February 2015 herald magazine online

FEBRUARY 2015

PARISH CALENDAR REMINDER

Calling everyone with a Digital Camera!

First of all, a big Thank You to everyone who has sent in photos for past editions of the Parish Calendar – don’t forget we need you to keep taking photos all year round.

Win Vouchers and learn how to Go Digital on National Libraries Day!

The theme for next year’s calendar will be local pictures of the natural world. Keep them safe on your computer, and send them all in together later in the year but by the deadline of Sunday 6th September 2015. Since we started 4 years ago we have sold 400 calendars in total, with profits benefitting the churches of our Parish.

Over Heritage Weekend (12th / 13th September 2015) photographs will be chosen to be immortalised on our 2016 Parish Calendar!

The photos must be landscape and in colour, and should be taken locally of the natural world. ENTRY IS COMPLETELY FREE. On the back of each photo please write your name and telephone number and the month the photo was taken.

Please do not email photographs yet. And if you have hard copy prints instead of virtual ones, you will be able to either leave prints at Norm’s corner shop on Main Street, Thornton, or post at 34, Highfields, Thornton.

Telephone: 01530 230 455 or 230 422 for further information.

Get snapping!!

Jo Leadbetter

MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK

Thornton Carnival Appeal Can you spare just 30 minutes a month?

We need your support on our Carnival Committee, to help plan and run our annual village Carnival. We have a co-ordinator but need local villagers to help bring it all together.

Your only commitment will be to meet for 30 minutes at 7pm on the third Thursday of each month up until the Carnival on July 4th.

If you are new to the village, or find you have some time on your hands, or would like to get a little more involved in the community ,then we invite you to come along to the first meeting at 7pm on FEBRUARY 26th (meeting on fourth Thursday due to half term) at the Community Centre. (you can also call me -Paula -on 01530 230265 or 07743015377 for more information.)

We run the Carnival as Fund raiser for the upkeep of your Community Centre,. Our old boiler is now 40 years old and in deperate need of repair.

The Carnival always provides a wonderful Family afternoon of Fun so why not come and be part of it!

Paula Smith (secretary)

Markfield Library Following the County Council article on running local libraries, we can announce a group hoping to support Markfield Library.

We expect initial approval by January 26th.

We hope to offer at least the present level of service, staffed by volunteers with support from Leicestershire County Council Library service.

So far we have 20 volunteers; more will be welcome.

Please contact the group secretary on 01530 589523.

Join your local library on Saturday 7th February to celebrate National Libraries Day. Free refreshments will be served at Coalville, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Markfield and Measham libraries plus there will also be the chance to win £50 worth of shopping vouchers at Coalville Library, courtesy of Morrisons supermarket. All you have to do is come along on the day and borrow any item from Coalville library for your chance to win!

There will also be the opportunity to learn more about the wide range of services on offer at all of our libraries, including free eBook, eAudiobook and eMagazine titles available to borrow online.

From HELLO! magazine to the Guinness Book of Records, pop in to your library to explore the variety of digital titles available to Leicestershire Library members and learn how to use these free online services using your smart phone or tablet. Free ipad taster sessions will be running throughout the day at Coalville library (booking required in advance).

You can also get involved on the day by taking part in the #NLD15 ‘Shelfie’ challenge by sharing what you’re up to at your local library on 7th February.

L-R: Victoria Barton, Locality Librarian, Tasha from Morrisons Coalville handing over the £50 Morrisons shopping vouchers and Catherine Overton, Outreach Worker Libraries.

To find out more and see what’s happening at your local library on National Libraries Day contact your local library or visit: www.leics.gov. uk/national_libraries_day Coalville Library: 0116 3053565 Ashby-de-la-Zouch Library: 0116 3055917 Markfield Library: 0116 3053642 Measham Library: 0116 3053709 Come and support your local library on this very special day!

Leicestershire libraries offer free access to books and learning resources. They also promote the value of literacy through reading, and offer informal learning opportunities for residents and community groups.

Alongside books, libraries offer free use of internet ready computers and music and films for hire from as little as £1 per week.

For more information please visit: www.leics.gov.uk/libraries

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 7th March - Adverts & Articles Needed By 21st February

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The captain made me wear trousers that were far too small for me. He ran a tight ship.

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

Carol singing outside the Co-op in Markfield

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

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

Members of ‘Churches together in Markfield’ undertook a successful hour of carol singing outside Markfield Co-op on the last Saturday morning before Christmas.

Everyone wrapped up warmly against the cold and occasional rain showers, but all those attending thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some shoppers joined in singing carols old and new as they walked to and from the shop!

Grateful thanks go to the staff of the Co-op for allowing us to hold the event and to all those who took part at such a busy time before Christmas.

Hopefully we can plan something similar next Christmas so watch this space!

New agreement for council tenants COUNCIL TENANTS living in the Hinckley and Bosworth area are being formally notified this month of forthcoming changes to their tenancy agreement with the council.

The updated tenancy agreement - that will come into effect from 1 March aims to help the council improve the management of its council properties. It includes improved sections on keeping animals and maintaining gardens as well as clarifying the repair responsibilities of both the council and the tenant.

For the first time the tenancy agreement also introduces ‘demoted tenancies’; a tenancy status that can be granted by the courts as an alternative to eviction for tenants who have been behaving in an anti-social way. If the anti-social behaviour continues, it also speeds up the eviction of the anti-social tenant from the council property.

The changes to the tenancy agreement were guided by consultation and follow up meetings that took place with tenants in August and September last year. The changes were informed by detailed feedback provided by the Together for Tenants group, a tenant-led partnership between tenants and the council.

Councillor Michael Mullaney, Executive Member responsible for Housing, said: “The current tenancy conditions had been in place for a number of years and it had become increasingly apparent that they need to be refreshed in order that tenants understood what they could expect from the council as their landlord and their own responsibilities.

“The Tenancy Agreement was drawn up with input from many tenants, including the Together for Tenants group and is an excellent example of the council working in partnership with tenants.”

Alongside the updated agreement, tenants will receive a new repairs manual giving advice on maintenance issues and providing useful information for reporting repairs. Tenants will also receive the annual newsletter which includes information on the service that tenants can expect from the council.

The new agreement, which does not affect the status or start date of the tenancy, will come into effect from March and will also apply to all new council tenancies.

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

Call: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436.

Feb 11th ~Alan Tyler ~ Stoneywell Cottage.

March 11th ~ Paul Taberner ~ Real Crime Scene Investigations April 8th ~ Brian Langtry ~ Song of the Soar May 13th ~ Games Night

The cost of adult children who don’t fly the nest

If you have an adult son or daughter still living at home, they are costing you roughly £1,200 a year more in family household bills. A recent survey by the Centre for Modern Family also found that, in order to cope with the costs, more and more parents are being driven to take out loans, switch to value groceries and save less for their old age.

So I went to the sweet shop and said ‘Do you do Twix?’ He said ‘I’m quite good at juggling.’

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Tree planting in memory of Markfield’s war dead Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald Many of you will be aware that last year, a new war memorial for the village of Markfield was formally dedicated to coincide with the anniversary of the outbreak of hostilities in the First World War. Alongside this war memorial and as another mark of remembrance, it was decided to plant a tree for each villager associated with Markfield who lost their lives in the Great War. These trees have now been planted in an arc at the bottom of the Mayflower Close playing field.

In the future we hope these trees will thrive and help in our wider plans to create a higher quality public space at the playing field site.

These developing plans for the playing field will hopefully see a number of improvements including a pathway created around the perimeter and some more planting schemes. In conjunction with the primary school we would also like to see an improved all weather sports pitch hopefully incorporating the latest 3G playing surface and having duel school and community use, so the children at the school would have access to the best sporting facilities available.

Clearly significant grant aid would be required but working in partnership with the school and organisations like the Football Association, I believe we stand a good chance of success.

We also plan to carry on improving the children’s play area with new equipment maximising our use of grant aid wherever possible, which over the years has been substantial. All in all the improvement plans if the grant aid is received will have a very positive impact on the site and help cement linkages within a broader community hub. A hub which includes the surgery and the post

office, moving onto the school, community centre and library and then onto the Main St. This public realm is the essential heart of the community and these plans will enhance this further.

• In mentioning the library it is important to note that the County Council has accepted the bid put forward by the volunteer group looking to help keep the village library open. This means that further planning can take place by the group and a full business plan drawn up.

It is no small feat that a group of volunteers has got to this stage with little help from the County Council themselves. The group of volunteers has been ably led by its chairman David Pegg who has shown a real dedication and commitment to making things work.

They are drawn from right across our communities of Markfield and Stanton and a number of meetings have now taken place and it is clear to me that a successful venture is underway.

A public consultation event is one of the next big things planned and it is hoped that such an event will draw strong community interest and help expand the number of volunteers willing to be get involved. This is a really important public resource and we should do what we can, not just to preserve it as it is but also improve it. Already some of the funding required has been pledged but more will be needed going forward.

• Another service that the County Council is looking to downgrade is the grass cutting of highway verges throughout our community. Unlike the public open spaces such as the Green or the playing fields, the verges on footpaths and by roads are maintained by the County Council and it is fair to say the service has not been what it should over recent

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years. The County Council are proposing to reduce this service further but have offered local councils the opportunity to take over the service and reallocate its resourcing to support this.

This is something that we will be taking up at Markfield because the service could be significantly improved in the future.

• A number of people have contacted me regarding the proposals for a huge wind turbine at Markfield. The latest position is that the application has now been received by the Borough Council and it has just been validated so the public consultation can now begin.

You can view the application online and comment which I of course would urge you to do. If you go onto the Borough Council’s website you can do everything online at: www.hinckley-bosworth. gov.uk/comment simply follow the prompts to comment on an application. The reference number is: 14/01258/FUL I have had further detailed conversations with planners at the Council and I am assured that they have similar concerns to myself regarding the visual intrusion a turbine the size of this and in this location will cause.

Visual intrusion is in many ways the strongest grounds we have for rejection of this application and any objection comment or letter needs to state this as the grounds for the objection.

As I mentioned in my previous article this turbine will be one of the tallest points in the whole of Leicestershire and certainly the highest point in the Borough so the visuals are a huge concern.

At this first phase it is important that planning officers at the Borough present a report recommending rejection, objection comments or letters do carry more weight at this point so do please

Matthew Lay register your concerns as the consultation gets underway.

• My final word this month goes to Joe Ansell who sadly passed away at the beginning of the year aged 90. Joe was somebody I had known all my life and someone who always had time for a chat and someone who I always enjoyed listening to.

Joe was an original ‘Bevin Boy’ who originated from London but lived most of his life here in Markfield. He was essentially called up into active service and told to go and work down the pits instead of serving on the battlefield. Without coal to burn, the war would have been very short lived so young men were conscripted to become miners. They were named ‘Bevin Boys’ after the Minister of Labour and National Service, Ernest Bevin who was a Labour MP in Churchill’s wartime coalition government.

Joe worked in the mines around Coalville and did so until his retirement. Importantly he was a trustee on the Markfield Memorial and Miners Welfare Institute and supported the distribution of funds to groups in the village following the Institute sale a couple of years ago.

Joe was an ever present feature on the local landscape and I shall remember fondly the many tales he told me of his exploits and the political discussions we had over a glass of whisky.

Matthew

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Rural Community Council (Leicestershire and Rutland) Achievement Awards 2015 SUPPORTING PEOPLE AND SUSTAINING COMMUNITIES FOR 90 YEARS Reg. Charity No.1077645 Sponsored by Tarratts Jewellers of Leicester

Here is an opportunity for you to show off your village and win recognition for your community.

The RCC in their role of supporting and promoting rural communities in Leicestershire & Rutland for over 90 years invite entries for the 2015 Achievement Awards.

