MID-APRIL 2021
Markfield, Field Head, Stanton-under-Bardon, Thornton & Bagworth
Join Markfield Litter Wombles group on Facebook!
Thornton Open Gardens 2021 – now to be held ‘virtually’
THERE IS A new group called “Markfield Litter Wombles” on Facebook https://www.facebook. com/groups/156837086136814 for villagers to talk and share pictures about rubbish!
Building on the success of last year’s ’virtual’ open gardens on YouTube (which was viewed 854 times), there will be something similar again this year. The format may differ, depending on the number of participants. As Open Gardens usually serves as both a social and fundraising event, this year we plan to link to an optional ‘JustGiving’ page so that people can donate if they wish to.
A big thank you to some of you who have been litter picking since covid-19 pandemic that makes a difference to those who walk or exercise in and around the village and helps to protect our countryside. Please join the group on Facebook so we are aware where you have picked recently and for people to let others know of areas that need attention. Let’s keep Markfield tidy.
Markfield Litter Wombles
IT IS WITH REGRET that I announce that Friends of St Peter’s, Thornton has decided that it will not be possible to hold its scheduled Open Gardens event this year. Despite the progress of the Vaccination programme, we feel that the Open Gardens in a village such as ours cannot be held in a sociallydistanced way and so will not be practical this year.
The deadline for submitting photos or a short video will be 20th June and the Virtual Open Gardens will be available to view in early July. If you think you may be interested in displaying your garden in this way, please let me know on thornton. opengardens@outlook.com. We are hopeful that we will be able to hold this event in June 2022, as it should be for real, outdoors and welcoming everyone into our beautiful and unusual gardens.
Lis Muller
Markfield Congregational Church
Rising from the ashes or the resurrection?
IT IS GOOD to be able to say the auction took place and our church has now been sold subject to completion. We are sorry to see the end of a happy place of worship but it was getting more and more difficult to fund two buildings each needing lots of work with so few of us to fund them. We look now to the future with much enthusiasm and determination. With the complete renovation of our Church hall which is next to Ma’s Cuisine and was in fact our original Church built in 1852. The roof will be the first bit of work commencing very soon. Our aim is to give the village a comfortable and welcoming hall where we can meet for various activities and meetings along with our place of worship on Sundays.
We hope to continue our Flicks in the Sticks which had seen a few of us gather together to watch a film. This was very well received. I’m sure once lock down eases we will want to meet together for a coffee and a chat. To enable us to do such things we will need a few more people join us to support these activities. We are happy to receive offers of help or donations to help with all the work that is going to be taking place. We want to keep our church going in our village as we feel we can offer friendship and support in the future. Please support us as we move forward as members of Markfield Congregational Church. Watch this space for more information.
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Bagworth in Bloom THE BAGWORTH FORWARD GROUP (BFG) would like to say a big thank you to any villagers who put plants in the planters around Bagworth. As usual, BFG will be paying for the summer plants. We are delighted that so many of the daffodils that we planted around the grass verges some years ago continue to flourish and enhance the look of Bagworth at this time of year.
BFG has yet to make the final decision about the Bagworth Show in 2021, an event on the Saturday in August before the bank holiday. Whatever the decision, three classes will definitely go ahead: the best allotment and the best large front garden and the best small front garden. All allotments and gardens are automatically entered into this competition an there are trophies to be awarded to the winners. The judges consider the entries throughout the year, but it isn’t too late to make an effort. The winner could be you.
Groups urged to apply for environmental projects RESIDENTS are being reminded they can apply for environmental grants worth up to £3,000 to support local projects which help the environment and reduce household waste in the county. Leicestershire County Council is encouraging people to apply for its SHIRE environmental grants which are available until the end of June. One group who has benefitted from the grants already is Burbage Parish Council who used the money to plant hedges in popular green spaces to create new habitats for native animal species. Species including hazel, hawthorn, rowan, dog rose, blackthorn and pussy willow have been planted at Britannia Road Recreation Ground and Far Lash open space, together with native trees including oak and silver birch, as part of the ongoing biodiversity project. As an extra encouragement, bird and bat boxes, including ones designed for barn and tawny owls, have been put up in safe places across the parish.
Burbage Parish Council Estates Officer Andy Burbage Parish Council Estates Officer, Andy Harrison, said: “Together, these Harrison co-ordinated the carefully managed habitats will offer food and shelter to a wide range of creatures, planting of new native from insects and amphibians to birds and small mammals, and will allow for the hedging plants which were natural introduction of a greater variety of wild plants, increasing the richness of flora part-funded by a County and fauna for all to enjoy.” Council SHIRE Grant Blake Pain, Leicestershire County Council deputy leader and cabinet member for the environment, said: “The SHIRE Environment Grant enables community groups and organisations to make fantastic environmental changes and helps Leicestershire towards its goal of becoming a net zero carbon emissions place to live by 2045.” The deadline to apply for a grant is Friday 25 June, to find out more and apply, visit: www. leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/grants/environment-grant or email environmentgrant@leics.gov.uk. The grant will only be available for projects where the main beneficiaries are residents of Leicestershire county and should help reduce the amount of household waste or greenhouse gas emissions within communities, improve biodiversity or support sustainable green spaces.
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Positive Thoughts TALK
“To talk is our chief business in this world, and talk is by far the moost accessible pleasure. It costs nothing in money, it is all profit, it completes education, founds and fosters friendships, and can be enjoyed at any age and in almost any state of health.” Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish novelist, poet and essayist.
Last Night
By Mhairi McFarlane EVE, JUSTIN, SUSIE AND ED have been friends since they were eighteen.
Now in their 30s, the four are still as close as ever, Thursday pub quiz night is still sacred, and Eve is still secretly in love with Ed. Maybe Eve should have moved on by now, but she can’t stop thinking about what could have been. And she knows Ed sometimes thinks about it too. Then one night, in an instant, all their lives change forever. And, as Eve learns she didn’t know her friends as well as she thought, she also discovers she isn’t the only person keeping secrets…
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Remember when life was so goo that we were worried about the Mayan Calendar?
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
The Herald Message from Dr Luke Evans MP PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: 01530 244069 info@markfieldherald.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk
The Herald is a monthly local magazine delivered free to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Markfield, Field Head, Stanton under Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth. Contact Mike Wilkinson with your articles, news items or advertising enquiries. Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Herald Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. The Herald cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. The Herald reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All contents © The Herald. None of the articles or adverts contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from The Herald.
AS YOU KNOW my background before becoming an MP was a medical one.
Having spent my entire professional life training and working in the NHS, it will come as no surprise that I have a strong interest in seeing it strengthened and improved. The National Health Service has a special place in British life, since becoming a politician it has always struck me just how much it is loved and held on a pedestal, yet it’s the first thing Brits tend to complain about. This was always apparent in my clinical life, but it’s ever more acute now. It is now roughly 10 years since the Lansley reforms that was met with fanfare by some, and derided by others, but which restructured the entire organisation. What we can all agree on is that it was a “top down” re-organisation which was undoubtedly controversial. It may therefore come to you as a surprise that the Government is planning another NHS White Paper – and in my role in the Health Select Committee I have spent the last month hearing evidence from stakeholders, the Chief Exeuctive of the NHS and the Secretary of State on the topic. The White Paper is called “Integration and Innovation: working together to improve health and social care for all” and it is an 80-page document which contains the Government’s legislative proposals for a Health and Care Bill which will be turn into Bills during the coming parliamentary term. In its Executive Summary the Government acknowledge that “We have seen the brilliance of our doctors, nurses, carers and other healthcare professionals in providing world-class care to those in need. What has gone unseen by many is that in order to provide this level of care the traditional dividing lines between health professionals have been cast aside to allow unprecedented levels of collaboration.” I must confess, with my medical hat on, that before reading the paper my gut feeling was one of dread, isn’t the last thing the NHS needs is yet another top down reorganisation? I needed to be reassured that this time was different, so I put this to Sir Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of the NHS. I asked him what had surprised him most about the contents of the White Paper? His reply was illuminating: “I don’t think there has been a surprise because we’ve been working so closely for a number of years now… genuinely I think that this is unusual, if not unique, in terms of having come from the NHS as a series of asks to parliament rather than something parliament is imposing on the NHS” This has been borne out in the evidence received so far. This is the evolution of the NHS, not a revolution; it is based on providing a framework for the NHS and social care to function in a more coherent way. It has long been argued that to account for the health challenges we face in the 21st have social care and the NHS integrated, and this proposed paper provides the legal framework to do so, and the NHS are asking for it. The bill reduces internal competition; removes red tape and also targets public health such as obesity and fluoride in water to improve our dental health. At first glance there is one thing missing, social care. However, the NHS and Health Secretary are quick to point out this bill is to provide the framework for the care, and that dealing with social care and its funding rightly falls once the building blocks are in place, and I tend to agree. There will be plenty more to come on this topic, it will be the flag ship policy for the Queen’s Speech this year, and more is to be debated. To that end, if you get chance please do search online for the NHS White Paper and feel free to let me know your thoughts about it.
Dr Luke Evans MP
Member of Parliament for Bosworth House of Commons | London | SW1A 0AA web: drlukeevans.org.uk tel: constituency: 01455 635741 parliament: 0207 219 4250 mobile: 07920 619812 Twitter: @drlukeevans Instagram: drlukeevans
My resolution was to read more, so I put the subtitles on my TV.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
New housing must benefit the local community Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald I REACH the half century in May which a few hundred years ago would be a significant milestone as most people didn’t get that far in life.
