October 2010 Herald Magazine

EARLY-OCTOBER 2010

Packed with information!

Please read every page!

Council leader slams inspector’s decision on Markfield houses

Memorial Football Match to remember Adam & Rachael

Liberal Democrat leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Cllr Stuart Bray has written to Secretary of State Eric Pickles to slam the decision to approve the erection of 147 houses off London Road, Markfield.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Councillors had rejected plans to build 112 homes on a 10.5 acre farmland site off London Road, Markfield, following opposition from villagers.

More than 700 people objected to Jelson Homes’ scheme and it was also opposed by Markfield Parish Council and Bosworth MP David Tredinnick. But now, following an appeal by the developer, a planning inspector has overturned the council’s ruling.

Cllr Bray is urging Mr Pickles to overturn the inspector’s decision.

Cllr Bray said “This decision flies in the face of the government’s desire for local people to have more say over planning decisions in their community.

“I am urging the Secretary of State to urgently intervene to overturn his planning inspector’s decision.

“The Borough Council, following government guidance has gone through a thorough process to develop a Core Strategy in which many thousands of local people have had an input in. A government inspector has already ruled that this document is sound and should be used to determine planning in the Borough over the next 10 years.

And now a different government inspector has ignored the plan.

In my view Mr Pickles must now overturn the latest decision or the council and local residents will have no faith in the planning system.”

SEE ALSO: David Sprason (page 6) and Matthew Lay (page 16)

The last Memorial Football Match for Adam and Rachael was yet again a great success and a good time was had by all. The weather was kind and it was a good football game with the yellow team winning 3-1.

We would like to thank the footballers, friends and everyone for making it a day to remember. Also thank you to Jan & Keith at the Queens Head pub.

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone over the past ten years for their support and kindness helping us get through the worst time. It has meant so much to us to know you care.

Adam and Rachael loved their friends in the village and would be so proud of you all. Thank you so much.

Wendy, Graham, Lynda & Dave

Questionnaire will be distributed in the November Herald

Affordable Housing Need is to be Assessed in Bagworth and Thornton

• Do you need an affordable home to enable you to stay here?

• Where are our young people going to be able to afford to live when they grow up?

• Ours is an expensive area for housing • Are families living in poor conditions?

• Are people being forced away by high prices?

So… • Make sure you complete and return the questionnaire when you get it in November • Innovative Coalition initiatives could enable us to do something if we need to

To find out more, contact your Rural Housing Enabler, Richard Windley, on 01530 276546.

Or email: richard.windley@midlandsrh.org.uk

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 7th November - Advert & Articles Needed By 23rd October

This issue of The Herald is being delivered over the weekend of 9th & 10th October 2010 by our team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Amy, Coral, Daisy, Matthew, Janet, Jack, Don, Sam, Maureen, John, Yvonne, Lauren, Gill, John, Helen, Jeanie, Jenny, Sarah, Susan, Thomas, Tracey, Alex, Ann, Rowan and John & Sue.

Next Issue (November) - Out on Weekend of 6th & 7th November. Please send your adverts & articles before 23rd October.

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

Tel: 01530 244069 Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk Website: www.markfieldherald.co.uk The Herald is a monthly local magazine delivered free to approximately 4,000 homes and businesses in Markfield, Field Head, Stanton under Bardon, Thornton and Bagworth.

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

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The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Herald Production Team.

The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies.

The Herald cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

RECENT COMMUNITY FORUM IN RATBY

Communities work together!

The recent Markfield, Ratby & Groby Community Forum met at the Ratby Methodist Church on 9th September to bring together the community in an innovative way.

An open discussion with expert facilitators took place to discuss how communities from different backgrounds can address issues such as anti social behaviour to community cultures and perceptions.

The forum involved various agencies, including the Police, NHS, local residents including members from settled and non settled communities.

One of the local residents of the settled community said ‘I learned from other communities and enjoyed the opportunity to talk face to face with neighbours’ Members of the Gypsy and Travellers Equality group (G.A.T.E.) said ‘We all enjoyed the evening and felt it was a first time that members from the settled community and the Gypsy/Travellers had got together in such a positive way to discuss issues around young people that affected both the settled community and the Gypsy and Travellers’ County Councillor and Chair of the Forum, David Sprason explained that Gypsies and Travellers are not a new phenomenon. The first public record of Gypsy living in Leicestershire was in 1571. Working together is necessary to ensure we address dividing issues.

The next forum will take place on 17th February 2011. For further details please visit www. leicestershireforums.org/markgro/ or call us on 0116 305 7565

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.

ADVERTISING RATES - PAGE 35

Parish Calendar Markfield Open Gardens Reminder Don’t forget to send in your photographs of picturesque corners of Thornton, Bagworth and Stanton under Bardon for the Parish Calendar of 2012.

Remember they should be 7” x 5” colour photos if at all possible. We do need you to keep the photo(s) safely stored electronically till October 2011. If there is a problem with this please do let us know.

Write your name, address and telephone number very clearly on the back of the photo, and the month the photo depicts. Leave the photos at Sue and Lloyd’s shop or post to 34, Highfields, Thornton with the envelope marked “Parish Calendar 2012”.

Thank you,

Jo Leadbetter

18th & 19th June, 2011

MARKFIELD MEDICAL CENTRE

SEASONAL FLU CLINICS If you are in any of the following priority groups you

are eligible for a seasonal influenza vaccination:• •

This venture will be a first for Markfield, and it is hoped that it will attract the village community and beyond.

So far it has been agreed that admission to gardens will be by programme, and lunches & cream teas will be available at the Methodist Church & Scout Hut respectively. Gardens do not have to be “manicured” and immaculate – the greater the variety, the greater the interest. Should you decide to open your garden you might take the opportunity to do some fundraising for your chosen charity.

Are you interested? Would you like to know more? If so, come along to an open meeting on Tuesday, 23rd November at 7.30 p.m. in the Methodist church.

Or contact Fran Johnson on 243500 or Linda Walmsley on 242607

• • •

All those aged 65 years and over All those aged 6 months or over in a clinical risk group which includes patients with chronic respiratory disease and asthma that requires continuous or repeated use of inhalers or systemic steroids, chronic heart disease, chronic renal disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease or diabetes Those living in long stay residential care homes Main carers of an older or disabled person or those in receipt of a carer’s allowance Pregnant women who have not previously received the H1N1 swine influenza vaccination

Appointments for the seasonal influenza vaccination will be available from the beginning of October with the main flu clinics available on Saturday mornings.

The first clinic is scheduled for Saturday 9th October – please make sure that you call for an appointment to have this important vaccination early in the season.

It was all so different before everything changed.

Chloe the Library Cat

Sport In Thornton & Bagworth

Sad news - Chloe the library cat died on 24th August 2010.

Can You Help?

She had been a regular visitor to Markfield library for 13 years and will be sadly missed by the staff and customers.’

She had the endearing habit of nodding off on library users’ laps when they were sitting reading or using the computers. She would lap up any amount of attention given to her by the children, and also acted as the library security guard by sleeping outside the door and patrolling the grounds when the library was closed.

She was a constant companion to the staff, and loved all of the fuss and treats that the visitors to the library gave her.

Chloe - we’ll miss you!

We are looking for volunteers for Youth Football and Cricket Teams in Bagworth & Thornton to : • Form the Management Committee • Help run the teams • Train to coach the cricket and football teams.

To enable us to provide interested people with more information, tell them a bit more about what is involved, and give them an opportunity to ask any questions, we have arranged meetings at the following venues and we would be delighted if anybody interested in volunteering could join us.

•

•

Thursday 14th October, 6:15pm at Thornton Community Centre, Tuesday 26th October, 7:00pm at Bagworth Community Centre

Siân Mitchell

Stronger Communities Worker Community Action Hinckley & Bosworth

Mobile: 07760 762897 Tel: 01455 633002

Moves to block lay-by car sales Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council is taking action to stop lay-bys being used for unauthorised car sales, according to a report in the Leicester Mercury.

Several complaints have been received from people fed up about the daily line of cars for sale next to the A50 at Markfield.

The Borough Council is now warning the roadside car dealers that they could face £100 penalties for trading without a licence, or a fine of up to £2,500 if they are taken to court and convicted.

Markfield WI’s Programme Oct 20th AGM & a selection of novelties to make with

Marilyn Brooks

Meet at: Markfield Trinity Methodist Church, Main Street, MARKFIELD, LE67 9UU When: 3rd Wed of month at 7.45pm • Contacts: President, Mrs. Fran Johnson, 197 Main Street, Markfield • Tel: 01530 243350 email: markfieldfran@hotmail.com

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

The Weeping Fig Ficus Benjamina is both one of the best and easiest of houseplants. Easily recognised by its elegant smallish leaves on drooping branches.

Stays quite small, fitting easily into many household positions.

Mine is kept in the bathroom, seemingly thriving on neglect but doubtless benefiting from the humid atmosphere. Would make an ideal gift. If doing this, however, the recipient must be warned that this plant has a most unusual peculiarity.

Once settled into a position, it just does not like to be moved. Do so and it will certainly sulk, beginning to drop leaves, looking generally miserable!

Runner Beans If a poll on favourite vegetables was taken, certainly Runners would feature near the top.

I have long recommended the variety ‘White Lady’ and will continue to do so. It ticks all the boxes – the white flowers give good pollination, it is completely stringless and gives great taste. Might it be overtaken by a new variety ‘Moonlight’?

Independent garden writers sing its praises. A cross between a Runner Bean and a French Bean; also white flowered and said to be of very good taste.

Marshalls, the postal seed firm offered it this year, but now that the larger Thompson & Morgan

Gardening Notes with Ted

Brown of Markfield

A Monthly Mix – Including a Couple of Strange Plants are promoting it for next year, should be generally available in Garden Centres.

Disregarding ‘Green’ issues, supermarkets do a pretty good job in allowing us to eat beans for the whole 12 months, should we wish. In fact these overseas beans are very reliable – sometimes, more so, even when our UK commercially grown ones are available. Not always, but from personal experience some homegrown ones can be both stringy and also picked not quite young enough.

Another reason to grow one’s own.

Also support farmers’ markets and other local sources.

Evergreen Shrubs Shrubs and the odd tree form the back-bone or our gardens.

How the proportion of evergreen shrubs is decided depends on the owners’ requirements. If not too fussy how the garden looks in winter, or if many flowering summer plants are wanted, then fewer evergreens are needed. Looking for a garden with little maintenance, also to look very tidy for 12 months, then the proportion of evergreens, both shrubs, perennials, and ferns, can be as high as 50% or more. Boring, many would say, we need lots of Roses, other fragrant deciduous shrubs and lots and lots of summer flowers. When choosing the evergreens, not too many of the ‘heavy’ ones like Laurel. Also, most must be absolutely hardy. At the same time all we gardeners take risks and will include a small number of those ‘must-have’ plants, slightly tender, and which we risk losing in a winter like the last one. Evergreen perennials include Hellebores, Euphorbias, Bergenias & Yuccas.

The evergreen types of ferns are

much underused. They behave without trouble – just remove all the previous season’s fronds, mid to late spring, taking care not to damage the emerging new ones.

Pittosporums Etc. When choosing evergreens do not overlook those shrubs particularly suited to providing cut foliage.

Flower-arrangers will do this of necessity. Whilst we all like the odd bunch of flowers around, all look better with added foliage.

Pittosporums are one of the best shrubs to provide it. They hail from New Zealand, but most prove hardy here, if sited well and planted, sensibly, in late spring. I have 3 or 4 different ones. All survived last winter without damage. For first choice, the standard green Pittosporum Tenuifolium (above) serves well.

Even better is a selected form of this, ‘Arundel Green’, readily available in Garden Centres. Elegant, small, bright green undulate (wavy) leaves, all set on blackish stems. Can grow tall but kept in check, pruned by cutting foliage as required. There are many coloured and variegated forms. Just to mention a couple of these – ‘Tom Thumb’ stays very small, with purple foliage. ‘Irene Paterson’, a slow-grower with foliage marbled green & white, looking good in winter when tinged with pink. Another evergreen shrub giving good cutfoliage is Osmanthus x Burkwoodii.

Still sometimes listed as Osmarea Burkwoodii. Not planted as often as its merits deserve. Stays reasonably

compact, good small foliage with heavenly fragrant white flowers in April/May. Would make an attractive hedging plant if its slow growth could be tolerated.

Although not evergreen, two perennials that provide long season attractive foliage are the Day-Lilies, also one member of the large Iris family. Day-Lily shoots appear very early season (watch and beware slugs) and remain looking good well after flowering is over. The Iris is one, still sometimes called Iris Pallida Dalmatica, but more correctly is Iris Pallida sub-species Pallida – sorry to say! A very ancient plant, brilliant for long-lasting superb foliage right until early winter. Typical blue, fragrant flowers, the buds enclosed in paperlike coverings. Old enough to be mentioned in Gerard’s Herbal of 1597 – “Whereupon doth grow fair large flowers of a light blew …” The Iris variety ‘Princess Beatrice’ is very similar or might be the same plant.

The latest edition of the ‘Plant-Finder’ proves that small specialist Nurseries are increasing in numbers, but sadly not in our area. Most are operated by owners who love plants, with profits (if any) being a secondary consideration. All deserve our support. Only 3 or 4 in Leicestershire are listed. All Libraries hold a copy of the ‘Plant-Finder’. Also online.

