March 2012 Herald magazine

March 2012

Concert for Cruse A fund raising concert with Highcliffe Harmony, a local choir, is being held at Markfield Methodist Church on Saturday, 24th March in aid of Cruse Bereavement Care.

The concert will start at 7pm and tickets cost £5.00 including refreshments.

Highcliffe Harmony performed for us last year and a very lively and entertaining evening was had by all with a wide range of songs and instrumental peices being performed and some audience participation. There was something for every taste.

Cruse Bereavement Care is a self funding charity which provides free, one to one bereavement support for those suffering from the loss of a loved one. This support is provided in the clients own home and is available to all regardless of age, gender or ethnic origin.

Tickets are available from Linda Walmsley, 242607, Fran Johnson 243350 and Ann Lay 242166.

Fran Johnson

Midlands Champions!

South Charnwood Girls Reach National Finals

Parachute Jump for Cancer Research I’m doing a parachute jump in May 2012 to raise money for Cancer Research (1089464) and I’m looking for a company to sponsor me for this event. Can you help?

In the last 2 years I’ve raised £12,000 for Cancer Research and I’d like to make it to £15,000 if I can this year. My contact number is 07748 915829.

Diane Dowell

Claim your million quid!

Following success in the Area Association Championship, South Charnwood High School’s U12 girls’ 5-a-side football team played in the Area Finals in Derby on 27th January 2012.

Six girls from Years 6 and 7 made up the squad, playing in a group with five other teams. With wins in four out of five games, South Charnwood topped the group table taking them into the semi-final, which was won after a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.

South Charnwood scored two quick goals in the final and despite conceding a late goal, the girls kept their cool for a 2-1 victory, earning the team the title of Midlands Champions. The whole squad played really well and were congratulated by officials on their sportsmanship.

Well done, girls!

Someone in Leicester has won a £1 million raffle prize AND NOT CLAIMED IT. In the 10th January 2012 EuroMillions Millionaire Raffle, a £1,000,000 winning ticket was purchased in the City of Leicester.

The number is: LZT634986.

The last date for making a claim is 8th Jul 2012 .

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‘Smile,’ they said, ‘Life could be worse.’ So I did, and it was.

Tickets are £4.00 from Brenda (242173) Everyone welcome. See you there!

Crafts Fayre & Mini Market Saturday 14th April - 9am-1pm Copt Oak Memorial Hall Refreshments and Tombola £7 per table/£10 per trestle table Admission 50p. Children free To book a table please contact Sue and Les - 01530 244229 Jan and David - 0116 2674746

LETTER

Main Street Markfield used to be so inviting I do think it is such a shame that the old Chemist’s shop on Main Street has STILL not been taken yet. Main Street is just not the busy, inviting little village street it used to be, which I feel is very sad.

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

Tel: 01530 244069 info@markfieldherald.co.uk www.markfieldherald.co.uk

The Herald is a monthly local magazine delivered free to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Markfield, Field Head, Stanton under Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth.

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

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The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Herald Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. The Herald cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

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This issue of The Herald is being delivered over the weekend of 10-11 March 2012 by The Herald’s team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Coral, Maureen, John, Phoebe, Sam, Sarah, Jack, Ian, Ann, Gill, Janet, John, Helen, Don, Jeanie, Jenny, Bradley, Daisy, Heather, Margaret, Matthew, Alexander, Mike, Rowan, John & Sue.

When I arrived in Markfield in 1982 there was a thriving Bakery, a wool/ crafts/ clothes shop, a Post Office and two pubs not to mention the Chemist’s on Main Street in addition to a Hardware Shop, Newsagents, Hair Dressers and Co-Op. I really do wish that some clever business person sees the potential of the vacant premises, and realises that with the right kind of retail business they could breathe new life into Main Street, encouraging more people to use it and thus boosting business for every shop keeper.

I know what I would like to see on Main Street.... a really classy gift shop selling beautiful gifts for the home, cards, jewellery, scarves, handbags and maybe even a small selection of gorgeous clothes for adults and children...... and a coffee shop where mums, dads and friends can meet up and those of us who work part-time or are retired can go for a relaxing cup of tea or coffee and a browse. It would be a real bonus for our community.

Surely if Anstey can do it, Markfield can too.

Sue Hartley

Challenge to Herald Readers!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ON MAIN STREET, MARKFIELD? Drop us a line by post or email with your suggestions and we’ll publish them next month.

Who knows, it may just lead to something ...

How to organise a jubilee street party WHEN the Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee in June, it will be only the second time that such a royal anniversary has taken place.

So for the benefit of all those residents in Hinckley & Bosworth who are thinking of holding a street party to celebrate this special occasion, the Borough Council has produced an invaluable step-by-step guide (www.hinckley-bosworth.gov. uk/streetparty).

It contains everything a party organiser needs to know, including advice on whether the street will need to be closed to traffic and a simple road closure application form if that proves to be necessary.

Normally, a road closure application costs in excess of £130, but the council has decided not to make a charge in respect of street parties being held to celebrate the jubilee between 2 and 5 June. However, organisers need to be aware that any road closure application has to be submitted to the council by 2 April at the latest.

Application forms are available from Rebecca Owen on 01455 255879 or email rebecca.owen@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk or apply online.

In addition, organisers will have to take out public liability insurance, especially if the road is closed. However, this need not be too costly as quotes can be obtained from insurance companies or brokers from as little as £50.

Anyone intending to have a pay bar, to provide entertainment to the public, or to charge money for their event, will need a Temporary Events Notice. For more information, they should contact Mark Brymer on 01455 255645 or email mark.brymer@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

This land is your land. This land is my land. So stay on your land.

News from Bagworth WI

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The Bricklayer’s 18th March A Few Places Still Arms The Bagworth WI is, over the next 12 months, looking for new members. Anyone who is interested in coming along will be most welcome. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7.15pm at Bagworth Community Centre.

In the last 3 months our long standing President Fiona Sinfield has retired and Maureen Barber has been elected to be the new President. One of the main things facing Maureen and the group is to increase both the membership and the profile of the Bagworth WI. The village has trebled in size in the last 10 years. Unfortunately, this is not the same for the WI and many other local community groups.

Bagworth WI has an established programme of events and meetings for next year that includes talks on Japanese Gardens, the Fascination of Fascinators, the History of Cheese, a trip to the Shenton Glass works to celebrate the group’s 65th birthday and there is always a Christmas party!

The Bagworth WI philosophy is fun and friendship and we join other local WI groups on a regular basis for larger more elaborate events.

As previously mentioned, we meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Bagworth Community Centre at 7.15pm. Anyone who is interested can come along and meet us at one of our meetings, we are always happy to see new faces and you can be assured of a warm welcome. If you would like to talk to someone first before attending a meeting ring Maureen on 01530 231295.

Finally, we must say a big thank you for the contribution our departing President Fiona Sinfield has made both to the Bagworth WI and through that to the local Bagworth Community. Thank you Fiona.

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Book your stall early for this year’s Mercenfeld Summer Fete!

This year Mercenfeld Primary School will be holding their annual summer fete on Saturday 23rd June.

The school have decided to combine our Summer Fete with the offical 150th Year anniversary of the school’s opening. We are hoping to attract many visitors young and old from far and wide to include hopefully some local celebrities, in order for us to enjoy and celebrate this event.

If you would like to book a Stall for this event please return your booking form ASAP or if you would like to help out or would like any further information please contact me.

Rachael Underwood PTA Secretary

(Editor’s note: the booking form is available to download on the Herald website - www.markfieldherald.co.uk)

You may pretend to dislike me, but deep down, you know you hate me.

We have a diverse Parish with wide ranging current topics of deep concern and keen interest as given in the slightly unusual title of this short article.

Parish Council has received a number of complaints, one addressed to me personally, from residents who are distressed by a minority of dog owners who fail to “clean up” their dog’s droppings from the pavement and dispose of it in dog bins. While the problem is not limited to Thornton, it is most obvious on the pavement by the car park in Reservoir Road and footway across the dam by Thornton Reservoir. From the evidence it appears that the problem is probably caused by a minority of regular offenders. Parish Council recently met on site regarding the matter with the enforcement officer from the Borough Council to discuss measures to deal with the problem.

We are assured that when necessary the Borough Council is ready to take enforcement action on this to achieve an acceptable standard of street cleanliness.

The matter of conserving and protecting the green-fields around Thornton Reservoir and establishing this as an area of outstanding natural beauty remains of high importance to both Thornton Residents and visitors alike. While I no longer chair the Thornton Action Group (TAG) I will give my personal support to

Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council Report From Dog Bins to the Big Lottery all those residents who continue to campaign to achieve protection of the area. I particularly acknowledge with thanks the efforts of our Ward Councillors Chris Boothby and Ozzy O’shea and the assistance from Borough Planning Officers in our progress towards reaching this important goal.

I am pleased to be able to announce the appointment of our new Parish Council Clerk, Helen Crouch. Helen joined us at and was welcomed to our last Parish Council meeting on February 6th and is already establishing a Parish Council Office at Council’s address at the Bagworth Community Centre. Helen is contactable by e-mail at clerk@ bagworthandthornton.org.uk and via the Parish Council website. Helen is normally available at her office in the Bagworth Community Centre every Friday. Council has every confidence that Helen’s drive and enthusiasm will prove of great help in our efforts to deliver an improved level of service.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the very satisfactory service provided to Residents by the Trustees and service providers at the Thornton Community Centre.

I confess I have yet to meet all the

management team there and I look forward to doing so soon.

At the Bagworth Forward Centre, the remaining Trustees who ran the Community Centre resigned and the Trust effectively ceased to exist. This being so the necessary administration is currently in progress to conclude the Tenancy agreement between the Trust and Parish Council which owns the Community Centre. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who participated and contributed a lot of time and effort in the Trust’s activities, not least Councillor David Sprason who Chaired the Trust. Parish Council is currently working on measures to update and improve the centre’s administration. All volunteers are still welcome.

In my last article I mentioned Parish Council’s efforts towards getting funds to completely re-furbish the original building at the Bagworth Community Centre.

I can now report that we have been invited to submit an application to the Big Lottery Reaching Communities Buildings programme stage 3. The chance of getting to this final stage was one in twenty so this really is excellent news for the Parish, particularly residents

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of Bagworth. However let’s all be clear that to succeed in winning the necessary funds, >£300,000, there’s a lot of work to be done. The scheme needs comprehensive new costing, a robust updated business plan, strong external expertise including an architect / project management company yet to be chosen and County and Borough Council’s ongoing support. With these measures in place I believe we have a strong chance of success. If we do succeed we can then look forward to new Bagworth Community Centre facilities in the near future.

Barry White Chairman

Bagworth & Thornton Parish Council

Tel: 0781 687 6069

Update on local planning matters Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald I thought this month I would take this opportunity to update you all on a few key planning developments around my patch.

site drainage. These are generally unattractive and often fenced off.

Instead I have argued for an area of wetland which could become an attractive and environmentally sound feature.

The layout and design should do as much as much as possible to compliment the village and I am not yet satisfied this has been achieved. I am also strongly opposed to removing any of the mature hedgerows on the site and some of these are set to be removed for highway reasons, I am asking for replacements hedgerows where this occurs. I will be pushing for many more improvements but my hands are tied by the fact the site has outline permission granted by the government’s inspector and the developers could seek to go back to appeal if they think the Council is being unreasonable.

