both their singing and the potential they have for the future.’

Groby Sings has always played a part in boosting the confidence of our young singers as has been shown by past youth choir members who have gone on to take part in school concerts, the Leics Sing Show Choir, which has performed at the De Montfort Hall and the NEC, and the Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall, amongst other events. One young Groby Singer also appeared in a West End stage production. So many amazing opportunities in which Groby Sings has helped and encouraged our young people.

At the post-concert Celebration Evening, there was a final singing of songs from Groby Sings At The Movies, helped along by drinks and, of course, cake! BBC Radio Leicester visited to record interviews and take photographs

to publicise our being finalists in the Community Group category for BBC Radio Leicester’s Make A Difference Awards 2023. We will find out if we have won at the awards ceremony on Sunday 3rd September so watch this space.

As a community choir we have always appreciated the support of our community in all its forms. There are, of course, all the friends and relatives who make up the enthusiastic audiences at our concerts but we are also grateful to the local businesses who sponsor our songs and help with publicity, local magazines and church newsletters which carry our Groby Sings news and reviews, the choir members who often travel several miles to sing with us and last, but by no means least, we owe a huge thank you to The Groby Club who have supported us from the start by generously providing us with a rehearsal space every week. As a charity, this is worth so much to Groby Sings as there is not an alternative, comparable and affordable space in the area so without it we probably wouldn’t exist.

Our next venture sounds quite ambitious – Groby Sings At The Opera. Some of the links might be a bit tenuous but, as always, all the songs will be enjoyable to sing.

We already know that there will be something from The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables but we have to wait until the start of next season to find out if we have to brush up on our Italian or German for a real operatic aria or two! We know we’ll have plenty of laughter whatever we sing.

DIARY DATE: Singing resumes on WEDNESDAY, 6TH SEPTEMBER at THE GROBY CLUB, come and join us!

Singing sessions are Wednesdays, term time only, at The Groby Club, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ, which has ramps and disabled facilities.

ADULT SINGERS: 1.30-3.00pm or 7.30-9.00pm, YOUTH & CHILDREN’S CHOIR (7 years and over): 3.40-4.40pm.

All sessions include a refreshment break. Pre-school children are welcome in the afternoon in the care of their adult with a crèche area available.

A warm welcome also to singers experiencing dementia or memory problems together with their friends and carers.

Enquiries via our website www. grobysings.org

Groby Sings is a Registered Charity no. 1180490

• All types of work undertaken

FLYING HIGH in Bagworth

THE TIME is very near for the biggest annual event which takes place in the village. It is the Bagworth Show on 26th August.

If you have been before, do come again. If you have not previously attended you really ought to come and see what you have been missing. The high point of the Show (do you see what I did there?) is a fly past of a Hurricane plane at 3.29pm.

The Show is organised by the Bagworth Forward Group (BFG) and all profits are used to enhance the village and the life of the village. The main part of the Show is the competition. Entries are in many classes and include vegetables, fruits, flowers, cooking and baking, arts and crafts and a children’s section. It costs 25p to enter one exhibit and you can enter as many as you like in as many classes as you like. There are cash prizes, the largest one being £5. Children’s entries are free but they don’t win cash prizes however they do win other things. There are also over twenty trophies to be presented.

The Show starts on Friday evening when the Centre is open to accept entries. This is between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. The Centre is again open on Saturday morning for the same reason between 8am and 10.30am. The halls will then be closed for judging. Please do not think that you are not good enough to enter, you may well surprise yourself. And it only needs no one else to enter a class for you to win. The halls will be open for viewing when the judging is completed.

As well as the fly past, there is lots going on outside. There will be a display of classic cars. The police and fire service will be present with their vehicles. There will be stalls and plenty of games for adults and children. In addition, you can win a prize if you can stay on the difficult to ride bicycle. The outside activities will begin at 1pm. Admission is £1 for adults, children are free.

Inside, the trophies will be presented at 4pm by our MP. Exhibits will be auctioned at 4.15pm and this is always a good chance to pick up some bargains. The raffle will then be drawn. Cash prizes can be collected at 4.45pm. In addition to the trophies for exhibits, there are three trophies for the best large front garden, the best small front garden and the best allotment in Bagworth. All front gardens and allotments in Bagworth are automatically entered.

During the day, hot and cold food and drinks will be available in the coffee shop area in the Centre.

Don’t forget that you can win £10 if you hand in the front page of the schedule on the day. The schedule will have been pushed through your letterbox if you live in the village.

Do come along on the day. You can be assured of having a good time but also you will be supporting the village in which you live.

A cupuncture Clinic

I was in the kitchen and knocked over all the mince, rice and spices. It was chilli con carnage.

Are you always a bit late - for everything?

Is this you? - late for work, late for friends, nearly missing trains and flights, late for lunch dates, late for dinner dates, and late for just about everything else.

If you are habitually late for almost everything, is it an actual mental condition?

When a recent TikTok video called it ‘time blindness’, that struck a chord – the video has been viewed nearly five million times.

But some psychologists doubt you can just claim being late ‘a mental condition’. Instead, they say that a major factor is our childhood experiences of lateness - whether we have since tried to mimic our parent’s behaviour about punctuality, or rebel against it.

Certainly, once we have got into the habit of acting in a certain way, we tend to do it long-term, unless we make a really conscious effort to change ourselves.

One common reason for lateness is over-optimism. If we are a bit too positive about our abilities, we may assume that we can leave at the last minute and still get somewhere else in time. We don’t factor in any possible problems along the way. Whereas pessimists always imagine there will be problems with the journey, and so give themselves more time.

I’M A BEAVER, Get Me Out of Here!

ON 17TH AND 18TH June our Beavers joined the other colonies in Ashby & Coalville district for a one night camp at Willesley CampSite.

This took the form of our traditional 1-1 camp where each Beaver sleeps in their own tent with a family member. Thus 12 Beavers, 9 dads, 1 grandma and 4 leaders camped overnight, although the weather had been good all day that evening saw a horrendous thunderstorm. However modern scout tents are very waterproof and we all stayed dry except Matthew our young leader who brought his own tent and was washed out. Luckily a dad kindly came to his rescue.

The theme for this year’s camp was “I’M A BEAVER, GET ME OUT OF HERE”. Beavers had to complete a series of activities and challenges for which they were awarded stars as in the TV show. We came a creditable 2nd for the number of stars we collected. In the evening a camp fire was organised and on Sunday a variety of sports events including both a beavers and adults tug of war. Sadly we were not successful in either of these. Everyone voted it a very successful and enjoyable weekend.

On July 6th the Group held their annual AGM, this was well attended by parents and members. Duncan Watts , the district Commissioner presented the Chief Scout Bronze award to beaver Ernie Copley and the Medal of merit to leader Sue Wainwright. This was followed by a BBQ.

This also marked my retirement from Beavers. I have been involved for 33 years and felt it was time to finally move on. I received some lovely presents from the group to mark my leaving. Ben is joining Sue and Lily next term and I hope he gets as much satisfaction and enjoyment as I have over the years.

Margaret Beck

Beavers is for boys and girls aged 6 and 7. They meet at Markfield Scout Hut on Thursday from 5.45 to 7.00pm. If your child wishes to join please contact s.wainwright1@gmail.com

For cubs and scouts contact liam@1stmarkfieldscoutgroup.org.uk

We are excited to be opening our new optical practice in the heart of our community.

Come and join us to celebrate our opening weekend. Have a look around, chat about our services and treat yourself to cake and a glass of bubbly.

Saturday August 19th - 12 till 4pm & Sunday August 20th -11till 3pm

Markfield Opticians, 7 Ratby

LE67 9RJ Visit

markfieldopticians.co.uk

Markfield Opticians is part of Jason Rice I-Care, providing

class eyecare services since 1981.

Dawn French is a name synonymous with warmth and wit. From her role as one half of the comedy duo ‘French and Saunders’ to Geraldine in ‘The Vicar of Dibley’, she’s captivated audiences with her infectious charm since she first graced our television screens in the early 1980s. Her successful career as actor, comedian and author spans four decades, helping her not only establish herself as a household name, but also a national treasure.

In many ways, Dawn’s good humour has always been the secret to her success, laying the foundation for her career from an early age. Growing up in the small town of Holyhead in Wales, she claims to have always been something of a performer – something she learnt from her father. “He would tease me to discipline me,” she told The Telegraph. “Bit of sarcasm, lots of teasing. Things were dealt with at a quite sophisticated level of fun.”

Now, enjoying a peaceful life in Cornwall with her husband, she describes herself as ‘homey’ and ‘quiet’, which might come as a surprise to anyone who’s familiar with her bubbly screen persona. “I can do gregarious, big, showing off stuff, and there’s a certain joy in it, but I’m 98% hermit, and happy with that,” she told Hello Magazine. As one of the most successful women in comedy, many would argue that her career has paved the way for future female comedians. However, she recognises there’s still a long way to go. “I’d like to see an equal number of women [in comedy] to men,” she told The Telegraph. “I’ve been lucky enough to work with lots of really great, funny women so I don’t have any doubt that there are loads more being born as we speak.”

Aside from her ability to make us laugh, one of Dawn’s most admirable qualities is her determination to accept – and embrace – imperfection. She’s always been a fierce champion for self-acceptance. In her memoir, ‘Dear Fatty’ she shared that, “I know for a fact that if you genuinely like your body, so can others. Even if that means having a good laugh at the bits of it that wobble independently, occasionally, that’s all right.”

