Dec 2011 Herald

December 2011

Christmas lights in Bagworth On Sunday 4 December at 4.30pm we will be switching on the lights on the Christmas tree at the Community Centre in Bagworth.

There will be hot drinks and mince pies. We will also sing carols. All profits raised will go towards a children’s charity. This is usually a happy occasion so bring your family along to this festive occasion.

Bob Austin

Thornton Craft Fayre raised over £1,000 Yet again we are very happy to report on another very successful day for our annual Christmas Craft Fayre and an amazing £1,053 was raised.

Over 200 people supported this event, including Father Christmas who again enjoyed his visit to Thornton. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day, meeting up with friends, browsing through the wonderful array of handmade items and Christmas gifts, shopping for the ideal present, choosing a jar of homemade jam or pickle, buying a scrummy cake, tackling Martin’s brain teasing quiz and enjoying the tasty refreshments provided by the Cafe.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped to make this day such a success. You have done us proud again.

Shirley Garlick

The School Walk raises £9k

By Andrew Morris

Headteacher, South Charnwood High School

I am trying to imagine how this ever came about. Who thought of the idea?

Where was it first discussed? At a staff meeting, or a Parents’ Staff Association meeting? Perhaps the conversation went something like this: “I’ve got a great idea. Let’s get all the children to do a sponsored walk. They can start at school, walk around the school field and then go cross country to Bradgate Park. When they get there, they can have a bit of a break and then set off again to walk around the park.

Then they can go home. ” “What a great idea! That will make a lot of money for the school and we can give some to charity too. It shouldn’t take too much organising. Should be very easy.”

And so the South Charnwood High School

Back row L -R Elaine Moulton, Gina Barnes Front row L - R Henry Smith, Natacha Miranda-Malin, Jessica Dowell, Molly Simpson, Harry Wilkinson. annual sponsored walk was born. It is correct that it does make a lot of money for the school and for charity but to say it is easy to organise is completely untrue. The logistics are incredible. Just imagine, 600 pupils, aged between 10 and 14, about 50 members of staff, several parents and the occasional dog all walking at different speeds over a distance of about 13 miles on one day (Friday) in

Stanton Christmas Events Christmas Concert

in St Mary & All Saints Church with the Stanton under Bardon Singers, Friends and Musicians.

Friday 16th December at 7.30p.m. Tickets on the door £4.00 including refreshments.

All welcome.

Candlelight Carol Service in St Mary & All Saints Church. Stanton under Bardon.

Sunday 18th December at 6.00 p.m.

Carols Round the Village Monday 19th December at 7.00 pm Starting at the top of the village.

All welcome, Come and join us for what is usually a fun evening.

Door to door collections. Donations in aid of Air Ambulance.

Gail Massey

October.

When I first arrived at the school almost 10 years ago, the previous Headteacher, Jim Etchingham, would do the organising. I immediately realised this was too big an undertaking for my little brain. Sue Wiggett, then Head of Languages, who had worked at the school for

Continued on page 13

PUBLIC EXHIBITION 4.30pm to 7.30pm th Wednesday, 7 December 2011 Bagworth Village Hall, Station Road Bagworth, Leicestershire, LE67 1BH Members of the public are invited to attend an exhibition to view proposals for a development of 50 new family homes, 10 affordable apartments for rent and retail unit(s) planned at:

Station Road/Jackson Road in Bagworth.

We look forward to receiving your comments.

For further information, please contact: Mike Downes, Antony Aspbury Associates Tel: 0115 852 8050 E-mail: mike@antonyaspbury.co.uk

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 14th January - Advert & Articles Needed By 4th January 2012

Merry Christmas to all Herald readers!

The people of

` WOW`warmly Invite you to join them for “Carols by Candlelight “ Sunday 18th December 4pm 135 Main st, Stanton Free mulled wine & mince pies & a special visitor for the children!

01530-564623/ 07875378628

Don’t hate yourself in the morning. Sleep until noon.

This issue of The Herald is being delivered over the weekend of 3rd & 4th December 2011 by The Herald’s team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Coral, Maureen, John, Phoebe, Sam, Sarah, Jack, Ian, Ann, Gill, Janet, John, Helen, Don, Jeanie, Jenny, Bradley, Daisy, Heather, Margaret, Matthew, Alexander, Mike, Rowan, John & Sue.

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

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

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

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

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Next Issue (January)

Out on Weekend of 14th & 15th January.

Adverts & articles required before 4th January 2012.

Housing Advice more convenient than ever Staff from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council will be running monthly housing surgeries in the rural areas from December to offer help and advice to people struggling with mortgage or rent arrears or finding somewhere to live during the economic downturn.

From December, officers from the housing options team will be at Newbold Verdon Library on the first Tuesday of every month, Sheepy Magna Memorial Hall on the 2nd Tuesday of every month and Groby Community Centre on the 3rd Thursday of every month to give free advice on: • finding somewhere to live • dealing with a problem landlord or tenant • what to do if threatened with repossession or eviction • rent or mortgage arrears • being in a violent relationship • other housing issues No appointment is necessary and all advice is free and strictly confidential.

Jo Wykes, Housing Options Manager at the Borough Council said: “In the current economic climate, it is more important than ever that the advice and information we can offer is accessible to all and that’s why we are taking our services out to the local community.

This is a chance for people who may be worried to talk through their housing issues with trained members of staff.”

Regular drop in surgeries also take place at the council offices, Argents Mead every weekday Monday-Friday 9.3012 and 2-4 (except Wednesday mornings and public holidays).

The full details of the dates, times and venues for the Groby drop in surgeries are as follows:

Groby Community Centre - 39 Forest Rise, Groby 3rd Thursday of the month 9.30am – 11.30 am 15 Dec 2011, 19 Jan 2012, 16 Feb 2012, 15 Mar 2012, 19 Apr 2012, 17 May 2012 For more information on housing options advice and information from Hinckley and Bosworth Council please call 01455 238141.

Anstey Christmas Day Lunch The 6th Annual Anstey Christmas Day Lunch will again be held at St Mary’s Church rooms in Church Lane, Anstey on Christmas Day - 25th December 2011.

Around 70 Guests attend the six hour long day.

As they start arriving at the hall on Church Lane a machine provides a covering of Snow and Bing Crosby’s song White Christmas is heard all around to help get them in the festive spirit.

Once inside the guests receive “free of charge” welcome drinks and nibbles, a full five course meal and drinks, a gift from Father Christmas, communal singing, Bingo with prizes and more importantly are made to feel part of a family with someone to talk to.

A goody bag to help supplement their pension is given to each guest as they leave.

This much needed community event is welcomed and valued by all the lonely, elderly and infirm people that attend on the day who would normally have been on their own. If you would like to attend or be a helper on the day then please contact Dave Ford on 0116 2368811 Organiser Dave and his team want to see this vital community caring day in Anstey continue and spread to the surrounding areas.

For the Lunch to continue for many more years to come Dave relies on his faithful band of helpers and the generosity of local businesses, groups and individuals to donate the financial support to allow the day to be a success.

Dave is struggling to reach his target this year therefore, any size donation would be welcomed.

PLEASE CAN YOU HELP?

Be part of the day by pledging items or sending a donation/Chq payable to.

Dave Ford, 69, Bradgate Rd, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AB

Bad spellers of the world untie.

Funding boost for local Home-Start service

Home-Start is to receive funding from the Community Forum to recruit more volunteers in the Markfield, Ratby and Groby area.

We wish to thank all members of the forum for an enjoyable evening and after a tense wait on Wednesday 2nd November, Home-Start’s project proposal received 55% of the votes and were awarded £5230.

Home-Start offers one-one, personalised support for parents/carers with at least one child under five; reaching out to families at risk of social exclusion, including those who do not engage with other services.

The holistic nature of support offered ensures that the needs of the whole family are addressed, including older children and young people in the household to enhance their lives.

Home-Start provides a unique service; recruiting, training and supporting volunteers who are ‘matched’ to individual families to offer informal, friendly and confidential home-based support tailored to the individual needs of each family for as long as the family needs it.

LETTER: In support of trick or treat Well, Halloween has come and gone and, although I am sure people would be quick enough to complain about any bad behaviour from trick or treaters over Halloween, no one seems to be in a hurry to mention any good behaviour either.

We had plenty of trick or treaters on 31st October. Everyone had made an effort to dress up, they were well-behaved, supervised and polite. So thank you all for coming to our door and I hope you got plenty of treats. You are a credit to your community and your parents.

I know that plenty of people have good reason not to welcome trick or treaters at their door, but there are plenty of people who don’t and simply dismiss it as being a ‘foreign’ American custom that has no basis in tradition. In fact, the English and Irish tradition of souling predates the American custom by several hundred years. This is when the poor would go from house to house on Hallowmas (1 Nov), offering prayers for the dead in return for food. In Scotland, guising is recorded as far back as the mid-1980s, which involved dressing up and visiting houses to be rewarded with cakes, fruit and money. The basis of the phrase ‘trick or treat’ refers to the belief that, on All Hallows’ Eve, the dead would return to the places where they lived seeking food and shelter.

Food would often be placed on the doorstep to honour this belief as, if they were denied their ‘treats’, the returning souls would be insulted and were likely to place a curse (or trick) on the offending household.

This custom has died out, however, in most places in the UK. In places that do honour Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day (as, indeed, do most Christian religions), the practice of trick or treating is greeted as an opportunity for the community to socialise.

Members of the community that rarely come into contact, such as the young and the old, have an opportunity to meet and exchange a few words. This can only bring the community closer together and cultivate respect for one’s neighbours. In a village that claims to pride itself on its community spirit, it seems that we are missing a golden opportunity, once a year, to bring people closer together.

Of course, much of the fault lies with those few individuals who use this as an excuse to cause trouble (presumably because they lack the intelligence or imagination to do anything else). As usual, they spoil it for those who do want to participate and, unfortunately, everyone else misses out on the fun because of them. Surely, the best way to react is to carry on despite their behaviour and set an example to others, rather than letting yet another age-old part of our national heritage die out.

Although I have heard no other reports of misbehaviour this year, the only one I did witness was, I am sad to say, from a senior member of the community who opened his window and told the beautifully costumed, well-behaved (and very young) children at his door, to ‘F’ off!

As I said, there’s always one and this one should be thoroughly ashamed of himself.

Thornton St.Peter’s Church Spot I am sure we all have experienced the feeling of anticipating the volume of jobs that are lining up for us to do and being eager to get on with them - and being frustrated that something, or someone is holding us up. And then it all happens at the same time - something like waiting for a bus!

It has been such a busy few days at St Peter’s . The Craft Fair - an annual event in our calendar - was a very pleasant occasion, although the visitors, and the takings, were both down in number.

