JANUARY 2024 HERALD ONLINE

MID-JANUARY 2024 

Markfield, Field Head, Stanton-under-Bardon, Thornton & Bagworth 

INSIDE 

THIS MONTH 

3. An inspirational young man 

4. Minister’s Pause for Thought 

6. Mercenfeld School OFSTED 

7. Markfield Parish Council News 

10. Markfield Library Award 

12. COPPAFEEL Fundraiser 

13. Planning applications 

14. Markfield Community Association 

15. Christmas Day for those alone 

16. BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH 

17. Letter from Uncle Eustace 

18. Bradgate Rotary News 

19. Make your phone live longer 

20. Borough Councillor’s Report 

21. Dr.Luke Evans MP’s report 

23 News from Groby Sings 

Plus Lots More! 

Plans submitted for a care home in Markfield 

PLANS HAVE BEEN submitted by senior living developer 

Charterpoint for a 72-bedroom care home in Markfield. 

The detailed proposals are for land to the north of Leicester Road. They 

include plans for a mainly two-storey, modern care home, which also features 

en-suite bathrooms to each bedroom, residents’ lounge and dining areas, 

a café/bar, plus activity areas. The proposals also include 34 car parking 

spaces, along with terraces, patios and landscaped gardens. 

The plans have been submitted to Charnwood Borough and Hinckley and 

Bosworth Borough Councils following a public consultation process. 

MD of Charterpoint, Giles Nursey, said: “Charterpoint is a specialist senior 

living developer, with a significant portfolio of care homes developed across 

the East Midlands. 

“We have established that there is a need for a modern, purpose-built 

care home to meet the needs of older people in the Markfield area of 

Leicestershire. 

“In preparing our scheme we have sought to provide a high quality, modern 

and neighbourly development that sits within the existing landscape, 

maintaining and enhancing the existing boundary hedgerow along Leicester 

Road.” 

AMAZING FUNDRAISING 

EFFORT BY MARKFIELD 

RETIREMENT VILLAGE 

During 2023 the nominated charity 

for Markfield Retirement Village was 

a small but worthwhile charity ‘Tiny 

Tickers’. The Village raised £2,500 

from various fundraising events 

throughout the year. 

Tiny Tickers is a small charity with 

big ambitions and was founded 

in 1999 by world-renowned foetal 

cardiologist Dr Helena Gardiner, 

when she realised many of the 

babies she was caring for could have 

been helped earlier. They’ve got a 

proud track record of helping improve 

the detection, care and treatment of 

babies with serious heart conditions. 

In December the Village Residents’ 

Association’s Chairperson, Glenis 

Maskery, presented the money to 

Carly Doswell, Project Support 

Manager for Tiny Tickers. 

The nominated charity for the 

Village this year is The Teenage 

Cancer Trust which aims to give the 

best care and support to young people 

facing cancer. 

Charterpoint, which is based at Edwalton near Nottingham, specialises in developing first-class senior living accommodation, mixed-use and sustainable 

housing schemes, and primary care premises. 

For more information about Charterpoint, visit www.cpseniorliving.co.uk or http://www.charterpointplanning.co.uk/Markfield 

tiny 

tickers 

Carly Doswell of Tiny Tickers (left) receives the £2,500 raised by Markfield Retirement 

Village, from Glenis Maskery, Village Residents;’ Association Chairperson 

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3 

An inspirational 

young man! 

FOLLOWING 

ON from 

Joshua winning 

the Lord 

Lieutenant’s 

Person of the 

Year 2023, 

Joshua Bailey 

has only 

excelled being 

personally 

recognised by 

His Majesty the 

King, Prince of 

Wales, Martin 

Clunes, Houses 

of Commons, 

Local MP, 

Houses of 

Parliament and 

the County High 

Sheriff. 

Recently he 

has become an 

ambassador for 

“Winston Wish” 

charity helping 

people between the age of 5 years old up to the age of 25 to overcome 

their grief and loss of losing a loved one. He has his story published on 

their website which has been described as “compelling”. 

He is also an ambassador and a fundraiser now with his brother for the 

“Air Ambulance” organising his first 3 Christmas events in December to be 

held at the Nailstone Educational Centre. 

Joshua’s biggest achievement to date, he was invited to Westminster 

Abbey on 8th December to the televised Carol Service representing 

Leicestershire, Rutland and Warwickshire personally invited by “The 

Princess Of Wales”. 

The Lord Lieutenant Mr Tim Cox of Warwickshire had heard about 

Joshua’s achievements and personally chose him to represent the county. 

Joshua is a truly inspirational young man who has made a huge difference 

in his local community, he continues to Volunteer on the “Nailstone Country 

Park” as the Park Ranger and continues his success with both his horses 

which is only a credit to himself. 

Joshua would say to anyone that is finding it hard to see light at the end of 

the tunnel, take each day as it comes and believe in yourself, as I am living 

proof of that success. 

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From the Mercury 

Redgate Animal 

sanctuary announces 

plans to improve facilities 

A POPULAR 

Leicestershire 

animal 

sanctuary 

is hoping to 

improve its 

facilities with 

a bigger barn 

and a brand 

new cattery. 

Redgate 

Farm Animal 

Sanctuary – 

which is on Shaw Lane between Coalville and Markfield 

– houses a wide range of animals from cats to goats and 

sheep. 

It has applied to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for planning 

permission to create the new buildings. Planning documents say the 

existing goat barn and stables are ‘tired and now too small to cater for the 

expansion the farm has seen over the years’, while the new cattery will 

‘upgrade existing facilities’ and improve them for ‘people and cats alike’. 

The sanctuary was founded in 1986 by the Redmile family and as well 

as rescuing and rehabilitating animals, it also sometimes offers cats, 

rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and ducks for adoption. The farm is open 

to the public between noon and 3pm on weekends, with farm manager 

Maia Corbett and the farm’s staff and volunteers on hand to talk about the 

animals they have rescued and rehabilitated. 

LOCAL CHARITY ISSUES 

URGENT APPEAL FOR SHOP 

DONATIONS 

HAVING A CLEAR out this 

festive season? Perhaps 

you’ve received an unwanted 

gift that needs a new home 

or you’re looking to declutter 

ready for a fresh start to the 

new year. 

Local charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has issued an urgent 

appeal for donations of any good quality, saleable stock including clothing, 

bric-a-brac, books and furniture to their local Age UK Leicester Shire & 

Rutland charity shop. 

Donors can take pride in the knowledge that all money raised from the 

sale of goods donated is used to support local, vulnerable older people 

in the community through services such as befriending for the lonely and 

isolated, information and advice for those struggling to pay their bills and 

respite services to support older carers. 

Anthony Donovan, Executive Director of Age UK Leicester Shire & 

Rutland commented: “Whilst we have been overwhelmed by the support 

and generousity from the public in the last twelve months, currently our 

shops are desperately in need of stock.” 

“We are a vital lifeline for many vulnerable older people and a source of 

support for not only them but their families who depend on us to support 

their loved one, as they many do not live nearby. We rely on fundraising 

support and the public’s donations of pre-loved items to enable us to raise 

the funds to provide vital services. By donating your goods now and on a 

regular basis you’re giving back and allowing us to continue to be there for 

those who need us the most” he adds. 

Donations can be dropped off at any of Age UK Leicester Shire & 

Rutland’s shops during opening times (full list here: https://www.ageuk.org. 

uk/leics/shops/) and collection of furniture and larger items can be arranged 

by calling 0116 299 2233. 

Didn’t like being a bus driver. I was convinced people were talking behind my back.

4 

THE HERALD • MID-JANUARY 2024 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk 

Minister’s Pause 

for Thought 

Global Warming 

CHRISTMAS is now behind 

us and I hope you enjoyed 

your gatherings, whether in 

families, churches or friends 

or workmates. The year 

2024 is now before us and 

we are glad God Immanuel 

will continue to lead us. 

I took quite an interest in the 

COP28 meeting and the resolutions 

passed. I come from Fiji where 

the effects of Global Warming is 

happening right before your eyes. 

I shared with a Fellowship group 

in my Church about an island next 

to mine. When it is high tide the level of water rises and the whole village 

green is covered in sea water. The village green is where we always play 

on Christmas Day, but now it is no longer possible. There are many islands 

in the Pacific facing similar situations. 

Many of our Churches are going for eco – friendly status. I am glad that 

we are aware as Christians and individuals about the effects of Global 

warming. I think 10 years from now, a lot of the smaller islands will be 

under water because of the rise in water levels. 

Let us make 2024 a year that we take extra steps in trying to slow down 

the effects of global warming so that when I return to Fiji, I am still able to 

live on my island which God gave to our forefathers. 

We are also seeing the effects here in England and so let us join hands 

and do our bit in trying to slow down this global catastrophe. 

Wishing you all a happy new year. 

Rev Jimi Kaci 

Markfield Methodist Church 

MARKFIELD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP 

16th Jan - AGM AND SOCIAL 

at Markfield Library 

*MEMBERS ONLY* This is our Annual general meeting, social and buffet. 

This is for members only, and is a good opportunity 

for new members to get to know the group. Annual 

membership is currently £8 for individuals and £14 for 

couples/ families. This includes all the talks during the 

year, so no extra to pay. Please call 07976 752007 if 

you would like to arrange to become a member before 

the AGM so we know catering numbers! 

Non-members are asked to pay £3 on the door at each 

talk. Please note these fees are subject to change at 

the AGM in January. 

All meetings are at Markfield Methodist Church, Main 

Street (Opposite The Green) at 7.30 unless otherwise 

stated. 

Website – www.markfieldhistory.org 

FACEBOOK – Bygone Markfield 

BOOK You May LIKE 

THE GREAT POST OFFICE SCANDAL 

The story of the fight to expose a multimillion pound IT 

disaster which put innocent people in jail. 

