March 2010 Herald

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 3RD APRIL - ADVERTS & ARTICLES NEEDED BY 20TH MARCH - THANKS!

Hello, I’m Susie. Could you give me a loving home?

Local Village News

Early March 2010

See page 18

£2,000 For BAGWORTH & THORNTON PARISH PLAN TEAM

Jan Celebrates 12 years at The Queen’s Head Jan Pelley, the landlady at The Queen’s Head in Ashby Road, Markfield is celebrating 12 years at the popular local pub.

To mark the occasion, she has arranged an evening of live entertainment on Saturday 6th March - see page 25.

Why not call in for a swift half and join in the fun!

Empowerment Award for Community Achievement Members of ten awardwinning community groups from the East Midlands were invited to attend the East Midlands Empowerment Conference in Derby on Friday 5th February to tell local councillors from across the region about their outstanding successes, and to receive an Empowerment Achievement Award and cheque for £2,000.

From 65 excellent applications, ten outstanding projects were selected as being truly inspirational examples of good practice and community success. The Awards celebrate and reward the inspirational work that is going on in communities across the East Midlands and the programme was open to resident-run projects that are making a real difference for local people in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

What the winning projects have in common is the fact that they are run by and for residents and have achieved momentous successes in improving the quality of life in their communities.

Members from each awardwinning project delivered inspiring

Eileen Johnson receives the award on behalf of the Bagworth and Thornton Parish Plan Group from Cllr. Bill Crooks at the East Midlands Empowerment Conference in Derby on February 5th . presentations on their work to the audience of local councillors, and each project received a £2000 cheque to put towards their good work, and a framed award certificate, presented to them by a local councillor from their area.

Cllr Chris Williamson, Chairman of the East Midlands Empowerment Partnership (which offers a range of services and events to help

people and organisations across the East Midlands to be empowered and communicate with, and learn from, each other) said: “It’s inspiring to see East Midlands people are committing to make life better for everyone in their neighbourhood. EMEP is very proud to be recognising amazing projects and organisations, and we hope that CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

This issue of The Herald is being delivered over the weekend of 6th & 7th March 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, Rowan and John & Sue.

April Issue - Out on Weekend of 3rd & 4th March. Please send your adverts & articles before 20th March.

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.

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~ The Difference ~ I got up early one morning And rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish That I didn’t have time to pray.

I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided, “My child, you didn’t knock”.

Problems just tumbled about me, And heavier came each task; “Why doesn’t God help me”?

I wondered.

He answered, “You didn’t ask”.

I woke up early this morning, And paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish That I had to take time to pray.

I wanted to see joy and beauty, But the day toiled on grey and bleak; I wondered why God didn’t show me.

He said, “But you didn’t seek”.

Author Unknown (Sent into the Herald by Mrs.Janet Peberdy of Stanton-under-Bardon)

Award

From page 1

hearing about their successes will motivate others to become involved and help create a real sense of community in their area”.

More good news!

It has been confirmed that Bagworth & Thornton Parish Council, supported by Debbi Doheney from Voluntary Action Hinckley and Bosworth, has made a successful application through Leicestershire County Council for funding from the Playbuilder Scheme, part of the National Play Strategy. It will provide a play space in Bagworth for 8 to 13 year-olds.

The Parish Council have received first-year funding for a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator and should be recruiting shortly.

Because volunteers have recently carried out a successful Speedwatch campaign in the parish, Community Speedwatch has approached the parish council, through County Councillor David Sprason, to offer them the chance to purchase, or share the purchase of, a competitively-priced flashing speed warning sign which can be moved around the parish.

Joanne Brown

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A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal.

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Pancakes at Cafe Church

Cryptic Clothing Quiz Stanton’s quiz compiler Sheila Fox has sent us another set of her devious cryptic clues to test everyone’s grey matter.

Pancakes were on the menu at Trinity Methodist Cafe-Church.

We cooked them, ate them and had the most enjoyable pancake-tossing competition.

The next Cafe-Church is on Mothering Sunday, March 14th at the revised time of 10.30 a.m. We invite you to join us in this informal act of worship.

This month’s subject is CLOTHING. See how many garments you can find from the clues below.

The answers are on page 28.

1. Rudolph’s hat?

2. Line on a ship 3. Jane Torvell & Christopher Dean’s top?

4. Headgear for a battle?

5. Clothing found in a pub?

6. Hat worn at cricket?

7. Underwear for George Foreman & Lennox Lewis 8. Banana skin footwear!

9. Arthur Wellesley’s boots?

10. A dove’s clothing item?

11. Headgear from a Midlands Town 12. Footwear for donkeys?

13. Scottish rainwear 14. Headgear originally made near canal?

15. Welsh apparel?

16. Oxford & Cambridge’s race hat?

17. It’s a draw!

18. Baldry & Silver’s underwear 19. Lonsdale‘s prize 20. Miss Brodie’s trousers?

Linda Walmsley

I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Strong campaign mounted against Markfield housing proposals Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald Well we have had a tremendous response following the distribution of letters objecting to the building of 120 houses on land off London Road.

I collected and counted 700 letters of objection which I took into the Council building before the consultation was completed. I also took in the petition which local resident Saran Burrows (who is only 16) had collected and got it registered for the purposes of the consultation. I intend to present the petition to the Mayor of the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council at the next full council meeting to ensure it gets the attention it deserves. I would like to thank all those who helped get the letters delivered and all those who responded, because without swift action we would not have been able to mount such a strong campaign against the proposals. The reason we had to act so swiftly is because no one had any prior notice of the application before the Borough Council engaged in public consultation with the few residents who had to receive a letter due to statutory regulations as they were within so many metres of the proposal. This is not acceptable and I have now tabled a motion to go to Council, which will go before the full meeting on the 24th February.

This motion will ensure that in the future, planning officers will have to act differently to how they did with the Jelson application. In future the local ward Councillors will be notified of the application before public consultation takes place. This will allow greater time to consider and respond to applications and not give the impression that things are being rushed for a purpose. The motion will be seconded by Sue Sprason and I hope that it is agreed unanimously.

I have now (as I write which is the 19th Feb) had a further two meetings with key officers at the Council to raise the strong objections of our local community to these proposals and to help them understand why we feel so strongly. As stated in our letter to the Council, the Jelson application goes against the Borough Councils own recently adopted core strategy and the developing site allocation plan. The core strategy said Markfield needed an additional 80 dwellings (a number I have disagreed with but has now been signed off by the inspector despite my representations to him) and the site allocations plan proposed that 40 of the 80 houses should be sighted on the Spiby Farm site (Lower Grange Farm) off London Rd. This would have swallowed up all of his outbuildings and associated storage and some farmland on both sides of the entrance into the farm. Although still development in open countryside, the negative impact would have been controlled to a much greater degree. The Jelson proposal is far more extensive and goes all the way down level to Chitterman Way and includes land for 120 dwellings 3 times the number assigned. As both these documents are recent and have been produced by the Council you would have hoped that they would stick to their own policies that would be my logic anyway. However the officers are telling me that they have an issue with something called the ‘5 year land supply’ and seemingly could not give me the reassurances I was seeking although they agree with many of the points we have raised.

The ‘5 year land supply’ means that at any given point in time, the Council needs to provide enough land for development to ensure 5 years worth of supply. If they cannot do this they should in most cases give support to applications for development. The 5 year issue has not been a problem until recently, when the Council started turning down applications which conformed to policy or did not bring land forward suitable for development. This largely occurred in the Hinckley area for political reasons and it has left us more vulnerable to the sort of outlandish proposals that we see coming at Markfield. It is also an issue for all the surrounding villages and not just the ones in Hinckley and Bosworth. What I am looking for is strong rejection by officers at the Council based on policy and support from elected councillors to ensure this development in its current form does not go ahead. Elected members who have voted to reject applications which do conform to policy should also do the same when applications come forward that do not. I await the outcome with some trepidation but anyone interested can come along and see for themselves when the planning committee meets on March 16th. The public gallery is there for you all to witness proceedings.

Withdrawal of bus subsidy Interestingly I have received nearly as much communication about the proposed withdrawal by the County Council of the bus subsidy for Charnwood School as I have the Jelson application.

It is clear that the withdrawal of this service is going to cause significant problems. A bus service to South Charnwood from Markfield and Field Head is an absolute requirement and something must be done to ensure it continues. Along with my motion to the Borough Council about the Jelson application I have also tabled a second motion calling on the County Council to reconsider its position and to continue with the subsidy for the sake of children and parents from our community. I hope it succeeds

School reunion On a final note it is ironic that I am writing about South Charnwood as I am thinking back to my days at the school.

A school reunion is now being planned for pupils at the school during the mid 80’s. Details which can be found on the Facebook group for South Charnwood. I am sure the event will be a big success and I hope to be able to make it. I am however forced to face up to the fact it was nearly 30 years ago when I first went to that school, how time flies.

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

Home-Made Pie Night Tuesday - £6.95 includes a Glass of Wine

Pasta & Rice Night Wednesdays - £7.95 Includes a Glass of Wine

Don’t forget to book for that “Special Lady” on Mothering Sunday 14th March 2010

Traditional Sunday Lunch

2 Courses - £9 or 3 Courses - £11 With personal service to your table

Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Open Fire & Great Food!

The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, the young know everything.

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Thornton Women’s Institute News FASHION SHOW - Reminder Given by the SOS Fashion Show Company.

Thursday, 11th March at 7.30 p.m. at Thornton Community Centre Clothes by brand names such as M&S; Per Una; Principles; Wallis; Next; GAP; Monsoon and many more being shown and offered at half price at least and sometimes at much less!

With the large variety of ladies’ clothes available, all age groups from teens upwards will be catered for.

Don’t miss an opportunity to save money on quality clothing from brand names at reduced prices. All welcome.

VISITORS VERY WELCOME. (Visitor’s fee £2) MEMBERS’ COMPETITION – A Pretty Necklace OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON THURSDAY 8TH APRIL WHEN WE ARE INVITED TO JOIN BAGWORTH WI AT BAGWORTH COMMUNITY CENTRE

Muriel Walker

Stamp Fair in aid of LOROS The next fund raising Stamp Fair will be held on Sunday 7th March from 10am to 3pm.

It will be held at Newbold Verdon Primary School, Dragon Lane, Newbold Verdon. The usual raffle and refreshments will be available for sale.

Donations of stamps would always be welcome.

Roger Simmons has written to say that the team was able to hand over a cheque to LOROS for £5,000 in November which goes towards improving visitor facilities and patient benefits.

Enquiries to Roger on 01455 822645 or LOROS on 0116 231 3771.

I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Green waste scheme is highly commended

THE green waste recycling scheme in Hinckley & Bosworth has been highly commended by the prestigious Association for Organics Recycling.