At such an event many people, behind and in front of the scenes, work extremely hard and we owe them all a great debt of gratitude. One person in particular deserves special credit - thank you Shirley.

I have not been able to share with you the current worry we have at St Peter’s - so here goes. At the beginning of August it was noticed that dusty plaster was falling on to the tower steps. On closer investigation it became apparent’that there was a gap, about an inch wide, between the tower and the nave. The church architect was called in and confirmed our suspicion. He diagnosed the reason as being the shrinkage of the subsoil beneath the tower due to the dry summer, and the effect of the nearby trees.

As I write scaffolding has been erected inside the church on the tower steps so that stonemasons can investigate the problem. I will keep you posted as things evolve.

In the meantime services will continue as normal, the details of which will be found elsewhere in this publication.

Martin Foster Churchwarden

Mrs M Truby Markfield

Her cooking wasn’t exactly cordon bleu. It was more cordon noir.

LETTER: Dog mess in Markfield I want to bring attention to the increasing amount of dog mess in Markfield. It hasn’t been much of a problem until recently, but it’s getting more and more noticeable every day.

I know this doesn’t apply to all dog owners, but why is it such a problem for those who don’t clean up after their pets? Is it laziness which is making them leave it on the pavements or do they think it’s “below” them to do such a thing? Please, just take a plastic bag out with you - there are plenty of bins provided in Markfield where people can dispose of it, especially in the parks where people take their dogs for a run.

I also don’t see why people leave bags of dog mess on the side of the road, and along some of the footpaths in Markfield I have even seen bags of it hanging on fence posts and in trees! Don’t they realise that this is equally as disgusting and that they are being even more irresponsible doing this?

There is absolutely NO excuse for leaving it anywhere.

So for those who can’t be bothered to clean up after their dogs – do you leave your pet’s mess all over your driveway and hang bags of it around your garden? Do you enjoy bringing it into your house on your shoes by accident and treading it into your carpets? Somehow, I doubt it. So please stop doing it everywhere else – you really will get a lot more respect if you’re seen cleaning up after your dog in the street.

Siobhan Brocklehurst Markfield

Don’t miss the Mercenfeld Annual Christmas Fete!

The Annual Fete takes place at Friday 9th December, between 5pm and 8pm at Mercenfeld Primary School, Oakfield Avenue, Markfield.

There will be Crafts, Stalls, Food and Drink, Local music and it promises to be a real fun event! All welcome.

Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council

Job Vacancy: Clerk Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council seeks Parish Clerk The successful candidate will be a competent administrator with excellent I.T. and financial management skills. They must be able to work on their own initiative, plan to and meet deadlines. In addition they will have excellent people and communication skills dealing with councillors, external bodies, members of the public and local media.

Applicants must fully understand the job requirements, be experienced in the post or have held an equivalent position in the public sector. The Clerk will be Responsible Financial Officer and ideally hold the CiLCA qualification.

Working approximately 50 hours a month, the post will be based at Bagworth Community Centre. Salary will depend on candidate’s previous experience and track record at a pro rata NJC Pay Scales level to be agreed.

Candidates are requested to complete an application form available on the Parish website with job description and send with CV to: clerk@bagworthandthornton.org.uk

The closing date for return of applications is Dec 9th 2011.

Barry White Chairman Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council

My wife is a light eater. When it gets light, she starts eating.

The most important message of Christmas Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald A few weeks ago I accompanied my eldest son Callum on the remembrance parade through Markfield.

He was marching as a Beaver along with the other cub/scout groups, something they do not do just in Markfield but everywhere and every year, a tradition that I am sure goes back a long way.

The Remembrance Service is held at the parish church and the names of those who died in active service in the two world wars are read out. This is repeated in the evening at another remembrance service at the parish church. The war memorial in the parish church stands in front of the organ and has many names on it that are not read out. These names are for those who served but have since died but not in active service. Many names adorn the memorial with many well known Markfield family surnames present. Markfield although smaller as a community back when the two great world wars were fought sacrificed many of its own to preserve our freedom and build a better future for us all.

It is interesting to note that despite the huge loss of life that the UK suffered particularly during the first great war, some villages who sent citizens to serve suffered no war losses at all and these villages became known as thankful or blessed villages. There were 52 such villages in England and Wales but none in Scotland or Northern Ireland. 14 of these 52 went onto to become doubly thankful villages with no losses in both the first and second world wars. We have two thankful villages in Leicestershire, they are East Norton and Saxby.

These thankful villages of course had no need for a war memorial at the time to commemorate the dead and so some actually created a memorial for those who served and to give thanks for their being no loss of life.

The Institute We did suffer the loss of life in Markfield, Stanton and surrounding villages. I have mentioned before that in Markfield a really pragmatic position was taken to develop a community facility (the Institute or ‘stute’)as a memorial instead of a landmark as we can see in Stanton

and Ratby. I am unsure as to how that decision was reached back then after the first world war but it would be fascinating to hear the thoughts and reasonings for such a decision.

What form should it take?

The Markfield history group have been undertaking extensive research into the names of those on the memorial in the Parish church ( a smaller memorial also exists inside the Methodist Chapel).

This research has been very detailed and has led to a request to consider having a more prominent war memorial in the Village of Markfield which could be a focus for remembrance. It is a subject that has been discussed a few times at the Markfield Parish Council. In discussing the matter the Parish Council have looked at three key things that need to be addressed to consider creating a new memorial.

The first, is where should it be?

The second, what form should any memorial take? And the third how could it be funded? A related question to the second point is should the memorial be to those

What’s the best way to stop a runaway horse? Bet on it.

who died? Should it list the names?

Or should it simply be to all who served? The discussion on the war memorial will go on a bit longer yet and clearly it is a sensitive matter with many opinions to consider.

The thinking of remembrance leads me into thoughts about Christmas which after all is a celebration of an event which took place centuries ago in far off lands and yet as we approach the 25th December I wonder will we actually give any thought to those events of so many years ago. We will question if those events have any relevance to our current lives, the modern living we have today.

Ebenezer Scrooge We of course live in times when a majority of the population would not subscribe to the view that God or Jesus exists however Christmas will still be celebrated and this act of remembrance will take place regardless and so let us at least take a few moments to consider what message the remembrance of Christmas should be and what it might mean to us. Let us take something from the Christmas season to inspire us into 2012.

Ebenezer Scrooge was unhappy not because of a failure to get but a failure to give.

Giving of ourselves

I am struck by some words that I read, about the message of Christmas which features one of my favourite Christmas stories.

Essentially it was about Why was Ebenezer Scrooge so unhappy?

Of course we know the story and understand that Scrooge was a wealthy man but his material wealth had contributed to his unhappiness. He could only think of life as expressed on a profit and loss account. Most of us and I include myself, fall into the trap (if we are honest enough to admit it) to thinking that happiness comes through getting. How often do we think if only I can get a new (pick one) house, car, job, promotion, or relationship, I will be happy. But

It is not just the giving of material possessions however that makes the difference. No, it is giving a thought for others, giving a smile to people, giving a gesture of welcome, giving an apology, giving good grace and letting that motorist in even though he/she has sneaked down the inside lane. Things that cost very little but matter a great deal. Giving of ourselves in many ways is worth much more than anything we will receive and will make us happier people. It is this which I submit, is one of the most important message of Christmas. So as we celebrate this Christmas let us give a thought and if possible give a hand of friendship to those who will have a difficult time this year. It might be because of illness, loneliness, bereavement, loss of employment, financial difficulties or for a host of many different reasons. If we can just do a little to ease another’s burden at this time we can all be as happy as Scrooge was on Christmas morning.

So let me extend my best wishes to all Herald readers for this Christmas and for 2012. Many thanks for your continued support,

New film showcases Charnwood Forest’s beauty A NEW film has been produced to showcase the support on offer to help people discover and explore Charnwood’s amazing beauty spots.

Charnwood Borough Council’s Access To Nature team used Lottery funding to produce the three-minute video which illustrates how officers are helping hard-to-reach groups and people with physical disabilities enjoy places such as the Outwoods and Beacon Hill.

Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said: “The film captures beautifully how our officers are there to help people of all backgrounds, ages, and physical abilities to enjoy our natural beauty spots.

“Just writing to a group and inviting them to get involved in the Access to Nature project is unlikely to result in them visiting the Outwoods.

“Visiting a group to tell them about the project is better - but being able to show them what we do is better still.

“We are very proud of the Borough’s green heritage and want as many residents and visitors to experience it. The film will help us promote our services, our beauty spots and hopefully encourage more people to visit.”

The video was premiered at recent Diwali celebrations in Loughborough and will be shown at a Loughborough Council of Faiths event on Tuesday, November 22, 2011.

You can see the film, produced by local film maker Richard Bailey, at YouTube by entering this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV1jbwzC rCE&feature=feedu For more information about Access To Nature, please visit: http://www. charnwood.gov.uk/pages/access_to_nature

Matthew

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WE REMEMBERED The November theme for Trinity Methodist Café Church was Remembering/Remembrance.

In groups we shared happy and sad memories and looked at mementoes which help us remember. We enjoyed singing new songs – we’re quick learners! - listened to readings, and collaborated in writing acrostic poems entitled Remembrance Day. This was a challenge, so the cup of tea and cakes were most welcome and surely helped the creative process. During this time the children were dipping in and out of the activities, colouring pictures and adding their ideas as well as amusing themselves with toys.

The afternoon ended with a time of reflection as we stood in a circle and the poems were read. This was followed by breaking and sharing bread as we remembered the words of Jesus in Luke Chapter 22 “Do this in memory of me.”

We hope you enjoy reading our attempts at poetry.

Linda Walmsley Remember, remember. Why remember?

Each and everyone who’s gone Men who fought for everyone Even those who stayed at home Mothers, daughters, sons and sisters Brothers, uncles, cousins, fathers RAF and Navy too Army, Homeguard were there for you Never have so many fought Courageously without a thought Each his own selfless life Did bravely give his all And so remember Yesterday, today and evermore.

Remember today is for Everyone to cherish Memories Each of us has Moments in our life Broken by sorrow Relieved by tears Awakened by joy Never to forget Courage shown in the face of fear Each time we stand in silence Dedicate ourselves afresh

Remembering with poppies Every life lost, every life changed.

As we remember Young and old together

Men who fought for peace and freedom Each family living in hope.

Minds maimed, spirits shattered, Bodies battle-broken.

Remembering with pride Acts of selfless giving Never counting the cost.

Courage at the front, courage in the home Enduring all the hardships Dedication, duty, death, disability All to make a world where You and I are free.