To contact The Herald, email: info@ markfieldherald. co.uk or phone: 01530 244069

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The Achievement Awards are open to all communities under 15,000.

You may enter one or both categories, with a separate entry for each project: Community and Community Halls.

For Community all sorts of projects are included e.g. a play area, footpath trail, an activity programme for young people, a care project for the elderly, community transport, scarecrow festival, open gardens, village show, pantomime, newsletters, websites and other ways of communication, Cleaner and Greener initiatives, conservation, tree planting, village pond, village green, footpaths, bulb planting, litter picks, recycling, saving energy.

It doesn’t matter if this is your first time, or if you have entered in previous years. Tell us what you are proud of and what you do for your community.

Full competition details and entry forms can be downloaded from our website www.ruralcc.org.uk or contact us at: Community House 133 Loughborough Road Leicester LE4 5LQ Tel: 0116 2662905 - Email: competitions@ruralcc.org.uk Closing date is Thursday 30th April 2015.

Judging will take place between June 15th and 26th.

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Letter

A fitting tribute to Eric On 9th January, I attended the funeral of a very dear friend.

During the quiet time to remember Eric, the music to ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ was played. We did not sing the usual version, but instead, we just read The Gardener’s Hymn during that time. (See the words below.)

I have never seen or heard the ‘Gardener’s Hymn’ before and thought readers of The Herald would like to see it.

We don’t get much news from Thornton, so perhaps you would print this for me in the next issue.

Ann Bodycote

Ex-Thornton Girl who still reads The Herald

The Gardener’s Hymn

But what we never mention Though gardeners know it’s true Is when He made the goodies He made the baddies

It is proposed that Snibston will close to visitors on Friday, July 31st.

The greenfly on the roses The maggots in the peas Manure that fills our noses He also gave us these.

All things spray and swattable, etc.

All things spray and swattable, etc.

The fly that gets the carrots The wasp that eats the plums How black the gardener’s outlook Though green may be his thumbs.

Quality flower arrangements also supplied for any occasion

Start a fire

A fire crackling away in the hearth has often been thought of as the ‘heart of a home,’ and now it seems that it is demonstrably good for your own heart, too.

A recent study has found that the flickering flames, combined with the crackle of burning logs and warmth, possess a hypnotic calming effect on people, and lower blood pressure. Fires can also ‘cement’ the bond between people, according to a biological anthropologist writing in Evolutionary Psychology.

The drought that kills the fuchsias The frost that nips the buds The rain that drowns the seedlings The blight that hits the spuds.

All things spray and swattable, etc.

All things spray and swattable, etc.

But still we gardeners labour Midst vegetables and flowers And pray what hits our neighbours Will somehow bypass ours.

The midges and mosquitoes The nettles and the weeds The pigeons in the green stuff The sparrows on the seeds.

All things bright and beautiful All creatures great and small All things wise and wonderful The Lord God made them all.

“Still Friday” 2015 Each evening will include simple reflective worship songs, silence, prayer, readings and responses and last up to an hour.

All are welcome. Come along and enjoy the peace.

16th January

20th February

20th March

17th April

15th May

19th June

17th July

21st August

18th September 16th October

There will be an 11am service at the Markfield Retirement Village, in the Social Centre .

Snibston’s proposed closure date announced

Chorus: All things spray and swattable Disasters great and small All things paraquatable The Lord God made them all.

All things spray and swattable, etc.

Friday 6th March

There will also be a 2.30pm service in the Congregational Church, Main St with refreshments to follow in the Church Hall.

Men as well as women are invited to come.

All things bright and beautiful All creatures great and small All things wise and wonderfull The lord God made them all.

The fungus on the goose-gogs The club root on the greens The slugs that eat the lettuce And chew the aubergines.

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

20th November

No “Still Friday” in December

Fridays 8.00 pm at St. Michael & All Angels’ Church

Richard Blunt, cabinet member for museums, said: “I’m proposing that the museum, in its current form, will close on July 31st. I wanted to announce the likely date as soon as I could, so that staff, volunteers and visitors have as much notice as possible. I know that staff have been anxious to have some firm information about the date.

“At its last meeting, cabinet asked the director of adults and communities to draw up a programme to implement the closure and the detailed work to support this is in hand.

“I appreciate that the full council is likely to debate this issue on February 18th but I wanted to give an indicative date now and I’ll provide an updated statement, following the meeting.”

The proposed date was chosen to link in with the end of the school year in Leicestershire and other parts of the Midlands.

Earlier this month, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet agreed to close the current venue. If nothing was done, the cost to the council has been estimated at £900,000 per year.

The decision came after the council and an independent assessor judged the Friends of Snibston’s plans to retain the current venue were unviable.

The Century Theatre and the country park will remain open after this date. The historic pithead buildings, which are a scheduled ancient monument, will continue to be maintained.

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9 Bagworth Forward Group

Circus Bezercus!

A few years ago, Bagworth Forward Group organised an evening’s entertainment as part of a Centre Stage production.

It turned out to be one of our most popular events and over 100 people enjoyed the event. We are delighted to tell you that the same pair have been booked again, with their new show.

It is called ‘A Komedy Of Errors’. Circus Berzercus stars Gerald the gentleman juggler - precise, short tempered, vain and Wallace the circus trainee inexperienced....

From curtain up there’s trouble. When Gerald’s juggling partner walks out on him, he asks the agency to find a suitable replacement. With Wallace around, Gerald will need all his years of show business experience to keep the show on track.

This wonderful family show is packed with music, dazzling juggling, daring unicycling, mystifying magic and hilarious comedy! For anyone who claims that there is nothing to do in Bagworth, come along and see this and you will be left wanting more. This really is good family entertainment. Enjoy the occasion, not in a big city centre theatre, but in our very own Community Centre.

It takes place on Sunday 22nd March at 2.30 pm. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for children and family tickets (2+2) £15. They can be obtained from Rosemary on 01530 230347. Booking is very highly recommended. The age range is from 3 to 103 (though older people will not be prevented from attending).

For more information about the performers: www.circusbezercus.co.uk

Mothers and teenagers A woman was confiding in her neighbour just how hard it was for her to get her teenagers out of bed in the morning. The neighbour replied that she never had any trouble at all with her son. “I just open the door and throw the cat on the bed,” she explained. The woman was puzzled, and asked how that might help. “Easy. My son sleeps with the dog.”

Lots going on at Markfield WI! Markfield WI is looking forward to a new year with a varied programme and some extra events to be held during the year.

It is the centenary of the Women’s Institute this year and so we are making an extra effort to make our presence felt locally. Our programme should be appearing in the Herald so watch out for meetings which may interest you and join us as a visitor. You might find that you want to keep coming along. All are welcome, there is no age limit and we’d really love to see some younger women at our meetings to give us new ideas and stimulate discussion.

We are hoping to hold a coffee morning and a garden party later in the year to raise our profile in the village. Sadly there will be no Open Gardens but the garden party may offer an opportunity to visit a few lovely gardens around the Green. We’ll have to wait and see!

We have booked a trip to Kilworth House to see Singing in the Rain and we are visiting the Manor at Donington-le-Heath for a guided tour of the house and garden followed by a supper. The latter event would be open to visitors, if you contact us, in advance and will be held in June.

In March we are holding our Group event and have Jane Robinson, author of a book entitled A Force to be Reckoned With, a history of the WI. We also have tales from a former Wimbledon umpire, the Laura Ashley story, jam, pottery, patchwork and bread making on our programme. All this is already in place and there may be more in the pipeline. If something takes your fancy do pop along, or if you would like to suggest something please let us know.

Already this year we have visited Curve to enjoy The Sound of Music, a good evening at the theatre but a somewhat hairy journey home in some very heavy snow!

Our January meeting found us listening to an illustrated talk by Ernest Miller on the new NT property at Ulverscroft, Stoneywell Cottage. Ernest was gave us a very interesting insight into the property and the Gimson family. This cottage is a wonderful example of an Arts and Crafts house and is particularly special because it has been in the Gimson family since it was designed by Ernest Gimson for his brother and has had very little alteration.

It was bought by the NT from Donald Gimson and contains much of the original furniture and has come with a considerable archive of records. The property will open at the beginning of February and is certainly worth a visit.

Next month our speaker is Clive Plummer from the RNLI. This may seem a strange charity to pick when we are as far from the sea as we could be but most of us visit the coast at some time and it is very often holiday makers who get into trouble not far from shore who need the services of the lifeboat crew. I believe it is a charity which needs our support and having seen the film which often accompanies one of these talks I would recommend it.

Our Knit and Natter Group continues to meet at the Bull’s Head on the first Wednesday of the month and welcomes anyone interested in knitting or crocheting, or who wants to learn these crafts. No need to be a WI member to join us as our needles click and we chat. There might even be more chatting than knitting!

WI meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month in the Methodist Church Schoolroom starting at 7.45pm. For further information contact Jane Barrington 243285 or Fran Johnson 243350

Enjoy a stress-free Valentine’s meal PLANNING the perfect Valentine’s Day date can be stressful for most people as there’s a lot to worry about, including of course, whether they will make a good impression.

So the last thing they want to think about before an important dinner is whether or not the place they choose takes food hygiene seriously. However, the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme means they don’t have to.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is urging people look before they book and check the food hygiene rating before deciding where to go on their special date.

The truth is, a restaurant’s hygiene standards can’t be judged by how clean and tidy the staff look, or by how romantic the décor and ambience is.

It’s the things that can’t be seen – like germs spread by bad hygiene practices – that need to be considered. There’s one easy way to be sure and that’s for people to check the food hygiene rating. This tells them about hygiene standards in restaurants and other food businesses.

This can be done by going online to the Food Standard Agency’s website at: www.food.gov.uk/ratings, or looking for the green and black stickers displayed at eating establishments.

The ratings are determined by local authority food safety officers and range from 0 to 5, with a 5 rating meaning very good food hygiene standards.

Nine out of 10 food businesses in Hinckley and Bosworth are rated a 3 or higher so there are plenty of places with good food hygiene standards to choose from.

If you ever go for a walk with the Scissor Sisters, make sure they’re pointing away from you.

10 Country Land & Business Association

CLA steps up lobbying 100 days before the election

With LESS THAN 100 days before the general election on May 7, the CLA is increasing contact with prospective parliamentary candidates to ensure that rural issues get fair consideration in their campaigning, and by the next government.

The association, which represents landowners, farmers and rural business, is also urging those who live and work in rural areas to quiz their candidates about their own priorities.

The CLA has already contacted sitting MPs and known candidates with a copy of its manifesto, and has started on a round of briefing meetings with individual politicians. But CLA Midlands regional director Caroline Bedell believes that everyone with a rural vote should take the time to consider the issues that matter to them, and make sure the politicians are aware of them.

Mrs Bedell says: “As important as it is, a manifesto is no replacement for people who can provide good evidence at a local level and – crucially have a vote.

“You know what matters to you and your family, so seize every opportunity you can to make your prospective parliamentary candidates aware. Stop them in the street, take part in hustings and answer the door when they come canvassing. If you don’t, it could be five years before you get the opportunity again.

“Together we can help rural areas prosper to the benefit of the nation as a whole. There is huge potential in rural Britain, but it will be up to the politicians to unlock it, and it will be up to you to make sure we elect the people who can deliver.”

I’ve got very sensitive teeth. They’ll probably be upset I told you.

11

Markfield surgery Patient Participation Group publicity event

Early in January members of the Markfield Surgery Patient Participation Group (PPG) manned an information stall in the Co-op in Markfield to publicise the ‘New Start, New You’ initiative run by the NHS in January.

The members spoke to people about the important role of the PPG, including liaising between the patients and the surgery, taking forward ideas and possible improvements, as well as informing people of the latest developments within the Health Service.

