THE HERALD August 2021

MID-AUGUST 2021

IMPORTANT NEWS about the Bagworth, Thornton & Stanton Neighbourhood Plan

TURN TO PAGES 14 & 15

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

BID TO BUILD 49 HOMES NEAR THORNTON RESERVOIR REJECTED AS REPORTED in the Leicester Mercury, plans for an estate of 49 homes near Thornton Reservoir have again been sunk by councillors - after two previous proposals for the site were rejected.

Barwood Homes and J H Hallam & Son Limited brought forward the fresh plans to develop a three hectare site of greenfield land to the south of Beech Drive, off Hawthorn Drive.

Councillors turned down the scheme over concerns about harm to the countryside and the lack of visibility from Hawthorn Drive going onto Main

Street, with residents from the area applauding as the decision was made at a planning meeting.

The site was to include 18 three bedroom and 11 four bedroom houses to be sold on the market, and 20 affordable homes, including 4 one bedroom homes, 9 two bedroom houses and 7 three bedroom properties.

J H Hallam & Son first filed plans for 49 homes on the site in December 2014, with the proposal rejected by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council as it was deemed that the area did not have the infrastructure or services to support the new homes.

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Markfield Parish Seven -Year-Old Strides Out! Neighbourhood Plan Referendum AFTER ALMOST 5 years of development, public consultations and independent examination the Neighbourhood Plan for Markfield Parish now has one more hurdle to climb – a referendum vote.

2021

Markfield Parish Neighbourhood Plan 2020-2039

REFERENDUM VERSION

If our plan receives at least 50% (plus1) of the votes, it must be adopted by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council as part of their statutory development plan and, through that, significantly influence what development happens in our parish The referendum for our plan is scheduled for THURSDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 2021.

It will be organised on behalf of Markfield PC by the Borough Council and will operate just like a local council election.

Currently Hinckley and Bosworth are consulting on their draft local plan to cover the period 2020 to 2039.

The Borough Council hope their plan will be adopted next year. It will then guide to how the borough is developed and if approved at the referendum the Markfield Parish Neighbourhood plan will sit alongside it.

More details about the referendum will be posted on parish council notice boards later in the summer.

If you want to see the final version of our Neighbourhood Plan (the referendum version), copies will be available at Markfield Community Library, the Community Centre, the Parish Council office and also online at: https://npsg.markfieldpc.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2021/07/Markfield_NDP_Referendum_Version_ Accessible.pdf Or you can view it in page-flip form on the Herald website (www.markfieldherald.co.uk)

Tony Lockley

(Chair of Markfield Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group)

THOSE OF YOU who live with seven-year-olds will know that they are very prone to asking unusual questions at odd moments!

One such question surprised Matt and Kaylee Smith, of Thornton, when their daughter suddenly asked, “Please can I do a sponsored walk for the Community Centre?”

Mum Kaylee says that she had no idea what put the idea into Katie’s head. “She loves the village, and for, a little girl, is very community-minded, but where this idea came from, we can only wonder!”

Katie already had the suggested route in her head … from the doorstep of Thornton Community Centre to Bradgate Park and back again. Mum and Dad pointed out that it is rather a long walk when you’re only seven, but Katie, who loves the outdoor life, was adamant that she could do it.

So, in April, arrangements were made.

As you can imagine, the Thornton Centre Trustees were absolutely delighted to agree to the proposed event. Sponsorship details were clarified and excitement in the Smith household grew daily.

The day, (10th April 2021), dawned drizzly; but, nothing daunted, Katie, accompanied by Mum and canine member of the family, Elmo, set off early in the morning. I understand that Katie smiled all the way… striding forth with no complaints and only one stop at Newtown Linford for a well-earned ice-cream.

It was a wonderful effort and Katie raised £500 for the Centre!

We did intend to arrange a “handing over of the cheque” ceremony, so that we could publicly acknowledge this little girl’s effort and generosity. However, Covid restrictions put paid to that.

So, herewith, the Trustees of Thornton Centre would like to express their gratitude to Katie and her very supportive family, and also to those who sponsored the walk.

THANK YOU, KATIE! YOU ARE A SHINING STAR.

Muriel Walker

(for the Trustees of Thornton Community Centre)

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THORNTON HOUSING APPLICATION TURNED DOWN FROM PAGE 1 An appeal was then filed but the inquiry was then delayed, so the council invited a revised application from the developer in advance of the appeal inquiry.

A new scheme was lodged in April 2016, reducing the number of homes from 49 to 48, but this was also turned down over concerns about the impact on the countryside.

The applicant appealed the decision again but the appeal was later withdrawn.

A planning statement filed with the latest application said the proposal would “provide a range of house types and sizes to help create a sustainable, inclusive and mixed community”.

Documents also said that the increase in Thornton’s population would increase footfall and revenue for local shops.

Letters were sent out to residents asking for their views on the latest proposal, with 288 responses received.

Concerns were raised that the development would increase congestion in the area, which can already become very busy with visitors to the reservoir.

After the initial easing of the third Covid lockdown in March, police said they had received reports of bad parking around the reservoir, as people flocked to the beauty spot.

Residents also complained last summer, when the first lockdown lifted, about the area becoming jam packed with visitors as the restrictions eased, with drivers double parking and parking across resident’s driveways.

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Joint Letter from your local councillors Dear Markfield Resident AS YOUR elected representatives on both Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council, we have given strong support to the development of the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan.

This has not been an easy process, but after three years of hard work by the local Neighbourhood Plan Group, the plan has been approved and is now subject to a final vote in a referendum.

We urge you to support the Neighbourhood Plan by making sure you please turn out and vote for its acceptance.

Like many other communities, Markfield is under immense pressure to open itself up to more development. House building is a particular challenge. Sites have been identified that could result in a further 800 dwellings built on open countryside. The only way the village can offer up a solid defence is by having in place a realistic Neighbourhood Plan that meets central government targets and identifies suitable sites for new build housing.

The Markfield Neighbourhood plan delivers this. The plan before you in the referendum incorporates the new development south of London Rd, for which permission has already been granted. This ensures the village’s housing needs are met and it provides a strong defence against other applications that are in the pipeline.

If the Neighbourhood Plan is not accepted, these developments will be more difficult to oppose. Markfield will also be at the mercy of further speculative applications.

We speak with one voice on this important issue and ask that you do your bit and turn out to vote in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan at the local referendum on Thursday, 9 September.

Thank You

Phil Durham

01530 231928 Mob: 07535 182402 290 Station Road BAGWORTH LE67 1BN

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I arrived early to the restaurant.

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THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The Herald Message from Dr Luke Evans MP PO Box 8, Markfield, Supporting our Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: 01530 244069 Community as we come out of Lockdown info@markfieldherald.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk

AS WE START to get out and about more with the easing of lockdown restrictions, our fantastic local community needs our support more than ever.

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.

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The last eighteen months have been a time of uncertainty and unease for many, but the coming weeks over the summer are an ideal opportunity to help our small, local and independent businesses recover from the pandemic, as well as vital local services that have struggled during this time.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve special wall to celebrate the efforts been lucky enough to visit a of NHS workers, with a range of go in our area, I’m always sure to range of businesses and services colourful designs on display. Seeing find the distinctive Leicestershire right across our community, from the school, and the houses nearby, sense of community spirit, and I Kings International Ballet School, decorated in rainbows and flags believe it is this community which to our local Farmer’s Market at was a lovely reminder of the strong has been so important for so many Middlefields Farm, with local sense of community spirit which of us during these hard times. This produce and services on show, for runs through our area. spirit reminds us that even during example. Some have been open I was also pleased that difficulty, there is always kindness, throughout the pandemic, working Leicestershire, after a long 1000generosity and goodwill to be found tirelessly to support their customers year wait, finally got a flag of its in our community. and those who depend on them, own this month, and I was pleased If you run a local business or a whilst others have been forced to be able to support the campaign. community project, please do get in to close and continue to feel the The flag was unveiled in Parliament contact with my office, as I would economic impact of coronavirus.

Square by some of my fellow love to come down and hear about One thing that all of these services Leicestershire MPs, featuring a what you do and how you have a have in common, however, is distinctive red fox and the county’s positive impact on our society. wanting to get back to some form historic emblem. Having been the of normality as soon as possible, only English county without a flag Dr Luke Evans MP and it’s great that I can start to for many years, I’m thrilled to see get out and about across the that the new design celebrates our Member of Parliament for Bosworth constituency again to see and hear long and rich history. I will certainly House of Commons | London | about some of the fantastic work be buying one for my office!

SW1A 0AA that everyone has been doing.

Over these coming months, by w: drlukeevans.org.uk Whilst Parliament is in recess over shopping with our fantastic small, tel: constituency: 01455 635741 the next six weeks, I’m looking local and independent businesses, parliament: 0207 219 4250 forward to getting round to every and supporting our local services, mobile: 07920 619812 corner of the constituency to meet we can all play our part in helping twitter: @drlukeevans as many of you as possible, it really to support our community recover is the best part of being an MP! We Instagram: drlukeevans from the pandemic. Wherever I are truly lucky to have such a wide range of businesses and community services in our area, all of whom rely on our support.

At the beginning of the month, I visited Battling Brook Primary School in Hinckley for their ‘Thank You NHS Day’. Year 6 pupil Myla originally had the idea for the event, and worked with Headteacher Mr Marsden, School Secretary Vicky and, of course, the pupils at Battling Brook to organise a wonderful celebration of our key NHS workers. In the school’s garden, pupils have been working hard on designing bricks for a

The Groby Pool Galleon

Diagnosis A man went into a drop-in medical centre where the diagnosis was done by a computer.

The patient keyed in his symptoms. The machine whirred and buzzed for a few seconds and then presented its findings on the screen. It said simply: “There’s a lot of it about.”