By Nick Wallis 

On 23rd April 2021, the Court of Appeal quashed 

the convictions of 39 former SubPostmasters 

and ruled their prosecutions were an affront to 

the public conscience. For some it was the end 

of a 20 year battle for justice – and tragically 

three of them did not live long enough to 

see their reputations restored. It is a scandal 

that has been described as one of the most 

widespread and significant miscarriages of 

justice in UK legal history. 

The 39 were just a few of the 736 people who, 

between 2000 and 2013, had been prosecuted 

by the Post Office for theft, false accounting 

and fraud. The prosecutions were based largely 

on evidence drawn from Horizon, the Post 

Office’s deeply flawed software system use that threw up duplicate entries, 

lost transactions and made erroneous calculations. If these errors resulted 

in apparent losses, SubPostmasters were forced to settle the discrepancies 

from their own pockets, sometimes for tens or hundreds of thousands of 

pounds. Those who could not pay were sacked and taken to court. Proud 

pillars of their communities were stripped of their jobs and livelihoods. Many 

were forced into bankruptcy and or borrowed from friends and family to give 

the Post Office thousands they did not owe. The really unlucky ones were 

sent to prison. 

This is the story of how these innocent people fought back to clear their 

names against a background of institutional arrogance and obfuscation, a 

fight dragged out by the Post Office’s refusal to accept responsibility for its 

failings. 

Nick Wallis, an acclaimed freelance journalist and broadcaster, has been 

following the story since 2010 when he met a taxi driver who told him his 

pregnant wife had been sent to prison for a crime she did not commit. 

Since then, he has recorded interviews with dozens of victims, insiders and 

experts, uncovering hundreds of documents to build up an unparalleled 

understanding of the story. 

Using these sources, he has been instrumental in bringing the scandal into 

the public eye. He broadcast his first investigation for the BBC in 2011. In 

the same year that he took the story to Private Eye. He has subsequently 

made two Panoramas, a Radio 4 series, and raised thousands of pounds to 

crowdfund his own court reporting for the Post Office Trial website. 

Nick has now written the first definitive account of the scandal. He takes us 

from the ill-fated deal that brought Horizon into existence, through years of 

half-truths and obstruction, to the tearful scenes at the Court of Appeal this 

year. He exposes the secrecy and mistrust at the heart of the story, and the 

impact that had on the victims. He also chronicles how this story’s hero, Alan 

Bates, started as a lone public voice of dissent but went on to beat the Post 

Office - against overwhelming odds – at two of the highest courts in the land 

and win some redress for the victims. 

With cries for a full public inquiry into the affair still ringing in the government’s 

ears, this story is not over. The Great Post Office Scandal is a gripping 

account which will serve as a landmark piece of reporting, revealing the full 

impact of this shameful episode, as it continues to unravel. 

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Mercenfeld Primary School receives a 

‘Good’ rating from Ofsted 

MERCENFELD PRIMARY SCHOOL received notification that 

Ofsted would visit on Tuesday 31st October and Wednesday 

1st November, the school were enormously pleased to 

move from ‘Require Improvement’ to a ‘Good’ judgement 

with an outstanding grading for ‘Personal Development’. 

This is testament to all the hard work of the staff and children at the school. 

The school has received many words of congratulations and are proud that 

the work and support they give to the children of the Markfield community 

had been recognised. 

Mercenfeld Primary 

raises money for 

Redgate Farm Animal 

Sanctuary 

THE LAST FEW weeks of term 

at school are always busy but 

this especially case at the 

end of the autumn term in 

preparation for Christmas. 

The school welcomed in parents as 

part of a ‘Cakes and Carols’ event to 

raise money for Redgate Farm Animal 

Sanctuary. Parents were treated to 

delicious refreshments, serve by the 

wonderful PTA, and then each class 

took their turn to come and sing a 

Christmas song – from the youngest 

children in EYFS to Year 6. 

The school were thrilled to raise £157.90 for a local charity and are hoping to take some of the children to visit the 

sanctuary in the new year. 

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According to recent figures from 

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standing alone for even a week, 

then anything from rats, squirrels, 

mice, foxes and even snakes may 

have moved in. 

A squirrel stockpiling nuts in a car 

air filter, ten mice nesting under a 

windscreen, rats living in engine 

bays, and foxes chewing brake 

hoses, are only some of many 

culprits listed this year as having 

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a wheel trim. 

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Markfield Parish Council 

secures the future of the 

Community Centre and 

Jubilee Playing Field site 

Markfield Community 

Centre UPDATE 

THE COMMUNITY 

OF MARKFIELD are 

privileged to have a 

Community Centre 

within the village, a 

facility which was the 

culmination of past 

residents and a Parish 

Council pulling together 

to make a vision 

become a reality. 

The recent years have 

seen a general decline 

in the fortunes of the 

Centre which resulted 

in the forfeiture of the Lease in November 2022 and the Centre falling 

back into the hands of the Parish Council to run. 

It has, without doubt been a very difficult and challenging time with spiralling costs, 

a tired building and varied opinions on the future of the Asset which meant the Parish 

Council had to come up with a plan which would secure the future of the Community 

Centre as a Village Hub and destination venue. 

It quickly became apparent that the Parish Council could not successfully run the 

Centre, neither equipped with the right staff or the right vision and funds to refurbish the 

building to make it desirable to hirers and users. Our Staff worked tirelessly to keep the 

doors open and the Parish Council will be forever grateful to them for that effort but, the 

reality was we were haemorrhaging money and it was unsustainable. 

In May 2023, following the election of the new Council, we were able to invite potential 

interested operators to discuss lease options. The Parish Council undertook a rigorous 

and detailed process of selection and scrutiny, inviting potential interested operators 

which resulted in an initial list of four, of which ME Sports in the Community CIC were 

chosen to go forward to lease discussions. 

It was the right thing to do, to work with a sector specialist to secure the future of the 

Community Centre for the future generations of Markfield residents. It became our Plan 

A because, as we approached August 2023, it was clear that our subsidy costs were 

heading towards £100k and were unsustainable. 

In late August we were pleased to announce that we had concluded our negotiations 

with ME Sports in the Community CIC and following an in-depth due diligence process 

we were able to afford them access under a License to Occupy, pending signing a formal 

lease. We can now confirm that the Parish Council have signed a Formal Lease with ME 

Sports in the Community CIC for a 25-year period, effective December 2023. 

The lease is signed and the future of the Community Centre is secured. We can now 

return the Parish Council to financial stability and look towards re-introducing Capital 

Projects into our Budget 2024/25. 

Chairman of the Parish Council, Stuart Taylor said; “It has been a tough time for the 

Parish Council, we understood the value of the Community Centre within the Community 

and we worked tirelessly to secure a Lease with ME Sports in the Community CIC 

which would fit. 

“ME Sports in the Community CIC have committed to a program of investment in 

the building and facilities and they are clearly focussed on becoming the Hub of the 

Community, for the Community.” 

“As the Parish Council continue to work with ME Sports in the Community CIC, we 

hope that the village and User Groups continue to get behind the Community Centre and 

support its success over the coming months and years.” 

News from the 

Markfield Jubilee 

Playing Fields 

MARKFIELD PARISH COUNCIL was approached 

in 2022 by Sporting Markfield FC (SMFC) with 

a proposal to operate the Jubilee Playing Field 

site at Altar Stones Lane. 

Following the May 2023 elections, Council was able to focus 

on the proposition and explore the benefits to the community 

whilst allowing SMFC the opportunity to expand its sporting 

activities to a wider range of the community. 

It seemed like the right time for the incumbent Jubilee 

Playing Fields Management Committee to pull away, after 

many years of committed and tireless work. Without the 

Committee’s commitment to sport the site would most likely 

have become run-down and somewhat deserted. 

Throughout the summer 

the Parish Council worked 

with SMFC to secure the 

tenure of the other user 

groups, namely archery 

and cricket at the site. 

Once this was achieved it 

was the right time to offer 

a lease to SMFC. The 

lease was finalised in early 

September. 

SMFC has already made 

progress and continues 

to share its plans for 

the future of the site. 

The Parish Council is 

confident that SMFC’s investment in the site will enhance 

the community amenity and attract a more diverse range of 

sporting opportunities. 

The Parish Council is grateful for the hard work and 

endeavour of the Jubilee Playing Fields Management 

Committee and looks forward to the next sporting chapter of 

the Jubilee Playing Fields under the guidance of SMFC.

8 


Answers on page 22. 

Across 

1. Puzzle in which numbers must fit into a 9x9 grid (6) 

7. Glass for sherry (8) 

8. Sixth note in the tonic sol-fa scale (3) 

9. Myth, fable (6) 

10. Summit (4) 

11. Woollen item worn about the neck (5) 

13. Of the heart (7) 

15. Container for small personal items (7) 

17. Carved pole associated with native North 

Americans (5) 

21. Film of impurities on the surface of a liquid (4) 

22. Military personnel (6) 

23. Form of address to a man (3) 

24. Storey below ground (8) 

25. Organ of the body between the stomach 

and the diaphragm (6) 

Down 

1. Extending the legs at right angles to the trunk (6) 

2. Colourful flowering plant (6) 

3. The Fall of the House of ___, 

story by Edgar Allan Poe (5) 

4. Popular British cheese (7) 

5. Country, capital Warsaw (6) 

6. Conference attendee (8) 

12. Stick of black carbon material used for drawing (8) 

14. Large feline of tropical America (7) 

16. Woman often in distress? (6) 

18. Paper handkerchief (6) 

19. Senior nurse (6) 

20. Caprine animals (5) 

Friends of 

Charnwood 

Forest News 

THE MEETING of the Friends of the 

Charnwood Forest were given a talk on 

22nd November about the local plan for 

Charnwood by Richard Brown. 

Work for the plan began in 2016 and was only 

now completed. The talk tried to answer three 

questions – the weight of the application of the area 

as a Regional Park, the weight of the measures for 

its protection, and the threats it faces, together with 

the responses of the local inhabitants. 