Another Strange Plant The very common-name ‘HorseTail’ is enough to put-off most from trying Equisetum in the garden.

In fact, due to its wandering capacity, I would always suggest confining to containers. The one most easily available is Equisetum Hymale or Dutch Rush.

A most striking plant, no leaves as such, just Bamboo/Rush like stems.

Each stem has 4 or 5” sections with black and white bands at the base of each. Grows to about 3 ft. completely different to any other plant. Some would say “A Beauty”. In my plantselling days it proved very popular in spite of my warnings! One to keep garden visitors puzzled.

P.S. I know that botanical names are off-putting. Regretfully there is no other way of identifying specific plants.

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Don’t worry about what people think, they don’t do it very often.

People asked for their views on council leadership

PEOPLE in Hinckley & Bosworth are being asked to have their say on how the Borough Council will be governed in the future.

At the moment the council is run by a ‘strong leader’ helped by a cabinet executive, who are all chosen by fellow councillors.

However, the Government has asked all local authorities to make a decision on how they want to be governed, this could include changing to an alternative arrangement. This would see the council being run by a mayor, who would be directly elected by the people, backed by a cabinet executive.

The council’s preferred option is to keep the existing arrangement with some minor amendments required by the legislation, but they want to hear what other people think. A feedback form is available on the council’s website (www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk) or comments can be emailed directly to: louisa.horton@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk by 30 October 2010.

All views will be considered and a decision will be taken at the full council meeting in December 2010.

Nailstone School celebrates test results success Pupils, Parents, Governors and Staff have been celebrating the best set of Key Stage 2 test results achieved by the Year 6 pupils at Dove Bank Primary School in Nailstone.

The pupils took the Government Standard Assessment Tests in May and all of them (100%) achieved the required standard (Level 4) in English, Maths and Science. To top it all a significant number (50%) achieved the higher grade (Level 5) in English and 70% in Reading.

One example of amazing achievement was that of one pupil who has spent most of his Year 6 in and out of hospital being treated for leukaemia. It was a huge struggle for him to come to school but he was determined and his courage and determination paid off with Level 4s in all subjects.

Headteacher, Bob Owen, praised the staff and pupils for their hard work and the support received from parents. He said, “the children showed high levels of confidence when taking the tests and really wanted to do well. This is a reflection of the excellent preparation given to them by their teacher.”

Chair of the Governing Body, Joy Crane, said, “the school has gone from strength to strength and can now count itself as being up among the best in the local area thanks to the hard work of children and staff.”

Website – www.dovebank.leics.sch.uk

I consider “On Time” to be when I get there.

County Councillor David Sprason’s Column Let Down by Planners The devastating news that the inspector found in favour of the developer Jelson and has allowed the housing estate to go ahead on the London Road site has left us all in shock.

The inspector placed great weight on Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Councils core strategy and development plan document. You will all remember this imposed 147 houses on Markfield and extended the village boundary, all strongly opposed by local residents. The delay by Hinckley & Bosworth in agreeing the site allocations development plan document means that all the sites in this draft document are now available and open to developers.

I have raised many concerns over the last few years that the Borough Council were going down the road of no return with their rushed core strategy and we will end up concreting over the countryside.

It looks like this is the first of those

sites; Stoke Golding is not far behind with Ratby shortly, subject to the inspector’s interpretation.

We also must not forget that the two local borough councillors Sue and Matthew were kept in the dark and not informed of this application. We however all rallied at the last minute to gather over 720 letters objecting to this application. Our MP David Tredinnick and I have taken this overwhelming local objection and written to the Minister Eric Pickles MP to see if he will overturn the inspector’s decision, he is currently looking into it.

The next issue regarding planning is the Copt Oak unauthorised caravan site, an application for an eight pitch extension was submitted, and this would make it a twelve pitch site. Once again planners were slow to notify local elected councillors to this application only leaving less than two weeks to comment. The MP, highways, Sue and I objected to this application as the site is unauthorised and as such can not be extended. I am pleased to say that the application has been withdrawn for now but we need to

be aware that another application could be submitted.

We also must not forget that in this area we have already seen 22 new pitches, 14 on the Good Friday Site, 4 on the Finney site and 4 on the stables site.

School Transport The scrutiny review panel at County Hall has begun their work looking at hometo-school transport, and the assessment criteria used for walking routes.

This panel was set up as a direct result of the petition over the assessment used on the walking route from Markfield to South Charnwood. The panel is already identifying anomalies over the criteria used and is calling on schools to make representations to them. I have contacted Mr Morris at South Charnwood to make sure that South Charnwood school makes representation to the panel.

Bagworth You will all now be aware of the good news that the Sure

Start centre development has started in Bagworth and should be completed by December.

The redevelopment of the community centre has progressed well with over £200,000 of funding already identified allowing for work to start shortly on this project. I am pleased to see that the arguments made to identify Bagworth & Thornton as a priority neighbourhood has resulted in real tangible benefits for the area. We can, I believe, say that Bagworth and Thornton is no longer a forgotten area and at long last we are seeing much needed facilities developed.

More success for Tae Kwon Do

and I asked them how they did.

I can’t really explain enough how I felt when Nichola told me that she had come 4th in her category. Then I looked at Samantha, who had only ever competed in a competition once before. She had this big grin on her face because she had come in third (bronze medal position).

I could not believe all this from our little Markfield club.

Then I turned to Rachal who just like both the other ladies was smiling greatly. I asked, “Well! How did YOU do?” She replied 2nd Place (Silver Medal). I was just so pleased for them as they put in so much effort when they train.

I don’t think these students would mind me saying that when they started then did not have very much self belief or confidence. Since starting TKD the change has been great in most of the students, and with the results that they are getting in competitions, they have certainly started believing in themselves at last.

Finally I would like to say a big thank you to my daughter Nicole who helps me at the club and who helps get these students to this high standard.

All the students from Markfield Tae Kwon-do are doing really well and have been training hard, if you remember Nichola Mistry and Rachal Matthews have already achieved so much in competitions already.

I think when I last reported Rachal had just come third in the welsh Championships. Since then she has entered the interclub competition in Hemel Hempstead where she won Gold in Patterns, Bronze in Sparring and Gold in Team sparring.

The latest fantastic news is that more of the students from the club are gradually gaining in confidence and are now trying their luck in the competition world.

On 11 Sept 2010, Nichola Mistry, Rachal Matthews and Samantha Taylor all decided to enter the World Tae Kwon-Do Championships which were held at Telford International Centre. They attended the first day of events which had approximately 1,600 competitors from countries all around the world, including Argentina, South Africa, USA, Canada, Australia, Poland, Norway - just to mention a few.

The day for me was amazing. I was on my area when I noticed my ladies standing close by. They looked over

Tony Lewitt TAE KWON DO SUCCESS: Pictured Left To Right Rachal Matthews, Samantha Taylor, Nichola Mistry

TKD (instructor)

How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

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I think my girlfriend has had sixty-one boyfriends before me. She calls me her sixty second lover.

All the latest news from Markfield Sports & Community Centre Annual General Meeting It’s that time of year again with the AGM for the Markfield Community Association taking place at the Centre at 7.45pm on Thursday 21st October.

What a challenging year we have had with all the new extension and other works finally being completed. Despite all the disruption we are virtually back to “normal service resumed” with increased activities, bookings and activities. My sincere thanks goes to all concerned in helping to make the Centre a great asset for the village with increased capacity including the Borough and Parish Councils, the Centre Staff, volunteers, members of the Association’s Management Committee and of course our Centre users who have been patient and loyal through weeks of closures and disruption.

So, why is the AGM so important to us? People are often surprised that the centre is not run by the Council but we are a registered charity that has to plough its own furrow to keep the Centre open, operational and to provide and develop activities and facilities for you the people of Markfield and the surrounding villages. Overseeing the Charity is a voluntary management committee who play an important role in the running and development of the Centre. We are always looking for new blood with new ideas and views to come on to this committee so, if you are interested please come along to the AGM – you will be most welcome.

Another Trip to the Seaside!

Awards for All Workshops

Find out how to apply for Lottery cash

Are you a small community group looking for funding of between £300 and £10,000 for your local community-based project?

If so, The Big Lottery Fund is currently encouraging applications from Hinckley and Bosworth and, in response, we are holding two Awards for All information workshops facilitated by Sean Tizzard, Regional Manager - Development with the Big Lottery. To find out how you could benefit, why not come along on either: • Monday 8th November, 6:30pm – 9:00pm at Thornton Community Centre, or • Tuesday 16th November, 10:00am – 12:30pm at Florence House, Hinckley Awards for All is a small lottery grants programme that aims to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need.

Organisations applying for funding must be able to demonstrate that their project meets one or more of the following outcomes: • People have better chances in life - with better access to training and development to improve their life skills.

• Stronger communities - with more active citizens working together to tackle their problems.

• Improved rural and urban environments - which communities are better able to access and enjoy.

• Healthier and more active people and communities.

• To be eligible to apply for an Awards for All Grant you must: • Be a not-for-profit group (including social enterprises), or you are a parish or town council, school or health body.

• Have a bank account that requires at least two unrelated people to sign each cheque from a potential list of at least three unrelated signatories • Have a governing body with at least three unrelated members • Spend the grant within one year If you are interested in attending and would like to book a place at one of the sessions, please complete the attached form and return it to me at the above address by Monday 25th October 2010 or contact Community Action Hinckley and Bosworth on 01455 633002 or enquiries@vahb.org.uk

Siân Mitchell

Stronger Communities Worker

Following on from our great trip to Skeggy and by popular demand Wednesday 25th August saw a coach load of villagers heading off early once again to the east coast.

This time it was further north east to Scarborough. Lucky we went that far north as the East Midlands and especially Markfield (as usual) was deluged Continued on page 10

Buy someone a unique present!

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I slept like a baby last night.... Waking up every 3 hours crying for food.

I Can Resist Everything Except Temptation Oscar Wilde was not only a celebrity of his day but continues to intrigue the public and make the headlines.

Wilde’s wit is as relevant today as it ever was and he was never far from controversy. More than a hundred years after his death, people from all walks of life are still drawn to Wilde’s dazzling repartee and the wicked brilliance of his social observations.

I Can Resist Everything Except Temptation - the Wicked Wit of Oscar Wilde is published on 16th October 2010

£10,000 for Christmas This year as LOROS celebrates 25 years of providing hospice care for those most in need, the LOROS Lottery is inviting everyone to take part in a fantastic Bumper Prize Draw.

The draw offers an important way of raising money for the hospice, last year bringing in a fantastic £78,000 for patient care. Taking part will help LOROS to provide unique and special care at a time when it is needed most, in fact the LOROS Lottery raises the equivalent of 20 full time nurses on the ward at the hospice.

The prize pot offers a whopping £10,000 first prize and the draw will take place on Friday 24th December, just in time for Christmas!

Tickets will be available from mid October and LOROS Lottery members will receive theirs through the post. Members of the public who wish to take part can pick up tickets from the hospice, any LOROS shop, the lottery office in Glenfield or via our ticket request hotline on 0845 601 6936. But hurry, the closing date for receipt of entries is 17th December!

Good luck in the LOROS 2010 Christmas Bumper Prize Draw and thank you for your support past, present and future.

MARKFIELD MEDICAL CENTRE How can our patients access the best possible care from the surgery At Markfield Medical Centre we aim to always provide a friendly and efficient service for our patients.

Because we look after about 7000 patients, demand for our services can be very high and we have recently introduced a number of patient friendly and positive initiatives to help manage this demand.

Our reception staff are bound by patient confidentiality. One of their key roles is to help patients get the best from the Centre’s Doctors and Nurses and the other services the medical centre offers. You can help them by giving them all the information they need to help you.

Guidelines to booking an appointments Booking appointments can be a challenge! Were you aware that you can book appointments at least one month in advance? One third of all practice appointments are allocated for this purpose:- Ideal if your appointment is for a review or a longer term medical problem.

The remainder of appointments are divided equally between being available to book the day before or book on the day. It is always best to book ahead if you can. You might want to try and avoid Mondays because demand is always very very high after the weekend.

Dealing with problems over the phone Did you know, that many problems can be dealt with over the telephone? One of the Doctors allocates time mid morning where he or she will call patients who have requested a call back. If the Doctor feels he or she needs to see you after discussing your problem an appointment will be made later in the day.

The Practice and District Nurses can also deal with a wide range of problems.

They not only dress wounds, but also review patients with long term conditions such as diabetes, COPD and asthma. Your receptionist may suggest you see one of the Nurses in appropriate circumstances.

Home visits are recognised as sometimes being necessary for patients who are housebound, or very seriously ill. The Doctor will always respond to a home visit where necessary. But, home visits are very time consuming and are not always the best solution because the Doctor may not have all the equipment needed or records available .

If a home visit is requested the Doctor may call first to see if the problem can be resolved over the telephone or by some other means. In most circumstances if a home visit is appropriate it is best to ring before 11am so that the Doctor can schedule in visits after morning surgery.

Repeat Prescriptions I am sure it is no surprise to you that your local practice deals with hundreds of repeat prescription requests every day. It is vitally important that you leave plenty of time for your request to be dealt with. Ideally, order your prescription 3 working days before you need it to give both the Doctor and the Pharmacist time to prescribe and dispense your medication.

