December 2013 herald magazine

DECEMBER 2013

Passing out parade for local soldier Thomas The proud family of a local soldier recently attended his passing out parade at Catterick Garrison.

Fundraising for Pudsey Bear

Courtney makes 150 cakes for Children in Need!

Mum and dad Abigail and Paul Smith said: “It was such a proud moment for us to see Thomas and all his platoon in their smart infantry uniforms. After 26 weeks of infantry training, Thomas Smith (18) of Markfield has now joined his regiment 3Rifles based in Edinburgh.

Abigail said: “Thomas you have shown courage, character, strength and determination.

Wishing you a brilliant future as you begin your military career.”

Thomas Smith

South Charnwood High School supported Children in Need with a non-uniform day for staff and pupils.

The amount raised overall was a wonderful £574.53. Special mention must go to Courtney Hill in 8JL who made over 150 cakes herself (with a little help from her family, I am sure) and sold them at break time and lunchtime, making a fabulous £126. She is pictured above with some of her creations.

Seasonal Greetings to Herald Readers!

As another year almost reaches its end, I’d like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed articles and news items to the magazine over the past 12 months - you’ve done a brilliant job keeping us all informed of what’s going on in our patch.

Thanks also to all of our wonderful advertisers who make publishing the magazine possible. Without your support, there would be no Herald.

Our fantastic printers - Norwood Press of Ellistown - deserve a big round of applause for managing to produce a quality product on time, every time - even when I’m late getting it to them!

Last but not least, please give three cheers for our team of deliverers who cheerfully walk the streets of Markfield, Field Head, Stanton, Thornton and Bagworth in all weathers every month to get the magazine to you.

Well done team!

Mike Wilkinson NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 11th January - Adverts & Articles Needed By 28th December

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I eat cake because it’s somebody’s birthday somewhere.

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.

Marathon Footie Journey

Last Stop, The Emirates The recent clash between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates Stadium saw a victorious Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

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

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The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Herald Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. The Herald cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

Whilst there is still a long way to go in the season, for one fan present, it was the end of journey that has spanned many years and many more miles!

Pete Johnson, a lifelong Leicester City fan, has completed his mission to see a football game in all 92 Premier League and Football League stadiums.

Pete, who lives in Markfield, was delighted that his final stop saw 1st take on 3rd in the Premier League but despite all the great stadiums he has visited, his favourite is still that of his beloved Leicester.

Well done to Pete on this fantastic achievement.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. The Herald reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication.

All contents © The Herald None of the articles or adverts contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from The Herald.

Tom Flowitt

New Minister at Markfield Congregational Church

This issue of The Herald is being delivered by The Herald’s team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Sarah Jane, Maureen, John, Lyn, Lily, Ian, Ann, Gill, Sandra, Helen, Don, Jeanie, Jenny, Lauren, Lisa, Daisy, Stacey, Ennyd, Margaret, Ellie, Hannah, Charlotte, Mike, Rowan, John & Sue.

AD RATES: PAGE 30

The year 2013 has been a very special year for Markfield Congregational Church. Not only were we nominated by The Congregational Federation as Church of the Year but we are also delighted to announce that we have appointed a part-time Minister.

Mrs Joy Langford (nee Ellison) now lives with her family in Whitwick but spent some of her childhood years here in Markfield. Joy has been involved with our Church over the intervening years together with her husband John.

So it was with great pleasure that on Saturday 2nd November 2013 a Service of Induction was held in our Church. The service was conducted

by Mr Michael Hockaday (pictured above with Joy), Mrs Angela Berry and Mrs Suzanne Knockles from Market Harborough Congregational Church. Joy’s family and friends were present at the service together with our own congregation and representatives from other Churches. After the service we all enjoyed refreshments and fellowship in our church hall.

We look forward to working together with Joy to move on in faith in what is a new chapter in the life of Markfield Congregational Church.

We offer a warm welcome so come along and meet our new Minister at our services on Sunday mornings at 10.15am (more details can be obtained from the notice board outside the Church) or a pastoral visit at home can also be arranged.

Dreams can come true The Charity dance at Bagworth Community Centre was a great success on Friday 22 November.

Despite several regulars not being present in body, £360 was raised for Wishes4Kids. This was collected not only on the night but also through kind donations.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this magnificent total.

The next Charity Dance is on New Year’s Eve (December 31st if you are not sure!). Don’t forget, it is at Thornton Community Centre beginning at 8 pm and finishing late.

Dances will include Sequence, Modern, Line Dancing and Party Dances. Tickets cost £2.50 and can be obtained from Ken, Glenda, Anne, Josie or from Norm’s Corner Shop in Thornton. In addition to the dancing, there will also be a bingo session and a raffle.

Please provide your own food and drink, whether it is alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Again, the charity being supported is Wishes4Kids.

The amount raised will be added to the £360 already raised. With your help, dreams can be made to come true for some deserving children.

In addition there will be a Christmas Social Dance at Bagworth Working Men’s Club on Saturday, 14th December beginning at 8 pm. Tickets cost £1.50. Again there will be a bingo session and a raffle. If you are lucky, you might win some Christmas presents!

Once again, thanks to everyone who helps to make these dances a success. They are certainly by everyone who takes part. For more information 01530 230467.

Ken Hill

I have a sunny disposition. I just don’t like to show it to anyone.

What is the point of having a local planning authority?

Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald Over the past few years I have attempted to keep readers updated on progress concerning Markfield’s Main Street.

I have pushed hard over many years to get improvements and maintain the key commercial heart of the community. The fact is the going has been tough in recent times but as I have mentioned recently things look to be turning the corner.

Despite the present upheaval the new Coop store is making good progress and is scheduled to finish in early to mid-January. When completed I think the new store and the new cottages (which will replace the existing store when it is knocked down) will be a real asset for the community. The new store will cleverly link the old George public house into a new modern building which will be the actual store. It would have been easy to have accepted having the George knocked down to make way for the new store but this would have been a mistake. The George is an important building along the Main Street and is one of its oldest inhabitants. It sits in the middle of the village conversation area and we should try and preserve its character alongside that of the Street. In my experience we tend to make the biggest mistakes when we knock things down rather than preserve or improve existing buildings.

The Red Lion A recent example of a refurbished building which really enhances the area is another former public

house, the Red Lion. The Lion had been closed for quite a while but now I’m pleased to say it looks back to its best. Having also had the pleasure to eat in the Vojon restaurant as it is now called, it’s not just the exterior that has been transformed but internally some impressive work has been carried out. It’s also true to say that food was very good and my meal was very much enjoyed. I hope the restaurant remains a success.

All we need now is for the Institute redevelopment to pick up some momentum now it has been resold. I have no idea who has brought the site in question but I just hope they revert back to the original plans first passed for the site which personally would have been much better for the overall appearance of the street and allowed us to make better use of the millennium garden to the rear.

Stanton planning application I recently attended the planning appeal on the Milner application to build yet more new houses at Stanton. I made representations to the Government’s planning inspector on behalf of the community alongside Mary Briggs the vice chair of the Parish Council.

In many ways the appeal is of critical importance not just for Stanton but for all communities who seek some protection from unwarranted over-development, which this will be if granted. In the past few years Stanton has done more than any other community to work to accommodate new housing development and to seek positives from this for the community. It rose to the challenge

of this Government’s supposed localism agenda by participating in the planning process, not simply refusing all applications that came its way. On the back of two well attended public meetings the village chose a site to be developed as its preference site, which more than met its own local housing need for the future. It also secured on the back of this, the building of a new community centre - an aspiration which has existed for a long time.

These actions alone should have been more than enough to ensure no further development was allowed in the village for many years to come and that is what appeared to be the promise at the time. However, no sooner had the village moved in this direction with the Borough Council’s support at the planning committee, than this government decided it was going to break its promise and instead go in the opposite direction and relax planning restrictions and give the green light to development in the open countryside.

The Borough Council and the community lost when the appeal made by David Wilson homes to the government was successful.

This decision flew in the face of logic and allowed development to take place well in excess of the local housing need for the area.

The Milner application will take this even further above local needs, resulting in a massive increase in the population of the village and kicking the community in the teeth; a community that engaged in the process and clearly deserves better treatment.

In essence these were some of the things I pointed out to the

I do all my own stunts, but never intentionally.

inspector and I just hope he listens. If however the appeal is won and these houses get the green light, I am tempted to ask what the point of having a local planning authority really is. Is it really simply to rubber stamp applications devoid of any community benefit or face the prospect of the government doing it for you. If this is the case we had better watch out, for one of the main functions and great traditions of local government will have been swept aside.

Festive good wishes Finally can I take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for this Christmas time and personally hope for a great 2014 for everyone. I do know however that for some people, 2013 has had its challenges and that these may well remain. So as we celebrate, let us not forget those in the midst of our communities less fortunate than ourselves, those who may have suffered great sadness or have had poor health. If you can do just a little to bring some comfort to someone during this time of year, please do so and remember the words of one of my favourite sayings; “I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Many thanks for your continued support.

Matthew

Movember at South Charnwood!

Many male members of staff at South Charnwood High School sported moustaches during the month of November in support of the “Movember” campaign to raise money for research into prostate cancer.

The teachers started growing full beards at the beginning of November and then shaved them off, leaving just the moustaches, which lasted until the Year 7 Parents’ Evening at the end of the month. Mr Haughan’s tutor group even sported false moustaches for one day in support.

Colleagues sponsored the group and collecting tins were put out at Parents’ Evening.

Thank you to all those parents who contributed and special thanks to the teachers who took part. The total raised was over £230.

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Time to buy your Parish Calendar!

It’s that time again! The Parish calendars are printed and ready to be bought as Christmas presents, at just £5 each – the same price as the past 2 years.

There are the usual beautiful pictures, and also this year, an added whimsical ‘mouse’ cartoon on the corner of each page (big enough for artists of all ages to colour in!).

And we have added an extra page at the end, featuring 16 of the photos that were not chosen for the final calendar.

Over 80 were submitted in total – all lovely and all unique – but we ran out of room! Thank you to all our marvellous photographers who sent in their work.

Our winning photographers were: Dawn Woodward • Janet Peberdy • • Delia Geary Phil Crompton • William Garlick • Colin M Harris • • Stephen Miller Andy and Flo, from Phil Crompton • Jo Leadbetter To purchase your calendar(s), please ‘phone Jo on 01530 230 455, email me on jl172@le.ac.uk or email the parish magazine editors on : link@beechdrive.demon.co.uk

Middle age is the time in life when, after pulling in your stomach, you look as if you ought to pull in your stomach.

