What was in the Mid-October 2008 Issue?
Here are some of the stories ...

Works starts on the Community Centre Extension
It was smiles all round as work commenced on site to double the size of the main hall at Markfield Community & Sports Centre.
The facilities at the centre are in great demand and the larger hall will provide much-needed extra space for classes and other events.
The work is being carried out by Worthington-based building company Keller Construction.

Skatepark almost ready!
At the time of going to press, the refurbishment work taking place at Markfield’s Skatepark is almost complete.
Ron Grantham, Chair of Markfield Community Association says: “The skate park has been so popular and used so much by our young people it was literally worn out.
“The skate park is having a complete overhaul with a brand new specialist surface, surrounding pavement and bordering fence. The funding for the upgrade has come from the Borough Council’s Parish Grant and we are yet again grateful to them and to Markfield Parish Council for helping us to complete these works for the benefit of our youngsters.”

Notice of a By Election
A BY ELECTION to fill the vacancy in Markfield, Stanton and Field Head is due to be held on 13 November 2008. The vacancy has arisen following the resignation of Councillor John Cort. The election will take place as long as more than one person wishes to stand.
Voters affected will be notified by poll card in due course.
Any new applications to register to vote must be received at the Council Offices by 29 October.
Any new applications to vote by post, or requests to cancel or amend an existing postal vote, must be received at the Council Offices by 29 October.
Any new applications to vote by proxy, or requests to cancel or amend an existing proxy vote, must be received at the Council Offices by 5 November.
Anyone who would like to stand for election should collect a nomination pack from the Electoral Services Office, Florence House, St Marys Road, Hinckley. Completed nomination papers can be submitted at any time during normal working hours from 9 October until noon on 17 October.
Anyone with any queries regarding nominations, registrations, postal or proxy votes can call the Electoral Services Office at the Borough Council on 01455 255835.

Markfield Homemakers Group Meetings
Markfield Homemakers Group holds meetings at the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield.
The next two meetings are:
Nov 12th ~ Roger Coley ~ Life as a Zoo Vet
Dec 10th ~ Christmas Party
For more information, contact Brenda Featherstone on 01530 242173.

Calling all Living Dolls and Bachelor Boys!
Cliff ..As If and Friends are coming to Thornton Club!
Date: Saturday 25 October 7.45 p.m.
The Summer Holiday may be over, but you can still be Wired for Sound! Local celebrity Cliff..As If is coming to Thornton Club for a night of rock, pop and soul!
Joining Cliff will be Evil Chimp and Escapology and local singer Linzi.
All proceeds will go to the Friends of St Peter’s for Thornton Church. Tickets are £5.00 – please contact Dianne on 07918 024878.

TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH
Sad farewell
On Sunday 31 st August, the Rev. Jane Hamblin preached her last service here in Markfield as the Minister of Trinity Methodist Church.
Jane unfortunately has had to retire from the Leicester West Circuit and move down to Kent so that she can look after her elderly father. This has cut short her allotted time as the Minister of Markfield Methodist church. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her or had any contact with her. Her words and actions have touched many people, not just those who attend the church but also, perhaps more importantly, people outside of the church. The fresh and meaningful style of preaching that Jane offered was very much appreciated, bringing relevance to the Gospel and also challenging our faith in the 21st Century.
Welcome
Trinity Methodist Church welcomes the Rev. Douglas Brewer and his wife Hazel.
Douglas has agreed to be the minister of the church for the next twelve months until a new minister is appointed for September 2009. Their move into the village last year, as part of Douglas’ retirement has benefited the Methodist church here. He and his wife are no strangers to Markfield however. Hazel lived here for a while and Douglas was Superintendent Minister of the Leicester West Circuit in the 1990’s and visited Markfield on several occasions during that time.
Although they decided to settle in the village, to enjoy retirement, we in the church are very pleased that Douglas has willingly agreed to become our Minister and we look forward to supporting him over the next twelve months.
Information supplied by Ian Lay (Senior Steward)

Mercenfeld Christmas Fayre
Christmas seems a long way off, but it will be here sooner than you think. So, to make sure you don’t miss the Mercenfeld Christmas Fayre, write down the time and date RIGHT NOW!
It’s Friday 5th December 2008 Time 5pm – 7pm at Mercenfeld Primary School, Oakfield Avenue, Markfield. There will be Tombola, Prize Draw, Santa’s Grotto, White Elephant, Refreshments and much much more. It’s a fun filled, fantastic and friendly fundraising Fayre. Don’t miss it.

Hundreds attend annual cricket match in memory of Joe Jolly
THE SEVENTH annual cricket match in memory of the late Joe Jolly attracted a fantastic crowd of over two hundred spectators to Altar Stones Playing Field on August Bank Holiday Sunday.
The two teams - captained by Dean and Martin Cave - were made up of local folk who knew and loved Joe.
Joe’s mum, Agnes Jolly - pictured with the two captains (Dean left and Martin Right) - would like to thank everyone who supported the event and helped with the organisation, particularly the cricket teams, without whom there would be no event
She would also like to thank all of the local individuals and organisation who provided prizes for the raffle.
The winner of the large cuddly cow was Mark Hill, who has named his prize ‘Stella’ after his favourite tipple.
Mark is pictured right with Agnes Jolly and ‘Stella’.
The raffle raised over £500 for Markfield Cricket Club, of which Joe Jolly was a keen member.

Community fund helps our skatepark project
SALLY CROSSFIELD, the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Issues and Events Officer, visited Markfield’s Skatepark recently to view the refurbishment work.
Sally has been offering grant advice and assistance to Markfield Parish Council and Markfield Community Association during the project.

Bike ride to Skegness raises over £500
A sponsored bike ride to Skegness undertaken by Mark Clarke, his son Daniel (aged 13), and Daniel’s friend Jamie Reid (aged 13) raised over £500 for Alzheimer’s Disease and Cancer Research.
The boys both go to South Charnwood High School and did the trip over three days at the end of June. They were given a send off by friends at South Charnwood (see photo above) and covered 115 miles over three days.

Hinckley & Bosworth joins HSE to hit back at ‘Health & Safety’ myths
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council today signed up to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) campaign to combat the growing number of myths that are undermining important health and safety legislation.
Chief Executive Steve Atkinson joined Alan Craddock HSE Operations Director for the East Midlands region, to sign up to ‘ten principles of sensible risk management’ which give organisations practical advice on what risk management should – and should not be about.
Alan Craddock, HSE Operations Director for the East Midlands region said:“We’ve all heard the stories about health and safety banning hanging baskets or making children wear goggles to play conkers. This is not what we are about – it is not what HSE wants, nor what Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council wants and not what the law requires.
“We want to focus our attention on practical steps that protect people from real risks that can lead to injury and death; we do not want to stop people from living their lives.”
He continued, “I invite all Local Authorities in the East Midlands region to follow the lead of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and join with us in tackling this issue by publicly ‘signing up to sensible risk’.
“Together we can embed these principles into our working culture and ensure the decisions we make focus on the real task of saving lives.”
Hinckley and Bosworth is among first local authorities in the East Midlands to commit to a proportionate and focused approach to risk management.
Steve Atkinson said: “Protecting the health and safety of our workers and the community we represent has always been a crucial issue for us. Over time, the stories of ‘health and safety gone mad’ have undermined the good work that we and other Councils do to protect vulnerable members of society and we’re keen to draw a clear distinction between real health and safety that saves peoples lives and the popular myths that persist to give health and safety a bad name.
“We are proud to sign up to protect our workers and community through sensible health and safety policies and commit to focusing on saving lives not bureaucratic back-covering”.

Celebrate Bonfire Night at Snibston on 1st November
Snibston Discovery Centre in Coalville is holding a Bonfire evening on Saturday Nov 1st.
A great night of traditional rides and food, entertainment and a fantastic firework display have been organised.
The Museum opens at 5.30pm, the Bonfire will be lit at 6.45pm and the Fireworks start at 7.30pm The Fair will go on until 8.30pm. Cost; £5 on the gate, (£3.50 in advance) and children under 5 go free. Enquiries T: 01530 278444

Alice’s poster design is a winner
THE winning design in a schools’ poster competition is now being used to help promote recycling and waste reduction in Hinckley & Bosworth.
The design was created by Alice Page of St Martin’s High School in Stoke Golding and can now be seen displayed on the side of four of the recycling vehicles used to make kerbside collections across the Borough.
Councillor Sandra Francks, the Borough Council’s Executive Member responsible for Refuse and Recycling, visited St Martin’s to see the winning design and to congratulate Alice.
She said: “I would like to give a big thank you to all those who took part in this competition. The standard of work produced was extremely high and I am pleased to see the children’s knowledge and concerns for the environment, particularly recycling, is so well founded.
Seven schools took part in the competition, which was held to coincide with national Recycling Week, and pupils of all ages entered.
All entrants received a certificate and a pencil made from recycled plastic while the winners from each school also received a pencil case made from recycled tyres.

Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (Markfield) News
Information supplied by John Thatcher
As you may already know, due to what I consider politics, we have been denied the pleasure of hosting the children this month.
Olwyn, the Chief Executive, has said that this has never happened before and once the new agreement has been signed with the Belarussian Government, we will be back on track.
Everyone has been so positive in fund raising, organizing the daily programme, amassing clothes and gearing up in taking time off from work and preparing their families for this event. Everyone I know was looking forward to this as a start to a five-year project and now we have to cancel the things we were going to do and explain the circumstances over and over again.
I am now attempting this month to lift our spirits after all that we have endured recently. We need to get back to being positive and to do that the Four Trustees intend to increase our Trustee numbers to seven positions and agree a terms of reference; in doing so we want to bring fresh ideas and more energy into our cause.
We have made a decision on the time of next year’s visit and we are starting to prepare for it as we have done previously. The difference being that we have a good healthy balance which should ensure a quality reception for the children next year.
Once the trustees have met and the plans set forth I will call a general meeting at the Greyhound Public House for a general discussion, this should take place at the end of the October.
The Trustee positions are: Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary Coordinator, Chief Fund Raiser Coordinator, Host family Representative and Public relations/ Press person. We are currently recruiting a Host family Rep and a P.R. Person. If anyone is interested please let me know.
BBQ raises £346
The BBQ at Angela’s went well and the weather although a little windy it stayed dry, even if it hadn’t Gary was prepared with two marquees erected. Gary did a sterling job with the cooking and we were entertained with live music. Angela conducted a farm walk, went out with about a dozen people and returned with eight. Just as Gary was going to send out a search party the stragglers returned.
The evening takings made a whopping £346 in all, and all had a good night’s food and entertainment.
Markfield Village Fete
The Markfield village fete was held on Saturday the 16th of August. It was well represented by Peter and his Sister Jen, brandishing FOCC Tabards and the banner to mark our cause.
They ran a tombola with 70 donated bottles of spirits, plus a sweet jar for the children. Other supporters sold raffle tickets and over £100 was made from selling the programmes. In total the event made £475.
Gill Winfield will be doing a car boot sale as the weather curtailed her last effort and all the proceeds will go to the charity. Please ring Gill (01530 242218) with any car boot stuff that will sell. If anyone would like to join her and advertise the charity at Croft please let her know?
Please feel free to organize or suggest fund raising events but please channel all ideas and actions through the Fund Raiser Coordinator (Angela Rossa on O1455 822875) so we do not clash.
Can I remind all host families don’t forget to send the forms number 2 & 11 back to the Group Coordinator? I have received 5 so far.

County Councillor David Sprason writes in The Herald
Green Cross Code
Last month I covered the issue of speeding traffic and the impact it had not only locally but nationally. This month I want to concentrate on road safety for other road users, pedestrians and cyclists.
As a parent I have always stressed the need to be aware of traffic and to be cycling proficient. The County Council through the schools and the highways department run regular awareness campaigns in schools and at outside events, including cycling proficiency courses. The County Council also run refresher driving courses for our elderly population. All these initiatives along with parental advice help to reduce accidents on our roads.
The gap I see currently is the National Campaigns which seem to have disappeared. I remember the adverts with Tufty the Squirrel in the 60’s, The Green Cross Code campaign in the 70’s and the introduction of The Green Cross Code Man (Star Wars’ Darth Vader) from 1975 to 1990; 1973 saw the Kevin Keegan campaign and that hair cut, 1976 saw Jon Pertwee (Dr Who) with the SPLINK campaign, in 1983 the campaign by Grandmaster Flash with his Green Cross Code rap and more recently the introduction of harsher images of teenagers. Unfortunately these adverts no longer appear on our screens and it now falls on busy parents to highlight the Green Cross Code. The Green Cross Code has changed little over the years which started with “Stop, Look, Listen, Think” and SPLINK stood for:
Find a ‘Safe’ place to cross.
Stand on the ‘Pavement’.
‘Look’ for traffic.
‘If’ traffic is coming, let it pass’
When there is ‘No’ traffic near, walk across the road.
‘Keep’ looking and listening for traffic as you cross.
The current Green Cross Code is:
THINK. Find the safest place to cross, then stop.
STOP. Stand on the pavement near the kerb.
USE YOUR EYES AND EARS. Look all around for traffic, and listen.
WAIT UNTIL IT’S SAFE TO CROSS. If traffic is coming, let it pass.
LOOK AND LISTEN. When it’s safe, walk straight across the road.
ARRIVE ALIVE. Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross.
Waste Treatment
The County Council has purchased the last two plots on the Coalville Bardon 22 industrial estate as part of a bid to government for a long term waste treatment facility. A number of sites have been put forward in the bid to central government, as part of this bid the County Council had to have two sites in its ownership. No sites have been chosen at this stage and no technology has been agreed. The current technologies available are autoclave systems, energy from waste, gasification, mechanical biological treatment and pyrolosis, but we must recognise that new technologies are also being developed. The current most popular treatment coming out of DEFRA is Energy from Waste and currently is seen as the most cost effective.
Leicestershire County Council has also had it confirmed that the bid to Government for £86.6 million has now been awarded which will go towards this major waste treatment scheme. The Government’s environment department, Defra, has backed a Private Finance Initiative deal, to enable Leicestershire to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill sites which then could have potential savings to the council tax payer of £1.4 million a year.
So to sum up and to correct the current headlines regarding the claim that an incinerator is planned for Bardon 22 - this is incorrect and just scaremongering. No site and no technology has been chosen or agreed at this stage and as I have said a number of sites are available across the county and bidders will need to put in their expressions of interest and deliver the project by 2015, this would then be subject to the normal planning process.
Council Tax Cheats
A blitz against Council Tax cheats could raise £1 million per year for vital services in Leicestershire. Leicestershire County Council wants to track down people who pretend to live alone and claim 25 per cent off their Council Tax. A report to the county’s ruling Cabinet says the census suggests there are 67,000 single person households – but 77,327 claimed single person discounts last year. This means up to 15 per cent of claims for Council Tax discounts could be fraudulent. The County Council is now set to join forces with the district councils – which collect Council Tax on behalf of all councils, the police and fire authorities – to hire a company and review the single person discounts.
Brian Page, Cabinet member for resources, said: “Even if the investigation only finds five per cent of cases are fraudulent, this would raise an extra £1 million for council and emergency services in Leicestershire. “Our message to cheats is clear – pay up now, or we’ll catch you.” The County Council would receive £758,000, with the police receiving £121,000, the fire authority £37,000 and the district and parish councils, £136,000. Investigators will compare the list of claimants with a variety of financial and residential information relating to each address. Cases which show evidence of another occupier will be followed up. The company would operate on a “no win, no fee” basis and the County Council expects the amount raised would more than offset the company’s £100,000 costs.
Bosworth Battlefield
Bosworth Battlefield is offering free car parking for all visitors to the site during the autumn months of September, October and November. Visitors can now take advantage of using the picturesque and idyllic country park without having to pay the usual £1.50 parking charge. With miles of footpaths to explore, visitors can wander through the atmospheric Ambion Wood and soak up the history of King Richard’s Well, where, since 1813, a monument has marked the spot Richard III is rumoured to have quenched his thirst during battle.
Discover the three theories on the battle in the new interactive exhibition, which brings to life the bloody battle of 1485, and then step outside to walk the Battlefield Trail. The gift shop, with one of the widest selections of medieval literature, is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and there are delicious cakes and snacks to enjoy in the Tithe Barn Restaurant.
For people wanting to soak up the history of this iconic site, why not join one of the knowledgeable and experienced guides on a tour of the Bosworth Trail. Prices are £8.00 for a Family (2+2), £5.00 Family (1+2), and £3.00 Adult and £2.00 child/concession.  
A Guide can also be booked for groups of up to 25, call 01455 290 429 for more details.
Free maps of the Bosworth Trail are available from the Gift Shop and a mobility scooter can be booked for free on 01455 290429.
Bosworth Battlefield is run by Leicestershire County Council and is the location of the Battle of Bosworth. The battle, which took place on 22 August 1485, brought an end to 30 years of English civil war, now known as the War of the Roses and saw the infamous King Richard III lose both his life and crown to Henry Tudor. The Battlefield includes a new exhibition telling the story of the Battle and looking at its impact on British history, which has been funded by an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Admission to the exhibition costs £6.00 for adults, £4.00 Concessions and £3.00 for children. Family ticket £15.00 (2 Adults + 2 children) or £10.00 (1 adult + 2 children).

