February 2017 herald online

Circulation: 4,000 copies Monthly

Local Martial Arts students gain coveted Black Belts

CONGRATULATIONS to Louie Bourne, Holly Flynn, Sebastian Reynolds, Harvey Lee, Alex Walker and Ben Ferns for gaining their Black Belts at the Zen Goshin Ryu Martial Arts School.

They have been training at the club for over 6 years and have shown incredible dedication, determination and effort to get to this level. The grading lasted for over 3 hours and involved the students demonstrating various self defence techniques, throws, karate basics and kata and pushed them all to the limit. The students were presented with their Black Belts and certificates in front of family and friends at a special presentation night at the beginning of December at Markfield Community Centre.

The Zen Goshin Ryu Martial Arts School has established itself as one of the leading clubs in Leicestershire with over 120 members and 30+ Black Belts training at its classes in Markfield, Bagworth and Thornton. For further information about joining this successful club and taking your first step towards your Black Belt, please contact Chief Instructor Andy Walker on 07975 833078 or visit the clubs website www.leicestermartialarts.co.uk

Mid-February 2017

A warmer winter for Thornton tenants A GROUP of council tenants in Thornton will be feeling much warmer this winter after Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council carried out insulation improvements to their homes.

The tenants of Oakwood Close and St Peters Drive had expressed their concerns to their local councillor and the council’s housing team about how cold and draughty the upstairs walls of their homes were.

Tenant Mrs Prawdziuk with her daughter Lily talks about the improvements to (left to right) Lee Jarvis, Mark Tuff and Cllr Boothby.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 ...>

Redgate Cat Food Appeal - can you help?

ALTHOUGH, happily, re-homing has been very successful in recent months, with regular adoptions of our cats by their new families, there is always a waiting list with details of more cats waiting to come into Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary, Markfield. And of course the kitten season will probably be starting in March.

One major ongoing item of expense is cat and kitten food (sachets) and cat and kitten biscuits. If you are able to donate some sachets of cat and kitten food, or donate money for us to purchase food – we, and the cats, would be hugely grateful. We are also always grateful for gifts of towels and cotton sheets.

Our NEW, and more spacious, catteries are now open – all were done on a shoestring (thanks to recycling!), and then decorated and furnished with very kind help, and willing labour, provided by local businesses and families. We are very proud of them!

So do come to see us – and the cats – very soon. Redgate Farm is based on the side of the A511, at the junction of Billa Barra Lane and Shaw Lane.

Visiting hours are 10.30am – 3.30pm, every day. Or telephone 01530 243 925 / 01530 230 455. If you would like to meet the team and help us with our essential fundraising, please leave a message at the sanctuary for the fundraising Trustees – Jo and Jane.

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 18th March - Adverts & Articles Needed By 4th March

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Will you please help us find some Friends?

ALMOST 2 MILLION people in the UK are Dementia Friends.

They are just nice ordinary people like us - all ages.

They have simply taken the time to attend a one-hour Information Session to learn a little about dementia and how it affects individuals and their families and friends. The idea is that the more people who understand a little - the more dementia-friendly our communities can become. That’s really important and valuable.

This big Alzheimer’s Society’s initiative has been running for a few years now and wants to achieve 4 million Dementia Friends by 2020.

Please will you help? Kathy and Doug are two local volunteers, known as Dementia Friends Champions, trained by the Alzheimer’s Society, offering to run these Information Sessions in our villages or further afield. All we need is a bit of help: 1. to find a cost-free room in which we can organise a public Session, or 2. to be invited to a club, society or any group meeting, or 3. to be invited to a place of work where staff can help make it dementia-friendly, or 4. to arrange a simple coffee morning or similar to which perhaps friends, family and neighbours are invited.

The Sessions last up to an hour and are friendly, simple, interesting and enjoyable to set up and attend. There is no cost, no commitments or involvements or volunteering or fundraising.

It’s a big and important ambition - to help make our villages “dementia friendly”. So please - if you think you may be able to do your bit to help - anywhere in our villages or further afield - do get in touch for a chat about what it’s all about and how you could help us find some Friends. We are:

Kathy Gill (Groby) - keg123@ntlworld.com 0116 2291903 Douglas Maas (Markfield) - dem@idnet.com 01530 242534 Thank you very much.

March brings National Bed Month IF YOU ever have trouble sleeping, March is the month to sort yourself out.

The Sleep Council website will help you review your sleep patterns, and make the most of your hours in bed. Go to www.sleepcouncil.org.uk/ for a better understanding of why you may not be sleeping, and what to do about it!

Don’t Miss Stanton Spring Fayre Sat 18th March SPRING FAYRE to be held on Saturday 18th March in St Mary & All Saints Church Stanton Under Bardon 2 - 4 p.m.

Free Admission.

Stalls, Cakes, Brica-brac, Plants, Books, Tea & Coffee will be available.

My dentist makes the best false teeth. They’re so lifelike, they even ache.

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Letter

MY NAME is Kelly Blacknell and I live in Bagworth, this time last year we had no idea our youngest daughter Jessica had Muscular Dystrophy, we hadn’t even heard of the condition until the process began.

It all started with her teacher Miss Gripton at Ellistown Primary School noticing Jessica was getting up from the floor in an awkward slow way and asked me after School if there was anything wrong. I said no not that I’m aware of but I’ll get her checked by our GP. We went and there is where it all began.

We were sent to physio as the GP thought her slight curvature of her spine was the reason. Once at physio they decided it was neurological, we asked what do you mean by that? with dread in our voices our world that we knew was being turned upside down we didn’t understand any of it. They referred us to a Neurologist who kept us all day doing tests then that day turned into weeks.

Jessica had bloods taken, an ECG, EMG. All these tests took their tool on Jessica who was only 9 at the time and the results came back with huge CK levels of 10,850 a normal person has 100. They believed Jessica had Duchenne MD but girls didn’t get it so to make sure they did a muscle biopsy in October. She was so brave, it’s a huge risk for someone with MD to be anaesthetised they had to be careful.

We got through the 1.5hr procedure and on 15th November we had our final results Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy type 2D. Very rare in this country at present I only know of Jess and one other that has it in the U.K. Of her age. Jessica is now 10. We were told that this was a Muscle Wasting disease that will lead to her becoming very weak in her legs and arms and can lead to a weak heart & lungs. The obvious question we asked was ‘What’s the treatment can she be cured’ they said no there’s nothing at present we can do.

We left the Neurologist in a world of daze as you can imagine there had been no idea that Jessica was born with this and why hadn’t we noticed till now. We got in touch with MDUK they were brilliant and we decided to start fund raising to help fund research to find a cure or at least treatment.

South Charnwood High School got involved they did Go Orange Day for us last year as our eldest two asked Mr Morris and they were brilliant.

We own our own business MCS Cleaning & Maintenance Ltd and with the help of our staff and clients we’ve managed to hold a Move

a Mile round Thornton Reservoir, a Car wash and one of our supervisors is due to jump out of a plane in February.

I’m writing to ask if you would print our story to help raise awareness to this awful condition that needs so much help to fund and find a cure and to tell people that Friday 27th Jan is National Go Orange Day! Wear something orange for the day and donate £1. Also to share our huge thanks to our local community that has so far to date opened their hearts and helped us.Its been so overwhelming the love and care we have received from them that we want to share our appreciation with all and show that we do live in a society that when the tough gets going community comes together.

Many Thanks for listening.

Kelly Blacknell

donation on there.

Or they can send a cheque to MDUK to Kirsty Christmas (full address below), our local representative for Muscular Dystrophy, and put ‘Jessie’s Angels’, their name and address on the reverse. Then we can send a thank you card and add them to Jessie’s Just Giving Page.

Kirsty Christmas Regional Development Manager East Midlands & Yorkshire Muscular Dystrophy UK 61A Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BU Landline: 01943 464515 Mobile: 07703 756107 Email: k.christmas@ musculardystrophyuk.org

We have a link below that will take people to Jessica’s Just Giving Page we set up to raise funds for Research, so if anyone wants to donate, they can easily make a

Here’s our Just Giving Page Link for ‘Jessie’s Angels’ www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Kelly-Blacknell

I saw a documentary on how ships are kept together. It was riveting.

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

South Charnwood High School ‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’ Headteacher: Andrew Morris: Deputy Headteachers: Simon Andrews, Tina Corker Assistant Headteacher: Kathryn Juszkiewicz Business Manager: Angela Preston

Assistant Premises Officer Full time, 37 hours per week, Permanent Required as soon as possible an Assistant Premises Officer to provide high quality maintenance, security and cleanliness of the school.

Grade: 5 - Actual salary £15507 - 16192 per annum (depending on experience) Please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form. Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk South Charnwood High School is a “Safer Recruitment School” and this position is a regulated activity.

Closing date for applications: Friday 24th February 2017 Interviews: TBC

Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB Telephone: (01530) 242351 Fax: (01530) 244258 Email: office@southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk

A warmer winter for Thornton tenants FROM PAGE 1

Following an investigation it was found that 29 properties were built with no insulation to these walls, so it was agreed to install insulating board and a lightweight vertical cladding system to the affected properties.

The old upper floor windows were replaced in advance of the cladding works to avoid any duplication of costs for scaffolding and removal/refitting of the new cladding when they would have been replaced in the very near future. The existing uPVC cladding or wall hung tiles were then removed and the new lightweight vertical cladding and insulation system was installed. The work was carried out by B Jarvis Roofing Ltd and Onyx Windows at a cost of £185,000.

Cllr Chris Boothby, Executive Member for Housing Services, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to improve the quality of our tenants’ lifestyles, not only making them more comfortable in their homes but also saving them money on heating bills.

“This work is being completed as part of our planned improvement programme which will see many more tenants benefit from similar and other types of improvement work over the next few years.”

Tenant Mrs Prawdziuk added: “I’m really happy that the council has done this for us. It has made our house really warm.”

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason

Highway Patrols & Volunteers CAN I FIRST thank an eagle eyed reader who spotted an error in my report from last month.

I highlighted the pressures on our NHS as a result of our population growth and mentioned immigration as part of that growth. I stated that it was growing by 335 million a year this was obviously an error so it is right I clarify the situation for you. We have seen a population growth over the past decade of 3 million which is attributed to a growing elderly population living longer, immigration running at 335,000 a year and the increasing birth rates.

You will see over the next 4 years an increasing number of council run services being delivered by the voluntary sector. This is not as a result of the council recommissioning services from them but as a result of communities picking up the gaps left by councils withdrawing services.

We have seen over the last 4 years a number of services move to community groups particularly in the rural area. Good neighbour schemes have developed that

assist people who are ill, disabled or just vulnerable. We have seen in parish council areas volunteer snow wardens and parish councils contracting extra grass cutting. In the area we have seen community centres both new and old delivering more and more. Our 2 libraries now run or are in the process of being run by volunteers ensuring they continue to provide a vital service and protect them from closure.

The next move is to replace highway inspection officers with volunteer Highway Warden/ Lengthsmen in parish council areas. Parish Councils will also be asked to take on hedge cutting verge and border maintenance.

The direction from health & social care to keep people out of hospital and care, is to move more care to be provided by families in a person’s own home.

I am sure we all agree that this is what caring communities do looking out for our neighbours is the right thing to do and families looking after each other is what families do. It was actually what David Cameron called the big

Reminder to renew garden waste collection service ALMOST a year after the introduction of a payment-based garden waste collection service in Hinckley & Bosworth, the Borough Council is reminding residents that they will need to renew their subscriptions by 31 March.

To ensure the service continues uninterrupted, subscriptions should be renewed as soon as possible because bins that do not display the correct 2017/18 sticker will not be emptied after 1 April. Therefore residents are advised to make payment by 17 March to allow 10 working days for the sticker to be delivered.

