March 2015 herald

MARCH 2015

Looking for affordable housing in Markfield?

IF SO, you will be interested in an event taking place at Markfield Community Centre on 21st March between 10am-12noon.

Pupils Harness Wind Power At South Charnwood High School

Planning permission has been granted for a new housing development in Markfield. Forty two of the new dwellings to be developed will be available for affordable housing for people who cannot afford to buy on the open market.

These properties will be owned and managed by a Housing association, but the first lettings of the properties will be let through the Council’s Choice Based Lettings Scheme. First priority will be given to people with a connection to the parish of Markfield. For details, see page 26 ...>

THORNTON WI THURSDAY 12th MARCH, 2015 at Thornton Community Centre at 7.30 p.m.

“A THORNTON BOYHOOD” A talk by John Smith WE VERY much look forward to welcoming “one of our own” as our speaker.

Recently, I frequently hear John referred to as “ John Smith of Radio Leicester’s “Down to Earth”” due to his popularity as a panellist on the programme. However, much more than that, he is “John Smith of Thornton”, having been born in the village and spent his life here.

We understand from his wife Nita, who is our Secretary, that John has been busily making notes for this talk since before Christmas! There is such a lot to tell, so many tales of his time at the village school; the village characters he grew up with; the way life was for the miners and farmworkers who were the village population in bygone times; the war years......the struggles to turn a little field into what is now the flourishing Thornton Nurseries .... I could go on! I am sure that John will.. and Nita will do her familiar “Wind-it-up!” gesture and we will all protest because we will be eager to hear more.

John is an entertaining speaker with a fine sense of humour.... ..never at a loss for words and a mine of information. You are most welcome to come along as a visitor to listen to John. This is a must for all of you who would like to know more about our little village. It’s a unique opportunity to step into what is often referred to as “Living History”.

There will be a “Bring & Buy Stall” and the members’ competition is for “A Souvenir of Thornton”.

The visitor’s fee of £3 includes tea and biscuits.

Muriel Walker (Thornton) WI President)

THE PICTURE above shows Year 9 pupils (left to right) Pirathiga Kusalakumar, Kyle Walker, Cameron Drexler and Royce Hill enjoying the STEM day South Charnwood High School pupils put their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) talents to the test in a one-day challenge set by educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust. Working in small groups, this introductory session was designed to enhance students aptitude for problem solving, creativity, design and engineering and was especially geared to complement to the National Curriculum.

Approximately 30 Year 9 pupils worked on a project called The Wind Turbine Challenge, where they had to design and construct a wind turbine to produce the greatest amount of electricity. The turbine had to be freestanding and structurally robust to support heavy components and moving parts. The project not only had time constraints, but also budgetary and aesthetical considerations.

The school’s Deputy Headteacher, Simon Andrews said “We were delighted to have this amazing opportunity. It will encourage our pupils to connect the taught elements of Science and Technology to what happens in engineering in the real world. By taking part in this STEM day, we are hoping to put the spark back into these subjects and demonstrate to pupils that they are fun.”

Two events coming up in Stanton GAIL MASSEY has sent us details of two events to be held in St Mary & All Saints Church Stanton under Bardon • Saturday 7th MARCH - SPRING FAYRE: 2 - 4 p.m Stalls:- Tombola, Raffle, Bric-a-Brac, books, plants, craft & cakes. Tea & Coffee available. Admission free.

• Friday 27th March - SPRING CONCERT at 7.30 p.m.

With Stanton under Bardon Singers & Musicians. A variety of well known songs. Come & join us. Tickets on the door £4.00 including refreshments.

Proceeds in aid of the Salvation Army.

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 4th April - Adverts & Articles Needed By 21st March

2

PACKAGE 1

Quality Youngman timber ladder & hatch combined, 100 square feet of loft flooring One 4ft fluorescent light & switch fully fitted

ONLY £585 PACKAGE 2

Quality Youngman timber ladder & hatch combined, 200 square feet of loft flooring One 4ft fluorescent light & switch fully fitted

ONLY £765

PACKAGE 3

Quality Youngman timber ladder & hatch combined, 300 square feet of loft flooring One Fakro Roof Window 550mm x 780mm One 4ft fluorescent light & switch fully fitted

ONLY £1295

ECONOMY PACKAGE

UPVC hinge down loft hatch Two section aluminium loft ladder 100 square feet of loft flooring pendant light fitting and switch

EXTRA BOARDING

Additional boarding to any package £30 per 16 square foot

ONLY £435

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/loftstoragesolutions

DAN HARDY 01530 587324

LOFT STORAGE

SOLUTIONS Balancing on a stepladder, clambering over loft joists with a torch in one hand and a box in another is not only awkward but potentially dangerous.

Boarding, lighting and a ladder not only gives you the opportunity to unclutter your living space, but also creates a cleaner and more useful environment.

Solve your storage needs and start utilising the largest space in your home from only £435

LUXURY STORAGE ROOMS

Our luxury storage rooms are surprisingly affordable at just a fraction of the cost of a standard loft conversion. Our luxury storage rooms can include the strengthening of loft joists, flooring, lighting, roof insulation, stud walls, roof windows and either plasterboard or skim finish.

PRICES FROM £2995

 01530 587327

07515 526959 / 079615 76020 www.LeicesterLoftStorage.com

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

07598 200185

LAWN MOWING

24 Link Rise, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9TY Visit our new website: www.leicesterlawnmowing.com

Prices start from £10, for an average sized garden, front and rear lawns included. Weekly or fortnightly cuts available.

To Advertise in The Herald, contact Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 or email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk

MARKFIELD EVENING GROUP ANSTEY EVENING GROUP Every MONDAY at 5.30pm and 7.30pm South Charnwood High School, Broad Lane, Markfield LE67 9TB Tel: ESTELLE on 07919 284924 Email: Estelle.sw.markfield@gmail.com

Every WEDNESDAY at 5.30pm or 7.30pm Anstey Methodist Church, Cropston Road, Anstey LE7 7BP Tel: ESTELLE on 07919 284924 Email: Estelle.sw.markfield@gmail.com

Keep the seat next to you on the train vacant by smiling and nodding to people as they walk up the aisle.

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

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

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

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

Printed by Norwood Press in Ellistown.

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

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. The Herald reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication.

All contents © The Herald None of the articles or adverts contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from The Herald.

This issue of The Herald is being delivered by The Herald’s team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Sarah Jane, Maureen, John, Lyn, Lily, Ian, Ann, Gill, Sandra, Helen, Don, Jeanie, Jenny, Lauren, Lisa, Yvonne, Stacey, Margaret, Daniel, Jessie, Hannah, Charlotte, Mike, Rowan, John & Sue.

Markfield Library Group has been approved SUCCESS! We have been approved as the future of the Markfield Library. Our Outline Business Plan is assured to be accepted by April 2nd.

We now plan a Community Event in April to publicise the Library!

DON’T MISS IT! We hope to see you there. Watch for our announcement of time and place in the HERALD next month and in windows in Markfield.

We hope to recruit many residents as library members.

You may wish join us to support the building and the Library Service as a valuable part of our Community.

Any queries to group secretary: telephone: 01530 589523.

Ever ybody Needs Good Neighbours streetlife.com, the local social network, on a mission to strengthen community spirit A NEW website has launched across our area with a simple aim: to help people make the most of where they live by connecting with their neighbours.

Streetlife, the local social network, provides a free and easy way for communities to share news, views, recommendations and resources. Described as “the online equivalent of chatting over the garden fence”, Streetlife enables people with busy routines or reduced mobility to keep in touch with what’s happening locally and become more involved in their communities.

More than 450,000 people in over 2,000 communities across the country have adopted Streetlife and now local folk near us are joining in too.

Conversations started on Streetlife have helped to find lost pets, save local pubs, expose doorstep scammers and set up community garden projects.

The site also encourages real-world friendships, with neighbours sharing DIY equipment, IT advice and dentist recommendations, and organising walking groups and coffee mornings.

Matt Boyes, Founder & CEO, is delighted to see the people connecting on Streetlife: “Within every neighbourhood there’s a wealth of knowledge and support. Streetlife makes it easy for local people to share that and together build stronger, safer, better connected communities. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to get involved!”

Streetlife, the local social network, has a simple aim: to help people across Britain make the most of where they live. The site provides an easy way for locals to share practical information, advice, opinions, skills and belongings.

People sign up using their postcode, and can start and join conversations with others in their area. Users can customise their settings so they control how much information they receive, the areas they’re interested in, and what they share about themselves.

Main uses of the site include: • finding locals with common interests, organising and attending social groups and events • sharing belongings and skills with neighbours, from hedge-trimmers to computing tips • recommending local businesses and tradespeople • promoting, campaigning and volunteering for community projects and local causes More than 450,000 users in 2,000 communities across Britain use the site, with thousands more joining every week.* Streetlife is a privately funded limited company headquartered in Covent Garden, London. The service is and always will be free for local residents to discuss local issues.

Find out more at streetlife.com/about

Letter

Anyone have any pictures of the Markfield Windmill?

AS WE have had a letter about the proposed siting of a large wind turbine near the village, I wondered if anyone has a picture of the last ‘wind machine’ near Markfield?

I am referring to the Markfield Windmill which was, I believe, near Altar Stones in the 19th Century.

There was a picture once in The Clarion, but I cannot locate it.

Maybe the villagers then had some thoughts about the building that would be quite different to ours of the present day.

Of course, the functions of both would be very different!

Margaret Pike Markfield

Teenagers gear up for driving PRE-DRIVER days are being held again this year to prepare teenagers for getting behind the wheel for real.

Sixteen and 17 year-olds thinking of learning to drive can sign up to the one-day courses being held by Leicestershire County Council.

Last year 400 young people took part in the courses which cover road safety issues, hazard awareness and the Highway Code; and also offer a practical off-road driving session with a qualified instructor.

Peter Osborne, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “These are popular courses that play an important role in preparing and educating young people about safer driving.

“Whilst good progress with casualty reduction has been made, young drivers remain a high-risk category in road crashes.

“These sessions provide teenagers with better understanding and knowledge ahead of their first driving lessons on public roads.”

Courses run on selected days from March to October are held at Mallory Park and cost £35 each.

For more information including a full list of dates visit: www.tjunction. org.uk/driving/about-pre-driverdays Please call 0116 305 6515 or email driverdays@leics.org.uk to check availability for specified dates.

EMPLOYERS: Avoid hiring unlucky people by immediately tossing half the CVs into the bin.

4

New affordable houses are targeted for local folk - but you need to apply!

Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald THE JELSON housing development appears to be moving at some pace right now and the new homes are going up quickly.

I suspect there is still many more months to go before the estate is completed but at least the London Road entrance is now completed and resurfaced. It wasn’t great having that temporary road surface which was very uneven. The new homes at Stanton are also cracking on and it is great to see the new community centre being built which has been a long term aspiration of many in that village for good number of years.

It is unlikely that a community centre similar to the one being built at Stanton would have been achieved without the housing development being granted so this represented a positive planning gain and one I still feel it was right to support at the Council.

This housing development on its own should also have satisfied the housing needs of the local community and it would have done so if the Government’s planning inspector had not gone through a phase of doing all in their power to support developers regardless of individual scheme merits. This of course has led to a further two housing planning appeals being granted in Stanton despite the community doing everything asked of it in identifying a suitable site in the first place. This in my mind remains a classic example of poor decision making by central government.

One thing that has concerned me about the developments at both Markfield and Stanton is the price of the houses to purchase. In a world of largely flat pay growth and considering local average

Matthew Lay

salaries, the prices of the majority of the new homes may well be out of the reach of many local people.

If as I suspect this may well be true, it means that it continues to be hard for local people from our communities to be able to afford to live in our villages, instead having to opt to move away.

One important thing we can do to stem this, is when large housing development are passed is ensuring they provide for a range of housing types and that social housing units are provided for local people who may not yet be in a position to be able to afford to buy.

It so happens that in passing the Jelson application a few years back we were able to secure the full quota of social housing units which was particularly important as other requests for developer contributions were not so productive, an example being the County Council’s failure to secure money for the primary school, largely due to the roll numbers at the time which of course are not reflective of the current roll

numbers which are now much higher.

The full quota of social housing units was 42 and the majority of these should be reserved for social rent through a housing association.

As these units of accommodation were secured as a direct result of the Jelson planning application, I argued strongly that a legal agreement should be reached that reserved them for applicants who had a strong local connection to our community. This is a distinction to the current council housing allocations policy that can give extra credits for having a local connection but unless you were of an immediate priority it remains unlikely a council house in either Markfield or Stanton would be allocated to a local person. This state of affairs, which is one I have long believed needs changing, has of course put many local people off from even applying for housing through the Council. It is for this reason that I have asked the Council to run an event at the Community Centre on the 21st

March between 10am-12noon to get local people who may be eligible to pop along and sign up.

If enough local people do not come forward they will eventually be let to other applicants.

