MID-DECEMBER 2020
Markfield, Field Head, Stanton-under-Bardon, Thornton & Bagworth
Farewell to ‘John’s Shop’ in Stanton Under Bardon JOHN HARRISON, the owner of Stanton Stores, has retired after over 30 years serving the residents of Stanton Under Bardon and the surrounding areas. He made the hard decision to close the shop after we had had the first Covid Lockdown. John, who has always given so much to the community, arrived with his wife Jacqui and two children - Robin and Aimee - in the mid-1980s. Following John’s decision to retire, a couple of us got together to do a personalised memory book, a collection and a bespoke cake, so thank you to Avril, Jane B and Louise. We presented these to him on 24th October, outside the shop to abide by Covid rules. We passed the word around as best we could. At the presentation, John said: “I was astonished how many customers and friends were waiting outside the shop when my surprise retirement gifts were presented. “We had such a time looking through the photos and comments. Looking through them recalled so many memories. Lots of laughs, and just a few tears. “It was a pleasure meeting so many friends - I was quite overwhelmed and for once, lost for words. “It has been an absolute privilege serving you. Thank you all.”
Anyone wanting to still donate please contact Sally on 01530 242847.
Carols for our villages! SEASONS GREETINGS to all from the J22 benefice churches (Markfield, Thornton, Stanton– under-Bardon, Bagworth and Copt Oak www. j22churches.org.uk ). This year we are having a special online Christmas Carol service on the 20th December at 4pm and a Christingle service on Christmas Eve at 4pm. Join us on our J22 Benefice YouTube channel! The services will remain on the channel so if you don’t catch the premier showing or want to watch again, you can! Things are different this year and sadly it doesn’t look as though our carol services in their traditional form will be going ahead. However, we had an idea to brighten up our villages and bring a smile to peoples’ faces as they take their daily exercise. The idea is simple – we would like as many people as possible to decorate a window in their house in the theme of a Christmas Carol. Then as people walk by, they can look out for the decorated windows and guess the carols, maybe singing a few verses to help them on their way. You could have a theme for your road – for example – The Twelve Days of Christmas - and maybe even vote for your favourite. However you decide to do it, let’s bring some extra happiness and community spirit to the village this Christmas!
Catherine Cox
Markfield’s Christmas Tree
This festive image of Markfield’s Christmas Tree on the Green was sent in by Andrew Langran
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