Renewals can be made online at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ gardenwaste, where the council has made significant improvements to the system that was used 12 months ago. Alternatively, call the council on 01455 238141.

Payments can be made by either credit or debit card, but residents should be aware that a small surcharge is made for credit card payments. The price has been frozen and remains at £24 for 2017/18.

Those who have already set up a direct debit don’t need to do anything, and should receive their new bin sticker soon. The sticker can be placed on the bin as soon as it is received.

So far, 74 per cent of households that previously used the garden waste service have continued to do so since the introduction of the charge. Garden waste is still collected on a fortnightly basis, closing only for two weeks over Christmas and New Year. This means that each collection costs just 96 pence.

Payment for the service can be made at any time throughout the year.

For those who choose not to subscribe to the service there are other options for disposing of their garden waste including: 1. Composting at home - garden waste and other material can be recycled by purchasing a low cost compost bin from www.getcomposting.com 2. Taking garden waste to a Leicestershire County Council Household Waste & Recycling Site (see www.leicestershire.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/ waste-and-recycling)

society and has resulted in a shift of funding away from local councils.

I personally think it is good that we are seeing a shift to a more local level of service delivery. In this area we have fantastic facilities and brilliant local volunteers but - and there is always a but...

The BUT is that volunteers can only do so much and keeping the numbers committed is always a challenge. World travel is much easier and families are dispersed wider and no longer live in the same communities. This has left older vulnerable people on their own with no one to support them.

Some Parish Councils are not able or willing to take on extra services without the extra resources and funding to deliver them. We hear the term ‘post code lottery’ banded about but the scenario I outline above is exactly why.

The direction of travel is councils like the County Council shifting responsibility of delivering services from them on to communities calling them efficiencies. We will see over the next 4 years some Parish Councils and community volunteers pick up the slack while

others will not have the resources to do the same. We will see different levels of service delivery from one parish area to another.

Driving down a road going from one parish area to another one with well kept and manicured areas and the other overgrown and littered. In our market towns who are not so fortunate to have a local parish council it will be even more challenging to take on these services. I also hear from many voluntary groups that they struggle to maintain the number of helpers I think that we are seeing the perfect storm brewing and will see a true post code lottery when it comes to service delivery in Leicestershire.

In my view enabling communities to take over services is a laudable aim but without the funding and increasing council tax by 4% a year is unacceptable.

Big Knit continues – let’s keep knitting!

THE BIG Knit 2016/17 has just been re-launched following a highly successful Phase 1 just completed.

Thanks to the wonderful band of knitters across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutand, the local Age UK has just sent off a magnificent 41,000 little hats to help older people stay warm and well in the winter. It could not be achieved without them.

Now we face an even bigger challenge and need more help - to create as many little woolly hats as possible for Age UK and innocent’s Big Knit before 17th July 2017 with an increased local target of 52,000 over that period!

Each winter, one older person dies every seven minutes because of the cold weather. With the fantastic support from knitters up and down the country, The Big Knit has raised vital funds to support local and national winter projects to help older people keep warm in winter.

Knitters in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are being called upon to create little hats to adorn innocent smoothie bottles, which will be sold in stores nationwide from November 2017. For each be-hatted smoothie sold, innocent will donate 25p to help Age UK fund national and local winter projects. Whilst patterns can be obtained from Age UK, many knitters let their imagination run riot, last year producing designs including a giant squid, fruit, soldiers, peas in a pod, cupcakes and an ice cream cone topped with a classic flake!

Please send completed hats to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland at Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA or drop them in at one of our shops.”

Knitters can contact Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland to get a free hat pattern or for more information about The Big Knit – telephone: 0116 2992233 or log onto: www.ageuk.org.uk/leics

I have a lot of growing up to do. I realised that the other day inside my fort.

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Sell Your Stuff!

Herald Small Ads • Assorted JIGSAW puzzles - free for collection. Some unopened.

Tel: 01530 230786

Success For Local Dancers

• Stag DARK FURNITURE - two items - £30.00 each.

Both in excellent condition: - TV Unit - Coffee Table Tel: 01530 587950

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

March 8th ~ Ali Groschl ~ Talk on Glass April 13th ~ Douglas Maas ~ Dementia Friends

• Mahogany veneer extending OVAL DINING TABLE and 4 CHAIRS, plus matching GLASSFRONTED WALL UNIT. Price: £50.00 • BLACK COMPUTER TABLE with pull-out shelf. Price: £10.00 • Pair of WROUGHT IRON DRIVEWAY GATES - each gate measures 3’ x 4’.

Price: £35.00 Tel: 01530 244115 • Priory vintage OAK DRESSER/ BUFFET CABINET. Base - two doors, two drawers. Top - two door leaded glass display. Width 47 ins. depth 18 ins. height 49 ins.

Price £75.00 • Priory dark oak drop-leaf DINING TABLE AND 4 LADDER BACK CHAIRS. Price £75.00 All in very good condition.

Tel. 01530 242607 • Electric DRUM KIT for sale : Inc. Snare; Base; High hat; Crash; Ride; Middle, High and Floor Tom; seat and headphones – VGC £100.00 • 3 pairs of unworn WALKING / HIKING BOOTS – size 4 – Clarks; Ninewest and Timberland - £15.00 each • Pair of genuine Australian UGG BOOTS – plum – size 4 - £8.00 • 1940s style Hobbs EVENING DRESS; Red with small white polka dots; size 8/10 worn once £15.00 • Dune wedge EVENING SHOES – black and white – 3” heel – as new - worn once – size 4 – cost £75 accept £30.00 • Antique brass CEILING LIGHT ; 3 candle bulbs and 2 matching wall lights with 2 candle bulbs…. Ex con.

As new. £50.00 for set • River Island black LEATHER JACKET – ladies – size 8/10 (biker style) £50.00 • Navy Blue Jack Wills GILET size 8/10 – fur lined – VGC £10.00 For any of the above please Tel: 0748 4884139 • Lightweight stroller PUSHCHAIR. Price £10.00 Tel 0116 2876684 SEND your Small Ads in writing to: SMALL ADS, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics.

LE67 9ZT or email to: info@ markfieldherald.co.uk (please include your address - not for publication).

May 10th ~ Talk Ian Retson ~ The Woodlands Trust June 14th ~ Pauline Fitchett ~ Mining, memorabilia and afternoon tea.

BACK IN DECEMBER, nine girls and two boys from KeelyAnna’s Dance Studio took a trip into Leicester to take their prestigious Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet exams.

Aged from 9 through to 16, the young dancers were taking grades from 1 right up to 7. Now, after a long, nervous six-week wait, the results have finally arrived… and every one of the students has passed, with fantastic scores!

All the students received a certificate and a medal from the RAD, as well as a big, proud smile from Miss Keely-Anna. Students taking the higher grade RAD exams also received QCF credits, which they will be able to use in college and university admissions.

On receiving confirmation of the results, Miss Keely-Anna was incredibly proud of her students.

“They have all worked fantastically hard, so it’s a great reward for their efforts. It was also lovely to see students coming out of the exams saying how much fun they’d had doing them! I’m so proud of their motivation and determination, and I love watching their confidence grow and grow.

“Our dance school welcomes children of a range of skills and abilities, and not all choose to go down the exam path. We teach a range of difference dance styles, and we’re all currently working hard on our dances for our next show: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But whatever we do, we always try to do it the right way, and the fact that all my students passed these rigorous exams is a reflection of that.”

Keely-Anna’s Dance Studio www.keelyanna.co.uk 07500554736 www.facebook.com/keelyannadance

Aug 9th ~ Skittles ~ 7.15 for 7.30pm ~ At Little Markfield Farm Sep 13th ~ George Hook ~ Mother of Pearl.

Oct 11 th ~ Talk ~ Roberts Travel For more information, call: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436.

News from Bardon Park Chapel www.bardonchapel.co.uk

‘Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up.

“Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.’ Acts12:7 FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE: Come and worship the Lord with us on Sunday mornings at 10.30 am. Our gatherings are fairly informal.

THURSDAY ART CLASS: Between 7pm and 9.00pm.

THE MONTHLY PRAISE MEETING: 1st Saturday in each month at 3.00pm. Enjoy a lively time of singing, encouragement, fellowship, testimonies and uplifting messages.

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

For more details on any of the above please contact: Richard Norburn on Tel: 01530 242526

I have a fear of speed bumps, but I’m slowly getting over it.

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

“There’s nothing to do in Bagworth” IF THAT is what you think, then consider this.

The Bagworth Community Centre is getting back into full swing after the Christmas break. All of the groups are meeting as normal. Clair has done a good job of settling in as the Centre Administrator and the Coffee Shop, organised by Forever Savvy, is continuing to offer a good service of hot and cold lunches and drinks on Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Parents of Pre-School children are even able to pre-order and collect their food when they collect their children.

The Church meets on the first Sunday of the month in the Meeting Room from 9-10 am. On Monday mornings, Tuesday Mornings and Thursday afternoons, Debbie provides activities for babies and young children and their parents. Keely-Anna’s Dance School meets in the Front Hall on a Monday late afternoon and on a Saturday morning. The Karate group also meets on a Monday evening from 6-7 pm in the Rear Hall. In addition, the Craft Club meets in the Meeting Room on Monday evenings from 7-9 pm.

On Tuesday afternoons (2-4 pm) the Drop in group meet in the Meeting Room. Hot drinks and cake and a good chat are the order of the day. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Zumba and Kettle exercise take place in the Rear Hall. These are becoming increasingly popular groups and as such are well attended.

Youth Club takes place on a Thursday evening from 7-8.30 pm. We would appreciate some help with the running of this group, so if you could spare a couple of hours, please get in touch. Once a month, on the second Thursday of the month, the WI meet from 7-9 pm. They have a very interesting and varied programme this year, well worth a visit.

IF YOU STILL think that there is nothing to do in Bagworth, then either contact The Trust with your ideas or even contact The Trust and offer to put on a new group. You will find that your ideas will be well received.

For a really radical suggestion, why not join The Trust and help them with the running of the Community Centre.

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Were you a scholar at KingEdward V11 Grammar School Coalville?

IF SO then make a note in your diary for 14th October 2017.

We are organizing another reunion, and very much hope you will be able to attend. It will be held at Newbridge High School on Forest Road the old school building. Parking is available there.

We have sent out letters and emails to people on our data base but our contacts are limited so if you or anyone you know would like to attend please let us know, preferably by email, at CGSReunion@clubmember.org or Geoff Haines Tel 01162546591 CGS Reunion 13 Brampton Avenue, Leicester, LE36DA. Venue - Newbridge High School Forest Road, Coalville Date - October 14th 2017 1pm to 9pm.

Cost £4.00 or a further £6 if you require a Ploughmans meal (This must be pre booked) It would be helpful if you could tell us if you are coming if possible but you can just turn up on the day and pay at the door.

Do try and come share your memories and make new friends. You will be made very welcome.

Are YOU organising a school or works reunion? If so, tell us about it and we’ll publicise it in The Herald for you. Fab!

PUBLIC NOTICE FROM MARKFIELD COURT RETIREMENT VILLAGE ESTATE MANAGEMENT Due to the Ratby Lane in Markfield being closed the first week of February, many locals from Markfield and surrounding villages felt they were entitled to cut through our small private estate that has NO PUBLIC ACCESS. It clearly states at our entrances the following: HIGHWAYS ACT 1980 PRIVATE ROAD NO PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY OPENLINK LTD. We maintain our own roads; not the local authorities.

It’s a shame that some drivers did not honour our speed limit and felt it was acceptable to verbally abuse our elderly residents. Please have some respect for those that have chosen to live in a peaceful setting and pay a lot of money for the pleasure to do so. Please refrain from using our private roads. Thank you.

