THE HERALD JUNE 2022 by Michael Wilkinson

MID-JUNE 2022

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

Appeal granted for 49 homes in Thornton

Brownies’ Jubilee party

AS REPORTED IN THE LEICESTER MERCURY, residents of Thornton have been defeated in their long-fought battle to protect a field in their village from development. Hundreds of locals have opposed plans to develop greenfield land at the end of Beech Drive, since a proposal was first lodged in 2014.

Concerns were raised that it would damage an area of countryside and increase congestion in the area. Councillors have turned down three proposals for the site, filed by Barwood Homes and J H Hallam & Son Limited, but the latest scheme, for 49 homes, has now been granted on appeal. The Planning Inspector said in their decision report that the houses “would not stand out as a dominant feature in the local landscape” and that a suggested traffic calming scheme would mitigate the traffic impact of the development. The original proposal, filed in 2014, was rejected by the council as it was deemed that the area did not have the infrastructure or services to support the new homes. An appeal was filed but the inquiry was then delayed, so the council invited a revised application from the developer in advance of the appeal inquiry. A new scheme was lodged in April 2016, reducing the number of homes from 49 to 48, but this was also turned down over concerns about the impact on the countryside. The latest application, filed in 2020, said that the increase in Thornton’s population would increase footfall and revenue for local shops. Cllr Andy Furlong a member of the Planning Committee, who voted against the application, said: “As a Thornton resident for over twenty years, I have to say that I feel desperately sad for my friends and former neighbours in the village. One of the driving factors behind my decision to move was the limited access to local services. This new development can only make matters worse. This is the harsh reality of the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ agenda. The elected councillors in Thornton must be open and honest about this.”

SCUBA business networking is back at South Charnwood High School

WE ARE DELIGHTED to announce that our award winning SCUBA business networking event is back again on Thursday 23rd June at South Charnwood High School. Organised by our Year 10 Business Ambassadors, we aim to create a unique networking event which is specifically aimed at small local businesses. We have been running for 6 years and have steadily grown over this time. Don’t just take our word for it .. “What a great event! The Ambassadors were fantastic. It was lovely to be in a room with actual people. So many interesting businesses to meet. Looking forward to the next one.” Don’t delay and sign up NOW to join our growing network community! SEE ADVERT ON PAGE 3 INSIDE ...>

ON 18TH MAY, 2nd Markfield Brownies held a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee party for their unit.

Alyssa Thompson and Sofia Burdett (pictured right) organised the event, which also went towards their Brownies Gold Award. The Jubileethemed games, tombola and of course cakes were all very successful and helped to raise over £230. We would like to thank Alyssa and Sofia for organising and also all the relatives and friends that came to support us. We look forward to awarding the Gold Awards, which is the highest level a Brownie can achieve. They will be the first ever Golds for our unit!

2nd Markfield Brownies

Stanton Summer Fayre is on Saturday 2nd July DON’T MISS the Stanton-under-Bardon Summer Fayre, which will take place on Saturday 2nd July 2022 at St Mary & All Saints Church, Stanton Under Bardon between 2pm-4pm. Admission is FREE! There will be lots of great STALLS to include Cakes & Preserves, Tombola, Raffle, Plants, Bric-a-Brac, etc. Refreshments will be available. Come & join us for some Summer Fun!

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For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Bloomin’ Bagworth!

HOPEFULLY you will have noticed that the planters around the village have received their annual addition of summer flowers. The plants (as well as the planters) have been paid for by the Bagworth Forward Group (BFG). They are not cheap and BFG would be extremely grateful if you can look after them if you live close to one. They appreciate a drink, especially when the weather is hot and dry, so thank you in advance for doing this.

Bagworth Show - Saturday 27th August BFG raises money to be able to buy the plants by organising events during the year.

The main event organised takes place on Saturday August 27 and is the Bagworth Show. This is where anyone can enter as it is an Open Show. Classes of exhibits include vegetables, fruits, flowers, baking etc., arts and crafts and a children’s section. There are trophies and certificates to be won as well as cash prizes for the adult classes. The classes, including instructions, are to be found in the schedule which will be available from July onwards. This can be found on the BFG Facebook page, by email from Rob at r.a.jacobs@ btinternet.com, various local shops and garden centres or from Bob on 01530 230429. The exhibits are judged by professional judges and they can be observed afterwards in Bagworth Community Centre. The exhibits are then sold off afterwards, which gives you the chance to acquire a wide variety of things at very reasonable prices.

Concerns over Homes Target

HINCKLEY & Bosworth Borough Council’s Executive Member for Planning, Councillor David Bill, has spoken out raising his grave concerns over the number of new homes that must be built in the Hinckley and Bosworth area over the next 14 years. He spoke out after recent media coverage reported that Leicester cannot meet its housing targets – so thousands more houses will be built across Leicestershire instead. Under a proposal that all Leicestershire councils are currently looking at, Hinckley and Bosworth would be required to take a substantial number of homes off the city’s target, with a possible target of some 10,500 new homes needing to be built in the borough by 2036. Councillor Bill said: “This will come as unwelcome news to many people here in Hinckley and Bosworth. However under the Government’s planning legislation, we have a duty to cooperate with our adjoining partners and the process of accommodating the needs of the ever-growing population has been taking place over many years in terms of having to find both housing and employment sites.” SCUBA BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT - THURS 23rd JUNE

THE BAGWORTH DOG SHOW will take place on the same day on the grass next to Sure Start. It will include some serious and some not so serious classes. Full details will be printed in the schedule. If you require more information on this please contact Bob on 01530 814356. On the day, BFG will be selling hot and cold food and hot and cold drinks. Look out for more information nearer the time.

I always try to go the extra mile at work, but my boss always finds me and brings me back.

THE HERALD • MID-JUNE 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The Herald PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Tel: 01530 244069 info@markfieldherald.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk

The Herald is a monthly local magazine delivered free to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Markfield, Field Head, Stanton under Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth. Contact Mike Wilkinson with your articles, news items or advertising enquiries. Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Herald Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. The Herald cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. The Herald reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All contents © The Herald. None of the articles or adverts contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from The Herald.

Message from Dr Luke Evans MP

T’S NOT EVERY day as a backbench MP that you can influence national debate. But this month I am pleased to deliver a tangible change.

National organisations such as Boots, Dove, Barry-M and PureGym have supported me on this issue. I’m pleased to see so many organisations taking a stand… but to enact industry-wide change we need even more companies to come on board. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised at how much my work on body image cuts through to our community! When I meet children on visits to local schools or bump into people out and about in our area, they’re always really interested to hear how my campaign is progressing. I recently visited Peckleton Parish Council and a lady wanted to know how my campaign was developing as she’s worried about the effects that social media may have on her granddaughter. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide everyone with a full update. In March I started to contact brands, charities and organisations

about my Body Image Pledge which asks them to voluntarily commit to not digitally manipulate a person’s body shape. This includes images which appear in advertising and – importantly – on social media. In my role as a GP I saw first-hand the negative effects that social media can have on a person, which is why I am campaigning on this issue. This is about honesty, transparency and ensuring we aren’t creating unrealistic and unachievable standards for not only ourselves but future generations too. Which is why I turned to my colleagues in the House for help. I am pleased to share the news with you that 86 MPs from seven different parties – covering every end of the political spectrum – have signed my letter urging companies to join the Pledge. It’s fair to say there aren’t many issues you would expect Steve Baker and John McDonnell to agree on! With such wide ranging support, I asked the Prime Minister if he agreed with label images where body proportions have been digitally altered. In possibly the biggest show of support I have received so far, the Prime Minister acknowledged the negative effects

The Bridge (East Midlands)

...working with local communities to tackle the escalating homelessness crisis MOUNTING ENERGY bills, rising food prices and the lasting impact of the covid pandemic, mean that more people across the county are facing the very real prospect of homelessness.

At The Bridge (East Midlands), we strive to help families and individuals who find themselves in crisis by providing them with specialist housingrelated support, advice and assistance. Between April 2020 and March 2021, our charity received 6,202 referrals – an increase of 39% compared to the same period of 2019-2020. Thankfully, we were able to prevent or resolve homelessness for around 92% our clients.

