Kibworth Memories – Rounding the Circle

20th February 2026 | Community

I was born in 1942 and grew up in Wigston Fields when fields ran from the end of my road, Roehampton Drive all the way to South Wigston. A bygone age about which I could reminisce at length. Suffice it to say that playing out, as a child, bore little resemblance to today’s world. My world was very limited until I passed the 11 plus and, still in short trousers, started at Kibworth Beauchamp Grammar School.

I had a lot to live up to – not all good. I was preceded by my two brothers – David (b1935), and Norman (b1939). Stan Bolton the woodwork teacher, despaired at the appearance of another Higgins and welcomed me by throwing a large enamel bowl in my direction. I soon learned of Mr. Bolton’s policy of ‘punishment to fit the crime’ when he put fingers in the vice of those who fiddled with the vice whilst he was talking. However, as it turned out woodwork was my best subject. I enjoyed it very much, made some good pieces but sadly, had to give it up to join the ‘Latin’ stream with dear Miss Griffiths. Was it coincidence that ‘O’ Level Latin was the only exam that I have ever failed!

After ‘O’ levels my parents moved into the city, and I had to pursue my education elsewhere. So, I will give you a brief run through the next 60+ years;

  • ‘A’ levels at Leicester Regional College of Art and Technology (now De Montfort University). Pharmacy Degree at the above, then City of Leicester Polytechnic
  • PhD at the above, followed by 2 years as a Lecturer in the School of Pharmacy
  • Moved to ICI Pharmaceuticals, (now AstraZeneca), to work in research and development of new drugs. After 21 years was a senior research manager. During this time, I found my Christian faith and was confirmed in the Church of England at the age of 31
  • Answered a call to Christian Ministry and selected for training by Chester Diocese
  • St John’s Theological College, Nottingham. Two-year course leading to MA in Theology
  • Ordained Deacon and joined the Parish of St George’s Stockport, (Stockport SW team), as Curate. A large team of about 30,000 parishioners and 5 clergy. Ordained as Priest after one year. After 4 years as Curate; appointed Vicar of St Margaret’s and St. Mark’s Dunham Massey (Altrincham)
  • Retired to a lovely cottage in Arnside, Cumbria
  • Moved to Great Glen to be nearer to family
  • Moved to Stuart Court, High Street, Kibworth Beauchamp

All of the above very detailed but lacking what has really been the core of my adult life. I met my wife to be, Christine, when she was studying Pharmacy. We married in 1965 and soon had three lovely children. Family life was so special and only changed as the children left home for university and I went to St. John’s. At one point, because Christine also Studied at St. John’s, all five of us had Student Union cards, a fact which we celebrated by getting reduced price cinema tickets. Eventually eight grandchildren followed and are now reasonably grown up. We live as a dispersed family and have lived through sad losses, but keep in touch easily and not so easily, as some live in Macclesfield, some in Houghton-on-the Hill, and some, wait for it…in Kibworth Beauchamp in a house…I won’t give that away!

Christine and I lived, worked, and loved together for over 60 years. She had poor health in latter years, mainly Lupus. She passed away in September 2024 ‘leaving me without.’ Some of you will know what that means. What should I do? Well, the answer lay in Stuart Court, the clergy and dependents assisted living home in Kibworth Beauchamp. Christine and I knew of Stuart Court before her health declined significantly, so it was an obvious choice for me to consider after she died. After a few enquiries I moved in in December 2024, so rounding the circle as it were. I would never have thought, as I sat on the school bus, sometimes through Great Glen and sometimes through Fleckney that one day…

Strangely I have not yet met any school friends from my year, but I have met several from Norman’s including, of course, Roger Garratt.

I am looking forward to getting more involved in village life and meeting new people. I have already explored St. Wilfrid’s Church, the Methodist church, and The Well. And I am settling in well with the friends at Stuart Court where I thank God for many blessings, especially my roots. Amen. 

Bernard Higgins