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

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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

Markfield Methodist Church NEW Website

Saturday 25th February: - DOUBLE TROUBLE - We Welcome Back These Girls To The Club

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.

Friday 3rd March: - ANDY PLIMMER Good Male Solo Saturday 4th March: - MARIO MEGARO - Very Energetic Male Vocalist

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

Friday 10th March: - AMANDA JAYNE An Evening Of Easy Listening Music Saturday 11th March: - MOD STORY Fantastic Local Duo

Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown.

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

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

This issue of The Herald is being delivered by The Herald’s team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Sarah Jane, Maureen, John, Lyn, Lily, Ian, Ann, Gill, Selina, Sandra, Jeanie, Jenny, Calum, Lisa, Yvonne, Ray, Margaret, Daniel, Jessie, Selina, Jessica, Charlotte, Mike and Rowan

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 18th March DEADLINE: 4th March

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 Friday 24th February: - LOTTIE T’VAY - Excellent Female Vocalist

Tel: 01530 244069

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.

Live & Local

Friday 17th March: - RUTH LOUISE Stunning Female Vocalist

MARKFIELD TRINITY Methodist Church now have our own website www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org Our site has all the details of our Sunday services, groups, community activities, news and events etc.. along with our monthly newsletter, minister’s letter and links to our minister’s blog – we would love you to take a look!

Come and join us on a Sunday, services begin at 1030am - everyone can be assured of a warm welcome, whether you are already a Christian or are exploring your faith, have been going to Church on a regular basis or haven’t been for many years. Please feel free to come along and see if you like us!

We also have other activities during the week, from children’s activities after school to a music café, play Church to Bible studies, to name a few – take a look at our Church and community groups pages and see if there is anything you may be interested in.

We continue to work very closely with the other Churches in the village and have regular joint Sunday services and activities. You will find a link to the Churches together website and details of joint services etc.. on our site.

Many thanks for reading.

Kerry Sharpe

South Charnwood High School - Developing Engineers of Tomorrow SIXTY ENTHUSIASTIC and aspiring engineers from Years 7, 8 and 9 recently took part in an exciting, hands-on workshop about the global energy challenge facing the world.

The pupils got the chance to talk to real engineers, as well as develop their own engineering skills.

Thank you to Mr Maggs, Head of Science, and colleagues from the Engineering Development Trust for organising such an interesting day.

Our photo shows Louise Vernon showing off her wind turbine.

Saturday 18th March: - GUY SURTEES - Ska/Reggae - A Night Full Of Mixture

SEND US YOUR LOCAL ENTERTAINMENTS NEWS AND WE’LL PUBLICISE IT FREE IN LIVE & LOCAL. How Sensational is That!

Nagging doesn’t work NAGGING your spouse or children to do something can be a very frustrating experience – mainly because it rarely works.

Now an exhaustive study into how you can get people to do things has found a more powerful way: if you can ‘trigger’ someone’s emotional response, they are well on their way to taking action.

Thus the more any particular ‘goal’ resonates with you at an emotional level, the more likely you are to do it. For example, psychologists at the research group Mindlab found that when it comes to saving money, people are most motivated to do so by their desire to buy a house, do home improvements, prepare for retirement, and take holidays.

Perhaps not surprisingly, saving just to support one’s children ranked close to the bottom for emotional appeal.

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

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The best way to read a bedtime story

DO YOU want a closer tie with your children?

Read them a bedtime story at night - from a book. It is much more effective that using a kindle or tablet device.

A recent study by the University of Sussex has discovered that children feel less of a physical and emotional connection with their parents if they are read bedtime stories from an electronic device. It may be due to the fact that children know they could be watching a film or playing a game on the same device. Or it may be that a book allows for closer physical contact during the reading of the story.

As one researcher noted, “The use of digital technology and the activity of reading seems to exist n two somewhat separate spheres.”

Stanton Village Hall News THE HALL continues to go from one success to another. We now have most nights with something on at the hall, from yoga to clubbercise.

Birthday and other parties see private hires on many weekends.

On a sad note, we have received the resignation from Alison as a Trustee. Alison has been a member since the first days of the Trust – even before we had a village hall when meetings were held around her kitchen table. We thank her for her help, advice and endless cups of coffee. This does, unfortunately, leave us with a vacancy on the Trust. Being a Trustee is not a very arduous task, but the person must be able to attend a meeting every month or two and help opening up and shutting the hall after it has been let, together with anything else that inevitably turns up out of the blue. If that person can put in more time to help such as at the Christmas Fayre or other events, then so much the better. If you wish to join us, please drop me an email at stantonvillagehall@gmail.com .

The ladies have issued a list of the Coffee Mornings for 2017. The next one is on 21st February. Whilst the winter months are with us, they are serving coffee and cake from 10.00 am and homemade soup from 11.30 am until 1.00 pm or until supplies run out. Come along for a chat and swap a few books at our book swap stall. All profits from book sales to LOROS. Recently it was widely reported that Alan Birchenall, ex Leicester City player, suffered a heart attack and his life was saved by the use of a defibrillator. It seems opportune to remind villagers that there is a defib in the outside porch of the hall. Hopefully you will never need it, but it is there should an emergency occur. Remember, though, if you do suspect a heart attack, ring 999 first and you will be talked through all the procedures necessary.

The next cinema night is on 18th February with the film being “Bridget Jones’s Baby”. Film nights have been very successful and, with the big screen, it is almost as good as going to a proper cinema, although we haven’t persuaded Norma to sell ice creams yet! Seats cost £4 if purchased from Stanton Stores in advance (thanks John) or £4.50 on the door. Curtain up is at 7.00pm. I am pleased to report that Midland Quarry Products have agreed to continue their sponsorship of cinema nights into 2017. This means that the ticket price can continue to be kept at its present level. The Trustees wish to place on record their thanks to MPQ.

MARK STEPHENS Chairman

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

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

This February, your dog could help change someone’s life THE GUIDE Dogs charity is calling on the dog owners of Britain to unleash the power in their dogs and support them on Walking the Dog Day, 22nd February.

The money you and your four-legged friend raise will help train more guide dog puppies and change the lives of people living with sight loss.

There’s no wonder why dogs are one of the most popular pets in the UK. Their loyalty and love are never called into question; they love, comfort and protect, and their remarkable intelligence means that they can be trained to do all kinds of things – like becoming a guide dog for someone with sight loss.

“One of the best things about Dogs Unite is that it is designed entirely around the owners! This is the sponsored dog walk that can be done anytime, anywhere, and any how! We’ve heard some fabulous stories from past participants; from walking in onesies with friends, to personal distance challenges, Walking the Dog Day is a chance for dog owners to get creative and put the fun in their fundraising for Guide Dogs!” – Jo Rowan, Marketing and Events Coordinator for Guide Dogs.

You can register for a free fundraising pack and super-hero dog cape at www.dogsunite.org.uk

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Parish Social at Thornton Club on Saturday 25th February

“Any Excuse for a Party” (and why not!)

A TRADITIONAL parish get-together, called “Any Excuse for a Party” , is being organised at Thornton Club for the last Saturday in February. So come along and spend a happy and relaxed evening with friends and neighbours.

With FREE Entry, the main aim is to create a warm, friendly, sociable evening for a wide mix of people; to chat, eat, drink and enjoy live music together (and hopefully get some new friendships going!).

It will also be a light-hearted networking event for people already involved in, or wanting to find out about: village/parish events, social and interest clubs, church and support groups, activities and hobby ideas.

The food will be a Bring and Share buffet – and we look forward to a real mix of cuisines, snacks and cakes! – and the live singing will be provided by those lovely local favourites Natalie Nightingale and Julie Winch, both of whom have sung for us at Christmas concerts.

Natalie has also sung several times at the Club; her favourite songs are from 1940’s – 1980’s. Julie is a selfconfessed ‘Diva’, whose first major solo concert will be in Birmingham city centre in March.

The timings for the ‘Social’ are 7pm – 10pm and doors open from 6.45pm on Saturday 25th February. Entry is free but there will be a raffle (“£1 a strip” as usual!) Money raised from the Raffle will go to local social club ’The Olive Branch’.

For information about “Any Excuse for a Party”, phone Jo Leadbetter on 01530 230 455 or Dianne Esmond on 01530 230 123.

Don’t forget to send us your news!

Thanks!

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

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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Environmental Health Regulation there’s more to it than you may think Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald A KEY FUNCTION of Shire District/Borough Councils like Hinckley and Bosworth is the regulation of Environmental Health.

This is actually a core function and has its roots way back, when people still had to collect water from wells or hand pumps and many died when these became the source of passing on infectious diseases. Water sampling by the Borough still goes on today mostly on private water supplies which tend to be rural sites located off the water network. Piped water is mostly the responsibility of the privatised water companies although these companies (which are highly profitable enterprises) also began their origins as a response to environmental and public health concerns. In fact most were municipal bodies set up and run by local councils for the benefit of local people and the development of such institutions led to huge advances in the health chances and life expectancy of ordinary people.

So local were some of these municipal water companies, that when privatisation off the water industry began under the Thatcher government, it was slowed by the realisation that the national government didn’t actually own it in the first place. So it was nationalised quickly and than privatised. Still water is but a small part today and the range of areas covered by the Environmental Health department at Hinckley is substantial.

Although the collection of refuse and street cleaning is also an environmental health issue, for the purpose of this article I am leaving that to one side as it is well known already and it can be written about on its own due to its core profile (what other council service is received by nearly 100% of residents on a weekly basis).

So let’s just take a look at some of the smaller and less well known areas of activity that the Environmental Health team at Hinckley and Bosworth are engaged in.

Food outlets Well for a start they regulate all the food outlets and restaurants in the Borough to ensure they comply with all relevant legislation. This is clearly very important from a public health point of view, as anyone who has watched Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares could testify. Although

thankfully very rare, people do actually die from food poisoning or are made unwell and this can be linked to poor food hygiene standards in kitchens, etc.

Alongside a rolling programme of inspections the team do respond to complaints from the public. At one time most outlets did display a certificate or a rating indicator to show that the outlet had been assessed. I always thought that useful but of course with these things it only ever represented a past assessment and not a forward indicator as things can always change. Those outlets, restaurants, etc. who fail inspections can have a range of sanctions passed onto them including prosecution at court, fines and premises closure.

Often if a premises falls short at an inspection remedial action is requested and follow up inspections actioned. The Council will look to determine those outlets it sees as high risk (this can be for various reasons not simply poor practice) and all will get annual visits. Low risk premises might just get to complete an on-line assessment.

In total the Council will have completed some 400 visits in 2016.

Animal welfare Its not just human health that the Environmental Health team regulate, they also have a range of animal welfare duties. The Council licences dog kennels, catteries and also home boarders, of which there are a fair few in the Borough. In addition to this the Council in partnership with another neighbouring council operate a dog enforcement and warden service. This service deals not only with stray dogs but also seeks to intervene when possible issues concerning dog behaviour and dog fouling occur. They also seek to educate the wider public and go into schools to discuss dog management and any concerns etc. and work with other agencies when necessary. The Council has also recently gained some new powers around the management of public open spaces which deals in part with dogs not on a lead. These new public space protection orders are being rolled out across the Borough.

With regard to the problems of dog fouling let me just say that this problem has been around for longer than I care to remember and before that. People always ask why we cannot catch more owners

who allow this to happen and do not clean up after any mess has been caused. I always ask them if they have actually seen it happen and the answer is always no. I think the reason is that it happens late in the day or early in the morning when people are not around. It is important to state that the vast majority of dog owners in the village do clean up after any dog mess, a practice less visible 25 years ago.

Still these days most communities have dog bins and you can bag and bin waste in most council waste bins so its more convenient than ever.

