NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 5th March - Advert & Articles Needed By 19th February 2011

Celebrate the Royal Wedding with a street party!

Half Term Fun with Leicestershire Orienteering Club• On Tuesday 22nd Feb 11.00am to 12noon come and try Orienteering in Johns Lee & Linford Woodlands. Orienteering is suitable for all ages, bring the toddlers, gran and grandpa and the dog. Cost: £1 juniors & £5.50 seniors (members discount available). Meet at the car park for Johns Lee Wood Scout camp, off Markfield Lane. Grid ref SK 504 105

STREET parties have always proved to be a popular way for communities to get together and celebrate royal occasions.So for the benefit of all those residents in Hinckley & Bosworth who are thinking of

holding a street party to celebrate April’s royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Borough Council has produced an invaluable step-by-step guide.It contains everything a party organiser needs to know, including advice on whether the

street will need to be closed to traffic and a simple road closure application form if that

Markfield Court raises over £2,500 for Help for Heroes

MARkFIELd COURT Retirement Village chose the very worthwhile ‘Help for Heroes’ as their charity for 2010.Throughout the year, a number of events large and small

raised the grand total of £2,688.Pictured recently presenting the cheque to the High

Sheriff of Leicestershire, Colonel Robert Martin, is Glenis Maskery, a resident of Markfield Court Retirement Village.

INSIDE: Could YOU offer support to an exciting new local project?

On pages 14 & 15, Matthew Lay talks about the possibility of developing a brand new swimming pool in Markfield, to serve the local area. He needs the help of Herald readers to make this happen ...

proves to be necessary. There’s also a list of frequently asked questions, together with the relevant answers, as a further guide to organisers.Normally, a road closure

application costs £130, but the council has decided not to make a charge in respect of street parties being held to celebrate the royal wedding on 29 April. However, organisers need to be aware that any road closure application has to be submitted to the council before 28 February at the latest.In addition, organisers will have to

consider taking out public liability insurance, especially if the road is closed. However, this need not be too costly as quotes can be obtained from insurance companies or brokers from as little as £50.For more information, would-be

organisers can contact Pat Pitt on 01455 255770, or download the guide from the council website at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/royalwedding

• Saturday 26th February beginners courses and coaching 11.00 to 12 noon. Groby Community College & Martinshaw Woods. Adults £3 children £1 or bargain family price £3

• Sunday 27th February full range of courses for EMOA League event at Bagworth Heath & Woodlands. £8 senior/£2 junior (membership discount available) Meet at Working Men’s Club at junction of Main St & Station Rd, Bagworth. Registration 10.00am to 12 noon. (Lovely bacon butties.)See www.leioc.org.uk for more details or phone Roger Edwards on 0116 212 7547.

2

The HeraldPO Box 8, Markfield,

Leics. LE67 9ZTTel: 01530 244069

Email: info@markfieldherald.co.uk Website: www.markfieldherald.co.uk

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

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

AdVERTISING RATES: Page 22

My parents were so poor, they got married for the rice.

This issue of The Herald is being delivered over the weekend of 5th & 6th February 2011 by our team of dedicated deliverers, namely: Amy, Coral, Daisy, Matthew, Janet, Jack, Don, Sam,

Maureen, John, Phoebe, Lauren, Gill, John, Helen, Jeanie, Jenny, Sarah, Susan, Thomas, Tracey, Alex, Ann, Rowan and John & Sue.

Next Issue (March) - Out on Weekend of 5th & 6th March 2011. Please send your adverts &

articles before 19th February 2011.

LETTER ... from AmericaJUST a quick e-mail to say how lovely it was to see the picture of my Mum and dad on the front of your latest issue celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. Living in Frisco, Texas in the USA, we were not able to go back to help

them celebrate so it was so nice to see their picture in your magazine on line. We often read the Leicester Mercury on line but love the Herald as it carries so many pictures and stories of the locality, which brings back many memories for us.Many thanks for a super magazine.

Pat Dunmore (nee Crutchley)Editor’s Note: We didn’t know much about Frisco,

Texas, so we looked up the following entry on Wikipedia ...Frisco is an affluent city in Collin and Denton Counties

in the U.S. state of Texas and a rapidly growing suburb of Dallas. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 33,714,

while according to 2008 city and census estimates, the city’s population has surpassed 100,000.Frisco was the fastest growing city in the United States in

2009, and also the fastest growing city in the nation from 2000-2009. In the late 1990s, the northern Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex suburban development tide hit the northern border of Plano and spilled into Frisco, sparking explosive growth into the 2000s. Like many of the cities located in the booming northern suburbs of Dallas,

Frisco serves as a bedroom community for many professionals who work in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex.

Multi-Sports Event for half-term at Markfield Community Centre!WITH half-term approaching, parents will be looking for ways to keep their youngsters amused and occupied.Between 21st and 25th February, Astar Sports will be running a fun multi-

sports course which is open to children aged 4-12 years.The course includes challenges and tournaments every afternoon

including football world cups and the Astar Sports Olympics.Sounds like great fun.It costs £9 per day or £45 for the week and runs from 10am - 3pm at

Markfield Community & Sports Centre.For details contact Eddie Fincham on 0785 536 2798.

3

The best things in life are free.... or have no interest or payments for one full year.

Do you remember Brown’s Blue?MARCH 15th 2013 will be the fiftieth anniversary of the sale of Brown’s Blue to the Midland Red, and many people living in North West Leicestershire will fondly remember the deep blue and red buses which served the area for many years.Buses were garaged at

Ibstock and Shaw Lane, Markfield behind the old Flying Horse pub.I am a member of the

Leicester Transport Heritage Trust Ltd, and to celebrate the anniversary we are putting together a history of the company which will be published in book form. We are hoping that local people will remember the days when public service meant just that, the conductor on the bus would smile and lend a helping hand if needed and buses ran on time.We are looking for old photos, stories, memorabilia, timetables, tickets etc, to buy or to borrow. All items will be

returned if required.One particular period we are interested in is the early days. Does anyone know about the bus nicknamed the

“NANCY” - a photo of this would be much appreciated.If anyone can help please contact Mick Gamble on 0116 238 7735 (evenings after 8pm) or by email onmickgamble@tiscali.co.uk

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Good news is just life’s way of keeping you off balance.

Gardening Notes with Ted Brown of Markfield

LETTERI WOULd like to clarify a comment made by County Councillor david Sprason about the London Road housing development in the december edition of the Herald.Although it is true that part

of the site was suggested for inclusion in the Draft Site Allocations Document, this document has not been developed, nor indeed adopted, by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council.Consequently, the planning

application submitted by Jelson was robustly opposed by the council and its officers, which refused planning permission.Planning permission was

eventually given by a government planning inspector, following an appeal by Jelson.

Bill CullenDeputy Chief Executive (Community Direction)Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council

Brussels and other Brussel Type VegetablesSince writing of ‘Flower-Sprout’ (you will recall this is a cross between Brussels and kale with a Brussels stalk but no sprouts. These replaced with reddish cabbage-like shoots of good flavour) there have been several complimentary reports in the National Press on this same subject. Incidentally,

it can now be purchased as a vegetable from M & S. Other plant breeders have been busy in this same area and Thompson and Morgan now offer seed of Brussels ‘Petit Posy’. From the description very similar to ‘Flower-Sprout’ but with a more attractive name! Either must be a hit with home vegetable growers. Like Brussels themselves, once sprouts or shoots are finished, the plants will continue to offer tender shoots from the top – these lasting well into spring.

Basket TomatoAnother item noticed in the T & M catalogue is a new

low-growing Basket Tomato, said to be blight resistant. Variety name is ‘Losetto’.

Plants that bees loveWe are all aware of the sad decline in the numbers of

bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. We need them, of course, for the fertilisation of our fruits and vegetables. So we can do a little to help by ensuring that we plant as many as possible of the plants they love, and which entices them to our gardens. There are many – we all know of Buddleias, Sedums, Salvias etc. Choose single-

flowered types (not doubles), wild flowers, and concentrate on the later summer and autumn blooms. A few others to mention; Catmint, Thymes, Scabious, Hardy Geraniums, Echinacea and Rudbeckia. Lavender is excellent, and two lesser known are the long-flowering wall-flower ‘Bowles’ Mauve’ and Borage. The latter has stunning blue flowers in its better forms and its foliage will make a free and very good liquid fertiliser.Thompson & Morgan Details: www.thomas-morgan.com

Tel: 0844 248 5383 Post: Poplar Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk

Work Club to start at Coalville LibraryA NEW work club aimed at helping people to find employment and improve their skills will be running at Coalville Library. The Coalville Library Work Club will run between 1pm and 4pm every

Tuesday initially for six weeks, starting on Tuesday 1st February, and is for anyone aged 19 years or older who is unemployed or at risk of redundancy. Staff from the library, the council’s Adult Learning Service and advisors

from Acorn Training and Next Step will be on hand to advise people and help get them back into work and training. They can offer help with CV writing, searching for jobs over the internet,

completing job applications and accessing training including computer courses and those around confidence building. The Work Club is in addition to the successful Multi Access Centres

(MACs) programme which has been rolled out across all 54 libraries in

Leicestershire. The centres aim to help improve opportunities for local people wishing to start or return to work. Trained advisors can discuss education, training and employment history

and go through the options and opportunities available to people. As well as providing information, advice and guidance, advisors can also refer people to other organisations that may be able to help. David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for

Adults and Communities said: “I am pleased that libraries are taking an active role to respond to the needs of local people and that they are able to help people get back on the right track, be it through work or further education and training. Multi Access Centres are in all of our libraries and our staff are on hand to help in any way they can.” For further information about the Support 2 Work event or to arrange an

appointment with the MAC Advisor at Coalville Library, please call 0116 305 3565. The library is on High Street, Coalville LE67 3EA.