One critical area that I have reached an agreement with the Borough Council on, is over the treatment of social housing which will be provided as part of the development. This agreement will mean that any social housing for

Let me start with planned housing development on the land south of London Rd. Although this site was won on appeal to the secretary of state, following refusal by the Borough Council, the developers still need to reach agreement with the Council on the site design, layout and other reserved matters.

Despite strongly opposing the application it was, in the end, approved on appeal and my efforts are now directed at ensuring we get the most benefit from it. I have already seen one draft layout of the site and raised a number of concerns.

Some of these have been partially addressed but much more still needs to be done. Examples of where improvements can be achieved include changes at the edge of the site near the brook which runs into Chitterman Way. It had been intended to have a balancing pool built to support the

rent/part purchase provided will only go to those with a strong and viable local connection.

While on the subject of housing development we should note that another housing application has now been received by the Borough Council this time to build on land owned by Stanton Parish Council which is currently the site of allotments in the centre of the village. This is in many ways a rival application to that which has been received to build houses on land at the bottom of the village.

Like Markfield, Stanton is faced with needing to find land for housing to meet its housing needs.

These needs are much smaller for Stanton but it will still lead to open countryside being developed which I think is regrettable.

However Stanton is fortunate in that it has land in public ownership which could provide for suitable development and see the value of the land returned to the community in a positive way. It has long been an aspiration for Stanton to have a modern purpose built community facility more central to the village

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to replace the ageing youth club.

I have long supported the need for such a facility and some years ago worked with villagers ably marshalled by the then parish clerk Sally Wilkins to distribute questionnaires on the subject and get the required planning permission. Such a purpose built facility would be a real asset to the community. If the application to build houses on the allotment site gets the go ahead it will return a windfall to the people of Stanton and will lead, to the building of a new community hall on the actual housing site as part of the scheme.

It will also be possible to do other beneficial things for the village and these will need to be discussed with the Parish Council.

As a strong supporter of allotments I would hope that all current holders affected are given new and improved plots on the site or on other parish land with recognition that much hard work will have been put into the land by the allotment holders. I have asked for this and assurances have been given.

The site at the bottom of the village is, in my opinion, in the wrong place and being at the bottom of the village means lots of potential highway problems. The land is also owned privately and so any return on it, is not likely to benefit the village. This means that the development would represent a huge missed opportunity as the 30 or so houses would provide for Stanton’s housing needs for the next 20 years with little chance or need of further development. In a sense you get one chance to gain any windfall and this would be it.

I do not think we can afford to get this wrong and in almost every way the development in the centre of the village on land owned by the village clearly represents the best option and one that will deliver positives for the community.

I have over the past few weeks had a number of enquiries about a planning matter which is not in my ward which itself is unusual but as I am sure you will agree understandable as it is going to impact on us in a big way.

Many of you will know of, or had involvement in the past with Desford Tubes.

This business changed hands and finally a couple of years ago the site closed and I guess at some point everyone knew it would be redeveloped. It is a large site, but it is not in my Council Ward and even during the halcyon days of the Tubes it caused few negative issues for our community and was a good source of local employment.

In 2008 a planning application was passed to turn part of the site into a distribution depot and then late in the summer of 2010 a further application was made to bring the entire site back into use and expand the operation on a much larger scale involving the distribution of goods. Now Tubes used to move its products all over the place, but clearly the additional traffic the new site would generate would be a significant burden. What has made this problem worse (and this is yet to be fully realised) are the changes that took place during the planning process at Hinckley and Bosworth. The 2008 application

was originally by a cash and carry operation; however since then I understand, it has been taken over by a company called Poundland.

At the planning meeting in late summer 2010 to decide on the big expansion, a strange amendment was moved to the council officer’s report by some elected councillors.

The amendment sought to divert lorry traffic away from the outskirts of Kirby Muxloe which incidentally had been a common route used during the days of Desford Tubes. This amendment had the unfortunate effect of moving almost all the future HGV traffic for this expanded business (which will be considerable) onto Thornton Lane and along Launde Road to the Field Head round-about to join the A50.

The councillors also sought to impose a weight restriction to stop any lorry traffic using the old Kirby route, this despite a similar request by the leader of Leicestershire County Council and Kirby Muxloe Councillor David Parsons, having been rejected by County Highways, following consultation with the trade and affected parishes. Quite why some councillors would move an amendment which would so disadvantage residents of this Borough - namely Markfield - to the advantage of a few in Kirby, under the jurisdiction of a different Borough Council one can only guess, but you have to ask yourself what’s going on. What was not a local issue has now become a significant one.

The ramifications of perhaps as many as 70-80 additional lorry movements on roads through Markfield has not yet been realised and the A50 roundabout is already bad at peak times. In our favour has been the clear view of lorry drivers and the trade that the new journey is not one they favour and without being told to change it, they would not do so. However they are now being told clearly they must start going through Markfield and new signs have been put in for the new expanded site to make this explicit.

I am currently looking at ways of removing the planning condition diverting traffic through Markfield.

If allowed by process I will be putting a motion to the next full council asking for the removal of the condition which prevents lorries from using the traditional route via the outskirts of Kirby. This will ease things considerably, but the Council legal advisors are looking into my request and they will report back. I suspect we will need to petition the new operators to request a change and we can respond to that.

One thing that is for certain, we should not be treated as second best here in Markfield and Field Head, no matter what the political ramifications are - and it looks increasingly like we have been.

Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

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Annual Open Day and Dog Show Borough Council News

Council Tax frozen again – without hitting frontline services THE Borough Council has ‘frozen’ its council tax for 2012/13 to the same level as the current financial year.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the full council on Thursday 23 February and means that the Council Tax, already the 10th lowest of the 201 Districts in England, will have remained at the same level for three consecutive years - £112.35 per year for a ‘Band D’ property.

Despite facing a further reduction in government grant of £665,000 for the coming year, the council has been able to set a balanced budget, without hitting frontline services - an essential requirement in its continuing medium term strategy.

Further efficiencies have been made to address the reduced funding and contributions have been deployed from balances and reserves accrued in the last few years against such an eventuality. In 2011/12 efficiencies have enabled a contribution to be made to balances and reserves to strengthen the council’s position over the next few years.

Looking ahead, however, the council has acknowledged that even more savings will be required in subsequent years, But the full position after April 2013 is still unclear and will depend on the level of business rates retainable locally (under new arrangements from April 2013) and the financial settlement from the government for 2013/14, neither of which will be known until later in 2012 – the settlement not until December!

Commenting on the position, Sanjiv Kohli (Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Direction, responsible for Finance), said: “The council has an ongoing obligation to provide the best possible services to our community at the lowest possible cost and we intend to fulfil that role not only in 2012/13 but well beyond that.

“However, we have a responsibility also to give maximum value for the public money we receive.

“We believe that the hard work of our staff, our partners and our elected Members, has managed to achieve this once again for 2012/13 and we will adopt the same collective approach in dealing with further financial challenges beyond the next financial year”.

Executive Member for Finance, Councillor Keith Lynch, paid tribute to the work of the council departments in achieving a measure of efficiency savings which allow the council to continue to deliver high quality front line services while still being able to maintain council tax within the 10 lowest in the country.

Markfield WI Programme Markfield Womens’ Institute has a packed and interesting programme of events lined up for 2012. See below: 21st March 18th April 16th May 20th June 18th July 15th Aug 19th Sept 17th Oct 21st Oct 19th Dec

Chocolates with Hannah’s of Quorn: Tom Philips Jerusalem Jammers Garland Dancers Resolutions Evening plus Beetle Drive Meningitis Trust: Jo Killick Flower Arranging demo: Sarah of Quorn A Period Costume Show - Votes to Vapours - Notty Hornblower Antiques Roadshow - Richard Plant AGM & Phoebe Whittington: Trip to Tanzania Our Birthday Meal Twelve Days of Christmas: Anne Hughes

Sunday 12th August 2012

CAN YOU HELP? We are looking for a range of attractions, activities and stalls that would be of interest to the public and draw in the crowds to support our important cause.

For example, we are hoping to present an area of the Showground as a vehicle and engine display with vehicles and engines from the present and past. We are looking for Motorcycles, Cars, Trucks, free-standing Engines - anything that would be of interest. Vintage, modern, custom or classic.

If you feel you could assist us in any way on 12th August, please get in touch.

Also, I would really appreciate hearing from anyone with ideas for this major annual fundraising event. Groups, Bands, Youth clubs and Uniform organisations, Clubs, Societies or anyone who would appreciate, and be appreciated by, our visitors.

Get yourselves some good quality public exposure and help out the Sanctuary at the same time.

Thank you!

My name is Bill Brown Email: bill.brown940@ntlworld.com Mobile: 07876 748 113 Home: 01530 456 752 If you would like to have a STALL at this event, please contact: Jo & Pete Leadbetter on 01530 230 455 Email: peterleadbetter123@btinternet.com Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary is situated at 233, Shaw Lane, Markfield, LE67 9PU. For more information, visit the website at www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk/

Herald Advertising Rates Ring 01530 244069 to book your advert or email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk Advert Size

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10 The Markfield Magic Mile

The Sainsbury’s Sports Relief Mile is coming to MARKFIELD Many of you will already have seen on the television and in the media promotions regarding Sports Relief 2012 supported by national celebrities such as Garry Lineker and John Bishop, to name just a few.

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Markfield Magic Mile

In aid of Sports Relief Sunday 25th March at Markfield Community and Sports Centre

Sports Relief is one of the largest national annual fund raising events. This year’s will be held over the weekend commencing Friday 23rd March culminating in the Sainsbury’s Sports Relief Mile with events To enter – Visit www.SportsRelief.com being held across the whole of the country on Sunday 25th March. Here in Markfield we are pleased to inform you that we have been selected as a neighbourhood venue for one of the Sainsbury’s Sports Relief Mile. Our own event is called the Markfield Magic Mile and will take place at Markfield Community and Sports Centre on that Sunday.

Not only will the Markfield Magic Mile help raise funds for Sports Relief but we can also use it as an opportunity to raise much needed funds for activities for young people in the village and surrounding rural areas.

YOU can also use this event to raise funds for your favourite charity, school, community group or club by getting yourself involved and being sponsored.

Markfield Magic Mile is part of hundreds of similar events taking place across the country on that day and you can do the mile (or more if you want) with your family, your mates, on your own or as a team. Why not make a day of it and come along in fancy dress, there will even be a prize for the best fancy dressed person or team.

The Markfield Magic Mile will take place at Markfield Community and Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST where you can safely run, jog or simply stroll around the course that goes around our sports filed and through our community orchard. You can do laps amounting one mile or for the more ambitious you can take up the challenge of three or even six miles. Pets under supervision are most welcome and there are good facilities for those with disabilities. The Centre will be open for refreshments, changing and other facilities that can be viewed on our website www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com Sounds Good? Why not sign up to the Sainsbury’s Sports Relief mile NOW. All entry fees go directly to Sports Relief and is just £6 for adults, £3 for children and a family ticket for 4 is £15. If you enter now you can receive a free 3-day pass to Fitness First.

