THE HERALD DECEMBER 2019

MID-DECEMBER 2019

Thornton

Organist needed!

Christmas Craft Fayre success

Shirley Garlick Churchwarden 01530 230422

Christmas Nativity

on the Farm At Little Markfield Farm Forest Road, LE6 9UN

On 22nd December At 2pm Tea/Coffee and Mince Pie. All welcome.

Sing Christmas

AS CHURCHES Together in Markfield we will be gathering together to listen and join in with this event on 23rd December at 7pm.

We plan to have two venues.

Markfield Court Social Lounge and Mayflower Court Social Lounge.

Everyone is invited to come along to either of these events.

Please be seated by 6-50 ready for a 7-00 start. The event finishes at 8-00.

For more information contact Angela Berry 01530 242578 or 07971 254165

MARTIN FOSTER has played the organ at St Peter’s Church, Thornton as the resident organist and then voluntarily for many many years.

I think we have all really enjoyed and appreciated his playing for church services, weddings, funerals and concerts, and I would like to say a huge thank you on everyone’s behalf for all the pleasure he has given us over the years and to his unfailing commitment.

However, Martin really would like to ‘stand’ down now. So, we are seeking an organist to play for Sunday services at St Peter’s. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this post, please do put them in touch with me.

Thank you

BBC Radio Leicester

THIS YEAR’S Friends of St Peter’s Christmas Craft Fayre was one of the most successful yet, with a big increase in visitors and a total of £1345 raised for the repair and conservation of St Peter’s Church. A very generous donation of £200 from Midland Quarry took the total to £1545.

A very jovial Father Christmas arrived at Thornton Community Centre on the back of a steam traction engine. It was a real joy to see Colin Harris driving the engine around the village with Father Christmas waving to folk as he passed by.

The 21 stalls displaying a whole host of beautiful items, many homemade from knits, bags, pictures and calendars to decorations, jewellery, bird boxes, and chopping boards, were a delight to see. Visits to Father Christmas in his grotto, and activities and crafts in the children’s corner were enjoyed by many. Martin’s Christmas quiz was as popular as ever and provided much conversation and speculation. The usual cake stall, tombola and raffle were very well supported by everyone and there was many a bargain to be found on the Bric a Brac stall. The café proved so popular that the kitchen ran out of food - especially the delicious bacon cobs!

Comments from the visitors and crafters alike were all about the friendly happy atmosphere that pervaded the day. Indeed all the crafters replied with a resounding ‘Yes’ when asked if they would like to book a stall next year.

A huge thank you to the stall holders, helpers and visitors alike, who supported this joyful event. A lot of hard work and effort but well worth it all. The magnificent sum of money raised will help with the repairs to the church roof after thieves stole about 1 ton of lead in October. Thank you.

Shirley Garlick

Churchwarden. On behalf of the Friends of St Peter’s, Thornton

Churches together in Markfield

Carols outside the Co-op!

Churches Together in Markfield warmly invite you to Sing Carols outside the Co-operative Store, Main Street, Markfield on Saturday 21st December from 10am to 11am.

Come for as long as you can spare at this very busy time of year.

All welcome!

Contact Rosie Woodland on 01530 244497 if you need more information.

New Year Walk

Calling all walkers

WHY NOT join our small group for a New Year Walk on Friday 17th January.

Max 5 miles. Ending with refreshments at Ulverscroft Grange.

Meet on Markfield village green at 10.30am. All welcome.

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 18th JANUARY - ARTICLE/ADVERT DEADLINE: 4TH JANUARY

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THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Quarterly Report from County Councillor Peter Bedford AS WE COME to the end of the year (where did it go?!)

I thought I would use my December Report to update you on the key issues and campaigns that I have been working on this year.

Crown Crest HGVs AS MANY OF YOU will know the decision by Crown Crest (Poundstretcher) to apply for extended dispatch & delivery times has caused much angst amongst residents in Markfield who already suffer greatly from the effects of HGV traffic through the village.

Working with the Community Groups, I would like to particularly pay credit to Sara Aspinal for her organisation and rallying of local residents to this cause, the Parish and Borough Councils we put forward a strong case at the Planning Meeting of 17th September for the application to be rejected.

Residents, Councillors (from all parties), and Planning Committee members were united in their opposition to the plans and we are determined to carry on the fight when this application goes to appeal.

120 Bus PRIOR TO MY election to Leicestershire County Council in 2017 I was contacted by Markfield resident, Sue Lockley, with concerns about the continuation of the ‘120’ Bus service.

The ‘120’ provides a lifeline to many residents of Markfield & Stanton, connecting them to Leicester and Coalville, and as such I was adamant that the service had to be retained.

After much campaigning and lobbying at County Hall I was pleased to confirm that this service will be saved as a result of merging the route with the ‘155’ Breedon Service.

I would like to thank Sue Lockley, Ann Cook and the residents of Markfield Court and Stanton who have provided me with much support during the past two years in enabling me to make the case for saving this service.

Warehousing in Stanton THE PAST SIX months have been a particularly busy time for issues affecting Stanton.

On 12th October I joined local residents for a discussion in the

village hall about the ‘scoping’ of land adjacent to the village for warehousing. Whilst this decision will sit with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council I made it crystal clear that as the County Councillor for the area I would be opposing such applications; that would have a detrimental impact on the lives of local residents, whilst delivering little/no benefit to the community.

A511 Growth Corridor WE ARE ALL aware of the tough financial settlement that local councils face. As such the County Council is currently working through a bid for £49m of Government and Developer funding for upgrades to the A511.

The objective of the scheme being to: • Deliver increased capacity at key congested junctions; • Support public transport operations and encourage use of sustainable transportation; and • Improve safety for pedestrians through the provision of better crossing facilities at key junctions.

In principle this is an excellent scheme to deliver a much-needed major infrastructure boost for local road networks; however, I do have a number of concerns.

Under the current proposal we would see an end to the ‘right turn’ from Stanton Lane to the M1 junction. This would result in increased traffic along the Shaw Lane section of the A511.

A stretch of road which already causes a number of noise, and air quality issues for local residents.

Furthermore, ending the ‘right turn’ would add considerable time to commuters who would then have to loop around the roundabout at the ‘Charnwood Arms’ (Hungry Horse) to travel back up the A511 to access the M1.

I have already had extensive discussions with the Parish Council and local residents about this issue and held a meeting with Officers of Leicestershire County Council on 27th November to ensure that these concerns were taken on board by the Council.

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Blake Pain, is aware of my opposition to the Stanton Lane proposal and confirmed at LCC Cabinet on 22nd November that the views of myself and local residents would be taken on board prior to finalising the bid.

One in four frogs is a leap frog.

Peter Bedford

Bardon Hill Quarry Community Fund ONE OF THE most enjoyable roles that I have is chairing the Bardon Hill Quarry Community Fund.

The Community Fund, financed by Aggregate Industries for the Quarry Extension, was set up to allocate grants to community groups for the betterment of the life and wellbeing of local residents.

The fund has supported the residents of Shaw Lane, who have been most impacted by the quarry extension, with a contribution towards double glazing to help abate some of the noise disturbance.

As your County Councillor I have fought hard to ensure that these grants are awarded to worthy causes in Markfield and Stanton under Bardon.

To date these are just some of the good causes that we have helped: • Markfield Community Park: £30,000 • St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak: £2,000 • Mercenfield Primary School: £1,000 • Markfield Library: £2,934 • Stanton Primary: £2,564 The Fund is particularly focused on projects with positive environmental impacts, so if you know any community groups that would benefit please do encourage them to apply by emailing Kirsten.Hannaford-Hill@ aggregates.com

Final Thoughts CHRISTMAS CAN be a joyful time of the year. A chance to see family and friends, exchange gifts, and have some fun. But it can also be a challenging time of year.

I would like to thank the many residents that give up their time to help those less fortunate or who may be struggling emotionally at this time of year.

Finally, I would like to you and your families a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Best Wishes, Peter

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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Letter

No current plans for incinerator at Bardon I AM WRITING to clarify comments made by Borough Councillor Matthew Lay in a recent edition of The Herald.

The county council does not have any current plans for an incinerator at the Interlink Business Park, Bardon.

The county-council owned area of land referred to in the article is for a waste transfer station and a recommendation to assign the land for this use was approved by Cabinet members on October 22nd.

A waste transfer station is essentially a commercial unit which is used to allow waste collected in smaller vehicles to be loaded on to larger vehicles for a more efficient onward journey to waste treatment and disposal facilities.

A planning application for the waste transfer station will be submitted in due course. Members of the public will be able to comment through the usual channels.

Joanna Guyll Assistant Director, Environment and Transport Leicestershire County Council

LFE Film Evenings - Thursday 2 January

“Yesterday”

JACK MALIK is a struggling singer-songwriter whose dreams of fame are rapidly fading. After a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, Jack wakes up to discover that the Beatles have never existed and he finds himself with a very complicated problem.

Cast: Himesh Patel, Lily James, Ed Sheeran, James Corden, Meera Syal Running time: 1 hour 56 minutes. Venue: the Parish Hall, Kings Drive, LFE, LE3 3JE. On arrival complimentary hot drink and biscuits are provided. As we have no licence, please feel free to bring your own drinks.

Your entry ticket will be put in a draw for a free double ticket for use at any future viewing. Doors open at 7.00pm; showing starts at 7.30pm. Cost: £5.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to all Herald Readers, Deliverers, Contributors and Advertisers! You are all fabulous!

Had a row with my boss at lunchtime. One of the perks of working near a boating lake.

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THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield couple prepare for a Diamond celebration!

South Charnwood High School Remembers

IN AN ever spinning world, South Charnwood stood still in honour of those who have lost their lives in armed conflict.

Ceilidh

at Thornton Community Centre on Saturday 4th January 2020 at 7.30pm Tickets £12 (pre-book only) from

gilltevents@aol.com or tel: 01530 231662.

Bring your own drinks and snacks. www.thorntonvillage.org

FRANK AND MARGARET Brocklehurst were both born and bred in Nottingham and married (in Nottingham) on 30th January 1960.

Frank says: “We moved to Markfield November 2nd 1973, settled in Park Avenue and have been there ever since.

“Markfield is ideal for just about everything. Only one mile from the M1 and a bus service to Leicester or Coalville about every half hour.

“Naturally over the last 46 years we have seen many changes in the village and it has most of the essential shops one needs.”

The whole school community came together in a collective act of Remembrance.

This year special emphasis was placed upon the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Each year group was allocated one of the landing beaches that played such a major role on 6th June 1944.

Representatives from each of our year groups laid specially made plaques on our Remembrance tables.

During our time together the school listened to readings and poetry which paid tribute to our brave servicemen and women. The tribute concluded with an impeccably observed silence at 11.00am and The Last Post played by Andrew Richardson from Leicester South Salvation Army A special thanks go to George Brothwell, Oliver Hadnutt, Joshua Felton-Bailey, Joseph Clarke, Ben Buckby, Matilda Phillis, Emily Whitlam, Sam Wood, Beth York and Phoebe Cook who all played a key role in the special event.

I told a bunch of jazz musicians to go forth and multiply. So now I’m on the sax offenders register.

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THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Letter

Markfield’s grass verges are being destroyed by parking OUR BEAUTIFUL and historic village is being decimated by irresponsible parking on pathways and verges .

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Whilst it can be accepted in todays modern era there is a significant increase in numbers of vehicles per household, this cannot legitimise the mindless acts of some drivers.

As you walk around the village it is noticeable how the verges along Leicester Road have been destroyed by parking, parts of Ashby Road the same, the entrance to Croftway near the Bull also.

Notwithstanding the obvious effect on the way the village looks, there is a ‘cost’ associated with repairing these verges and areas to make them fit to be mowed in the summer months .

There is also a massive safety issue to less abled, partially sighted and mothers with pushchairs navigating around these vehicles and the mess they have created .

Surely we have a duty of care to protect and respect where we live?

