Kibworth & District Chronicle May 2021 Issue 429

Issue 429

May 2021

KIBWORTH BEAUCHAMP KIBWORTH HARCOURT SMEETON WESTERBY GUMLEY THE LANGTONS SADDINGTON CARLTON CURLIEU SHANGTON KINGS NORTON ILLSTON ON THE HILL WISTOW STONTON WYVILLE GLOOSTON GAULBY SLAWSTON CRANOE FOXTON MOWSLEY LAUGHTON THREE GATES FRISBY WELHAM BURTON OVERY NOSELEY KILBY

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BLOWING THEIR TRUMPETS FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL . . .

STATE TRUMPETERS Kate (Miller) Sandford and her husband Julian Sandford (pictured on the right) are both State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry and took part, with colleagues, in the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral service at Windsor. Kate was born and brought up in Slawston and four generations of her family currently live and farm there.

Kate was originally taught music by Roger Garratt and then played for the Harborough Brass Band, before studying music at Huddersfield University. She and Julian were married in All Saints, Slawston, with colleagues giving them stirring fanfares!

Wendy Edmund

VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP FOR OUR COMMUNITY SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE WOMBLES On Sunday 25th April, a group of seven Kibworth based South Leicestershire Litter Wombles started clearing some of the historic fly-tipping along Mill Lane.

Above are the results of our efforts, including some before and after pictures of the two worst spots. A return trip will be made to deal with the last few items as soon as we can.

Rubbish that’s collected is reported via the “Love Clean Streets” app to Harborough District Council, which then

collects it. It provides wombles with the red bags free of charge to use to carry out litter picking. Where possible, full bags are left beside litter bins, to be collected by the Council when the bins are emptied.

Between us over recent weeks, we’ve also been clearing litter in all of Kibworth’s main public open spaces, and the football ground, as well as footpaths across local fields. We’ve been in contact with Network Rail, which had removed a sign from the New Road bridge that had been there for two years, and it has also agreed to carry out a litter pick under/ around the Tin Bridge.

One of the most common finds are bags of dog poo that are discarded, and can be found tossed into hedges and ditches or hung from tree branches.

Smeeton Road rec and Warwick Park have seen recent incidents of ASB where bottles have been smashed, and other litter such as cans and food packaging discarded. Volunteers from the Womble group have been ensuring that this has always been cleared up quickly to prevent injury to children and dogs.

Find out more by searching Facebook for “South Leicestershire Litter Wombles” Andy Wright - Tel: 07900 671193

2 Kibworth & District Chronicle

May 2021

WINE NOTE

EDITORIAL There has been a palpable ‘buzz’ about the villages following the reopening of many businesses on 12 April, albeit with some restrictions in place. Well done to our local pubs, cafes and restaurants who have managed to create safe outdoor spaces in spite of the unpredictable British weather! I wish them all a very Happy Reopening this week. The pandemic has made me think hard about the importance of shopping locally, rather than relying on the large internet site., I’ve tried much harder to utilise businesses on my doorstep, which has been so much more satisfying! Several of these wonderful businesses are featured in this month’s issue.

The amazing ‘Leicestershire Wombles’ are doing a fantastic job cleaning up our community. The red bin bags are now a familiar sight around the local area, but it always shocks me how many there are, and saddens me that some people can be so disrespectful of our beautiful countryside. I hope that seeing the busy ‘Wombles’ at work will encourage everyone to think carefully about taking care of what’s around us. We ALL have a responsibility to keep it clean and litter-free.

My new neighbours have remarked on what a friendly, caring community they have chosen to settle in, and I remember feeling the same way as ‘newbies’ back in 2003. This truly is a community that offers something for everyone. Hopefully, over the next few weeks and months, the fantastic array of clubs and groups will be able to safely reopen, and life may return to pre-Covid times. For some people, however, care and support is going to be a critical factor; thankfully there are several groups able to offer their services.

I hope that the incredible community spirit that emerged during the pandemic will continue to flourish - many of the local groups desperately need new willing volunteers to help them restart. If you have an interest in any of our clubs and groups, please don’t hesitate to volunteer your services, I’m certain that they will welcome you with socially-distanced open arms!

Joy Hill. (Advertising Team)

2018 Côtes du Rhône La Grange St. Martin (Coop £7.75)

“Books to the ceiling, books to the sky, my pile of books is a mile high.

How I love them! How I need them! I’ll have a long beard by the time I read them” Arnold Lobel May is full of anniversaries. The 2nd is Harry Potter Day – the day of the Battle of Hogwarts. May the Fourth is Star Wars Day. May 5th is the anniversary of Edward Lear, King of Limericks, birthday. It also, of course, celebrates limericks.

Here is a little one we’ve written ourselves: Our library is full to the brim With books donated and slim So, for now we’ll say no ‘Cause they’ve all got to go But please drop in on a whim (and buy some please)

The Côtes du Rhône is one of the largest wine regions in the world so there’s lots of choice.

How, then, do you find a good one?

You follow one of the golden rules of wine selection – ignore things like fancy titles and the use of the word ‘Reserve’ and look for the name of the producer.

The Perrin family who own the top Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate Château de Beaucastel makes this example, and that expertise shows in the quality of the wine.

It’s mainly made from Grenache with the addition of some Syrah. It has excellent spicy cherry fruit and good balancing acidity. There’s also some of that southern herby character from the Grenache. It’s made for early drinking (no, not pre-breakfast – drink it this year).

Once the May rain stops, get out into the garden, light up the barbecue and serve this wine with steak or burgers John Freeland (u3a Wine Tasting Group)

COUNTY COUNCILLOR FOR GARTREE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTIONS Yes, we have too many books!

We never thought we’d say that but unfortunately, it’s true. Thank you for all the donations but no more for now please. Hopefully we will be having a MASSIVE book sale very soon. Please keep popping in to buy some. They are at the magnificent price of 50p each for adult, and any donation for children’s books.

Our opening hours for now are: Monday 2 – 4pm Tuesday 10am – 12pm Wednesday 2 – 4pm Saturday 10am – 12pm Julie Harrison

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Once more I would like to thank so many voters across the Gartree area for having the faith to support me for another four years. At this election 15 new county councillors have been elected and include Cllr Phil King, leader of HDC, for the Harborough West and Foxton Division.

The County Council AGM is on 19 May and due to covid restrictions and social distancing is being held in a large conference facility in Loughborough.

Hopefully normal county service at county hall will resume after 21 June. kevin.feltham@leics.gov.uk

May 2021

Kibworth & District Chronicle 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor,

years ago.

KIBWORTH TIN BRIDGE

There is understandable affection for the bridge as a local landmark, but that does not of itself justify retaining it in its current form, as it simply does not serve all of the village as it should.

On occasion I have the privilege of walking my granddaughter to school, and we use the Tin Bridge at the bottom of Meadowbrook Road. On these walks and on other lockdown walking exercise sessions, it has became apparent to me that this bridge is really not ‘fit for purpose’.

Arguably, even when it was constructed decades ago, it was not the best design. The issues with it are obvious - there is no pushchair/cycle/disabled access to it, the steps are steep, open and dangerous in wet/snowy/autumn leaves times, it has no lighting and it has an open top across the main railway line. It might be old and quaint, but that does not help if you cannot use it. School Walk is an alternative crossing, but does it have to be the only one that is able to serve everyone?

I have seen folk struggle with pushchairs and cycles, and have waited while youngsters negotiate the steps.

When it snowed, mercifully briefly, snow was not cleared from the steps and they were covered in ice, while in the autumn, wet leaves created a similar slip hazard.

It is not possible to know how many people don’t use it because they can’t or how many people get in their cars and drive down to School Walk, round to Hillcrest Avenue or The Tithings, adding to the congestion in those areas.

The bridge conveniently leads onto a path up to one of the school gates, although that gate is currently not used. It gives a right turn towards the School Walk path, or to the left to the extended new housing estate.

A path across the top of the park linking the two school gates would make a lot of sense for parents with children in different year groups - assuming that post COVID, both gates will be used again.

I have also heard of youngsters congregating on the bridge and even sitting on top of the parapets, which brings back memories of awful tragedies a few

We are attracting younger families with new housing developments, so it seems reasonable to address the impact the Tin Bridge has on mobility across the village.

I have lived in Kibworth for 35 years, (yes, I know, less than some), and the accessibility issues concerning the bridge actually don’t affect me at all. That does not mean improvements for the benefit of others should not be considered. It’s easy to object to stuff that does not impact on

Dear Editor

Dear Editor,

GP SERVICES

BLOSSOM TIME

I fully understand how difficult it must have been for our medical practice over the past year and they have done a tremendous job of vaccinating us all. I am now able to see my dentist, optician and hairdresser but seemingly there is no possibility of talking to or seeing a doctor.

I expect that many of your readers are aware that the National Trust is currently promoting the planting of many new blossom trees, in ‘tree circles’. The Trust’s wish is that these natural places will give people space for hope and reflection as we move forward from the pandemic, and the chance to celebrate the beauty of spring, year after year.

I telephoned the [SLMG] practice and after holding was told to call back later in the week. My next call, on the 12 May, I was told there was no availability but there may be some at the end of the month.

Am I alone in thinking that this is unacceptable. I have friends in other parts of the UK who seem not to have this problem able to see or talk to their GP within 48 hours.

Name and address supplied

KIBWORTH THEATRE COMPANY AGM

Kibworth Theatre Company is pleased to announce that their AGM will take place on Friday 16 July. There will be a barbecue straight after the meeting. If anyone would like to attend, please contact Martyn on 07914264965 or m_wyburn@yahoo.com for further details.

We look forward to meeting new members as well as our current ones. KTC have decided that our next production will be in the form of a Christmas show. This will be performed in early December. The show will include songs, sketches and poems. And, of course, carols!

Again, if anyone new would like to be involved, please contact: Martyn Wyburn - Chair KTC.

Adults and children are encouraged to take more notice of nature, to improve wellbeing and to lift their spirits. An abundance of wildlife thrives on blossom.

Bees seek pollen from wild cherry and apple blossoms. Caterpillars and butterflies love the leaves of goat willow and elderflower blossoms. Song thrushes and blackbirds eat the fruit produced by the trees, and hunt for insects among the blossom.

us directly but, at a community level, the bridge cries out for upgrading.

The bridge is a local landmark and I have queried whether it can be adapted rather than being replaced entirely. It is, after all, a huge metal fabrication that might lend itself to having ramps put either side and the steps improved with a bit of engineering skill.

I contacted Kevin Feltham to see if he could initiate the upgrading or replacement of the bridge and he has taken it up with Network Rail. There has been comment on the Kibworth Facebook page but if you have an interest in using, or being able to use, the Tin Bridge, please let Dr Feltham know.

Name and address supplied

This view is of the bridge looking from the school side towards Meadowbrook.

Whilst the Trust is a major landowner where trees are being planted, there is also scope for communities around the country to create their own tree circles. I wonder if there is interest in Kibworth, or any of the villages in the Chronicle distribution area, to join this movement?

Acres of land are not required, just roadside verges or unused corners of ground can be transformed by the addition of a few trees. Every tree planted will help us meet our commitment to plant 20 million trees during the next decade, which is part of work to tackle the climate crisis.

More can be read at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/ helping-communitiesblossom R. S. Holmes

RESPONDING TO THE ‘TIN BRIDGE’ LETTER We have learned that Network Rail have indicated that they are not able to upgrade the bridge in the manner suggested in the letter as there is an alternative, step-free bridge at the bottom of School Road. After reviewing it under the 2010 Equalities Act the fitting of ramps is not a requirement because of the alternative bridge aforementioned…. and it would cost too much!

4 Kibworth & District Chronicle

May 2021

NATURE NOTES POLLINATING INSECTS AND THE SALLOW In April’s Nature Note we looked at the sallow or goat willow. I am sure that if you had a go at identifying the butterfly in one of the pictures, you will have concluded that it was a peacock.

Peacock is one of the few butterflies that hibernates as an adult. Others include small tortoiseshell, brimstone, comma and red admiral. This year these species were on the wing in the brief warm spell at the end of March and were able to take full advantage of early flowering sallows.

April has been less kind with night frosts and cold winds keeping butterfly numbers below what would be expected in a normal April.

Butterflies are not the only insects that take advantage of the nectar provided by the Sallow. There are over a dozen species of relatively common moths that gather nectar from sallows. These moths fly in early spring but are not seen at any other time of the year. There are also a few autumn moths that re-appear briefly at the same time for the same food source.