Field Head students told to pay to get to college Norman Griffiths reports on a new row over free school transport “The wheels on the bus go round and round” is a song we sing to our children. But some parents living at Field Head have been told that although the wheels on the school bus to Groby still go round and round they will have to pay £400 a year for each child they want to put on it, even though there are empty seats on the bus which carries children who qualify for free school transport.

Both parents and students turned out in force at the November meeting of Groby Parish Council to ask for the support of the Council for their petition and fight with Leicestershire County Council, and to question County Councillor David Sprason. Markfield Parish and Borough Councillor Matthew Lay accompanied the residents.

The meeting was told that a new satellite tracking system for calculating the distance between home and school had improved the accuracy of the decision making about who qualifies for free transport and who has to pay.

Councillors from the Parish, Borough and County were united in their opposition to the imposition of the new charge and whilst acknowledging that the distance from school rules had been applied argued that there was a lack of common sense in the decision, particularly because of the dangerous nature of the A50 as a walking route to school.

Dangerous route Anyone who has walked the route will be aware of intimidation felt as vehicles speed past and the feeling that if a vehicle should leave the road the driver might escape but at those speeds a pedestrian wouldn’t stand a chance. One resident told of her own walk from Field Head into the village one lunchtime.

She was passed by 87 lorries, three of which had drivers using their mobile phones. The walking route is a recognised black spot locally for speeding drivers and road traffic accidents, including overturned lorries.

For parent Ray Palmer it is the second time he has been involved in a school transport dispute locally. He told the meeting of the hazards of the road : the dangerous roundabout, the speed, the crossing at the lights at Lena Drive,

the hazards of the Quinto depot for young pedestrians, and the sheer risk to young students of walking such an isolated route in the dark.

Although it could be argued that technically the road is not isolated because of the volume of traffic in practice any motorist who saw an incident would be unable to brake and stop quickly for fear of causing a major accident.

A day in the life of a student One of the young students at the meeting spoke eloquently and confidently about her day at the college if she has to walk. Loaded up with her course work and PE kit her day would start at 7.15am for the more than an hour it takes to walk to the college. At 3.15pm she would retrace her steps, but it would take 90 minutes for the uphill hike. Once back in Field Head there’s home work and revision to get on with.

“When I was young we walked everywhere and thought nothing of it,” some might say. But then the volume of traffic on roads was a fraction of those today, so much so that many youngsters of that time will recall playing football in the streets.

Point by point challenge Although there are only 16 students affected 331 signatures have been collected in support of their campaign for common sense.

The Parish Council is to meet with representatives of the parents to build a challenge to the County Council assessment point by point.

No doubt in addition to their analysis they will be sending the message that the Council should apply common sense, treat these students not as a source of income but as vulnerable youngsters, and perhaps most of all not to hide behind the rules.

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“The name to trust at a time of grief�

STARS AT CHRISTMAS As the festive season once again draws near, we at Anstey & District Funeral Services are acutely aware that this can be a very difficult and demanding time for people who have lost a loved one.

In that vein, we would like to offer you the opportunity to acknowledge the memory of someone you have lost, and someone whose memory will be special to you this Christmas. A Remembrance Christmas Tree will be available inside our offices from 1st December for this very purpose.

If you would like to use this way of paying tribute to your loved one, you simply have to write their name and details on a paper star (that we will supply to you) and return it to our premises, at Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey - the star can then be placed on our tree. Alternatively, you could simply post the star to us.

We trust that this will provide a treasured memory for both you and your family during this Christmas time and we wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

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0116 234 0548 Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, LE7 7AT. Three rules for a successful public speaker: Stand Up, Speak Up, Shut Up.

11 Views over woodland and countryside

Extended period cottage in a secluded rural setting

Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council

Letter from the Chairman

BAGWORTH & THORNTON Residents might well ask “What has the Parish Council been doing since the May elections?” The answer is, quite a lot but it will take a little time before it shows.

FISHER GERMAN are offering for sale an extended period cottage parts of which date back to the 1880s.

The property - Coley Cottage, Coley Lane, Desford, Leics. - sits in a secuded rural setting with views over the surrounding woodland and countryside. The accommodation extends to approximately 2,422 sq.feet and there is scope to create an integral annexe for use as part of the main house, or as separate accommodation for guests or dependent relatives. Adjacent to the property is a small paddock which may be available by separate negotiation.

The Guide Price is £490,000.

For more information, contact Fisher German on 01530 412821.

The School Walk - from page 1 almost 20 years at that time and was an experienced sponsored walker, put me out of my misery and agreed to take on the organisation. After her untimely death, Gina Barnes, a Learning Support Assistant at the school for 30 years took up the baton and co-ordinated this magical day. Elaine Moulton, the Reprographics Assistant at the school, also helps Gina enormously. In truth, and Gina will be the first to admit this, it is a real team effort. Cards and letters are printed, parents are told, sponsors are collected, cards are returned and collated by the tutors, maps are drawn up, marshalling points are allocated and buses to take the pupils home are organised.

We are grateful for the help of all parties on this day, especially that of parents who give up their time to act as marshals, thus ensuring the safety of our pupils.

Every member of staff is also involved in one capacity or another. Some will walk, some will be marshals, some will check cards and others will hold the fort at school.

Then there is the collection of the money. Pupils chase up their friends and relatives and bring the proceeds into school where it is counted and banked.

The money raised reaches into the thousands. 15% of the total is given to charity.

The Pupil Voice Team at the school get together and decide which charities will receive the money. In the past we have helped the RSPCA, Loros, Rainbows and many others. Last year one of the main recipients was Help for Heroes. We ask representatives from the charities to come in and receive a cheque from the children in person during an assembly. They are always pleased to do so.

It certainly is a long day and we have been lucky with the weather for the most part. Pupils and staff are tired, but satisfied, content in the knowledge that their efforts will have helped, not only the school, but also some extremely worthwhile charities.

This year’s walk took place on the 7th October and I am pleased to report that again, apart from some aching legs and the occasional blister, there were no injuries. The weather was kind to us (Gina sorts that out every year) and a good, but tiring, time was had by all. Over £9,000 has been pledged. Thank you and well done to everybody.

Since formation of your new Parish Council in May, priority has been given to addressing outstanding issues and improving the quality of Parish Council Governance with focus on financial matters.

Coming as I do from an industry background I’m used to addressing matters and making decisions quickly. Unfortunately decision making in local government is tied by rules and regulations that do not work fast.

When faced with pressing issues this can be frustrating. Parish Councils, created by an act of Parliament in 1894 can only make decisions at formal council meetings, agendas have to be posted in public at least four clear days in advance of a meeting……. I could go on but won’t. Suffice to say conducting Parish Council matters properly takes time.

In our core objectives we are unanimous. In particular I’m certain that all councillors are absolutely committed to making every penny count to the full and getting things done better and faster for the villages we serve.

To achieve this, Parish Council needs to be structured with dedicated committees working on specific matters reporting back to council. In June we established a finance committee. In July we formed a staffing committee and in November we appointed a planning committee to review and report on planning applications. I believe that when these committees “settle in” and new task groups are formed, administration will be more efficient. Most importantly we intend that residents will in future find matters brought to Parish Council addressed more quickly and resolved, we hope, to better satisfaction.

The Parish Wards of Bagworth and Thornton have held some excellent events during the year. These events have already been well reported by the organisers as has the opening of the new building at the Bagworth Community Centre.

Phase two at The Bagworth Community Centre is now under discussion.

With support from the County Council a grant application has been prepared and submitted to the National Lottery. Much has to be done in updating the scope and details of the scheme before it can proceed.

I expect this to start with a fundamental review of phase two scheme requirements with user-group input from everyone currently using the Centre and those who have expressed a wish to do so in the future. Working with the Bagworth Forward Centre Trust which runs the Centre the building architecture and layout of phase two also needs to be reviewed. Clearly the scheme requires additional resource for which new Bagworth resident volunteers will be extremely welcome. Enquiries please to 07940 838507.

Bagworth and Thornton enjoy a beautiful environment and it is our wish to see this protected. Areas of outstanding beauty such as the fields adjacent to Thornton Reservoir, a conservation area identified as a “green corridor” and other Parish land identified under the “Have your say on Green issues” consultation are important community assets. I hope that taking into account residents’ views these areas will in future be given still greater protection.

Barry White

Chairman Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council - 0781 687 6069

An artist and his model were kissing passionately on the couch when he heard a car pull up. “Quick, it’s my wife,” he said. “Get your clothes off and pretend we’re working.”

Isn’t it great how petrol stations put black buckets outside for your dead flowers?

If practise makes perfect, and nobody’s perfect, why practise?

12

“A CHILLI CHRISTMAS” A Talk by Ady Dayman THORNTON WI MEETING AT THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 7.30P.M. ON THURSDAY, 8TH DECEMBER Ady is a regular panelist on the long running BBC Radio Leicester gardening advice show “Down To Earth”, often sitting alongside our Thornton “home-grown” favourite nurseryman John Smith. He also appears frequently on East Midlands TV giving gardening advice.

After successful completion of his GCSEs and A levels at Groby Community College, Ady studied at Brooksby Melton College. Throughout his studies, he continued to work at Derry’s Nursery, in Cossington, Leicestershire.

It was at Groby College that Ady met and formed a strong friendship with Thornton lad Paul Westacott which ultimately lead to the creation of the Charnwood Chilli Company!

More than a hundred varieties of chilli are grown at Derry’s Nurseries

Bradgate Flower Club News Bradgate Flower Club’s 2011 meetings conclude with a demonstration on 7th December.

in Cossington, where the Chilli Company, run by Ady and Paul, is based. As well as selling the plants and the chillies, the Company has the opportunity to harvest the best chillies around to use in sauces, preserves and tasty treats.

We are delighted that Ady is coming to talk to us at our December meeting when our thoughts are turning to festive foods. Caramelized Chilli Onion Chutney, Cheeky Chilli Honey, Chilli Lemon Curd and Sweet Chilli Jam are but a few of the exciting products made from innovative recipes which tempt the taste buds!

THE MEMBERS’ COMPETITION will be for an attractively –wrapped Christmas present (To the value of £2) .These will be put into a Present Exchange, so that, quite simply, everyone bringing a present will take home a different one to unwrap on Christmas morning.

To add to the festive feel of the evening, there will be a RAFFLE and members are asked to bring just a little buffet food, either sweet or savoury, to contribute to a Faith Supper.