“When you face a problem by yourself it’s the loneliest place in the world. But you can get the help you need to overcome your problems. I never thought I could have a flat and keep it for more than 6 months. So now being in my own flat for nearly a year, I feel like I’ve won a gold at the Olympics - The Bridge has been incredible in supporting me to do this.” Laura, who received support from The Bridge

To continue offering this life changing support to those who urgently need it, we need your help. Our essential core costs just to keep our organisation running are over £500,000 each year- so we desperately rely on the support of the local community to prevent and overcome homelessness, together. We need your help now. To support in the prevention of our local homelessness crisis, contact our Community Engagement Lead Magda on 07717 467872 today. Or visit our website: www.thebridge-eastmidlands.org.uk

I recently turned sixty. Practically a third of my life is over.

of social media and said he will follow up the label as part of the Government’s mental health plan! All this shows just how important an issue body image is. For further updates please check my website drlukeevans.org.uk or social media platforms, where I promise no images of me have been digitally manipulated!

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

Watch less TV, and live longer

A RECENT STUDY at the University of Cambridge has estimated that about one in ten cases of heart disease could be prevented, if people watched less TV. It seems that more than four hours of screen-based sedentary activity a day can lead to coronary heart disease, which is one of the UK’s leading causes of death. Heart disease is responsible for about 64,000 deaths each year. On the other hand, people who watch two to three hours a day were found to have a six per cent lower risk of developing heart disease, while those who view less than an hour a day had a 16 per cent reduced risk.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Letter

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

Thank you for Jacqueline Road’s amazing Jubilee Party

Premises Officer Premises Officer

I’D LIKE TO say a big ‘Thank You’ to Iris, Julie and Audrey - the organisers of the street party in Jacqueline Road, Markfield to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It really was a fantastic event and enjoyed by everyone who took part. The raffle was a great success with almost £300 raised for The Alzheimer’s Society.

Anne Kimberley, Markfield

Permanent, Full-Time - 37- 37 hours perweek week note below) Permanent, Full-Time hours per (See(See note below) Grade 7 – Actual salary -salary £20,856 to £22,131 (depending on relevant experience Grade 7 – Actual - £20,856 to £22,131 (depending onand particular skills) relevant experience andtrade particular trade skills) Hours of Work – Monday to Friday

of Work – Monday Friday Normal term-time Hours shifts between = 6:30 am andto 6:00 pm* (in conjunction with Normal term-time shifts between = 6:30 am and 6:00 pm* (in conjunction with Assistant Premises Officer) Assistant Premises Officer) Normal out of term-time shifts = 8:00 am to 4:00 pm* Normal out of weekend term-time shifts am to pm* required. Occasional evening and work will =be8:00 required as 4:00 and when OccasionalNote: evening andpost weekend work will be required as considered. and when required. For this applications for part time will be Note: For this post applications for part time will be considered. This role would suit a confident, conscientious and self-motivated individual who

This role would suit a confident, conscientious and who enjoys working within a team. This role will assist in self-motivated providing a safe,individual secure, clean and well maintained environment for will all working using theaschool’s facilities. enjoys working within a team. This role assist inorproviding safe, secure, clean and well maintained environment for all working or using the school’s facilities. The successful candidate will find the role rewarding and varied, with every day

Worried more about money than Covid

bringing different challenges.and varied, with every day The successful candidate will find the role rewarding bringing different challenges.

FOUR IN TEN of us are now more worried about our energy bills than about catching Covid.

practicalofmaintenance skills, we would loveenvironment to hear for you. If you havesome experience working in a premises related or possess some practical maintenance skills, we would love to hear for you.

That is the finding of a recent study by University College London (UCL). Dr Daisy Fancourt, of UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare and the lead author, said that as the cost-of-living crisis takes hold, “Concerns about money have been increasing, with people now more concerned about finances than about Covid-19. This suggests that new psychological stressors are becoming dominant for individuals.” The study found that there has also been a drop in happiness and life satisfaction levels, with fewer than half of adults saying they felt in control of their mental health, as compared with 54 per cent six months ago. Depression and anxiety symptoms are the highest they have been for more than a year, on a level with when the first lockdown was eased in 2020.

If you have experience of working in a premises related environment or possess

Please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form. Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or Please see the school website at www.southcharnwood. email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org

leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form. As this job is designated as a ‘regulated an enhanced DBShcarnan@ check with Alternatively, telephone 01530activity’ 242351 or email: Barred list check is essential southcharnwood.org date forasapplications: Monday 20 JuneDBS 2022.check with As this job Closing is designated a ‘regulated9.00am, activity’ an enhanced Barred list check is essential th

‘South Charnwood High School – Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People’

Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire Monday LE67 9TB Closing date forTelephone: applications: 9.00am, 20th June 2022. (01530) 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org

‘South Charnwood High School – Committed towith Safeguarding A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales company numberChildren 08423539 and Young People’

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THE HERALD • MID-JUNE 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Planning free-for-all is set to get worse Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in The Herald I AM SURE you will be aware of the serious concerns that exist concerning the planning application for some 150 houses on land to the rear of Markfield Lane. The land lies outside the Borough boundary but some confusion exists on a possible access onto Leicester Road, although that road is almost only single vehicle width, so I am not sure how they could get away with that. I have written to the developers stressing my objections and also their false reasoning for proposing the site, which they claim is to meet local housing need when they know full well that the housing need for Markfield has already been met to 2039. It’s very positive that local residents have organised themselves so effectively to fight these proposals and they are 100% correct to point to the harm such an additional housing development will bring on top of the plans for

development already agreed. They have my full support. The focus however of our objections, needs to be firmly pointed towards Charnwood Borough Council and the local Charnwood Councillors who represent the area in question. Having fought the application on Ashby Road (which at least had a part of its development site in Hinckley & Bosworth) I do not hold the Charnwood Council in much regard and question their ability to make objective assessments of applications in the current planning ‘free-for-all’ encouraged by the present Government and the Charnwood Council’s lack of a 5 year land supply. This free-for-all is set to get worse with the increased Government housing targets adding additional pressure with the Leicester overspill, as has been widely reported. Hinckley and Bosworth are now being asked to take an extra 2,000 houses on top of figures already allocated and which already are not likely to be deliverable without serious harm to local communities, who never get the required level

infrastructure investment to compensate them. Talking of serious harm I had a meeting this month with the County Council highways department to object to proposals being pursued to improve the flow of traffic on the A511 or the old A50 as was. The meeting was kindly set up by Peter Bedford our County Councillor and a member of the ruling executive at County Hall. I have raised previous objections to the changes being proposed to stop traffic going straight on or turning right at the Flying Horse roundabout coming from Stanton. It was helpful to hear the view points of the highways department, but I remain totally unconvinced that better solutions do not exist. In fact the Officers agree better solutions do exist, but that the costs benefit is not strong enough to allow them to access Government cash! The answer from the highways department seems to be that Stanton traffic can use Cliffe Lane to access the A511 instead. I am not sure why Stanton needs to be penalised this way and remain opposed to this change. I am also not convinced at the science behind the changes proposed at the Field Head roundabout. My sense tells me that the changes will cause additional problems not solve the ones we have today and that the real purpose behind the changes is not to help Markfield residents, but to take a few seconds of the journey time along the A511 and A50. This would be more understandable if it was not for the fact that the developer contributions to highway improvements around the local area should be to fund improvements for local residents which I am not convinced is the case. Having had the opportunity to talk to the highway officers at County Hall I do at least recognise that they are faced themselves with an impossible situation of trying to keep the highway and road network functioning in the face of

unmanageable housing demand and growth. They will, and have, calculated that the loss to residents of Stanton is required to ensure they balance the books in an ever diminishing world of possibilities. A network that was never designed for the volumes currently experienced. I do wonder how the current A511 will cope once all the thousands of houses planned along it are completed along with the massive industrial warehouses being built. One can only guess but with the very limited changes proposed it does not inspire much confidence that things will not get significantly worse. If we accept that we do need such growth in new housing, why oh why do we not plan properly and strategically for it? why do we not ask developers to shoulder the true burdens that come with such increases? Why must we always only build onto existing settlements rather than create new garden villages that can be purpose built with new infrastructure including proper transport links including public transport links that people would use? These are really important questions that consistently go unanswered. I think one of the biggest reasons is the short sighted nature of public policy decisions. I also think that the large developers have the ear of Government and their motivation is to make as much money as is possible, while such favourable conditions exists as they do today. They will leave no stone unturned to extract an extra ounce of profit and those who bear those burdens will be our communities and not just those of today but also those of tomorrow.