Thornton Teas with a Twist - 3Ts

Wednesday 23rd August and 13th and 27th September - 2 to 4 pm

JOIN US at Thornton Community Centre for a cuppa, cake, and time to chat. Everyone is welcome, including well behaved dogs on leads.

Drop in to 3Ts at any time, even if it’s only for a short while for a good chat, laughter and warmth. You will be very welcome.

Jigsaws, and board games, books, and the jigsaw ‘library’, and a small play area for young families will be available most Wednesdays.

If you feel even a tiny bit energetic, join in with a game of table tennis – we are all amateurs!!

Thornton Tea with a Twist takes place on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month.

This message forms the basis of her new book, ‘The Twat Files’, available to buy from 12th October. The witty autobiography is an accompaniment to her ongoing comedy tour, where she shares hilarious tales of her own selfmortification. The purpose? To encourage us all to be more at ease with our social awkwardness and self-consciousness, and worry less about chasing social media’s unattainable mirage of ‘perfection’. “The more I think about it, the more I understand that the moments where I’ve made mistakes, misunderstood stuff and messed up are key, ” she writes in the blurb of her new book. “That’s where all my learning happens and where I laugh the most.”

You can pre-order Dawn French’s new book, ‘The Twat Files’ now, ready for its release on 12th October 2023.

How FISH may help you HEAR

SEAFOOD, and oily fish in particular, may be able to help you hear better. A new study has found evidence that consuming oily fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel may help slow down the onset of deafness.

Scientists at the University of Guelph, in Canada, found that people with particularly high blood levels of DHA, found in seafood which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, were 16 per cent less likely to have difficulty hearing, compared with those who had low levels.

Scientists believe that the DHA may play an important role in signal transmissions between nerve cells, including the auditory nerves of the ear Some scientists suggest that we consider eating fatty fish at least three times a week, in order to increase our blood levels of DHA. This need not be expensive: according to the Cleveland Clinic, in the US, sardines – a tin of which cost just 47p at Tesco – contain some of the highest levels of omega-3 of any fish.

A big thank you to LRCF who have given us a grant to help us through the following years.

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

Organised by the village for the villagers. For more information contact me, Shirley, on 01530 230 422 or email shirley.

garlick19@btinternet.com

Look forward to seeing you.

Don’t forget to send us your news.

Beaumont Market set to close

LEICESTER City Council has announced that Beaumont Market, located in Beaumont Leys, will close from September this year in the light of current and predicted trading losses.

The 15 traders currently operating there are being offered stalls at Leicester Market until planned redevelopment work begins in October The council is looking at the options for selling the land on which the market operates, next to Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre. Work is set to begin on the redevelopment of Leicester’s historic city centre market in the autumn.

During the refurbishment, traders at Leicester Market will be temporarily relocated to Green Dragon Square, behind the Corn Exchange. Improvements to Leicester Market will include more than 80 new stalls, new lighting, green roofs and solar panels, new paving around the market and more outdoor seating.

I was in a restaurant earlier this week and a chap asked for 27 fluid ounces of wine.- I thought “he’s having a carafe”....

“Time and time again, I’ve been a massive eejit,”

Dowding Solicitors Limited

Heritage Weekend9th and 10th September

St Peter’s Church, Thornton will be open during the weekend of 9th and 10th September to visitors.

Come and explore our lovely Grade 1, historical church for yourselves.

There is no charge though refreshments will be available to purchase

The church will be open as follows:

• Saturday - from 10 am to 5pm

• Sunday - from 1 pm to 5 pm.

Ride & Stride Saturday 9th September

RIDE AND STRIDE raises money through sponsorship for your chosen church and Leicester and Leicestershire’s Historic Churches Preservation Trust.

You may walk, ride or drive to some of the 400 churches and chapels open 9th September, St Peter’s church, Thornton is one of them.

Contact Shirley for sponsorship forms, a list of churches taking part and more information on 01530 230 422.

Went into a pub and asked if they did hot chocolate. The barman said “I’ll give it a go. It started with a kiss….”

Asked the chap in the local DVD rental place if I could have Batman Forever. “No, just 24 hours like the rest”, he said.

Gambling addiction, also known as pathological gambling or gambling disorder, is something that can affect people from all walks of life. What starts as a harmless hobby can quickly turn into an obsession, with serious consequences on players’ relationships, work, finances and mental health.

So, how exactly does gambling affect the brain?

The allure of gambling lies in the potential for rewards. In a similar way to drugs and alcohol, gambling stimulates the brain’s reward system, which is primarily concerned with immediate gains. Each ‘win’ triggers a release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that makes you feel excited. It doesn’t take long for your brain to connect that sensation with the act of gambling. After a while, the brain begins to build up a tolerance for dopamine, pushing gamblers to take bigger risks to achieve the same high.

Interestingly, our bodies even produce this neurological response when we lose. This is in part a clever design of many modern gambling websites and machines. For example, many machines will light up and make sounds even when a player has lost money, disguising losses as wins. This means that once the thrill of the moment takes over, it can be difficult to know when it’s time to stop playing.

When you factor in this cognitive distortion, not to mention humans’ natural desire for material possessions, it’s no wonder gambling is as addictive – and as dangerous – as tobacco, drugs and alcohol. This raises the question: why is gambling treated so differently by the media? Unlike cigarettes and alcohol, which face strict regulations and bans on advertising, the gambling industry enjoys relatively lenient restrictions. One potential reason for this is the illusion of gambling as a personal choice. Unlike

COFFEE is good for you

IF YOU LIKE COFFEE, then this is good news: it seems that coffee is quite good for you. For one thing, coffee contains chemicals called polyphenols, which protect against inflammation in the body and which repair damage to cells.

substances that directly harm the body, gambling addiction is often seen as a behavioural problem, placing the burden of responsibility on the individual. Then there’s the enormous revenue generated by the gambling industry, which makes it difficult to implement stricter regulations that could damage its profitability. Fortunately, although gambling addiction can be difficult to tackle, there is help at hand. If you, or someone you know, are struggling with the financial and/or health implications of gambling, you can reach out to the following support groups:

GambleAware

GambleAware provides information, a 24/7 helpline and online chat to help people make informed decisions about their gambling, and show them where to go for further support.

GamCare

GamCare runs the 24/7 National Gambling Helpline and also offers face-to-face counselling.

The National Centre for Behavioural Addictions

If you live in England or Wales, are aged 13 or over, and have complex problems related to gambling, you can refer yourself to the National Problem Gambling Clinic.

NHS Northern/Southern Gambling Service

The NHS Gambling Service provides specialist addiction therapy in the north and south of England.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous runs local support groups that use the same 12-step approach to recovery from addiction as Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also support groups for friends and family.

One study, known as the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (Epic), found that people who drank more coffee were less vulnerable to a range of chronic illnesses. Another study, at the University of Verona, found that it can help prevent a toxic protein called tau from clumping together – which might help in fighting Alzheimer’s.

Coffee drinkers have also been found to have different species of bacteria in their gut microbiomes, compared with non-coffee drinkers. This is believed to be one of the strongest protective factors against colorectal cancers.

Harvard University recommends two to five cups of coffee daily, and the NHS recommends that no more than about two and a half cups of coffee are consumed in one sitting, and no more than five cups per day.

Portion creep

BET YOU didn’t notice this, but dinner plates have got bigger.

In the 1950s, a dinner plate measured 25cm across; now the usual is 28cm. And take a look at those very old wine glasses in the charity shops: our grandparents served wine in what looks like liqueur glasses to us now. These days, many wineglasses seem to hold nearly half a bottle….

General Knowledge

Services

Across

1. Hissing noise caused by electrical interference (6)

4. Pointed missiles intended to be shot from a bow (6)

7. Titled peer of the realm (4)

9. Metal food containers (4)

11. Swelling from excessive accumulation of fluid (6)

12. Child’s toy (4)

13. Metal pin or bolt for holding together two plates of metal (5)

14. Platform projecting from the wall of a building (7)

17. Shallow depression in which brine evaporates to leave a deposit (7)

19. Presentation, briefly (5)

22. Fast-running and flightless South American bird (4)

24. Native of Sana’a, for example (6)

26. Celestial body (4)

27. Biblical twin of Jacob (4)

28. Substance that turns blue in alkaline solutions (6)

29. Mr De Niro, actor (6)

Down

1. Alloy used when melted to join two metal surfaces (6)

2. Rounded thickly curled hairdo (4)

3. Alcoholic apple drink (5)

4. Spanish fortress or palace built by the Moors (7)

5. Basic unit of money in South Africa (4)

6. Emoticon of a grinning face (6)

8. Vast, sandy region (6)

10. District of London noted for restaurants and nightclubs (4)

15. Dog-like (6)

16. Egyptian paper reed (7)

17. Ancient rolled document (6)

18. Sediment in wine (4)

20. Supernatural forces, events and beings collectively (6)

21. Natural brown earth pigment (5)

23. Smallest particle in an element (4)

25. Small area of water-surrounded land (4)

Promote Your Business

Explore Leicestershire’s museums for SPECIAL PRIZES

Families are being encouraged to take part in a new ‘passport hunt’ around Leicestershire County Council’s Museums.

The county council’s unique museums showcase a range of exhibitions about our history, and now prizes are on offer for people who successfully visit multiple museums. With Melton Carnegie Museum, Harborough Museum, Charnwood Museum, The 1620s House and Garden and Bosworth Battlefield taking part, it’s an ideal trip during the rest of the summer holidays or a weekend outing.