5

Markfield HomeMakers Programme for 2011

Markfield HomeMakers meet in the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield, on the second Wednesday of the month at 8.00pm.Contact No’s: Brenda on 01530 242173 or Iris on 01530 242436Feb 9th ~ Ian Heirlock ~ Master pork pie makerMarch 9th ~ Marilyn Sedgbeer ~ Talk about Orang UtansApril 13th ~ denis Baker ~ The Early development of the CO-OPMay 11th ~ Ady dayman ~ GardeningJune 8th ~ Outing to Shenton Glass BlowingAug 10th ~ Skittles ~ 7.15 for 7.30pm At the Coach & Horses Sep 14th ~ Adrian Hunt ~ Home RemediesOct 12th ~ kate Moore ~ Andes to Amazon Nov 9th ~Malcolm Warner ~ Christmas in words and music Dec 14th ~ Christmas PartyJan 11th 2012~ Dinner

Indecision is the key to flexibility.

Untaxed cars on the road will be towed awayVEHICLE OWNERS who flout the law by parking their untaxed vehicles on the road in the Hinckley and Bosworth area are warned that they could soon find their vehicles towed away.From the 31 January the Borough Council has authority from the

DVLA to remove untaxed vehicles parked on public roads and highways. These powers allow for vehicles to either be clamped for removal within 24 hours or be removed immediately.The vehicle owner will be charged storage fees of up to £200 and will

need to either produce either a valid tax disc or a refundable bond of £160 before their vehicle is returned to them.So starting next week Neighbourhood Wardens and Parking

Enforcement Officers will be on the look out for untaxed vehicles parked on roads and in public car parks as they patrol the borough.Councillor David Bill, Executive Member for Community and Safety

and Partnerships said: “People who are driving around in untaxed vehicles are being subsidised by everyone else. It is so often the case that cars that are not taxed are also not fully insured either.I strongly recommend that owners of untaxed vehicles should get

them off the road as soon as possible.”Anyone who is a registered keeper of a vehicle which is untaxed, is

warned that it must have a Statutory Off Road Notification (S.O.R.N.) and it must be kept off the highway. If this is not the case, the keeper will be committing a criminal offence.If anyone would like to report an untaxed vehicle, they should contact

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Wardens team on 01455 255728.

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Money can’t buy everything... but then again neither can no money.

County Councillor david Sprason’s Column

YOU MAY have picked up that the Health Minister Andrew Lansley has decided to return health to local communities through General Practitioners and the County Council. It is true to say that local

authorities have been arguing for 37 years to have public health returned so we welcome the minister’s commitment to localise; the decision is a radical change from top down control now giving local communities the freedoms to deliver a truly local service.Once Joseph Chamberlain ran

Birmingham for the people by the people introducing primary education, cleaned up the water supply, built libraries, schools and museums, it encouraged true civic pride, civic duty and independence. It was an era of not waiting for approval from Parliament; they knew what they wanted to do and got on with it. It is no surprise that as powers have been leached away from local government, English cities have declined and stagnated. The old initiative, the old dynamism, the spirit of activism has all been taken away.So it is good to see the power

being returned back in the hands of local leaders, to have real ownership over the issues which matter, housing, planning, health and local services. I was looking into the history of public health and came across a report by Dr John Ashton who says; local government was the birthplace of public health. We must learn the lessons of history if we are to create a system for the future. The rise, fall and rebirth of local authority public health are now central to all of our concerns. I argue that in moving forward we must know our history if we are to avoid mistakes from the past.The involvement of local

government really began in the 1840s with the advent of the Asiatic cholera epidemic. Then as now, the claim that “if the people lead,

the leaders will follow” was shown to be true. The Health of Towns movement, led by community activists from the church and business communities with the odd doctor in tow, campaigned for sanitary reform on the back of Edwin Chadwick’s Report on the Sanitary Conditions of the Labouring Population of Great Britain, published in 1842. In 1846, Liverpool passed the local Sanatory (sic) Act giving it the powers to appoint William Duncan as the city’s first Medical Officer of Health who began work in 1847. By 1848, the first Public Health Act was on the statute books – it was to be 30 years before the fragmented, parochial system was replaced by what became the local authority-based Public Health System, not just at home but throughout the British Empire.The success of industrial towns

in organising themselves and mobilising their communities – a form of ‘the big society’ – gave local government the legitimacy to move into the wide range of services that they subsequently did, taking over areas such as education and social services from the church as they went. Many in local government today seem still to think that the main purpose of local authorities is to provide direct services. This earlier role of convenor, leader and community organiser has been largely forgotten, but may well be due for revival as we explore the public health contribution of local government again.As a footnote, the use of

parliamentary powers and local bylaws by local government to effect health conditions is at last back on the agenda. Examples include 20-mile-per-hour speed limits, closing unruly licensed premises and prohibiting fast-food outlets near schools. Also, Liverpool and other cities actively pursued the use of bylaws during the recent tobacco legislation debate and now Manchester with

regard to the minimum price of alcohol.There are other salient dates in

this story. In 1906, child health reforms began, following the Boer War fiasco of unfit working class recruits. Such reforms included school health services provided by local authorities. The year 1911 saw Lloyd George introduce the beginnings of state provided primary care. The comprehensive tripartite NHS itself was established in1948: hospitals, family practitioner and related community health services, and the often overlooked local authority public health departments with their extensive staff of health visitors, community nurses, social workers, environmental health officers and many others, a good proportion of whom currently reside in primary care trust provider units. And then there was the disaster of the 1974 local government reorganisation, which dismantled the public health service on a mistaken assumption that the task was complete, and that the future lay with pharmaceuticals and specialist healthcare. The changes were driven in part by the multidisciplinary challenge of various emergent professional groups within public health departments.An understanding of the whole

public health story is essential if we are to craft a public health service fit for purpose in the 21st Century. Such a service, if it is to be robust and responsive, must be comprehensive, multidisciplinary, integrated and take a whole-systems approach. It is unlikely to

be successful, if it is the creature of any one organisation, such as local government, swapping one unsatisfactory situation for another.With this new power of general

competence Leicestershire County Council is taking forward the agenda with relish and has been identified as an early implementer for public health. The positive work already in place enables the Health and Wellbeing Partnership to lead and take this agenda to the next level. The public health and commissioning team have from the 1st January moved from the primary care trust into county hall, working alongside the county teams. The County GPs have voted to have two consortia, East & West, and elections for the GP leaders, who will be members of the Health & Wellbeing Board, will take place in March. The welcomed new funding

of £6.4 million which has been identified for Social Care, agreements are being finalised with Adult Social Care and the PCT to commission services that aid independence and deliver preventative health at a truly local level. We are now at long last allowed to get on with it.

Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council MinutesAT THE time of going to press (Monday 31st January 2011), no new Parish Council minutes were available on the Bagworth & Thornton Parish Council website.If you’d like to keep up to date with what’s happening at Bagworth & Thornton Parish Council, visit their website at: http://bagworthandthornton.leicestershireparishcouncils.org/

Public Health has come home

7

I considered atheism but there weren’t enough holidays.

LETTERdog mess is everywhereONCE AGAIN Markfield has a big problem with dog mess.Over the Christmas period my son

and family visited me and whilst walking through the village they were shocked at the amount of dog mess everywhere - pavements, grass verges (which are now no go areas), alleyways and recreation grounds. They awarded us the title of “Dog Poo Capital of Britain”.This week my granddaughter, who

lives in Markfield, visited me on her scooter and on arrival told me she had ploughed through dog mess. I was left with the job of washing down her shoes and scooter.Only this morning I have cleared

a heap off my front garden and pavement, made worse as people passing had walked in it.Markfield would be a much cleaner, healthier and pleasanter place to live

if we did not have to watch every step.These dog owners obviously couldn’t care less, including those who

pretend to clear up, and think bins and penalty fines are not for them.With the absence of the promised Hinckley and Bosworth Council dog

wardens we should all be alert and identify these irresponsible selfish individuals.

A concerned Markfield resident

Ratby Village Society is looking aheadRATBY Village Society is looking ahead to Saturday 13th August 2011. This is the date set for the Annual Show to be held in the Church Rooms on Church Lane, Ratby.Together with Ratby’s Allotment Group,

we are looking forward to holding a really great Annual Show, and we would like all the amateur gardeners, fruit and vegetable growers, flower growers and arrangers, cake bakers, preserve makers, wine makers, handicraft enthusiasts, poetry writers, as well as exhibitors under 16 years of age, to have a go and enter the various classes and enjoy the day with us.We are most grateful to the highly supportive local business people and

private individuals who have generously and enthusiastically pledged trophies for the various classes in the show.Please look out for further details, including the schedule of classes, to be

published soon. There is no charge for the entering of exhibits to the show.