You can enter now by visiting the Sports Relief website www.sportsrelief. com or you can ring 020 7820 2000. On the Sports Relief website you can get more information on how funds raised can change people’s lives, download your own sponsorship forms and enter a mile event near to where you live.

So, come on get your sports relief socks on, dust off your trainers and join in the Markfield Magic mile and do something amazing to help other people.

For further information contact: Ron Grantham Markfield Community Association 07904 222552 rongrantham@hotmail.co.uk

No matter how good you are, a superior will always try to modify your results.

11

STRUNG OUT SISTERS hit the high notes for Charity!

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The fantastically talented, unconventional string trio the Strung Out Sisters presented a cheque for £300 to the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation’s Chief Executive Alan Norman and Administrator Charlotte Turlington.

Just Typed a whole sentence with Caps Lock on? Fix it easily ...

The money was raised at a concert held at Arnesby Village Hall. The concert was part of a mini charity tour undertaken by the trio in November 2011.

Charity Chief Executive Alan Norman said “the Strung out Sisters are a wonderful group of ladies and superbly entertaining musicians. They have been very supportive of the Foundation over the past year and we are extremely grateful for all their work on our behalf. The Foundation works to provide support, care and friendship to the elderly, adults with disabilities and young people from its two centres at Ulverscroft near Markfield.

Support like this is essential for the long term sustainability of the charity and is very much appreciated” You can catch the Strung out Sisters next at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on Saturday 28th April 2012 Doors Open at 7.30pm.

Tickets £5.00 Tel. 07941 441911 The Strung Out Sisters present the For further details on the trio and charity cheque for £300 to Alan Norman and please visit: Charlotte Turlington www.sos.inuk.com www.shuttlewood-clarke.org or www.yewtrail.org

No matter how good a typist you are, there will be times when you’ve accidentally left the Caps Lock on. This means that you’ll end up with a lot of text in upper case when you didn’t want it. But don’t panic. Simply select the text you want to change and press and hold the Shift key, and then press F3. Each time you press the F3 key the text case switches between title case, upper case and lower case.

WINDOWS

Find obscure type characters If you need to type a character that’s not on the keyboard, such as an accented ‘e’, you can find it in the Character Map. This is located in Accessories in earlier versions of Windows, or if you’re using Windows 7, click on Start and then key in Character Map into the ‘Search programs and files’ slot. The Character Map will appear. Find the character you want, double click on it, and press the Copy button. Go back to the document you’re working on, leftclick to position the cursor in the right place, right-click and select paste. The character should appear.

If YOU know any simple tips which you’d like to share with Spotlight readers, send your tip to us at: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk and we’ll include it in a future issue.

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I don’t eat snails. I prefer fast food.

12

World Challenge Expedition Update Hello from the Challengers, Joseph and Josh!

Since we introduced ourselves and our expedition in the January issue, a lot has happened with our Moroccan Expedition fundraising challenge. In case you missed it, Joseph and Josh, two year 11 students at Bosworth College, who live in Thornton, are preparing to take on an exciting 8 day World Challenge expedition to Northern Morocco in July. The trip will involve a challenging trek through the mountainous region, and the chance to meet local people, as well as to develop as a person. As part of the expedition team, we have been set the challenge of fundraising the whole cost of the expedition ourselves.

Fundraising had already been very successful up until January, but since then the fund has been quickly growing. At the start of February we launched our gardening and car washing campaign, offering our services to anyone in Thornton and the surrounding area. Some of you in Thornton will have had leaflets through your doors, and if you haven’t, they’re on their way! We would like to thank everyone who has replied already, and invite anyone who wants us to help to contact us!

Our most exciting fundraising opportunity has been a sponsored abseil that we did on the 25th February. This abseil was organised

by World Challenge, and took place off Bridge 75, at Millers Dale, in Buxton. This bridge was 80 feet high, and presented us with a very daunting challenge, especially for Josh, who was aiming to conquer his fear of heights. Once we had been roped and helmeted, we climbed through the railings of the bridge, and leant over the edge, which was possibly the hardest part. The abseil took place over the arch of the bridge, so after we had walked down the first part, we had to jump back and lower enough rope through so we swung under the arch. Joseph came very close to hitting his head, but just ducked safely under! We then lowered ourselves quite quickly towards the rushing water below, and we were pulled out onto the bank just

Bagworth Forward Group Spring Bingo

19 March 7.30 at the Bagworth Community Centre. Prize Bingo with a Spring theme. Admission free. Great prizes and raffle prizes as well. Come along for a good evening.

Guthlaxton Big Band 29 March 7.30 at the Bagworth Community Centre. This evening is rapidly becoming a village tradition and is thoroughly enjoyed by the people who attend. As well as the Big Band, there will be other musical items to enjoy. Something for everyone. Come and see some very talented young people who may well become the stars of the future. Admission: £5 adults, £2.50 children.

Bradgate

Drama Society

are pleased to invite you to join them for a

‘PERFECT WEDDING’ A Comedy by Robin Hawdon

Dates:19th, 20th & 21st April

in time!

Joseph absolutely loved the experience, and would happily have done it again, whereas Josh was more relieved to get down alive! The pair of us did great, and it certainly was an experience to remember, though maybe for different reasons! However, we both believe it was worth the challenge, as we raised over £300 each in sponsorship towards our expedition fund! This means that we both have collected over £600 in total towards the total cost, an amazing achievement!

We are eagerly anticipating our expedition, which is now around four months away. Our kit list and flight details have been released,

and we will soon be taking part in some whole team fundraising, and with the few other plans we have up our sleeves we are confident of reaching the target!

If anybody would like to take us up on our gardening or car washing service, or contact us for any other reason, please let us know by email at joseph.withers@btinternet.com.

We charge £5 per car, and £5 per hour, per worker for gardening.

We’ll be doing this for the next few months, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to!

Thank you all for your support, and we will bring you our next update soon, as our expedition gets ever closer!!!

You’re only young once, but you’re immature forever.

At Newtown Linford Village Hall Full Information in next month’s issue of The Herald.

13

News of Stanton’s Spring & Summer Events from Sally Wilkins

Stanton Queen’s Golden Jubilee (QGJ) Committee celebrates its 11th year this year.

In 2002 our intention was to celebrate the Golden Jubilee and fade away, but with overwhelming support we decided to hold other events such as a pancake party, discos, barn dance, yearly May Day fetes and an annual Christmas “ Recycled Teenagers” party.

In this Diamond Jubilee year we want to make our May Day fete extra special, In addition to the usual attractions, Raffle, Tombola, Bar, Games, Face Painting, BBQ, Games, Auction, etc we plan to have a climbing wall, live music & other new attractions.

If you would like a stall (cost £5 each) please contact Sally Wilkins on Tel: 01530-242847 or call at 176 Main Street, Stanton under Bardon, by 1st May 2012. Any ideas or offers of much needed help Please contact Sally, Elaine or any QGJ Committee member.

We are looking for items for a book stall, jigsaws, any games, pots for a pot smashing stall, raffle and tombola prizes, cakes for the tea tent, or any items that we could use for the event.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

*28th April - 7pm at Stanton Youth Club: occasion to choose the 2012 May Queen and attendants Free admission and entry, (bar, bbq and music). *5th May - Scarecrow competition: theme “The Olympics”, all entries into box at Stanton Stores with 50p entry fee by 3rd May 2012. Judging will be after 12 mid-day and announced at the May day fete. Tea and coffee and programmes of Scarecrow entries at St Mary’s church 12-4 pm. *6th May - 12:45pm procession from youth club to recky. 1-5pm May day fete. *2nd & 3rd June - Best dressed house competition for the Diamond Jubilee. Judging will take place early afternoon on the Saturday with tea, coffee, some Stanton history displayed, and a few activities at Stanton Youth Club. On the Sunday we will have similar activities, with a few variations and the anouncement of the winner, again at the Youth Club.

Times to be confirmed in future editions....

Hope to see you there

Sally Wilkins & The QGJ Committee

Advertise in the Herald You know it makes sense!

The Herald is delivered to 4,000 local homes and businesses in Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton and Field Head 11 Times a Year (no July issue) If You’d Like To Advertise Your Business in The Herald,

Contact Mike on 01530 244069.

(Ad rates are on page 8)

Markfield HomeMakers Programme for 2012 Markfield HomeMakers meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, on the second Wednesday of the month at 8.00pm.

Contact No’s: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436 March 14th ~ Carole Manchester ~ A Talk about being a Taxidermist April 11th ~ Steve Brooks ~ Tales of a Travel Agent May 9th Fiona Ure ~ Everything stops for tea June 13th ~ Mike Bull ~ A talk about the Little Theatre Aug 8th Skittles ~ 7.15 for 7.30pm ~ At Little Markfield Farm Sep 12th Thomas Coxon ~ Feng Shui & Chinese Horoscopes Oct 10th ~ Food Link Nov 14th ~ Rob Bostock ~ Life of a Vet Dec 12th ~ Christmas Party Jan ~9th ~ Dinner

Can short-sighted drivers get prescription windscreens?

14

Plea to Female Herald Readers

Girl Guiding has been a presence in Markfield for numerous years. Many of Markfield’s ‘Born and Bred’ folk will have either been a Girl Guide themselves or have a Mum or sister that was a Girl Guide. The Girl Guide Association is the largest Youth Organisation in the UK (even bigger than Scouting!)

In the last few years Markfield girls have been lucky enough to have two amazing leaders, Lena Parker from Whitwick and Jeanie Brooks from Markfield.

Lena has recently retired from Guiding and Jeanie is also due to move onto other things (apart from delivering your Herald!). Personally me and my husband David are incredibly indebted to both of them. The opportunities and chances that our two girls have been offered through Guiding are immense.

Hannah was lucky enough to visit both Iceland and The Falkland Isles and Emma escaped on ‘The Great Guiding Getaway to Italy’. Most of the funding for Hannah’s trips were provided by local friends supporting her with fundraising. Friends from Church, Bradgate Lions, Brownies and individuals all across the village helped. However, the confidence to raise the cash was instilled by Lena and Jeanie.

Both girls have also attended a local ‘International Camp’ at Charnwood. This was a chance to make friends from all over the world on our doorstep, Guides and Scouts had an amazing time, and at Charnwood 2011 they even got a suntan!

Is there anyone out there that is willing to help Guiding continue in Markfield? The life chances and community spirit cannot be found in many organisations. There is extensive training available and it is a rewarding way to spend spare time. Please think about it Ladies.

Claire Critchley The top photo shows Hannah Critchley introducing the Penguin Bar to new friends in the Falkland Isles.

The photo on the right shows Leicestershire Guides ‘Getting away to Italy’ at Mont Blanc.

Holy Week and Easter

Tenebrae

Tuesday 3rd April, 7.30 pm St Peter’s, Copt Oak ‘Tenebrae’ means shadow; lighted candles are extinguished in this ancient reminder of the Passion of Jesus from the shadow of the Betrayal to the darkness of the Cross through Bible readings, hymns and silences.