At the association’s annual awards ceremony the Borough Council and local farmers J and F Powner Ltd were judged runners-up in The Local Authority Partnership Award category for the way in which they jointly run the scheme.

All the green waste that is collected in the Borough is taken to the Powners’ farm in Aston Flamville, where it is converted into compost. In the last year, 10,800 tonnes of green waste was sent for composting. Before the brown wheeled bin service was brought in, all this garden waste was sent to a landfill site instead.

The brown bin service is now only for garden waste and residents are reminded not to use this bin for any cardboard. This change will improve the quality of the compost which will have a significant effect on the Powners’ farmland – giving it a much improved soil structure and better crop yields. It has also reduced the need for man-made fertilizers, which is better for the environment and the local community.

It is hoped that this improved compost will soon be offered back

CHUFFED: Receiving the award are (left to right): Kevin Taylor (HBBC Recycling and Street Cleansing Manager), Francine Powner, John Powner and Jim McGovern (HBBC Operations Manager, Streetscene Services).

to gardeners in the Borough, as well as being used on the Powners’ farm.

Mrs Francine Powner said: “Our site has the most important role to produce the end product whilst maintaining professional processing procedures. We monitor quality and identify areas of concern, which we discuss with the council at regular meetings. Even so, we are still striving for even better quality, which in turn will give a better service to all.”

Welcoming the award, Councillor Bill Crooks, Executive Member for Waste Management, said: “We are not only helping the local environment by not using fertilisers, we are producing a natural product for both farmers and gardeners.

This has helped in a major part to increasing our recycling figure to over 49% and reducing the amount sent to landfill.”

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 (2nd Sat in April due to Easter)) in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12noon.

Next dates: Sat 6th March 2010 and Sat 10th April 2010 ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548

Don’t look now, but there’s one too many in this room and I think it’s you.

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

Come And See What’s Been Done!

We Invite You All To A Coffee Morning & Art Exhibition At The Centre On Saturday 20th March From 10 am To 12 noon.

LETTER Dear Herald, Would you please pass on our thanks to all who contributed to our Fund-Raising ‘Prize Draw’. We raised the grand sum of £185 to send to ME Research UK. Thankyou all very much.

Our daughter, Amy, is a severely affected sufferer of ME/CFS and has been bedbound for 15 years. ME Research UK receives no public money and relies entirely on donations from ordinary people. They are one of the very few Charities in the world funding biomedical research into ME/CFS. We hope to raise more funds on May 14th at Thornton WMC. There will be a Charity Evening of 60’s music with the ‘Up Beatles’ and an Elvis Impersonator – More details of this next month.

Lloyd and Sue Bakewell The Corner Shop, Thornton

We would like you to come and see the new extension which was completed in January this year.

We feel that it has added greatly to the facilities on offer and hope that it promotes more use of the Centre – particularly the Sports Hall which, with the new toilet and kitchenette, can now function independently from the Main Hall.

There will be an ART EXHIBITION showcasing the talents of the members of the Art Class which is run at the Centre on Thursday afternoons by Mrs. Ingrid Hill.

There will be a RAFFLE and a BRIC-A-BRAC stall .

ADMISSION IS FREE We, the Trustees of the Centre, on behalf of the villagers of Thornton, acknowledge with gratitude the funding we have received from Bagworth & Thornton Parish Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and the Leicestershire County Council, whose interest and support made the project possible.

Our little village is fortunate in having the Community Centre to support leisure, sports and social activities in our community. Are you aware that, currently, ten groups, involving people of all ages and interests, make their home at the Centre? If you are interested in starting a new group, or have any suggestions for activities you would like to see at the Centre, then we want to hear from you!

John Walker

Chair of Trustees. (01455 822148)

Next Markfield WI Meeting Wed 17th Mar: QUILTING - Lynne Mellor Venue: Markfield Trinity Methodist Church Main Street, Markfield, LE67 9UU. Start Time: 7.45pm.

Enquiries: 01530 243 350

He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot, but don’t let that fool you. He really is an idiot.?

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

LETTER

Churches Together in Markfield

Dear Herald Readers As a lover of Thornton Reservoir I am very disappointed to see that nothing seems to have been resolved over the inordinate amount of dog-pooh along the reservoir dam.

It appears to be the same (one assumes large) dog, and always nearer the village end. Does noone ever see the owner who, I have to say, should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Feel for the people with pushchairs who cannot avoid this. It is all over the pavement and it is not safe to step onto the road. In fact you have to watch where you are walking.

HOPEFULLY THE PERSON(S) CONCERNED WILL READ THIS AND BE DULY ASHAMED. Let us all be out with our cameras and hopefully he/she will be prosecuted.

Could the £1,000 fine notices be painted on the pavement as they are in Markfield?

P. Hardy

New crackdown on dog fouling A NEW crackdown on dog fouling has been launched in Hinckley & Bosworth following a recent increase in complaints.

As a result, the Neighbourhood Warden Team at the Borough Council are stepping up their monitoring and patrols to try and catch the offenders.

Anyone who is caught allowing their dog to foul in a public place will be issued with a fixed penalty notice for £50. Failure to pay could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Owners who need advice on dog fouling should contact the Neighbourhood Wardens on 01455 238141.

Alpha Course: 15th April The next Churches Together in Markfield Alpha Course will be starting after Easter with an introductory supper on Thursday 15th April at 7.30pm - phone 242844 for more information

Whether or not you have previously done an Alpha Course, you will be welcome to along. Bring your family, friends or neighbours to find our more. This evening is a taster session over an informal meal.

Why not try something new? You might even enjoy it!

Next Markfield Homemakers Meeting Wed 10th March

LIFE as a VICTORIAN Housewife Jeannie B Venue: Markfield Congregational Church Start Time: 8pm Enquiries: 01530 242 173

Cheque Presentation to the R.N.L.I.

In 2009 Markfield Court Retirement Village adopted The Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) as their village charity.

A variety of events were held throughout the year and resulting in a total of £2,502 being donated to this worthy cause on 3rd February 2010.

Following the tragic news through the media of the Haiti Earthquake, the Village also had a collection to offer help to the victims. The sum of £667 was raised and forwarded through the Salvation Army to the disaster areas.

RNLI PRESENTATION: Left: Rosemarie Nash-Smith (Souvenir Secretary & Presenter R.N.L.I.) – Right: Caroline Corley (R.N.L.I. Leicester Branch Secretary) – Centre: Glenis Maskery (Resident at Markfield Court Retirement Village)

The husband who wants a happy marriage should learn to keep his mouth shut and his chequebook open.

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

LETTER - re Quarry Extension Proposals Mr.Clifford Jones has sent a letter listing 15 objections to the quarrying proposal for Charnwood Forest. Here are a few of Mr. Jones’ concerns:

Timing of application

Aggregate Industries UK Ltd (AI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Swiss multi national, Holchim Ltd, issued an outline proposal in June 2008 as part of their public consultation process stating that they would be applying to the LCC for planning permission in Spring 2009 to mine a new hard rock (granite) super quarry of a total area of approximately 1 mile square, 500 hectares (1235 acres), on the south east side of Bardon Hill, Leicestershire. At this size it would be one of the largest new super quarries and one of the largest new ‘holes’ in Western Europe. The planning application was finally submitted on the 23rd December 2009.

Greenfield site

The proposed new super quarry is to be located in open arable, pasture and wooded farmland on a greenfield site in the heart of Charnwood Forest. The quarry is

to be in operation for the next 50 years with some 132 million tonnes of mineral to be extracted. It is then is expected to fill with water over the following 50 years, the whole cycle taking some 100 years.

Quality of stone

Two previous applications for quarrying on the site were rejected on Appeal at Ministerial level on the basis of inferior stone quality and loss of environment. These two reasons for rejection still obtain.

Natural beauty

The new quarry area would previously be listed by local Council as ’an area of particularly attractive countryside’ with parts classified as having ‘outstanding natural beauty‘.

Bardon Hill is a SSSI site and iconic landmark in the County and whilst allegedly previously being under threat is now understood to be protected.

It’s a NEW quarry

Despite being on a greenfield site, AI say that the new super quarry is in an area ‘adjacent’ to and merely will be an extension to their other super quarry on the north west side of Bardon Hill as it is to be linked by a one and a half mile conveyor belt. This is to carry

the extracted minerals from the primary crushing plan which will be in the new quarry to the secondary stone crushing facilities which have to be located at their other quarry for ’economic’ reasons. AI will claim that the premise for their application being a mere extension and that it is not a new quarry is backed by the precedence of other permissions granted in the UK. for similar circumstances. If this claim is permitted, it establishes a dangerous precedence for all future quarry planning applications in the County. This is not an extension to a quarry and is a new quarry and requires an application to be made on that basis.

New framework

LCC have recently issued a “ New Minerals Development Framework” which contains new proposals for quarrying operations. AI’s application is for a new quarry and should be subject to the new framework.

Public consultations

Despite requests, AI have not held any open ‘Public Consultation Meetings’ .The presentations that they have given have been ‘Public Exhibitions’ and limited to a number of directly affected residents.

I could dance with you till the cows come home, on second thought I’ll dance with the cows till you come home.

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The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

County Councillor David Sprason’s Monthly Column Local Government facing Financial Challenges As the recession impacts on local government as Central Government debt rises to an all time high and the financial settlements to local authorities are being cut.

As you would imagine this is as you can imagine not a good mix for local authorities to continue to be able to deliver many local services.

On top of these national pressures the County Council also has to find the government imposed efficiency savings of 4% per year, this equates to £66 million over the next four years. This is a massive financial challenge for the County Council who already are the most cost efficient council in England and already gets more for less.

On top of this we have uncontrolled increases such as the landfill tax, increasing by £8 a tonne and the rising number of adults needing personal social care, unlike health care this is not free as personal care is currently means tested. The growth needed to keep providing the social care service in Leicestershire will increase by £13 million, nationally adult social care is seeing an ever increasing funding gap reaching a staggering £6 billion shortage in 2009.

I recently had a letter published in the Times outlining these pressures and questioning the funding of the governments ‘Care at Home Bill’, this puts an extra unfunded burden on the County Council of a minimum of £2.8 million, this will have to be found within existing budgets. A recent report from the Directors of Adult Social Care says the actual bill is likely to be three times this, £8.4 million for Leicestershire or 8% on council tax. Many local authorities across the country have already

been rationing the care service it provides with over 70% of councils providing services for only the most at need.

The County Council has decided that these unfunded burdens should no longer be paid for by the council tax payers of Leicestershire and should be funded by the government through a fairer funding distribution. The current funding formula is unfair and discriminates against the residents of Leicestershire, until it changes local non statutory services will have to be reduced or disappear as the funding is no longer available.

The drive to keep the Council Tax down will also require the County Council to look at the income it generates from providing services.

It will mean that the County Council will have to increase charges for those who choose to use a service and can afford to pay for it and will enable the service to continue.

