Issuu

MID-FEBRUARY 2021

Shrove Tuesday is 16th February

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

Going, going, gone – Progress with the the end of an era! Markfield Parish Neighbourhood Plan I WOULD LIKE to start by saying thank-you to every individual and organisation who took the opportunity to comment on the pre-submission version of the Markfield Parish NP last Autumn. All your comments have been carefully considered and, in some cases, have led to amendments being made to the plan.

2020

MARKFIELD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH BUILDING, MAIN STREET, MARKFIELD, LE67 9UU

Markfield Parish Neighbourhood Plan 2020-2036

Now, 3 months on, with the amended plan having been approved by Markfield Parish PRE-SUBMISSION DRAFT Council, we are now hopefully on the home straight. Our amended plan, now known as the “Submission Plan” has been sent to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. It must check it conforms to all the relevant statutory requirements. If it does then it must then publicise the plan for a minimum of 6 weeks and invite representations. They will also notify any body or individual who commented on the earlier presubmission draft of the plan. Thereafter Hinckley & Bosworth BC will send the plan for independent examination. The Examiner’s role is to test whether the plan meets the basic conditions laid-out in the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act. Although, very occasionally, an examiner may feel the need to hold the plans’ examination in public, it normally is not. They can, if they feel the need to do so, invite further representations. All being well we would hope our plan will be with an examiner by late Spring. Thereafter, subject to there being no hiccups along the way, we hope by this summer our plan will have progressed to local referendum stage. Registered voters in Markfield Parish will be able to vote in the referendum. Providing more than 50% support the plan, the Neighbourhood Plan will be brought into force by Hinckley and Bosworth BC and the plan becomes a legally recognised planning document. Regrettably, because of lockdown restrictions, there can’t be any public meetings to discuss our plan, but both it and numerous supporting documents can be viewed on the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan website https://npsg.markfieldpc.org.uk/our-neighbourhood-plan/

Tony Lockley

GUIDE PRICE £80,000

BY THE TIME you read this article, the building known as Markfield Congregational Church will be up for sale by auction. Sadly, we will also have already held our final service in the building. We would have loved to open that final service up to the village but due to Covid restrictions and risk assessments, it was impossible to have an open invitation. We are really sorry about this but trust that you understand why we decided to do it this way. So, although you may not have been able to say goodbye to the old building, we hope that when the Congregational Church Hall has been refurbished, we will be able to hold a special service to dedicate the ‘new-building’ to God for the work of the church and the use of the community. We will let you know when it will be, so long as we are permitted to gather together and, hopefully, SING!

Rev Joy Langford EDITOR’S NOTE: The Congregational Church is being offered for sale by Andrew Granger & Co using the Traditional Online Auction method. The auction runs throughout the whole of February, so if you’re interested in purchasing the property, you still have time to make a bid. Visit www.andrewgranger.co.uk or telephone 0116 242 9933 for more information.

Reserve Herald Deliverers Needed in Markfield & Stanton The Herald needs a few additional reserve deliverers to step in on the occasions when one of the regular deliverers is unavailable. Are you able to help? No training is required, it’s a healthy way to spend an hour or so once a month, and you get paid! You need to be over 13. Contact Herald Delivery Manager Rowan Pell on 01530 242059 for more information.

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THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

An Appeal

LAPTOPS FOR MERCENFELD PRIMARY SCHOOL

AS MANY OF YOU will have heard on various news programmes schools are in urgent need of laptops to assist in remote learning in these days of COVID lockdown. There are many families who cannot afford one laptop let alone two if there is more than one child who need that remote access. This is where you come in. For some reason primary schools are not party to the government scheme to apply for help. Have you, or anyone you know, an old laptop lurking in the back of a cupboard or in the attic that we can recycle for use at Mercenfeld Primary School? As long as it powers up, ideally has a charger and the screen works then we can use it. It can be wiped clean and prepared for school use. At the time of writing, 13th January, we have managed to provide the school with fifteen devices with another five or so promised. Although this helps, unfortunately, this is nowhere enough. So please spread the word in order that we can help as many children as we can. In the first instance please contact me either on 07584 683022 or by emailing me on alanrockey@hotmail.com or find me on the local Facebook groups Spotted Markfield and Markfield Watch.

Alan Rockey

Letter

‘With an open mind’ AT THE BACK end of 2020 Joshua Bailey entered a competition for Mental Health Week “Beyond Words” His poem was selected to be published on their website.

During the Christmas period Joshua has helped support the Bagworth Response Team by sending a copy out to all the vulnerable, he has received so much positive feedback and to date helped cheer people up with his words. I thought you would maybe like to share his poem in your next issue.

Fiona Bailey

‘With an open mind’ by Joshua Bailey (11-14) Lock down is depressing, gives you a view of what a prisoner’s life is like. The need to protect the vulnerable and with a positive mental attitude we can get through this dark time. Fit and healthy loved ones being taken in such a cruel way, expressing a smile on the outside but feeling destroyed on the in. Feeling lonely, empty, that lack of togetherness. Emotions running high and self esteem running low. Freedom feels such a long way off. When will this nightmare end? It’s O.K to be angry, laugh uncontrollably and even cry, despite these feelings you are still a person in your own right. Share those warm feelings we use to take for granted and create a new way of dealing with what we now call the norm. With a smell of damp in the air and the taste of infection, just remember with an open mind you can still achieve what you set out to do.

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The Herald Message from Dr Luke Evans MP PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: 01530 244069 info@markfieldherald.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk

The Herald is a monthly local magazine delivered free to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Markfield, Field Head, Stanton under Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth. Contact Mike Wilkinson with your articles, news items or advertising enquiries. Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Herald Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. The Herald cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. 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.

I HAVE BEEN privileged to be your Member of Parliament for just over a year now. Despite, or perhaps because of, Covid it has been the greatest honour of my life.

I believe that it is important for Members of Parliament to be reflective and so this month’s column is something of a retrospective of the things we have achieved in the past year that have hopefully had had both direct and indirect impacts on the residents of Hinckley and Bosworth. Perhaps the most direct of achievements, or at least they will be once complete, are the various funding pots I have helped bring into the borough. I’m proud of the £20 million we lobbied for and gained for improvements to the A5, and I’m delighted to have helped secure funding for a full business case study into reopening the Ivanhoe Railway line. If our greatest asset is our children, then we must invest in them properly. During the year I have sought to help schools throughout the borough secure capital funds for improvements to their buildings, these have ranged from relatively small works such as new windows and doors through to a multimillion pound investment programme at Hinckley Academy. Of course Covid has dominated the year and in that respect we have liaised with thousands of constituents, helping them secure medical help and financial support for both businesses and individuals to help through these dark times. But casework hasn’t just been about coronavirus, we’ve helped people on a range of issues from flooding to Windrush. In total my team and I have dealt with 8,000 different pieces of casework and over 15,000 emails! Not every impact that a Member of Parliament has is so direct or perhaps so visible. In the past year I have spent hundreds of hours preparing for and taking part in the Health and Social Care Select Committee, which influences health policy. I’m very proud that through our work we have had a significant impact on not just how we tackle the pandemic but on other issues too, for example how we played a pivotal role in changing policy on the use of syringe drivers in care homes. You will be aware from these columns that I have campaign heavily for changes in the way we advertise products through manipulating photographs, and the impact that this has on the mental health of countless young men and women. We’ve campaigned on welfare standards for pets, farming standards, supported Twycross Zoo throughout the pandemic and, perhaps most significantly, succeeded in urging the Government to change planning policy which would have brought unsustainable amounts of new build homes to Hinckley and Bosworth. At the start of my term of office I pledged that I wanted to be accessible to local people. My website www. drlukeevans.org.uk is regularly updated and I maintain a presence on all of the social media platforms. You can always email me at luke.evans. mp@parliament.uk and, of course, I make it a priority to write these columns. In December I was shocked to be named Newcomer MP of the Year at the Patchwork Foundation awards. Awards are only meaningful if they represent something and I hope very much hope this award was a symbol of the service which I try to provide to my constituents. As the world changes I am very much looking forward to continuing to represent you in the future. Thank you for all of your support over the past year.