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Are your teenagers even more grumpy than usual?

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IT MAY be social media is to blame.

A research study has found that 13 to 19-year-olds who started using social media early in their lives are now showing signs of ten mental health symptoms, including anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and insomnia. They are also more irritable, procrastinate for longer, and reveal low self-esteem.

The study was undertaken for the private health provider Bupa. It found that overall, social media made teenagers more stressed as more than half of them admitted that it distracted them from homework, which then made them more concerned about their declining academic performance.

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Our local football league has a Greek mythological team. Their striker is half man, half horse. He’s their centaur forward.

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THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Belly dancing event raises over £700 for Rainbows

PILATES Relieve Your Aches and Stiffness and Move More Freely

Small group mat based Pilates classes! Fun, friendly and relaxing! Suitable for mixed abilities. The exercises can be modified for a safe & effective workout.

Activities Centre, Ulverscroft Manor Priory Lane, Markfield TUESDAY 6.00-7.00pm & 7.00pm-8.00pm

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves THURSDAY - 9.30-10.30am

Limited availability booking essential

WE HAD another belly dance event at the Markfield Social Centre where I teach Bellydance classes to ages 15 and up .

Classes also in Newbold Verdon & Barlestone

For more information contact Sally Tel: 01455 824095/ 07966 107244 Email: info@sallyeasthampilates.co.uk

Dancers from around the Midlands came to showcase their choreography and have some fun meeting other dancers, teachers and students.

The event raised £735 for Rainbows Hospice in memory of Heidi Wilkinson who sadly passed away a year ago at age 23.

Roxanne Dinsdale

Search your sofa IF YOU are feeling hard up for money as the New Year begins, it may be worth checking your sofa.

It seems that there are still millions of old onepound coins loose in our homes across the country.

The Royal Mint has reassured people that they will still accept the old coins – just take them to your nearest bank. “We expect there to be some returns for a number of years to come,” said a spokesman.

I’ve got a new job drilling holes for water. It’s well boring.

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

A very successful year for Newtown Linford Gardening Club

Wishing all our customers past and present a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2019 has been a very successful year for Newtown Linford Gardening Club with membership high and a full hall at our meetings.

We have welcomed some prestigious speakers during the year. Our two celebrity evenings saw an audience of 150 listen to Matthew Biggs in February and Chris Beardshaw in October. In addition we had excellent talks from Alan Power from Stourhead Arboretum, Timothy Walker from Oxford University Gardens and Julie Attard from the National Forest.

Our two visits took us to David Austin’s Rose Nursery at the height of flowering in June and Leicester University Botanical Gardens in August. Those events, coupled with a Summer Garden Party when the weather was at its finest in July, and a Christmas Party to end the year, made it one of our best years ever. We even had some members weaving willow dragonflies under the watchful eye of Katharine Wright from the Leicestershire Craft Centre in Marker Harborough.

2020 will be equally full. As well as some highly entertaining local speakers, we have visits from Jim Buttress from the Britain in Bloom Organisation, Stella Exley, a gold medallist with her camassias and Jack Willgoss, the national authority on violas whose nursery we will visit in August Our two celebrity speakers will be Helen Yemm, gardening correspondent for the Daily Telegraph and James Alexander-Sinclair, who has appeared regularly on Gardeners’ World and Chelsea. We are pleased to welcome visitors to these two occasions and tickets for Helen Yemm’s visit on Tuesday March 24th are now available. They can be obtained from the secretary for £12.

Anyone interested in our activities can contact the secretary (tel.01530 242452) or e-mail us at 32couling@gmail.com , or else come along to one of our meetings as a visitor (£3). If you would like a copy of our programme for the coming year, we will be pleased to send one to you.

Anne and David Couling

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from Jan, Ben & the staff

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

Wednesday is

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

Traditional Sunday Lunch 1 Course - £9.00 2 Courses - £12.00 3 Courses - £15.00

With personal service to your table

Home-Made Pie Night - Tuesdays - £6.45 Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Garden & Great Food!

My Grandad was a dyslexic baker in the army. He used to go in all buns glazing.

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THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

You’re invited to spend an afternoon with us!

On THURSDAY , 9TH January, we will be meeting in Thornton Community Centre at 2.00 p.m. to be entertained and, possibly, quite shocked!

Jo Golby will speak on the subject “The Price of Vanity”. Jo, much in demand as a speaker and a guide at Warwick Castle, has a wealth of knowledge which she shares in a lively, interesting and informative way.

An unappreciated cost of vanity is that maintaining a desired social image can lead us to do things which bring us harm! For example, in the past, it was not uncommon for a rich lady to have a couple of ribs removed in order to attain the desired eighteen-inch waist! I’m sure that we will be scandalised by some of Jo’s revelations and amused by others!

From 2020, we are going to meet in the afternoon, instead of in the evening. We hope that this new timing may be more convenient to anyone interested in joining us. There will no longer be any need to drive home on dark nights! Also, by starting our meetings at 2.00 p.m., we will easily accommodate those who have to collect children from school at the end of the afternoon.

The WI was first established in the UK in 1915, to educate rural women, and to encourage countrywomen to get involved in growing and preserving food to help to increase the supply of food to the war-torn nation.

Much has changed since then, and it’s no longer all “Jam and Jerusalem”!

But education and the sharing of skills have always been at the heart of the organisation, and this remains true today. Women join to meet new friends, to play a part in their communities, and to make a difference on matters that are important to them now.

The WI celebrated its centenary in 2015 and currently has almost 220,000 members in approximately 6,300 WI’s. So, we do have a powerful voice!

If you would like to come along to any of our meetings, then please do!

We always meet on the second Thursday in each month, (except for in August), and have a full and varied programme planned for 2020.

I am reminded of the old adage, “If you never try, you’ll never know!” So why not treat yourself to an afternoon out in good company? You will be made very welcome. We do have our serious side, but there’s also laughter and fun to be had. Come and see!

There is a Visitor’s Fee of £3.

Muriel Walker

(Thornton WI’s President)

Dance. Dance. Dance in Bagworth. And why not?

The NATD, North Midland Area Trophy Day, competition in Nottingham one weekend and dancing exams the next! The pupils at Dancetastic take it in their stride.

Dancing as couples for the competition and then with their teacher, Jo James, for exams the dancers think nothing of adapting their routines for each event.

Well done to the new competitors who were in the under 9 category and reached the semi-finals and a super well done to the older children who all reached the finals! But competitions aren’t all about the dancing and trophies! There is plenty of time to chat with your friends too. And that’s just the Dance Mums!

The exam results won’t be back for a couple of weeks but safe to say they all danced their socks off and are hoping for some excellent results. Look out for them in the next edition of the Herald.

But what if you haven’t got a partner and want to learn to dance? Dance-tastic SOLOS is the class for you. Friday mornings at 10am at Bagworth Community Centre is where you can learn proper technique and routines in all of the Ballroom and Latin American rhythms.

Call Jo on 07790322486 for more information on all of the classes that are held in the Centre.

The Bagworth Community Centre Trust would like to say how proud they are of Jo and the work that she does with the people that she teaches, not to forget the pupils themselves. It is so good to see the Centre being used in such a positive way. This is also true of many of the other groups who make good use of the Centre and who also gain excellent results like Jo. Bagworth, you should be very proud of all of these people.

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I saw Michael J Fox in the florists this morning. He had his back to the Fuschias.

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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News from the Markfield & Thornton Theatre Group

OFF INTO THOSE ENCHANTED WOODS AGAIN! IN JANUARY 2020, we will be staging our annual pantomime, and do hope that you will be able to come along to support us.

“Snow White”, by the Brothers Grimm, is a 19th-century German fairy tale, (today known widely across the Western world), which gained great popularity when it became, in 1938, Walt Disney’s first animated feature film.

When starting to write the script for our Group, I wished often for the wide-reaching capabilities and facilities of the Disney empire.. and for the ability to conjure magic from the written page! What I can call upon, (and I count myself very lucky in doing so), is the enthusiasm, the loyalty and the talents of our Group members.

“Snow White “demands a large cast and it does get somewhat crowded in that little cottage at times! However, directing a large cast is fun and rehearsals are busy and happy and full of laughter.

You will see many of your old favourites on stage as they bring the story to life – though some in the kind of roles they’ve never tackled before!

The dwarfs, (too many Laura Vesty returning to the to mention by name!), area after her University days, plays weave in and out of the story, the title role, and newcomer Lucy bringing music, merriment, and I Marlow plays the Prince, who- as suspect, perhaps a little mayhem! the story demands - arrives in the Where would Snow-White be nick of time. without her dwarfs?

Keith Barnes and Wayne Joining us again this year… and I Roberts ably aid and abet each really can write, “back by popular other as the Dame and the demand” …. will be a Dance Woodsman, whilst Tim Fantom, Chorus from the Linda Williams as the King, (who loves to sing!), Academy of Performing Arts. often finds himself puzzled and The dancers are always a perplexed. Maybe he shouldn’t pleasure to work with and have a have married Belladonna, the professionalism that is admirable. wicked Queen? Emily Vaughan, As I write, Academy graduate, in her first “baddie” role, brings Lydia Boulton, whom our regular malice and mischief to the role of patrons may remember dancing Belladonna. Rumour has it that the in many of our pantomimes, is two pets she’s installed in the castle making her West End Debut in ... revolting rodents of the repulsive “Mary Poppins”! Because of our kind, have been seen in this area audiences’ warm responses, the before! young dancers love being part of We are always trying to persuade MTTG pantomimes and count each people to set foot on stage, and one as a highlight of their dancing Kevan and Marie Shephard, year. who joined us a couple of years Staging a pantomime really is a ago to help behind the scenes have team effort. We need to call upon both been persuaded to take small the talents of all our members, not speaking parts in the Pantomime! only those who will be on stage Admirably, Kevan will still be rolling in the cast, but also our technical backcloths, and Marie will be teams and those very valuable rushing about with properties!

backstage and front-of-house people who keep things running smoothly.

IF THERE IS ANY ASPECT OF A LOCAL AMATEUR DRAMATICS GROUP THAT APPEALS TO YOU, THIS IS AN EXCELLENT TIME TO COME ALONG AND SEE THE GROUP AT WORK. WE MEET ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, AT THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 7.30 p.m.

MTTG is a friendly Group and our members would make you most welcome, whatever your interest.

If you just want to meet a group of new friends, then that’s fine by us!

Do come along!

Muriel Walker (Writer and Director of “Snow-White”)

“Snow White” runs from 21st to 25th January at 7.30 p.m. nightly, with a matinee performance at 3.00 p.m. on the Saturday afternoon.

Tickets (£5) are on sale at Thornton’s Corner Store, or from Anne, our Bookings Organiser on 01530 469714.

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I had a bottle of Omega 3 pills thrown at me the other day. Luckily I escaped with just super fish oil injuries.

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THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Diary Dates for Spring 2020 Events at Leicester Animal Aid, (LAA), Huncote

We have lots of exciting events planned for 2020 – here are just a few in the first months of the New Year to get into your diary. Money raised from these will help us to continue looking after the animals. Remember, we are not far away – just past Desford on the way to Huncote, and only about 20 minutes’ drive from Markfield. Our address is: Leicester Animal Aid, Elmwood Farm, Huncote, Leicestershire, LE9 3LE (*but please do not use our postcode for Satnav!)

Coffee Shop and Table Top Sale - Saturday 4th January; 1st February and 7th March - Held at Leicester Animal Aid, Huncote from 10am to 12.45pm Mini-Market and Sale (lots of brilliant bargains) - Saturday 15th February Held at Leicester Animal Aid, Huncote from 10am to 1pm Dog First Aid Course – Saturday 21st March, 10am – 1pm This popular course gets booked up so secure your place now. You can book online or by calling the Centre.

Mini-Market and Sale (lots more brilliant bargains!) - Saturday 18th April Held at Leicester Animal Aid, Huncote from 10am to 12.45pm

Could you re-home a cat from our LAA Cattery ?