Most of the larger (macro) moths have English names, some of which are very descriptive.

Hebrew Character

Common Quaker

In April, moth trap operators expect to find amongst other species, Hebrew character, common and small quaker, clouded drab and early grey. All of these are pollinators of catkins; being attracted to the early season nectar source. Hebrew characters have a black mark on each wing in the shape of the Hebrew letter “nun”, clouded drabs are variable in colour

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and pattern but are often very drab in appearance. Early grey is one of the few grey moths to be found this early in the year but the source of the name ‘quaker’, is less obvious. Most moths tremor, or quake, as they warm up in the morning sun, but I can find no reference to this motion being unduly pronounced in the quakers.

However, the bounty of the sallow is not restricted to spring. Sallow kitten moth caterpillars munch their way through the leaves, two species of “clearwing” moths have larvae that bore into the trunk of the tree and the caterpillars of the UK’s most spectacular butterfly, the purple emperor, feed exclusively on sallow leaves. The puss moth, the feline and three kitten species are closely related moths and are presumably named from the furry nature of the adults and clearwings are a group of moths with translucent wings).

•Are you a good listener?

• Do you have some insight into the issues faced by unpaid family carers, or would you be prepared to learn?

• Do you have a few hours free every week?

We are looking to recruit some more Volunteer Telephone Befrienders within our Support for Carers project. You’d be asked to ring a handful of carers, who are all looking after a friend or loved one, at roughly the same time each week just to see how they’re getting on.

Our Telephone Befriending Service is valued by carers across Leicestershire who feel isolated in their caring position.

Maybe they have no other family to talk to about their caring role, maybe they find it easier to talk to someone ‘neutral’, maybe they would just like a new friend.

Purple emperors are worthy of more than a few words. They are large and can float through the air with considerable grace, flashing bright purple if the sun catches the iridescent patches on the upper wings. Adult butterflies are attracted to minerals and have a good sense of smell.

Dried-up puddles, banana skins, anchovies and a host of less savoury items attract the insects down onto the ground and photographers “bait” suitable paths in order to get close-up pictures.

There is a well know breeding population not far from Corby but in the last few summers purple emperors may soon establish breeding colonies in Leicestershire and Rutland (if they have not already done so!

David Scott

Full training and ongoing support are given, and expenses reimbursed.

For more details please email liz.macmillan@vasl.org.uk or phone her on 01858 468543.

Hannah Currington

FRIENDS OF ST WILFRID’S CHURCH The Friends are currently looking to repair the clocks and the leaks in the roof.

If you are able to consider giving a regular donation and would like to know more please contact 07540 719298.

Regards, The Friends

May 2021

THE VILLAS The row of houses, we know as the Villas, on Church Road was originally called Beauchamp Cottages.

Kibworth & District Chronicle 5 Samuel Barfield was the sculptor who produced the four statues supporting Leicester’s Clocktower. He presented the figures of William Wigston, Thomas White, Simon de Montfort and Gabriel Newton. Barfield also worked for the Masons. He lived at No 5 Church Road.

ST WILFRID’S HAS REOPENED FOR SERVICES The houses were built in the late nineteenth century as a set of large identical semi-detached homes. They formed a unified and symmetrical architectural group, designed and built

by John Mason, one of Kibworth’s most celebrated builders. The Masons, very much a family firm, became a local building dynasty.

Weekly Sunday services will take place at 10.30am, with Communion on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. All covid-safe precautions are in place, including Track & Trace.

Services will continue to be available on our YouTube channel ‘St Wilfrid’s Media’.

When he was living in Kibworth, Barfield was employing 32 men and six apprentices, most of whom would have been from the local community. Thomas, Samuel Barfield’s son, became the first Honorary Secretary of the Leicester Society of Artists. He was also the Art Master at Kibworth Grammar School.

One of his pupils was Samuel Perkins Pick, the son of the landlady of the Greyhound Inn at Great Glen. Samuel Pick became a distinguished architect and cofounded the Leicester firm that now trades as Pick Everard.

John Mason and his immediate family moved in to one of these houses as soon as it was completed. His son, Edward Woodford Mason, also a builder, lived nearby.

Edward later took over the family business and was responsible for the design and construction of the large houses on Smeeton Road set back along the layby.

This was the original route of Smeeton Lane, opposite the former Health Centre site. The land next to these houses was purchased from Edward’s heirs and is now the Smeeton Road Recreation Ground.

This ground is owned and managed by Kibworth Beauchamp Parish Council and the Kibworth Recreation Board. Edward also built the delightful lychgate at Kibworth Cemetery, which was completed between July and October 1894.

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Over more than a century Pick Everard designed many landmark buildings in Leicester. Including, most recently, the BBC Radio Leicester studios in St Nicholas Place. In December 1880, Samuel chaired the inaugural meeting of the Leicester Society of Artists at Thomas Barfield’s Leicester studios in Gallowtree Gate.

PENTECOST 23 MAY The festival of Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit and is often represented with flame-symbolism. St Wilfrid’s will be displaying red, orange and yellow ribbons on the railings to celebrate Pentecost; everyone is invited to bring their own flame-coloured ribbons to add to the display.

ST WILFRID’S APC MEETING The APC Meeting will take place on Wednesday 26 May at 7.30pm. If regulations permit, the meeting will take place at the Church Hall with covid-safe precautions in place. wilfs.kibworth@gmail.com or telephone 0116 279 6577.

The Villas represent an important architectural legacy for Kibworth, which should be protected and preserved.

Stephen Butt

6 Kibworth & District Chronicle

May 2021

OBITUARIES WAYNE COLEMAN

“We remember him taking on, with great pride, the ‘moniker’ of ‘Wayne the Dane!’ So pleased to find out about the family heritage!

He wrote poetry, compiled quizzes, loved dressing up and never took himself seriously. He was thoroughly erudite on all matters of popular music. He was a raconteur when talking about his beloved ‘Kibbuth’ and his relationship with the village. Fond memories.”

Wayne Coleman (left) enjoying the company of Michael Wood.

Wayne Coleman - another one of Kibworth’s characters - has died. Here, at The Kibworth & District Chronicle, we could not let his death pass without sharing a few insights into a much loved and admired Kibworthian.

Roger Garratt wrote in the Methodist Chapel weekly newsletter: “Wayne, A man of many talents.

Employed by HMRC Customer Service/ Taxation from Jan 1992 - Jun 2007, then Apr 2008 - Dec 2014 Premises Officer/ Health & Safety Officer at the Grammar School Hall. After which he did charity work at The Well.

However, little did Kibworth village heritage warden, Wayne Coleman realise what was in store. As a result of a DNA test for the Michael Wood TV series ‘The Story of England’ which featured the Kibworths, it was revealed that the Colemans went back even further into the village than thought.

“I am a Viking!” Wayne was pleased to say.

We trust him to the Lord and remember sister Diane and daughter Daisy.”

Stephen Poyzer recalls that he travelled to work with Wayne for over five years.

MISS MARJORIE WISE

And of course we must include Wayne, by himself.

On his Twitter account he described himself as …‘Definitely overweight, flamboyant, warped, flirtatious! More boring than a high speed drill, got Viking DNA, Weirdo (1st Class).’

To complete our memories of Wayne, here is one of his poem in which he remembers Kibworth characters of the past.

A “Kibbuth’ Round South of Leicester, there’s a place, Where they have a cheery face And all the people help each other out But this was times gone by, As tear forms in your eye And all your memories turn to doubt You remember you would wait, Outside General Jack’s gate For the bow-tied General to appear Then over to Mrs. Bolton’s shop, Your mates and you would ‘pop’ Where he would buy all sweets for those assembled here As the roads twist and wind, Another character you would find Was Bill Coleman busy at his work He would ‘shoe’ a shire or a punch, Just before his lunch All this time he’d never shirk to practice, and at the age of 19, she was asked to take over the school where she had previously been a pupil. Marjorie renamed the school Marjorie Wise School of Dancing where she taught children and adults ballet, tap and modern dance for over 50 years.

At its peak, the school ran for years with over 400 pupils, and Marjorie’s dedication to each and every one of them was exemplary. The bi-annual dancing displays at Wreake Valley College were a superb example of the commitment Marjorie had to her school. She designed all the costumes and scenery, in addition to creating a marvellous spectacle of choreography demonstrating the talents of her pupils.

Well known Leicester ballet mistress and choreographer, Miss Marjorie Wise (Marjorie Holyoake) has died peacefully at home in Kibworth, aged 91 years. She was the original principal of the Marjorie Wise School of Dancing, and choreographer and ballet mistress for many local Operatic Societies, including The Leicester Amateur Operatic Society, KRR Operatic Society and the IDOLS to name a few.

Marjorie studied classical ballet from the age of 4 at a Leicester ballet school, and also in Nottingham and Coventry.

Her parents bought a house with a ballet studio in the basement to enable Marjorie

Marjorie met husband Malcolm whilst working on a musical production at Leicester’s Little Theatre – Malcolm working backstage at the time. They were married for 63 years, until Malcolm died in 2020.

Marjorie retired from the school in 1994 and was very happy to hand over the reins, and the name Marjorie Wise School of Dancing, to her long time pupil and friend Janice Spence.

It gave Marjorie great pleasure that the school still runs today in her name, and she was always thrilled to meet

If you fancy a drop of liquor, Then nothing could be quicker Than to pop into the ’shoes for a beer Where you would raise a glass or two, With ‘Sol’ and ‘Thatcher’ too Jack and his shiny waistcoat also here.

And poor old ‘Beefy’ Berry, A man who hated ‘jerry’ For one Sunday they made him see red.

I’m not one for talk, But he came back from a walk, Then found they had machine-gunned his bed!

We wouldn’t worry about the weather, And if you like the smell of leather We would go in Joe Nourish’s with our shoes He would put on a new heel or sole, Or even patch a hole With the hide in several different hues.

Remember that awful sound, When ‘Tinkle Basin’ came round Rattling his bowl with a wooden spoon And the roadies, Maud and Pat, Then Bill Fox (Well fancy that) Altogether, a well spent afternoon.

To make you lick your lips, I’ll mention Drury’s fish and chips They’d be warm when it was cold and damp I appreciate time were hard, And who’s that asleep in the General’s yard?

Why it’s only ‘Oakham’ the tramp.

I’m sorry there isn’t time, And I‘ve got to finish my rhyme So I’ll wish you all a fond good bye Reflect and have your fill.

At Kibworth and its mill As I’ll be a ‘Kibbuthite’ ’til I die.

former pupils, children of pupils and grandchildren of pupils, whilst out and about, and to hear their news.

Marjorie is survived by daughters Sally and Nicola, and Grandson Charlie who say of her “Mum was totally committed to Marjorie Wise School of Dancing her whole life. She was extremely dedicated to her pupils. She gave them extra lessons in our kitchen the night before exams in order to help them with their confidence.

Her choreography was creative and beautiful. We have been very touched by generations of pupils and operatic society members alike who have contacted us since her death, and told us how Mum touched their lives.”

Contact: Nicola Holyoake Daughter – 07818 066463

May 2021

Kibworth & District Chronicle 7 to the date last year becomes clearly apparent.

2020 A YEAR OF HINDSIGHT With 2020 now behind us, the team at Edmonds and Slatter are looking back with astonishment at what a year it was. It brought us many new situations and an expanded vocabulary, including ‘social distancing’ and other Covidrelated terms. Ironically 2020 was also the Chinese Year of the Rat. The year 2020 will be memorable for everyone, but also is numerically significant for opticians. Many people will be familiar with the term ‘20/20 vision’, and will no doubt understand that it refers to perfect eyesight. This is where the connection

OPENING KIBWORTH’S EYES Local independent Opticians Edmonds and Slatter opened its fourth practice in Kibworth just over a year ago. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic they were not able to celebrate in the usual fashion. However, in the last few months as restrictions continue to lift, their team continued to offer emergency eye care and eyewear services to assist key workers, vulnerable

In The

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW WITH ANNA WYBURN

Strictly speaking, 20/20 is an americanism. America works predominantly in imperial measurements, and the term ‘20/20 vision’ refers to an eye sight testing distance of 20 feet. In the UK we refer to ‘perfect’ vision as a visual acuity of 6/6, as working in metric measurements the testing distance is 6 metres. However, we won’t let the small issue of ‘20/20 vision’ being a term from across the pond get in the way of making the most of the tenuous link with the historical year just passed.