He started with the history of the area. In 1932 a 

planning report had been submitted; in 1945 the 

Doner report; in 1947 there was the Hobhouse 

review and 1957 designation procedure were 

begun. The idea of the area being an Area of 

Outstanding Natural Beauty was rejected by the 

local inhabitants. In 2005 it was not included in the 

lists of areas designated as “Green Belt”. 

A recent Government directive on housing 

required Charnwood to provide 1189 new houses, 

and planning procedures for this eliminate 

speculative housing estates. Recently, south west 

of Loughborough, there has been a lot of planting 

of trees, and lower density housing, large buildings, 

and tourism were dangers that threatened the 

region. 

The area was important for recreation, and 

measures were needed to reduce encouragement 

for large numbers of tourists from visiting all at once 

to reduce the threat. 

The local plan needed co=operation from other 

organisations to complete its purpose. The example 

given was for doctors’ surgeries. 

The next meeting of the Friends will be at 

Woodhouse Eaves village hall on 24th January 

2024, when Ian Retson will give a talk on the Work 

of the Woodland Trust. 

Dr D McNeil 

Why tea is “the 

drink of getting 

things done” 

THE DRINKING of tea has 

found an unexpected new 

champion: James May, the 

former Top Gear presenter. 

Speaking recently on Radio 4, 

James May said: “I’m just worried 

that the cult of coffee is going to 

destroy tea. And I don’t like coffee, 

it is just rubbish. I like tea.” He 

added: “Tea is the drink of getting 

things done.” 

How did tea get so embedded in 

UK culture? Food historian Polly 

Russell says the answer lies in the 

Industrial Revolution of the mid- 

18th century. “Tea became less 

expensive and at the same time you 

had agricultural wages slumping, 

and agricultural workers literally not 

able to buy food, to buy fuel, or to 

afford a hot meal. So, tea became 

a way of having something hot and 

restorative – often with sugar – 

and that habit then also translated 

into the urban, as the industrial 

revolution expanded into our cities.” 

And so it was that “tea became 

absolutely central to the diet of the 

working poor.” And this provided 

the basis for the idea “that tea and 

sugar were fuelling the industrial 

nation.” 

James May argues that tea 

drinking is still fundamental to 

“bringing everyone together and 

ensuring happiness as well as 

productivity.” 

He believes: “Tea in the British 

workplace is more than a drink, it’s 

a social glue. Britain is falling apart 

because we don’t drink enough 

tea.” 

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I have a device in my kitchen which makes smoothies that make me think heaven is a place on earth. Blender Carlisle.

10 


FEELING A LITTLE 

STRESSED AND TIRED? 

Treat yourself to the 

experience of 

FOUR MINDFULNESS 

RELAXATION SESSIONS 

You can practice mindfulness sitting 

in a chair, or bring a mat with you if 

you prefer to lie down. Tea, coffee and 

biscuits are provided. 

Stanton Under Bardon Village Hall 

2, St John Cole Crescent, LE67 9AE 

TIME: 1PM-3PM ON MONDAYS 

Jan 22nd & 29th / Feb 5th & 19th 

To book please email: 

linda.williams180@outlook.com 

or TEXT: Linda on 07929 495923. 

£6 per session - (Adults only). 

Big Thumbs Up 

to Markfield 

Opticians 

I RECENTLY experienced a 

severe visual disturbance 

and contacted Jason (the 

practice owner) to get my 

eyes checked out. 

Jason spent an hour with me and 

conducted a thorough examination 

for which he declined any payment. 

Just wanted to thank him publicly 

for this exceptional service.and 

give a big thankyou to the recently 

arrived Markfield Opticians. 

David Pidcock 

WORTH A LISTEN 

on LBC 

I think you’ll love it! 

Hinckley and Bosworth Making a Difference Awards 2023 

Award for Markfield 

Community Library 

MARKFIELD 

Community Library 

was delighted to 

receive an Award 

from Hinckley and 

Bosworth Borough 

Council for being 

Inspirational 

Volunteers in 2023. 

We feel very proud! 

The Library, a registered 

charity, was formed by a 

group of dedicated and 

enthusiastic volunteers 

in 2015 to save the local 

library from closure by 

Leicestershire County 

Council. It is now entirely 

managed and operated 

by over 30 unpaid 

volunteers and funded by 

donations, grants and fundraising activities. 

Our objectives are to keep the library open, to provide a community service 

which reflects what the local community wants, to promote literacy generally 

and to be a welcoming and warm space. We have comfortable chairs, free 

tea and coffee, newspapers and computers with free internet and free Wi-Fi 

is available. 

We offer all the facilities of a council run library and are in Partnership and 

linked to Leicestershire Libraries computer system. 

On behalf of the Library Trustees, we want to say a huge thank you to all 

our volunteers, without whom the library would not operate. We are also 

proud to be the home of Markfield Day Nursery’s Before and After School 

Club, and are grateful for their support in hiring the library for their sessions. 

We were presented with the Award by the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth 

and Margert Beck and Julie Irons (two of our longstanding volunteers) 

accompanied Trustees John Bowler, Chris Robson and myself to the 

Awards Ceremony and delicious lunch. Borough Cllr Claire Harris, who also 

volunteers at the library, supported us too. 

Congratulations to fellow Markfield Group recipient Bee Unique Youth 

Project and Individual Robert Quiney for their awards. 

Finally, we have recently been delighted to welcome some new volunteers who have recently moved to Markfield. 

However, the Trustees are not getting any younger! It be great to have some volunteers come forward to shadow 

current Trustees, with a view to becoming future Trustees, so that the library can remain in the community and 

ensure its sustainability going forward. Please get in touch and have a chat! 

Margaret Bowler (Chair and Trustee) 

Ÿ 

Bluelight Wills 

Wills and Probate Services 

Tel: 01530 635004 

Email: enquiries@bluelightwills.co.uk 

Will Writing and Associated Advice 

Lasting Power of Attorney 

Trusts 

Advance Directive (Living Will) 

Probate and Estate Administration 

Professional Executor & Trustee Services 

Ÿ Document Storage 

Home and Office Visits 

Ÿ 

Fred Clarke-Baptiste Aff.SWW is a member of the Society of Will Writers 

and adheres to the Society’s Code of Practice. 

♦Fixed Wiring Testing 

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♦Extra Sockets & Lights 

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ELECTRICIAN 

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disruption) 

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Call: 0116 268 2910 

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♦Electrics Showers (Inc. Plumbing) 

♦Security (Alarms, CCTV, Lights) 

♦Free No Obligation Quotes 

Need to get a smaller watch strap. Just tried to hail a taxi and a hawk landed on my wrist.


11 

When bigger 

is not better 

WOMEN have added 

almost three inches to 

their waistlines over the 

last three decades. 

A recent mass survey across 

England has found that the 

average woman now has a waist 

span of 35 inches. That is up from 

an average of just over 32 inches 

in the 1990s. A ‘very high waist 

circumference’ is defined as being 

34.6in or above. 

Male waistlines have also 

continued to grow, but at a slower 

rate. 36 per cent of men are now 

classed as having a ‘very high 

waist circumference’ – which is 

40in (102cm) or above. In the 

Nineties, just 20 per cent of men 

were this big. 

The data comes from the Health 

Survey of England carried out in 

2019, when waistlines were last 

measured. Tam Fry, from the 

National Obesity Forum, said: “The 

figures are alarming – too many 

of us are eating as though it is 

Christmas every day.” 

Draft guidance from the National 

Institute for Health and Care 

Excellence (NICE) urges everyone 

to regularly measure their waistline. 

It should be less than half their 

height. 

A recent study by the University of 

Oxford has found that every extra 

inch on the waistline increases the 

risk of heart failure by 11 per cent. 

ARE YOU READY TO EMBRACE 

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enjoy a self-sufficient and reliable energy 

source when sunlight is scarce or during 

power outages.This not only enhances 

energy independence but also allows for 

significant cost savings on electricity bills. 

Moreover, having a local installer who 

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but also allows for significant a local cost provider, panels clients and battery can storage, make along with a 

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only maintenance, enhances and energy timelyindependence 

peace of mind to clients. With solar 

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panels and battery storage, along with 

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Please make an appointment to 

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I often get a 180 when I play with the local darts team. It’s the bus that takes me to the pub.

12 


The Herald 

PO Box 8, Markfield, 

Leics. LE67 9ZT 

Tel: 01530 244069 

info@markfieldherald.co.uk 

www.markfieldherald.co.uk 

The Herald is a monthly local 

magazine delivered free to 

approximately 4,000 homes and 

businesses in Markfield, Field 

Head, Stanton under Bardon, 

Thornton and Bagworth. 

Contact Mike Wilkinson with 

your articles, news items or 

advertising enquiries. 

Printed by Norwood Press in 

Ellistown. 

The opinions expressed by 

contributors are not necessarily 

those of the Herald Production 

Team. The inclusion of any 

group or organisation in this 

publication does not necessarily 

imply a recommendation of 

its aims, methods or policies. 

The Herald cannot be held 

responsible for the information 

disclosed by advertisements, all 

of which are accepted in good 

faith. 

Every effort is made to ensure 

the accuracy of information in 

this magazine, but no liability 

can be accepted for loss or 

inconvenience caused as a 

result of error or omission. 

The Herald reserves the right 

to amend, shorten or refuse 

to publish articles and/or 

advertisements submitted for 

publication. 

All contents © The Herald. 

None of the articles or adverts 

contained in this magazine are 

to be reproduced in any way 

without first obtaining written 

consent from The Herald. 

Coppafeel Fundraiser in Bagworth 

A New Year means new 

adventures! 

MANY OF YOU 

know that in 

2021 I took 

on 100km in 

the Scottish 

Highlands with 

CoppaFeel! 

Well I thought it 

was about time I 

put on those hiking 

boots again! 

This May I am 

joining the fantastic 

Coppafeel and of 

course Giovanna 

Fletcher herself 

for a marathon 

distance trek in 

one day across the 

undulating terrain 

in the Yorkshire 

Dales in a bid to 

raise funds towards 

CoppaFeel’s lifesaving 

mission. 