Dr Luke Evans Dr Luke Evans MP | Member of Parliament for Bosworth House of Commons | London | SW1A 0AA w: drlukeevans.org.uk t: constituency: 01455 635741 parliament: 0207 219 4250 m: 07920 619812 twitter: @drlukeevans Instagram: drlukeevans

DEADLINE FOR THE MID-MARCH ISSUE IS 27TH FEBRUARY. DON’T MISS OUT! Moaning about other people not working really makes the day fly by.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Hinckley & District Parkinson’s Group VACCINATIONS for the Covid 19 pandemic are being rolled out rapidly but there is still no possibility yet of groups like ours being able to physically meet up again. As soon as it is safe to do so we will resume our activities because we know that Parkinson’s patients, their carers and families find this contact so valuable. However, the Group is still determined that everyone is fully supported, with advice and help when needed ensuring that everyone knows what treatments and services are available – or just to be here for a friendly voice to chat to. With those thoughts in mind we are trying to keep in touch using Zoom used for a weekly light hearted social on Tuesday evenings, a weekly physiotherapy session on Tuesday afternoons and for our choir, ‘A-choir-dtaste’, on Friday evenings. Then there is an active WhatsApp group for members exchanging news and views, answering questions and providing opportunity for picture quizzes to keep those grey cells active. There is a Facebook page too but for those avoiding modern technology there is the normal telephone which is still so important for contact. Before Christmas every member of the local group received a telephone call from a committee member and also everyone was sent a surprise Afternoon Tea Hamper for Christmas from donations in memory of Pauline Leake, one of our members who sadly died during the year. Exercising in company and socialising with friends is good for everyone, especially Parkinson’s patients. Keeping fit, active and healthy can minimise the impact of Parkinson’s on your life. Physical exercise helps people to remain physically and mentally active whatever stage of your diagnosis it’s for longer, improving mobility by good to have ‘friends’ to talk to. It hotel stays, railway journeys on strengthening muscles. Studies have can be scary and upsetting to see the Northern Belle, and visits to shown that regular exercise slows people at a more advanced stage particular parks or events. the progression of Parkinson’s. of diagnosis but this is such a varied In the meantime, to exercise the As soon as possible we hope to illness that no two people develop mind at least, you might have a resume our weekly exercise class at the same time or with the same look at these four images and raid and Nordic walking sessions, but symptoms. those memory cells for the names in the meantime local walks and Take care everyone but do get in of the personalities shown? If you simple exercises at home are really touch. do not recognise them there is important if you can. some good news: you may be too R.A.L. In the hope of meetings resuming young! Answers are below, right. later in the year we would like to To contact the Hinckley & hear from members about any District Parkinson’s Group give particular activities you would Janet Kavanagh a ring on like to be arranged for the group 07932615233, or Tina Connor on – perhaps the theme of a talk or 01455 699937. They can put you presentation at one of our social in touch with the right people so gatherings? You might also like that as a patient, carer or member to suggest destinations for outings of the family, helpful advice or a which can be organised. In the past listening ear can be provided. At we have included theatre trips,

Planning Apps Proposed 152 bed hotel with leisure facility & spa within use class C1 (outline - access to be considered) - at Forest Hill Golf And Country Club Markfield Lane Botcheston Leicester Leicestershire LE9 9FH. Construction of one dwelling - at Land Rear Of 70 To 72 Main Street Thornton Coalville Leicestershire LE67 1AG. Demolition of existing hay barn and erection of a replacement hay barn and the erection of a greenhouse for horticulture - at Poplar Cottage Little Shaw Lane Markfield Leicestershire LE67 9PP.

The answers to the mystery pictures are singing couple Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnston; radio and tv announcer McDonald Hobley; cartoon character Noggin the Nog, and orchestra leader Eric Robinson.

Movement over mind?

EXERCISE can be just as effective as mindfulness when it comes to reducing your stress and anxiety. Such is the conclusion of a recent study at Cambridge University.

Mindfulness is a form of meditation which involves focussing your thoughts and sensations, and it has become popular in recent years. But now Cambridge University experts say that it should not be assumed that meditation will always have a positive impact. Instead, people can reap mental benefits from physical exercise. As one doctor said: “The main message here is, don’t assume mindfulness will work. We have much more evidence for the mental and physical benefits of physical exercise.” Last year it was found that people who exercised for 30 to 60 minutes at a time, for two to six hours a week, recorded the fewest days of poor mental health per month.

My wife has an electric toothbrush. I only have an acoustic toothbrush.

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Every time I go to a school reunion, I find my old classmates are so bald and fat they hardly recognise me.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

EZRA HILL 1931-2020 We pay tribute and give thanks for the life of Ezra Hill.

South Charnwood High School Starts Lateral Flow Testing

It was a cold rainy afternoon on Wednesday 13th January when friends and family gathered outside No.81 Main Street, Markfield to reflect on their memories and say their goodbyes to Ezra. The family would like to say thank you to everyone who attended. Ezra was born in Markfield on 29th September 1931 and lived there all of his life, surrounded by his family and lifelong friends. He will always be remembered by all who knew him for his love of his greyhounds, his beautiful flowers on his front garden, his walks along the allotments and as a regular at the local pubs where those of you who knew him will remember many happy times. Ezra died peacefully at home, asleep in his bed on Sunday 27th December. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends but will be remembered as a good brother and uncle, and friend to all who knew him. Ezra died as he lived - peaceful and quiet. We could ask for nothing more. God bless you Ezra.

Elderly People Duped Out of Large Sums of Money From Ozzy O’shea LEICESTERSHIRE Police are issuing a warning following a number of elderly people being duped out of large sums of money after being contacted by bogus police officers.

Since 10 December last year, they’ve received 17 reports of courier fraud. Seven of those victims suffered losses of more than £135,000. During the incidents the victims have received a call from someone claiming to be a police officer who’s investigating counterfeit currency or fraudulent use of the victim’s bank card. One such recent report was received from an Oadby woman in her 80s who was initially contacted in December last year by someone claiming he was a police officer from London who was investigating counterfeit currency. Over a period of time the suspect gained the victim’s trust and subsequently told the victim to withdraw a large sum of money and purchase gold so they can check the money isn’t counterfeit. A courier was then sent to the victim’s home address to collect the gold. The victim lost more than £30,000. In another incident a Knighton man in his 80s was contacted over a period of two weeks in December by someone claiming he was a police officer from London, he said he was investigating fraudulent transactions on the victim’s wife’s bank card. The suspect claimed the bank card was used in a department store to purchase two high value watches. He was told to withdraw a large sum

of money from his bank and purchase some gold bars from a local jewellers. Gold bars to the value of £40,000 were purchased and subsequently picked up by a courier. Paul Wenlock from the economic crime unit, said: “We are growing increasingly concerned about these types of offences. Suspects are gaining the victim’s trust over a period of a few weeks and ensuring they don’t speak to anyone about the calls. They sound genuine and victims feel they have no choice but to do as they are told. “These types of offences are borderless crimes, those responsible target victims not necessarily in their own area but across the country. We work closely with forces across the country to ensure any intelligence identified during investigations is shared. “A number of warnings have been issued about these crimes but we know not everyone accesses social media or the internet, so we are asking the public to help us by informing their neighbours or relatives about these offences. “They should be advised that police officers would never contact them in this way. If they are called they should disconnect the call straightaway and report the incident to the police using another telephone, as on some occasions calls can remain connected. “On some occasions suspects will use local taxi or courier companies, who unknowingly accept the job. We would ask that people remain vigilant and if they are contacted to collect packages be mindful of who they are collecting these from if they have any suspicions to report them to the police immediately.

FOLLOWING the guidance from the government, South Charnwood High School were tasked with setting up a new temporary Lateral Flow Testing Centre in the school. It was decided the only place big enough to accommodate all that was required, was the school’s main hall. So immediately, after the start of the new year, the work started to recruit the temporary staff needed to support with the operation, to put in place the logistics to undertake the test, to seek consent from parents, to start the on-line and on-site training required, to set up the area, organise PPE and testing equipment and put in place the risk assessments. A mammoth task under the umbrella of a national lockdown and school being closed to most pupils. However, with a massive amount of support and team spirit, we got there and, on Monday 18th January the school started to test its key worker and vulnerable pupils in school and the staff on site. After just over two weeks testing, the school have managed to undertake approximately 500 tests, with just one void test and no positive readings. The biggest challenge ahead of us, is when the rest of the 864 pupils and all staff return, hopefully in March. This will massively increase the number of tests we will have to do, and require us to complete in excess of 200 test every day! Below are a few quotations from the pupils leaving the testing booths after their Lateral Flow Test. Year 7 – “It did not hurt but it made me sneeze!” Year 8 – “It is not easy doing it yourself, but the staff helped me” Year 9 – “It was a bit tickly but OK” Year 10 – “It is actually good and much quicker and simpler than I thought” Year 11 – “I was a bit worried the first time I had the test done but, now I find it simple and quick to do with nothing to worry about”. Year 11 – “I actually found it quite easy and relaxing”. Our picture shows the hall ready, set up for testing with 3 members of staff in full PPE.