Meditations

Good Friday 6th April, 2-3pm at St Michael’s, Markfield

Special services across the Benefice

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

Experience the old story in a new way this Holy Week and Easter

7.30pm at St Mary’s, Stanton u B

Fish and Chip Supper and Holy Communion

Maundy Thursday 5th April 6.30pm at St Mary's, Stanton u B An evening of fellowship over supper, followed by sharing together in an informal service of Holy Communion.

Family Stations of the Cross Good Friday 6th April, 10.00am at St Peter’s, Thornton

Share in recalling the story of Good Friday and Easter in a journey round the church with pictures, songs, readings and prayers. 30-40 minutes followed drinks and Hot Cross Buns. Suitable for all ages.

An opportunity to listen to the Passion narratives from the Bible in the context of Evening Prayer.

Easter Day Sunrise Service Easter Day, Sunday 8th April, 6.10am at Hill Hole, Markfield Greet with joy the day when we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection; with singing of Easter hymns and sharing the Easter acclamation Alleluia, Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed, alleluia!

Easter Day Services

10.30am All Age Service at St Michael’s, Markfield 10.30am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Thornton 10.30am Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Stanton u B 6.00pm Holy Communion at St Michael’s, Markfield 6.00pm Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Copt Oak

I find exam questions easy. It’s the answers I have trouble with.

15

Competing in the Welsh International Culinary Championships

By Coralie Featherstone Of Markfield In the last issue of the Herald, there was an article about me competing in the Leicestershire Cook Off in which I came second - beaten by only one vote.

Come and Enjoy a

Off the back of that, I have been to Wales to compete in the Welsh International Culinary Championships which took place on 14th – 16th February 2012.

There was a variety of different classes that we could enter from flambéing to sushi.

On the Tuesday I did Knife Skills Vegetables - the one class that I was most worried about as I am very good at cutting myself! But I managed not to damage myself and was awarded a Bronze medal.

I didn’t do any classes on the Wednesday but I watched and helped all of the people that went with me from Loughborough College.

On the Thursday morning I did two classes. Napkin folding involved the making of six different folds: three in linen napkins and three in paper napkins. I did Bishop’s Hat, Water Lily, Candle, Pyramid, Lover’s Knot and French Fold, and I got a Bronze medal for this class.

The last class that I entered was Open Omelettes. For this I had to do three types of omelettes. I did a rolled omelette which had garlic mushrooms as the filling; I did a flat omelette which had chorizo and goat’s cheese flavouring, I also did a strawberry and raspberry soufflé omelette - which I over cooked slightly when I was in the competition, but I still got a Merit award for them.

The competition was a great experience but it was very tiring and hard work, but given the chance to do it again, I would definitely do so.

If YOU have been successfully flying the flag for your village - drop us a line about it and we’ll include a piece in a future issue!

Three Course Home Made Meal & help raise money for Markfield Churches In the Congregational Hall Main Street, Markfield On Friday 23rd March 2012 From 6.30pm

Home Made Soup, Or Home Made pate, ******** Lamb or Beef served with potato & seasonal vegetables, Or Zesty haddock with crushed potatoes & peas ******** Chocolate gateau Or Rhubarb & coconut meringue tart ******** Tickets £9.00 each for all 3 courses or £7.00 for 2 courses For more information and book a place Tel Brenda on 01530 242173

All welcome if you need a lift it can be organised.

Of all the people I know, you’re one of them.

Ratby Village Society Ratby Village Society meetings start at 8pm in the Village Hall Main Street, Ratby, on the third Tuesday monthly except July and December when there are no meetings.

The AGM takes place in February. Admission for members is £1.60 and casual guests £2.50 with refreshments included. All welcome.

Tuesday 17th April - This is one meeting no one should miss.

‘The Secret Diary of Susiecue aged 65¾’. Entertaining and light-hearted memories of a baby boomer as recounted in her inimitable style by the one and only Susan Heath.

Ratby ‘s Annual Show 2012 Ratby’s Annual Show for 2012 will take place on Saturday 11th August in the Church Rooms, Ratby. More classes to enter and more certificates to win this year.

You don’t have to live in Ratby to enter. Everyone very welcome.

Jane Rayne

16

Markfield Community Centre Update Some Brilliant News You may recall that in December’s edition of the Herald I expressed my disappointment that we had been unsuccessful in our bid to the Community Forum for funds to start a new BMX Sports Club for our young people who use the Skate Park at the Centre.

Despite this setback we kept on “plugging away” and I am now really pleased to tell you that recently we were awarded a grant from the Big Society and, together with a kind donation from the Markfield Herald we will be in a position to start the new club once the weather improves. On behalf of all the young people may I take this opportunity to thank all those people who supported us in getting this fantastic project funded.

Sports Relief Please see our main feature on page 10 regarding the Sainsbury’s Sports Relief Markfield Magic mile that is taking place at the Centre on Sunday 25th March.

To enter simply visit the Sports Relief website www.sportsrelief. com or ring 020 7820 2000. You can do one mile, three or even six miles and raise money for both sports relief or your own favourite charity, club or school etc. We are still looking for some volunteers to help us with the administration and marshalling on the day so, if you have a bit of spare time please give us a call and help us out.

25th Anniversary The 25th Anniversary of the opening of the Centre on the 7th April 1987 is fast approaching.

On that day in 1987 the Centre was officially opened by Sebastian Coe (now Lord Coe) with funding from the Sports Council, Leicestershire County Council, Markfield Parish Council and donations from local business and people. To mark this auspicious occasion we are holding a celebration event at the Centre on Saturday 14th April.

We intend inviting along previous committee members, staff and people who have helped us over the years to become a successful community centre and celebrate our achievements. If you would

like to come along please let us know. We would also appreciate any photographs or materials you may have of events at the Centre over the past twenty five years.

These items will be displayed on the day as part of the celebration and returned safely to you.

Annual General Meeting Following on from the previous item, committee members are key to the success and development of the centre.

Although we have a strong and healthy voluntary management committee, we are always looking for “new blood” to help with the running of the Centre and events, to give us new ideas and to help us develop the centre for the centre users and the village. This year we have moved the Annual General Meeting of the Management Committee forward to Monday 14th May in order to tie in with the financial year end but this is also a great opportunity for any of you to come along, have your say and perhaps even join us as a voluntary committee member. You will be most welcome.

annoyance of people who want to use and enjoy the site. The removal of litter from the site is costing literally hundreds of pounds a year which, in the present financial climate, could be better spent on other more important services for the public. Yes, you can receive an £80 fixed penalty fine for dropping litter and Yes the Borough Council can issue tickets to offenders and finally Yes we do have CCTV on the site and will report offenders.

Please, please, please have a thought for others using this site and either take your rubbish home or simply put it in the appropriate bin.

Recent Events Engagement Party

Diamond Jubilee Planning for the village Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration event on the afternoon of Sunday 3rd June is going well and we are now starting to finalise the programme for the day.

Briefly the celebration will consists of a “street party” for the kids, brass band, Morris Dancing, kiddy rides, stalls, displays and hopefully a RAF Memorial Flight flypast. In the evening there will be a family disco that includes a firework display, stiltmen and fireaters. If you would like to be involved or have a stall or put on a display you can either attend our next planning meeting at 7pm on 13th March or give us a call.

On Saturday 28th January villlager Charni Green celebrated her engagement to Calum Slaney with family and friends at the Centre.

Many congratulations to you both from all at the Centre.

Valentine’s Dance

Litter Some of you must have noticed the very large sign that has been put up on the site by the Borough Council regarding litter.

This has been erected out of sheer frustration as, despite extra litter and dog mess bins being provided by the Borough and Parish Councils, people still persist in leaving their rubbish and dog mess on the ground much to the

On Saturday 25th February a belated Valentine’s Dance was held at the Centre which was packed with people enjoying line dancing and “rock and rolling” the night away to a live band.

The live band was called the

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

17

Report from Ron Grantham

Shakes who performed classic cover songs from the 60’s through to the 80’s including my very own favourites the Rolling Stones, Beatles and many others. A great evening and I am looking forward to the planned Halloween Dance in October.

Easter Holidays Just to let you know that the Centre will be closed for Easter i.e. Good Friday 6th April and reopening on Tuesday 10th April.

During the Easter Holidays we are again planning to run the popular Schultz Football academy from 10th to 13th April inclusive – look out for posters nearer the time.

A BIG THANKYOU I know that Christmas has come and gone but I must say a big thank you to all of you who made donations to the Leicester Mercury backed appeal to collect 8,000 toys for needy youngsters in Leicestershire

at Christmas.

I understand from the organisers that the appeal was a great success and I have promised to pass on their sincere thanks to all those who donated toys to the appeal.

SPECIAL OFFER REMINDER Time is running out for you to take advantage of our free bar function booking hire of the Centre before the end of March 2012.

This offer has proved to be very popular for people having family celebrations and events so much so that we may do it again later in the year. Watch this space.

Don’t forget you can view all the Centre of the news and activities on our website at www. markfieldcommunitycentre.com For booking and enquiries please contact Markfield Community and Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST or ring 01530 242240 www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com

If you can’t learn to do it well, learn to enjoy doing it badly.

18

Thornton St.Peter’s Church Spot I would guess that you don’t welcome it any more than I do.

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I’m referring to that white Winter stuff called snow, which causes chaos in so many ways ( perhaps because we haven’t yet learned to cope with it) and which leaves such a dirty mess when it eventually thaws.

And yet we should be grateful for this years’ February downfall which, I am reliably informed, has resulted in a rise of six inches in the reservoir’s water level.

This is particularly welcome at this time, when the Water Boards are predicting drought conditions this Summer, and we at St Peter’s are looking for the restoration to normality of the subsoil under the Tower. Let us hope that it is not so hot as it was, as reported in the Gloucester Citizen of July 1885, when a lady named Ann Startin died from sunstroke at Thornton.

As you read this edition of the Herald, we in Leicestershire will have experienced the visit to our city of HM the Queen - the first of her visits around the Country to mark her sixty years as Monarch. I don’t suppose any other member of the Royal Family has ever been to Thornton, although Princess Anne did come very near. The exception is of course that of Edward VII who, before his accession, fished at the reservoir, with or without Lily Langtry, and stayed at the Fishing Lodge now demolished.

But to other things:- the Friends AGM is arranged for Friday 16 March at 7pm at the Community Centre, and St Peter’s AGM for Tuesday 27 March at 7 30 pm at st Mary’s.

Eric Roberts (01530 230743) is arranging a Barn Dance and Hoe Down at Bagworth Working Men’s Club on Friday 30 March at 8 till 11pm.

Tickets £5. By that time we shall be into British Summer Time and within a week of Easter.

Martin Foster Churchwarden

The orthopedic surgeon I work for was moving to a new office, and we, his staff, were helping transport many of the items. I sat the display skeleton in the front of my car, his bony arm across the back of my seat. I hadn’t considered the drive across town. At one traffic light, the stares of the people in the car beside me became obvious, and I looked across and called, “I’m delivering him to my doctor’s office.”

The other driver leaned out of his window. “I hate to tell you, lady,” he said, “but I think it’s too late!”

Useful tips from employees to their managers We came across these useful tips from employees to their managers. Do they strike a chord with anyone?

1.

Never give me work in the morning. Always wait until 4pm and then bring it to me.

The challenge of a deadline is refreshing.