Today with the increase in life expectancy, reaching 50 is really not such a remarkable event. Perhaps before Covid I might have considered some party or event but current restrictions mean I will be fortunate just to have my parents round for a BBQ, weather permitting. In saying that I do also reflect that to have both parents still active in my life is a blessing which I don’t take lightly. I know too many of my age who do not have that benefit so I will continue to make the most of it while I can. On a more sombre note it is the case that as you get older you move closer to the realisation that life and death are part of the same circle. More of the people who matter to you get ill and die and while that is eminently logical and any study of the facts tells you it’s so, but it doesn’t make it easier to absorb. I suppose you just reflect on it more and understand that life is not without limits. This is has hit home even harder in the past few weeks with my brother in law (Malcolm Goldring) becoming ill with Pancreatic Cancer. His illness has been quite sudden and upsetting. He is a man I admire greatly and who over the years has been a key part of my family. He is also a very talented individual with incredible musical skills which made him a great match for my sister Rebecca. He didn’t hide his light under a bushel either and the community of Markfield has benefitted from his talents as he secured the services of some great pianists and other musicians to entertain us in a series of performances which unfortunately ceased due to the lockdown restrictions last year. He played the Chapel organ and helped with the local choir and despite being technically
retired he was as busy as ever, often giving his time to others for no other reward than doing a good deed. My greatest memory will be his conducting of Karl Jenkins ‘The Armed Man’ at the Royal Albert Hall which was to commemorate 100 years of the ending of World War One. It was truly awe inspiring to be in the Royal Albert Hall that evening, a genuine privilege. As I write this, I am unsure what the future holds for him but I know that many people who have benefited from his wisdom and kindness will be praying for the best. Reaching 50 has also made me reflect a little on my own life. For the best part of the last quarter I have given over a great deal of myself to my local community. I am of course by no means the only one to have done this and its has been a great privilege to work with so many good people over the years in Markfield and Stanton who have given to our community and not simply sat on the sidelines and complained about it. In the last two years my work has been made easier by having Andy Furlong join me on the Borough Council. He has been very committed to representing the ward, supporting local residents and serving the local community. And he isn’t the only one, just in the past year I have been so impressed with the work of the good neighbour’s scheme and all those volunteers who helped, those involved in the Neighbourhood Plan trying to protect our village, and more recently (a big shout out here) I have also seen the great work being done by the local litter wombles who are greatly improving the community we live in, although it is a great shame that so much rubbish is still being left by people which is unacceptable. So it is great to know we have some great people in our community, people who are giving of themselves and actually standing up to be counted. I have of course seen the other end of the spectrum, but they
already suck enough oxygen out of our community, so I won’t waste any more time on them in this article. So one of the conclusions of my reflections is that after some 20 years as Chair of Markfield Parish Council I have made the decision to stand down and hand the reins over to others. It is the right thing to do and I do so secure in the knowledge that we have some excellent Councillors on the Parish - including some great new faces - and positive funded plans in place to further improve the community. These plans include; new play equipment for the Children’s play area, Speed warning signs on Thornton Lane and Leicester Road, further improvements to Launde Road open space, improvements to Christmas festival lighting and improvement works to the Millennium Garden and Cemetery. The Parish Council’s programme of works was delayed by the Covid pandemic but as this eases off we should see these projects hopefully begin in the new financial year. Whoever takes my place will have my full support. Parish Councils are important bodies that can be a force for good and in my time I have been proud to have worked with two excellent Parish Councils in both Markfield and Stanton.
I AM SURE you will be aware that Jelson secured planning consent for 282 houses on land to the South of London Road.
This was the preferred site of the Neighbourhood Plan and largely delivers the housing requirements for the village set for us by the Government and the Borough Council. The work of the Neighbourhood Plan is soon to be tested as it goes for its final examination to an independent examiner. Needless to say a host of other developers have objected to the plan because it does not include their own favoured site. We currently have in the offing 4 development sites being brought forward. These include land either
side of Ashby Road, land on the corner of Ratby Lane and now land at the top of London Road on the opposite side of Ratby Lane. The greed of these developers knows no bounds and as I continue to repeat, it is what we are up against, but the village has done everything in its power to build a defence against these speculative developers and while the neighbourhood plan approach may be too subtle for some, it really is our best defence. On the back of the Jelson consent we can expect some more social housing for rent to be made available to local people first, that is, those who have a strong connection to this village and are on the Council’s housing waiting list. The last Jelson development gave a good number of local people a decent home with a registered social landlord, a home they may not have been able to secure. That is because local people often miss out on getting a direct Council property these days because the rules mean being local to an area means Hinckley and Bosworth not local to Markfield. So local people are competing for a very small number of properties and they can find themselves missing out. In fact, they can often be put off from even applying because the Council may tell it can take up to 5 years to secure a property. It is therefore really important that anyone who may have a housing need in Markfield (adult children for example living at home) or has a strong family connection to Markfield and wants to return, that they make sure they are on the Council’s housing register so they become eligible for the houses when they are built. If you are in any doubt please just get in touch – email me – matthew.lay@ hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk or Andy Furlong – andy.furlong@ hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk so we can help. This is really important, the houses must benefit the local community. Last time round we did run a housing surgery at the Community Centre, and we will do the same when we know what timescale Jelsons are working to, but in the meantime please do not wait.
Matthew
I can’t exercise for long periods. When I get back from a run, my girlfriend usually asks if I’ve forgotten something.
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Leicestershire County Council
Election 2021 information
ON THURSDAY 6 May 2021 residents in Leicestershire will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at Leicestershire County Council.
Groby & Ratby Division (ONE County Councillor to be elected) Name of Candidate
Party
Ted HOLLICK
Liberal Democrat Focus Team
Ozzy O’SHEA
The Conservative Party Candidate
Rebecca Louise PAWLEY
Labour Party
Mark WREN
The Green Party
Markfield, Desford & Thornton Division (ONE County Councillor to be elected) Name of Candidate
Party
Peter Alexander BEDFORD
Conservative Party Candidate
Andy FURLONG
Labour and Co-operative Party
Bill PIPER
Reform UK
Matthew Alan THOROGOOD
The Green Party
Robin WEBBER-JONES
Liberal Democrat Focus Team
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GENERAL OPERATIVE / HANDYMAN The General Operative / Handyman will be responsible for ad hoc maintenance around the Parish, Cemetery Memorial inspections, picking litter, playground inspections, and associated duties. You should be honest, reliable and physically fit and able to work flexibly, as required, up to a maximum of 15 hours a week. THE SALARY IS £10 PER HOUR. Please apply in writing with your C.V to: The Clerk, Markfield Parish Council, Parish Office, Markfield Community and Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield. LE67 9WA CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS IS
TUESDAY 11th MAY 2021 Years ago, I used to supply Filofaxes for the Mafia. I was involved in very organised crime.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Markfield WI News
IT HAS BEEN a good start to the year for the WI. In January a talk was given by one of our members who is the National Director Data & Analytics for NHS England.
Phil Durham
01530 231928 Mob: 07535 182402 290 Station Road BAGWORTH LE67 1BN
She and her team produce (amongst other things) the coronavirus data keeping us up to date on our news bulletins; she admitted that her job can be distressing at times! I don’t think we realised what a high powered job she had until she apologised for being late to the meeting as she had been on the telephone to the Minister (we presumed Government not Methodist) and I think we agreed this was the best excuse we had ever had. At the end of her talk she held a question and answer session and as you can imagine there were quite a few questions and we are very grateful to her for taking time out from her busy day to talk to us. For our February meeting we had a talk by Frances Carlow, the Pearl Lady. Her interest in pearls was inspired by her love of her grandmother’s pearls and her knowledge is now very extensive. We learned there are three categories of pearls. Natural (very rare and expensive); one of the world’s most expensive pearls La Peregrina was once owned by Elizabeth Taylor having been a valentine’s day gift from Richard Burton, it sold in 2011 for $10.5m. Cultured pearls were first cultured in Japan by Kokichi Mikioto in 1893, it can take between 2 to 20 years to produce a pearl. Faux pearls are the 3rd category, they can be made from several different substances and coated to imitate real pearls. We also learned that pearls come in many colours including 116 shades of white. It was a fascinating and very entertaining talk. Our March meeting was a talk by Tanya Davies on pilates. She explained that she suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS/HDS) and found that pilates changed her life from being potentially wheelchair bound to being able to live a healthy life; she now runs intensyslife which provides mat-work and rehabilitation services in Leicestershire and a website with on-line videos. Following her talk she took us through a seated exercise. We have also held virtual coffee mornings giving members a chance for al chat until we can go back to our groups of six outdoors. I hosted an outdoor meeting last year when a member took a photo of our peacock and made one for her son for Christmas. For those of you who paused to watch the Stanton Lane peacock strutting his stuff along the pavement or in gardens I am sad to say he is no more having died of natural causes in the first cold spell this year. It has been a unique experience sharing our gardens with a peacock but one I don’t think will be repeated. Our members continue to challenge themselves with new crafts or re-discovering old ones. Our President Fran has been talking on-line classes with the WI Denman College on Getting to know your Sewing Machine, judging by the tote bag she has made the course has been very successful. Others are looking at their gardens; our secretary Jane has purchased seeds to grow her own loofahs, something we look forward to seeing. Others have been taking advantage of the zoom talks given by the college, being at home means husbands can listen in. Our speaker for April will be Sian Fox with her talk entitled ‘It Shouldn’t Happen to a Home Economist but it Generally Has’ - we look forward to her talk with interest. As ever any ladies out there are invited to join us.
Church Services in our buildings to recommence THE JUNCTION 22 Group of Churches (our Benefice) is really pleased to announce the opening of our churches for services on Sundays, providing the government guidelines still permit this.