A CHALLENGE for our youngsters who go down to Groby Pool to feed the Swans, Geese and Ducks - Did you know that nature has created what looks like a sailing ship but is quite hidden from view?

The challenge is can you find it but I will give a little secret away - it is more on the walk through the woods at the side of the pool but carefully hidden away. Dare you take on the challenge to find it?

Colin Baker, Markfield

My wife hates it when our next door neighbour sunbathes topless in her yard. Personally, I’m on the fence.

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

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Come along to lessons at County Bridge Club.

I hope you will all get behind me on this, leaving my children for a week is massive but what I am going to do whilst in Scotland is soooo much more.

Those that know me, know I haven’t camped in the UK - well ever! Any tips appreciated!

Lessons start 28th September 2021

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Fundraising has started! Oh and before I go make sure you check your boobs, pecs and chest everyone! Thank you so much!

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Dominique Nicholson

Phone: 07749876933

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THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The Markfield Neighbourhood Plan Referendum takes place on Thursday 9th September Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald I HAVE WRITTEN many times about the value of neighbourhood plans and there is a reason for this.

Communities such as Markfield and Stanton are under such constant pressure to either accept more development or else we find it forced on us in a totally disproportionate way without the benefits one can achieve through active dialogue.

In writing about this I have consistently tried to set out to readers the very real desire of developers to build on every bit of available land. Today this is especially pertinent, as in Markfield we have 3 major housebuilding applications soon to be determined, with others possibly in the pipeline.

It’s not pure speculation to suggest that up to a thousand new houses could be coming our way without proper safeguards in place to make any proposed developments proportional to the size of the community in which it is to take place. This will always be minor consideration to the ongoing greed of developers which knows no boundaries and is actively supported by central government.

We know that our corner of Hinckley & Bosworth is seen as a desirable place to live so it therefore seems somewhat perverse, that some of the very things that make it desirable to live here - and of course for developers to want to build here - is under threat by those same developers.

As a result we must do what we can to stop this by gaining some control over it.

Thankfully we are well placed in this regard. The Markfield Neighbourhood Plan is going to a public referendum on the 9th September, which is very much the final leg of a journey that has taken over three years to complete. The timing could not

have been tighter, but should the plan get the support of the residents of Markfield, it will help put the Council in a very strong position to resist speculative applications and get them turned down.

The Markfield Neighbourhood Plan is the culmination of over three years hard work. It was back in March 2017 when Markfield Parish Council first submitted an application to designate a neighbourhood area in order to prepare a neighbourhood development plan (NDP) to cover the whole area of Markfield Parish. This work was then taken forward by a group of dedicated volunteers and it has required lots of hoops to be jumped through.

The level of detailed work needed was considerable and the Neighbourhood Plan group helpfully had the benefit of a professional consultant to support them, which has been essential to guiding everyone through the maze of bureaucracy. Ultimately though the plan has now been through an independent examination and has received the seal of approval, so it only needs to be supported by residents for it to become official and in force.

I know that the allocation in the plan of housing land south of London Road has been difficult for some. Nobody wants to lose open countryside, least of all those involved in plans work, but it needs to be understood that the developers had already established the principle of development at their appeal in 2011 and it would have been next to impossible to prevent as the neighbourhood plan was not even complete so would have had little bearing on any decision making.

In allocating that site in question the developers have been more engaged in finding mitigations to the undoubted problems such a development will bring and I do

believe it has helped although equally it remains crucial that we get the maximum benefit from this development over the coming years. The critical thing to note however is that by allocating the Jelson site the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan has ensured that the housing needs and targets set for Markfield have been achieved, which is so very important, placing more of our destiny in our own hands.

Every other development site should now be seen as surplus to requirements. The plans allocation meets future needs as well as the present, although how far into the future is yet to be tested but it’s absolutely the right place to start.

Living in Markfield pretty much all my life means I have seen the village change and grow. Firstly with the land down to Chitterman Way and then over the other side, followed by Launde Road and the housing off that road eventually linking Markfield to Field Head in what was once just fields.

In 1977 the Borough Council produced the Markfield District Plan in which the village was classified as a ‘Key Settlement’ and considered to “have potential for future development and best able to serve the wide-ranging demands of the rural population”. The plan further stated that “Its proximity to Leicester has caused pressure for growth which is reflected in the considerable amount of residential development taking place.”

This was at the pinnacle of NR Fitchett Ltd who was at the time the major local housebuilder and a well-known character. It paved the way for a near doubling of the population and took some 20 years to complete.

I cannot hand on heart say that all of this development has been a good thing, but no community stands still and since that Markfield District Plan in the mid-70s, we

have largely escaped further massive swathes of land being allocated for housing. Even the new Jelson site is not close to being on a par with the scale of development and land allocated back in the mid70s and I think we need to keep it that way. We have accepted new housing in the Neighbourhood Plan and that housing is proportionate to the present size of the village.

We now need to ensure we protect this community for future generations to enjoy and every resident of the Parish of Markfield has that opportunity on the 9th of September. There is not an alternative plan.

We only get one shot at this and should the plan fail to be accepted I believe it will be a very sad day for our community. Ultimately it comes down to the local community to get out and have their say. As it is a formal referendum the Parish Council and Borough Council will not be able to promote the Neighbourhood Plan and the clear benefits it will bring. Those are the strict rules, and we will have to follow them.

The details on the plan and the referendum can be found on the Parish Council and Borough Council websites. On the 9th September you can vote at the polling station at Markfield Community Centre or if you live in the Shaw Lane/Copt Oak area, it will be at at the Stanton Village Hall.

Please do the right thing on the 9th September, vote to support the Neighbourhood Plan, your community needs you!

Matthew

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THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

SATURDAY 28TH AUGUST - BE THERE!

Bagworth Village Fete: an afternoon of fun!

SADLY THE Bagworth Forward Group (BFG) for the second year running has taken the decision to cancel the Bagworth Show.

Instead we have decided to organise a Village Fete on Saturday 28th August on the green area next to the Community Centre (no, not the bowling green, on the other side next to the Sure Start building).

This will commence at 1pm and will continue until 4pm.

There will be STALLS. If you wish to have a stall, please contact Karen on 230573. Hire charge is £5 plus a raffle prize.

There will also be a FANCY DRESS COMPETITION with prizes. There will be a FANCY DRESS PARADE at 3pm and the themes are either nursery rhymes or superheroes.

There will also be a COLOURING COMPETITION, again with prizes. You will receive this competition through your letterbox, but you can also email austininbagworth@gmail.com for a copy. Please bring completed colouring on the day.

There will also be a LIMERICK COMPETITION. Please write a limerick where the first line is:

A Bagworth young lady once said ...

Again, please bring your limericks on the day, along with your name and contact details.

HOT FOOD AND DRINKS will also be on sale. In addition, there will be a raffle draw and other attempts to encourage you to part with your money. Entry to the Fete is free. So come along and meet some old friends and maybe make some new ones.

Although the Show is not taking place, three trophies will still be presented, these being the best small front garden, the best large front garden and the best allotment.

All front gardens and allotments in the village are automatically entered for the competition.

BFG aims to enhance the life of the village. We have paid for the majority of the planters which you see around the village. If you happen to live near a planter, please, please keep an eye on it and water if during any hot spells.

BFG do not purchase the plants around the Club but we would like to congratulate Glynn and Mrs Martin on their display this year. They look really good.

Sparrowhawk swoops

Don’t forget to send us your news.

Thanks!

Letter

To Mr or Mrs Anonymous AS RESIDENTS of Markfield for over 50 years we were extremely upset when we received a handwritten letter through our door complaining about a bonfire that we had in our garden.

We accept that we did in fact light a fire and also that there was considerable smoke from the fire blowing onto the allotment area.

Although we were well within our rights to light this fire and did nothing wrong, we agree it was a windy day and it may have been unpleasant for anyone on the allotment that day. For this we apologise.

As 86-year-old pensioners we decided that, to avoid further upset, we would NOT have any more fires in our garden.

We were totally shocked to then receive a further letter accusing us of having another fire. This further fire was NOT us. It would have been more neighbourly to have knocked on our door and discussed the matter rather than post a nasty letter once again assuming that it was us. We have NOT had any further fires and would request that Mr or Mrs Anonymous refrain from sending any further nasty letters through our door.

Many thanks.

Name & Address Supplied

DESPITE THE rain and the wind, I was pottering out in the garden when I heard quite a noise from the birds around the garden.

A Sparrowhawk landed quite close to me after having killed what looked like a Blackbird, sat for a while then flew off with its lunch. Looked at me as if I should not be there and very proud of its catch for the day.

I wonder how many other different species of bird can be seen around the area that are not just of the common variety such as sparrows or blackbirds.

Colin Baker Seems like I can’t go anywhere in my house without somebody recognising me.

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

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Have you ‘visited’ this year’s Thornton Open Gardens yet?

IF NOT, I invite you to sit back and relax and take time to enjoy the video of some of our lovely gardens in the village of Thornton. You can find it on Youtube by going to www. youtube.com and then typing in ‘Thornton Open Gardens 2021’ The gardens vary in style but, whether manicured or nature-orientated, are all very beautiful! The sixteen minute video captures their beauty in the first couple of weeks of June.

Thank you to those who sent pictures or video to be part of this and to those companies who supported it.

If you enjoy viewing, please consider making a JUST GIVING donation to The Friends of St Peter’s Church at https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/thornton-open-gardens-2021

Lis Muller

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THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 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 I HOPE, like me, residents continue to enjoy the sunny weather that we have been blessed with over the last few weeks.

Although, bizarrely I see that across the other side of the County in Kibworth they have recently experienced hailstones the size of golf-balls!