Gardening Notes - with Ted Brown of Markfield
Why are some especially appealing plants kept almost secretly hidden away, rarely being seen at garden centres? Some mysterious horticultural Mafia?
Perhaps more likely that not enough knowledgeable Plantsmen are employed by the large businesses responsible for more and more of today’s plant sales or maybe they are just not thought to have sufficient sales potential. The plants I list have either beauty of leaf or flower or some other strong or strange feature. Regretfully there are few common names but all are worth seeking out.
1. Decaisnea Fargesii might be described as distinct rather than beautiful. A largish deciduous shrub with pinnate foliage (several leaflets on each stem) yellow flowers in long racemes during May. The quite amazing feature of this Himalayan Shrub is that those flowers develop into large blue pods of broad bean shape.
2. Kirengeshoma Palmata. By its very form this 3 ft tall perennial would be recognised as hailing from Japan. Graham Thomas called it ‘unique’, another famous plantsman referring to it as ‘a Japanese Dignitary’! The good dark green vine-like foliage adds to its feature flowers of cool lemon shuttle-cock blooms. These have a lovely satin-like texture. They give the impression of never opening fully. Flower arrangers might like to know that if a few flowers could possibly be spared, they last in water for at least several days. Kirengeshoma has no recognised common name although often called ‘the Shuttle-Cock plant’.
3. A Fern – Blechnum Chilense. Ferns, although very much in fashion, are not everyone’s cup of tea. Indeed it is rumoured that, on a visit to Highgrove, Prince Phillip suggested to his son that he should rid his garden of his prized fern collection, known, I believe, as ‘The Stumpery’. All the popular ferns are readily available at most plant outlets. They have a season long beauty including the striking spectacle of the unfolding new fronds. The evergreen ones add to the winter garden picture and these are better trimmed back just before the new fronds appear.
Sadly the magnificent Blechnum Chilense is not so easily acquired as, until a few years ago, it was regarded only as hardy in the South and West. It is now perfectly hardy in the Midlands and probably much further North. It is a superb specimen plant impossible to confuse with any other fern. The large dark green leathery fronds are up to 9 inches across. It must have space to develop to its height and spread of 4 to 5ft. Over time off-shoots develop away from the main stem. These may be carefully lifted as a means of propagation. No trouble finding an eager recipient.
4. Dianella Tasmanica. All Dianellas originate from Australasia, this one unsurprisingly from Tasmania! It is a 3ft evergreen perennial with narrow sword-shaped foliage. The starry blue flowers are pleasant enough and these develop into the plant’s feature – long lived dark blue berries.
5. Equisetum Hymale variety Affine. I hesitate to recommend this plant – ‘The Dutch Horsetail’- certainly a beauty but a rampant spreader. Quite recently the RHS Garden Magazine was ‘in trouble’ with some readers for publishing an article on Equisetums, they referring to them as vicious weeds. Obtain the one I mention, but always keep it confined to a container as I do. Sink it into the garden as a feature but keep the pot rim exposed. Equisetums are ancient plants related to ferns; they have stems only, without foliage, giving the appearance of some strange bamboo like structure. This particular one has 3/4ft green stems divided into 3” sections by dark black/brown bandings.
6. Parahebe Perfoliata (Digger’s Speedwell). Parahebes are dwarf shrubs related to Hebes and were previously known as Veronicas. Parahebe Perfoliata is probably the best of this group and which to the casual garden visitor has the appearance of a minute Eucalyptus. Only 9” tall, with grey circular leaves encircling the stems, with blue flowers in small racemes during late summer. Perfectly hardy but still little known although introduced almost 200 years ago.
7. Zenobia Pulverulenta. In the famous Hillier manual Roy Lancaster is puzzled why this small 3 to 4ft shrub of such considerable charm is so unknown and neglected. I well recall an incident, twenty or so years ago; when an acquaintance with great botanical knowledge requested an unusual shrub he wished to give as a present. I supplied this Zenobia causing him much consternation as he was completely unaware of the genus. No surprise therefore that it is rather difficult to seek out although the ‘Plant Finder’ states there are more than 30 suppliers throughout the country. A deciduous shrub but tends to retain some foliage over winter. The foliage is glaucous and in fact the whole shrub has a bloomy appearance. A feature is the scented white Lily-of-the-Valley tyre flowers in June and July. Prefers an acidic soil.

Housing proposals will require changes to settlement boundaries
Borough Councillor Matthew Lay writes for the Herald
Having grown up in Markfield, I can still remember Chitterman Way being the edge of the village until you got up to what was a large distribution firm (‘Atlas’ I think) and Field Head. In between there lay fields used for agriculture.
Markfield changed a great deal in the 1970s and 80s with the builders Fitchett constructing many houses on open countryside and changing Markfield forever. In that period Markfield continued to grow until it reached its own newly (1976) designated settlement boundary which had been radically changed to accommodate Fitchett and has remained the same right up to the present day.
A settlement boundary marks the edge of a settlement and indicates the open countryside beyond. If you were today to draw a line around Markfield, Field Head and a separate one around Stanton you would have the boundary, this is because developers have almost used all development land inside the boundary.
Housing development is generally not allowed outside of a designated settlement boundary and many communities will have used up all development sites inside them. This is especially true of areas in which people want to live like Markfield, Stanton and Field Head. Today any new housing would require changes to the settlement boundaries. Some small sites do still exist within the boundary at Markfield, and there are a few infill opportunities, but on the whole it would perhaps provide only enough for 15 dwellings at most.
It has long been my strong opinion that the settlement boundary which defines Markfield, Stanton and Field Head should remain as it is. I believe this because our communities have grown significantly over the past 30 years, far more than many other communities, and have reached a point were further development would be detrimental to our communities.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is presently deciding on how it will find enough development land to meet it targets for new homes to be built up to the year 2026. The council is currently looking for new land for around 5,300 dwellings. These new dwellings will on the whole need to be built on new sites largely in the open countryside and this presents a significant problem.
The process of allocating the land for development is called the ‘local development framework’ or LDF for short, and the Council have been working on the framework for about 3 years. A key requirement for the allocation of land is that any new housing must be in a sustainable location with access to good services and public transport. It should also seek to maintain current settlement populations and address housing market needs to ensure housing is provided for all sections of our community.
When the Borough Council started out on drawing up the new LDF, the advice it received suggested the best option would be to consider a major urban extension at Hinckley. This extension would have absorbed the majority of the housing needs for the Borough and would have done so in a sustainable way with all the new homes having good access to services and the numbers such that new services would arrive on the back of these developments. This option became the preferred view for a while but it appeared to change around the time of the last Council elections when the major urban extension for Hinckley was turned into two separate developments. The first change was a push for two smaller urban extensions one at Barwell and the other at Earl Shilton. These would be done to help kick start the regeneration of the two communities, and a strategy to enable this would follow. The second change was to look at allowing new rural housing and by definition allowing changes to the settlement boundaries in communities within the Borough. The rationale for the second change was to ensure that services in rural areas were maintained and improved.
The changes both had merit and some of the reasons given made a great deal of sense. However I always had concerns that the rural housing element would simply go to those who already had the most housing. This is largely what has happened.
It is clear that some limited development in some communities made sense and I think particularly of places like Market Bosworth and some communities that are seeing services closing - even the village pub in some settlements. Arguments were made suggesting a close alignment between services under threat and limited housing growth. What has happened however is that the majority of the rural housing has been allocated to Markfield, Ratby, Desford and Groby. These communities stand to gain very little from these developments and so add nothing to the sustainability of these communities. In effect it simply diverts housing from Hinckley towards the ‘northern’ parishes of the Borough.
I have throughout the process made my opinions clear and have sought to limit any possible growth particularly within my Borough Council ward of Markfield, Stanton and Field Head. I am not convinced of the need for changes to our settlement boundary and I am concerned at the political motivations of some involved. Alongside this, local landowners were ready to offer up huge swathes of land around us for prospective development and all of these have had to be considered. The Council has looked to use a formula to allocate numbers and I have raised issues with this formula. At one stage it looked as though Markfield and Field Head may need to take as many 150 new dwellings but other factors suggested a lower figure. I have held discussions in the past month and the figure is now down to 60. The Stanton figure is set at 30. On the one hand limiting the numbers is a success but on the other it will still require changes to the settlement boundaries and possible greenfield development. I have also had recent discussions at Hinckley on site allocations and I am looking to limit the damage to the open countryside around us. I hope to continue to progress this to the end.
A special Full Council meeting at Hinckley was held on the 30th September to progress the LDF. I voted against the housing numbers. The vote was however won by the current administration at Hinckley who incidentally holds all the Council seats at Hinckley and Burbage. This has disappointed me but I class myself as a veteran of being disappointed at the bias towards Hinckley which has always existed at the Council. I will continue to seek concessions and fight to limit any negative outcome. I still hope this will be possible.