On 18th April at St Marys and All Saints Church, Stanton there will be a morning service at 10.30 am and at St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak there will be a service of Evening Prayer at 3 pm. On 25th April at St Michael’s Church, Markfield there will be a joint service of evening prayer with Copt Oak at 6.00 pm, and there will be a joint service of Holy Communion at St Peter’s Church Thornton with Stanton at 10.30 am. We are really hoping to continue with these church services in May but are waiting to see how things go during April. Details of all the services will be announced on the Benefice website in due course. It will be lovely to be able to worship in our buildings once again. However, our Online Community Worship Services will continue each Sunday throughout April and May premiering at 10.15 am. Just use your browser to search for J22 Group of Churches (that’s the Benefice Website) and then click on the YouTube logo on the home page. You are all invited to join us. Our other online services continue with Compline on each Wednesday evening, and on Thursday mornings ‘Thought for Thursday’. Again, links can be found by logging on to the Benefice website and clicking the YouTube link. For information regarding these services or any other matters, contact Reverend Andrew at j22rector@yahoo.com
I really like driverless cars. In fact, the other day I saw a whole car park full of them.
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Listening to
incorporating Bagworth, Botcheston & Stanton Election Special
Promoted by Richard Allen on Behalf of Peter Bedford, 10A Priory Walk, Hinckley, LE10 1HU Printed by The Printing Shed Ltd, Number 5 The Arcade, 71-73 Long Street, Atherstone CV9 1AZ
Dear Resident,
I hope that you and your families are keeping well during these difficult times. For the last four years it has been a privilege to have served as the Leicestershire County Councillor for Markfield, Desford, Bagworth & Thornton, Botcheston and Stanton under Bardon.
Campaigning to protect Markfield
During this time, I have represented residents at over 100 Parish Council meetings, 50 County Council meetings, and fought for local residents on a range of issues including: speeding, parking enforcement, school placements, noise nuisance, air quality and rural bus services to name a few! I care passionately about our area and because I live locally, I see first-hand the issues that affect residents and what needs to be done. I hope that over the last four years I have shown that I have worked diligently on behalf of residents and have kept you informed via my newsletters, social media posts, as well as my regular updates in The Herald & The Graphic magazines. I am proud of my achievements locally, some of which include:
3 Preserving a rural bus service for Markfield
3 Supporting Free School dinners for kids in
3 Fighting for residents against unsustainable
3 Obtaining grants from the Bardon Hill
& Stanton
developments in Desford, Bagworth & Thornton, Stanton and Markfield
3 Securing the Double-Glazing scheme for residents of Shaw Lane, Markfield
3 Development of the £1,000 Community
Pub Scheme grant to support pubs through the crisis; such as those in Desford and Botcheston
Supporting residents of Stanton
need during the holidays
Community Fund for projects such as Markfield’s Community Park, Mercenfeld Primary School, Stanton Primary School, Thornton Nature project, Bagworth Market and amenities, The walk to South Charnwood High School
3 Securing £25k from Leicestershire County Councils’ Community Fund for Covid Support groups across the villages
… as well as over 250 pieces of residents’ casework during the last four years! I may be a politician, but I have always put local issues above party politics. It is customary for politicians to miraculously turn up, just before an election, to ask for your vote; but I would hope that my work during the last four years demonstrates my ongoing commitment to you and our local community!
Tackling traffic & parking issues in Thornton
I very much hope that on Thursday 6th May you will lend me your support. With best wishes,
Peter
Peter Bedford Prospective Conservative Party Candidate for Markfield, Desford & Thornton (‘incorporating Bagworth, Botcheston & Stanton)
01455 824733
@peterbedfordmdt
D R O F D E B
@peterbedfordmdt
Campaigning for more amenities in Bagworth
Fighting for antispeeding measures in Desford
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
County Councillor’s Report from Peter Bedford Email: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk • Tel: 01455 824733 Web: www.facebook.com/peterbedfordmdt AS WE ENTER Spring, with the nights getting lighter, and great progress being made with the vaccine roll-out a fresh sense of optimism is clearly taking hold.
Since my last update I have been working through a number of local issues, some of which include:
Doing a “beat tour” with Leicestershire Police Service’s Neighbourhood Policing Team. It was great to be able to show the Police first hand some of the crime and community safety issues facing residents across the area. I raised the issues of HGV weight limit breaches across the villages and some anti-social behaviour experienced in parts of Markfield, as well as that perennial problem of speeding! During the month I have also been liaising with LCC Highways on a number of roads; including Launde Road and London Road to progress the case for anti-speeding measures in these local speeding “hot spots”. The Highways Department have committed to conducting further speed surveys, once lockdown has ended, to help build the case for more measures in and around the area. I also met with Officers of LCC, Desford PC and Desford Historical Society to discuss the future of “The Desford Bomber”. This was an extremely constructive meeting with all parties agreeing that preserving this important piece of local heritage is paramount. We will be making further enquiries with stakeholders who may be willing take on the plane as part of a Trust to ensure that it can be seen flying again at future special events/celebrations in Desford village.
Following discussions with local residents I have raised the issue of illegal parking on grass verges – which is causing a muddy mess on the pavements in the area. Given that a number of older people, and people with disabilities, live in the area it is important that our pavements remain clean and clear for them to safety navigate the streets. I have again raised the issue of the lack of an updated ‘local plan’ and questions over the robustness of the Borough Council’s 5-year housing land supply; since without these our villages are very much open to speculative applications by developers. I understand that our local MP has offered to facilitate a meeting between the Borough Council and National Planning Officers on this matter; but this has yet to be taken up. I also continue to have ongoing discussions with local flood authority agencies about medium/long term strategies to address the flooding issues in and around Thornton and Botcheston.
Communities Fund IT WAS great news that a further £10,000 was awarded to Community Groups across the area as part of Round 3 of Leicestershire County Council’s Communities Fund!
This funding will be used to support voluntary and community groups providing front line support to residents in need of a little extra help as a result of the pandemic.
Bardon Hill Community Fund I ALSO chaired the Bardon Hill Community Fund and was pleased that the committee awarded some £28,000 of grants to local community and voluntary groups in the area, including Markfield Millennium Garden Project, and outdoor equipment to support community activities in Stanton, Bagworth & Thornton. If you know any community groups with environmental initiatives that would benefit from a small grant to help such projects please do email: Kirsten.Hannaford-Hill@ aggregate.com .
SHIRE Grants RESIDENTS are being reminded they can apply for environmental grants worth up to £3,000 to sup-port local projects which help the environment and reduce household waste in the county.
Leicestershire County Council is encouraging people to apply for its SHIRE environmental grants which are available until the end of June. The grant will only be available for projects where the main beneficiaries are residents of Leicestershire county and should help reduce the amount of household waste or greenhouse gas emis-sions within communities, improve biodiversity or support sustainable green spaces. A simplified application process is also available for smaller grants of up to £300. The deadline to apply for a grant is Friday 25 June, by emailing: environmentgrant@leics. gov.uk
Casework I CONTINUE to work through resident’s casework on a broad range of issues and if you would like help with any local issues please do not hesitate to get in touch.
And finally ... THIS IS my last County Councillors update ahead of the local elections in May.
I would like to thank the Parish Councils, Residents and Community Groups for their support during the last four years. Whatever the results in May it has been a privilege working with you all on so many local causes during this time. Best wishes,
Peter
(County Councillor for Markfield, Desford, Bagworth, Thornton, Botcheston, and Stanton under Bardon) E: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk or T: 01455 824733 www.facebook.com/peterbedfordmdt
My girlfriend said I make her feel invisible. I didn’t even know I had a girlfriend.
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Happy Sexy Millionaire
By Stephen Bartlett We are losing ourselves. We’re chasing the wrong things, asking the wrong questions, and polluting our minds.
It’s time to stop, it’s time to resist and it’s time to rethink the fundamental social blueprint that our lives are built upon. As an 18-year-old, black, broke, lonely, insecure, university dropout, from a bankrupt family, I wrote in my diary that I wanted to be a ‘Happy Sexy Millionaire’ by the age of 25. By 25 I was a multi-millionaire having created a business worth over $300m dollars. Ironically, in achieving everything I set out to, I learnt that I was wrong about almost everything... The world had lied to me. It lied to me about how you attain fulfilment, love and success, why those things matter, and what those words actually mean. In this book, I’ll dismantle the most popular, unaddressed lies about happiness that we’ve been led to believe. I’ll expose the source of these lies, examine the incentives that fuel them and replace them with a practical set of scientifically proven and unconventional ideas that will help you to live a truly fulfilled life, a life full of the love you seek and the success you deserve.
Don’t forget to send us your news! Thanks.
I have a claim to fame. I used to be the world’s youngest person.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Markfield Community and Sports Centre News Tel: 01530 242240 • www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com
Spring has finally arrived! IF YOU HAVE been taking the fresh air and having a nice walk around the Community Park you cannot have failed to notice the wonderful display of daffodils in full bloom.
The swathes of yellow flowers are a delight to behold and a nice reminder that spring is finally here and we can look forward to light nights and, hopefully, a warm and sunny summer. With everything crossed we should also see the gradual reopening of the Community Centre By the time you read this article we should be in Step 2 of the Governments road map to “normality”. Step 2: 12th April Community Centres will be allowed to re-open BUT with very limited activities allowed. know exactly what the rules on social mixing and distancing and activities will be required. Step 3: 17th May Indoor adult sport and exercise will be allowed plus other very limited and socially distanced indoor activities. Step 4: 21st June no legal limits on social contact
Active Champions Award IF YOU have read the latest edition of the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Bulletin you will have seen that our very own Markfield Community Walking Football Club was recognised in the Hinckley & Bosworth Sport and Health Alliance 2020 annual sports awards.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, it was not possible to hold an Awards Ceremony. However, the award recognises all the hard work volunteers, individuals, sports clubs, organisations and schools have undertaken to help others keep active and healthy during these difficult times. The awards went to a wide range of sporting activities that, where restrictions allowed, have kept running during the pandemic and helping to keep people fit and active despite the challenging times. Many congratulations to our Club for winning this award. Our Walking Football club is run by volunteers and meets every Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10.30am.