Visitors are warmly invited to join us. There is a Visitors’ Fee of £2

Muriel Walker

Christingles

Christingles Christmas Eve

Saturday 24thEve December Christmas Saturday 24th December

St Michael’s, Markfield at 6.00 pm

St Michael’s, Markfield 6.00 pm St Mary’s, Stanton under at Bardon at 4.00 pm St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon at 4.00 pm

St Peter’s, Thornton at 4.00 pm

St Peter’s, Thornton at 4.00 pm

Christingle Events are suitable for all the family and all are

Christingle Events are suitable for all the family and all are welcome. welcome.

Oranges and all the bits will be provided for children to make

Oranges and all theand bits take will behome provided forend children to make at the and take home at the end

Thenext next The

ChurchesTogether Together Markfield Churches inin Markfield

will anan informal introductory evening on on willbe bestarting startingwith with informal introductory evening

Wednesday at at 7.30pm at The Rectory Wednesday11th 11thJanuary January 7.30pm at The Rectory and the following Wednesdays. andcontinuing continuingonon the following Wednesdays.

Whether have previously done an Alpha Course, you will Whetherorornot notyou you have previously done an Alpha Course, youbewill be welcome to come along.

Bring your family, friends or neighbours to findto find welcome to come along. Bring your family, friends or neighbours out more. This evening is a taster session with light refreshments. out more. This evening is a taster session with light refreshments.

Why not try something new? You might even enjoy it!

Why not try something new? You might even enjoy it!

Women DO come with instructions. Just ask them!

On Wednesday 7th December, Bradgate Flower Club welcomes Lee Berrill from Northamptonshire. Appropriately, the chosen theme is ‘Winter Wonderland’. The meeting will start at 7.30 in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall. A charge of £4 is made for visitors.

The Club AGM will be held at 7.30pm on 11th January 2012 in Newtown Linford Village Hall.

Further details of both meetings can be obtained from Geraldine Abbott on 01530 415378.

A government warning said that anyone travelling in icy conditions should take: shovel, blankets, sleeping bag, scarf, hat and gloves, 24 hours supply of food and drink, de-icer, rock salt, torch, spare batteries, road flares, reflective triangles, tow rope, a five gallon petrol jerrycan, first aid kit, and jump leads.

So ... I looked a complete prat on the bus this morning!

13

Music Bursary on offer for talented young musician A MUSIC bursary worth £1,000 is again being offered to a talented young musician in Hinckley & Bosworth.

The bursary is being provided by the Borough Council and the Matthew Fulham Foundation to offer the successful young musician (aged 15 to 19) the opportunity to further their expertise in their chosen field of music.

The bursary can be used for: • purchase of instruments or accessories • music lessons and master classes • weekend music courses • travel expenses related to the pursuit of their expertise • or a combination of the above Applications must be supported by a music teacher either at school or a private teacher. The deadline for the receipt of applications is Friday 27 January 2012.

Shortlisted applicants will have to perform at a Bursary Showcase event (where the winner is announced) at St Martins Catholic School, Stoke Golding on Saturday 10 March 2012 where all are welcome to attend. They also play at the Proms in the Park held in June at Hollycroft Park, Hinckley in front of nearly 1,500 people.

Pete Fulham said: “The Matthew Fulham Foundation is pleased to be partnering the Borough Council once again for the Matthew Fulham Music Bursary and Proms in the Park. The borough has so much talent yet it is always difficult for these young people to showcase that talent to the public. This year, we will be showcasing instruments only as we feel that better aligns with Matt’s memory (he played trombone) which is why this bursary came about”.

Councillor Michael Mullaney, the Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “For the fourth year, we are really delighted to be supporting the Matthew Fulham Foundation to give our local talented young people a wonderful opportunity to showcase their musical prowess and also to receive a financial reward to help them continue with their studies and potentially develop a career in music.”

For more information please contact Lindsay Orton, Creative Communities and Tourism Officer, on 01455 255833. Application forms are available to download from the council website at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk and the foundation website at www.matthewfulham.org.

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Fools rush in - and get the best seats in the house.

14

Extracts from the latest draft minutes of Markfield Parish Council Here are brief extracts from the draft minutes of the Markfield parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 1st November 2011: Anti-social behaviour outside St Michael’s Church: - PCSO N Mace informed the members that she was already aware of this and had taken action to resolve this issue.

Local History Group – Proposal to erect a War Memorial in Markfield: - Mr Gannon stated that amongst the History Group the general consensus was that a memorial including names was the preferred option, but all of the proposals would be discussed at the next meeting.

Mr Lay informed the members that the Borough Council had erected three war memorials that included names and these had caused a lot of controversy.

Mr Sprason stated that Leics County Council was undertaking a War Memorial Project, which was a huge piece of work; he stated that the Royal British Legion’s stance was that war memorials should include names. Currently six local artists were submitting designs for memorials including names.

Schools - Academy status: - Mr Sprason stated that local government was advising schools

in the area to apply for academy status as soon as possible; this would give each individual school far more control over its finances and future management.

School bus service – Field Head: Mr Sprason stated that a new measuring system had been implemented to calculate distance travelled to and from school; to qualify for free bus travel. Under the new system there were 13 families who were now under the 3 mile limit.

Libraries Opening Hours Consultation: - Mr Browning stated that at the Parish Council meeting held on 5th July 2011 Mr Sprason had stated that as a result of the consultation which ended on 24th June 2011, Markfield Library would be open longer. He had recently read a press article stating that the local library would be open 7½ hours less each week.

Mr Sprason apologised for the information if the information given was incorrect.

Handyperson Service: - Mrs A Cook asked if residents had to be in receipt of benefits to qualify for help under the new handyperson scheme? Mr Sprason replied that the scheme was means tested and some residents would qualify and pay only for the materials and the

hourly rate would be free of charge, but those who didn’t qualify would have to pay this hourly rate as well.

CISWO (Coal Industry and Social Welfare Organisation) Miners’ Welfare Institute: - Mr Lay stated that trustees had allocated the proceeds to local charitable organisations in accordance with the Charity Commission’s regulations. Markfield Community Centre Association had asked for written confirmation from the Trustees of the Institute detailing the beneficiaries of the allocation of funds.

New Homes Bonus – Jelson development: - Mr Lay stated that at a meeting of the Parishes Forum, Parish Chairs had agreed to accept 25% of the Bonus. This however wasn’t the consent of local parishes.

Mr Lay had seen the scheme design and had raised a number of issues. The proposed scheme had gone back to the developers to redesign a more suitable scheme.

Re-introduction of weekly collections: - Mr Lay stated that this matter was no longer under consideration by the Borough Council.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 6th December 2011 at 8.00pm at the Methodist Chapel.

Extracts from the latest draft minutes of Stanton Parish Council BOROUGH COUNCILLOR’S REPORT - Matthew Lay spoke about the amended planning application for 261 Main Street and asked that any alternative planning applications should be submitted as soon as possible by the Parish so that it would help to maintain the objections to the site not owned by the Village.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT - Mr Sprason confirmed that Highways have still got objections to 261 Main Street but some of the issues have been addressed.

Access from houses on to Recreation Ground - It was agreed that all houses that have created an access on to the Recreation Ground are to be written to, and ask them to block the access off and not to use this.

DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH MEETING - The next meeting of Stanton under Bardon Parish Council is to be held on TUESDAY 14th DECEMBER 2011 AT 7.00PM at Stanton Youth Club, Main Street, Stanton under Bardon, Leicestershire

Tai Chi Class Planned

We hope to start a Tai Chi class at Markfield Court Social Centre in January 2012.

The class will be at 5.00 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Cost will be £4.00.

To express an interest and find out more details, ring Tony Hayre on 01530 242566.

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15 MARKFIELD RANGERS

Reserves Topple League Leaders

Despite ending October on a disappointing note by going down 5-1 to Hinckley Knights in the County Cup, The Reserves bounced back in terrific style in November. Put simply, its 3 games, 3 wins and 15 goals!

Consecutive wins against lowly Coalville Athletic and Walsh UK, both 5-2 demolitions, meant that confidence was high going into the clash with top of the table Racing Club Hugglescote. Hugglescote had only lost once in the league before their visit to Altar Stones but the Reserves smashed 5 past the league leaders to continue their impressive run.

The 1st Team continued their fine form in the cup by overcoming Houghton Lads in the County Cup. Despite making hard work of it the Rangers came out on top in the end for a well deserved victory, the match finishing 3-2 after extra time.

A disappointing 1-1 draw against Sporting Loughborough followed before they hit 9 past Leicestershire Constabulary in the League Cup. Both teams enter December in strong positions in the league and ready to start their promotion push! The 1st Team continue their cup run in early December when they take on Oadby Owls for a place in the County Cup quarter finals.

Tom Flowitt Chairman

I was telling my three boys the story of the Nativity and how the Wise Men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the infant Jesus. Clearly giving it a lot of thought, my six-year-old observed, “Mum, a Wise Woman would have brought nappies.”

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16

Latest News from Markfield

Report from Ron Grantham Centre’s New Management Committee It is often bewildering to me that many people still think that the Centre is run by “the Council” and often don’t realise that we are a registered charity and thus a voluntary organisation that is tasked with both running the Centre and developing it for the benefit of the village and surrounding rural areas.

Believe it or not we are a non-profit making organisation that ploughs all that we make back into the running and development of the Centre. So, it is vital that we continue to have good and reliable staff and volunteers to keep the success of the Centre going and also a strong and active management committee to support our work.

I am really pleased that at our recent annual general meeting our voluntary management committee was elected as follows: Chair: Dave Moss Vice Chair: Maggie Gondolo Gordon Secretary: Vacancy Treasurer: Ron Grantham Members: Dawn Beesley, Graeme Chilvers, Barrie Gannon, Kev Fisher, Dave Illingworth, Jean Lemmon, Jeff Moulding, Peter Thorpe, John Tulley, Bill Walmsley As you will notice, we are short of a secretary who is needed to simply take notes at meetings and to circulate minutes and agendas. We only have about six meetings a year so the task is not onerous and, as secretary you will find out all about how the Centre operates as well as having your say on what goes on.

Surely there is someone out there who could spare a few hours of his or her time to help us out occasionally.

If you are interested please contact the Centre and we will explain all that is required of you.

Halloween

I am informed by our local Police Beat Team that Halloween in Markfield passed by peacefully and with no upsetting incidents. This may have been due to our resident Police Skeleton Crew who, as you will see from the photograph, had set up their ghoulish command post at the Centre that evening.

From my own experience all the “trick or treaters” were well behaved and polite. It was once again nice to see families out and about enjoying the occasion – well done Markfield.

At the Centre we held the now traditional annual youth club Halloween party with apple bobbing, a fancy dress competition and of course our infamous “haunted chamber”. Unfortunately I could not get hold of any pumpkins for love nor money – everywhere was sold out this year so we had to forego the jack o lantern making. Prizes were presented by our very own Count Dracula (Darren Booth) to excited youngsters.