We will not take requests for prescriptions or repeat prescriptions over the telephone, because this can result in prescription errors, and causes delays for other patients trying to get through to the surgery.

Where possible patients should use the printed repeat slip issued with your last prescription. You can either send this to the surgery by post, or drop it in at the surgery, either through the post-box out of hours, or in the box provided in reception during surgery hours. You can also register to request a repeat prescription on line, details are available in the surgery of how to do this. Again, please make sure you allow plenty of time for the prescription to be issued (at least 3 days).

If Doctor needs to see you As responsible prescribers, your Doctor may need to see you from time to time because you are due for a blood test or blood pressure check or similar. If you are due for one of these checks the Doctor will make a note on the prescription for you to make an appointment with an appropriate member of the team before you are due your next prescription. The receptionist will advise you who will be the right person to see.

Most surgeries in our area will operate a similar system but it is worth checking with your own local surgery if you are not registered at Markfield so that you are aware of the processes they adopt.

We hope you have found this article informative, useful and helpful in making sure that our patients are aware of how to make the best possible use of the service we provide. We hope that as a result, all patients receive a high standard of care from the Doctors and Nurses and all the staff at Markfield Medical Centre.

Dr Trzcinski and Partners Men are like handguns. Keep one around long enough and you’re going to want to shoot it.

10 All the latest news from Markfield Sports & Community Centre Continued from page 8 with heavy rain all day. As it was we missed all the bad weather until we came back and had a lovely day pottering around the beach front and prom. Some of the more adventurous of us took a trip on the powerboats whilst we sedately enjoyed the attractions, superb dressed crab and seaside fish and chips. How’s about Blackpool illuminations next was the demand when we got back to “sunny” Markfield.

Jazz Charity Evening was a great success

Many of you will know of Jane Thompson’s tireless passion for raising much need funds for DEBRA the Charity that provides for children that suffer from the tragic and extremely painful Butterfly Children Syndrome.

Jane runs her own fitness club at the Centre and with members of her class organised a Jazz Evening to raise more much needed funds. What a successful night it was. Jane was literally overwhelmed with the response with almost 100 people attending.

Music was provided by the “Fearless” Hiss Boo Jazz Band. The band soon got people up and dancing to well know traditional jazz songs as well as a bit of line dancing and a waltz or two. The Band got a rapturous and well deserved round of applause at the end of the evening. By the end of the evening the event raised over £600 for this worthwhile charity. Well done Jane and for those of you who didn’t come along – you missed a treat.

Volunteers Volunteers play a crucial role in the running of the Centre providing all sorts of help in running activities or groups.

Without them we could not provide the range of activities and programme of events that we currently do. So, I am really pleased that my appeal for more volunteers in last month’s edition of the Herald had some success and Continued on page 12

The School ‘Prom’ In 2002, year 9 pupils at South Charnwood High School were granted the fabulous treat of having a disco at the end of the summer term in their final year. How things have changed since then!

2003 saw the very first Year 9 ‘Prom’. This was not a new idea by any means. It originated, as far as I know, in the High Schools of the United States and made its way, like many things, over to our shores in the mid 1990s. Many other schools in the country organised a very similar event, usually at the end of Year 11, just before exam leave started for the pupils. In Leicestershire, with our split system where pupils change schools at 14, it was not quite so popular but most schools now do something similar.

The ‘Prom’ at South Charnwood is a relatively simple affair compared to some other schools. It is held in the school hall and there is simple party food available and the evening is run by school staff. There is a disco which is brought in for the evening. Some schools have their prom at external locations with sit-down 3 course meals served by professional staff. At South Charnwood we are keen to keep it in-house.

So in that first year, pupils on the whole, arrived in parents’ cars and made their way excitedly to the hall through a decorated reception area and candle-lit corridor. Of course the pupils were immaculately attired in prom dresses and suits, mostly evening dress with black tie. The Prom has certainly grown since then and the biggest development has been the way the pupils arrive at school on the night. Of course some parents still bring pupils to school, usually in a convertible sports car which is actually owned or has been begged, stolen or borrowed from family and friends but the vast majority of pupils now arrive in limousines hired for the hour between 6-10 friends. South Charnwood car park is transformed into a procession of enormous, gas-guzzling, stretch limos, out of which emerge excited groups of pupils to rapturous applause and the flashing of cameras. Over the years, just to be different, we have had pupils arriving by horse and cart, tractor, fire engine, open-air bus, motor cycle with outriders and even a helicopter.

The decoration has also changed inside the school with a separate official photo room being set up and hydrogen filled balloons everywhere. In the first year of the balloons we had to take them all out of the school completely because they would set off the fire alarm if left over night in school. There is the famous story of one balloon becoming detached in the hall and floating to the ceiling and avoiding capture by frantic members of staff using window poles for over an hour. Out of this experience emerged the idea that the balloons could be released at the end of the evening. The Prom Committee which had been set up in 2006 came up with this idea and wanted to attach something about South Charnwood to each balloon. Since then every Year 9 has been asked to write their name and their thoughts and feelings about the school on to a small piece of card which is attached to a balloon. At the end of the evening the balloons are released into the night sky, most floating away but some getting tangled in the overhead wires or not making it past the first large tree. In one year a card was returned from Oxfordshire.

So this evening has certainly developed and become one of the highlights of the year for pupils and staff alike. Some may regret the passing of the simple disco, concerned at the cost of the ‘Prom’, but our experience has shown that pupils look forward to it, enjoy it and appreciate the thought behind and the hard work that has gone into it. It has, indeed, become a ‘Rite of Passage’, a fitting way to mark the end of 4 years at South Charnwood High School.

Andrew Morris Headteacher South Charnwood High School

Which is worse, ignorance or apathy? I don’t know and I don’t care.

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a Rite of Passage

The girls are, from left to right, Sophie Saker (14), Ellen Wright (14) and Abbie Button (14).

If men are from Mars, then why can’t we send them back?

12 All the latest news from Markfield Sports & Community Centre Continued from page 8 did not fall on stony ground.

The appeal brought three new volunteers who want to help out with some of our clubs, do a bit of gardening and tidying up as well as coming on our management committee. This is really uplifting and if there is anyone else out there who would like to do a little bit of volunteering at the Centre or with any of the village clubs or activities we will try and oblige. Believe me you will be most welcome.

Just contact the Centre Manager Dawn Beesley and have an informal chat about what you would like to do.

Centre activities on the website I have now got another string to my bow in that Jonny Evans (a previous member of staff) has patiently taken the time to teach me how to be the administrator of the Centre’s website. This means that we can update and even put all the latest news on the Centre’s website at www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com .

Please bear with me for a bit as I am a still a bit of a dinosaur with websites and I am still trying to figure out some of the tools and attachments.

Eventually this will mean that you can view what is going on at the centre by just visiting our website.

Respect the Skate Park Many of you, especially the young people, will have noticed that the skate park is now back up and running.

After eight years of intense use by youngsters the skate park had to be either dismantled or repaired.

Pleasingly the Parish Council has recognised the value young people in the village put on the skate park and there is no doubt that it is well used and appreciated by them so, at considerable expense the Parish Council has repaired the skate park and made it safe for at least a few more years.

However, this is a drain on the Parish and there are a few young people who persist in disrespecting the site at the risk of losing it for the majority who are well behaved and really appreciate this facility. We cannot understand why some of these youngsters are so intent on causing damage, littering or misusing the skate park when others simply want to enjoy using it. On the other hand, other young people want to keep the site and have formed their own user group with the aim of raising funds to help with the maintenance, whistle blow on trouble makers and form a user’s club.

We have met with these young people and despite their relatively young age they have impressed us with their passion to keep the site and their willingness to help.

To those who wish to continue to spoil it for others - BEWARE the site is covered by CCTV and we will be urging the authorities to take appropriate action against you.

Halloween is nearly here By the time you read this edition Halloween will be fast approaching.

The past few years have been relatively quiet compared to previous years and we want to keep it that way. The local beat officers WILL be patrolling the village on Halloween evening which falls on a Sunday this year. We will be holding our traditional Halloween Junior Youth Club party on Wednesday or Friday that week. Parents please ensure your children are safe and not causing a nuisance to others.

Some Dates For Your Diary

• 21st October AGM Markfield Community Association 13th November Church Fayre • 17th November Charity Fashion Show for Rainbows • 5th January National Blood Service • For booking and enquiries please contact Markfield Community and Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield LE67 9ST or ring 01530 242240.

Visit the Centre’s web site at www.markfieldcommunitycentre.com

Update from Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary Some good news, some updates and an appeal on behalf of the “oldies” !

First of all a big thank you to the wonderful readers of the Herald magazine. Thanks to earlier appeals in this magazine, and since the Redgate Dog Show and Open Day (advertised in this magazine), we are pleased to report the following good news: The June Garden Party and traditional Fete – attended by 250 people, (despite the heavy rain), raised just over £500 The August Dog Show and Open Day – attended by 900 local people and their pets, and raised £3,521 towards day-to-day upkeep, food and vet’s bills. These also brought success in other ways: Re-homing statistics (following the above public events): July – 9 kittens, 5 cats, 1 dog, 1 duck and 1 Lovebird re-homed August – 15 kittens, 8 cats, 8 dogs, 2 rabbits and 2 ducks

These are our top priorities now: We now need to make sure we can buy some new equipment that will make life better for all our residents through the winter. Top of the list (essentials) are: (i) Horse blankets, and ... (ii) a vital major purchase that will put an end to much anguish! – an industrial strength washing machine and dryer which would take 11kg of laundry. These cost from £1,600.

As you can imagine, this would be the most fantastic addition to the facilities here – there is no end to washing duties!

An appeal on behalf of the Oldies In the past 10 weeks, 24 kittens and 13 younger cats have been re-homed. However, there are still about 20 ‘middle-aged’ cats (and a few elderly ladies) waiting for you to come and be charmed.

They still have so very much to give – love and companionship.

I have 4 older cats at home and their quirky, loveable characters are just unbelievable – once they have settled in, they really are your pals for life.

Please do visit the Sanctuary – have a look round – support our events – become an official “Friend” – become an occasional dog-walker or cat companion. WE ALSO NEED YOUR SHREDDED PAPER for dog beds! www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk/

Jo Leadbetter

Email: jl172@le.ac.uk

I can have any woman I please. So far, I haven’t pleased any of them.

13

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Procrastination has it’s good side. You always have something to do tomorrow.

14 Successful Thornton Well Being Clinic The Well Being Clinic on 23rd September at Thornton was as successful and busy as the previous one at Bagworth, with large numbers of residents receiving free diabetes, blood pressure and Body Mass Index checks, advice on medicines management, encouragement to eat healthily and plenty of delicious samples to try.

There were representatives from Age Concern, St.John’s Ambulance, The Rural Community Council, Sure Start, LINk, Adult Education, Neighbourhood Watch, Thornton Women’s Institute, a Prostate Cancer charity, Carer’s Support, Cross Hills Chapel parish nurse plus advice from a Leicestershire Together representative on coping with stress and anxiety.

Once again we were extremely grateful to receive professional help and support from Kate, Sian and Yvonne from Community Action Hinckley and Bosworth.

A big thanks must go to Thornton WI too for their cheerful and efficient help with the refreshments.

This event was funded from the Community Forum grant and a third event should take place in the parish before April next year.

Sure Start At long last the building of Bagworth Sure Start Centre has commenced and it is scheduled be finished at the end of the year.

Sure Start brings together childcare, early education, health and family-support services for families with children under 5 years old. It should be an enormous asset to young families in the parish and surrounding district and for that reason we have supported the project from its inception.

Free Sports Coaching for children and young people continues Sian Mitchell from Community Action Hinckley and Bosworth has been able to secure additional funding to enable the popular free sports coaching sessions in the

Bagworth & Thornton Parish Plan Update From Joanne Brown parish to continue.

See the article opposite or for more information mail her on sian. mitchell@btconnect.com or ring 01455 633002 or 07760 762897.

Bagworth Playbuilder As you may be aware, the funding for Playbuilder which our young people in Bagworth have worked so hard to develop and design is under threat.

You can sign the national online petition by going to www. savetheplayground.co.uk Alternatively, if you wish, you can send this suggested letter to the Prime Minister.

‘We are writing to you as our Prime Minister to ask that you intervene to prevent Playbuilder funding being withdrawn.

Playbuilder has brought together communities throughout the UK, to work together to develop and design new playgrounds for the children and young people of their community. These grants were hard won and have already been awarded, but are now under threat by the Department of Education.

This Government is keen to see communities embrace the idea of a Big Society where people give of their time and energy on a voluntary basis. Playbuilder project communities wholeheartedly supported this idea and it would be devastating if these projects were to be scrapped as a result of the withdrawal of Playbuilder. We urge you not to withdraw the grants that have already been promised.’

How to become a parish councillor Parish councillors are elected by the public and serve fouryear terms.

Following elections, councils appoint a chair. Parish councillors were unpaid positions until 2004 when allowance schemes were introduced to encourage more people to stand. Allowances, which tend not to be very large are at the

ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

As part of our aftercare service, we now offer a monthly Bereavement Aftercare & Support Group, which has been set up to provide a FREE support service, not just to our clients, but to ANY bereaved person, irrespective of their age, creed, religion and length of bereavement.

The group meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12noon.

Next dates: Sat 16th October 2010 and Sat 20th November ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548

discretion of the individual councils and they often choose to maintain a strictly unpaid status.