Markfield Good Neighbours Scheme I AM PLEASED to say that our Markfield COVID 19 Good neighbours Support Scheme is still going strong with our volunteers still available to give you help and support if you need it.
They are such a credit to Markfield and their voluntary work within our community is recognised far and wide. Indeed, the Leicestershire and Rutland Rural Community Council has asked us to provide an article on their work of our Scheme for inclusion in their next magazine. This also coincides with the launch of the launch of the Borough Council’s annual “Making a Difference Awards”.
The awards recognise the contribution that volunteers make in strengthening the community and improving the quality of life for residents. The awards recognise both individual and group volunteering contributions. This year there is only one category to recognise those who you think, whether it be an individual, group, school or organisation, deserves to be recognised for the support they have given to others during the coronavirus pandemic. Whilst it continues to be a very difficult and challenging time, one of the positive factors has been the incredible show of community spirit, kindness and generosity. If you would like to nominate a person or group for an award you can do this on line by visiting the Borough Council’s website or request a obtain a paper copy by telephoning 01455 255818. The closing date for nominations is Friday 7 May. Please remember that, if you need any help with shopping, collecting prescription, other problems or just someone to chat just give us a call on 07885 243033. IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP. If you would like to join our band of volunteers or need some help please contact us at markfieldcommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk or ring us on 07885 243033
gone away. It seems that doing 1000 plus jig saw puzzles was the most popular. • Once again, the pandemic prevented us from doing our annual Easter Bonnet parade and Easter Egg hunt. Not to be thwarted we held a virtual Easter Bonnet making competition. The results were wonderful and it was impossible to choose a winner. In addition, we made up 40 Easter bags containing Easter Eggs, puzzles and other goodies which were delivered to members and other potentially lonely people in the village. Hopefully the Club should be able to socially distanced return in May but in the mean time it meets virtually every Wednesday afternoon. It is a good way of keeping in touch with people and giving them something to look forward to each week with an update call from Carole Kemp, recipes, jokes, quizzes and useful information. You can join in if you wish by simply contacting us at the Centre.
Mayflower Club This last month has been very busy with virtual club meetings organised by ourselves and ably assisted by Carole Kemp.
Some of the things we have done include: • A Saint David’s Day celebration with a recipe for Leek Soup plus a couple of Welsh jokes and little quiz on translating English into Welsh place names. One of our members, Gabriella , knitted us some daffodils to help celebrate the occasion. • For Mother’s Day members shared fond and amusing memories of their mothers; • On Saint Patrick’s Day we shared a recipe for Irish Stew then had a go at making up Irish Limericks. • On the 24th March we marked the anniversary of the first lock down by sharing stories on what we all have been doing to cope with the boredom of lock down and what we all, have missed the most and also what we are looking forward to once the restrictions have
On the 13th March one of our members - Joyce (pictured above) - celebrated her 96th Birthday at home with her family bubble. As we could not celebrate her birthday with her, we delivered to her a special afternoon tea and a big bunch of flowers. Joyce is an original member of our Mayflower Club and always enthusiastically joins in with our activities and fun. Happy birthday wishes from all our members and the Community Centre and we really look forward to seeing you back at the Club soon.
National Blood Service THE NEXT donor session will take place on Wednesday 9th June.
You can book your blood donation appointment on line so please book your place with the National Blood Service and “Do something amazing” by donating your much needed blood.
Ron and Dawn Grantham
I am at my most photogenic when the pictures are of somebody else.
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Let’s take more care of Markfield Bagworth and Thornton
Leicestershire County Council Elections, Thursday 6 May 2021 Andy Furlong is our local Labour and co-operative party candidate. He’s served on the Borough Council since May 2019 and made a real difference, but government cuts have left Leicestershire in a bad way. Poor leadership locally has made things far worse. You can change this by sending Andy to County Hall.
Andy Furlong will:
▪
▪ ▪ ▪
Build on the spirit of co-operation that has seen us through a tough year. He’ll ensure that our area is not forgotten, Stand firm against the Conservative obsession with build, build, build, Deliver effective traffic and parking enforcement, particularly around schools and local beauty spots including Thornton Reservoir, and Act on the poor state of local hedgerows, verges and public footpaths.
To help with the campaign or find out more, please get in touch
Andy Furlong
t: 01530 231377 e: acfurl@gmail.com
Promoted by Hugh Clayden at 7 Hartington Green, Burbage, Hinckley, LE10 2RZ on behalf of Andrew Furlong at 29 Hawthorne Drive, Thornton, LE67 1AW.
If I ever have an out-of-body experience, I’m going to try to come back to a different one.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Could an open-plan house damage your marriage? THINK TWICE before you knock down internal walls in your house and move over to open-plan living. If you are married, it does not lead to happiness. So says Sarah Beeney, the TV property presenter. She points out that open-plan living means that “you cannot shut a door” after rowing with your partner. The star, who is married with four children, admits she has no plans to knock down walls in their new house. Speaking recently to Prima magazine, she said that people are too often “fooled into thinking that open-plan living is the solution to happiness.” She went on: “I’m not convinced that taking down every wall and living in an aircraft hangar is actually that great. Sometimes it’s nice to not have to see the other’s face or hear them.”
Chocolate – food of the gods!
Do you love a bargain?
THE BOTANICAL name for the cocoa bean is Theobroma – which means ‘food of the gods.’ Millions of us obviously agree – half a million tons of it are consumed in Britain each year alone. Chocolate makes us feel better. The chemicals it contains trigger the release of endorphins similar to those we naturally produce when we fall in love. But nutritionists warn against using chocolate as a pick-me-up, especially in the evening. Chocolate eaten before bedtime can cause blood glucose levels to plummet during the night, which will disrupt your sleep. Chocolate eaten in quantity every day can lead to mood and energy swings, weight gain and poor immunity. If you have mad cravings for it, you could have a problem with blood sugar, or a deficiency in magnesium, copper, zinc or iron. But occasional consumption of cocoa can provide medical benefits. Chocolate containing 60 per cent or more cocoa solids is rich in essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium and potassium, and many vitamins. Cocoa is also the highest natural source of magnesium. Good as all this may be – most of us enjoy chocolate simply because of its high sugar and caffeine content. Chocolate simply gives you an instant sugar hit, providing a sudden burst in energy, unfortunately followed by a slump and the desire for another sugar-fix.
SOME PEOPLE adore bargains, promotions, and cut-price items.
They are the ones who always forage out reduced clothing and food, collect coupons and loyalty points with great care, and are at the front of the queue to bag items on Black Friday. Now a new study has found that such deal-prone bargain-hunting may be more than a preference – it may even run in your genes. It could be a tendency which is passed on genetically as well as learned. The study was published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research.
We Re-Open
Tuesday 18th May BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR FOOD
Looking forward to seeing you all again!
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I’m sick of being the guy everyone comes to when they want the money I owe them.
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Lloyds Pharmacy to launch UK’s first ever Covid-19 nasal spray LLOYDS PHARMACY is set to launch what it calls the UK’s first ever nasal spray specifically designed to fight Covid-19.
The spray, called Viraleze, claims to be made from “a specifically designed antiviral active that irreversibly inactivates greater than 99.9 per cent of coronavirus/SARSCoV-2 within one minute”. LloydsPharmacy said the active ingredient, astrodimer sodium, was “a potent virucidal agent that forms a barrier and irreversibly blocks coronavirus/SARS-CoV-2 ‘spike’ proteins from binding to nasal mucosal cells required for infection”. The spray claims to have a number of “unique advantages, including its virucidal action, its rapid onset and its ability to inactivate viruses either before or after exposure”. The high street pharmacy retailer also said claims that the spray “provides a moisture layer to help keep nasal tissue hydrated, protecting it from dryness and damage”. It should be used once in each nostril up to four times a day. Lloyds Pharmacy added that the spray would work against a “broad spectrum” of other viruses such as the flu, SARS, MERS and HIV. “As we ease out of lockdown, taking precautions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus needs to remain a key focus,” Lloyds Pharmacy superintendent pharmacist Victoria Steele said. “The spray can be used alongside conventional PPE (masks) and in addition to customers receiving their vaccine and does not remove the need for these other protective measures”. Each bottle contains 80 sprays. Viraleze has just been launched online, ahead of an in-store rollout from April 21, and will be priced at £15.
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Beware of the dog
BE CAREFUL if you are looking to buy a puppy. Make sure you know where it really came from.
A spokesman for the RSPCA warns of a spike in the number illicit dog breeders and dealers who are conning the public. The number of dogs imported from the EU increased by 52% from 2019 to 2020 until last year it stood at over 60,0000. More than half of these puppies came from Romania and were brought in by criminal gangs. Dogs that were worth £50 in Romania have been sold for 10 times that amount in the UK, according to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
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I’m pretty sure I could win the Olympic gold for going downhill.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Letter from Uncle Eustace
On the perils of holding a Rose Queen celebration The Rectory St James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren ON REFLECTION, inviting your parishioners to join in our annual Rose Queen celebrations may not have been entirely wise.
It was cheering to see that your people arrived on carnival floats, although it was less happy that some of them should have chosen to dress up as coronavirus bugs, full of those nasty spike proteins – that startled some of the timid residents in our community. Once the procession started, your drivers did not seem to have grasped the fact that the vehicles were expected to tour the village slowly, for the benefit of spectators, instead of treating it as a competitive race. I noticed that numbers on your floats gradually diminished as they were flung off while careering round corners. Those who had a walk of several miles back home while dressed as pirates and ballerinas had my sympathy. Our tea ladies, however, were less sympathetic when one of your hay bales was spun off on a tight corner and went through our Women’s Guild like a row of skittles. The local police normally use the afternoon to do a little gentle point duty while drinking gallons of sweet tea; this year, the number of tickets issued for speeding, and not social distancing, should boost our constabulary’s figures for the next 12 months. I must concede that the group who decided to make a papier mache swan for one of your floats showed great imagination. It was such a pity that they did not know a 15-foot-high swan would be driven under a 12-foot bridge. The drama of its emergence, headless, was only exceeded by the following float which appeared to have a group of Brownies being savaged by a demented, bodiless, vulture. I am sure that some of your people’s offers to help this year’s Princesses campaign for election for Rose Queen next year were well-meant. However, I don’t think our parish really wants a full-blown social media campaign for next year’s Rose Queen, and so we will have to decline your offer. The crowning of the Rose Queen is always a high point to the afternoon, but could I point out that the ‘gold’ crown is only metal foil, and the ‘diamond’ sceptre is only a piece of glass? So, whoever it was in your crowd who walked off with them, please may we have them back before next year? Your loving uncle,
Eustace
I went to a pet shop and put a sign saying ‘Chameleon’ next to an empty cage.