The national debt is not the making of the County Council and the council can only live with the funding it has available or in other words living within its means.

South Charnwood School 838 Bus from Markfield.

As I have highlighted regarding the state of local government finances, that difficult decisions will need to be made regarding the budget.

One of the areas in the budget is the £440,000 subsidy for 18 school bus routes that fall outside the statutory requirement. The service from Markfield to South Charnwood is one of these services as it currently attracts a subsidy of £14,500 a year.

It is this subsidy that is proposed to be withdrawn from September 2010 as the County Council is not legally required to provide this

funding. Out of the 360+ pupils from the Markfield area 85 pupils use the Markfield bus service with the majority being driven to school.

The cost of all the buses for South Charnwood adds £209,000 a year to the tax payer’s bill the only non statutory service is the 838 Markfield bus.

I am along with a number of Markfield parents trying to see this service continue as we need to consider how we can continue to get the 85 pupils who currently use the bus to school. I am working with parents, the school and transport officers to look at continuing with a commercially operated service that will reduce the cost but will also have a limited impact in the increased cost to parents. I thank those parents who have recently contacted me with thoughts and concerns regarding this service.

The bottom line is that if the £440,000 funding is not taken from this budget it will be needed to be found from another service area such as other rural transport schemes.

A rock and a hard place comes to mind.

True location of Bosworth Battlefield pinpointed The precise location of one of Britain’s most famous lost battlefields has been revealed.

The latest discoveries, announced by Leicestershire County Council pinpoint the exact location of Bosworth Battlefield, where Henry Tudor and King Richard III clashed on 22nd August 1485, and shed new light on the way the battle was fought and where King Richard III died.

The exact location, which has been the topic of much debate amongst historians for years, was discovered as part of a

groundbreaking archaeological survey to locate the Battle of Bosworth, funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Battlefields Trust archaeologist, Dr Glenn Foard, said: “Using the new techniques of battlefield archaeology we have recovered evidence which proves exactly where the iconic English battle was fought. The site, never before suggested as the battlefield, straddles the Roman road known as the Fenn Lane, near Fenn Lane Farm. It is three kilometres south-west of Ambion Hill and a kilometre west of the site suggested by Peter Foss. “The crucial archaeological evidence came from our systematic metal detecting survey.

There may be relatively few finds from the battle, each of which has taken the team dozens of hours to locate, but several of the objects are amazing. The most important by far is the silver-gilt boar, which was Richard III’s own badge, given in large numbers to his supporters.

Leicestershire County Council, English Heritage and the Battlefields Trust are working with landowners to explore options for safe access for the public and updates will be posted on Bosworth’s website www.bosworthbattlefield.com.

Sunday Rummage Sale At the Leicester Multiple Sclerosis Branch 27 Latimer Street, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AW Sunday 7th March 2010 • 10am till 2pm If you have any items for sale, please let Jean (07837 899976) or Elaine (01162 2841853) know.

Books, clothing, bric-a-brac - no electrical items please Open to the public ALL PROCEEDS TO THE LEICESTER AND DISTRICT MS SOCIETY This will be repeated on the first Sunday of every month.

After five days in hospital, I took a turn for the nurse.

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

You’ve turned into your dad the day you put aside a thin piece of wood specifically to stir paint with.

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The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Agapanthus No regrets for once again extolling the many charms of this South African beauty. The ‘African Lily’ or sometimes, rather strangely, ‘Lily of the Nile’ is so brilliant, why not planted in all gardens? Maybe the large blue (sometimes white) globular heads, each comprising many small individual Lily flowers, appear so exotic – can they really be hardy? Yes, completely, if you choose the hardy varieties and

Gardening Notes with Ted

Brown of Markfield

A Couple of Beautiful Perennials, an Unusual Small Tree, a Stunning Shrub and Notes on Potatoes and Tomatoes available from several UK suppliers.

Lomatia

plant in sunny, well drained, fertile sites. There are varieties from one foot, upwards, to the usual 3 to 4 feet, to suit all tastes. Congested roots are not a problem, so no need to regularly divide expanding clumps, although no harm when undertaken as a means of propagation. Always a little more expensive than other perennials.

Six good tried and tested, blues are ‘Blue Giant’, ‘Bressingham Blue’, ‘Midnight Blue’, ‘Midnight Star’, ‘Blue Moon’ and a personal favourite ‘Loch Hope’. The best white I know is ‘Bressingham White’. If can be spared, all are brilliant for cutting. All these hardy types have deciduous foliage.

There are less hardy ones, with broad evergreen foliage, making superb patio plants – but use good terracotta pots, never plastic.

Trollius These are the ‘Globe Flowers’ of our gardens, with beautiful and huge double-flowered buttercups.

Many varieties of this perennial but, mostly similar, and all in shades of yellow or orangey-gold. The colours are usually intense but

there is a lovely creamy-yellow variety ‘Cheddar’. This supersedes the old ‘Alabaster’ which tended to fade away unless cosseted. Bog gardens or any damp soils are ideal, but will grow anywhere unless particularly dry. The 2 to 3 ft stems are good for cutting.

In our area we have a nucleus of gardeners who grow a range of plants somewhat beyond those of an average garden. For those, and all who love different and interesting plants, I describe below a tree and a shrub fitting both categories.

Sadly, not a name familiar to many gardeners as it is a small range of the most beautiful evergreen shrubs. The star is Lomatia Ferruginea, certainly the most magnificent and beautiful shrub I know. Unfortunately not hardy in our part of the country but makes a splendid container specimen. Primarily a foliage plant; the leaves much divided and fernlike on reddish velvet-like stems.

On established plants the scarlet flowers are an added bonus. Flower arrangers would drool over it, but folly to snip even a tiny branch from this slow growing beauty. Much hardier is the Australian Lomatia Myricoides (Ferruginea is South American) with long, toothed leaved and fragrant white flowers in July.

Potatoes Of late these have featured prominently even in the nongardening press. Raymond Blanc

– the Super Chef – plants separate varieties for say mashing, chipping or roasting. Another devotee of the humble spud – Michael Caine – has described his own unique method for the finest roasts. This involves marinating part-cooked chunks in cold olive oil before roasting – tried and approved elsewhere.

I have read of recommendations for at least 20 different varieties, all confusing for the first time grower and indeed the shopper.

Supermarkets do a good job in offering a very wide range and perhaps we should all do more in trying (and growing) varieties, outside our usual favourites.

Remember ‘Vivaldii’ much lower in calories. Home gardeners might also consider ‘Mayan Gold’ said by some as the best for chipping and the several ‘Sarpo’ types, very blight resistant.

Tomatoes Although acidic, these are known to contain chemical elements supposedly beneficial in helping to prevent cancers. Now a newish variety, raised, I think in Spain, and named ‘Moruno’ is said to have twice these benefits, being particularly effective against prostrate cancer. Other benefits are said to include enhanced vitamin C levels, helpful with skincare, and surprisingly as a hangover cure! This new tomato, raised by conventional cross-breeding (not G.M.) is to be sold by Tesco. I am unaware of seed being available yet, but we can, of course, save our own from purchased tomatoes.

Sumachs Somewhat better than the Stag’s Horn Sumach is a close relative – Rhus Verniciflua. This is the Japanese Varnish Tree or sometimes called Japanese Lacquer Tree. Indeed the source of Japanese Lacquer – when grown in its native country. Here it remains small, with the typical long ferny foliage of the genus, colouring magnificently in autumn. It has none of the suckering problems of the Stag’s Horn. Not easy to find as a growing plant but seed is

What constitutes a living wage depends upon whether you are giving it or earning it.

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The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069       

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This planning has been ongoing for some two years and has engaged the thoughts of many people, from the Diocesan experts to those of us in the pews. It has also incurred a great deal of hard work, and a lot of fundraising.

However I am happy, at last, to be able to report that a date – March 1st – had been set aside for the work to commence. The PCC has engaged the services of Martyn Taylor of Fenny Drayton to do the work, following the recommendation of the church architect who has supervised other projects that this firm have undertaken.

Those of us who have experienced the intrusion of building contractors into the routine of our lives will know that there is always some inconvenience to contend with. At St Peter’s we shall have to manage for some weeks without the main Organ, which is to be sheeted down as a precaution against dust – the small electronic one in the meantime will have to suffice. Apart from re-locating some items of furniture and arranging augmented cleaning teams at the weekends, it seems that disruption will be at a minimum. Certainly the Sunday Services will continue as advertised.

I will endeavour to report in the next issue of The Herald the progress that has been made and hope, to be able to tell you at that time that some development is in hand with the pointing of the stonework.

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The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

LETTER Politics is everywhere...

With a General Election in the offing we can expect more political coverage on TV, radio and in the local and national press. At the same time, there will be more leaflets on the doormat and knocks on the door from local campaign teams making the case on behalf of various candidates. At times like this many people trot out the popular refrain, “I’m not interested in politics. All politicians are the same; they’re just in it for themselves, aren’t they.”

OFSTED Inspection at De Verdun Day Nursery The outcomes in a recent inspection by OFSTED at De Verdun Children’s Day Nursery were ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’.

Jo Walsh, owner writes to tell us “I was particularly pleased in the areas in which we were found to be outstanding – which was our effectiveness of engagement with parents/carers and the care if promoting healthy lifestyles.

These are the basis on which you build a good childcare provision.

“The inspector found ‘the outcomes for the children are good because staff work well as a team and provide good interaction with the children. As a result children are confident to approach all members of staff for support at any time’ “This has been a good year for us as last year we also gained our Integrated Quality Award, a quality assurance scheme awarded by Leicestershire County Council. This award demonstrates that the Early Years provider is providing a high quality service”

Jo Walsh

The revelations from the recent investigation into MP’s expenses won’t have helped matters much. But a dose of realism is needed. Politicians aren’t all the same and the overwhelming majority go into politics for the right reasons. At a local level we only have to look as far as Labour’s Cllr. Matthew Lay, or the Tories’ Cllr. David Sprayson to find two good examples of local politicians who work hard for our community. I’m sure that their conduct is the rule rather than the exception.

Politics is everywhere. A brief glance at the last issue of The Herald provides many reasons why we should all take an interest in politics.

The cover story refers to the proposed housing development on London Road in Markfield. The planning decision rests with the Liberal Democratcontrolled Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. Liberals are rarely spotted outside of Hinckley. But if you find one on your doorstep it might be worth asking why they always seem to dump their problems up here in the north of the borough?

On page four, Cllr. Lay highlights the cost-cutting decision by the Conservativecontrolled County Council to withdraw the subsidy for the bus route from Markfield to South Charnwood School. Conservatives at County Hall are firmly behind David Cameron’s plans for rapid cuts to the UK’s budget deficit.

Dramatic action sooner rather than later is one option, but cutting the deficit too quickly will have a severe impact on local families and pensioners. If you see a Tory on the campaign trail you might want to ask if the loss of the free bus service to South Charnwood is the shape of things to come?