When I turned two I was really anxious, because I’d doubled my age in a year. I thought, if this keeps up, by the time I’m six I’ll be 90.

Don’t worry about what people think. They don’t do it very often.

Enjoy Two Christmas Events in Stanton!

Friday 13th December 2013 Stanton under Bardon Singers and Musicians Christmas Concert at 7.30p. m.

To Be Held in St Mary & All Saints Church, Stanton under Bardon Tickets available on the door £4.00 including refreshments.

Monday 16th December 2013 Carols Round The Village in aid of LOROS. Starting at the top of the village at 7.00pm.

Please come and join us or listen out for us. Thank you.

Gail Massey

Letter

Cheryll of Bagworth is seeking sponsorship for a 450km charity cycle ride in China In September next year I am doing a 450km charity cycle ride in China in aid of 3 cancer charities. I am aiming to raise at least £3,200.

This is the latest in several charity challenges I have done over the years, including 2 tandem skydives and 3 Cancer Research Races for Life.

I one of only 2 women in Leicestershire who are doing this challenge - the other being in Rutland.

If you would like to read more about what I am doing the links for my Face Book page and Just Giving page are below.

I live in Bagworth.

Cheryll http://www.justgiving.com/spindercycle Read all about my challenge, training, fundraising on my Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/MyChinaCycleChallengeSeptember2014

Alcohol does NOT help you sleep A nightcap may make your sleepy at the beginning of the night, but the quality of your sleep will suffer.

It seems that alcohol disrupts your sleep later in the night, and you get less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which makes you feel less rested when you wake up. During REM sleep, which should last up to 25 per cent of the night, the brain becomes more active, performing the vital task of reorganising your memory. So a lack of REM can harm your concentration, motor skills and memory. The research was done at the London and Edinburgh Sleep Centres.

Keep safe during the dark nights AS winter approaches and the nights draw in, the Hinckley and Bosworth Community Safety Partnership is encouraging residents to keep themselves and their property safe.

The Darker Nights Campaign aims to tell everyone in the community, young and old, what they can do to protect what is important to them.

The partnership, which includes the police and local council, will be working alongside volunteers and community groups to advise people on how to make their property safer and reduce the chance of having property stolen or damaged.

Some local residents, who may be vulnerable, will get light timers to use in their property, and may be able to get additional locks and security items fitted free of charge. Smart Water will also be available to buy at a reduced cost to mark any items of value.

Councillor David Bill, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: “With the darker nights approaching it is very important houses are secure, especially with our older population and more vulnerable residents. Lock front doors even when you are in the house and ensure car keys are placed away from letter boxes.”

Successful Martial Arts Seminar at Markfield Community Centre Martial Artists from around the county descended on Markfield Community Centre on the 23rd of November to take part in a multi-style seminar.

The event, organised by Andy Walker of the Markfield Zen Goshin Ryu Martial Art School, showcased some of the best Martial Arts in the midlands. Over 30 instructors/students attended the 6 hour event, which saw demonstrations in Karate, White Tiger Kung Fu, Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, Escrima and Rapid Arnis.

The guest of honour was Grand Master Peter Thorn of the Tai Gik Koon Kung Fu Association. With 50 years of Martial Arts experience, he is one of the most respected and knowledgeable instructors in the country. Peter commented “... on how professional the event was and the enthusiasm of all the participants. To get a collection of such diverse styles together in the same place is a great advert for Martial Arts.”

The Zen Goshin Ryu Martial Arts School is the leading club in the area, with 11 classes and over 140 students of all ages. For anyone interested in joining this or any of the other clubs taking part in the seminar, please contact Andy Walker on 07975 833078. (See ad on page 17.)

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“Always leave them wanting more” is my standard approach to paying bills.

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, are they warm and getting a hot meal? 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; for my family and I it has been a difficult year with one thing and another, the highlight being the County Council elections in May. By returning me as your County Councillor under a different political banner is a great honour.

I once again thank you all for your continued support and will try to represent the area to the best of my abilities. During the election I was reminded of the saying; “I will never regret the things I did wrong, I will only regret the good things I did for the wrong people.” This sums it up I think. So the next four years will be a truly challenging time with the massive government funding cuts taking effect. I will do all I can to make sure we get our fair share of council funds and services.

We have seen our local schools go through the academy transformation and becoming more

independent. The Department for Education also agreed for our schools to change their age ranges which should help our kids achieve even better results.

School transport continues to cause concern with the rules on distance being more rigorously enforced.

The Council are now consulting on a new model for home to school transport which will be based on the pupils’ nearest school.

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.

We have seen the new road safety and speed reductions schemes completed at Field Head, Desford and Bagworth. A number of Grants given to various local groups and projects across the area have again been secured and appreciated by them.

Local community projects The introduction of the Community Budgets and Big Society Grants have continued and are assisting local community projects, including the much needed Markfield Skate Park and the Desford Good Neighbours scheme. We have seen a number of extra improvements locally with the continued work to the Community

Centre at Bagworth, the increased access for local residents and young people to our local facilities and even more community supported local facilities being developed.

The difficult decision on funding will be needed to be made by the County Council as Government grant cuts start to impact. The efficiency savings made year on year have helped but new saving ideas will continue to be needed so as to tackle the shortfall in central government funding.

Street lighting We have already seen some cuts to services being implemented, street lighting being turned off and the reduced opening times of the County Waste Recycling sites.

As your County Councillor I am also fully aware that due to rising household bills family budgets are being squeezed. This is why I am committed to pushing to maintain a freeze on council tax which benefits all the population of Leicestershire.

So what will the new year bring, well we will see the new housing developments across the area completed and some of the planned local improvements being completed in 2014 which again will improve our local area. The county street lighting great turn off will continue with Markfield being the next area to see lights being turned off. The future to maintain the

David Sprason current services over the next few years is uncertain as Government funding is drastically cut. As in previous years the settlement received from Government plus Council Tax will not meet current demand or the growing demand.

We will continue to lobby Central Government to return funding to local areas rather than increasing non UK funding. We need a sensible grant settlement from government that meets the needs of a growing elderly population and the needs of the local people of Leicestershire.

I would like to finish off by taking the opportunity to thank all those people 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 2014 and continue to try and get our fair share of tax back which will actually enhance and benefit our local area.

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

David

Leicestershire to shape ground-breaking support service An innovative new service is set to give families more choice and greater control over support for children with special educational needs or disabilities.

Leicestershire County Council is one of just 10 authorities across the UK chosen by the government to help develop a pioneering new national project called SENDirect.

Under the scheme, parents or young people who are eligible for a ‘personal budget’ will be able to create a tailored support package, helping to reduce

bureaucracy and put families in the driving seat.

The council’s role is to help to devise a new, one-stop online directory which brings together all the services available from a variety of agencies and enables people to make informed choices about the support they need.

It’s working with the SEND Consortium on the website which is due to be launched in March 2015.

Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We’re pleased to be working with the SEND Consortium on this ground-breaking project and to have the opportunity to shape such an important new service.

“Improving support for families is at the heart of this and we’ve worked closely with parents and young people on this project which aims to give them more control, greater choice and the flexibility to tailor the care they need.

“Having successfully rolled out personal budgets to over 6,000 adults in Leicestershire, we are well placed to create a similar approach for children and young people and I look forward to the project developing.”

Jolanta Lasota from the SEND Consortium says: “It’s fantastic that Leicestershire County Council has agreed to help us develop our planned brokerage service

SENDirect. Helping children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities and their families receive the right services at the right time is key.

That’s why with the council’s help, we are developing SENDirect.

“As well as supporting families to be more aware of what services are available for their disabled child it will provide the tools and information to support them to have more control over their personal budgets. At the same time, SENDirect will support providers and commissioners fill any gaps in the services they provide.”

The SENDirect project is funded by the Department of Health and the Department for Education.

The worst part about sharing a name with someone famous is I’m always telling people, no, I’m not THAT Batman.

10

Local Charity Appeals for Old Electrical Goods If you are looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a new appliance this Christmas please give The Marlene Reid Centre a thought if your old domestic electrical appliances such as cookers, washing machines, fridges, freezers and microwaves are still in good working order.

The REACT project based behind the The Marlene Reid Centre in Coalville, is currently in very short supply of domestic appliances. All goods are tested and repaired by a qualified engineer and then passed onto local people on low income for a nominal charge. Collection of the items can be arranged.

Any funds raised from selling the electrical appliances and reused furniture is returned to the project to fund training for the long term unemployed. Lorrraine Harrison, Re-Use Service Manager explained “We are in desperate need of electrical appliances at the moment, people’s unwanted items are needed to help those who aren’t able to afford to buy new items and it saves people having to arrange having the items collected and taken to the tip” Lorraine continued “Unlike national charities, we are a Coalville based

charity which means funds raised from selling these items goes straight back into the community so anyone donating anything to us are genuinely helping local people”.

10 million items of furniture are thrown away in the UK every year and four million children in the UK live in households that cannot afford to replace worn out or broken furniture. Last year the REACT project reused 3,630 items of furniture saving more than 78 tons from land fill.

For those wishing to come along and browse the current stock of brand new and reused furniture and electrical appliances, the REACT furniture warehouse is open Mondays to Fridays from 9.00am to 2.30pm. The warehouse, which is open to the general public, is well stocked with brand new mattresses and beds including wooden slatted beds and faux leather bed frames, as well as bedroom furniture and sofas and corner settee all competitively priced.

New furniture can be delivered for a nominal charge and for anyone in North West Leicestershire on means tested benefits, delivery is completely free.

The Marlene Reid Centre 85 Belvoir Road, Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3PH Tel: 01530 510515 Fax: 01530 814632

Email: mail@mrc.uk.net Web: www.mrc.uk.net So, if you are having a clear out and have any electrical appliances, furniture, bedding or anything you think may be of use to us please call the REACT Furniture Project directly on 01530 512454 or email react@mrc.uk.net To find out more about the REACT project and MRC Community Action visit www.mrc.uk.net

My dog’s not very intelligent, he only understands two words: Sit and Profitability. It took me ages to teach him to sit. For a long time, he was running a small business standing up.

I always get very emotional when I go to weddings. The last wedding I went to, I cried my eyes out. It was when the vicar said, ‘I’m afraid she hasn’t turned up.’

From the moment our eyes first met, I knew I would spend the rest of my life avoiding you.

