December 2014 herald magazine

DECEMBER 2014

Unsung Hero Award for Markfield Coach

A SWIMMING COACH from Markfield has won the BBC East Midlands Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award for 2014.

Jill Stidever (77) has helped thousands of children with special needs over nearly 60 years, at every level from beginner up to the Paralympics by volunteering hours of her coaching, fundraising and organising expertise every week.

Jill’s success follows in the footsteps of founders of Sport in Desford, Sue and Jim Houghton who won the regional award and the national award in 2012 and Colin Magee, the sailing instructor at Bosworth Water who was the winner of the regional award in 2013.

Jill was surprised by presenter Kirst Edwards and a film crew at Bosworth Academy swimming pool last week. Jill was there under the ruse of a photo call with swimmers participating in the National Swimming Championships. Jill thanked all her swimmers who she said inspired her to keep coaching.

Graeme Chilvers, Health and Recreation Manager at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and one of the people who nominated Jill, said: “She gets parents involved, she gets Paralympians involved. She inspires people. The difference this is making is incalculable.”

Jill will now represent the East Midlands when an overall Unsung Hero will be announced at the National BBC Sports awards at Glasgow in December.

Festive events in Stanton under Bardon CHRISTMAS CONCERT ON FRIDAY 12th December at 7.30 p.m. in St Mary & All Saints Church Tickets £4.00 on the door including refreshments. Come & join in the singing of Festive Songs and Carols with Stanton under Bardon Singers & Musicians.

CAROLS ROUND THE VILLAGE On MONDAY 15th December at 7.00 p.m. in aid of McMillan Cancer Support Starting at the top of the village at 7.00 p.m. Join this popular event, more house this year to visit.

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 £6 each. (In full colour and with envelope provided) This year all the photographs are of birds seen within the parish. Most were taken by Thornton’s own ‘Birder’, Andy Smith, with others from Martin Burdett.

We think you will agree that they are stunning. And we have added an extra page at the end, featuring some of the photos that we received but for which there was no space in the calendar itself.

Thank you to Andy Smith and Martin Burdett for their marvellous photographs .

All profits are for parish funds.

To purchase your calendar(s), please ‘phone Jo on 01530 230 455, Shirley on 01530 230 422, email jl172@le.ac.uk or email the parish magazine editors on: link@beechdrive.demon.co.uk . We will also leave some with Nigel in Thornton corner shop.

Jo Leadbetter WE INVITE YOU TO

AT

MARKFIELD METHODIST CHURCH SATURDAY, 6th DECEMBER 2.30 – 4.30

Drop in for an informal afternoon of singing your favourite carols Seasonal refreshments Free admission

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 10th January - Adverts & Articles Needed By 31st December

2

I’ve just spent ages waxing my car. I’m still not sure how it gets that hairy.

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

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

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

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

Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown.

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

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

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

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, Yvonne, Stacey, Margaret, Daniel, Jessie, Hannah, Charlotte, Mike, Rowan, John & Sue.

Friends of Chernobyl’s Children Update Whilst we are busy organising Christmas, choosing the perfect gifts and filling our shopping trolleys sky high, we wonder how families in Belarus are preparing for the festive season.

In August of this year, we were hosts to a tiny seven year old girl who came to Leicestershire as part of a recuperative programme organised by local charity Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (West Leics).

After four weeks sharing her bedroom, my nine year old daughter misses her Belarussian “sister” and wonders what she is up to. But whereas my daughter created version five of her Christmas list this week, little Miss Belarus won’t have a list at all.

There is a high level of poverty in her area, still contaminated 28 years after the Chernobyl disaster. Her parents work hard to feed their five children, but the fridge is usually empty.

We will snuggle up with the heating on this winter, but the temperature can fall to minus 35 in this desolate area of Eastern Europe. It is too cold for the children to play outside and they don’t have the luxuries of games consoles to keep them occupied indoors.

On the big day, we will open a pile of presents before tucking into a giant turkey with all the trimmings. Although Grandfather Frost will be a symbol of Christmas in Belarus, it is highly unlikely his sleigh will fly over these deserted villages.

The 14 children currently on Friends of Chernobyl’s Children hosting programme will not open their eyes to a stocking of goodies and their empty fridges will not miraculously fill for festive feasting.

However our little surrogates will not be forgotten. We have already posted gifts of dolls and chocolate goodness. We send them our love and wishes for a brighter future.

If you can help support a Chernobyl affected child, please visit http://focc-westleics.webs.com/donate

Wheelchair required - can you help?

If you have wheelchair in good condition - which you no longer require - then St Peter’s Church in Thornton would be pleased to hear from you.

There is a long path from the road down to the church and sometimes folk find it a bit difficult to make their way back up the incline as they leave church.

We thought that if we had a wheel chair permanently stationed at the church we could ferry people up and down as necessary.

If you can help, please phone me on 01530 230422 or 07925 170803.

Shirley Garlick

Deputy Warden for St Peter’s Church

I bought my five-year-old a torch for his birthday. You should have seen his face light up.

4

The waste recycling service: will common sense prevail?

Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald We are on the countdown to Christmas and once again I am feeling ill prepared with lots to do and little time to do it.

I guess that it may never be any different where I am concerned but I still think I could do better especially in the thinking stakes.

That’s thinking about what to get people, which in many ways is two thirds of the job. I did actually venture into a store on the supposed black Friday (I cannot say which one as it will give away one of the main gifts for our children) to purchase a gift but ended up in a queue which was not going anywhere. I am pleased to report it was a very orderly queue unlike some seen around the country but it moved so slowly.

In the end one of the shop assistants came down the queue to explain the tills were on a go slow and apologised for the excessive waiting. In the end it just proved too excessive and I had to give up as my car was parked in a limited waiting area and I figured any saving I was about to make, would be wiped out by any parking ticket I might receive. That was that, but with the big day on the horizon I know I need to get my act together and I am sure I will.

I wrote last month about my disappointment with what was being proposed for the recycling services that are provided to all households in our community.

These are seriously under threat as the County Council withdraws the funding that supports the collections. While I am disappointed with what the County Council is doing, it was the response of the Borough Council that both perplexed me and left

me feeling very frustrated with the political dogma that threatened to get in the way of sensible proposals for a way forward.

The facts were that the Borough Council was going to launch into a consultation with householders across the Borough on the Green Waste collection service. The funding for this service will be stopped by the County Council next year followed by the Blue Waste service the year after. The consultation was going to ask residents to choose one of two options, a complete withdrawal of the service or an optional charge of £30 per household to opt in. The Council were hoping that around 40-50% of householders would opt in and receive the service while those who didn’t would have their brown bin removed.

At the most recent meeting of the Council’s Scrutiny Commission, I asked a series of question on this consultation as I was concerned that a third possible option had not been considered. The answers to my questions were interesting to say the least. Asking residents to opt in to the service at £30 required an extra annual administration charge in the region of £150,000 to ensure the charging regime was effective. On top of that, the cost of collecting all the unused brown bins in was in the region of £125,000 and 20% of the £30 would go to the Government in the form of VAT. It was accepted that refuse collected in the normal black bin would increase and this would lead to increased charges being levied against the County Council. This would be in the form of landfill taxes (which are designed to prevent waste being landfilled) and which would consequently reduce the savings the County proposes to

make, but this would not be a cost to the Borough; however increased fly tipping would be, as this would require clearing up and the cost for this had not been calculated.

So I asked what would be the cost to each household if the Green Waste recycling service was simply added to the Council Tax and the universal coverage maintained, i.e. every house kept included in the service. We were informed that it would be around £8 per year for an average house in the Borough.

So instead of paying £30 you could instead pay £8 and serve every house in the Borough instead. I have always supported the notion of universal services charged through the local council tax and this has demonstrated why. It is far more efficient, less bureaucratic and I believe ultimately fairer and providing better value for money. Still all I was asking for in this instance was for the option of providing the service on the Council Tax to be included in the consultation. A third option instead of just the two proposed. Why deny residents the full range of options and let them make a real choice instead of pre-determining the outcome?

The big problem here is that politicians don’t want to talk about increasing taxes even if that increase presents better value for money than the other options on the table. Such is the obsession with this, it has blinded politicians of all persuasions and local communities are suffering as a result and yet people are not saving a penny. On the contrary we are paying more than is necessary. This goes on with some ridiculous claims being made about cutting taxes, yet by the back door a whole raft of new charges is stacked up against everyone in the

Matthew Lay hope we don’t notice.

The third option if allowed and subsequently chosen by residents, would necessitate a further consultation in the form of a referendum of all electors because the extra £8 a year would be above the 2% council tax increase the present Government have decreed is permissible without one. This referendum would need to agree the additional increase above the 2%. So if we finally got to this point and the good people of Hinckley and Bosworth agreed they would have been truly consulted and given their consent (twice), I think that would be pretty clear mandate.

So what was stopping the present Council offering this choice to people? Well I think it came down to the fact they had already made their minds up regardless of all the information present. This really is not good enough, but then, just days after I lost the vote at the Council I was informed that the consultation was to be put on hold pending a rethink.

So sometimes just sometimes, common sense does prevail and you realise that arguments can still be won even with the odds stacked against you.

So on that positive note let me take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. Have a great festive break and let me say thank you once again for your continued support it really does matter and it makes a difference.

Matthew

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It’s tough having a big nose. I can’t swim backstroke in the sea without someone shouting ‘Shark!’

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

2014 Shoebox Appeal What a wonderful response we had to this year’s appeal.

Boxes were a little slow in starting to come in but, once they did, they just kept coming! We also received some lovely knitted hats and other items to go in the boxes. The grand total, beating our previous record, was 67 and this year we had the pleasure of taking them to the one of the warehouses, The Big Shed Conference Centre on Freemens Common, which is part of the Covenant Life Church building. It was really interesting seeing the next stage that the boxes go through ready for their onward journey so, if anyone wants to know more, please contact us and we’ll be pleased to tell you about it.

Also, these warehouses are always pleased to welcome volunteers to help with preparing the boxes ready for shipping, so if this is of interest to you or someone you know for another year, please let us know and we can put you in touch with the relevant person.

Many thanks to everyone who has been involved this year for your kindness and generosity – it’s good to think of all those children who will be receiving our love in their boxes this Christmas. 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 but we were told that it is likely to be Serbia.

Christmas Carol Service, Saturday 20th 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.