At Edmonds & Slatter Opticians, a visual acuity measurement of 6/6 is exactly what we want our patients to achieve, either with or without corrective lenses. A measurement of 6/6 equates to being able to see everything you should be able to, clearly, at a distance of 6 metres residents and anyone else that needed urgent support, followed soon after by a return to all round routine eyecare.

Finally they are now able to plan an open day to belatedly celebrate their arrival in Kibworth.

Practice manager Emma Sturgess and her team are busy preparing for what looks to be a packed event scheduled to take place on Saturday 26th June in the practice located on Kibworth High Street.

“We are looking forward to meeting and greeting the residents of Kibworth and being able to show them everything Edmonds and Slatter has to offer” she commented, “It will be an exciting day with full collections of designer spectacle frames displayed alongside nibbles and

The special guest of the day is scheduled to be Callum Parkinson, ViceCaptain of Leicestershire County Cricket Club who has been invited to officially open the practice.

The opticians will have a giveaway scratch card promotion running and also be holding a raffle to raise funds for their charity of the year, The Bodie Hodges Foundation, which will include a signed LCCC shirt amongst other fantastic prizes.

For up to date information on the open day please refer to Edmonds & Slatter’s Facebook page or call the Kibworth practice directly on 0116 464 7044.

Amy Coleburne @ Edmonds & Slatter

9. What helped you through the lockdown periods?

I always thought I would be a teacher when I was older, I loved drama, so teaching that as a subject seemed like it would be fun.

Because I was going to work every day, it didn’t feel too far away from normality. I did really miss seeing my parents though, so being able to FaceTime them got me through the hard times.

5. What do you really enjoy about your job?

I feel very privileged to have grown up in such a lovely village. I was able to play out with friends and the schools were great. As I got older it was nice having a

drinks in the practice.”

3. What did you want to be when you grew up?

She studied Health and Social care at College, then decided to take a Gap Year, during which she volunteered in an orphanage in South Africa for three months. When she came back, Anna decided to begin a career within the Police.

She opted for the apprenticeship route, and is currently in her 3rd year of studying and working. She is hoping to graduate early next year.

2. What was it like, growing up in Kibworth?

Amy Coleburne Edmonds & Slatter Opticians T: (0116) 277 77 33 E: amycoleburne@edmondsandslatter. co.uk

tried multiple times to learn, but just can’t seem to pick it up.

4. What was your favourite subject at school?

Probably going to Disneyland for mine and my brother’s 5th birthday. I remember the character breakfast and everything being so magical. I can’t wait to go back when Covid allows!

Our comprehensive eye test allows our optometrists to assess exactly what we need to do to reach that goal of 6/6 vision, and it doesn’t end there. With Optomap retinal screening, an OCT scan, and dry eye assessment, we can now monitor your eye health like never before. We introduced the OCT scan at the beginning of last year, but who could have predicted where 2020 was about to take us hindsight is 2020!

restaurant in the village that I could go to with friends and family.

Anna was born in Leicester and grew up in Kibworth with her twin brother and older brother. She attended the local Church, which she loved, and participated in the local Am-dram group, the Kibworth Theatre Company.

1. What is your earliest memory?

away. If someone has worse vision, then, for example, when they view an object at 6 metres and it is as blurred as if it was 18 metres away for a person with 6/6 vision, this gives a measurement of 6/18.

Following on from the previous question, it has to be drama. My teacher was fantastic and I loved how practical the subject was.

No two days are the same, it’s a mixture of caring for people, helping people during their worst days and of course the adrenaline!

6. What do you do to relax?

I love a bubbly bath with my favourite TV programme. If I’m feeling extra fancy, a spa day with friends is the dream.

7. What was your most embarrassing moment?

Anyone who knows me knows I’m extremely clumsy, so I embarrass myself daily. One I can think of was falling off my chair within my first week at work. Talk about good impressions!

8. What skill would you like to have that you don’t have at present?

I’d love to be able to play the guitar. I’ve

10. If you won the lottery, or some other big contest, what is the first thing you would do with the money?

I would love to own a little Nissan Figaro.

I’ve been obsessed with having one since watching the Sarah Jane adventurers on CBBC, so I would buy one of those. Other than that, I’d love to take my family on a big holiday.

11. Do you have a favourite book/play/ film and why do you like it?

I love the Chronicles of Narnia. I remember my Dad reading the stories to me when I was younger and the films are fantastic. I love the meaning behind them.

12. If someone wanted to make a film of your life, who would you like to play you?

I really like Anna Kendrick. It definitely has to be someone that doesn’t take themselves too seriously, and she seems like she’s up for a laugh.

Interview by Carol Townend

8 Kibworth & District Chronicle

INTRODUCING DR CHRISTIAN FRENCH OPTOMETRIST “Whenever I go to the optician’s, I end up buying more glasses”… “It’s a different person I see every time I go”… “It felt like I was only in the chair for 10 minutes”…

I’m sure we have all heard these sorts of comments when people talk about a visit to the opticians. It’s unfortunately a reputation that we optometrists have put upon ourselves. I say that there is a whole lot more to optometry and what we can do for our patients.

I consider myself a traditionalist. When I became an optometrist, it was because of the clinical care I could provide for each of my patients. Having worked for a large national opticians’ company where my performance was based on how many pairs of glasses I sold, it reinforced for me that I am not a salesman, but a clinician.

This was really the spark that drove me to set up my own practice, built around my own ethos and passion for optometry.

I believe there is a clinical streak that runs through everything that I do. I currently work as a Specialist Optometrist in the Ophthalmology Department at Kettering General Hospital. I also work as Senior Lecturer at the University

May 2021 of Hertfordshire where I teach Ocular Anatomy and clinical skills to the next generation of eyecare professionals.

(Should anyone be thinking of a career in optometry, I am more than happy to host work experience.)

My research - part of which formed my PhD - is clinically based in the practice, establishing more accurate ways for optometrists to monitor and detect cardiovascular disease when we examine the retina at the back of the eye.

Setting up a practice from scratch is not easy. To do it during a national pandemic is arguably madness! But, for me the time was right. I decided that although it was a completely alien model of eyecare in the UK, it was the model that I wanted to implement. After all, in Europe and North America it is perfectly normal to visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist for your eye exam, and then make a separate trip to your optician to sort out glasses. And that is exactly the principle of my practice.

I focus 100% on the clinical examination. An eye exam, for instance, can take anywhere between 45 minutes and 1 hour. This includes things like having your blood pressure checked.

Whether your appointment is an eye exam, contact lens check or specialist examination, I give you the amount of chair time required for me to perform the exam, and also for you, the patient, to ask questions and actually understand what is going on with your eyes. Eye examinations can be provided for the treatment of dry/watery eyes, assessing visual stress or even reading difficulties associated with dyslexia in children.

BRIDGE 67 BUTCHERS Bridge 67 Butchers opened its doors on the 5th November 2020 just as we went into lockdown for the second time.

Situated on the High Street in Kibworth, the butcher’s shop offers a fantastic range of quality products with the main emphasis on local, British products.

Owners, John and Jill Vickers, supply the shop with grass-fed, 21 day matured beef and lamb from their farm in Smeeton Westerby. The pork comes from their sister farm, Beaufield Farm, in Kibworth. Fresh free range eggs are also supplied by mother-in-law, Liz Vickers, from Newstead Farm, Smeeton Westerby.

Homemade sausages, burgers, pork pies, home cured bacon, pies, along with Soanes chickens, Fruit Pig black pudding and Hambleton bread make for quite an array of products. That’s not to forget the wonderful selection of speciality British cheeses, charcuteries, hams, chutneys and preserves.

Behind the counter we have, Jill the

With no glasses to sell, the advice I give about whether or not you need glasses, and what product would best suit you is completely unbiased. We can discuss buying glasses or contact lenses online, the different options of laser surgery, or anything else about your eyes.

For me, it is so important for you to be happy and comfortable with what is going on with your eyes; they are yours after all! Crucially, this service continues after you have walked out of the practice; if you have any queries or concerns, you can contact me at any time to discuss things.

The practice itself does not look like your ‘typical’ opticians. It is a house practice, tucked away in the heart of Kibworth Harcourt, quite literally on the doorstep of where I grew up. The surroundings are relaxed and quiet because it is important that you feel at ease when you have an eye exam. You may get some idea of how far my passion/obsession for optometry goes with the small museum of historical equipment on display too.

Anyone is welcome for an examination.

My youngest patient so far has been less than 12 months old! We can discuss exactly what you require when you make an appointment. We only get one set of eyes; it is important that we do everything we can to look after them.

All consultations are by appointment only.

Contact 07971 295152 or christian@ consultingoptometrist.co.uk and I will happily discuss your requirements with you and arrange a suitable appointment.

Dr Christian French

owner, Colin, who I am sure you are familiar with from the butcher’s shop in Fleckney, and yes, we are making his sausages! Andy Kemp also recently joined us. You may remember Andy as the butcher from Kibworth some 18 years ago.

Then there is Caitlin, another butcher, and Sarah our cheese expert.

Why not pop in to have a look, where a member of the team will be happy to look after you, offer advice and make sure that you find what you are looking for?

It’s almost literally from our farm to your table.

Jill Vickers Tel: (0116) 2796155 Email: jill@bridge67.co.uk Web: www.bridge67.co.uk Unique meeting venue – corporate team building events – corporate hospitality Bridge 67 is located 1 mile down Debdale Lane in the village of Smeeton Westerby.

For Sat Nav users, please use: LE8 0QJ to get to Smeeton Westerby and then access Debdale Lane via LE8 0QD

May 2021

Kibworth & District Chronicle 9

LOOK AFTER YOUR MIND CONTROL PANEL This is a visualisation technique based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, physical state and behaviours are all connected, so that the deliberate use of the imagination can have a positive effect on how we think, and what we think about, in order to modify the way we feel.

The first step is to create your control panel on paper. Draw it in some detail, with the various controls associated with particular emotions, both positive and negative. So, for instance, you might have an on-off switch for anger, a slider for turning down anxiety, a dial for ‘turning up’ a sense of calmness or self-confidence, and so on.

Don’t make the control panel too complicated because it’s important that you visualise it in its entirety. Incidentally, this technique works particularly well with children because most of them that I’ve met have great imaginations and tend not to be sceptical or cynical.

Once you notice a difference using your chosen control, move on to another and go through the same process again.

When you have tried all the controls and noticed positive changes, create a ‘Set All’ master button that locks the positive feelings in place.

Once your control panel is drawn and labelled, close your eyes and visualise it as clearly as you can. It’s best if you ‘turn up’ a pleasant feeling first before endeavouring to turn down any unwanted emotions. So choose the appropriate control and do just that.

An extension of the technique is to bring the control panel to mind if you find yourself in an actual situation where it would be useful.

You might at the same time remember an occasion when you actually experienced that feeling. It’s at this point that doubt can creep in, so dampen down your scepticism, (you might want to create a control for that too!), and just notice what happens.

As with many visualisation techniques, practice is key: even if you think there was no change in your mood, don’t give up but persevere with the technique, just for a few minutes each day.

electric shock on the hand. Over the course of the game they got better about predicting under which rocks they’d find snakes, but the game was designed to keep changing the odds of success to maintain ongoing uncertainty.

CORONAVIRUS - COPING WITH THE CHAOS. HOW TO MANAGE UNCERTAINTY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES The world is in the grip of a global pandemic. We are living in extremely uncertain times and that uncertainty can be difficult to cope with. You may feel worried right now. You may struggle to keep anxious thoughts in check. You may feel unsure about the future. However, help is at hand - you CAN learn to live with uncertainty.

Facing Uncertainty is Scarier than Facing Physical Pain In 2016, a group of London researchers explored how people react to being told they will either ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ receive a painful electric shock. They discovered an intriguing paradox.

Volunteers who knew they would definitely receive a painful electric shock felt calmer, and were measurably less agitated, than those who were told they only had a 50 percent chance of receiving the electric shock.

A new study shows that the uncertainty of something bad happening can be more stressful than the knowledge of something bad happening.

Researchers recruited 45 volunteers to play a computer game in which they turned over digital rocks that might have snakes hiding underneath. Throughout the game they had to guess whether each rock concealed a snake. When a snake appeared, they received a mild but painful

When we’re facing outcomes imbued with uncertainty, it’s the fact that something bad might happen that ‘gets’ us.