2. If it is a rush job, run in and interrupt me every 10 minutes to enquire how I am doing. That helps. Or even better, hover behind me advising me at every keystroke.

3. Always leave without telling anyone where you are going. It gives me a chance to be creative when someone asks where you are.

4. If you give me more than one job, don’t tell me which has priority - I’m psychic!

5. Do your best to keep me late. I adore this office and really have nowhere to go and nothing to do.

I have no life beyond work.

6. If a job I do pleases you, keep it a secret, because if it gets out it might mean promotion or a pay rise for me!

7. If you don’t like my work, tell everyone. I like my name to be popular in conversation. I was born to be whipped.

8. If you have special instructions for a job, don’t write them down.

In fact, save them until the job is almost done. No use confusing me with useful information.

9. Never introduce me to people who are with you. I have no right to know anything.. In the corporate food chain I am plankton. When you refer to them later, my shrewd deductions will identify them.

10. Tell me all your little problems.

No one else has any and it is nice to know someone less fortunate.

I especially like the one about the bonus cheque you received.

If a man tells a woman she’s beautiful, she’ll overlook most of his other lies.

19

News from Stanton SPRING CONCERT To be held in the church on FRIDAY 23rd MARCH at 7.30 p.m.

With STANTON under BARDON SINGERS, FRIENDS & MUSICIANS All proceeds to LOROS and RAINBOWS. Tickets £4.00 on the door including refreshments.

ST. MARY & ALL SAINTS CHURCH STANTON UNDER BARDON

SPRING FAYRE To be held on SATURDAY 31ST MARCH 2 – 4 p.m.

Stalls will include bric-a-brac, cakes and provisions, raffle, tombola, and more.

Everyone most welcome.

THANK YOU to all who supported our

VALUATION DAY on Wednesday 8th February when we raised £210.00.

Vanessa Savage, Senior Valuator from Charles Hanson Auctioneers, in Etwell, Derbyshire valued from 10..00 – 3.30p.m, no mean feat. We certainly had a wonderful turn out, and unfortunately some people were turned away. Look out for another day maybe later in the year.

HAMLIN’S PLUMBING SERVICES All Types of Plumbing Work Undertaken No job too small Call Mick on 01530 245155 or 07813 065538 Qualified Local Plumber with Years of Experience

The trouble with ignorance is that it picks up confidence as it goes along.

20

Are you happy?

A Thornton resident shares her experience (and the research that backs it up) on what makes us happy and why, and what every one of us can do to be happier ... For free.

Sports Award Winners

If you live in Thornton, you may have seen the “happy” and “smile” notices and wondered what they were all about. It’s me putting them up and here’s why ...

How can we possibly be happy when every day there is more bad news?

What’s interesting is that even before the credit crunch, the people who measure life satisfaction and happiness across the world noticed that as the UK’s average earnings, wealth and amount of things we own went up, our happiness did not.

Having more stuff and earning more money did not make us happy. And now as we lose our jobs and have to cut back on the stuff we buy, we’re still not happy. Research conducted by various organisations across the world has revealed why – and it’s all about our attitude. One researcher went to visit a man known as the happiest in Britain and asked him what made him happy. His response was simply, “I choose to be happy.”

Now this is not tricky stuff to understand, in fact it makes a whole lot of sense. If we’re stuck in traffic we can get really upset, smack the steering wheel and get angry - or we can think, “oh well, I’ll sit back and enjoy a moment’s quiet,” or with kids in the car, “let’s use this time to play a game.” Either way we’re still not moving and we’ll still be late, we can simply choose to feel happy about that or start getting really angry about it.

And so the question ends up being not “is that really true?” As most people instantly recognise this makes sense. The question is, “how can I learn to react differently?” We have spent many years reacting in the way we have learned is normal: Traffic jam = get angry and annoyed. Big queue at the shop = count the minutes and stare in disbelief at how slowly people move!

So if we want to be happier, we’ll be learning how to react differently to the everyday things that happen in life. We’ll be looking for more positive choices than the ones that we don’t even recognise we make. I would never say I choose to get angry in a traffic jam, but now I’m choosing to do something else instead.

My work involves helping businesses create happy environments for employees. When we’re happy at work, we perform better, achieve more and have a better impact on everyone around us. I want to bring this home too. What if we spent time making our homes, villages and towns happy places to be? What if we made sure that our lives were happy and in doing so, made our families and friends happier?

I’d like to set up a group in this local area to talk through the findings of this research that have been repeated worldwide. We can explore how to learn new ways of reacting, choosing to be positive and taking on the other tips from the research to live happier lives. If you’d like to get involved or have any queries about this article, please contact me at: helen.cf@ hotmail.co.uk

Helen

SPORTS enthusiasts from across the district gathered at Bosworth College, Desford for the borough’s annual sports awards celebrations.

Now in its fifth year, the scheme celebrates the sporting achievements of individuals and teams as well as the contribution made by the volunteers who help to run many of the clubs and events held in the borough.

Sue Houghton, Chair of the Hinckley and Bosworth Local Sport and Health Alliance, said: “I know that within Hinckley and Bosworth we have a great depth of talent from the volunteers, who give of their time and expertise so freely, to the talent performers who are members of our clubs.

“As a Sports and Health Alliance we want to celebrate, acknowledge and support the great talent we have in the borough.”

The awards were presented by the Mayor of the Borough, Councillor Rob Mayne, who is also the council’s Sporting and Health Champion, together with Rendell Munroe, who is the WBA International Super Bantamweight boxing champion.

During the evening, Jill and Jane Stidever talked about their experiences participating and coaching in six Paralympics.

WINNERS: The Mayor, Councillor Rob Mayne (right foreground) presents the awards.

The award winners were: Sportsman of the Year • Jamie Thorpe (swimming) • Sportswomen of the Year Louise Gibson (boxing) • Disabled Sportsman of the Year - Tom Gatheridge (football) • Junior Sportsman of the Year - Chris Nealon (all round athlete) • Junior Sportswoman of the Year - Esther Stock (cricket) • Disabled Sportsman of the Year (U16) - Matthew Chilvers (tennis) • Club of the Year Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association • Veteran Sportswoman Nikki Nealon (athletics) • Veteran Sportsman Michael Wills (cycling) • Active Lifestyle Award Anita Aston • Health Referral Award Paula Buck • Young Volunteer of the Year - Liam Poxon (sailing) • Adult Volunteer of the Year - Nick Griffin (boxing) • Unsung Heroes Bob Darnbrook (rugby) • Lifetime Achievement Jayne Marlow (netball) • Making a Difference Award - Alec Mattie (tennis)

I am willing to make the mistakes if someone else is willing to learn from them.

21

Local talent shines in the UK’s biggest original music competition!

Young local band FourPointOh who all attend Groby Community College have wowed the judging panel of the UK’s biggest original music competition and sailed through the audition stage of Live and Unsigned.

The competition has attracted over 50,000 enteries in the past 5 years and it’s open to all genres of music from Heavy Rock to Rap. After making it through the auditions beating hundreds of other hopefuls, the band will now be preparing for the Regional Final Showcase on 14th April at Pride Park, Derby in front of hundreds of spectators for the opportunity to progress towards the Grand Final at Live Fest at The O2 in London. They will be competing against the most talented bands and artists in the country.

The best acts will also get the opportunity to play at some of the biggest festivals in the UK from over 100 Festival slots including Beach Break Live, Boardmasters, Bearded Theory, Strawberry Fields and Osfest. This year’s competition also offers acts an extra chance for exposure as it’s being filmed for Sky TV in an exclusive fly-on-thewall documentary.

Acts will be competing for the main prizes which include; £10,000 to be spent on development, a £10,000 publicity investment, gigs at festivals in Canada, Italy and Latvia, a UK tour of up to 100 shows and a UK festival tour including guaranteed slots at Norfolk Spectacular, Boardmasters, Strawberry Fields Festival, Brownstock, London Summer Jam, Lancaster Music Festival and Butserfest.

We would like to wish FourPointOh the very best of luck in their quest to progress in the competition.

For more information go to the website www.LiveandUnsigned.UK.com. Or better still come down and support your local talent; you can purchase tickets from the website http://www.Liveandunsigned.uk.com/tickets/purchase .

      

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Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.

22

Cross Hills Baptist Church Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area

Lucy Leads the Pack Local girl Lucy Jones, Year 8 student at OLCS has recently confirmed her place as an outstanding ‘all-rounder’.

Lucy competed at the Midlands Cross Country Championships and stormed home to win. The 3km course was set out in the deer park surrounding the Wollaton Hall and included the long climb up to the Elizabethan House. Lucy, who is a regular competitor for Charnwood Athletic and other Independent Schools’ Association (ISA) competitions including 1500m and hurdles, seemed to find the course presented little problem.

Running is very much in the family for Lucy and since a small child she has always wanted to run, “I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I couldn’t run and compete – I really enjoy it.” Lucy said when asked about her career to-date. However the more you talk with Lucy the more you understand how driven she is to excel in everything. It is unusual to find a middle distance runner, such as Lucy, competing in hurdles but Lucy’s ‘have a go’ attitude and enjoyment of competing means she often gets placed in hurdle races. In addition to competing to a National level in middle distance running for the ISA she trains three times a week with Charnwood Athletic and rides competitively during free weekends, naming Show Jumping and Eventing as her favourite equine competitions.

Whilst sports feature very heavily in Lucy’s world, she is a genuine ‘allrounder’ and recently enjoyed being part of the OLCS team who made it through to the District Finals of the Rotary Youth Speaks competition. Her ultimate aim is to keep up with running and eventually train as a vet. In the meantime she is looking forward to competing again in the ISA Inter County Cross Country Championships at the end of February, training for the summer athletics competitions and watching the London 2012 Olympics later in the year.

Mrs Hawley, Headteacher said, “Lucy is a young lady who applies determination and dedication to everything she tackles – it is always a pleasure to hear of a student’s achievements and Lucy definitely deserves recognition for her ‘all-round’ abilities.”

If you’ve enjoyed reading this issue of The Herald, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it.

It’s good to share! Thanks.

Lent Course This year’s Lent Course, Life Attitudes based on the Beatitudes, is being led by Pastor Garry Kelly each Saturday at 9.30am for 6 weeks, ending on 31st March.

Anyone is welcome to join us at any time during the course – if you need any more details, please ring Garry on his number below.

Easter Services We look forward to welcoming you to our Mothering Sunday and Easter Services - full details of the dates and times are in the Church Service Information section in this magazine.

Tots Group The Tots sessions are from 1.30pm to 3pm on Thursday afternoons during school term time in our fully carpeted hall at Cross Hills.

With lots of play equipment and activities, anyone is welcome to come along with their tots. A donation of £1 is requested per family which includes tea, coffee or squash. If you need more information please contact Bekki on 01530 231901 or at r.holmes.314@ btinternet.com

Hall available Our large fully carpeted hall is always available for suitable community use. If you have anything in mind please contact Lynda on her number below so that arrangements can be made for you to see the hall and kitchen

and discuss your ideas further. Our building is also ideal and available for Retreat Groups from other churches to use for quiet prayer and planning time away from the demands of their own churches.