The book review on page seven is interesting too. While thousands of climate scientists, including many Nobel Prize winners, have demonstrated that climate change is both real and man-made, the author of ‘The Hockey Stick Illusion’ is one of a small number of non-experts who believe that the climate change debate is a con. The Labour Party is firmly committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, but this has some nasty implications for jobs, personal freedom and taxes. If someone wearing a red rosette buttonholes you outside the local shop you might ask them to explain the government’s enthusiasm for windmills, which have the unfortunate disadvantage of not producing any electricity on calm days, or indeed the price of petrol!

Elsewhere, Joanne Brown brings good news from Bagworth Parish Council, with reports of several small but important local initiatives. All of which depend upon continued funding from government at local, regional or national level.

It will be a political decision in Whitehall, Leicestershire County Hall or Argents Mead in Hinckley that determines the fate of these projects.

David Sprason uses his column to tackle the slippery issue of road gritting.

The County Council did a pretty good job during the recent snowy spell. But remember that even mundane issues such as the quantity of salt stockpiled in Leicestershire for the winter months requires a political decision to be taken by somebody somewhere.

The household boiler scrappage scheme reported on page 18 is an energy efficiency initiative promoted by central government. This would get the axe if the views of the climate change deniers win the day. Some readers would celebrate such a political decision; but I doubt that the plumbers and electricians, whose adverts help to pay for the production of The Herald, would be best pleased at losing the work that the scheme generates in these difficult economic times.

My final example is the news on page 27 that a Sure Start Children’s Centre is planned for Bagworth. Since 1997, nearly 3,500 of these centres have been introduced nationwide. They are widely welcomed by parents, but some people question their effectiveness and they cost a whopping £1.3 billion a year to run. Should we have more Sure Start or less, and how should we pay for it? Another question for the politicians when they come a knocking perhaps.

It is said that history is made by the people who turn up. I try to play my small part by turning up at the polling station in Thornton Community Centre whenever we have an election. I would urge all readers of The Herald to do likewise. Better still; get involved in some of the activities reported in the magazine. After all politics is too important to be left to the politicians.

Andy Furlong Thornton

Everyone now works for the government, either on the payroll or on the tax roll.

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Holy Week and Easter Special services across the Benefice Why not experience the old story in a new way this Holy Week and Easter?

Tenebrae Tuesday 30th March at 7.30 pm at St Peter’s, Copt Oak

Tenebrae services of worship date back to the 4th century of the Christian Church. ‘Tenebrae’ means shadow, and lighted candles are extinguished one by one as we trace the steps of the Passion from the shadow of the Betrayal to the Shadow of the Cross through Bible readings and hymns.

Silences give us opportunity for meditation and renewal of commitment to Christ as Lord.

Passover Demonstration Maundy Thursday1st April at 6.30pm at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon

Jesus shared a Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he died, during which he instituted Holy Communion.

By understanding more of the traditions involved in celebrating Passover, we can deepen our understanding of the roots of our faith, and Communion in particular.

Come and share in this special evening and meal.

Tickets £3.50 from Rosemary Nicholls.

Family Stations of the Cross Good Friday 2nd April 10.00am at St Peter’s, Thornton

An opportunity to spend 30-40 minutes remembering the story of Good Friday and Easter, as we travel round the church, looking at pictures, singing songs and sharing readings and prayers.

Followed by tea, coffee, cold drinks and Hot Cross Buns. Suitable for all ages.

Meditations Good Friday 2nd April 2-3pm at St Michael’s, Markfield

An hour reflecting on the story of Good Friday and Easter, with hymns, readings, prayers and silence.

7.30pm at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon An opportunity to listen to the Passion narratives from the Bible in the context of Evening Prayer

Haiti Appeal Event in Groby

There will be a Coffee Morning and Table Top Sale in aid of the Haiti Appeal held at Groby Village Hall between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday 20th of March.

If you would like to book a table contact Jean Angrave on 0784 733 5476.

Admission 50p/Table £5.

Home is where one half of the family waits until the other half is through with the car.

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LETTER

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Access to Markfield Millennium Gardens For those readers, misguided by the “landlocked” effect, who might wish to access the Millennium Gardens, they may do so, right now, at any time, via Lillingstone Close.

Entering this Close from Park Avenue, found on the right is a wide wooden gate alongside which is a pathway leading to a stile. Over and in.

Alternatively, if you have not turned left at the top to find the main gate, walking in front of the terrace of houses at a right angle to Lillingstone Close, the same gate entrance can be seen.

Access the gardens much the same as the youth adventurers seeking a play area. There is little fly tipping; I believe that the rubbish there is taken in as accessories for the schoolboys’ games played and invented there.

This access is available now and there is no need to wait until the Main Street public access is restored. The front gate having been locked due to inadvertent vandalism, as, alas, these schoolboys’ games go unsupervised, [plus other reasons].

There is also access via Meadow Lane, off Rectory Road, here turning left at the bend and continuing until the top end of Lillingstone Close is reached. I was shown this way in by a friend before exploring the alternative entrances.

Main Street resident (using the Millennium Gardens now).

Wrong windmill!

In last month’s issue, we included a short item about Di Lockley’s interesting local history book, ‘The True Knitty Gritty: Markfield 1086-1930’.

Having described accurately how Raunscliffe Mill was put out of action by a memorable gale in 1895, we proceeded to include a drawing of the WRONG windmill!

The illlustration we featured was of the mill which used to be behind Markfield Church. Here is a drawing of the correct one - apologies for the quality of the scan.

Supporting Rainbows Hospice

An evening of Jazz, Harmonies and Songs from the Shows One of the UK’s leading 4-part harmony groups, ‘The Grand Central Chorus’, based in our area but widely travelled and with an international reputation, is once again bringing together an evening of top quality musical entertainment at Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough at 7.30pm on Sat. 24th April.

Repeating the highly successful format of its two previous sell-out shows in 2006 and 2008, the chorus’s guests will be the new line-up of the Loughborough Endowed Schools’ ‘Big Band’, featuring its popular jazz and swing music. Also returning, to delight with its exuberant and varied performances of show songs, will be Shepshed’s ‘ACT One’ youth musical theatre group, which has just finished a successful run of its production of ‘Les Miserables’.

Hosts for the evening, multi-award winning ‘The Grand Central Chorus’, and British Championship quartet semi-finalists ‘Retro’, will serve up a feast of songs in 4-part harmony. Under its talented director, Loughborough’s Zac Booles, ‘Grand Central’ draws its membership from across the East Midlands and beyond, with a fair sprinkling of men from in and around the Charnwood area. This evening’s show will be an excellent ‘dry run’ for its appearance at the British Chorus Championship competition, to be held in Harrogate at the end of May. The show will be compered by well known BBC Radio Leicester presenter Dave Andrews, a strong supporter and advocate of the Rainbows Children’s Hospice in Loughborough, which will benefit from proceeds of the evening.

Tickets for what promises to be an outstanding evening of entertainment are £8, including interval refreshments. These, and further details about ‘Grand Central Chorus’, can be obtained from 01530 243912 or 01509 646506; On www.grand.central.chorus.com; or e-mail: peter@tovey8679. fsnet.co.uk. Ample parking will be available close by.

Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 pm. Please use the back door.

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The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Bowling On To Spring & Summer It’s difficult I know during this cold and frosty winter we are experiencing but try to imagine a warm and dry afternoon or evening, out in the open air with a group of like minded people playing a friendly but competitive game of bowls.

Did you know that there is a flourishing Bowls Club in Bagworth?

Bagworth Bowls Club has been in existence for over 80 years and has a reputation for it’s warm and welcoming atmosphere both within the club itself and towards the clubs it plays against. The bowling green, situated just behind the Bagworth Community Centre, is considered to be one of the best in the area and as a result of the hard work of club members is now considered suitable for county level matches.

The game of bowls itself is not arduous in any way but provides a level of exercise that can be of real value to all who take part no matter what their fitness level.

The game is structured such as to allow for different levels of ability and therefore even absolute novices can be sure that over a reasonably short time they can expect to become a valued member of a team where no undue pressure is brought to bear other than to do your best and to enjoy yourself.

An example of this is the writer.

Having visited the now defunct post office I looked over the hedge to find out what was going on and was immediately approached and asked if I would be interested in playing bowls.

As a result I am now looking forward to my third full season. I started knowing nothing at all of the game and now pit myself quite happily against others with a mixture of games I’m reasonably pleased with and many others I’d rather forget.

Another factor to be considered these days is the cost of playing a sport. Having been involved in a number of different sports I can say without doubt that the cost of playing bowls has to be one of the lowest.

The main item is a set of bowls which bought new can be quite expensive but for beginners, and this is recommended anyway, there is always a second or even third hand set to borrow or buy available from club members - (I‘m still playing with a set I purchased from within the club!).

Add a pair of grey and white trousers, a white top and a pair of smooth soled shoes and that’s it! The first years annual membership fee is reduced for new players and match fees are in the order of around £2.50 per game.

What other sport offers this?

Now you may be thinking that bowls is a game played only by rather

elderly ladies and gentlemen.

You could not be more wrong.

It is true that some games are played during the working week but the majority are played in the evening and in the afternoon on Saturdays. In addition Bagworth Bowls Club is pleased to have playing members well below retirement age with some very skilled youngsters below the age of twenty.

We are now looking forward to our new season which begins in April and runs through to September and we offer a sincere invitation to anyone who might be interested to come and have a go. It will cost you nothing at all, we will provide all the kit you need whilst you decide if it’s for you. On Monday nights we have what we call a roll-up night when all you need to do is turn up. Experienced players will be on hand to explain the rules and give advice.

The roll-up nights start in early April so please look out for posters or details in village magazines.

Leicestershire County Councillor Mr David Sprason and his wife Sue were guests of honour at the recent Bagworth Bowls Club 2009 Season presentation dinner held at Bagworth Working Men’s Club. Pictured receiving his trophy (centre) is Roy Thompson, Club Captain.

Alternativly for further information please contact me, John Sinfield on 01530 231273 or email me at sinfield@talktalk.net

John Sinfield

No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.

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The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Redgate - your local Animal Sanctuary Report from Jo Leadbetter Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary, in Shaw Lane, Markfield, was founded in August 1986 by Jean, Derrick & Tereza Redmile.

Originally the family started by re-homing a few sick & injured animals.

This soon escalated dramatically into re-homing or caring for horses, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks, geese, guinea pigs and even owls and a cow!

Due to the ever increasing financial burden on the Redmile family, charity status was sought and obtained in March 1994. Not only did this help the Sanctuary in official capacities, the sanctuary now also receives animals through more channels than ever before; victims of their own success.

They now receive sick, injured and homeless animals from the police, other animal welfare organisations and the general public .