Jane Rayne Ratby Village Society.

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I always wanted to be a procrastinator, never got around to it.

Markfield WI Programme 2011

Feb 16th Making and decorating cupcakes Zoe HigginsMar 16th Circle Dancing Bridget OveyApril 20th An Entertaining History of Toys & Games Felicity Austin May 18th Resolutions – Taste and try June 15th Tai Chi Lorraine TuckerJuly 20th Animals in Pastel Ian RisleyAug 17th Eygpt – Ancient Land of the Pharaohs Anne HalseySept 21st L.O.R.O.S. Nancy TaylorOct 19th A.G.M. Maggie GondoloNov 16th Birthday PartyDec 21st The Leicester Magic Circle Brian Lord

Markfield Women’s Institute • The WI exists to educate women to enable them to provide an effective role in the community, to expand their horizons and to develop and pass on important skills. • Meet at: Markfield

Trinity Methodist Church, Main Street, MARKFIELD, LE67 9UU When: 3rd Wed of month at 7.45pm

Contact: President, Mrs.Fran Johnson, 197 Main Street, Markfield Tel: 01530 243350 email: markfieldfran@hotmail.com

By Martin FosterThornton has one of England’s best churches

ON NEW YEAR Holiday Monday I met at St Peters a Mr & Mrs Williams who were travelling from their home in Cornwall to stay with relatives in Scotland. They had already broken their

journey to visit friends in Cambridge and, before continuing their journey up the motorway, had decided to call on us here at St Peter’s - the reason being that they had read about us in Simon Jenkins book England’s Thousand Best Churches. That St Peter’s is included is an

accolade in itself, and it has brought many visitors to our doors - as can be witnessed in our visitors book. Recorded there are the names of folk from as far away as America and Australia; from Land’s End to John O’Groats. (Next time you are in church I would encourage you to spend a moment in glancing through this interesting record)

The Williams’ were particularly interested in the linen fold pew ends (made by one man Robert Baken in 1560) and the stained glass in the Fast window of the South aisle, which dates from the time of Charles 1st and the Civil War. Much older is the Ulverscroft door on which is some ironwork (and Sanctuary ring) dating from the 12th or 13th Century.These things are evidence of a

church building in our village of undoubted heritage worth. It has always been somewhat of a mystery to me as to why it was built half way down the hill to the valley, which is now the reservoir, instead of on the main street. No doubt the villagers of Torinton ( as Thornton was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1085) would have had their reasons.This example of England’s

ecclesiastical heritage is the church we all know and love, and it is incumbent upon us to take our turn in preserving it. As evidence that

we are indeed playing our partI am happy to report that work

has already begun on the essential repairs to the stonework. Let us never forget however that the prime function of this building is that of a house of prayer and worship.

Martin

Off-road horse riding routes face axeTHE COUNTRY Land and Business Association (CLA) has expressed disappointment at a move that could leave horse riders without off-road riding routes.CLA East Midlands equine spokesperson, Sylvia Hull, said: “Following

recent Government announcements I think it would be fair to say that access will not be high on the agenda if it is going to mean that budgets are going to have to be found.“There are around three million horse riders in Great Britain and,

although they prefer not to do so, riders will be forced to ride on the road if bridleways and other off-road facilities are axed.”Defra has announced that it will reduce spending and Natural England

says it will no longer provide annual revenue payments for new agreements to support access. Existing agri-environment agreements will be unaffected but it is likely that many useful access links and riding opportunities will be lost when these run out.Miss Hull added: “It’s estimated that there are 3,000 horse-related

accidents each year, about half of which occur on minor roads. I fear that the accident rate will only go up once the money to keep off-road riding routes open is cut.”

Stanton Carol Singers raised over £300 for charitiesCAROLS Round the Village took place on Monday 20th december 2010 in Stanton under Bardon.About 25

adults and children braved the elements and raised £312. 02 for the Air Ambulance and The First Responders.Thank you to all who participated.Mince pies and mulled wine were

supplied by Jan at the The Old Thatched Inn.Wishing everyone a Very Happy

New Year for 2011.

Gail Massey

Green Light Festival: 12th FebGREEN LIGHT is a one-day festival to celebrate and showcase sustainable living in Leicester. The festival will take place on Saturday 12th February at the Queen’s

Building, Mill Lane, De Monfort University, Leicester LE2 7DR and will run from 10am – 5pm. Visit www.greenlightfestival.org

I got strip-searched at the airport. Why those customs officers had to take their clothes off I’ve no idea.

In an average day, a man speaks 35,000 words and a woman speaks 30,000.Unfortunately, by the time I get home, I’ve done my 35,000

and she hasn’t even started on her 30,000.

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It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor as long as you have money.

10

Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.

Anstey & District Funeral Service

Traditional hearse & fleetHorse drawn carriages, motorcycle hearse & alternatives availableMemorial showroomExtensive car parkingPrivate catering suitePrivate chapels of rest

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Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AT www.ansteyfunerals.com

We take care of every detail, advise and help you every step of the way.

Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred

Contact NumbersPastor -Garry Kelly: 01455 457802

Secretary - Robert Holmes: 01530 231901Treasurer - Glynis Straw: 01530 230272

Parish Nurse - Vera Harding: 01530 230557

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

Skittles evening, Friday 14th JanuaryA lively and enjoyable skittles

evening was held at the Coach & Horses, Field Head. It was well supported by more than 20 members and friends and the youngest, 3 year old Mollie, delighted everyone by working very hard fetching the “woods” for us all from the “woodyard” for much of the evening!

Prayer Breakfast, Saturday 15th JanuaryOver 30 people from Cross Hills

and the “cluster” of churches to which we belong enjoyed a “full English” breakfast on Saturday morning. This gave us an opportunity to hear from Scott & Anjanette Williamson, who are back in the UK for 4 months, about their missionary work in the south east of Peru.Scott, previously a chef and

who has held two pastorates with large Baptist churches in London, and his wife, Anjanette, formerly a GP in London, moved to Peru in 2008 with their 2 children, Jessica and Samuel, to work for the Baptist Missionary Society. BMS is a Christian organisation, working in over 35 countries on

4 continents, involved in church planting, development, disaster relief, education, health, media and advocacy, sharing Jesus Christ, and bringing a better life and connecting with those in greatest need.After spending 6 months learning

Spanish at the Christian language school in Arequipa, Scott, Anjanette and their family moved to Cusco, a busy city standing at around 10,000ft in the Andean mountains.Starting with a coffee shop, “El

Puente” (meaning “The Bridge”), on a busy main street they gave out free coffee and tea and tried to show the love of Jesus to the local people. The sign outside became “El Puente cafe iglesia” (iglesia means “church”) so people began to ask where the church was. Through the work done by Scott, assisted by local people, the church then started to grow in the coffee shop and, in July 2010, a week before the church anniversary, they moved to new premises nearby, twice the size (but for half the price!)Meanwhile, Jessica & Sam have

been attending school in Peru and Anjanette as a GP has been working

at a Christian medical clinic set up by American missionaries in Cusco called “La Fuente” (meaning “The Fountain”), along with 3 Peruvian Christian nurses. Patients pay just over £1 to go to the clinic and medicines from the pharmacy (many of which are given free to the clinic) are given out to them free of charge. Many children, as well as adults, are seen with chest & respiratory problems, TB, malnutrition and tropical diseases.We were told about imminent

plans for a new clinic that Anjanette is hoping to set up in a different part of Cusco for 1 to 2 days a week and two more couples will be arriving in Peru shortly to help Scott in the church and nationally in youth work training. A youth cafe will be starting in the coffee

shop for 3 nights a week and in January 2012 it is hoped that one of the couples will be able to plant a new church in Yucay, an area quite a distance from Cusco, where Scott & BMS have been helping by providing maize seeds to families seriously affected by flooding.Just 2 years ago there wasn’t even

a single Baptist church in Cusco and Scott left us with the thought that “God is a God of miracles and God can change things where the world doesn’t know how to change things”. He told us to always have an answer for why we have our hope in Jesus and to pray that God will inspire and maybe challenge us.Donations given after the breakfast

and presentation totalled £80, which have been sent to BMS to help with the setting up of the new clinic. For details of our services, please

see the Church Service Information section towards the back of this magazine. We are known as a very friendly and welcoming church and look forward to meeting you.

Glynis Straw Treasurer - on behalf of the Cross

Hills Church family

The centre of Cusco in Peru

11

CHARITY FLOWERSBeautiful floral arrangements made to order for

any occasion, reasonable prices. Taught by a floristry expert.

Donation from each item sold goes to Rainbows Childrens Hospice.

Contact Vicki on 01530 230389.

‘House’ Cryptic cluesStanton’s Quiz Queen Sheila Fox has thought up some more cryptic clues to test your brains.The answers are all things you would find in or around a house. Have a try, and see how many you can find. The answers are on page 24.

Acrobats in a circus You’ll find it on a road and in the kitchenNot a gloss finish! Periodic or time?Tea or Final?A serving utensil on your roof?Eastenders, Coronation Street, EmmerdaleThrown in a ringDo cricketers wear them to wash?Slight precipitation inside?Did you have a night on them?Is Margaret using this on a line?A red one laid out for RoyaltyI’m promoting this electrical itemImagine this on your wallDoes a fox clean up with his tail?Did J Edgar invent this machine?Where flowers go to sleepDoes Jack open this?Is music played in here?