Advance Notice This year’s Awesome Holiday Club, for children up to age 11, will be on the mornings of Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th August. Please keep the dates free and we look forward to seeing the children for fun, games, bible stories, crafts and lots more.

We are a very friendly church and we serve tea and coffee after our services giving the opportunity for friendship and fellowship together. We are always here for the community’s spiritual needs and our Pastor’s contact details are below.

Glynis Straw Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

Contact Numbers Pastor: Garry Kelly 07816 616189 Secretary: Lynda Kelly 07903 774491 Treasurer: Glynis Straw 01530 230272 Parish Nurse: Vera Harding 01530 230557

My boss was complaining in a staff meeting the other day that he wasn’t getting any respect. Later that morning he went out and got a small sign that read, “I’m the Boss”.

He then taped it to his office door. Later that day when he returned from lunch, he found that someone had taped a note to the sign that said. “Your wife called, she wants her sign back!”

The reason most people play golf is to wear clothes they would not be caught dead in otherwise.

23

Difference Between Men and Women Nicknames If Laura, Suzanne, Debra and Rose go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Suzanne, Debra and Rose. If Mike, Charlie, Bob and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla, Peanut-Head and Scrappy.

Eating out When the bill arrives, Mike, Charlie, Bob and John will each throw in £20, even though it’s only for £32.50. None of them will have anything smaller, and none will actually admit they want change back. When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

Bathrooms A man has six items in his bathroom: a toothbrush, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel from the Holiday Inn. The average number of items in the typical woman’s bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify most of these items.

Dressing up A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the garbage, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail. A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

Offspring Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favourite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams. A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On the perils of the church picnic The Rectory St. James the Least

My dear Nephew Darren A Spring parish picnic is always a good idea – although you must bear some details in mind.

First, whatever date you choose will turn out be the wettest of the year. English picnics are invariably eaten under umbrellas while wearing Wellingtons and the sort of determinedly cheerful look that defies anyone to admit they would rather be home in front of the fire.

Second, no matter how early in the year, wasps will emerge from hibernation in huge numbers, and terrorise Mrs Hornby with the picnic baskets. And thirdly, someone will bring along their (hungry) dog. Last time Colonel Psmith’s spaniel outdid herself: she leapt up, head butted a piece of Madeira cake out of Mrs Horngirdle’s hand - and ate the lot – before even a crumb could touch the ground. A good piece of field work, that.

Half way through the afternoon, some over-excited member of the party will decide to arrange a game of rounders. (Mr Poppinjay tried this once one year, as in his youth he had been athletic. Fortunately, the ambulance got there quickly, and the ankle healed well.)

Then the mothers who join in will completely ignore the ball sailing past them, while they discuss some burning topic of Mother’s Union gossip.

In the meantime, the young choir members, who were the reason for arranging the game in the first place, will have drifted off to the lake to throw stones at the ducks while no one is looking.

For our annual picnic, I use my own car, making sure it is so full of clerical robes and church magazines that one else can fit in. Throughout the day, I keep returning to it to make sure no one has broken in to steal the Communion wine – and taking the opportunity to catch up on the cricket scores. By the middle of the afternoon, I usually remember that some urgent duty, such as blessing a traction engine, demands my departure.

The rest of the party, by now soaked, cold and knowing the coach to take them home is still several hours off, only wish they had such demanding work to tear them away.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council Drop In Bagworth & Thornton Parish Council has introduced a drop in for people to raise issues with Councillors about any concerns they have with the Parish.

This takes place on the second Saturday of the month at Bagworth Community Centre from 10 - 11am. The next three dates will be: March 10, April 14, and May 12. If you wish to discuss any relevant issues, please feel free to drop in.

Two men were fishing on a lake, feeling vaguely guilty that though it was a Sunday morning, that had skipped the morning worship service. To make matters worse, the fish were not biting.

The first man finally observed: “Perhaps I should have stayed home and gone to church.”

To which the other angler replied: “I couldn’t have gone to church, in any case, and leave my wife; she’s ill in bed.”

A wife returning from a fishing trip with her husband was telling her troubles to a neighbour. “I did everything all wrong again today,” she said. “I talked too loud, I used the wrong bait, I reeled in too soon, and - I caught more fish than he did.”

Anyone can do any amount of work provided it isn’t the work he is supposed to be doing.

24

Extracts from the latest Markfield Parish Council Minutes The following items were among the topics discussed at the Markfield Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 7th February 2012 at 8.00pm at the Methodist Chapel, Markfield.

(These notes are from the DRAFT minutes, so may be subject to alteration.)

January 2012 Crime Figures 1 Burglary: an attempt on Main Street 1 Burglary other than dwelling: an Attempt on Hill Lane 2 Theft Froms: both of number plates from Main Street and Billa Barra

Local Authority Traffic Wardens Mrs C Roffey, Public Space Manager at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council had referred the Parish Council’s letter regarding parking enforcement to Leicestershire County Council.

Hopefully the County Council would consider our request and respond direct to the Parish Council. She had also copied the request to Steve Compton the parking enforcement supervisor so that he was aware of our concerns.

Mrs Gondolo-Gordon also stated that vans and lorries now parking around The Green were obstructing the highway to Hill Side and would prevent access for emergency vehicles. Last week the borough council could not collect the refuse from Hill Side as there was a funeral taking place which exacerbated the problem.

Local History Group Proposal to erect a War Memorial in Markfield: - Mr Gannon stated that the group were continuing to pursue funding and would obtain a memorial stone from one of the local quarries.

Schools - Academy status (Correction from previous minutes) Mr Sprason stated that governors at South Charnwood had agreed to meet to discuss academy status and that the process set out

by Government would require consultation with parents before an academy could be agreed.

British Cycling – BMX Race Track – unused land at Jubilee Playing Fields Mr B Gibney, Curious Ecologists had informed the clerk that the Ecological survey should be undertaken over the coming season, which starts around April.

Mr Sprason agreed to attend a site

meeting with the company and the clerk at the appropriate time.

Markfield Lane –Field Head to Newtown Linford, road closure 13/02/12 for 8 weeks Mrs Cook asked Mr Sprason if it was true that the 120 bus service was being redirected so that it would no longer stop at Markfield Court during the period of the road closure. Mr Sprason stated that only one lane of the highway would be closed so the bus should still be able to stop at Markfield Court, but for reassurance she should contact the bus service operators.

Children’s and Young People’s service Mr Sprason stated that the County Council aimed to reduce the cost of the service as the impact of academies meant that schools were opting out of council control.

This meant that academies would provide these services and that the local authority had to deal with the impact of losing significant government funding.

Concessionary travel Mr Sprason stated that Leicestershire County Council proposed save more than £1.3m a year by making changes to the discretionary elements of concessionary travel. The County Council currently operated several additional discretionary concessions above the National Concessionary Travel Scheme, which it proposed to withdraw.

Environmental Improvement Scheme 2012/2013 Previously resolved, the Parish Council agreed to set aside £450.00 from its 2012/2013 Capital budget towards the cost of the project.

8th Page advert: 95 x 65mm The Parish Council agreed that the new pump should be installed on the original site, without a concrete plinth and be painted green. Mr Lay would discuss this with Mr Davies.

The Co-Op store redevelopment at The George Car Park and current empty shops along Main Street Mr Lay stated that it was planned that the new store would open November/December 2012.

Allotments – Hill Hole site The Borough Council had cleared an area of land and would fence off to provide an additional 20 allotments. A member of the public stated that some of the allotments weren’t being properly maintained and could be made available to

some people presently on the waiting list.

Mr Lay stated that he was aware that the Borough Council inspected the allotments regularly and had taken action against allotment holders who didn’t maintain them.

Tarmac footpath adjacent to The Green This had become sunken and dangerous in places. The clerk had requested the Borough Council to repair the footpath as necessary.

Jelson development, Land off London Road, Markfield, -Revised scheme Mr Lay had met with Planning Officers at the Borough Council to discuss the revised scheme drawn up by the developers and had raised the following issues: • Balancing pond should be replaced by a wetland nature reserve • Too many small open space areas would incur very expensive maintenance costs in the future with minimal green space potential, one or two larger areas would provide a better green space amenity.

• Several farm buildings were to be retained • Borough Council owned allotments adjacent to the site.

Access should be re-established and allotments reinstated.

• The existing hedgerows would need to be partly removed around the proposed entrance and exit to meet highway standards.

These would need to be replaced.

• Some of the dwellings’ rear gardens faced London Road.

• The boundaries of the dwellings should be built from brick with wooden fencing above.

• 108 dwellings were now proposed instead of 120 originally granted permission.

The members agreed that a meeting should be arranged between representatives of the Parish Council and the developer.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons The clerk had written to Caroline Roffey, Public Space Manager, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, to seek permission as landowner to take part in the national celebrations to light a Beacon at Hill Hole Quarry.

As previously resolved, the clerk would purchase a “Church Tower Beacon” (excluding 2 propane gas cylinders) from Bullfinch gas.

Further details from the event organizer –Bruno Peek OBE, MVO, OPR; Pagentmaster; The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons were awaited.

Community Centre Energy Assessment funding application Mr Lay and Mrs Gondolo-Gordon would follow the matter up and Mr Lockley provided the centre manager with details for potential funding and made enquiries regarding accredited assessors.

Mrs Beesley had taken several steps to monitor and implement energy efficiency savings. .

Community Centre Energy Assessment funding application Mr Lay and Mrs Gondolo-Gordon would follow the matter up and Mr Lockley provided the centre manager with details for potential funding and made enquiries regarding accredited assessors.

Mrs Beesley had taken several steps to monitor and implement energy efficiency savings.

Sports Relief Sports Relief Mile Charity run would take place on Sunday 25th March 2012

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Stupidity got us into this mess - why can’t it get us out?

25

County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason Council tax freeze and £74m savings agreed

by County Council Leicestershire County Council has approved a £345 million budget and has set a budget that will freeze Council Tax and save £74 million over the next four years.

It is the second year of a planned five year tax freeze aimed at supporting county families at a very difficult time. The freeze in the County Council share of Council Tax over the five years will keep the band D charge pegged at £1,063 per year. This will save the typical council tax payer £600 over the period of five years.

The County Council has already made savings of £24 million this year and the £74 million of savings over the next four years is due to the reduced Government grant and the loss of funding to school academies. Two thirds (£49m) of the savings will come from efficiencies that do not effect front line services the remaining third (£25m) will come from services by increasing charges, the removal of subsidies and removal of some non statutory services. The County Council will continue to invest in priority areas such as protecting vulnerable children and adults, boosting recycling, supporting troubled families and promoting public health.

The County Council has already made great progress in making efficiency savings, including work to save £8 million from management

and administration. The national freeze on council staff ’s pay will result in a real terms pay cut of 19 per cent over six years. The latest financial plan is guided by the following principles; • Planning spending within resources available • Maximising the contribution from efficiency savings • Being clear about priorities in terms of growth and service reductions that are needed • Target resources at those with greatest need • Achieving value for money for Council Tax payers.

The £345 million County Council budget for next year is funded by a Government grant of £104 million and £241 million from Leicestershire Council Tax payers.

The growth identified in next year’s budget will be £48 million, efficiencies of £53 million and service reductions of £28 million.