The BEST part is 

this time my dear 

mum Pam Holt is coming with me! 

We are organising a Breast Cancer Fundraiser with Craft Stalls & 

Games which we hope you can attend on 25th February at Bagworth 

Community Centre from 10am - 2pm to raise vital funds. 

If you wish to be a stall holder at this event or can donate a raffle prize 

for this cause then please get in touch with me via facebook or on 01530 

230628. 

You can also donate by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/page/ 

dominique-nicholson-marathonwithmymum 

Your donations will not only support our fundraising target, but most 

importantly CoppaFeel!. They are on a mission to stamp out the late 

diagnosis of breast cancer by making sure that young people are regularly 

checking their boobs, pecs and chests and getting to know their bodies in 

order to have the confidence to see their GP if something just doesn’t feel 

normal. 

To find out more about CoppaFeel! head to www.coppafeel.org 

Thank you all in advance. 

Dominique Nicholson 

Trinity Methodist 

Church Markfield 

SERVICES & INFORMATION 

www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org 

FB: Markfield Methodist Church 

Sunday 14th January 

Covenant Service 

10.30 a.m. Morning worship 

including Holy Communion 

Sunday 21st January 

CTiM United Service 


Sunday 28th January 


6.00 p.m. Taize Prayer with songs & 

silence 

Sunday 4th February 




including Holy Communion 


CTiM United Service 

10.30 a.m. Morning worship at 

St.Michael’s Church 

Music Cafe 

Thursday 25th January & 8th 

February 2.00 - 4.00 

Don’t be on your own - have a 

change of scene & join us for a 

music-based afternoon of friendship, 

fun & a good chat over refreshments 

on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the 

month. For more information please 

contact Linda on 01530 242607. 

“Come for a Cuppa” 

in a Warm Place 

Every Wednesday 9.30 - 12.30 

Please note that these new times will 

apply until the end of March. 

Keep warm and meet each other on 

Wednesday mornings. There is no 

charge for the refreshments & “Ian’s 

treats” are delicious! You can borrow 

a book & swap a jig-saw. Just come 

through the main church building 

and you’ll find us in the back room. 

Quiz & Ploughman’s Supper 

- Friday 26th January at 

7.00 p.m. 

This is always a popular evening 

with great quizzing and good food. 

So get your tickets ASAP to avoid 

disappointment. Please call Linda & 

Bill - 01530 242607 or Ann & Ian - 

01530 242166 

We extend a warm invitation for you 

to join us for worship as well as at 

our other regular activities & events. 

You will be made most welcome. 

Gargling is a good way to see if your throat leaks.


13 

Dowding Solicitors Limited 

We offer a personal friendly 

service locally for all your legal 

requirements. 

• Wills 

• Lasting Power of Attorney 

• Administration of Estate 

(Probate) 

• Residential Sales and Purchase 

• Free Quotation 

Also at 12A High Street, Sileby, Leics. LE12 7RX 

Now at THE OLD RECTORY, 

MAIN STREET, GLENFIELD LE3 8DG 

Call today on 0116 232 5136 

or email: kathryn@dowdingsolicitors.co.uk 

Planning 

applications 

Demolition and construction of a 

new dwellinghouse (C3) - at 2 Copt 

Oak Road, Copt Oak, Markfield, 

Leicestershire LE67 9PJ 

Construction of a 72 bedroom 

residential care home (C2) and 

associated solar panel, access, 

parking and landscaping (Cross 

boundary application with Charnwood 

Borough Council) - at Land Off 

Leicester Road, Markfield, 

Leicestershire LE67 9RE 

Change of use from hair salon 

(Class E) to fish and chip shop (Sui 

generis) - at 329A Station Road, 

Bagworth, Leicestershire LE67 

1BN 

Construction of two bedroom dwelling 

- at Land Adjacent To 22 Rookery 

Lane, Groby, Leicestershire 

Single storey rear extension - at 

250 Leicester Road, Field Head, 

Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 

9RG 

Proposed dwelling with detached 

garage and creation of new access 

(Resubmission 22/01071/FUL) 

(Self Build) - at Land North East 

Of The Hovel, Spinney Drive, 

Botcheston, Leicestershire 

Two storey side and front extensions 

and alterations to dwelling - at 4 

Polebrook Mews, Spinney Drive, 

Botcheston, Leicestershire LE9 

9FG 

Single storey front, side and rear 

extension and associated works - 

at The Paddock, Ratby Lane, 


9RJ 

Installation of shipping container for 

storing sports equipment - at Jubilee 

Playing Fields, Altar Stones Lane, 


9PX 

Single storey side and rear extension 

- at 25 Preston Close, Stanton 

Under Bardon, Markfield, 

Leicestershire LE67 9TX 

Conversion of agricultural building to 

dwelling and access - at Hill Farm, 

Markfield Lane, Botcheston, 

Leicestershire LE9 9FH 

How to keep those New Year Resolutions 

WE ARE FULL of good 

intentions at the 

start of each year. How 

come we fizzle out by 

February? Here are some 

tips to keep you going… 

BE REALISTIC. If you have a number 

of goals, do NOT attempt them all 

at once. Research has found that if 

you stagger your goals, you will have 

more success. So, for example, if 

this year you want to spend less 

money, do more exercise and spend 

more time with your family, start 

one change this month, another 

in February, and start the third in 

March. 

BE SPECIFIC. For example, don’t 

tell yourself: Lose weight. Decide 

exactly how much you want to lose. 

When do you want to lose it by? 

How will you do it? If you want more 

time with your family, how and 

when will you do that? The more 

exact you can be, the more likely 

you are to succeed. 

WRITE IT DOWN. There’s 

something about committing 

thoughts to paper that helps to 

cement your resolve. Why not start 

some sort of journal this year, to 

track your thoughts, your hopes, 

your goals – and your successes! 

TELL OTHER PEOPLE. If you intend 

to do something, tell someone, and 

therefore you will feel more obliged 

to get going with it… your pride may 

keep you going when all else fails! 

FOCUS ON GAIN, NOT LOSS. Ever 

notice how many resolutions are 

about giving something up? Why 

not put it the other way round - 

instead of saying you will eat less, 

tell yourself you are headed for 

those skinny jeans…. 

GIVE YOURSELF REWARDS. If you 

are quitting smoking or sweets, for 

example, put the money you would 

have spent in a jam jar, and treat 

I’ve named my car ‘Flattery’ because it gets me nowhere. 

yourself to something nice (and 

healthy) with it. 

BREAK YOUR RESOLUTION 

INTO STEPS. Some goals will take 

months to achieve. So – break 

each one down into tiny steps, and 

simply head for each step. Build in 

some time frames, to prevent you 

procrastinating. 

FINALLY, DON’T LET FAILURE 

DEFEAT YOU. You will make 

mistakes. But the secret is to simply 

get up again, and to keep going. 

Only if you stop are you really 

defeated. None of us are perfect, 

and the Bible encourages us to 

always start again.

14 


Markfield Community Association News 

Mayflower Club 

FIRSTLY, we hope you have all 

had a lovely Christmas. Ours was 

a bit dampened and subdued as 

the dreaded COVID finally caught 

up with us having managed to 

avoid it like the “plague” (excuse 

the pun) for several years. It 

manifested itself on Christmas 

Day Night and knocked us for 

six. Yes, it’s still out there so be 

careful. 

2023 should have been a celebration of 

the tenth year that we have been running 

the Mayflower Club at the Community 

Centre however, it proved to be quite 

challenging. But despite the unforeseen 

need to move from the Community 

Centre, we have settled down into our 

new home and are looking forward 

to celebrating our 11th anniversary in 

February. 

Our sincere thanks go to Brenda at 

Little Markfield Farm and then the 

Congregational Church who helped us to 

survive those difficult times. So, as “Del 

Boy” would say, “Onwards and Upwards”. 

Our Christmas program started with 

the dressing of our Mayflower Club 

Christmas Tree with its crocheted tree 

decorations based on the twelve days 

of Christmas. We were proud to display 

it at the Methodist Church’s Christmas 

Tree event which was a wonderful 

festive occasion. The tree then helped 

to adorn the Congregational Church over 

Christmas. Our members are already 

planning a Christmas Tree display for 

next Christmas. 

On the 13th December we held a 

Christmas Music quiz based on popular 

and favourite Christmas Hits which got 

member’s toes tapping and singing 

along. I then gave a rendition of an 

alternative version of the Twelve Days of 

Christmas based on the ups and downs 

of the Festive Christmas Turkey Dinner. 

It caused a bit of a laugh as the twelve days wore on 

and the turkey dinner got less and less appealing. It 

was followed by some mince pies and I hasten to say, 

not a single turkey sandwich in sight! 

Christmas Party 

ON THE 20th December we had our now 

traditional Christmas Party and what a joy it 

was. 

Members celebrated with a Christmas sumptuous 

Christmas buffet with party food, cakes, mince pies, 

trifle and meringues plus Christmas Crackers, party 

hats, sweets and novelties. Then, surprise, surprise 

and to a fanfare of bell ringing, Father Christmas 

appeared with Rudolph and our own Santa’s Little 

Helper Carol. With lots of ho, ho, ho’s and cheers 

Father Christmas dished out our Secret Santa 

Presents before he left to fly back to the North Pole. 

The festivities didn’t end there as we held a snowball 

throwing competition finally won by Gabriella before 

the whole room disintegrated into a mass snowball 

fight with snowballs flying everywhere. 

Fortunately, the snowballs were artificial 

and no one was hurt in the melee. 

Gabriella’s knitted Father Christmas was 

then raffled off and made £32 for club 

funds. We concluded by joining hands 

and singing a couple of verses of Auld 

Lang Syne. Merry Christmas everybody. 

Events for 2024 

SO, NOW it’s time to start 

planning club events and 

activities for 2024 so, make it 

your New Years resolution to 

come along and join in. 