1.2.

3.4.5.6.7.

8.9.

10.11.12.

13.14.

15.16.

17.

18.19.20.

Practice safe eating-always use condiments.

CONCERT IN STANTON

‘SONGS FROM THE SHOWS’

With the Stanton under Bardon Singers, Friends and Musicians.

In Aid of ‘THE FIRST RESPONdERS’

who respond to emergency medical conditions within our local community.

To be held in St Mary & All Saints Church, Stanton under Bardon

on Friday 11th March 2011 at 7.30 p.m.Tickets £4.00 - also available on the door.

Including Refreshments. Raffle on the night.

A man walks by a table in a casino and passes three men and a dog playing cards. “That’s a very smart dog,” says the man.“He’s not so clever,” says one

of the players.“Every time he gets a good

hand, he wags his tail.”

12

Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.

New Feature

Extracts from Stanton-under-Bardon Parish Council MinutesSTANTON-UNdER-BARdON Parish Council have kindly issued the minutes of their latest meeting for publication in The Herald. Please note that the latest set are UNAPPROVEd, so some items may be amended or corrected at the next meeting.

December 2010 MeetingMinutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 14th december 2010 at The Youth Club, Stanton under Bardon, Leicestershire at 7.00pm

Community Police Comments1 x Burglary at Horsepool Grange

- Tools taken - No Suspects.Country Watch Scheme to be

launched January 2011 Farmers DNA Kits further details to follow.

County Councillor’s ReportFootpath improvements are

currently taking place on Little Shaw Lane. Stanton Lane is due to be surface dressed and patched in the new year.Settlement figures from the

government have been agreed there will need to be a 1.75% reduction for 2011 and a 2.0% reduction for 2012 (£8,000,000).

The District Councils have also been hit hard by the spending review and will need to look at how they will continue to deliver some services.Mrs Allen has complained about

the state of the unadopted Road off Main Street. As it is unadopted Leicestershire County Council have no legal obligation to repair it. Mr Sprason advised that she would need to speak to the District Council.

Clerk’s ReportHBBC have donated £50.00 to

the Council towards any Christmas Festivities.• Precept 2011/12The Precept has been agreed at

£9750.00.• Community responder

donationClerk to write and ask if they have

ever been called out to the Village. A decision will be made once reply received.• Golden Jubilee Committee

May day FeteAgreed that event can be held

on the Recreation Ground on

the 01/05/11. Relevant Insurance to be sent to the Council. Clerk asked to remind them that if any damage is caused to the recreation ground then it must be repaired immediately.• Citizens Advice Bureau

donationNo donation to be given this year.

Parish Propertiesa) Recreation GroundReport filed Mrs Jane Lawrence-

Baines.There is a problem with Mole

Hills again - after speaking to Pest Control the best time to deal with them is February.b) Springy & play equipmentQuote to be obtained from Play

Dale for a springy and slide. The fencing around the play area has also been quoted for. Another quote to be obtained before a decision can be made.Also been reported that the

MUGA is starting to collect water in one area. Chairman to contact Supplier as still under Guarantee.c) Work to be done on

recreation Ground after Inspection.Painting of the Benches and Swing

- Quote to be sought.

January 2011 MeetingThe following items were among the topics discussed at the meeting of Stanton under Bardon Parish Council held on Tuesday 11th January 2010 at The Youth Club, Stanton under Bardon

Community Police CommentsNo crime was reported in

December.The police are currently making

regular visits to Stanton School with regard to Stranger Danger.

The next Beat Surgery will be on the 23/03/11 in the evening at the Church.The Parish Council reported that

there has been quite a few cars speeding in the village and there have been problems with cars parked on the pavement on Main Street. PC Hayes said he would put a notice in the Herald to tell drivers not to do this.It was also mentioned about

problems with the Flying Horse Roundabout, cars not using the correct lanes.

County Councillor’s ReportThe Budget was as expected and

fits into the 4 year plan to make savings by Leicestershire County Council. Council tax will also be frozen for the next four years.

Clerk’s ReportThe Community Responders have

replied to the Parish Council with regard to how often they come to the village. Letter received from Mr Evans

regarding the publishing of the Parish Council meetings in the Herald. An email address has been provided and Clerk will forward the minutes to the Herald Monthly. The letter also stated that some of the footpath stiles are in a poor state near the Quarry. Clerk to contact the Quarry to ask them to be repaired.

Stanton SchoolDue to Mrs Chris Smith’s

resignation from the School governors they have asked if any other Councillor or anyone who regularly attends meetings would like to become a school governor. At present the Councillors have other commitments and are unable to do so.The next meeting of Stanton under

Bardon Parish Council is to be held on TUESDAY 8th FEBRUARY 2011 AT 7.00PM at Stanton Youth Club, Main Street, Stanton under Bardon, Leicestershire.

LETTERPlease clean up after your dogAS dOG owners, we are appalled by the owners who do not clean up after their dogs.Markfield is a great place its a pity some people do notthink the same. So dog owners please help keep it clean.

Markfield Resident

13

www.leicestershireforums.org

Bagworth & Thornton, Botcheston, Field Head, Groby, Markfield, Newtown Unthank, Ratby and Stanton-under-Bardon areas

J05

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What’s going on at my Community

Forum?It’s an open public meeting and I can

meet like minded local residents to discuss what

is important to me.

Have your say

Speakers include:

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council

Leicestershire County Council

Leicestershire Constabulary

Chairman:

County Councillor, David Sprason

I can find out about the success of local participatory

budget projects.

Come and share your views on which

local Green Spaces you value and why.

I can ask service providers questions about

their work and how it might affect me.

Thursday 10th February 2011, 7-9pm (6.30pm for networking and information sharing) Groby Community College, Ratby Road, Groby, Leicestershire, LE6 0GE

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Family Walks from RatbyRATBY Village Society is very pleased to have been awarded a grant from the “Big Lottery Fund” to finance the production of their booklet of five walks entitled “Family Walks from Ratby”, due to be published in the New Year by local company Norwood Press of Ellistown.

The walks have been planned with each member of the family in mind and vary in length from ½ mile to 8 miles, taking in Ratby and the surrounding countryside.

It is beautifully illustrated in full colour with pictures painted especially for the booklet by local artists, and students from Julia Kent’s art class in Ratby.

The initial batch of booklets will be distributed to participating medical centres and surgeries within the Hinckley and Bosworth district, where it can be offered by GP’s to those patients who they feel will benefit from the improvements to health and well-being associated with walking.

Jane Rayne

14

Traditional Sunday Lunch

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I have a telescope on the peep hole of my door so I can see who is at the door for 200 miles.

Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes in the Herald

A new swimming pool for Markfield?

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I HAVE been taking my eldest son Callum to swimming lessons for just over a year now. We go up to Mountsorrel and use the Soar Valley leisure centre. They of course run the swimming

lessons and it always strikes me how popular they are, indeed there is a waiting list to get on them. I should think they generate a lot of income for the centre as the demand is so high. I took Callum to Mountsorrel

because I (having just about retired from playing rugby for Coalville) also like to swim and so when I can, I go myself and I have always found Mountsorrel a good place to go, new, easy to access and not too busy most of the time.Alongside those reasons, the

leisure centre at Mountsorrel has always interested me because not long after I was first elected on to the Borough Council in 1995, I had the pleasure of meeting Mick Lemmon who was involved in what was seen at the time as a very ambitious plan to build a brand new leisure centre in that community. He had set about creating community interest in the project and at that point had already secured some funding. His drive to deliver such a project has stuck with me ever since. I remember the doubts many had that such a facility could ever be

delivered but after many years, finally in 2004 the Soar Valley centre was opened to the public and a wonderful facility it is. There is as you might guess, a link

in all this with our local community and it concerns the swimming pool at the primary school. The swimming pool at Mercenfeld

was built largely through public subscription at a time - 1970 - when people had a lot less money than they probably do today. It was first built as an open air pool with the roof added a few years later

along with other improvements. A number of my extended family played roles in driving the project forward notably raising the money to build something that very few communities had. The fund raising was combined with help from local builders notably the Chapman’s who gave their labour to build it. At the time, of course, it was not a requirement of schools to teach children to swim but being next door to the water-filled Hill Hole, which had in the past claimed the lives of locals, it was recognised

as an important objective along with the tremendous following swimming received in the village, with many local people swimming competitively at the old Coalville baths.The pool at Markfield has seen

nearly 40 years of service to the community, not just that of Markfield but also surrounding villages. I learned to swim there and so did most of the village. We were very fortunate, we did not have to travel, nor did we have to pay for the privilege thanks to the hard work of all those forward looking parents and children who gave of their time and effort to get the facility built. Sadly the pool is now closed and has been for a while. It is at the point where soon it may be condemned to be knocked down, destroyed and forgotten about. As a community I believe we must not let this happen. I am under no illusions, for it is

clear that substantial improvement works are required to ensure the pool can serve the community again and that this will present a huge challenge to us all in the current climate. Still, it is not by

15

A new swimming pool for Markfield? POLICE MessageFrom Markfield’s Beat Officer PC 4338 Sadie Harlock