We were also similarly successful in getting the same local criteria agreed for the social housing associated with the two recent developments at Stanton, again giving local people a strong priority and a great chance to secure a decent home. Some of these social houses for rent have been built and are still available in Stanton so again we do need local people to come forward and apply.

Of course not everyone who signs up will get one of these new houses when they are built, but it is really important that local people who could benefit register themselves.

There really is nothing to lose by going ahead and doing this and the process should not take long to complete.

I am also hoping this is not the last chance for local people as the Council are now actively considering setting up a housing development company to provide more social housing for rent and one of the options being considered is buying up empty properties which have been vacant for a long time and themselves attract considerable problems. Either way ensuring housing options are available for local people remains for me a major priority and one that continues to require urgent action.

Quality Handmade Ironwork 01530-243804

Made to order to your individual design

www.handmade-ironwork.co.uk

Save time when crossing a one-way street by only looking in the direction of oncoming traffic.

5 Markfield Medical Centre 24 Chitterman Way, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9WU

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST 20 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 2.30pm to 6.30pm)

Friends of St. Peter’s Trustees

Are you an ‘ideas’ person with an hour or so to spare?

IF SO, have you ever considered becoming a Trustee of the ‘Friends’ charity in Thornton?

It means attending – if possible – approximately 8 meetings a year usually on a Friday evening 7.30pm to around 8.45pm in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere usually at Thornton Community Centre.

We are now entering the charity’s 20th year and we would be pleased to welcome new trustees, with new ideas, to join the committee.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of becoming a trustee please contact our secretary, Kathryn Shaw on 01530-230372 or e-mail: kathryn.shaw136@btinternet.com

“A time to dance” WHERE does that quote come from?

The time to dance is 8 pm on Saturday 14th March and the 4th April at Bagworth Working Men’s Club.

These are Social Dances. At both sessions, music will be provided by Ken and his CDs. Ticket price is £2 and can be paid on the door. In addition, there will be a bingo session and a raffle at each event.

The same format will be followed at the next Charity Dance on Friday 8th May at the same venue. All profits from that occasion will be donated to ‘Guide Dogs for Blind People’.

At the previous charity dance on 6th February, which was very well attended, £585 was raised for the British Heart Foundation.

It is always good to see new faces at these events and you can be assured of a very warm welcome.

LADIES Do you need help with care, domestic chores or light gardening?

Contact Vicki on 01530 230389 LCC Support With Confidence Qualified, Specialised in working with the visually impaired, CRB checked Quality flower arrangements also supplied for any occasion

We are seeking to appoint a reliable and enthusiastic person with good communication skills to join our small friendly reception team at Markfield Medical Centre.

Ideally you should have a friendly and outgoing manner with a sympathetic approach to the patients.

You will also need to be flexible to cover for holidays and sickness.

Experience would be an advantage but we would be willing to train the right candidate.

We currently run the EMIS clinical system.

Salary will be negotiable depending on experience.

Please apply in writing including a current CV or telephone the Practice Manager, Angela Patton or Debbie Hill, Office Co-ordinator on 01530 249461 for an informal chat.

Closing date: 31st March 2015

Make bread at Bagworth Community Centre!

WE HAVE a number of new courses on offer at Bagworth Community Centre.

We have bread making courses taking place on about six different Saturdays.

For more information contact Angela on 07917 357134 or email on angela@ conibearskitchen.co.uk Pregnancy Yoga will commence on Wednesday 15th April at 6.30 pm.

For more details contact Jen email:namasteyoga.uk@gmail.com.

Do you like the idea of writing your own novel but don’t know where to start? Do you enjoy reading poetry and fancy having a go yourself? Have you tried writing for pleasure or entertainment but lacked inspiration along the way? If you have and would like to overcome those hurdles, please join us at our new ‘Creative writing’ group at Bagworth Community Centre.

Each session has a focus, with ideas and techniques to try if you are looking for guidance. Or perhaps you prefer to use the time to continue your own work with no distractions - then that’s fine too. Test your ideas out on others and help them, in return. It’s an informal session and we don’t take ourselves too seriously!

Cost is just £2 - to cover refreshments and room hire. For more information, please contact Phillippa on 07947 221467. She is looking forward to hearing from you.

We are also hoping to set up some courses, including ones about First Aid. Watch this space for further details.

People have expressed a desire for a Pilates Evening Class at the Centre. We are looking for an instructor who could take this on. If you are prepared to do this, or know someone who is, please let us know.

The Centre is run by a small group of volunteers who give freely of their time. But we are limited in what we can achieve without more help. We meet fortnightly. If you would like to join us, please let us know.

The ‘Science and Mining’ family day during half term was enjoyed by all who took part, whatever age they were. This was a free event. There was a great feeling in the hall as people experienced different workshops and activities. Thanks to all who helped to make it a success.

Another free event is Code Club which takes place on a Tuesday from 4.15 to 5.15 pm. The young people learn to use computer code on the Community Centre lap tops. It is aimed at 9-11 year olds. The emphasis is on having an enjoyable time. At present, they have be learning how to create computer games. There are spaces available at present.

Finally, the Trust has taken over the running of the Angling Bingo on the second Monday of the month. The next one is on 9th March. Eyes down is at 7.45 pm. This is prize bingo. There is also a raffle and the return of the famous ‘meat raffle’. Don’t miss it.

Contact Bob on 01530 230429 or email : Austin@bagworth.freeserve.co.uk

Shoes last twice as long if only worn every other day.

6 Date for your Diary

Open Farm Sunday VISIT A FARM on Open Farm Sunday and discover the story behind our food.

A day for everyone to meet the people, who grow our food and care for our countryside, • 7th June 2015 • Where: Little Markfield Farm, • Forest Road, Markfield, • Leicester, LE67 9UN. • Time: 10.30am to 5.00pm Contact: Brenda 01530 242173 or 07774047571 Come and see: • Sheep being sheared and wool being spun, • Cows, Sheep, Pigs and Chickens with their babies; feed the lambs!

• Alpacas, Farm walks, • Cookery Demonstrations by 2 professional chefs starting at 11am, • Land Rover Display, • Sample some beer, • Meet Pen the Red-Tail Hawk • Modern & Vintage Farm Machinery, • Crafts & Food stalls, • Sausage Making with the Sausage Master Alf, • A Civil War Re-enactment • Bakanalia Border Morris Leicester A great value event for just £1 entry fee per Adult - Children Free.

We will be raising money for St Michael and All Angels Church Markfield, Shuttlewood Clarke

Foundation & Gems Charity. www. gemscharity.com

Organise an Easter egg hunt WILL THERE be some children around your house this Easter?

Why not organise an Easter Egg hunt for them? It is so easy – simply buy some of the smaller eggs, and tied them up in little bags to be hung on low tree branches and shrubs around your garden. Then – let them loose in the garden. The trick, for you, is to remember how many you have put out, and where!

It is probably best to use small eggs for a hunt, and save the lavish Easter egg for indoors later.

Bagworth Historical Society BAGWORTH Historical Society’s first meeting of 2015 will take place on the 2nd Tuesday in March, (10th March), at 7.30 pm at Bagworth Working Men’s Club.

The main aim of the meeting will be to organise the coming year. We normally have a historical-ish day out in the summer. Last year we ventured as far as Hunstanton (especially Old Hunstanton!). We are looking for an alternative day out this year.

We also have a couple of outside speakers during the year, talking about things that are of interest to our members, including the history of Leicestershire cheese, the history of chocolate making, practical demonstrations of pork pie making and sausage making. It doesn’t have to be about food (though it is good to have a taste of such items!).

Bring your old photos A possible evening would be a ‘Show and tell’ evening of old photos of Bagworth. I’m sure that there are lots out there that we have yet to see. You might think that your old photos of people and places involving Bagworth are boring. As historians, we don’t think so.

Holy Rood Church Sadly by the time you read this, Holy Rood Church, Bagworth may well have been demolished for the second time in living memories. It is unlikely to be replaced at present and the site will become a memorial garden. The History Society has been involved with this, including several meetings with Archdeacons of Loughborough, but to no avail. Once again, a piece of history will have disappeared from Bagworth.

Our Society motto is: ‘Learning from the Village’s Past’ – maybe we need to start doing this.

Two Trustees Needed

Luke Jackson Charity - Thornton

THORNTON can be very proud of two residents who have each given 43 years service on behalf of the village as Trustees.

Mr Robert Farmer and Mr Tom Peters have decided that now is the time to retire and were thanked at the recent trustees meeting.

However, this does mean that Thornton is no longer represented on the Charity, and so the Trustees are looking for two Thornton residents to join the other Trustees.

Both Mr Farmer and mr Peters have iindicated they will help in any way they can.

There are two meetings each year - both usually take between 1½ - 2 hours. There is also the payout to village residents held in early December.

This has been taking place at the Thornton Community Centre on a Saturday morning, but the new trustees can fix the time and place if the current arrangements are not suitable to them.

They would be reponsible for their village’s share of the funds but this is provided by the clerk to the trustees who makes all arrangements for the cash and return of funds to the bank.

To register an interest, please speak to either Mr Farmer or Mr Peters, a Thornton Parish Councillor or the clerk to the council, or ring the clerk to the Trustees on 01530 230476.

Putting the block on cold calling scams TRADING Standards officers are warning Leicestershire residents about rogue businesses telephoning people and offering to stop nuisance phone calls.

This new, ironic, scam starts by a telephone caller asking residents if they receive nuisance calls at home - and then promising to block the unwanted calls for as little as £1.20 per month.

However, Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards officers are aware of higher amounts being charged, typically £80 a year. The callers also ask for bank details.

Joe Orson, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for Trading Standards, said: “The rogue callers are capitalising from people’s frustrations and annoyance with unexpected sales calls, by making money for themselves.”

David Bull, head of Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Service, added: “Call blocking complaints are on the increase in Leicestershire.

“The jump in complaints is alarming, as more than 20 per cent of all scam complaints we’ve received since the New Year have been about call blocking businesses.

“We advise consumers never to deal with cold callers, the irony here being that they themselves are telephone cold calling residents, offering services to stop the very calls they are making.

“I would advise consumers to register for free with the Telephone Preference Service, to reduce these calls on 0845 070 0707 or www. tpsonline.org.uk ” If you have concerns, or believe you’ve been caught out by this type of scam, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 who will be able to provide assistance.

For more on Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards service visit: www.leics.gov.uk/ tradingstandards

Close your eyes LOST the car keys? Shut your eyes.

It is the best way to recall memories. Some scientists explain that the reason is that vision takes up a lot of the brain’s processing power.

So, next time you need to really concentrate and remember something – shut your eyes.

A mousetrap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep.

7

UNBEATABLE

BOILER

5663

OFFER Ga

s Boil er s

£1,250* Fitted MATICCHE PR

PROM

ISE *

itions appl * Plus V.A.T. Terms & cond

y.

• UP TO 10 YEARS WARRANTY • COMPETITIVE PAYMENT PLANS FROM £7 PER WEEK • NO DEPOSIT OPTIONS • FREE SURVEY & FIXED PRICE QUOTES

Installer

GREAT VALUE & NO SURPRISES from your local heating company since 1994 Drop in to see us: 13 Leicester Road, Groby, LE6 0DQ

0116 287 8000

A POST-IT note stuck beneath the nose is an ideal way to foil lip-readers.

8

d ddSA d LE W

Coalville Furniture Superstore

W

O

R

N

N

O

BEdROOM FuRniTuRE

Independent furniture retailer for: l Great value dininG l Huge choice FuRniTuRE l Excellent service Coalville Furniture Superstore 79 - 81 Belvoir Road, Coalville LE67 3PH (former Co-op department store) Tel: 01530 833311

TE

IN

uPHOLSTERy - leather and fabric suites

ELECTRiC LiFT and RiSE CHaiRS

CHaiRS

BEdS - divans and bed frames

d

ELECTRiC adJuSTaBLE BEdS

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 4pm

Free customer car park at rear

FOR aLL yOuR FuRniTuRE nEEdS

EMPLOYEES: Only use the loo at work. Not only will you save money on toilet paper, you’ll also be getting paid.

9

Markfield Surgery and Get a “taste” of Royal Patient Participation Ascot without the travel!

Group news LOROS and Leicester Racecourse’s new partnership

AS YOU may know , Dr. Morant left a the Practice at Churches Together Christmas. We in Markfield wish her well initiative in her new post and are pleased to welcome her replacement Dr. Chaudry.

This is an opportunity to relax, find peace within ourselves and

She willon be with 'reflect' ourus place in the world. It will offer creative suggestions for for 6 months as a long reading, thinking andherexploring prayer. term locum.

Dr. Bird started maternity leave on the 16th February and

Holy Week Congregational Church Hall - 6-7pm and Easter Thursdays 26th March, 23rd April, 28th May, 25th June

covering for her is Dr. Hathiramani , also a long term locum for 6 months.