The Mayflower Club sessions are held at 

the Congregational Community Church 

rooms on Main Street. Our Friendship 

Club and Arts and Crafts group meet 

Monday afternoons with our main 

Mayflower Club session being held on 

Wednesday afternoons. All sessions are 

from 2pm to 4pm and only cost £2.50p 

per session with a cuppa and light 

refreshments thrown in. Don’t be shy - 

Just turn up on the day. 

Markfield Good 

Neighbours Scheme 

FINALLY, we must wish all our 

Markfield Good Neighbours 

Scheme volunteers a Happy New 

Year and sincerely thank them all 

for just being there to help our 

community if needed. 

Please remember that it is still “OKAY TO 

ASK” if you need any help or support and 

our volunteers will continue to do their 

level best to help. Just pick up the phone 

and give us a call. 

Thanks, and Happy New Year to you all. 

Ron and Dawn Grantham 

Markfield Community Association 

Contact Numbers: 07885 243033 

or 07904 222552 

~ ADVERTISING RATES IN THE HERALD ~ 

Call Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 to book or email: info@markfieldgerald.co.uk 

Advert Size (Portion of the A4 page) Advert Dimensions in Millimetres Width x Height Price per Insertion (EACH MONTH) 

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Never pick your nose when working with superglue.


Don’t forget those 

nestboxes! 

ON 14TH 

FEBRUARY 

annual 

National 

Nestbox 

Week begins. 

Now an 

established 

part of the 

ornithological 

calendar, it aims 

to encourage 

people to help out 

the birds in their 

gardens each 

Spring. Everyone 

is invited to put up 

more nestboxes in their local area, and a very helpful 

website gives full instructions on how to do this. 

More details at: https://www.nestboxweek.com 

Off to the vet 

IN HIS younger days our golden retriever 

Catcher often ran away when he had the 

chance. 

The vet’s surgery was about a mile down the road, 

and Catcher would usually go there. The nursing staff 

knew him and would call me to come pick him up. 

One day I called the vet to make an appointment for 

Catcher’s yearly vaccine. “Will you bring him,” asked 

the receptionist, “or will he come down on his own?” 

CHRISTMAS DAY 

FOR THOSE ALONE 2023 

at St Mary’s Church Rooms – Anstey 

EVERYONE 

who attended 

Christmas 

day for those 

alone in 

Markfield 

and the 

surrounding 

villages had a 

great day. We 

catered for 87 

people! 

15 

Guests had a 

wonderful meal, a 

present each and 

a goody bag with 

lots of yummy 

treats. But most importantly they weren’t alone on what can be for some an even more lonely 

day than usual. 

A very grateful thanks to the companies etc. who support us – Bowns Hardware, Bradgate 

Rotary Club, Charnwood Brewery, Co-op, GTS Security, MB signs, Morrisons (Glenfield), Next, 

Oooh-fudge.com, Pladis, Roy Green, Tesco (Syston and Glenfield), Westermans International 

and Whitfields. 

Many thanks to all the individuals who have donated whatever they can and taken them to 

the donation hubs, everything helps small or large and all donations have helped make the day 

very special. 

Thanks to all the volunteers on the day, whether they have cooked, served, driven etc… who 

worked really well together as a fantastic team. 

Thanks for reading and a happy New Year. 

GAS-SERVWELL 

Established 1984 

All gas appliances 

serviced, repaired 

and fitted 

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General Plumbing & Repairs 

Reduced 

Same Day Priority Breakdown Visits Rates 

Power Flushing and Heating Upgrades 

5-15 year Guarantee On Fitted Boilers - Parts & Labour 

Tel: 01530 251315 Mob: 07860 735066 

Email: bobzgas@gmail.com 

REGISTER 

GENERAL PLUMBING 

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painting and decorating 

Mark WRIGHT 07514 543249 

David DUNN 07786 037156 

mmwwright916@gmail.com 

daviddunn5555@hotmail.com 

Find us on Facebook and contact 

us for a free no obligation quote. 

I would enjoy jogging if it wasn’t for those long walks back.

16 


Taking part is 

across 

as 

the 

e 

U 

Torvill and Go to #BigG 

Big Garden 

Dean - and 

the Bolero Get that ID tip 

Birdwatch 

Count the birds made you Olympic see in your 

You’ll find lo 

1 local park for history one hour as well between 

FORTY 

as ex 

YEARS ago, 

Use the tally boxes on 14th on the next p 

February 

The RSPB is a reg 

26–28 January Transfer 2024 your count 1984, to the results 

figure Illustrations by M 

Taking part is as easy as 1, 2, 3 might see. You skaters may see others, if 

ide 

Jayne 

Where we don’t 

Torvill 

show 

and 

male and f 

Count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your 

Christopher 

1 

Dean won 

local park for one hour between 26 and 28 January 2024. not always identical. 

the gold 

Use the tally boxes on the next page to count and record the birds you spot. 

medal in 

Transfer your count to the results form. This chart shows some birds you 

ice dancing at the Winter 

might see. You may see others, if so record those on the results form Following too. these Olympics simple in Sarajevo. rules They m 

Where we don’t show male and female birds, the sexes 2look similar, but are 

received the first perfect 

set of 6.0 scores in Olympic 

not always identical. 

Only include birds history. that land, not 

2 

3 

Following these simple rules makes it easy to count the birds you see. 

Only include birds that land, not those flying over. Count the highest 

number of each species you see at any one time, otherwise you could 

count the same bird twice. For example, if you saw a group of eight 

Starlings but then towards the end of your hour you saw six together, 

record ‘8’ as your final Starling count. 

Go online and tell us what you saw at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch 

Submitting online is quick and easy and it means we can spend more 

on saving nature as it reduces our costs. Whatever you saw – even if 

nothing at all – please tell us. The more results we have, 3the better the 

picture we will be of how garden birds are faring. 

If you are unable to submit your results online, please complete and 

send us the print-from-home form. 

Helping you make your 

Big Garden Birdwatch count 

Female 

The RSPB is a registered charity in England and Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654. 

Illustrations by Mike Langman (rspb-images.com) 356-23-24 BGBW-24 

Greenfinch 

Magpie 

Great Tit 

Woodpigeon 

Friend of mine always gets a pain in his spine when he listens to classical music. Think it’s Bach-ache. 

Male 

Starling 

conversation 

Both are from Nottingham and, 

number of each despite species the obvious chemistry you see 

between them, they have never 

count the same bird twice. For e 

been romantically involved with 

each other. Jayne is married, 

and Christopher is in a long-term 

Starlings but then towards the e 

relationship. Jayne was originally 

an insurance clerk and Dean a 

record ‘8’ as your policeman, final and they Starling built up their co 

ice partnership while working 

full-time – though they eventually 

received a grant from Nottingham 

Go online and tell us what you 

City Council that enabled them to 

concentrate on their skating. 

This was much like a full-time job. 

Submitting online is quick and e 

Christopher later described it as 

“obsessive…almost like being in a 

on saving nature monastery. as It was it a reduces religion in its ou 

own way”. 

nothing at all – At Sarajevo please they became tell the us. Th 

highest scoring figure skaters of all 

picture we will time be for a single of programme, how garden 

which 

Male 

they skated to Ravel’s Bolero (it 

came in just within the time limit) 

Blue Tit 

Female 

and were awarded 12 perfect 

If you Coal Tit are unable 6.0s – including to submit a 6.0 from every your 

Get involved on our social 

Female 

channels 

judge for artistic impression – and 

Blackbird 

Chaffinch 

send us the print-from-home for 

Throughout the Big Garden Birdwatch long weekend, you can join in the 

six 5.9s. In 2002 this performance 

was voted into eighth place in a 

conversation on our social channels. Male See what other nature lovers are spotting 

Channel 4 poll of the 100 Greatest 

across the UK and you can upload pics and comments about your Birdwatch. 

Sporting Moments. 

Go to #BigGardenBirdWatch 

Helping you 

The pair turned 

make 

professional 

House Sparrow 

after Sarajevo and won the world 

professional championships five 

Get ID tips and expert advice 

Collared Dove 

Dunnock 

Long-tailed Tit 

times. Their innovations had a 

You’ll find lots of advice on identifying birds by sight and 

Big 

sound, 

Garden 

lasting impact 

Birdwa 

on the sport, and in 

as well as expert insights into Goldfinch garden wildlife at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch 

2000 they were made OBEs for 

their outstanding contributions to 

skating and to British sport. 

Robin 

The National Ice Centre in 

Nottingham is now accessed 

through Bolero Square; a housing 

estate in the Wollaton area of the 

Get involved on our city contains social a street named channe 

Torvill 

Drive and an adjoining one called 

Dean Close. 

Throughout the Big Garden Birdwatch l 

conversation on our social channels. Se 

across the UK and you can upload pics


17 

Letter from Uncle Eustace 

On why rural church-goers like 

to freeze in church 

The Rectory 

St. James the Least 

My dear Nephew Darren 

WINTER certainly exposes the difference between those of 

you who live in cities and us rural folk. 

While you bask in your centrally heated flat, and complain about the half 

an inch of slush outside, we country folk wear overcoats in our houses, 

open all doors and windows to let the heat in and battle through snow drifts, 

measured in feet, to get the morning paper. 

Colonel Wainwright has acquired a new toy: a snow blower, of sufficient 

power that I believe it could clear the Antarctic. He kindly volunteered to 

clear the paths around the church. Working outwards from the church door, 

the path to the church soon became snow-free. Unfortunately, he only 

realised when his job was complete that the blown snow then formed a tenfoot 

drift under the lych gate. 

Miss Margison, ever helpful in the worst sense of the word, decided to 

unfreeze the pipes in the church hall. A blow torch was not the ideal 

solution, although the resulting burst did make some rather attractive ice 

sculptures round the kitchen equipment. The village badminton team that 

uses the hall has now temporarily changed sport to ice hockey. 

Inevitably, congregations have soared. There is nothing like adversity for 

making people want to prove they have the moral fibre to overcome it. 