11

Free Children’s Play Time at Bagworth WMC

Call For Help For Leicestershire And Rutland’s Vulnerable Families And Elderly This Winter

Too cold to play outside?

As weather forecasters warn of another bitterly cold winter ahead, three local charities have partnered up to ask people who do not need their Winter Fuel Payment to donate it, to help those who desperately need support.

Starting Saturday 7th December, Children’s Play Time will take place at Bagworth WMC, Station Road, Bagworth between 12 noon and 1.30pm.

Come along and enjoy games, music and play. There will be a Mother & Father creche available - and it’s FREE!

Traditional Door & Cemetery Wreaths Made To Order From £5.00 Each Contact Vicki On 01530 230389 (raising funds for Coalville Foodbank)

Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation has launched its Surviving Winter 2013 appeal, in partnership with Charity Link, and Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland.

Last year, £1.2million was raised across the UK by Community Foundations, with many prominent citizens giving their unwanted Winter Fuel Payments. 20,000 elderly and vulnerable people benefited from crucial extra fuel, clothing, food and advice.

The Community Foundation sets up tax-efficient local charitable funds for companies and individuals, distributing local support for clients including Mars, Comic Relief, Grant Thornton, Jamie Lewis Residential, Smallman and Sons and Leicestershire Asian Business Association.

In 2010, the Community Foundation helped Glenfield pensioners Paul and Sue Newman, to establish the campaign, backed by local celebrities including Rosemary Conley and Alan Birchenall.

“About £60,000 in Winter Fuel Payments and other donations were generously given by local people,” says Paul.

“We were overwhelmed by the interest and support Leicestershire people gave, and we’re delighted that the Community Foundation is taking up the baton for us. We are unable to lead the campaign this year, but it’s still an issue close to our hearts.”

Katy Green, Chief Executive of Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation, said: “Fuel price rises, and the rise in the costs of living, can affect older people and families disproportionately. If people want to donate all or part of their Winter Fuel Payment, or want to make another gift, we will work with Charity Link and Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland to ensure that the donations go to local needs.”

The donations will be used as individual payments via Charity Link to local families and individuals in crisis this winter, and will enable Age UK to help elderly people throughout the season with additional fuel and other support.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows that there were almost 24,000 excess winter deaths in people aged over 65 in 2011/12. Age UK calculated that this was 193 daily excess winter deaths or 8 per hour.

It is not just the elderly facing challenges at this time of year. The consequences of higher energy bills and increased cost of living are being felt by families across the UK. According to research by Barclays more than half (56%) of parents admitted that their family budget is in a worse state than summer 2012 while a third (34%) are struggling to cope with their finances being squeezed and stretched at the same time.

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12

Garden Jottings with Ted Brown of Markfield

From the large Iris family, most of those chosen by gardeners are of the late Spring/early Summer flowering kind.

Spectacular, if rather fleeting in flower - this applying to both the dwarf and normal size plants. There are other Iris grown for qualities other than superb flowering and it is to recommend three or four of these that this article is written.

The Winter flowering Iris

Iris

There are a few named varieties.

One, with an R.H.S. award, is ‘Mary Barnard’. Sadly, the name of the Winter Iris is now the unfortunate Iris Unguicularis, changed from the rather pleasant Iris Stylosa.

Now two native species, easy to grow, with none of the fussiness of the previous Iris.

I recall that, not so many years ago, many articles were written, and instructions given, for the successful cultivation of this plant.

It’s strange that, nowadays, one barely sees it mentioned. Yet it is a super plant and rather a challenge to grow successfully. Foliage is thin and grass-like. When happy, and in mild spells between Autumn and Spring, fragrant lilac-blue flowers are borne. These are ideal for cutting. The plant hails from Algeria so requires a sunny wall or fence. A rubbishy soil is ideal and never, ever be tempted to feed. The famous old gardener Mr Bowles once said, “Patience is the only manure this plant needs.”

Iris Unguicularis

Firstly, Iris Foetidisssima (above) - This is the ‘Gladwin Iris’ or sometimes ‘Stinking Gladdon’ or ‘Roast Beef Iris’. Good as a foliage plant, the flowers are nothing much, its glory being the bursting seed pods, revealing shining orange berries. I remember in my Nursery days, stocking two unusual types, one with yellow berries and one with white. There is a good form named ‘Citrina’ - made famous at Hidcote Gardens where it was wrongly named as ‘The Chinese Form’.

The second native species is Iris Pseudocorus. This is the 4 ft. common wild Flag Iris - a beauty in itself. Also in its paler creamy variation, Iris P. Bastardii. I am wrting, however, to particularly mention its variegated form - Iris P. Variegata. Early in the season, it has the most beautiful yellow stripes on leaves. It does lose them later.

All make good garden plants but do

need watering in dry Summer spells.

When acquiring any Iris, always ensure that the foliage quality is good, both as a garden feature and as cut foliage for the house. The best I know of is Iris Pallida, Form Pallida, which remains in beauty for the whole season. Flowers, quite good of a standard Iris blue.

There are also two good forms of Iris Pallida - one with white striped leaves and one with yellow stripes.

Both are grown as foliage plants, as the blue flowers are not brilliant.

Nothing like the quality of the flowers of Iris Pallida, Form Pallida.

I omitted to mention that this plant is sometimes called ‘Pallida Dalmatica’.

Anyone wishing for a blue flowered Iris with green foliage, Iris Pallida, Form Pallida is the one to grow.

Markfield Miss Slinky Winner

Slimming World’s local group held a competition for Miss Slinky and the winner was Sabrina Howell from Markfield.

Propagation Apart from the Winter Iris, all the above may be lifted for rhizome division.

Leaf fans may be reduced in height to 5 or 6 inches so as to avoid wind rock. Division is after flowering and will need watering carefully. The Winter Iris should remain in a clump, with small divisions taken from sides.

Sabrina was voted as the winner by her fellow group members for being friendly, approachable and having a wealth of ideas on recipes, always there for members supporting them through thick and thin.

Well done Sabrina - a well deserved winner!

Estelle Jarvis Cocker went to the doctor. He said, ‘Whenever I listen to my greatest hits, my heart speeds up.’

The doctor said, ‘Those are Pulpitations.’

Every person has a story to tell, which is why I never talk to people.

13 Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council

Gypsies and Travellers & Earl Shilton SUE

By Steve Atkinson, Chief Executive HBBC

I have been asked to clarify factual matters on two issues, as there seems to have been some confusion in recent statements in the media.

Council Policy on Gypsies and Travellers - Needs Assessment This study was commissioned to assess the need for additional authorised gypsy and traveller site provision within the Borough, as required by Government guidance.

This commission required also the identification of whether any extra site provision should be on public or private sites. In parallel with this work, the consultants were asked to assess the capacity of existing sites and their ability to accommodate more pitches; this included the potential for increased density or extensions of physical boundaries of sites.

The conclusion of this study, adopted by the Council’s Executive on 11 September 2013, as an evidence base for local plan preparation, was that there is sufficient capacity on existing private sites (with higher density/ expanded boundaries), subject to their deliverability, to accommodate additional needs until 2027.

Any ‘ad hoc’ planning applications for traveller sites will be addressed on their merits.

Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) In an article in The Hinckley Times on 7 November 2013, there was a reference to ‘secret’ plans to build 400 houses on land off Mill Lane in Earl Shilton, additional to those that have recently been promoted by developers as part of their preparation for an SUE application, due for submission early in 2014.

For the avoidance of doubt, the extent of the SUE site has remained consistent since the publication of the Earl Shilton Masterplan in 2010 and has always included the land within the Earl Shilton by-pass between Mill Lane and Thurlaston Lane. The Area Action Plan (the delivery of the strategy) agreed by the Council on 16 July 2013 requires that a ‘minimum of 1600 homes will be provided within the Earl Shilton SUE’.

Confusion may have arisen from the fact that, until very recently, developers were not preparing a single consortium application for the SUE. We are now expecting a single application to be made. There have been no ‘secret’ discussions seeking to add to the overall development, which remains as agreed over three years ago.

I went to a computer shop and said, ‘Whenever I plug in my laptop it overheats.’

He said, ‘That’s not a laptop. It’s a George Foreman Bar and Grill.’

My telephone tells me if the host of ‘Big Brother’ is trying to ring.

It’s got Davina Call waiting.

HAMLIN’S PLUMBING SERVICES All Types of Plumbing Work Undertaken No job too small Call Mick on 01530 245155 or 07813 065538 Qualified Local Plumber with Years of Experience

If a man said he’ll fix it, he will. There is no need to remind him every 6 months about it.

14

News from Markfield Community Centre

Information supplied by Ron Grantham of Markfield Community Association Christmas Toys on the Table Appeal If you are a reader of the Leicester Mercury you will see that the Centre is once again providing a venue where you can donate toys for its Christmas Toys on the Table appeal.

Markfield World Championship Sumo Wrestling Finals

This appeal aims to provide Christmas presents for the most disadvantaged children in the County. Last Christmas we received many generous toy gifts from people in the village and we sincerely thank them all for their kindness. If you would like to bring a smile to a child’s face this Christmas Day please just pop in a new unwrapped toy into the Centre and we will make sure it is passed on to the Christmas Toys on the Table Appeal organisers. Once again, many thanks for your continued support and kindness.

Recent Events at the Centre Spooky Goings On I know Halloween has long passed by and our thoughts are now about planning for Christmas but I do have to mention our now traditional Junior Youth Club Halloween Party held on the 29th October and what a fun night it was.

Our youngsters delighted in making pumpkin lanterns and getting soaked through with apple bobbing as well as other traditional Halloween games before entering our infamous and scary chamber of little horrors. The evening was concluded by yours truly being requested to repeat a scary Halloween story song that I had learnt in Cubs many years ago.

It was strange how the usually “brave heart” boys disappeared as soon as I started the song! The final message was that the children should enjoy Halloween but not cause upset or annoyance to others and it was pleasing to see so many children about on Halloween Night dressed up in their fancy dress, accompanied by their parents/guardians, being polite and causing no bother.

Teagan Wilkes’ Birthday Celebration

As part of Teagan’s birthday party we were delighted to host the Markfield “older” person’s no holds barred and free style Sumo Wrestling local international heats final.

In the red corner was “Gnasher” Danny the Teeth and in the blue corner “Two Ton” Jack the Lad. Ding Dong round one Gnasher makes a frantic charge at Two Ton only to be deftly side swiped and hurled to the canvass.