The Election Procedure Ordinary elections of local councillors take place on the first Thursday in May every four years. Our parish council elections should be in 2011 on the same day as the borough council elections.

The Election Timetable is as follows: • The notice of election must be published no later than the 25th day before the election.

• Nomination papers must be delivered no later than noon on the 19th day before the day of election.

• List of candidates is published no later than noon on the 17th day before the day of election.

• Candidates who wish to withdraw their names must send notice no later than noon on the 16th day before the day of election.

• Notice of poll (between7am and 10pm on election day) is given to take place no later than the 6th day before the day of election.

The Borough Council Returning Officer is responsible for conducting and arranging parish council elections. If you are thinking of

standing for election contact the Returning Officer in good time. A prospective candidate must deliver or send by post a valid nomination paper to the Returning Officer. This form is obtained from the Returning Officer.

If a seat becomes vacant midterm (or if there are not enough candidates to fill all council seats at election time) the council will hold a by-election. In certain circumstances the council may then co-opt members to the council.

For more information go to www.nalc.gov.uk ( The National Association of Local Councils website) or www.lralc.org.uk (The Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils website ) Four councillors are required for Bagworth and four for Thornton.

You may not have realised this but the minimum age for standing as a parish councillor is now 18. Younger people can bring fresh ideas and energy, up-to-date IT skills and knowledge of modern business practices to their volunteering roles in the local community and should be encouraged to stand for election along with those of more mature years.

Give it some serious thought before next spring!

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

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

15

Football & Cricket Coaching

Free Sport In Your Community!

Football and cricket coaching sessions for boys and girls will take place at Thornton Community Centre in the coming weeks. If you’re interested, just turn up!

Football Sessions in Thornton Tuesday 12th October 5pm – 6pm (over10’s) Tuesday 19th October 5pm – 6pm (over10’s) Thursday 21st October 6pm – 7pm (under 10’s) Tuesday 26th October 5pm – 6pm (over 10’s) Thursday 28th October 6pm -7pm (under 10’s) Please note: There will be no coaching session on Thursday 14th October. However a meeting will be held for all people interested in becoming involved with coaching and helping to run youth teams in Bagworth & Thornton. See article on page 3

Cricket Sessions in Thornton Wednesday 13th October 5pm – 6pm (any age) Thursday 14th October 5pm – 6pm (any age) Wednesday 20th October 5pm – 6pm (any age) Thursday 21st October 5pm – 6pm (any age) Wednesday 27th October 5pm – 6pm (any age) Thursday 28th October 5pm – 6pm (any age) For further information contact Siân Mitchell, Stronger Communities Worker on 01455 633002 / 07760 762897 or email sian.mitchell@btconnect.com

I should really stop confusing sign language with kung-fu.

16 It is with regret that I write this article, following the verdict of the governments planning inspectorate, which upheld the appeal lodged by Jelson Homes.

This was against the decision of the Borough Council to refuse permission to build 112 houses on land at Lower Grange farm off London Road. To say I am disappointed would be a major understatement. The decision by the governments planning inspector to support the Jelson Homes appeal is very baffling and the result has wide ranging implications not just for Markfield but for other communities in similar circumstances.

I have long accepted like most residents, that Markfield has always been the target of property developers seeking to build houses all over the open countryside. This pressure has built up relentlessly over the years, as developers look to bring forward the sites they have acquired at great expense in the past. The land off London road has consistently been a target for development and the site has previous planning history with an original plan many years ago to build over 600 houses rejected by planners. Repeated attempts have been made to open up the site for development but up to now, these have always been rejected.

Planning inspector’s decision is ‘baffling’ Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald Jelson it would appear have been seeking to bring forward plans for development across Leicestershire and they have appeals and applications outstanding around the County. They certainly put a great deal into the appeal at Markfield and I am told had one of the best planning barristers in the business was hired to fight the Jelson case.

He was Christopher LockhartMummery QC, who it would seem wrote the book ‘literally’ on planning (the encyclopedia of planning law and practice) which retails for £1000 yes that is right £1000!

I am not suggesting that the credentials of the Jelson QC had any influence over the government planning inspector but he seemed very much in awe of him when I presented my evidence.

Previous to the appeal verdict, Markfield had needed to find enough land to provide for 80 dwellings up to 2026. Just under half (35) of this could be found

within the settlement boundary of the village while new land outside the settlement boundary was required for the rest. These numbers were contained within the Borough Councils Core Strategy which had been approved by a previous inspector not less than 6 months ago. I had not supported the Councils Core Strategy for a number of reasons, a major one being I did not support the need for 80 houses or the need to expand the settlement boundary.

Still at least the required 80 dwellings was a figure which reflected a range of evidence provided in the Councils strategy.

This evidence included numbers on school rolls, patients registered at the surgery, age of population, property mix, affordability, local facilities etc, etc. Although I disagreed with the figure feeling it was too high at least some logic had been used to create it and it took some account of the infrastructure/ services which currently existed.

The Inspector who judged the Jelson appeal simply chose to ignore the figure of 80 and disputed the rationale for it, despite it having been approved. Instead the Inspector chose to use a figure from something called the Rural Housing Numbers Methodology (just one of the factors in the Councils figure).

This is a single assessment and projects housing needs to maintain population at 2004 levels. The methodology ignores local need, the range of facilities and capacity available and the numbers of houses being required elsewhere to ensure adequate supply across the Borough and County. So the Inspector decreed out of the blue, that Markfield should now accommodate 147 new dwellings.

The thing about the 147 figure, is that in all the discussions over the past two years about housing land at Markfield, the figure of 147 has ever been mentioned. It also happens to be the same as the number applied for by Jelson Homes, with the 35 for which land is already identifiable

How come, when my wife says she needs to talk, it’s never about football?

17

added to it.

The Inspector also made it clear that in reaching his judgement he drew support from guidance which was revised in June 2010, that where local planning authorities cannot demonstrate an up-to-date five year supply of deliverable sites for housing development, they should consider favourably planning applications for housing. This five year land supply issue has already reared its head elsewhere including a controversial site at Market Harborough earlier in the year.

The sad and annoying fact is that the Council has failed to ensure it has a five year land supply and this has gone against us. The failure to deliver housing sites in and around Hinckley within the urban area is again a key reason.

In terms of the land in question, I and many others had made the

case that the countryside should be protected for its own sake and that this development would harm the environment and the appearance of the surrounding area. The Inspector noted that “I consider that the proposed development would comfortably fit into the existing urban form that adjoins it and would not be unacceptably intrusive or harmful to the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.” I accept I am biased, but I really struggle to understand anyone could take that view even if they supported the development, at least it could be acknowledged that some harm would arise from the development.

The outcome, as I write may still be challenged on two fronts. The first has been an attempt to persuade the new Local Government minister Eric Pickles to intervene on our behalf. He has talked of giving priority to local opinion on planning matters and this is one thing that clearly the inspector ignored. The second avenue is to consider a judicial review. A judicial review could get the decision overturned if the Inspector can be found to have acted unreasonably in light of the evidence before him. I am asking for a review and the Council have sought a legal opinion as to whether this has any chance of success. I think the use of a separate set of numbers to those previously agreed to decide housing needs must be

challenged.

Added to the disappointment of losing the appeal is the fact that Leicestershire County Council did not submit any claim for contributions from the developer for the two local schools. They say that the schools have excess capacity?

And yet surely this development could overwhelm any spare capacity that currently exists. I am surprised that no claim was made as it could have been substantial £100,000 plus (which is not unusual) for this size of development. Yes it could have been turned down by the inspector and we could have added that to our list of grievances but now we will never know if we lost this opportunity.

If the two avenues left to us leave us with nothing we will need to make the best of what is coming.

With the current housing market the way it is I wonder what time scale Jelson have in mind to bring the site forward.

They will still need to submit a full application and we will be able to modify any proposals but will not be able to object to the principle of development.

We will also have an element of social housing included and we must ensure (I am working on a proposal) that any social housing goes to those who have a strong local connection and by local I mean Markfield.

Year 9 At South Charnwood?

Is anyone from Markfield going on to Bosworth College next year?

If so can we share lifts and expenses?

Tel Sarah 01530 242770

Markfield Homemakers

Programme of Events The Markfield Homemakers Ladies Group meets at Markfield Congregational Church on the second Wednesday of each month, start time 8pm.

Here is our list of events planned for the rest of the year:

• Oct 13th ~ Ros Barber ~ Talk ~ Clicks and Misses (Gone in a moment).

• Nov 10th ~ Penny Hodgson ~ Ageing in Beijing • Dec 8th ~ Christmas Party Brenda Featherstone Tel: 01530 242173

I told my wife I wanted breakfast in bed. She said go sleep in the kitchen.

A Bright New Look for The Bricklayer’s Arms We have a New Look!

After some soul searching, and a lot of feedback, we decided to make some changes here at the Bricklayer’s Arms in Thornton.

As a result, we have now got a fresh new colour scheme, a redecorated dining room, a fantastic new bar and lots and lots of happy regulars!

We have a New Menu!

Why not come on down and try out new menu soon, and don’t forget to look at the Specials Board for regularly changing dishes.

Our Snack & Lunch Menu is served 12 noon-2pm Tuesday to Saturday, with a Lunchtime Special Offer of Two Courses for £6.95. Our A La Carte Menu is served 6pm-8.30pm Tuesday to Saturday. Pick up a copy of our New menu today!

Christmas at The Brickies

Our CHRISTMAS MENU is also available now, so if you’re making plans in the run-up to the Festive Season, take a look at the range of culinary delights we have to offer.

Enjoy a pint of Real Ale

Ben is really proud of his Real Ales and always has at least three to choose from.

Serving traditional Everards Ales as well as the occasional Guest, you are always guaranteed a Great Pint at the Brickies!

our Y m War kles this ve Coc er & Ha in t t Win reat Pin ur o a G ont of es Fr en Fir Op

TEAM EFFORT: Our parent brewery, Everards, have been fantastic during the refurbishment of the pub.

We’d like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to Chris Grindey, Everards Senior Buildings Surveyor for his support and advice during the project.

(The photo above shows Matt Crehan, Everards Business Development Manager shaking hands with landlord Ben)

The Bricklayer’s Arms, 213 Main Street, Thornton, Leicestershire LE67 1AH T

Yo madu’ ll be welc e very The ome a Pay Brickie t us s! soona visit !

What are you doing This Thursday?

Join in with our FREE Quiz every Thursday evening at around 9pm and win the weekly prize of a Bottle of House Wine.

We also run our weekly raffle on a Thursday night with a cash prize on offer of up to £100 if you get the Crucial Question right!

Sample our Traditional Sunday Lunch - with Real Gravy!

We always believed in Gordon Ramsay’s “Campaign for Real Gravy” and always offer a Roast Dinner on a Sunday that comes with proper homemade gravy based on the juices from the Roast Joint of the Day. Just like Mum used to make! Treat the whole family.

Two Courses for £9 or Three Courses for £11 (children’s portions available).

Thank You to our Decorators!

We are highly delighted with the refurbishment work carried out by our contractors J.R. Allen & Sons.

Thanks lads - Great job!

Tel: 01530 230808 • Visit our website at www.bricklayersarms.net

Lyn Branston

20

Flower Festival supports fund-raising Foundation Leicestershire flower arrangers have been praised for their contribution to a successful fund raising event hosted by the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation.

Based at Ulverscroft Manor, the charity provides support, care and friendship to the elderly, adults with disabilities and young people. The September ‘Crafts and Flowers’ event was the Foundation’s way of celebrating twenty years of fulfilling its aims in the North West Leicestershire and Charnwood area. The anniversary Flower Festival accompanied a three-day Craft Fair.

Headline attractions were a fashion display by ‘Dressini’ and demonstrations by the internationally renowned flower arranger Derek Armstrong.

Each room of the Manor took a different theme with floral displays inspired by the day-to-day work of the Foundation and the interests and life of David Clarke, founder of the charity. Vivid reds and yellows marked his association with Ferrari racing cars. Elsewhere, the Manor’s interior was complimented by lavish but subtle arrangements. Bradgate Flower Club coordinated the Flower Festival with support from Charnwood, South Leicester and Loughborough clubs and the Leicester Chapter of Ikebana International.

For the Foundation, Chief Executive Alan Norman expressed his thanks to the clubs involved “for their commitment, creativity and good humour. It was a long process from the first idea … we really appreciate all the time and thought that went into the displays.”

On Wednesday 27th October, Bradgate Flower Club is hosting two events at Copt Oak Memorial Hall. A coffee morning will take place between 10.00 and 12.30.

At 7.00pm, the Club starts the first of its monthly workshops leading to Christmas.

The first one introduces basic floral design techniques. Further details can be obtained from Geraldine Abbott on 01530 415378.

Bagworth & Thornton

Neighbourhood Watch Update

from Anita Beeby

Well I am pleased to say that things are going well with setting up NHW in the parish. There are several schemes now up and running throughout the parish so if you would like to join an existing group please contact me.

What joining a group involves By joining a NHW group you will receive a weekly email from your NHW co-ordinator which details a weekly ‘crime update’ from the police. This information allows us to work together as a community to keep crime levels down and keep each other and each other’s property safe. It also gives us the opportunity to be vigilant when out and about in case we see anything suspicious which we can then report to the police, Crimestoppers or myself.