Meditations We send our best wishes to Dr. Bird and hope to include regular updates Good Friday 3rd April 2-3pm here. at St Michael’s, Markfield LOROS are thrilled to have been selected as Leicester To relieve pressure on Secondary Care, such as the Accident and hour reflecting on the story of Good Racecourse’s chosen charity of theAnyear for 2015.

Special services Emergency Department, the partners will be extending the number of Friday Easter, with hymns, Leicester Racecourse, an outstanding venue forand conferencing, weddings across the Benefice readings, prayers and silence. appointments available during February and March, seeing an extra and much more have already vowed to support a brand new LOROS Experience the old story 24 patients per week between 2pm and 2.30 pm each day. These fundraiser thisthis year which is part of a jam-packed calendar of events to 7.30pm at St Mary’s, in a new way Come for as long as you wish and leave when you want.

No intrusive appointments will be bookable on the day. We will be bringing more news mark 30th Anniversary.

Holy the WeekHospices and Easter Stanton under Bardon questions, though talkRacecourse or praywill play host to an Ascot on appointments in futurepeople updates. will be around if you need to Leicester LadiestoDay An opportunity listenin toaid the of Passion Tenebrae LOROS on Thursday 18th June which will narratives see live screening from PPG Annual General Meeting was held in January, which a new All are from the Bible in Ascot the context withThesomeone.

Refreshments will be at available. welcome.

Evening Prayer.

Tuesday 31st 7.30atpm Races directly intoMarch the venue Oadby, viaofgiant plasma screens.

Chair, Mr. Alan Bourne and a new Vice Chair, Mrs. Rosie Woodland were St Peter’s, Oak by a complimentary glass of fizz and will then Ladies will beCopt welcomed elected. New members were welcomed and the futureRosemary aims of the PPG (242844) Further information: dine on a fabulous four course ‘Tenebrae’ means shadow; lighted lunch before having the chance to browse were discussed. Don’t forget to look at the notice board in the surgery for Easter Day Services candles extinguished this the stalls are or have a littleinflutter. updates and member contact details. We are still keen to have more virtual ancient reminder of the Passion of Sunrise Service Tickets are available from (on line) members and, if you are interested, please contact the surgery or Jesus from the shadow of the Betrayal Easter Day, Sunday 5th April LOROS now at an early bird one of the PPG members or look on the Surgery website. to the darkness of the Cross through 6.20am at Hill Hole, Markfield

For all the family

Monday 30th March 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

rate ofreadings, just £49 hymns per person, or Bible and silences.

Greet with joy the day when we celebrate £450 for a table of ten. The Jesus’ resurrection; with singing of Easter early birdand offer Chip will expire on Fish Supper hymns and sharing the Easter May 18th when tickets will acclamation and Holy Communion then be available for £59 per Alleluia, Christ is risen!

Maundy Thursday 2nd April person or £500 for a table of He is risen indeed, alleluia!

6.30pm at St Mary's, Stanton u B ten. The ticket price also gains Other Easter Day Services An evening fellowship over supper, entry to the of live horse racing followed by sharing together in an due to take place from 6pm.

9.00am Holy Communion informal service of Holy Communion. at been Bagworth Com Centre Laura Betts, LOROS Fundraiser said; “There has a demand for this type of event for some years now. The LOROS ladies luncheon which has 10.30am All Age Service Family Stations been running for over 30 years sells out most years so we know we atand St Michael’s, Markfield of athe have greatCross deal of female supporters who are looking for events just 10.30am Holy Communion like Good 10.00am this one.Friday We are 3rd reallyApril looking forward to trying something different and at St Peter’s, Thornton at St Peter’s, Thornton can’t wait to see local ladies glammed up for an afternoon at the races!”

10.30am Holy Communion ShareBracken, in recalling Director the story of Rob atGood The Friday Leicester Racecourse The team uatB at St said; Mary’s, Stanton and Easter in a journey round the church Leicester Racecourse are delighted to be working with LOROS this year.

6.00pm Holy Communion with pictures, songs, readings and We are extremely proud to be associated with a charity that is celebrating at St Michael’s, Markfield prayers. About 30-40 minutes followed 30 years of caring for our community.

We have lots of exciting ideas in drinks and Hot Cross Buns.

6.00pm Holy Communion the pipeline already andfor areallreally Suitable ages. looking forward to working together at St Peter’s, Copt Oak throughout the year”.

For more details on any of the events mentioned above please visit www. loros.co.uk or call the LOROS fundraising department on 0116 2318431.

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak

TABLE TOP & CRAFT FAYRE 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

Bric a Brac, Crafts, Cakes, Raffle Refreshments including homemade soup, scones

SATURDAY 18th APRIL 12noon till 3.30pm COPT OAK MEMORIAL HALL, LE67 9QB

NEXT TO COPT OAK PUB Admission 50p – children free - Ample free parking For further information ring 01530 244229 or 0116 2674746 Stalls £10 - Booking essential - Proceeds to St. Peter’s Church

HORSE WHISPERERS: Speak louder. The animals will hear you more clearly, thus speeding up training times.

10

Bagworth Forward Group News

HBBC News Football pitches secured for community Use

OUR NEXT event will take place on Sunday March 22nd at 2.30 pm. It is a Centre Stage production.

This is an organisation which brings professional theatre to rural villages. Sadly this will be the last visit as the politicians, using their great wisdom, have decided to stop funding this organisation.

We are being entertained by a performance called ‘A Komedy of Errors. This is presented by Circus Bezercus, a company of only two chaps. It is described as ‘A hilarious piece of children’s theatre that will leave kids (and adults alike) in stitches’. This wonderful family show contains music, dazzling juggling, daring unicycling, mystifying magic and hilarious comedy. Audiences say: ‘Brilliant show, very funny both for adults and for children’ and ‘Fantastic fun! Loved it! More please!’

This is your chance to give your family a real experience, which may well be a first for many of them, but I’m sure it will not be the last. Turn off the TV/tablet/phone/whatever and head down to the Community Centre for very live entertainment. You will not be disappointed.

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for children and family tickets (2+2) £15. They can be obtained from Rosemary on 01530 230347. Booking is very highly recommended.

The age range is from 3 to 103 (though older people will not be prevented from attending).

For more information about the performers:www. circusbezercus.co.uk

Dates for your diary •

First Part Bagworth Show Saturday 29th August – Vegetables, Fruit and Flowers.

• Part 2 Saturday 3rd October – Cooking and Baking, Arts and Crafts and Children’s Section.

Please put these dates in your diaries before you organise your holidays.

THE ALL-WEATHER and grass pitches at the former Greene King Stadium in Leicester Road Hinckley have been secured for community use thanks to a winning bid from a consortium led by Steve and Joy Jelfs.

Bagworth Forward Group is a very small group of volunteers who would love you to join us. We raise money to enhance the life of the village of Bagworth.

We organise events such as those above.

We have a Spring Bingo coming up, which is Prize Bingo, on Monday 20th April at 7.30 pm in the Community Centre. All of the money we raise is ploughed back into the village. The vast majority of the flower planters around the village have been bought and maintained by us. (The ones not bought and maintained by us are either private ones or the ones belonging to the Working Men’s Club.)

We are also working on providing historical signs around the village at key points, as well as a heritage trail and a village sign. Any help with these things would be appreciated. We meet on alternative Thursdays at 7.30 pm.

If you would like to join us or if you require more information, please contact Rosemary whose number is above.

The Borough Council, which had facilitated the initial work to form the consortium, has confirmed that it will work with members of the Consortium to ensure the wider interests of football in Hinckley, but that sufficient funding has been raised not to require any financial input from the council.

Council Leader Stuart Bray said: “I am pleased that this significant step has been taken to secure the community use of this important facility. It reflects well on the people of Hinckley that the necessary funding has been made available and that others were also prepared to bid for the same reason. Now the pitches will soon be reopened and remain open for the whole community to use once again.”

ELECTRICIAN A one-stop professional & reliable service ♦Fixed Wiring Testing ♦Landlord Certification ♦Expert Fault Finding ♦Fuse Board Upgrades ♦Extra Sockets & Lights ♦Electric Heating

♦Complete Rewiring (with minimal disruption)

♦Cottage Specialists ♦Electrics Showers (Inc. Plumbing) ♦Security (Alarms, CCTV, Lights) ♦Free No Obligation Quotes

Control Electrics (Leics.) Ltd

Call: 0116 268 2910 Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7BR

LawMac Fencing Website: www.lawmacfencing.co.uk Email: lawmacfencing@outlook.com

FOR ALL YOUR FENCING REQUIREMENTS * Gates made to measure * Picket Fencing

* Featheredge Panels * Trellis

OPEN TO TRADE & PUBLIC

Please call in or telephone for Free Advice and Guidance Tel/Fax: 01530 587260 Mobile: 07852 256247 Open: Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm Sat: 8am – 12pm

A sombrero in a bin liner makes a trendy ‘hands-free’ umbrella.

11

Don’t make your children ‘clean the plate’ A NEW study is urging parents NOT to force their children to eat everything on their plate, saying that it is quite normal for children to leave up to 60 per cent of their food.

The research, at Cornell University, New York, found that the average child eats only about three fifths of the food that they have served themselves. It warns that making them eat it all “might disrupt the self-regulation they’re born with, and encourage overeating.” Driving your child to eat according to what is on the plate, rather than how they feel, could well make them lose the ability to rely on those internal cues to know when they have had enough.

The Deadline for the April Issue is 21st March.

Don’t miss out!

Volunteers needed

The Twilight Walk 2015 - Saturday 25th April at King Power Stadium LOROS are looking for men and ladies to help marshal at the Annual LOROS Twilight on Saturday 25th April 2015.

We are busy organising our Annual Twilight Walk on Sat 25th April from the King Power Stadium, Leicester and we really need your help!

This special night in Leicester annually unites sisters, mothers, daughters, friends, partners and colleagues from all over the East Midlands to have fun, remember loved ones and raise money for their local Hospice.

Unfortunately, we only have half of the required number of volunteers needed for the night and with safety being such an important part of the event, it would be great to get this all sorted and spaces filled nice and early.

If you are available from 5pm till 10pm on the night, we would love to hear from you. Please contact: fundraising@loros.co.uk or call: 0116 2318484 for further information.

Thornton Open Gardens ‘Thornton Open Gardens’ will this year be held on Sunday 14th June 1pm-5pm.

The ‘Open Gardens’ is always a popular event with many very favourable comments from the visitors to the gardens. It’s also a great way to socialize and meet other villagers.

Would you like to open your garden?

If you live in Thornton and enjoy your garden would you like to share that enjoyment with others and at the same time help us to raise funds for the ‘Friends of St. Peter’s’ charity along with another charity still to be decided.

If you are interested in opening your garden please contact: Peter Shaw on 01530-230372 or Phil Reader on 01530-230385

Cheer loudly at 8pm each Saturday to fool the neighbours into thinking you have won the Lottery.

12

All the latest news from The Markfield & Thornton Theatre Group WE LAUNCHED ourselves into 2015 with our production of “Beauty and the Beast” and were delighted to have such positive responses from our audiences.

It made us happy to see how the young and the young-at-heart alike enjoyed our retelling of one of the most magical of fairy tales. One of our regular patrons wrote, “ The pinnacle of your pantomine success was that you turned a fifty-three- year old into an eight- year-old for one night, and usually I’m just the mummy /granny with her kids” . What a lovely compliment! She wasn’t the only one who breathed a sigh of satisfaction when poor, benighted Beast was revealed to be a most handsome young prince. Here are a few photos of the cast enjoying themselves - a special thank you to BRYONIE BEARDMORE for coming to take them.

After all the fun and laughter that the pantomime brought to us, it’s difficult to come back to reality and start on our next production! However, director Tadeusz Dobrowolksi, (recently seen on stage as Dryson the Deranged with his dog Tiddles), has chosen a play which already, in the very early days of rehearsals, has us laughing again.

“PREPARE TO MEET THY TOMB”

A COMEDY THRILLER BY NORMAN ROBBINS, “Prepare To Meet Thy Tomb” follows “Tomb With A View” and “Tiptoe Through The Tombstones” to complete the trilogy of plays by Norman Robbins about the family that play together and slay together: The murderous Tombs. The Tombs, (direct descendants of the Borgias), are historic poisoners. Generations of them have lived in the rambling Monument House, but, by the time the third play starts, most of them are dead and Monument House has been rebranded as an hotel and Alternative Health Farm. Fog descends as night falls on the mansion, and Hecuba Tomb and her niece Drusilla receive a series of unexpected visitors. The uninvited guests are soon snooping around the secret passages of the creepy old mansion and asking too many questions for comfort.

Beware, for in the cobwebby corridors things - and people - are seldom what they seem. No secret panel is unoccupied, no cup of tea untouched, and nobody is safe!

THE PLAY WILL BE STAGED AT THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE FROM WEDNESDAY 22ND TO SATURDAY 25TH APRIL AT 7.30p.m.

NIGHTLY. Tickets, (£5 & £4 (Concessions)), are available at NORM’S (Thornton’s Shop on the corner of Church Lane), on 01530 243 865 or via our MTTG Theatre Group Facebook Page.