If, when you’re out and about, you feel nervous or irritated or whatever, visualise the control panel, (do this with your eyes open if possible), manipulate the appropriate control and press the ‘Set All’ button again.

The technique also works well with a partner, talking through the creation and use of the control panel with him, or her, once you’ve gained benefit from the technique yourself.

Steve Bowkett.

answers can lead to anger, aggression and frustration. The result is that the primitive brain takes over and triggers the primitive survival instinct – ‘fight-or-flight’.

What Can We do to Mitigate Uncertainty?

There are a number of things we can do to lessen the effects of uncertainty:

The volunteers’ level of uncertainty correlated to their level of stress. So, if someone felt ‘certain’ he or she would find a snake, stress levels were significantly lower than if they felt that ‘maybe’ they would find a snake. In both cases, they’d get a shock, but their stress was loaded with added uncertainty.

• Focus on the positives - write down three positives each day

Archy de Berker from the UCL Institute of Neurology said: “Our experiment allows us to draw conclusions about the effect of uncertainty on stress. It turns out that it’s much worse not knowing you are going to get a shock than knowing you definitely will or won’t.”

• Recognise the need to rise above ‘fightor-flight’

Uncertainty Ignites our Primitive Survival Instinct In our need for certainty, we are wired to “catastrophise” - we view or talk of a situation as worse than it actually is. We grapple with whatever the problem is to find solutions to the threat, but there are none. Does this make us feel better? No, of course it doesn’t, it makes us feel worse.

If we can’t neutralise a perceived threat, we engage in the unhelpful process called “worry”, which in turn leads to anxiety.

The modern brain struggles to distinguish between real threat and perceived threat.

It asks questions: ‘What is going to happen...?’, ‘What is around the corner for me...?’, ‘ Should I be doing less...?’, ‘ Should I be doing more...?’, ‘What if my business is threatened...?’, ‘What if my livelihood is threatened...?’, ‘ What if my life is threatened...?’ The lack of

• Awareness is your superpower - be aware of your feelings and emotions • Notice the ‘worry story’ you are telling yourself - try to distance yourself from it • Focus on breathing - long slow breaths

• Accept uncertainty - allow yourself to stop the struggle.

Stand up to Anxiety with Some Mood Boosters • Exercise and movement • Meditation, self hypnosis • Achievement-oriented activity • Something pleasant or fun.

Just 15 minutes a day, focusing on yourself, will help you regain a sense of balance.

The more you practice all these strategies, the better you will become! To help you with the mood boosting contact me for a copy of my relaxation download.

Emma Plant DSFH, HPD, AfSFH, MNCH (Reg), CNHC Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist EM Wellbeing 07388 540493 www.emwellbeing.org

10 Kibworth & District Chronicle

May 2021 Warm, non-judgemental, emotional and practical help is central to the services given.

(covering the Harborough District)

LOCAL FAMILY SUPPORT CHARITY SEEKS NEW VOLUNTEERS Once again Home-Start South Leicestershire, based in Market Harborough and helping families with young children across the whole Harborough District, are looking for new volunteers to join their friendly team.

If you have just a couple of hours a week to spare, personal experience of parenting, and are interested in making a new connection to help a local family in their own home, or in the local community, this could be for you. Full and comprehensive training is provided from the small staff team as well as ongoing support and occasional social events to meet other volunteers.

The charity focuses on helping families with children aged under five years, but in some projects also helps families with children of primary school age and older. Families often face difficulties both as new parents, parents with complex situations in their lives, such as financial crises, isolation and loneliness, managing mental or physical ill health, living with disabilities and long-term conditions.

Stella Renwick, Charity Development Manager said, “The help given by volunteers is bespoke to each family based on individual situations. So, you could be going for a play in the park with the children, helping the family get out to the library, or be a listening ear to a parent feeling stressed. We need lots of different volunteers because we have lots of different families and a suitable match of family to volunteer is crucial. We’re hoping to attract more volunteers with experience as dads or granddads, as these are currently underrepresented in our charity, and a missing positive role-model in many families.”

The charity has creatively adapted its services to keep helping families throughout the pandemic, using Facebook, Youtube, virtual contact and calls to keep in touch. It also delivers essential goods, activity packs for children and festive treats. As restrictions gradually lift, outdoor and garden visits have resumed, and it is hoped to restart indoor homevisits and group support in the near future.

As well as recruiting family support volunteers, the charity currently has spaces for new Trustees. Their role is to oversee the work of the charity by meeting together six times a year to share their skills, experience and insights with the senior staff.

Margaret Kallow, chair of the charity Trustee Board said, “We’re a friendly informal group of Trustees, coming from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Some have used HomeStart support in the past, some have been family support volunteers, and others have become involved because they saw the need in their local communities and wanted to be part of the solution. It’s a highly rewarding role, meeting different people with this common interest and helping the charity to flourish. The charity can’t operate without a minimum number of Trustees, and as a few long-serving people have stepped down this year, it is able to welcome new members. Full induction with ongoing support and training is provided.”

For more information and to find out about other ways you can help, visit the charity website www.home-startsouthleics.org. uk or contact us through Facebook Homestartsl.

NOTES: About Home-Start South Leicestershire Registered Charity No: 1107504 and Company Limited by Guarantee No. 5299096, Established locally in 1984.

The charity sits under the umbrella of Home-Start UK for Quality Assurance and branding, but is separately constituted and raises all of its funding separately.

The charity’s aim is to work to give children in Harborough District the best possible start in life through an ethos of one parent helping another. The charity helps families with young children, primarily pre-school, through a range of projects. The Family Know-How Project focuses on healthy family lifestyles, especially for the most disadvantaged families in Harborough District.

The Family Post Natal Illness Project is for those experiencing Post Natal Illness in the family. The Families’ Project, to increase family physical activity levels within families with more complex needs and children up to 15 years. The Young Parents’ Project, supporting parents under 21 years to resolve difficulties around housing, finances, parenting skills and vocational development. Within these projects the help is usually delivered through home-visiting support from a Peer Mentor volunteer, support groups for parents with their pre-school children and courses with crèches.

The charity previously received a significant amount of funding from Leicestershire County Council through The Children’s Centre Programme, but due to Government cuts now has to raise all of its funding to meet annual costs from a wide range of other sources.

For further information, please contact: Home-Start South Leicestershire: Stella Renwick Email: stella.renwick@homestartsouthleics.org.uk Tel: 01858 467982/07596 107106 Est. 1986

KIBWORTH GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPES All aspects of hard and soft landscaping undertaken

Contact Phil Potter (RHS Silver Medallist) M: 07974 199150 / T: 01858 432754 E: tina@kibworthgardendesign.co.uk

May 2021

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THE CLIMATE CRISIS? Sadly the pandemic has had a catastrophic effect for many people, including many readers of the Kibworth & District Chronicle. Many face loss of jobs and loss of income, loss of family members and friends. It all seems hopeless. And yet, the pandemic is being seen as a wakeup call and a vital opportunity for us all. While there is still time, we can change the way we live, for a safer as well as fairer society, for all and to stop further pandemics.

Logically we know we can’t go on ‘growing the economy;’ it’s just not sustainable. We’ve already depleted the earth’s resources so much. By creating and releasing massive amounts of carbon and other greenhouse gases we are warming the earth and oceans to unsafe levels. In turn this has damaged weather patterns causing floods and droughts, and wiping out many species in the natural world.

We know governments and businesses need to change and there are signs of hope.

Prince Charles has produced a recovery plan for big businesses to invest in. This plan could include plans for, ‘reforestation, reduction of fossil fuel emissions, restore biodiversity and boost economic growth and job creation.’ And is known as ‘Terra Carta or Earth Charter’ www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/55615377 But what can we do? First, realising that our lifestyles are contributing to the climate emergency but not to panic. Find our starting point by working out our current carbon footprint using a simple website like www.footprint.wwf.org.uk.

That will also suggest ways we can change some of our actions.

The Sustainable Harborough Community website has a number of actions we can take to help us on our journeys of becoming more sustainable 12 months of action. This month we are

Kibworth & District Chronicle 11 invited to join a zero carbon transport group to see what help we can give to Harborough District Council and Leicestershire County Council who have the power to make changes happen. We could Walk the Rainbow – a suggestion for families and friends. Also, are we asking ourselves if we are ‘Wishcycling’ or Recycling?

Shopping locally has a big impact for the local economy there are nearly 60 businesses and organisations to choose from in the Green Directory.

There is so much information available on the Internet. If you do not have access please remember the library can help you connect when it re-opens.

So, where to start? Members of Sustainable Harborough Community (membership is free) can receive a weekly update of current initiatives and information to help you navigate your way.

It is the Market Harborough Group’s 50th Anniversary this year and we were looking forward to a special event.

As this is highly unlikely, we thought that supporters may be more comfortable with smaller gatherings SO... Keeping the 50 theme we wondered if supporters would help by raising £50+ by having a Coffee Morning or Tea Party for a small number of friends/neighbours, and inviting them to make a donation to Macmillan.

Perhaps have an in-house raffle, a small cake stall or just enjoy a chat over a coffee or tea. This is something that can be done anytime over the next few months following Government guidelines.

There could be other things family/ friends might like to do with a 50 Theme which doesn’t involve large gatherings of people, a sponsored 50 Laps of a garden/ field, a 50km Cycle ride or try and fill a jar with 50 pence pieces – if any can be found amongst friends!

If you would like to join in with this challenge of raising £50+ please contact Eunice Loney (Chairman) on 01858 545603 or email euniceel@hotmail.com Help us raise much-needed funds so we can continue to support patients and their families living with cancer.

Donations can be made directly to The Market Harborough Group at: https://macmillan-org.charitycheckout. co.uk/marketharborough/profile Eunice Loney

Yes, there is hope and there is a lot we can do and a huge thank you to the many people who are already taking actions to reduce their carbon footprints as well as make their gardens, places for nature to flourish.

Julie Fagan www.sustainableharboroughcommunity. co.uk

12 Kibworth & District Chronicle

KIBWORTH BOOKS TOP FIVE FOR MAY GREAT CIRCLE

BY MAGGIE SHIPSTEAD

Hardback fiction Adult Book of the Month £16.99

May 2021

HALLATON TREASURE TRAVELLING EXHIBITION In the year 2000, amateur archaeologists from The Hallaton Fieldwork Group were fieldwalking near the village of Hallaton in Southeast Leicestershire. They found what would eventually be described as one of the most important archaeological finds of recent years – The Hallaton Treasure.

Members of The Hallaton Fieldwork Group wrote the exhibition. Vicki Score who is the site director from University of Leicester Archaeological Services and Roman military expert, as well as Dr Simon James from the University of Leicester. It offers their views on what was happening at this mysterious site and why. The stunning replica objects on display include an Iron Age tankard based on a tankard handle found. Over 300 pig bones were the remains of huge feasts that accompanied the sacrifices. Also on display are 20 of the real coins found at the site.

BY ASH, OAK AND THORN

BY MELISSA HARRISON

Paperback fiction Children’s Book of the Month £7.99

PHILIP: THE FINAL PORTRAIT

BY GILES BRANDRETH

Hardback biography £25.00

THE GLASS HOTEL

BY EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL

Paperback fiction £8.99

BARBARA THROWS A WOBBLER

BY NADIA SHIREEN

Paperback Children’s picture book £6.99 Kerry@ Kibworth Bookshop

The Hallaton Treasure is an internationally significant find and has shed light on the Corieltavi. They were inhabitants of the East Midlands in the Iron Age period. Over 5000 Iron Age and Roman coins were found at the site along with a Roman cavalry parade helmet, mysterious silver objects and the remains of hundreds of pigs. The site has been interpreted as a mysterious 2000-year-old shrine of the local Corieltavi tribe. Most of the objects were buried on the eve of the Roman invasion of AD 43. So, it has been suggested that the tribe were making sacrifices to their gods, possibly asking for protection from the threat of invasion.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the find The Hallaton Treasure was due to return home in 2020 but due to Covid-19 this was not to be. We are delighted it has made it here for 2021! Visitors to Hallaton Museum will be able to explore this Iron Age mystery through the words of the people who discovered it. As well as marvel at 20 beautifully preserved gold and silver coins from the 2000-year-old site. The Hallaton Treasure Travelling Exhibition goes on display from 29th May to 3rd October 2021. letterhead, it would appear that this company tackled most projects that came their way. The businessman, Edward Mason, was based in Kibworth and was a noted builder, contractor and monumental mason in the area.

As can be seen here, he carried out work for a Mr Grant, and his invoice is dated ‘Midsummer 1898’.