Local Crime In the last few weeks both Thornton and Bagworth have both been mentioned in the police crime updates, showing us that local crime is taking place and that we can all help to prevent these offences by working together as a community.

If you would like to find out more information on how to set up or join a NHW group please contact me on the following: Anita Beeby - m: 07889 219843 or e: nwdo@btinternet.com You can also find the latest Neighbourhood Watch information at: http://www.leicestershirevillages.com/thornton/bagworth-and-thorntonnhw.html And finally, as the Neighbourhood Watch Development Officer for the Parish I can also take forward any concerns or queries you may have to the Police, so again please contact me if I can help in anyway.

I look forward to hearing from you and together we can make our Parish a safer place to live!

My idea of a high stress job is any job where you have to work with other people.

21

Making the most of the environment

It is such a beautiful setting. When I arrived over 8 years ago I can remember reading an Ofsted report which talked about how the school should utilise its natural environment more. Since then we have spent money on improving outdoor play areas for the pupils, including benches, picnic areas, staging and play equipment. Our latest addition this summer is a pond. Actually, it is more like a lake. The pond is 22m by 8m and has shallow and deeper areas which will encourage different forms of pond life. There is also a platform extending into the centre of the lake which will allow pupils to dip into the pond in safety.

The pond was built during the summer by a local firm, Cuckoo Gap, specialising in such outdoor educational features and the project was managed by Mrs Angie Preston, Business Manager at the school.

It has been built with the environmental issues in mind. The fencing around the outside of the pond is, not only for the security of pupils, but also for the convenience

ECO-Warriors: (back row l-r) Zac Haniff (13), Zak Copley (14) and (front row l-r) Jules Harvey (13), Alexandra Hickinbottom (14), Carrianne Mitchell (13), Mohammad Al-Akaidi (13). of local wildlife which can still access the area. The school is aiming to become an Eco-school and achieve the coveted Green Flag. Plants will be placed around the edge, which we hope will again provide habitat for a whole range of pond life. Obviously, the Science department will benefit from such a marvellous resource and we are also hoping that our feeder primary schools will use it too.

Assistance with the maintenance of the pond will be given by volunteer eco-warriors, a group of year 9 pupils under the guidance of Mrs Alison Alderson, Pastoral Support Manager at the school, who will supervise the area and monitor the wildlife; another example of our pupils taking responsibility.

So, the pond is a resource which is great for the pupils, sympathetic to the environment and attractive to the wildlife in the area. Perfect.

Andrew Morris

Headteacher South Charnwood High School

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I love to give homemade gifts. Which one of my kids do you want?

22

SNIPPETS Where did our sense of adventure go?

It’s no big deal Watching yet another Deal or No Deal contestant take an early Banker’s offer - only to discover the £250,000 in his box - made we wonder how ANYONE has actually had the nerve to win the show’s top prize.

As a regular watcher of the show over the past five years, I’ve lost count of the number of players who say they have come for the top prize and promise to ‘play the game’ .

These are usually macho blokes who, when faced with a tempting banker’s offer, invariably cave in and take the dough - only to find a massive amount in their box at the end of the show.

Taking an early offer ‘because I’ve never had £20,000 in my life’ is chickening out, and ruins the show for the viewers. We want players to take risks and go on to the end even if they crash and burn. At least they went for it.

We feel so peeved when players cash in early that we WANT them to have a large amount in their box.

At the time of writing this, only two players have scooped the quarter of a million on DOND - and they were both women. My theory is that male players are influenced by their wives or girlfriends - seated in the audience - who usually err on the side of caution and urge their menfolk to take the money.

Women players, on the other hand, are usually encouraged by their husbands to carry on. Either that, or maybe the women simply have more courage.

Event Television The return of the phenomenally popular X-Factor reminds us how television has changed over the past 50 years.

These days, with the massive choice of viewing available on Sky, Freeview and DVD, it is rare for a live series to attract the attention of millions of viewers week after week.

In the late 1950s, however, the viewing choice was limited to BBC or ITV, and shows like Val Parnell’s Sunday Night At The London Palladium was watched by virtually everyone who had a tv.

This year, to celebrate the centenary of the legendary Palladium venue, a 3-disc DVD set is being released on 8th November. It features Beryl Reid, Adam Faith playing with the John Barry Seven, Bobby Darin, Cleo Laine, Mario Lanza, Larry Grayson, Jim Dale, Paul Anka, Rod Hull and Emu, Ted Rogers, Sacha Distel, Cliff Richard, Bob Monkhouse, Clodagh Rodgers and many more guests.

Priced at £24.99, it is available from Network DVD.

Fewer than half of British adults have ever fished, started a campfire or even ridden a horse.

The Friends of St Peter’s Church

Craft Fayre and Christmas Bazaar Saturday 13th November • 10.30 am to 3.30 pm at Thornton Community Centre Special guest Father Christmas will visit us with a sack full of goodies. Visit him in his Grotto.

Beautiful and unusual items for sale on the craft stalls: wood turned items, fabric crafts, jewellery, pictures, plants, cards, and many more ideas for those unusual Christmas gifts.

Other stalls include home-made cakes, jams and pickles, Bric a Brac, Christmas items, games, a raffle, tombola.

Lunches, and light refreshments available all day.

Entrance 50p, children under 14 free if accompanied by an adult.

Offers of help, cakes, raffle and tombola prizes very welcome.

Contact Dianne Esmond 230123, Iris Gleeson 230453 or Shirley Garlick 230 422

A third of us have never even gone hill walking, swum in natural water or stood on top of a mountain. The research, undertaken by the retailer GoOutdoors, urges: “Any kind of outdoor activity is good for you, whether walking, running, climbing, or fishing. Being adventurous is a great way to forget about the stresses and worries of everyday life.”

Love thy neighbour?

Do you know the names of your neighbours?

If not, you are not alone. You are more likely, it seems, to socialise with people online that those next door, according to a recent poll by Legal & General. 70 per cent of us do not know our neighbours’ names, and would not even recognise them in the street. Four out of five of us do not share house keys with a neighbour.

We at St Peters are always pleased to welcome, particularly men, into our congregation, and none more so than Henry.

He comes with an outstanding recommendation and promises to give us years of professional service. I am sure he will be particularly welcomed by the ladies, who will put his skills to good use in cleaning the church. I refer, of course, to our newly acquired carpet cleaner, which has been bought for us by a Thornton villager, to whom we extend our grateful thanks.

And that is not all - for Henry will be able to demonstrate his skills on the new carpet at St Peters which is being laid at the end of the month, and which replaces the one which was water damaged at the time when lead was stolen from the chancel roof.

September, the month of mists and mellow fruitfulness, has been a very busy one at St Peters. The church was open to visitors, walkers and cyclists on the Heritage weekend; a talk was given by David Straw on the 1975 archaeological dig; Ratby Band gave us a delightful and stirring evening of music (Moon River, Be My Love and Wagner’s Procession to the Cathedral were highlights of the programme for me) as part of the Harvest Festival celebrations, and the month ended with the Back to Church Sunday.

And finally, a note of gratitude from St Peters to the anonymous donor who put through my door an envelope containing £50 labelled simply “Martin- Organ Fund”.

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One good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others.

23

Borough Councillors’ Report

Land Of Heath Rd, Bagworth: Appeal Decision

Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea

You will have read that both Ozzy and I attended this appeal on the 7th of July and robustly defended our argument against this appeal.

We have received the Planning Inspectorate’s decision and it is not good news as they have upheld the applicant’s appeal.

It is fair to say that none of the evidence and arguments that we both put forward was taken into consideration as they judged this merely on Highway Technical points.

It is also fair to say that despite a promise of a robust and consolidated defence by Planning Officers at H.B.B.C., we were simply let down.

We are now left with an option of a judicial review of this decision, which would be heard in a court of law. Our argument to proceed with this is as follows:• There is no evidence that the Planning Inspector utilized the government’s latest advice on Traveller Sites which states that local authorities should have clear mandate to allow or refuse applications.

• There is no evidence that the Planning Inspector took into account the over proliferation of sites in the immediate area.

• The Planning Inspector stated that no evidence exists that another site was available to the

Statement The following statement was released by the government on the 29th August relating to Traveller policy: Eric Pickles: Time for a fair deal for the travelling and settled community Travellers who play by the rules will get the same rights as other mobile home residents and could benefit from more authorised sites under plans announced today by Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles. At the same time, topdown Whitehall planning rules on travellers which Ministers believe has undermined community cohesion and harmed the countryside will be scrapped.

Stronger tenancy rights on authorised council sites Travellers on official local authority sites will benefit from changes to legislation that will give them the same rights and responsibilities as residents on other mobile home sites.

have the local shop it has so longed for.

We know that the local consultation was met with a positive response and that this will be a major turning point for the village in terms of amenities, together with the sure start programme coming to the village hall.

When it arrives - Please use it!

Further Good News!

Cllr Chris Boothby Tel 0116 2388301 or 07704345637 Email chris.boothby@hotmail.co.uk Applicant (Garlands Lane).

We realise that this may be disappointing news but we can assure you that we have done everything in our power to bring the right outcome for the community but the fight is not over. If you would like a copy of the decision then please contact us.

Cllr Ozzy O’Shea Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com Application which we both fully supported as your local elected members.

This means that Bagworth will at last

And Finally

Application On Community Use Land: Bagworth At the Planning Committee meeting held at H.B.B.C. on the 31st August, the Application for 8 dwellings and a retail building was determined and we are pleased to announce that the Committee passed this

Travellers who abide by the terms of their pitch agreement will have greater protection against eviction, and have the same rights and responsibilities as other social tenants.

New incentives to build authorised sites The Government has announced that councils will be given incentives through the New Homes Bonus scheme to deliver new housing. Ministers are announcing today that this will include authorised traveller sites. This means that councils will get financial benefits for building authorised sites where they are needed. This will ensure that all types of authorised residential developments are treated equally.

Abolition of Whitehall guidance The Government has already freed councils from the top-down Regional Strategies and the associated building targets; this now allows councils to decide for themselves how many traveller pitches are necessary in their area according to local need and

We received a request for help from residents in Thornton for transfer of accommodation for an elderly relative who was suffering from medical problems and needed to be re-housed closer to her main carers.

Luckily, a bungalow became available opposite the residents concerned and with the help of housing officers at H.B.B.C.; we managed to secure this bungalow so that this resident can now receive the care she needs.

We are so pleased to have been able to help.

An artist’s impression of Bagworth’s proposed shop

historic demand.

Following through on this policy, Ministers are today announcing their intention to revoke what they regard as flawed Whitehall Planning Circulars on travellers. The planning rules have been criticised by many local councils, some of whom have said this has compelled them to build on the countryside and compulsorily purchase land.

Such rules have, Ministers believe, undermined community cohesion by creating a perception amongst many people of ‘different’ planning rules for the travelling community and for the settled community. Planning rules should be the same for all.

Stronger powers for councils to tackle unauthorised development The Government is concerned about the growing number of unauthorised developments and encampments and the problems they cause within communities. Mr Pickles is looking at ways to strengthen the powers available to councils to more effectively tackle

Congratulations to those of you who turned out and supported the Bagworth Annual Show.

Despite the prolonged shower, it was very well attended and we enjoyed seeing you all. Further congratulations go to the organizers who put on this event year after year. Hopefully, we will see you all again next year.

Please contact us for any further information.

unauthorised development. This will include action against speculative, unscrupulous private developers.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, said: “Unauthorised developments have created tensions between travellers and the settled population.

We want to redress the balance and put fairness back into communities.

“Like the rest of the population, the majority of travellers are law-abiding citizens and they should have the same chance of having a safe place to live and bring up their children.

These changes will put travellers who play by the rules on an equal footing.

“But at the same time, we will not sit back and allow people to bypass the planning rules that everyone else has to abide by. That’s why we will strengthen the powers that councils have to enforce against breaches of planning rules and tackle the abuse of the planning system.”

If you can’t laugh at yourself, make fun of other people.

24

Christmas Shoebox Appeal - 20th Anniversary This will be the 6th year that Cross Hills Baptist Church has taken part and we are happy to again be collecting gift-filled shoeboxes for this Appeal, its 20th Anniversary.

Last year, in spite of difficult financial times in the UK, we were pleased to be able to take 55 boxes to our drop off point, The Hall School in Glenfield.

So, when you start planning Christmas this year, why not decide to share some of the fun and happiness by filling a shoebox with small gifts for a child in need – it could be the first Christmas present they have ever received. In 2009, almost 1.2

million gift-filled shoeboxes went to Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia and were distributed to the neediest children, regardless of their background or religious beliefs.

If you can’t manage to fill a box yourself, why not enjoy getting together with friends, family or neighbours to do one between you.

How do you get involved?

You will need a leaflet for each box – this shows you how to wrap it (lid and box separately for customs clearance), it has labels for the outside (depending on whether your box is for a boy or a girl and the age group) and is full of ideas of what to put in your

box such as small toys, educational supplies, hats, scarves, gloves, sweets (no chocolate and sell by dates must be at least March 2011), even things as modest as drinking straws can be included! There are some restricted items listed in the leaflet – for example, liquids, sharp objects, war related items, etc. Also, part of the leaflet is an envelope for a suggested donation of £2.50 which covers UK transportation, shipping, distribution, etc to make sure that the boxes arrive safely at their destination.

Where to get your leaflets Please contact Glynis or David Straw as soon as possible on 01530 230272

– or call at 110 Main Street, Thornton.