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South Charnwood High School ‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’ Headteacher: Andrew Morris Deputy Headteachers: Simon Andrews, Abigail Lear Assistant Headteacher: Kathryn Juszkiewicz Business Manager: Alistair Keates

LUNCHTIME SUPERVISORS We require as soon as possible Lunchtime Supervisors to join our caring team. This is a term time position (39 weeks). Initially, the hours are 12.15pm to 1.15pm daily, but will resume to the normal hours of 12.15pm to 2.05pm when all pupils return back to school (£9.25 – £9.33 per hour). If you are interested in the position, please find further details and an application form on the school’s website www. southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk/about-us/current-vacancies If you require any further information about this role, please contact Alistair Keates, Business Manager on 01530 242351 or email: office@southcharnwood.org As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred list will be carried out by the school ‘South Charnwood High School – Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People’ Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB Telephone: (01530) 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539

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THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The best way to provide local services is with a fair and well designed local taxation scheme Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald

E ARE GETTING to the point in the year when local authorities and other precepting bodies set out their budgets for 2021/22 and how much in additional Council Tax will be required and paid residents.

Council Tax bills go out in March at the start of the financial year and although issued by Hinckley and Bosworth as the central billing authority most of the money collected by them is simply transferred over to the other precepting bodies. The other precepting authorities for which Hinckley and Bosworth collect Council Tax are: Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire and Rutland Fire Authority, Leicestershire Police, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and your local Parish Council Precepts depending on where you live – Markfield, Stanton etc. The largest percentage of the Council Tax bill (2020/21) collected, currently goes to Leicestershire County Council which claims the lion’s share with a bill for £1,343 for a band D property. This is followed by Leicestershire Police at £233, the Borough Council at £115, the Fire and Rescue service at £68 and Parish Councils at £56. At Hinckley and Bosworth, I have now had sight of the budget proposals of the current administration. Essentially like many of the precepting bodies that receive direct Central Government funding, they are coming under increasing financial pressure as these funds are reduced in value. Furthermore, the outlook for the next few years is very uncertain with the combined impact of the costs of Covid at both a national level and also a local level creating many additional uncertainties. Normally Councils would have a three year funding outlook from Government to allow them to plan accordingly. At present, the best Councils have is a one year assessment and this means looking and planning further ahead is very difficult. What can be gleaned is not pretty and two major sources of revenue from the Government look to be very much in line for large reductions. These are the new homes bonus and the level of business rate income that can be retained. Already over the past five years Hinckley and Bosworth have seen an approximate reduction of some 32% (£1.6m) in real spending power arising from Government cuts to funding and

this measure takes account for the impacts of inflation. So in effect we start from a low point already. The administration at Hinckley are proposing a series of measures to ensure the Council can manage its financial pressures. The headline from those measures is a £5 increase in the Borough Council precept on a band D property. Ordinarily increasing the precept by £5 on the Hinckley and Bosworth element of the Council Tax would require a local referendum as it higher than 2% of the Borough rate (2% being the cap set by Government). For Hinckley and Bosworth this is not required because a dispensation is given to those Councils with the lowest national precept rates. Hinckley and Bosworth is in the bottom 15 of all District Councils so qualifies for this. Alongside the £5 increase to the Hinckley’s rate, is a proposal to increase the ‘Brown Bin’ garden waste charge to £30 for the year. This increase would obviously only apply to those in receipt of this service but it is well used with around 65% saturation so is impactful. While both those two elements are increasing costs to ratepayers, the Council is also looking at making significant savings. These could total £1.5 million by 2024. Further to the above the Borough Council will also be expecting a decent rate of return for its investments in a new crematorium and a review of its real estate and commercial portfolio. As I mentioned, the Borough Council comes from a low base and therefore it is possible these savings will be felt across the board and be noticeable.

Adult Social Care Other precepting authorities will I am sure be making similar assessments for 221/22 to the ones Hinckley and Bosworth are facing. I read the recent ‘Leicestershire Matters’ and can see that the County Council also has major challenges, in fact challenges that dwarf those at Hinckley due to the increasing cost of adult social care. They are it seems, likely to be proposing an increase to its rate of 1.99% (just below the maximum without triggering a referendum) plus probably a 3% extra rate on top, ring-fenced to fund adult social care which is another dispensation given by central government. In effect the 4.99% increase in the County Council rate will be a far more impactful for many householders in our community. I understand the Leicestershire Police authority proposes to in-

crease its precept amount by £15 for a band D property which on average represents a 6.43% increase which is again above the 2% capping limit but allowed because of another dispensation given by Government. The £15 is specifically linked to increasing the number of police officers with a further 50 planned in 21/22. The numbers of serving officers fell significantly from 2010 onwards, but pleasingly this has started to be reversed locally and the past few years have seen real numbers increase, but this has to be paid for as government funding was cut back. Leicestershire and Rutland Fire and Rescue service is likely to increase its Council Tax by close the maximum allowable of 2%. Last year it increased it precept rate by 1.98% for a band D property which was an increase of £1.32 for the year. Finally but not least are the respective Parish precepts which are generally the smallest amounts on the total bill and who receive no annual central government support, so the precept is generally the main source of income. The average Parish precept for a band D property in Hinckley and Bosworth was £55.90 for 2020/21. Parish Councils are unique not only because they do not receive annual funding from central government but also because they are exempt from the 2% cap so can charge more if they choose.

Not well designed You can see that the Council Tax bill contains many different elements and funds many different services. Everybody I know who is involved in these precepting authorities would agree that the Council tax is not a well designed or fair taxation system. Its origins stem from the need at some haste to replace the unpopular Poll Tax or to give it its proper name, the Community Charge. The Poll Tax which replaced the old local rates system didn’t last very long due to its massive unpopularity. The Council Tax was therefore a necessary but messy compromise at the time but had flaws which have never really been addressed. It also left local authorities still requiring a great deal of central government support which reduced local accountability and gave central government an overbearing role in an already heavily centralised society. This is typified by the fact that for many years now a 2% cap has been in place which reduces the ability to invest in local communities and leads to strange outcomes that do not deliver value

I jogged backwards last week and put on five pounds.

to taxpayer. A classic example of that can be seen in Hinckley and Bosworth with the green waste charge that many residents opt to pay for. This service will cost £30 from April, but had been a universal service provided to all householders without any additional extra charge. When financial support for this scheme was withdrawn, the Borough Council could have chosen to increase Council Tax but it would have been more than 2% meaning a local referendum was required. This dissuaded the administration and hence they chose to charge for the service and remove it as a universal service going to all households. If it had been paid for through the Council Tax it would have worked out at around £10 on a Council Tax bill, a lot less than the £30 now proposed and paid by residents and would be provided to every resident (after all the lorry that collects the green waste still goes down every street. Reform of the Council Tax has been discussed many times but little serious attempt has been made to address its flaws. At some point it will have to. The financial pressures that precepting authorities currently face are significant and yet the bill for Covid has not even been tallied up. So the reality is that we face big challenges ahead which cannot be ignored for ever. Nobody likes taxes but local services have to be paid for. The best way to do that is with a fair and well designed local taxation scheme that has local credibility and is accountable to the local communities in which services are provided. Without this we will struggle to provide the civic leadership we need and be unable to transform communities in ways which will truly unlock their potential.

Matthew

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Leicester Animal Aid is still caring for dogs and cats in Lockdown ALTHOUGH things are very challenging at the moment, Leicester Animal Aid, a rescue centre in Huncote, is still caring for dogs and cats in need until they can find loving forever homes. We may be operating differently due to the current restrictions, but we’re still only a phone call away. If you need to rehome your cat or dog, please do give us a ring and chat to us. If you’re looking to adopt an animal, then you can fill in an ‘interested parties’ form which can be found in the ‘Rehome a Pet’ section on our website or you can give us a call at the Centre.

Hello - I’m Chester

We want to say a massive thank you to our supporters who continue to donate food, essential items and toys and treats at supermarket donation points and through our Amazon Wish List. It really is appreciated and makes a big difference to us in these challenging times. There are lots of different ways you can help us to continue to care for vulnerable animals in need and some won’t even cost you a penny! By signing up to Amazon Smile and Easyfundraising you can raise free donations for us when you shop online. Generous donations and support from the community enable us to help special animals, like cute and cuddly Chester. He is a real home bird and all he wants is a new family to call his own. You can find out more about him and the type of home he needs on our website. Leicester Animal Aid • 01455 888257 • www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk • Charity No. 242560

Jane Walters

I took my car for a service last week. It was a real struggle getting it into the church.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

County Councillor’s Report from Peter Bedford Email: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk • Tel: 01455 824733 Web: www.facebook.com/peterbedfordmdt SINCE MY last update I have been working with the Parish Council and County Council colleagues, on a number of local issues, including:

Flooding MANY of us will be frustrated by the surface flooding during periods of heavy rain; particularly on the roads in and out of Botcheston.

