Channel 5 series Rich Lives, Poor Lives, presented by Rob Rinder and Ruth Goodman follows the stories of rich and poor through historical events/periods.Â
As part of our their new series they are filming an episode on Victorian Railways. Â
Ruth is following the story of working class family the Arguile’s (Argyle’s).
Mary and her husband Peter Arguile lived in the station house at Merry Lees, (Merrylees, Mary Lees) they believe in the 1840’s.Â
It is thought that Mary was in charge of running the station.Â
The production team are asking if anyone in the locality has any more information about the station and or the family etc.
Does the station house still exist?
Are there any members of the Argyle family still living locally?
Does anyone have any other old photographs of the railway?
Below is a copy of the photograph they have discovered of the Station House.
The Leicester and Swannington Railway opened the first Merry Lees station on 18 July 1832. The Midland Railway took over the line in 1845 and replaced the station with a second one 150 yards (140 m) to the north on 27 March 1848. The Midland renamed the station Merrylees station some time thereafter, and closed it on 1 March 1871. For the entire period from 1832 to 1871 the station was run by a station mistress, Mary Argyle.
If you have any information of relevance/interest – please email Gill at thorntonvillage@aol.com
New Local History Project Begins With Call for Volunteers
Earlier in 2025 we were pleased to fund a new project with the Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust (LVCHT) to undertake historical research introducing the history of the various communities of Charnwood Forest.
When complete, this will be made available online for the public.
This project builds on work undertaken between 2013 and 2017 as part of Charnwood Roots, with volunteers playing a prominent role in bringing records together and researching Charnwood Forest’s history.
For this new project some other historical information will also need to be collected, and that’s where volunteers have a new opportunity to get involved.
In early 2026 LVCHT will begin part of this project in Thornton and Botcheston.
If you’ve always wondered about how these places developed, who lived there and what they did for a living, this is your opportunity to help us find out!
You don’t need to have any experience of history research – although if you do, great!
You will be supported by a qualified historian, and free training will be provided.
Whilst some volunteers may wish to work locally, LVCHT can pay travel expenses for those wanting to explore the archive at the county record office in Wigston.
LVCHT would love to hear from you, so if you would like to find out more about joining them – please contact Dr Susan Kilby at sk565@leicester.ac.uk.
The overall project is being run by Dr Pam Fisher and Dr Susan Kilby at LVCHT.
This project is made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund support provided to the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme that underpins the Geopark.
Who are the Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust?
We are a registered charity (number 1128575) and a company registered in England and Wales (number 6683052).
Our aim is to research and publish the history of every town and village in Leicestershire, from earliest times to the present day.
This is part of a great national project which began towards the end of the reign of Queen Victoria, who accepted the dedication of the history. Since then, over 6,300 parish histories have been produced for places across England, each covering more than 1,000 years of history. Our aim is to ensure Leicestershire is fully represented in this national series.Â
So far, Leicestershire has five of the iconic ‘big red books’, covering general themes in the county’s history, and more detailed accounts of the city and 43 towns and villages in south-east Leicestershire, including Market Harborough and surrounding villages. These were published between 1907 and 1964, and the parish histories can be read online. Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust was formed in 2008 to continue the series. Working with volunteers across the county, we have published paperback histories of Castle Donington,Buckminster and Sewstern, and Ibstock. We have also published online histories of Kirby Bellars, Leire and Welby, and some shorter sections for a number of villages near Leicester.
Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust is reliant on grants and personal donations to fund our work? You can become a Friend of Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust in exchange for an annual donation of at least £20, or join our 200 Club for £50 annually, when you will be entered into a quarterly draw for a cash prize. Terms and conditions can be found on our application forms for the Friends or our 200 Club. Donations can also be made through Paypal.
Last weekend as part of Leicestershire Heritage weekend, St Peter’s church, Thornton was open to the public, boards displaying the history of the village and local historian, Pete Leadbetter were available and created a great deal of interest for the visitors.
96 visitors came to the church over the 2 days and over £200 donated for tea and cakes.
Welcome to England’s largest festival of history and culture!
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.
Heritage Open Days are England’s largest community led festival of history and culture events which celebrate our heritage, community and history.
Also every September the National Churches Trust organises ‘Ride and Stride’ for churches – sponsored cycle rides and walks that raise money for the restoration and maintenance of our historic churches and chapels.
Check out the two links for more information on sites and churches open during September, and please drop in at St Peter’s, Thornton, to view the church and the display of local history. Refreshments available.
Limited street parking. Access from Church Lane by the Corner shop, or take a stroll along the path at Thornton reservoir and walk up to the church from the reservoir.