Since my last update I have represented the County Council at a number of meetings, on a range bodies, focussing on economic growth in and across the County & Region: • Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) I joined the LLEP Board in June, taking over from the Leader of the County Council, and have attended a number of ‘workshops’ and Board meetings as the LLEP finalises its economic strategy for Leicester & Leicestershire. It’s vital, especially as we recover from the financial and economic impacts of Covid, that our Region has a clear vision for growth and job creation.

The Strategy is currently out for consultation, and along with the most recent Board Minutes can be accessed: https://llep.org. uk/document-library/ • East Midlands Global Gateway (Freeport) Earlier in the year the Government announced that it would be taking forward plans for the creation of a ‘Freeport’ in the East-Midlands. The ambition being that a Freeport would bring additional investment, job creation and infrastructure to the Region (Leics, Notts, Derbys) to support medium-longer term growth. In June/July I represented the Leader of LCC at two Board meetings – with the focus being on finalising an Outline Business Case by September. This has certainly been an “eye opener” for me; particularly the challenges of taking forward such a significant project with many stakeholders and partnership organisations involved. I very much look forward to seeing this taken forward and will be keeping a keen interest in its progression beyond September.

• Work+ Residents may have seen my article in the recent edition of ‘Leicestershire Matters’ in which I outline employment support of the new Work+ Scheme.

Work+ is a free one-to-one service offering support, advice and information to people looking for secure paid employment, plus the chance to learn new skills or to find out more about volunteering or becoming self-employed. It’s open to everyone – from those who have never been employed to those who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic, been furloughed or who are at risk of redundancy. It also helps college leavers, graduates and agency staff on zero hour or temporary contracts. To find out more or to register your interest contact the Work+ team on 0800 988 0308 or go to work-plus.co.uk

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Planning Matters: Thornton

IN JULY I attended a meeting of HBBC Planning Committee to speak against the proposed development off Beech Drive, Thornton.

I would like to pay special thanks to Parish Councillor Gemma Whittingham for all of the hard work that she has been doing behind the scenes, and also to local resident Sam Fox for speaking so eloquently at the committee meeting. It was great to hear contributions from Bagworth & Thornton Borough Councillors Ozzy O’Shea and Chris Boothby and see so many local residents turn up – this all helped to get the right result for the village.

As I have said on previous occasions when you take the “politics” out of the room you can often get a better result than achieved through party political mudslinging.

Markfield Neighbourhood Development Plan (MNDP)

IN SEPTEMBER residents will have the opportunity to vote for the MNDP via a local referendum.

These plans are vital in providing protection to villages from speculative and unsustainable planning applications.

I very much urge residents to take a keen interest in this process and to vote in the referendum.

Local Issues

FOLLOWING the approval of the Members Highways Scheme, a £25k fund for small highways improvement projects, I have had meetings with officers to take forward a number of schemes across the area.

These include: speed activation sign/s for Markfield, lining/bollards at the Reservoir junction in Thornton, and anti-speeding measures for Bagworth & Stanton.

Once the Highways Engineers have formalised my requests, I will be able to update residents on the timeframes for these to be implemented (likely to be Autumn 2021).

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

Best wishes,

Peter (County Councillor for Markfield, Desford & Thornton) E: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk or T: 01455 824733 www.facebook.com/peterbedfordmdt

Last night the internet stopped working so I spent a few hours with my family. They seem like good people.

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

Children and tea-drinking PUT THE kettle on.

Children should begin to drink tea from the age of four, in order to combat later stress, obesity and heart disease.

So says the results of a recent study which appeared in the Nutrition and Food Technology journal. It says that green tea and the more traditional black tea contain compounds which can aid concentration and cognitive function.

As one doctor said, “Including three cups of black tea daily as a part of a healthy lifestyle could help to preserve physical and mental health in childhood… and into old age.”

Parents could offer tea as a substitute for sweet and sugary drinks for children.

Dress codes

HAS THIS past year changed your preference in what you wear?

Almost a third of workers want to ditch formal dress codes when the pandemic ends and more of us return to the office.

That is the finding of a recent study by recruiter Randstad, who found that the notion of ‘dressing for success’ has been weakened by the pandemic. After a year of working in casual clothes at home, many of us feel considerable resistance to ‘getting dressed for work’ again.

Gym?

BEFORE setting off on a business trip to Birmingham, I called the hotel where I’d be staying to see if they had a gym.

The hotel receptionist’s sigh had a tinge of exasperation in it when she answered.

“We have over 100 guests at this facility,” she said. “Does this ‘Jim’ have a last name?”

If I won the award for laziness, I would send someone to pick it up for me.

11

12

THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Community and Sports Centre News Tel: 01530 242240 • www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com

The Centre’s Re-Opening SINCE the relaxing of all restrictions on the 19th July we have fully re-opened.

However, like many other public venues we have decided to remain on the cautious side as COVID is still out there. This is in order to protect staff, volunteers and Centre users. So, we ask you to continue to wear a mask on entering the premises, sanitise your hands, respect personal space and above all take care and remain safe.

Groby Under 7’S Football Presentation Evening

DURING the evening of Sunday 31st July we held out first major community event at the Centre since the pandemic forced us to close in March 2020.

The Groby Under 7’s Football Club have been using our facilities every Saturday since October 2020 to carry on playing football and for training when restrictions have allowed. So, it was with great delight that the Club decided to hold their presentation evening at the Centre.

It was truly wonderful to once again hear the sounds of a disco and youngsters having fun after such a long time. Thanks go to Gareth Richards and fellow voluntary coaches Chris Brewin and David Steiner for organising the event. Groby Juniors Under 7’s has two teams involving 19 children and on the same day as their event they played a friendly match with Markfield Colts drawing three all. Congratulations to this wonderful group of children and their parents, it’s great to see this community group thriving despite COVID.

Markfield Covid 19 Good Neighbours Scheme THE MARKFIELD Scheme is still here to help and support you if you need it.

Members continue to provide help and support to anyone in the village who needs it. Please remember that “IT’S STILL OKAY TO ASK” and if you need any help, support or advice just ring us on 07885 243033 and we will do our level best to help.

Mayflower Club ALL OF OUR members have now been fully vaccinated against COVID and, with everything crossed, none have contracted this terrible virus so, over the last couple of months we have been able to relax restrictions a bit and enjoy some fun sessions.

The sessions ranged from BLINDFOLD TOUCH AND FEEL challenge to a BLINDFOLD FOOD TASTING challenge. Mind you the members got their own back on me by making me also try out over twenty samples of food which made my poor tummy rumble after a while!

Other events included a PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA BATTLE with members of the club coming along in fancy dress. There were many chants of “Yo Ho Ho” and “Away Me Hearties”. Fortunately non of the members had to “Walk the Plank”.

There were many sporting events over the months and, not to be outdone members got involved by having a EUROPEAN CUP FOOTBALL PENALTY SHOOTOUT, a “WIMBLEDON” SWING BALL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP and more recently a Markfield “OLYMPICS RIFLE SHOOTING” COMPETITION. Members also enjoyed a day out having a lunch time meal at the Fieldhead Hotel organised by Carole Kemp.

Members really enjoy a trip out so much so that they are now having regular raffles and “bring and buy” sales to raise their own funds for such events. If you have any items you don’t want and we could use for raffles or sales please pop them down the Centre or give us a call and we will collect.

We are planning the following events over the following months as follows: 18th August Beetle Drive 25th August Caribbean BBQ and Bring and Buy 1st September Fire Safety in the Home (TBC) and Raffle 8th September BINGO or Play Your Cards Right 15th September Latest Scams 22nd September Day at the Races and Bring and Buy If you would like to join in, please come along on Monday and Wednesday afternoons 2pm to 4pm. The cost is only £1.50p per session and you also get a cuppa and biscuits. Please remember to still bring your face mask and sanitise your hands when you come into the Centre.

Summer Holidays • Summer Futsal/Football Coaching Courses 16 Aug to 20 Aug - The courses are open to all youngsters aged 5 to 11 years • National Blood Service - The next sessions will take place on the following Wednesdays 29th September and 3rd November 2021.

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.

I’ve just bought a Border Collie. The one I already had wasn’t bored enough.

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

Words and Pictures from Ron and Dawn Grantham

Cycle Ride to John O’Groats FINALLY, we must mention villager Alan Kelb who happens to play badminton at the Centre.

Alan recently completed a cycle ride from Lands End to John O’Groats - a journey of about 1,000 miles all on his own.

Here’s a summary of Alan’s adventure.

“On day one I got soaked, but managed to mostly dry out by the end of the day, day two I had to cycle though a four hour torrential downpour, day three my b&b cancelled on me (so I didn’t have any sleep), day four my phone ran out of charge, got lost a few times and ended up searching for my accommodation for two hours (eventually getting there at 2am), day five I got sent towards a cycle path that was closed and had to do a six mile detour, day six I cycled through beautiful country lanes (that would look better in daylight), day seven I finally arrived at my accommodation in daylight (only just though), days eight to eleven were uneventful by comparison and I started to get a tan (in Scotland), day twelve I was finally running out of steam, it was sheer determination that kept me going as it was my last day of cycling.

“I ran into the back of a car once, came off once, but a didn’t get a single puncture after cycling about 1,000 miles. I can’t really grip with my hands still and I’m only starting to not feel sore in places.

“I’m trying to raise money for The Air Ambulance and have set up a just giving page”.

Well done Alan – a fantastic achievement and if you would like to support Alan’s fund raising cause you can donate through his just giving page via the link below. Thank you

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/a-kelb

Ron & Dawn Grantham

13

Are You DeCluttering?

Turn your unwanted items into CASH! I am interested in: Vintage Games Jewellery Silver China Brass Ornaments Small Furniture Fair Prices Paid for Items in Good Condition

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07583 016098

Apprentice Wanted Truck Hydraulic Services Ltd are independent specialists in servicing, repairing and maintaining hydraulic installations on trucks.