Ding Dong round two - Gnasher tries a different approach by circling Two Ton and attacking with a belly flop but Two Ton’s rather larger be lly resists the force and once again Gnasher is thrown to the floor. Ding Dong round three – Gnasher’s last chance to avoid defeat and roared on by the crowd he uses his agility and speed to circle Gnasher before launching a final frantic and somewhat desperate attack. The combatants are locked in a deathly hug before both collapsing into a sweaty heap on the floor in a stunning draw. With a mixture of boos, hisses and cheers Two Ton is announced as the winner but I doubt very much if either of our noble protagonists will ever reach the world finals so don’t give up your day jobs.

Swap till You Drop Do you fancy changing your wardrobe and creating a new one or indeed having a new outfit for Christmas well here’s your opportunity!

On Friday 6th December we will be hosting a Christmas Frock Swap event at the Centre in aid of the Rainbows Children’s Charity and Breast Cancer Care where you can bring along your pre-loved clean and good quality clothes, shoes and accessories and swap them for someone else’s. This does not include lingerie, sleepwear, sportswear or plain T-shirts.

The event starts at 7pm with the swap beginning at 8.30pm. In addition to the swap there will be shopping stalls, make up and style advice, licensed bar and a wheelbarrow of wine raffle. Tickets cost £5 in advance or £6 at the door and are available at from Centre. For further information email swaptillyoudropevents@gmail.com.

Support the Elderly Project

On Friday 25th October one of our most regular (and vocal) youth club members Teagan Wilkes celebrated her birthday at the Centre with family and dozens of friends.

They had a whale of a time with Sumo Wrestling and devouring copious amounts of slush puppy and candy floss. Happy Birthday Teagan from all at the Centre.

I am delighted to inform you that we have been successful in our application to receive a grant from the Hinckley and Bosworth Voluntary and Community Sector Commissioning Board to provide a pilot project that aims to provide support for our elderly residents in the village and surrounding rural areas.

The aim is to provide a co-ordinated approach to the well being of our older residents their carers and families specifically those areas that affect their general happiness including community involvement, keeping active and busy, health, social care, housing and the home. We hope to start this project soon and further details will be circulate through the Herald, at the Centre and through our members groups.

If I look tired at the end of the day, it’s because I just spent eight solid hours looking busy.

15 Monday Evening Senior Youth Club A little reminder that our new Senior Youth Club now takes place on Monday evenings 6.30pm to 8.30pm and our junior youth club remains on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Just come along and join in the fun.

Forthcoming Events for your diary National Blood Service For those who wish to donate much needed blood the National Blood Service will be at the Centre on Wednesday 11th December.

Seasons Greetings And finally on behalf of all our management committee, staff and volunteers may I take this opportunity to wish all our users, friends and supporters a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Look out for our Christmas Tree!

Book Your Money Saving Special Offer 2013/14 Don’t forget that we still have a special offer available of free room hire for bar functions that will help you out with the cost of special events, family occasions, parties and other celebrations. For further information please contact the Centre.

For booking and enquiries please contact Markfield Community and Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST, ring us on 01530 242240 or email at markfieldcommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk Visit our website at www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com to see our facilities, latest news, photo gallery and information about the Centre

Letter

Thank you!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who kindly contributed to my doorto-door poppy Appeal collection which made £218.19p.

Olive Lovitt, Bagworth

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Stanton Under Bardon Parish Council Minutes Please note that these extracts are taken from the unapproved minutes and therefore may be subject to alteration. The information is kindly supplied to the Herald by Stanton Parish Council.

Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 5th November 2013 at The Youth Club, Stanton under Bardon, Leicestershire at 7.00pm

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Community Police Comments No reported Crime this month. PC Green has made a request to the LCC Highways in respect to the street lamp opposite the Youth Club, to ask if this could be kept on all night due to two recent crimes there.

County Councillor’s Report Report provided by MrSprason over the phone - HBBC are looking to increase the number of traveller sites as part of the core strategy as follows: • Copt Oak extended to 4 pitches • Costalot extended to 6 pitches • Station terrace, Bagworth extended to 2 pitches Borough Councillor’s Report The Milner Planning appeal hearing will take place on the 20th November 2013 - Mrs Mary Briggs and Mrs Jane Lawrence-Baines are

attending on behalf of the Parish Council.

The Local development Framework is looking at increasing gypsy sites as above. This will go out to public consultation .

Clerk’s Report With regard to the Street Signs: The Council was interested in those like Markfield’s, but these were included as part of an environmental improvement scheme which is no longer running.

Parish Properties Recreation Ground Report filed by Mr Stuart Bridges - the roundabout needs to be replaced. The annual recreation inspection will be taking place shortly and will be undetaken by Wicksteed Leisure.

Bottom & Top Allotments Inspection and Letters All the allotments are well cultivated (Top and Bottom). One letter to be sent out to an allotment holder who has been refused permission to put water tanks on his allotment, but has done so anyway.

The Risk Assessment produced by the guardians of the allotments will be combined with the Parish Council’s Risk Assessment. Copies of this will be sent to the Allotment Holders. A sign and a gate will also

be needed for the allotments.

On the issue of composting it was agreed that grass cuttings, vegetables, small plants are allowed back on to the site Contracts to be amended when received in January 2014 - any suggestions for amendments to be sent to the Parish Council.

The Top soil from the old allotments will be used by the developers.

Trees - Recreation ground Letter received from Mr and Mrs Yeoman’s regarding a Yew Tree and a privet bush that are on the Recreation Ground at the back of their garden which need to be cut down. Brian Mee to be contacted for a quote on this.

Section 106 Contributions Waiting for conformation form the Borough Council as to the amount the Council will receive from David Wilson.

I’ve been thinking about trying some cosmetic surgery. All of my family and friends recognize me.

17

Karate, Kickboxing and Kung Fu

We have established ourselves as the leading martial arts school in the area. Our unique blend of styles is ideal for adults, children and families wanting to learn a practical, but effective martial art.

Call today for your free trial session

Visit our website www.leicestermartialarts.co.uk or call 07975 833078/07861 303272 for more information “Training where everyone is equal and everyone can excel”

Bulletin Bloopers The church notices that did not come out quite as they were meant to do!

•

•

•

•

We are delighted to announce that the youth group has raised almost £500 for drug abuse.

Correction: The following typo appeared in our last bulletin: ‘Lunch will be gin at 12:15.’

Please correct to read ‘12 noon.’

Any church member over 18 is welcome on our new lay ministry programme. It requires minimal training and time: just six weekly classes of about 200 hours each Tuesday night.

Remember the church jumble sale. We have a gents threespeed bicycle, also two ladies for sale, in good running order.

Redgate Farm ‘Christmas Soul party’ fundraiser

Soul and Motown night with Natalie Nightingale and Friends at Thornton Club Make a date of this fantastic event in your diaries.

Natalie Nightingale and Friends have organised a Christmas Party with a difference for Friday 13th December at ‘The Thornton’ Club, Main Street, Thornton, LE67 1AH, to raise money for local Animal Sanctuary, Redgate Farm, which is located between Markfield and Stanton.

The night will feature live singing from professional nightclub/wedding singers Natalie Nightingale and Jayne Lesley, and a brilliant DJ and Sound Engineer, Dan. ALL WELCOME! It will be a cornucopia of live Soul, Motown, Northern Soul, followed by a disco of the very best disco music from the late 60’s to 1990.

Buffet, raffle and cocktails too! (By the way, the raffle will be drawn by the real Santa Claus).

Ring Jo on 230 455 for more info.

Entrance: £5 – pay on the door Live music:From 7.45pm Club doors open at 7pm (Arrive by 7.30pm to be sure of a seat) All proceeds to Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary - See you there!

Why women look their worst on a Wednesday Additional festive park afternoon and ride services Wednesday is not a good day for women: it seems it is the day of the week when women look their oldest, as the stress of the working week reaches its peak, and their energy levels plummet.

It is the day when any lack of sleep or a weekend hangover will finally show up on their faces, when they feel most tempted to a sugary snack mid-afternoon, and when they have had least time or energy to care about make-up or skin moisturiser.

The skin care company St Tropez, conducted the poll.

Extra park and ride services will run throughout December to make it easier for Christmas shoppers.

The additional buses will run to Leicester city centre on Sundays throughout the month and on Boxing Day between 10am and 5.30pm.

The services are operated by the city and county councils and run from the park and ride sites at Birstall, Enderby and Meynell’s Gorse.

Peter Osborne, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “There are some great festive shopping opportunities in Leicester.

“However, as Christmas approaches and traffic to the city increases, finding a parking space can get trickier.

“We hope these extra services will make it easier for people who would like to experience a quick, stress free journey into town.”

Group tickets cost only £3.50 for up to five people travelling together (after 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday).

For more information visit: www.quicksilverbus.co.uk/christmas

Therapy has taught me that it is all your fault.

18 News from Friends of Charnwood Forest

Discovering Charnwood Roots Dr Julie Attard came to talk to the Friends of Charnwood Forest group at their recent meeting, about helping to discover CHARNWOOD ROOTS. Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust has been awarded a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out its four-year Charnwood Roots project and will be inviting local people from communities across the area to get involved.

The project will explore the history of thirty-five towns and villages in and surrounding Charnwood Forest and Loughborough. Starting from the earliest pre-historic settlements and coming right up to the present day, Charnwood Roots Indoor meetings take place at will use a variety of research techniques to discover more Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall about the history of this fascinating area. Volunteers will have at 7.30pm, finishing about 9pm a unique opportunity to contribute to a nationally important research project and investigate their local history with the help followed by refreshments. Your of professional historians and archaeologists. Free training will guests and other non-members are be given and those without any previous experience will be welcome at our talks (for whom welcomed and encouraged to take part. we make a small charge of £3 at The project started in August and will be running until July 2017. the door).

There will be opportunities for around 400 people to discover the To assist our preparations and to help you thousands of years of history on their doorstep and develop new in case of any change to the arrangements, skills in using maps and documentary records, archaeological please tell us you are coming (see individual fieldwork, oral history, and surveying and recording historic invitations for details). buildings and landscapes. Public events and activities aimed at It’s a big help ... thank you. families, groups, businesses and local schools will share the new discoveries with the wider community. Anyone who would like find out more or take part in this exciting project is invited contact 2014 Programme Dr Julie Attard at charnwoodroots@leicester.ac.uk or 0116 252 • Monday 13th January 5946.