St Peter’s Church, Thornton
Very largely Early English in character; the nave and the two aisles dating from the beginning of the 14th century or slightly earlier.
St Peter’s church is Grade I listed.
The west tower and spire and the nave clerestory are Perpendicular, added in the 15th century, and the chancel was rebuilt in 1864. The north arcade of the nave has massive octagonal pillars, while that on the south side has quatrefoil pillars. The north aisle has a rare window of ‘ox eye’ design, a cusped spherical triangle. The nave has a full set of Tudor benches, dating from the 1560s their bench ends having carved linenfold panelling.
Whether you have links with Thornton or are a lover of local history, we invite you to our Heritage weekend, being held at St Peter’s Church in Thornton (LE67 1AA) on:
I’d like to start by looking at our achievements throughout the year.
Achievements:
Sports Hall Kitchen and Toilets Upgrade:
The work was contracted to TLB Construction Ltd and what an excellent job they’ve done. In addition to the existing disabled toilet, we now have two unisex toilets complete with wash hand basins and dryers, and a modern fully fitted and functional kitchen. These added facilities will hopefully make the premises more attractive to potential hirers and feedback from users and members of the public is very positive.
Sports Hall Replacement Acoustic Panels and Re-decoration:
The existing acoustic panels in the Sports Hall have been replaced by up-to-date panels installed by Sound Reduction Systems.
TLB Construction did an excellent job of taking down the existing roof and wall soundproofing and re-installing a flat ceiling prior to the new panels being fitted.
An excellent job also by Dave Goodburn, our local painter and decorator who finished the project by painting the hall throughout.
Our thanks go to Gill Tapping who project managed the whole process and kept everything running smoothly.
Main Entrance Front Door Replacement:
After many years we finally said ‘Goodbye’ to the old doors which had become shabby, slightly damaged and had a problem with the locking mechanism. Again, Gill project managed this in conjunction with TLB Construction Limited who organised the work through a qualified double glazing company.
Future Projects:
To provide decking at the rear of the hall – although plans were submitted to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Planning Department in 2023 this is currently on hold due to insufficient funds at this time.
To extend the existing car parking – plans have been submitted for this too but, as the estimated cost is prohibited given our funds, will not go ahead for the foreseeable future
To replace existing chairs and trolleys in the main store room.
Challenges:
Currently, as we don’t have funds to take on the above and/or any other projects, our focus need to be on applying for available grants, promoting the Centre as a multi-purpose venue, e.g. wedding, parties, business use etc. so we all need to work towards those ends.
Finances:
Our finances have been excellently managed throughout the year by our Treasurer, Tadeusz Dobrowolski, allowing us to continue to maintain the fabric of the building and to make purchases to improve facilities for its users. Despite the financial support given by grant from the Parish Council for 2025 remaining at the same allowance as the previous year this will continue to reduce by £1,000 per year so we need to be self-sufficient and financially supported by 2030. Our thanks go to Andy for his diligence in questioning our energy contracts and sourcing the most financially beneficial deals.
Bookings
Our on-line Hallmaster booking system is regularly used by hirers and administered by Kate Sketchley who continues to do a fantastic job following up bookings and addressing queries, plus organising Trustees for opening and closing the Centre for hirers (including taking many of these on herself).
Our local websites – Thorntonvillage.com and Facebook – are managed and regularly updated by Gill Tapping and Amy Bakewell thus providing us with new opportunities to advertise the Centre’s facilities and events.
Our thanks go to all three mentioned for their commitment, help and enthusiasm in promoting the Centre.
Health and Safety
Weekly checks continue to be done on fire alarm points and monthly checks on emergency exits and lighting.
Annual PAT testing on all relevant electrical appliances has been completed.
Annual gas safety testing has been completed throughout the Centre.
In conclusion:
Finally, I would also like to thank the following:
all the trustees for their continued support;
Gill Tapping – project management and applying for and obtaining a number of grants throughout the year;
Alex Docherty of Sound Reduction Systems – Sports Hall sound proofing;
Dave Goodburn, Painter and Decorator;
Tim TLB Construction Ltd.;
Jon Loseby of Losby Lectrics – statutory and ad hoc electrical testing;
Tom Orme of Charnwood Heating Services – statutory gas testing, plumbing tests, plus ad hoc repairs.
Mary Gibson,
Chair of Trustees.
22nd May 2025
New Chairperson and Vice ChairThornton Community Centre
At the AGM, Mary Gibson stood down as ‘Chair’ after a 5 year term of office.
The trustees thanked her profusely for presiding over the many improvements at the Centre especially post Covid and for all her hard work in overseeing the day to day running of the Centre.
