Mid-January 2010
QUARRY EXTENSION A Happy PROPOSAL SUBMITTED New Bardon Aggregates has submitted a planning application to Leicestershire County Council to extend the life of Bardon Hill Quarry.
The submission follows a two year consultation process which has seen the Company liaise with members of the public, interested groups and Statutory Authorities regarding the plans. During this process the planning team at Bardon Hill has been working with the feedback received at the manned exhibitions, one to one visits at people’s homes and quarry tours to submit a proposal that reflects the views of the public. A leaflet has been distributed to 6,000 households around the quarry detailing the final plans for the proposed extension which have been included in the application. Simon Taylor, Northern Director at Bardon Aggregates said: “Throughout the consultation process we have been committed to taking the views of the public into consideration, and believe that we have submitted a proposal that reflects people’s views.” If you would like any further information on the planning proposal, please contact Simon Taylor – northern director, or a member of the project team on 01530 512323, email bardonhill@aggregate.com or write to Bardon Aggregates Head Office, Bardon Hill, Coalville, LeicS. LE67 1TL.
Year to all our readers!
Stanton carol singers raise over £200 for Menphys
IN THIS ISSUE LOROS Lottery Winner Dodgeball Downhill Mountain Bikers PLUS ALL THE REGULAR FEATURES
The photograph above shows the Carol Singers going round Stanton under Bardon on Monday 21st December 2009. MENPHYS is all the better off for £222.60 which was raised by the door to door collection. Thank you also to all those who gave so generously for this cause. The evening ended with the mulled wine and mince pies at The Old Thatched Inn in the village.
Gail Massey Stanton-under-Bardon
NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 6TH FEBRUARY - ADVERTS & ARTICLES NEEDED BY 25TH JANUARY - THANKS!
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
This issue of The Herald is being delivered over the weekend of 16th & 17th January 2010 by our team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Amy, Coral, Daisy, Daniel, Don, Sam, Maureen, Yvonne, Lauren, Gill, John, Helen, Jeanie, Jenny, Sarah, Susan, Thomas, Tracey, Alex, Ann and John & Sue.
February Issue - Out on Weekend of 6th & 7th February. Please send your adverts & articles before 25th January.
The Herald PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT
Tel: 01530 244069 Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk Website: 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 or Susan Hatton 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.
LETTER
Patient Participation Group Are you interested in finding out more about Markfield Medical Centre? Would you like to influence the development of local health services? The doctors and staff here at Markfield Medical Centre are keen to set up a Patient Participation Group, so why not come along to discuss your ideas and take the opportunity to be involved in the development of the services at your medical centre. A time and date will be arranged once a number of people have expressed an interest. It is expected that the meeting will be held in February. If you would like to come along to the meeting, or if you have any queries about the Patient Participation Group, then please contact Angela Patton, Practice Manager on 01530 249461.
BRADGATE LIONS CLUB NEWS We enjoyed a very successful period in the lead up to Christmas, raising approximately £3,500 for local charities. Over £1500 of this was made from the Christmas Basket prize draws help in many of the local Hotels, Public Houses and retail outlets in Markfield, Groby, Newtown Linford, Ratby etc. The rest of the monies came from our Santa Float street collections around various villages in our area, and our all day collection at Sainsbury’s Superstore at Fosse Park in December.
St Valentine’s Eve Dance in Thornton
Thank you! We would like to say a special thank you to family relatives and friends for their help and support at our fundraising event on Saturday 5th of December for the Leicestershire Rutland and Derbyshire Air Ambulance, where we raised a total of £1200. We would also like to say thank you for the most generous individual donation for £200 which was handed to us on the day. Many thanks to everyone who supported us.
Pauline Kelb and Family
Markfield Medical Centre
Our next fund raising event is a St. Valentine’s Eve Dance at Thornton Community Centre, on Saturday 13th. February, with dancing to live music, played by local band Quartz. Tickets are priced at £10 and include a buffet, they can be pre-booked by ringing Roger (01530) 242912 or Iris (01530) 230453. There will not be a bar, but you are invited to bring along your own drinks. Amongst all our other activities we are still collecting your old mobile phones, spectacles, stamps and greeting cards, if you have any of these items to donate please ring Roger, and he will arrange collection.
New members Our Club has recruited three new members in the last few weeks, but we are still anxious to increase our numbers even further, to help us raise more money to assist the many local charities that need the publics support If you would like to find out more about the Lions and what they do, please give Roger a call, he will be please to talk to you. The members of Bradgate Lions Club should like to wish all readers a Very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Lion Roger Gamble
President, Bradgate Lions Club
BRAINTEASER - exercise your mind! There are six eggs in the basket. Six people each take one of the eggs. How can it be that one egg is left in the basket? ANSWER ON PAGE 26.
What’s Irish and stays out all night? Patty O’Furniture.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
LOTTERY Joy for Jack of Markfield Not in a million years did LOROS Lottery member Beryl Maycock think when she sold her husband Jack a ticket for the LOROS Bumper Prize Draw that he would walk away with the top prize. When Lottery Manager Liz Singleton called to present Jack with a cheque for £10,000 Beryl couldn’t believe her eyes and ears. Beryl and Jack, who live in Markfield, celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in January so the win couldn’t have come at a better time. Unfortunately Jack isn’t too well these days having been diagnosed with cancer in July 2009 so foreign holidays and the usual trappings that go along with a big win aren’t on their radar. Beryl told Liz that she was sure that the money would be useful in securing some little luxuries that will help them to cope with Jack’s illness. Having made a cup of tea and whilst her husband had a snooze, Beryl went on to tell Liz of Jack’s colourful history which began in India whilst his father was serving with the Royal Leicestershire Regiment. Having later returned to Leicester Jack eventually worked at Tubes in Desford before taking early retirement in 1991 after 32 years service. Jack also played hockey for many years before becoming a referee until he gave up three years ago. Beryl finished off by explaining that she is full time carer to Jack who receives a weekly visit from John, a LOROS family support sitter. John sits with Jack while Beryl goes out for a break and does the weekly shopping. Beryl said “John is really good, he and Jack seem to have quite a lot in common and Jack looks forward to his visit, he is a lovely person”. They say ‘what goes round, comes round’ and Beryl and Jack are very grateful, not only for their win but also for the help they receive from LOROS. By the same token LOROS is very grateful for the support they give to the charity via their lottery membership. Liz Singleton added “I would like to thank Beryl, Jack and everyone who not only contribute on a regular weekly basis to the LOROS Lottery but who bought tickets for our Bumper Prize Draw which was drawn on Christmas Eve. It was our most successful draw yet bringing in very close to £90,000 which is a remarkable achievement equating to the approximate cost of 4 nurses on the ward at the hospice for a full year. I’d also like to say a special thank you to Beryl and Jack for allowing me to tell their story”. Anyone wishing to become a regular playing member of the LOROS Lottery can ring the girls in the lottery office on 0116 2318430 for more information or to pay by card, they are waiting for your call.
HAMLIN’S PLUMBING SERVICES All Types of Plumbing Work Undertaken No job too small Call Mick on 01530 245155 or 07813 065538 Qualified Local Plumber with Years of Experience A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.
Zumba at Markfield Community Centre
ZUMBA is a Latin-inspired, easy to follow, calorie burning fitness workout/ party. It is a combination of the four basic Latin American moves: Merengue, Salsa, Regaetton (Hip Hop), Cumbia, together with other international rhythms. Basically it’s fun, and not like any other workout. The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavour and international zest into the mix and you’ve got a Zumba® class. It starts at the Markfield Community Centre on the 4th Feb 2010 and every Thursday evening thereafter from 7.15 to 8.15 pm for both male and female. It costs £3.00 per session - pay as you come. Just turn up.