A message from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council
Please respect your neighbours at Halloween and on Bonfire Night
October and November is a time of year that many people especially the elderly dread.
The clocks change and we have darker evenings and the dreaded Halloween “Trick or Treaters” and irresponsible use of fireworks comes to the fore. Fortunately over the past two years Markfield has not experienced much anti social behaviour linked to Halloween and Bonfire night but, you youngsters be warned, neither the Police or the Borough Council will tolerate irresponsible nuisance behaviour.
Special patrols will be on hand to deter anyone who causes anti-social behaviour especially on Halloween night. Shops have already been requested not to sell flour or eggs to young people.
At the end of the day no one has to tolerate anti-social behaviour especially the elderly or vulnerable and we all have a right to live in a safe and secure community. Equally we all have a responsibility to treat our neighbours and the community respectfully.
Anti-social behaviour includes any behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress and abusive or threatening behaviour is just one element that can arise during the Halloween and the Bonfire Night period.
If you do not heed this warning the Police and Council can send you and your parents a warning letter, take out an anti-social behaviour contract with you or in extreme circumstances seek an anti-social behaviour contract (ASBO) against you. If you are caught misbehaving on the streets the Police can also issues with an immediate street fine of £80.
We want people to enjoy these events but please do not upset others and would ask parents/guardians to supervise their children at Halloween, ensure that they do not have unsupervised fireworks and take them to organised firework displays. Thank you.
The Safety Crew

POLICE REPORT from PC4391 Jo Lockton
Dear Residents of Markfield and Stanton,
During March this year there was a report of a Distraction Burglary in Markfield, a male has now been arrested and charged with numerous offences of Distraction Burglaries across several Counties.
Although the male and his accomplice didn’t manage to get inside the address and take anything, this is obviously a concern to other residents in the village.
There is a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Markfield and Field Head, which has a considerable amount of new members.  I would ask that even if you are not a member of Neighbourhood Watch, please keep a lookout for neighbours who are elderly or vulnerable and report to Police anything you believe to be suspicious.
If anything suspicious is seen, it is always a good idea to see if they are in or near a vehicle and to write down the registration plate number, type and colour of vehicle. This is a line of enquiry that the Police can then follow up.
Should you need to contact me you can leave me a voice mail by contacting 0116 2222222 and follow the instructions and when prompted enter my collar number 4391 and I will contact you when I’m next on duty. Alternatively you can contact Police Community Support Officer Marilyn Stanhope as above via her collar number 6522.
PC 4391 Jo Lockton

Markfield Reading Garden launched
Markfield Reading Garden held its official launch during a special Wild and Wonderful Open Day on Monday 15th September.
The Chairman of the County Council, Mr Tony Kershaw, officially launched the garden by unveiling a mosaic based on a winning design by Ben Harper, aged 6, a pupil at Mercenfeld Primary School. The mosaic was created by artist Jo Allsopp. Children from Mercenfeld entertained the guests with songs. This was followed by the planting of two apple trees by Mr Kershaw and Mr Sprason.
Over the day, over a hundred people attended the Open Day activities, which included planting bulbs and pansies, story-times, jam-tasting with Markfield Women’s Institute, and displays and quizzes with staff from Community Heritage Initiative.
Community Groups
If any community groups would like to use the garden for a special event, please contact the Reading Garden Team. The garden is normally open during Markfield Library opening times.
Volunteers wanted
The Reading Garden is an ongoing community project and will be developed and maintained with the help of local volunteers. If anyone would like to get involved, please contact the Markfield Reading Garden Team at Markfield Library (tel. 0116 305 3642).

Casino Night - 007 Style!
Classics at Donington-le-Heath are holding a special themed evening on Saturday 1st November.
An 007 casino night and a supper as sophisticated as the spy himself. Tickets cost £35 each. Pre-Booking is essential. T: 01530 817214.