Matthew

If you enjoy reading The Herald, please pass it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it. Thanks! I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Griff’s

‘Soul Journey’ is a new recital project for string quartet and poetry with a first performance in Markfield Methodist Church, Friday 1st July 2022, 7.30pm.

Martial Arts Club T A G B Style

The project was inspired by the poetry of contemplatives and mystics like Mary Oliver and Rumi as well as sublime and uplifting music from composers old and new from Hildegarde von Bingen to Morten Lauridsen.

‘Soul Journey’ invites the listener and performers alike on an inner journey starting from where we find ourselves now. The words and music will help us explore our human experience in our search for wholeness, embracing many emotions on the way; doubt, sorrow, regret, love, joy and laughter. The music takes us into the rich sound world of the medieval to the present day. Music from India, Eastern Europe, North American Gospel, traditional Celtic and serene works from some of today’s contemplative and atmospheric composers. The poetry of Persian mystics Rumi and Hafiz together with more modern contemplatives Mary Oliver and Chelan Harkin invite us to let go, embrace our humanity and to feel at peace with our unique place in the world.

Classes Monday & Wednesday 6pm -7pm at Markfield Community & Sports Centre Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST

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When I was born, I was so surprised I didn’t talk for a year and a half.

THE HERALD • MID-JUNE 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

County Councillor’s Report from Peter Bedford Email: peter.bedford@leics.gov.uk • Tel: 01455 824733 • Web: www.facebook.com/peterbedfordmdt • www.twitter.com/PeterBedfordMDT THE HOT TOPIC, this month, across the electoral Division has been the ongoing saga in the closure of bridleway R119 between Desford and Peckleton. I know that many Markfield and Stanton residents will also be keen bridleway users; so may also be interested in this issue. Frustrated at the bureaucratic quagmire of HBBC Planning, LCC Highways and differing stories from the Developer I requested a meeting of all three stakeholders to thrash this out once and for all. Clearly the route is well used by local residents, and I am fully supportive in wanting it re-opened as soon as possi-ble. I completely understand the Health & Safety element to having a short closure; after all the local authorities will be the first to be blamed if someone was to be injured or worse during the works phase. A 6-month closure is simply unreasonable and the current alternative route not prac-tical, therefore I want to see the route re-established in a matter of weeks than months. Once I have the outcome of this joint meeting, I will update residents via social media channels and in the next edition of the Herald.

Field Head Development I HAVE held meetings with County Councillor for Field Head, Ozzy O’Shea, to discuss the concerns of residents about the speculative planning application for 150 dwellings on land at Markfield Lane/Leicester Road.

Frustratingly this piece of land sits within Charnwood Borough, and not Hinckley & Bosworth, so adds an extra layer of complexity in the planning process. I, like many residents, have many concerns about the impact this development would have on the environment, wildlife, and highways particularly access to the A50. We all know that the future residents of this development (should it go ahead) will be using Markfield as their centre. To add further pressures on local schools, doctors’ surgery and amenities, without additional infrastructure, is just not acceptable. Whilst Ozzy and I do not have any powers over planning decisions we have made our position crystal clear: this proposal should not be supported by Charnwood Borough Council and is against the interests

of the residents of Markfield & Field Head.

Highways Fund Schemes DURING the month I also submitted the first of my requests for 2022 under the County Council “Members Highways Fund” (MHF) for several schemes across the area.

The first being my pro-posed allocation to help tackle speeding issues along Peckleton Lane, Desford. County Council Highways Engineers will be working up a brief on what schemes can be delivered to support this. In addition to this I have also allocated some resource to help with the parking issues at and around the primary schools in Desford and Thornton; particularly Main Street, Thornton where cars are driving along the pavements causing a real safety hazard to pedestrians. Schemes for two Mobile Vehicle Activated Signs in Markfield are already in their final stages and will be installed by August to help tackle speeding issues on Ratby Lane and Leicester Road in the village.

A50/A511 Corridor FOLLOWING concerns from residents of Stanton and Markfield I arranged a meeting between Borough Cllr Matthew Lay, LCC Highways and myself to discuss the A50/A511 upgrade scheme

Whilst funding is in place for this strategic upgrade; the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the proposed traffic lights at the Field Head roundabout, as well as the proposed “no right turn” at the Flying Horse roundabout. Under the proposals there will be 2 sets of lights on the A50 at Field Head sequenced to improve access from the village (Launde Road and Leicester Road) to the A50. Traffic queues here, particularly at peak times, has been a long-standing issue and I am confident that once works are completed this junction will be improved for the benefit of Markfield motorists. Matthew and I also raised concerns about the proposed ‘no right turn’ at the Flying Horse roundabout from Stanton Lane. LCC Highways Officers are providing us with further information on the costings and benefits to ensure that all alternative options have been

appropriately considered. Work on this project is due to commence early 2024.

Rail Bridge, Bagworth & Thornton FOLLOWING my request, the County Council will be improving the warning signs for Lorries/HGVs on the approach to the Rail Bridge between Bagworth and Thornton to reduce incidents along Thornton Lane and Bagworth Lane.

Full Council AT MAY’S Full Council I was re-appointed to the Cabinet of Leicestershire County Council with the brief of “Transformation and Recovery”. The focus of my brief is to support economic growth and regeneration in Leicestershire, including work & skills. I am also responsible for ensuring that the various transformation projects at the Council are on track and delivering the benefits be they cost reductions, productivity or service improvements. At this meeting I also supported a motion to assist Ukrainian refugees with free bus travel whilst living in the County.

Roving Surgeries IN MAY I also held the first of my roving surgeries at Markfield Court Retirement Village.

The surgery was well attended with over 20 residents popping by for a cuppa and chat about all things lo-cal. I will be holding the next of these roving surgeries on Saturday 11th June, between 10am-midday at Desford Library. So do pop along to say “hi” or to raise any local issues that I can assist with. Further surgeries will be scheduled for Bagworth & Thornton, and Stanton over the coming months. If you would like to discuss or raise any local issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch, Best wishes,

Peter

(County Councillor for Markfield, Desford & Thornton)

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THE HERALD • MID-JUNE 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

The Markfield DEFIBRILLATOR Project JUNE UPDATE SUDDENLY here are three more Markfield AEDs sitting happily in their smart new Cabinets: •

The Library

•

The Community Centre

•

The Bull’s Head

They are fully operational, or should be by the time you read this. The Community Centre’s will be by the front door, not on Ron Grantham’s shoulder. Also well done Manny having just fitted Post Office/Village Store’s Cabinet and with its AED fully operational very soon. News Flash from Hill Lane Estate! Theirs has arrived and be up in early June, big applause for all on the Hill. Last Autumn Markfield only had the Coop’s AED, with many thanks to all involved it now has 8 more 24/7 AEDs, and one or two targets are still left.

What do I do if ...? IN MAY’S Herald I promised to answer the question that most of us would ask: What do I do if……? • In the event of a potential Cardiac Arrest first alert the Ambulance Service by dialling 999, this ensures the dispatch of specialist treatment as quickly as possible • The Call Handler will guide you through what to do next including the care of the patient • If an AED is required the Handler gives you the code of the nearest AED Cabinet registered on the National Ambulance Circuit System. • All external 24 AED Cabinets are protected by a coded lock • To avoid scam calls and to ensure the vital dispatch of an Ambulance the code is only publically available via the 999 emergency system • Don’t rush to what you think is the nearest AED Cabinet and try to demand access to it. Not popular at 3 am! and there may be very valid reasons why it is not operational • The Call Handler will stay on the phone until the Ambulance arrives and will give guidance on vital CPR and in the use of the AED once it has been collected. • Once switched on the AED itself will also give clear verbal guidance • An AED only works if the patient has suffered a Cardiac Arrest – it cannot cause accidental injury Information is good, but imagine reality - a dark wet winter’s night and your friend collapses, or a crowded family party, or your teenagers playing in the park, so many ways when you might have to cope to save a life. Cardiac Arrests can happen any time, to anyone, anywhere. Ben Ryrie, East Midlands Ambulance Service’s most helpful County Co-ordinator and Training Officer, approved this list, and

stressed how much seeing a Defib in action will help, he added a sad Cardiac Arrest fact that the life you are trying save may very often be someone you know. With AED and CPR training UK’s patient survival rate could begin to rise from 8% to Norway’s 25%, BUT this needs you to invest an hour to become familiar with how an emergency is managed. So here is a notice from Alan Bourne, the Chair of the Markfield Medical Centre’s Patients Participation Group (PPG) on a Presentation he has organised by Ben Ryrie.