We’re gearing up for a ‘pawsome’ Christmas here at Leicester Animal Aid. Our four-legged friends have their paws crossed that Santa Paws will be visiting them! But ... we know that top of our residents’ Christmas list will be a kind and loving forever-family-home and we hope that by the New Year their wish becomes a reality. Every year we care for more than 400 cats/kittens and dogs who are lost, abandoned, neglected, unwanted or given to us as their owners can no longer care for them. We do not receive any funding and rely on the kindness and generosity of the community.

Everyone at Leicester Animal Aid wants to say a huge thank you for the wonderful support received in 2019 and wish everyone a very Happy Christmas. https://www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk/ Tel: 01455 888 257 Or find us on Facebook!

Festive Feast for Shoppers A SUNDAY FOOD and craft market offering a selection of hot and cold food plus crafts, collectibles and gifts will be returning to Market Place, Hinckley on Sunday 15 December from 10.30am until 4pm.

For the first time this year visitors will be treated to live music while they browse the stalls, courtesy of Hinckley’s popular live band 4th Avenue who will be performing festive favourites in front of the Christmas tree.

There will be 40 stallholders including street foods, warming mulled wine and cider, crafts, gifts, collectibles and more plus live music, Santa on Stilts and entertainment from Fosse 107.

Assistant Town Centre Manager for the Borough Council and organiser of the event John Coward said “This was a really popular event last year so this year we’ve decided to make it even bigger to encourage even more people to shop local, adding more stalls offering and all things Christmas; lights, mince pies, crafts, gifts, collectibles and Christmas music. Parking is free in council car parks on Sundays so please wrap up warm and come along and soak up the festive atmosphere while enjoying some Christmas shopping.”

Stall holders attending so far include: Event Crepes – Sweet and savoury crepes; Kiss & Bake Up – Homemade Brownies; Horse and Crown Mobile Bar – Warming mulled wine and cider; Tapitas Deliciosas – Paella; Kipsters – Homemade dog biscuits; Betty Browns – Cakes and baking kits; Sona Foods – Indian Street food; Now Now South African – South African Street Food; Beth Bakes – Cupcakes; Picks Organic – Farm BBQ; Sticky Beaks – Smoked Foods; The Ginger Barista – Barista Coffee; Luxury Mallow – Marshmallows of all flavours; Martin Brothers – Wood Fired Pizza; Nyonya Recipes – Malay Cakes; Jams n Jars – Jams and Chutneys to take away; Sloeberry Spirits – Bottled alcoholic gifts to take away; Splitsmiths – VW Campervan Bar; Noni’s Family Kitchen – Homemade scotch eggs; Mulled and Spiced – Bubble Waffles; Wat Wok – Thai Street Food; Lean on Liddle – Soups and Smoothies; Debbie Campbell – Homemade cakes; La Flamenca Churros – The ‘world’s best’ churros; Simon’s Deli – Delicatessen; Brockleby’s Pies – Homemade gourmet pies to take home; Taartie – Luxury doughnuts; Sweet Station – sweets and treats; Tan Rosie – cooking sauces to take away; Fizzy Lizzy Crafts – Homemade carvings; Tracy Mccloskey – Folded Book Art; Lisa Edwards – painting and prints; Islastones; Macmillan Crafts; Albie’s Boutiques – Pet accessories; Chris’s Slippers and footwear; Retro prints; Helscotton handmade creations; Bradley Benjamin’s garden ornaments; Craft Mad Claire – scarves, purses and bags; Fosse 107

TAKE A RIDE ON GROBY’S POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN TO SEE SANTA!

Local stalls for crafts and gifts

HOT FOOD AVAILABLE CANDYFLOSS & POPCORN LEICESTERSHIRE FIRE SERVICE VISITING

POST YOUR LETTERS TO SANTA IN OUR VERY OWN POSTBOX

AT THE DRUCK SITE, EVERYONE WELCOME

IT’S FREE NO BOOKING REQUIRED JUST TURN UP

BREAKING NEWS: Optimist drowns in bath half full.

1 GE Title or job number 10/30/2019

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

ENHANCING LIFE in the village of Bagworth THE BAGWORTH Forward Group (BFG) whose aim is to enhance the life of the village of Bagworth has been very busy recently.

The Beetle Drive in October raised about £140 for our funds. There was very good company and very tasty food. The Miles family gained first prize at the end of the evening. We will not mention (to save their embarrassment) who got the wooden spoon. On the night, some people proved to be very competitive. We have decided to put on another Beetle Drive at 7 pm on Friday 31st January. Beetle is a game played with a pencil, paper and a dice. More details to follow.

On Saturday 21st November, BFG organised a Christmas Fayre, also at the Community Centre. The two halls were filled with stalls and Santa was in attendance in his grotto in the Meeting Room. He was kept very busy during his visit. The cooks provided some very tasty food, which went down a treat. On this occasion, we raised over £500.

The following Monday evening was the Christmas prize bingo. Again, this was well attended and everyone had a good time, some more than others when they won prizes. We made over £150 as a result of that evening.

We would like to say a personal thank you to the two delightful young ladies (you know who you are) who have set up a BFG page on Facebook.

We greatly appreciate the work that they have done and it gives us another way to advertise our events. Do find it and sign on to it, so that you can be well informed about our events.

The flowers in the planters have been renewed. Different individuals care for these throughout the year but especially in summer when they could easily dry out. The group has decided to award a trophy at Bagworth Show for the best maintained planter. As with the Front Garden competition, these will be judged throughout the year.

Finally we would like to extend to our supporters, past, present and future, a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

I keep dreaming that Suggs is walking up my driveway. Is this the first sign of Madness?

11

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THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Time for reflection as another year ends Borough Councillor Matthew Lay looks back over 2019 It’s Christmas time!

CAN I first take this opportunity to wish everyone in our community a very happy Christmas and all the very best for 2020.

I do hope that as we celebrate over the Christmas period we can spare a thought for those in the midst of our communities less fortunate than ourselves. It may be because of poor health, sadness, suffering, poverty or another reason. I hope that if we can bring some light into people’s lives at this time and we can do so knowing that it really is what Christmas should be about.

As we see out 2019 it can be a time for reflection and that is the case for me. I was delighted to get your support once again at the Borough Council elections in May, which was my 7th consecutive victory since first getting elected in 1995. None of which would have been possible without your considerable support over the years.

I was also delighted to see my long standing friend and colleague Andy Furlong elected for the first time and anyone who has had dealings with him since, will I hope have been suitably impressed with his hard work and dedication to our community.

While that was a happy point in 2019 I definitely had some sad moments. In particular I witnessed the passing of my cousin, Stuart Russell. This was definitely a low point. I was honoured to do his eulogy at his funeral but he is a big loss to me and many others and it’s true to say that I still miss him. He has also focused my mind on the fragility of life in general (I also gave the eulogy for John Siddons which was another sad loss) because in his last few weeks I could physically and emotionally witness his life ebbing away. There is much truth in the saying ‘make the most of today because nothing about tomorrow is certain’. We never know at what point we might depart this life, so let’s at least leave something positive behind.

Grass verges and inconsiderate parking IT HAS not gone unnoticed by many (judging by the number of complaints) that the parking of vans, commercial vehicles and cars on grass verges is really testing people’s patience.

I fully understand, and frankly, does anyone really think it is ok to leave a grass verge looking like

a scene from a film set about the battle of the Somme. I shouldn’t be, but I am still surprised by how anyone could think it acceptable to leave the sort of mess we now see on London Road. I can only assume that those responsible have not a care in the world for the concerns of others. That is until something affects them and they want everyone else to do something about it.

It is for that reason we end up down the path of having to push the relevant authority to do something about it. The relevant authority in this case is the Leicestershire County Council Highways Department. They own the verges in Leicestershire and they are the ones who are supposed to maintain them. They, of course, want nothing to do with them, least of all when they are being trashed.

It would seem we are not the only ones complaining and that many such issues persist throughout the county. It is for that reason that I presume the County Council have totally stonewalled any attempt to do anything about the particular issues in our community. Once again they claim a lack of resources, but if they entered into a true spirit of partnership with Parish Councils they might be surprised to find very willing allies in seeking to resolve the issue.

In this case in particular, when it is commercial vehicles that are causing most of the problems and these can be dealt with by taking action against the commercial entity for any losses incurred in making good the damage caused.

The Parish Council has also written to Leicestershire County Council asking them to proceed with a traffic regulation order that would bring double yellow lines further down both sides of London Road and meaning the grass verges would be enforceable if parked on (on the assumption that some enforcement takes place). The Parish Council has requested this before and the County Council informed us they would not pursue it, but the situation has undoubtedly deteriorated since we last asked and surely they will acknowledge this and, I hope, act.

Supporting our local village shops IT IS FUNNY but down the road from Markfield and Stanton is a massive Amazon warehouse that over this Christmas will be as busy as ever.

Amazon’s 1 million square foot warehouse near Coalville In fact this year it is expected to be a record for online shopping.

The cost and convenience of such an approach is now well known and appreciated, but what of the negatives?

Well for one they get away with booking all the sales as if it was Luxembourg and so avoid paying many taxes.

Plus we get a massive increase in HGV traffic and traffic movements in general as a clear by-product, at a time of environmental concerns.

But a big concern for me is the impact on our high streets and village centres. Please spare a thought for our local shopkeepers who have been impacted by the changing shopping habits of people. In the excellent book ‘Markfield into the Millennium’ a map can be found of the shops and service provided in the village in 1920 nearly 100 years ago. At the time there were 4 bakers, 3 butchers, 3 tailors, 7 pubs and a host of tradespeople like smithies, carpenters, shoemaker, carrier, barbers and, of course, the Co op. Today things are very different and changed largely due to the availability of personal transport which allowed people to go out shopping rather than staying put.

We are clearly in the midst of another wave of change - but is it really so positive and in the long run sustainable?

Take the local hardware shop in the village. It is essential to have but are we taking it for granted thinking it will always be there. I hope not because as shops close, so do some of the essential ingredients that make communities what they are.

If you do get chance, please pop into our local stores in Markfield and Stanton and see what’s on offer. I still miss being able to go into in Hull’s store on Ratby Lane which used to have almost everything when you needed it.

Sometimes you don’t really miss something until it’s gone.

Cliffe Hill extension proposal I MANAGED at last to get

Our pet mouse Elvis died last night. He was caught in a trap.

Matthew Lay sight of the environmental scoping document submitted to Leicestershire County Council for the proposed Cliffe Hill extension which would take the quarry almost down to the M1 and towards Markfield consuming all in its path.

This proposal is totally unacceptable and takes almost no regard of the impact it will have on physical landscape around us. My suspicions on this were confirmed when I read the section that covered the visual impact.

Essentially on the day or days the consultants employed by Cliffe Hill came to do the scoping work, they claimed not to have been able to see the site in question from vantage points at Markfield that would be exposed to the workings.

This was apparently because it was foggy! No suggestion of needing to come back, no visuals, no topographical drawings. This is because they know the impact will be severe and don’t want local people to realise this until it is too late.

It has got me thinking though about the actions of the quarry at Cliffe Hill in comparison to those of Bardon who progressed a huge expansion at Copt Oak but did so in far more sympathetic and accommodating manner.

Over the decades that Cliffe Hill has existed they have sadly done precious little to recompense the local community despite making massive profits right on the door steps of our communities, especially Stanton. No community fund to tap into and these days precious few goodwill gestures.

It is no wonder there is growing antipathy towards them which will only increase if they carry on the way they are doing.

My colleague Andy Furlong has organised a meeting for any concerned residents and this will take place on the evening of the 17th Jan. Please come along and hear more about this proposal and our concerns.

Matthew

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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Markfield WI NEWS IT’S BEEN a busy month for Markfield WI. On Saturday 9 November we held our Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church Hall. It was well attended with bacon butties, tea and cake being consumed while people sat and chatted with friends and the chocolate tombola did brisk business.