Further to that it is also worth remembering that the Council does not have hundreds of people employed covering the Borough for the task of enforcing owners to clean up - no, it’s all down to one individual, the same dog warden who does the many other duties described.

Pest control Moving on from pets to pests, the council responds to many public concerns around pest control and in particular problems with rats. The council has various powers to deal with rats due to the health problems associated with rats infestations.

These powers can include direct action on an affected property if it is thought to be the cause of any problem. Although the Council deals with public concerns around rats many of the pest treatments are outsourced to a contractor to carry out. Charges often do apply which has caused some issues in the past.

The Council gets many calls about pests including mice, wasps and bed bugs which can be very difficult to treat. The Council also gets

called out for those that we may not consider pests like bees with hives in places which are possibly hazardous.

Taxi industry Finally let me mention that the Council regulates the licensed taxi industry. There are two types of taxi licence, the Hackney carriage licence and the private hire car licence.

The Hackney carriage licence allows a driver to wait for customers and pick them up without prior arrangement.

This private hire licence only allows a driver to pick up customers who have pre-booked for the journey. The Council seeks to ensure that any licensed driver is a fit and proper person for the type of work. Drivers are assessed and this licensing regime means customer using the licensed trade can do so with some assurance that this is all regulated. The cars also need to be fit for purpose and comply with all relevant requirements.

So as you can see, this is just a snap shot of some of the lesser known activities carried out by the Environmental Health team at the Borough Council. Behind the scenes much goes on which helps keep us safe and secure in our communities.

It’s often only when things go wrong do people tend to sit up and take notice. Well in this case no news is often good news.

Matthew

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

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Community Centre News Words and pictures from Ron Grantham

Mini Bikers – Red Nose Appeal

cracked the first of the Doctor’s clues and arrived at the Community Centre which was the proved to be the starting point of the day’s Clueless event.

Waiting for them at the Centre was Cody Clay who runs the Urban Kung Fu Junior classes. Ady interviewed Cody and watched a number of his pupils performing their martial arts before discovering the next set of clues hidden appropriately in a martial arts glove. They then sped off into the distance to find the next location.

“Aloha” – 40th Birthday Party

IT IS NOW a legal requirement for all dogs to be micro chipped.

ON SATURDAY 7th January villager Rachel Morton celebrated her 40th Birthday with her son Dylan and a host of family and friends many of whom had come from all over the county and even as far away as Nottingham, Northamptonshire and even Bristol.

The Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s Dog Warden Service will be holding a dog micro chipping event at the Community Centre from 2pm to 4pm on Wednesday 22nd March. The procedure is a simple implant under the skin that causes little discomfort but ensures that you comply with the law and gives you the added reassurance that pet is more likely to be returned if lost or stolen. It only costs £10 per dog. Just turn up with your dog on the day. If you require further information please contact the Dog Warden Service on 01455 255946

The theme for the party was very unusual as it was Hawaiian. The Centre was decked out with Pacific Island scenes, palms, parrots and guests wore hula dresses and tropical shirts. A great time was had by all. So, Hau`oli la Hanau Rachel and Ho’omaika’i ‘ana from all at the Centre. Mahalo nui loa na ho’olaule’a me la kaua. I’m not going to tell you what these Hawaiian phrases mean but there is a prize of a coconut if you can find out what they are!

TO RAISE funds for the Red Nose Appeal the Markfield Mini Bikers will be holding a sponsorship event at the Community Centre on the afternoon of Sunday 19th March.

The event will involve youngsters and tots who are learning to ride a cycle. It is wonderful to see these children learning to ride and watched by their proud parents. If you would like to sponsor a child or even perhaps get your child taught on how to ride a bike safely please contact Yasin on 07584 044027 or Kelly on 07880 728169

Dog Microchipping Service

Mayflower Club’s Updates WELL, DESPITE the recent poor weather both the Monday Afternoon Friendship Club and the Wednesday Afternoon Mayflower Club have started 2017 in full swing both with an ever growing numbers of members.

Clueless Comes To Markfield I DON’T KNOW how many of you listen to Radio Leicester’s CLUELESS program on Sunday mornings.

Hosted by Monica Winfield, presenter Ady Damon sets out in the BBC Radio car driven by Dale Neal using cryptic clues set by the Dastardly Doctor hidden in locations across Leicestershire and Rutland. With no navigational aids and only with the help of the audience, they have to find the final piece of the treasure within a set time. On a bitterly cold Sunday morning the 4th January and with the help of the audience Ady and Dale

On the 18th January Nisha from Home Instead came along to give a talk on the National Fraud Awareness Initiative giving advice and useful tips on how to avoid the ever growing and sophisticated crime of fraud and identity theft either on-line, by telephone, letter scams and even false charity collections.

Our local Police Community Support Officer Maz Edwards joined in by giving an update on current crime, anti social behavior and distraction burglaries that are currently doing the rounds across the County. Not only did they give tips on how to avoid such heinous crimes but also how to report them. We all hope that no one in the village suffers from this type of crime.

The 25th January was actually BURN’S celebration day and to mark the occasion we held a “Burns Supper” event. This is fast becoming a popular annual event. As in previous years villager Hugh MacKay came along in his clan regalia and addressed the haggis before plunging his traditional dirk into the hot steaming pudding.

Members were then treated to a meal of haggis, savory mince and neeps followed by Scottish Shortbread all washed down with a dram of whiskey or Iron Bru. Then followed a hilarious quiz on common Scottish sayings

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

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk and phrases. Not only did members have to work out what they meant in English but also have a go at saying them. Trust me it sounded like an episode of Rab C Nesbitt’s television comedy show.

To commemorate the 1000th anniversary of King Canute becoming the King of all England in 1016/17 we had a presentation on this much underrated King who is probably only remembered for trying to” hold back the waves”. He did much more by bringing together the Saxon South and West with the Danelaw ruled East and North as one country.

Forthcoming Events MEMBERS have recently given us a challenging wish list of things that they would like to do during 2017 including indoor games, ideas on talks and present ations, places to visit and other interesting events so, we have got a lot of planning to do to make 2017 another great year for our members.

So, if you would like to join in just turn up at the Centre on Monday afternoons to enjoy the Friendship Club and Wednesday afternoons for the Mayflower Club. Both clubs meet from 2pm to 4pm and it only costs £1 per session and that includes a “cuppa” and biscuits. You don’t even have to live in the village as members from other villages are also most welcome.

We must be doing something right!

Over the last couple of months we have been invited to make presentations and give talks on the successes of the Mayflower Clubs.

In all cases the talks have been extremely well received. On the 13th December we gave a talk to the Hinckley and Bosoworth Rural Community Council meeting at Twycross Zoo and a similar one at the Blaby District Council Community Network event.

Then, out of the blue, Barbara Pearce and myself were invited onto the BBC Radio Leicester Ben Jackson Show to give a live interview on the merits of the clubs.

Annual Family Trips to the Seaside I KNOW it is cold, damp and drab outside at the moment and thoughts of a day at the British seaside are far away however, following consistent badgering, we have coaches

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for our ever popular family trips to Llandudno in North Wales on 26th July and Skeggy on 23rd August.

We haven’t worked out the price yet but we aim to keep it as low as possible and certainly more than competitive with other coach tours. Places WILL BE LIMITED so don’t leave it too late to book your places.

Dates for your diary

• Matt Elliott School Holidays Soccer Schools 10th April to 12th April & 30th May to 1st June • Cancer Research Fund Raising Event Despite saying that she was “retiring” from organising charity events Dianne Dowell is going to do yet another one – good on her.

This event will take place at the Centre on Saturday 29th April. This is always a popular and oversubscribed event and the number of tickets available are restricted so, to make sure you get your ticket please contact Dianne on 07748 915829 • Thursday 4th May - County Council Elections • Friday 21st July - Jay Brothers Charity Concert • Wednesday 26th July - Family trip to Llandudno • Wednesday 23rd August - Family trip to Skegness

Do Something Amazing THE NATIONAL Blood Service is so pleased about the amount of blood donations it is receiving from our residents it has increased the number of dates that they will attend the Centre next year.

Below are dates in early 2017 when you can “Do something amazing” and donate blood: • 17th March • 24th May

Booking an event FOR BOOKINGS and enquiries please contact us on 01530 242240 or email markfieldcomunitycentre@hotmail. co.uk or you can visit our website www.markfield communitycentre.com to view our facilities, latest news, photo gallery and information about the Centre.

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

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Do you text and walk at the same time?

Markfield WI Programme for 2017 15th March: Great British Sewing Bee: Heather Jacks

IS IT POLITE to plod along a crowded pavement, texting?

19th April: Restoration of Old Buildings: Dr Jonathan Castleman 17th May: Resolutions evening & A Getting to Know You Quiz 21st June: Changes in Women’s Lives: Mike Kennedy

Spring into dance in Bagworth

19th July: Watching with Mother: Kath Reynolds 16th Aug: Gardening for Wildlife: Chris Edwards 20th Sept: Wigs: Tim Hogarth-Jones 18th Oct: AGM 19th Nov: TBC 20th Dec: Decadent Easy Desserts: Gail Woolliscroft Meetings are the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7.45pm at the Methodist Church, Main St Markfield.

Further information from Fran Johnson 01530 243350 or Jane Barrington 01530 243285.

Please support our advertisers if you can!

ON A WEDNESDAY afternoon at The Club, Bagworth, Gary, from Wishes4Kids received a cheque for £544 which was raised by a charity dance at the end of 2016.

Sadly Russell, who normally collects the money, was unable to attend due to ill health. It is hoped that he improves and can once again collect any cash raised in the future. Ken and his small team of helpers wish him well.

The first charity dance of 2017 was for Cancer Research on 10th February.

Social dances take place on a regular basis at The Club, Bagworth.

Wednesday afternoon sees Tea Dances taking place attended by a good number of people. In between the hours of 2-4 pm, £1 buys unlimited dancing, a hot drink and either biscuits or, if someone is celebrating a birthday, cake. You will receive a warm welcome and the chance to learn new dances, as well as enjoying ones that you already know, if you attend.

Dances also take place on a Saturday evening, once a month at the same venue. The next dates for these are 18th February and 18th March. They are from 8 pm to 11 pm. As well as dancing there is also a bingo session and a raffle. Again, you can be assured of a warm welcome if you attend.

Is it acceptable to cross the road while typing an email? Should you talk on your phone in a crowded train? What about reading your emails while on a business call?

Whatever your views, smartphone etiquette is rapidly evolving. And don’t be too fast to cast the first stone! Apparently nearly two thirds of us admit to texting or typing while we walk along in a public place.

Nearly half of us also talk on our smartphone on a train, or in another confined space. And more than half of us have emailed or texted someone in capital letters – the digital equivalent of shouting, or using green ink.

But these new habits bring new hazards. People trip over rough surfaces, or stroll out in front of traffic. A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warns: “People should take care not to be dangerously distracted.”

Middle-aged people are ‘dangerously unfit’ MORE THAN eight in ten middle-aged people are in trouble.

Desk-bound by day, with family pressures by night, they are drinking too much, are overweight, and they are not taking enough exercise.

The Health Survey for England has found that 77 per cent of men and 63 per cent of women are either overweight or obese, and more and more of us have diabetes. It says that more than 15 million Britons are living with a long-term medical condition.

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

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Dog Fouling – We’re Watching You! A POPULAR dog fouling campaign sees its winter launch this week, aimed at dog walkers who don’t ‘scoop the poop’.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has joined forces with environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy in a bid to reduce dog fouling in the borough.

The campaign sets its sights on irresponsible dog owners, with recent research showing that dog walkers are more responsible and pick up after their dogs, when they think that they are being watched.

Feedback suggests that dog fouling tends to occur at night time and during the months with shorter days, as some dog owners feel that they can’t be seen ‘under the cover of darkness’.