Just as importantly the PPG promotes ways in which people can be proactive about their own health and well-being. PPG members chatted to over 50 people, sharing information about the PPG and how to become a member, either ‘in person’ or as a ‘virtual’ member.

The PPG are keen to encourage ‘ virtual’ or ‘on line’ membership especially for those younger people who are unable to attend the regular meetings due to work and /or family commitments.

If you would like more information about the PPG please contact the surgery or one of the PPG members – their names and contact details are on the PPG display in the surgery foyer.

The PPG are very grateful to the Co-op for allowing them to set up their stall in the store and also the staff for their support during the day. It is hoped to hold more sessions in the future both in Markfield and beyond.

Brainy Quote When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That’s relativity.

Albert Einstein

Garden waste service to continue Green-fingered residents in Hinckley and Bosworth will be able recycle their garden waste for free for another year after councillors agreed to fund the service until March 2016.

Leicestershire County Council currently pays the Borough Council around £500,000 each year in recycling credits towards the cost of collecting garden waste for recycling. However, the county council will remove recycling credits for garden waste from April 2015. The removal of this funding has forced the Borough Council to consider how the service can be provided and paid for in the future.

Councillors were initially planning to consult with residents about the future of the service this winter but at a full Council meeting in December, councillors agreed to use additional income from planning fees in 2014/15 to cover the cost of the garden waste collection service from April 2015 until March 2016, in order to allow more time for all of the alternative options to be explored more fully within the council and with residents.

Residents will now be asked for their views on how the garden waste recycling service should be provided and paid for in the longer term in a consultation this year.

Councillor Bill Crooks, Executive Member responsible for Neighbourhood Services, said: “I am delighted that our officers have been able to locate extra funding from additional income brought in by the large amount of new homes being built. The green waste is a major part of our recycling tonnage and without this our EEC target percentages would fall from the above-target rate of 56% which we are currently achieving.”

Obesity is such a financial weight Here is a sobering thought: obesity is a greater burden on the UK’s economy than armed violence, war and terrorism.

It costs the country nearly £47billion a year. That means it has the second-largest economic impact on the UK, behind smoking. Obesity generates an annual loss equivalent to three per cent of GDP. The study was done by the McKinsey Global Institute, which warned that in the UK, government efforts to tackle the problem were “too fragmented to be effective.”

Meanwhile, more than 2.1billion people around the world – or nearly 30 per cent of the global population – are overweight or obese, with the figure likely to rise to almost half of the world’s population by 2030.

Is your dog looking a bit ‘Woof’?

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

I’ve been fired from work for putting in too many shifts. Keyboard manufacturing isn’t as easy as you think.

12

BTEC course aimed at new drivers Norman Griffiths hears of a course coming to Groby Community College

Youth can be the loneliest time of your life

In life there are two things that go hand in hand – being a parent and worrying.

Young people aged 18 – 24 are four times as likely to ‘feel lonely’ as older people aged over 70.

It may be about bullying at school, eating disorders or even drugs.

The list isn’t endless but it can be long. And at a certain age your child wants to, and in this modern world needs to, learn to drive.

If you are confident about their driving abilities you may still have concerns about the times they are being driven by another person.

The fact is that under 25’s are over represented in collisions by a factor of 4 to 1 compared to all other age groups. The first 12 months after passing the driving test is the most risky time period with 1 in 5 new drivers having a reported collision.

The real number is probably higher and the risk is reflected in those sky high insurance premiums.

There is something you can do, however, to help improve standards and perhaps at the same time manage the concerns you have, as a safety based course designed to reduce young driver risk is being organised by the Road Safety Partnership in Nottinghamshire.

They have trialled the course and are putting it out across the East Midlands. From September 2015 Groby Community College is one of the first schools where the Driving Force BTEC level 2 course in Driving and Driver Education (BTEC Driver) will be run as an evening class.

And students are more vulnerable than any other group.

The good news is that loneliness tends to decline as people get older.

“Between the ages of 18 and 24, people commonly experience a high number of transitional life events that can contribute to feelings of loneliness,” explains the director of psychological services at AXA PPP healthcare, which carried out the survey. “We tend to imagine that young people enjoy the benefits of a well-connected, socially-networked world but this doesn’t mean they don’t have hidden issues.” Leaving home for university or beginning a new job or starting a family can be a very lonely experience.

Open evening in March “There is a 6th form open evening at Groby College on Tuesday March 17th, at which I will be present to promote BTEC Driver to students and parents,” explained Neil Snow, Senior Road Safety Officer at Nottingham City Council.

“The school will be promoting

this internally, however I am keen to get word of this new opportunity out to all villagers as some will have children in the 16 to 19 age range who do not attend Groby Community College. Nevertheless they may well be interested in this evening class, as it aims to reduce crash risk and has a 15% insurance discount attached to it. Participants will need to be in academic year 12 or above in September 2015 (16 +) and there is no upper age limit.”

Course details The course consists of 40 hours of in-class education and 20 hours of in-car coaching. The price is a very attractive £7.17 per hour, less than a third of the price of equivalent driving lessons. Different payment and instalment options are available. This may seem like a rather expensive course but less so when you think of the inconvenience that results from having a vehicle in the repair shop, the excess on insurance claims and the reduction in a no claims bonus. That’s before you factor in the possibility of injury to your child, something you value more than your car. And a 15% discount on insurance premiums nicely offsets

the expense, as it is available for the first 5 years of driving.

Students and apprentices graduate from the course with a high level of knowledge in: • Vehicle maintenance and construction • Road rules and regulations • Journey planning • Personal, social and fleet risk issues • How attitude and personality effect driver behaviour “The course is suitable for people regardless of licence status,” added Neil, “though at least a provisional licence is required for the practical part. The important bit is that even if a student has passed their test they can still take/complete the course as there is an advanced incar module available.”

It sounds as if Tuesday March 17th at the Community College could be a date for the diary to find out more. The open evening is from 5pm to 7.15pm. For Neil the evening will be something of a homecoming – he’s an ex-Groby student and lived in the village for over 20 years.

Shopping habits change How often do you shop for food?

These days, chances are that you are buying ‘little and often’, popping into your mini-supermarket several times a week, and buying only what you need for the next couple of days. It is a thrifty way of living; the trend has helped to reduce food wastage by as much as a fifth, compared with seven years ago.

According to a survey by Waitrose, one in four of us is visiting a ‘convenience’ store at least once a day. Perhaps it gives a whole new insight into ‘Give us today our daily bread…’

News from Stanton Under Bardon Primary School Children in Need Fund Raising Success Stanton Under Bardon School Council organised a day of fun filled activities including a cake and biscuit sale, Lucky Dip, a giant Pudsey Bear covered in pennies and many more which raised £196.18. Our thanks go to everyone who gave and supported this event.

Year 6 take part in ‘Talk the Talk’ at Groby Community College

Congratulations go to Maisie D’Amore, Grace Bresnihan and Emma Squire from Year 6 who were selected to deliver a two minute speech that they had prepared on a subject of their choice at Groby Community College, alongside children from 12 other schools in this area. The children representing Stanton-under-Bardon spoke confidently and clearly to a large audience who they held captivated throughout.

Sporting achievement ‘Danone’ Cup Small Schools County Finals Stanton-under-Bardon football team qualified earlier last year to represent Hinckley & Bosworth in the county finals.

On the 1st of December they travelled to Leicester City Football Club Training ground to compete against other small schools from across the county. All children involved were a credit to the school, showing a great deal of team spirit and a huge improvement in form since the start of the season. The team drew their first game of the round and then unfortunately lost the second two meaning they were unable to progress to the final round however all received a medal in recognition of their hard work and success in reaching that stage.

Mrs Smith

My next door neighbour worships exhausts pipes. He’s a catholic converter.

13 Letter from Uncle Eustace

On the perils of parking near church The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren I cannot be wholly sympathetic because your church car park is now inadequate, only having space for 100 cars.

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Your solution of advising members of the congregation to park in the adjoining supermarket car park may not have been wise. The maximum time people can stop there is 90 minutes, and as your sermons alone often reach that length, returning to find their cars clamped may not make you universally popular – although it may give your congregation the opportunity of practising Christian forgiveness.

Since the medieval architect who built St. James the Least was not overly concerned with car parking, the only space we have is along the road by the church. Inevitably, it gets blocked, which causes us all immense satisfaction when those not attending church but intending to have a morning shopping, find themselves unable to get out of the village until Mattins is over.

I did once encourage people to walk to church across the fields, but when the present Earl of Stowe started to get his staff to lay waterproof sheeting along the paths so he could avoid getting mud on his shoes, I decided the idea was best dropped.

For most, the inconvenience of parking only makes attending church more of a pleasurable challenge; we so enjoy having something to complain about. Major Hastings, however, who has complained endlessly about parking problems, made a point last Christmas by leaving his car in the middle of the vicarage lawn. I was so pleased he happened to park just where I had had a garden pond filled in only the previous week. He returned to find that the car had sunk up the windscreen and needed a crane to remove it. And it would have made a charming garden feature; I could even picture it with garden gnomes on its roof.

For weddings, a farmer allows us to use the field adjoining the church.

While he rarely attends church on Sundays, he is always there the week before – I suspect praying for heavy rain, so he can make a fortune charging to tow out with his tractor those who have got stuck. Perhaps the greatest act of witness your church could perform would be to get everyone attending church to park on the ring road, bringing the entire town to a halt until your three hour Sunday morning Service is over.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Mother’s reward A man was decorating his new den and decided it was a good place to display all the awards he and his two sons had won at various athletic competitions. When he had filled two whole walls, he remarked to his wife that it was a shame she had no awards to contribute.

The following day, she produced, neatly framed, the birth certificates of their two sons, and added them to the display.

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My favourite composer is Handel who later teamed up with Hinge and Bracket to form The Doors.

14

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We’d love to welcome you during 2015 to our services that start each Sunday at 10.30am, with an active Sunday Club for children and young people aged from 0 - 15.

Please feel free to come along and join in with us as we sing, pray and praise God for all that is good in our lives and in our lovely community.

If you wish to talk to or have a visit from our Pastor then please feel free to call him on the number below between 9.30am to 12.30pm, remembering that shared problems and troubles are God’s special subject. This month sees the start of our monthly house group meetings, the first one being on February 4th at Glynis and David’s home, 110 Main Street, Thornton. We also have a message below from Vera, the Parish Nurse.

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All adults are most welcome to the Olive Branch Club. We meet on the first Monday of each month, 2-4pm, at Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth and Thornton. No charge, however £1 pp towards refreshments per meeting.

Next meeting is on Monday February 2nd: We have a guest speaker, Ella, who is going to talk to us about all the valuable work that goes on in The Dog’s Trust. The charity that saves the lives of, and re-homes many dogs, and much more besides!

Monday March 2nd: Our guest speaker is Rod, when we’ll learn all about, ‘Carry on Composting’.

Promises to be a very interesting talk with lots of advice for everyone, not just the gardeners!

Lance – Fire safety in the home.

Unfortunately if you weren’t there you’ve missed it as this took place on January 5th! A most interesting and informative talk enjoyed by all. Very clearly spoken so that everyone could hear and participate. We all learnt something important!

I am always available for a confidential chat or advice if required at these meetings.

If you want any more information, or perhaps you would like to speak to me about getting to a meeting, please contact me on my number below as I may be able to help.

Vera (Parish Nurse) For further details about our services, please see the Church Service Information towards the back of this magazine or use any of the contact numbers below.

We are known as a very friendly and welcoming church and look forward to meeting you.

Contact Numbers Pastor - Garry Kelly: 01455 457802/07816 616189 Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 01455 457802/07910 440243 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557

Glynis Straw

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Brainy Quote I was eating in a Chinese restaurant downtown. There was a dish called Mother and Child Reunion. It’s chicken and eggs. And I said, I gotta use that one.