Passports can be collected at any one of the five sites, and each museum has a special challenge to complete to earn a sticker for the passport.

Stickers from three museums will earn a free notebook. Complete the challenge by visiting all five museums to have a photo taken inside a special photo frame.

Spot the difference!

Spot the difference!

Answers on page 24

Big Bad Wilf’s charity gig

LOCAL

BAND Big Bad Wilf raised over £1,700 for the Leicester Hospitals Charity in June by performing at the Forest Hill Golf Club in Botcheston.

Lydia

Sharman, Senior Community Fundraising Assistant, from Leicester Hospitals Charity expressed her thanks for the fundraising effort: “On behalf of our patients, our staff and everyone whose lives are touched by Leicester’s Hospitals, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you for your recent concert, which raised a total of £1,710.66 for your local NHS Hospitals here in Leicester.

“Wilf, the band’s lead singer has had treatment across all three of our hospitals over the years, and the gig is his way of saying ‘thank you’ for the amazing care he received.”

STOP PRESS: The band has been invited to play at Desford’s Scarecrow Festival this coming August Bank Holiday on Monday 28th August.

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• Thickened or fungal toenails

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• Verrucas & Athlete’s foot

• Diabetic foot care

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I saw an antelope the other day. First insect wedding that I’ve attended.

Mayflower Club

WELL, IT’S been a soggy, cold and dismal summer so far, I can’t remember the last time I had to water the plants in the garden.

Never mind as here at the Mayflower Club we have manged to bring a ray of sunshine, warmth and laughter for members over the last few months. At least most of the sunflowers provided to mark the King’s Coronation have survived the autumnal weather and have flourished.

The last two months have been really busy with lots of events, talks and competitions to keep us all amused and enjoying ourselves.

Back in June we held a “bowling for booze” competition, a presentation on the latest scams provided by Independent Age and a wonderful Well Being event at Glenfield Council Offices gratefully provided by the Bradgate Rotary Club. We also had a humorous blind fold biscuit tasting session though it was a bit bewildering when some thought that the raisins in in shortcake biscuits were “mouse droppings”!!

In July we started off with our annual Wimbledon “tennis

Community

championship” followed by a strawberry and cream tea with scones and of course Barley

Water to wash it all down. This year’s championship was rather different as members had to use a swing ball tennis kit to knock down as many skittles as they could. Sheena emerged as this year’s Women’s Champion with Alan taking the Men’s singles title though to be honest all the men were rubbish at it and Alan only needed one score to win.

Another world sporting event was also marked namely the start of the Women’s Football World Cup. Members drew out their teams in a sweepstake which was followed by a penalty competition. With the scores level at full time there was a tense yet exciting penalty shoot-out between Christine and Gabriella Dinah and Bob. Christine emerged as the winner after slamming the ball at full pelt into the net. Gabriella seemed to have lost her nerve but just managed to head off Dinah and Bob to become runner up. We also enjoyed a couple of talks Sarah from “Feed the Need” came

along to give a talk on this a local charity based in Coalville. The charity provides essential food and other supplies to those that need it in our area during the current cost of living crisis. To make the point she also provided a quiz on the current cost of essential food which was an eye opener. Members kindly brought along food donations for the charity which was much appreciated.

Villager Alan Rockey provided an excellent and very informative talk on the work of the Bradgate Rotary Club and its volunteers in our local

community. We are always most appreciative of the Well Being events provided by the Bradgate Rotary Club and to express our thanks, members donated their subscriptions for the day to the Club.

Here are some of the events we are planning over the next few months. A Visit and Afternoon Tea at Old Markfield Farm, Summer Caribbean BBQ, Picture Quiz, a talk on Falls Awareness, Harvest Festival and of course our annual Conkers Championship and Halloween Party.

Members of our Arts and Crafts session have been beavering away and some of their crochet ponchos are now finished. Picture shows Jane with her pride and joy completed Poncho. Perhaps you would like to join in and even make a personalised Christmas Present You don’t need to be an expert at crochet as Jayne our tutor will give you all the help and guidance you need.

May I remind you that the Mayflower Club Friendship Club and Arts and Crafts sessions take place on Monday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. The main Mayflower club meets on Wednesday afternoons again from 2pm to 4pm. Just come along and join in. If you want more information, please give us a call on the numbers listed below.

We were delighted that, in response to our appeal in the last edition of the Herlad, a number of people kindly came forward offering to be guest speakers. Thankyou so much. We are always looking for people to come along and “entertain” us. So, if you have a job, provide a service, an unusual hobby or have another talent such as art, playing a musical instrument or even singing that you could share with us we would love to hear from you.

Markfield Good Neighbours Scheme

IT IS REALLY uplifting and heartwarming to

know that Markfield Good Neighbours Scheme volunteers are still out there ready to help and support those in need.

They never disappoint us. Indeed, over the last few months they have responded to requests for help and support literally within minutes after putting out a call for help. From feedback we know that your efforts and commitment to help others is much appreciated so, a big thank you to you all. If you need any help or support just pick up the phone and contact us. Believe us when we say that, IT’SOKAY TO ASK and we will do our level best to help you.

Above: Dinah, Chris, Gabriella and Bob Penalty shoot out winners.

Left: Jane with her completed poncho.

How not to be a Grumpy Old Man (or Woman)

MARVEL. Marvel every time you see a child learning to walk and speak at the same time. Share in their delight. Wonder at the dawn of each new season: sunshine and shadows, falling leaves, frost, sudden new growth. You are still alive to take it all in. That’s an unexpected bonus.

APPRECIATE. Have a look around your living room and concentrate on items designed for your comfort and entertainment, which your forbears never had. Think of someone you don’t like; now ponder a couple of their good points. Try to desire their welfare more than their downfall.

FORGIVE. (That’s a condition for being forgiven). You may have to do it over and over again for the same person. Unearth grudges which have been lying under the surface. Are they worth preserving that much? Think of the damage they are doing you.

MARRIED OR SINGLE?

DON’T ENVY. The grass on the other side of the street isn’t greener, it’s just different. Count your blessings - some will be uniquely yours. Be concerned for the welfare of someone whose circumstances are unlike yours.

DEAL WITH DISAPPOINTMENT. If you have become grumpy it’s probably caused by a deepdown dissatisfaction with yourself. Stop raking over past failures. Each morning when you wake up, say with the Psalmist, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

CHANGE. No, it isn’t too late. It will only be too late to change when you are in a coffin. In the meantime, there’s still room for manoeuvre. Remember John Henry Newman’s words, “To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.”

There aren’t many gadgets that appeal to kids and grown-ups alike but drones definitely fit the bill: they’re fun to fly, and you can use them for serious work such as drone filming and photography and even drone racing.

A drone is a remote-controlled flying machine that uses four propellers to fly and hover; thanks to some clever electronics inside it can keep itself steady even in windy conditions. Most drones have built-in cameras that you can use to stream live video to your phone and to take video and photos.

The DJI Mini 2 is probably the best buy for serious use; it’s quite expensive at £409 but you can find second-hand models for less. There’s a newer model, the Mini 3, but it’s considerably more expensive.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Ryze Tello is a lot of fun, and it’s currently £99 at Amazon and Argos. It’s not brilliant in the wind and the video quality is fairly basic 720p – similar to DVD quality – but on a calm day it’s great.

There’s also a new kind of drone in town, the FPV (first-person view) drone. That’s designed to be used for drone acrobatics, and while some can be terrifyingly expensive the £264 BetaFPV Cetus Pro Kit has been getting great reviews. It is very difficult to learn drone acrobatics, though, so this one’s best left to more experienced flyers.

An important thing to know about drones is that they’re easily broken. Some firms charge around £150 for fairly simple repairs, and the costs can go up dramatically with more damaged or more complex drones. It’s worth investing in propeller protectors, which are plastic bumpers that surround the propellers to prevent some of the more avoidable crashes, and you might want to consider drone insurance too.

This isn’t DJI’s best drone – it makes seriously powerful ones for filmmakers too - but it’s the most affordable of the premium drone pack and it’s very easy to fly. £407, amazon.co.uk

This one isn’t for beginners: it’s an FPV drone designed for thrilling and exceptionally difficult drone acrobatics, so you need to be highly skilled to pilot it. £264, amazon.co.uk

We’d strongly advise fitting propeller guards to any drone that doesn’t already have them: in a battle between flimsy propellers and a brick wall or a tree, the propellors always lose. £20, DJI.com

If you’re buying for a beginner you don’t need to spend hundreds: this drone might not have the highest quality video but on a calm day it’s a lot of fun. £99, argos.co.uk

NORTH KOREA – how it all began

SOME 75 YEARS AGO, on 9th September 1948, the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was established, headed by Kim Il Sung.

Korea as a whole had been under Japanese control most of the 20th century, with many Korean guerrilla groups fighting to regain the country’s autonomy. The Second World War led to the surrender of Japan and the division of Korea, with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States the south.

Attempts to create a unified country failed, and two separate governments emerged, each claiming to be the legitimate rulers of Korea. As a result, the Korean War broke out in 1950, resulting in a great deal of destruction, followed by stalemate and a line of demarcation between north and south at the 38th parallel.