Happily new homes are found for many of the residents. However there will always be a few elderly or poorly animals that will be looked after for the rest of their lives. For the long term residents the best possible treatment and conditions are provided.

Volunteers & donors are always required If you could help for even an hour or two a week, you could get involved in animal care, dog-walking, fund-raising, helping in the Charity Shop or the Café, or perhaps you could occasionally donate tinned food, dog/cat biscuits, cat litter, or could you bring shredded paper as dog bedding?

Please do contact the Sanctuary - they would love to hear from you.

Other ways to help are to become a Friend of Redgate, join the Animal Sponsorship scheme, or adopt or re-home one of the animals. If you feel you can help please contact the Sanctuary on 01530 243 925 Opening times every day except Christmas day 10 am to about 4 pm.

Visit www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk

Loving Homes Required

Zeus: 4 year old Rottweiler Male, very affectionate loves plenty of fuss and attention, and home comforts, large size but does walk well on lead.

Lexi: Female, German Shepherd, 2 yrs old, walks well on lead, basic training needed but affectionate dog, not to be rehomed with other pets

If you could offer a home to one of the animals pictured here, please get in touch as soon as possible.

Taggart: 4 yrs old, Male, quiet but affectionate

Jake: Male 2 years, Stafficross. Needs experienced owner for training. Lively young dog,would make a great pet for someone with the time to give him.

The good thing about growing old is you only have to do it once

Susie: Female 1yr old, stray very affectionate, likes being brushed and likes her toys.

Timber: 9 months old, Jack Russell Terrier, lots of lively energy for a cheeky little dog, not to be rehomed with cat, will need puppy training.

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Extracts from Markfield Parish Council Minutes The following topics were among the items discussed at the recent meeting of Markfield Parish Council on 2nd February 2010.

POLICE REPORT: - PC N Diaper had confirmed in writing that she would no longer be the Markfield and Stanton Under Bardon Police Beat Officer.

She had been replaced by PC 4338 Sadie Harlock, who was based at Market Bosworth Police Station.

February Figures 3 x Theft from Motor Vehicles:- including 1 at Markfield Lane and 1 at Hill Lane • 2 x Damage to Motor Vehicles PC Harlock stated that the office at the Community Centre was being used more regularly by officers; this was improving the police presence within the village. She also confirmed that although she worked part time hours more of her time was allocated to working within Markfield so that the police presence would not be adversely affected. PC Kelly confirmed that the Markfield, Groby and Ratby Neighbourhood Team consisted of 3 beat officers and 2 supporting PCSO’s.

PC Kelly informed the members that Sgt N Timms had now taken up the post of dedicated neighbourhood sergeant at Market Bosworth which would improve links with local communities to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across the area.

Local History Group – Proposal to erect a War Memorial in Markfield: - Mr Lay had met with Mr M Hockaday to try to progress the proposal.

Miners’ Welfare Institute: - Mr Lay had provided a copy of the draft design proposals for the three dwellings.

The George Car Park and current empty shops along Main Street: - Mr Lay stated that the Pharmacy was again up for sale, but the Hardware shop would reopen in approximately three weeks.

Bardon Quarry - Proposed New Extension adjacent to A511: - The Parish Council had received 4 copies of the Environmental Statement.

Details could also be obtained at bardonhill@aggregate.com.

HBBC 2010/2011 Council Tax increase: - Mr Lay stated that the Council had proposed a 2.9% increase on its share of the Council Tax for the next financial year.

Community Speed Watch - Sue Sprason: - Mrs Sprason stated that a trial of mobile Vehicle Activated Signs had shown speed reductions in all seven villages where it ran. She stated that the two signs approved by the County Council were the Radarlux and Westcotec signs, which could be viewed at www.bealocalhero.com and would cost approximately £2500.00. She suggested that a mobile sign could be purchased in partnership with Thornton and Bagworth Parish Councils and sited for about six weeks at one particular location and then moved to another parish for six weeks. There had been six locations identified in Markfield which could benefit from a mobile vehicle activated sign.

It was agreed that the clerk should write to the Community Speed Watch Co-Coordinator to express an interest in purchasing a sign in partnership with Thornton and Bagworth.

09/01009/OUT - Land off London Road, Markfield, Residential Development (outline) with access. – Mr Lay, Mr D Sprason and Mrs S Sprason had strongly objected to the application and on behalf of the Parish had circulated a model letter of objection to every property within Markfield: to which there had been a good response.

After further discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council would object to the above application on the grounds that: • The location for the proposed development lies wholly within open countryside and outside the current settlement boundary.

• The area lies within both the National Forest and Charnwood Forest Continued on page 20

Laziness is frequently just resting before you get tired.

20

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

ALMIGHTY DIGITAL AERIAL.SATELLITE.FREESAT.MULTIROOM.EXTRA POINTS.BT POINTS.LCD.PLASMA. PROJECTOR.HOME THEATRE SET-UP.TUNE-INS AND INSTALLATIONS. DIGITAL AERIAL

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Two paddocks for sale on the edge of Thornton Approx 3.47 Acres each paddock Guide Price £50,000 for the first paddock.

With the opportunity of a second paddock for £45.000 Please contact Mr Mrs Bell

01530 249938 07903 014724

Extracts from Markfield Parish Council Minutes Continued from page 19 areas; it includes trees, hedgerows, meadows, wildlife and a significant area of natural scientific interest.

• The Borough Council has a duty to protect open countryside and land outside the current settlement boundary; this is currently stated within the Borough Council’s own policy document.

• Under the newly adopted Core Strategy it was decided that Markfield should accommodate 80 additional dwellings; 40 of which would be classed as Infill and a maximum of 40 would be in the area of open countryside at Land off London Road (above). This application far exceeds the housing numbers required for Markfield and therefore in contravention of the Borough Councils’ Core Strategy.

• The Core Strategy was adopted after over 1000 objections were received regarding development beyond the current settlement boundary; this public consultation took place less than a year ago!

• The proposed site is too large and in excess of that suggested in the Borough Councils Site Allocation Document.

• The current community infrastructure in Markfield could not cope with an additional 120 dwellings. The road network around the village could never cope with the additional traffic this scale of development would cause. This would have a detrimental impact on services expected by the current residents of Markfield.

• This application is in contravention of the recently adopted Core Strategy and if approved would invalidate the Borough Councils’ own planning policy and would mean that the public consultation process was a worthless exercise and an expensive waste of money at a time when Local Authorities should be looking to cut excessive spending.

Mr Sprason stated that the County would also object to the application on the grounds that there were no proposals to improve the current infrastructure. He also recommended that the Parish Council should seek proper legal advice, particularly relating to the planning application notification process and public consultation processes.

Mr Lay agreed to seek legal advice on behalf of the Parish Council.

British Cycling – BMX Race Track – unused land at Jubilee Playing Fields; - Mr Sprason stated that the project manager was in the process of applying for grants to progress the project to its planning stage. He stated that much of the funding would come from British Cycling, so Markfield needed to set up a team which would become affiliated to the club.

Stepping Stones Grant funding; - Mr Sprason stated that environmental/community projects could now qualify for this funding as the area was within the Charnwood Forest boundary.

ENJOY DRUM LESSONS • Full Ebony/Gold Plated Premier Signia Kit Provided • All Grades (Trinity Guildhall-Rock School)/All Ages/All Areas • • • •

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Golden Wedding Anniversary celebrated at The Thatch

Local couple Terry & Audrey Riley celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a ‘do’ down at the Old Thatched Inn with family and friends.

They got married on 23rd January 1960.

Terry has been a Stanton man all his life and is helping Jan at the Old Thatched Inn with the book she plans to publish entitled “A Scrapbook History of Stanton under Bardon and Surrounding Villages.”

A Beautiful Gardening Catalogue Hayloft Plants have produced another stunningly beautiful catalogue of unusual plants and shrubs.

This can be viewed and goods ordered online at: www. hayloftplants.co.uk or apply for the A5 Catalogue to be sent by post from Hayloft Plants, The Pack House, Manor Farm Nurseries, Pensham, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3HB.

I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that are someone else’s fault.

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Herald Film Reviews from Tim Flowitt

Invictus (12A) Starring: Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon •133 minutes Set during the Rugby World Cup in 1995, Invictus follows the stories of both Nelson Mandela (Freeman) and the South African rugby team, as Mandela looks to use the tournament to unite white and black within his country.

The film touches on many important issues facing South Africa during this time and many that are still very relevant today. However the film never really goes in deep enough to draw the audience in.

Both Damon and Freeman give their usual assured performances but on the whole the film feels flat. At times the pace becomes slow leaving you to momentarily lose interest. The film does however build up to an uplifting ending.

Verdict: Overall the film falls a long way short of being a classic, which with the subject at hand could have been a real possibility.

PPP

The Wolfman (15) Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt • 102 minutes The Wolfman centres around Lawrence Talbot (Del Toro) who, after returning to his childhood home to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding his brother’s death, gets caught up in events that appear supernatural in origin.

The Wolfman is a tense thriller that will have you jumping out of your seat throughout the film.

The action is fast paced and never lets up from the very beginning. The atmosphere and tone also combine to create, what is at times, a genuinely scary film.

Verdict: There is plenty of action that will keep you on the edge of your seat, when you’re not jumping out of it, and is well worth a night out (even if the moon is full).

PPPP

~ Coming Soon ~ • • •

Alice in Wonderland - 5th March • Green Zone - 12th March Shutter Island - 12th March • The Bounty Hunter - 19th March

I Love You Phillip Morris - 19th March •

The Blind Side - 26th March

Markfield Interfaith Group

12 years as a Prison Chaplain The first meeting of the Interfaith Group took place at the Islamic Foundation Library on January 28th.

Fr Patey spoke of his twelve years as a Prison Chaplain during which time he saw many changes, namely from just one C/E Chaplain to Clerics of all faiths. Fr Patey worked in both Open and Closed Prisons, he mentioned the Human Rights of Prisoners in that their dietary needs were met and religious feast days observed, worship in Prisons was encouraged along with other learning facilities.

He spoke of the different needs of Prisoners, those serving life sentences and those serving a few months. The Chaplains were there to support on an emotional, moral and spiritual plain, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy was also provided in order to help Prisoners not to re-offend. Fr Patey’s experience gave us an insight into Prison life, the consequences of Crime on the Victim, the Accused, the Family and Society as a whole.

The next meeting will be on March 25th at 12 noon at the Islamic Foundation Library, the Speaker will be Mr Barrie Gannon.

Sheila Lammiman

Leicester Lectures A new Holistic Website is being created that may be of interest to you as an attendee to local Lectures or as a Speaker who wants to promote their Talk.

This will include many wide-ranging topics from Alternative Therapies, Personality Integration, Life Coaching, Synchronicity, Meditation, to the Perennial Philosophy and the new Soul’s Purpose Astrology.