TALKS and WALKS

FoCF Recent Committee Notes • Chairman, Dick Howard, commented, “No member has so far expressed an interest in the roles of Chairman or Events Organiser and I am apprehensive about the future of the Society unless members are willing to take on practical tasks for the Society and join the Committee”.

As a stop-gap, he would “appoint” existing committee members to arrange an event each.

• Following representations there had been improvements to the non-Charnwood style of stone wall being erected at Roecliffe Manor; it was now more satisfactory.

• It had come to the attention of some members that a there was a joint proposal by the National Forest and Leics. County Council for extensive tree planting at Broombriggs Farm.

Concern was expressed about the loss of important views and the ability of the thin soils to support afforestation. Enquiries would be made.

• Proposals for housing development on charity land at Nanpantan in full view of The Outwoods raised alarm. It could also encourage more adjacent developments. FoCF will object.

• It is a big help in both time and cost when we can keep in touch with members via email when that is possible.

Membership Secretary, Louise, reported that the slow but steady transfer to email is continuing. Meanwhile the email and postal systems are working satisfactorily alongside each other.

TALK: THE FUTURE OF LEICESTERSHIRE QUARRIES

by Geoff Mason • Monday 17th March AGM followed by TALK: THE FUTURE OF THE NATIONAL FOREST by Lynne Richards, Head of Fundraising and External Relations, National Forest Company Some of the following are provisional and there may be additional items published next time: • Thursday 15th May VISIT: Charnwood Forest Canal • Wednesday 18th June VISIT: Stoneywell • Monday 22nd September TALK: Lady Jane Grey and Bradgate Park by Helen Kessling • Monday 20th October TALK: Old Maps of Charnwood

I wish there was some kinda rollover plan for childhood naps I refused to take.

19

Unsung heroes At the Annual St Peter’s Craft Fair, held recently at Thornton Community Centre, I had the privilege of meeting two ladies, of mature age who had met together after many years.

Gwen and Margaret were good school friends and, at the tender age of seventeen, were the first in this village to be ‘called up’ at the beginning of the Second World War. Gwen joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and, resplendant in her blue uniform left the village for ever - that is, until her sister living more locally brought her to the Fair.

Margaret, however, a home loving girl opted to work in munitions. She was posted to Rearsby and, because of the distance involved, lodged with an aunt in Leicester.

Her job involved the dangerous task of putting a quantity of gunpowder into a detonator cap, which was then machine sealed. To do this she was protectively clothed in a thick, itching, blouse and skirt made of asbestos._ Jewellery of any kind was removed - no rings, hair grips or anything metallic was allowed. All went well until one day an explosion occurred and Margaret found herself lying unconscious outside the building, luckily unhurt.

She has no medal to record her service to her country in its need - nor, I suspect have the thousands of others in similar circumstances. Yet such a vital service was rendered unstintingly and, in my book, they are heroes.

I hope you agree.

VuTV Streams Popular Pay TV Channels To Freeview HD Homes Via Channel 238 For £6.99 A Month

Martin Foster

VuTV, an exciting new TV streaming service was launched at the end of November on channel 238.

Luke Jackson Charity year end payments 2013

For a monthly subscription of £6.99, VuTV gives viewers the opportunity to access a premium range of channels - Comedy Central, MTV, CNN, Lifetime®, HISTORY®, H2®, Crime & Investigation Network®, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito via their existing Freeview HD Internet-connected TV or box with no long-term contracts.

VuTV is aimed at the rapidly growing population of Freeview HD Internetconnected homes that currently do not have a Pay TV package. It’s very simple to set up and use. All consumers need is a compatible Freeview HD TV or box connected to an aerial and the Internet - there is no need for any extra boxes or remote controls. Once subscribers have signed up at vutv. com, they are provided with their personal Activation Code and PIN for a one-off registration their Freeview HD TV or box, giving quick and easy access to all VuTV’s channels.

There are now over 20 million Freeview homes, making Freeview the biggest digital TV platform in the UK. Internet TV has been steadily growing in the UK, with consumers buying an increasing number of Connected TVs. VuTV will be available on Freeview HD TVs and boxes from most major manufacturers, with Samsung being the first.

The 2013 year end payments of the Luke Jackson Charity will take place as follows: •

Bagworth WMC - 7th December 2013 - 10am to 12 noon

•

Thornton Community Centre - 7th December 2013 10am to 12 noon

•

Stanton - yet to be confirmed

To qualify, you must have been resident in the village for at least 12 months and be in receipt of a State Retirement Pension. New applicants should bring the necessary proof of elibibility. A letter of consent should be brought if collecting on behalf of other people.

I don’t have a problem with willpower. It’s won’t power I have a problem with.

20

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays We now have SKY and ESPN Ask about our new Autumn and Christmas menus!

Thursday 28th Nov to Monday 2nd See advert on page 31. www.bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open To Non-members Sat 7th Dec: Wellard Willy - rock covers band 9pm Fri 13th Dec: Redgates Xmas Party - 7.30pm Motown Magic and the Disco Diva Evening with live music cocktails and professional DJ Fri 20th Dec: Children’s Xmas party Sat 21st Dec: Punk & Disorderly Boxing Day: The Del Sharron’s - 1950’s/60’s band at 5pm New Years Eve: The Dirty Water band Sky Sports In Both Rooms, Bingo Every Tuesday Evening, Bar Snacks Mon Wed Fri, No Membership Required. www.facebook.com/ thethorntonclub The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 Sat 28th Dec: MIKE LEE - male vocalist ALL SKY SPORTS & BT SPORTS Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth.

Tel. 01530 230205 Find us on FACEBOOK search Bagworth WMC New members welcome.

Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each - last Friday of the month Sequence dances Sunday Nights. £1.50 admission 8 pm Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission.

Boxing Day: MUSIC & BINGO from 2pm Fri 27th Dec: FATBLOKE’S CHRISTMAS QUIZ - 8.30pm start - £1.50 per person New Year’s Eve: AXIS DUO will be playing their last ever gig! £1 entry.

Ask about our free room hire for those special family occasions.

See advert on page 25

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

Fri 6th Dec: SWING MANIA Sat 7th Dec: MICHAEL BUBLE and ROBBIE WILLIAMS Fri 13th Dec: COUNTRY & PARTY NIGHT Sat 14th Dec: PHIL COLLINS Fri 20th Dec: 70’s HEATWAVE New Year’s Eve: Hollywood Red Carpet Event Fri 31st Jan 2014: Comedy Night See advert on page 30.

The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Garden & Pub Games etc.

POKER NIGHT - Tuesdays starts at 8pm Christmas Eve: JOHN STACEY Christmas Day: We’ll open 11am till 2pm and then again at 8.30pm.

New Year’s Eve: PARTY NIGHT with Entertainment to be confirmed.

The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights Every Fortnight:- Next three are on Sat 9th Nov, Sat 23rd Nov & Sat 7th Dec with ‘King of the Road’.

See advert on page 19.

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Fri 20th Dec: Scandal Female Duo Sat 21st Dec: Sisters In Arms - Female Duo Sun 22nd Dec: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Tues 24th Xmas Eve: Rachel Paul - Solo Female Artist Fri 27th Dec: Toni - Female Solo Sat 28th Dec: Double Trouble - Female Duo Sun 29th Dec: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Tues 31st Dec (New Year’s Eve): Hot City Nights - Brilliant Band Fri 3rd Jan: Richie Dean Excellent Solo Artist Sat 4th Jan: T.b.a.

Sun 5th Jan: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Fri 10th Jan: T.b.a.

Sat 11th Jan: Chris Robin Quality Male Solo Sun 12th Jan: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz

Christingles Christmas Eve Tuesday 24th December St Michael’s, Markfield at 6.00 pm St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon at 4.00 pm St Peter’s, Thornton at 4.00 pm Christingle Events are suitable for all the family and all are welcome.

Oranges and all the bits will be provided for children to make and take home at the end

Making teenagers aware of domestic abuse THE threat posed to teenagers from domestic abuse was the focus of attention in Hinckley & Bosworth during Domestic Abuse Awareness Week (25 to 30 November).

This follows a change in the Government’s definition of domestic abuse to include 16-17 year olds.

So this year the Borough Council is working with its partners, including Leicestershire County Council and Blaby District Council, to raise awareness of domestic abuse amongst this group and to encourage victims to seek help.

Teenage relationship abuse is quite often hidden and the abuse can have long-term effects on a young person’s mental and physical well-being.

During the week the team is making young people aware that domestic abuse is not always physical, it is about control. This could include instances of intimidation, isolation, depriving victims of their financial independence or material possessions and regulating their every day behaviour.

Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, Councillor David Bill, said: “Domestic abuse can be experienced by anyone. It is totally unacceptable and it is vital that people affected by domestic abuse know how to seek help so that specialist services can provide support to them. There is no need to suffer in silence.”

Anyone who feels they are in an abusive relationship can access free confidential advice via the Borough Council’s Domestic Abuse Outreach service by calling 01455 255832 or 07966 202181. Appointments can be arranged at the council offices, or a drop-in service is available. The service has female and male support workers who can assist.

My mother was so overprotective we were only allowed to play rock, paper.

21

News from Cross Hills Baptist Church Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area School Assemblies Our Sunday Club leader, Ruth Holmes, with her puppet, Scruff, visited Dovebank and Thornton local primary schools after half term with a story and Christian message, speaking to the children about them all being special and precious to God. Each child was given a badge to take away to remind them that they were special. The children really enjoyed the visit and Ruth and Bekki are looking forward to being able to visit again next year.

Shoebox Appeal Thank you to everyone who took part for their kindness and generosity.

This year 52 filled shoeboxes were collected from us to be taken to a warehouse in the Cossington area for checking and packing, ready for their onward journey to deserving children in various countries. For those who made their £3 donation online, printed off the barcode and put it in their box, they will be hearing later about where their box was sent.

Christmas Carol Service, Saturday 21st 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 before Christmas can be especially busy, tiring and stressful with all the preparations for the holiday season, yet Jesus Christ, our Saviour and the reason for the celebrations, actually came into this world in very humble

circumstances, being born in a stable because there was no room inside the Inn. Why not do something different this year - take some time out, away from the commercialism, and come and share the real joy of the Season by celebrating His birth with us. At our 10.30am Service on Sunday 22nd December, the younger children of the Sunday Club will be presenting a Nativity and the older ones will be presenting a short play. There will also be a puppet production.