As usual, 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 At our 10.30am Service on Sunday 21st December, the children and young people of the Sunday Club will be doing their Christmas presentations and there will 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, why not 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 and welcoming church and look forward to meeting you all. A special offering will as usual 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: 01455 457802/07816 616189 Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 01455 457802/07910 440243 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557

Glynis Straw

Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

St Peters Church, Copt Oak Christmas Musical Entertainment with The Harmonics Christmas Songs and Songs from the First World War Saturday 6th December - 7.30pm Tickets £5 to include mulled wine and mince pies.

To book contact Sue Gammon on 244229 or Ted Pepper on 249101

The next CAP Money course starts on Thursday 29 January 2015, 7pm at the Congregational Church Hall, Markfield.

Places are limited, so if you (or someone you know) would like to book please contact Steph as soon as possible.

Contact details: Steph Beeston-Clarke Lead CAP Money Coach

The course runs for 3 weekly sessions and will give you the tools and teach you a system to help you manage your finances better.

stephbc@hotmail.co.uk 01530 243606 / 07572 852684 https://capuk.org/i-want-help/cap-money-course/course

My wife’s carrying our first child. I told her, ‘He’s nine; he should be walking by now.’

6 • POLICE REPORT: There was no attendance at the meeting.

PCSO 6117 S Moran had emailed the following report to the clerk.

MARKFIELD CRIME FIGURES01/10/2014 TO 01/11/2014 • Damage x1: Ratby LaneOutside light had been ripped from the wall.

• Numerous thefts from stores and investigations are ongoing.

• Burglary Dwelling x3 • Park Avenue- Entry through patio window nil taken.

• Daisy Close- Entry through patio doors, suspect ID. • Charnwood Drive-Entry gained through rear door.

• Burglary other than Dwelling x1 • Hill Lane Close- Attempt to force entry was unsuccessful.

• Theft of a motor vehicle x0 • Theft from motor vehicle x2 • A511- Lorry canvas ripped and produce items taken.

• Shaw Lane - Lorry canvas ripped and produce items taken.

• Hill Lane Close- Registration plates removed.

The clerk had written to the Leics Police Commissioner, Sir Clive Loader, regarding the Parish Councils’ concern about the lack of police attendance at Parish Meetings.

As the matters raised were due to operational policing which comes under the remit of the Chief Constable the complaint had been passed on to Sue Walsh, Corporate Governance Team Leader, who worked in the Chief Constables Executive Office at Leics Police.

• Anti-social behaviour by youths at the Community Centre and Mayflower Close.

Instances of anti-social behaviour were still occurring at the centre and around the garages to the rear of the Bakery and Hairdressers on Main Street. The IMPACT team had agreed to put some resources into Markfield to try to resolve some of these issues.

• Plugs for Bugs – The Grant application for 2000 Narcissi, total value of £230.00 had been accepted. The bulbs had now been delivered to Mr T Lockley. Mr T Lockley had invited some pupils from Mercenfeld Primary School to help to plant the bulbs; this had been accepted by the Principal.

It was agreed that some of the bulbs should be planted around the War Memorial.

Mr T Lockley asked for some volunteers to help plant the bulbs.

• Leicestershire Local Access Forum, Raunscliffe Field: The Parish Council had agreed to install a stile next to the gate. The clerk would ask Richards Environmental Services to install it when other

Extracts from Markfield Parish Council Minutes The following items were among the topics discussed at the meeting of Markfield Parish Council on Tuesday 4th November 2014. The information comes from the unapproved minutes, and therefore may be subject to correction or alteration.

outstanding works had been done.

• Leicestershire County Council – Urban Grass Cutting & Winter salt bin update: The members of the Parish Council had previously agreed that it could undertake the additional grass cuts more effectively and more cost efficiently than the County Council’s current programme.

The verges would still remain LCC adopted highway and that the edging of footpaths and strimming would still remain the responsibility of LCC. AC Grounds Maintenance had quoted: 27 areas @ 14 cuts per year 6 areas @ 7 cuts per year 2 areas @ 5 cuts per year A total cost per season - £5924.00 exc VAT Leics County Council had allocated - £4722.70 to assist with the grass cutting based on 5 cuts per year.

Mr T Lockley had sought clarification from County Council on numerous occasions but had no suitable response. Mr D Sprason agreed to follow the matter up with the County Council.

• Highways and Footpath fault reporting.: i) Hedges along Whitwick Road from the bridge over the A50 towards were very overgrown. A Highways Officer had contacted the clerk to confirm some works had been undertaken by the County Council but many of the hedges were in private ownership therefore he would need to write to the owners. ii) The A50 underpass (footpath off Leicester Road) was in a terrible mess, full of rubbish and need of maintenance. The clerk had reported the matter to Leics County Council.

• Christmas lights & tree: The clerk had ordered 1 x 20ft Spruce (approximately) from Mr M Springthorpe to supply and erect in the sleeve on the Village Green.

The clerk had asked Richards Environmental Services to install the wooden safety barrier.

The clerk had asked Mr A Statham to install the lights and for the cost of an additional socket to be installed on a lamp post adjacent to the planted area outside the Bakery and Hairdressers on Main Street

COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT: – • BT Fibre Optic Broadband: - The Superfast Fibre Optic Broadband was on target for completion December 2014.

• Scrutiny Review panel on the Provision of Infrastructure Support for Community Libraries: - Mr D Sprason stated that the remit of the panel was very narrow and he was disappointed because he felt that Leics County Council would end up only fulfilling their statutory requirement for the provision of 13 main Libraries throughout the county. The LCC Cabinet would make its decision about the future of Community Libraries on 19th November 2014 BOROUGH COUNCILLOR’S REPORT The Co-Op store redevelopment, Main Street: - Mr T Lockley informed the members that all of the dwellings were now occupied but the “Daisy Close” street sign hadn’t been installed yet.

Mr M Lay stated that when the original planning application was made there was a provision for new external CCTV coverage on Main Street. In a recent planning submission to the Borough Council there was only provision for internal CCTV. Mr M Lay had raised the matter with Planning Officers and now the Borough Council were taking this up with the Co-Op. • Possible closure of Markfield Court Nursing Home: - Mr M Lay stated that the owners had now scaled back the number of guardians to 3-4, to reside at the property to provide security whilst the property was empty. The Borough Council also agreed that a planning application for “Change of Use” needed to be made and were discussing this with Camelot properties.

Mr M Lay stated that the building was up for sale as a care home and did have full planning permission for the building works necessary to meet today’s standards.

• Possible cessation of the Green Waste Service: - Mr M Lay stated that Leics County Council had notified all local councils that they intended to stop paying them the recycling credits for the green waste collection service which equated to a loss of income

of £549000p/a from May 2015.

The Borough Council was now considering ending the green waste service which could possibly mean that the green waste could end up in landfill and the County Council would end up paying Landfill Taxes.

The Borough Council were also considering a charge of £30p/a per household for those who wanted to opt in to a green waste service but he felt this was unworkable due to the administration costs and the ridiculous situation where the lorries would still be driving along the same streets but only collecting green waste from a few households.

• Proposed new Wind Turbine, Land adjacent to A50 – Mr M Lay informed the members that a public meeting was being held at the Community Centre on 8th December 2014 at 7.30pm to discuss the proposal.

• Main Street: The planted area outside of the Bakery and Hairdressers was in need of improvement. The Parish Council would look into some form of partnership funding with the business owners for some shrub planting and look for some grant funding.

Parcel of land adjacent to the Community Centre: - The Parish Council was looking for the Deeds to see if there were any covenants prohibiting any sale or development.

Questions to the Chair • Mr B Walmsley raised concerns about the footpath running between Main Street and Oakfield Avenue.

There was a safety barrier at the top on Main Street but none at the bottom on Oakfield Avenue and as this was a main walking route for children attending Mercenfeld Primary School and the Community Centre he felt that this presented a highway safety issue. The clerk should write to Mr I Grierson at Leics County Council.

• Mr D Moulding asked Mr M Lay to follow up the matter of the trees on the boundary of Hill Hole Quarry overhanging his driveway.

• Concerns were raised about the possible occupation of the flat above 90 Main Street, Markfield Supermarket, as this had planning permission for use as a storeroom.

Mr T Lockley would raise the matter with Planning Officers at the Borough Council.

I went into the changing room several times, but it was still the same.

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Price: £55.00 Tel: 01530 245299 SEND your Small Ads in writing to: The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or email to: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Bagworth Bowls Club Hits The High Spots Bagworth Bowls Clubs 2013/14 season came to an end with their presentation night at the Lancaster Arms in October and what a season it was!

This year Bagworth became Leicestershire County Triples champions with Ryan Lowe, Josh Brooks and Ken Brooks.

Ryan, just 16, is also County Under 18 Champion, Under 25 Player of the year and runner-up in the County Champion of Champion.

The club also reached three more County Quarter Finals and a SemiFinal. All this from a membership at the time of just 28 players.

Going to Leamington for the national finals was a very special time.

Eighteen-time world champion Tony Allcock was there to present championship badges.

For the first match Bagworth took on Somerset who boasted 2 current England internationals in their side and triumphed in an extra end decider.

The second match against Middlesex was narrowly lost by 1 shot – a great achievement as the Middlesex club had over 170 male playing members to choose their team from.

Whilst some of our members enjoyed the challenge and success of County competitions the club would not survive with out its club bowlers. The social side of the club has never been better with friendly matches on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons most weeks throughout the season, which runs from April to October.

Bowls is a great game to play. Ask yourself in what other sport can Granddads and Grandmas play against sons, daughters and even Grandchildren on a level playing field. It’s good fun, good exercise and a great place to meet new friends. No need to sit alone at home - just come along to our roll-up evening starting on April 22nd next year. You will be welcomed by one of our committee members who will explain the game to you. No kit, no pack-drill required - just enjoyment Finally the club wishes to thank the Bagworth Centre Trust and especially Bob Austin for their support throughout the season.

Any questions regarding next season can be answered by contacting John Sinfield on 01530 231273 or on sinfield@talktalk.net

Letter Memorial vandalised

For many years, the bench sited in the village in memory of our son Matthew, has provided a opportunity for passers by to meet, sit, rest and reflect.

We have always been glad that it has been utilised and enjoyed.

Over time, there has been inevitable wear and tear and the odd bit of damage, but never anything that we could not repair.

On the anniversary of Matthew’s death this year, I went to the bench to plant some spring bulbs - kindly donated by the Parish Council. I was saddened and upset to find that one of the slats had been broken off and was no longer secure. As the bench is made of hard wood, this would have taken some considerable force and would therefore appear to have been a deliberate act.

I sincerely hope that the individual(s) responsible • (a) do not treat the furniture in their own homes in this way, and • (b) never suffer the untimely loss of a loved one, as a result of which, ways of remembering them such as this become meaningful and important.