Based at Bardon Business Park, we are a leading agent for hydraulic loader cranes, tipper equipment, etc.

The company is offering the opportunity of full training in mechanical and electrical repair work on many types of equipment.

This is a permanent, day shift position.

To apply, please contact us by email in the first instance.

Email: sales@truckhydraulicservices.co.uk

LAWN MOWING AND GARDENING SERVICES THROUGHOUT LEICESTERSHIRE

For a free quote, call Dan Hardy on 07598 200 185 or visit www.leicesterlawnmowing.com www.facebook.com/leicesterlawnmowing I will never be an old man. To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am.

BAGWORTH, THORNTON & STANTON-UNDER-BARDON NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

SIGNIFICANT CHANGE to the Bagworth, Thornton & Stanton Neighbourhood Plan T

HANK YOU to everyone who commented on the Regulation 14 version of the Neighbourhood Plan for Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton-under-Bardon.

We have taken all of the comments into account and amended the Neighbourhood Plan ready for submission to HBBC.

As a result of these comments there is a significant change to the Neighbourhood Plan which we wanted to bring to your attention.

It has been decided to remove all of the residential allocations from the Neighbourhood Plan. There is no requirement for neighbourhood plans to allocate sites for residential development, but those that do secure greater powers to resist inappropriate development in more sensitive areas.

We have not taken this decision lightly, however the housing requirement for our two parishes has increased dramatically as the Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared. It is now at a level that neither parish can sustain and we believe that continuing with this approach would require the identification of many more housing sites which we do not think is sustainable locally. We believe that we have been given an unachievable and unrealistic housing target

by HBBC which cannot be met, and we have therefore chosen to remove all allocations from the Neighbourhood Plan and to revert to the Settlement Boundaries in the Local Plan. At the same time, we have committed to review the Neighbourhood Plan at the earliest opportunity and at a time when the housing requirement is finalised so that there is certainty about what level of housing is needed.

When BaTSuB took the decision to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan, the housing requirement for the neighbourhood area was 133 new dwellings up to 2036. This was made up of a requirement of 89 dwellings in Bagworth and Thornton and 44 in Stanton-underBardon.

The newly formed Housing Theme Group, comprising a mixture of Parish Councillors and residents from across the two parishes enthusiastically embraced the challenge of meeting this housing requirement and appointed an independent consultant to lead them through the process of determining the most suitable sites to be allocated in the Neighbourhood Plan to meet the housing requirement in a way that was most appropriate to the local communities.

An assessment was made of HBBCs latest (2018) Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA).

10 potential development sites came forward through this process.

In order to capture the full range of potential sites, the Parish Councils undertook their own ‘Call for Sites’ in October 2019, writing to all landowners and stakeholders with land close to the villages. This resulted in a further three sites coming forward for assessment, 13 in total.

Each site was assessed against 26 criteria, such as site capacity, topography, distance to village centre etc. and marked red, amber or green against each.

As a result of this exercise, provision was made for around 90 new dwellings through four residential allocations in the Neighbourhood Plan. Taking into account the 81 dwellings with a planning consent or having already completed, this provided for 171 dwellings against the minimum target of 133. An allowance for windfall added considerably to this total and greatly exceeded the minimum requirement. The Neighbourhood Plan also included a Reserve Site policy, identifying a site in Stanton-under-Bardon for around a further 50 dwellings in the event that the allocated site in that parish failed to come forward.

This process concluded and the Neighbourhood Plan was prepared for pre-submission consultation.

A delay was experienced as HBBC required a Heritage Impact Assessment to be undertaken to assess the impact of development on a site in Thornton on a nearby Grade ll Listed Building.

However, as the Neighbourhood Plan was being finalised, HBBC updated their advice in relation to the minimum housing requirement for parishes in the Borough.

A note sent to Parish Councils in November 2020 proposed an approach based on apportioning

the overall borough housing need to parishes based on the share of population in those parishes, whilst encouraging Qualifying Bodies to explore options to set their own figures.

However, simultaneously to this, Planning Officers were also writing to Parishes undertaking Neighbourhood Plans to say that setting out evidence to justify a different housing requirement would be ‘difficult to justify’ and ‘carries significant risk that the NP will not be supported by an Examiner.’

The new figures proposed by HBBC based on an apportionment of the Borough population came as a shock to the Neighbourhood Plan group.

The residual housing requirement (target figure minus approvals and completions) that the Neighbourhood Plan had been working to of 52 dwellings up to 2036 had been replaced with a housing requirement of 305 dwellings across the Neighbourhood Area up to 2039.

Approvals and completions reduced this figure only by 12 dwellings, leaving a net housing requirement of 293.

So, the housing requirement for the Neighbourhood Area jumped from 52 to 293, an increase of over 550%.

This was considered to be a completely unsustainable figure to meet, especially with the Neighbourhood Plan being at an advanced stage. Any increase in housing allocations would inevitably require a further SEA Screening and potentially a full SEA, and a need to re-run Regulation 14 consultation. It was also noted that HBBC continued to state that ‘the new Local Plan may set out significantly different housing figures for each area than shown in the table’. There was, therefore a very real prospect of the Neighbourhood Plan allocating a much higher number of houses than would ultimately be required.

Whilst the Neighbourhood Plan group embraced fully the opportunities to meet its housing requirement, and indeed exceed it, by identifying suitable sites where development would be acceptable

to the local communities, it was another thing entirely promoting what could amount to significantly more housing than would be needed locally, with the consequent harmful impact on community facilities and amenities.

The Neighbourhood Plan group met to consider the options available to it and were demoralised and downbeat, having thought they had positively responded to the opportunities presented to it to promote sustainable development locally, but having the goalposts moved at such a late stage in the process.

The options were as follows: • CONTINUE with the allocations in the Regulation 14 version of the Neighbourhood Plan. It was recognised, however, that despite the methodology used

by HBBC to arrive at the housing requirement of 293 being crude and widely recognised as only a starting point for the determination of a sophisticated and meaningful housing requirement, this option would be objected to by HBBC and likely to fail at examination.

• ARGUE THAT constraints to delivery demonstrate the need for a reduced target figure for the Neighbourhood Area. There was some support for this approach, but the group did not have confidence given the communication coming from HBBC that a reduced figure would be found that was acceptable to the Borough Council, resulting in further objections and failure at examination.

• ALLOCATE MORE SITES in the Neighbourhood Plan to meet the revised housing requirement.

There was no appetite or energy for this option, given that the figure being put forward by HBBC was ‘subject to significant change’ and that the Neighbourhood Plan would need to repeat Regulation 14 consultation and potentially undertake a full SEA, depending on the location of the new allocations.

• DELAY THE PREPARATION of the Neighbourhood Plan until the Local Plan was Made and the housing requirement confirmed.

This option failed to receive support as it was considered that halting the process now would make it very difficult to re-start the process in what could be up to two

years’ time, or more, and that the motivation for doing so was likely to be lacking – understandable given that it had taken four years to reach this point in the process.

• WITHDRAW THE ALLOCATED SITES from the Neighbourhood Plan and commit to a review once the housing requirement is finalised through the new Local Plan. This was unanimously the preferred option, although the decision to move forward on this basis was made with a heavy heart amongst all of those present. It was felt that the group had no viable alternative.

AGREEMENT was reached to amend the draft Plan prior to submission to HBBC with no housing allocations, leaving the decision as to where future housing will go to HBBC based on the other housing policies in the Neighbourhood Plan relating to housing mix, windfall, Affordable Housing and design.

An early review of the Neighbourhood Plan will provide an opportunity to allocate sites to meet the housing requirement once finalised and to secure the additional protection that is afforded neighbourhood plans that meet their housing requirement by including housing policies and allocations in line with Paragraph 14 of the NPPF. This decision was reinforced when, on 30 June 2021, HBBC published its Consultation Draft Local Plan which contained a completely different methodology for calculating housing requirements on a parish-by-parish basis. On this new calculation, there is a further increase in housing which is needed across the Neighbourhood Area – the figure increasing to 450. The final meeting of the Steering Group to agree the responses to Regulation 14 consultation endorsed the decision to withdraw the allocated sites.

Bagworth, Thornton & Stanton-underBardon NP Steering Group

HOT NEWS! PIE NIGHT & QUIZ NIGHT TO RESUME IN SEPTEMBER!

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“STEAK NIGHT” 2 Steaks, With Hand-Cut Chips, Peas, Tomato, Mushrooms & Two Glasses of House Wine - £19.95

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Home-Made Pie Night - TUESDAY- FROM £6.95 Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Garden & Great Food!

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16

THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

HERALD SMALL ADS • BABY FOLDING HIGH CHAIR.

By Mamas & Papas. White. All complete. Excellent condition.

Price: £20.

Tel: 07866 109206 (Groby) • Flymo Compact 3400 ELECTRIC LAWN RAKE. Unused, still in original unopened box. Genuine reason for sale. Price £65.

• Hoover ALYX 2000 Bagless Cyclonic Cylinder VACUUM CLEANER. Model number TC1208.

Colour Ice Blue Metallic. Unused, still in original unopened box.

2000W. 260AW Suction Power.

Hepa Filtration (washable filters).

Pets Turbo Brush. Telescopic Extension Tubes. Tools on Board.

Price £40.

Tel: 07902 469298 (Markfield) • Traditional marble SOLITAIRE GAME. Light wooden board with blue glass marbles. Price: £5.00 • Various sized wooden framed WINNIE THE POOH PICTURES. Price: £12.00 Will split.

All excellent condition.

Tel 07511 552857 (Markfield) • THULE ROOF RACK. Will fit Fiesta mk6 & mk7. With new feet will fit any car. Price: £120 ono.

Tel: 07905 558349 ( Bagworth) • 3 Bulb STANDARD LAMP with Glass Tulip shaped shades. Bronze stand. Price: £15.