By keeping the Council Tax frozen at 2009 levels will ensure all council tax payers will be able to have a line in their personal budget planning that is stable and manageable.

So what will it mean to the man in the street and how will it affect you. The Children & Young Peoples service will broadly see a reduction in support services for schools due to academies, Adults & Communities will see eligible care service users who can afford to pay having an increase in their charges, increased charges in museums and library services, corporate services will see savings through the review of management and administration and environment will see just efficiency savings so no impact.

The Highways & Transport

Thank You!

A big thank you to everyone who attended the Charity Dance in Bagworth on 17th February.

A total of £241.50 was raised for the Leicestershire Air Ambulance.

Thank you all.

Glenda & Ken Hill

department will have to make over £5 million of service reductions so you are likely to see the biggest change in these services. The current concessionary travel scheme will revert to the national scheme only, the continued program of dimming and switching off street lighting, a reduced more targeted highways maintenance, reduced street furniture, the removal of historical school bus services (we have none in this area), removal of discretionary subsidy for denominational and 16+ home to school transport and the introduction of a charging policy for Adult Social Care transport.

So if you have a concessionary bus pass you will only be able to use it off peak from 9.30am but ok at all other times. Home to school transport will see the reduction of the discretional subsidy for pupils attending denominational schools/colleges. 16+ students who continue in their school/ college education will see their discretional subsidy reduced. The number of schools converting to an academy status has impacted on the available funding for home to school transport requiring the subsidy to be replaced with increased charges for 16+ school/ college transport students.

So the County Council budget in

these tough economic times has managed to balance its books and freeze council tax, by maximising efficiency savings, focusing on priority services, managing demand and promoting community involvement through the Big Society. I believe that the freeze in council tax worth £600 that impacts on all council tax payers is a significant benefit in such difficult times.

Finally can I thank Debbie Frost for dropping off the letters from parents at Field Head and Markfield regarding the Field head to Groby school bus service. I will respond to you all over the coming weeks and once again try to address your concerns.

Doggy Dash!

Sponsored Doggy Dash..

Sunday 29th April 10am Entry Fee £5 Per dog and handler Additional people £1

Walk from the Green in Markfield to Old John and around Bradgate Park and back most of the walk will be through fields.

A few rules…

•Dogs must be kept on leads •Children must be accompanied by an adult

Bagworth

An Evening of Psychic Mediumship One of the country’s most most well-known and respected mediums, Tony Stockwell, will present an evening of Psychic mediumship at Snibston Century Theatre, Coalville, Leicestershire on Saturday 24th March 2012 - 2pm matinee and 7.30pm evening performance.

Contact Box Office on 01530 278444.

•All dogs must have had injections •Please clean up after your dogs All proceeds go to cancer research For more information call Dianne; 07748915829

I used to find him boring until I stopped listening.

26

SCI-FI WORDSEARCH find 13 Science Fiction Movie Titles in the Wordsearch puzzle below, and you could win yourself a meal.

This month we are offering a prize of:

A Main Course for Two plus A Bottle of House Wine at The Field Head Hotel

Word Search Puzzle

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - 13 Sci-Fi Films. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your entry to: I’LL BE BACK, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 28th March 2012. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s Space Helmet will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel.

Good luck!

Subscriber Login

Here are the 13 SCI-FI MOVIES

Passcode/New Users Help

you have to find:

STORE

ALIEN • BACK TO THE FUTURE • BLADE RUNNER FORBIDDEN PLANET • LOGANS RUN • MINORITY REPORT PLANET OF THE APES • SOYLENT GREEN • STAR WARS THE MATRIX • THE TERMINATOR • TOTAL RECALL • WESTWORLD

T T S W O E T W F Z A D W M N T

U S E Y E Y T Z K Z E Z X I E H

V R P N K S W I E I E M P N E E

H R A T A F T Z J B R C U O R M

K K E X H L R W K N W I M R G A

S A H N T E P C O F P F Q I T T

R X T K N G T N V R Y Q Y T N R

A N F E K U K E E C L L J Y E I

W S O M N J R Q R D K D D R L X

R Z T D D E O E G M D D S E Y W

A T E J V G I R D H I I V P O V

T I N J I A J L N A W N B O S R

S M A S J W B H A G L J A R H U

J E L O G A N S R U N B S T O P

P W P L L A C E R L A T O T O F

E R U T U F E H T O T K C A B R

An evening of songs for all tastes Proceeds for

Cruse Bereavement Care

Saturday, March 24th

Name: ...................................................................................................

ALIEN BACKTOTHEFUTURE Address: ................................................................................................

BLADERUNNER FORBIDDENPLANET ..............................................................................................................

LOGANSRUN MINORITYREPORT ..............................................

Postcode: ................................................

PLANETOFTHEAPES SOYLENTGREEN STARWARS Last issue’s Wordsearch winner!

THEMATRIX The first correct entry drawn out of the hat last month came from: THETERMINATOR Mrs G Winfield of Ratby Lane, Markfield TOTALRECALL Congratulations! Your Meal & Wine Voucher to spend at the Field Head WESTWORLD Hotel will be sent to you in the next 21 days.

7.00 p.m.

Markfield Methodist Church Including refreshments

For tickets call: 01530 243350, 242607, 242166

My one regret in life is that I’m not someone else.

27

WANT TO TRY, & ENJOY OUTDOOR BOWLS? Are you interested in playing bowls? Weather you are a beginner or an experienced player, may I introduce you to a friendly local bowling club?

The club is Battram Bowling Club, and is situated between Ellistown and Bagworth, close to the “Pallex Depot.” on the main road and signposted Footbal and Bowls Club.

The club has been in existence for more than 85 years and has a reputation for being a warm and friendly club. The clubhouse has recently been revamped, and facilities include changing rooms, licensed bar etc. the green is of a high standard and is considered suitable for county level matches. Use of the green and equipment is unlimited, and there are no match fees or green fees for club members. There is a reduction in the annual subscription for junior members (under 18 at time of joining), and also for partners in a relationship. The cost of playing bowls has to be one of the lowest of any sporting activity.

The game is a suitable activity for all levels of age and ability, and even novices after a short time can become a valued member of a team. At the same time the game provides a level of exercise that can be of real value to all who take part no matter what their fitness level is. The main item is a set of bowls which when bought new can be quite expensive, this is not a recommended purchase for beginners, as bowls are always available at the club for use, and second hand sets are often available at a fraction the cost of new, always try what suits you before buying. Add a pair of grey and a pair of white trousers or skirt, (these are required for matchplay), a pair of smooth soled shoes and you are all set to go. The season runs from April to September with a variety of weekend fixtures and some games during the week.

On Tuesday evenings we have a club night and a roll up. Experienced players will be on hand to give advice and explain the rules. All you need to do is to show up and you will be made welcome. These start early April so come along and meet the members and enjoy our small friendly club.

For further information please contact me, Colin Halford on 01530 243928 or email me at halfordcolin@fsmail.net Alternatively information can be had from, Peter Dowell on 01455 290844 We look forward to seeing you.

www.hospicehope.org.uk Registered Charity No 1112869

‘VALUATION DAYS’ 10am to 3pm 14 March 2012

Castle Donington Methodist Church

11 April 2012

Packington Village Hall

6 June 2012

Coalville Rugby Club, Hall Lane, Coalville

25 July 2012

(venue to be confirmed)

Featuring

Vanessa Savage of Hansons Auctioneers

Please bring along items you would like to have valued such as jewellery, silver, paintings, toys, books, clothing (vintage, retro etc), small pieces of furniture, pottery, curios And just about anything else!

No Charge for Valuations!

(Donations to 'Hospice Hope’ will be most welcome) Refreshments will be available throughout the day For further details please contact Teresa on 01530 810018 or info@hospicehope.org.uk Please visit our website for further details about the charity and its aim of providing the community of NW Leicestershire with a new Hospice and Day Care Unit for people suffering from life limiting conditions

Colin Halford, Club Secretary

I’ve always wanted to be normal, but lately I’ve come to suspect that this is it.

28

Local Church Service Information

Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon

Sunday March 11th March Meeting at 10am & Junior Church provided Sunday 18th March Special Family Mothers day meeting at 10am Sunday 25th March Meeting at 10am with guest speaker & junior church provided Tuesday 27th March Easter Buffet Lunch from 12pm, all welcome Wednesday 28th March Bible School at 7pm, please join us.

Sunday 1st April Palm Sunday meeting at 10 am with junior church provided, kids Easter party Sunday 8th April Special Easter Sunday Family meeting at 10 am Sunday 15th April Meeting at 10am with junior church provided Sunday 22nd April Meeting at 10am with junior church provided Tuesday 24th April Bible School at 7pm, please come along.

Sunday 29th April Tea time family meeting at 4.30 pm, note different time.

Markfield Congregational Church Sunday 18 March 10.30am Joint Service at St Michael’s for Mothering Sunday Sunday 25 March 10.15am Morning Worship Sunday 1 April 10.30am Churches Together in Markfield Palm Sunday Walk starting from Trinity Methodist Church Good Friday 6 April 7.00pm Meditation - Readings and hymns for Good Friday Easter Day 8 April 10.15am Morning Worship followed

by Communion Sunday 15 April 10.30am Churches Together in Markfield United Service in Our Church.

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton Sunday 11th March 10.30am Morning Service with the Lord’s Supper Sunday 18th March 10.30am Mothering Sunday Service

Palm Sunday 1st April 10.30am Morning Service

Good Friday 6th April Cross Hills is part of the Barton Fabis Group of churches and Good Friday Communion for the Group this year is at 7.30pm at Cross Hills Baptist Church Easter Sunday 8th April 10.30am Family Service There is a Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section of this magazine.

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield

Sunday 11th March 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Café Church Worship Mothering Sunday 18th March 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service Passion Sunday 25th March 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Taizé Style Service Palm Sunday 1st April 10.30am United Palm Sunday Procession 6.00pm Special Easter Service Maundy Thursday 5th April 7.00pm United Service Easter Sunday 8th April 9.00am Morning Breakfast 10.30am Morning Communion Service 6.00pm No Evening Service Sunday 15th April 10.30am United Service at Congregational Church 6.00pm Evening Service Sunday 22nd April 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Taizé Style Service Sunday 29th April 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Evening Communion Service

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 All Age Service in Church on the 2nd Sunday each month.

Sunday 11th March 10.30 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Friday 16th March 8.00 pm Taizé Style Service

Sunday 25th March 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 1st April 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Palm Sunday Walk Palm Sunday and Quiet Space at Trinity Methodist Church Good Friday 6th April 2.00 pm ‘Hour at the Cross’ Meditation

Sunday 8th April 6.10 am Easter Sunrise Service at Hill Hole 10.30 am All Age Easter Service Easter Day 6.00 pm Holy Communon Sunday 15th April 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Service at the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Friday 20th April 8.00 pm Iona Style Service Sunday 22nd April 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 29th April 6.00 pm Joint Service with St Peter’s, Copt Oak

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 11th March 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 18th March 10.30 am “Something Different” Sunday 25th March 10.30 am Holy Communion Palm Sunday 1st April 10.30 am Morning Service Maundy Thursday 5th April 6.30 pm Fish and Chip Supper and Holy Communion Good Friday 6th April 7.30 pm Meditation on the Passion Easter Sunday 8th April 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th April 10.30 am “Something Different” Sunday 22nd April 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 29th April 10.30 am Joint Service

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 11th March 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 18th March 9.00 am Holy Communion

Palm Sunday 1st April 10.30 am Morning Service

Good Friday 6th April 10.00 am Family ‘Stations of the Cross’ Easter Sunday 8th April 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 15th April 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 22nd April 10.30 am Family Service Sunday 29th April 10.30 am Joint Service at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre Palm Sunday 1st April 9.00 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 11th March 9.15 am Holy Communion Sunday 18th March 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 25th March 6.00 pm Holy Communion Palm Sunday 1st April 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Tuesday 3rd April 7.30 pm Tenebrae Easter Sunday 8th April 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 15th April 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 22nd April 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 29th April 6.00 pm Joint Service at St Michael’s, Markfield

The passenger tapped the cab driver on the shoulder to ask him something. The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on the pavement, and stopped inches from a department store window.