It made a tough day that bit more difficult.

Kathy Rolington

National Accolade for Rising Stars in the Lift Industry Engineering and manufacturing company Lift & Engineering Services Ltd, which has a branch office in Field Head, has scooped the prized national accolade of being announced Constructing Excellence’s national SME of the Year.

The company beat off strong entries from across the English and Welsh regions which all won the regional title in their respective region’s own awards.

Not only have they been announced as the national winner, but during the course of 2014 they achieved a unique position of being the regional construction SME of the Year in both the West Midlands and London & the South East regions, something that no other company has achieved in the 9 years of the Constructing Excellence awards.

Managing Director David Haywood said “In all our years of winning national and regional awards this is our crowning moment – I can only thank all our employees for their contribution to our successes and I’m looking forward to sharing our future with them“ Our photo shows David and his son Scott, the company’s Business Development Manager, with their trophy and accompanied by Constructing Excellence board member Roy Casey and his partner Jackie, both of whom provide consultancy services to Lift & Engineering Services Ltd. Business Development Manager Scott said “This type of recognition of our performance makes the future look more certain for us all and it certainly makes my job easier being able to sell the company with these types of awards“ This is the second time the award as been won by a West Midlands company in 2 years, evidencing the strength of the regional SME business community.

Roy Casey commented that “We work with many SMEs to help transform their performance and profile but few are as exemplar as david and his team – this accolade is richly deserved!“ The company employs 102 people across its 3 operational bases in the West Midlands, East Midlands and London.

My mood ring was stolen last night. I’m not sure how I feel about it.

10

Domestic Abuse Santa’s Sufferers Advised: Don’t coming to Suffer in Silence Bradgate ANYONE experiencing domestic abuse is advised Park ‘don’t suffer in silence’ according to the Borough Council’s latest campaign.

The “Don’t Suffer in Silence” campaign aims to raise awareness of different types of abuse and to encourage victims of domestic abuse to seek help.

Abuse can take a number of forms and psychological and emotional abuse can be as significant as physical violence and often takes longer to identify and to work through. The campaign aims to make people aware that domestic abuse is about control. This could include instances of intimidation, isolation, depriving victims of their financial independence or material possessions and regulating their everyday behaviour.

During the campaign, posters detailing how to access support will be sent out to community groups, health services, businesses and educational establishments. The campaign will also use social media to spread the message.

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.”

The Borough Council’s Domestic Abuse Outreach Service offers free, confidential advice, advocacy, emotional and practical support, in safe venues across the borough for victims of abuse.

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 or a drop in session is held at The Hinckley Hub on Rugby Road on Wednesdays from 10am to 12noon. The service has female and male support workers who can assist.

Markfield HomeMakers Markfield HomeMakers meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, on the second Wednesday of the month at 8pm.

• Dec 10th ~ Christmas Party Call: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436 for more information

Bradgate Park will be holding its second Christmas Fair over the weekend of 6th & 7th December.

Santa will be there to raise money for local charities including LOROS, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Support, Action for Children and the Leicester Hospitals Charity.

The Christmas Fair has a traditional feel with the emphasis being on showcasing local food producers, artists and craftspeople together with entertainment from Syston Brass Band, Morris dancers and the Newtown Linford Choral Society.

When the fun of the fair is over, Santa will be back at Bradgate on the following two weekends leading up to Christmas to raise more money for children’s charities.

Bradgate Park Deputy Head Ranger, Matthew Molesdale, whose team are organising the Christmas Fair and Santa’s visits said: “Our first Christmas Fair last year was a great success and we were pleased to be able to team up with Action for Children to help Santa raise money for them. This year we are delighted to be extending Santa’s stay with us to help more local charities.”

Debbie Adlerstein, Community & Events Fundraising Manager at the Leicester Hospitals Charity added: “It is great for us to be able to work together with another local charity, the Bradgate Park Trust, to help Santa put a smile on children’s faces at Christmas.”

The Bradgate Park Christmas Fair is on 6th and 7th of December from 10am to 3pm and Santa’s Woodland Glade Grotto will be open from 11am then and on the two following weekends.

Whenever I go out lately, I’m followed by a bird with long legs. I think I’m being storked.

11

Fundraising success for Stanton Primary School Stanton Under Bardon Primary School recently raised £139.81 for Water Aid Thanks to all of the children and families who gave generously to our Harvest Festival, providing home made cakes, tins and fresh produce which was sold to raise money for this charity.

Sian Smith

Let there be light!

This is going to depress you if you can’t do anything about it: but if you are having trouble sleeping, it may be due to where your desk is situated in your office.

It seems that working too far away from natural light can knock up to 46 minutes off a normal night’s sleep.

A recent study has found that workers in windowless rooms have a poorer quality of life and more erratic sleep patterns than those with access to daylight. The study, in Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, suggests that your working environment may well be crucial to setting your body’s internal clock. Look at it this way: a sunny day provides a light intensity of about 10,0000 lux, a unit of illuminance. But indoor office lighting provides only about 300 to 500 lux. And adequate exposure to natural daylight is vital for the body’s circadian rhythm – that built-in clock which dictates our sleeping and waking patterns.

Thornton

St Peter’s Organ Restoration Project As this year of fundraising for the restoration of the organ in St Peters draws to a close, I am able to share the good news that all monies have been raised, or are pledged.

Our grateful thanks are extended to the many individuals, local firms and organisations, who have made this possible.

Grant awarding bodies have been particularly generous and special acknowledgement is afforded to the Hinckley & Bosworth Parish Initiative Fund (£8,000) and to the Co-operative Making a Difference Fund (£5,000) Work is scheduled to begin in the New Year and such is the task that it is expected to take up to four months to complete. This will overrun the Easter period in early April, and some disruption will inevitably result.

As the work progresses we will need to rise to the challenge of an untidy building. Choir stalls, and other furniture, will be re-located, and there will be organ parts and pipes on view. Sunday services will continue in spite of this, but Easter celebrations will undoubtedly present especial difficulties.

In the meantime the organ will be in use, as usual, complete with its new blower, for the Christmas Services. Thereafter we will be in possession of a much valued instrument for many years to come.

Martin Foster

Bardon Park Chapel Christmas Carol Service You Are Welcome To Join Us On Sunday, 14th December At 6.00Pm Find us at the roundabout at the junction of Shaw Lane (A 511), Bardon Road (A 511) and Beveridge Lane (B 585), take the Leicesterbound (eastbound) carriageway of the A 511 road, and the chapel is on the left after about 50 metres.

There is a large car park at the back.

Everything my girlfriend does is magic, so I had her burnt at the stake.

12

Fibre Broadband for Markfield Update Where did all this STUFF come from?!

According to the Sam Knows web site (https://www. samknows.com/broadband/) the RFS date is still set at 31st Dec 2014, therefore most of the residents will be able to order fibre broadband from their chosen provider at some time after this date, thus none of us will get superfast broadband until 2015.

I have received an email from the Superfast Leicestershire project informing me that the pink stickers shown here will be applied to the cabinets when orders can be taken.

As part of the roll out 5 new fibre cabinets have been installed in Markfield, these appear to be the large capacity (max 288 lines) type, therefore at most 1440 households or businesses will be able to order fibre. According to the Sam Knows web site there are 3409 premises serviced by our exchange therefore at max only 42% can be serviced.

Remember to only order (and pay for) what you need.

As you can see from the screen grab taken from the Superfast Leicestershire web site (http://www. superfastleicestershire.org. uk/) some of the residents will NOT be able to get fibre until Spring 2016. I am not sure how many premises in the blue and green areas will be serviced by new cabinets which will be commissioned by Spring 2016. Full colour image is available on my blog at http://fibre4markfield.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/think-pink/.

I will be updating my wordpress blog at http://fibre4markfield.wordpress.com/ with any updates. Please feel free to post any comments.

Mike Williams

Is your home full of clutter? It seems that almost a quarter of us are feeling stressed by the sheer amount of stuff in our homes. This includes unread books, old video and cassette tapes, and in a few weeks, those unwanted Christmas presents.

Research has discovered we are a nation of hoarders, with an average of £400 worth of unused items lying around our homes.

The good news is that around two thirds of us are going to take action, and get rid of some stuff – especially the more hideous Christmas presents.

The research was carried out by needaproperty.com.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year to all our customers!

Ben & Jan

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

I met this girl who asked me to paint the town with her. It turned out it was part of her community service.

13

Redgates says a big thank you to Bagworth Community Centre fundraisers The photo on the right shows two local supporters of Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary, Markfield, Nikkie Burton and Tracey Peden, who came to visit the sanctuary recently to present a cheque for £340.

They had raised this amount at their own crafts and gifts fair, held at Bagworth Community Centre on Thursday 6th November. And this had been ‘a spur of the moment idea’ with only three weeks to plan!

Animal lovers Nikkie and Tracey, together with their friend Jools Moore, had worked hard (and fast) putting on an evening event with all proceeds going to the sanctuary. They also ran a very successful raffle with some great prizes, again donated from local businesses.

Sanctuary staff and trustees would like to thank the team and also the Nikkie and Tracey are standing on the extreme right and left of the twenty stallholders who offered a wide group. Sanctuary supervisor Jack Tacey is wearing the cap, and range of luxurious products to buy – volunteer Harry is standing between Sarah and the black horse some items were scenty, some sparkly, some delicious, some cuddly – all beautiful! Thanks also to the volunteers who run Bagworth Community Centre and make it such a great facility to use. It was lovely to have a cafe on site for the evening , selling delicious coffees! A great job everyone - and we could not carry on without people like you!

Jo Leadbetter, Redgate committee secretary

I lost my dog, so I put an advert in the paper saying, ‘Here, boy!’

New Year?

Get First Aid training Here is a very worthwhile New Year’s resolution: consider doing some First Aid training this year, especially if you are a parent with young children.

In a survey by the British Red Cross, 96% of parents agreed that their main fears were their children choking, or finding them unconscious – when seconds could make the difference to their survival. Even 15 minutes of proper First Aid training is enough to give you knowledge that could save someone’s life in an emergency. For details of your nearest First Aid Course, visit: www.redcross.org.uk

14

The LOROS Light Up a Life This year around 6,000 people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will be facing their first Christmas without someone they were close to.

To help them through this difficult time, LOROS Hospice will hold a Light up a Life event where people can celebrate and remember the life of a friend or family member.

A special outdoor service for the lighting of the Christmas tree in memory of loved ones will be held on Sunday 7th December at 4:30pm in the Hospice Grounds, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QE. As the lights are lit on the tree there will be the opportunity to share in singing carols.