Around £160 was raised for Starfish Malawi.

With 10 November being Remembrance Sunday many members attended various Church services around the village before gathering for the ceremony on The Green where, amongst others, the WI laid a wreath. It was a fine morning and it was good to see so many people turn out for the service.

On 15 November we held our annual fundraising quiz night (with ploughman’s supper) at Coalville Rugby Club. This is now a regular fixture; we had even more participants this year with 13 teams taking part and the winners were duly presented with congratulations and bottles of wine. Unfortunately, from the heights of winning the Competition Cup at last month’s meeting my team were joint bottom and I went home with jelly tots. Our thanks to the Rugby Club for the venue and to the Quiz Master and his glamorous assistant.

At our meeting on 20 November our speaker was local jeweller Cathy Stephens.

Cathy spoke about her struggle to get training and to be recognised as a designer, luckily her perseverance paid off - definitely an inspiration and a case of never giving up on your goal. Cathy also brought samples of her work and told us about diamonds and jewellery working. A very enjoyable evening.

Last year one of our members Ming took a course in silver clay jewellery at the WI’s Denman

College. She kindly offered to pass on her knowledge and held a workshop at her home for 10 members.

We practised first with playdough, working out what we would like to make (earrings, pendant, brooch etc) and then moved on to the silver clay; silver clay looks like putty until it’s fired and polished.

We were each amazed and delighted when we got our pieces back and were very pleased with ourselves. Whilst the clay was fired we made pieces with fymo which

hardens when baked. Again people made pendants, earrings and beads; we displayed all our pieces for the photograph and will be wearing it at our next meeting.

We have to thank Ming for her patient teaching, her hospitality and the lovely lunch.

Following a WI talk last year about willow weaving Ming booked a chair making course with Greenwood Days. The photo shows the finished chair - we have some very talented members.

OUR NEXT MEETING will be our Christmas Party when we will have Secret Santa and be entertained with ukuleles. Merry Christmas

Sports news: Wheelchair athletes banned from the Paralympics after testing positive for WD40.

14

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

CHRISTMAS OPENING

NOW MEET ANOTHER OF OUR VOLUNTEERS

All the latest news from

Mon 23rd Dec. OPEN 1pm-3pm.

Tues 24th Dec. CLOSED.

Hello, my name is Hazel. I am a volunteer helper at the library and have been there since the Trust first took over the library in September 2015.

Wed 25th Dec. CLOSED. Thurs 26th Dec. CLOSED. Fri 27th Dec. OPEN 1pm-3pm.

Sat 28th Dec. OPEN 10am-12.30pm.

Mon 30th Dec. OPEN 1pm-3pm.

Tues 31st Dec. CLOSED. Wed 1st Jan. CLOSED. From Thursday 2nd Jan we will be open as usual except on SATURDAY JANUARY 11th when THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED ALL DAY due to re-painting.

We had a week of training where I developed the skills used to provide assistance to users of the library by issuing books, placing ‘Holds’ for books from other libraries and general upkeep of the library. I really enjoy my time there meeting new people and making friends.

My computer skills have developed too and there is always something new to learn. Being surrounded by so many interesting books is such a privilege, as is helping people with their own searches for books.

I am usually there on Monday evening when sometimes it is very busy and other weeks I can spend time keeping books in order.

For the last three months I have been pleased to have the help of teenager Daniel as part of his D.OF E course.

I also love working on a Friday morning when after the library closes at 10am it comes alive again with the ‘Reading and Rhymes’ group of Toddlers. Here I have seen babies grow and develop until they are at an age to start school.

It is such a pleasure to see children arrive and make straight for the exciting book corner to find their own favourites to read.

The parents run this group themselves and give each other lots of support. Library Volunteers are there to help in any way especially issuing and returning books and locking up securely after the group leave. I can thoroughly recommend volunteering at the library as an opportunity to get to know people and find out what is happening in the community.

So many people are touched by dementia.

PLEASE COME TO OUR FRIENDLY COFFEE MORNING at MARKFIELD LIBRARY at 11am on Wednesday 18th January.

Would you please spend just one hour to understand a little more about dementia?

Pictured above is our At our recent Book Sale THANK YOU for letting us Itlibrary could you, family, neighbours team of staff at the help the draw for our charming play atfriends, Markfield Community Book Sale on Saturday, SCARECROW was won.

Centre at your Christmas November 7th.

Max Lawrence, who community.

Fair. What a great time we -Winner our whole was in the library, claimed it had with crayons and sticky immediately.

stuff decorating cards.

Our free,ATvaluable and interesting Dementia Friends MEMORY BOXES THE LIBRARY

Information Session is just about asking everyone to understand a bit more about dementia and how we might As well as two life size cut-outs, of Her Majesty and of a Beefeater, the box contains several bags of interesting topics. The themes for these include Dressing up with a model crown and some hats, Corgi dogs and other dogs make lifefromthat bit easier and for those with a Card game, CDs of music 1950-1970, Scrapbooks of the same period, amore Handbag andpleasant its contents and OUR NEXT EVENT a silver plate Teatray with teapot etc and china cups. All of these are intended to encourage people to remember who live with it.Each bag On December 13th we plan those times and what they were doing, what theypeople enjoyed and what they are glad they do not do now.

WE WILL KEEP the “Memory Box” we were given last month until the end of January when it will be exchanged for one with another theme. This one is all about the Royal Family.

may be borrowed for a demonstration or for a meeting – just phone or ask at the library. They are suitable for all ages, the elderly with their memories and children to hear about our past times. They have already proved helpful to stimulate conversations. Do try out one with your friends or a group.

to enjoy a supper party with all our volunteers.

Please do be a Dementia Friend.

THESE ARE THE USUAL OPENING TIMES FOR THE LIBRARY

Monday

9.00am to 10.00am

1.00pm to 3.00pm

6.00pm to 7.00pm

Tuesday

9.00am to 10.00am

1.00pm to 3.00pm

6.00pm to 7.00pm

Wednesday

Closed

Closed

Closed

Thursday

9.00am to 10.00am

12.30pm to 3.00pm

6.00pm to 7.00pm

Friday

9.00am to 10.00am

1.00pm to 3.00pm

Closed

Saturday

10.00am to 12.30pm

Closed

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Closed

Closed

I wasn’t very close to my dad before he died, which was lucky because he trod on a land mine.

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THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Methodist Minister’s Reflections

APPROVAL

I RECENTLY read a biography of philosopher Bertrand Russell, written by his daughter.

Russell established a school and set up a school council consisting of the staff and pupils. Each member was entitled to one vote, and on one occasion the pupils voted to abolish all rules in the school. Unsurprisingly, PRINT HxWmm chaos ensued! It is common to hear DIGITAL WxHpx people today complaining about rules. From one perspective rules can seem very restrictive, yet there are many examples we could think of where abandoning rules would lead only to disaster.

The Christmas story is of Jesus entering our world and becoming one of us. He came not only to demonstrate God’s love, but to call people back to God’s ways. Imagine, for example, if everyone lived by the two great commandments of Jesus, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.” Society would be transformed overnight.

No caring parent brings up their child without rules. These rules are not given to unnecessarily restrict, but to guide and protect. If we ignore them, we face the inevitable consequences, but if we seek to live our lives in God’s way, we will find true fulfilment.

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1196_UKG_Notts_LocalNews.indd 1

Coming up at The Club, Thornton Fri 13th December: Children’s Christmas party with D.J.Chic 4.30pm - 6.30pm Sat 14th December: RockSka rock and ska covers band Sat 21st December: Punk & Disorderly local punk & rock covers band Boxing Day Late Afternoon “Wellard Willy” Rock covers band New Year’s Eve The “Dirty Water” rock & pop covers band Information Supplied By Karen Orme

All Jewellery Repairs Rings sized, reclawed & stones set Chains, earrings and bracelets repaired

SYKES JEWELLERS

Comissions designed & handmade

Tel - 0116 236 2510 www.sykesjewellers.co.uk 8 Bradgate Road, Anstey, LE7 7AA Imagine if Beyonce’s father had been Roy Castle.

10/16/19 2:58 PM

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THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

One man’s Bagworth History THIS IS a talk given by Alan Reed to the historical society on July 8 2003.

Sadly, since then, Alan has died.

Alan spoke of the big changes that he has seen in Bagworth.

He has many memories of the place. He was born in 1928 and he spoke of Bagworth in the mid 1930s. Thompson’s Farm, was where the Working Men’s club now stands – one of Alan’s friends was Peter Thompson and he now lives near Lake Ontario. Alan met him recently, Peter has not been well. There was an archway into Thompson’s Farm. On the left was the farmhouse, on the right was a barn, usually full of hay. There was an enclosed area (now the club car park) with stables, out buildings, etc. Next door to Thompson’s Farm was the club, the secretary of which was Joe Dorsett. John White and his wife lived at White Farm, next to the club on the corner of Station Road and Main Street.

Len Spencer was the barber. He was an ex army barber and hair was cut short whether you liked it or not. Next to the shop was Judges/Samuels’ shop and in the backyard was a cycle shop. People took their accumulators there to be recharged. The Co-op and the Chapel have both gone.

As well as being friends with Peter Thompson, he was also friends with Jim Willett. Alan remembers a chap called Bill Jones who was a hermit who lived at Fox Covert, near Merrylees. He lived in a turf hut which had a turf roof and was built on timber supports. Bill Jones had a gaunt face, wore dark clothes and was very strong. He was jilted as a young man and so he became a hermit.

Alan lived in the house behind the Bier House. It was called Ivy Cottage in those days. He remembers playing in the sand when the Bier House was being built. There was another cottage next to Ivy Cottage. His uncle lived there before it was knocked down. Fred Reed, Alan’s father was born in 1888. Then there was Bill (1891) and Harriet (1894). (Her first husband, whose name was William Lockwood, was killed in the First World War. His name is on the Menem Gate at Ypres.) Joe was killed in 1918 at the Somme.

Sid lived in the Crew with his wife, Eve. Sid was thin as a rake, Eve was 20 stone, and she was round!

They were good fun and she sang in the Plough Inn. The family had moved from Nottingham, they were all miners. They lived in Thornton first, then in the Bagworth colliery cottages which were known as Co-op Row. Fred and Bill built their

own houses.

James Cuer was the landlord of the Barrel Inn. Alan remembers ‘Nellie Dean’ being sung as the drinkers left at closing time. His family were not big drinkers but once a year they were allowed into the Barrel Inn to buy alcohol for the Christmas pudding. They would go in the back door and the order would be waiting.

Herbert Dilks, his wife and daughter lived at Woods’ Farm.

Jenny Dilks is still alive and lives in a home at Sutton-in-the-Elms. Percy Hill lived at Manor Farm. This was sold to the Eburys and then to the Widdowsons. Their boys are now farming at Burrough-on-the-Hill.

The Insleys farmed at Laurel Farm.

He was crippled with arthritis.

George Miles, Roger’s dad, lived at the Poplars farm. Herbert Miles was the butcher and he lived with his wife, Elsie. Sam Weston was the National Deposit Friendly Society secretary. Friday was the big fish and chip day. There was a fish and chip van which had a coal fire in the back of the van in order to cook the food. They were good fish and chips.

In the 1930s, the Barrel Inn was visited by a steam wagon which made a horrendous noise. It delivered barrels of beer. The fire was stoked, water was taken on board and then off it would go. It was a terrible ride as the wheels were solid rubber. The steering was operated by chains.

The different parts of the village were individual communities – Main Street, Station Road and Barlestone Road.

Thomas Walmsley’s shop, on the corner of Station Road and Main Street, became the Post Office in the war. Alan thinks they sold up and moved into the house next door. They were Baptists and were active in this movement. Next door were the Perrys, then Bertie Bennett with Maudie. They ran a coal office across the road. Cliff and Stan were his sons. Cliff was a bit naughty but he played the bugle well and always played at Poppy Day. Next door was Ada Willett.