The leader of the north, which became the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea, was a famous and accomplished former guerrilla leader called Kim Il Sung (meaning Kim Become the Sun), who because of his earlier exile spoke very little Korean when he became head of government. He had been raised, he said, in a Presbyterian Christian family, one of his grandfathers being a Protestant minister. During the Second World War he was for a time a Major in the Soviet Red Army. He was in office for more than 45 years, being succeeded by his son and then grandson, as North Korea became a totalitarian socialist dictatorship, with a centrally planned economy, closely linked to the Soviet Union. At first the north outperformed the south, but when South Korea stabilised and bloomed economically in the 1980s, the situation was reversed. The tension between north and south continues.

DJI Mini 2

BetaFPV Cetus Pro

DJI Propeller Guard

Ryze Tello

Planning applications

• Outline planning application for the new dwellinghouse, [(all matters reserved except for scale, layout and access)(resubmission of 23/00170/OUT)] - at Ben Venuto, Thornton Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9RP

• Change of use of agricultural building to storage use (B8) - at Hilmarco, Thornton Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67

9RP

• Two storey front, side and rear extension and detached garage - at Ashleigh, Merrylees Road, Thornton, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1AP

• Proposed classroom block within woodland for SEN Education Facility - at Oakwood School, Heath Road, Bagworth Heath, Bagworth, Leicestershire CV13

0NG

• Existing boundary wall reduced to 1 metre in height and erection of 1.8 metres high timber fence - at White Hill, Whitwick Road, Copt Oak, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QB

• Change of use of existing barn to dwelling, installation of solar panels, and trees planting - at Whittington Edge Stables, Markfield Road, Ratby, Leicester, Leicestershire LE6

0LU

• Portal framed agricultural storage building - at Denbar Lodge, Hillside, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9UP

• New Fascia and shop front - at 162 Main Street, Stanton Under Bardon, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TP

• Single storey rear extension and conversion of storage room to office - at 2 Field Court Road, Groby, Leicester, Leicestershire

LE6 0DG

• Erection of front porch and two storey rear extension - at 56 Fern Crescent, Groby, Leicester, Leicestershire LE6 0BE

• Single Storey Rear and Side Extension - at 36 Carmen Grove, Groby, Leicester, Leicestershire

LE6 0BA

• First floor side extension - at 4 Crane Ley Road, Groby, Leicester Leicestershire LE6

0FD

• Proposed extension to existing C02 storage facility - at Unit F, GE Sensing, Fir Tree Lane, Groby, Leicester, Leicestershire LE6

0FH

Markfield WI NEWS

Lynda Owen reports

AT OUR JUNE meeting we had a talk by Matthew Warburton on ‘the Road to Aluminium Art’.

Matthew told of his journey from being a coachbuilder making body panels to studying automotive engineering design, on the way being involved with Bugatti and Rolls Royce amongst others and how he now uses those skills to produce his aluminium art. Matthew works from his local workshop producing a range of pieces from decorative garden sculptures, art and Christmas items including aluminium can artworks. His talk was very interesting and entertaining and if we didn’t all buy one of the items he brought along I’m sure they went on our wish list.

• ON 7TH JULY four of our members took part in the annual WI Federation Quiz Night hosted this year at Rothley. We had a very enjoyable evening, we came neither first nor last but were happy to be also rans; better luck next time.

At our July meeting

Sandy Leong gave a talk on ‘What’s in a Name’, a history of where our surnames come from.

Many of us have surnames which have an obvious origin but many are much more obscure. Her history covered the reasons behind the adoption of surnames, the varieties of spellings and interestingly how certain names are common in a particular area.

Sandy’s talks are always fun while being instructive and I’m sure will have many of us delving into the origins of our own surnames.

For our August meeting we will be having a talk by Julie Kinnear on Coco Chanel and the competition will be a perfume bottle.

Ridges • Dry Verge

Flat Roof Repairs • Chimneys Repointing • Lead Work Fascia Boards • Guttering

Flat Roof Repair, Ridges, Chinney Repointing etc Kitchens, Doors, Windows all building work undertaken

UPVC. Facia Boards

20 YEAR GUARANTEE

20yr guarantee

Tel: 01530 243789

Mobile 07866 518907

npbbuilder@gmail.com

1A JACQUELINE ROAD, MARKFIELD

OLD EDWARDIANS REUNION

There is to be a reunion of staff and scholars of King encompassing, The Grammar School, The Upper School. Science and Sports College, i.e. 1909 to 2021.

Date - Saturday 21st October 2023 Time – 1:00 -5:00

Venue - The Forest Suite, Charnwood Arms Hotel, Bardon. Admission £7.50, preferably book in advance, or pay

There is to be a reunion of staff and scholars of King Edward VII Schools, Coalville: encompassing, The Grammar School, The Upper School. The Community College and The Science and Sports College, i.e. 1909 to 2021.

All details and booking form available from Geoff Haynes, 13 Brampton Avenue, Leicester, LE3 6DA Email - reunion@oldedwardianscoalville.co.uk Facebook Page – King Edward VII Coalville – School

Date - Saturday 21st October 2023 Time – 1:00 -5:00 p.m. Venue - The Forest Suite, Charnwood Arms Hotel, Bardon. LE67 1TB

There will be a display of photographs and memorabilia are available in the adjoining bar/restaurant, overnight stay. Come and meet your friends and enjoy the nostalgia. make you very welcome.

Admission £7.50, preferably book in advance, or pay at the door

Elizabeth Riding (Chair) - 01530 812500.

All details and booking form available from Geoff Haynes, 13 Brampton Avenue, Leicester, LE3 6DA • Email - reunion@ oldedwardianscoalville.co.uk Facebook Page – King Edward VII Coalville – School Reunion

There will be a display of photographs and memorabilia (bring yours along to share) Meals are available in the adjoining bar/restaurant, overnight accommodation too if you wish to stay. Come and meet your friends and enjoy the nostalgia. The Organizing Committee will make you very welcome.

Elizabeth Riding (Chair)

Tel: 01530 812500

I’m trying to make a

OLD EDWARDIANS

Life is too short to waste any amount of time on wondering what other people think about you.

C. JoyBell C.

Lego statue of Bonnie Tyler, but every now and then it falls apart.

CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF ST WILFRID OF YORK AND HOLY CROSS

53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB – 01530 832098

SUNDAY MASSES:

Saturday 6 pm – Holy Cross Church Whitwick*

Sunday 9 am – Holy Cross Church, Whitwick*

Sunday 10.30 am - St Wilfrid’s Church, Coalville

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

WEEKDAY MASSES:

Monday 10 am – St Wilfrid’s Parish**

Tuesday – No Mass

Wednesday 10 am – Holy Cross Church

Please see the Newsletter on the Parish website for more details.

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

PARISH CONTACT:

If you need a priest: please contact our Parish Priest, Fr Gabriel Offor on 01530 832098 or email www.stwilfspriest@ gmail.com.

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

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:

You can book an appointment with Fr Gabriel - 01530 832098.

SCHOOL DETAILS:

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

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

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

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN MARKFIELD UNITED SERVICES:

On Sunday 20 August at 3 pm at Ulverscroft Priory. Please call 01530 243292 if transport is needed. Everyone is most welcome.

MARKFIELD VILLAGE MASS: 7 pm at Markfield

Congregational Community Church, Main St.

Tuesday 5 September, and Tuesday 24 October.

Everyone is most welcome.

Village Contact: Margaret on 01530 243292

Bluelight Wills

Wills and Probate Services

Tel: 01530 635004

Email: enquiries@bluelightwills.co.uk

Ÿ Will Writing and Associated Advice

Ÿ Lasting Power of Attorney

Ÿ Trusts

Ÿ Advance Directive (Living Will)

Ÿ Probate and Estate Administration

Ÿ Professional Executor & Trustee Services

Ÿ Document Storage

Ÿ Home and Office Visits

Fred Clarke-Baptiste Aff.SWW is a member of the Society of Will Writers and adheres to the Society ’s Code of Practice.

Loads of Autumn trips and events planned for the Autumn at Markfield Congregational Church!

WE ARE NOW planning into the Autumn and continue to offer events to our community.

• During the holidays we have started a KIDS’ MOVIE CLUB showing popular children’s films on Saturday 12th August and Saturday 26th starting at 10.30am and offering drinks and popcorn. This is a free event. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For further details call Angela on 07971 254165.

• HARVEST FESTIVAL will be Sunday 3rd September at 10.30 led by Rev Rob.

• Rev Rob has booked Roberts Coaches to provide a DAY TRIP TO STRATFORD UPON AVON on Saturday 9th September. This is open to everyone. We will leave from our church at 9.30 and leave Stratford at 4.30. You will make your own plans on how to fill the day.The cost is £10 for adults and £5 for children.

• The second trip is to OAKHAM to visit Rev Rob’s other Church on Wednesday 20th September. We will leave from our church at 9.30 and leave Oakham at 4.30.We will attend Oakham Congregational Church Coffee Morning for lunch, which is free, but donations are gratefully received. There will be time to view Oakham. This is free to anyone who is interested. Transport will be by a minibus therefore places are limited and will be allocated on a first come/first served basis.

• Saturday 16th September 10.00 will be a COFFEE MORNING to raise money for Christian Aid at Markfield Methodist Church. We will be holding a tombola and would be pleased to receive any donations of prizes.

• BREW ABOUT YOU continues to be very popular on Tuesdays and everyone is welcome 9.30 till around 12.30. Free drinks, cake and biscuits.

We will make a decision in October about Warm Space offering light lunches as this proved to be very popular last year.

As a church we hope we are continuing to support our community by offering these events. We believe this is what God wants of us as Christians to do.