On Christmas Day there will be a short, and very informal service at 10.30am – if you have visitors or family staying with you over Christmas, please bring them along with you! The children like to bring one of their favourite Christmas presents with them, so please join in.

We are a very friendly church and look forward to meeting you all. A special offering will be taken on Christmas Day that will go to support the Lawrence House Hinckley Homeless Project.

For full details of the dates and times of all our services please see the Church Service Information section in this magazine.

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

Contact Numbers Pastor - Garry Kelly: 07816 616189 Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 07910 440243 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557

Glynis Straw

Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

a

Churches Together in Markfield initiative

... is an opportunity to relax, find peace within ourselves and 'reflect' on our place in the world. It will offer creative suggestions for reading, thinking and exploring prayer.

Trinity Methodist Church - 6-7.30pm Thursdays 9th January, 13th February, 13th March, 10th April, 8th May, 12th June Come for as long as you wish and leave when you want. No intrusive questions, though people will be around if you need to talk or pray with someone. Refreshments will be available. All are welcome.

Further information: Karen (249829) or Rosemary (242844)

For all the family

Saturday 21st December 2013 Bagworth Community Centre 4.00-5.30pm

Friday switch off

children of all ages - get a parent, friend grandparent or neighbour to bring you There will be lots of things to

British workers now ‘switch off’ for the weekend at 2.39pm on Fridays, according to a recent study.

It seems that by Friday afternoon we feel that our employers have got their money out of us for the week, and so we take things just that bit easier. A third of us say that the atmosphere in the office is noticeably lighter on a Friday.

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

Women are smarter than men, but men have the advantage of not knowing this.

Organised by Holy Rood Church and the Benefice of Markfield, Thornton,

22

Extracts from Markfield Parish Council Minutes The following items were among the topics discussed at the meeting of Markfield Parish Council on Tuesday 5th November 2013. The information comes from the unapproved minutes, and therefore may be subject to correction or alteration.

Casual vacancy: - The clerk had given public notice of the vacancy for a minimum of 14 days (exc.

Weekends and Bank Holidays) on the Parish notice board, in accordance with section 87 (2) of the Local Government Act 1972.

No election had been called by electors.

The Parish Council could now coopt a new Parish Councillor.

Resolved, the clerk should advertise the casual vacancy.

POLICE REPORT: PCSO 6082 E Green attended the meeting and had emailed the following report: MARKFIELD CRIME FIGURES01/10/2013 TO 31/10/2013 Theft from motor vehicles (two): • The Green, Markfield - Catalytic convertor stolen, stolen early morning.

• Shaw Lane, Markfield- Number plates stolen during the evening Burglaries (three): • Leicester Rd, MarkfieldAttempted burglary in the early evening, nothing stolen but entry was attempted.

• Beech Close, Markfield- Entry gained by smashing rear window on patio doors, There was cash and jewellery stolen from the property.

The burglary took place during the day.

• Bradgate Rd, Markfield- Entry was gained by smashing rear window during the day. There was jewellery and cash stolen from the property.

Theft of motor vehicles (two): • Redgate Animal Sanctuary- Quad bike stolen from the property approximately 9am, the gates were left open by the perpetrators allowing the horses to escape.

• Jelsons building site- A JCB was stolen from the building site overnight.

Theft from stores • Thefts from CO-OP, Hockenhull garage and BP garage. Fuel was taken without being paid for and various other items such as meat and sweets also stolen.

Mr M Lay had met with Inspector J Starbuck to clarify the current position the the Police Community Office at the Community Centre.

The local Police Authority could no longer facilitate the full use of the existing office as a base, but would now use the small office when on site. This allowed the centre staff to make more effective use of this larger facility. This facility was not being replicated in Ratby Parish

Council Office, but the small office in Desford would be retained.

Markfield – Street lighting Energy Saving Scheme:- Mr M Adey and Mr P Hoskins, Senior Technician, Engineering and Design, Leics County Council attended to discuss the initiative to turn off many of its street lights between midnight and early morning.

On the 22nd December 2009 Leicestershire County Council Cabinet approved the project to reduce street lighting levels in the County in order to make savings on energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and reduce light pollution. This consultation relates to the parish of Markfield where a street lighting ‘part-night’ scheme (where lights are to be switched off between midnight and 5.30am) was proposed.

The Parish Council were given several copies of drawing number PNL/189-1 which showed the proposed scheme. The conversion works would involve changing the photo-electric cell to a ‘part night’ cell. The part night operation switches the light off between midnight to 5.30 a.m. All timings are ±15 minutes.

Once the consultation was completed the Parish Council would be notified of the final approved scheme for Markfield. It was anticipated that works on the ground would start within 6 months of the final scheme approval.

Any comments should be made by 18th November 2013.

Local History Group – Proposal to erect a War Memorial in Markfield adjacent to the Church Wall: - Mrs M Bowler attended the meeting on behalf of Markfield Local History Group.

Mr D Brooks had drawn up the final design, overall length approx. 3 m x width 1.5m x height 1.1m. Mrs M Bowler explained that the H & B conservation Officer suggested that the maximum height of the

memorial should not exceed the height of the existing church wall to minimise the visual impact.

Resolved, some members were concerned about the 0.7m “wings” at either end containing small areas for planting but the overall design was approved.

Mr B Gannon stated that it was estimated that the final cost of the stone for the stone surround would be £5600. Several members raised concerns about this cost finally falling onto the Parish Council.

That originally the Parish Council hadn’t anticipated such a large financial commitment.

Mr B Gannon stated that the Local History Group would continue to look for other funding for the project.

Mr B Gannon stated that the Memorial Stone would cost approximately £2600.

It was envisaged that the construction would take about 2 weeks to be completed by May 2014.

Planters – Main Street: – The planters had been re-dressed and planted with winter bedding plants.

Plants purchased from Hilmarco Ltd at a cost of £31.20 Fire at Mercenfeld Primary School: - Mr D Sprason stated that British Gas had installed a temporary mobile classroom and that Mr A Kitchen, Principle, had been named “Teacher of the Year”

by Gem106.

Winter Rock Salt for parish owned grit bins: – Richards Environmental had found a builder’s merchant who would charge £107.99 per tonne plus delivery. This compared to ESPO 25kg bags = £250 per tonne.

Resolved, the rock salt should be purchased and stored by Richards Environmental.

Upper Grange Farm, Ratby Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9RJ: - Mr D Sprason stated that the original planning refusal for variation of condition no. 4 of planning permission 09/00770/COU to amend the hours of operation, had been allowed upon appeal.

LCC – Future Budget Consultation: - Mr D Sprason stated that the results of the consultation showed that most of the services that people wanted to protect were the care services for the elderly and children. The services which participants were most willing to contemplate budget reduction were museums, libraries and street lighting. This would mean that Markfield library would be vulnerable but maybe not Desford library because it provides a facility for local community organisations such the Parish Council which generates income. Markfield library provides an exceptionally useful facility for Mercenfeld Primary School but doesn’t generate any income from

local community groups.

He also stated that when the consultation asked about council tax, over 60% of residents said that they would be prepared to pay an increase of 1.5%.

Gypsy and Traveller “Accommodation Needs” study: - Mr D Sprason stated that this study will make up part of the Borough Council’s Core Strategy document, which was near completion and would go out to consultation shortly. Many residents had been concerned about a site linked with the Jelson development but if the document stood up to appeal, the Borough Council would have met the needs identified in the study, therefore there would be no need for any more sites, other than the existing in Markfield.

Jelson development, Land off London Road: - Mrs A Lay was concerned about the state of the highway adjacent to the site as the road was always covered in mud from vehicles leaving the site.

Mr D Sprason stated that Leics County Highways vehicles were responsible for clearing the road of mud and that a vehicle attended once on a daily basis. He would discuss this matter with the site manager.

The Co-Op store redevelopment, Main Street: - The development was continuing to take place on Sunday mornings; the planning enforcement officers were monitoring this. Mr T Lockley was concerned that after examining the proposed landscaping scheme displayed on the notice outside the site he noted that there was no landscaping strip at the back of the houses, which was there in the original plans submitted. He asked Mr M Lay if he could clarify whether this strip of landscaping was in the approved plans. Mr M Lay would follow the matter up.

Jelson development, Land off London Road: - The clerk had written to Leics County Council to consider reducing the speed limit to 20mph along London Road from the junction of Main Street to Chitterman Way. Planning Application 13/00559/ OUT: Erection of 11 dwellings (outline - access only): Land South Of Pinewood Drive Markfield Leicestershire: - Mr M Lay reported that even though the land was ideal for development, Planning Officers would be recommending refusal as Markfield has now exceeded its housing supply needs.

Cricket Team: - Mr R Browning reported that three new teams had applied to use the facility (at Jubilee Playing Fields) all three were interviewed by the management committee and Belgrave Cricket Club had been chosen.

I hate being left out almost as much as I hate being included.

23

Bradgate Lions Club News During the last few weeks we have held a Comedy & Magic Evening in Botcheston and we have conducted our usual ‘Children in Need’ bucket collections in the local pubs and restaurants around Markfield, Copt Oak and Ratby.

Altogether these events raised over £500.00 for our charity account, which will be banked together with our earlier efforts this year, and hopefully our future fund raising receipts, to be allocated to various charities at the end of our financial year in May. During December we will be out with our ‘Santa Sleigh’, weather permitting, touring around the streets in Anstey, Kirby Muxloe and Ratby with the help of the local schools groups, the Scouts, and the Girls and Lads Brigade. Last year we had to cancel most of these collections due to the inclement weather, but we will be hoping for better things this time around.

We will be also collecting charity funds with our ‘Christmas Prize Draw Baskets’ in the local hostelries. We have 12 of these in place, so don’t forget that if you see one of these on display behind the bar somewhere, to ask the staff if you may enter the draw, and help with our fund raising.

Tour of the Wards at Glenfield Hospital Also, giving ‘Santa’ a helping hand, and dressed in the appropriate costume, we will be visiting some of the local schools and nurseries at their end of term parties, with gifts for the children. And just before the ‘big day’ we will be doing our annual tour of the wards at Glenfield Hospital, along with members of Groby Church Choir, with carols, cards and ‘pressies’ for the patients.

As you will properly have gathered from the activities outlined above, we are in for a very busy, but fun time, and would really welcome some new faces to join our team, as members of the club, or as occasional volunteers to help at some of our collections etc.