A ‘Hardcopy’ Newsletter will also become available, sent by post, for those not able to use the computer.

Please register your interest and any ideas and content by emailing: susan@leicesterlectures.co.uk or writing to Leicester Lectures, P.O. Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT.

You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

21

22

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Funeral plan prices are rising by up to £350 in April.

Anstey & District Funeral Service Ltd will tailor a plan to your wishes at a price to suit your circumstances.

• Guaranteed peace of mind • Choose a plan to suit you • Best value and service • Independent trust fund guarantees financial security • No more to pay for our services – no matter how high prices rise

• Our plan prices must rise in April – save as much as £350 if you buy by 31st March • Easy ways to pay – up to 120 months - deposit £155 Golden Charter’s Traditional Way plan currently costs £2,549. It will rise to £2,899 in April – beat the increase and contact us now.

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FUNERAL PLANNING COUNCIL

The best part about procrastination is that you are never bored, because you have all kinds of things that you should be doing.

23

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

FUNDRAISER at The Bull’s Head The Bull’s Head in Forest Road, Markfield is holding a Fundraising event on Saturday 27th March on behalf of The Tinkerbella Wishes Trust.

On course to be a great night with a Live Band (Sound Dogs), a Disco, Karaoke and Raffle. Start time 8pm. Free Entrance. Your attendance and support would be much appreciated.

Exhibition of Mark Wilde’s Art

There is an exhibition of Mark Wilde’s art – ‘Up Against the Wall’ - at The Gallery, Hind Leys Arts College, Forest Street, Shepshed showing until 12th March.

The exhibition contains the creative/artistic element of graffiti and is not meant to encourage or induce graffiti which is illegal or badly done. www.hind-leys.net Tel: 01509 504511.

Markfield Local History Group is looking for new members Did you read the article in the last edition of the Herald? Has it whetted your appetite to discover more about the village where we now live? If so please come along to an open meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16th March in Markfield Congregational Church where a warm welcome awaits you.

Useful Facts about the History Group Markfield Local History Group was formed in 1997 with the objective of writing a book to provide a permanent record of village history and heritage to mark the start of the new millennium.

The book entitled ‘Markfield into the Millennium’ was intended to be not only a memorial to past generations of villagers who have lived and worked in Markfield but also a testimony to those who support our village life today.

During the course of researching the book, a vast amount of information was obtained and it became clear that the Group had the potential to produce further publications to place on permanent record not only the historical facts but the fascinating nitty-gritty of early community life.

But it’s not been all research. We have arranged guided walks, outings to historical places and have invited guest speakers to give presentations and talks on subjects associated with the village and Leicestershire in general.

However since the formation of the group, several members have moved away from the village and we now urgently need new members to invigorate the group.

If you are unable to attend the meeting all is not lost.

Please contact Barrie Gannon 01530 242318 or Fran Johnson 01530 243350 who will be delighted to hear from you.

Commuting in the 1920s ‘The Ellie’ - slow and uncertain

It’s frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.

24

Planning Application 09/00995/COU - Land off Heath Rd, Bagworth.

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Borough Councillors’ Report Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea

Dear Residents, This application was heard and debated by the Planning Committee at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) on the 16th February 2010.

Senior Officers set out the background to this application along with the site’s past history all the way back to 2003 and up to the present day.

In their outline, Officers described the application as a change of use to make this site a permanent gypsy site for four caravans and described the site as being amenable to the local area, the applicant being part of the local community for several years and there being little or no visual impact on the surrounding countryside due to ongoing landscaping which included a raised earth bund and significant fencing to screen it from the road.

However, this Application was up for refusal on two recommendations from Highways, that the proposal would lead to an increase in traffic onto an unrestricted road and lacks appropriate visibility and that this proposal represents a danger in terms of using an access onto an unrestricted road, lack of street lighting and turning manoeuvres would not be expected.

Both are contrary to policy T5 of the adopted Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan.

Cllr Chris Boothby Tel 0116 2388301 or 07704345637 Email Chris.boothby@hotmail.co.uk The Applicant was allowed to put his case forward to the Planning Committee Members only to remark on the Highways grounds for refusal and argued that visibility was not an issue .

We asked the Applicant why , in 2006 when planning permission was granted to extend Garlands Lane by 5 pitches in order to accommodate the applicant and his family, had he not left the site and gone to Garlands Lane and accepted the enforcement notice issued against him by HBBC. He replied that this site was too small to accommodate his family.

We explained to the Committee that 5 pitches could hold up to 20 caravans.

As Ward Councillors , we have had a long interest in this site not only on behalf of residents, angry at the total lack of action by Officers who have consistently failed them in dealing with this issue but also

Cllr Ozzy O’Shea Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com with the applicant in negotiating the move to Garlands Lane, only for the applicant to renege on the deal. By the Chief Executive’s own admission, Officers had failed to carry out instructions given to them by Members in regard to enforcement but did not.

We went on to argue that this development was not only unlawful but was contrary to Policy NE5 which prevents development in open countryside and Policy 18 of the new Core Strategy in terms of visual impact.

We argued that far from being amenable to the local area, you do not expect to see a white static home or 3 white caravans and a 40ft metal ISO container situated in the countryside.

There was an issue of need in regard to the applicant and again we stressed the point that we, as a council, did provide an alternative site which was not taken up.

BIKE RIDE in aid of Cancer Research There will be a sponsored Bike Ride in aid of Cancer Research on Saturday May 8th 2010.

We are going from Leicester to Skegness. Anyone who wishes to help be a Marshall or do the ride – please feel free to Email me : diane.dowell71@btinternet.com or phone 0774 891 5829.

All contributions welcome. Also if your company wishes to sponsor one of our riders – please contact me.

There will also be a Charity DISCO and RAFFLE on Saturday 26th June 2010 with great raffle prizes. All Welcome.

Tickets will include a buffet. Please call me for more information.

Diane Dowell People who don’t drive slam car doors too hard.

We then put forward an amendment to the recommendation of refusal to include policies NE5 and 18.

This was put to the vote and rejected by the Chairman’s casting vote.

There was then a second amendment to provide the applicant with a temporary permission for 3 years until another suitable site is found. We robustly argued against this and won the vote 8 to 6.

In summary, we have both been fobbed off with excuse after excuse on this matter and we said it was time to tackle this head on, even if the officers were or are reluctant to.

There is a need to find the applicant an alternative site in accordance with Government directives and we did this by extending Garlands Lane.

Furthermore, this is an unlawful site and always has been. The raising of the bund on the site is unlawful and needs removal. Also, this is development in open countryside and must be removed.

In all probability, there will be an appeal but we will fight this all the way.

We both will hold all Officers involved to account and encourage them to come to Bagworth and explain their actions to you.

We both thank you for your ongoing support and please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information.

Regards

Cllr Chris Boothby & Cllr Ozzy O’Shea

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

LOCAL PUBS & CLUBS The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 6 Mar: CHEEZE Sat 27 Mar: FUNDRAISER (For Tinkerbella Wishes Trust - See article elsewhere in mag) Sat 10 April: JOHN STACEY The Red Lion Main Street, Markfield.

T: 01530 242936 Home of the Markfield Football Team Wed 24 Mar: Friendly POKER Sat 27 Mar: ELVIS Tribute (Live Vocalist) Live Screen SPORT Darts & Pool Teams The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 Sat 6 Mar: LYNN Sun 4 April: KARAOKE Old Thatched Inn, Main Street, Stanton.

T: 01530 242460 Wed 17 Mar: FUN QUIZ (St. Patrick’s Day) 8pm The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 6 Mar: TWO’S COMPANY (Music & Comedy) Fri 12 Mar: ROCK ‘N’ ROLL (Guest DJ’s Clive & Mick) Sat 13 Mar: ALBERT’S SHIRT Sat 20 Mar: TEN 2 TEN (Optional Rocky Horror Dress) Sat 27 Mar: INDEX (60’s) (Optional ‘Fancy’ Dress) Sat 3 April: DISCO KARAOKE Sat 10 April: KUDASAI www.myspace.com/ thorntonclub The Brant Inn Leicester Road, Groby LE6 0DU. T: 0116 287 2703 Fri 12 Mar: KARAOKE (Classic) + Fri 9 April Fri 26 Mar: KARAOKE (King of the Road) Fri 2 April: ALAN JONES

Bagworth WMC Station Road, Bagworth T: 01530 230 205 New Members Welcome Sat 6 Mar: CARL STEVENS Sat 13 Mar: ALAN CHAMBERS Sat 20 Mar: JACQUELINE RYAN Tues 23 Mar: A.G.M. Sat 27 Mar: JOHN GUNNER Sat 3 April: DAVE ROSS Sat 10 April: PHASE (Sing – a – long) Sat 17 April: KRISS (St Patricks Night) 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.

Start 7.30pm (Bar Open).

FUNCTION ROOM for HIRE (Our own Catering & Disco available if reqd.)

The Bricklayers Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite – Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats: 6th & 20th Mar (’King of the Road’) Sundays: QUIZ Night Skittle Alley/Room for Hire The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616.

Sat 13 Mar: 80’s DISCO Sun 14 Mar: MOJO HAND (Rhythm&Blues JAZZ) Sat 20 Mar: FOXWOOD (To Be Confirmed) Sat 27 Mar: WELLARD WILLY Sat 10 April: VINYL Throwbacks KARAOKE ~ Every Wed OPEN MIC ~Every Thurs JAZZ ~ Every Sun 3-6pm QUIZ – General Knowledge Find the Joker: Every Sun QUIZ – Music: Every Tues

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 TRIBUTE Nights All £2 Entry after 7pm.

Fri 12 Mar: MADONNA The Charnwood Arms Fri 19 Mar: ELTON JOHN Bardon.

Fri 2 April: GLAMMA MIA Every 2nd Tues: QUIZ Nite T: 01530 813644 Every MON Night:Groby Ex-Servicemen’s POKER TOURNAMENT FREE ~ Starts 7pm.

Club, Leicester Road, COMEDY CLUB Groby Thurs 11 Mar: £5 a Ticket Tel: 0116 287-1809 TRIBUTE NIGHT www.grobyclub.co.uk £10 a Ticket Includes NOTICE TO MEMBERS Supper & Disco Great Entertainment Fri/ Fri 26 Mar: BEATLES Sat/Sun New Members Welcome The Plough Inn Burroughs Road, Classics SPECIAL RATBY. Events The Manor House Barn, T: 0116 239 2103 EVERY Tues ~ QUIZ Donington le Heath.

Sat 6 Mar: DERELICT Sat 20 Mar: Sat 20 Mar: IRISH FOLK JAZZ EVENING Sat 3 April: 70’s DISCO Ticket £30 (Includes www.ploughinnratby.co.uk Dinner) Sat 27 Mar: MEDIEVAL Banquet (Includes Entertainment) £30 All information Booking Essential correct at time of T: 01520 817214 going to press. www.classics1485.co.uk

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.