For more information or to book a place on these trips please ring Angela Berry 01530 242578 or 07971 254165.

Christian Aid 2023

WE ARE delighted to inform everyone that the Christian Aid House-to-House collection in Markfield Village and Markfield Retirement Village in May this year, together with the Collection at the local Co-op and the Christian Aid United Service raised in total £1,328.47

• The Collection at the Co-op raised £105.13

• Christian Aid United Service raised £80.00

• House-to-House collection raised £1143.34

This all comes to a Grand Total of £1,328.47

The amount gift aided was £774.50 which should generate a further £193 for the charity.

Christian Aid and Churches

Together in Markfield (CTIM) are very grateful for all the donations, and for all the hard work and effort of those involved. A special Thank You to the wonderful volunteers with the Good Neighbour Scheme, and also the managers of Markfield Retirement Village and our local Co-op.

Many thanks again to all. Markfield Churches –working together for our community Methodist-www. markfieldmethodistchurch.org or FB Parish Church – j22churches. org.uk or FB Congregational Church FB Catholic Church - www. stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk

IF YOU’VE EVER moved house, you’ll know how you discover how much stuff you’ve got- and have to decide what to take, what to send to the charity shop, what to recycle/throw out.

My husband and I have been going through this, as my time in Markfield is up, and I start a new post in Weston-Super-Mare in September.

There may be emotional “packing” too. I will be taking many special memories of people in this village, special events in the churches and community- and I would like to say a big thank-you to you all. But we also need, now and again, to do an emotional and spiritual “clearout”. This might be letting go of grudges, forgiving ourselves (because God has forgiven us) for our mistakes, loosening our hold on anything that makes it harder to make space for God. Times of change can be a good opportunity to do this.

The other side of moving is the unpacking - and finding a welcome in our new home. In September the new Methodist minister, Rev Jimi Kaci, and his wife Miri, start- and I’m sure they’ll find as warm a welcome in Markfield as I did. Please do also look out for Jimi’s article in the September Herald introducing himself.

Judith Lincoln

Minister, Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield

www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

FB Markfield Methodist Church

I RECENTLY had the privilege of visiting No.10 Downing Street and meeting the Prime Minister.

I was able to raise some important issues including the financial pressures faced by local authorities. Leicestershire remains one of the lowest funded local authorities in the country, yet the demand on our

services; particularly in the sphere of Special Educational Needs, and Adult Social Care is growing exponentially. A system where a person living in a £1m Westminster property pays just £1,000 in Council Tax, compared to someone paying £2,500 in a £375,000 property in Markfield, Leicestershire, cannot be fair. As part of my role in Cabinet I am facilitating a meeting with Local Government Minister, Lee Rowley MP, in September to put our case for ‘fair funding’ direct to the Government.

IN JULY it was also nice to welcome retiring Stanton-under-Bardon Parish Councillors Ian and Mary Briggs to County Hall - see pic on right.

Serving on a Parish Council can be an extremely satisfying experience, but it can also, at times, seem a little thankless – not least when complaints come in on a regular basis for a plethora of reasons! I’d like to publicly thank the Ian and Mary for their hard work over almost two decades and wish them well as they step back from their parish duties!

Recently I also chaired a meeting of the Bardon Hill Quarry Community Fund and was pleased to be able to support thousands of pounds being awarded to local voluntary and community groups such as a scout group in Markfield, and support for meals for the homeless in Coalville. Over the summer I have attended several meetings in my capacity as Cabinet Member for Transformation and Recovery; in particular those focusing on jobs and skills.

I’d like to draw residents’ attention to some initiatives currently being run by the County Council (funded by Central Government): Multiply: A project which aims to level up opportunities for more people by increasing their confidence with numbers. Multiply can help build your numeracy skills to improve your job prospects, help children with schoolwork and help you feel more confident managing household

budgets. Thanks to Government funding of £3m the County Council will deliver this national programme in Leicestershire to provide free courses and support over the next 3 years.

If you are interested, you can apply via telephone on 0800 988 0308 or via a webform:

https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobs-andvolunteering/skills-for-jobs/multiply-numeracy-skillsfor-adults/enquire-about-multiply

I continue to work with residents on a range of local issues and if I can be of assistance please do not hesitate to get in touch. Peter

Okey Cokey Memories

THESE DAYS ice cream seems to be part of our food menu but in my early days this was not the case.

My first taste of ice cream was taken in Mrs Clement’s shop whilst waiting in Groby for the Markfield bus to take me home. I joined the other children for a piece of greaseproof paper on which was deposited one scoop of yellow ice which tasted suspiciously like cold custard. A treat then it was.

In the 1950s Rossa and Masserella sent their ice cream vans with jingles and the Okey Men into our village. They had plenty of customers, even up at Hillside, where the girls used to chat up the drivers, who had at least three sorts

of ice cream to sell.

The local ice cream king, however, was Luigi Brucciani who lived with his family in splendour at The White House on Bradgate Hill, Markfield. In 1893, the Bruccianis came to England to promote their authentic Italian ice cream. Recently, they celebrated 130 years of business owning several restaurants.

Their English was limited but a fortune was made. Luigi had a restaurant in High Street in Leicester and could be seen often behind the counter sporting a yellow bow tie on all occasions. He was a very ‘hands-on’ owner.

My dad worked next door and became friendly with Mr Brucciani who told him that his cafe was on

the wrong side of the street for making money!

My mother taught his son Michael in school and always enjoyed seeing him come in his uniform of frilly shirt and blue velvet trousersItalian style.

One day Michael was thrilled to confide in my mum that dad (Luigi) had spent the weekend perfecting a new flavour of ice cream. Pepperming Ice was the result and soon appeared in the restaurant.

Apparently the Romans were the first to discover ice cream and now we benefit from the skill of the later Italians in perfecting the many flavours we have today.

The Brucciani family now own several restaurants and cafes,

some in the north of England, and their ice cream is said to be the best in the country.

I’d love to try it again!

Margaret Pike, Markfield

(County Councillor for Markfield, Desford & Thornton)

Homemakers Program 2023

Meet at 2pm at Little

Markfield Farm.

For More Information

Call Brenda On 07774 047571

September 13th

LEICESTERSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE - FIRE SAFETY

October 11th

IAN MABER - TALK AND QUIZ - THINGAMEBOB

Michael and All Angels Day: 29th September

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS

DAY or the Feast of Saint Michael takes place every year on the 29th of September. It is the day we celebrate both named and unnamed angels and of course St Michael himself. The holiday is celebrated by both Jews and Christians. Michael is one of only three angels mentioned in the Bible, the others being Gabriel and Lucifer.

St Michael is an archangel, whose name means ‘who is like unto God?’ He makes various appearances throughout the Bible, from the book of Daniel to the Book of Revelation. In Daniel, he is ‘one of the princes’ of the heavenly host, and the special guardian of Israel. In Revelation, he is the principal fighter of the heavenly battle against the devil.

From early times, St Michael’s cult was strong in the British Isles. Churches at Malmesbury (Wiltshire), Clive (Gloucestershire) and Stanmer (East Sussex) were dedicated to him. Bede mentions him. St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall was believed to commemorate a vision there in the 8th century. By the end of the Middle Ages, St Michael had 686 English churches dedicated to him.

In art St Michael is often depicted as slaying the dragon, as in the 14th century East Anglican Psalters, or in Epstein’s famous sculpture at Coventry cathedral. Or he is found (in medieval art) as weighing souls, as at Chaldon (Surrey), Swalcliffe (Oxon.), Eaton Bishop (Hereford and Worcester), and Martham in Suffolk. St Michael’s most famous shrine in western Europe is Mont-SaintMichel, where a Benedictine abbey was founded in the 10th century. The ‘All Angels’ bit of this feast-day was added in 1969 when Gabriel and Raphael were included in with St Michael.

Message from Dr Luke Evans MP

IN A SOMEWHAT unusual step, the Editor has asked me to respond on an issue posed by Markfield residents regarding 15-minute neighbourhoods.

While I am more than happy to share my thoughts and opinions on any issue with constituents, I want to be clear in the following: proposals around the viability of 15-minute neighbourhoods are in the remit of elected Councils or Mayors to consider, not MPs.

Examples you may have seen include proposals within Oxford to bring about 15-minute neighbourhoods by 2040.

Essentially, a 15-minute neighbourhood is one in which residents can access all the essentials (from supermarkets and stores, to schools, healthcare providers and recreational spaces) within a 15-minute walk from their home, at first glance this seems admirable.

But I have huge concerns on the finer details and real life practicalities. Let me explain further…

The proposals in Oxford put forward something called traffic filters – in essence zones –meaning that at the times when the filters are operating, you may need to take a different route (such as using a ring road) if you wish to travel by car. The City Council say you can use public transport options at all times of the day, but not your car.

The proposals state that residents of the city would need to apply for a permit to drive through the filters on up to 100 days a year. Additionally, if a driver uses said filter without a permit or an exemption (for blue badge holders, carers, businesses and emergency services), they face a fine of up to £35, which increases to £70 if not paid within two weeks.

To me, this is where well intentioned ideas meet reality, and the two do not stack up. I don’t believe zoning and restrictions are the right answer.

And I certainly don’t believe Leicestershire is right for such schemes.

As we have seen with the widening of the London ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone), these measures hit people on lower incomes the hardest, and aim to use a £12.50 daily levy to control people.

Affordability is one of the key tenets when it comes to our nation’s success in tackling climate change. I would prefer to see funds used towards improving our

infrastructure, such as the over £2 billion spent by this Government to roll out a network of electric car chargers.