Tel: 01530 243428 (Markfield) • Talking BABY ANNABEL DOLL. Price £15.

• CLOTHES and outfits. Price £1 each.

• BABY ANNABEL CRIB with covers and quilt. Price £12.

• BABY DOLL with outfit. Price £5.

• Extra OUTFITS. Price £1 each.

• Epson stylus SX200 PRINTER incl spare inks. Price £15 Tel: 07779 552320 ( Groby ) • GARDEN CHAIRS - Four green garden chairs in excellent condition plus one wooden folding chair - £10 the lot.

• STEP LADDER - compact folding 2ft aluminium step ladder/stool ideal for kitchen use - VGC - £7.

• Laura Ashley OTTOMAN/ FOOTSTOOL in excellent condition with removable castors - SilverGrey velour - hinged lid offering lots of accessible storage space -Ideal for lounge or bedroom - Size - W 93 cm - D 57 cm- H 41cm.

(36 x 22 x 16 inches) - Shop price £330 - now £60.

• RADIO - Pure One classic DAB/ FM full working order - £5.

Tel: 01530 242318 or 07763 110929 (Markfield)

• 4 green plastic PATIO SET CHAIRS. Good condition. Price: £10 (all four)Tel: 0116 287 7870 (Groby) • Double bed ROMA MATTRESS 4’ 6” wide. Very comfortable - used occasionally for guests. VGC Collection only £40.00.

• 2 x 1000 pieces JIGSAWS. Village scenes. Used only once. £5.00 each or both for £8.00. Can supply photos.

Tel: 07790 734858 (Groby) • BOOKCASE - Height 130cm x Width 83cm x Depth 33cm. Shelves 35cm height. Price: £20.00.

• BOOKCASE - Height 122cm xWidth 66cm x Depth 29cm. 3 x Shelves adjustable. Price: £15.00.

• BARSTOOL-TYPE CHAIR Back H 91cm W 36cm. Seat h 60cm from floor W/D38cm. Floor dimensions 44x44 cm. Price: £10.00.

• KNEELER - Height adjustable 57-70cm. Floor space 61x45cm.

Price: £20.00.

• PIANO/KEYBOARD STOOL collapsable. Height adjustable up to 58 cm. W 53 cm. Price: £15.00 Tel: Graham on 01530 231241 (Bagworth) • Small WEEKEND SUITCASE, hard shell, 4 wheels. Price: £10.

• Garden RECLINER CHAIR. Never used. Still in box. Price: £20.

Tel: 0116 238 7425 (Ratby) • Secco 4 ROLLATOR WALKER. Includes padded seat with storage under, and cable brakes. Price: £45.

Tel: 01530 245299 (Stantonunder-Bardon) • NEFF INDUCTION HOB - 4 Rings. Plug in , Black.Model No T36FB41X0G. 18 Months old.

Excellent condition.

Price: £65.

• JOHN LEWIS CURTAINS WITH LINING - Plus pole + fittings.

To cover window size W 7ft 4in, H 4ft 4ins. Price: £35. Excellent condition.

Tel: 07903 076745 (Markfield) • AQUARIUM: H 123cm. (tank height 50cm)W 80cm D 36cm.

White cabinet with doors. Includes: Filter, heater, lights with built in timer. Buyer collects. Price: £95 ono.

• COLLECTORS DOLLS HOUSE: H 125cm (including wheeled base) W 79cm D 45cm. Six rooms, plus hall and stairs. Fully wired and decorated, needs some tlc. All furniture included. Not suitable for young children. Buyer collects.

Price: £475 ono. Ideal Christmas present!

Tel: 0116 287 6724 (Groby)

• Garden Furniture: 6 piece WOODEN PATIO SET consisting of a folding oval table, 4 folding chairs and a parasol. Price £45.

Tel: 07528742314(Markfield) • Two-seater CANE SETTEE.Price: £35.

• Small CANE TABLE with glass top. Price: £10.

Buyer to collect.

Tel: 0116 287 5988 (Groby) • SCROLL SAW 405 mm. SS16 4. Good working condition.

Price: £30.

• Black TV STAND 3 Shelf, to fit up to 38” TV. Very good condition.

Price: £40.

Tel: 01530 245944 (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).

Do you have an anxious neighbour?

IF YOU have elderly neighbours who are on their own, it is worth bearing in mind that many of them will have been hit by pandemic anxiety. They may feel frightened to leave their homes.

Such is the finding of a recent study by the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London into the effects of the pandemic on the elderly.

So, any act of neighbourly kindness on your part may be most welcome. Helpful jobs such as tidying the garden, doing some shopping, running errands, and simply sitting outside with them over a cup of tea might be greatly appreciated.

My office was evacuated after we heard Boogie Wonderland on the radio.

It set off the Earth, Wind & Fire alarm.

I don’t even believe myself when I say I’ll be ready in 5 minutes.

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

17

We Need You!

AFTER A LONG sleep Thornton’s After a long sleep Thornton’s community community centrecentre is is gradually waking to life gradually up waking post Covid. up to life post WeCovid. are now open for We Need You

business as usual.

We are now open

as usual.

Thefor hallbusiness is a wonderful The in hall a resource theisvillage and wonderful resource in thealike. village and welcomes, residents and visitors alike. welcomes, residents and visitors The hall must certainly take the prize for the best view in the county,

The hall must certainly take the prize for the best view in the county, looking out across looking out across Thornton reservoir and the National Forest.

Thornton reservoir and the National Forest.

An ideal venue for many different events including wedding receptions,

An corporate ideal venue days. for many differentand events including wedding receptions, corporate business group meetings, concerts, quiz nights days. and business group meetings, concerts, quiz nights and much more. muchand more.

The community centre alsofrom benefits fromSports a separate Sportsthere Hallare – where The community centre also benefits a separate Hall – where facilities there are facilities play basketball, badminton, to play badminton, tableto tennis, fivetable a side tennis, football basketball, and more. five a side football and more.

However, the hall is fast it’s fiftiethit’s birthday.

However, the hallapproaching is fast approaching fiftieth birthday.

Residents got together in 1972 to for theraise hall and hallby was builtthe and Residents got together in fund 1972raise to fund for by the1973 hallthe and 1973 hallmanaged was built being managed by a group of trustees. being by aand group of trustees.

The trustees were meet first time in and many The trustees were able to able meet to in July forin theJuly first for timethe in many months takemonths stock of takeofstock of the of time upon the hall. theand ravages time upon theravages hall.

It is apparent that much work is needed on the old hall to move it firmly

It isinto apparent that much work is needed the old hallfor to purpose. move it firmly into the twentythe twenty-first century andon make it fit first century and make it fit for purpose.

We have a long list of essential works that need to be carried out at the

Wehall. have a long list of essential works that need to be carried out at the hall.

Urgent roof repairs. Extensive work required on the entrance borders.

Urgent roof repairs. Extensive work required on the entrance borders. New toilets. Drain New toilets. Drain inspection. A decking area built at the rear of the hall. inspection. A decking area built at the rear of the hall. Hearing loop fitted throughout.

Hearing loop fitted throughout. Carpark extended. New kitchen floor. ReCarpark extended. New kitchen floor. Re-decoration throughout. New furniture. New decoration throughout. New furniture. New curtains. Screen and projector. curtains. Screen and projector. Plus, so much more.

Plus, so much more.

Several quotesquotes have already obtained some of the it is already Several have been already beenfor obtained forworks someand of the works apparent and it thatis we will need approximately £100,000 to doapproximately all the works necessary. already apparent that we will need £100,000 to do all the

necessary.

Weworks are asking the community and local businesses if they can help us raise the money We are asking and businesses if they can help necessary to carry outthe the community works involved, by local fund raising, donations (money, time, us goods), raisegrants the money necessary carry out the works involved, by fund raising, offering or simply hiring the to hall. donations (money, time, goods), offering grants or simply hiring the hall.

If you think you can help – please contact us through email address If you think you can help – please contact us through email address thorntonvillage@aol.com - www.thorntonvillage.org

thorntonvillage@aol.com - www.thorntonvillage.org

Dog fouling problem on Leicester Road, Markfield

Who first WHILE FLYING home, my mother was sitting across the aisle from a woman and her eight-year-old son.

Mum couldn’t help laughing as they neared their destination and she heard the mother say to the boy, “Now remember - run to Dad first, then the dog.”

Supporting you in your home 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.

A MARKFIELD resident has written to The Herald to make a request.

The reader writes: “Would the person who lets their dog foul my front grass on Leicester Road, Markfield please stop.

“We don’t want your dog’s poo so please PICK IT UP AND TAKE IT HOME WITH YOU.” Thank you.

I saw Batman shampoo in the local supermarket.

Can’t understand why they aren’t selling conditioner Gordon.

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

I haven’t even gone to bed yet and I already can’t wait to get home from work tomorrow.

18

THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The latest news from Markfield WI Lynda Owen REPORTS FOR OUR JUNE meeting we had a talk by Polly Morgans about British flower growing.

christian aid 2021

THANKS!

CHRISTIAN AID and Churches Together in Markfield (CTIM) are very grateful for all the donations received this year.

Polly runs Dewdrop Florals in Coalville and is a member of Flowers from the Farm, an organisation for artisan flower growers in the UK. We learned about the competition British growers face from imports (only 10% of the cut flower trade is British) and how growers are encouraging us to purchase home grown flowers which carry the Union Jack label.

Flowers from the Farm has over 1,000 members around the country with some just growing on a small plot; locally grown flowers offer seasonality and sustainability as well as being good for the environment and wildlife.

Unfortunately due to technical difficulties Polly was not able to give us her flower arranging demonstration but did show us the beautiful flowers she had selected and she will make an arrangement for us when we have a live meeting.

The counting of donations took place in June and the final total for Markfield Christian Aid Week is £1267.47.