Paul Simon

I knew a Dutchman with inflatable shoes. One day he went for a run and popped his clogs.

15

Privet

The Snowberry, Also Some Winter Flowering Honeysuckle Shrubs

The name is hardly likely to excite much interest, but even the golden form of the common hedging privet is quite beautiful.

Both perform in mid winter.

The snowberry bears largish white berries untouched by birds.

A super ‘filling’ plant for flower arrangers or anyone doing a vase or two for the house. However the privet family (Ligustrum) has some absolutely superb large leafed evergreens. Rarely seen in our gardens. They can grow large so need pruning to keep in bounds. Forms of the Chinese privet include two stunning ones, both variegated, with two shades of green with golden edging. In lists these are Ligustrum Licudum ‘Excelsum Superbum’ and L.L. ‘Tricolor’. A flower-arranger’s delight or for any gardener with a penchant for unusual shrubs. All Chinese privets have extra large panicles of white flowers.

Snowdrops February is not only flowering time, but also time to order, or buy, living plants – ‘in the green ‘ as they say.

This is a sure way to obtain snowdrops that will easily settle and flower well in future years. If you want some of those special (and expensive!) named forms try the plant finder, either the book or online. Not to overlook local growers ‘Andrew and Anita Thorp’ who have a large selection. They are at Theddingworth (01858 880496)

Valentine’s Day bookings now being taken.

Treat your loved one to a romantic meal in our cosy village pub!

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

Wednesday is

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

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

With personal service to your table

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

Also good for cutting. Flowers in summer are rather insignificant.

There are a group of about half-a –dozen shrubby honeysuckles that bear heavily scented flowers for a long period in winter. I will give you the name of the very best of these – Lonicera X Purpusii ‘Winter Beauty’. If looking in lists for Snowberry, the name is Symphoricarpos Albus.

Portugal Laurel This evergreen laurel (Prunus Lusitanica) is really hardy.

Also it has a smaller leaved – ‘Myrtifolia’ i.e. foliage like a myrtle.

It can be trained into shape and used as an alternative to ornamental bay. As readers, will know, the latter can be subject to damage in severe winters. I first mentioned this in a ‘Herald’ article some years ago.

Fair to boost the jobs market Jobs and career advice will be on hand in Loughborough as a new series of jobs fairs travel across the county.

Leicestershire County Council will host the event at Loughborough Town Hall on Thursday, February 12 in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council and Jobcentre Plus.

The event is being held in the main hall and will run from 10am to 2pm.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet employers, training providers and further education colleges, while browsing dozens of jobs from more than 30 businesses.

Blake Pain, county cabinet member for economic development, said: “This is a great way to bring job seekers and companies with vacancies together and help enhance skills in the area.

“The wealth of advice that will be on hand will be of great benefit to anyone looking for employment or seeking new opportunities.”

Free workshops have also been organised to offer hints and tips, booking is advisable as places are limited. The workshops are: • CV writing – 10.15am • Top tips to a job – 11.15am • Interview skills – 12.15pm • Starting your own business – 1.15pm Councillor David Slater, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “We are committed to ensuring the borough continues to grow and prosper and are keen to support these events to help enable residents to access opportunities in the borough.”

Businesses who would like a free stand at the event should contact Ray Hurst – ray.hurst@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 5505.

For more information visit www.leics.gov.uk/jobfairs or contact Ray Hurst or Heather Bell – heather.bell@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 5541.

Dates for future fairs across the county will be released at a later date.

I used to date a girl with one leg who worked at a brewery. She was in charge of the hops.

16

Have your say on proposals for county waste sites Residents, charities and businesses can help shape the county council’s proposals to save £1.1 million at household waste and recycling sites.

The council wants to hear people’s views on a variety of proposals to reduce costs, without having to close sites completely.

Blake Pain, county cabinet member for waste, said: “The council needs to save £1.1 million from its household waste and recycling sites budget, as part of its overall £120 million savings.

“We have a range of ideas and we now want to hear people’s views on how they could work.”

Proposals for waste sites include: • Restricting free use of the sites by those living outside of Leicestershire county • Restricting free access to use of the sites by charities, parish councils and other groups • Restricting free disposal of non-household waste such as bricks, rubble and other DIY waste • Reducing site opening times At the moment, the council spends £27.4 million per year on waste and recycling and it needs to reduce that figure by £4.9 million by 2018/19.

Alongside proposed changes to household waste and recycling sites, the council is also reviewing recycling and reuse credits. Around £120,000 is paid each year to approximately 40 charity and community groups that collect household waste for reuse and recycling.

Charities and community groups will be directly engaged with to shape proposals to ensure they are supported in the most effective way.

Options for making savings could include only paying credits for materials where other recycling or reuse facilities are not available - e.g. mattresses or carpet.

The consultation will run from February 2 to April 26.

You can have your say at www.leics.gov.uk/haveyoursay/ futurewastemanagement The council’s cabinet will consider the results of the consultation and decide on which proposals to take forward later this year.

For details of the sites and what you can recycle there, please see www.leics.gov.uk/recycling_household_waste_sites

The gifts that keep being given

If you receive a birthday gift from family or friends this year which seems unlikely or inappropriate, there may be a very simple reason for it. Chances are it was an unwelcome Christmas gift, and so got ‘recycled’ by them – straight to you.

It seems that nearly one in four of us get rid of unwanted gifts in this way.

Which, of course, is fine – as long as the next person down the line enjoys the gift. If not, do they also recycle it? This raises the question: are there thousands of ‘gifts’ circulating around out there that serve their purpose by simply being a gift you can give someone, except that nobody ever wants to keep it? The survey was done by an ICM poll.

A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.

17 Good Game, Good Game!

Fancy a game of Skip-Bo? Computer games may be very hi-tech and exciting but, sometimes, a good old-fashioned game of cards can be just as much fun.

I was introduced to a new card game recently - Skip-Bo - and although the rules sounded a bit complicated at first, you soon get the hang of it when you start playing.

The game was invented in 1967, by Ms. Hazel ‘Skip’ Bowman of Brownfield, Texas.

In 1980 it was purchased by International Games, which was subsequently bought

by Mattel in 1992.

All you need is a pack of Skip-Go cards (mine cost £9.50 from AMAZON), and an average-sized dining table on which to play. Oh, and some people to play against.

Here are the rules: Two to four people can play at a time as individuals or six or more players in teams (no more than three partnerships). The object of the game is to be the first player or team to play out their entire stock pile.

Each player is dealt 30 cards for their pile with only the top card visible, and a hand of five cards, and the remaining cards are placed face down to create a common draw pile.

The shared play area allows up to four build piles, which must be started using either a “1” card or a Skip-Bo, and each player also has up to four personal discard piles.

Each turn the active player draws until he has five cards in hand, and plays on the build piles. He must play either the next card in sequential order or a wild Skip-Bo card, using either cards in hand, the top card of his stock pile, or the top card of any of his four discard piles.

If the player can play all five cards from his hand, he draws five more and continues playing. When no more plays are available, the player discards one card to either an empty discard pile or on top of an existing one and play passes to the next player.

When a build pile reaches 12, it is removed from the board and that space becomes empty for another pile to be started; play continues until one player has played his final start card.

Give it a go - I think you’ll enjoy it!

TELL READERS ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE FAMILY CARD GAME. If you have a favourite card game that your family enjoys, tell us about it and we’ll include details in a future issue.

I dance better putting my pants on than I do actually trying to dance.

18

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Groby Community College Students Fundraiser Success!

It was Broombriggs House students labour of love that raised £119, which was used towards granting the wish of a four year old little girl who was undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Her greatest wish was to visit Disneyland Paris and meet with the princesses.

Along with this donation, Wishes 4 Kids were able to send her, her family, for a magical four day VIP visit where she met with all the princesses!

WELL DONE TO ALL THE STUDENTS AND STAFF INVOLVED!

Anybody there?!

Next month - on the 15th, actually - is the thirtieth anniversary of the very first registered .com domain name.

Only 30 years! The cultural revolution has been swift and overwhelming. All our lives (whether we like it or not) are now lived in the light of the mighty .com. Nothing works (planes, trains, the electricity, the supermarkets, banks and trading) without it, and thos e ‘domain names’ are now part of most people’s everyday lives. And all in 30 years.

There’s no doubt that the digital revolution has brought benefits. For most people, email is a boon and blessing (apart from the deluge of unwanted messages, of course). With regard to them, I rather liked the order of service for a wedding recently which printed out the Lord’s Prayer but rendered the last petition as ‘deliver us from email’.

Millions of people enjoy Facebook and Twitter, and the internet has undoubtedly helped to tear down the world-wide iron curtains of censorship and news manipulation. Millions of people shop online, and churches and charities are keen to join in the plea to google their domain name and explore the wonders on offer.

There are, however, drawbacks, of which people of my generation are perhaps more aware than those who have grown up in the last thirty or forty years.

The one that has struck me recently is the dearth of contact. I had a request recently to be a Facebook ‘Friend’ of someone I didn‘t know. I looked on his page and found he had 1,400 ‘Friends’. That’s not friendship, that’s stamp collecting. It’s sadly possible for the screen, the I-pad or the smartphone to substitute for actual contact a kind of fantasy electronic world. As we’ve seen, that world can often be cruel and unthinking.

It is a fact of modern life that people and organisations can hide behind a .com privacy. It is a revealing experience to go to the web-site of British Telecom - a telephone company, when all is said and done - and try to find a telephone number to ring and actually speak to a human being. It’s there, true, but hidden away like a shameful secret. They clearly don’t want you to phone them. Go to ‘Frequently Asked Questions‘ (never the one I‘ve got).

The banks now offer a ‘contactless’ credit card. What I’m afraid of is a ‘contactless’ society, a vast hub of digital messages flying about, but never a smile or a human touch. Ten minutes chat over the garden fence is surely worth a couple of hours on Facebook.

Brainy Quote Society is like a stew. If you don’t stir it up every once in a while then a layer of scum floats to the top.

Edward Abbey

Last night, me and my girlfriend watched three DVDs back to back. Luckily, I was the one facing the telly.

19

Meeting Peter Andre was ‘insania’, says Estelle A Slimming World Consultant from Bagworth says meeting singer and TV presenter Peter Andre was the perfect way to get set for a super-slimming start to 2015.

Estelle Burton, who runs a Slimming World group at South Charnwood High School, Markfield every Monday and Anstey Methodist Church, Anstey every Wednesday, was thrilled to get a chance to cuddle up to Peter when he co-hosted the Slimming World Awards with the organisation’s chair and founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE. Estelle said meeting the Mysterious Girl and Insania singer was a wonderful way to round off what’s been a great 12 months for the Markfield and Anstey Slimming World groups, as well as the perfect way to kick start another successful year: “I’m so proud of all of the members of the Markfield and Anstey groups. They’ve lost fantastic amounts of weight throughout 2014, with many of them reaching their target weights and improving their health substantially.

“It’s so rewarding to see people achieve things that they didn’t think possible before losing weight, whether that’s wearing smaller-sized clothes, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or being able to do more with their family and friends.

Meeting Peter was a real treat – he was such a nice guy – and a great way to celebrate all of that.

Now I feel powered up and I can’t wait to help my members hold on to all of the fabulous changes they’ve made, and to support even more people to become happier and healthier in 2015.”

Two-time celebrity dad-of-the-year Peter, who famously featured on the ITV show I’m a Celebrity… in 2004 and now presents Peter Andre’s 60 Minute Makeover, said he was delighted to meet Estelle at the event, which was held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.