I have been in regular contact with the Local Flood Authority on these matters with work underway to clear out the drainage systems to reduce the risk of incidents happening in the future. We have had some success in this area in Thornton village, so I am optimistic that, although there will never be a complete solution, we can also make great progress in respect of flooding issues in Desford & Botcheston.

term solution to this perennial problem. The Parish Council and myself will be liaising with consultants to take forward this piece of work. If we can make this walk way (at the side of the Bulls Head) a viable route it will be ‘win win’ for the Village, Parents, School and the County Council.

Bardon Hill Quarry Liaison Committee I RECENTLY attended a meeting of the Quarry Liaison Committee where some interesting points were raised about air quality; particularly along Shaw Lane and the A511.

As such Matthew and I took away some ‘next steps’ to make enquiries with the Borough and County Council on whether the true impact of noise, dust, vehicles is being considered in the monitoring of air quality.

Thornton Reservoir

Disability Access: DURING the month I also held meetings with residents and County Council Officers to ensure that our footpaths are fit for purpose particularly in respect of those with disabilities.

I have had some recent success in this space with pieces of footpath in Bagworth now scheduled to be redone to accommodate those with mobility issues. If you want to highlight a particular piece of paving/highways with access issues with me I would be happy to take this forward. I have also been working with local disability campaign charity, Ability Access, to support their efforts in helping those with disability discrimination cases.

South Charnwood High School Walk AT THE END of last year you will recall the success achieved in securing £15,000 towards improvements to the walk to South Charnwood High School from Markfield village.

I recently organised a meeting between LCC, Markfield Parish Council and myself to discuss how best this money can be utilised to secure a longer-

IN THE MONTH I also held discussions with Management at Severn Trent about concerns expressed to me by local residents at the visitor numbers during the ‘lockdown’.

Severn Trent have engaged constructively on this and have reminded visitors that if they are not local to the area, they really shouldn’t be travelling miles and miles during lockdown to visit the reservoir. I’d like to wish you and your families well during the lockdown, and if I can be of assistance with any local issues please do not hesitate to get in touch. Best wishes,

Peter (County Councillor for Markfield, Desford, Bagworth, Thornton, Botcheston, and Stanton under Bardon) E: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk or T: 01455 824733 www.facebook.com/peterbedfordmdt

Communication is key in a relationship. That’s why I make sure my husband knows exactly why I’m not talking to him.

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An easy way for fathers to feel closer to their children

WHEN fathers work with their children on puzzles, it helps them grow closer, because their brains ‘synchronise’. This leads them to being more ‘psychologically in tune’ with each other.

A study at the University of Essex said that “the synchronising of brain activity is interesting, because we knew it happened between mothers and children, but didn’t know if the same was true with fathers. “This is important for two reasons. It shows that men are biologically wired to provide off-spring care; and second, dads are increasingly being recognised as care-givers and attachment figures to their children.”

In praise of Mums A mother’s love endures through all. - Washington Irving Life doesn’t come with a manual. It comes with a mother. - Anon Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face. - George Eliot Mothers are like buttons. They hold everything together. – Anon A mother understands what a child does not say. - Jewish Proverb All I am I owe to my mother. George Washington Mother’s love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved. - Erich Fromm I can imagine no heroism greater than motherhood. - Lance Conran A mother is the one who fills your heart in the first place. - Amy Tan A mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go. – Anon Sooner or later, we all quote our mothers. - Bern Williams

Next few EkoJoe dates AS WE keep going through a difficult winter it’s good to look out for the simple things we can do to make our world a better place. One of these is to shop at EkoJoe. EkoJoe is a mobile re-fill shop that visits the village every other Friday. They are plastic-free and you can stock up on all sorts of things from spices to soap, pasta to peanuts, and flour to dried fruit. It’s a simple way to reduce the amount of plastic you are using and has the added advantages of being very economical and out in the open air! You’ll find EkoJoe on Groby Club’s car park every other Friday morning. The dates for the month ahead are: 19th February, 5th March, 19th March.

Ruth Mwenya

Apocalyptic films more popular during pandemic YOU’D THINK that the real-life pandemic would be frightening enough, but instead apocalyptic films on streaming services have soared in popularity this past year. And it seems that people who enjoy movies about zombies, alien invasions and apocalyptic pandemics may even be coping better than most of us. A recent study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences has found that people who like frightening entertainment are more likely to have ‘mentally rehearsed’ for the pandemic. Films like 28 Days Later and Dawn of the Dead “apparently serve as mental rehearsal for actual events.”

Did Bruno Mars end up catching that grenade because I haven’t heard from him in a while?

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Community and Sports Centre News Tel: 01530 242240 • www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com

Hopefully some light at the end of the tunnel Mayflower Club SADLY, there’s not much to tell you about what is going on at the Centre as we are in lock down for the foreseeable future.

We can’t believe that it is a now a year since the World Health Organisation announced the appearance a new deadly and highly contagious virus later to be known as Corona Virus. At that time, we all seemed to be more concerned about BREXIT. Then it arrived on our shores with a vengeance. Like most of you we thought it would all be over by the summer or even Christmas. How wrong we were. Now we have this second wave with new variants bringing with it more anxiety and gloom. We are now “locked down” once again and unable to see our friends and family and worried about catching it. The winter weather and short days haven’t helped. BUT there is hope. The new vaccines are rolling out and we are so pleased that the majority of our elderly and most vulnerable villagers have now had their “jabs” or have got appointments to do so. At last days are getting longer and, hopefully the weather is getting warmer. The snow drops and daffodils are blooming and spring is definitely in the air. We will soon be able to get out in the garden though mine is so soggy it resembles a paddy field. Surely there is hope of some normality in the not to distant future BUT let’s be cautious and not drop our guard. Please heed the Government’s restrictions and advice, stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.

Markfield Good Neighbours Scheme

WHILST ALL our thanks and gratitude rightly go out to all NHS Staff, Care and Key workers for all the work they have been doing throughout the pandemic often at their own personal risk I must once again mention all our volunteers on our Markfield COVID 19 Good neighbours Support Scheme. They are still going strong and are available for help and support in our community.

I must mention one of our Good Neighbour’s volunteers Alan Rockey. Alan put out an appeal for unwanted laptops. Amazingly he received over twenty donations. The laptops have been restored and donated to our local schools to be used by pupils unable to attend school and helping with their home learning. Well done Alan. If you have a laptop that you no longer use or wish to donate please let us know. Please remember that, if you need any help with shopping, collecting prescription, other problems or just someone to chat just give us a call on 07885 243033. IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP. If you would like to join our band of volunteers or need some help please contact us at markfieldcommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk or ring us on 07885 243033

WE ARE still running a virtual Mayflower Club with Carol Kemp keeping in touch with members giving them advice and information.

Every Wednesday afternoon at 3pm we “come together” with quizzes and other virtual activities. Helen Fisher has been providing easy to make food recipes to keep members occupied. Prior to the pandemic we held a Burns supper with villager Hugh McKay and his wife Val coming along in all his Scottish regalia to address the Haggis and give a toast to Robbie Burns. We used to have a meal of haggis, tatties and neeps with Scottish bagpipe songs playing in the back ground. We all fondly remember Wee Carol McBerridge in her fancy dress orchestrating the sing-along. It was great fun. For obvious reasons we couldn’t do it this year but all was not lost as on the 27th January at 3pm we held a virtual Burn’s Supper. Members has been sent the recipe for a traditional Burn’s supper that included haggis, tatties and neeps. All to be washed down with a tipple or two and some Scottish shortbread. They had been sent the Robbie Burn’s poem on addressing the haggis pus some Scottish jokes and ditties to read. We are now planning at to do in the coming months.

Ron and Dawn Grantham

But enough of me, let’s talk about you. What do you think of me?

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Slimming World: Think slim down, not lock down I wanted to start by saying that January was a hard month for many, what with the home schooling, the working from home and even the weather! Despite all these difficulties, I wanted to let you all know just how well my members have been doing so far in 2021.