The amount Gift Aided was: £729.50. 25% of this will be paid to Christian Aid. Christian Aid and Churches Together in Markfield would also like to again express their gratitude for all the hard work and effort by those who delivered the red envelopes throughout the village.

With a special Thank You to the wonderful volunteers with the Good Neighbour Scheme along with the managers of Markfield Retirement Village whose help ensured that every street in Markfield was covered.

Markfield Churches working together for our community

• For our July meeting we were finally able to get together in person!

One of our members kindly offered the use of her garden and we met up to chat over tea and cake (and wine of course), it was lovely to see so many members able to come and we all agreed that although zoom has been a lifeline for us, it is not the same as meeting face to face.

We are now able to look ahead and make plans for events and outings.

Our members are still continuing with their zoom education and have had further lessons in sewing machine embroidery and faux calligraphy as well as online talks including Sex, Scandal and Salacious Gossip at the Royal Court (no jam or Jerusalem in sight).

• Our August meeting will be a talk by Paul Taberner entitled ‘the Real CSI’.

Where is the chase and how do I cut to it?

• Methodist-www. markfieldmethodistchurch. org or FB • Parish Church – j22churches.org.uk or FB • Congregational Church – FB • Catholic Church - www. stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk

Hippos can run and swim faster than humans, which means cycling is your only chance of beating a hippo in a triathlon.

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

In Plain Sight: An investigation into UFOs and impossible science

by Ross Coulthart AN AWARD-WINNING journalist investigates a story largely ignored by mainstream media but right there, in front of our eyes ...

UFOs, UAPs, flying cigars, extraordinary new technologies ... Are we not alone?

Award-winning investigative journalist Ross Coulthart has been intrigued by UFOs since mysterious glowing lights were reported near New Zealand’s Kaikoura mountains when he was a teenager. The 1978 sighting is just one of thousands since the 1940s, and yet research into UFOs is still seen as the realm of crackpots and conspiracy theorists.

In 2020, however, after decades of denial, the US Department of Defence made the astonishing admission that strange aerial and underwater objects frequently reported and videoed by pilots and tracked by sensors are real, unexplained, and pose a genuine national security concern.

Compelled to investigate, Coulthart has embarked on what’s become the most confronting and challenging story of his career, speaking to witnesses, researchers, scientists, spies and defence and intelligence officials and insiders. What he has found suggests that the world is on the cusp of extraordinary technological breakthroughs and cultural revelations.

Bizarre, sometimes mind-blowing and utterly fascinating, In Plain Sight tells a story that’s largely escaped the radar of mainstream media coverage but has been there all along. Now it’s time to observe what’s in front of our eyes.

LISTEN to the author, Ross Coulthart, talk about the book to Howard Hughes on The Unexplained website at https://theunexplained.tv/ episodes/edition-562-ross-coulthart

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I was once stood up by a policeman. But I was so drunk I fell straight back down again.

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THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Superb trophy success for Markfield Rangers CONGRATULATIONS to Markfield Rangers 40 who won the Alliance League Trophy on Friday 4th June 2021.

Due to Covid-19 the seasons league was disbanded in November 2020, the league then decided to create a “Covid cup” in a familiar European Champions league format. With group stages and then a knockout phase leading to the final.

The local lads in the Markfield squad had a stellar performance throughout the campaign going unbeaten and scoring 37 goals and conceding 8 goals in 8 games.

Results were: Group: River Swift First 2 v 3 Markfield Rangers 40 Group: Markfield Rangers 40 3 v 0 Dukla First Group: Bulls Head Countesthorpe FC First 0 v 4 Markfield Rangers 40 Group: Markfield Rangers 40 3 v 1 Caterpillar Juniors Athletic Group: Markfield Rangers 40 10 v 1 Blaby & Whetstone FC Young Boys Quarter Finals: Markfield Rangers 40 7 v 3 River Swift First Semis: Markfield Rangers 40 3 v 1 United East Midlands First Final: Markfield Rangers 40 4 v 0 Harborough Town FC Sunday

The Final ended up being a thoroughly one-sided affair with the team leading 3-0 at half time thanks to goals from Jordan Hamill (2) and Josh Woolman, the pick of the three being Jordan’s delightful chip over an over excited oncoming goalkeeper and defence from just outside the opposition area within the first 5 minutes of the game.

Through the leadership of our captain Joe Clayton and “gaffer” Rob Burton in the second half, the team held strong with the only trouble being the low evening summer sun. Then, as regular as the earth’s rotation, our goal scoring centre back Kieran Harding put the game to bed with a fine header

from a Richard McLoughlin freekick deep in the second half to make it 4-0. Highlights of this game are available on YouTube, just search Harborough Town versus Markfield Rangers. Thank you to all the locals who made it down to St Andrews to watch, your support was invaluable in pushing our performance.

I must mention some particularly stand out players from the tournament: Kieran Harding, 8 goals in 8 appearances including a hat trick in one game. Oh, did I fail to mention he is our centre back? Well I am sure if you pop into the Queens and discuss his

If you can’t sleep well, then walk ...

A RECENT study by the Universities of London and Sydney has found that brisk walking for 150 minutes a week may reduce the risk of an early death caused by poor sleep.

Lack of sleep has links to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease and cancer. But according to the study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, exercise in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines ‘eliminated most of the deleterious associations’ of poor sleep with early death.

The WHO recommends 150 minutes brisk walking, or 75 minutes of running a week.

goalscoring record he will kindly remind you of his position!

Connor McGahan, though a young lad he managed 10 goals in 8 games through a terrible bout of shin splints and the worries of not being able to perform or feature in the final. A true team player who leads the attack with relentless running and battling with defenders no doubt twice his weight and twice the experience.

Guy Weston & Josh Woolman who both managed 4 goals each and 3 assists each. Josh’s athleticism is a real handful for any capable defender and Guy’s trickery plus his ability to find a pass both really stood out.

Josh Scott, who managed to create 14 assists in 7 games (and one goal) but sadly missed the final due to an injured knee. Though as a centre midfielder he had no issues in conducting the field of play from the side-line in the final.

And Carl Helps, who at the age of XX – I wouldn’t be that mean to give it away – still manages to play up to two games a week and the squad, unforgivingly, make sure he runs like a 20 year old when he comes off the bench.

Thank you to Rob Burton for his time as manager of Markfield Rangers he has now decided to be promoted to a fan. With myself, Kassim Ditta, taking up the knee length coat to stand on the side-line and orchestrate these fine players for the 2021-22 season.

As ever we are a community club and our priorities are to represent Markfield as competitors but also a place for the local guys to have fun.

If you or your partners/friends are interested in joining the team, or just fancy having a run around chasing a ball to keep fit with a few other local lads please email markfieldrangers@ gmail.com and I will endeavour to get back to you. Keep an eye out for future updates on results, and as ever, UP THE RANGERS!

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21

Newtown Linford Gardening Club News WE FINALLY had our first meeting since lockdown seventeen months ago, when around 100 members and friends gathered at the home of our chairman for our annual Summer Garden Party.

Having our first meeting outdoors seemed an excellent way of starting to return to some sort of normality and we were delighted that so many members took the opportunity to renew friendships which had been on hold for so long. To make the occasion somewhat special, the centre piece of the evening was a hog roast, which was enjoyed by all. The bar was well attended with many jugs of Pimms consumed along with wine, beer and soft drinks.

In addition we held our traditional raffle when everybody brings a prize and then we have over 80 prizes available to distribute. This is a very popular event which draws the evening to a close.

Sadly, the weather was not fully kind to us as a couple of sharp showers forced everybody indoors or under the shelter of the gazebos.

We expect now to resume our regular meetings in Newtown Linford Village Hall. In August the Newtown Linford Biodoversity group will be outlining their activities so far and their ambitions for the future and in September, Steve Budding, formerly of Brookside Nurseries, Anstey will be regaling us with tales of his time there. With his retirement, Brookside Nurseries closed and it is sorely missed.

Celebrity Evening: Tuesday 26th October The centrepiece of our programme is our annual celebrity evening on Tuesday October 26th, when we welcome the gardening journalist Helen Yemm as our speaker. Readers of the Daily Telegraph will know her well as a highly knowledgeable and experienced horticulturalist. This is, actually, the third time we have invited her to the village.

The first occasion was lost when she had to go into hospital and the second visit was cancelled because of covid.

We hope for third time lucky.

As is customary, we offer non-members the opportunity to join us on these occasions. Tickets to hear Helen speak will be £12 and can be obtained from the secretary. There will be a limited number of guest tickets available, so we recommend an early response.

Happy gardening. Anyone interested in our activities can contact the Secretary (tel.01530 242452) or e-mail us at 32couling@gmail.com .

Anne and David Couling

Appointments no longer necessary at Council tips LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY Council returned their tips to the normal service from Monday 19 July.

No appointments are necessary to visit a waste site. Vans, pick-ups and cars with trailers, and any vehicle bringing asbestos, chemicals or liquid paint, must have a Waste Permit.

To manage the expected increase in demand, you may find traffic management in place at Whetstone Tip. Visit the Leicestershire County Council website for more information.

Alpaca Open Day On 29th August 2021

At Little Markfield Farm, Forest Road, Markfield, Leicester, LE67 9UN. Time: 10.30am to 4.00pm Contact: Brenda 07774047571 Come and see Cows, Sheep, Pigs and Chickens Meet the new baby Lamb!

Cookery Demonstrations by a professional chef, Hot dogs & Beef Burgers, Locally Brewed Beer, Modern & Vintage Farm Machinery, Crafts & Food stalls, and much much more! £2 entry fee per Adult • Children under-16 Free We will be raising money for Gems Charity & St Michaels and all Angels Church Markfield.

Potatoes make French fries, crisps and vodka. It’s like the other vegetables aren’t even trying.