The name of loved ones will be entered in to the Christmas Book of Remembrance and will be displayed in the Chapel/Prayer room at the Hospice. To sponsor a light in memory of someone special please contact the Hospice for an application form before 1st December 2014.

With more than 300 events taking place across the UK, the LOROS Light up a Life event is part of the nationwide campaign by the hospice movement to support people dealing with the death of someone they care about.

Jo Kavanagh, Director of Care at LOROS Hospice said: “An important part of hospice care is the support provided to friends and family of a patient after they have died. A Light up a Life event is one of the many ways that hospices help people come to terms with the loss of someone close to them and warmly remember a loved one for years to come.

“Like all independent hospices, LOROS is reliant on the generosity of the local community to fund its vital services. Light Up a Life events also help hospices to raise the money needed to provide care that is tailored to patients’ individual needs and supports their friends and family too.”

Jack, who’s Gran died at the Hospice in 2010 when he was aged only 7 said “Every year at Christmas time they have the light switch on and friends and family go to LOROS to see it. 5,4,3,2,1, from the dark night, a massive glow explodes from the pitch black sky, causing millions of lights to appear. They say each one is a patient at LOROS which when you have lost someone there, is very emotional. You feel it in the air, the love and sadness, then we sing the carols and the lady in charge says a big thank you to us all.”

LOROS would encourage people to find out more about their nearest Light Up a Life event. The event is for anyone who is bereaved, not just those cared for in a hospice.

For further details contact LOROS on 0116 2318431/2.

My grandad’s joined a rambling group. It takes them ages to finish a story.

15

Japanese Knotweed

The Chinese Persimmon Tree

Frikartii) and ‘Blue Gown’.

As all Asters are late season plants, best to propagate by division in spring.

Kale

Much in the news recently. House sales falling through, mortgages not being granted. All a bit over the top.

It can be a real problem but it is controllable with Glyphosate weedkillers (Round-up etc).

I was told of a lady who kept both Knotweed and goats – the latter loved to eat it! As most readers will know it was introduced as an ornamental plant, and is certainly is, particularly in some of its variegated forms.

Perhaps, surprisingly, in the latest 2014 plant-finder, a couple of forms are offered for sale.

In my nursery days I once had a most beautiful orange variegated form. It thrived in a large dustbin like container. I never propagated it and decided to get rid of it, so it couldn’t be requested by customers.

Knotweed has had a few name changes over the years. Currently it is Fallopia Japonica, changed from Polygonum Cuspipatum.

There used to be a couple of good clumps on Forest Road in Markfield, just beyond the M1 bridge. Completely removed by the County Council.

I also recall that the open stems made great pea-shooters

Unusual and new to me is this small tree or large shrub.

Diospyros Kaki is it’s name. should be hardy in the Midlands.

Brilliant autumn colour, followed (on female forms) by large plumlike fruits, lasting until at least Christmas. Certainly different.

Asters Still names Asters in the 2014 plant-finder, but most due for a name change soon.

Anyway, always been Michaelmas Daisies and will continue to be. A huge number of varieties, possibly thousands throughout the world.

Sadly some of the smaller N.B. types are prone to mildew. This probably the reason why so few have gained an R.H.S. award of merit. Below I list some of the best Asters: X Frikartii. Not only the best Aster, but also one of the best of all perennial plants.

The Amellus types ‘King George’ and ‘Violet Queen’ ‘Coombe Fishacre’, ‘Cotswold Gem’, ‘Blue Star’, ‘Pink Cloud’, ‘Lateriflorus Horizontalis’, ‘Little Carlow’, ‘Harrington’s Pink’, ‘Fellowship’, ‘Octen Gloren’, ‘Photograph’, ‘Ringdove’, ‘Climax’, ‘Thompsonii Nanus’ (like a small

Seems to be vegetable of the year.

A bit coarse but said to be full of nutrients. With children in mind, best to hide it in soups and stews.

Tulips Still just time for planting tulip bulbs.

If not sure which varieties are perennials, should be lifted after flowering for winter storage. In this connection I recently read an article by Fergus Garrett who is head gardener at the late Christopher Lloyd’s garden in Great Dixter in Sussex.

For some years he has been testing varieties for permanent (or semi-permanent) planting. Here are some he finds reliable: Apeldoorn (red), Abu Hassan (mahogany), Bright Gem (sulphur), Bleu Aimable (mauve), Tulip Sprengeri (red), Tulipa Saxatilis (pink/mauve), Daydream (yellow), Negrita (purple) and China Pink.

If planting tulips for lifting, maybe some kind of metal basket, sunk into the ground, would be helpful.

Ted Brown

Applying for jobs this year?

The next time your application for a job is rejected, try writing back with this letter: Dear [Interviewer’s Name]: Thank you for your letter of [Date of Interview]. After careful consideration I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me employment with your firm.

This year I have received an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

So despite your firm’s outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, your rejection simply does not meet with my needs at this time. Therefore, I will initiate employment with your firm immediately.

I look forward to seeing you Monday.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Dance the night away Ken and his small team of helpers are very grateful to the people who attended and also those who supported the Wishes4Kids charity dance at Bagworth Working Men’s Club on Friday 21st November.

About 80 people attended and £465 was raised for the very worthwhile charity.

The next Social Dance is at the Working Men’s Club on Saturday 20th December at 8 pm. It will have a Christmas theme. Admission is £2 and you can also take part in a Bingo session and a raffle during the evening.

Ken and his team are also holding a dance at Bagworth Community Centre on Christmas Eve from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm. This will give you a last chance to be good in 2014 and ensure that Santa pays a visit.

Tickets cost £2.50. Hot drinks will be available but if you wish to consume anything else, such as a wee dram on that special evening, then you will need to provide it yourself. All of the proceeds from the evening will go towards the running of the Community Centre.

The final dance of the year is on New Year’s Eve, back at the Working Men’s Club. This will be on from 8 pm til late. Again a bingo session and a raffle will take place during the evening. These are not included in the ticket price of £3. All of the above dances will be accompanied by music from Ken and his CDs. Contact number: 01530 230467.

I hurt my back today. I was playing piggy-back with my six-year-old nephew and I fell off.

16

Stanton-under-Bardon Parish Council Minutes The following items were among the topics discussed at the Stanton Under Bardon Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 4th November 2014 at The Youth Club, Stanton under Bardon, Leicestershire at 7.00pm These are unapproved minutes, so may be subject to alteration or correction.

• COMMUNITY POLICE COMMENTS No Crime Reported.

Mr Lay informed the Parish Council that Markfield Parish Council have written to the Chief Constable to make them aware of the lack of officers that are able to attend the Parish meetings. It was suggested that Stanton Council do the same.

• COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Mr Sprason referred to the Parish Council’s request for Double Yellow Lines to help address the parking problem at Bell Close raised at the last meeting.

The Clerk had sent the request to Leicestershire Highways but from the response received it would take some time before this could be looked at. Clerk to forward response to Mr Sprason for him to take forward and to look at all areas of the village that may benefit from this.

The County Council is hoping to be more cost effective by asking people to make any enquiries on line instead of phone calls.

• BOROUGH COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Due to a reduction in recycling credits that are paid to the Borough Council, there may be changes being made to the Recycling System and people may have to pay to have their green waste recycling to be collected.

A consultation is currently ongoing to look at how to deal with the reduction in money available. This could impact in the future on all recycling.

With regard to Main Street Extension, the Borough Council has confirmed ownership of this land and it has been inspected and agreed that it would benefit from being resurfaced.

There may be a planning application for Wind Turbines in the near future and also for solar

parks.

• QUESTIONS TO THE CHAIR Mr Meadows asked who maintained the footpath at the back of Everards Crescent, as someone had strimmed his brambles he had put up to protect his fence.

Councillors to visit the site to have a look at the area.

Further to this a complaint from Mr Hambleton has been received as someone has dumped hedge prunings all over the footpath which has restricted its use and therefore, people are walking in the field causing damage to crops. Letters to be sent out to all residents on Everards Crescent whose house backs on to the footpath, to make them aware this can be classed as fly tipping.

Apologies are given to those residents to whom this does not apply.

• PARISH PROPERTIES Section 106 Funding An advert has been put in the Herald asking for volunteers to form a group to help look at ideas for what the Section 106 money would be best used for.

Village Hall Trustee Report & Insurance The trustees have submitted all relevant paperwork to the Charity Commission and are hopeful that an answer will be received within 30 days.

There have been some problems with the bank Account the trustees are setting up due to the bank losing paperwork. At the moment no cheques can be paid in to the bank to help fund the various work the trustees are doing with regard to the website for the village Hall.

Land Ownership

Markfield’s New W T

he first Remembrance Service and laying of wreaths took place at the new war memorial on the Upper Green by St Michael and all Angels Church on Sunday 9th November 2014.

About 300 people were present including representatives of Churches Together, Markfield Parish Council, Leicestershire County Council and the Scout and Guide movement. Specially made poppies, each containing the name of a person who died in the WWI, were planted alongside the memorial.

The memorial had previously been dedicated at a special service on 28th June 2014. This day coincided with the 100th anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, which 37 days later lead to the start of WWI. History. Markfield was unusual in that it did not have a war memorial where people could assemble in the open air on Remembrance Sunday.

There is an interesting and historical tale as to why the memorial has only just been erected.

Early in the 1920s a ‘Picture House’ was built in Main Street, Markfield.

Silent films at the time were very popular. Villagers wishing to commemorate those who had given their lives in WWI decided to build a Memorial Hall rather than a war memorial and this early cinema was considered to be suitable for conversion. A fund was set up, but did not raise enough money. Eventually with the aid of CISWO, the Miners’ Welfare Organisation, and others, the villagers were able to take possession of the picture house and adjacent land at 128 Main Street. The converted building became known the ‘Memorial and Miners’ Welfare Institute - 1925’ and was commonly referred to as The Stute. Later extensions were made possible with the help of the Lillingston family.

The Stute served the villagers well for many years acting in the role as a war memorial, cinema, and village hall. However as the village grew and its needs expanded, a new Community and Sports Centre was opened in 1987 in Mayflower Close. The Stute, which was by this time in poor condition,

An ongoing discussion has been taking place as to who owns a piece of land on the Persimmons development as a resident there has requested that over hanging trees be cut back.

The Parish Council has checked with our solicitors and they have confirmed that our records show that it is owned by Persimmons who are disputing this. Council to get official confirmation of this then forward it on to Persimmons.

Sitting in front of a roaring fire, I thought to myself: Lions don’t burn as well as logs.