If you haven’t yet met the Tombs – then you should!

Muriel Walker

Tim Fantom and Debbie Shreeve as Squire Ponsonby & Rubella Radish

Silvermist, the good fairy (Kim Chambers) and Malaise the flawed fairy. (Sarah Shreeve)

Squire Ponsonby (Tim Fantom) and his daughters Charity, (Charlotte Parish) & Hope (Julie Marlow)

A next-door neighbour’s car aerial, neatly folded, makes an ideal coat hanger in an emergency.

13

Come and have a coffee with Guide Dogs ARE YOU interested in using your spare time to make a difference and improve someone else’s quality of life at the same time enhancing your own?

If so you are just who the local guide dogs team are looking for.

Guide Dogs cordially invite you to an informal open morning to be held on Tuesday 24th March at Bishop Street Methodist Church, Bishop Street, Leicester LE1 6AF from 10 am until midday.

We would love you to come along to meet our staff and dogs and have a chat about how you could help local people who are blind or partially sighted. No matter how much time or what skills you have we are sure there will be something to suit you, why not come along and find out.

Robert Jinks, Guide Dogs Community Engagement Officer says “Sight loss is life changing, but so are guide dogs, not just for the people who need them, but also to volunteers and their families.

You become part of a bigger family with lots of support and lots of satisfaction from the difference you make.’’

Come and join us for a coffee, and find out more about the work of Guide Dogs, the valuable contribution of our volunteers, and find out the many ways in which you can become involved.

For further details please call 0845 372 7344 or e mail us at coventry@ guidedogs.org.uk

Ibstock Historical Society needs your help LAST SUMMER we launched one of the five ‘Lest We Forget’ books to commemorate each of the men that died in or as a result of the Great War from North West Leicestershire.

There were so many Ibstock born men commemorated on the memorial at Holy Rood church that Bagworth also got included even though it’s not strictly in NWL. The proceeds of the Ibstock book are being split 50/50 between the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.

The book has been so well received that we’ve decided to produce a follow up with a selection of stories of men and women from the same 10 villages who survived their time in uniform and were able to resume their lives afterwards.

Below are the names of men from Bagworth that we’ve identified and we’d love to hear from any living relative or former colleague who can provide some insight into the mens lives, where they worked, what were their hobbies, their families, maybe even pictures if they have any to share.

• Oliver BOWLER • Edward CURETON • Reginald GLOVER • William PRICE • Joseph WORTH Identification of the survivors is ironically harder to trace than those that died and therefore, even if families know of someone we haven’t identified in the list above, we’d like to hear from them.

We can be contacted on email at ibstocklives@yahoo.co.uk, on 07530 441346 or we attend the weekly Community mornings held on Saturday mornings (except the first Saturday in each month) between 10 and 12 at the Palace on the High Street in Ibstock.

I ought to explain that the ten villages mentioned above featured in Lest We Forget are Bagworth, Ellistown, Heather, Ibstock, Nailstone, Newton Burgoland, Normaton-le-Heath, Odstone, Snarestone and Swepstone - having said that the book had more than a few mentions of Stanton, Markfield and Thornton given how close they are.

We have a list for each of the other nine villages and therefore any response from your readership is appreciated.

If people are interested in purchasing a copy of Lest We Forget, they cost £10 and all the money goes to charity. We keep a stock at the Palace for the community mornings, Bagworth Historical Group have a stock as do the Crown inn in Heather, Project 57 cafe at the Old National School on the High Street in Ibstock, Ashby Museum and the Graphic print in Market Bosworth.

If I can supply any more detail, I can be reached at the contact details above.

Forest Hill Golf Club Botcheston LE9 9FH

Exclusive Art, Craft and Gift Event st

Saturday 21 March 2015

10 am - 3.00 pm

Bespoke and unique items for all occasions Craft activities for children

Ian Vickers Ibstock Historical Society

SAVE electricity by turning off all the lights in your house and walking around wearing a miner’s hat.

14

News from Cross Hills Baptist Church

Watson's Electrical All Domestic Work undertaken

Serving the villages of Thornton & Bagworth plus the surrounding area

Assembly at Thornton Primary School

From a Fuse to Full Rewire

Contact Rob on 01530 231770 / 07896 532975

Ruth and Bekki Holmes visited Thornton Primary School on Friday 13th February with Scruff the dog to take an assembly. Scruff brought along his eraser to remind him about what the Bible teaches about forgiveness. Ruth then reminded Scruff and the children about the story of Zac the Taxman and how Jesus forgives everyone no matter what we’ve done. Scruff the dog followed by singing to the children about how Jesus makes him happy.

All the children were given a small gift of a wristband to take home which reminded them to “Smile, Jesus loves you”.

rob@rewireme.co.uk www.rewireme.co.uk

Is your dog looking a bit ‘Woof’?

Mothering Sunday and Easter Services

Mothering Sunday is a very important day so why not bring your mother to Cross Hills on Sunday 15th March at 10.30am, on the way to her favourite restaurant for Mother’s Day lunch. Our Sunday Club children and young people enjoy presenting a small gift from the church, which they have made or crafted in their Sunday Club class, to each of the mothers at the end of the service.

On Easter Sunday, a very special day for us, we have a family service, with puppets, which this year will

Tel:01530 231 531 | Mobile: 07885 572 400 The Farmhouse, Main Street, Thornton Leicestershire LE67 1AH

be all about “Hope and Love” – come and find out more on April 5th at 10.30am.

Being “Good neighbours” All are very welcome to come and join us at our next house group meeting on Tuesday 3rd March at 7.30pm at the home of Glynis and David Straw, 110 Main Street, Thornton. We are exploring and learning about other Faiths, so helping us to be “good neighbours” and have a better understanding of our Multi-Cultural society. You do not have to attend Cross Hills to come along as we invite anyone to join us as we discuss and open our minds to the larger world in which we all live.

If you are not able to make the March meeting, please join us at our next one on Wednesday 22nd April.

Every Sunday, tea, coffee and biscuits are served in our hall which gives everyone the chance to spend a little time together before going home or on to enjoy the rest of the day. You’ll find we are a very friendly church and we’ll make you welcome whether you come alone or with friends or family.

Contact Numbers Pastor - Garry Kelly: 01455 457802/07816 616189 Secretary - Lynda Kelly: 01455 457802/07910 440243 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557

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

IDC Home Maintenance Painter Decorator and Property Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL From changing a light bulb to complete house re-decoration.

For all the jobs you need to do but simply don’t have time.

For a free quotation please call Ian on:

01530 245461

or

07885 541428

3 The Nook, Markfield, Leicestershire

Web site: www.idchomemaintenance.co.uk Full Tradesman Liability Insurance held

EXPENSIVE hair gels are a con. Marmalade is a much cheaper alternative, but beware of bees in the summer.

15

Broad Beans

a little winter protection. Foliage is kind of doubly fern-like. Sells o sight – if able to find. Attractive flowers, coloured red and buffbrown. An ideal patio plant to impress friends and neighbours.

Snowdrops

Choose a suitable variety, if sowing in autumn. If weather is not really severe, should get a very early crop. Most are sown early spring – still time. A really good newish variety is ‘Stereo’. Compact growing with small very tasty beans. Most broad beans really need skinning after cooking. Not Stereo, in fact if picked early the whole pod may be eaten.

A Most Beautiful Shrub, Little Known

Recent articles have mentioned the surprisingly high prices being paid for unusual, and differently marked snowdrops. Price always per bulb. One was sold, online, recently for somewhere over seven hundred pounds. A more realistic (but still ridiculous) price for a new and rare snowdrop is about one hundred pounds per bulb. This was so at this year’s snowdrop sale, a couple of weeks ago, at the late Mr Bowles’ garden, Myddleton House. If you have snowdrops in your garden, keep an eye open for variants – you may find a winner.

Red Roses

This is Lomatia Ferruginea. Sadly not hardy in the U.K. other than very sheltered areas. But so beautiful in foliage, very much worth growing in container with

Valentine’s Day and red roses, a romantic combination. I heard a comment by one keen gardening lady, who suggested that she would prefer her partner to buy a red rose plant (bare-root) for her garden; rather than an expensive bunch of roses, which will last only for a week or so. For anyone with similar thoughts, the best red rose to obtain is one of David Austin’s new English roses – ‘Darcey Bussell’. Compact, flowers for ages and scented.

Rhubarb If you have several clumps why not force one or two, to give very early tender stalks. Any kind of large container will serve. Best to also protect emerging stems with straw or similar.

Hellebores

tomatoes, also for schools or those without a garden but may have a hard surface area. Detailed procedure either online or books.

New product: Strulch I notice in Thompson and Morgan’s spring catalogue, a new very dark, almost black, Hellebore named ‘Black Swan’. He flowers are upward facing. The pure white stamens contrast well with the dark flowers. A good buy at about £10

Growing Vegetables In Straw Bales I will remember this was somewhat popular in the 60’s and 70’s.

Recent articles and comments suggest it may be due for a revival.

Many advantages – no weeding, no slugs, never any lack of water or fertiliser and good clean crops. Major disadvantage Is that de-composing bales are rather unattractive. Still popular in the States, so like the weather may follow over here. Could be ideal for allotments, for cold greenhouse

Still on the straw theme, this is a mulching product which is having very good reviews. Based on straw with various additions, is brown in colour and deters slus plus controlling weed growth. Ideal for spreading on Hosta beds and also Delphinium area, where young emerging shoots are prone to slug damage. About £9 plus p and p for 100 litre bag

Avoid jet lag by simply taking an earlier flight, thus arriving fully refreshed and on time.

16

School Food Fayre a success at Mercenfeld Primary School ON TUESDAY, 3RD FEBRUARY Mercenfeld Primary School held their very first Food Fayre in the school hall, selling fresh and tasty goods from local suppliers.

Pupils prepared a wide variety of fresh produce; bread sticks made with locally produced Whissendine Mill flour, warm spiced apple juice, soup made with school grown leeks to name a few. Menu cards were made available to encourage cooking at home. Year 5 neatly packaged seeds displayed the school’s new ‘Grow with us’ labels, with beautifully handwritten growing instructions.

The whole school got involved with cooking, with pupils on stands able to talk knowledgeably about the produce from the garden. Year 6 Garden Ranger Scarlett proudly introduced visitors to the unusual tuber “oca” saying;

MARK BROWN REGISTERED GAS ENGINEER GAS & HEATING SERVICES MARKFIELD-BASED

TEL:01530 588366 MOB: 07400 525232 GAS SAFE REG.NO: 217602

Don’t forget to send us your news! Thanks!

Great feedback!

•

“A very good event to encourage buying local produce, well done!”

“Was very impressed with your initative, taking control of your kitchen and making your own garden. Real education.”

“Very good and very informative. We are very lucky to have Mercenfeld as our primary school.”

“It’s quite unusual but very tasty, a bit like potato, you should try some” • Guests enjoyed visiting local producer stands which included Little Markfield Farm, Raw n Pure and Bradgate Park Trust. So Much_ design agency helped the school to design the ‘grow with us’ logo and the eye catching banners. Visitors also had a tour of the school’s garden learning about crop rotation and keyhole gardens, viewing their poly tunnel of winter salads alongside an extensive range of outdoor crops. Leicestershire Master Gardeners volunteers also attended, provided free gardening advice.

Deputy Head Teacher, Jo Shephard said, ‘We are extremely pleased with • our response to our first food fayre, it was well attended, with all stall holders giving positive feedback. The children’s enthusiasm and knowledge shone through, a true example of we do best - having fun, loving our learning and making a difference! Our feedback flowers gave us an incredible insight into what people thought about the evening.

It’s time to start planning our Summer Food Fayre!

The school was inspired to run the Food Fayre after attending the Food for Life Partnership’s (FFLP) Farm Links training last year. Funded by Leicestershire County Council Public Health since December 2013, FFLP uses food as a way to improve the whole school experience, making lunchtimes a more positive feature of the day and enriching classroom learning with farm visits and practical cooking and growing.

Enrolment is free, visit www.foodforlife.org.uk

a

Churches Together in Markfield initiative

This 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.

Congregational Church Hall - 6-7pm Thursdays 26th March, 23rd April, 28th May, 25th June Come for as long as you wish and leave when you want. No intrusive questions, though people will be around if you need to talk or pray with someone. Refreshments will be available. All are welcome.

Further information: Rosemary (242844)

For all the family

Monday 30th March 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 Thicken up runny low-fat yoghurt by stirring in a spoonful of lard. and the Benefice of Markfield, Thornton,

Bagworth, Stanton under Bardon and Copt Oak

17

County Council News

£107m economic boost unveiled A £107 million boost for Leicestershire’s economy is planned by the county council.

Leicestershire County Council has produced an enabling growth plan, to show how it will support the growth of businesses and create jobs, through targeted support.

The council has been working with the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, businesses and other bodies to promote economic development. public services. worth £142 million last year.