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THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Library News

Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge

WE ARE urging youngsters between the ages 4-12 years (including children who will be 4 by August 31)to go wild this summer.

A FREE reading challenge with stickers is now up and running. Wild World Heroes features a bunch of specially created cartoon characters who will be encouraging children to keep reading over the summer holidays and to stand up for the future of the planet.

Organised by the Reading Agency the challenge is also being backed by the wildlife charity the WWF. Illustrations copyright Heath McKenzie 2021 It is great to welcome children and their families back into the library and the challenge gives them a fantastic chance to think about the small changes we can all make to help our environment.

The challenge started in July and runs until 5 September. By taking part, all children are entitled to FREE admission to Bosworth Battlefield and Donington-le-Heath Manor House by showing their Wild World Heroes poster on entry (one child per full paying adult). Their web sites should be checked for any ongoing restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and any necessary pre-booking.

Festival Of Stories 9-21 August Thursday 19 August FROM HARRY POTTER to our own tall tales, everyone enjoys sharing stories.

Through stories the Leicestershire Festival of Stories will bring families and friends together to be inspired, to create and to enjoy themselves.

For just over two weeks in August Leicestershire Libraries across the county will host over 50 exciting events, including storytelling, theatre workshops, author talks, writing workshops, dance, art, music and more.

The performances, workshops and activities are based around the three themes of the Festival – Stories to Inspire, Creating Stories and Stories of Us. Most of the events making up the Festival of Stories programme will be face-to-face, but there are several workshops taking place online.

The website for the Festival is: https://www.cultureleicestershire.co.uk/festival-of-stories/ The Festival of Stories programme has been created by Leicestershire County Council’s participation and libraries teams and we are delighted to be taking part.

At Markfield Community Library we are hosting an interactive ‘live’ yarn bomb/craft workshop on 19 August where participants will create a heart to be installed as a mini yarn bomb display in Markfield.

The workshops are inspired by the book , “Somebody loves you, Mr Hatch”

by Eileen Spinelli, which explores the theme of supporting others in your community, being kind and spreading love.

Participants will learn how to make a wire wrapped yarn heart or hand stitched felt heart with tassel. The finished hearts will create a yarn installation for all to enjoy.

• Session 1: 10.00-10.40am • Session 2: 10.50-11.30am • Session 3: 11.40-12.20pm Ages 8+. Under 12s must be supported 1-to-1 by an adult.

Pre booking is essential via the website above.

Take part in a Family Story Trail around Markfield 9th-21st August.

Pick up a trail sheet from the library during opening hours. Once you have found and solved all of the clues you will be able to figure out the answer to the final question that will earn you a small prize!

Make sure you take a look at the story books and display in the library if you need help!

And finally

Finally, the library is open and welcoming again. We are gradually increasing our hours back up to pre COVID and volunteers are returning and refreshing their skills .

We have welcomed new volunteers as a result of people finding volunteering rewarding during COVID. We are delighted to have them on board and if anyone else is considering volunteering, get in touch at the library . Please ask for Julie Grace or Jacqui Williams or leave your details so they can contact you.

Please always look at posters in the library window and on the notice board for opening times which are gradually changing.

Margaret Bowler (Chair)

Fewer wasps this year NOTICED how peaceful your garden is this summer?

Noticed that you have been able to hold summer barbecues and picnics in relative peace? That is because the very cold and wet Spring was disastrous for our wasp population.

But while we may enjoy their absence, scientists at University College London have pointed out that wasps play an important role as nature’s pest controllers, and that our countryside will be the poorer without them this year.

My boss told me to have a good day. So I went home.

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

Planning Apps Residential development of up to 93 dwellings, public open space, landscaping and SuDS (Outlineaccess only) (cross boundary application with Charnwood BC) at land North East Of Ashby Road, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9UB Certificate of Lawful Existing Use for the use of the outbuilding (only) to the rear of 78 Main Street, Bagworth as a maintenance, service and repair workshop (resubmission of 20/01141/CLE) at 78 Main Street, Bagworth, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1DN Certificate of lawful proposed development for a single storey rear extension at 67 Station Road, Bagworth, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1BJ Proposed Conversion of existing garage to dwelling and relocation of vehicular access at Winter Cottage, Stanton Lane, Stanton Under Bardon, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TT Erection of a four-bedroomed detached dwelling with alterations to an existing access (partial resubmission of 21/00338/FUL) at 45 Main Street, Bagworth, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1DN First floor extension above existing ground floor living space and proposed rear/side extension to provide extra built-in cupboard space at Poplar Farm, Copt Oak Road, Copt Oak, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9PJ First floor side extension above existing garage/pantry and cloakroom space at 10 Jacqueline Road, Field Head, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9RB Replacement roof with dormers to front projection at 44 Main Street, Thornton, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1AF Variation of condition 2 (plans) of planning permission 15/00743/ FUL to alter the design of plots 3, 4 and 5 at Home Farm, Markfield Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0FT Two storey side extension. Two storey and adjoining single storey rear extensions. Front single Storey Extension to provide garage space at 86 Station Road, Bagworth, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1BH Single storey outbuilding at 16 The Square, Bagworth, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1DQ

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UPDATE: Markfield WANTED VINYL RECORDS Congregational Community Church THIS WILL BE the new name of the renovated church hall. Work is in the final stages with plastering and new windows and doors now completed.

New lighting, décor and carpets are expected to be completed in the near future and assuming everything continues going to plan we are hoping to reopen sometime between the end of July to mid-August A new sign will be in place with memorial plaques on the outside wall showing the history of the building.

Rev Joy and I met with Rev Andrew Smith for him to see the ‘before and after’ of the Hall renovation. As he took in the ambience he suddenly suggested it would be good to have prayers and messages written on the floor before the carpet is laid, anyone wishing to leave a prayer are invited to do so on and become part of our future history.

It is a very exciting time as we look forward to using our new building .

We hope it will be used by different groups in the village during the week as well as Sunday morning worship.

We will be having an open day inviting everyone to experience the new building. Please watch out for further advertising.

Thank you all for your interest that you have shown over the months whilst renovation has been progressing, as so many of you have looked inside the building.

Angela Berry Tel: 01530 242578, 07971 254165

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Social Club Limited AGM 2021 The Club’ AGM will be held on Sunday 22nd August 2021 at 10am.

Only paid up Members of 2021 will be allowed entry.

You must produce your membership cards at the door.

Agenda items and information are displayed on the Club’s Notice Boards.

Thanks.

Nathan Clarke, Club Secretary

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Catholic Church Of St Wilfrid Of York 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB Sunday Masses – Saturday 6 pm and Sunday 10 am.

Weekday Masses – on Zoom. Please see Parish Newsletter on the website.

Happily, due to the lifting of COVID restrictions, booking a place at Mass is no longer required but masks and hand sanitizing are still necessary to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable in Church, as well as giving details for track and trace.

There is a system in place to enable everyone to socially distance if they wish and now you may come and go as you want without the direction of stewards.

Thorough cleaning is also still in place. Joyfully the congregation can sing once again!

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

Parish Contacts 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

If a cop tells you to put your hands in the air, it’s always a bad idea to wave them around like you just don’t care.

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THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 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 ‘Borough Councillor Andy Furlong’s UPDATE THE LIFTING of COVID restrictions has triggered a return to physical meetings at Hinckley and Bosworth.

I’ll admit that this made me a little nervous at first, even though I, along with most of my councillor colleagues, have been double jabbed.

I shouldn’t have worried; the council staff have been super vigilant in managing social distancing and infection control. So much, so that full council meetings were seen as too big to fit into the chamber at the Hinckley Hub in a COVID safe manner. Consequently, we’ve temporarily relocated to the large function room at Hinckley Rugby Club. Readers will be pleased to hear that the bar remains shut. COVID protocols are maintained throughout our meetings. This is important. Local leaders must set an example. While the latest figures are encouraging, there is still a risk of significant disruption if infection rates surge.

For now, I’m continuing to wear a mask when moving around in busy public spaces such as the Co-op in Markfield. Better safe than sorry.

July’s planning meeting was held in the council chamber, with a welcome return of the public to the gallery. There were several controversial applications on the agenda and three small triumphs for local democracy that will be of interest to Herald readers

More Bardon big sheds blocked LET’S START in Stanton under Bardon. Our old friends, Mountpark, were back in front of the committee with a slightly revised application Part of the existing Bardon development to build two massive warehouses in the green space presently occupied

by Wood Farm.

We had already rejected an application on the grounds of unacceptable damage to the countryside back in October 2020. Whilst the revised application included some additional landscaping, I took the view that the claimed economic benefits would not outweigh the environmental and social damage that the development would inflict on people living in and around Stanton. I argued that the Planning Officer’s recommendation to accept the proposal should be overturned. A move that attracted overwhelming support from my colleagues. The threat of unwanted industrial development in Stanton has been averted again, but continued vigilance will be required.

Thornton traffic snarl-up averted A CONTENTIOUS application was also on the agenda to build 49 new homes in the open countryside off Beech Drive in Thornton.

expressed by Leicestershire County Council which suggested that the additional vehicle movements generated would have only a limited impact on traffic congestion in the village. The scheme also proposed removing an enormous amount of topsoil with dire implications for CO2 emissions and much local disruption.

My committee colleagues saw right through this analysis when we examined the junction of Hawthorne Drive and Main Street during a site visit. I wasn’t surprised when a proposal to reject the application was moved. I raised my hand in support along with every other member of the Planning Committee. This is not to say that I oppose additional house building in Thornton, or anywhere else for that matter. It must be done in the right location, and this one was just plain wrong given the access difficulties. It was a pleasure to join with the ward councillors Chris Boothby and Ozzy O’Shea for a celebratory drink with residents in the garden at the Bricklayers Arms a few days later. This was a victory for common sense.