25

26 A stormy night I fully expected our Quarterly meeting held on the 18th of February to be a pretty stormy affair as local opinions of some of the subjects on the agenda have been fiercely held and strongly expressed.

Having recently been challenged as to whether views I have stated are just my own as opposed to that our members generally or local N.W. committee in particular I can assure readers that any views stated herein have been endorsed by the vast majority who attended.

We did, in fact, experience a wild evening but, in so saying, I am referring to the atrocious weather conditions which, unsurprisingly, led to many apologies for absence, including, unfortunately our new local Police Officer who we are all keen to meet. Better luck next time perhaps but, in any case, I have a strong feeling most of our members will meet up with her before then. In any event and at one time, expecting to have to call our session off, a surprising number of members and coordinators turned up and we got down to business as planned.

Cold Calling No I am not going on about the weather again but this was discussion about signs, zones and the general advice recently received in a circulation from our new Leicestershire Neighbourhood Safety Officer.

The criteria for setting up a zone is that there has been an incident or incidents of doorstep crime and/or the proposed zone will be in an area where there is a concentration of vulnerable adults, for example, older people and/or adults with learning disabilities.

A zone can only be set up with the agreement of the majority of the residents and the zone should cover a cluster of houses or a short street.

The zone is established to empower the vulnerable resident or the victim of doorstep crime enabling the householders to collectively say “No” to the practice of cold calling. Such zone is established to assist in areas that are considered to be vulnerable

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Markfield Neighbourhood Watch News From Alex Ritchie

and not designed just for residents who do not want cold callers at their door.

There are a number of reasons a criteria must be met in establishing a zone. Firstly, as there is no law preventing genuine traders from entering a No Cold Calling Zone, we rely on their goodwill not to cold call. Therefore, if large areas or whole villages become a No Cold Calling Zone, there is much more of a likelihood that traders will ignore the zones as they may not represent areas of vulnerability.

The above is just a snippet of the various aspects involved but, in a nutshell, the tone of the circulation was that No Cold Calling Signs are not always appropriate but window stickers that have been newly designed can and should be effective. These are currently on order for large scale distribution which will commence as soon as they are produced. In the meantime if you would like to see and/or discuss the full contents of the circulation (or order a sticker) just give me a ring at 245908.

NHW Street Signs The purchase of some new signs was agreed and suggestions sought as to where they would be best and most effectively sited. In fact we are aware of a few that, through wear and tear and general old age, need replacement. (My wife has just looked over my shoulder and thinks I am writing about myself! Funnily enough I know one or two people who agree with her – Oh well back to business) Anyway, while one or two locations were suggested we would like to hear of a few more in the Markfield or Field Head area to be considered so if anyone has any ideas please contact Chairman Eric at 245947.

County and National Involvement No, no one has been chosen to

Represent either of the above in any capacity, sporting or otherwise, but Neighbourhood Watch involvement by us at that level was briefly discussed. I did express my own personal view that, when one considers County and National cost cutting proposals currently headlined there were certain aspects of Neighbourhood Watch which could be severely curtailed.

I was, in fact, referring to recent invitations to attend a Regional Neighbourhood Watch conference, one of five, all expenses paid, with a choice of venues throughout the country. Our nearest would have been Peterborough Hilton Hotel and the conference was, and I quote, “planned to engage grassroots members in learning and consultation and to highlight to a wider audience the potential role of the Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (NHWN) movement (including the draft business plan 2010-2015). There will be many interesting presentations including the findings of the action learning being undertaken by ERS and case study participants, as well as the development of the website and brand by the Design Council. All of which I am sure you will find very interesting and exciting!!!!”

Thanks but No Thanks. Whatever are they talking about? I can think of better ways public money can be spent.

The Walking Bus As the threat, through financial cut backs, apparently, as I write, to cut down on school bus transport for schoolchildren attending South Charnwood High from Field Head and Markfield approaches reality this situation was discussed at some length and strong opinions voiced.

One option, apparently favoured in certain County Council connected

Whenever I feel like exercise, I lie down until the feeling passes.

Quarters, is the introduction of a “Walking Bus”. These, I have been told I would Know if I had done my homework, “are coordinated by schools using volunteer parents who supervise the walking bus. They run all over the County and are very successful by reducing the number of cars going to schools, making the roads around schools safer plus increasing the daily exercise. These are supported and encouraged by the Leicestershire Constabulary and the Road Safety Partnership.”

Only the other day, in good weather, I actually saw one in action in nearby Loughborough and was much impressed. Between thirty and forty young children, two abreast wearing fluorescent jackets with adult marshals front, rear and midway along their line walking along a pavement and across a Zebra Crossing – well behaved and a credit to their school. Probably walked some half mile maximum.

But here in Field Head and Markfield down country lanes, no proper footpath part of the way, muddy single file elsewhere and certainly no recognised crossing points and, talking of crossing, that includes the M1 and we know how often stupid things happen involving youngsters on these bridges. Dangerous, irrespective of weather or time of day, supervised or otherwise.

That is my personal view.

However, having heard the opinions of other Neighbourhood Watch members at the meeting and other non attendees before and after the meeting I know it is not an isolated view – it is indeed the opinion of the vast majority. Having had the question asked by someone who I cannot name, “What has it got to do with me in my Neighbourhood Watch capacity?” my answer is simple. Watching out for, and defending neighbours, young or old, obviously being put at physical risk is very much what Neighbourhood Watch is all about.

I don’t need to go Peterborough Hilton with fellow member Evelyn, overnight, all expenses paid, to learn that.

The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

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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 1st February 2010 (extracted from the unadopted minutes): Finney application - Mr Finney has put in another application on the same site, which has been turned down.

The chair proposed that a letter of objection be sent to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council in case of any further developments.

Muga planning application – A member of the public commented that the authority was waiting for documents from the clerk for the planning application to go ahead. The Clerk advised these had been forwarded.

GREEN WEDGE AT NORTHFIELD ESTATE - Member of the public asked if the green wedge on Northfields Estate could be taken and used for parking. The chair advised this was a matter for the Borough Council to decide, apparently the project had been looked at, but had now been cancelled due to lack of funding. Mr O’Shea advised he would look into the matter.

Grit bin at Jackson Road - The County Council asked the Clerk to circulate a notice to residents in the surrounding area, which has now been done. To date no objections have been received. The Clerk can report back to LCC and arrange to purchase and have the grit bin sited.

Bagworth Community Centre - A meeting had taken place re the plans, the extractor fans in the kitchen are an issue, the drainage system is collapsing Clerk is to look into and action.

Thornton Community Centre - Councillor Walker advised that the extension was looking good, however there was a problem with the roof and it is estimated this will cost in the region of £5,000 - £10,000 to repair.

The Maynard - The clerk was requested to get an update on what is happening with this building and report back to the council.

Bagworth New Woods – An offer of a meeting has been received from the County Council, it was agreed Councillors Ball, Johnston and Gogerty would attend plus any other interested parties.

Read the Parish Council minutes online at http://bagworthandthornton.leicestershireparishcouncils.org I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

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The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

find 12 BITS OF COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY 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 - 12 computing terms.

These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your entry to: CONTROL ALT DELETE, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 24th March 2010.

Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s brand new Homburg Hat will win the Meal for Two, and the second will win the Cinema Tickets. Good luck!

Here are the 12 COMPUTING TERMS you have to find:

BANDWIDTH • DEFRAGMENTATION • DOWNLOAD Word Search Puzzle EMOTICON • ENCRYPTION • ETHERNET FIREWALL • HYPERLINK • MEGAHERTZ MOTHERBOARD • PROCESSOR • TERABYTE

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BANDWIDTH DEFRAGMENTATION DOWNLOAD ..............................................................................................................

EMOTICON .............................................. Postcode: ................................................

ENCRYPTION ETHERNET Two Winners from Markfield!

FIREWALL The first correct entry drawn out of the hat last month came from: MRS. DIANA HYPERLINK STANDLEY of Oakfield Avenue, Markfield. Congratulations! Your Meal & Wine MEGAHERTZ Voucher to spend at the Field Head Hotel will be sent to you in the next 21 days.

The second correct entry drawn out came from MR. K.King of Rectory Road, MOTHERBOARD Markfield. Congratulations! Your Pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at PROCESSOR The Reel Cinema in Loughborough will be sent to you in the next 21 days.

TERABYTE

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Improve your social life ... at the Newtown Linford Dance Are you Divorced, Separated, a Widow or Widower wanting to improve your social life?

How about joining our friendly social gathering on a Sunday evening at Newtown Linford Club on Main Street. We chat and dance the night away to a wide variety of music in the function room at the rear of the club (which has its own bar) between 8pm - 11pm.

We welcome new folk to join the happy crowd – any age welcome – the majority of us are 50 and over, and young at heart. We also organise other events – day trips and long weekends etc. The cost is £2 for the Sunday evening and after 3 visits – we invite you to apply for membership – this is just £4 per annum. If you would like to talk to one of the organisers first – then please call Mrs Godwin on 07969 207288.

Address: ................................................................................................

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Deerstalker, Plimsoll Bolero Balaclava Shorts Bowler Boxers

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Slippers Wellingtons Collar Derby Mules Mackintosh Panama

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The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Cross Hills Baptist Church

Serving Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area

Snow, snow & more snow It certainly looks very beautiful on the trees and in the surrounding countryside, but what chaos and danger it can cause. It makes us realise that whatever plans we make for our lives, those plans can be turned around in an instant and as a result our priorities about what is important to us can change too, with the safety and welfare of our family and friends far more important to us than our material possessions.

Our Sunday service on 21st February had to be cancelled for safety reasons due to the amount of snow that fell overnight, with much more forecast for the rest of the day. With the church and car park being on a hill it can be difficult and dangerous for access and parking when there is a lot of snow around.

Who would have believed that by mid morning the snow had stopped, the extra that had been forecast did not arrive and then by lunchtime we were in lovely sunshine, with the snow on the roads melted and cleared! We contacted everyone we know who comes to our services to let them know that the service had been cancelled and we hope that no-one turned up unexpectedly and were disappointed.

The birds have started singing so, regardless of all this snow, they know that Spring is just around the corner. We can look forward to all the lovely Spring flowers and green shoots on the hedges and trees and, as Christians, we can especially look forward to Easter when our Saviour Jesus Christ rose from the dead after the sorrow of Good Friday when He was crucified. Details of our services are in the Church Service Information on page 30 and we look forward to welcoming you. We usually decorate a large rugged cross with fresh flowers during our Easter Sunday service which you will then see outside the church for a while afterwards.

