What’s Going On? – January 2023
Re–Location, re-location, re-location
It has been noted that Joseph Davies Barbering, Ltd formerly of Harcourt Estate has relocated to the ‘waiting room and ticket office’, of Kibworth’s The Old Railway Station, 15 Isabel Lane.
In the window of Daker Books (currently @ 52 High Street) is a sign to say that this business is soon to be moving to join its sister shop Kibworth Books in The Barn (@ 25 High Street).
Ash Tree Vets which used to be on Smeeton Road next to the entrance to Smeeton Court is now located in Priory Park, Wistow Road.
Pubs Reopening/Closing
The Shoulder of Mutton, 60 Main Street, Foxton formerly ‘Hogget’ has reopened. Dine-in only. No takeaways.
The Staff of Life, Mowsley has also re-opened; whilst the Coach and Horses, Leicester Road Kibworth (Grade II) has sadly closed again as we understand the cost of fuel is making the business unviable. Remember readers, all hospitality outlets, be they big or small, need as much support as possible.
Kibworth’s ‘Brick bridge’
Did you notice the recent activity on the bridge (designated as SPC 3/18) along the footpath from the end of School Road to Kibworth Primary School? A thorough geological survey just prior to Christmas took place by a company from Gloucester. They were boring columns of earth from either side of the bridge to presumably ascertain the rock structure underneath – one would think, to possibly ‘raise’ the bridge for the future electrification of the line. Interesting to note the Worcester University geologist found ammonites in the core. They drilled down 15 meters.
Ammonites died out 66 million years ago.
This bridge is called Grammar School Bridge for obvious reasons on the database of bridges/crossings maintained by Network Rail. Each bridge owned by Network Rail (and they have over 32,000) is regularly inspected. This one is inspected every six years to see if the structure needs some maintenance. It is given a score (Structures Condition Marking Score). Currently it has a SCMI score of 61. There may be a need for some maintenance soon if it deteriorates further (see railwaydata.co.uk).
SPC stands for St Pancras to Chesterfield.
Recycling centre to re-open soon
The Kibworth Recycling and Household Waste Site (RHWS) closed on 1 November 2021 for a £5 million redevelopment. The developers Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd have announced the site will be ready early in the new year of 2023. Hopefully this will be soon as this is a much valued amenity. The new ‘grandstand’ looks nearly ready!
Warm Spaces in the village
The independently created community project Welcome Kitchen has returned for another eight week appearance at Kibworth Grammar School Hall on a Monday lunchtime. This project is a certified Warm Space (warmwelcome.uk) providing comfort food and plenty of conversation. There is no charge, and any donation you make will be ploughed back into the scheme, with any excess passed onto The Well – one of our local charities and Foodbank coordinators. Interestingly, the project sessions are being paid for by different individuals and businesses as a way of supporting our community. If you want to sponsor a session get in touch with the organisers.
A similar complimentary Warm Space scheme is commencing at St Wilfrid’s Church Hall on Thursdays.
Other Warm Spaces include Kibworth Community Library.