So, the Borough Council will be using a series of ‘We’re watching you’ signs that will be visible after dark. Council Officers will be installing the glow in the dark signs and pavement stencils throughout the borough during the winter months.

At the same time, the council’s Clean Neighbourhood Officers will be working closely with local schools offering educational presentations on dog fouling, called “the smelly truth”. There will also be regular patrols near schools and dog waste bags and ‘report it’ cards will be handed out to parents.

Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Mark Nickerson said, “The vast majority of dog owners are responsible people, who habitually pick up after their dog and dispose of the poo bags correctly, either in the nearest bin or by taking home to dispose of in their own household waste bin.

“But feedback from residents has told us that those who don’t pick up after their dogs create a real issue as it’s by far seen as the most unacceptable and dirtiest type of litter. That’s why we have a zero tolerance approach to dog fouling and anyone caught allowing their dog, or any dog they are in charge of, to mess in a public place, may be issued with the fine. This used to be £50, but under the new Public Space Protection Order, this has now risen to £100.”

To report a dog owner who doesn’t pick up after their dog please contact the Clean Neighbourhood Team on 01455 255977

Community Safety Partnership 2017 Strategy.

The Community Safety Partnership at H.B.B.C combined with Blaby

Borough Councillors’ Report Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea

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and Oakwood Close in Thornton, we have engaged a contractor to replace the exterior cladding and replace the upper floor windows .

This work has two benefits, Firstly, it prolongs the life of the property and secondly, the better insulation provides better warmth for tenants and therefore reduces heating bills. Further details of this will be included in the regular tenants newsletter and Borough Bulletin.

Early indications are that tenants are very pleased with the results.

Good Friday Site 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

District Council has just published it’s strategy for 2017.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Chris , as Chair and working closely with Ozzy in Bagworth & Thornton endorses this strategy to make our communities safer and stronger.

The CSP Team gets a lot of its funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and has a duty to bring forward strategies such as this to identify what we will be targeting in the coming year.

Mission: Working together to make people and neighbourhoods safer Priorities: 1.Protecting and supporting people.

2.Improving community confidence.

3.Reducing offending and reoffending.

Objectives: Protecting and supporting people.

1.Provivide support for victims , witnesses and offenders 2.Increase reporting of domestic abuse , hate crime and ensure positive outcomes for victims 3. Provide early intervention and awareness to help protect individuals from harm.

Improving Community Confidence.

1.Increase customer satisfaction 2.Improve how we communicate and engage with people and communities 3.Promote community cohesion Reduce offending and reoffending.

1.Proactively tackle and reduce the number of incidents of ASB 2.Reduce offences in priority crime areas in particular drug and alcohol related offences , domestic burglary and violence.

3.Reduce re-offending.

THERE HAS been a recent spate of ASB issues recently in Bagworth with horses on the roads, firearm offence on a caravan , another mobile home being torched along with 3 allotment sheds being set fire to.

We are working closely with the Police to resolve these ongoing issues and are formulating a strategy to combat this ASB. We have a zero tolerance towards ASB and the Endeavour Team at HBBC under Chris have these issues on their radar.

There is a clean up day at the allotments on Station Road organized by Lloyd and Helen so come along and help the Community. We are very grateful to local intel from residents that help us to identify who is doing what to help make your Community safer.

Housing Repairs AS PART of an ongoing rolling programme of repairs to Council owned properties in St Peters Drive

THE PREVIOUS enforcement notice that expired on the 16/01/17 regarding the 10 pitches and the subsequent failed appeal that ordered the site to be cleared by 16/04/17 was delayed due to another fresh application for the retention of 5 pitches on the same site.

That application was refused by the Planning Committee at HBBC and a new appeal will be heard at Hinckley - it was due to start on February 7th. Whilst this appeal is pending , there can be no eviction under the law but the decision could take up to 3 months.

We have several items of evidence to support the defence of refusal including Leicestershire Highways , an offer of bricks and mortar due to homelessness that was refused and a negotiated removal to another legal site near Earl Shilton.

We have served an Court Injunction preventing any further caravans or travelling families from encroaching the site.

Regards

Chris & Ozzy Working for you.

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

18

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

• New LED street lighting, Walnut Close: - A reply had been given from an officer of LCC; they would not leave one light on unless it could be proved that there was elderly or infirm residing there.

Mr T Lockley had informed the resident, who initially asked about having a light left on and he will undertake a survey of the Close’s residents.

• Illegally parked vehicles on Forest Road: - Both Mr D Sprason and Mr T Lockley had discussed the matter with PC Riley, who agreed to raise the matter with the residents and issue parking tickets where necessary. The matter had been raised with the Borough Council parking wardens.

• County Council budget consultation: Mr D Sprason stated that the New Homes Bonus would be kept by central government to fund Social Care. The Budget proposals of an increase in Care Tax of 2% over 3 years or 3% over 2 years (therefore 6% in total) would be published following public consultation.

• Burglaries around Field Head & surrounding areas: The Police had arrested a suspect.

• Dog fouling: An email had been received from a local resident complaining about dog fouling and the lack of enforcement by the Dog Warden. This is of general concern but there is only one Dog Warden to cover the whole of the district.

• Environmental Improvement Scheme 2016/2017: Public consultation had been undertaken: 6 letters went out, only 1 objection had been received. The Parish Council would need to enter into a license agreement with Leics County Council before ordering the planters.

• Developing Communities Fund: - The draft Mr Lockley had circulated for comment, was submitted to H&BC for their consideration. They have yet to respond.

• Parish and Community Initiative Fund closing date 3rd February 2017: Several projects were suggested but because of the short time scale for getting quotations it was unclear as to whether the parish council would

make an application this year.

• The Community Library report: - Mrs. M Bowler stated that it had been a very quiet period over the Christmas period and the management committee hadn’t met this month.

• COMMUNITY CENTRE and Mayflower Close Recreation Ground: Mr T Lockley had provided the following report which had been circulated to the members prior to the meeting: Leader plus grant application All the requested additional pieces of information have been provided.

The application will be considered at a “decision group” meeting on 25th January.

SHIRE Grant application for further lighting improvements We are waiting to hear a start date from the contractor • Dogs exercising off the lead: The Parish Council had received 3 letters objecting about “dogs must be kept on the lead at all times” signs.

This matter was discussed at length. It was acknowledged that the Mayflower Close site is, because of its central location, an understandable meeting point for dog owners. However, it is also the most significant open space within the village, when it comes to the range of uses it is put to. Thus, the opportunity for potential conflict between different users is higher.

From a dog owner’s point of view there are a wide range of other nearby open spaces, which could be used, with far less opportunity of conflict arising than at Mayflower Close. It was therefore agreed to try and encourage a wider use of these sites – especially Launde Road.

The parish council would consider investing in improvements there, like additional fencing and seating.

• CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AND MUGA -The play area was looking neat and tidy. One swing seat needs replacing • JUBILEE PLAYING FIELDS REPORT: Report on the Jubilee Playing Field Committee – Mr T Lockley had written the following report and circulated it to the members prior to the meeting: Grounds maintenance:

Extracts from the Unapproved Minutes of the Markfield Parish Meeting held on Tuesday 16th January 2017 at 8.00pm at the Methodist Chapel, Markfield.

(May be subject to alteration or correction.)

Comparative quotations for grounds maintenance are still to be obtained.

A meeting with the approved contractor will take place in the next few days to talk through the agreed tree works, on this and other sites around the village.

Pavilion maintenance: Three other contractors have been approached about providing quotations to rebuilding the pavilion access ramps. To comply with current DDA regulations, the ramps will need to be slightly wider.

To date no further quotes have been received.

Markfield Colts: The recent email correspondence from Mr Lockwood, regarding the JPF, has been circulated to the committee chair, treasurer and secretary for comment. It will also be considered at the next committee meeting.

Use of the car park: Discussions with BTE have yet to take place.

Developing the JPF: Two surveyors have provided quotations to undertake a full site survey. The quotations were £450 and £1,095.

Recommendation: The Parish Council accepts the £450 quotation. Whether the survey is undertaken in the 16/17 financial year will depend on the availability of funding.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING REPORT: - Mr T Lockley had written the following report and circulated it to the members prior to the meeting: Submission to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council As agreed at the December PC meeting, the draft plan boundary and supporting document was

submitted to the borough council.

When acknowledging their receipt the borough council asked that MPC provide the following information: • Confirmation that Groby PC is happy for Field Head to be incorporated within proposed NP boundary • Confirmation that Newtown Linford PC is happy for the finger of land, between Leicester Road/ Whitwick Road and the A50, be incorporated within the proposed NP boundary • Confirmation that Charnwood Borough Council is happy for the above-mentioned finger of land being incorporated into the MPC NP. I’ve emailed the 2 parish councils and the district council requesting their formal views on the above.

To date, other than being asked

by Newtown Linford PC clerk, to provide a plan just showing the area of land we are looking to include, which falls within their jurisdiction, I’ve received no feedback from the other two organisations.

Thus, for the time being, neither we nor H&BC can progress this matter.

“Still Friday” 2017 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.

17th February

17th March

No “Still Friday” in April

19th May

16th June

21st July

15th September

20th October

18th August

17th November

No “Still Friday” in December

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

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

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

19

Mums ... Pick up a bargain at the Baby & Toddler Clothing and Toy Sale!

• CEMETERY MATTERS Cemetery Chapel: Mrs M Bowler agreed, in conjunction with other Local History Group members, to re-visit the village archive, which was currently held at Ulverscroft Grange, to see if it could be accommodated in the chapel.

• Correspondence: One item of anonymous correspondence had been received about the general appearance of Main Street • QUESTIONS TO THE CHAIR: Concerns about the trees along Leicester Road over hanging the highway. Mr T Lockley stated that all of the mature deciduous trees all had County Council TPO’s on them, but the Pine trees don’t. It is therefore a matter for the County Council planning and highways departments to consider.

Mr L Gammon, church warden at St Peter’s Church had contacted the clerk to ask for the Parish Council’s support for their application for funding from the Parish & Community Fund.

Resolved, the members supported the application.

On behalf of the Parish Council Mr M Lay thanked Mr T Lockley for all of his hard work over the last 12 months, as it had been over and above the chair’s duty.

To Advertise in The Herald, contact Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069

FOLLOWING the success of their first sale event last Winter, Groby Mums are having a nearly new sale at the Village Hall on March 4th 1.304.30.

Scaling up from the smaller room of last year, the event is in the main hall to allow for plenty pushchair space and trialling of any wheeled toys!

With ever growing children, and bags of hardly worn but outgrown clothes- Groby Mums have created an opportunity for you to grab really great bargains at their Baby and Toddler Clothing and Toy Sale. All items are ‘pre’loved’ but good quality, and with prices starting at only £2.

As Village mums who themselves have made friendships through joint local activities, they also wanted to provide an opportunity for local mums and dads to meet .So please ,come along on the day, have a chat and a shop.

Groby Mums would love to see you!

Some tables may still be available, for further details please contact Rachel 07941 556866.

Retro desserts

Bookings Now Being Taken for Mothering Sunday Treat Your Mum!

WHAT WAS the favourite dessert of your childhood?

Ever hanker for some of it now?

Then you are not alone: retro desserts are back in fashion.

Waitrose has reported that sales of trifles have soared 34 per cent in the last year. Sales of profiteroles are also on the increase. It all points to a trend for consumer nostalgia, which seems set to continue this year.

Anyone want bread and butter pudding? Some apple crumble, perhaps?

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

Traditional Sunday Lunch 1 Course - £9.00 2 Courses - £11.00 3 Courses - £13.00

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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!

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

20

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Extracts from the Unapproved Minutes of the Stanton under Bardon Parish Meeting held on Tuesday 3rd January 2017 at 7.00pm at the Village Hall, Stanton under Bardon.