Mrs Parmar 07958 525040
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald
T
he build up to Christmas and New Year celebrations is a long one, and some argue it is getting longer, still it is soon over with and we are now into the New Year 2010. A new decade no less, one which I understand they have yet to give a name to, although it has only been in the last few months that I heard the past decade was referred to as the noughties. I always leave my Christmas preparations to the last minute and rely on Julie to think about gifts for people something which she carries off without too much fuss. This year our preparations were made more difficult by the illness that afflicted our youngest son Cian. It would appear that somehow he contracted the dreaded swine flu, which ended up with him being rushed into hospital with viral Pneumonia. I am sure all parents can testify to the helplessness you feel when your children are very ill and I was grateful for the care he received, first at the Loughborough walk in centre and than at the Leicester Royal Infirmary were he spent 6 nights. I am pleased to say that he has made a full recovery and was home for Christmas. I would like to say a big thank you for all the good wishes and prayers he received. Looking forward to 2010 I have been thinking about what my priorities and hopes are for Markfield, Stanton and Field Head, concerning the Borough Council. The first priority which I always try to ensure is made good, is that the Markfield, Stanton and Field Head ward receives a decent return of the resources, that the Borough Council have at their disposal. This is critical as everything we achieve is hard fought for, nothing comes easily out of Hinckley unless it is destined for Hinckley, and I believe it will probably always be that way, which means we have to keep banging on the door. The next major priority is to make sure we limit any negative consequences from decisions taken to build more houses in Markfield and Stanton on Greenfield sites. This means that if we are not successful in preventing development in the open countryside we must ensure that clear and tangible benefits arise for the local community. This should include clear improvements in the local infrastructure and the provision of new social rented housing that target people who are local to Markfield, Stanton and Field Head. I will return to that discussion in a future article. Linked to any housing development at Stanton a key challenge must be the building of a new village hall, which must be of use to the whole community. This is something I have long supported and feel it is vital to supporting community cohesion. The current youth club does only have a limited shelf life and is limited in what it can offer. A new facility would be a very positive
thing and is nothing less than Stanton deserves. It remains a high priority of mine for 2010 to make sure we see a vibrant Main street at Markfield. I am pleased that the hardware store looks set to reopen in the New Year not at the old chemist but in the old hardware store. Sadly the future of the old chemist building appears to be uncertain again and subject to much speculation and I do hope that other interested parties progress matters. The key will be when the Coop decides to submit their development proposals for both the current Coop store and the George public house with its associated land. I hope that they do not delay and that proposals are brought forward as soon as possible, after all enough local money is spent behind the counter at Markfield for us to expect a positive outcome from the Coop. I also hope to see progress in the sale of the Markfield Miners’ Institute something that again needs a positive outcome with proceeds returned back into the community and put to good use. I hope that in 2010 we see a firm proposal to bring the swimming pool at Mercenfield back into operation. This is important to many in Markfield and as I have said before a solution should be found, that leads to both greater community use and more use by other schools. It is I believe something people will be prepared to support and raise money for and could be a big success. Lastly I also hope to see the new Credit Union up and running and being a success. It is due to start in Earl Shilton in the early spring followed by Hinckley; I look forward to it setting up a base in Markfield. There are lots more hopes for 2010 for our community, I simply do not have the space to write them and these few just reflect the key ones. Still as the year progresses, I am sure new ones will arise and old ones will either be resolved or rolled forward, some things take a long time to be realised but in the end it clicks into place. Still I will keep you all posted through the Herald. My last comment is on the sad news that David Taylor MP for North West Leicestershire died suddenly while out for a walk with his family . I knew David and thought him a superb constituency MP who worked tirelessly for the people of North West Leicestershire. He was what you would call old Labour, although always an independent thinker who was highly regarded by all sides. As Markfield shares a long border with that constituency and a long history with the area (it was all once the Bosworth constituency) David knew Markfield and Stanton well. He will be sadly missed, he was a good man!
Belarus children enjoyed Leicestershire visit It will be nearly another year now before the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children’s Charity (FOCC) say hello to another set of grateful visitors. Based in Markfield, the self funded charity invites 10 Belarusian children aged 7-9yrs to stay in the locality every year during August and September to enjoy fresh air, home cooked food, plenty of fun, and some tender loving care. The charity is organised by a Committee, host families and local group members, with Hilary Braime, the coordinator, at the helm. All our members are completely voluntary and give their time, energy and talent’s freely – no one gets paid. During their stay the children attend local excursions and outdoor activities, along with a visit to the dentist and opticians – privileges not enjoyed by all the Belarusians in their home country. Our sincere thanks go to all helpers for their continued support. The fun time of their stay included a trip to Twin Lakes , Gorse Hill Farm, Conkers as well as some local schools. After a month in Markfield, the charity arranges for the children to return home with such goodies as a new pair of school shoes, clothes, a year’s supply of vitamin’s and some spending money to give to their families to help them prepare for their very cold and difficult winters. If you wish to get involved with the Markfield Group, host a child or help with any fundraising please contact the coordinator Hilary Braime on : 07732046352 or visit our website www.focc.org.uk – local group –Markfield. (SEE ALSO PAGE 17)
Coach & Horses Quiz Raises £250 for LOROS On December 20th a Christmas Quiz was held at The Coach & Horses, Markfield in aid of the Charity LOROS. A fantastic £250 was raised. Jan & David would like to thank the village shops for their generosity in donating the prizes and thanks go also to the supporters who attended on the night. Well done everyone!
When an actress saw her first strands of grey hair, she thought she’d dye.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
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My girlfriend told me I should be more affectionate. So I got myself two girlfriends.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Cross Hills Baptist Church Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area Christmas Carol Service We were pleased to see so many families at this service and Santa paid his usual visit, with sweets for the children. Everyone enjoyed singing the carols, accompanied as usual by the Marwood Brass Band. We were pleased to send £45 from the offering to the Hinckley Homeless Project at Lawrence House.
Morning Service 20th December The children of the Sunday Club did a lovely presentation during this service, with a narrator and three very well dressed kings. Sadly, due to illness, two of the characters, Mary and the Star of Bethlehem, were missing but with the help of the leaders and a little imagination the problems were overcome!
Christmas Day Service This was a very enjoyable short informal service to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The children brought some of their Christmas gifts - it’s amazing what technology has produced nowadays, with a little remote control flying alien ship and a fluffy white dog with a waggy tail that fetched its ball from wherever you rolled it! The service gave us the opportunity to be thankful for the comfortable and blessed lives that we lead and to think of and pray for others who are less fortunate. There was also prayer for the wider world and for peace and love everywhere. The offering of £124.20 was as usual taken to
Markfield Homemakers Programme of Events for 2010
The Markfield Homemakers Ladies Group meets at Markfield Congregational Church on the second Wednesday of each month, start time 8pm. Here is their list of events planned for the coming year: Feb 10th ~ Ted Bottle Talk on provincial theatre buildings
the Hinckley Homeless Project to support their work.
Charity Christmas Card As in previous years, some of our church family again decided to donate to a Charity Christmas card instead of writing individual cards. This raised £33.32 and from the three suggested charities the name of Hinckley Homeless was drawn so this amount has been sent to them.
Social Events for 2010 Our Social Team are currently planning our social events for the coming year, the first of which is a skittles evening on Friday 15th January at the Coach & Horses, Field Head. Look out for the local posters or details in The Herald for our future events. The Cross Hills Church family would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year for 2010 and we pray that it will be a good year that will bring God’s love and peace to our world. We look forward to welcoming you to our services during 2010 - for details see the Church Service Information on page 18.
Contact Numbers Pastor - Garry Kelly: 01455 457802 Secretary - Robert Holmes: 01530 231901 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557
Glynis Straw
Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family
March 10th ~ Jeannie B ~ Talk on Life as a Victorian Housewife April 14th ~ Margaret Hudson ~ More tales about being a Tiller girl May 12th ~ Sandra Baxter ~ Healthy eating for the older person June 9th ~ Vist to Stonehurst Farm Aug 11th ~Skittles ~ 7.15 for 7.30pm At the Coach & Horses Sep 8th ~ Barbara Hewitt ~ Talk ~ History of Calke Abbey Oct 13th ~ Ros Barber ~ Talk ~ Clicks and Misses (Gone in a moment). Nov 10th ~ Anne Hughes ~ Foot Reading Dec 8th ~ Christmas Party Brenda Featherstone Tel: 01530 242173
Community groups may have to turn off music According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, village halls, churches and community groups may have to turn off their music under a new regulation being imposed. From April, charities and community groups are set to lose their exemption from the requirement to hold a PPL performance rights licence in order to play recorded music on their premises. The official ‘’impact assessment’’ found that a quarter of a million organisations could be affected by the £81-a-year fee, including 140,000 charities, 6,750 charity shops, 66,440 sports clubs, 4,000 community buildings, 5,000 rural halls and 45,000 religious buildings. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has launched a ‘’Don’t Stop the Music’’ campaign against the changes, which they say could hit Scouts or Guides having a Friday evening disco or older people having a Sunday afternoon tea dance.
When a man steals your wife, there is no better revenge than to let him keep her.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
THORNTON WOMEN’S INSTITUTE NEWS Our February Meeting will be on Thursday, 11th February at 7.30 p.m. at Thornton Community Centre. The Speaker will be Mr. Steve Brooks, and his subject will be “THE FUNNY SIDE OF TRAVEL”. Our January Meeting was cancelled due to the bad travel conditions. So, with all the difficulties experienced by travellers during the recent snowy spell, maybe some of our members will have their own funny stories to tell of journeys made in arctic conditions! There are those among us who remember the snows of 1947, when Thornton was cut off from the outside world. One recalls a hazardous trip made by her brother to Desford to fetch bread. The snow down Merrylees Hill covered the hedgetops as he valiantly set forth with a washing-basket tied to a sledge to collect provisions! However, let’s hope that “February fill-dyke” doesn’t live up to its name, and that our speaker arrives safely. Please do come and spend a happy evening with us. There will be a BRING & BUY STALL and the month’s competition is for “A HOLIDAY SOUVENIR”. (THERE IS A VISITOR’S FEE OF £2)
Muriel Walker
Money can’t buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
Green Grants Help Communities Cut Carbon Community groups in Leicestershire can cut their carbon emissions and their energy bills. Leicestershire County Council’s SHIRE Community Climate Change Grants were launched in October and have received a warm welcome. Parish and Town councils, charities, community groups and religious organisations can apply for up to £5,000 towards a wide range of community schemes in Leicestershire, including energy efficiency audits, new heating systems, renewable technology and insulation in community buildings such as village halls, community centres and church halls, as well as composting, recycling and food growing projects, surveys, training courses, volunteer days and community events relating to climate change and energy efficiency. Although there is no closing date for applications, funds are limited and must be spent by the end of March 2010. For further details contact Kate Nightingale (Grants Administrator) on 0116 305 7971 or e-mail kate. nightingale@leics.gov.uk
I decided to take an aerobics class. I bent, twisted, gyrated and jumped up and down for an hour. But by the time I’d got my leotard on, the class was over. A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read: “The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt.” His son asked: “What happened to the flea?”