Defibrillators and Resuscitation (CPR) in Markfield WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT COULD SAVE A LIFE Presentation by Ben Ryrie of East Midlands Ambulance Service Markfield Community Centre 28th June 7.00 pm You may have noticed new Defibrillators round the village thanks to very generous donations by members of our community, the involvement of local organisations and businesses, and to Robert of Markfield Medical Centre’s PPG. As the PPG’s Chair I have arranged this talk and demonstration by Ben Ryrie on how to give CPR and use a Defibrillator. For a place on 28th June please email your name & contact email to MarkfieldPatientsGroup@outlook.com by 24th June. The following link is a helpful CPR introduction by Ben Ryrie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBy-MjjPtbs Thank you Alan Bourne Chair of Markfield Patients Group AED and CPR treatment are not an ‘either or’ - a Cardiac Arrest patient needs both. The more you practice the better the chance of saving someone’s life. Please don’t hesitate – book now.

Yes maybe you’ve ‘had training’ – But how good was it, when was it, did it include AEDs? Could you cope? SOAPBOX: I ardently hope what Alan has arranged can be the start of a joined up Markfield CPR Training Campaign over the coming months and beyond. Defibrillators are part of the battle, what about the precious minutes before one arrives? Surely organisations across Markfield can unite to form a Campaign to work and plan in concert to organise CPR training events for all ages. Finally, my monthly thank you: to someone who informs and cheers us, finds space for opinions, articles and adverts, is an ever patient helping hand and voice on the phone for contributors to the Herald, even when ‘dead-lines’ are stretched! I suspect I speak for very many in saying a heartfelt ‘Thank you ED’ to Mike Wilkinson.

To support or find out more about the Project please email Robert at: MarkfieldAEDProject@outlook.com

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” Germany Kent

E S I W ds Wor

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Epicurus

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

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Wanted in Bagworth

New building control service launched

MEMBERS of the Bagworth Community Centre Trust (BCCT) were very sad to hear that the Little Bunnies Stay and Play group is to stop meeting.

Adi has taken the difficult decision, for personal reasons, to no longer organise this group. BCCT is very grateful to her for all of the hard work that she has put in to make this a successful group. It would be a shame if this facility was no longer available to the village. It is a good way for parents with young children to meet for a social event. It is also a benefit for the children to meet and mix with those who they may well encounter at preschool and school. The question is, then, would you be able to run this group either on your own or maybe with a friend. The Trust owns the toys and mats etc., which you would be more than welcome to use. In addition, the café is open every weekday, so this could provide refreshments for your group. If you are interested in running this group, or if you have questions regarding the running of this group, then please contact Lauren, the Centre Administrator at lauren@bagworthcommunitycentre.org or Bob on 01530 230429.

RUN A LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUP? MEMBER OF A LOCAL TEAM OR CLUB? If so, please send details of what you do, when & where you meet, etc. and we’ll give you a free mention in The Herald.

A BRAND-NEW building control service merging councils across Leicestershire has officially launched. Leicestershire Building Control Partnership (LBCP) offers building control services for residents across Leicestershire and Rutland on their own dedicated website, giving you a tailored experience and specialised help all from one point of contact. If you’re looking for advice on a building regulations application or would like to book a site inspection, LBCP is the place to go. https://www.lbcp. co.uk

Everyone in the area of coverage will get to know about your group, and you may attract new members. TREMENDOUS!

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THE HERALD • MID-JUNE 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Community Library News THE TRUSTEES and volunteers at Markfield Community Library are pleased to report that the defibrillator they are now proud guardians of has been installed on the outside wall of the library facing the road, and is accessible 24/7. It is equipped to deal with adult and child cardiac emergencies. Trustees worked with Heartbeat UK to part fund the defibrillator and thanks must go to Robert from the Patient Group (PPG) at Markfield Surgery for facilitating a donation which has halved the cost from library funds. We understand that the PPG will be hosting two awareness and education sessions at the Community Centre in June and September on the use of a defibrillator, along with a session/refresher on resuscitation in general. Look out for their posters. Should an emergency occur whether the library is open or closed DIAL 999 - do not waste time rushing into the library! The emergency needs to be straight into the hands of the ambulance service who will guide you through the process and access to the defibrillator.

Summer Reading Challenge July - September 2022 The theme of this year’s annual Summer Reading Challenge is ‘Gadgeteers’.

The Reading Agency is partnering with Science Museum Group to inspire children across the country to feed their imagination over the summer holiday, with a reading challenge focused on science and innovation. The Summer Reading Challenge reaches over 700,000 children across the UK each year and is delivered in partnership with public libraries. The Challenge continued to reach well over half a million children across the UK in 2021 as lockdowns eased, motivating children to keep reading during a difficult time. Families shared with The Reading Agency the ways that taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge helped their children to enjoy reading more, feel more confident about reading and ‘feel better’ during a tough period. Family use of libraries also increased amongst Challenge participants, with more than 130,000 children joining the library as new members. Since 1999, the popular Challenge has encouraged children to read for pleasure over the summer holidays reading for pleasure over the summer holidays, building reading skills and confidence and helping to prevent the ‘dip’ in reading skills while children are out of school. This year, it will launch in England and Wales on 9th July. By providing fun reading activities, the Challenge will support families and teachers by providing free-toaccess recreation and learning resources - all created to keep children inspired to read. The digital Summer Reading Challenge platform will encourage children with limited physical access to the library to take part in the Challenge. This year’s theme - ‘Gadgeteers’ - will spark children’s curiosity about the world around them. With resources and activities from the Science Museum Group, the Challenge focuses on inspiring children to see the science and innovation behind everyday objects, showing that reading and science are for everyone. The Challenge and the accompanying book collection will show that imagination can unlock endless possibilities, and our village library is where this starts. Through taking part in the Challenge, with free packs from public libraries or on the children’s website, children will be able to join six fictional ‘Gadgeteers.’ The characters use their curiosity and wonder to understand the science behind a whole range of interests from fashion and technology to cooking and music. The characters and artwork have been created by children’s writer and illustrator Julian Beresford.

Margaret Bowler

Chair – Markfield Community Library

I had to ask my housemate Calvin to leave because he kept breaking the washing machine. Washing machines live longer with Cal gone.

I once took to the stage as Hamlet, which really annoyed the rest of the cast of Mamma Mia.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

National Trust Leicester Association MANY OF YOU will have enjoyed an Afternoon Tea on the 2nd or 3rd of June to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Tea itself was first sold in the UK coffee houses in the 1650’s and by the 18th century people could visit tea gardens in London, Bath, Oxford and many other towns, to enjoy a brew which might be accompanied by bread or cake. However the ritual we think of as afternoon tea only came about during the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign. At that time it was fashionable to eat your main meal as late as 8 or 9pm. This prompted the Duchess of Bedford to complain of a “sinking feeling” during the long gap between lunch and dinner. To counteract her hunger the Duchess began to take tea with cakes and bread in her private rooms between 4 and 5 o’clock each day and invited her friend to join her. Afternoon tea then became a popular pastime among the Victorian middle and upper classes, but the credit for elevating it into a celebration goes to Queen Victoria. In the 1860’s she began to host grand “Breakfasts” in the garden at Buckingham Palace. However they actually took place in the afternoon, with tea, sandwiches and cakes served to visiting royalty, politicians and aristocracy. Victoria’s garden tea parties also formed part of the celebrations for her Golden and Diamond Jubilees. Many country houses that now belong to the National Trust regularly hosted afternoon tea parties. At Polesden Lacey in Surrey which was owned by society hostess, Mrs Grenville, she regularly held tea parties from 1907 onwards. She always used the best silverware and crockery. The tea pots, cream jugs, milk pots and sugar basins were all Queen Anne silver and the tea service was Meissen. The National Trust Leicester Association held its own Jubilee afternoon tea for its members on Thursday 2nd June. Today Afternoon Tea is also available at most National Properties with a reasonably sized tea room.