Effective policy making must have an achievable goal. It will only be effective if you can carry those affected with you with reasoned argument, support and understanding, not just blindly pursuing a vision of Utopia that does not assimilate with modern living.

I do generally support the idea of residents having access to everyday needs and essentials, such as shops, local parks or healthcare facilities, within a 15-minute walk of their home - a noble cause, but we must think about the reality. Particularly in rural communities such as ours, people often have no option but to use their car.

Regretfully, I saw nothing within Oxford City Council’s explanation of their proposals which gave reassurances as to what these residents would do on the other 265 days per year when they’re not permitted to use their cars.

As other constituents have raised this with me previously, I wrote to the Department for Transport about the matter and while distinctions were made about their remit as this is under the purview of the City Council, the Minister responded with the following: “I support people being able to travel with freedom and I am clear that local authorities must assess carefully what solutions should apply to managing their streets, taking into account the needs and views of the whole community.”

By this point you may have reached the same conclusion as I: that this is not viable for our community. But I invite you to look into the proposals yourself and draw your own conclusions. As it happens, and I should stress, this

is not something that I’m aware is being proposed locally.

Should you have concerns as to the possibility of zoning in our area, I suggest writing to your Councillors to seek a clarification on their stance on the matter, and what their approach would be.

Dr Luke Evans

Little Markfield Farms Vehicle Meets

Forest Road, Markfield, Leicester LE67 9UN

DATES

Friday 18th August

Friday 15th September

From 5pm

All vehicles are welcome

Food and a Bar will be available

We will be collecting for LOROS

For more information contact Brenda on 07774 047571.

“To me, this is where well intentioned ideas meet reality, and the two do not stack up. I don’t believe zoning and restrictions are the right answer.”

Dr Luke Evans

I was playing Bonopoly earlier. It’s like Monopoly but where the streets have no name.

The Herald Indoor /Outdoor CAR BOOT SALE

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: 01530 244069

info@markfieldherald.co.uk

www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Saturday 9th September 9am - 12 noon at the

Copt Oak Memorial Hall, LE67 9QB (Next to the Copt Oak pub)

Trinity Methodist Church Markfield

SERVICES & INFORMATION

www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

FB: Markfield Methodist Church

Sunday 13th August

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 20th August

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

3.00 p.m. CTiM United Service at Ulverscroft Priory

Sunday 27th August

2.30 p.m. Welcome Service for Rev Jimi Kaci

Sunday 3rd September

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 10th September

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 17th September

10.30 a.m. CTiM United Service

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.

Outdoor £5 – no need to book Indoor £10 – must be booked

Entrance 50p - children free

Booking or further details ring 0116 2674746 or 01530 244229

We extend an invitation for you to join us for worship as well as at our other regular activities. You will be made most welcome.

Music Cafe

Thursday 24th August, 14th September, 28th September

Don’t be on your own - have a change of scenery & join us for a music-based afternoon of friendship, fun & refreshments on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month. For more information please contact Linda on 01530 242607.

“Come for a Cuppa”

Every Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00

Come and meet each other on Wednesday mornings. There is no charge for the refreshments and you can “borrow a book”. Just come through the main church building and you’ll find us in the back room.

Coffee Morning for Christian Aid

Saturday 16th September 10.00 - 12.00

(More information can be found on the front page.)

Harvest Ploughman’s Lunch

Saturday 23rd September at 12 o’clock

We invite you to join us for lunch as part of our Harvest Thanksgiving weekend. The cost is £8.

For more information & tickets please contact Linda & Bill on 01530 242607 or Ann & Ian on 01530 242166.

Amusing Signs

On the trucks of a plumbing company: “Don’t sleep with a drip. Call your plumber.”

Pizza shop slogan: “7 days without pizza makes one weak.”

Sign over a gynecologist’s office “Dr. Jones, at your cervix.”

Door of a plastic surgeon’s office: “Hello. Can we pick your nose?”

On an electrician’s truck: “Let us remove your shorts.”

In a non-smoking area: “If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action.”

On a maternity room door: “Push. Push. Push.”

At the electric company: “We would be de-lighted if you pay your bill. However, if you don’t, you will be.”

In a restaurant window: “Don’t stand there and be hungry. Come on in and get fed up.”

In the front yard of a funeral home: “Drive carefully. We’ll wait.”

GHOST WRITER

IN OUR LONG HISTORY, we had never visited the overflowing catalogue of David Tristram plays, (This year he is celebrating 10,000 performances of his works worldwide), until we staged “Going Green” earlier this year.

We were delighted by the audiences’ responses to a comedy that was “different” and “thought-provoking”. So, now we find ourselves staging another “different” Tristram comedy! “‘Ghost Writer’ is a funny, haunting, farcical whodunit.

SYNOPSIS:- A year ago, a London theatre company staged a production of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” - At the last-night party was one Edward Pinfold, a promising playwright, and husband of the talented but tempestuous actress, Ruby, who had played Ophelia.

Tragically, that very night, Ruby - a renowned reveller with a reputation for burning the candle at all three ends - was found dead in bed. The theatre world went into a state of mourning that barely lasted into the afternoon. One year later, however, Edward remains deeply affected. In the attic room of his friend’s house, where he has sought sanctuary, his typewriter stands neglected. It is the first anniversary of Ruby’s death… and a series of strange events is about to unfold.

We do hope that you will come along to give yourself an evening of entertainment. We really do value your support as we, at MTTG, work hard to bring a variety of stage productions to your local venue.

“GHOST WRITER” is to be staged at THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE from Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th September at 7.30 nightly. Tickets are priced at £6 and are available on 07438 508166 or by contacting mttg. theatre@gmail.com

Are YOU interested in seeing how the Group works?

Are you brimming with ideas and enthusiasm? Come along to rehearsals.

When we put this play to bed, (as the saying goes!), in September, we will have already begun planning for our next production. We need new ideas, new enthusiasms and new members.

There are many aspects to explore in an amateur drama group, and we all have a part to play. (Forgive the pun!) If you are new to our locality….or if you have lived here for ages but never got around to it ... and are interested in seeing how the Group works, we are currently rehearsing on Wednesday evenings, at Thornton Community Centre, at 7.30 p.m. You are most welcome to drop in. We would be very happy to see you.

Muriel Walker (For MTTG)

Google is 25 years old next month

IT WAS 25 years ago, on 4th September 1998, that Google, the internet search company, was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, both students at Stanford

University in California.

The company was originally based in a friend’s garage at nearby Menlo Park.

It began in January 1996 as a simple research project which employed links to decide the importance of individual pages on the world wide web. The two students – both Jewish – worked from their college rooms and called the search engine BackRub, a name fairly rap-

idly abandoned. Google is a slight misspelling (or reinvention) of the word googol, which is the mathematical term for a 1 followed by 100 zeros.

This turned out to be quite appropriate, given the amount of information involved. Google is now the world’s most used search engine by far, leaving such “competitors” as DuckDuckGo, Bing and Yahoo!

floundering distantly in its wake. Google Inc was born officially in late summer 1998 when Sun co-founder Andy Bechtolsheim wrote Page and Brin a cheque for £100,000. There was a third founder, Scott Hassan, who wrote much of the original code, but he left before Google was officially founded as a company. Today, however, he is described as a serial entrepreneur with a net worth

of around a billion dollars. Being a huge company, Google has plenty of critics, but its code of conduct, stated in 2004, was “Don’t be evil” because “we believe strongly that in the long term, we will be better served – as shareholders and in all other ways – by a company that does good things for the world, even if we forgo some short-term gains”.

HERALD SMALL ADS

• MIRROR - 89cm x 64cm, light pine frame - 75mm. Used - GOOD CONDITION. Price: £5.00.

• PICTURE FRAME - 16 inch x 20 inch. Light pine frame - 35mm. Used - GOOD CONDITION. Price: £5.00.

Tel: 01530 243166 (Markfield)

• Three seat BROWN LEATHER SETTEE. Offers invited.

• Solid Oak DINING TABLE with extension piece. Offers invited. Items no longer needed due to new ones.

Tel. 07900 811281 (Markfield)

• Excel excite Van05 large MOBILITY SCOOTER Lights, indicators, new tyres and 2 brand new batteries. Offers over £450.00 please. Photos available on request.

• DESK CYCLE with resistance and calorie/distance and speed counter.

Over 100.00 new. Price: £50.00 ono. Can provide photos if requested.

• Ladies FOLDING BICYCLE FREE or donation to Leicester Animal Aid at Huncote.

Tel: 07388 844276 (Markfield)

• STIHL PETROL CHAINSAWMS260 model, old model but still in good working order. 40cm chain arm with mixture bottle and sharpening file. Price: £35.

Tel: 07821 094472 (Markfield).

• 3 Piece CONSERVATORY/ GARDEN FURNITURE, in cane basket weave. In excellent condition, both the cane and cushions, etc.

Price: £75 All in.

• Full set of GOLF CLUBS, (good make), including carrying bag.

Price: £30.

Tel: 07880 551180 (Markfield)

• Six seater light oak TABLE AND CHAIRS. Price: £100 ono

• Oak glass door CABINET.

Price: £100 ono.

Tel: 0116 222 6819 (Groby)

• KENWOOD CHEF TITANIUM, complete with instruction booklet, dough paddle, whisk, liquidiser, stainless steel bowl, slicing and shredding plates, food processing attachment. Hardly used.