The enabling growth plan outlines Blake Pain, cabinet member for how the council will influence economic development, said: “Our The £107 million economic boost The council’s ruling cabinet is partners and invest £37.8 million of enabling growth plan is a £107 is in addition to existing council due to discuss the report at 2pm council money, helping to attract at million boost for the local economy. spending which benefits local on Monday, March 16th, after the least a further £70 million. This will businesses and jobs – such as council’s scrutiny commission We’re investing £37.8m in transport procurement of goods and services has commented at its meeting on support a wide range of initiatives, improvements, workspace units, from local suppliers, which was Wednesday, March 4th. including: superfast broadband, employment schemes and business grants and • Transport, including loans and this supports at least a improvements to the A50 further £70m from partners and and A6 businesses.

• Investment in workspaces in “These investments will make the Coalville and rural areas county more attractive to investors, • £1.5 million to support help businesses become more Loughborough University’s competitive and create more and science and enterprise park better jobs for local people.”

• Expansion of broadband, Cabinet member for transport, with a £6.3 million Peter Osborne, said: “Improving contribution towards a £29.7 transport links, like our investment million project in the A50 and A6, will play a major • Employment schemes, part in boosting the economy and including employability making the area more competitive.” skills in schools, work clubs, Delivery of the plan will support enterprise hubs and the other council priorities, by wheels to work scheme improving prosperity, creating jobs • The business loans fund, run and reducing demand for expensive

by Funding Circle

Create instant designer stubble by sucking on a magnet and dipping your chin in a bowl of iron filings.

18

Markfield Community Centre News Sarah’s Charity Sky Dive

The aim of the club is to have fun, socialise and at the same time learn how to get help, information and support so, just turn up on Wednesday afternoons 2pm to 4pm and join in. It only costs £1 per session and this includes a “cuppa” and biscuits.

Speedwell Club

DURING the bright, sunny but freezing cold morning of Wednesday 18th February Sarah Beesley, the daughter of Centre Manager Dawn, apprehensively clambered into a single prop airplane at the old World War Two aerodrome at Langar, near Nottingham.

The plane taxied across the airfield and climbed steadily into the sky with us nervously watching its every move from the safety of the ground.

The plane climbed higher and higher until it became a mere speck in the sky and disappeared behind white fluffy clouds. At 15,000 feet Sarah was launched out of the plane in tandem with her instructor. This was the scariest moment according to Sarah. As we anxiously scanned the skies suddenly Sarah and her instructor broke through the clouds in free fall. By gum we did cheer when the parachute finally opened and Sarah glided gently to earth and made a safe landing – phew what a relief. Sarah made this sky dive on her birthday in memory of a family member Shaun who recently died of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is probably the worst form of cancer you can get with only a 3% survival rate and it was tragic to see Shaun waste away in agony before his time. Sarah aims to raise £1,000 towards Pancreatic Cancer research and is nearly there. If you would like to help her you can always drop a donation off at the Centre for her.

Thank you.

Mayflower Club Update NOW THAT we have funding from the “Your Community Fund” in place to continue the successful Mayflower Club through 2015, we are planning a new series of exciting and informative sessions for people over 50 and those carers who look after the sick and the elderly.

Recently we have had sessions on keeping warm in the winter and a talk on the Dementia Friends organisation as well as Beetle Drive and Bingo fun sessions and even a go at pancake making and tossing with some hilarious results. Other events being planned include talks on Community Transport for the elderly, the work of the Red Cross and mobility scooter safety. Other sessions will include talks on the Dog Trust, Home Made Wine making, Magna Carta and the Battle of Waterloo and even having a go at WII FIT. This year we also hope to get members out and about with trips to Stoneywell Cottage, Ulverscroft Manor, another village history walk and of course our annual pilgrimage to Skeggy.

AFTER several changes to the dates and times the new social club it is now up and running and will in future meet on Friday mornings at the Centre from 10am to 12noon.

The club is for children under five years of age and their parents, guardians, grandparents and carers.

Sessions will not only include play and activities for your children but, similar to the Mayflower Club, we are also planning a series of activities, talks and information sessions that will help and support people who look after young children.

This is a great opportunity for you to meet up with and socialise with friends and their children and an opportunity to make new friends. All you need to do is turn up on the day. Entrance is only £1 that includes light refreshments for you and your children.

Cancer Research Coffee Morning ON MONDAY 23rd March 11.30am to 1.30pm a Coffee morning will be held at the centre to raise funds for Cancer Research.

Coffee and a cake will only cost you £1.50p and there will also be a raffle. All proceeds will be going to Cancer Research.

Easter Football and Multi Sports DURING the Easter Holidays Mark Shultz will be holding the ever popular football and multi sports sessions for boys and girls.

New Tai Chi sessions at the Centre

BY POPULAR request we have introduced TAI CHI sessions at the Centre on Tuesday afternoons starting at 4pm.

Tai Chi helps you to improve your health, strength, balance, posture and flexibility as well as easing life tensions.

For more information contact the centre or simply turn up at the sessions.

Deter goldfish from having sex by throwing a small bucket of air over any that you catch in the act.

19 Information supplied by Ron Grantham Markfield Community Association

Introduction to Treibball TREIBBALL (pronounced try – ball) is a new competitive game for dogs of all ages and sizes that promotes better teamwork and communication between a dog and its owner.

It’s great fun for any energetic dog and helps them to work well off the leash.

Treibball is generally trained to dogs in a series of small steps that teaches them commands that eventually will lead them to “herding” and gathering balls towards a goal. You can see more by looking up TREIBBALL for dogs on the internet.

Sessions will now take place at the Community Centre from 4pm to 5pm on Tuesday afternoons. The cost is £6 per session but well worth it. You will need to bring along a gym/yoga ball, a mat, post it notes and soft treats for your dog.

Dentures At Home Emergency Mobile

• Emergency Denture Repair Service 7 Days a Week • Duplicate dentures/spare sets available (1 week - 10 days) • Have you got a spare set of dentures?

• Soft lower duplicate dentures available • Large range of all quality teeth available - acrylic to porcelain 30 years experience to the TRADE

Dates For Your Diary • •

9th April 16th May

Markfield Scouts fund raising fayre Dianne Dowell Cancer Research fund raising event

Renewed Money Saving Special Offer 2014/15 MAY I take this opportunity to remind you that the Centre’s Management Committee have agreed to extend our special offer available of free room hire for bar functions for the coming year.

Over last year this offer has helped people out with the cost of arranging special events, family occasions, parties and other celebrations. For further information please contact the Centre.

For booking and enquiries please contact Markfield Community and Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST, ring us on 01530 242240 or email at markfieldcommunitycentre@hotmail.co.uk Visit our website at www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com to see our facilities, latest news, photo gallery and information about the Centre

David Smith - 1 The Burrows, Narborough

0116 275 0101 (home) 07880 973 742 (mobile) Sky Sports & BT Sports Multi-Screen Now Available

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

Wednesday is

“STEAK NIGHT” 2 Steaks, With Hand-Cut Chips, Peas, Tomato, Mushrooms & Two Glasses of House Wine - £18.95

Traditional Sunday Lunch 1 Course - £8.00 2 Courses - £10.00 3 Courses - £12.00

With personal service to your table

Home-Made Pie Night - Tuesdays - £5.95 Lunches & Snacks: Tues-Sun Eves (Tues-Sat): ‘A La Carte’ or Snacks • Weekend Specials A Welcoming Homely Atmosphere, Garden & Great Food!

Drill a 1” diameter hole in the fridge door. This will allow you to check that the light goes off when the door is closed.

20

Local author The endless pressure for housing on our open spaces rolls back the years County Councillor’s Report from David Sprason

David Sprason IT IS DISAPPOINTING to see that our open countryside is being threatened again by the proposal for the 49 dwellings at Beech Drive Thornton and 120 dwellings at Kirkby Road Desford.

We are already seeing housing developments across the rural areas in Markfield, Stanton under Bardon, Desford and in fact across the whole Hinckley and Bosworth area. Many of these sites were opposed by local communities but given permission following an appeal to government inspectors by developers. In fact many of these unco-ordinated new housing developments do not fit in with individual communities themselves.

The numbers and mixes of different sized houses, up to 5 bedrooms do not match the identified local demand profile for affordable 1-3 bedroom properties. The actual build mixes target potential incomers at the expense of existing residents. In fact what is really happening across the area does not match Hinckley & Bosworth’s own stated strategy. In other words I am afraid we have been sold a pup.

The driver for this is the government’s requirement for more houses through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which sets a presumption in favour of sustainable development or referred to by many as a ‘Developer’s Charter’. It is clear from government that we have a growing need due to a growing population. Migration Watch have reported that a third of all housing is needed due to the increase in new arrivals to the UK. The planning minister Nick Boles is quoted as saying “Vast swathes of the countryside will have to be sacrificed to build new homes.”

There is also clear evidence that property developers are creating extensive estates with a build mix designed to create a profitable market aimed at outsiders and not current community needs.

We are also already seeing a gap emerge as the need for affordable 1-3 bedroom houses are not being met and that the requirement for social housing is being ignored. We have a growing number of older people needing to downsize. We have young people looking to get on the housing ladder with one bedroom flats.

These are the types of houses that have been identified by agents across the area and are not being delivered. The pressure for housing will need to continue as across Hinckley & Bosworth it is required to build 7,000 new houses to reach its government target.

I have always agreed that we

require new houses but they should be to meet the recognised community needs and not for a financial gain. It is currently too easy for developers to put houses in rural open countryside against the wishes of local communities. It should be more sustainable brown field sites and empty properties that need to be prioritised and utilised first. We need to do all we can to protect our open countryside from development by offering alternatives.

The planning rules in the NPPF need to be changed to make it easier to build on brownfield sites.

Central government should be listing available brownfield sites for development; they could issue lowinterest bonds for decontamination.

Houses on brownfield sites could be exempt from stamp duty on

the first sale and VAT relaxed to encourage development of these sites. The same approach could be taken to bring empty homes back into use.

Ii is my belief that this would help to ease the constant pressure on our rural open spaces from unwanted development while meeting our housing needs. We also need to have a real honest conversation on how we can reduce the demand for housing in our area and the UK.

TONY DUNSBEE has lived in Markfield for over twenty-seven years. After retiring in 2009 as a senior manager in the field of professional regulation, he spent the next five years indulging his lifelong passion for Sixties’ music by researching and writing a book about it. This month sees its publication.

Combining Tony’s own personal memories and critical analysis with a wealth of contemporary documentary evidence, Gathered From Coincidence reconstructs a truly momentous era to tell the story of the music of the Sixties year by year. Each chapter also places that music in a broader historical and cultural setting of landmark events at home and abroad to show how, as the decade unfolded, the paths of pop and current affairs drew ever closer together.

If you thought the Sixties were just about the fleeting dreams of hippies in the Summer of Love, then think again! This book will open your eyes to a far-reaching imaginative legacy and how it came to shape pop music as a dazzling art form in its own right.

Published in paperback by M-Y Books (ISBN 978-1-909908-32-1) at a recommended retail price of £19.99, it can be ordered either online or through high street booksellers. (An alternative e-book format is also available.)

Play ‘Indiana Jones’ with your pet mouse using a length of drain pipe and a cricket ball.

21 Holy Week and Easter

Meditations

Good Friday 3rd 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 under Bardon

Tenebrae

Tuesday 31st March 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.

Fish and Chip Supper and Holy Communion

Maundy Thursday 2nd April 6.30pm at St Mary's, Stanton u B

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

Easter Day Services Sunrise Service

Easter Day, Sunday 5th April 6.20am 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!

An evening of fellowship over supper, followed by sharing together in an informal service of Holy Communion.

Other Easter Day Services

Family Stations of the Cross

10.30am All Age Service at St Michael’s, Markfield

Good Friday 3rd 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. About 30-40 minutes followed drinks and Hot Cross Buns.

Suitable for all ages.

9.00am Holy Communion at Bagworth Com Centre

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

Holidaymakers: Beware TABLE TOP & CRAFT FAYRE of ‘copycat’ websites St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak

Bric a Brac, Crafts, Cakes, Raffle HOLIDAYMAKERS looking tohomemade renew their are Refreshments including soup,passports scones being urged to steer clear ‘copycat’ websites.

SATURDAY 18th of APRIL 12noon till 3.30pm

Leicestershire county council’s Trading Standards Service is warning COPT OAK MEMORIAL HALL, LE67 9QB jetsetters to avoid sites that claim to renew official documents and charge NEXT TO COPT OAK PUB extra fees.

Admission 50p – children free - Ample free parking The team has been contacted by residents who have been fooled into further information ringrenewal 01530 fee, 244229 0116 the 2674746 payingFor around £50 on top of the just or to have application form checked.

Stalls £10 - Booking essential - Proceeds to St. Peter’s Church Other websites are also reportedly charging £20 for a European health insurance card, which is free from the NHS. Joe Orson, county council cabinet member for Trading Standards, said: “It is very easy to end up on one of these third party websites and be misled by them.