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
BAGWORTH AND THORNTON PARISH PLAN UPDATE
Happy New Year from all of us in the Parish Plan Group! 2010 should hopefully see major additions and improvements to our parish. We are looking forward to being involved in the redevelopment of Bagworth Community Centre. The existing provision will be upgraded and extended sympathetically to create more space for new community activities whilst retaining the original appearance, as far as possible, of the former Miners’ Institute. The Sure Start Centre to be built alongside will provide an important facility for parents and children from our villages and the surrounding ones, and should be available for community use in the evenings and at weekends.
Lots achieved in a short space of time At our last meeting we reviewed the Action Plan and were surprised and relieved at how much had happened in the year since the Parish Plan was launched. We could not have achieved so much in such a short space of time without the help of the Neighbourhood Action Team, but numerous members of the community and their representatives have been involved too, and especially our young people. Bagworth now has its own youth club and a youth shelter. Thornton should have its own Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) soon, plus a Playbuilder facility for 8 to 13 year olds and a nature trail. There is every intention to acquire funding for a MUGA and a Playbuilder facility in Bagworth too. A Speedwatch campaign run by volunteers from both villages has taken place in Thornton and Bagworth. The job description for the Neighbourhood Watch coordinator is being drawn up and the funding
is in place. ‘Dog’ bins have finally arrived. More maintenance has been carried out at the orchard. The parish council website is being accessed and used by an increasing number of people. The success of the Tuesday afternoon Drop-In in Bagworth is entirely attributable to the enthusiasm of the volunteers who run it and use it. The shopping trips run by Age Concern have been well-received. Representatives of all of the communities living in the parish have contributed to a social cohesion document for the Local Strategic Partnership. Well-being clinics are being organised to take place soon.
You can get involved This year will be a busy one as most of us in the group will be involved in some way in the major project at Bagworth. We are very aware that there is still a lot to do in other areas, particularly around sports, health and transport provision, so
we shall continue to meet regularly and make sure that any help or funding available to bring further improvements to the parish is grabbed with both hands! There are all sorts of ways to get involved in volunteering in your community. You only need to commit a few hours of your time to make a big difference. We shall be needing people very soon to help manage and run the facilities at the new community centre. Please start thinking now about what time you could spare. Are you keen on sport, as a participant or supporter? Could you help to develop sport and other fitness activities in the parish? Have you ever thought standing for public office, for example as a parish councillor? For more information contact Joanne on 01530 230 990 or Eileen on 01530 230 476.
Joanne Brown
Cryptic Clues to Games The Quiz Queen of Stanton - Sheila Fox - has sent us another selection of cryptic clues to tax readers’ brains. The answers are all types of sports or games - see if you can work them out. (Answers are on page 27.) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Go over this to find this game. Go to a Racecourse to play this game. I’m a game not a bridge. It’s a red hot flower near a fire. Rear pork to get this game. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Musical. I’ll apologise for this clue. 8. Have a mint to play this. Go to a Warwickshire Town for this.
10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
It’s a game, not horse trials. Is this all round your garden. French crucifix. Does this James Bond Character play by herself? Solitaire This is a fishy hobby. Would Lionel Blair and Una Stubbs play this game. Do you have exclusive control when playing this? Dress makers use these. Grasshopper’s favourite sport?. Dark coloured knave. Asps and Steps.
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
County Councillor David Sprason’s Monthly Column The Challenges we face for 2010 With the New Year now on us we will face a number of challenges but also opportunities for the area. I first would like to acknowledge the results from our latest inspection which again rated Leicestershire County Council as an excellent council only ten authorities achieved this rating in 2009. The County Council was also highlighted as being the most efficient and delivered the best value for money services than any authority in the country. It would like to acknowledged and thank all the hard working staff at Leicestershire County Council as they continue to deliver excellent services that are recognised by external auditors. Inspectors also looked at our partner agencies and rated Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and the Police as performing well with the Fire Service and Primary Health Service rated as performing adequately. The challenges the County Council face in 2010 will be the increased pressures on budgets, and the recent announcement
by the Prime Minister to deliver his Free Personal Care packages for those who qualify will place even greater strain on an already stretched adult social care budget. It has been estimated that it will cost an extra £2.8 million in a full year but we could see many hidden existing self funders and family careers apply for this free service. The model he has proposed is as used in Scotland. This model provides services for people assessed as having critical needs and has seen many people at the low and moderate level denied a service and has also seen authorities facing many legal challenges. While we welcome the move to a fairer system this announcement does little to address the current post code lottery and will actually make the system less equitable for many.
Bardon Hill Quarry Extension The planning application for the extension to Bardon Hill Quarry has been submitted to the County Council and the consultation on the
proposal has begun. The application will add 40 years life to the quarry so has implications for those living around the area. Bardon Aggregates have made a number of mitigation proposals that try to overcome a number of concerns already raised including the impact of traffic, you can visit the website www.aggregate.com/ bardonhill to view the plan.
Site Allocations We will also see Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council finalising the Site Allocations document for new housing and Gypsy & Traveller sites. This document will specify were the Council wants to put these sites and could have major consequences for the infrastructure and residents of this area. I remind you that it will be the Borough’s elected members who decide on the selection of the final sites.
Improvements to the local area The opportunities to improve the area are moving forward. These include the new Sure Start Children’s Centre in Bagworth, the MUGA in Thornton and the potential new national standard BMX track at Markfield. Plans are also being developed for the children’s play area and MUGA in Bagworth and play equipment at the recreation ground in Stanton under Bardon.
Thornton Reservoir Finally just to update you on the Thornton Reservoir site. The members of the action group managed to put enough
information to the planning department which allowed them to go to court and get a permanent injunction on the land. This makes it illegal for the land owner to allow any development on the fields they own.
David Taylor MP Can I also take the opportunity to send my condolences to the family and friends of David Taylor MP. His sudden death was a shock to us all. Although David was not of the same political persuasion as me he was a hard working local MP who passionately worked for local people and often opposed the party line. He deserved his recognition as backbencher of the year. I personally met him at a number of local and national events and had many discussions with him. He will be sadly missed.
ENJOY DRUM LESSONS • Full Kit Provided • All Grades/Ages • Rock/Pop/Jazz/Orchestral • Qualified Professional Drummer • Home Visits If Req’d. • Beginners (and Advanced) Welcome • KITS BOUGHT & SOLD A FRIENDLY AND EFFECTIVE 1-2-1 LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Women should not have children after 35. Really ... 35 children are enough.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Go Learn Now in Groby and surrounding villages! January sees the start of a new programme of courses across Leicestershire and the County Council is encouraging you to make that New Year resolution to return to learn in the new decade.
With an extensive choice of subjects in community colleges, libraries and local centres, the new term makes an ideal time to find a course to suit you. In computing, you can start with the basics in a beginner’s class, work towards a national qualification or even join a short class to help you get the best from your new digital or video camera. Arts classes will give you the chance to take up a new hobby or skill and there’s still time to gain new language skills for that foreign holiday or business trip. In general subjects, how about gaining skills in first aid, touch typing or tracing your family history? We also support adults keen to brush up their skills in English and Maths with local friendly groups where you can work towards the national test qualifications. Along with the Skills for Jobs programme which includes Health and Safety, First Aid and Food Hygiene training, these free classes are an ideal way to improve your CV and job prospects. Look out for the new GO LEARN magazine which will be delivered soon throughout the area, it gives details of how to enrol plus the fee discounts available to those in receipt of benefit – this means that some courses are completely free. To register for a class, or for more course information on subjects call the local office on 0116 2874725 or the Central Enrolment team FREE on 0800 988 0308
Markfield Inter- Faith Group News Update As part of National Inter-Faith week, several events took place in Markfield, two of which involved our newly formed Inter-Faith Dialogue Group. As reported in last month’s Herald, we met at St. Michael’s Church on 18th November to hear Dr. Fr. Paolo, a Roman Catholic priest from Italy, and a guest of the Islamic Foundation, talk on the Culture of Dialogue path to peace and culture of peace. The following day we met again as a group in the library at the Islamic Foundation to hear a talk by Muhammad Rafeek PhD. It was decided that the Markfield Interfaith Group would meet on a two monthly basis at the library of the Islamic Foundation, and we hope this will encourage people of all faiths and none to join in our dialogue. Next meeting: 28th January 2010 at 12 noon - speaker to be arranged.
Sheila Lammiman, Chairman
I married my wife for her looks ... but not the ones she been giving me lately.
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069 BUPLEURUM
Not a name well known to most – and plants of this Genus rarely appear for sale in Garden Centres. Well worth introducing to readers, however, to recommend one member, the evergreen shrub, Bupleurum Fruticosum. It is quite hardy, low growing to about 3 feet, with good bluish/green small-leaved
foliage. It’s flowers, long-lasting from July to September, yellowish/ green, are reminiscent of Euphorbia and quite distinct from any other shrub. In passing I should mention that most Bupleurums are small growing annuals or perennials. Most well-known of the latter are B Falcatum and B. Longifolium, both usually seed raised and highly-prized, particularly by flowerarrangers, for their spectacular umbrella-shaped flower-heads. Bupleurums are Umbellifers – think of Cow-Parsley!