News from Markfield Local History Group

(May be subject to alteration or correction.)

• Borough Councillors Report – Mr Matthew Lay Mr Matthew Lay said the Borough Council were in the early development of the planning framework, which takes a long time to develop.

There are ongoing discussions on the number of properties and to identify areas of land that are suitable for development.

Leicester is a primary centre of employment, which will lead to people relocating into the area.

Areas currently being considered are Blaby, Syston and Groby. The Parish Council of the villages have an input. The Borough Council has had a presentation.

There have been discussions around traveller sites, which will become the focus of the Borough Council. As Stanton Under Bardon has had a new development there will be no real and justifiable need for further developments. The additional Milner site has still to be built.

Mr Lay encouraged Stanton under Bardon Parish Council to do a neighbourhood plan.

Mr Ian Briggs informed those present that he is researching the requirements on behalf of the Parish Council. Mr Ian Briggs has contacted Markfield Parish Council to investigate whether a joint approach might be feasible. Mr Matthew Lay said the Borough Council are looking to develop their resources to work with Parish Councils on neighbourhood plans.

Neighbourhood Plans provide a safeguard for Parish Councils in the planning process. Mr Lay will also support the Parish Council in developing a neighbourhood plan. Mr Ian Briggs will report back on his findings to the Annual Parish Council Meeting. Mr Lay said there were grants and money available to offset the costs involved.

The Parish Council doesn’t have to spend lots of money on producing the template, the basic need is to try to get the community involved. Mr Ian Briggs will be distributing information to all parishioners and inviting them to join a Neighbourhood Planning Forum.

The Borough Council is increasing its own precept by £5.00, a 2% rise. There will be a freeze on the green waste charge.

Thanks were given to Mr Matthew Lay

• Questions to the Chair Mr Hambleton – the Parish Council understands that the land he is farming is being “set aside” presently. Mr Hambleton needs to cut the hedges as maintenance of these are included in the contract with the Parish Council. The hedges need to be done as soon as possible or they will have to wait until September to avoid the nesting season.

Clerk to write to Mr Hambleton to ask what his intentions are in respect of retaining the land, and to carry on farming the land as a tenant. Also to ask if he will be cutting the hedges, as he usually does, and when he plans to do the work.

The fence is also in disrepair; this is the Parish Council’s responsibility. Parish Council to get quotes, which will possibly be around £1,000; this will be included in the budget for 2017/18 • Inland Revenue: Parish Councillors suggested employing a taxation specialist to advise on the completion of the tax returns. Following a discussion it was resolved the Clerk contact Ibstock Accountants to get a quote.

• Parish Properties: Recreation Ground – All fine except the fence remains down.

Brian Mee Associates to repair as soon as possible in the New Year.

The Parish Council considered obtaining a padlock for the allotment gate.

• 2017/18 Parish Precept: Government is not going to put a cap on the Parish Council this year but could put a cap on future years. It was resolved that the Parish Council would increase the precept this year: income per property would increase by £1.25, this would equate to a 3 % rise.

Clerk to write to Fiona McArthur, HBBC, informing her that the Parish Council requests a 3% increase to provide a total precept of £11,510 per annum.

I WONDER how many of you have seen the information board which was erected last year in the car park on the corner of Upland Drive in Markfield, almost opposite the Fish and Chip shop?

This resulted from a lot of hard work by members of Markfield Local History Group with the support of the Parish Council, and shows some of the older buildings within the village and their history. At the Annual General Meeting of the group, held in January, we learnt that the Parish council is hoping to place a larger information board here and reposition the smaller board in another location within the village.

Historical information about the buildings within the village is included in the village trail leaflet, which was designed by members of the History Group and is on sale from the Library or from the group at 50p per copy.

The walk that takes place in July as part of the nationwide Archaeology Festival visits a number of the places described on the leaflet and, if you are new to the village or have lived here for many years, it is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the places which we see every day. Keep your eyes open for more information about this nearer the time!

Our Annual General Meeting AT OUR Annual General Meeting we looked back at the programme for the past year which included a visit to Mount St. Bernard’s Abbey as well as the walk around the village.

Our visiting speakers gave insights into the House of the Greys, Non-Conformity in Markfield and surrounding parishes and a virtual pub crawl through Victorian Leicester!

The next meeting of the group is on 21st March 2017 and more information will be available nearer the time. Please do come along and learn more about some fascinating subjects!

Interested? For more information about Markfield Local History Group, contact Rosie Woodland on 01530 244497 or visit the website for MLHG which is www.markfieldhistory.btck.co.uk

Less drink, less smoke TODAY’S youngsters are the least likely on record to have had an alcoholic drink or smoked by the time they are 16.

Whereas in 2003, 45 per cent of 8 to 15 year-olds had tried alcohol, the figure is now less than 16 per cent. And whereas in 2003, 19 per cent of children had smoked by the age of 15, nowadays it is just four per cent.

These findings from the 2016 Health Survey of England have been welcomed by health experts and parent groups. But the group Alcohol Concern warns that, past the age of 16, worrying trends still remain. Alcohol is the leading cause of death among 15 to 49 year-olds.

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

21

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Congregational Church 01530 242142

Sunday 19 March (Lent 3) 10.30am United Service at Congregational Church 6.00pm Evening Communion Service

Sunday 19th February 10.30am United Churches Together Service at Parish Church

Thursday 23 March 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café

Sunday 26th February 10.15am Morning Worship

Sunday 26 March (Mothering Sunday) 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service

Sunday 5th March 10.15am Morning Worship followed by Communion Sunday 12th March 10.15am Morning Worship Sumday 19th March 10.30am United Churches Together Service in Our Church

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 19th February 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 26th February 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper (note: change to usual date of Lord’s Supper) Sunday 5th March 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 12th March 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper Sunday 19th March 10.30am Morning Service There is a Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section in this magazine.

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield Sunday 19 February 10.30am United Churches Together Service at Parish Church 6.00pm No Evening Service Thursday 23rd February 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café Sunday 26 February 9.45am Focused Prayer Fellowship 10.30am Morning Communion Service 6.00pm No Evening Service Sunday 5 March (Lent 1) 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Taizé Service Thursday 9 March 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café Sunday 12 March (Lent 2) 9.45am Focused Prayer Fellowship 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Afternoon Café Style Service

Sunday 2 April (Passion Sunday) 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Taizé Service

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield Sunday12th February 10.30 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 19th February 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at St Michael’s Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 5th March 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 26th March 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday12th March 10.30 am Holy Communion

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

Sunday 19th March 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 26th March 10.30 am “Something Different” Mothering Sunday Service

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday12th February 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th February 10.30 am Holy Communion Wednesday 22nd February 10.00 am Midweek Communion and Coffee Sunday 26th February 10.30 am All Age Service

Friday 17th February 8.00 pm “Still Friday”

Sunday 5th March 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 26th February 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service

Sunday12th March 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 5th March 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday12th March 10.30 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 19th March 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at Markfield Congregational Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Friday 17th March 8.00 pm “Still Friday” Sunday 26th March 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30am All Age Mothering Sunday Service 6.00 pm Evening Service

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday12th February 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th February 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 26th February 10.30 am “Something Different” Service

Sunday 19th March 10.30 am Holy Communion Wednesday 22nd March 10.00 am Midweek Communion and Coffee Sunday 26th March 10.30 am All Age Mothering Sunday Service

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 5th March 9.00 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak

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

Parish Priest: Fr Tom Breslin – 01530 832098, www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website: www.stwilfscoalville. blogspot.co.uk St Clare’s R C Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747, www.st-clares.leics. sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739, www.delisle./leics.sch.uk Markfield Masses - in the Congregational Church Hall, Main St, beside the Chinese Takeaway Wednesday 15 March 2017 at 7pm Wednesday 21 June 2017 at 7pm Wednesday 20 September 2017 at 7pm Wednesday 15 November 2017 at 7pm

Car Stickers all popular with women • • • • •

My mother is a travel agent for guilt trips.

Princess, having had sufficient experience with princes, seeks frog.

Coffee, chocolate, men.

Some things are just better rich.

Don’t treat me any differently than you would the Queen.

If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen.

Sunday12th February 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 19th February 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service) Sunday 26th February 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 5th March 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday12th March 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 19th March 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service)

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

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Tower Runners travelling from overseas to climb St George’s Tower

23

Bagworth Forward Group

Enhancing Bagworth

THE BAGWORTH Forward Group (BFG) held their first meeting of the year.

AN EVENT which sees people race up to the top of Leicester’s St George’s Tower has attracted runners from as far as Spain and Austria, with over 100 runners already set to climb the 351 steps of the city’s most iconic building.

Saturday 11th March will see the return of the UK Tower Running Championships to Leicester, as both elite participants and charity fundraisers alike climb the iconic blue building for LOROS Hospice.

Among those who have signed up for the event, which is in its second year, is Austrian tower runner, Rolf Majcen, who is currently ranked 29th in the world.

“Although the race itself is relatively short compared to events like The Empire State Building Run Up, it is a tremendous challenge because your body has to work at its limit throughout,” said Rolf.

“St George’s Tower will be my 142nd stair climb and I’m really looking forward to visiting my first UK city outside of London.”

Competing against Rolf in a bid to retain his title is reigning UK Champion Mark ‘The Marauder’ Sims.

“It’s great to be able to combine the sport I enjoy with raising funds for such a worthwhile cause. I’ve been training hard so hope I can as fast if not faster than last year,” said Mark, who last year climbed the tower in just 95.62 seconds.

2017 has already seen three times as many sign-up to tackle to the tower’s 20 floors, with participants ranging from local runners and walkers through to some of Europe’s best stair climbers.

LOROS Challenge Events Co-ordinator, Andrew Ward said: “It’s brilliant that we’ve be able to bring this event to Leicester for the second year running.

“Last year, times ranged from just 95 seconds to six minutes, it really is amazing to see such a wide variety of people getting involved all in support of LOROS.” For more information or to find out how you can sign up, visit loros.co.uk/ tower Entry costs just £17 or is free for anyone that pledges to raise £50 for LOROS.

The members discussed ways to carry out their aim of enhancing the life of the village. The main way of raising money is with the Bagworth Show.

This will take place as always on the Saturday of August Bank Holiday, 26th August. Can other people in the village who organise events around this time please note the date. This year will be 15th Annual Show.

The Show started life as a Vegetable, Flower, Fruit, Baking, Arts and Crafts and Children’s Show. We now have over 100 classes so there is something for everyone. The judging is carried out by properly trained and qualified judges. There are not only certificates to be won but also over 20 trophies. Look out for the Schedule being published. In addition, there are stalls on the day, as well as hot and cold food and drinks.

Last year we added a Dog Show to the day and this proved to be a very popular addition. Again these are judged by properly trained and qualified judges. Consequently this will be repeated so again look out for further details.

As part of the Show weekend, there are two trophies presented, one for the best small front garden and one for the best big front garden. All gardens in Bagworth are judged during the year, so if you want to be in with a chance of winning, then start getting organised now.

BFG also organises prize bingo evenings in the Community Centre.

Spring bingo will take place on Monday 24th April at 7.30 pm. Come along and not only win prizes but also help to support good things happening in the village.

If you would like to help with the Show or join BFG, then please leave a message either on 01530 230429 or at Austin@bagworth.freeserve.co.uk

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

24

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Thornton Club 231, Main Street, Thornton

“Any Excuse for a Party!”