Delivery Date Your shoeboxes will need to be ready by early November to allow time for them to be taken to the drop off point sometime around mid November (the exact date will be available next month) So, either bring your completed box to a Sunday Service at Cross Hills at the beginning of November or take it to Glynis or David at 110 Main Street, Thornton.

More information about the Appeal, and some short films can be found at www.samaritans-purse.org.uk.

Glynis Straw

What do you call someone who puts poison in a person’s corn flakes? A cereal killer

25

The Great Loughborough Santa Fun Run 2010

Many of you will have taken part in previous Santa Fun Runs in Loughborough and know what fun it is, but now is the time to put the date in your diary, Sunday 5th December, for this year. For those of you who think this not for me, just think again.

The emphasis is on FUN. It is a fun run, suitable for all abilities, and every entrant will receive a free Santa suit, children’s suits are also available.

Typically there are some good runners, but the majority are just joggers, walkers, and strollers accompanied by children, push chairs, babies in prams, the family dog, invalid chairs, OAP’s, Mums and Dads, Grandparents, teenagers and toddlers. I think that covers most people.

The Great Loughborough Santa Fun Run organised by the Rotary Club of Loughborough, together with support from Loughborough University, and Charnwood Borough Council, is over a 6km (4 miles) circular route from the University international running track starting at 11.00am and takes you through the centre of Loughborough.

So how can you enter and join in the fun run? You can enter on-line through www.santa-fun-run.co.uk, as from 4th October, you can request an entry form today from Tony Mellor, 01509 880411, or pick up an entry form at the Tourist Information Office at the Town Hall, or collect a form from the Loughborough Building Society in High Street. You can enter as an individual, or a team of 8 and raise funds for your charity or club. Last year 45 teams in suitable festive attire battled for the Bateman’s Brewery Cup. To date the previous five Santa Fun Runs have raised nearly £180,000 for local charities so please support us again this year.

This is the largest Santa Fun Run in the East Midlands so don’t miss your opportunity to join in and RUN FOR FUN.

Dick Howard

Rotary Club of Loughborough

Stickleback research at Thornton Reservoir

Iris Gleeson has kindly sent us a photo of Swati Nettleship carrying out her research into sticklebacks at Thornton Reservoir.

Last month’s Herald included an article by Swati, who is a Final Year PhD student in the Department of Biology at the University of Leicester.

Iris writes: “My husband John and I had gone down to the ‘resi’ and decided to sit on a seat. There was a couple already there - George Hardington and his wife, from Ibstock - and whilst talking we realised that John and I knew George’s father years ago.

“While we were chatting, this young lady came along and started to put together some cages. Being very nosey, I asked what she was doing and she told me that she was catching sticklebacks in the resi and comparing them to those in the stream, as described in her article in the Herald.”

The photo was taken by George Hardington.

Caffeine is for people who feel they aren’t irritable enough on their own.

26

Chapel News Corner From the Bardon Park Chapel On Sunday 12 September, we welcomed Ted and Carol Collins for the first time to the platform at Bardon Park Chapel.

Ted and Carol moved to Leicestershire a few months ago, after many many years in Gloucestershire. They spoke about prayer for healing.

Carol is a novelist. Some of her books have a Christian theme. For more information, see the website www.carolcollins.co.uk Sunday 26 September was the day of our HARVEST FESTIVAL. The harvest thanksgiving service was an opportunity to express gratitude to Almighty God for all His provision, and especially for the seasons of the year, for the crops, and for our food. Our visiting preacher this year was Peter Smith from St Peter’s Church, Bardon Hill. Produce from the display is being given to The Rowans care home in Owen Street, Coalville.

After the service, we enjoyed a ploughman’s lunch together, and we were very pleased that a number of friends from St Peter’s Church, Bardon Hill joined us for this.

We are looking forward to a weekend with John Widdowson on the evening of Saturday 2 October and on the morning of Sunday 3 October.

John now lives in Skegness but he is from Markfield and he is well-known in both Markfield and Stanton.

There is to be a special event at the Chapel on Saturday 6 November when we are expecting speakers from IGO (International Gospel Outreach), which is based at Dwygyflchi (near Penmaenmawr) in North Wales. This special event will be at 3 pm in the afternoon (until 5) and at 7 pm in the evening. The speakers expected are Andy Paget of Bristol and John Levy of Penmaenmawr. Both speakers are Leaders of the IGO organisation. Andy is vice-president of the organisation. For more information about IGO visit www.igo.org.uk Part of the ministry of the Bardon Park Chapel is the LIVING WATERS HEALING ROOMS. Offering friendship, caring and prayer in the Holy Name of Jesus for healing. For further information, please ring 01530 24 29 03. Contacts: Richard & Margaret Norburn 01530 24 25 26 and Patricia Lines 01530 24 29 03

Art Exhibition & Craft Fair in Ratby RATBY Village Society Anti-Litter Group will be holding their fourth annual Art Exhibition & Craft Fair in the Church Rooms, Church Lane, Ratby on Sunday 7th November 2010 from 11am to 3pm.

On display and for sale will be a variety of original paintings by talented local artists. This year’s guest art critic is Mark Wilde, a well-known Leicestershire artist who is also a tutor of art in Groby.

Included amongst the crafts will be wood, glass, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, knitting, dyeing, felted work, exclusive hand-crafted scarves and individually handmade cloth dolls, plus handmade cakes, cards, photographs and calendars.

A warm welcome is extended to residents from neighbouring villages to come along and see the excellent work that has been achieved by our local artists and craftworkers.

Jane Rayne, Ratby

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Extracts from Markfield Parish The following items were among the topics discussed at the Markfield Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 7th September 2010:

POLICE REPORT August Figures: • 5 Burglaries: 1 Countryman Way, Offender Charged 1 Turnpike Way, still under investigation 2 on Leicester Road, 1 still under investigation the other suspect had been arrested 1 on Oakfield Avenue, still under investigation • 4 Burglary others 1 Mercenfeld School, 3 arrested and dealt with via reprimands and final warnings. Youths had also damaged the Library.

1 Harding transport/ Stanton Lane/ Emma’s Café- under investigation •3 Theft from Motor vehicles Hill Lane Industrial Estate and Field Head Hotel PC S Harlock stated that there had been three additional burglaries which had occurred whilst the residents were on holiday; three suspects had been arrested and two had been charged.

Parish Council website Website address:-www.markfieldparish-council.org.uk. The site was now live but the Deputy Clerk would continue to increase the web content over the course of the next few weeks.

Wooden bus shelter Chitterman Way The shelter had again been vandalised. It was agreed that the CCTV footage at the Doctor’s Surgery be checked as it was thought that the bus shelter was covered by the cameras.

Junction of Park Avenue & Main Street Mr Walmsley raised concerns about the poor highway visibility when exiting Park Avenue because the of dry stone wall which blocked the view of the highway and asked Mr Sprason if the County Highways Department could look into improving the safety of the junction.

Junction of Ashby Road/Leicester Road and Main Street The Parish Council raised concerns about the increasing level of cars being parked on the road side around this junction as the lack of visibility was becoming dangerous.

Mr Sprason was asked if the County Council could consider installing a Traffic Regulation Order along the highway.

BMX Race Track – unused land at Jubilee Playing Fields Mr Sprason stated that the Planning Application had been completed and Mr A Brettle would give this to the clerk to make the application.

Applications for funding were continuing.

East Midlands Development Agency This would be replaced by the Local Economic Partnership consisting of Leics County Council, Leicester City Council and Northamptonshire County Council.

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Anyone who says an onion is the only vegetable that will make you cry has never been hit in the face with a pumpkin.

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27

Council Minutes ‘Timken’ site Mr Sprason stated that a planning application had been submitted for the old ‘Timken’ site, on the road to Desford; to be used as a storage/ distribution site. This development would bring a significant volume of LGV traffic through Markfield.

Miners’ Welfare Institute Mr Lay stated that the trustees were negotiating what percentage of the sale proceeds would be acceptable for CISWO to receive.

He stated that it might be necessary to employ solicitors to act on the trustees’ behalf at this point.

Car sales on Leicester Road, Field Head Mr Lay stated that the Borough Council had served both companies with warning notices under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 regarding their car sales activities taking place at the side of the highway.

Planning Appeal:Jelson Homes Mr Lay stated that a planning inspector had overturned the council’s ruling to refuse permission for the development.

Mr Lay stated that over 1,000 local residents had objected to the development during the consultation for long term planning policies included in the Borough Council’s Core Strategy.

Jelson had appealed on the grounds that the council had a shortfall of homes and would fail to meet the Statutory Five-Year Land Supply set by the Government in 2009. The inspector had said that Markfield had a need for 147 new homes and by deducting land already identified for development there would be a shortfall of 112, which was the number of homes Jelson had proposed.

Mr Lay said that he had requested a meeting with the Head of Planning to discuss this decision and that the Borough would be looking for a judicial review.

Mayflower Close Play Equipment Replacement play equipment to be 50% funded by the Parish and Community Initiative Fund.

The following funding was now available to the project: • £4,526 from the Parish Initiative Fund • The Parish Council would contribute £5,000 to the above project.

The project would begin after the school holidays in September to be installed over the Autumn/Winter 2010.

Jubilee Playing Fields The deputy clerk reported that a second break in had occurred; a screwdriver had been used to force the door, causing minor damage and four crates of Lager had been stolen.

Drainage of the Cricket Pitch The clerk had paid over the £578.65 earmarked funds for the project and donated £500 towards the cost of the project as resolved in an earlier minute.

Markfield Parish Council Surgery: 29th Oct. The next Markfield Parish Council Surgery takes place on Friday 29th October 2010 between 10am and 11.30am at Markfield Community & Sports centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield.

If you have any concerns or issues you’d like to raise with Parish Councillors, please come along.

         



    

I’m not myself today. Maybe I’m you.

Good Luck Rendall!

Terry - landlord at The Red Lion in Markfield - together with Markfield Football Club players have asked The Herald to wish local boxer Rendall Munroe the best of luck in his forthcoming world title fight.

Leicester-born Rendall is the current European superbantamweight Champion, and on 24th October he will take on WBC super-bantamweight champion Toshiaki Nishioka in Tokyo’s historic Sumo Hall for a tilt at the world title.

Rendall - who is a binman by trade - occasionally trains in the Markfield area and has lots of local supporters.

Come on Rendall - you can do it!

28

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

I have just read your article ‘Ancient Markfield Football’ with interest – particularly the mention of ‘Browns Blue’.

Well Being Clinic Our Parish Nurse, Vera Harding, was kept busy at the Well Being Clinic at Thornton Community Centre on Thursday 23rd September, measuring people’s height and weight to determine their Body Mass Index, amongst other things.

A steady stream of visitors from 3pm to 7pm were given advice about healthy lifestyles and information about help that is available from our Parish Nurse and her team based at Cross Hills Church. Should you wish to speak to Vera about a health issue any time, you will find her contact number below.

Emmaus: The Way of Faith This interesting course is being led by our Pastor, Garry Kelly, fortnightly on a Saturday morning at Cross Hills.

Designed to welcome people into the Christian faith and the life of the church, each meeting looks at a different aspect so it doesn’t matter if you haven’t been before or aren’t able to come to all the meetings – just come along when you can.

One of the September meetings saw us enjoying making collages from newspapers and popular magazines so, if you’d like to find out what it is all about, please come along at 9.45am for coffee and a short chat and the session starts at 10am until 12noon.

Future meetings are on October 2nd & 16th, November 6th and 20th and December 4th.

We look forward to seeing you.

LETTER

Christmas Lunch at Bosworth Hall Hotel Church members and friends hope to enjoy a festive meal together again this year at the Bosworth Hall Hotel.

The suggested date is Wednesday 8th December at around 12.30pm so, if you would like to join us, please ring Glynis or David on 01530 230272 before 15th October.

Christian Praise Some of Cross Hills members and friends will again be going to this annual event, which this year is on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th October at the DeMontfort Hall in Leicester at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 and the Christian Praise Information line is 0116 2988506 for anyone who would like more details or tickets.

The speaker on Tuesday is Rachel Hickson with an inspirational message for today’s church on the amazing results and power of prayer. Stephen Gaukroger is the speaker on Wednesday who will bring the good news of Jesus Christ, which would be of particular interest to non-Christians.

Shoebox Appeal Cross Hills will be taking part again this year – please see the separate article on page 24.

Service Details of our Services are in the Church Service Information section in this magazine.

We serve tea and coffee after our services and offer friendship to anyone visiting for the first time.

Glynis Straw

Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross Hills Church family

Contact Numbers

Pastor -Garry Kelly: 01455 457802 • Secretary - Robert Holmes: 01530 231901 Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272 • Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557

My Dad (Sid Partner) was a driver for ‘Browns’ for over 30 years right up to their close of business. During the war he drove their lorry and was directed to Coventry to help clear the bomb damage from the German bombardment. He was a familiar sight in the village driving the service buses and also on the many day trips to the seaside. During their heyday Browns was a very flourishing business – they purchased the local companies – Parsons of Stanton and Warners of Markfield and others at Ibstock.

They ran many varied services which included the ‘Anstey Bus’ which ran from Stanton and Markfield to take the workers to the shoe factory in Anstey and then collect them at night. They operated services to Coalville, Whitwick (via Copt Oak) which was good for people wanting to call at the pub!