The father died of injuries probably received in the First World War. The sons were Don and Jim. John died relatively early. He had been a policeman. They had a huge shed in the garden which was topped by a large radio mast. They were able to talk to people all over the world. Round the corner was the Blacksmith’s shop; Alan can remember operating the bellows.

The Blacksmith was called Smith.

Next was the Plough Inn, which was kept by Sam and Rosa Watson. The Square was sometimes called the Post Office Square, but Alan is not

Station Road from Main Street

sure why that was.

Then there were the Blands, Bill Smith and his wife, William Prime’s house, they were Baptists, the Gowdridges, the butcher’s shop, run by Herbert Miles and his wife, Elsie. Their daughters were Rose and Ethel. Next was Ward’s cottage.

Around the corner was Woods Farm, kept by the Dilks. They took a milk float around the village, as did the Thompsons. If you visited Woods Farm, you always ended up working in the dairy.

Ivy Cottage was built in 1919. It had a water well in the garden.

Main Street looking towards The Square Bill Evans and his wife were next.

Their daughter, Emma, was a music graduate. She married George Lowe but she died at a young age, probably about 1953/54. Then there were the Holyoakes, Harry Bancroft, he was 90 something when he died, his children were Norman and Jean. Eliza Radford’s shop was there. Then came Manor Farm. The Hills lived there, they had a daughter, Ada, and a son, called Jim who was very clever and became a chemist. Bill Gamble lived nearby. In the 4 houses were the Miles, Johnsons, Biggs and Ormes.

Across the road lived the Hills, then the Robinsons, he was a very upright man with a walrus moustache. In the parsonage lived the Screatons and their two sons, Raymond and Clive. They kept dogs which always barked.

In the schoolhouse was Mr Ernest Heath. He had the highest success rate in the county for the 11 plus, he also prided himself on the lack

I have my grandmother on speed dial. I call it Instagran.

of truancy (truants were fetched in!). However, learning was not through the head but through the backside! Alan loathed school. Next was Mr Orme – he kept bees. His house was like a museum. Then there was Tom Holt, the Russells lived next door. Above the Barrell Inn was a cottage where the Henshaws lived. The fish and chip shop, owned by the Websters was next. Then came the coal merchant mentioned earlier. The land here ran down to Bagworth Heath.

There was lots of activity in this small area. There were 11 businesses in Main Street. When the miners were on short time they worked on the farms and were paid with food.

Alan was always fit, they walked everywhere and regularly camped out. There was no fear for their safety. Festivals were important, not just Christmas and Easter.

Whitsuntide was a great holiday.

There was a battle to see who got the first vegetables. The Wakes, starting on the second Sunday in September, were good. Steam engines operated the generators which powered the attractions. It was a good time to be young, but the War changed many things in many ways.

Alan’s father died in 1968 and his memorial service was the last service to be held in the old church before it was demolished.

Alan showed us a short video of this demolition. The difficulty with which the Saxon Tower was demolished underlined the fact that that part of it should have remained.

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

17

Markfield Medical Centre and Patient Participation Group MEMBERS of the PPG were able to talk to a good number of patients during the Flu vaccination clinics and sign them up for online access to their records, appointments and prescriptions.

Should you wish to consider doing this please speak to a receptionist who will be able to help you.

STAYING WELL THIS WINTER Winter can be seriously bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart conditions. Younger children and pregnant women are also more at risk from winter ailments. But there are lots of things you can do to stay well this winter.

Having your flu jab is one of the most important actions you can take to protect your health. So, please don’t risk your health as flu can, and does, kill. It’s vital you have the flu jab if you’re eligible

IS YOUR MEDICINE CABINET READY FOR WINTER? There are lots of other winter illnesses that you can protect yourself against. A well-stocked medicine cabinet is important to support you with coughs and colds – the last thing anyone wants to do when they are ill is go out. Make sure you have stocks of cold remedies, painkillers, antiseptic cream and plasters. It’s always important to keep medicines out of the reach of children.

If you get a cold you can usually look after yourself by resting, drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and avoiding strenuous activity. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can relieve aches and pains.

ASK YOUR PHARMACIST If you’re not sure what medicine you need, please ask your pharmacist.

Your local pharmacy can provide advice as well as over the counter remedies, and can help you decide

whether you need to see a doctor too.

STAY WARM AND KEEP WELL It is important to keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors.

Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

To keep warm at home during the day, try to heat your main living room to around 18-21°C (64-70°F) and the rest of the house to at least 16°C (61°F). Set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed, and in very cold weather, set the heating to come on earlier, rather than turning the heat up.

If you feel cold at night, use a hot water bottle or electric blanket – but never use both together. And don’t forget to wrap up warm if you do go out. Check the weather forecast so you are always prepared.

If your problem is urgent, but not life-threatening, you can find your local NHS urgent care services at http://www.bettercareleicester. nhs.uk/help-us-help-you/find-localservices/ Remember, if you are unsure about where to go for help, contact NHS 111. Depending on the situation, the NHS 111 team can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist or even a GP, and can arrange face-to-face appointments if they think you need one. NHS 111 advisers can also assess if you need an ambulance and send one immediately. You can now also access at https://111.nhs. uk/

Live Music in Thornton with Brooks Williams Following a sell-out concert at Thornton Community Centre in 2019, Brooks Williams is returning as part of his 30th Anniversary Tour for a Concert on Saturday 8th February 2020 at 8.00pm. Tickets are £15.00 each in advance, with seating allocated in booking order.

The concert will feature songs from his new album "Work My Claim" which will be released in 2020. Guitarist Martin Simpson sums up Brooks by saying "He's a lovely player, a lovely singer and a great writer. Brooks Williams is the real thing".

Thornton Community Centre, 175 Main Street, Thornton, Leicestershire. LE67 1AH Info or Tickets:- Brooks-in-Thornton@btconnect.com Mary Pratt - 07791 831507 Ernie Broadhurst - 07973 304625 www.brookswilliams.com

HEALTH AND WELLBEING OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD Try to make sure that you have enough medication to last you over the holidays - put a repeat prescription into the Surgery in plenty of time for it to be signed and dispensed by the pharmacist before the Christmas break.

Surgery opening hours over the Christmas period Mon 23rd Dec - Normal opening - 8am – 6.30pm Tues 24th Dec - 8am – 4pm - Early closing Wed 25th Dec - Closed Thurs 26th Dec - Closed Fri 27th Dec - Normal opening - 8am – 6.30pm Mon 30th Dec - Normal opening - 8am – 6.30pm Tues 31st Dec - 8am – 4pm - Early closing Wed 1st Jan - Closed Thurs 2nd Jan - Normal opening - 8am – 6.30pm The PPG AGM will be held on 27th January 2020 at 5pm at Markfield Medical Centre. All are welcome to come along and find out how the PPG works. We would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year, from all of us at Markfield Medical Centre.

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Remember when life was so good that all we were worried about was the Mayan Calendar?

18

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Local History Group News

Markfield once had 14 pubs!

OUR NOVEMBER meeting was very well attended and our speaker, Laurence Lock, gave an extremely interesting talk entitled ‘The Rise and Fall of Markfield Pubs’.

We were all given a sheet of questions to start with, and had to try and fill in the answers. At intervals during the talk, Laurence would challenge everyone to give him the correct answer and rewarded the person closest to the answer with a prize! This led to some discussion as well as some hilarity and amazement over the actual answers, which in some cases were very different to those guessed at!

We learnt that the first establishments we would recognise as pubs appeared in the 1200s - inns (for the wealthy travellers) and taverns (in towns for merchants and the middle classes).

About 200 years later alehouses made an appearance. These were for the ordinary man, sold mostly beer and rapidly became more numerous than inns and taverns. Under Queen Elizabeth I magistrates were required to record inns, taverns and alehouses but it wasn’t until 1618 that alehouses were required to have a licence issued by a magistrate (later extended to inns and taverns). The 1830s saw major changes to the licensing laws.

Most importantly, anyone wishing to sell only beer (a beerhouse) could get a licence without a magistrate’s approval. This led to an explosion in the number of pubs.

For Markfield, licence records exist from 1753, these give the licensee’s name but only give the pub names from 1825. In 1757 there were 6 licensed premises in Markfield. Two still exist today: The Axe and Cleaver (now the Bull’s Head) and the Coach

& Horses (although this might not have been the original name). A third, the Framework Knitters Arms became the Boot and then the George, which closed in recent times and is now the Co-op. The other three pubs are long gone. One was the Bull’s Head on Shaw Lane, which closed before the current Bull’s Head took the name.

By 1825 four more pubs had appeared (bringing the total to seven): The Duke of Wellington (which started as the Crown, then the New Inn, then the Pied Bull and possibly later the Stamford Arms now a private house on Altar Stones Lane); the Red Lion (on Main Street, rebuilt next door in the late 19th century and is now an Indian restaurant); the Wagon and Horses (on Shaw Lane just beyond the Flying Horse, closed in 1936 and demolished); and the Flying Horse (which was rebuilt in 1938 and is now an Indian Restaurant) Between 1830 and 1872 (when magistrates took back control of issuing licences) many beerhouses came and some went, for several we have no record of their name.

In this period one new pub opened with a full licence, the Copt Oak, which still operates today. The others (beerhouses) that survived into the 1870s were: Massey’s beerhouse (on Main Street, near the Green, possibly called the Fountain, closed late 1870s); the Queens Head (which started life as the Queen Adelaide, and got a full licence in 1952); the Earl Grey (closed in the 1910s, now Bowns ironmongers); the Plough (on the corner of Main Street and the Green); the President Lincoln (on the corner of Main Street and London Road); and the Quarryman’s Arms (on Queen’s Street, a very old building, which has been many things, including a beerhouse from

about 1872 to 1956).

In the 1870s (after the opening of the Quarryman’s Arms and before the closure of Massey’s beerhouse), there were 14 pubs in Markfield. Probably the most there ever was in Markfield.

No new pub has opened since the Quarryman’s Arms (the Field Head Hotel opened in the 1970s but is in Newtown Linford parish). Steadily, over the years, 10 village pubs have closed leaving the four we know today.

Discussion followed as to why there were so many pubs in the 1870s and why there has been a steady decline since this date. One reason could be that, once the magistrates took over the licensing of pubs again it was harder to get and keep a licence. A number of members and visitors were able to recall some of the older buildings and the people who lived in the pubs and ran them. Everyone agreed that it was a very interesting meeting and I for one will look at some of the buildings around the village in a new light!

Laurence showed several old photos of the village pubs and would be very interested if anyone has any other old photos. Also, there is an oral history of a pub called the Rising Sun (probably near the corner of London Road and Main Street) but no written record has been found. Do you know of any written record of this pub? If so, please contact Laurence Lock on 01530 24969.

Our next meeting will be the AGM on 21st January – venue to be confirmed.

For more information about the Markfield Local History Group, visit the website at www.

MarkfieldHistory.info or phone Rosie Woodland on 01530 244497.

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.

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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, Lyn, Ian, Ann, Sandra, Jeanie, Callum, Lisa, Yvonne, Margaret, Daniel, Jessie, Maisie, Ray, Stacey, Andy, Luke, Mackenzie, Mary, Emma, Emily, Conor, Hannah, Rowan and Mike.

My wife left me because I’m too insecure. No wait, she’s back. She just went to make a cup of coffee.

19

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Planning Application adjacent to Thornton Reservoir

Borough Councillors’ Report Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea

ON NOVEMBER 12th , this retrospective application was determined by the Planning Committee at HBBC. Unfortunately, Ozzy was committed elsewhere and Chris was in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

This, however, did not stop us putting in written statements that were read out to Members on our behalf.

Residents will remember the long fight that we both took on, working alongside local residents, to prevent a traveller site being built on this site which was known as TH010.

Collectively, we were successful and following the refusal and subsequent dismissal at appeal, the site was sold on.