Given February is the month for love, let me put their weight loss into perspective, my members have lost the equivalent of 4,535 bunches of roses. That’s and incredible 21 and a half stones! I am immensely proud of each of my members and wanted to share this pride with you all. I have heard from lots of people who have said that during lockdown they found it hard to deal with all the temptations that are around them at home. However, that does not have to be the end of the story! We are still running our groups and can help you lose weight during this third lockdown. At Slimming World, we have a plan that has been tried and tested for over 50 years and still works to this day. I have lost over 10 and a half stones by following Slimming World which led me to want to take on my own group and help others lose weight. The Slimming World plan is not as restrictive as other diet programmes as no food is off limits which means you can still eat your favourite meals and lose weight. Living with excess weight puts people at greater risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19, with risk growing substantially as body mass index (BMI) increases. Nearly 8% of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units have been morbidly obese, compared with 2.9% of the general population. If you have done Slimming World before at a different group, or even at my group and are afraid of going back to face the scales let me tell you something. I completely understand why you may be feeling like that, however its very important that you know there is no humiliation at my Slimming World group, regardless of how much weight you have put on during these troublesome times. I also want to let you know that the best way to achieve a goal is by surrounding yourselves with likeminded people. Where better to do that than at Slimming World? My members have been achieving amazing things during 2020 despite the lockdowns and difficulties they have faced this year. If you would like more information on how you can lose weight without going hungry or depriving yourself of the foods you enjoy. Call/text Tom on 07939 565340 to find out more about how our plan works and how we can get you started ... despite the current lockdown!

SCHOOL GOVERNORS We are currently looking for people to join our Governing Body Governors are appointed by the Governing Board and are people who have an interest in local education, who understand and care about schools in society and wish to make a positive contribution to education and to the community. They need to be clearly committed to equality and celebrating diversity, and should be appointed for the skills and expertise they bring. South Charnwood High School welcomes interest from anybody who satisfies the above criteria. Free training is available. 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 for further information on becoming a Governor. ‘South Charnwood High School – Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People’ Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB Telephone: (01530) 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539

Your daily walk ... a sacred ritual UNDER lockdown, millions of us who rarely walked around our immediate locality are now well acquainted with every nearby driveway, every crack in the pavement, and every pothole in the road.

We have developed views on our neighbours’ gardens, on their oddly coloured garage doors, and on their dogs, children and cars. If we go out at the same time every day, we may even be saying hello to the same people we don’t know every day. For many of us, that daily walk has become the high point of our day. After all, it is one of the few liberties we have left. Some of us go early, to enjoy the relative peace and quiet. Some of us go midday, to at least see other people, even if we can’t talk to them. Others of us opt for dusk, the dark comfort of a street with lit houses and stars in the sky. Whatever time you most enjoy, make sure you do make the time to go for your walk. Your mental and physical fitness can only improve!

I tried paying my income tax with a smile, but they wanted a cheque.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Stress and depression for home-schooling parents PARENTS are under enormous pressure just now, as they seek to juggle the demands of work, homeschooling, and of meeting their children’s emotional needs.

A recent Oxford University study has found that parents of primary schoolaged children between 5 and 10 years old are suffering high levels of stress because they are concerned about their children’s behaviour, and their emotional and social development. On the other hand, parents of secondary school children, aged 11 or older, report more symptoms of depression. More than four in ten of such parents report deep concern about their children’s education and future career opportunities.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL NEWS From Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Social Club IT IS A DELIGHT that many members have called and emailed about membership renewals for 2021. The Management Committee of the Club have voted to keep the price exactly the same as 2020. We hope that you appreciate the decision of which the Committee think is the best thing to do in supporting the Club.

0116 234 0548 We can take care of every detail, advise and help you on each and every step of the way. • Qualified Funeral Directors • Floral Tributes arranged • Hearse, Limousines and alternatives available • Monumental Service • Car parking available

• Online tribute and donation profile • Catering suite • Chapels of rest • Funeral plans available • 24 hour service

There will be the below options to enable you to renew your Memberships for 2021:• Post an envelope through the door on your daily exercise (if able) with your name and address on with the correct money inside, do not include your club case or card as it isn’t needed. Cheques are welcome. • Post (Via Stamp) your correct money in an envelope to the Club and have a note inside with your name and address on. Do not include club case or card as it isn’t needed. Cheques are welcome. Cheques should be made payable to Groby Ex- Servicemen’s Social Club. Also, please if you have an email address include in the envelope as we are collating a database to send updates. If you are a CIU Member please put in a stamped address envelope so we can send you your 2021 pass card. You will receive confirmation weekly preferably by Email if you have one but if not you will receive a phone call. We will be extending the deadline date to the end of April 2021. If anyone would like to become a Member of the CIU, please wait until we open our doors for you to purchase. Membership renewal fees are:Life Members: 1-100 £0.00 (£3.50 if you have a CIU Pass Card) Life Members (25 Years) £4.00 (£7.50 if you have a CIU Pass Card) Club Members: £8.00

Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred.

CIU Affiliated Members: £11.50 If you would like to become a new member then this can be done when we are back open. Please help us and pass on the message to anyone you know and check our Facebook page if you can for regular updates.

Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 7AT Email: talbotthouse@ansteyfunerals.com Website: www.ansteyfunerals.com

We thank you for your support and understanding during this pandemic and we hope you are all staying safe and we cannot wait to see you soon.

Club Officers and Committee

I made voodoo dolls of my dogs just so I could still rub their bellies while I’m at work.

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Leicestershire homebuilder searching for new apprentices

HERALD Small Ads • 3 Magnolia Roller Blinds: 57ins wide drop 45ins with all fittings. Very good condition £25 ono. • 1 Roller Blind, mushroom, 90ins x 57ins drop with all fittings. I ordered the wrong size. Brand new, never used cost £60 will accept £45.Tel: 0116 212 1753 or 07741478967 • L Shaped Settee Blue, size 8 ft long - Price: £180 - would normally be £400.Tel: 01530 244572 or mobile 07729 332067 (Stanton under Bardon)

John Reddington LEICESTERSHIRE developer David Wilson Homes is continuing its positive work to support local employment, by creating six new roles to develop talent in the construction industry. The leading housebuilder, which is based in Coalville, aims to recruit six new trade apprentices specialising in bricklaying or carpentry and joinery, to work across its developments. John Reddington, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, said: “The construction industry is continuing to grow and this is an exciting time for anyone with an interest in housebuilding to join a market leading company. “As the UK’s largest housebuilder, we are absolutely committed to developing raw talent and I believe that we have a duty to provide these kinds of apprenticeship opportunities.” The new trade apprentices, who start in September, will be based at one of David Wilson Homes’ housing developments across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Warwickshire or Staffordshire, and will learn skills in bricklaying or carpentry and joinery from experienced tradespeople for four days a week. They will also spend one day a week at college undertaking a qualification in their chosen field. All programmes are well structured and tailored to individual needs. Apprentices will receive encouragement, support and guidance to help them develop, giving the skills and qualifications for a successful career. For further information about the roles available and to apply visit www.barrattcareers.co.uk

• Swivel car seat cushion £5.00. • Bike pannier £5.00. • Lightweight ladies cycle jacket med/large £5.00. • Lightweight gents cycle jacket large/ Xlarge £5.00. • Small bike bag £3.00. • Bike computer new in box £10.00 Cost £25 - unused. Tel: 07779 552320 (Groby) • VAC BLADE cordless cleaner with attachments. Price: £20 Tel:01530 243428 (Markfield) • 5x 1000 pieces jigsaw puzzles in one box. Beautiful cottage landscape scenes . Used only once. All bagged separately. Great to do in lockdown. Price: £15.00 which is £3.00 each puzzle - a bargain. Can supply photos. Tel: 07790 734858 (Groby) • Wheelchair - used a few times, but like new. Black. Price: £25. Tel: 07925 565526 (Markfield) • Dark wood cabinet. Opens from top and side. Small scratch at top. Picture available. £15. Tel: 07881 885927 (Field Head).

• FOUR dining chairs - brown and chrome: £25. • Child’s bike red with stabilisers, suit from 3/4 years, little used: £10 . • Dolls house with furniture and people: £15 • Kinzo 650 watt router with box of bits: £20. Tel: 01530 243182 (Field Head) • Grey double sofa bed for sale. Price: £40. Happy to forward measurements and photos if interested. Tel: 07511 641318 (Groby) • CAMPER-VAN WINTER COVER - Fits Ford Duetto or similar £40. • BULLDOG EUROCAMP WHEEL LOCK For camper-van £20. • METAL VAN STEP £2. • ‘PEGGY-PEG’ Screw -in awning pegs £20. • ‘GOW- PRO’ Pegs (20) unused £5. Tel: 0116 287 6724 (Groby). • Pride Colt Mobility Scooter. Good condition. Front basket, two sets of keys, batteries, tip top condition, fully charged. Price: £400 o.n.o. Tel: 07957 915183 (Groby) IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Herald, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum 8 items please. Our postal address is: Herald Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@markfieldherald.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘SMALL ADS’ in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication, just to know where you are).

I came into this world screaming and I still haven’t stopped.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Transport to vaccination centres provided for elderly residents

A little update from Dove Bank

LOCAL TRANSPORT service Dial a Ride has joined forced with local charity Hinckley & Bosworth Community Transport to respond to residents’ concerns about getting elderly and disabled relatives and neighbours to a vaccination centre.