He added: “Being in the public eye there’s a lot of scrutiny and if you put on even a pound or two the magazines and newspapers are extremely quick to point it out, so I’ve always tried to take care of myself and watch my weight. However since becoming a dad I’ve realised it’s about more than just looking good, it’s much more important to me that I’m fit and healthy and setting a good example to my children. At the awards I met lots of people who’ve lost incredible amounts of weight and it has completely transformed their lives – and their families’ lives too. They’re eating more healthily and being more active, and so are their families.

And every single one of them told me that they couldn’t have made those changes without the support of their Slimming World group and their

Consultant, so people like Estelle are clearly very important.”

Flattered by Peter’s kind words, Estelle hopes even more people will join Slimming World and benefit from making healthy lifestyle changes this New Year: “I truly believe that joining Slimming World is the best way for people to lose weight this January. Getting off to a great start is really important when embarking on a slimming plan; seeing results on the scales and feeling lighter and brighter will motivate people to keep going and achieve their goals. Everyone will be sure of a fab start with Slimming World this New Year and even if people have struggled to stick to weight loss plans in the past, I know we can help them to make a change for life this time around – my members and their success are proof of that.

“Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan isn’t a ‘diet’, we simply help our members to discover new healthy habits and a healthier way of eating that they can enjoy without ever feeling hungry or deprived. They make small easy changes to the way they shop, cook and eat, introduce activity to their daily routine, and get regular support to reward their successes and overcome the hurdles they face along the way. This helps them to stick to their personal goals and can make a big difference to the way members feel about themselves as well as their weight.

“On top of seeing success on the scales, our group is a great place to make friends. We’ve had a lot of fun throughout the year – we’ve held parties, raised money for charity and members have cheered each other on with every step of their weight loss journey.”

To power up your weight loss in 2015 call Estelle on 07919 284924 or visit www.slimmingworld.com

“At the awards I met lots of people who’ve lost incredible amounts of weight and it has completely transformed their lives – and their families’ lives too. “

Peter Andre

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So I went to the doctors. I said ‘I’ve got a rash.’ He said ‘I’ll be as quick as I can.’

20

County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason

Heritage Matters I find it difficult to keep emotions out of this month’s report due to the fact that the Conservative administration at County Hall has decided to close the Snibston Discovery Museum.

The other museums, like the rural libraries, are to be hived out to the communities to run. It is understandable that savings need to be made due to central government cutting local government funding. This surely should require politicians to be able to innovate by reducing central costs and move to and support alternative new delivery models.

Winston Churchill, when challenged on the arts funding in favour of the war, said, “Then what are we fighting for”. I share his sentiments.

Over the New Year I managed to watch the film ‘The Monuments Men’. It captures the true story of how the so called over-the-hill art scholars, historian’s architects and other experts form a unit tasked to retrieve as many pieces of stolen art hidden away by the Nazis during World War II. It was a race against time as Hitler had issued a “Nero Decree” that ordered the destruction of the artworks. It was a moving and inspiring film that captured the importance that heritage plays in our history.

Over many years I have always been fascinated and interested in our history and while considering this month’s report I remember some research I had previously undertaken.

A series of books has been published under the heading ‘Heritage Matters’ which help us to understand the challenges of the twenty-first century while protecting our heritage.

Heritage Matters is a series of edited and single-authored volumes which addresses the whole range of issues that confront the cultural heritage sector as we face the global challenges of the twentyfirst century. The series is a major collaborative undertaking between the International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies (ICCHS) at Newcastle University and the publisher, Boydell & Brewer. Issues facing the cultural sector are seen as part of an integrated whole, including both cultural and natural agendas, and thus encompasses challenges faced by all types of museums, art galleries, heritage sites and the organisations and individuals that work with, and are

affected by, them.

“The series represents an important resource for researchers, teachers and policy makers in the cultural sector. Collectively, and individually, the books address current and pressing issues in cultural heritage, provide invaluable insights into important debates and identify the range of policy, political and ethical opinions and positions that make many of the issues addressed by the series so fraught and complex.”

Professor Laurajane Smith, head of the Centre of Heritage and Museum Studies, Australian National University “Heritage Matters is a key, ‘go to’ series for academically rigorous but accessible references at a point when literature in the field is mushrooming.

The series offers in-depth studies as well as wide-ranging work that can help scholars, practitioners, and students navigate the complex, multipronged field of heritage studies today. The series is important in its presentation of case studies from diverse national and cultural settings, offering viewpoints from multiple angles. It is a unique and particularly invaluable resource for those interested in the destruction and protection of cultural heritage during times of war, conflict, and disasters as well as connections among the military, heritage, and ethics. These are topics that are just beginning to be explored from critical, multidisciplinary perspectives.”

Christina Kreps, Director of Museum and Heritage Studies/ University of Denver Museum of Anthropology, USA “I am struck by the clear commitment in Heritage Matters to embrace the global difficulties confronting cultural heritage in the twenty-first century, and to contribute to the knowledge and perspectives that will further our ability to act knowingly in addressing these issues. Equally important, Heritage Matters aims to link nature and culture - an essential requirement in coming to grips with the multifaceted

David Sprason challenges now confronting the biosphere. One question lies at the heart of contemporary heritage management - what is the role of museums, galleries and heritage sites in forging a path to sustainability that will preserve and make use of our irreplaceable cultural legacy?

The answer to this question remains elusive, but Heritage Matters is committed to assembling the knowledge and perspectives that will surely help lead the way.”

Robert R. Janes, Editor-inChief, Museum Management and Curatorship & Adjunct Professor, Department of Archaeology, The University of Calgary, Canada These all point to the importance of our heritage and its educational and social value. Should our children and grandchildren not be able to access our local heritage sites like The Snibston Discovery Park?

I am afraid that it will just disappear and become a distant memory with collections being spread far and wide hidden away and gathering dust.

I was always brought up believing that ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’. We need brave innovative conviction politicians taking the lead and a few risks to secure Leicestershire’s heritage. For what it is worth I still believe that moving the management of Snibston to a Community Trust with a grant from Leicestershire County Council is the best solution.

Don’t forget to send us your news!

The next issue of The Herald comes out on 7th/8th March weekend and the deadline for receipt of articles and adverts is Saturday 21st February.

Don’t miss out! Please put the deadline in your diary!

Time flies, and every month we receive items which are just too late to include in the magazine. We do our best to include as much local information as possible in The Herald and we hate to disappoint contributors, so please send items in as early as possible. Thanks!

Anne Frank- 70th anniversary of her death

Many people think of Anne Frank as a Dutch girl, but she was born – and died – in Germany.

Next month marks the 70th anniversary of her death – only nine months after she recorded the final entry in her diary while hiding from the Nazis in a secret annex in Amsterdam, which had become her home town after her Jewish family had fled the Nazis.

Her full name was Annelies Marie Frank, and that last entry in the diary given to her by her father was made on 1st August, 1944. She was 15 years old. Three days later her hiding place was raided following a tip-off. She and her family were taken to Auschwitz concentration camp. Anne and her sister were later transferred to Bergen-Belsen, where they died of typhus.

Their father Otto, a former German soldier and businessman who was the only member of his family to survive the death camps, was impressed and deeply moved when he discovered what his daughter had written. He arranged for parts of it to be published, and it is now known universally as The Diary of Anne Frank. It has been filmed many times, adapted for the stage and translated into many languages.

It tells the inspiring story of how eight people survived the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam by living for over two years in a dark, concealed part of Otto’s company building, protected and fed by – among others – two Christians who ran the company on the owner’s behalf.

Throughout the diary runs a thread of faith, hope and love, tinged with despair. A fortnight before she was captured, the teenager wrote: “I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return.”

This bloke told me I smelt like washing powder. It was so bio-degrading.

21 A Thornton Community Centre Fund Raiser

Churches Together in Markfield renewed

We may have had a mild winter so far with relatively little snow or frost, however we have had some high winds, so much so that we lost a 20 foot tree from our garden just before Christmas.

Thornton Spring Craft Fair And Table Top Sale There will be a Spring Craft Fair and TableTop sale at Thornton Community Centre on Saturday March 21st from 2-4pm.

As well as a variety of Craft stalls there will be Tombola, Raffle ,Brica-Brac and light refreshments .

Should you like to book a ‘TABLE’ for only £5.00 please contact Paula Smith on 01530 230265 or 07743015377 as soon as possible.

Come along, support the centre, grab a bargain, and beautiful handmade items!

Wear it.

Beat it.

You may probably know that this is this year’s phrase from the British Heart Foundation.

Ken and his small team of volunteers are organising another charity dance at Bagworth Working Men’s Club.

This is being held to support this very worthy charity.

The dance takes place at 8 pm on Friday 6th February at Bagworth Working Men’s Club. Dance to music provided by Ken’s CDs. Enjoy a session of Bingo if you wish and take part in the mega raffle. There is always something for everyone, waiting to be won.

Tickets for the evening cost £2.50 and can be purchased from Ken, Glenda, Ann or Josie or bought on the night on the door.

All of the money raised on this evening will go towards the British Heart Foundation. One request is made. If you attend, please wear something red. Contact number: 01530 230467 The next two social dances at the Club will be on Saturday 21st February and 14th of March and will follow a similar format, both beginning at 8 pm.

Newtown Linford Gardening Club

On the morning of Sunday 18th January, people from all the churches in Markfield gathered together to fill Trinity Methodist Church for a special service at the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which included two Covenant commitments.

Everyone present was invited to join in the annual Methodist Covenant Promise, taking time at the beginning of the new year to think about our commitment to God and putting into words our determination to serve him.

The songs and hymns were sung with great enthusiasm and emphasised the theme of unity. The Revd Stephen Clark spoke about the need to value our diversity while remembering all we have in common and working together more closely to serve God within the local community. He emphasised that “To be with Jesus and walk with him is the purpose and essence of life”, and gave everyone a photo card with these words on it. There was then an opportunity for everyone to share in Holy Communion. The service culminated in the reading of the Churches Together in Markfield Covenant, which was first signed in 1998; two representatives of each of the four Christians Churches in Markfield then signed the Covenant on behalf of their communities. After the service, there was much lively and warm conversation over very welcome cups of tea and coffee.

Churches Together in Markfield comprises St Michael and All Angel’s Church of England Church, Markfield Congregational Church, Markfield Trinity Methodist Church and the Roman Catholic Community in Markfield.

Current activities include joint services, Bible studies, young and old people’s activities and the Palm Sunday Walk round the village as well as a Holiday club planned for the summer and the monthly ‘Reflection’.

Information about these and other events can be found in the Markfield Herald and elsewhere. Whoever you are, you would be very welcome at any of the church services or events. Why not give it a go this year?

Rosemary Nicholls

It has changed the outlook in the whole garden considerably but, on the other hand, we now have a large area totally empty in which we can plant something entirely new. Gardening is like that, isn’t it? Nothing stands still and new opportunities arise.

Following our talk in January on Garden Birds from Dr Edwards of the RSPB, our meeting on February 24th takes us back in time when Matthew Haddon talks to us about Gardens of the Middle Ages. Although that seems a long time ago and there have been many changes over the years, not to mention hundreds of plants unknown to British gardeners in those times, we might be surprised as to how many plants from that era are still grown and how much of garden design is still with us. There are some grand houses where the gardens have been restored to their former glories and we can see, at first hand, the changing fashions in gardening.

We have welcomed a large number of new members this year and will be pleased if others want to join us. If you are interested in our activities just contact the secretary (tel. 242452 or e-mail 01530242452@talktalk.net) , or come to one of our meetings to see how you like it before making a commitment (£2 for visitors).

Alternatively give us a ring and ask for a copy of our programme for the coming year and we will be pleased to send one to you.

Anne and David Couling

Flight time A couple going on holiday for Easter were amazed when the airplane pilot came on and advised the passengers that he had lost his way.

He explained that the radar was not working, the radio beam could not be picked up, and the compass had broken.

“But,” he added soothingly, “you will be glad to know that we are making very good time.”