Parish Social A friendly and fun evening with live music from

NATALIE NIGHTINGALE & JULIE WINCH Entertainment, Conversation, Raffle Bring & Share Buffet

Saturday 25th February 7pm – 10pm

DOORS OPEN 6.45pm

Entrance: FREE More info: call 01530 230 455

CARERS WANTED Start your career in care You can make a difference…

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South Charnwood High School Markfield Leicestershire LE67 9TB

PARENT/COMMUNITY GOVERNORS We are currently looking for people to join our Governing Body and have the following vacancies:

1 x Parent Governor 2 x Community Governors Acting as a school governor is an opportunity to have an impact on education and positively influence children’s lives. Your input on issues such as finance, site management and curriculum development will help to influence and improve school performance.

Grandad’s Carers work for a reputable Company with 25 years experience of delivering care Get in touch…

Call us on: 01455292648 Email: www.managementteam@givecare.co.uk www.givecarehomecare.co.uk

Free training is available to develop skills.

Please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for information about South Charnwood High School.

Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org To find out more about becoming a school governor visit www.becomeagovernor.com.

South Charnwood High School is a “Safer Recruitment School” and this position is a regulated activity

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

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

News from Cross Hills Baptist Church Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area EMBA Small Church Network Course, 21st January WE WERE pleased to host this one day course at Cross Hills, arranged and run by Rev Ellen Price, Regional Minister at the East Midlands Baptist Association.

Entitled “Coming to the Well”, the course ran from 10am to 3.30pm on a Saturday and explored relationships in smaller churches.

Over 40 people attended from a number of small churches in the Leicester/Leicestershire area and from further afield. With lots of interaction and exchanges of ideas throughout the day, it was designed to encourage good and fulfilling relationships in small churches so that everyone respects one another’s differences in character and ideas, even where they may not agree with one another over a matter, and particularly where suitable compromises need to be found. Mid-way through the day everyone enjoyed fellowship over a lunch of jacket potatoes, salad and baked beans followed by various gateaux all excellently planned and prepared by some of our church members, the Holmes family. Everyone found the course very helpful, full of ideas and it was a fulfilling and uplifting day.

Trainee BMS Missionaries’ visit, 29th January AT OUR service on the last Sunday in January we were pleased to host a visit by Dave and Michelle Mahon who travelled from Birmingham with their 3 children Jonathan, Ruth and Phoebe.

They are currently in training with the Baptist Missionary Society, at the end of which they are hoping to go to work in Peru. Dave told us about their backgrounds - he was born and educated in England, his parents having come to live here from Barbados in the 1960s, and

Michelle grew up in Nigeria then came to England with her parents when she was 19. They are both very strong in their faith and Dave has been working as a Pastor in a Baptist church in the Birmingham area during the last 4 years. They are now looking forward to going to Peru where there is a need to support Christian pastors, spiritually, biblically and practically and where they feel God is calling them to work. They know they will be going to a very different climate and culture compared to their life in England but are looking forward to working with the local communities there. They were a very warm, friendly and loving family and we are looking forward to keeping in touch with them, praying for safekeeping for them and their family and hearing their stories about their time in Peru.

Church Services WE ARE always pleased to welcome newcomers to our church family and you’ll find the times of our services in the Church Service Information section in this magazine.

We serve tea, coffee and biscuits (and sometimes cake!) in our church hall after our services, so there is time to chat and make new friends. 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

Glynis Straw On behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

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

Thanks!

25

Nominate your favourite people and places for a Green Plaque MORE PEOPLE and places across Leicestershire are set to be honoured with a Green Plaque award.

A fresh call has gone out for nominations in the latest round of the Leicestershire County Council scheme, which recognises the contribution to a local community made by an individual, a place or an event.

Nominations close on Monday, 20th March when a panel of judges, including honorary aldermen, will whittle down the list to 12 contenders before the public are asked to vote on the top six to receive an honour.

“We’ve already had some terrifically varied plaques awarded – from war heroes to comedians and even a racehorse – but we’re keen to hear about other people and places that have left their mark on the county,” said Councillor Peter Lewis, who has Cabinet responsibility for Green Plaques.

Past recipients of a Green Plaque include railways pioneer George Stephenson, Monty Python star Graham Chapman and the John Taylor Bellfoundry at Loughborough.

Last December, the Barwell meteorite, which fell in the Leicestershire village back in 1965, was the latest event to be commemorated with a plaque. To submit a nomination, and for more information, visit the website at: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/greenplaques

Women's World Day of Prayer Friday 3rd March Am I being unfair to you? prepared by the Christian women of the Philippines

Markfield Retirement Village, at 11.00 am Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield, at 2.30 pm Cross Hills Baptist Church, at 7.30 pm Everyone (men, women and children) is invited to join in one of these services, which are always inspirational.

Women’s World Day of Prayer is an international, ecumenical, prayer movement that invites women, from a different part of the world each year, to prepare a worship service through which their hopes and fears for their country may be brought before the whole world in prayer.

The Philippines comprises a group of islands located on the Pacific Ring of Fire close to the equator. This contributes to the high incidence of typhoons and earthquakes (around 20 per year.)

Climate change has led to an increase in storms, droughts and severe typhoons with Typhoon Yolanda, (or Haiyan), recorded in November 2013 as the most severe storm ever to hit land and claiming thousands of lives.

Everyone is welcome to attend the service, men, women – of all ages.

Come along and find out more!

Newbold Verdon Jazz Club FEBRUARY 3rd saw the many jazz enthusiasts at Newbold welcoming back New Orleans Heat.

The regular seven piece line up of Richard Church cornet/trumpet, Dave Vickers trombone, Roger Bird clarinet/sax, Barry Grummett piano, Colin Bushell drums, Harry Slater bass and Alan Birkinhead banjo provided us with a very lively evening of traditional music.

They also played several requests including Burgundy Street Blues and St Philip Street Breakdown which always goes down well. All in all a very good evening and we look forward to seeing them again in the future.

THE NEXT CONCERT is at the usual venue of Newbold Verdon Social Club on Friday March 3rd at 8.00pm and will feature The Sopranos. Although only formed in late 2014 this band has already received standing ovations. The arrangement of a two reed front line of Chris Pearce and Andy Leggett, with a rhythm section of banjo/guitar, bass and drums has a strong tradition going back to the early Twenties and coming right up to the present day.

Now with the addition of trombone, other interesting possibilities arise. This will be a highly entertaining gig, led by two master saxophonists.

For more information please call Kelvin on 01455 822824 or Pauline on 0116 2865496.

I went to a garage sale, but when I got there the people didn’t want to sell their garage after all.

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Donation CAN WE please say a huge thank you to the gentleman who came into the library over the Christmas holidays and handed over an envelope containing an anonymous donation towards the library funds.

He left quite quickly so we were unable to thank him properly. Donations are greatly appreciated and once again we would like to express our sincere thanks to him but would like to say next time - please stay for a chat and a cuppa!

Dementia Friends Coffee Morning IN JANUARY we held a coffee morning hosted by local resident Doug, a Dementia Friends Champion.

The aim of Dementia Friends is to reach out to friends, neighbours and the community to explain a little more about living with dementia. The Friends eventually hope to make all of the community Dementia Friendly which means that people living with dementia, who would appreciate a little extra understanding, will know they are not alone but are surrounded by people who understand them a little more and are willing to help them live well.

The talk was extremely inspiring and thought provoking. Doug explained that dementia is diseases of the brain and is not a natural consequence of getting older and although Alzheimers is probably the most well known form of dementia there are lots of others.

Having explained something of what dementia is, he went on to illustrate its effects using a bookcase analogy – which was very apt in our case. The purpose of this was to describe how dementia affects people who live with it and why forgetting facts, names, faces and so on doesn’t necessarily involve the loss of the associated emotions. The examples given enabled people to understand much more about how they might be able to help in those small ways which make such a big difference. There’s more to the person than the disease.

We are planning to invite Doug again later in the year for another talk and coffee morning, but in the meantime if you would like more information on how to become a dementia friend please visit their website www. dementiafriends.org.uk or pop into the library and we can give you more details and how you can contact Doug.

bloodline and found he was a distant relative of a 12th century King who became the first Prince of Wales. So if someone as unlikely as Danny and Greg are related to royalty you could be too!

Why not go back in time and discover your ancestors and heritage by joining our Ancestry sessions every Thursday between 1.30pm and 3.00pm. We have an expert researcher on hand to help you trace your family tree, she not only has all the knowledge to help you work through all the paperwork and websites on the Library’s free Ancestry websites, but she is also very tenacious!

World Book Day - March 2nd WORLD BOOK DAY is a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and most importantly it’s a celebration of reading.

It is designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading and is marked in over 100 countries all over the world.

World Book Day is celebrating is 20th year and its main aim is to encourage children to explore the pleasure of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own National Book Tokens Ltd give millions of free £1 book vouchers to children both young and old who then take the voucher to a local bookseller and use it to pick one of 10 brand new and free books. The free books on offer this year are:

Quiz Night: Thursday 30th March OUR NEXT quiz night is March 30th at 7.30pm in the Library.

The entry is £1 per person, and please come along on your own as we will make up the teams on the night. As usual, although refreshments are available, please feel free to bring a bottle.

The winning team will have a choice of either pocketing half the proceeds from the evening or each team member can choose a book from our donated book rack. The winners from our last quiz went home with a fabulous cook book and two thrillers!

‘Made In Markfield’ Exhibition DO YOU have a hobby or craft you would like to share with others.

We are planning an exhibition in the library where local people will have the chance to show off their crafts big or small. You will have the opportunity for demonstrations and hands-on sessions.

You will also have a chance to sell your wares if you wish. We have yet to fix a date, but if you are interested then please get in touch by emailing markfieldcommunitylibraryevents@mail.com or call into the library to register your interest.

Who Do You Think You Are? WELL, who’d have thought that both the comedian Greg Davies and Danny Dyer, the cockney actor starring in the BBC soap Eastenders, had royal connections. Both recently appeared on BBC’s lineage show Who Do You Think You Are? Danny discovered he is related to not one but two kings as well as Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s trusted advisor.

The research took Danny as far back as Edward III and then further back to William the Conqueror, both it appears are distant relatives and part of Danny’s bloodline. Greg on the other hand traced his family tree back to the Welsh royal

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

27

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

All the latest news from

“Still Friday” 2017 We are pleased to say that we have been given some of these £1 book tokens to give away to school age children under the age of 18. The tokens are valid from February 27th to March 26th and are available in the library now! Please call in any time during opening hours to pick up your free book token.

Competition HELP US try to win £100 worth of Jacqueline Wilson books for our Library!

Butterfly Beach is the brand-new story from Jacqueline Wilson, and is published specially for World Book Day and is one of the free books with the £1 book token.

‘Selma can’t wait to go on holiday with her best friend, Tina. But a holiday with Tina means a holiday with her triplet sisters too - and it’s not long before Selma feels like the odd one out. Can their shared love of butterflies bring Selma and Tina together again?’

To celebrate the arrival of Butterfly Beach and win £100 worth of Jacqueline Wilson books, including a signed copy of The Butterfly Club, join us in the library on World Book Day, Thursday March 2nd between 6.00pm and 7.00pm and design the most creative and colourful butterfly you can, using any material you like! We will supply some materials but if you have something extra special you would like to bring along to use on your design please do.

Our opening hours are: Monday

9.00am to 10.00am 1.00pm to 3.00pm 6.00pm to 7.00pm

Tuesday

9.00am to 10.00am 1.00pm to 3.00pm 6.00pm to 7.00pm

Wednesday 9.00am to 10.00am Closed

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.

17th February

17th March

No “Still Friday” in April

19th May

16th June

21st July

15th September

20th October

No “Still Friday” in December

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

Churches Together in Markfield initiative

Creative suggestions for reading, thinking and exploring prayer, with time and space just to be.

Congregational Church Hall - 6-7pm Thursdays 23rd February, 23rd March Come for as long as you wish and leave when you want.

Refreshments available. All are welcome.