Next year we will be celebrating our 25 anniversary, during which time we have raised and donated over £150,000 to International, National and Local causes and in order to carry on with our work, we would welcome you to join us.

If you feel that you would like further information about our Club just call me on 01530 242912 and I and a colleague will visit you, to give you the facts of what we are all about.

Roger Gamble

Cycle with Santa There’s still time to book your place on festive themed bike rides.

Riders are invited to get into the Christmas spirit by dressing up in festive costumes and cycling with Santa.

Organised rides run from 3pm - 4pm and Dr Bike will be there from 2pm – 4.30pm to check bikes to see whether they are suitable for winter riding.

Rides will take place on: • Saturday, December 7 – Coalville – Snibston Discovery Museum - joining the Snibston Christmas Fayre • Sunday, December 8 – Loughborough – Market Place - joining the Christmas Pudding Market Peter Osborne, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “These fun, free, family rides are a great way to celebrate the festive season and try out Loughborough and Coalville’s new cycle networks.”

Free travel packs, including walking and cycling leaflets and bus timetables, will be available from Santa for children who join the ride.

Mobility scooter being offered for sale - proceeds to go to British Legion A Markfield lady contacted the Herald last month to make a very generous and unusual offer.

She is offering for sale an unused premium-make mobility scooter with waterproof cape and charger, which originally cost almost £4,000, for the attractive price of £1,700.

The lady informs us that all proceeds from the sale will be donated to the British Legion, to benefit wounded soldiers.

For more information, please contact the seller on 01530 243030.

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A guy just yelled at me for texting and driving. I told him to get off my bonnet and mind his own business.

24

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

~ Forthcoming Events ~ ALL ADVANCE TICKETS: from The Palace Tel: 01530 262400 or Halls Tel: 01530 260460 for most events tickets can be purchased ‘on the door’ (subject to availability) please check with ticket outlets to avoid disappointment.

Friday, 6th December - Film Night – ‘The Great Gatsby’ (12A).

Following the story of would-be writer Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stocks. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio), and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan), and her philandering, blue-blooded husband. Doors/ bar open at 7.00pm.

Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00.

Saturday, 7th December – Badapple Theatre Company presents ‘The mice who ate Christmas’. A delightfully upbeat Christmas tale about Edna and Wilbur, two particularly hungry village mice who are having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit.

(8+) Performance starts at 4.00pm.

Tickets: £8.00, concessions £6.00, Combination ticket (1 Full & 2 concessions) £16.00.

Saturday, 7th December - A very popular evening of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence Dancing Doors & bar open at 7.30pm. Dancing from 8.00pm ‘till 11.00pm.Tickets: £5.00.

Friday, 13th December - Ibstock Christmas Festival - Santa will be taking up residence, from 3.30pm until 8.30pm, in The Palace Grotto. (£2.00 per visit including gift).

Watson's Electrical All Domestic Work undertaken From a Fuse to Full Rewire

Contact Rob on 01530 231770 / 07896 532975

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Letter from Uncle Eustace From approx. 4.00pm there will be children’s rides, fairground attractions and stalls behind the Palace. Ibstock Scout Band will be playing inside The Palace from approx. 7.30pm. Mulled wine, seasonal refreshments and various stalls, plus licensed bar will be available throughout.

Saturday,14th December – Christmas Community Event – lots of Christmas gift ideas will be available from various craft stalls and fresh, local produce will be on sale. Seasonal refreshments available between 10.00am and 2.00pm.

Santa will be in The Palace Grotto. (£2.00 per visit including gift).

Friday 20th December – Coalville Musical Theatre School’s Xmas Concert. 7.00p.m. Further details from Stephanie on 07969 688215.

Saturday, 21st December – Buddy Holly & The Crickets. (By the team that brought ‘The Everly Brothers tribute night to The Palace).

A fabulous, professional tribute show. Doors open 7.00pm, licensed bar, concert starts at 8.00p.m.

Contact Steve at Topline on 01773 769372/07971 760504 for further details.

New: Markfield Book Club at Markfield Library!

Are you a book worm who would like to discuss your views on good reads with like-minded people?

If the answer is yes, then why not come along to Markfield library’s new Book Club and make some new friends too. The group plans to meet every six weeks on Monday evenings between 5.30 and 7.00pm. The sessions are free to attend and refreshments will be available for a small charge.

If you would like more information on joining please contact Beverley: markfieldbookclub@gmail.com or call in to the library at Oakfield Avenue, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9WG. Telephone: 0116 3053642.

On how to run your Diary for 2014 The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren So, you have just attended a course on ‘Diary Management’, to get you prepared for another year. If you had visited me, I could have told you all you need to know in half the time.

Allow me to provide you with useful information which was probably not provided in your conference hand-outs.

First: buy the smallest diary you can find: large blank pages only encourage you to fill them with too many appointments; the smaller the page, the easier it can be made to appear that your days are fully booked.

Second: make sure that it is of a size that will conveniently fit into any pocket. When dates are being arranged for subsequent meetings, you can theatrically start going through jacket, trouser and overcoat pockets. By the time you discover it was in your briefcase all along, all the dates will have been fixed and no one will notice you never got any of them.

Third: adopt your own private code for bookings. This means that any parishioner looking over your shoulder and seeing “1.30pm PLS” or “7.30pm WTD” will assume you are attending important church meetings.

The fact that they mean “Post Lunch Sleep” and “Walk The Dog” will be known to you alone – although do have alternative possibilities for your acronyms should you ever be challenged. My congregation know I am assiduous in attending the “Pauline Letters Seminars” and my membership of the “World Theology Directorate” is of many years standing.

Fourth: Record everything in pencil so that once you return home, you can rub most of it out and can then deny you knew anything about those meetings you were supposed to attend – and to prove it, you can show the blank page in your diary.

Fifth: Put someone else’s address inside your diary. Should you ever have to resort to the ultimate act and need to lose it, you do not want some Good Samaritan returning it to you from the churchyard compost heap.

So you see, your day of flip charts and group discussions were quite wasted – and I would gladly have presented my course for half their price.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Favourite outfit for men More than a third of all men in the UK would happily wear a simple white T-shirt and blue jeans for evermore, if they had their choice.

Their reasoning is sound: that particular casual outfit has been voted by nearly half of all women as their favourite look for men.

More than half of those polled think that the Hollywood actor James Dean inspired the look. However, others admit that they thought that footballer David Beckham had started it. The research was commissioned to mark the recent Bluray release of James Dean’s movies, including East of Eden.

There are two sides to every argument but I don’t have time to listen to yours.

25

GROBY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Achieving Excellence Together 14 - 19

MATHS TUTORS REQUIRED Groby Community College is a successful 14-19 upper school in Leicestershire.

We are looking forward to welcoming highly motivated Maths tutors to join our dedicated Maths faculty.

Hourly rate dependent on experience.

For further information or to arrange an informal discussion/tour of the college please contact Tracey Malsbury, Business Support Officer: E: tmalsbury@grobycoll.com Direct line: 0116 281 7010

Closing date: Wednesday 18 December 2013 (12 noon) Groby Community College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Groby Community College, Ratby Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0GE www.grobycoll.com Tel: 0116 287 9921

My local grocery store uses four checkouts. Unless it’s really busy then they use one.

26

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My boss has told so many unfunny jokes today, I’ve forgotten what my real laugh sounds like.

27

Too much on your plate this Christmas?

A campaign called “Too much on your plate this Christmas?” has been launched to encourage food waste reduction over the festive season.

The Leicestershire Waste Partnership is encouraging residents preparing for the festivities to be savvy with their shopping and learn to love their leftovers.

Last year more than 74 million mince pies and two million turkeys were thrown away in the UK over Christmas, a time of year that sees food waste rise by around 80 per cent.

In a bid to help families save money and drive down the amount of good grub being sent to landfill, a series of helpful hints and tips and tried and tested festive recipes using leftovers have been uploaded to www.lesswaste.org.uk/christmas Pam Posnett, chairman of The Leicestershire Waste Partnership which is made up of the county, district and borough councils, said: “Christmas is a time to eat drink and be merry and people are already starting to buy food ahead of parties, family meals and get-togethers.

“However we know that the average family wastes around £680 of edible food each year, with a large proportion of that being thrown out over the festive season.

“We want people to enjoy Christmas but also be aware of quantities of food they are buying – planning meals and writing a shopping list can help with this – as well as thinking about making tasty Christmas meals out of leftovers.

“This will not only help reduce the amount of good food we are throwing away but will also help families save money at the same time.”

More information is available at www.lesswaste.org.uk/christmas “Love your leftovers” festive recipes that can be downloaded from the site include Christmas pudding strudel, lemon and mustard seed brussel sprouts and olive tapenade toasts.

The Beatles did an Australian tour. John, Paul, George and Dingo.

You know when you’re in love you get that tingly feeling all over your body?

Well that’s lead to me having two disastrous relationships withan electric fence and a cattle prod.

My dad’s liver is inside his left knee, his kidneys are on his elbows and his spleen is on the side of his head. Still, his heart’s in the right place.

Christmas Party Night at ‘The Thornton’ Club Friday 13th December ALL WELCOME!

(open from 7pm)

“MOTOWN MAGIC” Soul Sisters & the Disco Diva

An evening of MOTOWN, Soul, Northern Soul and Disco favourites from singers:

Jayne Lesley & Natalie Nightingale Then dance 'till late with super sounds from 1960 – 1990.

Venue: Entrance:

Thornton Club, Main St, Thornton, LE67 1AH £5 on the door

Live music: From 7.45pm

Raising funds for Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary

How you might avoid a stroke Now there is a good reason for you not to drift through 2014: those of us who have a clear purpose in life are 20 per cent less likely to suffer from a stroke, according to a recent study of over-50s.

Recent research at the University of Michigan found that people with defined goals for the future were at a much lower risk of suffering a clot on the brain than people with few objectives. But it remained unclear whether setting aims later in life makes people more likely to keep up a healthy lifestyle or whether thinking positively about your life somehow protects you against a stroke.

About 200 people in the UK die from a stroke every day. The NHS spends £2.3 billion a year treating the 100,000 people who suffer from one every year. Writing in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, the researchers concluded: “Among older adults, greater purpose in life is linked with a lower risk of stroke.”

The first five days after the weekend are always the hardest.