For a second everything went quiet in the cab, then the driver said, “Look mate, don’t ever do that again. You scared me half to death!”

The passenger apologized and said he didn’t realize that a little tap could scare him so much.

The driver replied, “You’re right. I’m sorry.

Really, it’s not your fault. Today is my first day as a cab driver.

I’ve been driving a hearse for 25 years.”

Sunday 25th March 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 18th March 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Mothering Sunday Service 6.00pm Evening Prayer

When she got married, she got a new name and a dress.

Sunday 25th March 10.30 am Family Service

29

a

Churches Together in Markfield

New Daytime Tellyinitiative Show

You Deserve This House Amanda Lamb scours the nation in the massive home transformation show that surprises unsung heroes with the home their dreams. it’sSilent all done in secret!

Do youmakeover ever feel the of need to switch off and And be still? prayer and meditation have a long Christian tradition Take someone who has dedicated their lives, and and every penny, to helping we can muchtheir fromhome the experiences of others.

There had a lick of paint others.

Aslearn a result, is falling apart and hasn’t no right way to pray: prayer is God's action in us. or isnew furniture in years. an opportunity to break relax, find They think they’veis won a weekend afterpeace being nominated by a within 'reflect' onBut our that’s place only the tip of the friend as a ‘thank you’ forourselves all their and good deeds. in the world. It will offer creative suggestions iceberg... for reading, thinking and exploring prayer.

What’s really happening is that while they’re away, we’re going to bring in an army of volunteers to make overChurch the house in just 36 hours. But this is Trinity Methodist no ordinary army - it’s made upth of all the people who the homeowner has on Wednesday 28 March 6-7pm helped over the years. This is their chance to say a great big ‘thank you’ in for as long as you wish and leave when you want. theCome biggest way imaginable.

No one willDeserve ask you any however, will beon TV that’s part This is You Thisquestions; House and it’s thepeople only show around if you need to talk or pray with someone. reunion, part makeover, part DIY show... and all heart!

Refreshments will be available. All are welcome, whether Weekdays, Channel at 11am Monday March. you go to church or if4church isn'tstarted for you; you may5th just

like the idea of a bit of peace and quiet.WERE IN RATBY LANE, THE PROGRAMME MAKERS Future dates: Wednesdays 25th April, 23rd May 27th June MARKFIELD RECENTLY - DOING A&MAKEOVER FOR A LOCAL RESIDENT! KEEP A LOOKOUT FOR WHEN THAT Further information: Karen (249829) or Rosemary (242844) EPISODE IS SCREENED!

Lent Lunch

The Lent Lunch, in aid of TEARFUND will be held in the Congregational Hall, Markfield on

Saturday 10th March from 12 noon till 1.30 pm Jacket Potato, Cheese, Beans, Home-made Coleslaw.

Apple Pie and Custard Tickets are £4.00 from Brenda (242173) Everyone welcome. See you there!

Crafts Fayre & Mini Market

a

Copt Oak Memorial Hall

initiative

Churches Together Saturday 14th April - 9am-1pm in Markfield Refreshments and Tombola £7 per table/£10 per trestle table Admission 50p. Children free To book a table please contact Sue and Les - 01530 244229 Jan and David - 0116 2674746

Do you ever feel the need to switch off and be still? Silent prayer and meditation have a long Christian tradition and we can learn much from the experiences of others. There is no right way to pray: prayer is God's action in us. is an opportunity to relax, find peace within ourselves and 'reflect' on our place in the world. It will offer creative suggestions for reading, thinking and exploring prayer.

Trinity Methodist Church on Wednesday 28th March 6-7pm Come for as long as you wish and leave when you want.

No one will ask you any questions; however, people will be around if you need to talk or pray with someone.

Refreshments will be available. All are welcome, whether you go to church or if church isn't for you; you may just like the idea of a bit of peace and quiet.

Future dates: Wednesdays 25th April, 23rd May & 27th June Further information: Karen (249829) or Rosemary (242844)

Amanda Lamb and the You Deserve This House team

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

~ Forthcoming Events ~ Saturday, 10th March – New Orleans Hot Shots Jazz Band in concert playing their own unique brand of traditional jazz. Although inspired by a wide variety of bands from the Classic 1920’s period up to the 40’s and 50’s revival, they base many arrangements on the original sounds of Armstrong, Morton, Oliver and Piron. Doors/box office/bar open at 7.00pm. Starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets: £7.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

Friday, 16th March – Film Night – ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’ (PG).

In the bleak days of the Cold War, espionage veteran George Smiley is forced from semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet agent within MI6’s echelons. Starring Gary Oldman and Colin Frith. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm.

Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

Friday, 23rd March – Palace Line Dance with Honky Tonk Cliff.

Dancing from 7.45pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Tickets: £4.00 from Hall, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

Saturday, 24th March - Vamos Theatre Company presents ‘Much Ado About Wenlock’ (in conjunction with ‘Centre Stage’; the rural theatre touring scheme) On your starting blocks! Vamos Theatre, in association with The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, presents its new touring production, ‘Much Ado About Wenlock’, a show about health, sports, a reforming doctor, and a runaway chicken!

“Absolutely fantastic, totally amazed by the characters and production, completely captivated by the wit and humour. What a wonderful evening, would highly recommend.

Worth every penny.....” Audience member, The Crossing @ St Pauls.

Performance begins at 7.30pm.

Tickets: £8.00, concessions £6.00 Combination ticket (1 Adult & 2 children) £16.00 From Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

Sunday, 25th March - Palace Indoor Car boot Sale from 9.00am – 1.00pm. Pick up a bargain! Admission 20p. For more details or to book a stall telephone Maureen on 01530 452028.

Saturday, 31st March - Palace Social Dance – A very popular evening of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence with Eddie ‘The Collector’, (D J and host). Doors/box office/ bar open at 7.00pm. Dancing from 7.30pm ‘til 11.00pm.Tickets: £5.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

Friday, 6th April - Charity Organ Concert. Tickets: £6.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460 or Mr Martin, Tel: 01455 290145 or Mr Lines, Tel: 01530 457274 Saturday, 7th April - The Everly Brothers and Friends Tribute Show. A tribute show to The Everly Brothers plus special guests tributes to Hank Marvin, Dusty Springfield and Billy Fury. Performance start time will be 8pm. Tickets: £10.00 Full Price & £8.00 Concessions from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

When I was young, I could remember anything. Whether it happened or not.

30

Far Out Thoughts ... from Pensive Pete Ghosts, aliens, poltergeists - do they exist? Or are they the wild imaginings of deranged minds?

Many people are convinced that we are being watched over - and maybe even guided - by other beings. When asked for evidence, they cannot supply any. But they nevertheless remain certain that their feelings are genuine.

Some years ago, while studying trees, I wondered if trees could be aware of superior life forms, such as Man. I concluded that trees live their lives at too slow a pace to be able to detect Man’s existence, even though we climb on trees, trim their branches, and sometimes chop them down completely.

To a tree, these occurrences are totally inexplicable. You can almost imagine the tree thinking, “Good grief, I’m sure I had a large branch on my north-east corner a minute ago. Where the heck did it go to?”

Although this sounds flippant, it does demonstrate the difference in awareness experienced by two successful, highly advanced living things.

What if Man isn’t the most advanced species on Earth. What if some higher form of life exists so superior to us that we are the equivalent of trees to them? Would we be aware of their existence?

Or merely aware of the consequences of their existence?

This thought remained dormant in my mind until I recently came across a book by Deepak Chopra. One section early in the book caught my eye.

Deepak says: “In the animal kingdom, some nervous systems are much faster than ours and others much slower. A snail’s neurons pick up signals from the outside world so slowly, for example, that events that occur in less than three seconds would not be perceived. In other words, if a snail was looking at an apple, and I quickly reached in and snatched it away, the snail would not be able to detect my hand. It would “see” the apple disappear before its very eyes.”

Ghosts, aliens, poltergeists - could they be the human equivalent of the snail’s vanishing apple?

For all the family

The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Garden & Pub Games etc.

The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 Sat 10th March: Karaoke with MARK ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN The Bricklayers Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 3rd Mar “ Lennerd Skynnerd “ Sat 10th Mar Father Ted Sat 17th Mar Riot Act Sat 24th Mar SOULED OUT Sat 31st Mar Kamagra Sat 7th Apr The Intents Sat 14th Apr Mick Ridgway’s Mojo Hand Band Sat 21st Apr S Punk 7 Sat 28th Apr To Be Confirmed ALL SKY SPORTS AND ESPN www.myspace.com/ thorntonclub

Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth.

Tel. 01530 230205

New members Welcome 2012 membership now due.

Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Andy’s charity quiz – last Friday of the month £1.50 each Sequence Dance - Sunday nights 8pm £1 admission.

Tea Dance - Wednesday 2-4 pm £1 admission Saturday 17th March: Dance - 8pm - £1 admission For further details, tel: 01530 230205

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

Fri 9th March: PHIL COLLINS Fri 23rd March: 80s TRIBUTE Fri 6th April: MOTOWN SOUL Fri 20th April: THE SUPREMES Quiz Nite: 2nd Tues of Month (See Advert on page 26) The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sat 28th January (’King of the Road’) Sat 31st March: MICHAEL VICKERS (See Ad Page 27 )

Send details of your LOCAL pub and club entertainments and we’ll include them in this column FREE! Tremendous!

Monday 2nd April Bagworth Community Centre 4.00-5.30pm

Children of all ages - get a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend or neighbour to bring you

There will be lots of things to

Refreshments provided including chocolate, hot cross buns and fruit drinks Children must be accompanied by an adult Organised by Holy Rood Church and the Benefice of Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton under Bardon and Copt Oak

I laugh in the face of danger, except if I’m involved.

31

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One good thing about repeating your mistakes is that you know when to cringe.

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Host an Usborne book party, invite family and friends for a fantastic way to browse and buy Usborne books in the comfort of your own home.

Hosts can enjoy many benefits including free books and special offers.

Please contact: Jo Barrett, (Usborne Organiser) on 07977 901803 www.usborneonline.org/ barrrettbooks

Please join us for an

Easter Lunch at WOWcf 135 Main St Stanton Tues 27th March from12

noon

Call 01530 564623/078 75378628 for details

There will be a small charge of £2pp to cover costs