Closed

Thursday

9.00am to 10.00am 1.00pm to 3.00pm 6.00pm to 7.00pm

Friday

9.00am to 10.00am 1.00pm to 3.00pm Closed

Saturday

10.00am to 12 noon Closed

Closed

Sunday Closed

Table TopFriday” Sale 2017 “Still

to include Bric a Brac, Cakes, Crafts & Raffle Each eveningRefreshments will include simple reflective worship songs, silence, prayer, readings and th responses and last up to an hour.

25Come March 10.00am AllSaturday are welcome. along and enjoytill the1.00pm peace.

OakMarch Memorial Hall 17th FebruaryCopt 17th No “Still Friday” in April 19th May

Outdoor adventures - or surfing the net WOULD YOU worry about your child if he or she went sailing at night without a life jacket or adults around?

Well, a recent study of the perilous adventures described in the classic adventure Swallows & Amazons has concluded that even these activities would be safer and more beneficial for children than hours spent using gadgets.

According to Julian Lovelock, former Dean of Arts and Pro ViceChancellor of the University of Buckingham, children do not spend enough time living in the real world. “Children have too little freedom to go off exploring.” He believes that being outdoors helps children to boost their problem-solving skills, cooperation with others, their focus and self-discipline.

18th August

17th November

LE67 9QB, next to the Copt Oak Pub 16th June

21st July

18th August

£10October – booking essential 15th September Stalls20th 17th November Entrance 50p – children free No “Still Friday” in December

Further details 0116 2674746 or Angels’ 01530 244229 Fridays 8.00contact pm at St. Michael & All Church Ample free parking Proceeds in aid of St. Peter’s Church Copt Oak.

Churches Together in Markfield initiative

Creative suggestions for reading, thinking and exploring prayer, with time and space just to be.

Congregational Church Hall - 6-7pm Thursdays 23rd February, 23rd March Come for as long as you wish and leave when you want.

Refreshments available. All are welcome.

I’m going to buy my boss a watch because every day he says to me: ‘What time do you call this?’

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THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Songs of the Spirit

Markfield Surgery and Patient Participation Group (PPG) news THE JANUARY meeting of the PPG was the AGM, where we looked back on the successes and issues of 2016 and forward to the new objectives for 2017 and beyond.

You will all be aware from the media that the NHS faces challenges in terms of finance and the services that can be provided but what does this mean for you, our patients? We discussed the concerns patients have raised and several areas we felt were particularly relevant.

Appointments

5th March 21st May, 2nd July 3.30-5.15pm Groby Village Hall Songs from around the world that make your heart 'sing' Songs of joy, liberation and peace with Christian roots Come and add your voice to the harmonies, no singing experience necessary All ages are welcome although we ask that parents help us maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Led by local professional musician No booking required. £2.00 donation at the door.

Tea and cake included.

for more information contact Karen 07739 555015

SOME PEOPLE find it hard to make an appointment on the day, especially on Mondays when people need to see a doctor following the weekend.

The surgery has looked closely at the appointments system and have put a range of strategies in place, including appointments with the practice nurse for certain conditions where it is not necessary to see a doctor in the first instance. In order for this to work effectively, the receptionists have received training so that they can ask relevant questions and direct patients to the appropriate health professional. They are all bound by a confidentiality agreement and all conversations are strictly private.

However, some people find it hard to share their worries with anyone but a doctor and this can therefore mean that appointments with doctors are booked quickly. We would encourage patients to feel able to answer questions freely with the receptionists so that they can be directed to the appropriate Health Professional as soon as possible.

However, this is not the only reason that there might be a delay in getting an appointment.

The surgery analyses all appointments made and kept on a monthly basis and look at how many appointments are not kept. For example, in December, 30 Doctors’ appointments were not kept, amounting to 5 ½ hours which could have gone to other patients. Similarly, 41 appointments with the Practice Nurse and 49 with the Healthcare assistants were not kept, which meant over 17 hours for patients to have blood tests and other necessary procedures more quickly had these times been available. It is therefore very important that you let the Surgery know if you cannot make an appointment so that it can be offered to someone else. There is always a raft of important work to be done in these slots but the priority of the surgery is first and foremost to see and treat all patients as soon as possible and this can be done with your help. The Surgery and the PPG will be monitoring the appointments over the coming year and will be looking for further ways to improve the patient experience.

Medicine waste DID YOU know that the scale of medicine waste in Primary and Community Care in England amounts to £300,000 pounds every year ?!

West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (WLCCG) are so concerned about this that they are running a campaign to reduce medicine waste as much as possible. For example, when ordering a repeat prescription, do you check what medicines you already have at home, or simply tick all the boxes on the Prescription form? Apparently, many people order too much and then end up with a stockpile of certain medicines in the cupboard which are never used. The WLCCG are asking everyone to open the bag in the chemist’s shop and check whether all the medicines are needed. If not, the pharmacist will accept the medicine back into stock as long as it has not left the shop. Also, some people do not regularly review their medicines with the doctor and so may continue to take some which are not suitable or necessary for their condition. The PPG will be working with the surgery and the Pharmacy to promote this campaign and help prevent medicine wastage wherever possible.

Your First Contact for Information Advice and Support in Leicestershire FIRST CONTACT Plus is a new online tool which helps adults in Leicestershire find information about a range of services all in one place.

The initiative is delivered by Leicestershire County Council in partnership with GPs, the police, health organisations, voluntary groups and social care departments, district & borough councils who are helping adults across the county by working together to make access to services much easier.

Information and resources on housing, health, new service living

My friend Ena is very giddy. Whenever we meet and I say ‘Hi, Ena’, she laughs her head off.

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk independently, money advice, work, security and other topics that assist the county’s residents can be found at First Contact Plus.

To explore the resources available to Leicestershire residents, visit First Contact Plus on their website www.firstcontactplus.org.uk. This has links to some very useful websites.

29

Christmas Day Event Helps 80 Local Folk

Stay Well This Winter IT’S IMPORTANT to look after yourself, especially during the winter.

The good news is that it is still not too late to get protected by having the flu vaccine. So, if you’re eligible, please make sure that you get the free flu jab from the NHS. You can be sure that it won’t make you ill, and it might save your life.

One the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm. Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Respiratory conditions such as asthma can be triggered by cold dry air, so keep warm and dry and make sure that you are wrapped up when you go out, with gloves, a scarf and a hat. You can watch a special video on how to make the best use of your inhaler at this website; staywell-llr.org.uk/stay-well/flu-jab-is-vital-for-people-withasthma/?video=7dJAFDai86K. If you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should heat your home to at least 18C. It’s a good idea to keep your bedroom at this temperature all night if you can. During the day you may prefer your living room to be slightly warmer.

Food is a vital source of energy, which helps keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.

You may also be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Grants available include the winter fuel payment and cold weather payment.

We will keep you updated on our objectives over the year and, as always, please let us know if you have any suggestions or queries. The contact details for the PPG members can be found on display in the foyer.

We wish you all a very Happy New Year.

EVERYONE WHO attended Christmas day for those alone in Anstey and surrounding villages had a great day, volunteers and guests alike.

We catered for 80 people! All guests had a lovely 5 course Christmas dinner, a present each and a goody bag with lots of yummy treats.

We enjoyed great entertainment with Nigel on his squeeze box doing a Christmas sing along followed by Nick and Debbie who are an absolutely brilliant duo and of course several games of bingo!

We would like to thank all the volunteers who came forward to help both prior to the day and on the day whether that be the initial planning, securing funds, setting up the room, wrapping presents, putting up posters, providing transport, hosting a table, and last but so very much not least all those involved in the catering. The meal was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and catering for 80 is not an easy task! Julie Ford and her team did an amazing job as usual.

A very grateful thanks to the companies etc.. who support us – to Next for again donating all the lovely presents for everyone. Glenfield Travel customers who raise money to give to different charities each year and this year we are grateful they chose us, their donation of around £350 provided us with the funds to purchase new catering equipment and they also bought all the chocolate oranges for the goody bags. Anstey Parish Council for their donation of £250.

Thanks to all the companies and people who provided us with treats for the goody bags – to Jacobs bakeries in Wigston who always support us but this year were outstanding and provided us with all the biscuits we needed, to all my wonderful work colleagues who provided all the boxes of chocolates and to other companies who helped in some way including Aldi and Central England Co-op.

Thanks to our local businesses who always support us – including Roy Green surveyors, Roots and Fruits and the Anstey Nomads. Thanks also to individual people who have donated cash or goods – it is very much appreciated.

Thanks also to St Marys Church, Anstey who don’t charge anywhere near the full amount for hiring the room and without the room this couldn’t go ahead so thanks very much for the use of the room once again.

Thanks for reading and a happy New Year.

Kerry Sharpe

At any time, the temptation to sing ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ is never more than a whim away.

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2/14/2017

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Word Search Puzzle

BRITISH BIRD Wordsearch

Forgot username or password? Passcode/Create New

FIND 12 BRITISH BIRDS in this month’s Wordsearch puzzle and you could win yourself a meal and a Free Resources drink. This month weSolutions for Districts are offering a tasty prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel.

What We Offer

Who We Are

Teachers

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 well-known British birds. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: WATCH THE BIRDIE, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 4th March 2017. Remember S S C I H Q I Y Y Q T N X Y P L G to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out R E K C E P D O O W N E E R G I O of the hat will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel. Good X X I G Q V W J B Z N N O O T A L luck!

W R Y C G S O L O O P D D A I T D D A F A S T A D E S L S B H T G F K U U T U C T G D W U A E P L A I D C T B K V I Y W E D M I U A W N L R O B W P G N I L R A T S O D C F D I N D W U D B R R A E W C E H H R S O N G T H R U S H L P K I R D O O Y C U K F N E L Y M L M P V C W Y G C R D E I X J L L J O B T X Q W A M B F P K F H N F V I C E N A I S N G G G I R B G F I R L G C Q A B D A I V O G I X G M N X P B R V T M H L L G X M D A A V C A Z V S Q I J N H H X X K T O A L H BLACKBIRD BULLFINCH COALTIT COLLAREDDOVE DUNNOCK GOLDFINCH GREENWOODPECKER MAGPIE PIEDWAGTAIL SONGTHRUSH STARLING WOODPIGEON

Find the following 12 BRITISH BIRDS:

BLACKBIRD • BULLFINCH • COALTIT COLLARED DOVE • DUNNOCK • GOLDFINCH GREEN WOODPECKER • MAGPIE • PIED WAGTAIL SONG THRUSH • STARLING • WOOD PIGEON Name: ...................................................................................................

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

Last Month’s Competition Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch Competition was: STEPHANIE COUPLAND of Greenhill Road, Coalville.

Congratulations! Your voucher will be sent to you soon.

Dog Microchipping Service Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s Dog Warden Service offers a microchipping service for your dog.

Microchipping is a secure way of permanently identifying your dog. From 2016 it has been a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped.

It is estimated that less than half of all dogs that go missing each year are reunited with their owners.

The Dog Warden always scans stray dogs in an attempt to reunite them with their owner easily and quickly.

A microchip is a small electronic device,

which is implanted under the skin. No Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com anaesthetic is required and the procedure should cause no more discomfort than a standard vaccination.

Getting your dog microchipped gives the assurance that should he become lost (or be stolen), he is more likely to be returned to you safe and sound.

Our next microchipping event is: Markfield Community and Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield Wednesday 22 March between 2.00pm and 4.00pm Cost £10 per dog For further details of this service including cost please contact:

Dog Warden Service tel 01455 255946

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I’ve just joined the coastguard. It should be an easy job because who’s going to try to steal the coast?

Pare

31

THE HERALD • FEBRUARY 2017 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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Cows would live longer if they weren’t made of steak and leather jackets.