Much satisfaction seems to be obtained on discovering who has not dared 

venture out, which is taken as judgement on their strength of character. The 

Prentices upstaged most people by arriving on a sleigh. Mr Prentice was 

warmly wrapped in a travelling rug, while his wife pulled it. As they both 

explained, they couldn’t possibly let the pony work in such conditions. 

What I momentarily thought was applause during my sermon was merely 

people keeping their hands warm and the hymns were drowned out by the 

stamping of feet. Our organist complained that the cold made his fingers 

so numb that he couldn’t play properly – although I didn’t notice that things 

were much different from normal. 

No, my dear nephew, a few flakes of wet snow may close your car park 

for health and safety reasons, but we shall continue to triumph heroically 

over adversity. We return home after Mattins, knowing we have proved our 

Christian commitment in being utterly uncomfortable. 

Your loving uncle, 

Eustace 

Markfield Congregational 

Community Church 

MARKFIELD Congregational Community Church are looking 

forward to supporting our village in any way we can. 

Reverend Rob has set up a MEMORY CAFE which runs once a month on 

the 3rd Thursday of each month 10.30am till 12.00 noon. 

It is a time for families dealing with a dementia diagnosis to meet others and 

share experiences. There is a limit on numbers therefore it is important to 

book and let us know if you are attending. 

We ask that the person who has the diagnosis to be accompanied by a 

family member or carer. 

BREW ABOUT YOU continues to be very successful event Tuesday 9.30am 

to 1.30pm-ish.Offering a Warm Space, this is a free event with drinks and a 

light lunch at 12.00, if desired donations can be made. 

We are very grateful to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for the 

grant to help with our heating costs. Everyone is welcome to drop in for a 

chat and catch up with friends and neighbours. 

As a church we try to offer a social event each month. January sees a 

BURNS NIGHT Saturday 27th January 5-30 for 6-00. A few tickets are still 

available. 

Over the past year we have had a tea afternoon, fish and chips and bingo 

along with quiz nights. 

For any further information please ring me, Angela Berry, on 01530 242578 

or mobile: 07971 254165. 

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Email: kirbymuxloepodiatry2023@gmail.com 

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They say football is a game of two halves. My mate Dave can get through about seven pints during a match.

18 

20 years of 

Facebook 

ALMOST twenty years ago, 

on 4th February 2004, 

Facebook, the social media 

networking platform, was 

launched. 

Originally known as thefacebook. 

com, it was intended by Mark 

Zuckerberg and four other Harvard 

students – Eduardo Saverin, 

Andrew McCollum, Dustin 

Moskovitz and Chris Hughes – to 

create “a directory of information 

for college students”, but it soon 

expanded, and each of the five cofounders 

developed different roles. 

All except Moskowitz are now not 

part of the Facebook empire, but all 

are extremely rich. 

A year after it was launched, 

Facebook lost the “the” from its 

name, and the following year it got 

rid of its students-only restriction. 

In its new form Zuckerberg, from 

an early stage the main man of 

Facebook, said the original aim 

was for Facebook users to take 

their online identities with them 

around the internet without having 

to register individual accounts for 

each website or app. 

The swift development of 

Facebook, which went public in 

2012, has involved Zuckerberg 

in many lawsuits, and he has 

demonstrated a wide-ranging ability 

to win people over. He is also 

extremely clever. He has never 

revealed his own political affiliation 

or voting history, and is hard to pin 

down. He was raised as a Reform 

Jew, went through a period when 

he espoused atheism, but more 

recently has said he “believes 

religion is very important”. 

In September last year his net 

worth was estimated at not far 

short of £50 billion, but he receives 

a one-dollar salary as CEO of 

Facebook, and he and his wife 

Priscilla Chan give away huge 

amounts of money, some of which 

goes to fighting antisemitism 

and backing educational and 

community initiatives. Facebook is 

banned in China. 

Wise Words 

If you want to be sad, live 

in the past. 

If you want to be anxious, 

live in the future. 

If you want to be peaceful, 

LIVE IN THE NOW. 


CHRISTMAS TREES, 

CHRISTINGLES & MUCH 

MORE! 

WHAT A BUSY 

and very 

rewarding 

time we had 

at Markfield 

Methodist 

Church in 

the run-up to 

Christmas. 

The Christmas 

Tree Festival 

drew a wonderful 

response from 

individuals & 

groups in the 

community. It was amazing how much thought and effort had gone into 

decorating trees with the theme of Christmas songs, and we hope that their 

preparations gave as much pleasure to everyone as their finished products 

gave to all who came to visit. 

On a bitterly cold Friday morning, classes from Mercenfeld School and 

Apple Tree Day Nursery came to the church to see their trees. 

They enjoyed picking out their own artistic contributions and deciding 

which tree was their favourite. We were particularly delighted to hear the 

children sing their Christmas songs. During the weekend we welcomed 

many folks who came for the turkey, cranberry & stuffing cobs on Saturday, 

& families who braved the snow on Sunday. So, many, many thanks to 

everyone who supported us and for your generosity & friendliness. It was a 

pleasure to meet you all. 

The weekend concluded with “Carol Praise” which was quite special as 

we sat among the trees. 

Crafty Christmas was a new venture and again we had a most enjoyable 

afternoon as both children and adults interacted & made things together. 

There were many craft activities on offer and all the children made their 

own Christingle. This was followed by a short act of worship when the 

significance of the Christingle components was re-visited and we sang the 

Christingle song before lighting the candles & singing “Away in a Manger” 

with dimmed lighting. 

It was all very safe and the only slight smell of burning was when one 

of our older participants chose to toast her marshmallows on the candle 

flame! 

After a prayer it was time for food, time for chatting, and time to get to 

know each other a little better. We can safely say that a good time was 

had by all. 

Carols on The Green was organised by Churches Together in Markfield 

- and wasn’t there a wonderful turn-out! It was a joy to have so many 

families join in what has become an annual event. This year the Methodist 

minister, Revd Jimi Kaci - who loves singing - did a fine job in leading the 

evening & linked each carol with relevant bible passages which made 

“coming to sing carols” a little more special. Afterwards we went into the 

church rooms for well-earned and warming refreshments - and another 

chance to catch up with folks. 

We a r e g r a t e f u l t o M a r k fi e l d P a r i s h C o u n c i l f o r t h e i r c o n t i n u e d s u p p o r t . 

Carols at the Co-op saw members of Markfield churches singing together 

for almost an hour. (We shortened the time slightly before we got too cold 

and hoarse.) However, we hope we conveyed the spirit of Christmas to all 

those busy shoppers who heard us. 

Our Carol Service was more traditional when the Christmas story was 

told in readings, congregational carols, and items sung by the church choir. 

There was a time of reflection on the preparation involved in our giving of 

gifts, the preparation that went into the giving of God’s gift at Christmas - 

and what our response might be to receiving that gift. 

As always we welcome you to join us at our weekly Sunday worship and 

at all our other activities. We have “Come for a Cuppa” every Wednesday 

morning from 9.30 – 12.30 and on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month 

there is “Music Café” which is now in its 10th year! Other events will be 

advertised as they arise. May we wish you love, peace & joy for 2024. 

I have all the money I’ll ever need - if I die by 4 o’clock today. 

Bradgate 

Rotary News 

THE BRADGATE Rotary 

team helped Santa to visit 

the villages around the 

Bradgate area 

Over £500 was raised for 

Rainbows Children’s Hospice in 

December by Bradgate Rotary 

helping Santa visit the boys and 

girls of Groby, Markfield, Newtown 

Linford, Anstey and Glenfield. 

To give Santa’s reindeer a bit of a 

rest, Rotary, along with support from 

the team at Druck, managed to get 

Santa and his sleigh to the venues. 

These included the Laundon 

Way Co-op Store in Groby, 

The Nook, Anstey, Mercenfeld 

School, Newtown Linford village 

hall, Elizabeth Woodville school, 

Morrisons Glenfield and Druck’s 

Christmas Fair. Gifts for Santa’s 

visits were supported by Co-op 

Food and Central Co-op. 

Freeze Your Bits Off – 

Bra Walk – Sunday 14th 

January! 

OVER 100 WALKERS have 

so far registered to take 

part in Bradgate Rotary 

Club’s first Bra Walk – 

“Freeze Your Bits Off” 

to help support the local 

Breast Cancer Care Unit 

based at Glenfield Hospital. 

The walk is open to anyone and 

only costs £10 to register your 

entry and hopefully you will raise 

sponsorship from your friends and 

family to really make a difference. 

The 3-mile walk, which takes 

place at Bradgate Park (Newtown 

Linford entrance) on Sunday 14th 

January 2024. The event will start 

at 10.00am and finish by 1.00pm, 

so you can walk at your own pace, 

with up to 3 hours to complete the 

3-mile route. 

We are anticipating the weather to 

be very cold, after all it is the middle 

of winter, so we suggest wearing 

your decorated bras on the outside 

of your coats - Unless you really 

want to “Freeze Your Bits Off”! 

Wear your bra whichever way 

you wish and there’s a prize for the 

best-embellished bra. 

Participants will receive a wellstocked 

goodie bag as well as 

some refreshments provided by the 

Co-op Food Group. 

To take part please visit www. 

bradgaterotaryevents.co.uk


19 

How to keep your phone current for months or years to come 

Phone fi rms would like you to buy a new 

model every year, but chances are you 

probably don’t need to: a handset that was 

just fi ne on Friday doesn’t suddenly become 

unusable if a newer version is launched 

on Monday. But phones can accumulate 

problems over time, whether from everyday 

wear and tear or the odd accident. Here’s 

how to squeeze a bit more life out of yours. 

1 

Replace the battery 

If your phone isn’t holding a charge for long, 

replacing the battery will give it a new lease of 

life. It’s best to get an expert to do this for you 

in most cases, as few phones are designed with userreplaceable 

batteries. Prices vary from phone to phone, 

but around £60 is a reasonable price to pay for a fi tted 

replacement of a mid-range phone that’s a few years 

old. If you’d like to go the DIY route, check out iFixit. 

com for instructions. 