I used to think that the whole world was against me. But I’ve found that a few smaller countries are neutral.

any means impossible and I have a few ideas on how we could secure money to support this development. The thing is though, for this to be successful it will need the support of many people living in our community. Just as it was back in the 1970’s, it needs a community to pull together to provide a facility that can be enjoyed by all. It will require people to consider volunteering some time to make this become a reality, and it will require the school and local councils to give the project their full backing, which I am confident we will get. If lots of people do a little it means we are not leaving a few to do a lot, it is so much better that way. Imagine again a swimming pool

based in our community improved and modernised. A pool serving the community in partnership with the school with improved access for all. A pool able to generate more income so it is more self sufficient. All of this is possible if we want to make it happen. Markfield did it in 1970 and I am sure it would have seemed at the time a mountain to climb. Just a couple of years

ago, over £300,000 was secured to refurbish and extend the Markfield Community Centre. Mountsorrel - against all the odds secured over 6 million pounds - to build a fine leisure centre, they said it could not be done. I and my son Callum can testify to the fact it was. So let us pull together and see what we can achieve and let no one say in another 40 years time that we did not at least try. If you are interested in helping

to save the swimming pool and also helping transform a community asset please do get in touch by emailing: markfieldswimpool@yahoo.com

dear Herald ReadersThe next beat surgery will be on Thursday 17th February at 2.00 - 3.00 at Markfield Community Centre.

Design a Poster to Celebrate Compost!HOMEMAdE compost is great for the garden and diverts tonnes of food waste from landfill.

Now Garden Organic is calling for people to put their passion for compost on paper for its poster competition to urge more of us to make our own for International Compost Awareness Week Saturday 1 – 7 May 2011.

The competition is open to everyone, children and adults as well as schools and colleges. The Garden Organic ‘Celebrate Compost’ poster competition will raise awareness and celebrate everything there is to know about the lovely, crumbly brown stuff.

To enter please obtain an entry form from fflp@gardenorganic.org.uk, from the Garden Organic website: www.gardenorganic.org.uk, or write to ‘Celebrate Compost’ Competition’, Ryton Gardens, Wolston Lane, Warwickshire, CV8 3LG. Closing date for entries is 28 February 2011. The winner will be announced on the Garden Organic website on Monday 21 of March 2011.

16

I stayed at a really nice, really fancy hotel this weekend. The towels were so thick I could hardly get my suitcase shut.

Extracts from Markfield Parish Council MinutesTHE FOLLOWING items were among the topics discussed at the Markfield Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 11th January :POLICE REPORT:December Figures

2 Burglary Dwell; Ratby Lane and Jane’s Way, vehicles also stolen at both addresses

1 Burglary Other: Turnpike Way - Tools Stolen

5 Thefts From Bracken Way/Hill Lane/A50 Travel Lodge/Forest Road/Grassy Lane

1 Theft of Motor Vehicle - Main Street

PC S Harlock reported that though not fully reflected in December’s crime figures; there had been a recent increase in property break-ins in order to steal keys to new cars within Markfield. The police had no suspects at the moment but warned residents to keep car keys in a secure place at home.

•

•

•

•

Christmas Lights: The lights had again developed a fault; the wind had blown the plug out so the deputy clerk had called Mr Tebbutt who had again dealt with it promptly. The deputy clerk would speak to Mr Tebbutt again tomorrow to discuss what could be done to prevent the same problem from happening again next year.Government funding settlement for Leics County Council: Mr Sprason stated that the final settlement was much as anticipated; the Council had already made provision for many of the cuts within its’ Medium Term Financial Strategy 2010. The Council would continue with its policy to freeze Council Tax over the next 4 years.Mr Sprason also reported that the council had received an additional £6.4 million of NHS funding for health and social care.Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA): Mr Sprason reported that last month, the Audit Commission’s new CAA inspection system said Leicestershire

County Council was “performing excellently” and provided good value for money. Leicestershire was also top-rated county in a Price Waterhouse Cooper’s report which compared services and costs. Proposed Parish Snow Wardens: - As previously resolved, the clerk had registered the Parish Council’s interest. She had also employed the services of a contractor – Mr I Crowhurst to act as the Parish Snow Warden as and when required, until the County system had been implemented.The deputy clerk had also ordered a “salt spreader” at an approximate cost of £140.00 exc.VAT. Delivery was awaited.CISWO (Coal Industry and Social Welfare Organisation) Miners’ Welfare Institute: It was confirmed that the sale would take place by auction at the Coach and Horses on the Tuesday 8th February 2011 at 6.30pm.The proposed development comprises “Eco Housing” comprising 2 or 3 maisonettes with one or two bedrooms each, incorporating solar energy. There would be a courtyard and car parking and and it was hoped that the Millennium Garden site would be opened up with access to it from Main Street.Mr Lay stated that as the development was within the

conservation area any carbon neutral footprint development, reusing existing materials and reintegrating the Millennium Garden would be welcomed by the Parish Council.H & B B C Budget proposals for 2011/2012: - Mr Lay stated that the Government had cut its support grant to the Borough Council for the next two years by almost half a million pounds which was more than expected. The council had already planned for the cuts by using reserves and making budget savings. However, the Government’s final settlement meant that the council now had to find an additional saving of £280,000 next year.Mr Lay stated that the proposed sale of the Borough Asset, Argents Mead, had been shelved which was a disappointment as the proceeds could have been used to subsidize the Borough’s Capital Programme. He stated that the council was sticking to its previous pledge of no compulsory redundancies during 2011/12.New Homes Bonus: - Mr Lay stated that Councils in England would be offered extra money in addition to Section 106 Monies for every newly-built home. Under the New Homes Bonus scheme the government would match the council tax raised on each new

17

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Women’s World Day of PrayerFriday 4th March 2011

“How many loaves have you?” prepared by the Christian women of Chile,

Markfield Court at 11.00 am

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield at 2.30 pm Speaker: Pam Harvey

Cross Hill Church, Between Thornton & Bagworth, at 7.30 pm

Everyone (men, women and children) is invited to join in one of these services, which are always inspirational. On Friday March 4th 2011, women from around the world will celebrate

the Women’s World Day of Prayer. The service has been written by the women of Chile. It is an appropriate theme, for bread is eaten at every meal and is very much part of every day life. The women of Chile offer what it means to them as they share this service with us. Jean Hackett, president of the National Committee of the Women’s World

Day of Prayer Movement, said, ‘This is always an exciting day as a great wave of prayer sweeps the world, beginning when the first service is held in Tonga and continuing around the world until the final service takes place, some 35 hours later, in neighbouring Western Samoa. By then the day will have been celebrated in over 170 countries, and over 5,000 services will have been held in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.’ Stretching from Peru to Antarctica, the Republic of Chile occupies a long,

narrow strip of land 2,640 miles long and 110 miles wide. It is a land of incredible contrasts. It also has the highest incidence of domestic violence in Latin America and most women suffer from discrimination in some form or other. Equal opportunities are being pursued. Although organised and led by women, this is essentially a day of prayer

for everybody as we demonstrate our solidarity with our sisters and brothers in other countries and all are welcome to attend. Further information from: www.wwdp-natcomm.org.

house for six years. He hoped New Homes Bonus would ensure that those communities that developed new housing would directly reap the benefits of the development, rather than being soaked up by Borough ring fencing.Mr Sprason stated that the County Councils were already lobbying for a greater share for local counties.HM The Queen’s diamond Jubilee and the Community Centre’s 25th Anniversary: - Mr Lay stated that the Community Centre was considering setting up a working party to organise some special events to celebrate the occasions. Replacement play equipment to be 50% funded by the Parish and Community Initiative Fund: The grant offer was £4526.00. Spiders Web – FLAG Funding; - the grant offer was £14,170 or 50%, whichever is the lower, towards the cost of the above scheme.Resolved, the clerk would write to HM Treasury Department to express the Parish Council’s disappointment at the government’s decision to cease FLAG funding after this financial year. FLAG Grants had provided funding towards refurbishment, conservation and energy efficiency projects at our village halls, religious buildings and community centres in an

area greatly affected by aggregate extraction. As a parish directly affected by the quarrying industries environmental impact it was unfair that the parish would no longer benefit from the tax which was still being levied. Spiders Web – repair/reinstallation: - As previously resolved, to proceed with both projects under one scheme at an estimated total scheme cost of £28,340 exc. VAT. The works had been ordered.QUESTIONS TO THE CHAIRA resident asked if the Parish Council could install an additional land line into the clerk’s home. – Mr Lay stated that this had been looked into in the past, but the cost to install an addition line had been found to be prohibitive; mobile telephones had be found to be easier to manage and more efficient, but the clerk could look into the matter.Another resident was concerned that the Parish Council notice board had not been kept up to date especially the Parish Surgery notice. The clerk agreed to ensure the notice board was up to date and ensure that the surgeries were advertised in the Herald. Some discussion took place on re-siting the notice board to the sign at the entrance of the car park.

18

You say I’m a bitch like it’s a bad thing.