At the AGM Dan Smith was elected as the new Chair, and Delia Geary the Vice Chair, of the Community Centre Trustees – we wish them well in continuing to oversee all the improvements, renovations and repair work and day to day running at the centre.
Although most of the work has been completed there is still more to be done.
Urgently required are fund raising ideas for the centre – we need to replenish our depleted reserves to get the decking and car park extension built, the kitchen/toilet flooring replaced and new tables and chairs and trolleys purchased. COULD YOU HELP TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF THIS WONDERFUL VILLAGE RESOURCE? – Then please contact the trustees – thorntonvillage@aol.com
Tuesday 22nd JulyVILLAGE WALK ***meet on The Green (opposite the Methodist Church) from 7.15PM for a 7.30PM start ***
Join us for a walk of discovery, looking at the history of Markfield. This will again be part of the Festival of Archaeology.
We will explore part of the old village, encompassing the lower and upper Green, lower Main Steet, Forest Road and Queen Street. Providing a glimpse into village life in times past, we will pick out notable older buildings, together with more recent changes and the expansion of housing over the years.
There is no charge for the walk which will last for approx. 1 hour – all are very welcome.
Tuesday 16th September MAINTAINING AND REPAIRING BRITAIN’S HISTORIC BUILDINGS DAVID SLEIGHT
Find out how Britain’s historic buildings and monuments are protected and repaired as part of our heritage, to protect them for future generations to enjoy and cherish.
David worked for English Heritage for many years and now has his own building conservation business.
Tuesday 18th NovHISTORY OF MARKFIELD QUARRIES COLIN SHARPE
Granite has been quarried locally at least as far back as Roman times and has shaped the landscape. Commercial quarrying started at Hill Hole in the 1850s and at Cliffe Hill in the 1870s, employing many people. Some innovations made the national and international news.
Colin is a member of our history group and will tell us about the history of the quarries in Markfield and the surrounding area.
Annual membership is currently £8 for individuals and £14 for couples/ families. This includes all the talks during the year, so no extra to pay. Non-members are asked to pay £3 on the door at each talk. Please note these fees are subject to change at the AGM in January.
All meetings are at Markfield Methodist Church, Main Street (Opposite The Green) at 7.30 unless otherwise stated.
The trustees apologise for any inconvenience caused by the recent building work in the Sports Hall at the Community Centre.
The work has been carried out in three phases to minimise disruption.
PHASE ONE
To remove the Sports hall ceiling tiles, insulation and the brown felt wall and ceiling covering.
Earlier in the year there was a fire inspection at the premises and it was found that the tiles etc were not fire retardant,
The hall was in danger of being closed if the trustees had not taken remedial action. The old tiles, felting and insulation was removed and replaced with new fire retardant tiles and insulation (Tim Baker TLB Construction Ltd) and the hall decorated throughout (Dave Goodburn).
COST – £13,080
PHASE TWO
To provide two unisex toilets in the Sports Hall (additional to the disabled toilet) by utilising the space of the existing small kitchen and using a third of the Sports Hall storeroom space for a new modern, fully equipped kitchen with eye level oven and microwave, induction hob, and large fridge freezer. (Tim Baker TLB Construction Ltd).
COST – £24,500
PHASE THREE
After phase two was completed the trustees realised that there was an unacceptable level of noise (reverberation) in the hall, making it ‘uncomfortable’ for users to hear and concentrate. The decision was taken to engage a specialist company to address the problem.
Sound Reduction Ltd will be installing white, Sonata Aurio absorber panels across the whole of the ceiling. This work will take one day to complete and will take place on Wednesday 6th November in time for the two major forthcoming events – The Christmas Fayre (16th November) and the School pantomime.
COST – £5,577.60
TOTAL COST OF THE THREE PHASES OF THE PROJECT – £43,157.60
It is hoped that this work will lead to more bookings for the Sports Hall which can now be used independently of the Main Hall. The hall is already very popular for childrens parties with the safe use of a bouncy castle indoors.The trustees would welcome new user groups to the hall, especially for sporting activities such as ‘pickle ball’ the new sporting craze sweeping the country.
SECURITY
We now have the capability to lock the new kitchen and storeroom doors to enable regular user groups equipment to be stored safely.
FUTURE PROJECTS
There are a few minor internal works that still need completing (new main hall door, new flooring in the Main hall foyer, toilet and kitchen, bricking up an obsolete rotting door and frame plus major works outdoors – the erection of a decked area off the Main hall patio doors and the extension of the car park.
FUND RAISING
All the works completed so far have seriously depleted the Centre’s funds and no further projects can be carried out until we raise the necessary monies .
More than ever we need new fund raising ideas and helpers.
If you have any ideas or think you can help in any way, then please contact the trustees through this website.
Thornton 