At that time , a meeting was held at the fisheries building that involved the then Chief Exec Steve Atkinson, his number two, Bill Cullen, the then Head of Planning, Stuart Bray as LibDem Leader of the Council, Chris & Ozzy as Ward Members and Parish Council Members.

It was agreed at this meeting held in 2008/09 that the banks would be protected in perpetuity with a tagline of “keep it green and beautiful “.

Fast forward and the site was sold and a mansion built, apparently largely ignored by Planning enforcement officers.

This retrospective application

Cllr Chris Boothby Tel: 0116 216 1461 or 07880 711222.

Email chris.boothby@hotmail.com

sought to justify the placing of 19 Victorian style lamps with outward facing lighting on a movement system that switches on the lights for a considerable period of time that causes light to bounce of the water and go into the homes opposite.

Our objection concentrates on the previous agreement, saved policy DM4 that sought to protect residents amenities in terms of light pollution and the protection of local wildlife.

This was completely ignored by the LibDem Planning Members and they voted this application through even though photos were supplied but not shown.

As Members, we always put residents’ interests first but we are sorry that the ruling administration failed to adhere to previous promises .

Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808 585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Fly Tipping WE HAVE been made aware of industrial size tipping on land off Heath Road in Bagworth.

This is a site not unknown to us and having talked to various officers, we are now in a position to go after the owner whether they are responsible for the tipping or not.

Christmas Message YES, it is that time of year again.

We both would like to take this time to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year and to thank you once again for your continued support.

Best wishes

Chris & Ozzy Working for you.

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Everyone who smoked after I quit smoking is so disgusting.

Markfield Methodist Church www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org

SUNDAY 22nd DECEMBER 6.00pm

Carol Service

Come and join us as we prepare ourselves for Christmas Day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Carols to sing and to listen to and with readings that tell the story of His birth.

The service is led by Mr Tom Limb and The Church Choir.

CHRISTMAS EVE 11.30pm

Christmas Eve

Communion CHRISTMAS DAY 10.30 am

Morning All-Age Worship All are welcome

20

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Thoughts on a Period of History When I was younger, the First World War did not interest me, I thought it was something that old men talked about. My only interest was knowing that my Dad’s brother died during the war from wounds received in the war. Later I learned that my Dad had been involved in the war as well.

This is it: Ladies and gentlemen, this is High Wood, Called by the French, Bois de Fourneaux, The famous spot which in Nineteen-Sixteen, July, August and September was the scene Of long and bitterly contested strife, By reason of its High commanding site.

Observe the effect of shell-fire in the trees Standing and fallen; here is wire; this trench For months inhabited, twelve times changed hands; (They soon fall in), used later as a grave.

It has been said on good authority That in the fighting for this patch of wood Were killed somewhere above eight thousand men, Of whom the greater part were buried here, This mound on which you stand being ...

Madame, please, You are requested kindly not to touch Or take away the Company’s property As souvenirs; you’ll find we have on sale A large variety, all guaranteed.

As I was saying, all is as it was, This is an unknown British officer, The tunic having lately rotted off.

Please follow me - this way ... the path, sir, please, The ground which was secured at great expense The Company keeps absolutely untouched, And in that dug-out (genuine) we provide Refreshments at a reasonable rate.

You are requested not to leave about Paper, or ginger-beer bottles, or orange-peel, There are waste-paper baskets at the gate.

I was amazed when I discovered that it was written in 1918. The author is Philip Johnstone.

Then, in 2005, I joined a colleague on a school trip to Belgium and France as the students were studying the First World War. We visited the battlefields, we visited the cemeteries, including a German one and we stood at the Menin Gate at 8 pm and heard the Last Post being sounded.

This visit had a massive effect on me and the way I saw and thought about the First World War (and other conflicts). To see not only the large number of graves, but also the large numbers of cemeteries, some big and some small, scattered all across Northern France and Belgium was very thought provoking. To see places like the Menin Gate and the Thiepval Memorial covered in the names of soldiers who had died but their bodies had not been found. To see these things made me feel different emotions. It made me think that it was a massive waste of lives, on both sides. There must surely be better ways to deal with such matters that do not decimate a whole generation. But we have continued to fail to learn that lesson.

This is why I have become interested in this period of history. It is easy to talk about numbers, but what we must do is remember that each number was once a living person. Who knows what the ones who died might have achieved had they lived. Then there are the people who did survive but were badly affected by their experiences and failed to achieve their true potential in life. It does not matter to which side they belonged.

At the very least we must remember the 99 men who had Bagworth connections and who were involved in the First World War. Twenty one of them died. We should never forget them.

I am very interested in the poetry that came out of this period. Some of the poems are in favour of the War, some are very much against and refer to the horrors that occurred. On one of my visits I discovered an amazing piece of work called ‘High Wood’.

Bob Austin

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Friends of Charnwood Forest THE LAST meeting of the Friends for this year took place at The Brand, Woodhouse Eaves, on 17th November, and was hosted

by Colonel & Mrs Martin.

The house is situated at the end of a longish drive just outside Woodhouse, and is nestled shyly amid a grove of trees. It was built in 1875 for the Ellis family.

They, however, found it was too inconvenient for their interests in Leicester, so in 1888 they rented it to the Martin family. The Martins had resided in Anstey at a house named Anstey Pastures for over 400 years.

However, Robert Frewen Martin, the then owner of Anstey Pastures, was suffering from ill-health, and as Anstey was being engulfed by the city, he had decided that The Brand was more suited to his condition.

He finally bought the property, together with some cottages, from the Ellis family in 1892 for £11,000.

One must ask – where could you get a property, save perhaps a rabbit hutch, for such a sum today?

In 1875 Robert Martin had founded the Mountsorrel Granite Company; his sons inherited the concern and between the wars the company had prospered; so much so, in fact, that the Martin family was able to assist in finance for the old Loughborough College – now the university – and in Bradgate Park. The present owner is the 23rd generation of Martins to live in the shire, so the internet tells me.

Unfortunately, due to the weather, there was no parking available at the house; members had to park along the road and walk the drive to reach the house, although a shuttle service was arranged for those who were not able to walk. On the walk one could admire three highland cows in an adjacent field. At the front hall we were greeted by a glass of wine. Members slowly spread out into sitting rooms; small groups stood for a while and then sat down.

Much chatting then took place.

Then it was lunch time. In the dining room was a large table bowed under a lavish spread. It was so large that members often went round twice, though I admit I did not make a study of this. At the end there was still food on the dishes.

All too soon it was time to go. We thanked Colonel and Mrs Martin for their hospitality, took the long walk down the drive and, feeling suitably refreshed, set out on the drive home.

OUR NEXT MEETING is on 20th January, when Neil Pilcher will be giving a talk on “Charnwood Forest – A living landscape”, at Woodhouse village hall at 7.30.

Dr D McNeil

They say you shouldn’t eat right before bed so now I just wait until I’m in bed.

14/10/2019 17:31

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THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

21

Borough Councillor Andy Furlong’s UPDATE

Welcome to my final column of the year.

Winter is definitely with us and it was great to see so many people at the Remembrance Sunday Parade and service at St.Michael’s Church in Markfield. It was an honour to lay a wreath in memory of the fallen in two world wars and the first time that I’d carried out this duty as an elected councillor.

Those at the front of the crowd will have noticed that I was somewhat upstaged by an over-enthusiastic Brownie! Not that I mind of course.

It’s really important that we involve young people in the annual act of remembrance.

Cliffe Hill Quarry Last month, my column focussed on the news that MQP were working on a plan to extend the Old Cliffe Hill Quarry.

Unsurprisingly, this caused a good deal of discussion among Herald readers, particularly those living close to the site on Altar Stones, Cliffe Hill and Grassy Lanes. It’s true to say that the number of residents who stand to be directly affected by the proposal is small, but this does not mean that their fears should be ignored; far from it.

Over the last month I have met with several groups of residents face to face. I have also provided briefings to others over the phone and via email. More engagements are planned before Christmas. My colleague Cllr Matthew Lay is also keeping a close eye on things.

Readers who want to take a look at the detailed planning documents can find out more via this link bit.ly/ Quarrydocs

Health risks?

Concerns flagged with me include noise, dust and vibration, both as a result of blasting, and during the preliminary phase of the project, when disruption is likely as a result of the diversion of Cliffe Hill Lane.

Several people have highlighted potential problems with very small dust particles (commonly known as PM 2.5s). Some studies have identified a link between exposure to microfine particles and heart and lung disease. These particles are also known to affect people suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Mining and quarrying activity is a small but significant source of PM 2.5 emissions in the UK and this means caution is called for because there is no accepted ‘safe level’ of PM2.5 in the

atmosphere.

The World Health Organisation recommends that the limit should be set at 10 micrograms per cubic meter. In view of this, I will be pressing both MQP and Leicestershire County Council to reveal the current and projected levels of PM 2.5s as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment that is required prior to consent being granted.

Public meeting in January I attended my first meeting of the Cliffe Hill Quarry Liaison Committee in November. At that point in time, the timetable for the planning application was still rather vague. MQP reported that preliminary work on the full application was underway with formal submission to Leicestershire County Council likely to take place in the middle of next year.

We were assured that a further meeting of the liaison committee will be held prior to the application being submitted. Nonetheless, I will continue to monitor the situation closely and have arranged a Public Meeting at Markfield Community Centre on Friday 17 January 2020 at 7.30 pm. Further details will follow in the new year.

In the meantime, Matthew and I will be holding to the ‘red lines’ set out in last month’s Herald: 1. A minimum level of environmental and economic disruption for everyone living in Markfield and Stanton, particularly those who live close to, or overlook, the site and regular users of the existing and proposed road network around the quarry.

2. The highest standards of protection for wildlife and habitat during the work and afterwards through land remediation, restoration and tree planting.

3. The establishment of a community endowment to be funded by MQP’s multi-millionpound owners, Hanson UK. The fund can be used in the decades to come to support community projects in the villages who are directly affected by the quarry’s existence.

The young people of Markfield mark Remembrance Sunday rather than meeting the needs of residents. That said, I’ve also made a lot of new friends and really enjoyed getting stuck in to local issues on your behalf.

The in-tray for 2020 looks a bit challenging with the A511 ‘improvements’, Bardon 3 expansion and Crown Crest looming large in addition to the quarry proposal. Nonetheless, eight months in the job has reinforced my

determination to make the case for fairness, equality and social justice – for the many in our communities; not just the rich and the powerful.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all…

Andy Contact me on 01530 231377 or via andy.furlong@hinckleybosworth.gov.uk

Difficult year ahead So that’s about it for 2019. It has been a pleasure to serve as your new borough councillor in Markfield, Stanton and Field Head this year. I’ve learned a lot about local government, in particular how difficult it can be to defend our villages against an unfair planning system and Leicestershire County Council decisions that often seem to be driven by cost cutting and administrative convenience

My wife says I can join your gang, but I have to be home by 9.

22

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Congregational Church

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak

Sunday 15 December 10.15am The Nativity Joint Service with the Anglicans in our Church

Sunday 15th December 9.15 am Holy Communion (Said service)

Sunday 22 December 10.15am Service of Lessons and Carols Wednesday 25 December 10.15am Christmas Day Family Service Sunday 29 December 10.30am United Service in Our Church Sunday 5 January 10.15am Morning Worship followed by Communion Sunday 12 January 10.15am Morning Worship Sunday 19 January 10.30am United Service at Trinity Methodist Church

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 15th December 3rd Sunday in Advent 10.30am Morning Service.

Saturday 21st December 7.30pm Carol Service with Marwood Brass Band, the Ladies Singing Group, a treat for the young ones, mince pies and hot drinks.

Sunday 22nd December 4th Sunday in Advent 10.30am Family Service with Sunday Club performance ‘A Super, Duper Christmas!’ and Praise and Worship Group Christmas Day Wednesday 25th December 10.30am Short Family Service to celebrate The Lord’s birthday Bring your favourite Christmas present, if it’s portable!