Small Ads • Fisher Price Little People Toys - Age 12+ months; Noahs Ark with Animals; Fairground with Ramp and Accessories; Animal Alphabet with Interactive Questions and Sounds; Train Track and Station with Sounds and Accessories; All Good Condition Price: £10 each Tel - 07932 600179 • Bosch MUM5 Food Mixer & Accessories Brand New. Cost £249; Price: £50 Tel: 01530 242793 Just email or post brief details of any unwanted household items you’re selling, together with the price, your contact number and postal address (not for publication) and we’ll include your small ad in the magazine for FREE. Contact details are on page 3.

28 Markfield Congregational Church Sunday 15 December 10.15 am Sunday Club Nativity in the Church Sunday 22 December 10.15 am A Service of Lessons and Carols Wednesday 25 December 10.15 am Family Service for Christmas Day Sunday 29 December 10.30 am United Service in our Church Sunday 5 January 10.15 am Morning Worship followed by Communion Sunday 12 January 10.15 am Morning Worship Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 8th December 10.45am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper Sunday 15th December 10.30am Morning Service Saturday 21st December 7.30pm Carol Service with Marwood Brass Band and a visit from Santa!

Sunday 22nd December 10.30am Family Service The Sunday Club groups will be presenting a Nativity and a short play and there will be a Puppet Production Christmas Day, Wednesday 25th December 10.30am Short informal Service to celebrate The Lord’s birthday Bring your favourite Christmas present, if it’s portable!

Sunday 29th December 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 5th January 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 12th January 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper 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 8th December 10.30am Café Church Christingle Service with Mercenfeld Primary School Children’s Choir 6.00pm No Evening Service Sunday 15th December 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Communion Service Sunday 22nd December 10.30am Morning Communion Service 6.00pm Evening Carol Service Tuesday 24th December

Church Services 11.15pm Christmas Eve Communion Service Wednesday 25th December 10.30am Christmas Morning Service Sunday 29th December 10.30am United Churches Together Service at Congregational Church 6.00pm No Evening Service Sunday 5th January 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm United Covenant Service at Glenfield Methodist Church Sunday 12th January 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Afternoon Café Style Service Sunday 19th January 10.30am United Churches Together Service at St Michael’s Parish Church 6.00pm Evening Communion Service Sunday 26th January 10.30am Morning Communion Service 6.00pm No Evening Service

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield 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 8th December 10.30 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 15th December 10.30 am Nativity at the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Friday 20th December 8.00 pm “Still Friday” Sunday 22nd December 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Carol Service Tuesday 24th December 6.00 pm Christingle 11.30 pm Christmas Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10.30 am Christmas Day Communion at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 29th December 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Joint Service (with St Peter’s, Copt Oak) Sunday 5th January 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 12th January 10.30 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Friday 17th January 8.00 pm “Still Friday” Sunday 19th January 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Service 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 26th January 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Carol Service

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 8th December 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th December 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 22nd December 10.30 am Carol Service

Sunday 12th January 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th January 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 26th January 10.30 am Morning Service

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Saturday 23rd December 4.00 pm Christingle Sunday 5th January 9.00 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 8th December 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th December 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 22nd December 6.00 pm Carol Service Tuesday 24th December

9.00 pm Christmas Eve Communion

Tuesday 24th December 4.00 pm Christingle

Sunday 29th December

6.00 pm Joint Service at St Michael’s, Markfield

Christmas Day 10.30 am Christmas Day Communion

Sunday 5th January 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 29th December 10.30 am Single Service Holy Communion Sunday 5th January 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 12th January 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th January 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 26th January 10.30 am “Something Different” Service

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 8th December 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th December 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 22nd December 6.00 pm Carol Service Tuesday 24th December 4.00 pm Christingle 11.30 pm Christmas Midnight Communion Sunday 29th December 10.30 am Single Service at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 5th January 10.30 am All Age Service

Sunday 12th January 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th January 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 26th January 6.00 pm Holy Communion

What will bring you happiness in 2014?

What do you currently have, or what could you get next year, that will be most likely to bring you happiness?

The answer? Increase and deepen your friendships. According to 2013’s official report on national well-being, having friends brings people far more happiness and well-being than simply owning things.

“Friends are more important and necessary than mere possessions.

Rather than valuing that new car and the other trinkets and baubles you build up, the things that are important are the friends.” So says Paul Green, of Saga.

The Office for National Statistics found that feeling part of a community was the key to happiness, and has a markedly positive impact on people’s well-being and health.

Well, that was awkward. I was just about to hug someone extremely attractive and I walked right into the mirror.

29

Don’t be alone on Christmas Day

(Church Services continued)

Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon Sunday 8th Dec Meeting 10am, then lunch & a Christmas movie, please join us, all welcome!

Monday 9th Dec Coffee morning 10am with a Christmas brunch being served Tuesday 10th Dec Singing Dementia Cafe at Kirby Grange care home 10am Wed 11th Dec Prayer meeting 7pm Thursday 12th Dec Pure Gold drop in 10am Friday 13th Dec Singing Dementia Cafe at Loughborough Library 1011am, Then Coalville Library 1.302.30pm Sunday 15th Dec meeting 10am, breaking bread Monday 16th Dec Coffee morning 10am No Dementia cafes this week

If you face the prospect of spending this Christmas Day alone, Kerry Sharpe and Julie Ford invite you to join them at St Mary’s Church Rooms in Anstey for dinner and festivities.

1st Markfield Scouts

Wed 25 Dec 10.00am Christmas Day Mass

For all the family

Bagworth Community Centre 4.00-5.30pm

Sunday 5th Jan meeting 10am

Tue 24 Dec 9.30 pm Mass Carols before Mass

Trinity Methodist Church - 6-7.30

Saturday 21st December 2013

No meeting Sunday 29th Dec

Tues 24 Dec 6.00 pm Mass Carols before Mass

... is an opportunity to relax, find peace within ourselves on our place in the world. It will offer creative suggestion thinking and exploring prayer.

This is a free event and transport can be Thursdays 9th January, 13th Februa arranged.

March, 10th April, 8th May, 12th To book your place, please ring Kerry on Come for as long as you wish and leave when you want.

01530 243445 or Julie questions, though people will be around if you need to ta on 0116 236 8811. someone. Refreshments will be available. All are welcom Kerry says: “We catered for 80 people last Further information: Karen (249829) or Rosemary year and had a great time so although its an awful lot of planning and fund raising, it’s well worth it on the day.”

If anyone would like to volunteer, or make a contribution, please contact the organisers on the numbers above.

Sunday 22nd Dec No morning meeting, Carol Service 4pm, Refreshments will be served, mulled wine & mince pies etc.

St Wilfrid’s RC Church, London Road, Coalville

Chur in

Christmas Fair

children of all ages - get a parent, friend grandparent or neighbour to bring you There will be lots of things to

Saturday 14 December 2013 th

10.00am – 12.00pm Fun, Games and prizes for everyone Come and Join Us

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

My boss needs to stop holding secret meetings about my paranoia.

rd Search 30 Puzzle

http://puzzlemaker.discoveryedu

Tom Hanks Wordsearch Subscriber Login Find the names of 12 Tom Hanks Films in this month’s Wordsearch puzzle and you could win yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are offering a TASTY prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel.

N W O R I E H T F O E U G A E L A E W

O E X M I V S K N A G J J C R K L V G

T X Z C N K L C P C E U L O Q T N P H

L H T G N P A L K M S A A L T H A Y A

P X E F B S K C L B I D H A R E Y T T

P F E G T E O M M H T X E N Z D R Q J

B L N A R E Z F P O P S T I K A E I U

ALEAGUEOFTHEIROWN CASTAWAY FORRESTGUMP PHILADELPHIA ROADTOPERDITION SAVINGPRIVATERYAN SLEEPLESSINSEATTLE THEDAVINCICODE THEGREENMILE THETERMINAL TOYSTORY YOUVEGOTMAIL

N N W Q J E K L P B N V O M Z V T P Y

W A U M I Q E E S I F D Y R Y I A L Q

Y I O R M D R N S Q K W S E O N V C S

J L K N A D R S M G A W T T Z C I Q C

I G J L I M E S H I Z P O E X I R X K

D K I T E L X K J A L Y R H T C P Y O

A H I K P I W K I O I E Y T U O G F U

P O F E C U J F S J P E B F R D N P W

N S E I B W A M U V C B R U Z E I N J

E L Y O U V E G O T M A I L J H V F Z

S I U D V Y I Z O A C C L U Q L A N O

P M U G T S E R R O F I R L E C S P N

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 films starring Tom Hanks. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: BOFFINS, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 28th December 2013.

Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s Film Canister will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel. Good luck!

Here are the 12 TOM HANKS FILMS you have to find: A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN • CASTAWAY • FORREST GUMP

PHILADELPHIA • ROAD TO PERDITION • SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE • THE DA VINCI CODE • THE GREEN MILE THE TERMINAL • TOY STORY • YOU’VE GOT MAIL Name: ...................................................................................................

Address: ............................................................................................. ........................................................................................................... ................................................................ Postcode: .............................

Last Month’s Competition Winner The winner of last month’s Wordsearch Competition was: Mrs Mary Gibson of Main Street,Thornton.

Congratulations! Your voucher will be sent to you soon.

Think happy thoughts – and help your immune system A stressed mind can put your body at risk. If you constantly think about negative things, and dwell on stressful events in your life, you could weaken your immune system and make yourself more susceptible to illness.

A recent study has found that simply thinking about negative events, even if they are only imagined, can increase the levels of inflammation in your body. This inflammation, associated with the body’s response to trauma and infection, can weaken the immune system and has been linked to a number of conditions such as heart disease, cancer and dementia.

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com

To Advertise Call 01530 244069 or Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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I just knew I was going to get thrown out of the optimism society.

£13.50+VAT £18.00+VAT

Pas

31

A HUGE Thank You

to all our customers & friends for their loyal support.

Wishing You All a Very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street, Thornton Tel: 01530 230808 www.bricklayersarms.net

Wednesday is

“STEAK NIGHT” 2 Steaks, With Hand-Cut Chips, Peas, Tomato, Mushrooms & Two Glasses of House Wine - £18.95

Traditional Sunday Lunch 1 Course - £8.00 2 Courses - £10.00 3 Courses - £12.00

With personal service to your table

Home-Made Pie Night - Tuesdays - £5.95 Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Garden & Great Food!

If you enjoy reading this issue of The Herald, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it. Thanks!

My therapist said I have multiple personalities and rage issues. So we hit him.

Find�out�the�true�potential�for�your bathroom�-�call 01530�215013 to arrange�for�a FREE design�consultation.

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