The overall cost involved is listed as follows: April 26th Bricklayer & Labourer 61/2 hours

‘THE MULTITASKING VICTORIAN’ When I was presented with the rather ornate bill of sale, below, I was surprised to learn just how versatile some of our ancestors actually were.

They often turned their hand to almost any assignment. By the design of the

4 0 – 18x10 slates 1lb of nails 4 gallons of cement 1 barrow of mortar Total cost £1 – 2s – 3d (£1.11) It is interesting to note that the payment date is four months later on August 14th 1898, and was paid in full by ‘Contra account’, whatever that means. The signature of J.W. Mason

Tankard Handle and The Helmet Children will be able to try on a replica Roman cavalry helmet, similar to the one found at Hallaton. They can also take part in a special quiz about the exhibition.

Visitors can also explore the site through a touchscreen, which features a movie about the discovery and interpretation of the Treasure, artefact slideshows and a 3D model of how the shrine developed.

We shall be opening following Covid Safety Guidance in line with Government guidelines.

For further details about The Treasure Project see the following background details. www.facebook.com/ HarboroughMuseum http://twitter.com/LeicsMuseums www.facebook.com/HallatonMuseum Hallaton Museum can be found at the Tin Tab, Hallaton, LE16 8TY We are open between 2.30-5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. appears at the time the outstanding bill was paid, and I can only presume that he is a descendant of Edward.

I also discovered that it was quite acceptable during both the 19th , and indeed the 20th centuries, for builders to carry out other diverse assignments, such as those now dealt with by undertakers, particularly in rural locations!

Incidentally, I managed with the help of a magnifying glass, to identify the printers of the builder’s stationery. They were J.E. Virsh & Co., Lithographers, of King Street, Snow Hill, Birmingham.

It would be of interest to me, and no doubt to other Kibworthians, if someone out there can confirm where the actual premises of Edward Mason were situated.

My grateful thanks to Ian Windridge for supplying this late Victorian piece of paperwork.

Glyn Hatfield

May 2021

Kibworth & District Chronicle 13 • Self-guided walks to enjoy at your own pace.

• Online archives of past talks.

• Plus many more family friendly activities, exhibitions and hands on events.

THE FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY RETURNS IN JULY The Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology will be running from the 3rd of July to the 1st of August. The county festival is part of the UK’s biggest archaeological event, the National Festival of Archaeology.

With lockdown restrictions easing, this is the perfect time for people to get out and explore their local places, discover the archaeology and rich heritage that is all around us, and uncover the stories, sites, buildings, places, people and events that make our local communities so special.

Events, both on the ground and online, are planned across Leicestershire and Rutland, in our towns and villages, in museums, and at our heritage sites.

The Festival brings together local archaeological organisations to showcase all that is great about our local archaeological heritage, and we want you to help us celebrate local sites, stories and the people who lived and shaped our local places.

• Over 40 guided walks are organised with more being confirmed daily. These cover a huge range of sites from prehistoric to industrial.

• Live digital talks by some of the counties’ leading heritage experts.

A GRAVE MATTER Many moons ago, I attended a ‘forties event’ in the Kibworth Grammar School. I was dressed in my ‘Mellors’ gamekeeper outfit, and found myself sitting next to the late Betty Ward. That lovely lady had her Land Army gear on, just as she had done during WW2. The conversation eventually veered towards local history, and Betty told me that the local history society had just finished cataloguing all the fading characters on all of the headstones in Kibworth church yard. “We’ve logged them all for posterity now,” she claimed! “Well,” says I, “there’s one you haven’t logged yet, and that’s the one in our garden in Rectory Lane.”

Local organiser, Peter Liddle, commented, “Last year was a disappointment as the pandemic led to most of our events being cancelled, but this year we’re back! We have fabulous sites locally, and we plan to show people a different dimension to popular beauty spots like Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill and Abbey Park, where the archaeology may go unnoticed – until our expert guides point it out.

Numbers will be restricted to aid social distancing, and everything will need to be booked in advance. There will also be a number of self-guided walks for people to follow at their own pace and time. Talks will largely be online, with archaeologists from the University of Leicester and other experts, speaking about a range of local subjects.”

The Leicestershire and Rutland Festival is part of a National Festival of Archaeology organised by the Council for British Archaeology, and is supported by the Leicestershire Fieldworkers, the Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society, the Leicestershire Industrial History Society, University of Leicester Archaeological Services, and many other local heritage groups.

More information about the Festival and a full list of events can be found at https://leicsfieldworkers.org/festival-ofarchaeology/ The programme will be continually updated as more events are confirmed.

More information about the National Festival of Archaeology, which runs from July 17th to August1st, can be found at https://festival.archaeologyuk.org/ For more information about the Festival in Leicestershire and Rutland please contact Peter Liddle on 07758 194353, (0116) 2214508 or peter.liddle51@gmail.com or Mathew Morris on mlm9@le.ac.uk Peter Liddle

Following on from this, the leader of the local history group came to visit us to put the matter right. This was the late Norman Harrison who was quite thrilled to photograph and research the headstone at my invitation. By studying the relevant census information and procuring a death certificate, a fascinating story was discovered.

William Mitchell was variously described as, initially a ‘scholar’ in 1851, and as a ‘schoolmaster’ in later life. In 1873 he had returned from living in Nottingham, and was lodging with the Harris family in High Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, unmarried and presumably still earning a living as a schoolmaster at a local school.

His death at the early age of 36 must surely have been a terrible tragedy for his family, especially as it was by his own hand, ‘hanging himself whilst in a state of temporary insanity’.

Our tea room is 1940s inspired. We aim to look like an old parlour room with wartime music playing and the staff dressed in the fashion of the time.

We serve a range of loose-leaf teas, sandwiches and cakes with a classic British feel.

The shop itself is family run. I am supported by my eldest daughter, all in honour of my late grandparents Ivy and Brian.

Our goal is to make a safe and welcoming space for all, especially those with dementia. Our Grandad suffered with Dementia, being immersed in the decade of the 1940s comforted him greatly. To make the place feel more like home for everyone, we have asked that anyone with old photographs of their family share them with us please. We would love to see them via email. Or bring them in to the shop and we will feature them alongside our own.

We are so excited to be a part of the Kibworth community and can say everyone we have met has been friendly and welcoming! Due to the current restrictions we are currently taking bookings until June with limited numbers.

This will be reviewed with current Covid Restrictions.

Customers can book with us by sending an email to Bookingsivyjoys@ gmail.com Our social media accounts are all under the name Ivyjoysvintagetearoom and our website is www.ivyjoys.co.uk which shows our full menu.

Natalie and Hathern Widdowson

His death certificate also stated his occupation as ‘no occupation’, so one wonders what event or act had caused his downfall.

The headstone in our garden is believed to have been unearthed when a fish pond was dug. It is perhaps no surprise that it was discovered outside the church yard. In 1874 bodies were buried outside the graveyard when suicide was involved. The headstone bears damage marks, possibly having encountered the bucket of a JCB during the construction of our pleasant neighbourhood.

The question is, of course, are William’s remains really located in our garden? Or does that honour befall one of our neighbours in Rectory Lane?

Best not dig those runner bean trenches too deep, guys!

Ron Spinks

14 Kibworth & District Chronicle

May 2021

1359 TO 2021 A LONG TIME - CONTAINING MANY EDUCATIONAL LESSONS “A WAND’RING MINSTREL I.” STILL WAITING AND STILL SEARCHING difference to the life chances of children and young people and to our wider community. (My bold and underlinings.

4) according to the Mead Educational Trust Prospectus there are seven important Cs, one of which is community.

I was sorry not to read in the April Chronicle answers to questions posed by the Parish Council at a meeting on December 12st 2020 specially convened to deal with matters raised by the, then, Kibworth School, and also to similar enquiries I had raised in the February and March 2021 Chronicles.

I have continued to search Parish Council minutes, pages of the Chronicle and the website of the, then, Kibworth School and now, Kibworth Mead Academy (KMA) for answers but without success.

However, in my searching for answers I have noted: 1) according to the KMA website, a key responsibility of the Academy Council (Governors, in old money) is to “establish and maintain relationships with .... the wider community.”

2) according to the KMA website during a first day visit by the Trust COE “Our students were polite and keen to let her know how proud they are of their school and their local community.”

Bearing in mind these four encouraging assurances of consideration for the wider community, the information I am seeking as an ordinary member of that wider, local community must therefore be readily available, but clearly, I must be continuing to delve in the wrong places though I know not where now to look.

Thus, to resolve these queries swiftly before the summer, when schools are out, there are fewer Parish Council meetings and the Chronicle takes a welldeserved break, I do hope that those in the academy responsible for dealing with queries will, via the Chronicle, which ensures wide coverage, demonstrate the “Kibworth standards” it is claimed are being encouraged among the pupils.

Lead by example please and answer these outstanding queries - namely at 1st December 2020 specially convened extraordinary Parish Council:• Whether any other MATs were considered and why was TMET chosen?

• Why the procedure is being pushed through so quickly?

• How it will impact on the Kibworth

KIBWORTH MEAD ACADEMY AND SMEETON ROAD TRAFFIC

this isn’t ideal but student safety comes first, it is hopefully temporary, and parking on the road is legal. It has always been a road used for public parking, especially when the old health centre was located where the nursery now is, or when the tennis club is busy. It does get very heavily used at the end of each school day when a minority of our parents pick up students who live in areas not served by our school buses (our students come from over 20 different villages and suburbs), and/or students who are heading straight off to after-school activities or appointments.

We do remind parents regularly to park considerately and the majority do.

A handful of our staff are currently parking on Smeeton Road while our second car park, the one near the sports hall/3G pitch, is used for additional break and lunchtime space for students due to our Covid-19 safety arrangements (to allow distancing and avoid the mixing of year group bubbles). We appreciate that

There have recently been a couple of instances of brief but severe congestion when the end of the school day has coincided with South Leicestershire Medical Group’s Covid-19 vaccination sessions, but these are exceptional circumstances. We have discussed with the Medical Centre how we might alleviate

The 17 May saw the return of classes to the Hall. After so long it is good to see activity again, even if only on a small scale.

Next month we will see the return of larger gatherings. It has been strange not to see our regular users for a year but hopefully the lockdown and vaccinations will help us return to normality (and better weather.)

We are looking forward to a busier summer with the WI, U3A, theatre groups, children’s parties and wedding parties all making use of our village space.

The trustees and staff of the Grammar School were very saddened by the unexpected

• Whether the school holidays will remain in line with county dates?

• That the school retains its name of The Kibworth School?

And in my letter to the Chronicle, namely:• To identify practical benefits to pupils of the scheme compared to the last six centuries of splendid secondary educational achievement in this village.

I am certainly not seeking to change anything as that would be interfering on my part, and I’d be far too late anyway. I am simply seeking information, otherwise these matters, if left unanswered, will surely - and deservedly - reflect adversely on the present secondary educational provision in this village. They will remain for many in this community, a confused undistinguished part of Kibworth’s otherwise nationally outstanding record of secondary education likely dating continuously since 1359.

Roger Garratt (Now, in hope, closing my contribution to this correspondence) Pupil-8 years- KBGS, Graduate Student teacher- KBGS, Teacher --32 years- KHS

3) according to the Mead Educational Trust website “We exist to make a positive

We’ve recently received a couple of anonymous letters at Kibworth Mead Academy regarding the parking on Smeeton Road, so we thought it might be helpful to respond here and provide an update for everyone.

Beauchamp High School Foundation Trust? What is being put in place for further education including sixth form?

these issues in future but we’re sure we all agree that the vaccination programme is a priority. School also liaises regularly with the police, who have patrolled the road recently at our request and confirmed that whilst the volume of parking and traffic is far from ideal, parking on Smeeton Road is not illegal and their powers are therefore very limited. Sadly, extending our car park, as has been suggested, is simply not an option with school budgets as they are!

Please be assured that we share our neighbour’s frustration with the situation and very much support their and the Parish Council’s request to Harborough District Council to consider a highways solution for Smeeton Road. We’re very proud and grateful as a school to be part of the Kibworth community and will always do all that we can to contribute to safety, inclusion and partnership working across the villages.

Kate Foster Chair, Kibworth Mead Academy Council

news of the death of Wayne Coleman.

Wayne was the Hall premises officer for a few years and more recently he was a trustee and a valued friend and supporter of KGSH. Whenever called upon, Wayne was always there to support despite being in ill health with limited activities.