Price: £140.00 ovno

• Craftwell Cut n boss ELECTRIC DIE CUTTING MACHINE, complete with instructions and plates.

Price: £65.00 ovno.

• Swarovski SMALL FROG still in box. Price: £20.00.

• Swarovski LARGER FROG - 2 for sale, still in boxes. Price: £25.00 each

Tel: 01530 249432 (Markfield)

• Hauck Step N Safe 2 ‘silver’ METAL GATE FOR DOORS OR STAIRS. Pressure fit (i.e no screws etc). Dimensions 59.5 x 5 x 79 cms.

Fits 75 to 80 cms Ht 77 cms. In original box. Cost £39.91. Price £20

Tel: 0116 287 6674 (Groby)

• Mans giant make RACING BIKE. Very good condition.

Price: £110 ono.

Tel 07909 920950 (Groby)

• TV STAND - Black glass, 3 shelves.

Price: £5.00

Tel: 07866 109206 (Groby)

• White circular glass PEDESTAL TABLE - 96 cm (3ft) dia. and four chairs. Good condition. Price: £60.

Tel: 0116 299 4641 (Groby)

• Garden LOW FENCING for sale. Bought B&Q a year ago, now not needed: 3 sections of treated trellis fencing 6’x2’; 5 posts 1m x700mm square, also treated; 5 bevelled and treated post caps 100mm square; 5 steel post spikes 3’ x7.5cm square. Makes 20 foot low fence with entry gap. Price: £125 or nearest offer

Tel: 0116 2243505 (Groby)

• Pro-Fitness CROSS TRAINERused, good condition. Not dismantled so will require a vehicle for pick up.

Price: £35.00

• CAR SEAT COVERS - Auto XS Grey. Brand new, still in packaging.

Price: £5.00.

Tel: 07473 926657 (Markfield)

• FREE & FOR SALE - CAT CARRIERS, CAT LITTER TRAYS (some brand new), CAT/DOG PUSH CHAIR, CAT PENS, CROQUET

SET, solid oak 3 ft wide BUNK

BEDS

Tel: 01530 244531 (Markfield)

• FREE: 2 SEATER BLACK LEATHER SOFA - good condition. Must collect own transport.

Tel: 01530 487473 (Markfield)

• Falcon Reactive male PEDAL BIKE - 26” wheel, very good condition. Front and back lights. Price: £60.00 - no offers.

Tel: 07957 915183 (Groby)

• Stainless steel GARDEN SPADE and FORK. Price: £10 each or £15 for the pair.

• ‘Sigma@ electric OUTBOARD MOTOR and 12 volt batter. Price: £30.00.

• BATTERY CHARGER - 12 volt, as new. Price: £15.00.

Tel: 01530 245337 (Markfield)

• Bosch Easy Trim STRIMMER 23cm - 300W. Never been used, in original packaging. Price: £25.00

• Hostess Cordless large HOT TRAY. Model HT6030. Price: £25.00.

• Taylor Lazer LAWN GREEN

BOWLS Black. Size 3. Price: £50 ono

• Henselite Tiger LAWN GREEN

BOWLS Black. Size 5H. Price: £50 ono

• Zanussi Electrolux REFRIGERATOR. Model ZRT 163W. White. Price: £60.00.

Tel: 07532 329525 (Glenfield)

• Box of VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHY ITEMS including Eumig C5 zoomreflex CINE CAMERA, Eumig p8m imperial FILM PROJECTOR, Spectosun CINE LIGHT plus other bits & pieces! Price: £30.00 ono.

• Sumlock COMPTOMETER + instruction booklet & calculator charts. Price: £20.00. ono.

Tel: 0116 287 9193 (Glenfield)

MARKFIELD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP TALK

Tuesday 19th September 2023 at 7.30pm At Markfield Methodist Church, Main Street, Markfield LE67 9UU

NANPANTAN HALL

We are pleased to welcome Sue Hall to speak to us about the history, gardens and future of Nanpantan Hall, which has been an intriguing mystery to some folks for many years.

The Hall was built in the 1870s and has an amazing 30 acre estate. It was gifted to the School of Philosophy in 1986.

Sue and her husband David started volunteering in 2008. Over the years, they have learnt about the history, the people who lived and worked there and have enjoyed seeing the hall and garden brought back to life.

Come and join us to find out more about this fascinating hall, just up the road from Markfield!

£3 for visitors or become a member for £8 per year and then no additional charge for talks/activities

www.markfieldhistory.org – FB Bygone Markfield

• CUCKOO CLOCK. Price: £25.00.

Tel: 07867 806474 (Markfield)

• DESK - metal frame, self assembly, unopened, still in box.

Price: £20 o.n.o

Tel: 07966 253612 (Markfield)

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

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

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

Butterflies and Moth Answers

1. Red admiral, 2. Peacock, 3. Cabbage white, 4. Emperor, 5. Swallowtail, 6.Tortoiseshell, 7. Painted lady, 8. Skipper, 9. Orange Tip, 10. Brimstone, 11. Monarch, 12. Meadow, 13. Comma, 14. Copper, 15. Hawk, 16. Scarlet Tiger, 17. Puss moth, 18. Tiger moth, 19.Common Blue, 20. Elephant Hawk Moth

Spot the Difference

1. Boy hair different colour

2. Pumpkin mouth missing

3. Mouse at front missing

4. Girl sleeve different colour

5. Moon missing

6. Pocket on girl’s dungarees missing

7. Bone on boy’s costume missing

8. Mummy boy eyes closed

9. Pumpkin stalk missing

10. Bandage on leg missing

Crossword

Across: 1 Static, 4 Arrows, 7 Lord, 9 Cans, 11 Oedema, 12 Doll, 13 Rivet, 14 Balcony, 17 Saltpan, 19 Intro, 22 Rhea, 24 Yemeni, 26 Star, 27 Esau, 28 Litmus, 29 Robert.

Down: 1 Solder, 2 Afro, 3 Cider, 4 Alcazar, 5 Rand, 6 Smiley, 8 Desert, 10 Soho, 15 Canine, 16 Papyrus, 17 Scroll, 18 Lees, 20 Occult, 21 Umber, 23 Atom, 25 Isle.

I like to break the rules. I had an After Eight at half past seven once.

New Heights for Bagworth Bridge Group

Wanted!Little Angels!

CALLING babies, toddlers, pre-school children and their adults! Are you free between 2pm and 3pm on the first Thursday of the month during term-time?

If so, we would really love to see you at our Little Angels group which meets at St Peter’s Church, Thornton.

Little Angels is a group for the benefice of Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton and Copt Oak, but anyone is welcome to join us!

The afternoon sessions are very friendly and informal – we have a short “worship” time, consisting of children’s Christian choruses, nursery rhymes, a Bible story and prayer, all with the simple message of God’s love for us all, and then we have time for the children to play and for the adults to chat and get to know each other. Juice and biscuits are available for the children, and tea and coffee (and biscuits!) for adults. There is no charge. Lis and Helen have enhanced DBS clearance and have up-to-date Diocesan Safeguarding training.

FOR THE first time Bagworth Whistlestop Bridge Group held a Swiss Teams competition.

This is an event where all the teams play the same hand at the same time and then teams are ranked in order. For the next round and all subsequent rounds, the most successful team plays the second highest scorer and so on down the ladder so that teams play ones of a similar ability. It’s always great fun to see how your teammates performed or not in each round!

On 10th June the Bagworth Club invited players from Ashby and Market Bosworth to join them for a fun afternoon of bridge raising money for charity.

Ten teams of four joined in and celebrated the club’s 5th birthday. Halfway through the event the teams concentrated hard on their delicious afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones and cakes accompanied by a glass of prosecco. All had a fabulous afternoon and went home with a smile on their faces!

The winning team all came from Ashby – Robert Killip, Andy Woodward, Don Davies, Steph Woodward and are ranked some of the County’s top players. At their AGM, the group will be presenting a cheque to the ‘Forever Savvy’ organisation which provides training for young people with learning difficulties and runs the café at the Bagworth Community Centre where the event was held.

Shelagh Rumbelow

Chance to ‘make real difference’ to young people’s lives

AN APPEAL has been made for people to spare a few hours a month to take part in fun activities with Leicestershire children in care

Playing football in the park, going bowling or visiting the cinema are just some of the activities in which independent visitors are involved.

The county council is encouraging more people to volunteer and make a big difference to a child in care’s life by spending time with them outside their foster or residential home.

Information on becoming an independent visitor was available as part of a fostering and volunteering pop-up information event at Oadby Library last week, with virtual events being held every three weeks.

Leicestershire resident, Greg Walker, volunteered as an independent visitor after his wife saw an advert in a fostering magazine. He said: “I missed being an active dad with my own children having grown up and left home. I particularly missed all the busy weekends and activities, such as visiting water parks, theme parks, and cinema visits.

“As an Independent visitor, it’s great to bring pleasure and enjoyment to another young person. I’m more active now, losing a little weight in the process and being able to claim costs back in line with the scheme.”

To find out more contact the Fostering Recruitment team on 0116 305 0505 or visit the webpage at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/news/call-tospare-time-to-support-children-in-care.

Meetings for this term will be on September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd and December 7th.

“I have been bringing my daughter to Little Angels since she was 5 months old. It’s a very welcoming group with singing, story time and free play, and has been a great way for us to meet other parents/grandparents in the village” – Rachel.

“A friendly space to meet other local people with pre-school age children.” - Hannah.