17

w War Memorial

A really easy New Year’s resolution you could (probably) keep Try eating one apple a day.

Apparently, it really does keep the doctor away, as apparently it can be as effective as statins in preventing strokes and heart attacks.

Researchers at Oxford University believe that more than 8000 deaths a year might be prevented if over 50s who are not already on statins simply ate an apple each day.

Apples are high in soluble fibre which slows the build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque in the arteries. Also, apples, unlike statins, have no side-effects.

So – they are worth trying!

Is your dog looking a bit ‘Woof’?

Tel:01530 231 531 | Mobile: 07885 572 400 The Farmhouse, Main Street, Thornton Leicestershire LE67 1AH

eventually closed leaving the village without its memorial.

Whilst memorials and books of remembrance exist in the local churches it was felt that there was no outwardly visible war memorial in Markfield as in other villages. In 2008 the initial idea of a erecting new war memorial came from Michael Hockaday, a preacher at the Congregational Church and member of the Local History Group. This became a major project for the Local History Group and research is still ongoing.

Markfield Parish Council gave the project its full support and accepted responsibility for the maintenance of the memorial. It also received the full support of the local Churches Together. The History Group took responsibility for researching the history of those who died in both world wars as well as responsibility for the construction of the memorial and raising funds for the inscribed memorial stone. Amongst others donations were provided by the Edith Murphy Foundation and from monies received from the sale of the Institute site. Granite was provided free of charge by Cliffe Hill Quarry and the work was carried out by Greg Chapman, a local stonemason.

Eventually after several years of planning, and working closely with the Parish Council and Churches, construction commenced in April 2014.

However, two days before the dedication, someone stole some key cut pieces of stone causing Greg Chapman to trail all the way to Cliffe Hill Quarry with a wheel barrow to collect and cut the final stones. The cement was still wet at the time of the dedication! Fittingly a stone at the base of the new memorial recognises the important role the Stute played in village life for many years.

Now that the memorial is complete, the History Group is preparing a booklet detailing the family and war history of those who fell in WWI and it will be similarly followed later by one for WWII. More can be seen on the Markfield Local History Group website at www.markfieldhistory.btck.co.uk/

Barrie Gannon

Markfield Local History Group

Last week I entered a competition and won a year’s supply of Marmite - one jar.

18 January Book & DVD Sale at Your Library!

Head over to Coalville, Markfield and Ibstock libraries in the new year and bag yourself a bargain!

Our January book sales include both adult and children’s stock and will be held from Friday 2nd until Saturday 31st of January at Coalville and Markfield libraries and from Tuesday 6th until Saturday 31st of January at Ibstock library.

Sale books will be priced ‘4 for £1’ and DVDs at only £1 each! (Please note DVDs will not be available for purchase at Ibstock library). Stock up your book shelves with popular authors - don’t miss our bargain book sale!

For more information call the libraries on: Coalville Library: 0116 305 3565 Markfield Library: 0116 305 3642 Ibstock Library: 0116 305 3608

This is ‘like a magic pill’ to slow your ageing Want to combat ageing and even help prevent an early death?

It is easy – take a daily walk of about half an hour a day.

According to recent research from the School of Life and Health Services at Aston University, a daily walk of half an hour can help prevent obesity and diabetes, lower the risk of some cancers, relieve depression and anxiety, increase mobility and reduce the chance of hip fracture by 40 percent among older people.

That daily half hour walk will also improve your ability to think and to reason, slow the progression of dementia, cut arthritic pain, raise your energy levels, and reduce fatigue.

And the really good news is that “all these changes are not seen in people who run marathons….people who lift weights in the gym, or spend four hours running on the treadmill. These are seen in people who simply walk, and who walk for half an hour a day.”

So says Dr James Brown of Aston University.

Exercise classes for the over 50s EXERCISE classes are being held throughout Hinckley & Bosworth to help improve health and fitness amongst the over 50s.

“Some people believe that exercise classes are not for the over 50s, but at that stage of life, exercise is more important than ever for several reasons,” said Melanie Tee, who runs the classes on behalf of Leicester Shire & Rutland Age UK. Melanie is a qualified aerobic and gym instructor and a GP referral instructor (GPs can refer patients to help with ailments such as arthritis, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes).

She has been teaching classes for 20 years and five years ago started classes for the over 50s. “I love teaching the over 50s classes and find them very rewarding,” she said.

“Regular exercise as we grow older can help boost energy, maintain independence and help manage symptoms and pain. The classes are also a great way to meet people and make new friends.”

She added: “Aerobic exercise can reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure and can help us lose weight. Weight-bearing exercises can help maintain bone density, therefore reduce the risk of osteoporosis. They can also improve posture. Exercise can even reverse some symptoms of ageing and helps with balance, co-ordination, motor skills and confidence. Improved balance can help provide falls.”

After the classes there is tea and biscuits and a chat. Throughout the year they have regular nights out as a group for dinner, dancing and skittles. The class is as much about socializing as it is about exercising.

Classes are run as follows: Mondays Bagworth Working Men’s Club (9.30am to 10.30am) Ratby Sports Club (11.30am to 12.30pm) Westfield Centre, Hinckley (1.30pm to 2.30pm) Tuesdays Earl Shilton Senior Citizens Centre (10am to 11am) Wednesdays Sport in Desford (9.30am to 10.30am) The Baxter Hall, Stoke Golding (1.30pm to 2.30pm) – starts 21 January 2015 Thursdays Barlestone Village Hall (10.30am to 11.30am) Westfield Centre, Hinckley (1.30pm to 2.30pm) As a special offer during ‘Move More 4 Less Week’, the sessions at Earl Shilton on 20 January 2015 and at Stoke Golding on 21 January will cost just £1 each.

For more details, call Melanie on 01455 290976.

They demolished my local Dominoes Pizza today, and all the other shops in the street fell down.

19

Bagworth Community Centre Trust NEWS The usual round of groups, etc are meeting over December at Bagworth Community Centre.

These include Bagworth Pre-School, Stay and Play and Messy Play, Karate, Craft Club, Drop in, Zumba, Jazz Street Dancing, Yoga, Youth Club and Angling Bingo. Please be aware that these groups will be having breaks over the Christmas period.

On Monday 22 December Messy Christingle is taking place (no doubt there are more details about this event elsewhere in the Herald). This is followed at 6 pm by Bagworth Community Centre Christmas Party.

Admission is by a donation of money or of Christmas food.

Activities will be available for all ages. Come and have a get together in the comfy and cosy surroundings of the Front Hall. Do let us know if you intend to take part, either on Facebook or by leaving a message on 07866 766160. Festive fun, festive food and festive frolics are on offer.

On Christmas Eve, Ken and his small team of helpers are organising a Social Dance at the Centre. This is from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm and tickets cost £2.50. The dancing includes sequence, modern and line dances.

Hot drinks will be available, but should you prefer something stronger to get you into the Christmas spirit, you will need to provide that yourself.

There will also be a Christmas Raffle during the event. All of the proceeds from the evening will go towards the running of the Bagworth Community Centre. The Trust is very grateful to Ken and his helpers for organising this.

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Most older folk were home schooled, as well as actually attending a school…

• • • • • • • • • •

Our mothers taught us TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE: “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”

Our fathers taught us RELIGION: “You better pray that that will come out of the carpet.”

Our mothers taught us LOGIC: “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the shops with me.”

Our fathers taught us MORE LOGIC: “Because I said so, that’s why.”

Our mothers taught us about CONTORTIONISM : “Just you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”

Our fathers taught us about the science of OSMOSIS: “Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”

Our mothers taught us about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: “Stop acting like your father!”

Our fathers taught us about ANTICIPATION: “Just wait until we get home.”

Our mothers taught us about ESP: “Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”

And finally, our fathers taught us about JUSTICE: “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!”

I no longer see my wife and kids, and it’s all because of gambling. I won loads of money and moved to Spain.

20

Community grants on offer to voluntary groups

County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason Markfield Library We now know the result of the County Council’s administrations decision and direction of travel with regard to Leicestershire’s rural libraries.

It is not good news as they have decided to unfairly fully fund 16 market town libraries but as good as abandon the 36 rural libraries to voluntary community groups with tapering support. This once again proves to me that the current leadership at County hall know the cost of everything but the value of nothing.

It has been encouraging that the local community are coming together to try and secure the future of our local libraries. Groups of volunteers are meeting to look for options to save our library, despite the patchy information from County Hall.

The groups responded to the County Councils consultation with an expression of interest. The proposal to save the libraries from closure would take the form of a new ‘Community Hub’ in line with the ‘Community Partnership’ model as outlined in the County Council’s proposed library changes.

The hub would be run by a Community Library Trust comprised of representatives from local government, education, business and the voluntary sector.

Under our vision the building would be open equivalent to its current provision but will also be made available to other users deemed appropriate by the Trust. These could include child and adult education, local governance and citizenship, book clubs, community coffee bar and community groups. Staffing in the first instance will be provided by paid professional librarians and volunteers from the local community. In making this offer we hope to turn the threat of closure into an opportunity to improve a service for the local community. We will look to extend the opening hours and to make the space available for even more community activities.

We believe our vision of creating a ‘Community Hub’ will strengthen the community and increase civic pride, increase local involvement and provide a range of new educational and cultural

opportunities. The details of our offer and business plan will be completed utilising the financial offer from the County Council.

We are currently working with officers from the library service and also looking at local funding opportunities to see if our vision is workable and sustainable. At present we believe so.

I proposed an alternative county wide Library model while raising some concerns regarding the cabinet report being consulted on regarding the future of our community libraries. In 2012 the informal engagement exercise was carried out which the cabinet report summarizes on. It highlights support for the concept of using volunteers to help run small rural libraries, but not without the support of professionally qualified staff. This message was clearly overlooked by the cabinet as it highlights that volunteers will find it morally wrong to replace the

qualified paid library staff.

The community partnership model as proposed in the 5th March 2014 cabinet report outlines a one size fits all model that shifts the risk to deliver and pay for the service on to community volunteers. This is already raising concerns with Parish Councils who are legally excluded from running a library service and believe the model offered is unfair, unaffordable and an attack on rural areas. It has also been raised that the model proposed discriminates against rural areas in favour of town and shopping centre libraries and is clearly is not a fair use of council tax income. The report does however touch on devolved delivery being delivered in different ways; this is misleading as only one option is offered and consulted on.

So we would have like to have seen a more open consultation process that accepts different models of service delivery proposed and negotiated with Parish Councils and or other stakeholders.

Expressions of interest are still being sought from community and voluntary groups for a slice of a £260,000 grants scheme.