TRACHELOSPERMUM
Sorry about these Latin-sounding names, but like the above, there is no well recognised common
Gardening Notes with Ted
Brown of Markfield
Two Worthy Evergreen Shrubs Together With Some Seasonal Notes
name, but unlike Bupleurum, Trachelospermums are readily available at Garden Retailers. Superb, heavily fragrant, white flowered, evergreen climbing shrubs. Need support when grown on their favourite sunny, south or west-facing walls. Slow-growing to eventually six or seven feet. There are two species of this Aristocratic family on offer – both rather expensive when purchased as trained, taller specimens. Hardier of the two is T. Asiaticum. Similar is T. Jasminoides, obviously named for its white Jasmine-like, July flowers. The latter has a cream and green variegated form which in Winter assumes the most attractive hues of reddish/pink. Any Trachelospermum would make a handsome present for a keen gardener. The nasty spell of Winter weather we are experiencing should serve as a reminder that in spite of generally milder, climate change, conditions, care is needed when planting, both in timing and siting. Evergreens, and any other plants slightly vulnerable, are best planted in late Spring. We now tend to leave Dahlias, Cannas etc. in the ground over winter – fine but a thick mulch should ensure no losses. As I write a
weather forecaster has mentioned a possible worst Winter in 50 years. Hopefully those Cordyline Palms, Pittosporums and other so-called exotics will survive this spell. Those fifty years ago to suggest that a bleak Markfield area could sustain such plants would have been laughable. We shall see! Now is catalogue, both plant & seed, browsing time. Naturally companies plug their latest introductions which may, or may not, supersede old tried and tested friends. Producing new plants, and indeed their catalogues also, is an expensive operation. We long want it to continue, so let’s, at least, be somewhat seduced into buying. I learn from friends in the trade that plant sales have fallen dramatically in recent years. Also have you noticed the decline of smallspecialist nurseries in our area?
VEGETABLES Growing one’s own is not about cost – but lack of pesticides, freshness and best of all that taste, when picked and cooked within a couple of hours or so. Statistics suggest that there is a continuing influx of new converts. They must be overwhelmed by the huge variety of different seeds available. ‘Award of Merit’ plants is a guide, as are, too, lists of ‘Customers Favourites’. Also lists of ‘Patio’ vegetables are helpful as suggestions for container-grown vegetables. Two favourite crops are Runner Beans and Tomatoes
- former in the ground, Tomatoes in pots. For Beans choose a stringless variety (‘White-Lady’ remains supreme), ‘Gardeners’ Delight’ provides masses of small tasty Tomatoes but ‘Sungold’ is even better.
POTATOES Earlies are the ones to grow whether in the ground or containers. Seed potatoes are now available in very small packs – ideal for a few in containers. Buy early, get chitting (encouraging green sprouts, but away from frosts) and then plant early. When willing to give a little frost protection planting may be as early as end of February. Such protection is easy with containers. In the open ground just risk a small row, with a few sheets of newspapers handy to cover on frosty evenings. Sensibly, planting about a month later is normal.
ONIONS Sets – small onions held-back in growth the previous season – are now the usual means of planting and growing, but almost always in the open ground. Worth trying is planting these in containers, an inch or two apart. Large onions these will never be, but will give a supply of strongly flavoured ‘Spring’ Onions. Ordinary Spring Onions, of the ‘Lisbon’ type are also well suited to container growing.
TARRAGON
A herb, particularly suited to most fish and meat dishes, is less often grown than most others. Also not usually available in Supermarkets. The French, rather than the Russian type, is the one to try. Buy growing plants in small pots from Garden Centres. Propagate then from cuttings. Tarragon is a member of the Artemisia family.
What do you call a woman with a screwdriver in one hand, a knife in the other, a pair of scissors between the toes on her left foot, and a corkscrew between the toes of her right foot? A Swiss Army wife. A woman saw a beautiful bracelet in a jewellery shop window. She went and asked the assistant if a small deposit would hold it until her husband did something unforgivable. Family planning is the art of spacing your children the proper distance apart to keep you on the edge of financial disaster.
Yield to temptation; it may not pass your way again.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Money is the root of all wealth.
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Markfield WI’s Programme Dodgeball - A fun but Listed below is the programme of forthcoming events planned by healthy way to start 2010 Markfield Women’s Institute: Jan 20th - Beekeeping - John Randall Feb 17th - Maid in England - Jo Carter Mar 17th - Quilting - Lynne Mellor April 21st - Patio Gardening - Mr G B Smith May 19th - Resolutions, Supper followed by My trip to the Falklands - Hannah Critchley June 16th - Fascinating Feet - Anne Hughes July 21st - Domestic Violence Integrated Response Project Sejal Modhal Aug 18th - Post Office Patter - Mrs J Taylor Sept 15th - Clicks and Misses - Ros Barber Oct 20th - AGM & a selection novelties to make - Marilyn Brooks Nov 17th - Birthday Party - Venue TBA Dec 15th - A concert of festive music and supper - Highcliffe Harmony We are still meeting at the same venue, same time and the contact people remain the same. We welcome new members and will be trying to organise extra trips, events over the coming year.
Markfield Women’s Institute • The WI exists to educate women to enable them to provide an effective role in the community, to expand their horizons and to develop and pass on important skills. • Meet at: Markfield Trinity Methodist Church, Main Street, MARKFIELD, LE67 9UU When: 3rd Wed of month at 7.45pm • Contacts: President, Mrs. Fran Johnson, 197 Main Street, Markfield • Tel: 01530 243350 email: markfieldfran@hotmail.com
THOSE looking for a fun way to make a healthy start to 2010 in Hinckley and Bosworth could try a new sport that is quickly growing in popularity.
Starting this month, the Enderby Dodgeball Club are working with the Borough Council’s Active Together team to organise new sessions in the Hinckley and Groby areas. The Hinckley sessions were set to start on 14 January and will be held every Thursday from 5pm to 6pm at the North Warwickshire and Hinckley College on London Road. The Groby sessions begin on 15 January and will take place every Friday from 6pm to 7pm at Groby Community College. Sessions are for those aged 16 and above, and beginners are welcome. Further information is available from Simon Moody on (07743) 098544 or by email at: enderbydodgeball@googlemail.com
BRAINTEASER - exercise your mind! You are driving down the road in your car on a wild, stormy night, when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus • An old lady who looks as if she is about to die. • An old friend who once saved your life. • The perfect partner you have been dreaming about. Knowing that there can only be one passenger in your car, whom would you choose? ANSWER ON PAGE 26.
I’m in shape. Round’s a shape, isn’t it?
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Speeding Drivers Should Have Vehicles Tagged Drivers who repeatedly break the law by speeding should have their vehicles tagged to constantly monitor their behaviour behind the wheel.
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That’s according to Trimble, the Mobile Resource Management experts, who are calling on the government to launch an Anti Speed Driving Order, or ASDO, which could help save hundreds of lives every year. “With 1,200 road deaths every year relating to speeding, it’s time to take action,” says Andrew Yeoman, MD of Trimble. Trimble has recently launched a GPS tracking box, dubbed the ‘Driver DNA’, which can tell when a driver breaks the speed limit. Currently first time offenders are given the option of a fine and taking an educational course, instead of gaining three points on their driving licence. But Trimble says a more effective way to tackle bad behaviour would be to install the ‘Driver DNA’ in vehicles. The box could then automatically record speeders’ behaviour to ensure they don’t re-offend. “While educating people is an important initiative, safety on our roads needs to be improved and enforcement is crucial,” says Yeoman. “Having the box fitted to cars following a speeding conviction will ensure people stay below the limit and help them get into a routine of driving more responsibly.” Trimble already provides the ‘Driver DNA’ box to more than 30,000 commercial vehicles.
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Don’t Miss the Annual Folk Music Night in Quorn! Friday 29th January 7.30pm, Quorn Village Hall (transport can be arranged) This will be the 7th annual Africa Aid folk music night, which is always a lovely evening with various artists performing music from folk music to 60’s music so there will be something for everyone. Money raised will go to support an orphanage and maternity hospital in Africa.
Tickets are £6 which includes a very generous supper and can be obtained from Kerry Sharpe 01530 243445 (kerryjane34@yahoo.com) or Dave Ford 0116 2368811.
Never trust a dog to watch your food.
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
It’s All Change at The Club in Thornton A new decade has begun in more ways than one at the club.