Cookery Classes One afternoon a couple of weeks ago I walked into the Centre to be greeted by a truly mouth watering aroma of cooking coming from the small hall.

I couldn’t resist popping inside to see what was going on and found a hive of activity with keen amateurs cooking home made soup and other delights. In fact this was one of a series of courses held by the County Council where they were encouraging people to use up their “left overs” rather than throwing them in the bin by turning them into wholesome and nutritious meals. Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to try the cooking as they were all taken home to eagerly awaiting families.

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17

Community & Sports Centre

some voluntary help on the day as we will need registration staff, marshalls and first aiders. We will publish further details nearer the date for those of you who would like to join in the fun run.

Have Fun – Get Fit

Skate Park Kids As you may recall from last month’s edition of the Herald we are trying our utmost to form a Magic Markfield BMX/Skatepark sports club for the benefit of those young people using the Centre’s skate park. We had submitted a project plan to our local Community Forum with a request for a modest amount of cash to start up the club and to help develop it. It was really exciting and pleasing that we received over 60 positive on-line comments from a wide range of people supporting the project which was more than all the comments received for all the other projects submitted put together.

So, you will understand how disappointed and frustrated we were when at a meeting of the Community Forum in early November our bid failed simply because on the night we did not have enough people at the meeting to vote for our project despite all the positve comments we had in the bag.

I still feel that the system of awarding the funds was unfair however, I have calmed down and this has made us even more determined to get this new club up and running and, although it will now take us longer to fulfill, we will continue to push this very worthwhile project for young people onwards and upwards until we do succeed.

Sports Relief One way we can raise funds for our young people is fund raising and I am delighted to inform you that Sports Relief have contacted the Centre and asked if we could organise a local area Sports Relief fun run in March 2012. The event is sponsored by Sainsbuy’s and it will give us a chance to raise funds not only for Sports Relief but also for our young people. We could do with

Perhaps now is the time to start thinking about getting rid of all that surplus food and drink consumed over the Christmas festivities and that annual New Years resolution to get fit again. If that is in the back of your mind why not come along and join our Circuits class held at the Centre 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday evenings. The cost is £3 per session. This is your chance to burn off that excess fat, get fit and at the same time have some fun with circuits that you can do at your own leisure. The classes are mixed and designed for all ages and abilities. The classes are run by a mother and daughter team who are both qualified instructors. They will also give you advice on diet and the right workout for you. The classes have been run at the centre for the last eight years so they are tried and tested. Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and come along and join in. If you are interested either turn up on the night or contact Mary via the Centre

Diamond Jubilee Just a quick update on our plans for the village Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration event on Sunday 3rd June. We have now booked a brass band as well as a Morris Dancing Team. The family disoc for the evening is booked, as well as an evening firework display. We are also looking at putting on a village “bowling for a pig” competition (don’t worry it won’t be a real live pig BUT we are still looking for someone to help organise a Royal Fancy Dress parade and Village Queen competition. Also, if you are interested in having a stall or a display at the event please let us know sooner rather than later.

Special Offer Reminder Once again, as a way of rewarding our customers, we will be offering free bar function booking hire of the Centre from January to March 2012. This means that you can have a family celebration without the cost of the normal room and bar hire costs. This was very popular last year and many took the opportunity to benefit from this great offer. So, if you are planning a family event early next year don’t miss out and contact the Centre Manager for terms and conditions and secure your booking.

Continued over the page ......

On the keyboard of life, always keep one finger on the escape key.

18 Markfield Community Centre News - continued Merry Christmas I have been told that Father Christmas will be dropping in on our Friday Night Bingo club at its Christmas session on the evening of Friday 16th December. Father Christmas will be dishing out Secret Santa presents so, come along and join in the fun. You will get a chance to sit on Santa’s knee and make your Christmas wish and perhaps win some prize money for that Christmas shopping ho ho ho. The session starts at 7.30pm with eyes down at 7.30pm. Don’t forget to bring along a secret Santa present – anything funny and inexpensive will do.

Toys On The Table The Leicester Mercury is backing an appeal to collect 8,000 toys for needy youngsters in Leicestershire this Christmas. By making a donation of a toy you will make all the difference to families that are struggling this year and help to give children something special this Christmas If you would like to make a donation please bring it along to the Centre by 19th December. Toys should be new and unwrapped. The Centre is a designated collection point for your donations and we will ensure that they are passed on to the collection organisers in time a child to open your gift on Christmas Day. Thank you.

This leads me nicely into wishing all our staff, volunteers, groups, users and supporters a wonderful Christmas and a happy 2012. I just hope the seasonal period is not as cold as it was last year and fingers crossed for no frozen and burst water pipes.

Don’t forget you can view all the Centre of the news and activities on our website at www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com For booking and enquiries please contact Markfield Community and Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST or ring 01530 242240 www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com

‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ For South Charnwood Pupils Monday arrived and the bags were packed ready for our annual year 9 trip to Aberglaslyn Hall in Snowdonia for a week of outdoor education.

The pupils were very excited as they waved goodbye to parents and friends and started the long journey towards North Wales. Once we arrived, half the group were kitted out in specialist walking boots, fleece and very bright waterproofs!

The other half worked in teams to find their way around the centre whilst answering questions. The evening activity involved groups of pupils walking to and from the centre using instructions and an OS map to navigate their way across the local hills, with only the noise of sheep in the distance. This was good teamwork in preparation for the activities to follow in the coming days…..

Tuesday arrived with cloudy conditions but fortunately no wind and the instructors decided that the groups of 10 pupils would climb a mountain. This was an enjoyable but tiring day with a great sense of satisfaction when reaching the top, even if it was very foggy and wet when we got there! Coming down led to a few bumps and bruises, especially for the teachers, but we all arrived back safely just as it was getting dark, ready for a hot shower and some well earned dinner.

That evening, the pupils worked in teams of five to follow the ‘nightline’. This activity involves working together to carry a welly full of water through the forested mountainside in the dark by holding on to a rope at all times.

Members of staff were strategically placed around the course to monitor (and shock!) the teams as they went. Amazingly, some teams arrived back with water still in their wellies! Stories of daring deeds and heroism were heard late into

the night as each group discussed how well they had got on with the task.

By Wednesday, the pupils were much quieter as the energy levels had reduced and the groups split up to tackle activities such as canoeing, abseiling, beach scrambling and gorge walking. Highlights included pupils (and staff) jumping into the lake from ‘Elephant’ rock and dipping our heads into the local stream while counting to ten. It certainly woke you up!

Pupils made their own dinner during camp cooking and many of them produced very tasty meals (or that’s what they told us!).

The last day of activities included more abseiling and gorge walking, but for two lucky groups involved sea kayak surfing.

You could not believe it was mid November as the sun was warm and the sea almost balmy as we tried to catch the next big wave.

This was the highlight of the week for many pupils. After an evening of ten pin bowling, it was time to pack ready for the journey home the following day.

Overall, it was another fantastic week at a superb centre. All the pupils learnt something new, whether it was living away from home for the first time or pushing themselves to complete tasks that they might have thought were impossible.

You may know that Aberglaslyn Hall has been owned by Leicestershire County Council for many years and several of you may have visited it in the past. However, as part of the council’s cost cutting measures, the future of this centre is being reviewed and a consultation

is currently being undertaken to find out whether the council should continue to run this centre. I think that the following quotes from the pupils who recently visited the centre speak volumes…

“It was wet, cold but lots of fun” “I learnt that if you believe in yourself you can do anything.”

“It was a really good trip and a fantastic sense of achievement to reach the top of the mountain.”

More information regarding the consultation about the future of Aberglaslyn Hall is available at www.leics.gov.uk/orlscons where your views would be very much appreciated. Both staff and pupils at South Charnwood High School really hope that the centre continues to operate through the county council for years to come, as it provides lifelong learning and special memories.

Simon Andrews

Deputy Headteacher South Charnwood High School

The Rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage.

19 Residents Consultation on the Maynard ...

As we have previously reported, the issue of the retention or demolition of the Maynard Public House in Bagworth once again comes to the fore. The developer has informed us that they will now be submitting plans to Planning Officers at HBBC to build 51 houses (2, 3 and 4 bed) on land to the rear of the pub and the demolition of the pub to make way for 4 retail units. One of which will be a large retail grocery store. The other 3 will be sold on to provide a fast food outlet or something of a similar nature.

Having listened to local resident’s views and concerns, we have met with the developers. We have always insisted on a public consultation for residents. We feel it is important for residents to be able to engage face to face with the land owners and to be able to pass on your views and comments directly to them.

This will take place on December 7th at Bagworth Community Centre between 4.30 pm and 7.30 pm.

Residents of Bagworth must realize that the land to the rear of the Maynard has always been designated for development.

However we also realized the importance of having a social hub in the village such as a pub, a place

Borough Councillors’ Report Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea

Cllr Chris Boothby Tel 0116 238 8301 or 07704 345637 Email chris.boothby@hotmail.co.uk

Cllr Ozzy O’Shea Tel 0116 239 4336 or 07808 585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

where residents could go for food and a drink and to socialize.

The developers have passed on the fact that they are willing to talk to any interested parties concerning the retention of the pub they tell us that they have tried all the local breweries but none were interested. However we believe that talks are ongoing locally. Please try and attend this consultation evening as your input is vital to us and as the Big Society is now with us, the community voice is louder than ever.

a large agricultural building on land on Heath Rd in Bagworth.

Following a site visit by Committee Members and subsequent deliberation at a Planning Committee meeting, it was felt that the application was far too large, it was also felt to be a danger on highways grounds and was totally unjustified. We are pleased with this result and managed to convince several members of the administration at HBBC that what we said was true. There is nothing to say that applicant will not appeal, but we will deal with that if it happens. We have also instructed Enforcement Officers to have the on-site deposits of hardcore chippings removed.

Planning Application on Heath Rd...

Residents may have been aware of a planning application to place

Thornton Reservoir ...

As reported earlier in this issue , the fact that HBBC have removed all Gypsy and Traveller proposed allocations from the draft site allocations document not only means that the site known as TH010 has officially gone , we must now turn our attention to the long term protection of the land surrounding the Reservoir. At a recent meeting facilitated by Chris, senior officers and the Leader of the Council recognized the importance of the work done by the Thornton Action Group and more importantly, the need to protect the surrounding area. This land will now go forward to be reviewed as an area of special consideration with the ultimate aim of designation of a conservation area.

And Finally...

Finally as this is the last issue before Christmas we would both like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year We would also like to thank you all for your continued support and to remind you all that we are only a phone call away.

Chris & Ozzy

When you are in it up to your ears, keep your mouth shut.