• THE NATIONAL TRUST LEICESTER ASSOCIATION has now moved on to its summer programme of Outings and Local Visits to places of interest. For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 2229133 or visit our web site at www.leicesternt.com New members are always welcome.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

“Prime numbers are what is left when you have taken all the patterns away. I think prime numbers are like life. They are very logical but you could never work out the rules, even if you spent all your time thinking about them.”

Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

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If I had known my grandchildren would be so much fun, I would have had them first.

THE HERALD • MID-JUNE 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Planning Apps Lawful development certificate for continued use for mixed use storage & distribution (Class B8) and office (Class E(g) Use - at Polysleeve Products, Slate Pit Lane, Groby, Leicester LE6 0FL Proposed two storey side extension and part single, part two storey rear extension (following demolition of existing garage/outbuilding) - at Malfoy Manor, 18 Marston Drive, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DY Application for existing damaged boundary fencing with new secure boundary fencing to be part of Martinshaw Primary School Site - at Martinshaw County Primary School, Forest Rise, Groby, Leicester LE6 0BB Proposed single storey side extension and two storey rear extensions - at The Lodge, Bradgate Hill, Groby, Leicester LE6 0FA Two storey side and part rear extensions, single storey front and rear extensions, loft conversion including rear dormer and ancillary outbuilding to rear garden - at 60 Groby Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8GJ Front and rear single storey extension - at 69 Oakfield Avenue, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9WH Approval of Reserved Matters (Appearance, Scale and Landscaping) following Outline Approval 19/01130/OUT (Residential development for 7 dwellings) - at Laurel House, 2 Main Street, Bagworth, Leicestershire LE67 1DN Single storey rear extension and first floor rear extension - at 133 Main Street, Thornton, Leicestershire LE67 1AH

Three Parish Councils oppose Field Head housing proposal

A PROPOSAL to build up to 150 new homes has not found favour with any of the Parish Councils with an interest in it. Although the land lies within Newtown Linford parish, any development will be at the rear of houses on Leicester Road, which is part of the parish of Groby and Field Head. The residents of Markfield have an interest as their village will be the centre that any new home owners will look to for services such as schools, doctors and shops. The result is a situation where all three parishes are committed to opposing the suggested development. No planning application has been submitted, and the proposal is at the ‘consultation’ stage. Charnwood Borough Councillor David Snartt told Newtown Linford ParishCouncil (NLPC), at a recent meeting, that although the land concerned was not included in the Draft Charnwood Local Plan, which is now at the formal examination stage, representations have been made by Pegasus Group on behalf of Davidsons Developments to get this changed. To the layman this will sound very familiar to the situation that Groby may find itself in with regard to site of a suggested trading estate on land off Anstey Lane. The Chair of NLPC said how vitally important it is for as many people as possible to submit comments once a planning application is registered, adding that the council could not declare their position until an application had been submitted and plans had been thoroughly considered by Councillors. To do so, the Chair said, would be considered predetermination before an application is formally lodged. Residents who addressed the meeting expressed their concerns about environmental and traffic issues, adding that since December 2021, a mature hedgerow had been flailed, a pond was now dry and trees had been removed. There was a loss of habitats and species including frogs and newts and it was felt this work had been undertaken to make the planning process easier for the developers. Markfield Parish Council members are concerned about the impact any development might have on the village, and decided that their response to the consultation should indicate their opposition to the proposal. As reported last month Markfield Councillor Matthew Lay has written comprehensively about the consultation and Markfield Borough Council fully supported his comments. Members of the public also attended the May meeting of Groby Parish Council and voiced their concerns, and the fact that initial works to trees and hedgerows had already been carried out. It was unanimously resolved for Groby Parish Council to oppose the proposed development. They also decided to engage with the two neighbouring Parish Councils of Markfield and Newtown Linford, to request that the Parishes work together and to ask whether consideration could be given to sharing the costs of the services of a Planning Lawyer should a formal planning application be submitted. The Field Head residents in attendance were assured that they had the full support of the three Field Head Councillors and the Parish Council.

Norman Griffiths

Next time you take a selfie, don’t worry about your nose

A RECENT STUDY by scientists at the University of Texas has discovered that younger patients are booking unnecessary cosmetic surgery on their noses because selfies tend to distort features, making people’s noses look longer and wider. The findings, published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, reveal that noses can look up to 6.4 per cent longer in a selfie, as compared to a standard photograph.

Professor Bardia Amirlak, the lead author of the study, explains: “There is a noted relationship between the increase in selfie photographs and an increase in rhinoplasty requests. As the popularity of selfie photography increases, it is crucial to understand how they distort features and how patients use them to communicate. Rhinoplasties are among the most common cosmetic operations in the UK and can cost up to £7,000.

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Sunday 12th June

10.30 a.m. Morning worship 12.00 Faith Lunch

Sunday 19th June

CTiM United Service 10.30 a.m. Morning worship at St. Michael’s Church

Sunday 26th June

10.30 a.m. Morning worship with Holy Communion 6.00 p.m. Taize Prayer

Sunday 3rd July

10.00 a.m. Morning worship at Bardon Chapel

Sunday 10th July

10.30 a.m. Morning worship

Sunday 17th July

CTiM United Service 10.30 a.m. Morning worship at the Congregational Community Church

Music Cafe

Thursday 23rd June, 14th July, 28th July

If you feel the need of a change of scenery & a bit of company - don’t be on your own. Why not join us in the Methodist Church for an afternoon of music, singing and friendship - with refreshments, at 2 o’clock on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month. For more information please contact Linda on 01530 242607. We extend a warm welcome to everyone to join us for worship and all our church activities.

All this talk about age is foolish. Every time I’m one year older, everyone else is too.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

The Summer Garden Summer comes and waves her hand, The garden blooms at her command, Plants abounding everywhere As fragrant perfumes fill the air. Roses, geraniums, lilies too Agapanthus with globes of blue, Sumptuous colours in such array, Their beauty takes our breath away. To sit beneath the shady trees, To listen to the humming bees, As Summer wears her rainbow dress We thank God for such loveliness.

By Megan Carter

Flu vaccine could cut COVID risk ACCORDING to an article by Ewen Callaway in NATURE, influenza vaccines have a surprising health benefit: they might also prevent COVID-19, particularly in its most severe forms. The article states that a study of more than 30,000 health-care workers in Qatar found that those who got a flu jab were nearly 90% less likely to develop severe COVID-19 over the next few months, compared with those who hadn’t been recently vaccinated against flu. The study, which was conducted in late 2020, before the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines, is in line with previous work suggesting that ramping up the immune system using influenza vaccines and other jabs could help the body to fend off the coronavirus SARSCoV-2. The article goes on to say that it’s not fully clear why flu vaccines — which are composed of killed influenza viruses — would also protect against COVID-19. To read the full article, visit https:// doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-01315-9

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I watched a cricket match for three hours waiting for it to start.

All Angels,

Markfield THE HERALD • MID-JUNE 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk St Peter's, Copt 6.00pm Songs of Praise (4pm Jubilee Tea) Oak St Peter's, Thornton St Mary's, Stanton under Bardon

Local Church Services DATE

Dear Friends, As I write, Britain is getting excited about the Queen’s Platinum Jubileeand rightly so.

Whatever has been said about other political leaders, the Queen commands respect from a wide range of people. She has served her nation faithfully through difficult times, and during the Covid restrictions, showed great integrity despite the huge personal cost to her. And yet… had her uncle not abdicated and had had children, or if she’d had a brother not a sister, Princess Elizabeth might never have become Queen. She wasn’t brought up for the limelight, at least not initially. So how did she do it? In one of the Harry Potter books, Dumbledore tells Harry that the best leaders are those who “take up the mantle of leadership because they must, and find to their surprise that they wear it well.” Sometimes it is leaders like that have the greatest impact. The Queen’s strong faith has reminded her whom she serves- and she knows that she can’t go it alone, but needs God’s Spirit. Sunday 5th June is also Pentecost, when the Church remembers the Holy Spirit coming to Jesus’ first friends. May we, like them, like the Queen, be open to that Spirit- who can empower us to do more than we can imagine.