Lent Course We are following the Hilary Brand Lent course called “The Power of Small Choices” over 6 weeks from Saturday 20th February and it is

being led by Pastor Garry Kelly at 10.30am in the hall at Cross Hills church. It has been well attended so far with around 15 to 20 people, which makes for some lively and interesting discussions. Our first week made us think about, amongst other things, our shopping choices.

We may already buy some Fairtrade goods but, if not, we could choose to buy one Fairtrade item or one extra item each time we shop and it would make a huge collective difference to the lives of the producers of these goods. It would also tell the supermarkets that we want them to be more ethical in where they source their supplies.

The remaining weeks of this course are on Saturday 6th and 13th March, Friday 19th March and Saturday 27th March at 10.30am. Anyone is welcome to join us at any time during the course.

Christ In The Centre, Leicester We are fortunate that the largest Easter Passion Play in the UK takes place in our city of Leicester. This year’s event starts at 10am in St Peters Square, Highcross, processing down High Street to arrive in Humberstone Gate around 10.30am and finishing around 12 noon. If you have never seen this Passion Play before, you have missed an experience. The performances are very professional and seeing the Easter story take place in front of you is very thought provoking.

We are a very friendly church, firmly rooted in the word of God, and we look forward to welcoming you to any of our services. Tea and coffee are served afterwards giving the opportunity for friendship and fellowship together. If you would like us to pray for you or someone close to you, our contact numbers are below.

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LAWN MOWING We at Dan Hardy Garden Maintenance, Mow an average sized garden for £10 (Including front and rear lawns).

We offer weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits.

CALL FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE Dan Hardy 3 Neville Drive Markfield Leicestershire LE67 9WJ Home: 01530 24 37 24 Mobile: 07598200185

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

Most of the time I don’t have much fun. The rest of the time I don’t have any fun at all.

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The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

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.

Sunday 14th March 10.30 am Joint Mothering Sunday Family Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Friday 19th March 8.00 pm Taizé Style Service Sunday 21st March 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 am Evening Prayer Sunday 28th March 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Palm Sunday Walk round Markfield 6.00 pm Evening Service Good Friday 2nd April 2-3pm “Hour at the Cross” Meditation Sunday 4th April 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 11th April 10.30 am Family Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 14th March 9.15 am Holy Communion (said)

Church Service Information Sunday 14th March 10.30 am Mothering Sunday Morning Service No Afternoon Service

There is a Sunday Club in our new hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is on page 31.

Sunday 21st March 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Communion Service

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth

Sunday 28th March 10.30 am United Churches Together Palm Sunday Procession 6.00 pm Evening Service Thursday 1st April 7.00 pm Maundy Thursday Evening Communion Service Sunday 4th April 9.00 am Easter Morning Breakfast 10.30 am Easter Day Communion Service No Evening Service Sunday 11th April 10.30 am Morning Service 4.00 pm Afternoon Café Style Service

Cross Hills Baptist Church Sunday 7th March 10.30am Morning Service 5.00pm United Praise Service

Sunday 4th April 9.00 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 14th March 10.30 am Mothering Sunday Family Communion Sunday 21st March 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 28th March 10.30 am Family Service Good Friday 2nd April 10.00am Family “Stations of the Cross” Sunday 4th April 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 11th April 10.30 am Holy Communion

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon

St Wilfrid of York, Coalville Tuesday 9th March 7.30 pm Lent Retreat 3 — Reflecting On The Easter Vigil Wednesday 10th March 7.00 pm Celebration Of First Reconciliation Wednesday 17th March 7.00 pm Reconciliation Service For The Parish Passion (Palm) Sunday — Saturday/ Sunday 27/28th March - Usual Masses With Ceremonies Of The Day Monday 29th March — Monday In Holy Week 9.15am Mass Tuesday 30th March — Tuesday In Holy Week 7.00 pm Mass Wednesday 31st March — Wednesday In Holy Week 11.30am Chrism Mass At St Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham 7.00 pm Mass Thursday 1st April — Holy Thursday 7.30 pm Mass Of The Lord’s Supper Followed By Watch Until...

10.30 pm Night Prayer of the Church Friday 2nd April — Good Friday 10.30 am Stations Of The Cross For Children 3.00 pm Liturgy Of The Passion & Death Of The Lord 7.00pm Stations Of The Cross

Sunday 21st March 3.00 pm Songs of Praise

Sunday 14th March 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper

Sunday 28th March 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Sunday 21st March 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 14th March 10.30 am Mothering Sunday Family Service

Tuesday 30th March 7.30 pm Tenebrae Service

Sunday 28th March 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 21st March 10.30 am Morning Service

MUSIC NIGHT

Sunday 4th April 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Easter Services Good Friday 2nd April Cross Hills is part of the Barton Fabis Group of churches Good Friday Communion for the Group this year is at 7.30pm at Barton in the Beans Baptist Church Easter Sunday 4th April 10.30am Morning Service 5.00pm United Praise Service

Sunday 28th March 10.30 am Holy Communion

Saturday 27th March 7.30 at

Sunday 11th April 9.15 am Holy Communion (said)

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield Sunday 7th March 10.30 am World Missions Sunday Service 4.00 pm Methodist Circuit World Missions Service at Anstey

Sunday 11th April 10.30am Morning Service with the Lord’s Supper

Maundy Thursday 1st April 6.30pm Passover Demonstration and Meal Good Friday 2nd April 7.30pm Good Friday Meditation Sunday 4th April 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 11th April 10.30 am Morning Service

Saturday 3rd April — Holy Saturday 8.15pm Easter Vigil Mass Sunday 4th April — Easter Sunday 10.00am Mass

New Parks Methodist Church.

There will be a variety of music, from folk music to country and western music as well more up to date music.

The price is £7 which includes a meal. Funds raised will be towards a new kitchen for the church.

Tickets are available from Keith Baker on 07747 440468 or Kerry Sharpe 01530 243445

I was at a Garden Centre and I asked for something herbie. They gave me a Volkswagen with no driver.

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The Herald • Early-MARCH 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Look What’s On At The Palace, Ibstock 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 267303

Forthcoming Events

Reply to Uncle Eustace My very dear Uncle Eustace With the greatest respect I write to say that, since your retirement as Rector of St James the Least the dear old Church of England that you served so valiantly, has moved on a bit. Health and Safety Regulations, for instance, preclude us from using the surrounding fields as a lavatory – something about GM crops I think!

However, in other areas your foresight is commendable. It is true that a sub-committee has been formed – although Lady Bartlett declined our invitation to join it – which has already addressed some of your concerns. The maintenance of the lavatory will obviously come under the Churchwarden’s umbrella but, since he is already robed, it has only been necessary to provide him with an appropriate Chain of Office. A lock has been fitted to the door which, when closed, automatically alerts the Organist to play an augmented version of the hymn ‘O God our help in Ages past’ – failing that it is arranged that the tenor bell should toll three times.

The ladies of the church have been working assiduously to crochet covers for the toilet rolls, and the Friends Group has provided a beautifully embossed cover for the seat.

As you can see the congregation at St James the Less has been working very hard. They do value your comments and would welcome your further suggestions – even the one about shortening my sermons!

Your ever loving nephew. Darren PS. Thank you about your note about the heating. It is something we had not discussed – I will have a word with the PCC.

Saturday, 6th March – World renowned Desford Colliery Band in concert. 4 times national Champions and ranked amongst the top 10 brass bands in the world.

Performance begins at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 are available from Halls Electrical and on the door Saturday, 13th March – Dave Bilborough presents ‘Tales of a Troubadour’. An evening of Christian songs and story-telling.

Starts at 7.30pm. Entrance fee is £5. For more details and advance booking contact William Gibb on Telephone: 01530 450492.

Friday, 19th March – ‘St Patrick’s Night Celebration’ with live music from Ceilidh (Kay-lee) band ‘The Fox Hat’ with expert ‘Caller’ plus entertainment. Prize for the best ‘Irish-themed’ fancy dress (fancy-dress optional) Doors and bar open at 7.30pm.

Starts at 8.00pm.

ADMISSION BY TICKET ONLY. Tickets: £7 available from: Halls Electrical.

Saturday, 20th March – Panto at The Palace! The Verdon Players present a traditional family pantomime,‘Aladdin’.

Performance starts at 2.00 pm.

Tickets: £5 Adults & £4 Children under 16.

Available from: Halls ADVANCED BOOKING RECOMMENDED. N.B: THIS IS A MATINEE PERFORMANCE – STARTS AT 2.00PM. Friday, 26th March – Film Night at The Palace – ‘Julie and Julia’ - (PG) A parallel biography of the lives of Julie Powell, a modern day New Yorker, bored and anxious of turning 30 and the famous American chef Julia Child. Nora Ephron directs Amy

Bradgate Lions Club News

Tel: 01530 260460.

Independent Family-Run Funeral Directors

Since our Christmas fund raising efforts we enjoyed a short break. We then resumed our fundraising with a very successful “Race Night” at Markfield Court Community Centre on 23rd January and raised £532.00 for “Help our Hero’s”.

Lion Roger Gamble, President, Bradgate Lions Club

Tickets from Halls Electrical, High Street, Ibstock.

Anstey & District Funeral Service

Name & Address Supplied

We are now concentrating our efforts on our Easter fund raising. These start by going out with our float and “Easter Bunny” around the streets of Anstey during week commencing 15th March, and the following week we will be going around Groby, assisted by the local Scouts group.

We will also be holding a day long collection at Glenfield Co-operative Superstore on Saturday 27th March. This is to raise funds for County Air Ambulance. Alongside these bucket collections we will be hold our Easter egg prize draws in over twenty local pubs and retail outlets.

If you would like more information about Bradgate Lions Club and their activities, please ring Roger on 01530 242912. He will be please to help.

Adams and Meryl Streep as the respective chefs. Performance begins at 7.30pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm.

Tickets: Halls Electrical £4 /£3 concessions.

Saturday, 27th March - ‘Saturday Swing at The Palace’. By popular demand, the return of Junction 21, Swing band supported by soloists from Coalville Amateur Operatic Society.

Starts at 7-30pm. Doors/Box Office/Bar open 7-00pm. Bar all evening. Tickets £8.

Tel Mick 01530834534 or Kev 07984957830 (Last Swing evening was a sell out so advised to get tickets early) Saturday, 10th April - Centre Stage presents - The Family. The Rogue Theatre Company invites you to an evening of stories, dark secrets, music and intrigue. An eccentric family live in an isolated mansion deep in the forest. As the evening erupts into a revelation of astonishing stories and secrets the party atmosphere is disturbed by a haunting, and a figure in the shadows. For the Family is this their greatest fear? - Has truth finally come to dinner? Inspired by Hammer Horror! With poetry and text by Anna Maria Murphy, live music, pathos, physical performance and a feast of entertainment... Performance begins at 7.30pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Suitable for 10+.

Tickets: Available from Halls £5 Adults, £4 children under 16.

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

Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.

How does a pig go to hospital? In a hambulance.