David Sprason In already proposing that Leicestershire adopts the Suffolk model of an Industrial and Provident Society Library service.

This model has enabled SCC to deliver its statutory obligation fairly while making savings of 30% and has encouraged local community groups to innovate, fund-raise and expand the service as a local hub for information, learning, literacy and inclusion while keeping the professional librarians.

This model has also encouraged the activities on offer; information and advice, a reading group, employment advice, health and wellbeing activities and a place to meet and interact with others. Volunteers are central to community outreach services, as drivers, be-frienders or hosts in community spaces.

Having put forward the innovative Suffolk model which was adopted by them in 2012 this could have been replicated by Leicestershire County Council. It was disappointing to see the model being turned down by the County Council’s leadership that with work could have delivered the required savings. We will now have a number of month’s uncertainty while we see if we can manage to save our well valued libraries.

Groups can access up to £10,000 from Leicestershire County Council’s Shire Community Solutions grant which puts a strong emphasis on communities supporting – through early intervention - the young, vulnerable and the elderly in order to deliver long-term savings for the authority.

Pam Posnett, the county council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “These grants are a fantastic opportunity for voluntary groups to secure funding for projects, some of which are already benefiting from our support.”

That’s the case with Loughborough group Twenty Twenty, awarded just over £9,000 to fund a coordinator, who will organise placements with local businesses for around 40 young people, many not in education, training or employment.

Mike Hughes, of Twenty Twenty, said: “We’re working with youngsters who have had little exposure to the workplace and the generous grant from the county council helps us to offer individual support to these young people as they look to build a brighter future.”

Expressions of interest for a Shire Community Solutions grant can be made at anytime, with application forms sent to groups whose expression of interest is considered suitable for funding. Those applications are then considered by a grants panel as and when they are submitted.

For further advice, please contact 0116 305 7269/7020 or e-mail shiregrants@leics.gov.uk with further details are also available at www. leics.gov.uk/grants and the closing date for expressions of interest is Sunday, February 15.

Christingles Christmas Eve Wednesday 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

My grandad woke up with a puzzled look on his face - he’d fallen asleep on his jigsaw.

21

Superheroes at South Charnwood for Children in Need

South Charnwood High School raised £632.48 during a non-uniform day for Children in Need.

Pupils were allowed to leave their school uniforms at home, in return for a £1, and come to school in casual clothing instead, preferably with a super-hero theme.

Our picture shows staff and pupils dressed as superheroes in support of this worthy cause.

Back row from left to right: Liz Newman (Teacher of PE Superwoman), Amina Hetaj (Death Bird), James Wheat (Robin), Callum Flowers (Batman), Matthew Walker (Swamp Man), Josh Price (PE Support Assistant – Super Ski Man), Lois Willett (Cat Woman), Evie Hubbard (Microwave Woman).

Front row from left to right: Eleanor Ragan (Cat Woman), Brooke Wright (Spiderman), Amber Lowe (Superwoman

CLA calls for Minister to act on councils blocking farm building to home conversions The Country Land and Business Association Limited (CLA) has written to Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis calling on him to act after statistics from his own Department show local authorities are ignoring the Government over permitted development rights for conversion of agricultural buildings to homes.

The organisation, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, said its members are concerned about the unwillingness of local planning authorities to engage with rural economic growth.

In response to a question asked in the House of Commons, Mr Lewis revealed that the extension of permitted development rights was empowering individuals.

But the latest available statistics show that since the law changed to encourage more conversion of agricultural buildings, only one third of applications for conversion of farm buildings to homes have been permitted by local authorities.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “The introduction of these permitted development rights was a hard fought battle for the CLA and the Government.

The fact that local authorities are blatantly refusing to follow legislation is a scandal.

“If the Government is serious about getting more underused agricultural buildings back into use and helping with our chronic housing shortage, then the Planning Minister must act to ensure local authorities take a genuinely constructive approach to permitted development.”

CLA Midlands regional director Caroline Bedell added: “It is frustrating that this long-awaited policy, which could help considerably towards economic and social development in rural areas, is falling at the last hurdle. This is not what government wants, and it is certainly not what the countryside needs. We will continue to monitor the situations closely, and continue to put pressure on local authorities to deliver national planning policy on the ground.”

I took my wife’s family out for tea and biscuits. They weren’t too happy about having to give blood, though.

22

Markfield Community Centre News Activities for Parents/Guardians and Younger Children Here at the Centre and with the support of other agencies and volunteers we are continuing to develop clubs and activities aimed at supporting parents and guardians of babies and pre school children.

Having young children can be a joyous but often difficult time especially around finances, juggling work time with baby sitting, being isolated from others, meeting up with friends and making new ones. It is also a time when babies and young children need a lot of nurturing, developing and learning new skills, mixing with other children and having fun. Here are some of the activities that you and your children can come along to and enjoy whether you are a parent, guardian, grandparent or someone looking after children whilst parents are at work. You simply just need to turn up on the allotted days and join in.

• Speedwell Club This is a new pilot project aimed at providing a social club for parents, guardians, grandparents and those that care for children aged under five years.

The club meets every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm.

Sessions will include play and activities for your children and a programme of activities, talks and information sessions that will help and support people who look after young children. This is a great opportunity for you to meet up with and socialise with friends and their children and an opportunity to make new friends. All you need to do is turn up on the day.

Entrance is only £1 that includes light refreshments for you and your children.

• Tiny Talk Tiny Talk is a new way to improve the communication skills of your baby through musical baby signing and hands on sensory activities in a way that will delight your child.

Sessions are held on Friday mornings DURING SCHOOL TERM TIME with sessions for babies from 9.30am to 10.30am and toddlers from 10.45am to 11.45 am. For further information please contact Jodie on 07976 106859 or visit the

Enjoying the Richard III Talk - Battle Banners Tiny Talk web site www.tinytalk. co.uk

• Gigglers Again during school term time Sure Start are holding sessions at the Centre on Thursday mornings from 10am to 11.30am for parents/guardians who can bring along their babies from birth to the crawling stage to enjoy messy and sensory play, crafts and singing.

There is no charge for coming along and for more details please contact the session leader Katy McMorrow on 07967 587199

• Parents And Toddlers Group This group is run voluntarily by parents on Tuesdays 9.30am till 11.30am and on Thursdays 9am to 11.30am.

Come along and enjoy a “natter” with other parents while your children play.

Falls Awareness Workshop I have to say that I was amazed and pleased with the turn out for the Falls Awareness Workshop organised by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council in partnership with AGE UK held at the Centre on Tuesday 18th November.

The many who attended were able to take advantage of having advice and information about avoiding falls and also receiving free hearing service, eye sight test, a postural assessment, alarm services and fire safety information and advice as well as a Tai Chi taster session.

The public response to the event clearly shows a clear need to provide similar events and information advice for our more elderly and vulnerable residents in Markfield and we aim to continue to provide this through activities such as our Markfield Mayflower Club

Markfield Mayflower Club Update October and November saw some truly amazing and fascinating sessions at the Club.

The Halloween Party was fun with members dressing up as witches and monsters and having a go at Jack “O” Lantern making and apple bobbing. Our braver members even took part in warily exploring the mysteries of the Halloween Horror box that contained a number of scary and smelly objects.

A talk on the old Leicester Cinemas was fascinating and brought back a lot of memories of happy hours spent in the old “flea pits” and many admitted to a “snog” or two in the back row.

It is amazing to think that at one time there were over 30 cinemas in Leicester alone and film sessions were even held at the old Markfield Miner’s Institute at one time. But sadly they have nearly all gone now having been converted into garages or mini markets etc.

I have to say that I really enjoyed a talk by Pat Moore a guide at the Bosworth Battle site who explained the complex “politics” and myths behind the battle, stages of the Battle, Richard III the man and how his remains were found. We also had a chance to try on replica costumes and armour of the time and handle period weapons of war.

This was a truly fascinating session enjoyed by all..

Coming up this month we

Richard III Talk: Trying on armour will be holding a Christmas Carol session with members of Mercenfeld School Choir on the 10th December and a Christmas party on the 17th December. If you would like to come along to either session you will be most welcome.

Mayflower Club - A Bit of Worrying News Sadly the funding for the original pilot of this project comes to an end at the end of December.

This means that without any further funding the Club will have to finish unless we can find alternative funds. The Club has proven to be a huge success and has provided not only a good old social for our more elderly residents and their carers but has given us a real opportunity to provide them with information and access to services and support that people living in a rural village find difficult to get. We are determined to find a way to carry on the Club through fund raising and funding bid applications BUT if there is any way you can help please let us know.

Recent Events at the Centre Ecuador Here We Come!

On Saturday 22nd November family and friends of villagers Lizzie Dexter and Georgie Cox launched a fund raising endeavor to raise funds to send the two girls off the Ecuador and the Galapogos Islands with Groby Community College in 2016 as part of CAMPS International.

The project offers our two intrepid students not only the opportunity

In future, I’m dating girls on Amazon, because they’ll be sure to recommend other girls I might like.

23

From Ron Grantham (Markfield Community Association) this is a chance for you to win a good amount of cash as well as enjoying a good old social evening.

Sessions run from 7pm to 9pm with “eyes down” at 7.30pm.

Christmas Is Coming As I write this article Christmas will soon be here and the annual panic and excitement is starting to kick in.

The Ecuador Fund Raising Team of a life time but also a chance to make a profound and lasting impact on disadvantaged communities and wildlife during their four week expedition.

The fund raising evening was based on an Italian Night where friends and family were treated to a delicious waiter-served three course meal, a raffle, an exciting prize bingo session and an impromptu prize auction. Mums Alison and Cindy and members of the family worked tirelessly to cook and serve the meal as well as organizing the event. More fund raising events are being planned so, if you can help by providing raffle prizes or supporting future events this would be much appreciated by Lizzie and Georgie

why not take advantage of our FREE room hire for bar functions for the coming year.

Over last year this offer has helped people out with the cost of arranging special events and can save you a lot of money at a time when money is tight. For further information please contact the Centre

Dates For Your Diary 8th December Public Meeting regarding proposed new wind turbine (7.30pm) 10th December Mayflower Club Carol Concert

Are You Planning An Event In 2015?

Friday Night Bingo

If you are thinking of planning a family party, presentation evening, other celebration, a fund raising or charity event or any other social event in 2015

Don’t forget that our new Friday Night Bingo sessions with old style prize bingo and cash bingo.

The jackpots for both are getting larger and larger by the week and

So, can I remind you that the Centre is once again supporting the Leicester Mercury’s Christmas Toys on the Table appeal. 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.

Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2015 On behalf of all the staff, volunteers and members of our management committee may I give our warmest seasonal greetings and sincere thanks to all our Centre users, organizations, volunteers and those who have given us continued invaluable support over the years. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2015 to you all.

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.

Christingles Christmas Eve Wednesday 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 ma and take home at the end

For all the family Monday 22nd December Bagworth Community Centre 4.00-5.30pm

children of all ages - get a parent, friend grandparent or neighbour to bring you

There will be lots of things to

Refreshments provided including Mulled wine, fruit drinks and mince pies Children must be accompanied by an adult Organised by Holy Rood Church and the Benefice of Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton under Bardon and Copt Oak

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How scary must it be for a scuba diver to see Adele rolling in the deep?

24

Christmas has arrived at Ulverscroft Grange!

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is delighted to announce that Christmas has arrived at Ulverscroft Grange Community Support and Wellbeing Centre!

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 menus!

See advert on page 15. www.bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open To Non-members Sat 6th Dec: The Return Of Wellard Willy - Rock Covers Band Sat 13th Dec: Last Stand - Classic Rock Covers Band Sat 20th Dec: Thornton’s Own Punk & Disorderly Boxing Day Afternoon: The Del Sharrons New Years Eve: T.b.c. - Band - Twisted Medleys And Mash Ups Sky & BT Sports Free Room Hire Available For Your Perfect Party - Bingo Every Tuesday Evening - View Our Website On www. facebook.com/TheThorntonClub Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth.

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

Christmas Eve: Disco in the lounge with food. FREE entry.

Boxing Day Dinnertime: 12 noon onwards - Bingo and DJ Sat 27th December: STEWART GLENN - singer New Year’s Eve: SEQUENCE DANCING in the concert room - £3.00 entry. Disco in lounge - FREE entry Every Tuesday night - target shooting - call for details Every Monday night: DOMINOES only £1.50 entry, which includes supper.

Bargain!

Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Bingo & Raffle every Wednesday and Saturday Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each - last Friday of the month - and RAFFLE with excellent prizes.

Sequence dances Sunday Nights with live organist - £2.00 admission 8 pm

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

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

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Christmas Market - Sunday 14th December - loads of gift ideas!

See advert on page 30.

The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 Sat 20th Dec: JOHN DANIELS brilliant guitar/vocalist ALL SKY SPORTS & BT SPORTS All live TIGERS games.

The Bull’s Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Christmas Eve: THE DEL SHARRONS Boxing Day Afternoon: Song & Dance With Anstey Morris Men New Year’s Eve: Tequila First Sunday in January - The Leicester Morris Men visit All FREE Entry!

Garden & Pub Games etc.

POKER NIGHT - Tuesdays - starts at 8pm The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights Every Fortnight:Next two are Saturday 11th October and Sat 25th October with ‘King of the Road’.

See advert on page 10.

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Fri 5th December: Zodiac - excellent duo Sat 6th December: Crackerjack brilliant showcase band Sun 7th December: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo and Quiz Fri 12th December: Joe Ross - very good male solo Sat 13th December: Dawn Allen excellent musician/singer Sun 14thDecember: Super Sunday’50’ Bingo And Quiz

The charity shops are now stocking the new Christmas selection which offers a wide range of festive items – gifts, decorations, stocking-fillers and much more!

Santa will be making a very special appearance at Ulverscroft Grange on Saturday 13th December 2014, between 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. There will a small selection of Christmas stalls and a magical hand bell performance commencing at 2.00pm. Admission to Santa’s Grotto is £5.00 per child (including a small gift).

Alan Norman, Chief Executive of the Foundation, said “this is a wonderful opportunity to come along and enjoy the festive spirit; whilst relaxing in the Tea Rooms, browsing the charity shops and enjoying the magnificent views. He added ‘Groups and individuals are welcome to book during the week for a Christmas Lunch, served in the Tea Rooms. These are available subject to availability on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2nd December 2014 and pre-booking is essential.

For more information please contact the Helen Baxter on 01530 244914 or via email at hello@shuttlewood-clarke.org Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9QB www.shuttlewood-clarke.org

Celebrating 175 years of the Penny Post…

In January 1840 – just 175 years ago – the penny post was established throughout the UK and, as we know from Dickens and other novelists, letters flowed freely to and fro several times a day. It was a golden age of communication.

Sadly, this facility has now disappeared: recently the Royal Mail reported that it is struggling to deliver to every house just once a day for a price of 62p - over 150 times more than in 1840 (1p = 2½ old pennies). That’s not quite as bad as it seems, of course: a penny in 1840 would be equivalent to about 35p now.

Never mind; we now have another golden age of communication, featuring the St Peters Church, Copt Oak mobile phone. Mobiles are as ubiquitous nowadays as the penny Christmas post was in 1840, and it is hard to Musical Entertainment believe that it was only 30 years with The Harmonics ago that the first mobile phone call was made in the UK – by comedian Christmas Songs and Ernie Wise, who called Vodafone’s Songs from the First head office in Newbury from St Katharine Docks in London on World War New Year’s Day, 1985.

Saturday Quick off the mark as always, it 6th December - 7.30pm was in the same month (just over a fortnight later) that British Telecom Tickets £5 officially retired the much-missed to include mulled wine iconic red telephone box. Maybe a bit too quick off the mark, because and mince pies. there are still vast tracts of Britain To book contact without a reliable mobile phone signal.

Sue Gammon on 244229 or Not so golden after all.

Ted Pepper on 249101

I’m leaving my girlfriend because of her obsession with the Temptations. Or is it just my imagination?

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26

Thornton Christmas Concert St. Peter’s Church,

Sunday 14th December 3.00 – 4.45pm

Natalie Nightingale & Friends with the fabulous choir of Thornton School and the Kirby Muxloe players £5 entry for adults (children free) - includes coffee and cake .... and mulled wine for the adults!

Proceeds shared equally between the Friends of St. Peter’s & Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary

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SERVICE at Trinity Methodist Church – Markfield Sunday 14th December 10.30am Suitable for the whole family

Surely after all these years they can just call it Zealand now?

27

Borough Councillors’ Report Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea

Residents warned over cold calling scam

Residents in Hinckley and Bosworth are being warned to be on their guard after a door to door salesman attempted to deceive a local woman by telling her his product was endorsed by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

Cllr Chris Boothby Tel: 0116 2388301 or 07880 711222 Email chris.boothby@hotmail.com

Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Dear Residents

Bagworth Wind Turbine This application was heard by the Borough Council’s Planning Committee on 11th November and was refused on the grounds on the grounds that the size, scale and position of the proposed turbine would be detrimentally harmful to the landscape and visual character of the local area.

Furthermore, the proposed turbine would result in a cumulative visual and landscape impact with other existing and consented turbines within the local area.

A lively debate following the Officers introduction that informed Members that that this application was recommended for refusal with questions being asked of the agent for RES who despite being the project manager seemed unable to answer them. Members were further concerned about the data emerging regarding land movement and as such voted to go with the officer’s recommendation.

Application for the Livestock Shelter Heath Road The application for a livestock shelter on Heath Rd Bagworth was withdrawn at from the planning committee agenda on the 11th November and will now be heard at the December meeting.

Chris and Ozzy would like to take this opportunity to wish all our residents a happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year Remember that we are only a phone call away.

Chris & Ozzy Working for you.

The Borough Council issued the warning after a concerned Hinckley resident contacted the council to report a sales representative attempting to sell insulation products at the door, ignoring the ‘no cold calling’ signs on display. The sales representative claimed his company was endorsed by the Borough Council, but the council has made no such endorsement and is not associated with any companies who use cold call selling methods either door to door or over the telephone.

The resident refused to buy anything from the sales representative on this occasion, but the council is keen to make sure that nobody is misled by this or any other company making similar false claims.

Joe Orson, the county council’s cabinet member for trading standards, said: “My advice is never deal with anyone on your doorstep, especially if they have ignored your “No Cold Calling” sign - reputable businesses do not ignore these signs.

“You need to know who you are dealing with and always get more than one quote, especially if it is for home repairs or improvements. Never accept that anyone is working for your local council without checking with the council.”

Executive Member for Community Safety at the Borough Council, Councillor David Bill added: “I share everyone’s concerns about this. We have had an appropriate sign on our front door for years and it does seem to work. If anyone says that their sales are endorsed by the council please ignore what is said.” · Anyone with any concerns about traders can report them to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Advice Service on 03454 04 05 06.

Lunchtime Talks at Coalville Library Come along to Coalville library’s last talk in a series of monthly lunchtime talks. The talks have fallen every second Wednesday of the month throughout the year and will be finishing for the year with a WW1 themed talk.

‘The 1914 Christmas Truce’ with Dr John Sutton is a moving account of the temporary truce between troops at Christmas time during WW1.

So join us from 12.30pm until 1.30pm on Wednesday 10th December.

You are welcome to bring along your lunch for the session and a tea/coffee is included in the price of £2.50 (for library members) and £3 (for nonmembers).

Don’t delay – get your ticket now!

For further information or to pre-book your ticket please contact the library on: 0116 3053565. Staff will be answering the phones during the two weeks temporary closure for refurbishment from 24th Nov to 6th Dec.

I used to be a freelance journalist but I wasn’t very good. Lance is still in prison.

28 Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon Sunday 7th Dec Service 10am Monday 8th Dec Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 9th Dec Singing cafe at Shepshed Library 10am Wednesday 10th Dec Prayer meeting 7pm Friday 12th Dec Singing Cafe Loughborough Library 10am, Coalville Library 1.30pm Sunday 14th Dec Service 10am Monday 15th Dec Coffee morning 10am Sunday 21st Dec Cafe 4U with ‘Carols by Candlelight’ 4pm, Sunday 4th Jan Service 10am

Markfield Congregational Church 01530 242142 Sunday 14th December 10.15 am Sunday Club Nativity Sunday 21st December 10.15.am Service of Nine Lessons and Carols Thursday 25th December 10.15 am Christmas Day Family Worship Sunday 28th December 10.30 am United Churches Together Service in Our Church Sunday 4th January 10.15 am Morning Worship followed by Communion

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 7th December 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 14th December 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper Saturday 20th December 7.30pm Carol Service with Marwood Brass Band and a visit from Santa!

Sunday 21st December 10.30am Family Service with the Sunday Club groups’ presentations and a puppet production Christmas Day, Thursday 25th December 10.30am Short informal Service to celebrate The Lord’s birthday Bring your favourite Christmas present, if it’s portable!