Judith Lincoln

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

“What’s your funeral song?” asks LOROS Hospice IT’S THE BIGGEST taboo of all but one we all face sooner or later. Death, dying and bereavement are still difficult subjects for many people to talk about, despite award-winning TV series, best-selling books and celebrity-fronted podcasts on the topic. “It can go against people’s instincts to talk about death as it feels like it might make it more likely to happen. It’s a sensitive subject but a really important one to discuss openly”, says Jo Kavanagh, Director of Care Services at LOROS Hospice. LOROS recently invited people to share their thoughts on the following questions. • How do you want to be remembered? • Would you be buried or cremated? • What would your funeral be like? • What’s your funeral song? To get the conversation started the Hospice has asked its staff and supporters to get involved and is sharing their responses across social media. From ashes scattered across a sun-drenched beach in Greece to being buried with teddies and their phone, everyone has a unique take on the questions, which is exactly the reason for making your choices known. Jo Kavanagh, Director of Care Services at LOROS Hospice, says: “We find it can be really helpful for families to know what their loved one’s wishes are. It supports them to know that they are enacting what their loved ones wanted, which can provide them with a great deal of comfort at an extremely sad and difficult time.” To find out more visit loros.co.uk/dyingmatters

10.30am

All Age Service

10.30am

Holy Communion

CHURCH

TIME

12 June 22 St Michaels and 11.00am 17 April 22 St Michaels and 10.30am All Angels, All Angels, Markfield Markfield St Peter's, Copt 11.00am 3.00pm Oak St Peter's, Copt Oak St Peter's, 11.00am Thornton St Peter's, 10.30am Thornton 11.00am St Mary's, Stanton under St Mary's, 10.30am Bardon Stanton under 19 June 22 St Michaels and 10.30am Bardon All Angels, 24 April 22 St Michaels and 3.00pm Markfield All Angels, St Peter's, Copt 3.00pm Oak Markfield St Peter's, Copt St Peter's, 10.30am6.00pm Oak Thornton St Peter's, 10.30am10.30am St Mary's, Thornton Stanton under Bardon St Mary's, 10.30am

Stanton under Bardon 1 May 22 St Michaels and All Angels, Markfield St Peter's, Copt Oak St Peter's, Thornton St Mary's, Rectory Stanton under Bardon

10.30am

SERVICE Outdoor Benefice Service at Little Markfield CTiM United Service at St Michaels Farm Outdoor Benefice Service at Little Markfield Holy Communion Farm Outdoor Benefice Service at Little Markfield Farm Morning Prayer Outdoor Benefice Service at Little Markfield Farm J22 Community Service with HC United Service at St Michael’s

Holy Communion Holy Communion

Evening Prayer Morning Prayer HolyService Communion J22 Community with HC Something Different Service J22 Community Service

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On why our church is safe from vandals The

6.00pm

Holy Communion

10.30am

All Age Service

10.30am

Holy Communion

10.30am

Morning Prayer

St James the Least

8 May 22 St Michaels and My dear Nephew Darren All Angels,

Markfield I WAS SORRY to hear that your church was broken into St Peter's, Coptsound 3.00pm Praisethat Service last week. Since your system rivals of any Oak concert hall and your projection equipment would put St Peter's, 10.30am J22 Community Service with HC most cinemas to shame, it is not surprising that is what Thornton they had their sights on. 10.30am St Mary's, Morning Prayer Stanton Your bemusement thatunder they never touched your library of recordings is less understandable.Bardon I would have thought that few thieves would have been May 22 StinMichaels and of 10.30am Morning Prayer such artistic much15interested renditions ‘Shine Jesus, Shine’ and other All Angels, gems. Markfield It may have been an actCopt of Christian a sign outside saying St Peter's, 3.00pmcharity to put Holy Communion ‘Thieves will be Oak forgiven’, although since they took this as an invitation to burgle your house the following evening, I hopeMorning your forgiveness still St Peter's, 10.30am Prayer operates. Especially as they also stole your favourite guitar. Thornton St Mary's, 10.30am The thieves J22must Community Service with HC Last year, we had unwelcome visitors. have spent Stanton under several hours breaking down the church’s 400-year-old oak door to get in. Bardon Shame about that. Had they bothered to try the handle, they would have discovered that we never lock the church anyway. Since we have yet to leap forward into the 19th century, there was little to attract them. Had they removed the marble sarcophagi of the Earls of Lincombe, the money they may have made wouldn’t even have paid for the subsequent hernia operations. Inevitably, there was general outrage that the poor box had been broken into – although as far as I can remember, for many years it had contained nothing more than an old three-penny piece and a button. For many of our congregation, this represented the End of Civilisation as We Know It. Calls were made to have a permanent armed guard on the premises, and a few even speculated about the possibility of having strategically placed land mines about the place. Mrs Beaufort offered to lend us her fierce Pekingese, and Colonel Beauchamp generously offered us his collection of man traps. “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can Perhaps our thieves may be control your attitude toward forgiven their crime, but until that what happens to you, and in three-penny piece and button are that, you will be mastering returned, it will not be forgotten. change rather than allowing it Your loving uncle, to master you.” Brian Tracy Eustace

WISE Words

I’ve been trying for some time to develop a life style that doesn’t require my presence.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Why are Charity Shops so important?

Shop local, reduce waste and support Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation By Alice Wright

Phil Durham

01530 231928 Mob: 07535 182402 290 Station Road BAGWORTH LE67 1BN

IT’S BACK!

2 CARPETS FOR £50

SHUTTLEWOOD CLARKE Foundation, a registered charity, have been supporting older people and adults with disabilities through the provision of support and friendship since 1990.

Based at Ulverscroft, near Markfield, the Foundation boasts two charity shops, stocking a wide range of pre-loved items, where you can find everything from clothes, books and homeware to homegrown plants and furniture. Charity Shops are becoming increasingly visible on our high streets and are estimated to save the local councils in the UK at least £31 million a year in waste reduction costs. ‘Fast-Fashion’ is on the rise and is thought to be harmful and destructive to our environment, due to the impact it has through carbon emissions. Reducing reliance on cheap throwaway goods and shopping for pre-loved or upcycled items, provides the perfect opportunity to shop sustainability and save money at the same time. Helen Baxter, of the Foundation said: “Charity shops provide an alternative and ethical way to shop. “As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, they are becoming even more important places, providing good quality items at a fraction of the price.” As the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us, shopping locally and supporting those in our local neighbourhood, is so important. Helen added: “Shopping in this way provides a dual benefit, the consumer is able to purchase goods at a reasonable price and the charity is able to raise additional funds, to continue providing much needed services and support in the local community.” If you live in Markfield or the surrounding areas, why not pop in and support Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation by shopping in their onsite charity shops at Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9QB. Open from Monday-Saturday 10-4pm, they would be delighted for your support. For more information, about the work of the Foundation, the charity shops or becoming a volunteer please visit their website https://shuttlewoodclarke.org/ , call 01530 244914 or email hello@shuttlewood-clarke.org

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

Weekend Masses – Saturday 6 pm and Sunday 10 am. Weekday Masses – Monday and Thursday at 10 am in the Oratory in the presbytery. Please see Parish Newsletter on the website. Mask wearing and hand sanitising are still encouraged and available to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable in Church. Ventilation, with internal and external doors open, is still in place. Sacrament of Reconciliation You can book an appointment with Fr Gabriel to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Please call the presbytery to book an appointment 01530 832098. Parish Contact Parish Priest: Fr Gabriel Offor 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website www.stwilfscoalville.blogspot. co.uk School Details St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www.st-clares.leics.sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle.leics.sch.uk Churches Together in Markfield United Services Sunday 15 May at 10.30 am at Trinity Methodist Church – Christian Aid Service. Village Contact Margaret on 01530 243292

Markfield Acupuncture Clinic Acupuncture has proven bene ts in the treatment of a range of medical conditions including the management of Chronic Pain, Migraines, Tinnitus, Fertility, Mental Health and many more. Please get in touch if you have any questions or to book an appointment.

Contact: Hayley Curd on 07500 808762 or email contact@mark eldacupunctureclinic.co.uk

Hayley Curd MBAcC is a fully licensed member of the British Acupuncture Council.

Once, during prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water.

THE HERALD • MID-JUNE 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Markfield Community and Sports Centre News Tel: 01530 242240 • www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com • Words & pictures from Ron & Dawn Grantham

THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION AS I WRITE this article, we are in the final planning stages of the Markfield Community Association’s Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations to be held on the 4th June.