20

Home improvement grants available GRANTS are available for private householders in the borough who are looking to repair their properties.

Localism Act Marks Major Change To Planning System On 16th November 2011 the Localism Bill gained Royal Assent and was enacted.

The funds are administered by the Borough Council’s Private Sector Housing team and Care and Repair West Leicestershire and can be used to carry out works such as damp proof courses, roof repairs, electrical rewiring and heating repairs/replacement, subject to survey.

To qualify for financial assistance applicants would need to be receiving a qualifying benefit or be over the age of 60 where a financial test of resources can be applied.

For more information on the grant schemes and what is available please call Private Sector Housing on 01455 255734.

Care and Repair are a home improvement agency. Their role is to assist people with obtaining contractors’ quotes and completing the paperwork required when applying for financial assistance and monitoring the works as they are being carried out.

Care and Repair also have two schemes for the over 60s. A handy-person scheme for smaller general repairs and a Safe at Home scheme that installs locks and security measures.

For more information on these schemes please call Care and Repair on 01530 510031.

Alongside a wider package of planning reforms, the Localism Act marks a profound change to the English planning system. The Localism Act contains wide-ranging measures on local government finance, powers for London and a general power of competence for local authorities. In relation to planning, Part 5 of the Act introduces a procedurally complex new neighbourhood planning process; makes changes to the Local Development Framework (LDF) and planning applications processes; abolishes Regional Strategies; and introduces a ‘duty to co-operate’.

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of leading housing and planning charity, the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), said: “The effectiveness and fairness of the new regime will depend not just on the extensive legislation set out in the Localism Act, but also on a wider package of changes. These include the introduction of the New Homes Bonus, designed to incentivise housing growth, changes to Housing Benefit and a new National Planning Policy Framework, which will contain the key national policy direction for planning.”

“Now is the time for local authorities to seize the devolved powers in the Localism Act for the benefit of the communities they represent. The challenge will be to find the most effective balance between strategic housing policy and an emphasis on the localism approach; the balance between traditional land use regulation and fiscal incentives; and the degree to which, taken as whole, the reforms provide for a socially progressive framework which will ensure access to high-quality homes and communities.”

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“Now is the time for local authorities to seize the devolved powers in the Localism Act for the benefit of the communities they represent.” Kate Henderson

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You simply MUST stop taking other people’s advice.

21 A great idea for a Christmas present or a New Year’s gift!

2012 Parish Calendar now available

Thornton, Bagworth and Stanton-u-Bardon Well the Parish photography competition is over and the calendar pictures for 2012 have all been chosen - by independent judges of course! - from all the villages within the Parish.

Not only that, but a fourth judge, a professional artist, has just chosen the three photos she considers to be the best of all those entered, and we are delighted to include those here for you to see. When you have your copy of the Parish Calendar you will see two of those three “best of the best” photos.

The full-colour Calendar is available for just £5 (with complimentary manila envelope!).

Please ‘phone 01530 230 455 to order your copy, or email Pete and Jo on : peterleadbetter123@btinternet. com Why not send a calendar instead of a card this year?

All I ask for getting through the day is a warm smile, a kind word and unlimited control.

22

Cross Hills Baptist Church Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area

Shoebox Appeal Thank you to everyone who took part for their kindness and generosity. 44 filled shoeboxes have now been taken to our local Drop Off Point, The Hall School in Glenfield.

Where do children learn to be kind?

If there are young people in your life, ask yourself this: where are they learning to be kind, compassionate, and charitable towards others? Where are these values set out as basic principles of human behaviour?

At home? In school? Dame Joan Bakewell, 78, the former ‘pensioners’ champion’, is not so sure. “These days, where would young people even learn to value a commitment to charity or kindness? They don’t learn it in their home, they don’t learn it in school, it’s seen as soft. It’s not what you’re about. You’re meant to stand up for your own individual personality; make your way in the world.

“Kindness, empathy, generosity, are all in short supply. People used to learn it from the churches. I learned it at Sunday school. Where do you learn it now? I don’t know.” She adds: “On the whole, our society is quite cruel. We care about money, we care about fame, we care about success.”

Do you agree or disagree with Dame Joan Bakewell - drop us a line and let us know.

Santa to visit Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is delighted to announce that Santa will be making a special appearance at Ulverscroft Grange Community Support and Wellbeing Centre on Saturday 10th December.

For one day only; Ulverscroft Grange Community Support and Wellbeing Centre, with Tea Rooms and Charity Shop, will be opening a Santa’s Grotto, between 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Alan Norman, Chief Executive of the Foundation, said “this is a wonderful opportunity to bring the children along to see Santa, whilst relaxing in the Tea Rooms, browsing the charity shop and enjoying the magnificent views.”

Admission to Santa’s Grotto is £5.00 per child. For more information please contact the Admin Team on 01530 244914 or via admin@ shuttlewood-clarke.org.

Literally freezing to death More than 200 people will die in Britain every day this winter because of a coldrelated disease.

Most of these deaths will be among pensioners. Age UK, who did the research, has responded by launching a campaign, ‘Spread the Warmth’, to try and help the thousands of older people who are suffering this winter.

Age UK warns that cold weather and poor heating especially hit people with circulatory and respiratory diseases.

The warning followed a Government-commissioned report that found that 2,700 people die each year because they are unable to afford high fuel bills.

That is more than are killed on Britain’s roads.

School Assemblies Our Sunday Club leader, Ruth Holmes, assisted by Bekki Holmes, visited Dovebank and Thornton Primary schools in October to take their assemblies. They took their puppet, Tommy, and shared an interactive story about God wanting us to be sheepdogs and bring his sheep back into the fold. Tommy also entertained the children by singing “Lean on Him” to remind them that God is always there for them. Pencils were given to each child to help them remember their visit. The children really enjoyed both assemblies and Ruth and Bekki are looking forward to being able to visit again soon.

Christmas Carol Service, Saturday 17th December 7.30pm Marwood Brass Band will be playing for us again and we are expecting Santa to make his usual visit (and hopefully bring some sweets with him to hand out to the children!) Mince Pies will be served with tea and coffee afterwards.

An offering will be taken during this Service, with half going to support the work of the Lawrence House Hinckley Homeless Project and half to support Marwood Brass Band.

Christmas Services The weeks running up to Christmas can be very busy and stressful, especially during these financially uncertain times. Why not take some time out from the shopping and hustle and bustle and come and share the real joy of the Season by celebrating the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who came into this world in very humble circumstances. Our Sunday Club will be doing a short Christmas presentation at our 10.30am service

on Sunday 18th December and there will be a short informal service at 10.30am on Christmas Day. If you have visitors or family staying with you over Christmas, why not bring them along with you!

We are a very friendly church and look forward to meeting you. For full details of the dates and times of all our services please see the Church Service Information section in this magazine.

Wycliffe Bible Translators We are privileged to have Stewart Johnson speaking at Cross Hills at 10.30am on Sunday 15th January 2012. Stewart, Jo and their 3 children have recently returned to the UK after working for 18 years with Wycliffe Bible Translators in East Africa. They are back in England for the forseeable future but will continue to work with Wycliffe Bible Translators from the UK. They have a special interest in seeing the church in French speaking Africa grow through access to translated Scripture in the heart of people in West and Central Africa. Translation of Bible portions is no mean feat – it needs skill, highly trained colleagues and a high level of multicultural team work.

Please join us for this wonderful opportunity to hear how God has been there for the Johnson family over the last 18 years and how He continues to meet all our needs in a fast changing and sometimes discouraging world.

A very Happy Christmas to everyone and we look forward to seeing you.

Glynis Straw

Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

Contact Numbers Pastor: Garry Kelly 07816 616189 Secretary: Lynda Kelly - 07903 774491 Treasurer: Glynis Straw - 01530 230272 Parish Nurse: Vera Harding: 01530 230557 I found a way to make my wife drive more carefully. I told her, if ever she got in an accident, the newspapers would print her real age.

George is in the middle of a speech when someone at the back calls out ‘I can’t hear you.’ Someone at the front calls back, ‘Could we swap places?’

I’m addicted to placebos. I’d give them up, but it wouldn’t make any difference.

23

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Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them ... well, I have others.

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The school of experience would be more pleasant if there were a vacation once in a while.

25

County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason Your County Councillor and family wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

May I once again take this opportunity to request that should you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour living on their own over this festive period could you please consider them, they need your kindness and support.

So it is again the time of year when I reflect on the previous year and look at what has been achieved.

Well the County Council managed to maintain its high level of services and was recognised by central government as a top performing authority.

Leicestershire was again identified as the best council in the country for giving value for money to the taxpayers.

The County Council’s Care teams were again recognised as one of the best in the country and continued to increase the number of older people helped to live in their own homes 24/7. They have also increased support for carers and helped more people

to live independently through self directed support and supported living.

We have also seen a number of challenges as our local schools go through academy transformation and become more independent.

School transport continues to be scrutinised with the rules on distance being more rigorously enforced. Youth services have also changed to a more targeted service dealing with young people at risk of offending (Youth Offending Teams) and diverting them from anti-social behaviour.

(Youth Impact Teams) Locally we have managed to have a number of improvements for the area completed from highway and footway improvements and the continued much needed financial support to the most vulnerable. A number of Grants given to various local groups and projects across the area have again been secured and appreciated by them.

The introduction of the new initiatives of Community Budgets

Bagworth & Thornton Neighbourhood Watch Update

Now the clocks have gone back, and many of our homes will be in darkness before the occupants return home I wanted to share the tips below on how to keep our houses and property safe.

The dark evenings can make can our homes more vulnerable to thieves.

You can easily give the impression that someone is in even when there isn’t...

Steps to consider include: • Leaving a light attached to a timer, set to illuminate just as it gets dark.

Simple timers which fit into a plug are available from electrical and DIY stores. Others can be fitted to the light unit. For best results, use in more than one room, and adjust them through the autumn and winter to take account of darkness arriving earlier.

• Leaving a radio on or connected to a timer.

• Using a device which mimics the flicker of a TV (but uses a fraction of the electricity).

You should also: • Consider installing a burglar alarm. A professionally installed system for a three-bed roomed semi-detached house may cost up to £500, or you can fit it yourself for around £150.

• Fit and use good quality door and window locks.

• Keep your valuables where they cannot be seen through your windows.

• Register your valuables on the free property-marking website www. immobilise.com; in the event they are stolen this increases the chances of the police returning the property to you, and could help us prove the items have been stolen.

For more information on crime prevention, see: http://support.leics.police.uk/crime-prevention

Anita Beeby Neighbourhood Watch Development Officer email: nwdo@btinternet.com

and Big Society Grants has been implemented and are beginning to assist local community projects.