Sunday 22nd December – Fourth Sunday of Advent 10:30am Morning Communion Service 6:00pm Evening Carol Service

Sunday 19th January 10 am Churches together in Markfield (Methodist) 6 pm Evening Prayer

Tuesday 24th December Christmas Eve 11:30pm Christmas Eve Communion

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon

Wednesday 25th December Christmas Day 10:30am Christmas Family Service Sunday 29th December 10:30am No Service at our Church United Service at Congregational Church 6:00pm No Evening Service Sunday 5th January 2020 10:30am Morning Worship 6:00pm Evening Taizé Service Sunday 12th January 10:30am Morning Worship 4:00pm Café Church Sunday 19th January 10:30am United Covenant Service 6:00pm Evening Service Other Events at Trinity Methodist Church Everyone Very Welcome • Music Café - 2:00pm to 4:00pm 12th December 2019, 9th & 23th January 2020 • Sparklers Group – Monday 3:15pm to 4:15pm For Children Zero to Reception Age & Carers • Church Club – Monday after School until 4:30pm For Children from Mercenfeld School Every Week during Term Time

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield Sunday 15th December 10.15 am Nativity at Congregational Church 6 pm Carol Service

Sunday 29th December 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 5th January 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 12th January 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper

Sunday 22nd December 9 am Holy Communion (Said service) 2 pm Benefice Nativity at Little Markfield Farm

Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during Morning Service.

For Family Services they join in with the main church. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section in this magazine.

Christmas Eve 24th December 6 pm Christingle 11.30 pm Midnight Communion

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield

Sunday 29th December 10.30 am Churches together in Markfield - Service at the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Service of Evening Prayer at Copt Oak

.

www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org Facebook : Markfield Methodist Church Facebook : Markfield Methodist Church Sunday 15th December – Third Sunday of Advent 9:45am Focused Prayer Fellowship 10:30am Morning Service 6:00pm No Evening Service

Christmas Day 25th December 10.30 am United Benefice Family Service at Stanton

Sunday 5th January 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 12th January 10.30 am All Age Service 6 pm Holy Communion

Sunday 15th December 10.30 am Carol Service Sunday 22nd December 10.30 am Parish Morning Prayer 2 pm Benefice Nativity at Little Markfield Farm Christmas Eve 24th December 4 pm Christingle Christmas Day 25th December 10.30 am United Benefice Family Service

Sunday 22nd December 2 pm Benefice Nativity at Little Markfield Farm 6 pm Carol Service Christmas Eve 24th December 9 pm Holy Communion Christmas Day 25th December 10.30 am United Benefice Family Service at Stanton Sunday 29th December 6 pm Joint Evening Prayer with Markfield Sunday 5th January 6 pm Holy Communion Sunday 12th January 3 pm Praise

Sunday 29th December 10.30 am Parish Holy Communion at Thornton

Sunday 19th January 9.15 am Holy Communion (Said service)

Sunday 5th January 10.30 am Morning Prayer

Catholic Church of St Wilfrid of York 53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB

Sunday 12th January 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th January 10.30 am Morning Prayer

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 15th December 10.30 am Holy Communion 6 pm Carol Service Sunday 22nd December 10.30 am Parish Morning Prayer at Stanton 2 pm Benefice Nativity at Little Markfield Farm Christmas Eve 24th December 4 pm Christingle 11.30 pm Parish Midnight Communion Christmas Day 25th December 10.30 am United Benefice Family Service at Stanton Sunday 29th December 10.30 am Parish Holy Communion Sunday 5th January 10.30 am All Age Service Sunday 12th January 9 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th January 10.30 am Holy Communion

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Wednesday 25th December 10.30 am Family Service at Stanton United Benefice service

Sunday Mass: Saturday Vigil: 6 pm / Sunday: 10 am See Newsletter on the website below for details of weekday Mass times, Confessions, and other events.

Parish Contact: Parish Priest: Fr Gabriel Offor – 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website: www.stwilfscoalville. blogspot.co.uk School Details: St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www.st-clares.leics. sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle.leics.sch.uk Christmas Services (Coalville): Tue 24 Dec 5.30pm: Carols 6.00pm: Family Vigil Mass Tue 24 Dec 8.00pm: Carols 8.30pm: Christmas Night Mass Wed 25 Dec 9.30am: Carols 10.00am: Christmas Day Mass United Services The Markfield Catholic Community is part of Markfield Churches Together and participate in the monthly United Services detailed in the Markfield Churches’ service details.

Markfield Masses Congregational Church Hall, Main Street, Markfield (next to the Chinese takeaway)

Alexander the Great is what happens when men get to name themselves.

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Bardon Park JESUS vs SANTA Chapel www.bardonchapel.co.uk

FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE: Come and worship the Lord with us on the 1st Sunday in every month at 10.00 am. Our gatherings are fairly informal.

THURSDAY ART CLASS: Between 7pm and 9.00pm.

Bardon Park Chapel, Shaw Lane, Bardon, Coalville LE67 1SY There is a large car park at the back.

For more details on any of the above please contact: Richard Norburn on 01530 242526 ADVENT SUNDAY SERVICE: 10 am Sun 1st December CAROLS: 6.30 pm Sunday 15th December MIDNIGHT MASS: 9.00 pm Tues 24th December Christmas Morning Celebration: 10.00 am Wed 25th December New Year Celebration: 10.00 am Sunday 5th January

Santa lives at the North Pole… JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh… JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year… JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies… JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited… JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa… JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap… JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”… JESUS knew our name before we were born. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our past, present & future and even knows how many of hairs on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… JESUS has a heart full of love All Santa can offer is HO HO HO… JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says “You better not cry”… JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.”

Santa’s little helpers make toys… JESUS makes new life, mends damaged hearts, repairs broken homes and even builds mansions for us in heaven.

Santa may make you chuckle but… JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree… JESUS became our gift and died on a tree…the cross.

We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.

23

CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT MARKFIELD METHODIST CHURCH Sunday 22nd 6PM – Choir Service, Led by the Church Choir and Mr Tom Limb Tuesday 24th 11.30PM – Midnight Service Wednesday 25th – 1030AM Christmas Morning Service As always everyone 0-100 will be made most welcome at any of our Services, whether you are already a Christian, have a passing interest or a yearning to know more about Jesus– please take a look at our website for details of Services, activities, events and much more…… www. markfieldmethodistchurch.org and/or follow us on facebook - Markfield Methodist Church.

All Churches in Markfield and connected to Markfield work very closely together including joint services, events and fellowship. Details of all Churches below (plus of course all Services are printed in the Herald for which we are all very grateful for).

Markfield Methodist Church – www. markfieldmethodistchurch.org or FB Anglican - Parish Church – www.j22churches.org.uk Congregational Church – Facebook page Catholic Church (St Wilfreds – Coalville) stwilfscoalville.blogspot.com

I’m at my most amazing when no-one is paying attention.

24

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

What’s Been Happening at Markfield Community and Sports Centre Words and pictures from Ron Grantham • Tel: 01530 242240 • www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com Markfield Good Neighbours Scheme PROGRESS on the new Markfield Good Neighbours scheme is steadily progressing.

We are currently working on a volunteer’s and call handler’s hand book as well as other administration processes needed to make the scheme successful. The next meeting of the volunteers group will be at 6pm on Wednesday 29th January at the Community Centre where we will start to finalise the project ready for its launch in early 2020. If your “New Year’s Resolution” happens to be doing more for your local community and helping others perhaps this your opportunity. You will be most welcome to come along to the meeting and give a hand and your support.

40th Birthday Party Celebration ON SATURDAY 16th November villager Hannah Tiltman along with her daughter Gracie and son Aiden plus numerous family and friends had a birthday bash at the Centre to celebrate her fortieth birthday.

You would never believe that Hannah is a Ward Sister at the LRI as she really let her hair down and celebrated in style.

Bet she had a splitting headache the next day.

Many happy returns from all at the Community Centre.

Charity Family Disco ON SATURDAY 9th November the Centre was packed with people supporting Dianne Dowell’s charity family disco.

Zoe. The project is based at Markfield Library and if your daughter would like to joing please contact the Library for further information.

Parents and Toddlers Christmas Party THE CENTRE’S parents and toddlers group will be holding their Christmas Party on the Tuesday 17th December.

Father Christmas will be coming along to give all the children a present and there will be party food as well as fun and games for the children.

Please book your tickets via the community centre.

If you want to bring your toddler along to the group you will be most welcome. The group meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9.30am onwards.

MAYFLOWER CLUB UPDATE ON THE 13TH November we marked Remembrance Day with a special commemorative event.

After an “austerity” lunch of beef stew and slices of bread we were treated to a sing along of favourite world war songs by our very own local singer Marie.

On the 20th November we had a quiz on origins of English words and sayings.

We often use words or sayings without knowing where they come from and what they originally meant. For example, did you know that the term “pull the other one” has a very macabre 18th Century origin relating to public hangings and that “mind your “p’s and q’s” is a 17th Century phrase commonly used by a Licensee or bar tender.

Dianne had put on the event to raise funds for the Air Ambulance Service and Wishes for Kids. Our thanks go to Dianne and also to all those who supported the event by providing prizes and those who came along to give support and raise funds for these very worthwhile charities.

Queen Bee’s Christmas Party SATURDAY 30th November the Markfield Queen Bees Youth Project for girls celebrated a very successful year by holding a Christmas Party and Awards ceremony at the Centre.

During the event we saw a video of the activities that the girls had been involved in over the past year and were also treated to dance and even a violin recital of the most popular Christmas song “A fairy tale of New York”.

What a splendid project this is and is a credit to the project leaders Jo and

On Wednesday 27th November 2019 a group of twenty members of the Markfield Mayflower Club “descended” on the Stamford Arms, Groby for a “lunch with Vera Lynn event”. We all really enjoyed the day out as the food was great and the singer Lucia was fantastic.

The glass of prosecco wine went down a treat and we were all soon singing along to the music. We also had a very nice surprise as the landlord Brian Rigby donated the proceeds of the raffle to the Mayflower Club.

Regarding my family, I’m the youngest of three; my parents are both older.

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk This donation will go towards the purchase of a New Age Curling set so that we can now start an indoor curling club at Markfield Community Centre in January.

Below are some activities that we are planning for the coming months: • 18th December Mayflower Christmas Party • 25th Dec & 1st Jan CLOSED • 7th January Re-opening Social • 14th January Latest Scams (TBC) • 22nd January Burns “Supper” • 29th January 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz All welcome to any of the above.

If you are interested in coming along to any of our Mayflower Clubs simply turn up either on at Monday Afternoon Friendship Club or on Wednesday afternoons for the main Mayflower Club.

Both clubs are from 2pm to 4pm and only cost £1.50p per session. You will have fun, meet new friends and be most welcome.

NEW AT THE CENTRE New Age Curling Club FOLLOWING a grant from the Hinckley and Bosworth Volunteers Fund and the generous donation from the Licensee of the Stamford Arms we are starting our New Age Curling Club in the New Year.

New Age Curling is a form of the original curling game, but adapted so that it can be played indoors on any smooth, flat surface, such as a sports hall, rather than on ice. Importantly, the game can be played by both ablebodied and disabled people of all ages alike and, apart from being a good form of exercise, it is also good fun.

This new club will start on Wednesday 8th January from 10am to 12noon.

The initial sessions will have an instructor to “show you the ropes”. These two hour sessions will only cost you £2 and includes a cuppa and biscuits to keep your energy levels up. Just come along and give it a go – you will enjoy it.

REMINDER OF STEADY STEPS EXERCISE If you: • Are over 65 • Feel unsteady on your feet • Had a fall or worry about falls • Would like to improve your balance Then this is for you and it’s FREE. The Borough Council is putting on a series of 24 rejuvenating exercise sessions to help you develop strength and balance. Sessions take place at the Centre from 10.30am to 12pm on Tuesday mornings.