Formerly known as Evans & Pollard:
Charnwood Property Improvements SPECIALISING IN HIGH QUALITY KITCHEN AND BATHROOM REFURBISHMENTS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES
Inside • Bathrooms & Kitchens supplied & fitted • General building work • Carpentry • Laminate & Solid wood flooring • Tiling & Plumbing • Painting & Decorating
Outside • Landscaping & Patios • Decking • Fencing • Tree surgery • Roof & Gutter repairs
LOCAL PROFESSIONAL TRADESMEN CARING FOR YOUR HOME Tel: 01530 243922 Mobile: 07917 645 382 235, Leicester Rd, Markfield email: jevans104@btinternet.com
It’s all change. Emma has given up her job as Steward, I have stepped down as Secretary, Kay is no longer doing the membership, our brewery rep Nicki is moving on and we’re getting rid of the gambling machine. Now this is not as bad as it looks; in fact I think it will be a good start to the new decade, a clean sweep with new brushes. First we have appointed a new steward named Garry Allen who has had lots of experience in the licence trade. He was the former owner of the Cafe Bruxelles Bar and Restaurant on High Street Leicester. He has owned and managed other bars and restaurants throughout the Midlands. (The darts suppers should be a la carte.) Seriously we hope he will have some new ideas to improve the business. It’s goodbye to Emma after almost 2 years as Steward and 4 years as bar staff. Taking the job on at a young age and developing into the best steward we have had for years, she’s done very well. She will be missed but she wants to move on and we wish her all the best in the future. Thanks Emma - from all the club committee. I’ve stepped down as Secretary after nearly four years. I think I’ve done a half decent job putting 100% in to it. Perhaps some will say good riddance but to disappoint them I’m not going far away. Stuart Hearn is taking over as secretary and I’m taking his job as president which is not so involved in the day to day running of the club. (In other words I am moving upstairs out of the limelight or the flak.) Stu Hearn and Ade Smith are doing the membership this year. Club membership remains the same at £3 per annum. Anyone who paid before Christmas at the kids party will be paid up until next year Jan 2011. As I think you all know you don’t have to be a member to come into the club but we do need to keep the membership up, and remember each member has a share and a say in how the club is run. Other advantages of membership include having priority of rooms over other activities at the club, free entrance to club children’s parties. Also in this New Year we are going to start members’ nights when you will get concessions on the drink prices. I appeal to all regular or occasional club users please renew your membership or join the club now so we can compile the new list in February. Our brewery rep who has been a good help to us recently, is moving on. We hope the new one will serve us well. The new gambling machine has paid us £23 over the two busiest months of the year and it’s in the way of the pool table so it has to go. (It’s the easiest sacking I’ve done at the club - it doesn’t answer back.) We’ve had a good Christmas and new year despite the severe weather. We are certainly considering re-commissioning one of the old open fires that have long been bricked up. The kids party went brilliantly as usual with the kids having loads of jelly and cake and a present from Santa (I missed him again.) We’ve had some brilliant bands, Dirty Water on Christmas Eve, Hogans Ghost on New Year’s Eve, and some great bands throughout December. Waxes Dargyl being one of the most popular, a strange combination of Irish and Skiffle music - watch for them coming back again. There are live bands on most weekends. Ring 01530 230251 after 7pm or at the weekends for information or see the listings in this magazine. www.myspace.com/thorntonclub
Main St. Stanton 01530 242460
The Old Thatched Inn
HOOTS MON! BURNS NIGHT FUN QUIZ RD
SAT 23
JANUARY
START : 8.30PM
50 question quiz with a Scottish theme & free taste of Scotland nibbles
£50 to the winners – Teams of 4 £2 per person entry
WEARING OF KILTS IS OPTIONAL – WELL BEHAVED SPORRANS ARE WELCOME
No husband has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
PAPERWORKS for your PRINT • All types of print work undertaken • Bespoke business packs • Leaflet print with local distribution available Enquiries to James or Vicky 01530 249698 or paperworksleics@btinternet.com
1 Valley Rd, Markfield LE67 9QS
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Learn more about the Friends of Chernobyl Children charity Would you like to learn more about the charity which brings over children from Chernobyl every year? In Markfield, the children came over last September and had a lovely time, doctors say that for every month a child spends here in our clean air, it will add 2 years to their life. They also gain knowledge of a different country and language which helps them in years to come. The children will be coming again later this year and the charity would welcome any new host families, people who would like to help raise funds, or we would love you to come and just learn more about what the charity does. There will be a meeting on Tuesday 9th February 7.30 in the Anstey Methodist Church, at which John Thatcher (chairperson of the Markfield wing) will be speaking about the aims of the charity, light refreshments will also be provided. If you would like to come please let me know and transport can be arranged if required. Kerry Sharpe 01530 243445 kerryjane34@yahoo.com
Virgin Bank Would Offer More Choice To Consumers, Says Which?
Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation
Santa Claus visits Markfield
As Virgin takes a step closer to joining the retail banking sector by buying Church House Trust, Which? chief executive, Peter Vicary-Smith, says: “Consumers will welcome the prospect of more choice on the high street. There’s a definite appetite for switching accounts if people feel they’ve been badly treated by their bank. “New entrants in the market offering genuinely competitive products should spur other banks into working harder to keep their customers happy, which should result in better products and higher levels of service.� Which? is helping consumers to have a say in the future of banking with the Which? Big Banking Debate, to be held in central London on Thursday 4 February between 5 and 8pm. To share your views on how you think banking should look in the future or to book a place at the Which? Big Banking Debate, go to www.which.co.uk/ banking
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Santa visited Markfield to raise funds for Leicestershire charity the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation.
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Santa Claus came to town with 2 special trips to Markfield on Monday 7th & Wednesday 9th December 2009 raising over ÂŁ200 towards the work of the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation; a registered charity that provides support, care and friendship to the elderly, adults of all ages with disabilities and young people. Many thanks to the people of Markfield for their generous support.
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Our Blaby and Coalville Offices are open Saturday Mornings 9am—1pm no appointment necessary
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Junk is something you’ve kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
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St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 17th January 10.30 am Family Service Sunday 24th January 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 31st January 10.30 pm Single Service Sunday 7th February 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 14th February 10.30 am Morning Service Wednesday 17th February 7.30 pm Ash Wednesday Holy Communion Sunday 21st February 10.30 am Family Service Sunday 28th February 10.30 am Holy Communion
St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield 10:15-11.30am Sunday Club for Children in the Congregational Hall on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays, term time Family Service in Church on the 2nd Sunday each month.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Church Service Information Sunday 17th January 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Service for the week of Prayer for Christian Unity 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 24th January 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 31st January 6.00 pm Joint Service at St Peter’s, Copt Oak Sunday 7th February 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 14th February 10.30 am Family Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Friday 19th February 8.00 pm Iona Style Service Sunday 21st February 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Service at Trinity Methodist Church 6.00 am Evening Prayer Sunday 28th February 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service
Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield Sunday 10th January 10.30 am Morning Communion Service 4.00 pm Afternoon Café Style Service Sunday 17th January 10.30 am United Service at Parish Church 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 24th January 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 31st January 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 7th February 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Communion Service Sunday 14th February 10.30 am Morning Service 4.00 pm Afternoon Café Style Service Sunday 21st February (1st Sunday in Lent) 10.30 am United Service at Methodist Church 6.00 pm Evening Service
St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 17th January 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 24th January 10.30 am Family Service Sunday 31st January 6.00 pm Single Service at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 7th February 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 14th February 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 21st February 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 28th February 10.30 am Family Service
If things get any worse, I’ll have to ask you to stop helping me.
Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Sunday 7th February 9.00 am Holy Communion
St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 17th January 3.00 pm Songs of Praise Sunday 24th January 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 31st January 6.00 pm Joint Service Sunday 7th February 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 14th February 9.15 am Holy Communion (said) Sunday 21st February 3.00 pm Songs of Praise Sunday 28th February 6.00 pm Holy Communion
Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 17th January 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 24th January 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 31st January 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 7th February 10.30am Morning Service 5.00pm United Praise Service Sunday 14th February 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper Sunday 21st February 10.30am Morning Service
Two Moroccans are introduced to each other at a party. One says to the other: “I’m sure we’ve met before. Your fez is very familiar.”
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Looking back to the Christmas of 2009, I recall those icy days of December when much of the country had its first snowfall; when traffic on the M25 was at a standstill, as were the Channel Tunnel trains; when Basingstoke was snowbound, and our leaders in Copenhagen couldn’t come to a decision about climate change. And the worst of it, located as we are in the middle of England, missed us once again.
Yet what a joy it was to see that first sprinkling of snow on the morning of our Carol Service – and how apt on that occasion was the first Carol “See amid the Winter’s snow”. As has come to be expected, the ‘Carols by Candlelight’ Service at St. Peter’s was an uplifting occasion. With ‘many hands making light work’ the church was beautifully decorated, the bells were welcoming, the singing was delightful, the glittering candles inspiring and the refreshments bountiful. Our grateful thanks are due to those who gave of their time, energy and resources to make it all happen. On a personal note it was for me an occasion of some sadness, with the realisation that this had been my last Carol Service as Organist at St Peter’s. The services which followed on Christmas Eve were very well attended. The popular Christingle Service attracted 134 adults and 82 children, with a magnificent collection of £245 able to be sent to the Children’s Society. The village street in the early, foggy, dusk of the day was aglow with Glowsticks – an up to date Health & Safety replacement for the candle! The Midnight Communion was supported by a congregation of 41. Here, in the middle of January, it is I hope not too late to wish you all, from St Peter’s, a Happy New Year.
Hey, We know her!
Jo Walsh is featured in the Leicester Mercury! Regular Herald advertiser Jo Walsh, who owns De Verdun Children’s Day Nursery in Newbold Verdon, was featured recently in the Leicester Mercury’s Company Car Woman spot. Jo, who drives a Land Rover Discovery, gave her opinions on half a dozen topical news stories posed by the Mercury. When asked: Do you think that those caught driving while using a mobile phone should face tougher punishment?”, Jo replied: “Absolutely. I see so many people driving badly while using their mobile phone, I was beginning to wonder if a law banning it had ever been passed.” Well done, Jo - it was nice to see one of our advertisers featured in the local paper.