On Thursday and Saturday mornings they went to Loughborough.

My Dad married my Mum (Mabel) who came from Markfield; she was the second daughter of Mr & Mrs Joseph Cooke who lived at Little Markfield. My Mum and Dad moved to Shaw Lane, which was just as well as Norman Brown frequently called on my Dad in the winter months when a bus got stuck in the snow on the Copt Oak Road.

My Mum was also well known in the village for her love of singing, she helped out in the choirs at all the Sunday School Anniversaries and she also sang lots of solos at the Congregational Chapel.

My Brother Eric also drove for Browns after he was demobbed from the army in 1945.

Joan Bates (Mrs) Markfield

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

Rock/Pop/Jazz/Orchestral Qualified Professional Drummer Home Visits If Required.

Beginners (& Advanced) Welcome • KIT(S) BOUGHT & SOLD

A Friendly & Effective 1-2-1 Learning Experience

My girlfriend said she wanted me to be more like her Ex. So I dumped her.

29

The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 16 Oct: KAMAGRA (Raunchy Female Singer) Fri 29 Oct: PLUG & PLAY 7.30pm ((Andy T: 01455 291 419) Sat 30 Oct: WELLARD WILLY Sun 31 Oct: Kids HALLOWEEN Party 4-6pm Sat 6 Nov: THE BRIDGE www.myspace.com/thorntonclub

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

Fri 15 Oct: MADONNA Fri 29 Oct: MEATLOAF Fri 12 Nov: BRYAN ADAMS Quiz Nite: Every 2nd Tues (See Advert Page 33)

Old Thatched Inn, Stanton.

T: 01530 242460

EVERY WED: QUIZ Night & ‘PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT’ 8.30pm.

Cash prizes 50p per Entry.

Pool Table etc.

Sun 31 Oct: HALLOWEEN Family Party 4pm – 8pm. Games & Spooky Quiz, Fancy dress optional.

(See Ad top right of this Page)

The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541

Sat 23 Oct: THE 3 AMIGOS Sat 6 Nov: SWEET DEFINITY (N.B. Date Change from 13th) Sat 27 Nov: SAND DOGS

The Red Lion Main Street, Markfield.

The Bricklayers Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite – Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net (See Advert Pages 18 &19!)

The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats: 16 & 30 Oct (’King of the Road’) Sundays: QUIZ Night Play Area/Beer Garden (See Advert Page 25)

Home of the Markfield Football Team A Sat in Oct: Tribute – ELTON JOHN Screen SPORT/ Darts & Pool

The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 ’Take Your Pick’ ~ Every Fri: 7.15-7.45pm.

“Be in it to win it!”

Ongoing Jackpot (Min £25) 50p a ticket ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN

Forest Hill Golf & Country Club, Markfield Lane, Botcheston Tel: 01455 824 800

The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616.

Every SUN 3 ~ 6pm:‘GOOD TIME SUNDAY’* Sat 9 Oct: RETRO (80’s Duo) *Sun 10: Mojo Hand Sat 16 Oct: MISSING LYNX *Sun 24: The Acemen Sat 30 Oct: FRIDAY NIGHT *Sun 31: Lazy Alligator Sat 6 Nov: FIRE & SKILL *Sun 7: Raffles Sat 13 Nov: TEENAGE KICKS KARAOKE ~ Every Wed OPEN MIC ~Every Thurs QUIZ – General Knowledge + Find the Joker ~ EVERY Sun QUIZ – Music ~ EVERY Tues

The Plough Inn Burroughs Road, RATBY. T: 0116 239 2103 EVERY Tues ~ QUIZ Sat 23 Oct: MOJO Hand Band Sat 30 Oct: COMET 1970’s DISCO/Family Halloween Party~Fancy Dress Optional 7-12pm. (Food avail till 9pm)

The Charnwood Arms Bardon. T: 01530 813644 TRIBUTE NIGHTS (Monthly) £10 a Ticket Includes Supper Fri 29 Oct: ABBA Moments Every MON Night:POKER TOURNAMENT FREE ~ Starts 7pm.

Fri 22 Oct: CASINO NIGHT James Bond Theme – 7.30pm £15 pp. Incl: Buffet & Gambling Sat 30 Oct: HALLOWEEN & FIREWORKS ~ Fancy Dress Competition - FAMILY Fun&Games Entry £2 - 6pm Start (See Advert Page 7)

Bagworth WMC Station Road, Bagworth T: 01530 230 205

New Members Welcome * NEW~£1 Entry to Lounge for Club’s Live Entertainment Nights.

Sat 9 Oct: JOHN LESTER Sat 16 Oct: KRIS Sat 23 Oct: AXIS DUO Sat 23 Oct: Charity Night:- in aid of “Stand Together” (For Families of Murder Victims) ~ In Separate Room~Live Group ‘APPLES GO MILES’ £4.50 on the door – Incl: Buffet and Free Book. 8.30pm Start.

Fri 29 Oct: TIC TOCK ROCK (£3 on the door) Sat 30 Oct: PHIL CARR Sat 6 Nov: CARL STEVENS Fri 12 Nov: 1940’s NIGHT with Madeline Brown ~ £5 on Door Fancy Dress Optional Sat 13 Nov: SISTERMATIC ‘Stop Press’ Insertion: Last Fridays of Month: ANDY’S CHARITY QUIZ. £1.50 each. (+ usual Tea & Sequence Dances)

It’s okay to let your mind go blank; but please turn off the sound.

30

Extracts From Latest Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council Minutes The following topics are among the items discussed at the meeting of Bagworth & Thornton Parish Council on Monday 6th September 2010 at Bagworth Community Centre (extracted from the unadopted minutes):

Sure-Start Cllr. Sprason advised that so far £200,000 was available towards the costs which are envisaged to be in the region of £600,000. He advised it is now urgent that a trust is set up to deal with matters.

Play builder – It is hoped that a decision will be reached by the end of September.

Planning Matters Borough Councillors C Boothby and O O’Shea gave an update on the Finney appeal and confirmed that planning approval had been granted for the proposed shop in Bagworth. Information was being sought on the planning application on the Dunlop Site, to include 68 houses and light industrial units, further details to follow.

Questions from members of the public

Meet BBC’s Ady Dayman!

Apple Day

Sunday 24th October 2010 at Little Markfield Farm, Forest Road, Markfield.

11.00am to 4.00pm Come and find out about apples bring your apples and turn them in to juice, don’t forget to bring some bottles to take your juice home in, have a go at the longest apples peel competition, have a go at apple crafts, make fruit pizzas.

Baking competition: £2.00 to enter children £1.00 Adult - Apple Pie Children under 16 years old - Apple crumble Apple competition: 4 Cooking apples, 4 Dessert apples All entries to be in by 12.30 on the day.

Enquiries to Brenda on 01530 242173 Refreshments will be available

A member of the public was concerned by the council’s decision not to go ahead with the speed watch scheme. She advised that vehicles travelled so fast along the main road in Bagworth that it was not possible to record the number plates.

She also asked why a MUGA had been provided in Thornton and not Bagworth. She was advised that further funding was being investigated in order to make provision for Bagworth.

Clock winder required The clerk was asked to readvertise for a volunteer to wind the clock at Thornton School.

Thornton War Memorial A quotation had been received from Anstey and District Funeral Services for the refurbishment of the war memorial at a cost of £1,168.00 plus VAT. The Parish Council resolved to accept the quotation.

Pre School Group The clerk had received advice from NALC’s legal department advising as to the way forward with the Pre School. The pre school must be registered as a limited company. The clerk was asked to take matters forward and report to the next meeting.

Bagworth Forward Group Mrs Johnson reported that the show was excellent albeit the numbers were down.

Bagworth Community Centre and Sure Start There still appeared to be problems with the bookings.

Thornton Community Centre The Community Centre was suffering ongoing problems with the roof.

Sports Field and Pavilion and Muga Bagworth Thornton Cricket Club had been advised that the cricket pitch/ square was unsatisfactory and had been reported to the league.

Proposal tabled to ask G Chilvers and Sian to meet with the PC to move matters forward, parents need to be advised that the pavilion is unsafe.

You know that feeling you get after a really rewarding day at work? Could you describe it for the rest of us?

31

Have You Seen My...Ummm...

Memory?

By Miller Caldwell Published by AuthorsOnLine.co.uk £6.95 and £3.25 as an e-book.

Failing memory? Early signs of Dementia? There are even tips to retain a healthy memory too. This is a book you must have. You will call upon it soon. A delightful concoction of self-help advice for those of all ages suffering from occasional or regular short-term memory lapses. But what makes this a unique book?

Miller Caldwell, the author of Have You Seen My...Ummm...

Memory? suffers from a type of Dementia called MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment). His book provides a rib-tickling insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the human memory. It is a seriously funny yet thoughtful and helpful book. A very rare combination indeed.

Everyone has had the frustrating experience of putting something down and then forgetting where. Although there are many factors that contribute to the ability to remember; it is also a simple fact that some people are better at remembering than others.

Outside influences like stress, hormone problems, or even the sideeffects of medications can make people absent-minded and forgetful.

But what if your memory is simply getting progressively worse?

Are you frequently embarrassed at not being able to remember someone’s name? Have you ever driven away from a petrol station and genuinely forgotten to pay? Are these episodes of memory loss driving you to despair?

If so, then this book by Miller Caldwell is not only going to amuse and entertain you, but it will provide you with many serious tips and self-help exercises that will help you train your brain all over again!

NEED CURTAINS?

Then do come and visit our large new showroom full of samples for Curtain Style Sets.

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Spam filter Do you remember the tv advert in which a young mum sends her little lad to the shop for a tin of “Plumrose chopped ham with pork”? As he was running along, he kept saying the name to make sure he didn’t forget it.

By the time he got there, he’d got it all mixed up and asked the shop keeper for “a tin of Prumlose plopped ham with chalk”.

I’ve never forgotten it ...

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The best measure of someone’s honesty is the zero adjust on their bathroom scale.

32

Wine Word Search

Beware what lurks in the church vestry...

The Rectory St. James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren

find 12 TYPES OF WINE in the Wordsearch puzzle below, and you could win yourself a nice prize.

This month we are offering a first prize of:

A Main Course for Two plus A Bottle of House Wine at The Field Head Hotel and a SECOND PRIZE of:

A pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at the REEL CINEMA in Loughborough To go into the draw for the prizes, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 TYPES OF WINE. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your entry to: CORKSCREW, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 23rd October 2010. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s brand new Pillbox Hat will win the Meal for Two, and the second will win the Cinema Tickets. Good luck!

Here are the types of wine you have to find: ARMAGNAC • BORDEAUX Word Search Puzzle• CHARDONNAY • CHIANTI GRENACHE • LIEBFRAUMILCH • PINOT GRIGIO • PINOT NOIR RIESLING • SAUVIGNON BLANC • SHIRAZ • ZINFANDEL

S O L E D N A F N I Z B Z B Z

T A C R V E I D W K O O A E W

G Z U F I T Z A Y I Z R R Y G

E R W V N O R F G J L D I A I

L U E A I M N I Q F L E H N Z

Z K I N A G R T C D H A S N A

Q H Y G A G N N O V M U H O S

C W N M T C R O S N A X K D J

E A C O R U H P N O I C V R U

C D N J P V D E S B T P Y A W

L I E B F R A U M I L C H H T

P N K J P Q J C P H L A A C X

S X K R I E S L I N G E N P J

M J X K U F B K U A Y P K C D

J U O N N S P N H U E V Q B J

I am unsurprised that the cleaning lady took exception to you dismantling your motorbike in the church vestry. Clergy vestries are the final repositories of rotting hymn books, ancient cassocks with a certain aroma, buckets with holes in which are kept “just in case” and dead animals in various states of decomposition; but they are no place for bike chains, disc brakes and inner tubes.

I will concede that vestries seem to attract all those objects no one quite knows what to do with, but which parishioners can’t bear to throw away, as iron filings race towards a magnet. But flower arrangers looking for space for boxes of twine, decorators hoping to store cribs and Easter gardens and choirmasters for overspill for anthems must be repelled vigorously.

Only hardy souls should enter a vestry. You will be confronted with all of your predecessors staring down at you reproachfully. The most recent, in colour, will stare smugly, knowing full well that you cannot equal their standards. Earlier incumbents, in black and white, will look mildly reproachful, reminding you that your abilities have fallen well short of their intellectual stature. Those from previous centuries, hand drawn and looking as if they have recently ingested a pint of vinegar, will tell you that, whoever you are and whatever you may become, you are a disappointment. I am already rehearsing my own look of pained forgiveness for my leaving photo that will stare down on my own successor and perpetually irritate him It also seems to be a tradition that retiring clergy donate their robes for their successors, probably because it spares them a walk to the dustbin.

So, a five foot, 18 stone incumbent will leave a cassock for his six foot, ten stone successor – and then will let his disappointment be known that the new arrival is not using his kind gift. There will also be a spare 1960s nylon surplice hanging on the back of the vestry door, to remind you that should you ever forget your own, then this is the horror you will be obliged to wear throughout Evensong.

Notices on the walls will tell you that marriage fees in the 1920s were seven shillings and sixpence, that Communion wine can be obtained from a shop that closed down a generation ago and there will be a copy of the prayer of thanksgiving to be used on the relief of Mafeking.