The Hinckley & Bosworth Community Transport, Dial a Ride Service, along with Westfield Community Centre, is able to assist residents of Hinckley and Bosworth by providing lifts to and from a local vaccination centre. This is being provided free of charge at the moment but, please note that owing to the potential high demand, it is only for those who have no other option in getting to their vaccination appointment. Executive Member for the Voluntary Sector, Cllr Keith Lynch said: “This service is another illustration of the great community spirit in our borough. It can be difficult for our elderly and disabled to get from one place to another at any time but receiving this vaccination is vitally important. So please share these to details of this service to anyone who may benefit from it. It may not be the first vaccination a resident needs help with but the second. Thank you to all those involved.” All volunteers are DBS checked and are following all covid-19 guidelines are followed. Contact details are: Hinckley & Bosworth Community Transport on 01455 250462 or email: dialaride21@hotmail.com or Westfields Community Centre on 01455 637516/07980 631255 or email: westfieldvolunteers@westfieldcc.org.uk

Letter A BIG thank you to Coalville Taxis I THOUGHT I would let you know of a great gesture by Coalville Taxis.

They are offering free taxi lift to those going to have their COVID jab at Measham Leisure Centre. I booked a taxi for my 87 year old neighbour. From ringing to book a taxi to the actual pick up I found them really helpful and extremely polite. They have been a real life line to my friend and we are extremely grateful. Owing to the present struggles that many businesses are experiencing, I think Coalville Taxis are showing a wonderful and kind offer and deserve recognition for their selfless offers to the community. Please give them a mention in your next issue, they deserve at least that.

Pam Thompson p.s. The boss, David picked my neighbour up in his own car today, he has a Maserati 4x4 she went in luxury. Nothing was too much trouble. He waited for her and bought her back. All from a grateful business man wanting to give something back to his community.

THE CHILDREN in Pine class at Dove Bank Primary School have been learning about our new topic ‘Scrumdiddlyumptious’ where we have been busy exploring the tasty world of food! We have followed a range of different recipes and even written our own’ Revolting Recipe’. Here we are making bread and it really did taste yummy!

Andrea Fletcher

Deputy Headteacher, Dove Bank Primary School

Written in Blood By Chris Carter

A SERIAL killer who will stop at nothing…

The Killer: His most valuable possession has been stolen. Now he must retrieve it, at any cost. The Girl: Angela Wood wanted to teach the man a lesson. It was a bag, just like any other. But when she opens it, the worst nightmare of her life begins. The Detective: A journal ends up on Robert Hunter’s desk. It soon becomes clear that there is a serial killer on the loose. And if Hunter can’t stop him in time, more people will die. Starting with Angela.

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I love what you’ve done with your hair. How do you get it to come out of your nostrils like that?

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CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST WILFRID OF YORK

53 London Road, Coalville, LE67 3JB St Wilfrid’s is open for weekend Masses – Saturday 6 pm and Sunday 10 am. Ash Wednesday 17 February: 10 am Mass (place to be booked) We are grateful that we can still open for Mass. We have strict safety measures in place to keep everyone safe and it is essential that the stewards’ instructions are followed in Church. Spaces at Mass are limited so it is important that you book a space in one of two ways: either by the Parish website: www.stwilfscoalville. blogspot.co.uk or, if you do not have access to the internet, please ask a family member or neighbour to help or phone the presbytery – 01530 832098 - on Mondays from 12 noon to 2 pm. • Just a reminder, Fr. Gabriel is celebrating mass via Zoom app each weekday at 10am. Please feel free to join in. If you would like the code to join, please email susantompkin@yahoo.co.uk. • Fr Gabriel is available if a priest is needed. • Please let the Parish know if you, or anyone you know, needs help of any kind. Please call the presbytery and we will do what we can to help. Keep safe and well. Parish Contact Parish Priest: Fr Gabriel Offor – 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@ gmail.com Parish Website www.stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk School Details St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www.stclares.leics.sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle.leics.sch.uk Village Contact Margaret on 01530 243292

A COUPLE of months ago I wrote about National Trust properties that were owned or lived in by famous authors. There was one author that I missed out but that was because he was more famous as a politician. That was Winston Churchill who lived at Chartwell in Kent, which he purchased in 1922. It was given to the Trust in 1946 on the proviso that Winston and his wife could continue to live there for their lifetimes. When he died in 1965 his wife decided to move out and it reverted to the Trust. Visitors see most of the house, especially his study, his art studio and many of the books he wrote. The house was built around 1855 on a hillside with wonderful views over the Weald of Kent. The other great Prime Minister whose house is now owned by the Trust is Benjamin Disraeli. Like Churchill, Disraeli was an author and wrote twelve novels, other short fiction as well as non-fiction and a political biography. He purchased Hughenden Manor, near High Wycombe, in 1848 on the eve of his leadership of the Conservative Party. He became Prime Minister in 1874 and led Queen Victoria’s most successful government with most progressive social policies and imperial foreign policies. Apart from Lord Melbourne’s house, Hughenden Manor is the only other Prime Minister’s house visited by Queen Victoria. On Disraeli’s death in 1881 the house passed to relatives and in 1936 to the Disraelian Society and then in 1947 to the National Trust, both organisations preserving the house and contents for the nation. Another politician whose house is now in Trust ownership is Nancy Astor, the first woman to take her seat in the British parliament in 1919. She was the conservative MP for Plymouth South, a seat she held until 1945. She actually lived at Cliveden, a large mansion on the banks of the river Thames near Maidenhead, often referred to as an Italianate Palace. It was built in 1851 for the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland and the architect was Sir Charles Barry who designed the Houses of Parliament. The house and gardens were given to the Trust in 1942 and is now leased as a hotel, though it can be visited on a guided tour. A diplomat rather than a politician, Lord Curzon was the Crown’s very successful Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. However he was also in government, as foreign Secretary, from 1919 to 1924. The family home was Kedleston Hall near Derby which was given to the Trust by Lord Curzon’s nephew in 1987. The house is considered to be the best house designed by architect Robert Adam and it also contains a large “Eastern Museum” containing Lord Curzon’s collection of oriental artefacts acquired during his Asian travels.

• The National Trust Leicester Association has currently suspended its meetings but continues to issue its monthly email Newsheet and its triannual printed Newsletter to members. It has also organised a “Zoom” meeting with speaker. Please check the Association web site at – www.leicesternt.btck.co.uk for details, including updates regarding Stoneywell Cottage.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer NT Leicester Association

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My wife sent her photo to the Lonely Hearts Club. They sent it back saying they weren’t that lonely.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Library News FROM MARGARET & CHARLOTTE AS WE are now in February, I thought that I would talk about love.

I was going to talk about some romance books that are being released this month, of all different kinds of love. However, last month I read Cathy Rentzenbrink’s new book Dear Reader and it just reminded me of why I fell in love with books. As long as I can remember I have been a reader. From the days when my parents would read to me (usually Fly By Night which is a delightful book about an owl or Go To Sleep Little Bear) to finding my first solo books through the stories of Biff, Chip and Kipper. I then moved on to Allan Ahlberg’s classics such as The Jolly Pocket Postman and the Happy Families series. Reading with a torch long after I’d been told to go to bed. I spent the summers as I grew up reading the Babysitters Club series, every Jacqueline Wilson book as soon as it was released (even queuing for hours at my local shopping centre to meet her and have my books signed - I can confirm she is LOVELY in real life) and falling down the rabbit hole into wonderland more times than I can count! I fell out of love with reading as a teenager, but over the past few years I have slowly come home to the feeling of falling in love with a book. During lockdown I have discovered some fantastic middle grade books that, even as a 30-year-old I have fallen head over heels for. Jessica Townsend, Tom Fletcher and Dominique Valente all have gorgeous stories! So with the uncertainty this month brings, I give you permission to shut off social media for a moment, and pull out your favourite book. Or better still pick-up Dear Reader and fall in love with reading once again.

Charlotte Gransden I HOPE YOU have enjoyed Charlotte’s recommendations again.

It appears that a feature of lockdown has been that more people are returning to reading books. Trustees and Volunteers hope that when the library is able to open again, there will be many new members and some new volunteers, particularly to think about working alongside current Trustees to ensure sustainability and succession going forward.

Margaret Bowler

Chair – Markfield Community Library

Chatter. The voice in our head and how to harness it By Ethan Kross

WE ALL have a voice in our head.

We tune into its endless chatter to look for guidance, ideas and wisdom. Except sometimes, this voice leads us down a rabbit hole of negative self-talk and endless rumination. These silent conversations are so powerful they can sink our mood, trip us up and even impact our health. How can we take back control? In Chatter, Kross interweaves cutting-edge science with real-world case studies to explain how these inner conversations shape our work and relationships. Then he reveals the tools you need to harness your own voice so that you can be happier, healthier and more productive.