The Hall Trustees, staff and the village will miss this kind and generous man.

Please note Kibworth Grammar School Hall AGM will be on Wednesday 26 May in the Grammar School.

Joan Fillingham - Chair of KGSH Trustees

May 2021

Kibworth & District Chronicle 15 animals (consumers) when they are eaten. We have also recapped the terms: herbivore, omnivore and carnivore to help us to describe the diet of different animals and humans.

NEWS FROM KIBWORTH CE PRIMARY SCHOOL In Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the children have loved learning about traditional tales this term. They did a brilliant job re-telling the Three Little Pigs and The Gingerbread Man stories! Their Gingerbread Man writing in the ovens were amazing!

Year 1 have loved getting stuck into their new topic Paws, Claws and Whiskers. This term, we have been discovering that animals come in all shapes and sizes. The children have been researching some of their favourite animals and pets from around the world.

They have really enjoyed solving riddles and making up their own riddles for their friends and parents to solve. In Literacy, Year 1 have been writing fact files about some of their favourite animals. We have also been using a different media in art to create animal patterns. They enjoyed using charcoal, oil pastels, collage and pencils to shade.

Year 2 have been enjoying their science learning in their topic called ‘Wriggle and Crawl’. They have been lucky enough to have their own caterpillars in their classrooms which have now excitingly turned into chrysalises. In the next few days, we are hoping that they will hatch into butterflies so that we can release them into the wild. Everyone is very excited!

Year 3 have been learning about prey and predators within one habitat to create a food chain. We have learnt that the sun is the energy source for plants (producers) and this energy is passed on through

In Year 4, 4H have taken part in a six week live Art project - the theme being the rainforest. This has been taught and led by an art lead from one of our trust schools and delivered virtually through MS Teams to around 15 classes from different primary schools. This project focuses on building up a variety of techniques such as hatching, cross hatching and stippling, and combining these with colours, water colours and paint to eventually create a final rainforest landscape.

The children have thoroughly enjoyed each live session so far, exploring the extracts from literature linked with the artwork (Journey to the River Sea and The Explorer) and becoming botanical art professionals! 4N and 4W have been learning about the famous American artist Andy Warhol. They liked that his Art studio was called “The Factory” and that he painted and printed everyday things.

They found it very funny that Warhol painted 32 soup cans, one of each flavour, because they were his favourite lunch!

Once they had become Warhol experts, they turned their hand to printing, first, testing the different paints available in school. Unsurprisingly, they found printing ink the best but were able to explain why this was the case. Once they had decided their medium, they designed a print based on something they liked and created a tile. Then the messy part! Using as many colours as possible they created their very own piece in the style of famous American artist Andy Warhol.

Year 5 have started learning all about ‘The Highway Man’ by Alfred Noyes.

We found dramatic crime scenes in our classrooms with the outline of a dead body and plenty of evidence surrounding the figure to help us make logical predictions.

Within the evidence, we found stolen jewellery, a soppy love note, a musket and some old tankards. We had great fun coming up with predictions as to what might have happened and we’re now incredibly excited to read this narrative poem so we can get to the bottom on the mystery.

www.ashtreevets.co.uk | 0116 279 3054

...a healthy pet is a happy pet!

Market Harborough 01858 462 839

KIBWORTH PRIMARY AND THE KIBWORTH MEAD SCHOOL CREATIVE WRITING PROJECT

Kibworth 0116 279 3054

Rothwell 01536 418 705

Desborough 01536 763 100

Over the last few weeks, Year 6 pupils and some Year 10 pupils from The Kibworth School have been meeting virtually to discuss and develop a ‘Creative Writing initiative’.

Year 10 pupils hosted a meeting sharing and discussing a range of writing techniques and focuses with our Year 6 children. The aim of this initiative was to develop the Year 6 children’s love of writing as well as improving their writing skills and creativity, giving them an opportunity to be creative in what they want to write and how they wish to present it.

After working alongside the Year 10s, researching and discussing their understanding of the Easter Festival, the Year 6 children created their own piece of writing about Easter. We had an amazing range of different text types from the children: stories, poems, interviews, playscripts, raps and songs.

The experience has been a great way for our children to develop their communication skills through correspondence with The Kibworth School. These Creative Writing pieces will now be judged by the Year 10s, with prizes up for grabs, and we are eagerly awaiting the results!

Danielle Marks Deputy Headteacher / SENDCo Kibworth CE Primary School

16 Kibworth & District Chronicle

May 2021 Buying fresh flowers from a florist is always a good idea to ensure the best quality, freshest, blooms that are kept in a temperature controlled environment.

MON AMIE RE-OPENS THE DOORS OF THE BARN

Each week we have also been leaving fresh flower bunches around surrounding villages for random passersby to find and enjoy. Our random acts of kindness have been really well-received, and we have been so touched by the lovely messages we’ve received when people find our flowers, and tell us how much they brightened their day.

We are delighted that after asking people to collect flowers and click and collect purchases from our back door for a year, we can now welcome you through our front door once again.

Of course we are still creating fresh flower bunches each week on what we call Flower Friday. Actually you can collect flowers from us any time from Thursday afternoon onwards until Saturday, and we deliver locally on a Friday morning too. Creating fresh flower bunches once a week means that you’ll always get the freshest, most seasonal blooms – with contemporary styling and wrapping. Having one delivery into us every week and selling all the stems we buy, also means that we are kinder to the environment.

Pre-ordering is advised via our website as any additional stems we buy are soon snapped up.

Where there’s a WiLL .....there’s a way Work.Live.Leicestershire (WiLL) supports unemployed, rural Leicestershire residents back into training, work and education.

We offer free job search support, volunteering, Get in touch: self employment support, online resources, an 01455 856 330 employment hotline, CV Writing, regular 1-2-1 hello@ruralcc.org.uk mentoring and much more! www.workliveleicestershire.org.uk

WORK.LIVE.

LEICESTERSHIRE

Treatments offered include all Guinot face and body treatments together with their full range of skincare products. Other brands include Jessica Nails for Geleration manicures and pedicures, including Phenom fast drying polish in a wide selection of colours.

It goes without saying that we are truly grateful to all our fabulous customers for their support through all the lockdowns.

Without your love for fresh flowers, and your enthusiasm for what we do, we definitely wouldn’t have been able to reopen our doors again – thank you.

Sign up to our newsletter on our website to be sure you don’t miss what’s happening. We have some new workshops online now... www.monamieliving.co.uk @monamieliving Louise & Julie Studio, Shop and Workshop: The Barn, 29 High St, Kibworth Beauchamp, LE8 0HS Louise: 07540 000490 Julie: 07892 751555

INDULGE YOURSELF WITH A BEAUTY TREATMENT At your local Guinot Crown Salon

Book online or download our app

Kibworth 0116 279 2725 www.thebeautyroomkibworth.co.uk The Beauty Room, 34a High Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicester, LE8 0HQ

The Work.Live.

Leicestershire (WiLL) project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund

In August The Beauty Room will have been on the High Street for 16 years and is thrilled to be opening its doors again following the recent lockdown. Liz Ives, the owner, can’t thank all of her loyal clients enough for their wonderful support over the last year.

The salon is extremely proud to have been nominated as a Guinot Crown salon for the 8th year running, meaning it is one of the top Guinot salons in the country.

From the front we know it’s hard to see what lies behind our doors because we’re not a usual kind of shop. Having no window display could be seen as a hindrance for many retail businesses, but once people step through the door, they can really appreciate our quirky barn that allows plenty of room to browse safely.

And your reactions say it all – we’re just so happy that we made the decision to revamp and reconfigure our shop ahead of re-opening.

Come through our doors and see for yourselves our amazing range of exquisite faux flowers together with homeware, gifts and cards. We are also official stockists of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, which is perfect for all your upcycling and home renovation projects.

CELEBRATING 16 YEARS ON THE HIGH STREET

Providing luxury treatments in an atmosphere of pure relaxation

Mii make-up products are stocked.

Tisserand Aromatherapy is used for massage. Also available are Fake Bake Tanning, including spray tans and retail products, and Australian Bodycare for waxing. In addition, Heyland & Whittle Home Fragrance and natural handmade toiletries make ideal gifts.

Liz has 24 years experience as a Beauty Therapist having worked at Ragdale Hall and overseas. She lives in Smeeton Westerby with her husband and two daughters, and enjoys the local countryside. Jenna is also an experienced therapist who has been at The Beauty Room for over 10 years.

Please download our App - The Beauty Room Kibworth, or see our website www.thebeautyroomkibworth. co.uk for full details of our services or call (0116) 2792725.

To see our latest promotions follow us on Facebook and Instagram, (thebeautyroomkibworth).

Liz Ives

May 2021

Kibworth & District Chronicle 17

Article 3 (in a series) Can you help GEMS Charity with our new project; to allow the patients in the chemotherapy suite at the Leicester Royal Infirmary to be more comfortable during their cancer treatment please?

We are raising funds to convert a small outside balcony into an inside space for patients to use as a treatment area, and to re-decorate the existing treatment room.

All this is at a cost in excess of £225,000.

This is the biggest project we have attempted to date and the aim is to raise these funds by March 2022.

The Kings Head at Smeeton is already selling plants for us, so pop down and grab some for your gardens. Sadly, due to the pandemic we are unable to run our annual open gardens, although we hope to start this again next year. The Kings Head are hosting an afternoon tea event instead on the Sunday 11th July 2021. To find out more information please get in touch with Anne (0116) 279 2676 or email us.

We are also looking at holding various other fundraising events, including a golf day and clutter sale later in the year, details will be in future issues of the Chronicle.

‘THE FATAL FOUR’ Several roads between Kibworth, Fleckney and Saddington have been identified recently as being above the national average for road traffic collisions (RTC). These roads are, Fleckney Road, Kibworth Road and a section of Warwick Road. The speed limit for these roads is currently 60 mph, however they will soon all be being reduced to 50 mph.

Within the last year the crew at Kibworth have attended several serious RTCs in the local area, and many of these were avoidable or the injuries sustained could have been less severe.

Many RTCs across the country are caused by ‘The Fatal Four.’

1) Alcohol/Drug Driving – No excuse!

Alcohol, drugs and even prescription drugs slow down your thinking and reaction time. Don’t let your family or friends get behind the wheel if you know they’ve had a drink. “I’m only going down the road, I’ll be fine!” Will they?

2) Use of mobile phones - No excuse!

Use of a mobile phone while driving will double your reaction time. Keep it in your pocket. If you call someone and realise they’re driving, end the call and call back later.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s website contains lots of great road safety information and videos etc.

Do you have a new or young driver in your family? It’s really worth sharing this information with them.

The crew at Kibworth Station will soon be running a road safety competition with Kibworth Primary School. The pupils will be designing speed awareness posters, from which the fire crew will select a winner, and several other posters, that we would like to turn into speed awareness signs to put up in and around the local villages. We will show the winning poster in a future article.

A big subject this month and lots to talk about, so Crew Manager Espin’s introduction will have to roll over to next month, in fact, I think I’ll pass the writing duties to him for the next article.

Thanks for reading, stay safe!

Jamie Dawes Watch Manager, Eastern Blue Watch and Kibworth On-Call

3) Speeding – No excuse! Speed limits are not targets. Just a few extra mph can make all the difference in your reaction and braking distances, especially in poor weather conditions. In the local area, frequently we see cars not slowing down to 30 mph before they enter the village.

What if a child was crossing the road?

If you would like to hold your own fundraising event, maybe complete a sponsored walk, a sponsored silence, a cake stall or can donate or help in anyway at all, we would love to hear from you.

Just call Sally or Andy (0116) 2793814 or email; gemscharity@gmail.com

4) Not wearing seat belts – No excuse!

No matter how short your drive it, always wear a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt reduces the chance of being killed in a RTC by 50%. Collisions will always happen, but when they do, seatbelts save lives.

Andy and Sally Anderson

DO YOU NEED HR SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Rachael Ward is a local independent HR Consultant offering advice, support and solu�ons to small and growing businesses in the area T: 07931 946 182 E: rachael@rwhr.co.uk W: www.rwhr.co.uk

Kibworth Garden Centre

Bedding Plants Hanging Baskets Fleckney Road, Kibworth, Leicestershire, LE8 0HJ Tel: 0116 279 2754 Open daily from 9am-5pm

18 Kibworth & District Chronicle

KIBWORTH SCOUTS & GUIDES

We need your support!