I bought some Bermuda shorts and when I took them off my pants had vanished.

22 POLICE REPORT: In response to the Parish Council’s complaint LPU commander Inspector Cawley had asked Sergeant D Wagstaff; Police Federation Interim Council Representative to attend the meeting but unfortunately he was unable to, so PCSO Ed Green had been asked to attend but he didn’t attend either. Mr D Sprason had also written to the Police Commissioner about the lack of police attendance.

The following report had been emailed prior to the meeting: MARKFIELD CRIME FIGURES 01/12/2014 TO 31/12/2014 • Damage (2 instances) 1) A fence panel damaged belonging to a property on Swithland Close.

2) A vehicle parked on Leicester Road had 3 panels scratched by an unknown object.

• Theft (3 instances) 1) A house sign was removed from the front of a property on Dandees Close.

2) A compressor was stolen was a secure site on London Road, the compressor was later recovered.

3) A phone was stolen from somebody whilst filling up fuel at the services on the A50.

• Burglary Dwelling (2 instances) 1) Between 08:00 and 17:00 on 08/12/2014 a property on Janes Way was entered by unknown persons. A car key and the car were taken but the vehicle was later recovered and the owner notified.

2) Between 13:30 and 18:45 on 13/12/2014 a property was entered on Beech Close by rear entry patio doors. Jewellery, money and passports were taken.

• Theft of a motor vehicle 1) A Yamaha motorbike was left on the side of the road on Whitwick Road and when the owner returned the vehicle had been stolen.

• Theft from motor vehicle (4 instances) 1) 2 vehicles parked in the Travelodge car park were broken into and tools removed.

2) A HGV parked in a lay by on Shaw Lane was entered whilst the driver was asleep and a large quantity of earphones were stolen.

3) An insecure vehicle parked on Turnpike Way was entered and a small amount of money was stolen and a torch.

WW1 & WW2 memorial tree planting: The 38 memorial trees had been planted on the Mayflower Close site.

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

Extracts from Markfield Parish Council Minutes The following items were among the topics discussed at the meeting of Markfield Parish Council on Tuesday 13th January 2015. The information comes from the unapproved minutes, and therefore may be subject to correction or alteration.

current programme. AC Grounds Maintenance quotation at a total cost per season - £5924.00 exc VAT had been accepted.

Leics County Council had allocated - £4722.70 to assist with the grass cutting based on 5 cuts per year.

Mr T Lockley stated that after several months of trying to clarify the exact requirements, he had previously been informed that Leics County Council were now considering taking back the grass cutting “in house.”

The clerk should write to Mr J Sinnott, Chief Executive of Leicestershire County Council regarding the delays responding to the Parish Council’s enquiries and lack of communication regarding this matter.

Highways and Footpath fault reporting. i) Hedges along Whitwick Road from the bridge over the A50 towards were very overgrown. This matter had been passed over to Leics County Highways and most of the hedges had been cut. ii) The A50 underpass (footpath off Leicester Road) was in a terrible mess, full of rubbish and need of maintenance. The underpass had been cleared. iii) TRO Ashby Road/Main Street (plans TM4103/5 & 6/2014) It had been eleven months since the scheme had been approved

by Markfield Parish Council and it appeared that after being told

by Leics County Council that the scheme had been placed on the current year’s schedule of works, that the scheme was only now going out for public consultation from 16th January 2015. iv) LCC – Markfield Street Lighting Energy Scheme – This scheme had started in March 2014 but still hadn’t been completed yet. v) A50 Flying Horse Roundabout – The line markings had become faded and LCC had placed warning signs notifying drivers of the situation several months ago.

The roundabout was already an accident hotspot and leaving the faded line marking for months in that state would further exacerbate this dangerous situation.

The clerk should write to Mr J Sinnott, Chief Executive of Leicestershire County Council

regarding the delayed response to these matters.

BT Fibre Optic Broadband: - The Superfast Fibre Optic Broadband had been completed December 2014.

The Community Partnership Library Service: - Mr. D Sprason informed the Parish Council that the Community Library Group consisted of 20 volunteers and that Mr. D. Pegg, Chair of the Community Group would Register an Interest by Friday 16th January 2015. If Leics County Council officers agreed that the proposal was viable, a business plan would need to be drawn up and a public consultation meeting would be held early in March to formulate a plan.

The next meeting of the Community Group would be 26th January 2015 to discuss the outcome.

The clerk should also include the problems experienced in obtaining the relevant financial information from Leics County Council in order to make an informed decision on this matter when writing to Mr J Sinnott, Chief Executive of Leicestershire County Council.

Leics. County Council’s spending Budget 2015/16: Mr D Sprason stated that the budget proposals had been published just before Christmas. The County Council were facing further cuts of £16.4 million or 12.8% grant reduction in the next year. Any Council Tax increase of over 2% would require a referendum therefore further cuts to services would need to be made.

The County Council were looking into cost effective ways to address the rising numbers of people needing social care and the pressures on Accident and Emergency departments as Social Care spending was a majority of the Revenue Budget.

An increase in the Capital Budget would also be needed for additional school building in order to cope with the ever increasing numbers of pupils.

Police Camera van @ A50 Fieldhead: Mr D Sprason stated that 3,200 vehicles had been caught speeding in this area over a 12 month period.

Snibston Discovery Museum: Mr D Sprason stated that the Scrutiny Commission had decided to close the museum.

Miners’ Welfare Institute: Mr M Lay had met with Planning Officers earlier today and had raised concerns about the height of the properties, particularly the dormer windows which overpowered neighbouring properties. There were still 8 car parking spaces to the rear but no manoeuvring space which would encourage on street parking. The properties were now further forward to the pavement and obstructing neighbouring properties.

Environmental Improvement Scheme 2014/2015 Village Plaques: - Mr D Britton had informed the Parish Council that only had 5 out of the 12 agreements had been returned. Without these agreements the plaques could not be placed on the properties.

On the 8th January 2015 he had sent another letter out to those who did not return the agreements to remind them and proposed another deadline by Monday 26 January.

The Co-Op store redevelopment, Main Street: - Mr M Lay had asked for the “Daisy Close” street sign to be installed.

When the original planning application was made there was a provision for new external CCTV coverage on Main Street. In a recent planning submission to the Borough Council there was only provision for internal CCTV. Mr M Lay continued to pursue the matter.

Markfield Court Nursing Home: - Mr M Lay stated that the building appeared to have been sold as a care home.

Proposed new Wind Turbine – Mr M Lay was aware that the planning application had been received by the Borough Council but as it had not been validated yet it was not available for public comments. He had seen the proposal at the public meeting 8th December 2014 and that he and many residents who also attended were very concerned about the sheer height of the Turbine, at almost 100 meters. This would be very visually intrusive both to most of the residents of Markfield and visually intrusive to road users.

Mr D Sprason had raised the matter with Stanton and Thornton Parish Councils who were also very concerned.

I went to a country in the Middle East and everyone was very boisterous. It was Rowdy Arabia.

23

King Richard returns to the dust of the earth King Richard III died at the hands of his enemies on 22nd August, 1485. Next month, almost 530 years later, the last of the Plantagenet sovereigns is interred with respect and honour in Leicester Cathedral.

It was at the Battle of Bosworth Field, to the east of Leicester, that Richard’s Yorkist army met the forces of Henry Tudor, gathered on a journey from France via Milford Haven in West Wales. Despite being outnumbered, Henry’s forces won and Richard, cut down in battle, was killed. The War of the Roses was effectively over; the victor was crowned Henry VII; and the Tudor Period of English history began.

After the battle, Richard’s broken body was taken to and displayed in Leicester, as proof that the king was dead. The body was then buried in haste, in an unmarked grave, in the church of the Grey Friars Friary in Leicester.

In 1538, however, the church was demolished during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

The exact location of Richard’s grave remained uncertain until 12th September, 2012, when a team of archaeologists led by the University of Leicester and City Council uncovered a skeleton under a car park in the city.

The curved spine and injuries on the remains led to DNA testing and, on 4th February, 2013, the University confirmed the remains to be those of Richard III. On Sunday 22nd March, Richard’s remains leave the University for the last time and begin the journey to their final resting place in Leicester Cathedral, where his memorial has been since 1980. The journey includes Fenn Lane Farm, Dadlington and Sutton Cheney: all places associated with the battle.

After a short ceremony at the Battlefield Heritage Centre, the route continues through Market Bosworth and other associated sites, before entering the city via Bow Bridge.

Received into the Cathedral at a service attended by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, the coffin is on public view for three days. During the interment service on Thursday, 26th March, attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, King Richard’s coffin is sealed in its new tomb.

Finally, the sealed tomb is revealed to the public at a special ceremony on Friday, 27th March, after which the Cathedral opens to the public as normal.

It is said that Bosworth and the death of Richard III marked the end of the Middle Ages in England. Next month, the Middle Ages is finally laid to rest, no longer beneath a car park but under an honourable tomb.

Read more at: www.kingrichardinleicester.com/

Shepshed Singers

Bradgate Drama Society

Concert in Sileby

Hilarious comedy at Newtown Linford Village Hall in April

Shepshed Singers are touring in Cornwall during the Easter holidays and are taking part in a number of concerts, including one in Truro Cathedral.

Rehearsals are well underway and, to ensure the people of Charnwood and surrounding area have the opportunity to hear the repertoire, we are holding a concert at St Mary’s church at Sileby on Friday 27th March at 7.30.

Tickets are £6 and include refreshments. They are available from tickets@shepshedsingers.org. uk, from choir members, from Joy Wood on 0116 237 4545 or at the door.

Ann Dale

Letter

Proposed wind turbine would bring benefits to the village I would like to reply to Matthew Lay’s report regarding the proposed Wind Turbine in the January issue of The Herald.

Mr Lay has not outlined any of the benefits to the village, and he goes on to mention the all the negatives to the village.

The turbine will be on the edge of the village and will not affect any sight lines or noise disturbance. If this was such a bad and outrageous thing why did only 26 people turn up to the meeting out of the entire village?

Steve Goddard, Markfield

An Advert This Size in The Herald Costs Just £13.50 plus VAT Want One? Ring 01530 244069

Bradgate Drama Society will be presenting their Spring Production ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’ at Newtown Linford Village Hall on Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April.

The play is an hilarious comedy set in a country house with a confusion of wives, cooks and mistresses creating an evening of chaos.

Tickets are £7 and are available from Toby Manning - telephone 01530 245298 or email to: bradgatedrama@gmail.com

The pollen count, now that’s a difficult job. Especially if you’ve got hay fever.

24

Bagworth Community Centre News The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 Sat 21st Feb: JOHN DANIELS - back by popular demand.

ALL SKY SPORTS & BT SPORTS All live TIGERS games.

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays Bookings now being taken for Valentine’s Day. We now have SKY and ESPN Ask about our new menus! www.bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open To Non-members Sun 8th Feb: Stuart Daniel Roe - Acoustic Piano Vocals, Sunday Afternoon Session In The Bar From 3pm Featuring Music From The Piano Greats, Including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Ray Charles Soul Pop Rock Jazz & Blues Sat 14th Feb: Music Quiz Sat 21st Feb: The Boneyard Blues Band - Blues & Rock Covers Sat 21st Mar: Riot Act - Classic Rock Covers Sky & BT Sports Free Room Hire Available For Your Perfect Party - Bingo Every Tuesday Evening - View Our Website On www. facebook.com/TheThorntonClub Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth.

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

Every Tuesday night - target shooting - call for details Every Monday night: DOMINOES only £1.50 entry, which includes supper.

Bargain!

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

Sequence dances Sunday Nights with live organist - £2.00 admission 8 pm Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission.

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

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Bookings being taken for Valentine’s Day Events - running from Friday 13th Feb to Sun 15th Feb inclusive.