Local Church Services Sunday 28th December 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 4th January 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 11th 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 14th December 10.15 am Nativity Service at the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 21st December 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Carol Service Christmas Eve 6.00 pm Christingle Wednesday 24th December 11.30 pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10.30 am Christmas Day Service at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon

Saturday 6th December “Come and Sing Carols” afternoon, 2.30pm - 4.30pm. Pop in at any time.

Sunday 28th December 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Serviceat the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Joint Service

Sunday 7th December 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Taizé Service

Sunday 4th January 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 14th December 10.30am Morning Christingle Service 6.00pm No Evening Service Sunday 21st December 10.30am Morning Communion Service 6.00pm Evening Carol Service Wednesday 24th December 11.15pm Christmas Eve Communion Service

Sunday 11th January 10.15 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Wednesday 10th December 10.00 am Midweek Communion and Coffee Sunday 14th December 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 21st December 10.30 am Holy Communion 6.00 pm Carol Service Christmas Eve 4.00 pm Christingle 11.30 pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day 10.30 am Christmas Day Service at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 28th December 10.30 am Joint Communion Service Sunday 4th January 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 11th January 9.00 am Holy Communion

Friday 16th January 8.00 pm “Still Friday”

Sunday 18th January 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 18th January 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Service at Trinity Methodist Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 25th January 10.30 am All Age Service Wednesday 28th January 10.00 am Midweek Communion and Coffee

Thursday 25th December 10.30am Christmas Morning Service

Sunday 25th January 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service

Sunday 28th December 10.30am United Churches Together Service at Congregational Church 6.00pm No Evening Service

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon

Sunday 4th January 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Service

Sunday 14th December 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 4th January 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 21st December 10.30 am Carol Service

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak

Sunday 11th January 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Afternoon Café Service Sunday 18th January 10.30am Morning United Churches Together Covenant Service at Methodist Church 6.00pm Evening Service Sunday 25th January 10.30am Morning 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.

Christmas Eve 4.00 pm Christingle Christmas Day 10.30 am Christmas Day Service Sunday 28th December 10.30 am Communion Single Service at St Peter’s, Thornton Sunday 4th January 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 11th January 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 18th January 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 25th January 10.30 am “Something Different” Service

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Monday 22nd December 4.00 pm Messy Christingle

Sunday 14th December 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service) Sunday 21st December 6.00 pm Carol Service Christmas Eve 9.00 pm Christmas Communion Christmas Day 10.30 am Christmas Day Service at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 28th December 6.00 pm Joint Service at St Michael’s, Markfield Sunday 4th January 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 11th January 3.00 pm Praise Service

Alcohol was my father’s answer to everything. He didn’t drink; he was just lousy at quizzes.

29 Sunday 18th January 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service) Sunday 25th January 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Catholic Church of St Wilfrid of York 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB Sunday Mass Saturday Vigil: 6 pm Sunday: 10 am See Newsletter on the website for details of weekday Mass times, Benediction & Confessions Parish Priest: Fr David Cain: 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website: www. stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www.st—clares.leics.sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle./leics.sch.uk

Growth

“When I married you, I could get both hands around your waist,” my husband mused, eyeing me after a month of Christmas indulgence.

“Now look how much I got. That’s what I call an investment!”

Flight fright

An amateur pilot wannabe, I knew I’d finally made progress with my flight training the day my instructor turned to me and said, “You know, you’re not as much fun since you stopped screaming.”

Hectic

After a hectic December full of Christmas events at the church, the vicar went wearily into the chemist’s shop. He asked: ‘Have you got anything for laryngitis?’

The chemist replied: ‘Good morning sir. What can I do for you?’

UK premiere of locally produced film highlighting drug and alcohol addiction in Leicester Leicester Recovery Partnership’s Jon Roberts has teamed up with independent documentary filmmaker Nick Hamer to capture Jon’s work as a Recovery Consultant and his past life as an alcoholic/drug addict.

The Dear Albert film’s UK premiere will be at Phoenix Cinema in Leicester this month, following international showings in Canada, South Africa and America.

‘Dear Albert’ has taken three years to produce and aims to highlight Jon’s experience to inspire change in the lives of others. It follows Jon’s work as he supports Ian and Gary in the earliest stages of their rehabilitation to ‘get well or die trying’; providing a hard-hitting and uniquely personal insight into the process of recovery. Debut director Nick Hamer explores Jon’s own journey with addiction, especially the struggles he faced saying goodbye to Albert, his street-side alter-ego and part of the elaborate lie Jon and other addicts wrap around themselves to hide the extent of their substance abuse.

Jon offers his insights to addicts drawn from his own challenges throughout the film: “In rehab, one of the things they asked me to do was write a letter saying goodbye to the addict within. Usually these letters start ‘Dear Addict’. When I went back to read it I realised that I had written ‘Dear Albert’. At that moment I started to understand what was really going on; that my drug use had become part of an elaborate lie. From that moment I decided that I didn’t want to be Albert anymore.”

This September, Nick and Jon brought their work to the world stage as Dear Albert premiered at the Calgary International Film Festival, before going on to screenings in New York and Cape Town, throwing the spotlight on drug and alcohol addiction and

sharing their work with an international audience. It is now being shown in Leicester on the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th of December at the Phoenix cinema in Leicester.

Since graduating with a Foundation Degree in Drug and Alcohol Counselling, Jon has been supported by Leicester University’s Career Development Service and others to develop the Dear Albert project and create a social enterprise of the same name. He now works for Leicester Recovery Partnership, working as part of the city alcohol and drugs service to support more people to achieve long term sobriety.

Jon successfully secured a bursary and mentoring from the Enterprise Inc2 project (part funded by ERDF*) at the University by pitching his idea for a new recovery social enterprise.

It has also been part-funded by Leicester Recovery Partnership’s unique Innovation Fund which has been set up to support service user and staff ideas for recovery focussed service development and improvement. This has included a mutual aid programme called ‘You do the MAFs’ which he runs at Leicester Recovery Partnership to aid the local recovery community.

Documentary filmmaker Nick, who runs Intrepid Media based in Leicester, documents a range of social issues through his work and describes his passion for the Dear Albert project and its legacy: “This project has been my passion for three years, I’m deeply involved in the lives of everyone featured in the film. I’m delighted that a new recovery programme will be opening in Leicester this year; it shares its name with the film,

Dear Albert. I’m on the board of trustees”.

Jon is now continuing to expand his social enterprise Dear Albert, making an impact with recovery services and individuals across the region: “Part of the Dear Albert mission is to make recovery in our communities more visible, providing the hope to those still struggling and affected by active addiction that recovery is possible.

This is an important message to share during this week’s Alcohol Awareness Week. Resolving a history of substance abuse will often require medical and professional counselling interventions; but recovery is also very much about a social process. Nick’s film is a fantastic tool for getting these messages across. We are building workshops around some of the themes and issues explored in the film so that others can benefit from the work being done.”

After the UK Premiere in Leicester and its tour of several international film festivals, the Dear Albert film will be made available for screenings at drug and alcohol treatment services, recovery communities, universities, prisons and rehabs in 2015.

You can watch the trailer and find more information and updates about the Dear Albert film here: http://www.dearalbertfilm.com/ Tickets available from: http://www. phoenix.org.uk/film/dear-albert/

I hate being the only drunk person at a party. It totally ruined my son’s fifth birthday.

30

Popular Comedians Wordsearch Find the names of 12 WELL-KNOWN COMEDIANS 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.

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 popular comedians. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: ONLY JOKING, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 24th December 2014. Remember to include your name and address.

The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s Fez will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel.

Good luck!

Here are the twelve Popular Comedians you have to find: BILL BAILEY • BILLY CONNOLLY • DARA O’BRIAIN DAVID MITCHELL • EDDIE IZZARD • JACK DEE JIMMY CARR • LEE MACK • MICHAEL MCINTYRE PETER KAY • ROWAN ATKINSON • SEAN LOCK Name: ...................................................................................................

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

Last Month’s Competition Winner The winner of last month’s Wordsearch Competition was: SAM BLYND of Birchfield Avenue, Markfield Congratulations! Your voucher will be sent to you within 21 days.

Remembering George Orwell of Nineteen Eighty-Four Novelist George Orwell died 65 years ago, on 21st January, 1950. Best known for his anti-Stalinist fable, Animal Farm, and the bleak Nineteen Eighty-Four, set in an imaginary totalitarian future, Orwell was also a journalist and a critic.

Orwell was a pen name. He was born Eric Arthur Blair on 25 June 1903 in eastern India, the son of a British colonial civil servant. He was educated at Eton and, after a stint with the Indian Imperial Police in Burma, he decided to become a writer and moved to Paris.

Initially he had little success, and this was reflected in his first book, Down and Out in Paris and London, published in 1933. In The Road to Wigan Pier (1937) he focused on the poor pre-war living conditions of the working class, and discussed the merits of socialism. Late in 1936, he travelled to Spain to fight for the Republicans against Franco’s Nationalists but was forced to flee from fanatical Soviet-backed communists.

During the early part of the Second World War, Orwell wrote propaganda for the BBC, and in 1943 he became literary editor of the Tribune, a weekly left-wing magazine.

Animal Farm, published in 1945, made his name, but Nineteen EightyFour (1949) is probably more widely read and quoted – particularly the catchphrase “Big Brother is Watching You”, with which 21st television watchers are all too familiar.

Despite his criticism of organised Christianity – particularly the Roman Catholic Church – Orwell retained a strong religious streak and a niggling affection for the Anglican Church into which he was born. His paternal grandfather was Vicar of Milborne St. Andrew in Dorset. However, Orwell’s verse beginning “A happy vicar I might have been / Two hundred years ago” is not entirely convincing. It was almost certainly not meant to be.

If you enjoy reading The Herald, please pass it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it.

Thanks!

My girlfriend’s leaving me because I don’t take anything seriously lol

31

Success for Markfield’s Hannah Cox After a busy summer of orienteering, Hannah Cox, Year 12 student at Groby Community College, competed for Great Britain in the Junior European Cup in Belgium at the start of October.

Hannah came 7th in the W18 category of the sprint, putting her track and road running experience into good use, and was the top performing British runner across all age groups. Hannah followed this up with an 8th place finish in the relay races, after finishing 3rd at the end of her leg.

You can also hear an interview from Hannah whilst competing in Belgium by using the following website link: http://www.britishorienteering. org.uk/ Well done to Hannah on your continued success!

(Editor’s note - Hannah also delivers The Herald each month. What a star!)

Two women knocked my door and started preaching to me about the virtues of brown bread - they were Hovis Witnesses.

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