Extracts from the minutes of Markfield Parish Council
The following items are among the topics discussed at the Annual Parish Meeting of Markfield Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 2nd September 2008 at the Methodist Church, Markfield:
POLICE REPORT from PC J Lockton
August 2008
2 x Burglary Dwelling:-
• 01/08 – Ashby Road – Entry gained via insecure door: property taken including laptop and Ipod.
• 17/08 – Copt Oak Road – Rear ground floor window smashed: property taken including alcohol.
2 x Burglary other than dwelling:-
• 17-18/08 – Ratby Lane – Stable area entered: trailer and digger stolen.
• 28-29/08 – Hill Lane Close – Container forced: nothing taken.
1 x Damage to Motor Vehicle:-
• 03/08 – Meadow Lane – Vehicle damaged: suspect charged.
3 x Theft:-
• 01/08 – Stanton Lane: horse equipment taken.
• 10-11/08 – Forest Road: top of Saddlestone taken.
• 18-19/08 – Hill Lane Close: exhaust Silencers taken.
1 x Attempted theft from Motor Vehicle:-
• 23/08 – Uplands Drive car park: attempt to gain entry to vehicle.
1 x Theft from Motor Vehicle:-
• 24-25/08 – The Nook: MP3, debit card and parking badge taken.
4 x Theft of Motor Vehicle:-
• 08-09/08 – Meadow Lane: Ford Fiesta taken from driveway – still outstanding.
• 12/08 – Mayflower Close: Ford Fiesta moved onto Community Centre car park now recovered.
• 23/08 – Main Street: Leyland Tipper truck.
• 24/08 – A50: VW Scirocco stolen with keys – still outstanding
Other Policing Matters
Mrs A Cook reported that there were still problems regarding illegal/inconsiderate parking around the Doctors’ Surgery and Londis Store. PC Lockton said that she would monitor the situation and make a point of reminding drivers that they were illegally parked, but the issue of parking tickets was now the responsibility of the Local Authority Traffic Wardens.
Mrs A Lay reported that several residents living next to the Methodist Chapel had complained about what they believed to be someone hanging around the rear of the building at night. PC Lockton stated that officers would check the area whilst on patrol and suggested that the CCTV footage should be checked.
PC Lockton asked the members to consider further areas for the Neighbourhood Policing Priorities Initiative. The clerk stated that there had been a lot of minor incidents of anti-social behaviour occurring at the Millennium Garden over the summer months.
Dog waste collection
The Clerk had taken the following steps to ensure that the bins were emptied as previously resolved:
1) Comm-Spray had emptied the waste bins as a matter of urgency
2) The clerk had cancelled the previous contractor and paid them up to when the bins were last emptied, which was mid-June.
3) Made new arrangements with Comm-Spray to empty the bins twice weekly.
Leics County Highways – Grass Verge Maintenance
The Parish Council members agreed that the level of maintenance of the grass verges had been very poor this year throughout the village. Whilst it was appreciated that the weather over the last six weeks had aggravated the problem, the length of time between cuts had allowed the grass to grow exceptionally long and had allowed weeds to become very invasive. When the verges were cut the grass cuttings and weeds had not been removed properly, causing dead patches on the verges and a general untidy appearance on the footpaths. Weeds on the footpaths and along the Kerbsides had not been sprayed properly which was giving the village an unkempt appearance.
The clerk agreed to write to the County Highways to inform them of the Parish Council’s concerns.
BOROUGH COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Local Authority Traffic Wardens - Mr Lay stated that the Borough Council would be considering the possibilities of amalgamating the duties of traffic wardens and other neighbourhood wardens’ duties to improve the efficiency of the various services.
CISWO (Coal Industry and Social Welfare Organisation) Miners’ Welfare Institute – Mr Lay had attended a meeting with CISWO, but the representative did not attend. He had met with the solicitor acting on the Parish Council’s behalf to continue with the negotiations to determine how the proceeds from the sale of the property should be allocated.
The George Car Park – Mr Lay stated that the planning application had been withdrawn due to the problems with vehicular access to the site, so the Borough Council had begun Enforcement Action against Marston’s Brewery.
Bus Shelter improvement outside the Pharmacy-Chitterman Way -The clerk had contacted the County Council to find out if there was any funding available under the 2008/2009 Bus Stop improvement Scheme in order to install a new Bus Shelter at the site. Mr Wightman had informed her that all of the funding had been allocated for the current scheme.
Bardon Quarry Proposed New Road Stone Quarry adjacent to the current site on land adjacent to A511. – A liaison meeting was being arranged; the clerk and Mr Lay would attend.
Temporary 15M Telecommunications Tower; Land r/o Denbar Lodge, Hill Side: - After a site meeting Mr Lay stated that Hutchenson 3G UK Ltd had agreed to remove the mast. The company was looking to installing a “Pole” next to the transformer at Stoney Lane, as this would meet their needs to cover the M1.
Development of Land for industrial use and creation of new access and associated ground works. Land adjacent to Hill Lane Industrial Estate: -Withdrawn.
COMMUNITY CENTRE Single storey extension and alterations to the rear elevation. Phase 2 – Mr Lay stated that Keller Construction had applied for the Building Regulation approval and that Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council was currently drawing up a schedule of works, but this had been delayed due to the flooding. There would therefore be a three week delay to the works; this had been communicated to the contractor. He also informed the Parish Council that the Borough Council had installed two new “Working In Partnership” signs at the entrance to the Car Park.
Logo for Markfield Parish Council - The Members agreed that further consideration should be given to a Markfield Parish Council logo.
Flooding: - Mr Lay informed the members that the heavy rain experienced throughout the summer had meant that the grounds surrounding the Centre had become totally water logged and that the current drainage system around the area was no longer able to cope with the torrential rain experienced at the weekend. The problem seems to have been intensified by the new extension built on the side of the building which had prevented the water from running down the side of the building therefore forcing the water to enter through the front doors.
Mr Lay had sought advice on the matter and that a flood prevention barrier to the front entrance had been recommended to him.
Resolved, the Parish Council accepted the quotation from Caro Group at a cost of £740.00 exc. VAT.
Further resolved, it was also agreed that the provision of a Storm Drain to alleviate/divert flooding from the car park onto the field should be investigated further.
Probation Service - The Probation Service had volunteered to carry out a schedule of minor works around the Centre, but all materials and equipment would need to be purchased. Mrs Beesley had requested that she be given a sum of money to purchase paint, paint brushes and sandpaper etc… so that the exterior wood work could be painted. Resolved, the Parish Council agreed to provide a maximum of £100.00 funds for the provision of materials for this work.
Markfield Village Fete 16th August 2008 - Mr Lay on behalf of the Parish Council thanked Markfield Community Centre Association and all of the other volunteers involved in the success of the Event and the Firework display. Unfortunately Mr Lay had received two letters of complaint from residents living close to the Centre regarding the fireworks.
The Parish Council agreed fully with Mr Lay’s response in that it was appreciated that fireworks can cause distress to animals, but the event had been well publicised in advance and the display was only an annual event lasting for 20 minutes. Many local residents had attended the event and had expressed their appreciation that Markfield now had an annual village Fete, as do many other villages.
Playground Extension: - The Deputy Clerk would place the order with Park Leisure to extend the playground area using 2 x 2 panels on each side - 4 linear metres of 1.2m high galvanized bow top fencing supplied and installed £272.80 at the same time as the proposed skatepark refurbishment.

Next meeting is on 16th October
Community Forums
Giving you a say in shaping your community
County, District and Parish Councillors and representatives from other agencies such as the Health Service and the Police are working together, to ensure that services provided in local areas match the needs of the local communities.
There are 27 Community Forums across Leicestershire; these are public meetings where residents are encourage to attend and participate.
Hinckley & Bosworth forums are split into three forum areas and the next meeting for Markfield, Ratby & Groby takes place on:
Thursday 16th October 2008 at
Ratby Methodist Church,
24 Cottage Close, Ratby, LE6 0XY
Come along and have your say! Play an active part in your community, ask questions, find out what services are provided or been planned in your area and make recommendations on how to improve local services.
For more information, contact:
• Sabrina Malik at samalik@leics.gov.uk Community Engagement Manager Sabrina Malik at County Hall, Glenfield, LE3 8RA Leics. (Tel: 0116 305 5951) or
• Juan Pardo at jpardo@leics.gov.uk Community Engagement Officer at County Hall, Glenfield, LE3 8RA Leics. (Tel: 0116 305 765)
Or log onto www.leicestershireforums.org

News from Markfield Community & Sports Centre - from Ron Grantham

Headline News - Janet Retires
Pride of place for this month’s Herald article must go the our very own Janet Cave who after seventeen years of working at the Centre has finally hung up her knitting needles, give us a fond “Goodbye Ducky” and retired.
Janet thought that we had forgotten her retirement or we were planning a cunning surprise for her when she returned form her fishing holiday in Norfolk but no, surprise, surprise we caught Janet out with a surprise party on her last “shift” as duty officer at the Centre on Friday 19th September.
I must say that Janet was genuinely stunned when she walked through the door to find her husband John family, staff, friends and customers waiting for her - it actually “gob smacked” her and brought on a few little tears from time to time. Janet was showered with bunches of flowers and a gift from the Association in appreciation of all that she has done at the Centre. We all hope you have a wonderful retirement Janet - but who is going to make the tea now?
Building Works
AT LAST WE ARE ABOUT THERE!
I am really chuffed to tell you that building work on the new main hall extension is about to start. Believe you me it has been a lot of hard work raising funds, sorting out contracts, this problem and that problem but finally work commences.
You would not believe the amount of cajoling and threats to “break people’s legs” tactics Dawn has had to use to get us to this stage. Grateful thanks must go to Matthew Lay, the Parish Council, the Borough Council and all those who have helped us raise funds, supported our “Buy a Brick” appeal or given us grants to get this major project up and running. Just a word of warning, the building works will, no matter how hard we try to rearrange things, will disrupt some of our bookings, classes or events over the next five months or so. Please bear with us, as it will all be worthwhile in the end.
I’m afraid the old Centre is beginning to look more and more like a building site as, on top the extension project, the Parish Council is now refurbishing the skate park. The skate park has been so popular and used so much by our young people it is now literally worn out. The skate park is having a complete overhaul with a brand new specialist surface, surrounding pavement and bordering fence. The funding for the upgrade has come from the Borough Council’s Parish Grant and we are yet again grateful to them and to the Parish Council for helping us to complete these works for the benefit of our youngsters.
Noah’s Ark
I recall mentioning in last month’s Herald that the Centre had been the victim of flash flooding in August well, we have suffered five times now - must be the effects of global warming.
We have got some fantastic CCTV footage of water pouring down Mayflower close from the top of the village, cascading into the car park, whooshing down the centre steps and straight through the front door. As a result the centre has been flooded right up to the main hall door soaking the lounge, small hall and offices. It’s been no joke for the staff having to mop and clear up after each deluge.
Help is at hand as the Parish Council is installing a flood barrier and we are getting the County Council to try and resolve this ongoing problem on a long-term basis. If these measures don’t succeed we will have to consider getting Janet out of retirement to supervise the Young Offenders and Junior Youth Club in building an Ark.
If you have walked by the Centre recently you will have noticed one recent improvement that is the erection of new signs at the entrance to the Centre. They are very smart and recognises the joint working we do as well as clearly showing people where the centre is.
Charity Fashion Show
On Wednesday 10th September villagers Dianne Dowell and Tracey Upton held a “catwalk” fashion show in aid of Macmillan Nurses.
The event raised over £250 and at the same time those who attended to support the cause secured some good bargain priced fashion clothes. The Macmillan Nurses mean a lot to both Dianne and Tracey who have had their help with members of their families and really appreciate the care they provide.
Russell/Lay Family Reunion
On Saturday 13th September descendents of Markfield’s Russell family once again celebrated a family reunion at the Centre. The family can trace their family tree right back to William Russell (1762 – 1849) who originated from the Wigston area.
Many local families are descended from the Russell line including Lay, Marston, Bott, Massey, Gostelow and many other family names, too many to mention, through marriage. The family tree is truly amazing and steeped in family history and stories. Although many family descendents are still in the village others have spread their wings across the length and breadth of the country and even as far away as Portugal. The event also raised over £300 towards Cancer Research.