My only advice is to remove your bike before it gets bundled up with the Scouts’ tents – although you may try claiming that the engine oil was brought in for anointing the sick.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

New photo website launched

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

Local photographer Bill Allsopp has launched a new website to showcase his fantastic monochrome images.

ARMAGNAC Address: ................................................................................................

Take a look if you get a chance - the website address is: www.monochromeart.co.uk



BORDEAUX ..............................................................................................................

CHARDONNAY ..............................................

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

CHIANTI GRENACHE Last month’s winners!

LIEBFRAUMILCH PINOTGRIGIO The first correct entry drawn out of the hat last month came from: PAUL SEAL of Beech Walk, Markfield. Congratulations! Your Meal & Wine PINOTNOIR Voucher to spend at the Field Head Hotel will be sent to you in the next 21 days.

RIESLING The second correct entry drawn out came from P.DRURY of Leicester Road, SAUVIGNONBLANC Markfield. Congratulations! Your Pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at The Reel Cinema in Loughborough will be sent to you in the next 21 days.

SHIRAZ ZINFANDEL

Every once in a brownish-purple moon, I worry that I might be colour blind.

33

Markfield NHW Update from Alex Ritchie Pride Restored Last month I found myself eating humble pie because, after persistently praising our local lads and lasses for their general good conduct, honesty and hard working attitude, I was very shocked to hear of some really bad behaviour committed by, admittedly, just two or three young Markfield boys. If their reported reaction to being detected and dealt with is genuine then, it would appear, their lesson has been learned and, in time, they will be able to hold their heads up amongst family and friends and get on with their lives in an honest and responsible manner. We now wish them well. To these lads I say, “Please do not let yourselves, your families and this Markfield community, down again”.

Public Perspective By coincidence, having had a friend draw my attention to an article in an up market Sunday newspaper on the subject of “Citizen Sentinels” and, several weeks ago, reading a somewhat similar report headed. “The OAP Vigilantes” in a daily broadsheet I was very interested indeed to access an Anti-Social Behaviour Research Report on the local Police web site today. This latter item, which covered a huge number of public Market Research interviews across England and Wales, gave our force a pretty good report which pleased but did not surprise me.

Reading the first two articles which described citizens, young and old, voluntarily, in effect, taking to the streets, albeit with Police permission and support, to tackle public disorderly behaviour and crime I found it impossible to relate this sort of need to our own Markfield and Field Head area. I am not being complacent when I say this but, with the ever growing number of street coordinators we have here in this area I am confident our Neighbourhood Watch presence and members’ active participation is an ideal deterrent generally, plus the fact, yes I am going to say it again – we can be proud of the vast majority of our local youngsters who are honest, hard working and a credit to our community.

N.W. Membership – What it entails First and foremost let me repeat that it does not involve “spying on your neighbours” as suggested to me by an anti N.W. acquaintance when I first became a local coordinator although, I must admit, I did have strong doubts about this course of action I had decided to

take. Looking back now over the past four years I have absolutely no regrets because, apart from meeting some really genuine characters and forming good friendships with various local people, I have found commitment requires no more than to be observant, be aware of local Police concerns crime and disorderly conduct wise and, most of all, have the ability to discreetly communicate with fellow local street coordinators, members and Police and, in particular, know how to react to unusual and/or suspicious neighbourhood activity.

Examples As I write, the most recent is the discovery of yet another illegal drug dealing situation while, in the last issue, I highlighted the awareness of one of our street coordinators of the plight of an elderly neighbour who is alive and well today, undoubtedly, thanks to our man’s prompt and efficient action. Well done John. (By the way we do not bandy our group members’ names and/or addresses about but we do know who each other are) So, on that note, to come and join us (that has a familiar sound) just give me a ring 245908 or email loadstar@ supanet.com and we will go from there. Once “signed up” you will receive weekly Police reports and, very likely, be pleased to find just how many friends and neighbours you have who are already part of our overall team.

On a sad note Undoubtedly much of the credit for the unquestionable progress our group made over the past few years was earned by our Chairman Eric Lammiman whose unexpected and rather sudden death has deeply saddened us all. His Chairmanship was first class, no nonsense and totally ethical. He will be sorely missed although I am sure lessons we have learned from him will be put to good use. We shall certainly try our best. Yet Again – “Thank You Eric.”. (and “Thank You” widow Sheila for opting to continue his good work with us)

Finally Next meeting – our Annual General election of committee and preparation of next year’s plans – Monday 8th November – 7Pm. at the Congregational Church Hall in Main Street. Please come along.

(MSY – our dynamic trio - will be there as usual with tea/coffee and chocolate biscuits – that’s a promise and so will P.c. Harlock – that’s even better)

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

~ Forthcoming Events ~ Friday, October 15th - Film Night – ‘The Ghost’(15) - The film stars Ewan McGregor as the seedy scribbler who gets a job ghostwriting the dull memoirs of former British prime minister Adam Lang. Film starts at 7.30pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 concessions.

Saturday 16th October - Sinfonia ViVA, with Leader Benedict Holland. Join us for a fabulous evening of sensational classics from the region’s very own professional orchestra!

Concert begins at 7.30pm. Doors and licensed bar open at 7.00pm.Tickets: £15.

Tuesday, 26th October – A Well Families Clinic from 3.00pm until 6.00pm.

No appointment needed. These clinics offer a wide range of health and well-being advice including free cholesterol screening, blood pressure and diabetes checks, information on how to stop smoking and much more. Pick up a free pedometer for measuring your average daily steps. Fun exercise challenges for all ages and free healthy snacks and fruit juices to sample. For further details contact Julie Summerton on 01530 454541 or e mail Julie.summerton@ nwleicestershire.gov.uk Saturday, 30th October – It’s Party Night! – with ‘The Party Knights’. Party specialists delivering hit after hit from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s that are guaranteed to fill the dance floor.

Tributes to Little Richard, The Drifters, Roxy Music, Tom Jones , Rolling Stones , T-Rex, Bee Gees and many more! The Party starts

at 8.00pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.30pm. Tickets: £6.

Saturday, 6th Nov - Palace Market and Craft Fair from 10.00am until 3.00pm.

A great chance to pick up some early Christmas presents! FREE ADMISSION. A large variety of interesting stalls including; Jewellery, wooden toys, hand-knitted goods, ceramics, cookies, books, pearls, bags PLUS craft supplies, farm produce, Fair-Trade and much more! THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD ON THE FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Saturday, 6th November - Christmas Auction - supporting Ibstock Community Choir and Community First Responders.

Buffet, entertainment, games, quiz, and more. Tickets £3.00. Starts at 7.30pm.

Donations of new and gently used gifts gratefully received. For more information contact the Stronger Communities Team Chantal and Charlotte - 01530 512452 Friday, 12th November – Holmesdale Manor Nursery School hosts a Christmas shopping evening at The Palace, Ibstock in aid of ‘Rainbows’. A large selection of Christmas gift ideas for everyone. Mulled wine and mince pies. From 6.30pm until 9.30pm - FREE ADMISSION

Change is good as long as I don’t have to do anything different.

Tickets from Halls Electrical, High Street, Ibstock.

Tel: 01530 260460.

34

Church Services Sunday 28th November 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at the Congregational Church 6.00 pm Evening Service

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield Sunday 10th October 10.30 am Morning Service 4.00 pm Afternoon Café Style Worship Sunday 17th October 10.00 am Churches Together United Service at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Church, Coalville 6.00 pm Evening Service Sunday 24th October 10.30 am Morning Communion Service 6.00 pm Evening Taizé Service

Wednesdays this Autumn 7.30 pm Alpha at The Rectory, 3a The Nook, Markfield

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 17th October 10.30 am Family Service

Sunday 31st October 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Communion Service

Sunday 24th October 10.30 am Holy Communion Sunday 31st October 10.30 am Joint Service

Sunday 7th November 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Service

Sunday 7th November 10.30 am Morning Service Sunday 14th November 10.30 am Morning Service

St Peter’s Church, Copt Oak Sunday 17th October 3.00 pm Praise Service Sunday 24th October 6.00 pm Holy Communion Sunday 31st October 6.00 pm Joint Service Sunday 7th November 6.00 pm Evening Prayer Sunday 14th November 6.00 pm Remembrance Service Sunday 21st November 3.00 pm Bereavement Memorial Service Sunday 28th November 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Bardon Park Chapel Sunday 10 October 10.30 am Christian Worship

Remembrance Sunday 14th November 10.30 am Morning Communion Service 6.00 pm Churches Together United Service at St Michael’s Anglican Church, Markfield

Sunday 21st November 10.30 am Family Service Sunday 28th November 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 24 October 10.30 am Christian Worship Speaker: Dennis Jolley

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield

St Peter’s Church, Thornton

Sunday 31 October 10.30 am Christian Worship Speaker: David Rowe

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 24th October 10.30 am Family Service

Friday 15th October 8.00 pm Taizé Style Service

Sunday 17th October 10.00 am Churches Together in Markfield Service at St Wilfrid’s Church, Coalville 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 17th October 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 31st October 10.30 am Joint Service at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon Sunday 7th November 3.00 am Bereavement Memorial Service Sunday 14th November 10.30 am Remembrance Service

Sunday 24th October 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service

Sunday 21st November 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 31st October 6.00 pm Joint Service at St Peter’s, Copt Oak

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth

Sunday 7th November 10.30 am Holy Communion 6.00 pm Bereavement Memorial Service

Please note: This service will be at Bagworth Community Centre Sunday 7th November 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 28th November 10.30 am Family Service

Sunday 17 October 10.30 am Christian Worship Speaker: Bob Ellison

Saturday 6 November Afternoon and evening IGO (International Gospel Outreach) conference Telephone 01530 24 25 26 for details Sunday 7 November 10.30 am Christian Worship, with the Lord’s Supper Speaker: Dalton King Sunday 14 November 10.30 am Remembrance Sunday Speaker: Nigel North Sunday 21 November 10.30 am Christian Worship Speaker: Dennis Saunders Sunday 28 November 10.30 am Christian Worship Speaker: Fred Wilks Saturday 4 December 7.00 pm Praise evening Speaker: Patricia Lines

Remembrance Sunday 14th November 10.30 am All Age and Parade Remembrance Service 6.00 pm Remembrance Service Friday 19th November 8.00 pm Iona Style Service Sunday 21st November 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

I feel much better, now that I’ve given up hope.

No bonfire night this year in Thornton Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are not able to hold the Annual Bonfire Night at Thornton Community Centre this year because of the addition of equipment and path on the recreation ground has made it impossible to access the other meadow by tractor to build the fire.

You will be aware that this event has taken place over many years and has become a village tradition.

However, despite pleas to help over the past couple of years, there has been no response from Thornton villagers to help organise and run the event.

In future years, if people come forward, we may be able to rethink and reinstate the event.

THE COMMITTEE

Thornton Community Centre

Fair Trade Sale & Fashion Show Saturday November 13th at Groby United Reformed Church, Chapel Hill •

Take this opportunity to buy your Christmas gifts, cards, wrapping paper and decorations in comfort whilst helping those in need at the same time.

• Treat yourself to a new outfit from fairly traded sources.

Sale from 10am – 12 noon.

Fashion show 4pm with sale to follow. Refreshments available with fair trade cakes, biscuits and Christmas Puddings (that you can sample before you buy)

Nativity Festival at Markfield Methodist Church: Sat 4th Dec We invite you to join us in celebrating the wonder of Christmas by letting us display your family nativity, or original art or needle work depicting the birth of Jesus.

Shop-bought or handmade, old or new, each will add to this unique collection for all to enjoy.

If you are interested in displaying your nativity at the festival please contact Linda Walmsley Tel: 242607 or Ann Lay Tel: 242166

35

Herald Film Reviews from Tom Flowitt

Drewe The Other Guys Tamara (15) (12A)

Starring: Gemma Arterton, Roger Allam and Dominic Cooper 111 minutes

Starring: Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg 107 minutes

The Other Guys is the story of two cops, Gamble and Hoitz, who dream of being heroes on TV but are instead resigned to pushing paper.

When the department’s elite officers are killed they are tasked with solving a case that could finally thrust them into the limelight.

The film is a comedy but it relies too heavily on cheap laughs or jokes that have been done to death. There are moments that will make you laugh but not nearly enough. The action set pieces are impressive, however the script is uneven and at times makes no sense.

Will Ferrell has been funnier but still puts in good performance.

Mark Wahlberg though seems to have lost his way recently and this film further emphasises this point.

Overall: As a comedy it doesn’t do enough however the action scenes at least make it an entertaining couple of hours 3 stars

I’ll be honest from the start; this isn’t my sort of film. However this month has been quiet in terms of releases so I thought I would give it a go.

The film is set in Ewedown, Dorset and revolves around journalist Tamara Drewe, whose arrival in the village causes quite a stir amongst the locals.

Ewedown itself is a quiet village, one character in reference remarks ‘What could ever happen in a place like this?’ The answer is quite literally nothing.

There is little story to speak of as Tamara moves on from one man to the next, each one as unlikely a relationship as the previous one.

The performances aren’t fantastic but to be fair even the greats of modern cinema would struggle with this script.

Overall: You will struggle to see a worse film this or any other year. Avoid at all costs.

1 Star

WISE WORDS Consider the postage stamp; its usefulness consists of the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.

Josh Billings (1818-1885) American humourist

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Call 0844 844 0436