“If you need to apply or update your details for these documents, you should do so using www.gov.uk as this official site will direct you to the website you need.”

David Bull, head of the council’s Trading Standards Service, added: “People can easily be fooled, these websites work by charging a fee for forwarding consumers’ details onto the correct authority, or for processing the application by posting you the information for you to apply directly.

“Consumers need to be aware that these sites usually state that they are not official ones and they are charging for something that is available free or cheaper elsewhere.

“However, we are receiving regular complaints from residents, who feel they have been misled by these websites and some banks are refusing to refund their account holders, who have used the unofficial sites.”

A British adult passport renewal is currently £72.50. Some consumers have used websites which charge a fee of around £50 just to check the application form.

If you have fallen victim to one of these sites then report the site to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, for advice and guidance contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Advice Service on 03454 04 05 06.

Additional information on updating travel documents visit www.gov.uk

Fool people into thinking you wear glasses by pressing a hot tea spoon on the bridge of your nose.

22

BOOK Parenting a Violent Child - steps to taking back control and creating a happier home

By Islay Downey and Kim Furnish, Darton Longman and Todd £9.99

A new wave of abuse is happening behind the doors of family homes, but it’s one that many are too ashamed to discuss.

Domestic violence used to mean an angry man beating a helpless female partner and child. But last year more than 12,000 parents called ParentLine to report violent children landing blows bits and punches on them when they didn’t get their own way.

Islay Downey, featured practitioner on Channel 5’s My Violent Child (as well as adviser on BBC 2’s Blame the Parents) and Kim Furnish have written the first book on this issue specifically for parents. The book offers warm and sympathetic step-by-step advice to look at the underlying causes of violent children, and encourages the parent to examine their own lives to prepare strategies for effective change.

If you enjoy reading The Herald, please pass it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it. Thanks!

Extracts from Markfield Parish Council Minutes THE FOLLOWING items were among the topics discussed at the meeting of Markfield Parish Council on Tuesday 3rd February 2015. The information comes from the unapproved minutes, and therefore may be subject to correction or alteration.

MARKFIELD CRIME FIGURES- 01/01/2015 TO 31/01/2015 • Damage to motor vehicle x1 • A vehicle on Leicester Rd had its rear window shattered.

• Damage x1 • A large object was thrown at the some rear patio doors on Hillside causing damage to the window and framework.

• Theft x4 • The garages on the A50 have suffered from recent thefts of fuel.

• Burglary Dwelling x1 • There was an attempted burglary to a property on Leicester Road.

• Burglary other than Dwelling x1 • Tools have been removed from the building site on London Rd and the Islamic Centre was entered by unknown persons and an untidy search was conducted.

• Theft from motor vehicle x3 • Vehicles on London Rd and the Travelodge car park were entered and tools were removed from them.

Mrs M Bowler reported an incident of a broken down HGV causing an obstruction on Ratby Lane last week.

She had reported the matter to the police via the non-emergency 101 service but after 5 hours there was no police in attendance. She therefore contacted the Local Beat Team directly who did respond and the matter was resolved within a further 2 hours.

Mr T Lockley informed the members that Leicestershire Police

were looking to recruit 1000 Police Support Volunteers.

The Community Partnership Library Service: - Mr. D Sprason stated that the Community Library Group had Registered an Interest and Leics County Council officers had agreed that the proposal was viable. A business manager had been appointed in order to draw up a 7 year business plan and a public consultation meeting would be held early in March to formulate the plan.

Leics. County Council’s spending Budget 2015- 2019: Mr D Sprason stated that the County Council were facing a further 25% cut in government funding over the next four years to 2018/19. Therefore Leicestershire County Council needed to make £81.6 million of savings, including £35 million of efficiency savings.

There was also a proposed increase of 1.99% Council Tax rise, each year for the next four years. Cuts needed to be made to every council department, cuts to bus subsidies, road schemes, household waste sites, community museums and job losses of up to 700 full time posts.

Adult social care would be the only area of the budget where spending would be higher by 2018/19 because the need to allocate extra money to meet the needs of an ageing population and more people with learning disabilities. Therefore almost all of the County Council funds would be taken up by the Social Care budget, so the County Council wouldn’t be able to keep all departments and

would be looking to transfer to smaller organisations such as Parish Councils.

H & BBC - Proposed budget 2015/16: - Mr M Lay stated that the Borough Council had managed to increase income predominantly by changing the way business rates are allocated and by no longer transferring New Homes Bonus to parish councils. Planning activity had also increased during the current financial year which also substantially increased income. The Borough Council had therefore showed a nett surplus for this year.

Community Centre Car Park – Mrs D Grantham had again reported bad parking and aggressive behaviour by parents towards community centre staff and other parents. Mr M Lay had discussed the matter with the Principal, Mr A Kitchen and the school had sent a letter to all parents. Mr M Lay had also discussed possible future resolutions regarding this ongoing problem with Mr A Kitchen as the new housing development would only increase the need for further parking provision at the school, Library and around the Community Centre.

Jubilee Playing Fields Motorcycle damage: Mr R Browning reported that the Football and Cricket pitches had again been damaged by someone illegally riding around them on motorcycles. The security of the site needed to be improved; Mr M Lay would discuss this matter with Mr D Moran.

Need Help With Your Accounts?

Contact Markfield Accountancy Ltd

07841 527 713 kellie@markfieldaccountancy.co.uk

www.markfieldaccountancy.co.uk

Accounts preparation Taxation services Bookkeeping VAT services

All at competitive prices Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors

Old telephone directories make ideal personal address books. Simply cross out the names of the people you don’t know.

23

LPT announces new mental health crisis services LEICESTERSHIRE Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) and Richmond Fellowship are pleased to announce new services for people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who are experiencing a mental health crisis.

A telephone helpline, 0808 800 3302, offers support with urgent mental health needs. It is free from most mobile networks and is open between 2pm and 1.30am, seven days a week.

A face-to-face service has also been set up. These are delivered in three locations. No appointments are necessary for the Leicester City sessions, which are: • Thursday and Friday: 10am – 5pm at Apex House, Charles Street • Saturday, Sunday & Monday: 10am – 10pm at The Centre Project, Granby Street.

An appointment-based service operates in Ratby from 8am – 8pm, seven days a week.

Dr Mohammed Al-Uzri, Clinical Director for Adult Mental Health and Learning Disability Services, said “These new services are part of our commitment to providing more support in the community instead of hospital. The telephone helpline and face-to-face sessions will help us provide care to those people whose needs would otherwise intensify, and possibly end in a hospital admission.

“If you know of anyone who is struggling with their mental health and would benefit from talking to someone confidentially, please share with them the details of these new services.”

These services are part of a wider programme to improve crisis services, which includes the commissioning of Box Tree Farm in Ratby, which will open at the end of February. This will provide short-term support for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis and is an alternative to hospital admission.

Richmond Fellowship locality manager Christine Lawrence said: “We’re really excited to be working with Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust to provide these new crisis services. As we’ve been working with local people over the past few months to develop the service we’ve decided to expand the support we provide. We’ll be offering more face-to-face drop-in sessions as well as the helpline and Box Tree Farm as we want to make sure the best possible support is available for people in a mental health crisis when they’re are at their most vulnerable.”

Be young at heart – and live longer!

SCIENTISTS have now found evidence that feeling young at heart really can make you live longer.

It seems that a youthful ‘spring’ in your attitude towards life, and optimism about the future can do wonders for your cardiovascular health.

Researchers at University College London found that when people felt younger than their actual age by three years or more, than they were 41 per cent less likely to have died in the follow-up period of eight years.

It seems that people who feel younger take better care of themselves, maintain a healthier weight, eat sensibly and follow medical advice to a greater extent than people who feel their age, or older. The ‘young at heart’ are also more prone to be engaged in social activities, which in turn keep them mentally alert.

GAS-SERVWELL CHARNWOOD All gas appliances serviced, repaired and fitted

Established 1984 CORGI & Gas Safe Registered

FREE Inhibitor Worth £15 with any Boiler Service Replacement Boiler Specialist Gas Cookers, Fires & Hobs Fitted General Plumbing and Repairs OAP Reduced Rates Same Day Priority Breakdown Visits Power Flushing and Heating Upgrades 10-year Guarantee On Fitted Boilers - Parts & Labour Replacement Radiators, Tanks & Cylinders

Tel: 01530 251315 Mob: 07860 735066 Email: bobzgas@gmail.com

Bagworth Women’s Institute Bagworth WI is hosting a talk by Josephine Burgess on the national charity ‘Save the Children – Now and then’ which everyone is most welcome to attend.

The talk is on Thursday 12th March 2015 at Bagworth Community Centre, opening at 7 pm for a prompt 7.15 start. Refreshments are provided and the cost is £3.50 for visitors. If you want to join in the fun, the competition is to bring and show something connected to your favourite project for needy children.

In April Leicestershire Police will be offering some very valuable tips and ideas on ‘Personal Safety for Women Drivers’ – so look out for further details in next month’s Herald.

Avoid parkingbtickets by leaving your windscreen wipers turned to ‘fast wipe’ whenever you leave your car parked illegally.

24

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays Bookings now being taken for Easter Weekend.

Sports Fans: We now have SKY Sports and BT Sports Multi-Screen.

Foodies: Ask about our new menus! www.bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open To Non-members Sat 21st March: RIOT ACT - Classic Rock Covers Band Sat 28th March: 1970’s EVENING - With Tom & Eddie H - Fancy Dress Optional.

Sat 4th April: THE T.B.C. BAND Mash Up’s & Twisted Medleys Sat 11th April: FINDING GEORGIA - American Country Rock & Blues Featuring Georgie On Vocals Sat 18th April: ALPHA STATES Exciting, New To The Club, Young Band Sat 25th April: MAMA DON’T ALLOW - Rock N Roll Blues & Rock Covers Sky & BT Sports Free Room Hire Available For Your Perfect Party - Bingo Every Tuesday Evening - View Our Website On www. facebook.com/TheThorntonClub Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth.

Tel. 01530 230205 Find us on FACEBOOK - search Bagworth WMC New members welcome.

Every Tuesday night - TARGET SHOOTING - call for details Every Monday night: DOMINOES only £1.50 entry, which includes supper.

Bargain!

Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Bingo & Raffle every Wednesday and Saturday Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each - last Friday of the month - and RAFFLE with excellent prizes.

Sequence dances Sunday Nights with live organist - £2.00 admission 8 pm Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission.

Ask about our FREE ROOM HIRE for those special family occasions.

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Bookings now being taken for Mother’s Day.

The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 ALL SKY SPORTS & BT SPORTS All live TIGERS games.

The Bull’s Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 7th March: A 60’s Night with CHICK Sat 14th March: THE DIRTY WATER BAND All FREE Entry!

Garden & Pub Games etc.

POKER NIGHT - Tuesdays - starts at 8pm The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights Every Fortnight:with ‘KING OF THE ROAD’.

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Friday 6th March: JOHNATHAN PAUL - very good male solo.

Saturday 7th March: DEVANTE quality duo Sunday 8th March: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Friday 13th March: ANDY HAMMERSLEY - excellent male solo.

Saturday 14th March: LESLEY brilliant female solo.

Sunday 14th March: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Friday 20th March: EDDIE BROWN - top male vocalist Saturday 21st March: THE JENTS Classic covers band Sunday 22nd March: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Friday 27th March: DAVE JOHNSON - very good male solo Saturday 28th March: SISTERS IN ARMS - excellent female duo Sunday 29th March: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Friday 3rd April: CHARLIE MAC excellent male solo Saturday 4th April: 8TH DAY excellent duo Sunday 5th April: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Friday 10th April: SARAH TASKER - quality female solo Saturday 11th April: BONNIE Brilliant female solo

Jazz in May: The Brian Humpherson Quintet THORNTON Community Centre will be welcoming back The Brian Humpherson Quintet on Saturday 16th May 2015 - 7.30pm start.

This return visit is in response to several requests from previous audience members.

The quintet is made up of Brian Humpherson (piano), Don Blakeson (trumpet), Mike Read (saxophone), Dougie Wright (drums) and Martin Slipp (double bass). The Guest Vocalist will be Nicole van der Kuinder.

Tickets - priced at £7.00 - will be available nearer the date. For early booking, contact Iris Gleeson on 01530 230453.

Anne Davies to become a Patron of LOROS ANNE DAVIES, the popular television presenter is to become a patron of LOROS. Currently presenting BBC East Midlands Today, Anne has had extensive broadcast experience including radio and TV, both behind and in front of the camera as well as being recognised by the Royal Television Society in 2012 as ‘Best on Screen Personality’.

Anne visited LOROS in the summer of 2014 and was very touched and impressed by the services she saw at first hand.

“To see the difference LOROS makes to so many local patients and their families was a very moving experience”, said Anne, “ and I am delighted to become a LOROS Patron so that I can help LOROS continue to provide their much needed services to terminally ill patients and their families”.