Susan
Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Markfield carol singers re-unite to raise funds for Bella
Dorothy Fitchett Celebrates her 90th Birthday
On Tuesday 15th December - a cold night - the Markfield carol singers re-united after a few years absence, to raise funds for our chosen charity, the Bella trust fund. Bella is a little girl who lives in Markfield and is having treatment for a serious illness. We would like to thank everyone who opened their doors to our voices, for their kind donations and hospitality. We raised an astonishing £120. Thank you all very much, see you next year! The carol singing group were Jean and Annie Stafford, Karen Mullins(for a short time), Mrs Angela Berry, Andrea Bailey, Katrina, Jane and Ailsa Bohen and Kieber the dog. To find out more about brain tumours in children and to keep up to date with Bella’s progress look on www.tinkerbellaswishes.co.uk.
On Sunday 22nd November 2009 Dorothy celebrated her ninetieth birthday with her daughters Jackie and Judy and son Neville. Her grandchildren, sisters Norma and Iris together with friends were also there. It was held at her home at Bradgate Hill, Groby. Dorothy has lived in Groby and Markfield all of her life with her late husband Neville.
To be intoxicated is to feel sophisticated but not be able to say it.
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
LOCAL PUBS & CLUBS Old Thatched Inn, Stanton. T: 01530 242460 Sat 23 Jan: BURNS NIGHT Fun QUIZ 8.30pm 50 Scottish Themed Questions Entry £2 p.p. £50 Prize to Team of 4 Winners. The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 6 Feb: Gee’N’Us The Red Lion Main Street, Markfield. T: 01530 242936 Sat 30 Jan: Live MUSIC Sat 6 Feb: SHINE Female Duo Live Screen SPORT Darts & Pool Teams The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 16 Jan: DISCO Sat 23 Jan: DIRTY FRANK Sat 30 Jan: MIDLIFE Sat 6 Feb: T.B.A. Sat 13 Feb: KAMAGRA Sat 20 Feb: DAWSON SMITH &The DISSENTERS www.myspace.com/ thorntonclub Bagworth WMC Station Road, Bagworth T: 01530 230 205 New Members Welcome Sat 16 Jan: GET RHYTHM Sat 23 Jan: MARTYN RUSSELL Sat 30 Jan: PHIL CARR Sat 6 Feb: JOHN LESTER Sat 13 Feb: SINGING POSTMAN Every Wed: Tea Dance 2-4pm £1 Incl.Tea & Biscuits Last Fridays of Month: ANDY’S CHARITY QUIZ. £1.50 each. Every Sun ~ SEQUENCE DANCING Cost:£1. 7.30/8pm(Bar Open) FUNCTION ROOM for HIRE (Our own Catering & Disco available if reqd.)
The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 TRIBUTE Nights All £2 Entry after 7pm. (Fri 15 Jan: NEIL DIAMOND) Fri 29 Jan: PHIL COLLINS Fri 12 Feb: Freddie MERCURY Fri 26 Feb: Amy WINEHOUSE Every 2nd Tues: QUIZ Nite POKER SCHOOL/Tues 8pm Open to All/Cash Prizes The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sat 23 Jan & 6 Feb (’King of the Road’) Sundays: QUIZ Night Skittle Alley/Room for Hire The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616. KARAOKE ~ Every Wed OPEN MIC ~Every Thurs JAZZ ~ Every Sun 3-6pm QUIZ – General Knowledge + Find the Joker ~ EVERY Sun QUIZ – Music ~ EVERY Tues Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287-1809 Sat 23 Jan: PANTOMIME www.grobyclub.co.uk NOTICE TO MEMBERS Great Entertainment Fri/Sat/ Sun New Members Welcome The Bricklayers Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite – Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net The Charnwood Arms Bardon. T: 01530 813644 No Info sent this month
All information correct at time of going to press.
To Advertise Call 01530 244069 or Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk
Forthcoming Events at The Palace, Ibstock 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 267303
Forthcoming Events & Classes COMING SOON……. ‘STRICTLY COME DANCING’….AT THE PALACE From the second week in January 2010 adult ball-room dancing classes on Tuesdays from 2.00pm until 3.00pm and children’s classes will be held on Saturdays from 11.00am until 12 noon. Initially for beginners the sessions will be £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. Expert tuition given. Friday, 22nd January - Charity Organ Concert. Tickets: £6. Friday, 29th January – Film Night at The Palace. – ‘Is Anybody There?’ (Starring Michael Caine) Performance begins at 7.30pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 concessions. MONDAY Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness 5.30pm – 7.30pm • Judith Sell Tel: 0115 714 8480 Yoga Class • 7.30pm – 9pm Jan Fell • Tel: 01530 450485 TUESDAY Bubbles Playgroup • 10.30am – 12 Rachel Seabrook • Tel: 01530 452144 Legs, Bums and Tums 7pm – 8pm • Michelle Scott-Worthing Tel: 07887 678367 Fitness Pilates • 8pm – 9pm Michelle Scott-Worthing • Tel: 07887678367 WEDNESDAY 60+ Fitness Pilates • 9.30pm – 10.30pm Michelle Scott-Worthing Tel: 07887678367 Movement to Music • 11am – 12 Tracey Smith • Tel: 07946 520596 Line Dancing for beginners 1.15pm – 2.45pm Cliff • Tel: 01509 673597 Zumba Fitness class • 6pm – 7pm Julia Wilson • Tel: 01530 267303 Tai Chi Class • 7.30pm – 9pm Doug Gerrard • Tel: 07969 480684
Always be sincere, even if you don’t mean it.
THURSDAY Beautiful Bodies • 10pm – 11pm Julia Wilson • Tel: 01530 267303 The Outlook Group • 1.30pm – 3pm Elaine Hodgetts • Tel: 01530 260083 Bingo! • Doors open at 7.30pm Wendy Hall • Tel: 01530 260460 FRIDAY Tai Chi Class • 10am – 11am Michael Cashmore • Tel: 07714 215216 SATURDAY Fitness Hula • 9am – 10am Sarah Minshaw • Tel: 01530 267303
Tickets from Halls Electrical, High Street, Ibstock. Telephone: 01530 260460.
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Markfield Neighbourhood Watch News From Alex Ritchie Cynical Me – But I was wrong I know I have said it before that I am conscious of two distinct levels of Neighbourhood Watch involvement – i.e. practical grass roots which I try to promote and upper echelon, non practical “management” that I specifically try to avoid. However, when invited to attend and represent Markfield at a N.W. “Development Day” at Force Headquarters I dutifully went along and, having studied the agenda, fully expected to find myself being taught how, at my age, to suck eggs. To my surprise I found that, not only were the stated objectives that covered many aspects of article writing generally, and legal responsibilities, in particular, clearly explained but there was the added bonus of meeting fellow street level area coordinators and discussing varying aspects of practical Neighbourhood Watching with them. All, like our own local members, are unpaid volunteers and, without exception, agreed that a good ground floor, street level, honest and open communicational bond with their local Police officers of every rank is an absolute necessity to justify our existence and obtain the results – crime prevention mainly – we seek. Comparing notes it would appear our relationship with Inspector Ward and his Hinckley team is well above average.
Paid Coordinator Recently there has been talk in various quarters of a Markfield N.W. Paid Area Coordinator being employed and our local Parish Council contributing to the salary and costs involved. Certainly there are some Leicestershire areas that could, through lack of volunteers, benefit from such an appointment. However, considering our steadily increasing membership, not to mention the Chief Constable’s award we recently received for our voluntary N.W. contribution and also the continuous call for Public Expenditure Savings it is certainly not applicable here. That being so we were represented at the last Parish Council meeting to make our feelings known and, and as a result of the response received, now believe we have no cause for concern regarding the possibility of such an appointment being imposed upon us. (ie ratepayers)
The Indispensable Man (or Woman) Reading the above you may think I, as local area
coordinator, am voicing a self related individual feeling. No so. I have no false illusions about my current position and could easily name two or three of our local members who could replace me quite easily and probably do a better job. I do not remember who taught me the following poem but it is one I oft quote and consider just as relative to me as anyone else. Here goes:Whenever you are feeling important, Whenever your ego’s in bloom Whenever you take it for granted You’re the most important one in the room Whenever you think that your going Would leave an unfillable hole Then follow these simple instructions And see how they humble your soul. Take a bucket and fill it with water Put your arms in it up to their wrists Take them out and the hole that remains Is the measure of how you will be missed. You can splash all you like when you enter You can stir up the waters galore But… pause ..and a few minutes later It’s just the same as before The moral of this tale is quite simple Be proud of yourself – work as hard as you can But, remember, yes always remember There is no indispensable man (or woman)
Repeating myself I was sternly warned by Editor Michael when I ventured into print with my first Neighbourhood Watch Herald offering that I must not repeat myself but, have you noticed?, on one subject, I continually do. This is when I congratulate the vast majority of our local youngsters of both sexes for their good behaviour, hard work and being a credit to this village and their relatives. They certainly did us proud over Halloween and Bonfire Night but, as I write, I am hoping I will be able to repeat myself next month by congratulating them again for their Xmas and New Year good conduct. Having said that, I do feel pretty confident but, by the time you read this we will certainly know one way or the other.
Crime Prevention Advice I try to be pretty cautious when I circulate Crime Prevention Advice or descriptions of any crime committed. The reason quite simply is that I believe such detail, to the wrong ears, can give potential criminals good – no, sorry, - bad ideas.