Jeff Kelb’s 70th Birthday Party
Saturday 27th September saw Jeff Kelb celebrate his 70th Birthday (birthday actually on the 26th) with family and friends at the Centre.
Jeff and his wife Pauline have lived in the village for over forty years raising two children Alison and Alan. Pauline and Alan are regular badminton players at the Centre. Jeff himself also has a sporting background, as I understand that he used to represent this country as a cross-country skier when he was in the army. Jeff worked as a lorry driver for Jack Bott then did a stint down Bagworth pit before retiring as a gardener at Groby Hospital.
Annual General Meeting
That time of the year has rapidly come round again with the Centre’s Annual general meeting taking place at the Centre at 7.45pm on Thursday 30th October.
For those that don’t know it the Centre is run as a registered charity through the Markfield Community Association that has a voluntary Management Committee. We have a couple of vacancies on the Committee and with the Centre embarking on exciting times ahead we would welcome any new members who would like to help us run and develop what we do. All are welcome to the meeting and I will even stand you a drink.
Football Coaching Half term
During the October school half term we will once again be running our popular Schulz Football Coaching sessions 10 am to 3pm Tuesday 21st to Friday 24th October.
The training conforms to Dutch Coaching methods and the programme includes technical and specialist coaching, prizes, certificates and competitions. The sessions are open to boys and girls aged 6 to 14 years who are currently playing for a junior club. The cost for the whole session is just £35 per child. To book your child’s place please contact Marc Schulz on 07525 857402 or email marc@schulzcoaching.co.uk.
Halloween
As Halloween falls on a Friday this year we will be holding our now legendary spooky Halloween party at Junior Youth Club on Wednesday 29th October.
I’m not going to tell you what tricks we will be up as we want it to be “revenge” for the staff on the kids so, bring them along - if you dare. Joking apart this can literally be a nightmare time of the year especially for our elderly residents and I would ask you all to bear in mind the message from the Borough Council’s Safety Crew in this edition of the Herald.
Finding Flossie Hopewell
One of our new activities is proving to be a massive hit with children and their parents.
This is Finding Flossie Hopewell that takes place at the Centre on Thursday afternoons 1pm to 2.30pm. It is aimed at younger children and their parents and gives them the chance to use their own imagination through fun games – just come along and join in with your children, you will enjoy it.
Forthcoming Events - Dates for your Diary
7.30pm Saturday 11th October : A Scottish Ceilidh has been organised by Gwen MacLeod to raise funds for the local Women’s Refuge and Clan MacLeod. The event will include the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society a Piper and singing as well as a buffet. For tickets contact Gwen on 01530 813422.
Wednesday 22nd October: The National Blood Transfusion Service will be at the Centre all day - please come along a donate your valuable blood
Saturday 25th October: Proposed Friends of Chernobyl event - for details contact John Thatcher 01530 243097
Saturday 15th November: Church Fayre
And Finally
As part of the Borough Councils CPA Review (a bit like an OFSTED Inspection) - the Inspectors stopped off at the Centre as part of their tour of the Borough.
I must say that they were extremely impressed by what we do here and our partnership work with the Borough and Parish Councils and other agencies such as the Police. During the visit we presented them with our “I Love Markfield” tee shirts and challenged them to have them worn somewhere in the world - that brought a huge smile to their faces and I understand that one of them has sent it to South America.
Incidentally, we are now starting to get photographs of people wearing the tee shirts abroad. One is from Ron Sprason (pictured right) who proudly wore it on holiday in Malta. Don’t forget that the challenge to wear the tee shirt in the most far-flung or unusual location anywhere in the world closes on the 14th February 2009. There are prizes but you need to send in your photographs as proof.

FILM REVIEWS from Markfield’s Danny Parker
MARKFIELD FILM FAN Danny Parker loves movies so much that he wants to share his passion with you lucky Herald readers. Thanks Danny!
TAKEN(15)
Director Pierre Moral
Starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Xander Berkley
How far would you go to get your daughter back?
Taken sees Liam Neeson take on the underworld of Paris in this one-man revenge mission to retrieve his daughter.
Neeson plays Brian Kinsey a retired washed-up CIA operative who has moved closer to his daughter Kim (Grace) to salvage a relationship that has been lost to serving his country.
His wife Lenore (Janssen) has remarried to a wealthy businessman and his daughter Kim, now a spoilt teenager, are both struggling to accept him back into their lives.
After persistent persuading, an overprotective Kinsey agrees to let his daughter head off to Paris with her best friend for a summer of fun and culture on their own, and Kim is almost instantly kidnapped by crazed Albanian baddies, to be sold to the underground slave trade.
Using his years of experience Kinsey decides to go on a rampage and kill them all to get her back.
Neeson makes a surprisingly good action hero - a kind of grown-up middle-aged Jason Bourne in which the Oscar-nominated actor makes you believe good guys do win in the end.
The film works very well. Not the most ingenious and original of ideas and script but the action sequences and fight scenes make up for that - and can be pretty brutal at times. You can almost feel every punch and bone crunching scrap along with Neeson, and will be willing him on to kick the Albanians into next week.
There is a resemblance to films like the Bourne trilogy and the Transporter films (the same scriptwriters) but Taken is a reliable, hard-hitting fast-paced action film that delivers on many levels and will have you leaving the cinema with that notion of ‘money well spent’.
Overall verdict - A fast packed action film with great set pieces, well worth watching
THE WOMEN (12A)Director Diane English
Starring Meg Ryan, Annette Benning, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jade Pinkett Smith, Bette Midler
Mary Haines (Ryan) is a top fashion designer who seems to have it all, a beautiful home, rich husband, loving daughter and a close circle of friends but when her best friend Sylvie (Benning) discovers her husband is having an affair with sultry ‘spritzer’ girl Crystal Allen (Mendez) it all falls apart.
Sporting an all-star cast this is a witty remake of the 1935 classic. Debut director Diane English tells the story cleverly and, without the use of any male influences like its predecessor, it works very well.
Ryan injects downtrodden socialite wife Mary with depth and emotion, but it’s Oscar winner Benning who steals the show with her quick one-liners, ballsy attitude, but also a sense of desperation.
Bette Midler’s comic performance as flamboyant top agent & man-eater Leah Miller is highly enjoyable, but there’s not enough of her.
Overall verdict – a highly enjoyable witty chick flick full of laughs and true emotion.
TROPIC THUNDER (15)
Director Ben Stiller
Starring Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jnr, Jack Black, Steve Coogan, Nick Nolte
A group of movie stars including lothario Kirk Lazarus (Downey Jnr), funny man Jeff Portnoy (Black) and all action hero Tugg Speedman (Stiller) are hired to star in the most expensive war movie ever made - Tropic Thunder. Due to spiralling costs they are dropped in a real life jungle of South East Asia and unknowingly for them are starring in real life war.
The over-pampered actors are forced to become the fighting unit they’re portraying to stay alive.
Unfortunately this film fails to meet expectations, the gags are flat and the story predictable.
Speedman (Stiller) is frankly unfunny; Portnoy (Black) at times is annoying, whilst Lazarus - an unrecognisable Robert Downey Jnr - is the main star producing a great comic performance throughout.
There are great comic turns from Matthew McConaughey, Steve Coogan and a very funny Tom Cruise.
If you like films like Dodgeball & Zoolander you will love this otherwise it’s just an average lame comedy.
Overall verdict – a disappointing comedy that isn’t as funny as you’d hope.

Craft Fair in aid of animals
The Leicestershire branch of the RSPCA is holding another of their popular Christmas Craft Fairs in aid of the Woodside Animal Centre at the Groby Village Hall on Sunday the 16th of November from 10am to 4pm.
This is an important fund raising event for this very busy animal home. The Centre needs over £11,000 per week to care for the 3,500 animals it takes in every year.
Event organiser Ken Schofield is hoping that there will be a good turnout of members and other animal welfare supporters. He added ‘We could not do this vital work for the welfare of animals without the generous support of the people of Leicestershire’
There will be a variety of crafts and seasonal items for sale. The RSPCA will have their own fund raising stalls, tombola, pet tombola and excellent refreshments will also be available. Adult admission is £1 and accompanied children are free.
It is rumoured that Father Christmas will pop in after checking on Rudolph and friends who will be relaxing in Bradgate Park before the hectic and tiring delivery of presents on Christmas Eve.