We have seen a number of extra improvements locally with the new extension to the Community Centre at Bagworth, new young people’s play areas, increased access for local residents and young people to local facilities and more community facilities being developed next year. My annual report can be accessed on the County Council website using the following address; http://politics.leics.gov. uk/documents/s56035/ Annual%20Report%20201011.pdf The difficult decision on council tax has been made over the past few years but still enables the County Council to meet the statutory duties as set by Central Government. We have also been making efficiency savings year on year and will continue to do so. As an administration we are committed to maintain a freeze on council tax for the benefit of all the population of Leicestershire.

So what will the new year bring, well we will see some of the work and improvements for the area completed in 2012 which again will improve our local area.

The future is again going to be a challenge to maintain our current services as budgets are squeezed and funding reduces. As in previous years the settlement we have received from Government will not meet increased demand, the County Council will however try to meet the shortfall with more efficiency savings, service charges and looking how to reconfigure some services.

We will see the Health & Wellbeing agenda develop and we will promote investing more NHS funding into preventative

health. We will work with the NHS to assist them in improving to be once again the envy of the world.

The strategy being developed will concentrate on moving resources out of the current illness service to a more positive wellness service and ensuring it is delivered more efficiently closer to home.

We will also continue to lobby Central Government and continue with our ‘Fair Share Campaign’.

We need a sensible grant settlement from government that meets the needs of a growing elderly population and the needs of the people of Leicestershire.

Despite these pressures I can say that the County Council will still continue to provide support to those most at need and deliver the most efficient and effective services possible throughout 2012.

I would also like to thank all those people, our MP David Tredinnick the Borough Councillors, Sue, Matthew, Ozzy and Chris and the Parish Councils who have given me their support and assistance over the last year; I will continue to try to represent you all to the best of my abilities in 2012 and continue to try and get our fair share of tax back which will actually enhance our local area.

May Sue and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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It’s hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere.

26

EIGHTIES POP WORDSEARCH find 12 Pop Groups From The 80s in the Wordsearch puzzle below, and you could win yourself a nice prize.

This month we are offering a first prize of:

A Main Course for Two plus A Bottle of House Wine at The Field Head Hotel and a SECOND PRIZE of:

A pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at the REEL CINEMA in Loughborough To go into the draw for the prizes, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - 12 80s Pop Groups. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your entry to: EIGHTIES POP, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 17th December 2011.

Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s Balaclava will win the Meal for Two (see ad on right), and the second will win the Cinema Tickets. Good luck!

Here are 12 groups you have to find: ALTERED IMAGES • AZTEC CAMERA • BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE DEPECHE MODE • HUMAN LEAGUE • KAJAGOOGOO REO SPEEDWAGON • SPANDAU BALLET • TEARS FOR FEARS THE DREAM ACADEMY • THOMPSON TWINS • ULTRAVOX Word Search Puzzle

E H U M A N L E A G U E V T S S

Y T U L T R A V O X A Z T E P N

S M I C A O Z T Y E B Q A A A I

R E E M K T U X K G E L D R N W

K E G D A A Q S Y H B X F S D T

H A O A A N F G D L Z K F F A N

T R J S M C Y Q Q Q X B E O U O

L C N A P I A D T T V R H R B S

Z B G T G E D M O I Z H E F A P

J M F T N O E E A I Z K H E L M

N J S K X V O D R E D T F A L O

N T E Q D Z I G W E R U M R E H

V L I N B G S P O A T D A S T T

T P S J P H Z S U O G L E G I U

A R E M A C C E T Z A O A H I B

D E P E C H E M O D E S N X T B

Name: ...................................................................................................

Thelma White’s lovely 8oth birthday treat!

Thelma White of Little Shaw Lane in Markfield has recently celebrated her eightieth birthday.

As a surprise, her deputy headmaster son Fred arranged a meal for Thelma and fellow members of the Shaw lane Friendship Club at The Greyhound in Botcheston.

This was followed by a presentation at the Markfield Community Centre, the Club’s meeting place.

Thelma was born in Donington-le-Heath but has lived at her present address for over 75 years.

The club would like to thank Fred for a most enjoyable meal, and to wish Thelma all the best for the future.

ALTEREDIMAGES AZTECCAMERA ..............................................................................................................

BIGAUDIODYNAMITE .............................................. Postcode: ................................................

DEPECHEMODE HUMANLEAGUE Last issue’s Wordsearch winners!

The first correct entry drawn out of the hat last month came from: KAJAGOOGOO G.A.PORCH of Oakfield Avenue, Markfield.

Congratulations! Your Meal & Wine Voucher to spend at the Field Head Hotel will be REOSPEEDWAGON sent to you in the next 21 days. The second correct entry drawn out came from BERYL KIMBERLIN of Lillingstone Close, Markfield.

SPANDAUBALLET Congratulations! Your Pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at The Reel Cinema in Loughborough will be sent to you in the next 21 days.

TEARSFORFEARS THEDREAMACADEMY I stayed in a really old-fashioned hotel last night. They sent me a wake-up letter.

Address: ................................................................................................

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Collection service now What do you know about cheaper and more convenient It’s a fantastic service!

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Connexions Leicester Shire provides information, advice and guidance for 13-19 year olds in Leicester and Leicestershire to help them make a smooth transition to adulthood and working life. Information, advice and guidance are available on a wide range of issues including jobs and careers.

Support to young people is offered by a network of Connexions personal advisers who offer specialist information, advice and guidance or act as brokers to further support services in the area. All young people in Leicestershire have a named personal adviser who they can access via their school or college, or by contacting their local Connexions Centre. Further details can be found at www.connexions-leics.org Information and advice is also available for adults about jobs, training and courses through Connexions’ Next Step service.

Next Step advisers can help local adults • Find a suitable job • Apply for courses and training opportunities • Write a great CV • Understand what financial support is available for learning.

Connexions Leicester Shire can also offer employers personalised, local support. For those organisations looking to employ or train young people, Connexions offers a free recruitment service. The Connexions Employer Services Team supports employers through the recruitment process, advertises vacancies to young people across the city and county, and offers advice, information and expertise.

Further details can be found at www.connexions-leics.org/employers Connexions Leicester Shire staff can be contacted at Connexions Coalville, 5 Hotel Street, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3 Tel: 01530 812 231 Email: coalville@connexions-leics.org

THE collection of bulky household items by the Borough Council has been made much easier and cheaper for residents.

The streamlined service means that residents are now able to have their electrical and non-electrical bulky items picked up at the same time, thereby reducing the cost for collections.

Under the new arrangement, residents pay £20 for up to three items, or £30 for up to five items, regardless of whether they are a mix of electrical and non-electrical goods.

Once the items have been collected, the continuing partnership with the charity Work-Link ensures that those suitable for recycling can be offered to people who receive benefits or are on low incomes. For more information on this service contact Work-Link on 01455 636506.

Items that cannot be re-used can now be stripped into components like wood and metal for recycling, rather than simply being sent to landfill, another step forward to improving recycling rates for the borough.

The new service also enables the council to deliver additional and replacement waste containers, reducing waiting times and improving the service for residents.

For more information about the bulky waste service, or to arrange a collection, please call 01455 238141. Payment can be taken directly over the phone and collections are usually scheduled for within five working days.

If you wait to have kids until you can afford them, you probably never will.

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Local Church Service Information

Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon Sunday 11th Dec Meeting at 10am with breaking of bread

Sunday 18th Dec No morning meeting, ‘Carols by candlelight’ at 4pm with mulled wine, mince pies & a special visitor for the children. All welcome!

No Meeting Christmas day New Year’s Day Meeting at 5pm, with fun & games for all the family.

Sunday 8th Jan Meeting at 10am with breaking bread Sunday 15th January Meeting at 10am

Markfield Congregational Church Sunday 4 December 10.15 am Morning Worship in the Church Hall followed by Communion Sunday 11th December at 10.15am The Sunday Club present their Nativity Sunday 18th December at 10.15am A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday 25th December at 10.15 am Christmas Day Family Service

7.30pm Carol Service with Marwood Brass Band & a visit by Santa, followed by mince pies, tea & coffee

Sunday 18th December 10.30am Family Service with a Christmas presentation from the Sunday Club Christmas Day, Sunday 25th December 10.30am Short informal Service to celebrate The Lord’s birthday Bring your favourite Christmas present, if it’s portable!

Sunday 1st January 2012 10.30am Morning Service No evening Praise Service Sunday 8th January 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper Sunday 15th January 10.30am Morning Service with Stewart Johnson of Wycliffe Bible Translators There is a Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section in this magazine.

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield Sunday 4th December 10.30am Morning Communion Service 4.00pm Circuit Service at Anstey Methodist Church

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield

Christmas Dayat St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon

10:15-11.30am Sunday Club for Children in the Congregational Hall on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays, term time All Age Service in Church on the 2nd Sunday each month.

Sunday 1st January 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 8th January 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th January 9.00 am Holy Communion

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth

Sunday 11th December 10.15 am Nativity Service at the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 18th December 10.30 am Holy Communion 6.00 pm Carol Service Saturday 24th December 6.00 pm Christingle Christmas Eve 11.30 pm Midnight Communion Sunday 25th December 10.30 am Benefice Holy Communion Christmas Day at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 1st January 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 8th January 10.30 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 15th January 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Service 6.00pm Evening Prayer

Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Friday 23rd December 4.00 pm Messy Christingle Sunday 1st January 9.00 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 11th December 9.15 am Holy Communion Tuesday 13th December 7.30 pm Young Farmers Carol Service Sunday 18th December 6.00 pm Carol Service Saturday 24th December 9.00 pm Christmas Holy Communion Sunday 25th December 10.30 am Benefice Holy Communion Christmas Day at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon

Sunday 1st January at 10.15am Morning Worship to welcome the New Year.

Sunday 11th December 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Café Church Worship

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon

Sunday 8th January at 10.15 am Morning Worship followed by Communion

Sunday 18th December 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Carol Service

Sunday 11th December 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 8th January 9.15 am Holy Communion

Sunday 15th January at 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield United Service in St Michael’s Parish Church.

Sunday 25th December 10.30am Morning Christmas Day Service 6.00pm No Evening Service

Sunday 18th December 6.00 pm Carol Service

Sunday 15th January 3.00 pm Praise Service

Saturday 24th December 4.00 pm Christingle

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton

Sunday 1st January 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service

St Wilfrid’s RC Church, London Road, Coalville

Sunday 4th December 10.30am Morning Service 5.00pm Advent Praise Service Sunday 11th December 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper

Sunday 8th January 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Café Church Worship Sunday 15th January 10.30am United Churches Together Service at St Michael’s Parish Church 6.00pm Evening Service

Saturday 17th December

ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

As part of our aftercare service, we now offer a monthly Bereavement Aftercare & Support Group, which has been set up to provide a FREE support service, not just to our clients, but to ANY bereaved person, irrespective of their age, creed, religion and length of bereavement.