After months of planning, it is finally coming to pass. The bunting is up, the activities are booked, the celebration tree has arrived and the Hurricane Memorial Flight flypast is confirmed. We are now anxiously looking at the weather forecast for the day and hoping and praying for fair weather. We will give you a full report on the day in the next edition of the Herald.

MARKFIELD DEFIBRILLATOR SCHEME AS YOU WILL see from Robert Quinney’s article our DefibSafe cabinet has now arrived and we will now be able to relocate our defibrillator outside of the Community Centre for public use. This will further support the Markfield Defibrillator scheme.

MAYFLOWER CLUB ONCE AGAIN May was a busy month with Prize Bingo, a talk on defibrillators and a meal out at the Bull’s Head at Abbots Oak.

However, there is one special event I must tell you about and that is a visit to the old Snibston Colliery. Firstly, we arrived at the Colliery to have a splendid lunch at the Colliery Café. Then with volunteer guides we had a guided tour around the old pit area. It was truly amazing. We were shown around site seeing tunnel cutting and other coal mine machinery, the winding room, the pit top and headstock first built by George and Robert Stephenson in 1831, the control room and medical centre, the most important pay room and the old explosives store. The highlight was going to the top of the pit head where our more adventurous members climbed into the lift cage with the thought of hundreds of feet of drop below them. What a very interesting tour it was and well worth the visit. Our sincere thanks go to the Café staff and of course our voluntary tour guides especially “Ricketts” a former miner who gave us an insight into the life of a miner with both sometimes horrendous accounts and other humorous tales. If you are interested in joining in the Mayflower Club meets on Wednesday afternoons and our Friendship and Arts and Crafts Clubs meet on Monday afternoons all from 2pm to 4pm. Just turn up on the day and you will be most welcome.

MARKFIELD GOOD NEIGHBOUR’S SCHEME – DONATIONS FOR FOOD BANK ALTHOUGH the scheme is still there if you need any help, we are now starting to concentrate on the current cost of living crisis especially the cost of food and other essential items.

We have started to collect donated items which we will deliver to Coalville food bank to help with their supplies. If you have any donations of non-perishable food or other items, please drop them off at the centre or call us on 07885 243033.

NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE DATES 6th July • 31st August • 26th October • 21st December. All sessions are from 11.30am to 9pm

Book the Centre For bookings and enquiries please contact Markfield Community and Sports Centre,Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST on 01530 242240 or email markfieldcomunitycentre@hotmail. co.uk or you can visit our website www.markfield communitycentre.com to view our facilities, latest news, photo gallery and information about the Centre.

Ron and Dawn Grantham

Firewalkers conquer the coals for local sight loss charity VISTA A GROUP of 34 people took part in a firewalk organised by Paralympic champion, Libby Clegg to raise money for Vista, a local sight loss charity on Saturday 28th May at Loughborough University. The event was hosted by UK Firewalk, one of the UK’s leading firewalking companies and the group were trained by Scott Bell (Twice Guinness World Record holder for the greatest distance walked on fire) and then walked across hot coals with a temperature over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Money raised from Vista’s Firewalk will go towards the many services for people affected by sight loss in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, such as rehabilitation, support for children and young people and residential services for adults with sight loss and learning difficulties. Libby Clegg, Community Fundraiser at Vista said: “A massive thank you to everyone who joined in and came along to support us on Saturday. Thank you for raising these much-needed funds for Vista and congratulations on completing the challenge!”

I’m leaving my body to science because even scientists need a good laugh now and then.

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Letter

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We’re making this call to kick off Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week, an NHS England initiative supported by Diabetes UK. Type 2 diabetes is serious and there are almost 2.4 million people in England at a high risk of developing the condition. However, research has consistently shown that for some people, combined lifestyle interventions – including diet, physical activity, and sustained weight loss – can be effective in reducing their risk by about 50%. That’s why we’re encouraging people to understand their risk by completing our free Know Your Risk tool. It only takes a few minutes, and anyone at moderate or high risk can directly sign up to their local Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. You can find the Know Your Risk tool, and information about the One Million Step Challenge, at the Diabetes UK website (diabetes.org.uk).

Peter Shorrick Midlands and East Regional Head at Diabetes UK

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Well hello! If I had known you were coming over, I would have left the house.

THE HERALD • MID-JUNE 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Simply Fate: What would you do if you won the world’s biggest lottery? by Mark J Graham WHAT IF YOU thought you’d won the world’s biggest lottery jackpot? What if the UK media swarmed to your local town, in search of the winner? What if you’d mislaid a potentially life changing lottery ticket and your forever dream was slipping away? With a staggering £245million at stake, a life of private jets, travelling the world, multimillionaire status and a dream you’ve had your whole life slipping away, I MUST find this ticket to the life I know I’ve been waiting for my whole life. It will bring me nothing but happiness…right?

Observations on life... • Alcohol does not make people able to do things better. It makes them less ashamed of doing them badly. - Anon • You may get to the very top of the ladder, and then find it has not been leaning against the right wall. - A Raine • Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind. - Anon • Nothing handicaps you so much in golf as honesty. - Anon

An egg a day keeps the doctor away by boosting ‘good cholesterol’ AS REPORTED in the Daily Telegraph, consumption of more eggs can help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Eating an egg every day can boost “good cholesterol”, a , Peking University study has found. It leads to more “good” HDL – high-density lipoprotein – cholesterol, which strips “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) away, epidemiologists at Peking University found. This can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke. Dr Lang Pan, the first author, said: “Few studies have looked at the role plasma cholesterol metabolism plays in the association between egg consumption and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We wanted to help address this gap.” The findings are based on 4,778 people in China, of whom 3,401 had cardiovascular disease.

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‘Moderate consumption’ protects against clots Blood samples showed those who consumed a moderate number of eggs had greater levels of APOA1 (apolipoprotein A1), a building block of “good cholesterol”. In particular, they had more large HDL molecules, which help clear “bad cholesterol” from arteries and blood vessels, protecting against clots and hypertension. This prevents blockages that cut blood flow to major organs, including the heart and brain. The scientists also identified 14 metabolites, or proteins, linked to heart disease. Participants who ate fewer eggs had lower levels of beneficial proteins and higher levels of harmful ones compared to those who ate them more regularly. The NHS currently advises that eggs are a good choice as part of a healthy, balanced diet, while the British Heart Foundation has said eating them should no longer be seen as a health risk. The results were published in the journal eLife.

I MADE my girlfriend’s dreams come true by marrying her in a castle, although you wouldn’t have thought it from the look on her face as we were bouncing around.

Spot The Difference

Spot the 10 Differences below - Answers on page 23

• Never look back unless you want to go that way. - Anon • A real friend will not visit you in prosperity unless he is invited, but when you are in adversity he will call without invitation. - Anon

WISE Words

“There comes a point when you either embrace who and what you are, or condemn yourself to be miserable all your days. Other people will try to make you miserable; don’t help them by doing the job yourself.” Laurell K. Hamilton

My wife accused me of being self-important. I nearly fell off my throne.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

HERALD SMALL ADS • WANTED: CHARGER for an Aldi Workzone Drill item no. 629782 220240v 50Hz 45w 12.8v • Also WANTED: Aldi Workzone Drill BATTERY No. WCHD 14.4v - 2/1 BJ 2017. • FOR SALE: 18 lengths pre-used decking average length 1.6M. All very good condition £18 the lot. Tel. 07715 853571. (The Brantings) • TEFAL Non stick Frying Pan 20cm (never used), Non stick Frying Pan 26cm, Non stick Saucepan 17cm and Non stick Saucepan 15cm. All excellent condition. ALL FOR £20. • THULE ROOF BARS (car roof rack) - very good condition. Price: £20 Tel 07905 558349 (Bagworth) • Recaro Milano CHILD CAR SEAT 15 - 36 Kg, Approx 3 - 12 years. Still in the box never being used as new. Price: £50.00. Tel: 07707 842034 (Groby) • 3 bicycle CAR CARRIER RACK (new) £5.00 Rare BENJAMIN BUTTON 50P £2.50 2 empty dumpy CALOR GAS BOTTLES £10.00 each Tel: 07914 315129 (Markfield) • Lynx 4 TRANSIT FOLDING WHEELCHAIR in black with pressure cushion. Max user weight 110kg. Very good condition. Price £40. Tel. 0116 2333893 (Glenfield)

• Pink Velour BEDROOM CHAIR. Price: £15. Tel: 0116 231 2865 (Groby) • L-shaped SOFA/BED - perfect condition. Used only three times. Cost over £600. Lifts up for storage space. Reason for sale: too big for our spare room. Price: £200. Tel: 01530 245482 (Markfield) • Large indoor GUINEA PIG CAGE with water bottles, hay rack, etc. As new. Price: £20. Tel: 01530 243577 (Field Head) • Sony TA-FE370 Integrated STEREO AMPLIFIER, Technics SL-PG480A COMPACT DISC PLAYER, Mission (pair) 75w BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS, WALL BRACKETS and associated wiring. Price: £160.00 ono. Tel 0116 287 5694 (Glenfield) • 5 x 1000 pieces JIGSAW PUZZLES, used once, country village scenes. Price: £3.00 each. Tel: 07790 734858 (Groby) IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Herald, please SEND DETAILS by post or email sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum 8 items please. Our postal address is: Herald Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@markfieldherald.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘SMALL ADS’ in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication, just to know where you are).