Don’t be alone this Christmas
Last year around 40 people enjoyed FREE OF CHARGE a full 5 course Christmas meal, entertainment and gifts.
Helpers too were blessed by being part of the festivities.
This will be the third year that Dave Ford of Anstey based Africa Aid has organised the Christmas day event.
He wants to publicise this event as early as possible to allow enough time for local individuals, Churches, community groups, shops and businesses to contact him to pledge their support in some way.
If you would like to support either materially or financially, be a guest on the day or would like to help as a server then please call Dave on 0116 2368811.

Santa Fun Run 2008
Bigger and better is the theme for the fourth Great Loughborough Santa Fun Run.
On Sunday 7th December the Rotary Club of Loughborough, together with support from Loughborough University, are planning for 1500 runners to set off at 11.00am on the 6km (4 miles) circular route from University international running track and through the centre of Loughborough.
Last year 1050 fun runners raised £50,000 which benefited 49 charities. The entrance fee of £10 basically covers the cost of staging the event so sponsorship is really important to the financial success of the event. This year the main beneficiaries will be Rainbows, LOROS, Macmillan Cancer Support and the British Heart Foundation, as well as other Rotary charities.
So how can you enter and join in the fun? You can enter on-line through www.raceentry.co.uk, you can request an entry form from David Hollins on 01162 290495, pick up an entry form at the Tourist Information Office at the Town Hall, collect a form from the Loughborough Building Society in High Street, or call in at the Loughborough Echo Office.

Two events in Stanton
Gail Massey has kindly sent us details of two forthcoming events taking place in Stanton-under-Bardon.
‘Old Tyme Music Hall’ evening with ‘Stanton under Bardon Singers and Friends’ in St. Mary & All Saints Church, Stanton under Bardon on Friday 31st October 2008 at 7.30pm.
Tickets £3.50 on the door, Refreshments included.
Christmas Fayre in St. Mary & All Saints Church on Saturday 29th November 2008 2pm-4pm
Stalls:- Crafts, Christmas cards, plants, cakes, preserves, Tombola & Raffle, bric a brac.
Teas and coffee will be served.

Recycling changes
Residents are reminded that the first of a series of improvements to the refuse and recycling service have started.
The Borough Council is changing the way that it collects refuse and recycling so that everyone will only have to remember one day every week for their refuse and recycling collections. In January a kerbside collection of plastics will begin for all households.
Every household should have received a new refuse and recycling calendar during the last three weeks. Anyone who hasn’t received one should contact the Borough Council on 01455 238141.

Africa Aid
Anstey based Africa Aid will be making another material aid delivery to the Maternity and Orphanage hospital at Sidi-Kacem in Morocco following the Anstey Gala.
This will be the sixteenth delivery made to Morocco. Around two tonne of aid is normally transported overland through France and Spain to them. Past aid has included wheelchairs, paramedics beds, zimmer frames, walking sticks, Gift packs for the new mothers and their babies containing nappies, wet-wipes creams, lotions, sanitary ware, baby clothes and blankets etc. Medicines, microscopes, laboratory and surgical equipment and various medical appliances have also been taken. Most of the Aid is kindly donated by individuals. More Aid is needed for the next trip due to take place March/April 2009.
If you would like to help support the work then please call Dave; 0116 2368811

Climate Friendly Communities Seminar
VENUE: Thornton Village Hall
DATE: 30th October 2008 TIME: Starts 6pm (Buffet)- 9.30pm
Free Event - booking essential - contact Climate Friendly Seminar, c/o Diana Cook, Rural Community Council, 133 Loughborough Road Leicester LE4 5LQ or by email dcook@ruralcc.org.uk

Great news for 17-25 year-olds
Young people’s Phab club to open in Groby
A new club where young disabled and able-bodied people can share in fun, activities and outings is opening in Groby on Wednesday 22nd October.
Phab is a national charity through which local volunteers run clubs where people with and without physical disabilities come together on equal terms for fun, friendship and enjoyment.
Kay Knowles, one of the club’s organisers, told us that ‘Phabtimes’ Club will meet monthly, starting on Wednesday 22nd October, from 7.30pm to around 10pm, and young people from 17-25 years old will be welcome.
Kay says: “We’ll use the recreation room at The Stamford Arms in Leicester Road, Groby as our home base. Later we’ll arrange activities and outings as well as enjoying fun days and weekends away with people from Phab Clubs in other areas.”
The launch will include a disco, Karaoke, light nibbles and soft drinks.
The organisers will arrange bowling, pool, music, quizzes and sports activities, as well as organising outings with other Phab Clubs.
They say this isn’t a club just for disabled young people - it’s for both able-bodied and disabled people and the able-bodied are expected to reap every bit as much benefit as the disabled.
Anyone interested in going along to the new club can just turn up on 22nd October or - for more information - phone Kay on 07500 112877. General information about Phab nationally is available at www.phab.org.uk

Markfield & Stanton Marathon Men
Congratulations to Scott Stewart, Sam Platts. Jamie Torrance and Simon Davies who travelled over to Bordeaux, France to run through the wine region in the Medoc marathon on September 6th.
The lads from Markfield and Stanton would like to thank their travelling support who made it a memorable occasion.
Visit the website at http://www.marathondumedoc.com/pages/en/resultats.php for details of the event, plus runners’ times.