The group meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12noon.

Next dates: Sat 17th December and ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548

Sunday 25th December 10.30 am Benefice Holy Communion Sunday 1st January 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 8th January 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 15th January am “Something Different”

Sunday 1st January 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Saturday 24th Dec 6.00 pm Mass Carols before Mass Saturday 24th Dec 9.30 pm Mass Carols before Mass Sunday 25th Dec 10.00am Christmas Day Mass

10.30

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 11th December 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 18th December 6.00 pm Carol Service Saturday 24th December 4.00 pm Christingle Christmas Eve 11.30 pm Midnight Communion Sunday 25th December 10.30 am Benefice Holy Communion

I have all the money I’ll ever need - if I die by 4 o’clock today.

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Herald Film Review from Tom Flowitt

Immortals (15)

Starring: Henry Cavill and Mickey Rourke 110 Minutes

King Hyperion (Rourke) wishes to unleash the Titans so that he can have his vengeance against the Gods.

The Gods, who have vowed not to interfere in human affairs, look to Theseus (Cavill) to put a stop the Hyperion’s plans and prevent war in the Heavens.

If you have seen the trailer for Immortals you will probably come to the conclusion that it’s a cross between Clash of the Titans and 300. This conclusion isn’t a million miles from the truth but don’t let that fool you. It doesn’t have the ambition of Clash or the intensity of 300. It tries to take the best from both but comes up short, alarmingly so in fact.

The story does at least manage to keep you interested but only just. The film lacks rhythm throughout and you are always one step away from losing interest. There is plenty of action however and some great set pieces that do have that 300 feel to them.

One thing it does have going for it is the cinematography because it looks visually stunning. This is one area where it does come close to matching 300. Another area where you can see the influence of 300 would be the amount of violence and gore throughout which can feel unnecessary at times.

Put simply, with the exception of Mickey Rourke, the acting is poor. Henry Cavill at times is more wooden than the Trojan Horse (closest wooden Greek reference I can think of). His speech which acts as a call to arms is so uninspiring in its delivery that I thought the soldiers would take their own lives so as not to hear any more.

Rourke stands out a mile and portrays real menace as King Hyperion. His sheer presence makes you want him to be in every scene but unfortunately he isn’t in the film for anywhere near as long as he should be.

Overall: It’s funny that a film with the title Immortals makes you pray it won’t last forever. If you like 300, then watch it again, as this will not be same experience.

2/5 Stars

Markfield Homemakers Programme Markfield HomeMakers meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, on the second Wednesday of the month at 8.00pm.

Contact No’s: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436 • Dec 14th ~ Christmas Party • Jan 11th 2012~ Dinner

Look What’s On At The Palace, Ibstock 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 267303

~ Forthcoming Events ~ Friday, 2nd December – An enchanting evening of storytelling. The opportunity to gather round and enjoy stories from Christmas’s past, told by candle light. Be enthralled and amused by a wonderful storyteller. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a gently warmed mince pie, Starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets: £4.00 adults, £3.00 children 16 years and under. For more details Tel: 01530 260460. (Suitable for 7+) Saturday, 3rd December – The Palace Christmas Craft and Gift Fair - from 10.00am until 3.00pm.

FREE ADMISSION. Large variety of interesting stalls including; Jewellery, wooden toys, hand-knitted goods, ceramics, cookies, books, bags PLUS craft supplies, Fair-Trade and much more ... Perfect for Christmas gift ideas.

Friday, 9th December – Ibstock Christmas Festival - SEE POSTER BELOW Saturday, 10th December – Christmas Community Morning - The Palace Community Centre, High Street, Ibstock will host a Christmas Community Morning with Santa in his Grotto and various stall between 10.00am and Midday. At 3.00pm there will Christmas entertainment by local children. Admission to both events is free and refreshments will be available.

Sunday, 11th December Indoor Car boot Sale at The Palace

Community Centre, High Street, Ibstock from 9.00am – 2.00pm. Pick up a festive bargain! Admission 20p.

Friday, 16th December – Christmas Film Night, Classic Ealing Comedy double bill. ‘Scrooge’ (1951) starring Alastair Sim and ‘Whisky Galore’ (1949) – mead and mince pies served in the interval. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00.

Saturday, 17th December - Palace Christmas Social Dance – A very popular evening of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence with Eddie ‘The Collector’, (D J and host). Doors/box office/bar open at 7.00pm. Dancing from 7.30pm ‘till 11.00pm.Tickets: £5.00.

Saturday, 31st December – New Years Eve Party – See in 2012 in style with the fabulous Simon Henley as ‘Elvis’ plus Richard Parker (compere/ comedian/singer). Party starts at 8.00pm. Tickets: £20.00, under 16’s £15.00 including buffet and disco. Bar and doors open 7.30pm.

IBSTOCK CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL FRIDAY, 9TH DECEMBER THE GRAND PARADE WITH SANTA LED BY IBSTOCK SCOUT BAND FROM ST DENYS CHURCH AT 7.00PM TO ARRIVE AT THE PALACE, IBSTOCK AT 7.30PM SANTA’S PALACE GROTTO 4.00PM - 5.OOPM & 7.30PM - 9.00PM INSIDE THE PALACE

IBSTOCK BRICK BRASS BAND & IBSTOCK COMMUNITY CHOIR INSIDE THE PALACE FROM 7.30PM

MEET Santa’s REINDEER (SPONSORED BY IBSTOCK BRICK)

CHildren’s rides and stalls BEHIND THE PALACE - SEASONAL REFRESHMENTS INSIDE THE PALACE –

SATURDAY, 10TH DECEMBER AT THE PALACE WITH SANTA CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY MORNING 10.00AM – MIDDAY ENTERTAINMENT BY LOCAL CHILDREN 3.00PM – FREE ADMISSION – REFRESHMENTS

I’m old enough to know better but I’m still too young to care.

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Letter from Uncle Eustace

On parish accounts, teapots and Labrador retrievers The Rectory St. James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren Your annual accounts – all 146 pages, bound in their plastic covers and laid out in faultless detail – are really most impressive. I was rather envious to note you have a clergy ‘discretionary fund’; were I given such a thing, my cellar of claret would improve immeasurably – although that is perhaps the reason why I am not given one.

The size of your office expenses makes me wonder if you have a staff rivalling that of the European Community. I suppose that at least you are doing your bit for job creation. Our dear Miss Marigold, who spends two hours a week randomly filing pieces of paper, mistyping rotas and failing to re-order stationery, is only rewarded by being the first to find out who are booking marriages and having their babies baptised – and if they do not happen in that order, that will be another piece of information remembered for future use. All this is information beyond the price of jewels in village communities.

Our accounts have more by way of charm than they do of accuracy, generally consisting of one sheet of handwritten paper. There are only ever three copies for circulation, as that is the limit of Colonel Denster’s carbon paper. It seems to be an unalterable tradition that they never balance, until we find the following year that the missing £20 was found months later under the teapot on the mantelpiece. One footnote to this was the occasion when the Colonel suspected an unaccountable £5 had been eaten by his Labrador. Our greatest expenses by far are categorised as ‘miscellaneous’, which is a catch-all for everything that our treasurer is unable to recall where it really went.

The thousands paid on church maintenance and diocesan fees are nodded through without comment – but if the money spent on Easter lilies or packets of tea for the Summer Fete increases by anything more than 50 pence, there will be much agonised debate and speculation about whether this is an indication of money laundering.

I see that your accounts were professionally audited. Fortunately, it does not matter too much about the accuracy of our own, as I have an arrangement with our auditor who lives in the village: if he refuses to sign them off, then I refuse to baptise his grand-children.

The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 24th Dec (Xmas Eve): THE MARTINS Sat 31st Dec (New Year’s Eve): THE CHEEZE Garden & Pub Games etc.

The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 Fri 23rd Dec: KARAOKE with Mark ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN The Bricklayers Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net (See Advert on page 13) The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 3rd Dec - Disco / Karaoke Sun 4th Dec - The “Austrian Stones” 3.30pm Fri 9th Dec - Christmas lights switch on and carols around the tree with mulled wine, mince pies and music - all welcome Sat 10th Dec - “Mick Ridgway’s” Mojo Hand Band Sat 17th Dec - “S Punk 7” Band Sun 18th Dec - Children’s Christmas Party - 3pm to 5pm with DJ Chick New Years Eve - The “Dirty Water” Band ALL SKY SPORTS AND ESPN www.myspace.com/ thorntonclub Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth.

Tel. 01530 230205

New members welcome.

Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month

Your loving uncle,

Eustace My husband, a U.S. Coast Guard pilot, was on an exchange tour with the Royal Navy in England. Everyone who drove through the base’s gates was required to hold an official ID card up to the windshield for inspection by the guards. As a friendly competition, my husband’s squadron started flashing different forms of ID, such as a driving licence, just to see how far they could go to fool the busy guards. The winner? The fellow who breezed past waving a piece of toast.

It was all so different before everything changed.

Last Friday of the month – Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each Sequence dances Sunday Nights. £1.00 admission 8 o’clock.

Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission.

Christmas Eve - lounge - Disco plus Sport Presentation.

Boxing Day - lunchtime - Music New Year’s Eve - Social Dance - 8pm-12 midnight - £2.50 on the door.

Contact: Glenda 01530 230467

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

Fri 2nd Dec: ABBA Sat 3rd Dec: ELVIS Fri 9th Dec: SWING MUSIC Sat 10th Dec: MICHAEL BUBLE Fri 16th Dec: MOTOWN Sat 17th Dec: BACKBEAT - Duo Fri 23rd Dec: 60s TRIBUTE Sat 24th Dec: DISCO Quiz Nite: 2nd Tues of Month (See Advert on page 26) The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats 3rd Dec Sat 17th Dec Boxing Night (’King of the Road’) Sat 10th Dec: Popular local Singer LYNN (See Advert Page 14)

Send details of your LOCAL pub and club entertainments and we’ll include them in this column FREE! Tremendous!

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10

Yea Guara r

ntee

For all the family

Friday 23rd December Bagworth Community Centre at 4.00 pm

Children of all ages - get a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend or neighbour to bring you

There will be lots of things to

Refreshments provided including Mulled wine, fruit drinks and mince pies Children must be accompanied by an adult Organised by Holy Rood Church

and the Benefice of Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton under Bardon and Copt Oak

Most of us spend our lives as if we had another one in the bank.