News

WALKING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER FUTURE

17 – 19 September 2021

The National Forest Trek is a new fundraising challenge event providing participants with the chance to walk some or all of the 75mile National Forest Way. Created by three founding charities across the area of the National Forest, the event is open to all, including those that wish to raise funds for their own causes.

Support was given all the way from Beacon Hill, near the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), through ancient woodland and newly planted trees, to the finish at the National Memorial Arboretum, the nation’s year-round centre of remembrance.

The first break for the intrepid walkers came thirteen and a half miles from the start, at Thornton Community centre. There they were greeted by two of the trustees and Trailplus organisers who provided them with well deserved refreshments and a very welcome sit down.

Huge congratulations to everyone who took on the inaugural National Forest Trek last weekend. What an incredible achievement over £25,000 was raised for charitable causes.

MESports are back at the Community Centre after a long break due to Covid.

ME Sports in the Community (megroup-uk.co.uk)

See their website for more information on what sports are available at the hall.

These are the classes due to start soon in the sports hall – if you would like more information call them on 01530 242 706 or visit them at Innovation House, 232 Leicester Road, Field Head, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9RG. There is an email contact form on their website.

• Every Tuesday @ 10.15am – 11.00am (another SoccerTots) starting 05/10/21

• Every Tuesday @ 11.15am – 12.15am (Table Tennis) starting 28/09/21

• Every Wednesday @ 11.00am – 11.45am (MiniMovers) starting 06/10/21

• Every Wednesday @ 12.25pm – 1.25pm (Yoga) starting 06/10/21

• Every Thursday @ 11.45am – 12.30pm (CycleBugs) starting 07/10/21

• Every Thursday @ 1.00pm – 2.00pm (Multi-Sports MashUp) starting 30/09/21

“ME Sports in the Community host a number of clubs, classes and groups at our centre which are extremely popular and fantastic for the community. The sessions are always well attended and very well run…It is great to see so many young people taking part in sport and there is a huge buzz around the local area that a sporting icon like Matt Elliott is actively involved in our community. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough!”
Muriel Walker
Trustee at Thornton Community Centre

A modern service of Christian Worship in our Community – Sunday 12th September @ 10.30am @ St Peter’s, Thornton 

Contemporary music, family friendly, refreshments, chat, prayer and support.

First Sunday of the month St Michael’s. Markfield 10.30am ; Second Sunday of the month St Peters, Thornton 1030am ; Third Sunday St Mary’s Stanton 10.30am.

For details contact j22rector@yahoo.com

Visit our Grade 1 listed church and find out all about its architecture and history

This informal group returns on 6th September. Badminton and table tennis on offer. Monday nights 7-9pm . £1 per person – just turn up!

Next month J22 Benefice will be launching our new ‘J22 Community Worship Service’, a fresh and interactive modern service in Markfield, Thornton and Stanton under Bardon.
If you are a musician, then get in touch as we look forward to growing the band over the coming months! Contact Revd Andrew on 01530 249746 or j22rector@yahoo.com

Saturday, 11th September

If you enjoy walking, why not join us on Saturday, 11th September on a Parish walk of about 8 miles and lots of stiles through beautiful countryside visiting some of our local churches: St Peter’s in Thornton, St Michaels in Markfield, St Marys’ in Stanton, the Quiet Garden at the site of Holy Rood, Bagworth, and Cross Hills Baptist Church.

The walk starts at the Lych-gate at St Peter’s Church in Thornton (LE67 1AA) and heads to Markfield following the Leicestershire Round through Brown’s Wood.  From here our path takes us to Stanton, and then onto Bagworth, and finally back to Thornton through the new woodlands.

We will leave Thornton at 11 am.  You will need to bring drinks and a packed lunch.  Footwear suitable for walking is necessary. If you would like more information or you would like to take part,  please contact William & Shirley on 01530 230422

Those of you who live with seven-year-olds will know that they are very prone to asking unusual questions at odd moments! One such question surprised Matt and Kaylee Smith, of Thornton, when their daughter suddenly asked, “Please can I do a sponsored walk for the Community Centre?”

Mum Kaylee says that she had no idea what out the idea into Katie’s head. “She loves the village, and for, a little girl, is very community-minded, but where this idea came from, we can only wonder!”

Katie already had the suggested route in her head… from the doorstep of Thornton Community Centre to Bradgate Park and back again. Mum and Dad pointed out that it is rather a long walk when you’re only seven, but Katie, who loves the outdoor life, was adamant that she could do it.

So, in April, arrangements were made. As you can imagine, the Thornton Centre Trustees were absolutely delighted to agree to the proposed event. Sponsorship details were clarified and excitement in the Smith household grew daily.

The day, (10^th April 2021), dawned drizzly; but, nothing daunted, Kaylee , accompanied by Mum and canine member of the family, Elmo, set off early in the morning. I understand that Katie smiled all the way… striding forth with no complaints and only one stop at Newtown Linford for a well-earned ice-cream.

It was a wonderful effort and Katie raised £500 for the Centre!

We did intend to arrange a “handing over of the cheque” ceremony, so that we could publicly acknowledge this little girl’s generosity. However, Covid restrictions put paid to that.

So, herewith,  the Trustees of Thornton Centre would like to express their gratitude to Katie and her very supportive family, and also to those who sponsored the walk.

THANK YOU, KATIE! YOU ARE A SHINING STAR.

Muriel Walker (for the Trustees of Thornton Community Centre)