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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST WILFRID OF YORK 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB
St Wilfrid’s is open for weekend Masses – Saturday 6 pm and Sunday 10 am. We are grateful that we can still open for Mass. We have strict safety measures in place to keep everyone safe and it is essential that the stewards’ instructions are followed in Church. Spaces at Mass are limited so it is important that you book a space in one of two ways: either by the Parish website: www.stwilfscoalville.blogspot. co.uk or, if you do not have access to the internet, please ask a family member or neighbour to help or phone the presbytery – 01530 832098 - on Mondays from 12 noon to 2 pm. Sacrament of Reconciliation You can now book an appointment with Fr Gabriel to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Please call the presbytery to book an appointment – 01530 832098. Just a reminder, Fr. Gabriel is celebrating mass via Zoom app each weekday at 10am. Please feel free to join in. If you would like the code to join, please email susantompkin@ yahoo.co.uk. Fr Gabriel is available if a priest is needed.
Please let the Parish know if you, or anyone you know, needs help of any kind. Please call the presbytery and we will do what we can to help. Keep safe and well.
Parish Contact Parish Priest: Fr Gabriel Offor – 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website: www.stwilfscoalville. blogspot.co.uk
School Details St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www.stclares.leics.sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle.leics.sch. uk
Village Contact Margaret on 01530 243292
Miscellaneous observations on daily life ... • You know you’re into middle age when you realise that caution is the only thing you care to exercise. • Some people you’re glad to see coming; some people you’re glad to see going. • You do not need a parachute to skydive – you need a parachute to skydive twice. • The only thing to fear is fear itself… and spiders.
Dear Friends, AS I WRITE THIS, the weather is beautiful, and lockdown restrictions have just been eased to allow small groups to meet outdoors. I’ve also noticed quite how beautiful Markfield is. I particularly love the daffodils- partly because their bright, cheery yellow brings joy to even a wet, gloomy day. But I also love the daffodils because of the miracle of how they grow. Look at a daffodil bulb and you wouldn’t think that something so beautiful could grow from what looks like a shrivelled onion, buried in cold earth. We maybe “planted” hopes and dreams last year that have had to go on one side. We may feel as if these, and we, have been buried under cold earth. We maybe fear what the new normal will be like. Perhaps things can never be the same, because of things we’ve been through. What could possibly “bloom” from all this? The first Easter, Jesus’ followers had lived through trauma that they would never forget. Life did not go back to the “old normal”. But the risen Jesus came into the pain and trauma, bringing healing and a new way of life. I hope that the weeks and months ahead, as we try to build back, may also bring healing, and signs of new hope and growth.
Judith Lincoln
Minister, Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB Markfield Methodist Church
Bugs and Boo are looking for retirement homes A LOCAL RESCUE and rehoming charity are looking for two very special retirement homes for two gorgeous girls.
The dashing duo came into Leicester Animal Aid in Huncote when their owner sadly couldn’t care for them due to ill health. Although they previously lived together, they are much happier with the single life so are looking for separate homes. The girls, both 12, have been indoor cats and are looking for homes where they can be spoilt rotten. They both love plenty of fuss and attention and although getting on in years are both full of the joys of spring. They each need a home with no other pets and children would need to be aged ten plus.
If you think you can offer them a home visit LAA’s website www.leicesteranimalaid. org.uk or call the Centre on 01455 888257.
I told my gran a Knock Knock joke, but she wouldn’t answer it until I’d shown her three forms of ID.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
~ National Trust Leicester Association NEWS ~ IN MAY last year I described how NT properties had been used the previous year as the indoor film locations for the TV drama “Belgravia”. When the coronavirus struck in 2020 film makers suddenly had great difficulty using indoor locations and turned to dramatizing stories with an outdoor bias.
Francis Hodgson Burnett’s novel “The Secret Garden” fitted the bill very well and during the spring of 2020 Sky TV made an adaptation of the novel using a number of National Trust properties as film locations. Bodnant Garden, in the foothills of Snowdonia, was a remote location which had never been used as a film set before. The stream was used for a scene where the children go swimming and a small amount of pruning had to take place. There was nothing major and it was all overseen by the Senior Gardener. Bodnant’s famous Laburnum Arch was also used but filming in that location had to be timed to the two weeks in May when the The Laburnum Arch at Bodnant Garden was featured in blooms were at their best. Sky TV’s ‘The Secret Garden’ Unlike Bodnant, Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire, had actually been used as a film location for a version of the Secret Garden in 1993. However this time the gardens themselves were not used. Also the ancient abbey ruins were transformed into a sunken temple complete with vine covered walls and again not used as before as Misselthwaite Manor itself, the house in the story. While the garden is the main focus of the story, the forbidding “Misselthwaite Manor” also looms large in the life of the main character, Mary. This meant that at Osterley Park, near London, the garden was not used but the old kitchens fitted the story perfectly so a small amount of controlled filming took place inside. Even though Calke Abbey, near Ashby de la Zouch, was not used for filming the, producer and crew found the interiors there an inspiration for the atmosphere they wanted to create of Misselthwaite Manor and made a couple of fact finding visits to the property. The actors, including Colin Firth and Mary Lennox, have all said that working in the gardens, surrounded by nature, was far more sensory than working in a studio and made the story telling far easier. • THE NATIONAL TRUST LEICESTER ASSOCIATION has currently suspended its meetings but continues to issue its monthly email Newsheet and its triannual printed Newsletter to members. It is also organising “Zoom” meetings with a speaker. Please check the Association web site at – www. leicesternt.btck.co.uk for details, including updates regarding Stoneywell Cottage.
Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer NT Leicester Association
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My wife left me because of my obsession with Africa. Kenya believe that?
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Markfield, Desford & Thornton FOR THE ST CHOICE
THE BE
ONS 2021
ELECTI L I C N U O TY C
COUN
Working hard all year round, not just at election time Working all year round to make our area cleaner and greener and safer. Fighting against Boris’ plans to “Build Build Build” over our countryside. Campaigning to tackle speeding and Tory neglect of our roads.
Robin Webber-Jones
Thursday 6th May For more information visit: www.BosworthLibDems.org.uk
Printed by The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, LE67 9ZT, Published and Promoted
by S Bray (Lib Dems), 26 Netherley Court, Hinckley. LE10 0RN
One hundred years of the British Legion ONE HUNDRED years ago, on 15th May 1921, the British Legion was founded in the aftermath of the First World War, to provide support to veterans of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants.
It was created at a time when two million people were unemployed. More than six million had served in the war: of those who came back, 1.75 million had suffered some kind of disability, and half of those were disabled permanently. Four organisations came together at the instigation of Lancastrian Lance Bombardier Tom Lister, who was angered at the Government’s unwillingness to help, and Field Marshal Earl Haig, who had been Commander in Chief of the British Forces. The Legion campaigned for fair treatment of those who given everything for their country, and it continues this work today. In 1922, the Legion’s poppy factory opened in the Old Kent Road, London, with 40 disabled men manufacturing 1000 poppies a week. The first Poppy Day was held that same year. The Festival of Remembrance began in 1927, and the Legion became ‘Royal’ in 1971 – 50 years ago – on its golden anniversary. At first membership of the Legion was confined to ex-Service personnel, but it was expanded to include serving members of the Forces in 1981.
Positive Thoughts TIME
“It is familiarity with life that makes time speed quickly. When every day is a step into the unknown, as for children, the days are long with the gathering of experience.” George Robert Gissing (1857-1903) English novelist.
AGEING
“Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.” Fred Astaire (1899-1987)
American dancer, singer and actor.
My wife is always accusing me of making stuff up. I wouldn’t mind but I’m not even married.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Pick Up a Bargain!
HERALD SMALL ADS • Exercise bike and rowing machine for sale £50 each. Tel. 0116 287 6119 (Groby)
• V-Fit Gravity Strider, hardly used, £25. Tel: 0116 291 9119 (Groby).