Markfield Miners’ Institute mess MEANWHILE, over in Markfield, there has been a good deal of anger over the botched redevelopment of the Miners’ Institute site.

To cut a long story short, a developer built something somewhat different from the design originally passed by the Planning Committee.

To get around this problem, a retrospective application was submitted based on the design as built. The committee was furious, and following a The old Markfield Miners’ Institute passionate contribution by my friend and cobefore demolition councillor, Matthew Lay, we stopped short of rejecting the application outright, opting instead to defer the decision. This will give the builder a chance to rectify the errors.

This episode sends a strong signal to unscrupulous developers. Build what we agreed you could build, or you could end up knocking it down and starting again!

And finally These three planning stories illustrate just how vulnerable local communities can be when ‘Build, Build, Build’ sits at the top of the government’s priorities. The importance of a realistic Neighbourhood Plan in mounting a defence against unwanted development cannot be overstated. Residents in Markfield have an opportunity to agree to a Neighbourhood Plan at a referendum on Thursday, 9 September 2021.

This represents the culmination of hours of work by local volunteers. It’s an excellent plan that strikes a good balance between local needs and national targets, and I urge all readers who have a vote to get out and vote ‘YES’ on the day.

Andy Furlong

Contact me on 01530 231377 or via andy.furlong@ hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

I was required to declare a personal interest in this application because it’s not that far from my home. That said, I listened carefully to The proposed site off Beech Drive the objections of friends and neighbours in the village, and their opinions figured strongly in my decision.

Yet again, we were confronted with a speculative application to build in the countryside, outside the defined village boundary and in direct conflict with the local community’s views expressed in the emerging Neighbourhood Plan. But what sealed the deal for me, was the frankly ludicrous opinion

I tried to share a bag of chips with a homeless person on the street. He told me to clear off and buy my own.

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

25

They say don’t go grocery shopping while you’re hungry. But it’s been a week and I just keep getting hungrier.

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THE HERALD • MID-AUGUST 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Bagworth Railway and the Round House ~ More Thornton & Bagworth Memories from Bob Austin ~

THE LINE FROM Leicester to Bagworth opened on 17th July 1832. This made it one of the first railways in the world, maybe even the fifth one.

The Stag and Castle Inn was built in Thornton Hollow to be the Thornton Lane Station. This building still exists today and is now a private house. It can be seen on the Thornton side of the railway bridge on the road between Bagworth and Thornton. The line of the old railway can still be seen along the track that is between the private house, ‘Hollow House’ and the raised present railway line.

The Inn’s name came from the arms of the Maynard family.

It was used until 31 December 1841 by which time the number of passengers using it had made it uneconomical. Despite a protest, this was upheld. When the deviation line was opened on 27 March 1848 it was decided not to build a station at the Stag and Castle because it was a considerable embankment.

However, as the result of local pressure, a cheap platform on old sleepers was ordered on 30 July 1850. There would be steps up the embankment. This lasted until 1865, by which time trains were only stopping on Saturdays. The station closed on 1 October 1865.

The Incline When the railway was first built an Incline was constructed.

Today, it is possible to walk along the line of the Incline. This is accessed by walking down Park Lane and turning right. It was single track. Full wagons went down the track and pulled empty wagons up the track from the bottom of the Incline. In the middle the single track became a double track, allowing the empty wagons and the full wagons to pass each other. When walking down the site of the Incline, it is possible to see where this was, as the hedges are further apart. The original buildings at the foot of the Incline were a water tank, a coalbunker, a bell house and an office.

(The bell house was part of the communication system, there were wire operated bells between the top and the bottom.) At the top was the house for the Incline contractor and a weighing machine. This was known as the Round House, due to the shape of its construction. (It is possible to see a similar building at Boundary, on the road between Coalville and Burton on Trent.)

The Bagworth Incline was 43 chains long and rose 100 feet in a short distance, having a gradient of 1 in 29. It was much too steep to be operated by a locomotive and so rope traction was used. It was worked by a cable which was wound around the pulley at the top of the Incline. A six-foot diameter grooved wheel was set under the rails around which a rope was fixed.

The first hempen rope was 5 inches in circumference, 1,000 yards long and weighing 2 tons but it appears to have been insufficiently robust for the job. It had cost £60.

It was replaced by a new rope in 1838 which was 30 to 40 yards longer. This rope varied in length depending on whether the weather was wet or dry. The variation was between six to eight yards.

The rope was later replaced by a wire cable obtained from Huddart and Co. Limehouse, London.

The Incline was self-acting. The loaded coal trucks bound for Leicester were used to haul up the empty wagons by force of gravity.

Ten or twelve loaded wagons, each weighing about 6 tons, took eight or nine minutes to descend. The Incline was most inconvenient, especially for passengers who had to get out of the train and walk, either up or down the hill.

However, it seems that many appear to have stayed on the wagons for this part of the journey, despite the inherent danger. All that could be said was that the Incline avoided a long detour.

The working of Bagworth Incline was, after an initial period of direct labour, let on 7 February 1834 to Francis Stather. It was let for three months, at 2d per loaded wagon handled, the contractor finding the horse(s) necessary for shunting, etc. The contract was renewed on 7 May 1834 and periodically until the reorganisation in September 1836. In January 1836, the Incline contractor worked 2,959 loads and received £12 6s 7d. He employed and paid two assistants.

The Round House THE ROUND HOUSE, the Incline keeper’s cottage, was built in 1835 by George Stephenson.

It was a bow fronted house, a feature of many of the toll roads of the 1800s. The bow front enabled the Incline keeper to keep a look out in both directions. As such, it was one of the oldest railway buildings, not only in the UK but in the world. By the late twentieth century, it was a Grade II listed

building but it was allowed to crumble and was vandalised.

English Heritage removed it from the listed buildings register.

Hinckley and Bosworth District Council then demanded that it was pulled down in the 1990s. Sadly this happened and Bagworth, once again, lost a vital part of its heritage, despite the work of many people inside and outside of the village who unsuccessfully attempted to prevent this happening.

In the summer of 1843, thirteen wagons of coal, weighing 80 tons slipped from the rope at the top of the Incline and ran at high speed down the gradient. They crashed into 20 empty wagons at the bottom, half of which were completely smashed. The loaded wagons were hardly damaged and no one was injured.

On 21 January 1847, damage was done to 11 wagons which careered

down the Incline with one, owned

by Lord Maynard, a total writeoff. Two belonged to the Snibston Colliery Company, five to Wm. Stenson & Co. and three to the Leicester Coal Company. The Railway Company arranged for Stableford and Company to repair ten wagons for £124 and transferred the ownership of a company wagon to Lord Maynard to replace the eleventh one. The cause of the accident is not known but it was reported that many of the wagons using the line were defective and the Engineer, Mr Nicholson, was instructed to examine all wagons using the line and remove any that were considered by him to be unsafe.

The Incline was replaced by the deviation line which is still used today. This involved the use of a line that was less steep and so locomotives were able to use it.

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

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

Church Services August 15th Ulverscroft Benefice Service @ 3.00pm

August 22nd St Peter’s, Copt Oak 6.00pm Evening Prayer St Michael’s, Markfield 10.30am Holy Communion St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am Morning Prayer St Mary’s, Stanton u Bardon 10.30am Something Different Service

August 29th 10.30am Joint Benefice Service at Little Markfield Farm

September 5th St Peter’s Copt Oak 6.00pm Holy Communion St Michael’s, Markfield 10.30am J22 Community Worship

Dear Friends, LOVE THEM or loathe them…whether you think they should have gone ahead or not…we’ve no doubt all noticed the Olympics. Whether we’re sporty or not, it can be good for morale when Team GB do well.

In the Bible, the apostle Paul often uses images from sport, talks about “keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus”, like an athlete keeps their eye on the finishing point, getting rid of anything that trips us up, and the “cloud of witnesses”, those gone before us who cheer us on. Near the end of his life, he says “I have fought the good fight, run the race, kept the faith.”

But what if we don’t have the mobility to take part in sports, or (like me!) are rubbish at sports? Well, I have taken up running (not competitive!) as an adult. But for me, these images mean keeping going, loving others, even if it’s costly and tiring. I think of people gone before me who have encouraged me. To all who have found the last 18 months a struggle, but have kept going…God sees that, and honours that. May we all find the strength to keep going, as we go on into a changed and uncertain world, and to go on in hope.

Judith Lincoln Minister, Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB Markfield Methodist Church

St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am All Age Service

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN MARKFIELD

St Peter’s Copt Oak 3.00pm Praise Service (Service of the word)

St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am J22 Community Worship St Mary’s, Stanton u Bardon 10.30am Morning Prayer

St Peter’s Copt Oak 3.00pm Holy Communion St Michael’s, Markfield 3.00pm Evening Prayer St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am Holy Communion

www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB: Markfield Methodist Church

Sunday 15th August 10.30am Morning Worship 3.00pm United Service at Ulverscroft

Sunday 22nd August 10.30am Morning Worship 3.00pm Circuit Welcome Service St Andrew’s GRE and via Zoom

Sunday 29th August 10.30am Morning worship

Sunday 5th September 10.30am Morning Worship

Sunday 12th September 10.30 Morning Worship

Saturday 18th September 10.00 - 12.00 Coffee morning for Christian Aid

10.30 Churches Together in Markfield Christian Aid Service with Holy Communion

As we adapt to the lifting of restrictions regarding the pandemic, we are still advised to proceed with caution.

St Michael’s, Markfield 3.00pm Holy Communion

September 19th

Services at Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield

Sunday 19th September

St Mary’s, Stanton u Bardon 10.30am Holy Communion

September 12th

27

10.00 – 12.00 Saturday 18th September Markfield Methodist Church

St Mary’s, Stanton u Bardon 10.30am J22 Community Worship

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