Booking is essential and you can do this by contacting Liz Causon on 01455 255870 or emailing her on liz.causon@hinckley-bosworth.gov.ok or by contacting the Community Centre.

Money Saving Special Offer DON’T FORGET that if you are planning a special family event, party or function with a bar we only charge a modest hire fee of £10 per room. This hire fee is very competitive to other venues in the area and will save you money.

25

Campaign Pledges to Support Victims of Violence A SERIES of events will be held this month as part of the Borough Council’s ‘White Ribbon’ pledge to support and protect victims of domestic violence.

The White Ribbon campaign asks people to take a stand against genderbased violence in all forms by making the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

Whilst this promise is aimed at taking a stand against violence against women, the council’s ongoing work also highlights and supports male victims of domestic violence.

White Ribbon Day on 25 November marks the beginning of this year’s “16 Days of Action”, an international period of activism where people around the world unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women for good.

The Borough Council has a number of plans for 16 days of action starting on White Ribbon Day which will include raising awareness of domestic abuse and the support available within our community, working with young people and schools to highlight healthy relationships in young people, raising funds for victims, staff training, working with service users to enter a Christmas Tree at St Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival and sharing messages on social media.

Two women a week in England and Wales are killed by a current or former partner (March 2015 Crime Survey for England and Wales). Whilst both men and women are killed by domestic violence, the vast majority of victims are women. According to data from the Office of National Statistics in England and Wales, between April 2014 and March 2017, around threequarters of victims of domestic killings by a partner, ex-partner or family member were women.

The council’s domestic abuse outreach team provides support for around 120 victims of domestic abuse every year and its children’s service works with young people therapeutically who have been affected by domestic abuse.

Community Safety and Performance Manager at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Rachel Burgess said: “Together we can raise awareness of domestic abuse and encourage more people to report it. Domestic abuse in any form is totally unacceptable and we must stand together, to tackle it.

We want all victims in our borough to know that support is available.”

Anyone can follow the campaign on social media by following the council’s social media page on Instagram (@hinckandbosbc), Facebook and Twitter.

• For free, confidential support, contact the Domestic Abuse Support Service by calling or texting 07966 202181 or by calling the Community Safety Team on Tel. 01455 238141.For more information visit https://www. hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk or you can also contact United Against Violence and Abuse (UAVA) at www.uava.org.uk • Men’s Advice Line is a national confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members). For more information visit www.mensadviceline.org.uk

For bookings and enquiries please contact Markfield Centre and Sports ,Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST on 01530 242240 or email markfieldcomunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk or you can visit our website www. markfield communitycentre.com to view our facilities, latest news, photo gallery and information about the Centre.

I love face-painting. It’s a lot of fun. Although you do need the person’s permission.

26

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Pick up a bargain

Herald Small Ads

• New 3ft SPRUNG MATTRESS for Single-Bed. Unused (still in sealed wrapper). Collect from Markfield Price £50.

Tel: 01530 242253 (Markfield).

• TABLETOP FRIDGE, with small freezer compartment, ideal for small kitchen or caravan/camping.

Price: £25.

Tel:0116 287 7065 (Groby)

• Medium oak DISPLAY CABINET 190 x 80cms with glass shelves and doors, and a drawer. As new.

Price: £110 • SNOOKER TABLE, 6ft with folding stand, pool and snooker balls, cues etc. Price: £100 o.n.o Tel 0116 291 0887 (Groby).

• Lovely single SOLID PINE WARDROBE (not flat pack). 2 doors/3 drawers. Exc Cond. 36” wide x 22” deep x 73” high. Price: £60 • “Joanna East-coast COT/BED”, suitable from birth to junior.

Excellent condition. Price: £60 • Wood BUNK BED (suitable for adult use as well). Excellent condition. Price: £135.

• Lots of K’NEX (children’s building thing). Aged 7+. Full instructions.

Cost £60, accept £20.

• Brand new, boxed, Haynes ‘BUILD YOUR OWN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE”. Ideal Christmas present. £40 on-line.

Accept £25.

Photo’s can be sent on Wattsapp.

Tel: 07843 290665. (Markfield).

• CLASSICAL ELECTRO ACOUSTIC GUITAR - Takamine EG 124C G Series. Excellent condition. With case.

Price £250.

• Vintage 1960’s Sirram 4 Person PICNIC SET in Wicker Hamper.

Excellent condition - as new.

Price £55.

• Vintage 1960’s WICKER ARMCHAIR. Excellent condition.

Price £45.

• Vintage Wicker DOG BED. Suitable for small dog or a cat.

Price £15.

Tel: 0116 287 0378 (Glenfield).

• Unused MERINO LAMBS WOOL THROW. Reversible, plain/cat & dog image. Size: 140cm/190cm (double). Price: £30 o.n.o.

Tel: 07511 552857 (Markfield).

• Cast iron FIRE BASKET / DOG GRATE for open fire, with fire guard, etc. Price: £25.

Tel: 07535 184084 (Markfield).

• POLYTUNNEL - 10ft x 6ft, in good condition. FREE to collect.

Tel: 01530 245328 (Stantonunder-Bardon).

• Freelander 1 FRONT AND REAR RUBBER MATS. Good condition.

Price: £10 for the four.

• Freelander 1 ROOF BARS. Price: £20.

• Pair of M & S Cream Silk Pleated TABLE LAMPSHADES. New - still in wraps. Width 22cm - Height 16cm. Price: £20 • FREE - child’s HIGH CHAIR. Tel: 0116 287 6847 or 07443 958 399 (Groby).

• SONY DIGITAL CAMERA, DSCWX500, and case. With memory card and charger. Very good condition Price: £150.

• White Symphony BATHROOM WALL CABINET. Height 56cm, Width 60cm, Depth 22cm. With brackets and fitting instructions.

Very good condition. Price: £20.

Tel: 0116 2879508 (Groby)

• German Bisque CAKE DECORATION. 3” high with wobbly head. Price: £50.

• Corgi SOFT TOY DOG in box - Buckingham Palace medallion around neck. Price: £15.

• Two MARGARET TARRANT PRINTS: “Do You Believe In Fairies?” And “The Boat To Fairyland”. Date 1995. Price: £10 each.

• Five HANDBAGS - various colours. Price: £15 the lot.

• GINGER CAT “Fur Real Friends”

by Hasbro. 2012 Battery-operated plus small “Russ” kitten. Price: £15.

• Large navy BOWLS BAG. Price: £5.

• 20 BOOKS - including David Attenborough. Price: £15 the lot.

Tel: 01530 243660 (Markfield).

IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Herald, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone.

Maximum EIGHT items please. Our postal address is Herald Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to:

info@markfieldherald.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘Small Ads’ in the subject line, and include your postal address (not for publication - just so we know whereabouts you are).

~ News from Cross Hills Baptist Church ~ Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area favourite Christmas carols. Ruth 2019 Shoebox Appeal THIS IS an extract from an email we’ve received from Samaritan’s Purse: “Thank you so much for taking part in Operation Christmas Child this year!

“We just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how much we appreciate your gift. Right now we are busy processing this and thousands of others, preparing them for their journeys to 11 countries across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

“Your amazing generosity means hundreds of thousands of children will soon be receiving gifts of love they will never forget. If you included a barcode in your shoebox, don’t forget to look out for an email towards the end of January letting you know which country your shoebox gift was sent to.

“Thank you once again for partnering with us to share God’s love and to send Good News and great joy to the world’s children!

Ephesians Ch 5 v 2 - Live a life of love” The total number of our boxes we took to the drop-off point this year was 55, so a very big thank you to everyone who helped us in any way.

Reverse Advent OUR REVERSE ADVENT hamper is now filling up and we are adding small donations each week of non-perishable foods like tins and packets (not fridge items) or small toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, etc.

We are very grateful to local people who have brought donations of items to us for our Reverse Advent to help us to fill our hamper. All of the donations will make such a difference to those in need and they will be given to Hinckley Homeless at Christmas along with our Christmas services collections.

If anyone else would like to help us, you can get the information on how to do this either on our Facebook page or by contacting us on any of the numbers below.

Christmas Services Christmas Carol Service, Saturday 21st December 7.30pm Our ‘Jingly, Jingly Brass Band Carol Service’ with Marwood Brass Band and our Ladies Singing Group would be a lovely start to your Christmas celebrations so please come along – bring the children, Grandma, Grandad, Aunties, Uncles and the rest of the family and enjoy singing some of your

and one of our puppets, Eddie the donkey, will be reading a story and Eddie will be singing. There will be a treat for the young ones and we’ll be serving the usual mince pies and hot drinks afterwards. A special collection for Hinckley Homeless will be taken during this service.

At our 10.30am Christmas Family Service on Sunday 22nd December the children and young people of our Sunday Club will be doing a Nativity with a twist called “A Super Duper Christmas” - the Super Heroes are worried when they hear that a new Super Hero is coming! They’ve been putting in a lot of hard work, but also having fun practising so please come and support them if you can. With Christmas music from our Praise and Worship Group, there will be something for everyone, so please join us.

On Christmas Day there will be a short and very informal family service at 10.30am and we would be pleased to welcome you with your family and friends for this short time when we give thanks to God for our many blessings, and especially for the birth of Jesus, our Saviour. The children like to bring one of their favourite Christmas presents with them to show everyone, so please join in, whether you’re a child or an adult!

Being especially thankful for our families and friends and the many blessings we have at this special time of the year, we like to take a collection on Christmas Day for local people who are a lot less fortunate than ourselves. This will be put together with the Carol Service collection and the ‘Reverse Advent’ box and go to help the Lawrence House Hinckley Homeless Project that is always glad of the support.

For details of the dates and times of all of our services in the run-up to Christmas and into the New Year see the Church Service Information section in this magazine. You can also find us on our Facebook page.

A very Happy Christmas from everyone at Cross Hills Church and we look forward to seeing you at Christmas or in the New Year.

Why not make it your New Year’s Resolution to ‘try church’ in 2020?!

Contact Numbers Pastor - Garry Kelly: 01455 457802 / 07816 616189 Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 01455 457802 / 07910 440243 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272

Glynis Straw, Treasurer on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

I’ve deleted so much history on my computer, it doesn’t even know who the Romans were.

THE HERALD • MID-DECEMBER 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk Word Search 27 Pu 09/12/2019

Storm Name Wordsearch

Storm Brendan is next ...

E W F H G U H A C L D Y L D Z K Z

N A D N E R B M Q L D Q J R K L D

C I A R A C S I S G A E V B L F X

Y W Q E M B E F Z K T M N N T S M

H T J D E L B U U G M I Q N G M P

M N T M E U X A T I V D V L I M S

FIND 12 NAMES ALLOCATED TO UK STORMS 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 ALLOCATED TO THE FIRST 12 UK STORMS IN THIS WINTER SEASON. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: STORMY WEATHER, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 4th January 2020. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head W X Q I H C S C Z B S Hotel. Good luck!

K I I O O G A D D W M B I R S L

G G B K I H T T P P D Q A S U L

R S A A X R I P P X L Z M Y H M

B R D D X A Y B Z A Z V J W H E

Y X R W Y F A C K G O A H E U U

L J E A R I H K I V B D O J V H

X C G A R Z N F E I J Q J W N P

H O N I I E K Q C Q C A F X S C

Y C S O L Z A G P Y Y Q N B C K

I L I L S I E P D K F L Y Y F J

U Q E A D K N A M Y X H J P P N

Here are the 12 STORM NAMES you have to find:

ATIYAH • BRENDAN • CIARA • DENNIS ELLEN • FRANCIS • GERDA • HUGH IRIS • JAN • KITTY • LIAM

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

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

Last Month’s Competition Winner

The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch Competition was: C.WINKS of Oakfield Avenue, Markfield Congratulations! Your prize voucher will be sent to you soon.

ATIYAH BRENDAN CIARA DENNIS ELLEN FRANCIS GERDA HUGH IRIS JAN KITTY LIAM

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com

After Brexit, will I still be able to use my continental quilt?

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