• Brown/beige 3 drawer metal filing cabinet, with 2 keys. Excellent condition. £50. • Portable satellite dish with receiver, cable and tuner in case. As new £80 o.n.o. • Caravan steps, dark grey, new £3. • Water carrier on wheels, suitable for caravan or camping, new £10. Tel: 01530 831128
• 1000 pieces jigsaw of nice country landscape scene including cottage and river. Great to do. £5.00 Tel: 07790 734858 (Groby)
• Electric lawn raker and scarifier. Good condition. £15. Tel: 07867 806474 (Markfield) • Exercise Sit Up Chair/ Machine. AB Lounge Ultra Sport folds for easy storage. Great piece of kit takes stress off the rest of your body whilst focusing on the stomach and side muscles. £30 • Electric Guitar Amplifier. BB Blaster BB10, 10 watt portable/ practice amp. Good condition. Ideal for beginners. £18 • Mountain Bike. Brand is Saracen. 21 Shimano gears, 26”x2.2” quick release wheels. Recently replaced seat and fitted new mudguards. Good used condition. £35 • Electric Plunge Router machine. Power Craft 1050 watt motor, 2 collets 6 & 8mm, variable speed 9000-30000/min. Parallel & Template Guide, Ergonomic handles. Complete with Router Bit set and user guide. Boxed. £35 • Camping Chairs x 4, collapsible with carry cases and inbuilt cup holders. 3 blue, 1 green. Good quality and clean condition. £4 each or £15 for all. • Camp Bed, Adventuridge. Blue, collapsible aluminium frame folds away for easy storage and convenient size for transportation. Complete with carry case. £15 • Chrome Steering Wheel Lock. 4Stress Pro Chrome, Thatcham approved. Good condition and very secure. 2 keys. £15 Tel: 0116 287 0375 (Groby) • Lec Fridge Freezer in silver. H150. W54. D57 cm. In good working order. £55 O.n.o. Tel: 0116 287 8987 or 07999 768521 (Groby)
• Vaporello 2400 Steam Cleaner. Hardly used, v. good condition, all attachments & instruction manual included. £95. • Panasonic Viera 37” wide screen TV. Gun metal, full HD, model no. TX-L37V20BA, instruction manual included. 10 years old, but great condition. £95. Tel: 07990 708478 (Groby) • Single folding bed, metal frame, very good condition. £30. Tel: 07934 761637 (Markfield) • Ladies cycle £30. • Pair of wading boots, as new. £30. Tel: 01530 245337 (Markfield) • Fishing rods - 3 carp. £60. • Fishing box. £10. • Two reels. £20. • Planter. £5. Tel: 01530 245754 (Markfield) • 6 new foam seat fillings unused, 50x 60cm. £30 Tel: 01162 876762 or Mob 07771 971 773 (Groby) • Alba flat screen 19 inch LED Tv (little used). £20 • Epson Stylus SX200 printer plus 6 new inks. £25 • Mens L/XL lightweightcycle jacket. £5 • Car mats, 1 large, 2 small, black. £4 Tel: 07779 552320 (Groby) • Canon EOS 110D camera body and Canon EFS 18-55mm lens. Complete with battery charger, all leads,Instruction booklet,4GB Memory card and Canon Camera bag. Velbon PHD-31Q Tripod also included.Absolutely excellent condition. Hardly used. £170.00. Tel: 07952 327442 (Leicester)
Sky-diving for LOROS!
ON SUNDAY 9th May 2021, I am joining LOROS’s Skydive Sunday. You get into a small plane, tie yourself to a total stranger, then jump out of the plane at something like 16,000 feet up! And then the fun begins…
LOROS is a wonderful organisation. They help people with terminal illnesses and their families and friends. They make life a bit easier in terrible times. They stand by the people who turn to them, even through the awful difficulties of the last year and the constant pressure of needs. But last year their income from fundraising (like many charities) fell drastically – a £2.3million loss in raised income across the year. At the same time, NHS treatments for health issues other than Covid-19 had to be sharply reduced. So, need for LOROS services is likely to go up. I would like to think that LOROS will always be there for people who need them in future. It could be me; it could be any of us or our loved ones. But they need money to keep providing those services. Please, will you help support LOROS by sponsoring me on my sky-dive JustGiving page? Any and every contribution will make a difference and will be very gratefully received. Thank you! https://www.justgiving.com/Claire-Higman
How to keep ground coffee fresh THE BATTLE rages: just where IS the best place to store your ground coffee?
Sainsburys, Morrisons, Asda, Marks & Spencer and Ocado are among the supermarkets that advise you keep fresh ground coffee in a fridge or freezer after opening. But Tesco, Waitrose and Harrods advise that you store ground coffee and beans in a cool, dry place such a kitchen cupboard. Many coffee experts warn that storing your coffee in the fridge is wrong because coffee easily absorbs aroma, moisture and flavours, and can be tainted by fish, meat and cheese. Martin Isark, founder of the Can I Eat It website, laments: “So much coffee is spoilt by poor storage, which makes the coffee producers want to weep…” Paul Rooke of the British Coffee Association adds: “Coffee, like many food and drink products when exposed to air, will deteriorate. Cool and dry are the key words; the ideal storage is in an inert, airtight container stored in a cool place.”
• The Handy 3.5hp Petrol Garden Tiller. In good working order. £150. Tel No 01530 243986 or Mobile 07539 037482 (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).
‘Coming soon to a cinema near you’ ... how do they know where I live?
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Mars Bar Cake MAKE ONE! THIS QUICK and easy cake is a favourite in many families. We are not saying that it is good for you!
Ingredients: 3 Mars bars; 150g butter;150g rice crispies; 150g chocolate Method: In a pan, slowly melt the Mars bars and butter together. Remove from the heat and add the rice crispies, a little at a time, until they are covered with the mixture. Spread mixture onto a baking sheet and place in the fridge until hard. Melt the chocolate and cover the mixture with it. Return to the fridge for a further half an hour. Cut into pieces.
Nectar in your garden
The Madness of Grief
OUR HOME gardens are now the largest source of food for insects such as bees and wasps in towns and cities.
By Rev. Richard Coles
They yield 85 per cent of the nectar produced in urban areas, according to a study published in the Journal of Ecology. Three such gardens will generate about a teaspoon A teaspoon of nectar will fuel thousands of bees a day of the sugar-rich liquid which is found in the flowers that the pollinators drink for energy. A teaspoon of nectar is the equivalent of more than a ton of food for an adult human, and it is enough to fuel thousands of flying bees. One ecologist has called home gardens “pivotal” in promoting biodiversity in urban areas across the county. Gardens are thought to cover 29 per cent of the land in urban areas, which is six times the area of parks and 40 times that of allotments. The research was carried out in partnership with the universities of Edinburgh and Reading and the Royal Horticultural Society.
What will happen to our offices in the future? THERE WILL be less of them – a lot less.
King Edward VII, Coalville School Reunion Next Reunion takes place on Saturday 16 October 2021, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Newbridge School, Forest Road, Coalville, LE67 3SJ
In fact, one recent study warns that the pandemic will mean office space in the UK shrinks by a fifth, which is 18 million square ft. Certainly, the current flexibility of working from home, brought on by the pandemic, seems set to bring in permanent changes, according to the risk management and insurance broker Gallagher. In the future, office will be mainly for collaborating or attending meetings, or for storing vital equipment and IT. Working in an office five days a week will become a thing of the past. And of course, that, in turn, will have a profound impact on the look and shape of our cities.
Email: reunion@ oldedwardianscoalville. co.uk
Kathryn Clarke
King Edward VII School, Coalville, Reunion Committee
But when his partner the Reverend David Coles died, shortly before Christmas in 2019, much about death took Coles by surprise. For one thing, David’s death at the early age of forty-three was unexpected. The man that so often assists others to examine life’s moral questions now found himself in need of help. He began to look to others for guidance to steer him through his grief. The flock was leading the shepherd. Much about grief surprised him: the volume of ‘sadmin’ you have to do when someone dies, how much harder it is travelling for work alone, even the pain of typing a text message to your partner - then realising you are alone. The Reverend Richard Coles’s deeply personal account of life after grief will resonate, unforgettably, with anyone who has lost a loved one.
We are leaders in the community helping people to live at home indepenently. Our friendly and supportive staff have been providing assistance to our clients for over 25 years our staff have full references, an enhanced DBS and have completed extensive training.
Entry fee to £5 - Ploughman’s lunch £7.50 (No monies will be taken until it is confirmed that the Reunion will take place)
Tel: 0116 2546591
WHETHER it is pastoral care for the bereaved, discussions about the afterlife, or being called out to perform the last rites, death is part of the Reverend Richard Coles’s life and work.
Supporting you in your home
This event will only take place if it can be held in absolute safety.
Please email, telephone or write to request Registration Form and Booking Form. Bookings will not be accepted from anyone who has not completed a Registration Form. Both forms can be submitted together.
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At Bosworth Homecare we build and tailor packages of support to meet our client’s individual needs. Our support plans can be any combination of the many services we offer including, medication, personal care, assistance with domestic tasks and shopping. We also support our clients to hospital appointments, social activities and offer a befriending service.
Domestic Duties • Shopping • Meal Preparation Medication Assistance • Personal Care Support with Social Activities, Hospital Appointments and a Befriending Service
Tel · 01455 292648
We have been rated GOOD by the Care Quality Commission and became the first homecare provider to achieve the local authorities Dignity and Respect Award. If you would like to discuss any support needs for yourself or your loved one please contact our dedicated team.
Friendly and Compassionate Carer’s also required to support our clients in your area
Email · managementteam@givecare.co.uk | www.bosworthhomecare.co.uk Bosworth Homecare 7a Main Street Market Bosworth CV13 0JN
Police have recovered my stolen sofa - very kind of them. It was looking a bit tatty.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Markfield Library News THE START of this year continues to be as difficult as the last but hopefully we should be able to re-open the library on Monday April 12. Our opening hours will be: •
Monday 1-3
•
Tuesday 1-3
•
Thursday 12.30 – 3
•
Friday 1-3
•
Saturday 10 – 12.30
We are still under the guidance of browsing only with no socialising. Masks must be worn by volunteers and the public unless there is an exemption. The Q track and trace code will still be in operation and for those without the smart phone to access it, we will still be taking contact details. Returned material will still be quarantined for 72 hours before being available. The Trustees want to assure you that we are still taking the transmission of the virus very seriously and that our volunteers and the public will have a COVID-19 secure facility with all the necessary risk assessments in place. We realistically intend to resume our clubs/groups from September so if anyone is interested in hiring the library or has any ideas, please get in touch. We have had several new groups interested in operating from the library. All material currently on loan will be due for return on 12 April, material taken out from that date will be stamped for 4 weeks and there will be no late fines payable until the end of June.
READING AGENCY: Read, Talk, Share A NEW Government funded campaign run through the Reading Agency is an initiative to combat loneliness and promote well being through reading.