The Bull’s Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 7th Feb: RIP THE SKY UNPLUGGED Sat 14th Feb (Valentine’s Day) WARLOCK Sat 7th March: A 60’s Night with CHICK All FREE Entry!

Garden & Pub Games etc.

POKER NIGHT - Tuesdays - starts at 8pm The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights Every Fortnight:with ‘King of the Road’.

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Saturday 14th Feb: function junction - brilliant live band Sunday 15th Feb: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Thursday 19th Feb: Laura Elson charity night.

Friday 20th Feb: Steve Black excellent male solo.

Saturday 21st Feb: Heaven Knows - brilliant male/female duo Sunday 22nd Feb: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Friday 27th Feb: Maria Ingham quality female solo.

Saturday 28th Feb: Shaun EB - the Reggae Man is back Sunday 1st March: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Friday 6th March: Johnathan Paul - very good male solo.

Saturday 7th March: Devante quality duo Sunday 8th March: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Friday 13th March: Andy Hammersley - excellent male solo.

Saturday 14th March: LESLEY brilliant female solo.

Sunday 14th March: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz

Children set a very wiggly challenge

Leading charity Action for Children is teaming up with The World of Eric Carle™ and encouraging children’s centres, nurseries and groups for under-5s across Leicestershire to host a Giant Wiggle on Thursday 19 March 2015 to celebrate the UK’s most read children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™.

The event will bring together under-5s to wiggle along in giant caterpillar conga lines, encouraging them to help others, and open up their imaginations through storytelling and creative activities.

For more information on how to organise your own Giant Wiggle at your nursery or children’s centre visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk/giantwiggle

We feel that things are beginning to return to normal after our Christmas break. Our weekly events are ticking along, though there is usually room for more people in most of them.

The week begins with Karate on Monday from 5.30 to 6.30 pm. The young people who attend gain a great deal from this class, including self confidence. We would be happy for more people to attend. This is followed

by Craft Club from 7 to 9 pm. People tend to bring along the project on which they are working at the time and enjoy giving and getting advice.

Tuesday begins with Stay and Play from 9.30 to 10.30 am. There is a second session at the same time on a Friday morning. Different activities take place at both sessions and Thursday afternoons sessions are very different when it is very ‘Messy Play’. Everyone has a good time at these events.

Tuesday afternoon is Drop in when a group meets for a hot drink, homemade cake and a relaxing natter. Code Club has now begun from 4.15 to 5.15 pm. We are delighted to say that all of the ten laptops are used in this session. Tuesday finishes with Zumba from 7 to 8 pm. This is a fitness class enjoyed by all who attend.

On Wednesday there is Street Jazz Dance classes from 5.00 to 5.45 pm for 4 to 11 year olds. This is a popular class. Yoga takes place from 7.30 to 8.30 pm but the times are changing after half term from 7.45 to 8.45 pm. Again it is enjoyed by all who attend.

Thursday has Messy play (see above) and Youth Club from 7.00 to 8.30 pm.

Again, this is a popular group with the pool table, table football, table tennis and much much more taking place.

Friday has ‘Stay and Play’ (see above).

In addition we are hoping to start some new groups so look out for details.

These include a Yoga and Pregnancy group, a Creative Writing group and Bread making sessions.

Monthly groups like WI, the Church, Bingo sessions and BFG continue to meet. (Apologies to whoever I have missed out, I will mention you twice next time!) The halls continue to be well used for parties and other social events.

We recently held our first table top sale. We know that it was not perfect but we had some very positive comments about it which pleased us. We plan to have other such events.

We want the Community Centre to work for the Community. We would be happy to listen to positive suggestions and would gratefully appreciate any offers of help in any form so that we can fulfil our aims.

Top Ranking for Our Lady’s Convent School In January, Department for Education provided public access to the school and college performance tables for the 2014 examination season.

For the first time independent schools are included in the Department for Education’s post-16 value added measure. This gives a reflection of the actual progress made during Sixth Form study rather than focusing on the headline pass rate figure, thereby giving a more holistic overview of student achievement.

In a comparison of the 147 educational establishments within a 25 mile radius of Loughborough Our Lady’s Convent School was first for value added at post 16 level and ranked seventh in England.

Speaking on hearing the news, Mrs Hawley, Headteacher said: “As a School we are delighted with the data contained within these tables, as I said when the results were announced last summer, we are extremely proud of all of our students and how hard they work and how they regularly excel in national examinations.

“Our selection process doesn’t look for students who are predicted A grades, what sets us apart from the competition is outlined in our aims, one of which is to develop in our students, in partnership with their parents; a broad base of knowledge and skills; moral, spiritual, intellectual, cultural and physical. We always strive to get the best out of each individual and support them in any way possible to help them attain their full potential and it is this that is reflected so well in the value added ranking we achieved this year.

“Unfortunately similar value added data for GCSE is not available in the tables for Independent schools, although again we are very pleased with our students overall performance and they benefit from the same care and attention as our A level students.”

Once you start talking to dogs, it’s almost impossible going back to people.

25

MARKFIELD EVENING GROUP ANSTEY EVENING GROUP Every MONDAY at 5.30pm and 7.30pm South Charnwood High School, Broad Lane, Markfield LE67 9TB Tel: ESTELLE on 07919 284924 Email: Estelle.sw.markfield@gmail.com

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I always say it’s a marathon, not a sprint. That’s why I lost my job as Usain Bolt’s trainer.

26

LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL - STATEMENT OF EFFECT VARIOUS STREETS, PARISH OF MARKFIELD

PROPOSED INTRODUCTION OF WAITING RESTRICTIONS AND CHANGES TO EXISTING WAITING RESTRICTIONS

Concerns have been raised about parking on Ashby Road and Leicester Road at the junction of Main Street in Markfield.

This parking tends to occur more frequently when there are events in the area such as football matches and it restricts visibility at the junction for drivers pulling out of Main Street onto Leicester Road/ Ashby Road.

It is therefore proposed that waiting restrictions are installed at the junction to prevent parking and improve visibility. With these waiting restrictions there is the potential for displaced parking so we also propose introducing no waiting restrictions at the junction of Leicester Road and The Paddock.

Alongside these proposals we undertook a comprehensive review of other waiting restrictions in Markfield. This review highlighted several areas where changes to or additional waiting restrictions would be beneficial. We therefore also propose new waiting restrictions at additional junctions to improve visibility such as along London Road and along Main Street have tried to free up additional parking spaces on Main Street by removing some of the existing parking restrictions.

We also consulted on proposals to remove the parking bay on Ratby Lane and remove some of the existing waiting restrictions. These proposals received a number of objections and it was decided to drop these proposals.

These proposals are being made on the grounds of improving road safety and public amenity.

Good Quality Collectables Wanted Do you have any good quality china tea sets, for example Royal Albert, Royal Doulton, Colclough, or Wedgwood?

If so, I would be interested in buying them.

I am also interested in any good quality jewellery (particularly brooches), dolls, bears, toy cars and children’s books (which must be in excellent condition) that you may have for sale.

Please call Viv on 07734 580210 to discuss anytime.

The office Christmas party is a great opportunity to catch up with people you haven’t seen for 20 minutes.

27

Borough Councillors’ Report Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea

Warning about back-of-the-van mattress sales Trading Standards officers are warning residents to be wary of cold callers selling mattresses door-to-door.

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

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

Planning Application 14/01274/OUT 49 Dwellings Off Beech Drive Thornton

Good Friday appeal site-Appeal against the appeal decision

Residents will be aware that there is a current planning application for 49 dwellings at Beech Drive, Thornton.

A notice was placed on the 21/1/15 giving residents 21 days to object. Residents are able to object up to the night the application will be heard at the planning committee.

We have no committee date at the present time. It will most likely be in March or more likely April.

We have asked the developers to consult with the local community.

We will be calling a public meeting and will notify residents of the time and date and location.

Eleanor Overton is the case officer for this application.

The Highways Officer dealing with this application is Simon Hill - he is based at County Hall.

Eleanor Overton’s Contact details are: Eleanor.Overton@hinckleybosworth.gov.uk or by post to: Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, Development Services, Hinckley Hub, Rugby Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 0FR

Although at the recent Planning Appeal for the Good Friday Site the Council won the case, giving the site occupants time to clear the site and return it to a green field, we have received notification from solicitors acting for the appellants that they intend to appeal the Inspector`s decision to the High Court pursuant to section 288 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

We will keep you notified as the matter progresses

Once again, we would like to take this opportunity to thank residents for their continued support and remind you we are only a phone call away.

Regards

Chris & Ozzy Working for you.

Officers have had reports of cold callers selling cheap, fake mattresses across the county from the back of vans.

The mattresses that have been sold in Wigston, Glenfield, Oadby and Mountsorrel have the fake logos of wellknown manufacturers and retailers.

David Bull, head of the county council’s Trading Standards Service, said: “Our investigations have found that some mattresses, being sold on the door step, did not comply with the British Safety standard.

“Sellers will claim that the consumer is getting a bargain and usually claim the mattresses are of a far superior quality than they are.

“Our advice is not to buy from the back of van, as you cannot be sure they have been manufactured in a safe and regulated manner.

“Please alert Trading Standards to any doorstep mattress sellers, as we want to protect residents from unsafe mattresses.”

If you have bought a mattress recently or have any concerns about this then please contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.

For more information on the county council’s trading standards service visit: www.leics.gov.uk/tradingstandards

EARL SHILTON SOCIAL INSTITUTE.

OVER 60’s SPORTS & GAMES Over 60 or 70 years old?

Think you are too old to be active?

Think again!

Indoor Sports and Games – all adapted to be less strenuous for older people, with or without previous experience.

Enjoy other peoples’ company and friendly non-competitive games. The bonus is that you may maintain or improve your general fitness in an easy, enjoyable way.

Choices of games to suit everyone, including Shuffleboard, Quoits, Mini-Badminton and ‘New Age Kurling’.

There is a good chance that you won’t know some of these games, but they’re not complicated and are easy to pick up, and you can be shown how – no worries!

Wednesdays 2.00 – 3.30pm

Upstairs in the Hall at the ‘Stute’, Station Road, Earl Shilton Introductory offer – first session free and then just £1 per session until April.

Got a question or want more information - Contact: Paul or Julia Pittham on 01455 457696 or email paulpittham@ntlworld.com

I went on holiday with my horse. It was self-cantering.

28 Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon Sunday 8th Feb Service 10am Monday 9th Feb Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 10th Feb Singing Cafe at Shepshed Library 10-11am Wednesday 11th Feb Prayer meeting 7pm Friday 13th Feb Singing Cafe Loughborough Library 10-11am, Coalville Library 1.30-2.30pm Sunday 15th Feb service 10am Monday 16th Feb Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 17th Feb Fellowship meal from 6.30pm call 07875378628 for details Sunday 22nd Feb Cafe 4U 4pm, International guest speaker Monday 23rd Feb Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 24th Feb Bible Study 7pm Friday 27th Feb Singing Cafe Loughborough Library 10-11am, Coalville Library 1.30-2.30pm Sunday 1st Mar Service 10am Monday 2nd Mar Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 3rd Mar Singing cafe Shepshed Library 10-11am

Markfield Congregational Church 01530 242142

Local Church Services Sunday 22nd February 10.30am Morning Service

All Age Service in Church on the 2nd Sunday each month.