We all want young people to have the chance to dream big, give it a go, and build skills for life.

But it’s not just the young people who benefit from Scouts and Guides.

Volunteering gives you career-boosting skills, improves your wellbeing, and helps you make connections with friends, family and your local community.

Whether you want to support young people or if you’re more comfortable planning an adventure from the sidelines, we’ve got space for you.

May 2021

YOUNG KIDS TAKING UP TENNIS

The tennis governing body, the LTA, are running a great initiative. Young children can sign up for a discounted six week tennis coaching course, and they also receive a free tennis racket, balls and a shirt. It is a fun course introducing children to Mini Tennis, and we hope they want to carry on playing! 16 children signed up for these courses at the club.

The photo shows some of the children from one of the courses. We would like to introduce more children aged between four and eight to Mini Tennis, so we will be running more of these courses during the Summer Holidays.

Kibworth & District u3a is increasingly getting together outdoors and starting to plan for in-door activities as well.

Walking tennis has proved to be highly popular and novices have signed up to coach-ing sessions with Kibworth Tennis Club coach, Paul Bradfield.

The walking group now has a programme of walks through to July and pétanque is continuing to attract members.

Line dancing and table tennis are planned to start again later in May. All these group meetings are designed to conform to safety guidelines and are risk managed.

Volunteer today!

Scouts - join@1stkibworth.org.uk

Guides ggkibworthandfleckneydistrict@gmail.com Personalised training & coaching to empower you & your dog SERVICES: • 121 training • Behaviour modification • New puppy guidance • Basic training classes • Social dog walks • Welfare advice & other

www.caninekinddogtraining.co.uk 07572 432 436 vanessa@caninekinddogtraining.co.uk caninekinddogtraining

SCHOOL EXAMS TAKING PLACE ON THE COURTS! Children taking PE GCSE exams have to carry out a practical assessment in several sports. Some children chose tennis, and the tennis club courts were used by Kibworth Mead Academy to carry out the assessment. The photo shows the Head of PE, Michael Stanton, carrying out the assessment on the Yr 11 children. Fingers crossed their assessments went well!

Other groups are continuing to meet on Zoom and we will roll out further activities as best we can after 21st June.

Watch this space or, better still, take a look at our website for the latest details and also how to join in with the fun.

For more details please contact: Paul Bradfield on 07753 862436

K & D u3A

www.kibworthu3a.org.uk

May 2021

Kibworth & District Chronicle 19

KIBWORTH AND FLECKNEY RUNNING CLUB MARCH / APRIL REPORT

LOROS FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE AT KGC Rotarians and members Graham Thompson and John Addison are planning a fundraising challenge in memory of past members Nick Lacey and Rod Mitchell, who sadly passed away within 24 hours of each other at Loros Hospice last October.

Nick Lacey (left) and Rod Mitchell.

They propose to play golf for 12 hours on Thursday 27th May, starting at 8am, 12pm and 4pm, to raise funds for the hospice, which has lost a huge amount of income during the lockdown due to cancellation of fundraising events.

Nick was a member of KGC, was hugely involved also in Rugby Union in Leicestershire, and was a top referee.

Rod was a member for 38 years, and was instrumental in many projects at the club, the most recent being the planning and construction of the Driving Range.

I know that both men would have approved of this fundraising initiative.

To donate to the challenge, go to www.justgiving.com/ campaign/12hrgolfchallenge Every donation will make a difference.

Please give what you can.

Many thanks Wendy Quilter

We are delighted to report that three of our club members took part in a physical event for the first time in over a year. Bernie Owen, Abby Davies and Alan Gibson all represented the Market Harborough team in the Battle of Brampton Valley Way on Sunday 18th April.

The event saw 151 runners representing Market Harborough or Northampton, running 28 miles along the Brampton Valley Way, and starting at their respective ends for an out and back run. This helped with social distancing requirements, as did a phased start at each end.

After all the winter training, the day brought bright blue skies and sunshine, which perhaps wasn’t appreciated by all the runners, until they had finished at least! There was some respite from the sun when running through the two tunnels along the old railway line, so head torches were required as well as plenty of stamina All three of our runners completed their first Ultra Run, (any distance over a Full Marathon qualifies), to earn a medal, t-shirt and a cold drink or two later on, especially Alan who was ‘celebrating’ his birthday by tackling the event. Bernie was quickest for the Club, 73rd overall in a time of 4:28, Abby not far behind in 4:44 for 99th place, and Alan was 130th in a time of 5:19.

Northampton took the overall team honours, with several of their runners completing the distance in a little over 3 hours.

On the same day, our club mountain goat, Sam Pole, was tackling the George Fisher’s Tea Round challenge in the Keswick area. This may sound like a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon, but only if you fancy running 30 miles with a total ascent of 12,000 feet! This immense challenge took 9hrs 7mins, taking in ten hills in the beautiful Lake District, including Catbells, Causey Pike and Grisdale Pike.

Meanwhile closer to home, members are running much shorter distances on a regular basis at our Tuesday and Thursday Club Nights, where we are almost back to normal. Meeting outdoors and running in socially distanced groups with a maximum of six people in each, it is great to be back running around the local roads, trails and fields with club mates. We meet at Saddington or Fleckney on a Tuesday, then Kibworth every Thursday, with a range of distances to suit all abilities. As lockdown rules ease further, we will hopefully plan a few pub runs taking in surrounding villages, and enjoying a post run drink or meal.

New to running? Looking to get back into it? Want to run with good company instead of solo or pounding the treadmill at the gym?

If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch via the numbers below, via our Facebook page, or check our website: www. fleckneyandkibworthrunners.co.uk Alan Gibson 07960 969810 Andy Kemp 07525 465643

Martin Tyler PLUMBING & HEATING Bathrooms / Showers Fitted Radiators Moved / Renewed Garden Taps No Job Too Small M.T HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES “Your Local Plumber” 5, Rowley Close, Fleckney.

Tel: 240 3415, Mobile: 07970 191161

20 Kibworth & District Chronicle

TUR LANGTON VILLAGE HALL If you have been driving along Main Street Tur Langton over the last year you may have spotted that Tur Langton Village Hall has emerged from the undergrowth and has had a facelift.

Sometimes (due to reasons beyond our control) important community buildings fall into disrepair. Tur Langton Village Hall was one of those casualties. However, after years of hard work and determination by a dedicated group of villagers, a plan was hatched.

The success of the project depended on our community supporting an application

by Tur Langton Parish Council for a loan from the Public Works Loan Board.

A consultation was held in the village resulting in a high level of support for the project and loan application. The loan application was successful. The excitement

In an obituary to Prince Philip, Duke

of Edinburgh, it described how when a pupil at Gordonstoun he was shuffled around during the long summer holidays from relative to relative. His uncle, George Mountbatten’s wife-Nada had a South African brother-in -law Sir Harold Wernher .Sir Harold and his wife became honorary uncle and aunt to Prince Philip (who incidentally never had a surname) and he spent long school holidays from Gordonstoun with the Wernhers. Why mention this? The Wernhers home was near Market Harborough- perhaps a reader might know where this was.

The gently rolling slopes, the green fields and hedges around the villages in this district of Leicestershire, made accessible and open by the many public footpaths between villages is a beautiful sight to behold. It is as an experience, uplifting to the human spirit to be able to walk and breathe in the fresh air and changing scenery of the countryside in

May 2021 began!

the activities.

The structure of the hall remains the same. However, there are few traces of the old 1970s’ hall remaining. Roof, walls and floors are now fully insulated. (Thank you to the LCC Shires Climate Change Grant for funding the insulation.) A new main access has been created. (Thank you to Harborough District Council for the grant that funded our fabulous new door.) The kitchen is remodeled. (Thank you to Great Bowden Village Hall for the donation of the kitchen units, which look great.) Toilet facilities have been upgraded and a brand new air conditioning system provides heat in the winter and cool conditions in the summer.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all. We look forward to a celebration in the not too distant future.

Finally, despite the difficulties and restrictions that this last year has presented we are finished and are open for business.

The project has been a challenge and could not have been achieved without the many hours spent by volunteers painting, carpentry, gardening to name just a few of all the seasons of the year is a privilege.

But in lanes and beside roads ugliness is littered about, dumped defacing the given beauty of the countryside. Do the kids need to be shown into the countryside for it to become an integral part of their lives and loved, to appreciate the benefits it gives not just for an hour or day but a lifetime?

A Sunday school teacher in the United States took her class down to the beach where they cleared a section of plastic bottles and other garbage, damage caused by human beings. But they found beautiful shells and sand-treasures among the garbage. Part of the beach was cleared, a beach then loved and held by caring people, kids who cared. Does this ring bells in our given countryside?

There are people who travel using mobility scooters, others maintain their balance and momentum using frames along the pavements of Kibworth Harcourt and Kibworth Beauchamp. So why is little if any attention given or money spent to the safety of these pavements by the local council? Recently, walking down Main Street in Harcourt uneven, broken in places, the kerb almost disappeared

If you are interested in booking our hall, please use the contact form on the Village Hall tab on The Tur Langton Parish Council’s website www.turlangton-pc.org.uk. Please note we are not taking any new regular bookings at the moment but individual dates, or one off sessions, are still available.

Tessa Bladon as vehicles-impatient drivers regularly mounted it. Where, if anywhere do pavements come in the councils list of priorities?

One of the more recent pleasant experiences for many local people has been the revival of local shops and shopping. Providing and meeting our needs are: the Open Fruit and Vegetable market on Thursday accompanied by the van providing refills and other provision;, the local Butchers, the Deli and the Well and the restaurants providing takeaways.

What an enterprising and inventive people we are! When the chips are down we (not all) can stand up and be counted.

In this time of climate awareness and the forthcoming international climate conference in Glasgow- Joe Biden will be attending - these small but significant local initiatives matter in the battle to eat and buy locally and seasonally. At home when young we only ever had salad in summer.

Some time ago, talking to a farmer’s son, I told him that the area of concrete and tarmac given over to supermarket car parks would cover the greater part of land in Cornwall. His expression of horror was memorable.

May 2021

Kibworth & District Chronicle 21

KIBWORTH THEATRE COMPANY BE OUR FRIEND? The Kibworth Theatre Company is your local theatre group and a registered charity. We are a jolly gang of local people, who work hard with the talent we have, to bring great productions to the village. Once lockdown has been lifted finally, we will be working full tilt towards one of our next productions, ‘The Vicar of Dibley’, which is due for performance next year.

We’re also exploring other productions for the Christmas season. Watch this space for more information.

So, we are seeking any of our local businesses who would like to get involved in supporting this energetic and enthusiastic group. We’re calling the scheme ‘Friends of KTC’. A package of support could be supporting poster placement, flyers in your menus or promoting our production online. In return we will offer discounted advertising in our programmes and (of course) discounted tickets to all our productions. We could even look to do mini performances for your customers. That could be a lot of fun!

To have a young (and older) lively group like this is such a positive thing for our village, and is something I’m personally very proud to be a part of.

Want to get involved? Then get in touch. We will be delighted to have you as our ‘KTC Friend’.

Many thanks, Julie Allen - Publicity Officer Kibworth Theatre Company.

Julielindsayallen@btinternet.com

contact our local Social Prescribing Team, through the GP surgery.

As April showers have extended into the summer months, the re-opening of The Well Cafe and Shop has been as varied as the weather! People have gradually braved it out again to sample: our freshly baked cakes, influx of second-hand clothing, and to reacquaint themselves with our ‘Warm, Well Welcome.’ We have loved having them all, and any money raised through sales at The Well is poured straight back into resourcing the Charity.

Thank you so much for the high quality of donated clothing for our Charity Shop.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any other items, including toys and books, until all Covid restrictions have been lifted. From 17th May, we plan to open on all weekdays from 9.30am - 4pm, with the exception of Monday afternoons, when we will be closed for training and specialist groups.

Dementia Harborough have scheduled their first Dementia Cafe for 14th June.

Enquires about this can be directed to Peter Hirst at Dementia Harborough: membership@dementiaharborough.org or call 07961 538671. The first free Legal Clinic session will be on Wednesday 2nd June at 2pm, and thereafter every first Wednesday of the month at the same time.

Please call The Well on (0116) 279 0148 to make an appointment.