For details of the publication dates for future issues of The Herald, visit the website at www.markfieldherald.co.uk

Planning Application 10/00811/FUL Stables/Tack Room On Land North East Of Reservoir Road, Thorntondear Residents,We wish to update you on the above planning application.This application came before the planning committee on the 5th

of January 2011. The application was passed on a recorded vote as follows 7 for, 4 against and 6 abstaining.Whilst every application should be judged on its own merits and

quite rightly so, this particular application did not sit well with us and hence, the reason why we voted to have it refused is as follows.The applicant claimed that the reason for this application was to

provide shelter and storage for his horses and officers at H.B.B.C. went along with that despite a ton of evidence in the form of objections supplied by local residents.This was co-ordinated and delivered to the planning committee by

Cllr Barry White who is also chairman of the Thornton action group and we give our thanks to the action group for their valiant efforts in seeking to protect Thornton from unwanted and unnecessary development.This decision hinged on the following facts.

These horses are gypsy cob or vanner horses and do not require stabling.These horses are never ridden so there is no requirement for a tack room.These horses are never shod so there is no requirement a building for a farrier.The applicant already has permission for an agricultural building on his land adjacent to this application site.

Leicestershire County Council Highways department requested a condition on this application that this application could not be used for commercial livery. This condition was deemed acceptable by officers as the applicant is a recognized horse trader but this condition was withdrawn by Highways Authority at the final hour.There was further evidence submitted which clearly showed the

inaccuracy of the report given to members but this, apparently, was ignored.Ozzy and I put forward the amendment to overturn based on the

fact that the applicant clearly failed to demonstrate the need for this development and that it would be used in conjunction with a commercial enterprise.Again we were let down by our Lib/Dem and Labour colleagues

who either voted to allow this or abstained and failed to voice their opinion which let down the very people who elected them to do so.Again we are faced with an intrusion in the open countryside

that we both fought very hard to stop for all the right reasons. Nevertheless, we will pursue the enforcement dept at H.B.B.C. if the applicant deviates at all from what has been granted permission for.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Cllr Ozzy O’Shea Tel 0116 239 4336 or 07808 585825

Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Cllr Chris Boothby Tel 0116 238 8301 or 07704 345637 Email chris.boothby@hotmail.co.uk

Borough Councillors’ Report

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19

I’m not into working out. My philosophy: No pain, no pain.

And some good news ... WE HAVE just endorsed and signed off an

application to the parish and community initiative fund for £12,000 so that work can start modernising the community centre hall at Bagworth.This fund, introduced by the previous conservative

administration at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, enables rural communities to apply for funding to provide or enhance local amenities that will benefit the local community.Each parish can apply for up £10,000 but as Bagworth and

Thornton is classified as a priority neighbourhood, they can go up to 12,000 providing they can match fund any amount applied for.This application, should it be successful, will provide new energy

saving windows and heating system as part of a revamp of the community hall.As the new sure-start building adjacent to the hall nears

completion, Bagworth will have fantastic new facilities for infants in the local community. Not only have we been involved with this and supported the scheme but our thanks must go to the parish council and county Councillor David Sprason for all their efforts in helping to provide this.When talking to local residents, as we often do, in and about the

local community the main topic of conversation is about a shop.Whilst planning permission has been granted for a shop and

housing on the community use land in Bagworth, which we fully supported, this has yet to materialise. However we are only too willing to work with the developer to bring this much needed amenity to the village if they want us to do so.

Chris & Ozzy

Council urged to back cheque campaign THE LEAdER of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Cllr Stuart Bray, has thrown his support behind a campaign to save cheques. The Payment Council, a group made up from 28 of the big banks and financial

companies have decided to phase out the cheque by 2018. Cllr Bray has submitted a motion to the next meeting of the Council urging it to

back a campaign to keep cheques. Cllr Bray said “Scrapping cheques without an adequate alternative will hurt many

charities and community groups, small businesses and some of the most vulnerable people in the country. “It’s time the banks listened to people and let people have the choice to keep

using cheques. I hope the whole council will back the campaign.” Hinckley and Bosworth Liberal Democrat councillors are also running a

petition to save cheques, this can be signed at http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/savethechequebook

Live music night in aid of Hospice Hope on 5th MarchA LIVE Music Night is being held by Ashby School in aid of local charity Hospice Hope on Saturday 5th March 2011 7.30pm, at the 6th Form Centre, Ashby School, Nottingham Rd, Ashby de la Zouch. Performances by Ashby School Jazz Band, Russ Carrington (professional vocalist),

The Roulettes (female vocal group), and The Committed (Ashby School Staff & 6th form band). Jazz, Swing, Motown, Rock, Pop & more! Area available for dancing. Bar available. Tickets Adults £6, Seniors £4, Concessions £3, includes free canapés on arrival. Tickets & further details from Teresa Jones on 01530 810018, or info@hospicehope.org.uk, or Catherine Matthews (Ashby School) on 01530 413748.

from Chris Boothby & Ozzy O’Shea

20

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

21

No one ever says “It’s only a game,” when their team is winning.

Markfield Parish Council Surgery DatesMarkfield Parish Council Surgery takes place on the following Fridays between 10am and 11.30am at Markfield Community & Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield.

Friday 25th February 2011Friday 25th March 2011

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

••

The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 12 Mar: JAYNE - Back by Popular Demand! Sat 16 Apr: WAxIES DARGLE Local Irish/Skiffle Band. Pool etc.

The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield. T: 01530 242 496 ’TAkE YOuR PICk’ ~ 50p a ticket Every Fri: 7.15-7.45pm. Ongoing Jackpot (Min £25) ALL SkY SPORTS & ESPN

The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 5 Feb: kAMAGRA Sat 12 Feb: SkY FOOTBALL (Leic. CITY v DERBY 5.20pm) Sat 19 Feb: THE SOuNDOGS (Local Band/Incl.2 ladies) Fri 25 Feb: ‘PLuG & PLAY’- With RIOT ACT - (Backline & Drums Provided) Sun 27 Feb: THE ACEMEN - (3.30pm – 5.30pm) Sat 12 Mar: FATHER TED (Classic/Modern Rock Covers) www.myspace.com/thorntonclub

The Steam Trumpet 286 Main Street, Thornton T: 01530 231 258 Fri 25 Feb: LADIES NIGHT (Tickets £15 – 7pm Start Buffet, Champagne Cocktail, Raffle, Medium, Reflexologist, Beauty Therapist & The Pampered Chef.) Every Sun: QUIZ 7.30pm – Cash pot prize roll-over.

Bagworth WMC Station Road, Bagworth T: 01530 230 205 New Members Welcome FREE Sat Entertainment Sat 5 Feb: PAuL RAVEL Sat 12 Feb: CHRISSY Sat 19 Feb: PETE SWARTZ Sat 26 Feb: Singing POSTMAN Sat 5 Mar: MARTYN RuSSELL Sat 12 Mar: RISkY BuSINESS Last Fridays: ANDY’S CHARITY QuIZ. £1.50 each. (+ usual Tea & Sequence Dances) Date for your diary:- Fri 25 Mar: ELVIS TRIBUTE (Simon Hendley) Pay on Door

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 £2 Entry after 7pm. Sat12 Feb: ROD STEWART Fri 25 Feb: Fri 11 Mar: MEATLOAF Quiz Nite: Every 2nd Tues (See Advert Page 24)

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite – Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net (See Advert Page 14)

The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:- Sats12 Feb & 26th Feb (’King of the Road’) (See Advert Page 23)

The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616. (SUNDAYS are 3 ~ 6pm) Sun 6 Feb: ACEMEN Sat 12 Feb: STONEPARK (Valentine Special) Sun 13 Feb: WELLAND VALLEY STOMPERS Sun 20 Feb: New Orleans - HOTSHOTS Sun 27 Feb: MOJO HAND Sun 6 Mar: LAZY Alligators KARAOKE ~ Every Wed OPEN MIC ~Every Thurs QUIZ – General Knowledge + Find the Joker ~ EVERY Sun QUIZ – Music ~ EVERY Tues

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BORIS THE BOFFINThe Herald’s one-man think tank applies his own brand of logic to those nagging little problems …

Returning stolen propertyWe are often told that the Police

recover loads of stolen property, but are unable to return it to the rightful owners because it has no identifying features. The solution to this problem is obvious to me. At present, all victims of crime are issued with a crime number. We should organise a weekly Crime Victims’ Lottery into which all of these crime numbers are entered. The first 100 numbers drawn out would win their owner an item of unclaimed stolen property. So, you could have your wide screen tv stolen on Monday, and win yourself a car on Saturday.

Public transport for allToo many people use cars for

convenience, and not enough of us use public transport - mainly because the buses and trains don’t go exacty where you want, when you want. So, in future, all cars should be phased out, and if you want to own your own vehicle, you’ll have to buy a bus. As buses cost a lot of money to run, owners will be only to pleased to pick up passengers on their way to and from work, and negotiate a fair price for the fare.

Making the lottery easierThe trouble with the lottery is

that it’s too difficult. What Camelot should do is to give you one number each week, so that in week 1, we’d have to guess the remaining five numbers, and in week 2 four numbers, and so on. This way, every sixth week we’d all know the result before the draw is made, so we’d all win 8.5 million quid.

Your Advert Could Appear

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advert in The Herald! Call 01530 244069

Calling All Pubs and Clubs in our area of coverageSend details of your pub and club

entertainments and we’ll include them in this column FREE!Tremendous!