Anne will be joining Alan Birchenall, Julie Bradbury, Ali Mauchlen, Martin Johnson and Mark Selby as fellow patrons. Patrons are household names, locally and in some cases nationally, who generously provide support in a variety of different ways to help promote LOROS and raise funds.

“I am thrilled that Anne is joining us,” said Diane Morris, Fundraising Manager at LOROS, “she brings a wealth of experience and we hope to be working closely with her over the coming years.”

LOROS is very much reliant on voluntary donations to deliver free, end of life care to over 2,500 patients a year in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, so the support of Patrons like Anne is vital.

“This is our 30th year of delivering invaluable care to our patients,” said Paul Keirnan, Director of Income Generation and Communications, “The support from people like Anne is an amazing boost.”

Newtown Linford Gardening Club News OUR WINTER continues to be grey and quite cold but not too much of the white stuff and only short term frosts.

The snowdrops are beginning to show in abundance but seem to be appearing in penny numbers rather than all at once. It seems the ground has been hard during parts of January and so the shoots have had to work harder to push through. Perhaps this year we will still have snowdrops and aconites at the same time as the early daffodils which should make for a grand spectacle.

Our talk in January on Garden Birds from Dr Edwards of the RSPB attracted an audience of 60 members and guests. It was good that we now have the use of the large hall because our numbers have certainly made the small hall impractical. Dr Edwards was a fine speaker and kept us entertained and educated for the full evening.

On March 24th we welcome back Carolyn Tait whose subject this time is seed propagation.

Carolyn has a prestigious position at Coton Manor (right) which is, as many of us know, one of the finest gardens in the West Midlands. She is a very knowledgeable gardener with many years experience at the highest level and we are delighted to welcome someone of her stature.

We have welcomed a large number of new members this year and will be pleased if others want to join us.

If you are interested in our activities just contact the secretary (tel. 242452 or e-mail 01530242452@talktalk.net) , or come to one of our meetings to see how you like it before making a commitment (£2 for visitors).

Alternatively give us a ring and ask for a copy of our programme for the coming year and we will be pleased to send one to you.

Anne and David Couling

Prevent cheapskate neighbours from enjoying your fireworks: simply set them off in your living room with the curtains closed.

25

Do you have any good quality china tea sets, for example Royal Albert, Royal Doulton, Colclough, or Wedgwood?

If so, I would be interested in buying them.

I am also interested in any good quality jewellery (particularly brooches), dolls, bears, toy cars and children’s books (which must be in excellent condition) that you may have for sale.

Please call Viv on 07734 580210 to discuss anytime.

KEITH SMITH (ANSTEY) LTD

6 STADON ROAD ANSTEY LE7 7AY - TEL: 0116 2362395 - sales@keithsmithltd.co.uk

FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY BOSCH

BOSCH SMS50T02GB Dishwasher 12 Place Settings 5 Programmes Half Load Noise Level 50db A+AA Rated Now Only

£279

WMAQL641P £30

Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 6Kg Load Capacity Quick Wash 16 Programmes A++AB Rated Now Only

Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 6kg Load Capacity A+++AB Rated Express Wash

15 Programmes

.99

HOTPOINT Save

WAB28162GB

£299 .99

Now Only

£299 .99

SIEMENS WM14E461GB Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 7Kg Load Capacity 15min Wash 5 Year Guarantee A+++AB Rated Now Only

£399 .99

U12S53N3GB

B12S53N3GB

Double Electric Oven Multifunction Cooking A-20% Rated 67 litre Main Oven CircoTherm Fan H88 x W59.4 x D55

Single Electric Oven Multifunction Cooking A-20% Rated 67 litre Main Oven CircoTherm Fan H59.5 x W59.5 x D55

Now Only

Fitted Kitchens We are pleased to announce that we are now agents for A.W.E Kitchens and Bedrooms Who specialise in Bespoke made to measure kitchen & bedroom furniture Please call in for further details

£549 .99 Free Professional Installation*

Now Only

£379 .99

ANSTEY

Free Removal of Old Appliance Free Removal of Packaging *To Existing Fittings

HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ CREDA ~ WHIRLPOOL ~ ZANUSSI ~ INDESIT ~ BELLING ~ HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ ELECTROLUX

Good Quality Collectables Wanted

HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ CREDA ~ WHIRLPOOL ~ ZANUSSI ~ INDESIT ~ BELLING ~ HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ ELECTROLUX ~

WASHING MACHINES ~ FRIDGE FREEZERS ~ FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ~ TUMBLE DRYERS ~ COOKERS ~ OVENS ~

WASHING MACHINES ~ FRIDGE FREEZERS ~ FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ~ TUMBLE DRYERS ~ COOKERS ~ OVENS ~

io at

lig

ob

EE FR

no

n

e ot

qu

HM

Building Landscapes & Tree Surgery

Landscaping

Tree Surgery

Driveways / Block Paving Patios & Decking Garden Walls / Stone Walls Ponds / Water Features Design Service Available

Trees Removed,

Building

Pollarded, Reduced & Shaped Hedgerows Cut, Laid or Removed Fencing (all types) Logs for sale

Extensions - Porches - Repointing

Harvey: 07725 545065 | Min: 07966 505688 www.hm-landscapes.com Save money on postage by using second class stamps and just send everything a day earlier.

26

Affordable Housing in Markfield

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Drop in session 21st March 10am-12noon Markfield Community Centre RE: Planning permission for the new Jelson housing development off London Road in Markfield.

Forty two of the new dwellings to be developed will be available for affordable housing for people who cannot afford to buy on the open market. The affordable housing will be a mixture of 2 and 3 bedroomed family houses, with 2 flats for single people or couples. The properties will be a mixture of affordable rented and shared ownership (part rent, part buy) properties.

These properties will be owned and managed by a Housing association, but the first lettings of the properties will be let through the Council’s Choice Based Lettings Scheme.

First priority will be given to people with a connection to the parish of Markfield.

People who would like to be considered for the affordable homes must be registered on to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s housing register. Even if you have previously thought that you would not be eligible for affordable housing it is essential that you complete a housing application form to be considered for these new properties. On line applications can be made at www.hinckleybosworth-homes.org.uk Applicants should state their local connection to Markfield.

We will be holding a drop in session for those who may have questions they want to ask, need help completing a forms, need a form to complete or simply want to hand one in. The drop in session will take place on Saturday 21st March between 10am-12noon at Markfield Community Centre. We shall be in the small lounge.

We may repeat the session subject to demand at a later point.

No time for a bath? Wrap yourself in masking tape and remove the dirt by simply peeling it off.

27

Borough Councillors’ Report Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea

Free trees from Woodland Trust THE WOODLAND TRUST sends out free trees every March and November to groups across the UK. Packs come in various mixes of 30, 105 or 420 saplings approximately 2040cm tall. The charity wants to help school, youth and community groups bring people together to plant green shared spaces. It says that “Planting trees is also an ideal way of creating a beautiful, living tribute to those who have helped shape your local community.”

You can apply for multiple packs (e.g. 1x105 wild harvest, 1x30 copse, 1x30 hedge) up to a maximum of 420 trees per delivery season. Applications for packs to plant in November 2015 can be submitted online now until 3 September, while stocks last. Visit our website today for more information and help with how to apply. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/in-yourcommunity.

For the love of chocolate Cllr Chris Boothby Tel: 0116 2388301 or 07880 711222 Email chris.boothby@hotmail.com

Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Budget 2015

Agents for the developers (Marrons Shakespeares). Because of this, we have secured a consultation evening so that residents can meet the applicants and agents to discuss this issue.

The meeting will be held at Thornton Club on Thursday 12th March 2015 from 5pm - 8pm. Chris and Ozzy will be attending.

The ruling administration at HBBC have set this year’s budget with a 0% increase for the oncoming financial year.

Whilst there could have been a slight increase under the 2% cap which would have netted approx £800,000 to spend on the Capital Programme, none of that would have come to Bagworth & Thornton so we felt it best to vote for the 0% so at least residents get something out of it. Residents will notice that despite this, your Council Tax bill has gone up slightly because Leicestershire County Council along with the Police and Fire Authority have agreed a 1.99% increase and the average Parish Council precept being an increase of 2.98 %.

The new banding amounts are as follows:Band B £ 1,177.21 Band C £ 1,345.38 Band D £ 1,513.55.

Beech Drive Application We have been meeting with concerned residents over this controversial application in Thornton.

Many letters of objection have been received by the planning officers at HBBC and also by the

Bagworth Shop Due to further comments on social media sites, we felt it important to update residents with any news we have.

The truth is is that we do not have any as Persimmon Homes are saying nothing. We have instructed a senior planning officer to contact them with regard to possible end users and this he has done but got no reply.

As we have said before, the permission was to build the shop and we have no control as to who goes in. What we can say is that the owners CANNOT convert the shop build into residential without further permission and we would resist this. We will continue to put pressure on the owners to release details on your behalf and will notify you as soon as we hear anything.

Chris & Ozzy Working for you

ARE YOU going to indulge in Easter chocolate this year? Ever wonder where it first came from?

We have the Aztecs of equatorial Central America to thank: it was they who discovered that a certain tree, later named Theobroma Cacao, was well worth cultivating. The Aztecs considered chocolate the ‘drink of the gods’ (Theo means God, broma means drink; hence the name).

The Aztecs credited chocolate for everything from spiritual wisdom to sexual prowess; Emperor Montezuma is reported to have drunk more than 50 flagons of the stuff each day.

The Spanish explorer Cortes also called it ‘the divine drink’, and the conquistadors brought chocolate back to Spain. From there it travelled north, and reached England about 1849. It was first served as a drink, until during the Industrial Revolution it caught the attention of several leading Quaker families, (including the Cadburys, the Frys, the Rowntrees and the Terrys. It was the Fry family who created the first ‘eating’ chocolate… and the rest, as they say, is history. Today the world eats about 600,000 tons a year. Enjoy your Easter egg!

Contact details:

Steph Beeston-Clarke Lead CAP Money Coach stephbc@hotmail.co.uk 01530 243606 / 07572 852684 The churches of Markfield, Thornton, Bagworth, Stanton-under-Bardon and Copt Oak in partnership with Christians Against Poverty are once again offering a FREE short course (3 weeks, 1 evening per week) aimed at putting the joy back into money by teaching people how to chart their household income and take control of their expenditure.

CAP Money coach, Steph Beeston-Clarke who leads the sessions, said: “Delegates who have already attended the course are finding themselves feeling more 'empowered' 'in control' 'confident' and 'optimistic' in handling their finances.

Lots of people are keen to manage their money, but often don’t have the basic skills, so this course is a really effective place to start. We hope that we can help people, quietly and confidentially, take control of their money rather than relying on guess work so they can plan for the future and weather the storm."

The course is run across the country through local churches, which have been trained by CAP. It is designed for anyone whether unemployed, receiving benefits, working, self-employed, retired, newly married or recently divorced.

The CAP Money course isn’t for people with debts (though they can be catered for). It’s for everyone – students to the newly retired, single people and for families because we’ve seen that learning how to set a budget and stick to it helps to debt-proof people in the long term.

Whether they struggle to make ends meet or are comfortable financially, it will give people a new found freedom in their finances.

The course is offered free of charge to everyone regardless of age, gender, faith or background. https://capuk.org/i-want-help/cap-money-course/course The next course starts in Markfield on 28 April 2015.

Places are limited, so if you would like to book in advance please contact Steph on 01530 243606 / 07572 852684 or email stephbc@hotmail.co.uk

Increase the life of your carpets by rolling them up and keeping them in the garage.

28 Without Walls Christian Fellowship, 135 Main St Stanton Under Bardon Sunday 8th March Service 10am

Local Church Services

Monday 9th March Coffee morning 10am

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & Thornton

Tuesday 10th March Singing Dementia Cafe Shepshed Library 10-11am Prayer meeting 7pm

Sunday 8th March 10.30am Morning Service with the Lord’s Supper

Friday 13th March Singing Dementia Cafe Loughborough Library 10-11am, Coalville Library 1.30-2.30pm Sunday 15th March Service 10am Monday 16th March Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 17th March Singing Cafe Shepshed library 1011am Fellowship dinner 6.30pm, call 07875378628 for details Friday 20th March Singing cafe Loughborough Library 10-11am, Coalville Library 1.302.30pm Sunday 22nd March Service 10am

Sunday 15th March (Mothering Sunday) 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 22nd March 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 29th March 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 5th April (Easter Sunday) 10.30am Morning Service Sunday 12th April 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper 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.