Let me tell you a little story. Once upon a time as a young detective I attended the scene of what looked like a very professional burglary. What was particularly worrying was the fact the householder was a scientist at a nearby Atomic Centre and I feared the intruder had, perhaps, been looking for secret information. In fact, all that had been stolen was a ceramic violin. Checking the records of local second hand and pawn shops I subsequently found this property and also traced the two young teenage culprits who, when asked how they had been so professional in their burglary explained that they just been to the cinema, saw how a burglar in the film had committed his crime and had just copied that. I am certainly giving no more detail because during the war years there was a saying, “Careless Talk costs lives” and, you know what, that theme was part of the advice we were given at the Development Day meeting at Force Headquarters. So, obviously, I am saying no more about that cinema related burglary and/or these lads.
Finally I have received news about a list of Crime Prevention equipment our N.W. colleagues have for sale in nearby Coalville. This relates to various types of alarms and other items ranging from padlocks to tamper proof car tax disc holders, Smartwater kits, etc. and full details and/or any further general information can be obtained by ringing 0116 248 3079 for a chat with Chris Smith or one of his N.W. colleagues on Monday or Thursday mornings between 10am and 12noon, or popping into Coalville Police Station then to see them personally. Alternatively, they can be contacted by emailing:- nhw.coalville@ leicestershire.pnn.police.uk. I actually dropped in the other day and bought my wife a Personal Alarm to put in her handbag and attach to herself. Anyone snatching it will then set off a high pitched bleep which will attract every passer by’s attention and lead to an almost certain arrest. Trouble is she says she is going to fix it to her pyjamas. Whatever for? Who is going to try to steal them? Or am I being a bit thick? Evening All.
I managed to get a good job working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Markfield WI go out for a meal, sing carols and prepare to keep bees!
Birthday Celebrations at The Village Restaurant
On November 18th Markfield WI held their annual Birthday Celebrations which took the form of a meal at The Village restaurant, Newtown Linford. The meal was attended by almost all our members and we spent a happy evening enjoying each other’s company and an excellent meal. The restaurant had opened especially for us and they put on a lovely meal and looked after us very well. It will hopefully be a venue for our party next year! On December 4th the Bradgate Group of WIs held their Carol Service at Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield. Markfield WI hosted this event and it was attended by forty seven members of local WIs and a large number of our own members. Rev Douglas Brewer spoke to us, many favourite carols were sung and familiar lessons read and the evening was rounded off with coffee and mince pies. A really good start to Christmas celebrations. The Nativity scene which members knitted for last year’s Christmas Festival was on display and we hope that by next Christmas the Wise Men will have arrived! Our next event will be our January meeting where the speaker will be John Randall who will be talking to us about Bee Keeping. We will also be playing in the final of the Bradgate Group Skittles league and are hoping for success, which so far has eluded us, although we have come within a point of winning! DINING OUT: Members Of Markfield Women’s Institute enjoying a lock-in On behalf of all our members I would like to take at The Village Restaurant, Newtown Linford this opportunity to wish all readers a Happy New Year and to say that if you feel the need to get out and make some new friends or develp some new interests we would love to see you on the third Wednesday of the month at WI. (See also page 14)
Fran Johnson
A gossip is someone with a great sense of rumour.
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Battle the Winter Blues with a Spring Time Treat! To help shake off the snow and look forward to warmer times, here’s a fantastic ticket offer from the all new Ideal Home Show! Get Weekend tickets for the show for just £10, saving a whole £7 off the on-the-door price. And weekday tickets are a great bargain too at only £9, saving £6 off the full price. With each ticket you buy you also receive a free showguide worth £8! But hurry, the offer is only valid until the end of January - book online now or call 0844 415 4144.
BOOKCASE
Adrian Mole: The Prostrate Years Adrian Mole is 39 and a quarter. Unable to afford the mortgage on his riverside apartment, he has been forced to move into a semi-detached converted pigsty next door to his parents, George and Pauline. His ravishing wife Daisy loathes the countryside, longs for Dean Street and has yet to buy a pair of Wellingtons; they are both aware the passion has gone out of their marriage, but neither knows how to reignite the flame. To cap it all off, Adrian is leaving his bed numerous times a night to go to the lavatory and has other alarming symptoms, leading him to suspect prostate trouble. Meanwhile, his mother thinks that an appearance on the Jeremy Kyle show might solve the mystery of her daughter’s paternity once and for all. And when George is asked to provide a DNA sample, will the shock kill him? He is already disabled, though still chain smoking and has had an ashtray welded onto the arm of his wheelchair. As Adrian’s worries multiply, a phone call to his old flame Dr Pandora Braithwaite, BA, MA, PhD, MP and Junior Minister in the Foreign Office, ignites memories of a shared passion and makes him wonder – is she the only one who can save him now? AMAZON.CO.UK price: £9.49
ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
As part of our aftercare service, we now offer a monthly Bereavement Aftercare & Support Group, which has been set up to provide a FREE support service, not just to our clients, but to ANY bereaved person, irrespective of their age, creed, religion and length of bereavement. The group meets on the 1st Saturday of every month in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12noon.
Next dates: Sat 6th February 2010 and Sat 6th March 2010 ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548
The man who fell into an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
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A WANDER THROUGH CHARNWOOD FOREST A MAGIC LANTERN SHOW BY MICHAEL WORTLEY 7.30 p.m. TUESDAY 26th JANUARY 2010 at WOODHOUSE EAVES VILLAGE HALL On Tuesday 26th January, Friends of Charnwood Forest will be presenting a magic lantern show by Michael Wortley.
A magic lantern was first described in China and thereafter described in the West in 1671. With an oil lamp and a lens, images painted on glass plates could be projected on to a suitable screen. By the 19th century there was a thriving trade of itinerant projectionists with magic lanterns putting on shows in towns and villages throughout the UK. The magic lantern used tonight dates back to 1895 and was originally powered by gas. The lantern, which has a long “family tradition”, was first used by Uncle Joe who gave public shows throughout the County on set pieces such as Queen Victoria’s Coronation. In the 1930’s , Michael’s father started helping with the shows including converting the lantern to electricity in 1932. After the War, Michael ‘s father took over running the shows, but this time with Michael helping him through to 1970. There was then a 20 year break. However, in 1990, Michael continued the “family tradition” and started giving the shows himself, this time helped by his son, concentrating as before on places in the County. The magic lantern show will take us wandering from the South of Shepshed on the A512 (the old Ashby Turnpike) at the White House Public House through to Grace Dieu, the Monastery, Copt Oak, Oaks in Charnwood and Iveshead Road. With many interesting stops in between, we also take a look at the past glories of Garendon Park Estate. Guests are welcome, £3 at the door. The evening will conclude with refreshments.
Clifford Jones
Events Co-ordinator Tel: 01530 244046
How do I set my laser printer to stun?
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Bestselling Crime Fiction Author to visit Loughborough Library Bestselling author SIMON KERNICK is to visit Leicestershire County Council’s Loughborough Library on Tuesday 2nd February 2010 (7.00pm, admission free). Simon will talk about his latest bestseller “The Last 10 Seconds” and his career as a crime fiction novelist. “The Last 10 Seconds” is Simon’s ninth crime novel, and features policewoman Tina Boyd, who has appeared in several of his previous titles. Simon is a major name in crime fiction, and his hard hitting, thrilling books such as “Relentless” and “Target” are worldwide best-sellers. They are all available from Leicestershire Libraries. For more information on his books see his website www.simonkernick.com Admission is free, but places should be booked by contacting Loughborough Library on 01509 212985 (email loughborough.library@ leics.gov.uk) It would be a crime to miss him.
Thought for the Month Be ready Nothing is more frustrating than to see the perfect opportunity come along and not be able to seize it. That opportunity will surely come, so get ready and be ready. Instead of looking for opportunity, work for it. Make the effort to be the person who has what it takes to make the most of the opportunity you seek. Don’t merely wish for opportunity. For if that’s all you do, you won’t even recognize opportunity when it is right in front of you. Consider what opportunity will ask of you. Then get busy and get yourself in a position to deliver exactly that. Be ready, and the opportunity you seek will come. Be ready, and when that opportunity comes, you can tap into its immense value. Work and prepare as if the ideal opportunity is headed your way. Because when you do, it is.
Ralph Marston
Copyright 2010 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. Used by permission. Originally published in “The Daily Motivator” at www.dailymotivator.com
Brainteaser Answers - from pages 2 and 14 Page 2: The last person took the basket with the last egg still inside. Page 14: The old lady of course! After helping the old lady into the car, you can give your keys to your friend, and wait with your perfect partner for the bus.
When you dream in colour, it’s a pigment of your imagination.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Having lots of fun at Markfield Play Church!
Markfield Play Church has had a successful time since we started meeting again after our summer break. We have welcomed several new babies and their carers and still have a small contingent of children who join us after school. Lots of fun, singing and stories have been enjoyed and in the weeks before Christmas we thought about angels and re visited the Nativity through songs and art activities. Our last session was a party where we decorated a Christmas tree for the Methodist Church, played games, sang some of our favourite songs and were very excited when Santa visited. We will be meeting again from Monday, Jan 11th 3.15 to 4.30 at the Methodist Church, Main St, Markfield. For further information contact Fran Johnson 01530 243350.
Fran Johnson Shotgun wedding: a case of wife or death.