Free up space 

2 If your phone is suddenly sluggish, you could 

be running short of storage space. Both iPhone and 

Androids have free-up space tools to help you remove 

unnecessary apps, photos, video and data. You’ll fi nd 

the tools in your device’s Settings > Storage section. 

Fix that screen 

3 If your screen has seen better days, a replacement 

is often much cheaper than you might think – as 

with batteries, £60-ish is reasonable for an average 

smartphone, although newer and more expensive 

phones can cost considerably more. 

Consider the costs 

4 Before you decide to spend any money, it’s wise 

to consider the cost of completely replacing your 

phone. For example, if you have a phone similar to 

the Motorola Moto E30 Android phone, replacing 

components isn’t cost-effective when you can buy a 

brand-new phone SIM-free for £69. If your phone isn’t 

available that cheaply, see if a similar model could do 

the job for the same amount. 

Trade it in 

5 If you’re sure you no longer want your phone, don’t 

just stick it in a drawer. Sell it on an auction site or trade 

it in towards the cost of a newer phone. Ensure you 

clear all your personal data from it and reset it to factory 

settings so the new owner can’t pretend to be you. 

• New Guttering • Wood Staining • Repointing 

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• Dry Verge • Flat Roofing • Dry Ridge • Lead Flashing 

• Moss Removal • Slate/Tile Roofing 

• UPVC Fascia, Soffits & Gutters 

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Mobile: 07494820600 - Freephone: 0800 292 7391 

Motorola E30 

It’s great to prolong the life 

of your phone, but don’t 

spend money on individual 

components if the same 

cash would buy you a 

brand-new phone. 

iFixit Screen 

It’s possible to do your own 

screen replacements, shown 

here at iFixit.com, but for most of us, 

it’s better left to the experts. 

iPhone free up space 

If you’ve had your 

phone for a while, it’s 

probably full of apps, 

data, photos and 

video you don’t need. 

Clear it out in your 

storage settings. 

Samsung iFixit 

Modern phones aren’t designed to be userserviceable, 

so things like batteries are hard 

to access and often glued in place. 

Apply now for 

next year’s 

primary school 

places 

FAMILIES with children 

starting primary school 

for the first time in 

Leicestershire next 

autumn need to apply by 

January 15th. 

Parents and carers can find out 

more and apply by visiting the 

Admissions web page. 

New schools due to open in the 

next academic year - Wellington 

Place Primary School (previously 

referred to as Airfield Farm) in 

Market Harborough and a new 

forest primary school for Coalville 

– are also now available to add 

as preferences. 

Families are encouraged to 

select three schools, including 

one in their catchment area, to 

have the best chance of securing 

a place at a local school. 

There is no automatic entry 

for any school. Any applications 

made after the closing date of 

January 15 will be processed 

after those made on time. 

If you’re not sure if you live in 

a school’s catchment area, check 

out their website or drop them a 

line. This is often a key factor in 

getting a place. 

For further advice on your 

preferred schools and information 

around open days, please contact 

individual schools directly. 

Allocated school places will be 

announced on national offer days 

– March 1 2024 (secondary) and 

April 16 2024 (primary). 

Small Ads 

• Two-seater mid Victorian SOFA, 

reupholstered, very reluctant sale, 

space needed. 

Price: £250 o.n.o. 

Tel: 01530 589234 (Markfield) 

SEND DETAILS by post or email 

- sorry, we can’t take them over 

the phone. Maximum EIGHT items 

please. No business ads. Our postal 

address is: Herald Small Ads, PO 

Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 

9ZT or you can email details to: 

info@markfieldherald.co.uk 

PLEASE ENSURE that 

you put ‘SMALL ADS’ in 

the subject line 

and INCLUDE YOUR FULL 

POSTAL ADDRESS 

(not for publication, just to let 

people know where you are). 

I went to see a concert in Bermuda and the guy playing the triangle just disappeared.

20 


BOROUGH COUNCILLOR’S REPORT 

from Councillor Claire Harris 

FIRST OF ALL I hope everyone has had a 

wonderful Christmas and a good start to 2024. 

I was privileged to attend the Remembrance Day service at 

St Michael’s Church and lay a wreath on behalf of Hinckley 

& Bosworth Borough Council - a lovely morning with various 

groups from Markfield in attendance. 

I’ve attended various fund raisers at the Congregational 

Church and the Children’s Craft Day at the Methodist Church. 

I would like to thank our churches for all the hard work they 

put into these events and the time they sacrifice to bring joy to 

others. 

I met with our Crime Commissioner to discuss crime matters, 

police attendance and enforcement. I hope to work closely with 

our police team and bring some much-needed presence to 

Markfield. See photo (right) outside Brewster’s cafe. 

I also attended HBBC’s Making a Difference awards, where three awards were awarded to Markfield: Robert 

Quiney for the defibrillator project, Bee Unique Youth Project for the amazing work they do, and Markfield 

Community Library for their dedicated volunteers. It was a very proud moment and the awards were very well 

deserved. Congratulations all. 

As some of you are aware, I am also a Parish Councillor for Markfield and we have had a busy year since a new 

council was formed in May. An article has been published in this edition of the Herald explaining some of the work 

we have done. There is more to come in 2024 from your Parish Council including capital projects that couldn’t be 

completed due to lack of funds, so watch this space! 

As we enter into a new year there is much work to be done. Planning is always top of the list, and my aim is to 

publish the applications via my social media page to give residents an opportunity to comment. For those that don’t 

have social media, all planning applications are discussed at the planning and Highways meetings held by your 

Parish Council. Parking enforcement is also on the list; it is becoming an ever increasing topic, with cars parking 

irresponsibly and destroying grass verges. Please think of others and our surroundings when parking. 

Here’s to an exciting new year. Please get in touch should you need my assistance. 

Email me at Claire.harris@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk 

Claire Harris 

Don’t forget to 

send us your 

news. 

Email: info@ 

markfieldherald.co.uk 

THANKS! 

The Day the 

Music Died 

IT WAS 65 years ago, on 

3rd February 1959, that 

American rock-and-roll 

performers Buddy Holly, 

Ritchie Valens and The Big 

Bopper were killed in a 

plane crash in Iowa. 

Thanks to 

Don McLean 

and his 

eight-minute 

hit song 

American 

Pie, it 

became 

known as 

“the day the 

music died”. 

Buddy 

Holly was a 

rock ‘n’ roll pioneer who is widely 

regarded as having sparked a 

‘quantum leap’ in popular musical 

output in the post-war years, being 

admired by such stars as Elvis 

Presley and John Lennon. He 

was born in Lubbock, Texas, to a 

Christian family and attended a 

Baptist church where he made a 

commitment and was baptised. 

At the time of the plane crash 

– attributed to their young pilot’s 

inexperience in appalling weather 

conditions – Holly, 22, Valens, 17, 

and the 28-year-old Big Bopper 

(J P Richardson), together with 

other musicians, were on what they 

described as “the tour from hell”, 

travelling hundreds of miles each 

day by bus in temperatures as low 

as minus 35F. 

After a concert in Clear Lake, 

Iowa, Holly decided to rent a 

private plane to get to Fargo, North 

Dakota, for the next concert. He 

planned to take his band members, 

Waylon Jennings and Tommy 

Allsup, with him, but Valens tossed 

a coin for Allsup’s seat and won. 

Jennings then gave his seat to the 

Big Bopper, who was unwell. 

Holly’s young wife Maria learned 

about his death on television and 

suffered a miscarriage. His mother 

heard the news of his death on 

radio. Since then, news media 

have introduced rules to prevent 

the names of people who die in 

accidents being revealed before 

the family itself is informed. 

Maria did not attend his funeral 

and has reportedly never been to 

his grave, but she preserved and 

promoted his music after his death. 

Please support our 

advertisers if you can. 

They make this monthly 

magazine possible. 

I have learned there is little difference in husbands, so you might as well keep the first.


21 

Leicestershire 

pub cryptic clues 

from Sheila 

1. Irate door openers 

2. Bobby’s founder? 

3. Shakespeare’s pub? 

4. Gabriel on the top of a 

Christmas Tree? 

5. Where the King lives in 

Scotland 

6. Seen on a column in London 

7. Leicestershire’s fattest man 

8. Do they serve tea here 

instead of beer? 

9. Robin Hood’s portly 

companion 

10. American’s draught game 

11. Santa’s bovine helpers 

12. Prince Edward’s new title 

13. Showy Bird with large tail 

feathers 

14. Where the King has a 

residence 

15. Ladies hairstyle in the 60’s 

& 70’s 

16. Historically the first boat? 

17. Not grasshoppers! 

18. What my husband calls me!! 

19. Not a whippet! 

20. Vulpine creature 


Church Services 

DATE CHURCH TIME SERVICE 

14 th January 2024 St Michael’s and All 3.00pm 

Holy Communion 

Angel’s, Markfield 

St Peter's, Copt 

Oak 

3.00pm Praise Service (Service 

of the Word) 

St Peter's, 

Thornton 

10.30am J22 Community Worship 

with Holy Communion 

St Mary's, Stanton 10.30am 

Morning Prayer 

under Bardon 

21 st January 2024 St Michael’s and All 

Angel’s, Markfield 10.30am 

United Service at the 

Trinity Methodist 

Church 

St Peter's, Copt 3.00pm 


Oak 

St Peter's, 

10.30am 

Morning Prayer 

Thornton 

St Mary's, Stanton 

under Bardon 10.30am 

J22 Community Worship 

with Holy Communion 

28 th January 2024 St Michael’s and All 3.00pm 




Evening Prayer 

Oak 

St Peter's, 

10.30am 


Thornton 


under Bardon 

10.30am Something Different 

Service 

4 th February 2024 St Michael’s and All 10.30am J22 Community Worship 




Oak 

St Peter's, 

Thornton 

9.00am Breakfast Service at the 

Community Centre 


under Bardon 

10.30am 


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Windows Repointing all building • Lead Work work 

Fascia undertaken 

Boards • Guttering 

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• Qualified Funeral Directors 

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Heard a voice singing “Downtown” when I was in the kitchen the other day. Opened a drawer and it was Spatula Clark.

