Thornton Action Group was founded to fundraise in relation to ‘Keep Thornton Green’, a direct response to planning applications on the far side of the reservoir.
The group funds have remained in place for several years in case they were needed, but the Action Group have decided to relinquish monies held in this account. It is with the greatest of pleasure that the members of TAG have donated to Thornton St Peter’s Church over £1,500 to help with the arboriculture work which has taken place within the churchyard.
The group has also paid for two new sets of pads for the defibrillator on the wall facing the car park at the Bricklayers Arms, having reached their expiry date, replacements are required. The group is happy to be involved with two worthwhile projects.
Bagworth, Markfield, Stanton under Bardon and Thornton
By Liz Mitchell
This is the Centenary year of both the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal.
One hundred years ago, veterans were begging in the streets and surviving on hand-outs and soup kitchens. The fabric of our society had been wrecked by WWI, and the health and social care that we take for granted today did not exist then.
The Legion began its life to meet an immediate need to support the returning veterans and their families. Today the Royal British Legion is the largest military charity and has Remembrance, welfare and campaigning at the heart of all we do. We have a network of members that works nationwide to educate all members of the community and to keep the act of Remembrance alive all year round.
The collections and donations from our four villages this year totalled £2,947.06. The schools in our area raised a total of £1,218.63, which is exceptional. Every penny that was raised through this collection will go directly to welfare. My thanks go to all the school staff, pupils, parents, villagers, businesses, Markfield WI, youth organisations and the Parish Councils that have helped in the Poppy Appeal this year.
This weekend is the Christmas Tree Festival and also the Carol Service at St Peter’s Church. Local people and groups go to great effort to decorate the trees in church and the effect is usually spectacular and magical – well worth popping in for a look!
Last Saturday saw the welcome return of the Seniors Christmas party at the Community Centre. This annual event has been held for many years in the village.
Last year because of the Covid lockdown instead of the party, pensioners in the village were treated to a much appreciated Christmas hamper each.
It was so lovely to see the hall decked out for a party, together with the theatre group’s Christmas tree on stage. The tables looked magnificent, each with a table decoration (not to mention a bottle of Cava).
Copyright – Gillatphotography
The doors opened at 4pm and people were buzzing as they came in, obviously excited at the thought of ‘normality’ and meeting up with other residents they hadn’t seen for some time.
Fifty one residents were served with a glorious afternoon tea of sandwiches, nibbles, delicious puddings and cakes, all washed down with copious amounts of tea interspersed with Cava and bottles of wine.
Raffle tickets were purchased and after the tables were cleared the prizes were drawn. There must have been about 20 raffle prizes all kindly donated mainly by the ‘helpers’ and their families and some brought by the party goers – although well wrapped, most looked like bottles and I don’t mean milk bottles!
Food and prizes sorted – the band, Go Daddy Daddy, were set up and ready to go. The party got started with a bit of ‘rock and roll’, by ‘dancing the night away’ to the Mavericks, and all the favourite songs from our ‘youth’. Zimmer frames were parked, sticks abandoned, creaking hips and dodgy knees ignored, nothing was going to stop everyone having a good time. After such a horrid 20 months it was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves.
Copyright – Gillatphotography
To show our appreciation for all the effort and hard work of Maureen and Angeline and their 6 helpers there was a ‘whip round’ for the ‘girls’ which raised £120. Unsurprisingly they refused to accept this, but instead the money will be put towards next years party – enough for two bottles of Cava per table!!
Copyright – Gillatphotography
Here’s to the next one. If you would like to help in anyway or make a donation or gift a raffle prize – email: – thorntonvillage@aol.com
The theme of the Festival is “Christmas stories and films in any media”. Please Note: Battery-operated lights only (no electrical leads/cables permitted).
Closing Date for entries: 6th December to Sue Bakewell, 8 Church Lane, Thornton. Please Note: Entries are restricted to 30 trees in total and so will be on a ‘First Come, First Accepted’
Terms and Conditions
Height of tree: Trees up to 1m (38”) high will be displayed above floor level on boards etc; all trees over 1m high will be displayed on the floor. Entry Category: Children/Family Adult. Choose a title on which the tree decoration will be based.
St. Peter’s will be open on Friday 10th December, 2pm – 7pm for you to bring your tree into the church and decorate it. You will be allocated your space on arrival. If you need to come outside of those times, please contact Sue; email suembakewell@gmail.com / telephone 01530 231625 to arrange a mutually convenient time.
St. Peter’s will be open on Tuesday 14th December, 2pm – 7pm for you to take down and remove your tree. If you need to come outside of those times or wish to leave your tree for the Christmas Services, please contact Sue to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Festival Prizes: There will be 3 prizes: the best tree decorated by adults, the best tree decorated by children/family, and the most ingenious or original design.
St Peters Church – 29th November 2021 – copyright Gillatphotography
Arriving at the Reservoir Inn around 10am, touring the village on Colin’s steam engine visiting Highfields, Main Street, top and bottom, before arriving at the Community Centre for a day in his Grotto seeing little people.
Craft fayre opens at 10am. Lots to do and see including making Christmas decorations. See you there!
Thornton 