I am now on three dating sites because you can never get enough rejection.

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Village Link Magazine THE VILLAGE LINK is the Church magazine for the Benefice of Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton under Bardon and Copt Oak, (The Junction 22 Group of Churches). Next year it will be 100 years old! We have an archive of most of the original Village Link magazines that covered Thornton, Bagworth and latterly Stanton-under-Bardon and for the last few years at least, the British Library has received a regular copy. There have been a few years where no magazine was been printed. The Markfield and Copt Oak church magazine was amalgamated with the Village Link in September 2019. So the Village Link is now our Benefice magazine. We are really sorry and sad that there will be no hard copies of the magazine for February. Our regular printer, ‘TeamPrint’, has been closed since April 2020 because of Covid-19. Teamprint was brilliant; the company printed, collated, folded and stapled the magazines for us at a really good price. When they had to close, we decided to use the Benefice printer to produce a reduced number of copies and our Benefice Administrator with a bit of help undertook the job. A huge thank you to Sam for taking on this task and to Pauline for overseeing it. However, although of good quality and new, the printer was not up to the job of regularly printing 8000 pages and eventually was damaged beyond repair. The printing costs for the year exceeded £2600! a lot of which was the cost of the ink. We have replaced the printer at a cost of more than £700. So we really cannot try to print the magazine ourselves. We have tried to find printers that are able to print the magazine for us at a price we can afford and failed. As soon as ‘TeamPrint’ are up and running again, we will be back in business. Meanwhile there will continue to be monthly editions of the magazine available online on the Benefice website -j22churches.org.uk. We don’t yet know what will happen for March’s edition but will keep you informed. When we do eventually start to print the magazine again everyone should receive a hard copy as in previous years. For further information please contact me on 01530 230422. Thank you.

Shirley Garlick

on behalf of The Village Link sub committee

STOP PRESS! When the printers of The Herald Norwood Press - heard about the problems being encountered by Shirley, they immediately stepped in to offer their assistance. The good news is that, thanks to their support, the Village Link will be printed again very soon. Well done Norwood Press!

Don’t forget to send us your news. Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

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Feeling pretty proud of myself. The Sesame Street puzzle I bought said 3-5 years, but I finished it in 18 months.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Borough Councillor Andy Furlong’s Tel: 01530 231377 Email: andy.furlong@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk SIR DAVID Attenborough has brought the world of nature into our homes for decades.

He grew up in Leicester, where his dad was the principal at the university. History reveals that David was savvy about nature from an early age. In the 1930s, aged 11, he discovered a nice little earner selling newts to the university for thruppence each. He didn’t tell them that he was fishing them out of a pond barely 15 feet from the back door of the biology department! Sir David has been warning about the danger of global warming and environmental destruction for a long time. Sadly, given the perilous state of planet Earth, it seems that not enough of us were listening. I was taught the science behind global warming as a University student back in the early 1980s. Ever since I’ve done my best to minimise my environmental impact. I was experimenting with low-energy light bulbs when they were unfashionable and decidedly ugly. My roof in Thornton was one of the first in the area to be covered in solar panels. I instructed my pension provider to steer clear of fossil fuels over 30 years ago - small gestures perhaps; but every little helps.

If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it In July 2019, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council signed the Climate Emergency Declaration. I was pleased when Cllr Matthew Lay asked me to sit on the borough’s newly formed climate change working group. We reviewed progress at a meeting in January. There is a saying which goes, “If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it” Following my suggestion that a better understanding of the current reality was needed, I’m happy to report that the findings of the borough’s first carbon audit are nearing completion. Our council is committed to minimising the carbon footprint caused by its buildings, vehicles and services. From now on, all policies, strategies, and activities will be carefully assessed for their climate change implications. When it comes to carbon emissions, the only way is down.

The health and wellbeing of our children On its own, this measure will not be enough. I’ve argued that climate change impacts should be considered in every aspect of the borough’s spending, and when grants and external funding are being awarded. Also, all council investments should be placed in environmentally and socially responsible funds. In the short term, this might increase costs, and some Conservative councillors cringed at the thought. Thankfully, they’ve seen sense. We cannot put a price on the future of our planet, nor on the health and wellbeing of our children and grandchildren.

Climate change is real Climate change strategy isn’t just about the future. It matters right now. January saw high levels of rainfall on land that was already waterlogged. Roadside ditches across the northern part of the borough filled to capacity and frequent flooding occurred in many locations. Large accumulations of surface water made things tricky for pedestrians and drivers alike. Residents contacted me flagging several ‘splash’ points. Not all of these can be blamed on the inefficiency of Leicestershire County Council. They always seem to be playing catch-up on just about every aspect of highway maintenance. An article by several experts from the UK’s Meteorological Office on the CarbonBrief website notes: “It is no exaggeration to say that 2020 has been a dramatic and memorable year for the UK – and our weather and climate is no exception. We have experienced periods of record-breaking rainfall, record

dry and sunny periods, and another notable summer heatwave.” Climate change is real; the science had been telling us this for years; it’s happening right now, and we can all play a part in doing something about it. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s room for manoeuvre is limited. Nonetheless, I will continue to speak up for the residents of Markfield, Stanton and Field Head in support of sustainable development. I will defend open countryside from unwanted carbon-intensive housing proposals, argue against any further loss of agricultural land and National Forest to industrial development and oppose traffic schemes that will increase pollution and noise nuisance in our local communities.

Grounds for optimism It’s a sobering fact that the number of COVID19 deaths recorded in Leicestershire hospitals passed the thousand mark in the days before I wrote these words. But there are grounds for optimism. After a slow start, our ‘local’ hub in Measham has ramped up and excellent progress is being made on the top three priority vaccination groups. I have heard good reports about how things are being handled over at Measham, and most people over 75 should have received their first jab by the time they read this. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the back office team at Markfield Medical Centre. They are working long hours to manage the appointment process on top of the typical demands of a busy surgery. So far so good; but please remember that it can take a couple of weeks before the vaccine provides adequate protection. Caution will still be required. Also bear in mind that the virus can still spread very rapidly, and hospital admissions could easily skyrocket again if we drop our guard too quickly. We’ve made this mistake twice already; no-one wants to see third time unlucky. Continue to follow government advice, and if it seems confused – as has often been the case – it’s best to err on the side of caution. We will get through this situation far more quickly if we suppress the virus by staying at home. If you absolutely have to be out and about, stick rigorously to wearing masks and observing the two-metre distance rule.

And finally COVID19 has shown us that the natural world is unpredictable. I will end with a thought-provoking quote from David Attenborough: “The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water, and air. It is the most precious thing we have, and we need to defend it.” Saving the planet and beating COVID19 are both possible, but only if we cooperate and work together for the benefit of all.

Andy Furlong Contact me on 01530 231377 or via email at: andy.furlong@ hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

The first time I met my wife, I knew she was a keeper. She was wearing massive gloves.

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Dear Friends, “All you need is love!” February of course involves Valentine’s Day!

It can be great, a bit of fun to cheer up February and a chance to have quality time with your spouse/ partner if you have one. But it can also be a miserable day if you haven’t met the right person…if a relationship has broken up, or your spouse/ partner has died. It can also be an excuse for restaurants and shops to charge rip-off prices! “All you need is love….” Really? But “love” is far more than the romantic stuff, good though that is. It is caring for our families and friends, and this past year we have learned a lot about loving neighbours. Jesus talked about “loving your neighbour as yourself ”- treating others how you would want to be treated. It keeps many people going in jobs that involve caring for or serving others. When someone’s mean to us, love can stop us being mean back. It can help us forgive those who have hurt us, and end the “cycle of violence”. Christians believe in a God who loves and values each person, whatever our age, abilities, class, gender, ethnic background or anything else. “All you need is love”….well maybe. It certainly makes a huge difference to how we live.

Judith Lincoln

Minister, Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org FB Markfield Methodist Church

My doctor asked if I drink to excess. I told him I’ll drink to anything.

THE HERALD • MID-FEBRUARY 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

More Bagworth Memories -

compiled by Bob Austin

WHERE DO I start with my many wonderful memories of Bagworth? Because many I have.