“A great way for children to meet and adults to natter! Bring your little angels for an hour of fun!” - Debbie.

If you have any questions or wish for more information, please contact: Lis Muller, tel. 01530 231502, email lis.muller@hotmail.co.uk or Helen Brown, tel. 01530 230532, email brown.helenmary@gmail.com

Good Quality Collectables Wanted

If you have any of the following types of items, I’d be interested in buying them:

Ÿ Coins - Presentation Sets & Old British Coins

Ÿ Toy Car s (Matchbox, Corgi, Dink y, etc.)

Ÿ Dolls & Teddy Bear s

Ÿ Vinta ge Toys: Hor nby, Aeroplanes, Corgi, Etc.

Ÿ Jigsaws (Must be complete)

Please Note: Items MUST be in good condition.

Call Viv on 07734 580210 COLLECTABLES

BT changes

MANY FOLK may not be aware that BT are going to change their system this summer from its present form to digital form of speech on the telephone. This information appeared in the Leicester Mercury, in very small print.

Whilst BT are going to help some of their customers with the changeover, you have to satisfy one of several criteria ( for example, be over 75 years old). Although the news in the Mercury is of interest, it appears that there may be an increase in the cost of your standard items on your telephone bills, so please be aware.

Name & Address Supplied

Fast Broadband

HAS ANYONE in the village experienced this ‘fast broadband’ yet? I have.

Last December’s telephone bill arrived and the cost of the new fast broadband has increased from £82 per quarter to £136.00. Another section in my bill was zero, but is now £12.50.

Altogether, including the VAT, my quarterly bill has increased by around £100.00.

When I contacted my supplier about the increase - which I was never notified about in advance - I was politely informed that if I didn’t pay, I would be cut off, may well lose my telephone number, and my credit rating would be affected.

Not surprisingly, I chose to find a new supplier.

This almost feels like a scam or ‘blackmail’ - what do you think?

I advise everyone, especially if you have school age children or students who need internet access to shop around for a new supplier.

Name & Address Supplied.

A friend’s recipe business “Cooking with Spices” has not been successful. His bank have called in the bay leafs.

Played football last night on a pitch surfaced with rubble and broken bricks. We won 3-1 on aggregate.

Consonant please. Now a vowel. And another consonant. Alphabetti Spaghetti can take a long time to serve in my house.

When you put your car in for its annual MOT test, you are, of course, hoping it will pass without any issues. There are going to be some things that are difficult for you to check in advance – few people would be aware of suspension problems for example – but there is plenty you can review yourself.

Can you see?

Wipers must properly clear water from your windscreen and should not leave any smears on the driver’s side. Check there are no splits in the wiper blades and that your washer jets work. Basically, anything that obstructs the driver’s view – including chips in the windscreen larger than 10mm and stickers – will result in a fail.

Got your number?

Is your registration plate intact? And even if you don’t have time to wash the car before an MOT, do ensure both number plates are clean and legible. Can you spare some change?

Use a 20p coin to measure the tread on your tyres. Insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre and provided you can’t see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit. Many premium tyres have tread-wear indicators – projections within the tread grooves designed to give a visual indication of the degree of wear of the tread. Also do a visual check for uneven wear or bulges.

Buckle up

Ensure all your seatbelts function correctly, there are no rips or fraying, and there are no related dashboard warning lights. Also check that the driver’s seat can move and lock securely in any position.

Lights, action

Ask someone to walk around the car while you have the lights and indicators on, and are pressing the brake pedal, to make sure everything is shining bright. Remember the light over your number plates too, although you’ll get away with only one light working – front or back – for a pass.

This is exhausting

You won’t have the tools to check that your exhaust meets emission standards, but again, with the help of a friend, rev the engine and ask them if they can hear any rattles or see excessive smoke, and look under your car to check that the pipe and baffle connection is intact.

Toot toot

Test your vehicle’s horn – but not while your friend is under the car checking the exhaust or you might have an ex-friend! But remember the Highway Code says not to sound your horn on any restricted road between 11:30pm and 7am.

Not perfect but…

You may get some warnings of ‘minor defects’ but could still get a pass on your MOT. A couple of examples are “Rear Registration Plate Lamp Inoperative” and “An obstruction within the driver’s field of view”.

Furthermore, ‘advisories’ simply indicate that although something is fine now, it could soon need your attention. An example would be where your tyre tread is getting low, but for now is still good enough to pass.

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont ... by Laura Pearson

Mabel Beaumont’s husband Arthur loved lists. He’d leave them for her everywhere.

‘Remember: eggs, butter, sugar’. ‘I love you: today, tomorrow, always’.

But now Arthur is gone. He died: softly, gently, not making a fuss. But he’s still left her a list. This one has just one item on it though: ‘Find D’.

Mabel feels sure she knows what it means. She must track down her best friend Dot, who she hasn’t seen since the fateful day she left more than sixty years ago.

It seems impossible. She doesn’t even know if Dot’s still alive. Also, every person Mabel talks to seems to need help first, with missing husbands, daughters, parents. Mabel finds her list is just getting longer, and she’s still no closer to finding Dot.

What she doesn’t know is that her list isn’t just about finding her old friend. And that if she can admit the secrets of the past, maybe she could even find happiness again…

A completely heartbreaking, beautiful, uplifting story, guaranteed to make you smile but also make you cry. Perfect for fans of My Name is Ove, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, and The Keeper of Stories.

Archaeologists can always tell if their finds come from before the Iron Age as they are still wrinkled.

How many vampires does it take to change a lightbulb? I don’t know but you really shouldn’t be in the dark with a vampire.

Planning applications

What do you call a beehive without an exit? Unbelievable.

While you may not be aware of some discomfort in your pet, if their pain is more severe it’s likely there will be some symptoms.

I can’t take my dog to the pond anymore because the ducks keep attacking him. That’s what I get for buying a purebread dog.

For the first time, two robots are getting married this October. They expect to be fully autumn-mated. My wife left me because of my obsession with pasta. I’m feeling cannelloni right now.

I was in a job interview the other day and they asked if I could perform under pressure. I said no, but I could perform Bohemian Rhapsody.

Did you hear about the ghost who set up a cleaning business?

He’s called it The Grim Sweeper.

A panic-stricken man called his doctor’s surgery, “I need an urgent appointment, I think I’m shrinking.” The receptionist said, “Sorry, the doctor isn’t in today, you’ll just have to learn to be a little patient.”

Thank you for reading this issue of The Herald. If you enjoyed it, please pass it on to a friend or relative.

• Changes in breathing. Any difficulty breathing, particularly if you can hear them, panting when they aren’t hot or an irregular respiratory rate.

• Unusual noises. Whining, crying or other sounds you haven’t noticed them making before.

• Sensitivity. Avoiding or flinching from normal touch, or hiding, particularly if it’s somewhere they wouldn’t usually go.

• Irregular movement. Limping, struggling to stand, jump, use stairs, or sitting or walking differently.

• Moving more than usual. Appearing agitated without cause. Pacing or irregular movement patterns.

• Not themselves. Being aggressive, irritable or seeming fearful.

• Eating less, losing weight or vomiting. You will know your pet and their personality, and any behaviour that’s out of character needs to be investigated.

Causes

Injuries and acute pain will be fairly easy to spot. A fractured limb, earache, toothache or an eye infection will present symptoms that don’t come and go.

But it might be that their pain has developed over time. For example, if they have an age-related disease such as arthritis or cancer, they might only show behaviour changes intermittently.

Other than a genuine ‘off-day’ – we all get them – you should consult your vet before it develops into an emergency call.

Do you run a local community group or club?

Publicise your activities in The Herald!

Attract new members!

Try it - it works!

Send your email to: info@ markfieldherald.co.uk

• Outline planning application for the new dwellinghouse, [(all matters reserved except for scale, layout and access)(resubmission of 23/00170/OUT)] - at Ben Venuto, Thornton Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9RP

• Change of use of agricultural building to storage use (B8) - at Hilmarco, Thornton Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9RP

• Two storey front, side and rear extension and detached garage - at Ashleigh, Merrylees Road, Thornton, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1AP

• Proposed classroom block within woodland for SEN Education Facility - at Oakwood School, Heath Road, Bagworth Heath, Bagworth, Leicestershire CV13 0NG

• Existing boundary wall reduced to 1 metre in height and erection of 1.8 metres high timber fence - at White Hill, Whitwick Road, Copt Oak, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QB

• Change of use of existing barn to dwelling, installation of solar panels, and trees planting - at Whittington Edge Stables, Markfield Road, Ratby, Leicester, Leicestershire LE6 0LU

• Portal framed agricultural storage building - at Denbar Lodge, Hillside, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9UP

• New Fascia and shop front - at 162 Main Street, Stanton Under Bardon, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TP

• Single storey rear extension and conversion of storage room to office - at 2 Field Court Road, Groby, Leicester, Leicestershire LE6 0DG

• Erection of front porch and two storey rear extension - at 56 Fern Crescent, Groby, Leicester, Leicestershire LE6 0BE

• Single Storey Rear and Side Extension - at 36 Carmen Grove, Groby, Leicester, Leicestershire LE6 0BA

• First floor side extension - at 4 Crane Ley Road, Groby, Leicester Leicestershire LE6 0FD

• Proposed extension to existing C02 storage facility - at Unit F, GE Sensing, Fir Tree Lane, Groby, Leicester, Leicestershire LE6 0FH

Spotted a chap playing tennis in a hat the other day. Think it was Roger Fedora.