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Markfield’s pub history Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald AT POINTS in its history Markfield had a good number public houses, at least 8/9 from my reckoning based on what I have been told and many more than may be found in similar size communities (It happened to have the temperance hall to balance things out, which is at last being carefully renovated and has a few stories of its own to tell) Markfield also had a reputation for drinking, particularly of ale/beer or pedigree and it would seem this was very much a local pastime and a key ingredient of the local community. Today you would not think it and the long tradition of going to the pub which was a feature of community life for generations, has been in steep decline for some time. Not so steep however that I cannot remember the George or the Lion being very busy public houses and part of the link between the Queens Head and The Bulls Head, a sort of mini pub crawl which if you were being adventurous could include the Copt
Oak, Flying Horse or the Shaw Lane club. In those days people would have a favourite and stick with it and when they got fed up they would move on. The loss of the George and the Lion was I believe a loss to the community but from this new things emerged. The Lion is now the Fusion restaurant and good food is served on a regular basis to lot of people. Interestingly the front of the restaurant acts as a sort of reminder to its drinking days and on a Saturday evening you can still find a few happy souls enjoying life in the company of friends as if nothing had changed and the spirit of the Lion lives on. The George of course plays an even bigger role in the community than in its past life because it is now part of the Co-op and a busy Co-op at that. It was important to me that we were able to retain the original George building in that redevelopment so as to retain its uniqueness. The developers sadly have yet to put up the agreed street sign for the houses to the rear but that small cul-de-sac is actually called Daisy Close after Daisy Burdett nee Grimes who was the landlady for so many years. The loss of the two public houses on the Main St, left the Bulls Head
and Queens Head at either end of the Main St together with the Field Head hotel and the Coach and Horses. Perhaps as a sign of renewed interest in this social gathering both the Hotel and the Coach and Horses are receiving substantial makeovers. The Coach and Horses is losing its skittle alley to make way for a renewed focus on the food offering with the kitchens coming downstairs. Many years ago I worked in the Coach and remember when at weekends it would be heaving with people. Years before that, both my Grandma’s worked in the space which became the skittle alley, when it was a shoe factory. I hope the investments in our local public houses pays off and we continue to see a vibrant pub scene bringing people together. In an increasing insular world it is important we retain the social contact that binds communities together. IT FEELS A LITTLE TOO early to be writing this article and at the same time wishing everybody a happy Christmas (happy christmas everyone!) Personally I haven’t really given much thought to the coming festivities other than where we actually spend the day in question. What to buy and for whom will be the same challenge
Historical Hysterical Christmas! An Evening With Actor, Writer, Producer, Director, Wrestler and Comedian
MIKE KENNEDY at THORNTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE on THURSDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2015 - 7.30 p.m. at THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE
Mike has 32 years of experience in the entertainment industry, having started at the young age of six on the stage. He has gone on to appear in three West End shows as well as television and radio, including roles such as Sgnt Wilson in the stage version of Dad’s Army, Doody in Grease, Nathan in The Full Monty and Buttons in Cinderella to name but a few. He is also an entertaining and informative speaker on a variety of historical topics and is one of Tutbury Castle’s leading historical guides for ghost hunting events! We will be delighted ot welcome him to Thornton, as he promises to open our eyes to the real history behind Christmas, the unwrapping of the origins of Christmas meals, the Christmas tree, mince pies and Father Christmas himself. Mike will tell us more about some of the oldest traditions of Christmas past that we still use today, as well as the strangest and most bizarre Christmas celebrations. Why was Christmas outlawed and why was it illegal to make Christmas pudding? Where did red Santa originate from and what about the green and even blue Santa? All these questions and more will be answered in Mike’s festive fun-packed presentation. Mince pies and most excellent home-made wine will be served. THERE WILL BE A CHRISTMAS RAFFLE. We will hold a “Present Exchange” where you may bring along a wrapped present (to the value of £2) and take away one to open as a surprise on Christmas morning. The MEMBERS’ COMPETITION is for a decorated Christmas bauble. WHY NOT COME ALONG TO ENJOY A FUN-FILLED AND VERY “CHRISTMASSY” EVENING IN GOOD COMPANY? YOU WILL BE MADE VERY WELCOME. Visitors’ Fee £3 which includes refreshments.
Muriel Walker
Matthew Lay as it always is and trying to make the most of the time with family and friends will require planning because before you know it the time will have passed. It is very easy to forget about the magic of this season and what it means to people the world over especially children. You don’t need to be religious to recognise or understand the values that should underpin this time of the year but I suspect it is easy to put them to the back of ones mind while dealing with the pressing affairs of state. I suspect we all do this at some point, I know I certainly do and it would seem we are more and more conditioned to to put to the back of our mind the things that really matter. So let me just say, I hope that everybody finds the time (and I include myself in this) to make the most of the things that really matter at least at this special time of the year. I wish all of you the very best.
St Peters Church Copt Oak
Christmas Musical Entertainment with
Serenata
Saturday 5th December 7.30pm Tickets £5 to include mulled wine and mince pies. To book contact Sue Gammon 244229 or Ted Pepper 249101
TAKE your dustbin to the supermarket with you so that you can see which items you have recently run out of.