Bagworth School, although now gone, was where I started at four years old (some 56 years ago). The headmaster was a Mr. Bowring. One teacher I was scared of was called Polly Hounam, and one of the dinner ladies was Nellie Prime. I have a photo of my class taken in the playground with Mr. Bowring, with Mr. Bowring conducting the singing and Polly Hounam on the piano. Here are some of the names of my classmates. Martin Clamp, David Farmer, Graham Mugglestone, Reg Murby, Graham Kirk, Hazel Woodward, Susan Clamp, Ann Collett, Joyce Woodward, Linda Smith, Pam Gough, Jean Webster, Marilyn Marshall, Rosemary Smith, Roger Haywood and David Measom. I spent many Saturday nights at Bagworth Club. I sang on the stage there. George Ward was the entertainment secretary. I also sang at the Miners’ Welfare Institute (now called the Community Centre) at the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. I sang a song called The Golden Coach. Across the road was the local paper shop owned by Mr. Whitmore. I remember my mam sending me to the Co-op with a ten shilling note for the shopping and collecting the divi. There was also a bicycle shop owned by Mrs. Samuels. We always looked forward to the fair coming to Barlestone Road. Then we would go to Mrs. Webster’s fish and chip shop, she was the lady who was brutally murdered. My dad, Alex, was an Undermanager at Desford Pit. He used to walk from Desford Pit up to Bagworth to meet me off the last Midland Red bus at 9.30 p.m. I was married at Bagworth Church in 1964, so we’ll have our Ruby Wedding in March 2004. We also used to go to the Barrel Inn run by Mrs. Priddle. And there was the Plough, but we didn’t go there much. There was a big farmhouse on Main Street, and I think it was owned by Mrs. Harvey. Then there was a hairdressers shop across the road, I think someone called Bateman kept it, Reggie Bateman. I went to Ibstock School on the Brown’s Blue bus, and remember the very severe winters when we went sledging down the pit hill by the canteen at Desford Pit. Our house was the first one next to the phone box, outside Desford Pit yard. We had wonderful times then, people cared and we all knew each other. We had great Bonfire Night’s and made toffee apples and put our potatoes in the embers of the bonfire. New Year’s Eve was wonderful, as we all used to go to each other’s houses for parties that lasted all night. I always remember, nearly opposite the school, there was a little brick building where they used to keep the trolley that the coffins were once carried on: (the bier house).

More recent memories BAGWORTH County Primary School was situated between Church Hill and School Hill in front of the churchyard.

It consisted of two double-roomed mobiles, a mobile toilet block in the playground between the two mobiles, and a mobile for the kitchen. Well,

I say kitchen; the food came from Market Bosworth and was just loaded onto heated trolleys at Bagworth. You knew it was dinnertime when you heard trolley wheels rolling down the ramp to the side door of the mobile. At dinnertime the tables were set up in Mr Fearnehough’s office at the side of the mobile. Each table had 3 big chairs and 5 smaller chairs. Older juniors used the bigger chairs and served the food to everyone around the table. It made you feel quite grown up. Every morning Lorna and Karen Marriott, Leigh Price and myself walked up to school, yes walked! Mrs Taylor would see everyone over the road at the bottom of Church Hill and we’d call in to the Barrel Pub owned by Johnny Riley for our supply of 1p and 2p sweets to see us through until break time. At break time Lorna and I used to run the tuck shop selling various sweets and crisps sited in the corridor between the 2 rooms.

Mr Fearnehough was headmaster and taught the juniors and Mrs Sell taught the infants. Mrs Reed was school secretary and Mrs Watkins used to come in and help with the cooking and making things. We had turns at cookery and the week before it was your turn you had to pick a recipe and write down all the things you needed

to bring from home. There were usually 3 people at a time for cooking. It was quite exciting when your name got to the top of the list. For sports and sports days we’d troop down to the field behind the Working Mens’ Club which at that time was always used by the school for sports and sponsored walks. Once a week we’d go by bus to the swimming baths at Coalville which were opposite the Technical College. A block of old folks flats are there now. On the way we’d sing songs, which always ended up being silly, on the back row of the bus. At school we also had a National Savings Bank, which was run each week by Christopher Clamp, Leigh Price, Lorna Marriott and myself, as we were the oldest. We were in charge of taking everyone’s savings and recording them on savings account cards and making sure everything tallied at the end of the session. Every year for Halloween Mr Fearnehough would dress up as a witch and scare everyone. For bonfire night Mr Fearnehough would tell the story of the gunpowder plot and use a paper Houses of Parliament and a trail of gunpowder. In his version Parliament always got blown up not once but twice which we found quite amusing. He would show us all the fireworks he had and explain what they did. The bonfire would be built on the site where the old primary school used to stand and some of the juniors would be allowed

to help build it. Near Christmas we’d have a pantomime, which took some organising. The costumes and sets had to be made and lines had to be rehearsed and learnt. Before the performance we had a full dress rehearsal in front of the local OAP’s which always went down well. We always did a popular fairytale but with added jokes and ad libs that Mr Fearnehough had written into the scripts. Also at Christmas we had a party. The infants always had a present hidden somewhere which they had to find, but the juniors had to win their presents. So, the earlier you won, the more choice of presents you had. In later years, after Battram School was demolished, their school moved to Bagworth and was sited on the ground where we had our bonfire, which did n’t go down too well with us. They also had a double-roomed mobile and another large mobile came which we all used as a dinner hall and a better place for activities and, of course, our pantomimes. Just before I left Primary School in 1980 plans had started being made for the new site for a school in Nailstone, now Dove Bank. Bagworth Primary School is long gone now, but the memories are still alive in all the old pupils who attended the school.

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

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How Vitamin D Could Relieve Vaccine Pressure OPTIMISM continues to grow with the announcement of several vaccines offering over 90 per cent protection against COVID-19. However, reports suggest that for a majority of people, the vaccine will not be available until the second quarter of 2021.

Until then, trials continue on the potential support of supplements. Queen Mary University of London recently launched a study into vitamin D, assessing the effectiveness of the supplement in reducing the risk or severity of the coronavirus. The effectiveness of vitamin D is now being recognised by both national and devolved governments in the UK. Some scientific advisers are now suggesting that a national provision of vitamin D could be used to help reduce infections or hospitalisations until the vaccine is ready for widespread administration. However, will vitamin D be used to help ease the burden of viral infections while vaccines are rolled out across the country?

A national deficiency While the NHS recommends that additional vitamin D supplements should be used between October and early March due to limited sunlight hours, in 2020 the public health body has suggested that the vitamins should be used year-round as a consequence of lockdowns and limited outdoor time. A deficiency in vitamin D is an attributing cause of rickets, especially among children. A study also found that COVID-19 patients are almost twice as likely to be deficient in vitamin D. There is not yet enough evidence that vitamin D can prevent coronavirus. But, with little to no side effects involved in taking the supplement, could its use be a tentative win for public health?

Concurrent trials The quick development of vaccines for COVID-19 has been hailed by medical professionals, the latest Oxford vaccines demonstrate up to 90 per cent efficacy. However, studies continue to explore how vitamin D can help to alleviate symptoms and reduce recovery time. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties. This means it may provide assistance to the body’s immune response to respiratory illnesses. Lung damage as a result of the coronavirus can an inflammatory cytokine storm. Essentially, an overwhelming inflammation caused by your body’s immune system releasing proteins. The inflammation

can cause serious illness or be fatal. There are suggestions that vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory effects will alleviate this condition. Meanwhile, Queen Mary University continues its randomised clinical trial. They are testing whether the implementation of a test-andtreat approach which will correct insufficient levels of vitamin D will result in reduced risk or severity of COVID-19 and other acute respiratory infections. The trial is supported by pharmaceutical company, Pharma Nord, and NHS trust charity, Barts Charity. Their support highlights the potential effectiveness of vitamin D against respiratory illnesses, particularly among older generations.

Government support News of vitamin D’s potential effectiveness against the coronavirus has reached UK Parliament. Before implementing the second national lockdown in England, on 2nd November, the Prime Minister was questioned on the specific benefits of the supplement. MP David Davis suggested: “[Vitamin D] could reduce infection rates by half and case death rates by half again. “The Scottish Government are sending four months’ supply of vitamin D to everybody who shielded in Scotland. Given that it is low cost and there is no medical downside, will our Government consider the same approach in England?” Boris Johnson responded that the results were promising: “We are indeed looking at the possible beneficial effects of vitamin D, and I know that we will be updating the House shortly.” Following this, it was announced that vitamin D supplements will be delivered to more than two million clinically vulnerable people. This includes all care home residents across England. Beginning in December, the supplies are intended to last throughout the winter. Speculation continues whether this roll-out could be extended to more individuals or for a longer period as the government supports more trials into the effectiveness of vitamin supplementation. Health Secretary Matthew Hancock reiterated optimism surrounding the idea: “I have asked the scientists to look once again at the impact of vitamin D on resistance and immunity.” Using vitamin D to support the vaccine administering is being made as a clear and achievable objective for governments across the UK. (https://www.pharmanord.co.uk/).

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