This initiative is seen as playing an important part in the nation’s COVID-19 recovery. Markfield Community Library will be receiving books covering each of the three Reading Well mental health schemes which are Reading Well for Children, Young People and Adults. Topics will include mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy; coping with grief, anxiety, depression and stress; body dysmorphia, ADHD, Autism, OCD and much more. We hope to have this collection in the library at the earliest opportunity. • CHARLOTTE shares three of the books from the collection with you:
Just as the flowers are blooming, the days are getting longer, and lockdown seems to be coming to an end, I am sure a lot of you reading this are feeling hopeful as to what the next few months will bring. However, if like me you suffer from a mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression, this may not be the case. Sometimes seeing the rest of the world coming out from under its winter duvet and heading out into the sunshine can make you feel even more like you are the only one still sitting in the shade. I want to take this moment to tell you, you are not alone and there are ALWAYS people willing to help. I have found books to be my port in the storm. Whether reading about coping strategies or feeling kinship with other stories, books have always been there for me. Read, Talk, Share is an initiative from the Reading Agency which aims to combat loneliness and enhance wellbeing through the power of reading. The collection of books which include both fiction and non-fiction and span all age groups will be available at the library. Some of my personal favourites are included with The Recovery Letters and Matt Haig’s Reasons To Stay Alive, along with a collection of children’s books such as How Are You Feeling? and Something Bad Happened. I hope these books help you out, and I am looking forward to the library reopening so hopefully I can meet some of you and we can have a chat (about books of course!) Charlotte Gransden – Volunteer Margaret Bowler – Chair Markfield Community Library
Is there life without the BBC? COULD YOU live happily without the BBC? Just try it for two weeks.
That was the recent challenge of the corporation’s outgoing chairman, Sir David Clementi, to a group of critics who said they resented the licence fee. Apparently, nine days later, two thirds of the critics had changed their mind and said that the licence was worth every penny. Sir David observed that when “things that they took for granted are removed from them, they realise how valuable the BBC is.” So he encourages anyone else who thinks that the license is not worth £3 a week, to try life without the BBC. “I think that most people would find it very hard to cope.”
Positive Thoughts GENIUS
“The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.” Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) English writer.
Man is rated the highest animal, at least among those animals who returned the survey.
For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk
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Nordic Walking - try it! NORDIC WALKING has been shown not only to burn more calories and fat (as well as tone the body better) than walking but also to be very beneficial to the heart and lungs. Due to the use of the poles, less strain is put on knee and hip joints making it a perfect exercise for those suffering from problems in those areas or recovering from sporting injuries. The social nature of the activity also leads. to better brain function, keeps you motivated and provides better mental well-being. Ministry of Nordic Walks Community Group aims to provide engaging, supportive and fun Nordic walking experiences at a low cost for anyone whatever their fitness level. Most walks are charged between £2.50 to £4 and include the hire of Nordic walking poles. They will be offering some FREE taster sessions as well as Zoom talks on the benefits of Nordic walking during April so please contact the group at ministryofnordicwalks@gmail. com to find out more and book your place. Ministry of Nordic Walks Community Group is now looking at establishing a number of local hubs around Leicestershire and are looking for suggestions from people in Glenfield wanting to take part in this as to where and when during the week it would suit them best. We have worked with various local groups in the past such as the Women’s Institute, University of the Third Age, Parkinson’s UK and various young adults with learning difficulties and have the ability to help train and support volunteer Nordic walk leaders for those interested in developing their own mini groups.
LEEDHAMLEEDHAM FARM DAIRY FARM POP DAIRYUP FARM POP UP FARM SHOP
SHOP OPENSATURDAY EVERY SATURDAY OPEN EVERY 10am-3pm Our own Fresh Milk, Cream, Beef, Eggs, Fresh Bread from Hambletons & Gaytons Bakery, Fruit & Veg, Hills Potatoes, Brockleby’s Pies, Cakes, Cheese, Butter, Sophies Tea & Coffee, Greenfields Bacon, Sausages, Sausage rolls, and much more!
10am-3pm
Our own Fresh Milk, Cream, Beef, Eggs, FRESH MILK AVAILABLE Fresh Bread from Hambletons & Gaytons 7 DAYS A WEEK 7am-7pm. From our self-serve vending machine
using reusable glass bottles! Bakery, Fruit & Veg, Hills Potatoes, Brockleby’s Pies, C Coins & cards are both accepted. Cheese, Butter, Sophies Tea & Coffee,
Lindridge Farm, Lindridge Lane, Desford, LE9 9FD
Greenfields Bacon, Sausages, Sausage rolls, and mu Find out more about us @ www.leedhamfarmdairy.co.uk
MoNW Community Group has been providing Nordic walking lessons as well as leading Nordic walks around the Leicester and Leicestershire area over the past four years and, up until the pandemic, provided at least three weekly walks in different places. The group cannot wait to get going again in 2021 and is looking for new recruits to take advantage of early bird discounts on a range of Nordic Walking beginner lessons (aimed at those returning to exercise, those wanting to get fitter and stronger and those wanting to add new skills whilst walking) as well as just coming along on the wonderful local Nordic walks themselves.
or @leedhamfarmdairy on Facebook & Instagram
more!
FRESH MILK AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK 7am-7pm.
From our self-serve vending machine using reusable bottles!
All you need are a comfortable pair of walking shoes/trainers and suitable outdoor clothing as the special Nordic walking poles will be provided at each session.
Please contact the group either at ministryofnordicwalks@gmail.com or on 07502 576764 for further information or to register your interest.
Coins & cards are both accepted. Lindridge Farm, Lindridge Lane, Desford, LE9 9FD Find out more about us @ www.leedhamfarmdairy.co.uk @leedhamfarmdairy on Facebook & Instagram
Being married is like having a best friend who doesn’t remember anything you say.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Borough Councillor
Andy Furlong’s
UPDATE
Tel: 01530 231377 • Email: andy.furlong@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
We take care of our own...
THE THEME of my column this month owes much to the American rock and roll icon Bruce Springsteen.
“The Boss”, as he is widely known, penned a song with this title for the album Wrecking Ball, released in 2012. In the song, Springsteen appears to express frustration that people seem less willing to help each other after several years of hardship. Song lyrics are often open to different interpretations. Listening to the song being played again at Joe Biden’s victory party back in January, I’m inclined to take an optimistic view rather than a cynical one. I stood for election in 2019 with a clear intention to “Take care of our own” here in this corner of Leicestershire. Mindful that this statement is also open to differing interpretations, let me explain what I mean by “our own”.
Stick together My wife, Sarah and I have lived in Leicestershire for over 30 years. I call it home, even though I was born 240 miles away in Pembrokeshire. Sarah is the local girl. When we first met, her mum and dad lived in Groby. They retired to Markfield in the 1990s but are sadly no longer with us. Our daughter, Rebecca, grew up here. She went to Desford Primary, South Charnwood and Groby College before heading off to university in Sheffield, then Bath. Our community has served us well, and we all believe in giving something back. I’ve made many friends in a community where people clearly stick together and look after “our own” irrespective of how long they’ve lived here or where they come from originally. I like that, and I try to reflect this in the decisions that I take as your local councillor.
Build, build, build – in Markfield At the end of March, I was forced into making a difficult decision when I decided not to oppose planning permission for 282 new houses in Markfield. Ultimately, I and others felt we had no choice. In December 2019, Britain voted overwhelmingly for a Prime Minister who made it perfectly clear that he wanted to “Build, build, build!” The implications of that choice are clear with many house building proposals agreed, or in the pipeline, for Markfield, Stanton, Field Head, Thornton, and Desford.
The least bad option Sadly, the bulldozers’ job was made much easier due to a blunder by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. Over the last decade, either the Conservative or Liberal leadership of the council - they blame each other, but it doesn’t really matter which one dropped a clanger - allowed several key planning policies to lapse. This negligence opened the floodgates to speculative planning applications, and local councillors have been largely powerless to oppose them. Nonetheless, I am optimistic that the decision to approve a new housing development off London Road in Markfield will help us draw a line in the sand and limit housing expansion elsewhere in the village. Those living closest to the development are understandably disappointed but, I don’t think I could have taken any other course. Had I opposed the proposal, the decision would almost certainly be overturned at an appeal. We are sometimes forced into doing things we feel unhappy with. Still, I believe that I made the right choice by going for the least bad option, and one that will allow us to take care of “our own” in Markfield and neighbouring areas.
improve local infrastructure and facilities. There is £1.5 million for South Charnwood and Mercenfeld schools, £1.2 million for the upkeep of local parks and playgrounds and £150,000 to expand Markfield Medical Centre. Contrast this with the first Jelson estate. This was forced upon Markfield by the government after an appeal – what did we get? Next to nothing! The challenge now is for Matthew Lay and I to ensure that this money is spent on projects that benefit as many people as possible in the local community rather than being siphoned off for pet projects currently in fashion at County Hall. Leicestershire County Council has a dire record of taking care of “our own”; just look at the state of our roads, footpaths and verges.
A511 ‘upgrade’ ignores local needs
HIGHWAYS will be a top priority for me in the months ahead.
Herald readers may be familiar with a proposed project to upgrade the A511 from Markfield to Coalville and beyond. The proposal was consulted on back in 2019 and met with widespread scorn from people living locally. This was hardly a surprise. Leicestershire County Council forgot about those of us who already live here in their haste to drive a growth and expansion corridor through our villages. The Field Head roundabout will be ‘improved’ with traffic lights to manage the flow of through traffic, but local access is ignored. Stanton and Thornton residents will no longer be able to head for Loughborough via Copt Oak or turn right at the Flying Horse when coming back from Coalville. Worse still, the long-suffering residents living on Shaw Lane will face the prospect of even more fast traffic thundering past their front doors. Yet, the plans contain nothing to protect their safety or improve their quality of life. A paper agreed by the Leicestershire County Cabinet in March made no mention of the consultation findings. I don’t think they were listening. I have written to the Director of Environment and Transport at County Hall outlining my concerns in detail.