For Holistic Talks and Events: Visit: www.leicesterlectures.co.uk

For Holistic UK Hotel Hosted Weekends:

Visit: www.talkingbreaks.co.uk

22

If it’s true that we’re here to help others, what are the OTHERS here for?

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Words on the Street - meet an author“Words on the Street” is a series of author events held in Leicestershire Libraries in Spring 2011. It features a variety of major authors talking about their books.

RJ Ellory at Coalville LibraryCrime novelist RJ Ellory will talk about his career as a crime writer, and his award winning novels.He was the winner of the ‘Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2010’ for ‘A Simple Act of Violence’ and has won 6 other crime fiction awards.Saturday 5 March 2.30 - 3.30pm followed by book signingTickets available from Coalville Library (0116 305 3565) – Special World

Book Night Price £1.50

Lynda Page at Hinckley LibraryLeicestershire’s very own bestselling saga writer Lynda Page talks about her life as a writer and her hugely successful family sagas.Wednesday 16 March 6.00 - 7.00pm followed by book signingTickets available from Hinckley Library (0116 305 2500) price £2.50

Glyn Illife at Wigston LibraryHighly rated Market Harborough based writer of novels set in Ancient Greece. Glyn Iliffe talks about his life as a writer, the road to publication and the depth of research needed to make history come alive.Thursday 17 March 7.00 - 8.00pm followed by book signingTickets available from Wigston Library (0116 305 3689) price £2.00

The Medieval Murderers - Karen Maitland & Philip Gooden at Melton LibraryWith a wealth of anecdotes and jokes about writers, writing, publishers and Merrie, Murderous England, the Medieval Murderers are now one of the best speaking groups of writers in the countryWednesday 23 March 7.00 - 8.00pm followed by book signingTickets available from Melton Library (0116 305 3646) price £2.00

Alison Weir at Loughborough LibraryHistorian and novelist Alison Weir will tell the story of Lady Jane Grey of Groby – the Nine day Queen. Alison is a highly respected and popular historian who has written extensively on the history of the royal family.She has recently been commissioned to write a fully illustrated book on the history of royal weddings, to be published in April 2011.Thursday 24 March 7.00 - 8.00pm followed by book signingTickets available from Loughborough Library (0116 305 2420), price £3.00

(pre-booking essential).

23

Work is for people who don’t know how to fish.

ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES

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

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

Next dates: Sat 19th February & Sat 19th March ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548

Herald Toy Idea of the Month

UK Launch For Brik-a-Blok Construction Toy

THE INGENIOUS Brik-a-Blok, designed by a father in response to the instinctive need that all children have to create their very own space, allows children to use their imagination to build their own play house, fort, castle or any other play area, either indoors or outside. Easy to connect polymer panels come in a choice of two sets: 26 or 46 in

each, which come in easy to carry and store bags. Extremely durable, the Brik-a-Blok panels are made from high quality, non

toxic, waterproof polymer and are safe and simple to use for children from 5 years, but can also be used by younger children with adult supervision, encouraging parent-child interaction. Commented Judith Stark, MD Halilit: “We are very excited by the UK

launch of Brik-a-Blok. It has proved to be very popular in its home country of Canada, and we have been testing it here in the UK in the best way possible, by letting children play with it. “What they love about it, is that it is not a ready-made toy, and it is

amazing to see them use their imagination to make what they want to make with it, whether indoors or outside, and to see the social interaction as they play with Brik-a-Blok.”

When the new patient was settled comfortably on the couch, the psychiatrist said: “Since this is your first session, perhaps you could start at the very beginning.” “Of course,” replied the patient. “In the beginning, I created the

heavens and the earth ...”

A woman sees a small boy leaning against a wall smoking a cigarette and taking nips from a hip flask. “Shouldn’t you be in school?” says the woman. “School?” says the boy, “You’ve got to be joking. I’m only four.”

24

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BOBCAT CARACAL CHEETAH COUGAR JAGUAR LEOPARD LION LYNX PANTHER PUMA SERVAL TIGER

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Page 1 of 1Word Search Puzzle

29/01/2011http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/code/BuildWordSearch.asp

It IS as bad as you think, and they ARE out to get you.

Find 12 WILD CATS in the Wordsearch puzzle below, and you could win yourself a nice prize.

This month we are offering a FIRST PRIZE of: A MAIN COURSE FOR TWO PLUS A BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE

AT THE FIELD HEAD HOTEL and a SECOND PRIZE of:

A PAIR OF ADULT TICKETS TO SEE A FILM AT THE REEL CINEMA IN LOUGHBOROUGH

To go into the draw for the prizes, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - 12 types of wild cat. These can run vertically,

horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your entry to: FELINE, The Herald, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Friday 25th February 2011. Remember to include

your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s new Stetson will win the Meal for Two,

and the second will win the Cinema Tickets. Good luck!

Here are the 12 WILD CATS you have to find:

BOBCAT • CARACAL • CHEETAH • COuGARJAGuAR • LEOPARD • LION • LYNx

PANTHER • PuMA • SERVAL • TIGER

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

Address: ................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................

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

Last month’s winners!The first correct entry drawn out of the hat last month came from:

F. G. ALLEN of Beech Close, Markfield. Congratulations! Your Meal & Wine Voucher to spend at the Field Head Hotel will be sent to you in the next 21 days.

The second correct entry drawn out came from MR. R. MOULT of Turnpike Way, Markfield. Congratulations! Your Pair of Adult Tickets to see a film at The Reel

Cinema in Loughborough will be sent to you in the next 21 days.

Wild CatWordsearch

Here Kitty Kitty

Answers to House Cryptic clues

TumblersForkMatTableCupDishSoapsTowelFlannelsShowerTilesPegCarpetPlugPictureBrushHooverBedDoorGarage

How many did you get right? If you found the answers to between 17-20 questions, you are a GENIUS. 12-16 right answers makes you an Egghead. If you answered 5-11 right, you are slightly below average. Less than 5 means you are completely stupid, and should NEVER attempt a quiz of this type again.

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.19.20.

BOOKCASEThe Conservative Party: From Thatcher to Cameronby Tim BaleThe Conservatives are

back - but what took them so long? Why did the world’s oldest and most successful political party dump Margaret Thatcher only to commit electoral suicide under John Major? Just as importantly, what stopped the Tories getting their act together until David Cameron came along? And what did Cameron do that William Hague, Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard couldn’t or wouldn’t? Has the Tory leader changed his party as much as he claims? Or has his leadership involved more compromise - and more Conservatism - than we realise? The answers, as this accessible and gripping

book shows, are as intriguing and provocative as the questions. Based on in-depth research and interviews with the key players, Tim Bale explains how and why the Tories got themselves into so much trouble - and how and why they were eventually able to rediscover their winning ways. The answer, he suggests, lies in the people, the power structures, the ideas, and the very different interests of those involved. The Conservative Party: From Thatcher to Cameron is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand what makes the Tories tick. AMAZON price: £17.60

25

You will always get the greatest recognition for the job you least like.

Markfield NHW Update from Alex Ritchie

Lads and Lasses – Please Help

First and foremost I would like to con-gratulate (again) our local youngsters whose behaviour over the Xmas and New Year festivity periods was very, very good and, once again, a credit to this village in general and their parents in particular. We are proud of them. In fact, only today as I drove through the village and reflecting upon the wise words quoted in last month’s Herald by a Main Street resident regarding speeding car problems, I realised I had not seen a vehicle driver using a mobile telephone for quite some time. Obviously the appeal I made a wee while ago to our younger generation to tell their parents or other older rela-tives off if seen committing such a stu-pid act has had an effect.

Now, having discussed the matter with our local Police Officer, I am seek-ing their help again – this time Crime Prevention wise. So come on lads and lasses. Please be on the lookout for thoughtless behaviour by your elders in respect of your family motor cars. Remind them how silly they are if they leave their cars unlocked even if only popping back into the house for a few moments and, worse still, if they have left the engine running. Likewise leav-ing any items visible to passers by that might tempt a thief is just plain stupid – almost as bad as leaving car keys prominently on display and within easy reach of a house door. That is just invit-ing trouble. Yes. Tell them off please.

Other Items MentionedA couple of local burglaries and some

dog behavioural problems are cur-rently being investigated and will, no doubt, soon be satisfactorily resolved. Weekly contact, Wednesdays between 10Am and 12 Noon, can now be made at the Market Bosworth Police Station with “Country Watch” representatives if any of our local farming community wish to do so. Additionally, should any householder want advice on how to stop unwanted telephone sales calls and/or how to register with the Mailing Preference Service and be removed from most trade mailing lists I suggest they attend one of our officers regular beat surgeries at the local Community Centre.

Last, but certainly not least, we are looking forward to meeting our new local Sergeant Mathew Trott who is, I have been reliably informed, a down to earth, no nonsense, practical cop-per who will stand no nonsense! So don’t say I haven’t warned you!!

Latest Progress Report I would love to give loads of de-

tail but, unfortunately, we are still at the stage of awaiting development results. On one hand I have a list of all our street coordinators’ details as did our, now redundant, Hinckley Police Community Liaison Officer but, through a Data Protection Act ban this list cannot be transferred direct to the new communication regime’s records whether or not local members have any objection to this being done. Instead, each and everyone is having to individually re-register their details – oh I could go on but, no doubt, al-though ground floor communication is at a very low ebb, we will eventually resume organised linkage and contin-ue, thereafter I am sure, to prove the value of our existence.