In addition to these groups gradually reopening, we are continuing with our Listening Team services, and are beginning to move into face-to-face ‘meetups’ in our lovely Courtyard Garden, or for socially distanced walks. We are planning to invite Listening Clients to ‘micro’ cream teas as lockdown regulations begin to lift. If you, or someone close to you, are in need of a regular listening ear, the best route into referral to the service is to

The Food Bank service at The Well Next Door is set up to continue beyond the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are taking referrals currently from a range of sources, including Harborough District Council. This is the best way to request a parcel if you are local to Kibworth, Fleckney or the surrounding villages.

We will soon be offering our clients a Budgeting Review. BUT, please note, this is not financial advice, and is by referral only. All these services are provided in order to help people make decisions for themselves. This is the general direction we hope to go, with the Well Next Door becoming a hub for support and progression.

We are always incredibly grateful for donations, no matter how big or small - either long life food to the door or monetary. We are not in a financial position to be able to stockpile food, and so it is very much a ‘hand-to-mouth’ process, where the food comes in, and the food goes out! Some weeks we are short, so donations, either to the door of The Well Next Door, or to the local Coop Food Bank Baskets are vital. In particular, we would be grateful for: • Tinned meat • UHT milk • Fruit Juices • Coffee • Rice • Bread (not in the baskets though please!)

• Nappies - size 6 or toddler pull-ups • Tinned puddings • Cooking sauces of all varieties Emma Dowman

22 Kibworth & District Chronicle

May 2021 presentation about the final shortlisted resolutions. This enables members to learn more about the issues, debate them and decide how we should vote in the summer.

This year, with no meetings, everything had to be done online and through our County and NFWI magazines and mailings.

KIBWORTH & SMEETON WI The W.I. is still associated in many peoples’ minds with, ‘ jam, cakes and Jerusalem!’ These may be an enjoyable part of most of our meetings, but there is so much more to us. In addition to our meetings, with a variety of speakers and activities, the W.I. is a campaigning force.

For more than 100 years important, and sometimes controversial, issues have been brought into the public domain. This has often led to changes in legislation and government policy.

Each year W.I. members are able to put forward issues for the National Federation of W.I.s to campaign on. These ‘resolutions’ are debated and shortlisted in a year-long process, with members voting on the one they support the most. In May we usually hold our Resolutions Meeting, when two committee members give a

NEWS FROM SMEETON WESTERBY Now that the restrictions have started to ease, we are delighted to be able to open our village hall once again to the various classes that use our facilities. Over the past year, the hall has been fully decorated, both inside and out, and is now a bright, clean and attractive place for the classes to take place in.

Everybody entering the building has to agree to follow our Covid rules, and with that in mind, we are very excited to be able to welcome back: Aerobics and Body Tone, Pilates, Yoga, Kibworth Karate, U3A sessions and the Kibworth Dance Centre. If you would like any further information about contacting the class leaders, please ring Janet Lord on 07950 409610.

We have great news about the restoration of the chancel roof of Christ

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When a resolution is passed it becomes a mandate, a basis for campaigning and raising awareness, locally and nationally.

The resolution finally being proposed in 2021 is, ‘A call to increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer.’

The campaign will aim to ensure that the public know what to look for, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment. The following are just a few examples of past campaigns.

In 1918 the first resolution called for ‘a sufficient supply of convenient and sanitary housing.’ In the 1920s we emphasised the importance of women jurors and magistrates, and called for more women in the police. Some campaigns take time to achieve results: with the W.I.’s rural roots, protection of the countryside has always been important.

In 1954, campaigning to protect it from ‘desecration by litter’ eventually led to the

‘Keep Britain Tidy’ movement. In 1964 a resolution called for measures ‘to restrict the amount of smoking in public places,’ including on television broadcasts. Twenty years later, smoking was banned on public transport and subsequently in other public places.

One modern day concern is plastic pollution, with laws now coming into force to ban various single-use plastics.

The W.I. has been raising awareness of the impact of plastics on the environment since the 1960s and 70s. The ‘Care Not Custody’ campaign stemmed from a W.I. member’s own tragic experience. Her son, who had mental health problems, ended his life in prison. With the Prison Reform Trust, the W.I. worked for more appropriate treatment for people with mental health issues or learning difficulties. The W.I. is proud of its history of campaigning on important matters.

In common with other groups, many of our members have joined activities and meetings available to them on Zoom. With more easing of restrictions on the horizon, we look forward to the day we can all meet again.

Pat Sharman

Church. The roof had reached the end of its life. Thanks to grants of £20,000 from Historic England, (as part of the Culture Recovery Fund), £3,000 from the Jack Patston Charitable Trust, and £1,500 from the Allchurches Trust, we have been able to appoint Pearce Roofing, a specialist firm, to do the work. The underlying woodwork has been found to be in good condition. As a result, we are re-using as many of the original tiles as possible.

There will be a slightly bigger overlap than before, to give a stronger roof, as well as with new handmade tiles to match.

We have applied for a grant from The Leicestershire Historic Trust, and we have received some generous private donations.

We do need further funds. So, if you can help with this project, please contact Janet Arthur on 07840 543288. Thank you!

We look forward to seeing the roof fully restored to its former glory very soon.

been greatly curtailed, we were able to take a posy of flowers, some homemade biscuits and a special greeting to every house in Smeeton for Mothering Sunday.

These were most gratefully received.

We then had an outdoor Easter Sunday service that was very well attended. It was lovely to see so many young families there too. The service, taken by Rev. Mary Ireland, ended with refreshments, and the obligatory Easter Egg Hunt!

Janet Lord

Although our church services have

At present we are holding a service on the first Sunday in the month, but are looking forward to opening our doors fully when we can.

Looking to the summer and beyond, we are starting to organize several social events in the village, including: Brass on the Grass on July 11th, a Barn dance on 20th August and much more. Please keep an eye out for further information.

May 2021

Kibworth & District Chronicle 23

KIBWORTH BEAUCHAMP PARISH COUNCIL We held our April Zoom meeting on 27 April and were pleased to welcome four members of the public including Emma Merry, headteacher of Kibworth Mead Academy.

The public concerns were about the increasing levels of antisocial behaviour (ASB). The police have been called on numerous occasions to break up large gatherings of young people in the parks.

In addition to breaches of Covid19 social distancing rules, there are concerns regarding drugs, alcohol and loud noise. Mrs Merry is keen to work with the council and invited Councillors to ‘walk the school’ and meet the students.

Additionally, she advised that if students are seen behaving in an antisocial manner, particularly if they are wearing school uniform, to inform the school. ASB should continue to be reported to the police on 101.

Dr Feltham has spoken with both Inspector Siobhan Gorman and Sergeant Ryan Coleman to seek improvements to the communication between the police and the council. The parish councils are not being informed about the outcomes of ASB after reading reports on social and mainstream media. Inspector Gorman explained that their patrols visit the Kibworth parks regularly and are tracked with the Sentinel system so she can check when and where the patrols have been and how long they were at that location. The good news is that the beat team is being increased by two more officers in May.

KIBWORTH HARCOURT PARISH COUNCIL At the Annual Meeting via Zoom on 6 May, Kevin Feltham was re-elected chairman of the council and following the resignation of Vijay Chavda, John Tillotson was elected vice chairman for the next year.

The Council agreed not to object to the application to remove the lone pine tree (21/00557/TPO) at the junction of Albert Street and Langton Road.

Specialists advice is that it is unstable and in a strong wind could fall towards the house or across the road. The application

Sergeant Coleman offered to write to all parish clerks to explain that while they can no longer spare an officer to attend all parish council meetings, they will attend in response to specific incidents if asked. Council agreed to setup a small working group, including Mrs Merry and Councillor Welband to look at strategic ways to tackle the ASB problem.

Councillor Mark Newcombe has formally resigned.

The white line across the entrance to Kibworth Court and Beauchamp Gardens on Smeeton Road is in progress. Council still awaits a date for a Highways engineer to visit to check options for controlling parking between the new white line and the zig zags by the school entrance.

Councillors approved in principle the extension of CCTV to cover the Grammar School Hall car park and then into Warwick Park to overlook the play area. This would also include moving the current server equipment from the library to the parish office area.

The groundslady will be maintaining the planters around The Bank in future as HFT are no longer able to continue doing this. New planters are ready to be collected.

A meeting with HDC is being arranged to finalise number, positioning and emptying of litter and dog bins.

Planning decisions were approved in line with the recommendations of the Planning Committee and are available on the noticeboard and council website.

Councillors objected to the proposed changes to boundary wall and further development at 39 Church Road (21/00499/FUL) due to them being overbearing and out of keeping with the character of the Conservation Area. for extensions and alterations to Manor Farmhouse (21/00689/LBC) were discussed. Some concerns were expressed about additional use of the gated track next to Jubilee Green as it is on a blind bend.

Cllr Feltham will ask LCC Highways for advice.

The council approved purchase of a new cabinet for the defibrillator on the side of Bobolis. The touch sensitive keys on the current one are no longer working so it cannot be opened to extract the equipment.

The council approved funding for a biennial tree survey for the cemetery and Jubilee Green.

The clerk confirmed that she and the chairman had taken down the union flag on Jubilee Green to have it cleaned, and had replaced it with the new England flag on St George’s Day.

HDC have approved Tree Preservation Orders to give some protection to several trees that were due to be felled at 39 Church Road.

Following the success of the Activity Day in September 2020, it was agreed to arrange a further day on Sunday 23 May, with Fiesta Sports Coaching. The costs will be shared with Kibworth Harcourt Parish Council.

The monthly reports from representatives, county and district councillors are available on the noticeboard and council website.

The muddy grass surface by the side of the top tennis court off Smeeton Road is due to be replaced with tarmac in w/b 19 July.

The government has not extended the use of virtual meetings beyond 7 May, so the council agreed to move the Annual Meeting from 25 May so it could be on Zoom at 7pm on 4 May. At the Annual Meeting, Councillor Andrew Munro was elected Chairman and Councillor Steve Woodhouse was elected vice-chairman. All other representative roles are on the website. Councillors were updated on the feasibility study of community facilities.

Our next monthly public meeting will be at 7pm on Tuesday 22 June in the Kibworth Grammar School Hall.

For the latest news and information please follow us on Facebook and our website: www.kibworthbeauchamp-pc.gov.uk Maria Smith clerk@kibworthbeauchamp-pc.gov-uk

The flower containers by Jubilee Green and along Albert Street have been maintained for many years by Mrs Graves who has indicated she will be retiring at the end of May. The council approved the job would be taken on by the council and carried out by the joint parish groundslady.

The next meeting on Thursday 3 June will be in the Kibworth Grammar School Hall at 7pm.

Please visit our website for more information about us: www.khpc.org.uk If you would like to get involved or let us know of any community news, or up and coming events, then please contact the Clerk.

Sara Barrett clerk@khpc.org.uk

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24 Kibworth & District Chronicle

May 2021

NEW LOCAL DYING MATTERS WEBSITE OFFERS SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE FACING DEATH OR BEREAVEMENT Local people facing end of life or bereavement can now turn to online support thanks to a new website launched to coincide with Dying Matters Week (10-16 May 2021).

The website aims to support people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) through every stage of dying, death and bereavement by providing comprehensive information, including details of the many health and care support services available across both counties.

Dr Reema Parwaiz, GP and clinical lead for end of life with the LLR Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: “Talking about dying and death is something people understandably feel uncomfortable about, but it is something we all need to do at some point because it affects every one of us.”

The initiative was first piloted in Rutland at the end of 2020 and is led

by Dr Sarah Furness, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland. Now, with support from the LLR Clinical Commissioning Groups, it has been expanded to support communities in Leicester City and Leicestershire as well as in Rutland.

The website addresses many difficult questions, such as what to expect during the last days and how to prepare and

support loved ones, including children, through loss.

Liz Jones, patient representative with Dying Matters, said: “This website is really useful for everyone, but especially for those people who may be either in the last few weeks or days of life and for loved ones who may be caring for them.”

Claire Henry, Palliative Care Clinician and Director of Dying Matters in Rutland said: “I believe that no one should ever have to grieve alone or become isolated through grief and this is why great emphasis is placed on helping those who are left behind.”

The website not only explains the practicalities and legalities of reporting a death and organising a funeral, but also lists a wide range of bereavement support organisations, including drop-in centres and organisations that provide religious and spiritual support.

“For people coming to the end of their life, there is advice for people to start those difficult discussions with loved ones and the website highlights the importance of end-of-life planning, by putting key documents in place such as an Advance Care Plan and Respect form, to ensure each person is able to have the best end of life possible.” www.dyingmatterleicestershireand rutland.com

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