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Answers to Cryptic Games Quiz on page 8. 1. Bridge, 2. Newmarket, 3. Pontoon 4. Poker 5. Backgammon 6. Chess 7. Sorry 8. Polo 9. Rugby 10. Badminton 11. Fencing 12. Lacrosse 13. Solitaire 14. Angling 15. Cluedo 16. Monopoly 17. Darts 18. Cricket 19. Black Jack 20. Snakes & ladders
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
IDC Home Maintenance Painter and Decorator Full interior and exterior painting service for your home also wallpaper hanging, tiling and laminate floor fitting. All aspects of property maintenance undertaken. NO JOB TOO SMALL For a free estimate please call Ian on: 01530 245461 Mobile: 07885 541428 Email: enquiries@idchomemaintenance.co.uk Web: www.idchomemaintenance.co.uk
Success For Downhill Mountain Bikers THIS YEAR saw two of our local teenagers complete their first full season in a National, five round, Downhill Mountain Bike series. Tom Brookman and Oliver Marriott, both from Markfield, competed in this year’s Pearce Cycles Downhill Mountain Bike Series and scored some credible times over the series. For those of you who haven’t come across Downhill Mountain Bike Racing, it is one of the most spectacular forms of cycle racing – defined as ‘a gravity-assisted time trial mountain biking event’. Imagine a moto-crosser on a bike without an engine but with pedals – on a downhill ski course, and you have a reasonable idea of what to expect. Competitors come from all ages and gender, though, seeded into categories depending on age, speed, and gender. Though the juveniles, juniors, and girls, race in their individual classes, the top youths and girls can often be recording race times which are amongst some of the quickest on the day. All the classes race down the same race track, although in some circumstances, there are routes provided around some obstacles for novices to take. Riders individually race against the clock, usually starting at intervals of 30 seconds, on courses that typically take two to five minutes to complete. Riders are timed from start to finish with the same TAG timing equipment as in Downhill Ski events, also recording split times at intervals for both race commentator and rider interest. The leader board is determined simply by the fastest time from top to bottom and, races are often won by margins of under a second. Most of this year’s Pearce Cycles Championship Series was based around the Welsh borders on Forestry Commission hillsides. Apart from the beautiful countryside and views, these particular hillsides are amongst the most spectacular and fastest tracks around. The race is held on steep, downhill terrain with no extended climbing sections, resulting in spectacular high speed descents with extended `air time’ off jumps, sweeping berms and switch-backs, rock gardens, tree roots, and changing soil conditions down the course. Assessing his first season of competition, Ollie said `The whole series has been very professionally run but for me, it’s been a very steep learning curve. The competition
aspect is so different to casual riding with your mates. The changing light conditions down the courses between open and wooded sections takes some getting used to, especially when every fraction of a second counts throughout the course – photographers’ flash bulbs firing off through the wooded sections was also an aspect that I wasn’t prepared for, especially in the later rounds where the numbers of photographers appeared to increase no end. `It’s also been great competing with my friend Tom Brookman who has not only helped me in training but also consistently posted faster times throughout the series. Tom is very smooth and quick and this is an aspect that I have to improve on next year’. Surprisingly, we met a number of other competitors in the Welsh hills from around Leicestershire, in particular Simon Ward, an Aeronautical Student based at Loughborough University. Simon has become a good friend and trains with both Tom and Ollie when he can. The boys will definitely be competing in next year’s Downhill Series and are training hard to improve on this year’s results. If anyone would like to know more about Downhill Mountain Biking; either competing, photography, spectating and supporting, or sponsorship, I’m sure these two very enthusiastic local competitors would be happy to help wherever they can.
Glenn Marriott Email: glenn.marriott@yahoo.co.uk
A backwards poet writes inverse.
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Extracts From Latest Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council Minutes The following topics are among the items discussed at the meeting of Bagworth & Thornton Parish Council on 7th December 2009 (extracted from the unadopted minutes):
Borough Councillor’s Report Borough Councillor L O’Shea reported details relating to the traveller’s site. He had had a long conversation with Steve Atkinson from H&BBC regarding obtaining a permanent injunction. Information had also come to light regarding an application for the piece of land next to TH010. Councillor O’Shea also reported on the dumping of rubble on the controversial Thornton reservoir site. He advised any application here would be fought with vigour. The Parish Council also passed a resolution to oppose any application on this site.
Markfield Youth Project Discussion again took place regarding the contribution of £1,000 towards transport costs from Thornton/Bagworth to the Youth facility at Markfield. The project has been extended to March 2010. Mrs Johnson wanted it noting that the £1,000 contribution from Bagworth and Thornton was for use purely for young people from those areas to use the facility and not to be used to subsidise young people from elsewhere.
Markfield Community & Sports Centre
Mayflower Close, Markfield (off Oakfield Avenue) LE67 9ST Tel: 01530 242240 For all bookings and enquiries (24-hour answering machine) A superb centre offering a large range of activities, various classes and club meetings. There is a large and a small hall available for hire.
The butcher backed into the bacon slicer and got a little behind with his orders.
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The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
find the names of 12 THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH WINTER in the Wordsearch puzzle below, and you could win yourself a nice prize. This month we are offering a first prize of:
A Main Course for Two plus A Bottle of House Wine at The Field Head Hotel and a SECOND PRIZE of:
A pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at the REEL CINEMA in Loughborough To go into the draw for the prizes, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 things associated with Winter. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to winter drawers on, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Thursday 28th January 2009. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s brand new Trilby will win the Meal for Two, and the second will win the Cinema Tickets. Good luck! Here are the 12 Wintry Items you have to find:
BURST PIPES • CANCELLATIONS • CHILBLAINS FROZEN LAKES • HEATING BILLS • HUNGRY BIRDS ICICLES • ROAD GRITTING • SCHOOL CLOSURES SLEDGING • SNOWDRIFTS • THERMAL UNDERWEAR Word Search Puzzle
C I C I C L E S L Y G S U T M T
S A I U C Y D M S N L J B N H P
S C N Q O J A A S L S K N E S V
F L X C C T J R I O E Q R C C X
S M E W E A M B Z S K M Z H H D
F D W D H L G X N D A L D I O B
F S R I G N L O I L L K F L O O
Q X S I I I W A U O N R T B L S
D W X T B D N N T G E T S L C Z
S R A X R Y D G E I Z N W A L V
D E I I H E R V L V O D H I O S
H W F M R S D G W B R N Z N S D
B T L W Z B T U N Q F V S S U J
S S E P I P T S R U B S V S R D
Q A O N G W Y D Y Q H W E T E Q
R O A D G R I T T I N G S G S X
Name: ...................................................................................................
BURSTPIPES Address: ................................................................................................
Veterinary practice celebrates 21 years in Anstey Maggie Leggett’s veterinary practice is celebrating 21 years in Latimer Street, Anstey. Maggie set up the practice in November 1988 and says the support of her loyal clients has been crucial to her practice. She also relies on her dedicated and hard working staff to provide the care required by the patients. The practice has achieved Tier 2 status in the Royal College’s Practice Standards Scheme. The practice has some gifts for the clients, so pop in to collect your pens, fridge magnets and cotton bags. The surgery is at 2-4 Latimer Street, Anstey. (Telephone 0116 234 0696.)
CANCELLATIONS CHILBLAINS .............................................. Postcode: ................................................ FROZENLAKES Last Issue’s Two Prize Winners HEATINGBILLS The first correct entry drawn out of the hat last month came from: JEMMA LAW of HUNGRYBIRDS Beech Walk, Markfield. Congratulations! Your Meal & Wine Voucher to spend at the Field Head Hotel will be sent to you in the next 21 days. ICICLES The second correct entry drawn out came from MRS. B.CHAPMAN of Chitterman way, Markfield. Congratulations! Your Pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at The Reel ROADGRITTING Cinema will be sent to you in the next 21 days. SCHOOLCLOSURES Those who get too big for their breeches will be exposed in the end. SLEDGING SNOWDRIFTS ..............................................................................................................
The Herald • Mid-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Closing date nearing for school places
Anstey & District Funeral Service
Parents of children due to start school for the first time are being urged not to miss the closing date for places. There are around seven weeks left for applications for infant or primary school places for children who will be four years old by 1st September. All parents need to apply and must do this by 22nd February – even for their child to attend their catchment area school. Late applicants may not be offered a place at any of their preferred schools, or even their catchment area school so parents are being urged to make sure they don’t miss the closing date. To apply for a place, please visit www.leics.gov.uk/admissions , contact the County Council’s Allocations Section for a form or pick one up from local schools. Ivan Ould, County Council Cabinet Member for the Children and Young People’s Service, said: “It is very important that all parents apply on time to give their children the best possible chance of being offered a place in their preferred school. If parents are late and there are a lot of requests, even if they live next door to the school, they are unlikely to get a place for their child.” “Last year, we were very successful in meeting parents’ preferences but as always, late applicants run the risk of disappointment as schools do become full.” For a form or more information, please contact the Allocations Section on 0116 305 6684 or email admissions@leics.gov.uk . Last year’s primary admission figures have not yet been calculated but at secondary level, 97.5% of parents who applied on time received their first preference making Leicestershire one of the top performing authorities in this respect in the country. The County Council encourages parents to apply via the website online and this year, over 50% of transfer applications were made online. The admissions process adheres to central government rules and gives parents the right to have an appeal heard by an independent panel.
Independent Family-Run Funeral Directors
We take care of every detail, advise and help you every step of the way. • •
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Traditional hearse & fleet Horse drawn carriages, motorcycle hearse & alternatives available Memorial showroom Extensive car parking Private catering suite Private chapels of rest Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred
0116 234 0548 Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AT
www.ansteyfunerals.com
If you take your laptop computer for a run, you might jog your memory.
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