Rare Breeds Survival Trust Meetings
The East Midlands Support Group of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust holds meetings at the Congregational Hall, Main Street, Markfield.
The next two meetings of the group are:
Friday 17th October ~ Robert Moorhouse ~ A Slide Show about the History of Farming ~ 8pm
Friday 28th November ~ 7.00pm for 7.30pm ~ End of Season Dinner
For more information, contact Brenda Featherstone on 01530 242173.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NEWS - from Alex Ritchie
Since becoming involved as a Markfield Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator I have developed a habit of checking our own County Police, Villages and N.W web sites to keep abreast of current local news, views and developments.
I also read a couple of newspapers and watch the TV news. Often I have to pinch myself for reassurance that I am not dreaming and am, in fact, living in the real world.
What used to happen
Many years ago, whilst still at school I used to travel with my local village soccer team and earn a few shillings reporting the match detail in the weekly newspaper.
Occasionally I did other assignments and I well recall actually travelling with a Parliamentary candidate to report the speech he made at various village halls (four) and being relieved to find he repeated himself at each location. By the time we reached the last one I had filled in all the bits I had missed at the earlier venues and could sit in front of a warm heater with my feet up. Yes, it was a real cold Scottish evening and I had actually had to help push his car out of a snow drift. That could not happen now. Why? Read the following report.
What happens now
Home Secretary Pledges A Community Crime Fighter for Every Beat. (Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:27)
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is set to use her Labour Party conference speech to pledge to empower communities to fight crime. She will announce a £5 million fund to train “community crime fighters”
Ordinary members of the public will be instructed on how they can work with neighbourhood police teams to combat crime, she will say. About 3,600 volunteers, including members of neighbourhood watch teams, will act as a link between police, local authorities and the public. They will help to publicise the effects of community punishments so people know what has happened to criminals not sent to jail. And they will tell police about local crime priorities.
In her speech to Labour members in Manchester, the Home Secretary will promise “fair rules and firm action” and will pledge to be “on the side of communities”.
Did Anyone Hear Her Say all that??
How, I ask, can anyone report as news something that has not yet actually been said? It is a nonsense. Likewise a Home Office request, to be returned just eight days earlier, to answer 4 key questions in a Home Office Policy Review of their strategy for Neighbourhood Watch. Did her announcement, created and actually printed before she made it, take any account of the review? How could it? This brings me to:-
Markfield Neighbourhood Watch – P.R.
I am proud of our P.R. here in Markfield. Public Relations – Yes that’s fine but the P.R. I am talking about is PRACTICALITY and REALISM.
With a membership that has more than quadrupled in the past year, a first class (on first name terms) communicative relationship with our Local Police Unit members with regular crime information circulation contact what could be more Practical or Realistic. At our recent AGM, attended by Police representatives, a full committee of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Three Members and an Area Coordinator were re-elected and/or appointed.
Funding
Elsewhere in the County apparently there have been reports of discontent over some attempts being made to charge residents for some aspect of N.W. service. Obviously there are personal costs involved but I have no intention of ever charging for any I encounter nor do I know of any colleague who would do so either. Membership is free and everyone here in Markfield are members.
Thanks to the generous Herald donation that has allowed us to open a properly managed bank account and purchase new street signs publicly advertising our presence, we have gone from there to, only recently, hold a small Indoor Market –on the 20th Sept, the day before Ms Smith’s press release. Our Market was very well supported. This has given us a solid base for funding of future N.W. activity although none are, as yet, specifically planned but options are being explored.
However, I would like once again to thank our members for the support they gave on or before the Market day either by way of donating articles, manning a stall, just attending and/or buying an item (some did all four). Such help was not only PRACTICAL but also REALISTIC.
A Special Mention – with Pride
I would like to actually name and particularly thank an interesting little threesome – stall holder and one of our oldest members, Mary Ashton, who I am pleased to tell you recently received her World War Two Land Army Medal, and our youngest two members - eleven year olds – Leah and Georgia who, I am reliably informed, spent the whole of the preceding evening preparing their contribution which, I am told, sold like hot cakes. I wonder what the age difference between these three is - perhaps we should have had a guessing competition and made a few more pence.
Finally - Some Teenagers Are Letting Us Down
Having on previous occasions boasted about the good quality of our local youngsters it saddens me to have to draw some Mums’ and Dads’ attention to bad behaviour being experienced by residents in the Coppice and Chase areas. Apparently a group of up to four lads and two lasses, often on bicycles, making their way presumably to and from home during the evening are knocking over fences, banging on windows and generally, when reprimanded, being abusive to elderly residents. This is not what we expect from Markfield youngsters. Come on parents, you know who we are talking about so sort them out now – before the Police do.
Crime update
In Ratby a car parked in Ferndale Drive was damaged during the evening or overnight on Friday 19th September when someone gouged the paintwork with a key or instrument causing serious damage.
In Markfield a house in The Paddock was broken into during the early hours of Friday 26th September.The owner hearing a noise came down to find that someone had broken in through a side door and stolen a handbag from the kitchen area. Always place all valuable items such as car keys and handbags, etc in a safe place when retiring to bed.
Further thefts of diesel fuel have taken place from vehicles parked in the compounds of commercial premises in Shaw Lane. If you are in the area can you please contact us if you see anything suspicious.
In Groby there appears to be someone breaking into garages. Two garages on Ratby Road and Qourndon Rise were broken into recently and cycles were stolen. An attempted burglary to a garage on Stephenson Way also occurred but no entry was gained.
Also in Leicester Road, Groby about midday on Thursday, 25th September an elderly lady resident was visited by a man who having got into her house by telling a story, stole money.
He is described as white, skinny build, about 40 years of age, bald headed, scruffy appearance wearing dirty blue jeans and a denim jacket with a hood.
After he left he was seen walking toward the library direction. If you have had a call or have seen this person can you contact the Police on 0116 222 2222.

Help ... in the city of love
During August my husband took me to Paris for a long weekend, we were celebrating a very special birthday and I wanted to do something different.
We took the EuroStar first class to Paris which was an extremely pleasant experience and one to be thoroughly recommended. You were treated to a three-course meal and as much champagne and wine as you could drink. The trip from St Pancras to Paris took 2 hrs 20 mins.
During our preparation for the trip we found an organisation in Paris called “Paris Greeters”. This we were informed was an organisation of enthusiastic Parisians, all of whom donated their time free of charge escorting visitors around parts of Paris that they wished to visit. We could have chosen visiting galleries, local beauty spots, main tourist locations or even shops but we chose to see Paris street life.
Like Leicester, Paris is a multi-cultural city and we experienced this whilst meandering through the immigrant quarter with its colourful streets, the hum of music, brightly coloured clothes and fragrant aromas of their different cultures.
Our guide Jean-Michel met us on the morning in question and showed us around Department 18 which is at the foot of Montmartre. It is one of the oldest parts of Paris and a lot of the very old buildings still exist. The area is undergoing regeneration with vast amounts of money being spent transforming it to its former glory.
All in all we had an exceptional and interesting day with Jean-Michel who was a charming and interesting guide. If Paris had won the 2012 Olympic games this area would have been developed for the athletes’ village.
For anyone contemplating a visit to Paris we would thoroughly recommend contacting this free organisation which can make your visit more memorable.
Their website address is – www.parisgreeter.org, where you will find a ‘visitor request form’ to complete.
Lorraine Comley, Markfield

MARKFIELD FC UPDATE
Soggy weather delays the big kick off
Report from Rob Burton
Only the first team were in action on opening day and were unlucky to lose 4-1 to a strong Falcons side, Ice Cold missing a penalty along the way which is a first. Hubbsy had a stormer in goal as did the defence in general. Alex Cook scored for us.
Match day 2 saw all three sides in action: the first team beating Sileby 4-3 at home, with Ice Cold bagging a hat-trick (including a peno!) and Dance Hall Herbie notching the other. Our ressies recorded a stunning away win at Railway running out 5-3 winners. Scorers were Dead Eye Doddsie , Deano Campbell and Cal Rousseau.
The A side began life with an 8-3 defeat to a more experienced Loughborough Utd Res. The youngsters gave a better account of themselves than the scoreline suggests. Messrs Armeni and Ryland were on the score sheet (combined age approaching 65!). Well done the kids!
Match day 3 saw the first team win 3-0 away at Charnwood Old Boys. The troops were magnificent - Velvet, Ice Cold and Alex Cook striking to record a victory against strong opposition (our first clean sheet in a good while!)
Lee’s Ressies came unstuck, losing 8-4 away at Anstey Crown. The lads put up a fight with father and son combo Dave and Callum Rousseau, Aiden Bates and Ross Parker Knoll (as Lee named him on the match card!) all on the scoresheet .
The A team lost to top of the league Birstall 5-3, but put up an excellent show with Stag Ryland, Friar Tut and Nuggett on the scoresheet. Manager Fletch was well pleased with his charges .
Match day 4 saw the first team romp to a tasty 5-0 win over joint top East Leake, coming in 4-0 up at half time with goals from Alex Cook, Speedy (2) and Ice Cold. Gaffar Brown completed the rout (Two clean sheets in a row? C’mon the reds!)
The Ressies were beaten 4-1 by unbeaten table toppers Ashby Ivanhoe - Dead Eye getting the goal. The lads put up a good performance by all accounts and look stronger by the week (watch this space).
Fletch’s A team got their first ever point with a 3-3 draw at Sileby. Friar Tut, Little Rich and Ricky Butler got the goals - well done boys .
MARKFIELD F.C. QUIZ NIGHTS AT THE RED LION TAKE PLACE WEDNESDAYS WITH AN 8-30 START. IT COSTS A POUND A PLAYER TO TAKE PART. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COME AND SUPPORT US AND HOPEFULLY ENJOY THE EVENING.
Finally, I shall leave you with this thought ..........
Give all that you have and take less than you need.
Rid the hunger, but not through your greed
Jose

Lions at large
Bradgate Lions are not a new zoological species, roaming through the woods to the west of Leicester, or a Rugby Football Club.
But rather a dedicated band of people who seek to raise funds in the district to support charities and other deserving causes, and also to provided practical help to others wherever they can.
During the twelve months July 07 to June ’08 they raised £12,000, which they donated to thirteen different charities, including Air Ambulance, LOROS, Rainbows, and Children in Need
But it is not all hard work. Members enjoy camaraderie at their monthly business meetings, held on the second Thursday of each month at their HQ. at Forest Hills Golf Club, Botcheston, and various social activities on the fourth Thursday at other venues
To enable them to carry on with their work they are now looking for new members, who can contribute their ideas for new activities and opportunities for fun, fundraising and service initiatives.
If this should be of interest to you and any of your friends, colleagues or partners, then to hear more and to meet our Club members, please do not hesitate to get in touch, by ringing Lion Roger Gamble on 01530 242912 who would be pleased to speak with you, and to arrange a meeting.
Craft Fair - 25th October
Bradgate Lions are holding a Craft Fair on Saturday 25th. October at Kirby Muxloe Village Hall, Tables are £10 each, and are available to selected Crafts, (we don’t want to double up with the crafts!) all enquiries should be made to Lion Keith on 0116 2204543.