And finally BY THE TIME you see this, I trust that many readers will have had their jab, and the pubs and restaurants will be open – with socially distanced outdoor table service for well-behaved customers only.
However, caution is still needed, so be like The Boss and let’s take care of our own. We’ve come too far with COVID to take a wrecking ball to the progress we’ve made together over the last 13 months.
Andy Furlong Contact me on 01530 231377 or via email at andy.furlong@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
£4 million for education, health, and roads? First, we have secured a decent slug of “affordable” housing that will be made available to local people first. Second, the project (which may take a decade to complete) comes with a package of cash benefits totalling nearly £4 million. This will be used to
I may not be my mother’s favourite child, but I am her only one, so that makes me kind of special.
For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk
Cross Hills Baptist Church WHAT A YEAR everyone has had. Through this Covid pandemic we have all experienced so many different emotions through job losses, lockdowns, shielding, and tragically family and friends have been seriously ill and some we have lost.
It has been an extremely difficult time and a time where it is very hard to find the good in it all. But there has been some good, communities have come closer together and community support groups have sprung up everywhere and neighbours have found friendship and help in each other. The focus on essential workers has enabled us to see how important so many people are, we have seen the immense and important work of the NHS and care workers, our environment is cleaner - there is so much to be thankful for even in such a difficult time. At Cross Hills we have found ways to still be together like so many others, via zoom. Our Sunday services have continued with breakout room for the Sunday club along with prayer meetings, cuppa and chat groups, and lots more. We have definitely been counting our blessings because no matter how big your problems seem, God’s purpose for us all is far bigger and He will help you overcome any problem no matter how big it seems. Cross Hills Easter service was still able to go ahead (over zoom) and the Cross is decorated beautifully with flowers still. You can see this as you pass the Church. We have been able to hold Awesome Holiday Club last summer over our Facebook page. Not quite the same as having the kids fill the church but it was great to be able to interact with some families through social media. This year the Easter Trail in Bagworth and Thornton has been enjoyed by local families along with Easter Online, sharing the message of Easter through social media. We really do look forward to opening up the Church again when it is safe and to welcoming you all back, but in the mean time please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. If you would like to join any of our services on zoom please do get in contact. https://www.facebook.com/crosshillsbaptist/
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People said I’d never get over my obsession with Phil Collins, but take a look at me now.
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THE HERALD • MID-APRIL 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Bagworth History from one man’s perspective ... MERVYN MCHUGH’S mother was Welsh. She was born in Llandedr and trained as a hospital nurse in Liverpool before coming to Leicester.
His father kept the Post Office at Coalville (he did not enjoy good health). He was one of seven children. The rest of the men in the family were miners but he was not able to do this as he battled against his poor health. He went to a Roman Catholic college at Oxford to train as a priest, but his ill health forced him to give this up. Mervyn’s father was born in Whitwick and moved later to South Street, Ellistown. He was 42 years old when he married Mervyn’s mother. She was a nurse, employed by the Leicester Royal Infirmary and they met when his father was a patient at Desford Hall, a convalescent home. They married in October 1940. His father was a Roman Catholic and his mother was a Methodist. They were married in Holy Cross Church, Whitwick. Mervyn was born in September 1941 and was baptised by the Roman Catholic Church. His father had a chance of keeping the Post Office. This was a lock up shop which was part of the Barrel Inn, on Main Street. After they were married, they rented a house near the Club and this was where Mervyn was born. The Post Office was in the front room. Station road from Barlestone Road corner (as Mervyn remembers it): White House Farm House, the Working Men’s Club, Thompson’s Farm House, Len’s Barber Shop, a cottage, Len’s cottage, Cottage and Post Office where Mervyn was born, Samwell’s Shop. After this there was a yard. Then came the Co-op shop, Co-op butchers (attached to the shop), Methodist chapel (now a bungalow), Poplar House Garden (now a bungalow) and Poplar House Farm. At the Barlestone Road end of Station Road, there was a Farm entrance to White House Farm. Then, joined to the farmhouse was the Working Men’s Club. The concert hall was built in the 1950s. At the right of the Club was Thompson’s Farm House. Next to the farm was Len’s barber’s shop. It had dark wooden panelling and was very narrow but went a long way back. On the left hand side was a specially made shop fitting containing a huge mirror. On it was all of Len’s equipment. This included hand clippers and cut throat razors. Some of the older men often came in for a shave. There was no running water. Len had to get hot water from his house. There were two barber’s chairs, one of which was used by Len. Little boys had to kneel on the seat of the chair to have their haircut. Some people, mainly some older men, had the ends of their hair singed at the end of the haircut. On the walls were various pictures of boxers. Everything seemed really old. There was a sink where the water could drain away. Len died of a brain haemorrhage. He collapsed at the club one night. He was carried home and his wife, Daisy, sat up with him all night, but sadly he died. Next door to the barber’s shop was a cottage which looked like it had had a shop window in it at some time. Next door was the Post Office, where Mervyn was born. At the end of the row was a proper shop. It had a double front with the door in the middle. It was kept by Samwells, before that it had been kept by Linstalls. The owner of the property was a man called Judge, who lived in Ellistown. The row was demolished in the mid 1960s. All that was left was the concert hall of the club. The old club building was replaced with the building that can now be seen, although the entry door was on the front of the building, rather than the side as it is now. Thompson’s Farm was approximately where the club car park is now situated. After Samwell’s shop, there was a yard to the right. Then came Bagworth Co-op, a good sized building which included a butcher’s shop. This was demolished in the 1960s. Next to the Co-op was a farm track. At the side of this was the Methodist Chapel which was on the site of a bungalow. Next was the garden and farm house of Poplar Farm. A bungalow was later built in the garden.
Mervyn’s mother was very involved with the Methodist Chapel. This began when Mervyn was 15 years old. Fred Read had been involved in running the Chapel but wanted to finish and Mervyn’s mother agreed to take it on. Mervyn remembers that they always struggled to have a decent sized congregation. It was usual about 10 and sometimes was as low as 5 or 6. Sunday School took place on a Sunday Afternoon. When it was the Sunday School Anniversary, also known as the Sermons, a wooden platform made of steps was erected from the floor to the ceiling and 30 or 40 children would take part. There would also be a small orchestra. Mervyn went to the Chapel every week unless he was ill. By the 1970s the attendance was dwindling and it became a losing battle. The Chapel was demolished. From 1974, Mervyn had worked in Leicester for British Telecom (BT) and had to work most Sundays which made attendance at worship on a Sunday difficult.
When Mervyn was 3 years old, they had moved to their house in Main Street. It was a shop and his parents had rented it. The property was two separate properties. He thought that the eldest part was built in about 1837. When Mervyn was about 12, the man who owned the property died. His family offered it to Mervyn’s parents, providing they bought both properties. They agreed to this. Through the years, the second property was let out, usually to old ladies, for example to Daisy, the barber’s wife. They retired from the Post Office in 1965. It reached the stage where modernisation was required if it was to be let, which would be costly. It was decided to make the two properties into one. The Post Office was made into a sitting room and the door was bricked up. A connecting door was made between the two, requiring two steps down into the other property. Mervyn’s mother opened a grocery shop in the other part for about three years. This was about 1970. Harry Roberts helped them to sort this out with the Council. By the end of 1974, Mervyn’s father was poorly and the shop was closed. It had become more like a hobby than a business. His father died in 1975 aged 77 and his mother died at the same age in 1985. Sadly Mervyn died a few years ago.
Words and pictures from Bob Austin
I used to live the life of Riley. Until Riley discovered his credit cards were missing.
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Discount compost bins available
Compost with the county council
RESIDENTS across the county are encouraged to take up composting this spring with cut-price compost bins, thanks to a Leicestershire County Council scheme Although it remains cold at the moment, many people will soon be starting to think about cutting their grass and pruning plants ready for new growth – and the best way to dispose of garden waste is to compost it at home. Composting reduces the amount of food and garden waste sent to landfill, which cannot decompose properly without air and, instead, produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Rod Weston is a volunteer Master Composter, who promotes composting to residents in partnership with the council. Rob Weston, Master Composter, said: “Composting kitchen and garden waste is an excellent way that individuals can reduce the waste sent to landfill and pollution from bonfires. Substituting homemade compost for shop bought peat-based compost not only saves money but also reduces environmental damage caused by digging peat. “Anyone can compost if they have an outdoor space and you do not need a large garden. Support and advice is available from the county council’s Master Composters and there are local demonstration sites which will be opening with advice and practical training once restrictions are lifted.” Compostable items include fruit and vegetable peelings, grass cuttings, coffee grounds, newspaper and cardboard which will all decompose in around a year. The resulting compost can then be dug back into the garden next spring to provide nutrient rich food for the garden. Residents can buy a discounted compost bin from as little as £12, with a second one offered at half price. The bins are made from 100% recycled plastic and are available in two different sizes and colours to suit individual needs.
SCAN ME / MICROCHIPPED
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Lessons of LOCKDOWN
THIS PAST YEAR may have altered your perspective on life. Some of the following statements may be worth thinking about ... • Life is precarious • A nurse is worth more than a professional footballer • Spare time isn’t a waste of time • A smile is precious • Being alone isn’t the same as loneliness • Hard work doesn’t guarantee employment • I’m spending more on food & drink and less on church & charity • Silence opens us to creative ideas • Social media are a mixed blessing • Shopping needn’t be addictive • Driving less and walking more is good for humanity • Isolation teaches us we need each other to generate energy • Getting back to ‘normal’ isn’t God’s plan for the human race • When everything else is shut, God is open
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EDITABLE TEXT Afternoon: that part of the day we spend worrying about how we wasted the morning.
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