Next Quarterly MeetingThis is scheduled for Monday 7th

March at the usual Congregational Church Hall venue in Main Street with a 7pm. start. There will certainly be much to discuss and, hopefully, by then there will be appropriate and logical decisions made to preserve and continue the excellent relation-ship and rapport we have at practical and ground floor level with our local Police Officers. Please come along, voice your views and give us the ben-efit of your practical knowledge and experience. “Every Little Helps” and your support will be most welcome.

FinallyTo end on a lighter note (again) and

in view of the fact I have occasionally been accused of “name dropping” (seeing Hattie Jacques and Eric Sykes on T.V. recently has certainly brought back a few memories – oops, sorry) I wonder if anyone would like to hazard a guess as to who the lady is I linked arms with whilst on my recent holiday?

Alex Ritchie pictured here on holiday with a lady friend

26

I have a large sea shell collection which I keep scattered on the beaches all over the world.

Local Church Service InformationTrinity Methodist Church, Markfield Sunday 6th February 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Evening Communion Service

Sunday 13th February 10.30 am Morning Service 4.00 pm Café Church Worship

Sunday 20th February 10.30 am United Churches Together Service at Methodist Church 6.00 pm Evening Service

Sunday 27th February 10.30 am Morning Communion Service 6.00 pm Evening Taizé Worship

Sunday 6th March – World Missions Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service 6.00 pm Circuit Service at St Andrew’s, GRE

Sunday 13th March 10.30 am Morning Service 4.00 pm Café Church Worship

Sunday 20th March 10.30 am United Churches Together Service at Congregational Church 6.00 pm Evening Communion Service

Sunday 27th March 10.30 am Morning Communion Service 6.00 pm Evening Service

St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Markfield10:15-11.30am Sunday Club for Children in the Congregational Hall on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays, term time All Age Service in Church on the 2nd Sunday each month.

Sunday 13th February 10.15 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Friday 18th February 8.00 pm Iona Style Service

Sunday 20th February 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at Trinity Methodist Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 27th February 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service

Sunday 6th March 10.30 am Holy Communion

Wednesday 9th March 7.30 pm Benefice Ash Wednesday Holy Communion at St Mary’s, Stanton under Bardon

Sunday 13th March 10.15 am All Age Service 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Friday 18th March 8.00 pm Taizé Style Service

Sunday 20th March 10.30 am Churches Together in Markfield at Congregational Church 6.00 pm Evening Prayer

Sunday 27th March 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Open Church 6.00 pm Evening Service

St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Stanton under BardonSunday 13th February 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 20th February 10.30 am Family Service

Friday 25th February 7.30 pm Prayer and Praise Evening

Sunday 27th February 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 6th March 10.30 am Morning Service

Wednesday 9th March 7.30 pm Benefice Ash Wednesday Holy Communion

Sunday 13th March 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 20th March 10.30 am Family Service

Sunday 27th March 10.30 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, ThorntonSunday 13th February 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 20th February 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 27th February 10.30 am Family Service

Sunday 6th March 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 13th March 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 20th March 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 27th March 10.30 am Family Service

Holy Rood Church, BagworthPlease note: This service will be at Bagworth Community Centre

Sunday 6th March 9.00 am Holy Communion

St Peter’s Church, Copt OakSunday 13th February 9.15 am Holy Communion

Sunday 20th February 3.00 pm Praise Service

Sunday 27th February 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Sunday 6th March 6.00 pm Evening Service

Sunday 13th March 9.15 am Holy Communion

Sunday 20th March 3.00 pm Praise Service

Sunday 27th March 6.00 pm Holy Communion

Markfield Congregational ChurchSunday 13th February 10.15 Family Service followed by Communion

Sunday 20th February 10.30 Churches together in Markfield United Service in Trinity Methodist Church

Sunday 27th February 10.15 Morning Worship

Sunday 6th March 10.15 Morning Worship

Sunday 13th March 10.15 Family Service followed by Communion

St Peter’s Church, ThorntonSunday 6th February 10.30 am Morning Service

Sunday 13th February 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 20th February 9.00 am Holy Communion

Sunday 27th February 10.30 am Family Service

Cross Hills Baptist Church, between Bagworth & ThorntonSunday 6th February 10.30am Morning Service 5.00pm United Praise Service

Sunday 13th February 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper

Sunday 20th February 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 27th February 10.30am Morning Service

Sunday 6th March 10.30am Morning Service 5.00pm United Praise Service

Sunday 13th March 10.30am Morning Service with The Lord’s Supper

There is a Sunday Club in our hall for children & young people during the Morning Service. For further details, our contact list is in the Cross Hills News section in this magazine.

Benefice Quiet MorningSaturday 12th February

9.30am-12.30pm at Cross Hills Church

Have you ever wanted to take some ‘time out’ with God, fancied the idea of going on retreat or just wanted to take a bit of a break from your routine, but never got round to it?

A Quiet Morning allows time, space and opportunity to reflect, along with others and on your own, about God, spirituality and yourself.

This will be a gentle introduction to anyone who is interested in finding breathing space in the middle of daily life. Everyone welcome.

Without Walls Christian Fellowship, Main Street, Stanton Under Bardon,

Sunday 6th Feb & every Sunday. morning meeting at 10.30am.

All Welcome. Children’s meeting also runs from 11am.

27

I put a new engine in my car, but I didn’t take the other one out. Now I can go 500 mph.

Herald Film Reviewsfrom Tom Flowitt

Look What’s On At The Palace, IBSTOCk

57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 267303

~ Forthcoming Events ~Friday, 18th February Film Night at The Palace –‘Amelia’(PG) A true story based on the life of Amelia Earhart, a Kansas girl, discovers the thrill of aviation at age 23, and within 12 years has progressed to winning the Distinguished Flying Cross for being the first woman to pilot a plane solo across the Atlantic Ocean. At age 39, she sets out on an attempt to circumnavigate the globe, an adventure that catapults her into aviation myth. Starring Hilary Swank, Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: Halls, High Street, Ibstock. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00Friday, 25th February - The Ibstock Events Group presents - Nicholas Martin in Concert. Nicholas is one of the U.K.’s leading organ/keyboard entertainers. Concert starts at 7.30pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm.Tickets: Halls, High Street, Ibstock. Tickets: £6.00.Saturday, 26th February - Vamos Theatre Company presents – ‘Nursing Lives’ in association with Centre Stage supported by The Arts Council, England. In 1939 Florence is a young trainee nurse thrown directly into the harsh realities of work on the ward. She encounters the wrath of Sister Martin; endures and enjoys the pranks of fellow nurses, falls in love with her

soldier sweetheart, Johnny; and confronts the heart wrenching inequalities in the use of the new super drug penicillin.....will her dream of saving lives come true? Nursing Lives is funny, touching, at times harrowing, but always uplifting and unforgettable. It is designed to appeal to audiences of all ages (8-80 years). Performance starts at 7.30pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm Tickets: £5.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.Saturday, 5th March – Panto at The Palace – The Verdon Players present ‘Red Riding Hood’ by Jim Sperinck. A traditional family pantomime. Performances start at 2.00pm and 7.00pm. Tickets: £6.00 Adults and £4.00 concessions from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460. Tickets now on sale.Friday, 11 March – Line dance with Honky Tonk Cliff. Dancing from 7.45pm. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Tickets: £4.00 from Hall, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.Friday, 18th March – Film Night at The Palace – ‘Another Year’ (PG) - A brilliant cast and a resonant script make Another Year one of Mike Leigh’s best films. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: Halls, High Street, Ibstock. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00.

Season of the Witch (15)Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ron Perlman and Claire Foy95 minutes

Plague has swept across the land and the locals believe that it has been brought upon them by a local girl accused of witchcraft. Two Crusade knights (Cage and Perlman) are tasked with transporting the girl to a monastery which may hold the key to ending the plague.The first three quarters of the film is very promising. There is a real unnerving atmosphere with effective scares as well as plenty of suspense. It is let down though by an incredibly weak ending with some of the worst special effects seen in a film in recent years.Nicolas Cage is in an unfamiliar role but is a good as he has been for a long time. It is shame he is let down by the poor film making that is evident in the final quarter.Overall: One of the worst endings ever which highlights the laziness and lack of imagination of some screen writers in modern film.2 stars HHIII

127 HoursStarring: James Franco94 minutesAron Ralston (Franco) lives life to the extreme. 127 hours takes us through one adventure that changed his life forever. Based on a remarkable true story that will remind us all to let people know where you are going when you venture into the great outdoors.The film starts off with a real rush of adrenaline but that quickly grinds to a halt as disaster strikes. At that moment the film becomes an emotional tale that has a real impact. The great camera work helps to create a real connection between character and audience that has you living every moment. The story itself is an incredible tale of courage but it somehow doesn’t seem well suited to film. It does however have a clever way of drawing you in which can be credited to the expert direction of Danny Boyle. Overall: This is a film that can’t fail to have an impact on you. A truly inspiring tale of the fight for survival.4 stars HHHHI

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