Sunday 1st March 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 15th February 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Service at Markfield Congregational Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 8th March 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper

Friday 20th February 8.00 pm “Still Friday”

Sunday 1st March 10.30 am Morning Service

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield

Sunday 22nd February 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service

Sunday 8th March 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 8th February 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Afternoon Café Service

Sunday 1st March 10.30 am Holy Communion

Thursday 12th February 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café

Sunday 8th March 10.15 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Sunday 15th February 10.30am Morning United Churches Together Service at Congregational Church 6.00pm Evening Communion Service Sunday 22nd February 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service Thursday 26th February 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café Sunday 1st March 10.30am Morning Communion Service 6.00pm Evening Taizé Service

Sunday 15 February 10.30am United Service in our Church

Thursday 12th March 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café

Sunday 22 February 10.15am Morning Worship

Sunday 15th March 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service

Sunday 8 March 10.15am Morning Worship

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 8th February 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper Sunday 15th February 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 22nd February 10.30 am All Age Service Wednesday 25th February 10.00 am Midweek Communion and Coffee

Sunday 8th March 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Afternoon Café Service

Friday 6 March 2.30pm Womens’ World Day of Prayer Service in our Church

Wednesday 18th February 7.30 pm Ash Wednesday Communion

Wednesday 18th February 7.30 pm Ash Wednesday Communion at St Peter’s, Thornton

There is a Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section in this magazine.

Sunday 8 February 10.15am Morning Worship

Sunday 1 March 10.15am Morning Worship followed by Communion

10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 15th March 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Friday 20th March 8.00 pm “Still Friday” Sunday 22nd March 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 29th March 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Palm Sunday Walk and Service at Trinity Methodist Church 6.00 pm Joint Evening Service

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon

Sunday 15th March 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 22nd March 10.30 am All Age Service Wednesday 25th February 10.00 am Midweek Communion and Coffee Sunday 29th March 10.30 am Single Holy Communion Service at St Mary’s, SuB

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 1st March 10.30 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 15th February 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service) Sunday 22nd February 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 15th February 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 1st March 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Sunday 22nd February 10.30 am “Something Different” Service

Sunday 8th March 3.00 pm Praise Service

Sunday 1st March 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 15th March 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service)

Thursday 26th March 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café

Sunday 8th March 10.30am Holy Communion

Sunday 22nd March 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 29th March 10.30am Morning United Churches Together Service at Methodist 6.00pm Evening Service

Sunday 15th March 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 29th March 6.00 pm Joint Evening Service at St Michael’s, Markfield

Sunday 22nd March 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield 10:15-11.30am Sunday Club for Children in the Congregational Hall on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays, term time

Sunday 22nd March 10.30 am “Something Different” Service Sunday 29th March 10.30 am Single Holy Communion Service

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 15th February

rCatholic

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

Sunday Mass Saturday Vigil: 6 pm Sunday: 10 am See Newsletter on the website for details of weekday Mass times,

I went to a posh party and everyone was drinking and knitting. I got Pimms and needles.

29 Benediction & Confessions Parish Priest: Fr David Cain: 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website: www.stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www.st—clares.leics.sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle./leics.sch.uk 2015 Markfield Masses - in the Congregational Church Hall, Main St, beside the Chinese Takeaway: • Wednesday, 15 April at 7pm (30th anniversary of first Markfield Mass in village) • Wednesday 17 June at 7pm • Wednesday 16 September at 7pm All are welcome

Think your tax bill is high?

HMRC demands £4.8bn tax bill from astonished pensioner A stunned pensioner, aged 78, has received a tax bill of more than £4.7bn from HM Revenue & Customs.

Doug Yeomans, from Shardlow, Derbyshire, said that he received a letter from HMRC demanding that he pay them an astronomical £950m a month for the next five months until the £4,742,354,255 debt is paid off.

The former builder told the Derby Telegraph: “I opened the letter and saw the amount and thought to myself, ‘I’d better start cutting down on the food bill then’.

“I think I can probably just about afford £255, but I think the rest might be pushing it a bit.

“I live off a state pension, topped up with what I put aside as a pension after a lifetime of working in the building trade.

“When I phoned the customs people up to tell them about the tax demand the girl on the other end of the phone said to me ‘yes, I think in this case there might have been an error.’”

An HMRC spokesperson said: “We are very sorry about our error. We don’t talk about individual cases but when we make mistakes we aim to put them right fast and apologise.”

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

Enjoy 2 weeks free at an Explore Learning centre near you!

The popularity of extra tuition is on the rise with 58%* of people saying they would pay for extra tuition to help support their children in their studies. Research from Explore Learning has revealed that more than one in four (27%) parents are willing to sacrifice luxuries such as a holiday to ensure they can afford extra tuition for their child.

But tuition doesn’t need to cost a fortune. While some parents will shell out hundreds of pounds each month on one-to-one tuition, one company that is providing parents with an option that is not only fun but also affordable and most importantly, effective - is Explore Learning.

With 108 centres located across the country – and 20 more centres due to open up this year, this vibrant and lively form of tuition has experienced a massive growth in popularity since their launch in 2001.

And, throughout the month of February your local centre will be giving all parents who sign up two weeks’ free tuition**.

Standard membership for two sessions a week in English and maths costs between £109 and £129 per month (depending on location). Many families can receive discounts if they are eligible for Childcare Vouchers, Working Tax Credit or Income Support – or have more than one child attending.

Each session is tailored to a child’s needs and Explore Learning tutors work with children in a very low ratio (the maximum ratio is 1:6), ensuring the right balance between individual support and independent learning.

Carey Ann Dodah, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning says: “It is a challenging time for children and schools who are going through a transition year with the introduction of a new national curriculum. Some core subjects now tackle more challenging concepts that bit earlier and getting all the support they need is crucial. We are also here to speak to parents who are keen to hear more about these changes. Our service is accessible to all families, and all parents can organise a free trial to see how they like it.”

To find out where your nearest centre is visit www.explorelearning.co.uk

Coffee & Cake Morning for LOROS at Bagworth Community Centre As LOROS enters its 30th year, it is timely to reflect on the remarkable development of Loros and the positive impact it has on our local community.

In those 30 years the Groby Road Hospice has cared for more than 30,000 patients, their family and carers across Leicestershire. It is the only adult hospice in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland and care not only for cancer sufferers but for those with other illnesses, such as motor neurone disease and end-stage heart disease.

Loros is an independant charity so your help makes all the difference.

To support this 30 year milestone Bagworth Community Centre is holding a coffee & cake morning on Friday 6th March 10a.m. - 1p.m. In addition there are many stalls including: ladies clothing, cards, sweets, books, CD’s as well as raffle & tombola.

Admission is £2 which includes hot drink, cake and a donation to LOROS. Everyone is welcome so please come along and enjoy a morning amongst friends. Contact : Karen Prime on 01530 230573 / 07803 708864 or email: karen.prime1@btinternet.com

Quality Handmade Ironwork 01530-243804

Made to order to your individual design

www.handmade-ironwork.co.uk

My ex-wife still misses me, but her aim is getting better ...

30

Birds of Prey Wordsearch

Passcode/Create New U

Find the names of 12 BIRDS OF PREY 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.

M K A L J Y D C S S C K V W W T G

J E B L B Z I Y G U E W L A H O R

P A R B E Z C P Q L G A M T I I X

Z E O L Y R V V G E E H R W T M R

V H R Q I K T A W R X W O Q E S P

P C J E I N E S R E V O L K T K F

Z M A X G N T R E D Q R D R A V F

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 birds of prey. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: THE EAGLE HAS LANDED, The Herald, PO J I H K G R K M C E Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 25th February 2015. Remember to include your name and address. The first Y I S O Y W Q A D W all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s binocular case will win the J V L R A O X R F U Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel. Good luck!

I E R G W U K P R Z Y I X Z

D A O I J E I U A C I L X A

G S P W N E T U P P B E X V

H A M L E E E A S K T D R Z

E V J Y T E F S R G V E Z I

X H P X G E D A W J N A K L

S D R A Z Z U B L V A G K R

S H H A R R I E R C M L C Q

E W A C O S P R E Y O E C E

Z T M D L J K A A W K N D U

Here are the twelve Birds of Prey to find: BUZZARD • GOLDEN EAGLE • GOSHAWK HOBBY • KESTREL • MARSH HARRIER MERLIN • OSPREY • PEREGRINE FALCON RED KITE • SPARROWHAWK • WHITE TAILED EAGLE

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

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

Last Month’s Competition Winner The winner of last month’s Wordsearch Competition was: MRS IRENE BREWIN of Jacqueline Road, Markfield Congratulations! Your voucher will be sent to you soon.

Newbold Verdon Jazz Club

BUZZARD GOLDENEAGLE GOSHAWK HOBBY KESTREL MARSHHARRIER MERLIN OSPREY PEREGRINEFALCON REDKITE SPARROWHAWK WHITETAILEDEAGLE

January 9th saw the return of the ever popular Savannah Jazz Band.

Treat Your Partner to a Romantic Meal for Created by Puzzlemaker Valentine’s Day!

They have been appearing at this venue for the past twenty years and are always well supported. They are a very entertaining band who play a wide range of traditional jazz from blues to spirituals with some unique numbers - Bill Smith playing Nothing Blues on his harmonica is not to be missed.

The band leader and drummer, John Meehan was well supported by Roger Myerscough on reeds, Bill Smith on trumpet, and Brian Ellis on trombone plus Tony Pollitt on bass an Chris Marney on banjo.

The Band has a good rapport with the audience and soon had them clapping and cheering which created a great atmosphere. We look forward to a return visit in the future.

In the meantime the next concert at Newbold Verdon Social Club is on DiscoveryEducation.com Friday February 6th at 8.00pm, when New Orleans Heat will be at entertaining us. Do come along and join in. Only £9.00. For more details ring Kelvin 01455 822824 or Pauline 01162 865496

Our popular Valentine’s Day event runs from Friday 13th February to Sunday 15th February, and bookings are being taken now.

Maureen Johnstone

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to express your love!

One man handed in his dog to the charity explaining he couldn’t keep him because “he looked different after we had walked him in the rain.” Another family complained: “he wags its tail too much”; another that “he chases frogs”; while for another it was because “he was scared of the cat next door.” Energy levels came into it: one owner gave up because “all he did was sleep; we wanted a dog to play with”, while another had the opposite reason: “Too playful; we haven’t sat down since we got him.” (Shame those two families didn’t just swop dogs.)

The Dogs Trust continues to stress that people should not buy dogs on a whim. The rise of internet sales and puppy farms means that abandoned pets are still a big problem.

The Fieldhead Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9PS

Tel:01530 245454 Email: 9160@greeneking.co.uk www.fieldheadhotel-markfield.co.uk

Why I don’t want my dog Why do people get rid of their pets? You would be surprised. So was the Dogs Trust charity, when they began to ask for explanations.

My psychiatrist says I have revenge issues. I’ll show him.

31

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Coalville Furniture Superstore

IN

uPHOLSTERy - leather and fabric suites

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BEdROOM FuRniTuRE

Independent furniture retailer for: l Great value dininG l Huge choice FuRniTuRE l Excellent service Coalville Furniture Superstore 79 - 81 Belvoir Road, Coalville LE67 3PH (former Co-op department store) Tel: 01530 833311

LE

ELECTRiC LiFT and RiSE CHaiRS

CHaiRS

BEdS - divans and bed frames

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ELECTRiC adJuSTaBLE BEdS

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 4pm

Free customer car park at rear

FOR aLL yOuR FuRniTuRE nEEdS

I was going to write my will today but then I thought, life’s too short.

M LI

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D E T

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Properties wanted for buyers on our mailing list.

Estates

Markfield, Field Head, Stanton-under-Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth

commission (Save Thousands)

Thinking of selling?

Where will you spend the difference?

Tel: 0116 235 8682

www.charnwoodestates.co.uk

Charnwood Estates, 4a Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicestershire LE7 7BJ Charnwood Estates is a trading name of Charnwood Estate Agents Ltd. Company Registration number: 08353028

If you decide to instruct Charnwood Estates at anytime, have regard to the terms of any agreement you have with other agencies, otherwise you could run the risk of having to pay two sets of fees. *Terms and conditions apply.