22 


Cryptic Pubs 

answers 

1. Cross keys 

2. Sir Robert Peel 

3. The Globe 

4, The Angel 

5. The Balmoral 

6. Admiral Nelson 

7. Daniel Lambert 

8. Earl Grey 

9. Friar Tuck 

10.Chequers 

11.Reindeer 

12.Duke of Edinburgh 

13.The Peacock 

14.Windsor Castle 

15.Beehive 

16.Noah’s Ark 

17.Cricketers 

18.Nags Head 

19.Greyhound 

20.The Fox 

spot the difference 

ANSWERS 

1. Henhouse roof different colour, 

2. Knothole in henhouse wood 

missing, 3. Cow horn missing, 

4. Hen wing missing, 5. Falling 

chick mouth different, 6. Grass 

in cow mouth missing, 7. Hen in 

house eyes shut, 8. Chick next to 

henhouse missing, 9. Water bowl 

different colour, 10. Chick facing 

opposite direction. 

CROSSWORD 

ANSWERS 

Across: 1 Sudoku, 7 Schooner, 

8 Lah, 9 Legend, 10 Apex, 11 

Scarf, 13 Cardiac, 15 Handbag, 

17 Totem, 21 Scum, 22 Troops, 

23 Sir, 24 Basement, 25 Spleen. 

Down: 1 Splits, 2 Dahlia, 3 Usher, 

4 Cheddar, 5 Poland, 6 Delegate, 

12 Charcoal, 14 Panther, 16 

Damsel, 18 Tissue, 19 Matron, 

20 Goats. 

Enjoy 

reading 

this issue? 

Please pass it on to 

a friend or relative 

when you’ve finished 

with it. Thanks! 

Message from Dr Luke Evans MP 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you and your loved 

ones enjoyed the festivities. Over the Holidays 

I spent some time delivering Christmas cards to 

houses and businesses across our community, 

it’s always a pleasure to see and speak to people 

when I’m out and about. 

Four years ago the people of Bosworth elected me as their 

Member of Parliament, and with a General Election set to 

take place this coming year I’ve been reflecting on what I’ve 

achieved and what comes next. In this month’s column, I 

wanted to share some of this with you. 

One of the most important things an MP does, but which 

receives very little recognition, is casework. Over the past four 

years I’ve received over 150,000 emails and opened more 

than 26,500 pieces of casework or policy queries. This can be 

on anything from securing a person’s passport and helping a 

constituent secure a £99,000 pension payment, to facilitating 

contact between local people and our Local Authorities on 

everything from planning (Borough Council) to education 

(County). 

I’ve seen the positive impact that casework can have on the 

lives of people and families in our area, it’s one of the most 

rewarding parts of being your MP. Please do contact me and if 

I can help I will or, failing that, find someone who can! 

Whether in weekly appointments at my office in Hinckley or 

conversations on the doorstep, healthcare is one of the top 

concerns people raise with me. So I know just how welcome it 

is that HUNDREDS of millions of pounds is going towards two 

new hospitals, a midwifery-led unit and multi-storey car park 

at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General and Glenfield 

Hospitals. 

This is on top of the now £24.5 million for a Community 

Diagnostic Centre at Hinckley Hospital, bringing MRI and 

CT scans, ultrasounds, blood tests and X-rays to Hinckley 

(Mount Road) as soon as December 2024! The final piece of 

the puzzle and a key focus of mine this year, is ensuring the 

business case proposal for a £10 million Day Case Unit in 

Hinckley is accepted. This would benefit our area massively as 

it means people can undergo small procedures locally. 

Around 85% of the land in Bosworth is used for agricultural 

purposes and whenever I meet farmers in our area, they say 

the best thing we can do to support them is to buy British 

produce. So earlier this year backed by over 120 MPs, I wrote 

to the Chief Executives of all supermarkets with online stores 

to ask that they put a ‘Buy British’ section on their websites 

which collates all homegrown produce. 

Very pleased to share with you the news that Morrisons is 

the first supermarket to launch a ‘British’ section online! This 

simple but important change puts our farmers and consumer 

choice first. I look forward to seeing other supermarkets follow 

their lead. 

Over the past few years we’ve seen the formation of an 

excellent Rural Policing Team which now consists of 7 officers 

who are working hard to tackle everything from hare coursing 

to intimidation by trespassers. Last year I joined two officers 

on a ride along and have since been pleased to hear that 

they’ve recovered over £1,000,000 worth of equipment which 

was stolen from farms and rural businesses. Great work 

by the whole force, including the new 332 police officers in 

Leicestershire! 

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to let 

you know that I was recently named Conservative 

MP of the Year 2023. This was decided by an 

independent panel who cited my work for rural 

areas such as ours, campaign on body image 

and engagement with voters up and down the 

country. Thank you to everyone in our area who 

has reached out to congratulate me, I’m grateful 

you took the time – it really does mean a lot! 

If there’s anything I can help you with please 

don’t hesitate to contact me via email at 

luke.evans.mp@parliament.uk 

As ever, updates on my work can be found on 

my website: www.drlukeevans.org.uk and on 

social media by searching ‘Dr Luke Evans MP’. 

Dr Luke Evans MP 

Member of Parliament for Bosworth • 

House of Commons • London • SW1A 0AA 

email: luke.evans.mp@parliament.uk 

web: drlukeevans.org.uk 

tel: constituency: 07920 619812 

tel: parliament: 0207 219 4250 

mobile: 07920 619812 

Facebook: drlukeevansmp 

instagram: drlukeevans 

Clear Out Sale 

24th February 2024 - 11 am until 2 pm - Thornton Community Centre. 

Come and make some money selling those bits and pieces you once loved but now need new homes, 

or gifts for which you have no further need. 

Come along on the day to pick up a bargain. 50p to enter. Enjoy games, bacon and sausage cobs, 

cheese rolls, hot drinks and much more. 

To book a table, (6 foot for £5) email churchwarden.thornton@gmail.com or phone 01530 230422. 

Please don’t wait; book as soon as possible! 

See you there! The Friends of St Peter’s fundraising group 

A friend asked me if I had seen the film “Tractor”. “No”, I replied, “but I’ve seen the trailer”.


LATEST News from GROBY SINGS 

GROBY SINGS AT THE OPERA, 

our pre-Christmas concert 

weekend at a new venue, 

English Martyrs’ Catholic 

School on Anstey Lane, was 

another great success and 

a memorable start to the 

Christmas festivities. 

The title song from The Phantom of the 

Opera introduced the programme followed 

by a variety of music from Phantom, HMS 

Pinafore by Gilbert & Sullivan and Les 

Miserables which showcased the different 

sections of the choir. The men, as usual, 

rose to the challenge of When I was a Lad 

(HMS Pinafore) and sang with gusto to 

convince us that The Lad would indeed 

become the Ruler of the Queen’s Navy! 

The ladies enchanted us with a beautiful 

rendition of Wishing You Were Somehow 

Here Again (Phantom) and the children 

sweetly performed Little Children from Les 

Miserables. 

Groby Sings’ offering of ‘real’ opera 

consisted of two well-known arias : the 

Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from 

Nabucco by Verdi, a stirring tune sung 

in English by the choir, and a rousing 

version (in Italian) of the aria from Puccini’s 

Turandot, assuring the audience that ‘None 

Shall Sleep’ (Nessun Dorma) as there was 

more to come in the second half! The final 

We’re a dementia-friendly choir! For more information please get in 

touch with our dementia coordinator, Louise, at lou_ross@yahoo.com 

European 

T O U R 

Featuring songs from 

’The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ 

and hits from around the continent 

Rehearsals at Groby Club from 28th February 

song was 

Wednesday 

a special arrangement 

afternoon 

by 

choir: 

our amazing 

1.30 - 3pm 

musical 

arranger and keyboard Creche player, area Paul available Cox, called the Groby 

Sings Gallop 

Children’s 

and set to 

choir 

the tune 

3.40pm 

officially 

- 4.40pm 

known as Galop 

Infernal from Offenbach’s for children aged Orpheus 7 years in old the and Underworld over but 

more popularly Wednesday known evening as The choir: Can-Can, 7.30pm always - 9.00pm guaranteed 

to rouse an audience to clap along. 

Performances take place on 

The choir really enjoyed singing Nessun Dorma as it was 

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd June 

our first attempt at performing a song in Italian. We’re now 

www.grobysings.org for more information Registered Charity no. 1180490 

wondering what challenges are to come as we embark on 

our next project, the Groby Sings European Tour which will 

feature songs from The Hunchback of Notre Dame and 

‘hits from around the continent’. Will we be learning more 

23 

languages we wonder?! We can’t wait to 

find out what our next selection of songs 

will be but we know we’ll have fun learning 

them together as always. 

Thanks to everyone who supports Groby 

Sings on a regular basis, in particular 

the Groby Club and local churches, 

Groby Library and, of course, to our 

loyal audiences who share with the choir 

the enjoyment of concerts like Groby 

Sings at the Opera. As a testament to 

the impact that Groby Sings has made 

to the community, we were proud to be 

recognised recently at a Hinckley and 

Bosworth Borough Council event, ‘Making 

a Difference 2023’, our second community 

award following the Radio Leicester 

event in September. Five representatives 

of the choir, management team and 

trustees attended and were presented 

with an award for ‘Creating a Sense of 

Community’. 

The next season starts after the February 

half-term on Wednesday 28th February at 

The Groby Club and, as always, we invite 

anyone and everyone to join us to sing, 

socialise and eat cake! 

Enquiries via our website 

at: www.grobysings.org • 

Groby Sings is a Registered 

Charity no. 1180490 

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Having a curry with friend who can’t eat rice. He’s basmatic.

JANUARY 2024 HERALD ONLINE

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