Monday 23rd March Coffee morning 10am

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield

Tuesday 24th March Singing Cafe Shepshed library 1011am Bible Study 7pm

Sunday 8th March 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Afternoon Café Style Service

Friday 27th March Singing cafe Loughborough cafe 10-11am, Coalville library 1.302.30pm Sunday 29th March Cafe 4U 4pm Monday 30th March Coffee morning 10am Tuesday 31st March Singing Cafe Shepshed Library 1011am Sunday 5th April Easter service 10am

Markfield Congregational Church 01530 242142 Sunday 15 March 10.30am Joint Service for Mothering Sunday in St Michael’s Parish Church Sunday 22 March 10.15am Morning Worship Sunday 29 March 10.30am Palm Sunday United Service in Trinity Methodist Church plus Village Walk Friday 3 April 7.00pm Good Friday Meditation Sunday 5 April 10.15 Easter Day Morning Worship followed by Communionp

Thursday 12th March 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café Sunday 15th March - Mothering Sunday 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service Sunday 22nd March - Passion Sunday 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening Service Thursday 26th March 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café Sunday 29th March - Palm Sunday 10.30am Morning United Churches Together Service at Methodist Church 6.00pm Evening Service Sunday 5th April - Easter Sunday 9.00am Morning Breakfast 10.30am Morning Communion Service 6.00pm No Evening Service Sunday 12th April 10.30am Morning Service 4.00pm Afternoon Café Style Service Sunday 19th April 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm Circuit Evening Service at New Parks Methodist Church

Thursday 23rd April 2.00pm - 4.00pm Music Café Sunday 26th April 10.30am Morning Service 6.00pm No Evening 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 15th March 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Friday 20th March 8.00 pm “Still Friday” Sunday 22nd March 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service Thursday 26th March 6.00 pm “Reflection” at the Congregational Hall Sunday 29th March 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield Palm Sunday Walk and Service at Trinity Methodist Church 6.00 pm Joint Evening Service Friday 3rd April/Good Friday 2-3.00 pm “Hour at the Cross” Meditation Sunday 5th April 6.20 am Short Sunrise Service at Hill Hole Easter Day 10.30 am All Age Easter Service 6.00 pm Easter Holy Communion Sunday12th April 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion Friday 17th April 8.00 pm “Still Friday” Sunday 19th April 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 22nd March 10.30 am “Something Different” Service Sunday 29th March 10.30 am Single Holy Communion Service Thursday 2nd April/Maundy Thursday 6-30 pm Supper and Holy Communion Friday 3rd April/Good Friday 7-30 pm Good Friday Meditation Sunday 5th April/Easter Day 10.30 am Easter Holy Communion Sunday12th April 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th April 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 26th April 10.30 am “Something Different” Service

St Peter’s Church, Thornton Sunday 15th March 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 22nd March 10.30 am All Age Service Wednesday 25th March 10.00 am Midweek Communion and Coffee Sunday 29th March 10.30 am Single Holy Communion Service at St Mary’s, SuB Friday 3rd April/Good Friday 10.00 am Family “Stations of the Cross” Sunday 5th April/Easter Day 10.30 am Easter Holy Communion Sunday12th April 9.00 am Holy Communion Sunday 19th April 10.30 am Holy Communion Wednesday 22nd April 10.00 am Midweek Communion and Coffee Sunday 26th April 10.30 am All Age Service

Thursday 23rd April 6.00 pm “Reflection” at the Congregational Hall

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth

Sunday 26th April 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service

Please note: Services will be at Bagworth Community Centre

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak

Sunday 15th March 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 5th April/Easter Day 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 15th March 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service)

Store any empty cardboard boxes at the bottom of the stairs just in case someone has a fall.

29 Sunday 22nd March 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 29th March 6.00 pm Joint Evening Service at St Michael’s, Markfield Tuesday 31st April 7.30 pm “Tenebrae” Service Sunday 5th April/Easter Day 6.00 pm Easter Holy Communion Sunday 12th April 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 19th April 9.15 am Holy Communion (said service) Sunday 26th April 6.00 pm Evening Prayer rCatholic

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

Sunday Mass Saturday Vigil: 6 pm Sunday: 10 am See Newsletter on the website for details of weekday Mass times, Benediction & Confessions Parish Priest: Fr David Cain: 01530 832098 www.stwilfspriest@gmail.com Parish Website: www.stwilfscoalville.blogspot.co.uk St Clare’s RC Primary School, Coalville: 01530 837747 www.st—clares.leics.sch.uk De Lisle RC College, Loughborough: 01509 268739 www.delisle./leics.sch.uk 2015 Markfield Masses - in the Congregational Church Hall, Main St, beside the Chinese Takeaway: • Wednesday, 15 April at 7pm (30th anniversary of first Markfield Mass in village) • Wednesday 17 June at 7pm • Wednesday 16 September at 7pm All are welcome

On why you should never encourage your congregation

News from Bardon Park Chapel www.bardonchapel.co.uk

The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren There are times when I indulge you too much; why I ever let you run your course “Taking Responsibility for your Church” among our congregation, I am now unable to understand.

I had hopes that it might encourage a few more people to volunteer for the flower rota, or to give occasional help mowing the churchyard.

I even had a vague fantasy that someone might turn detective, and discover who was eating the chocolate biscuits between Sundays, condemning the rest of us to munch on Rich Tea after Services.

Unfortunately, your course turned out to be inspirational, and has fired up our members to take on all sorts of new initiatives. Enthusiasm in a congregation can be a very dangerous thing, especially if people start making decisions on their own.

Those who formed a welcoming group are admittedly well-meaning – although it was more than a little traumatic for those coming through the door the next Sunday to be greeted with frenzied hand-shakes, big toothy smiles, and even hymnbooks. That is unheard of in this church – we always ignore people and leave them to find hymnbooks – if they can.

Naturally, all those offering to take the prayers, produce new orders of Service and even to give the occasional sermon have been booked on the appropriate training courses. By the time they have been completed, I can only hope they will have gone off the idea.

But it was the group which decided to “beautify” the church who have proved the most tiresome. Hanging the Christmas tree lights round the altar made it look as if I was standing behind a fairground stall, waiting to invite people to throw hoops round teddy bears – although I would have rather enjoyed making winners sit for the rest of the Service holding a polythene bag containing a goldfish.

Our pulpit has also been given a makeover, with the various panels painted in contrasting colours; I am sure the sixteenth century Flemish woodcarvers would be delighted with the result, although the next time any medieval historians come to view it, I shall take the day off – probably travelling abroad.

My dear Darren, your course took the stopper out of the bottle; would you please run another to put it back?

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Family Worship Service every Sunday morning at 10.30am.

Our gatherings are fairly informal.

Everyone most welcome.

The Monthly Praise Meeting (1st Saturday in each month, except August and January) is at 7.00pm. Come and enjoy a lively time of singing, encouragement, testimonies and uplifting messages.

Light refreshments afterwards in the school room.

Our popular Art Class begins a new 8 week term on Thursday 5th March between 7pm and 9.00pm. The class tutor is a retired art teacher. The fees for the whole term are £30.00. If you are interested in attending the class or to find out more, please contact the number below.

Find us at the roundabout at the junction of Shaw Lane (A 511), Bardon Road (A 511) and Beveridge Lane (B 585), take the Leicester-bound (eastbound) carriageway of the A 511 road, and the chapel is on the left after about 50 metres. There is a large car park at the back.

For more details on any of the above please contact: Richard Norburn on Tel: 01530 242526

Spring Craft Fair And Table Top Sale At Thornton Community Centre YOU ARE warmly invited to our Craft Fair and Table Top sale at Thornton Community Centre on Saturday March 21st from 2-4 pm. 50p entrance, children free.

We have over 20 tables- a mixture of Crafts and ‘Table Tops’.

Tombola Raffle and Light refreshments also included.

Come along -bag a bargain or pick up a special handmade gift.

This is a fund raiser for the Community Centre.

Take your dustbin to the supermarket with you so that you can see which items you have recently run out of.

ord Search Puzzle

http://puzzle

30

Steven Spielberg Film Wordsearch

Passcode/Create New User

“I don't dream at night, I dream all day; I dream for a living.”

Steven Spielberg

H C I N U M S R L F J B K E X W N

N N P D N T V D Z E O K B L B A M

Q U U J Y K O U Q V R H D P Y S U

F E S M L A N W R A D F R R L C R

L V L E B M U T P J U M E U A H I

L N P X H C P C O Q C T C P N I K

DUEL EMPIREOFTHESUN JAWS JURASSICPARK MINORITYREPORT MUNICH SAVINGPRIVATERYAN SCHINDLERSLIST THECOLORPURPLE THETERMINAL WARHORSE WAROFTHEWORLDS

T X Y K K T I I M M A X E R I N E

FIND THE NAMES OF 12 FILMS DIRECTED BY STEVEN SPIELBERG in this month’s Wordsearch puzzle and you could win yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are offering a TASTY prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel.

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 films directed by Steven Spielberg. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: ET PHONE HOME, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by E Z F L R J K L W S Wednesday 25th February 2015. Remember to include your name and Y S I U U A A T A T address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s binocular Q V R R B A M V R R case will win the Meal for Two at The Field Head Hotel. Good luck!

C U S F A R V S J P O M D E

F S S N O I R R I M L R L B

A M G E R E R G K N O E E T

O G N P Z C R K Q N C T R X

Z H G R J E G I X T E E S E

I N R O D G G U P I H H L J

I A H A X V R T Z M T T I A

V N T B W N B O A B E J S W

O F T H E W O R L D S K T S

O P E R Y T I R O N I M H R

Here are the twelve Spielberg Films to find: DUEL • EMPIRE OF THE SUN • JAWS • JURASSIC PARK MINORITY REPORT • MUNICH • SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SCHINDLERS LIST • THE COLOR PURPLE • THE TERMINAL WAR HORSE • WAR OF THE WORLDS

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

Address: ............................................................................................. ........................................................................................................... ................................................................ Postcode: .............................

Last Month’s Competition was Impossible!

Due to a malfunction, the silly computer failed to update the wordsearch grid in last month’s issue, so none of the listed words were in the grid.

Isn’t modern technology rubbish! Bring back the quill, I say.

LFE FILM EVENINGS

Enjoy a night at the movies ... with a free hot drink and biscuits

£9.99

Our popular Valentine’s Day event runs from

Enjoy TWO Mains for15th February, Friday 13th February to Sunday

Created by Puzzlemaker

Treat Your Mum on Mother’s Day Sun 15th March

3 Courses for £17.95 Don’t Miss Out - Book Now!

The Fieldhead Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9PS

Tel:01530 245454 Email: 9160@greeneking.co.uk www.fieldheadhotel-markfield.co.uk

LFE Film Evenings on Thursday 2 April 2015 will feature “What we did on Holiday”. atOur DiscoveryEducation.com

This is a recent British comedy which is hilarious and emotional in equal measures.

Doug and Abi are taking their three children on a trip to Scotland for a big family gathering in the midst of a difficult divorce. They have asked the kids to keep this a secret from their extended family.

A completely unexpected turn of events involving the children causes further tensions to rise to the surface, with the repercussions that ensue.

Directed by Andy Hamilton, the cast line-up includes David Tennant, Billie Connolly, Rosamund Pike, and Ben Miller. Run time is 1hr 35min.

For people who have not been to Leicester Forest East Parish Hall this year, there is a pleasant surprise in store, because it has been completely refurbished and now has a very cosy atmosphere.

Venue: the Parish Hall, Kings Drive, Leicester Forest East. Cost: £5.00.

On arrival a complimentary hot drink and biscuits are provided, as well as a free prize raffle for a double ticket to be used at any future showing.

Doors open at 7.00pm; the film show starts at 7.30pm.

Keep an empty milk bottle in your fridge in case someone wants black coffee or even tea.

31

Registered Charity No. 1146649

Falls Prevention - Markfield Tai Chi Qigong (Moving Meditation) with Tranquil Heart

Fancy a cuppa?

Guide Dogs invite you to an informal Open Morning to be held on Tuessday 24th March between 10-midday at Bishop Street Methodist Church, 10a Bishop Str, LE1 6AF

Consisting of a set of 18 moves that help to improve health and well-being. Performed gently but with concentration on posture and the breathing. The movements help to improve flexibility, reduce stress and rejuvenate the body.

Every Tuesday 4.00pm - 5.00pm at Markfield Community Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield

LE67 9ST plus free cuppa and a chat ÂŁ5 per session. Contact: Nasser Butt on:

Tel: 07792 242150 Email: explosivefist@googlemail.com Age UK / Emma Hopkins on 01455 619519

Come along and learn more about the Guide Dogs, the valuable contribution of our volunteers and other ways in which you can get involved. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more details please call 0845 372 7344 or email Coventry@guidedogs.org.uk Registered charity in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). 7871 01/15

SINGLE MEN: Fool people into thinking you’ve got a girlfriend by standing outside Top Shop with loads of bags.

Estate Agent for Markfield, Field Head, Stanton-under-Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth

Estates

Thinking of selling?

al

oc

rL

u Yo nt

e Ag te

ta

Es

Tel: 0116 235 8682

www.charnwoodestates.co.uk

Charnwood Estates, 4a Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicestershire LE7 7BJ Charnwood Estates is a trading name of Charnwood Estate Agents Ltd. Company Registration number: 08353028