The lady who wanted three hymns ONE SUNDAY a minister announced that the church needed some extra money. He asked the people to prayerfully consider giving a little extra, and as an enticement, added that whoever gave the most would be able to pick out three hymns. The offering plate was passed around, and to the minister’s amazement, someone had put in a cheque for £1,000. He shared his joy with his congregation and said he’d like to thank the person who’d given the cheque. A very quiet, elderly lady shyly made her way down to the front of the church. The minister told her how wonderful it was that she gave so much, and asked her to pick out three hymns. Her eyes brightened as she looked over the congregation. She pointed carefully to the three handsomest men in the building and said: “I’ll take him, and him, and him.”

Debt leaves you so lonely CHRISTIANS Against Poverty (CAP) has warned that more people are suffering loneliness and isolation as the costof-living crisis pushes them ever deeper into debt. The charity has recently reported finding clients “too worried to answer the door or answer the phone.” Before contacting CAP for debt advice and support, 60 per cent of respondents said they had felt lonely, while about 40 per cent admitted that they had not had a meaningful conversation in the past week. Two thirds said that they had no one to turn to when they had a problem. As one client explained, CAP “definitely gave me hope that there was light at the end of the tunnel.” CAP’s helpline has experienced a significant rise in demand this year. Along with free debt advice, CAP offers emotional support and life-skills courses to help people to connect with others and reduce their loneliness. Struggling with debt? Call 0800 328 0006 or visit: https://capuk.org

Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.

THE HERALD • MID-JUNE 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

Borough Councillor

Andy Furlong’s

UPDATE

Tel: 01530 231377 • Email: andy.furlong@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk REGULAR READERS will be aware of my position on the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ policy. However, there’s a political dimension to development that often gets lost in the uproar that follows a planning application. Let me make myself clear. I’m not against development per se. Housing demand is changing. Those who want to preserve their communities in a time capsule overlook the fact that our villages and towns have evolved and grown for centuries. That process isn’t going to miraculously come to a halt. What I want to see is the right kind of development, in the right places and delivered in the right way. Current planning law is stacked in favour of rich landowners and developers. The bias gets worse with every change to the regulations. Money talks, and the building companies have a lot of it. But this does not mean that they can be allowed to ride roughshod over settled communities. Two years ago, I reluctantly supported the extension to the Jelson development in Markfield. I had no choice. Had I voted against the application, the government planning inspector would have almost certainly overturned my decision. It also seemed like the least worst option for the village. It would act as a bulwark against further unwanted development.

Markfield new build misery Construction is now well underway, and sadly I’m already hearing alarming stories from residents whose lives are being blighted by the work.

Noise and dust levels make gardens unusable. Cars require more frequent washing. Windows must remain shut in warm weather. Dogs are kept indoors, and the disruption often starts as early as 7:15 AM. This is not development being delivered in the right way. This is not acceptable, particularly because work is likely to continue for several years. Previously I have found Jelson to be a responsible developer, and one that responds appropriately to community concerns. So, I am optimistic

that they will take steps to tackle these problems. If they don’t, I will be going through the planning conditions with a fine-tooth comb. I will demand that HBBC takes enforcement action to ensure that the health, wellbeing, and quality of life for neighbouring residents is protected.

Stanton 125 bus service to Coalville Older residents on Everard Way in Stanton have been alarmed by rumours that the 125 bus service that connects the village with Coalville and Leicester may be stopping in July. This is incorrect. The County Council recently re-tendered the service and the existing operator, Roberts, has lost the franchise. A new operator will take over the route in the summer and my understanding is that the service will remain unchanged. I have requested an early meeting with the new operator to discuss passengers existing concerns with the service, particularly the inconvenient location of temporary bus stops during road closures.

And finally The editor tells me that raging inflation is taking its toll on production costs for the Herald. The page count has been cut and us politicians have been asked to keep it brief! I’ve done my best, but I can’t finish without an appeal for help. A local resident has lost a bracelet given as a gift by his late wife. It has important sentimental value and if anyone has come across it, he would be grateful to get it back. Please get in touch with me if you’ve found it; and if any local children fancy a treasure hunt, I’m offering £25 reward (paid from my councillor’s allowance) to the finder.

Andy Furlong Keep in touch on 07881 922293 or via andy.furlong@hinckleybosworth.gov.uk

Compost Corner • Compost Corner • Compost Corner • Compost Corner

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LEICESTERSHIRE County Council is encouraging residents to help their gardens thrive and tackle climate change locally.

To mark International Compost Awareness Week the authority is offering cut-price compost bins for as little as £12, to contribute towards the council’s aim of becoming a net zero county by 2045. Many people will choose to take advantage of the warmer weather and prepare their garden for the summer months ahead – and composting items like your fruit and vegetable peelings and grass cuttings is a great, natural way to dispose of your organic waste. Organic waste sent to landfill cannot decompose properly because it does not have any access to air, so methane

is generated – a greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change.

Composted organic waste will take around a year to decompose and the new compost – a brown soil-like substance with a crumbly texture – can then be dug back into the garden to provide nutrient-rich food for your plants. Working in partnership with Garden Organic, the council is on the lookout for new master composters to help reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfill. More than 100 volunteers have helped spread the word across the county since the scheme began in 2008. People who sign up will receive free training and can use their own skills and enthusiasm to raise awareness of the benefits of home composting and gardening

– as well as bring together their local community. The scheme is open to residents of Leicestershire (excluding Leicester City) and volunteers must be over 18. GO TO: https://getcomposting.com/en-gb/specialoffers/

It takes money to make money because you have to copy the design exactly.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

News from Markfield WI ON 14 MAY we held an Afternoon Tea at the Congregational Church for three members, Pat, Dot and Lynn, who have now been in the WI for 50 years.

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12TH JUNE AT LITTLE MARKFIELD FARM 10.30am to 3.30pm See Little Markfield Farm Facebook page for more info.

As well as the usual sandwiches, cakes and tea, Fran’s daughter, who is a member of her own local WI, had made a wonderful cake with the WI logo and the names of the three ladies around the

Spot all 10 differences?

sides. We had a ceremonial cutting of the cake (although we felt it was a shame to cut it), a toast in prosecco and the ladies were each presented with the WI’s centenary rose ‘Inspire’. It was a lovely afternoon much enjoyed by everyone and a lovely venue - we might be looking at a repeat next year. Our May meeting was our resolutions evening. The resolution on the diagnosis of AD/HD in girls and women was presented to the members and it was then discussed and voted on. The resolution was passed and that result will go forward to the Federation and if passed at that level will become a national campaign to raise awareness of this issue. Following the business of the meeting we were without Kishoni who was to have given a sari demonstration so we had a games evening playing a version of beetle drive with a royal theme; these games are very competitive. Talking of which our competition for May was a flower arrangement in a tea cup, there were quite a few entries and everyone deserved to be a winner. At our June meeting we will have a talk by Leicestershire and Rutland Blood Bikes.

1. Drinking Straw, 2. Clouds, 3. Bangle, 4. Box, 5. Can of drink, 6. Headphone strap, 7. Hanky on head, 8. Hair colour, 9. Sun Glasses, 10. Pebble missing I WAS thrown out of the local cinema for bringing in my own food. I was devastated - it’s been ages since I’ve had a good barbecue.

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