Category: Community

This year sees the bi-centenary of the births of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Kibworth Harcourt and Kibworth Beauchamp commemorated both monarch and consort by naming streets after them. Albert Street remains in Harcourt, sadly Victoria Street in Beauchamp has disappeared. 

The following are just some of the ways in which Corral enthusiastically supported the community in which she lived.

Community spirit has very much been on display all over our villages this festive season. Residents of Kibworth’s Longbreach Road, Kibworth Meadows and beyond, came together on Thursday 13 December for the first lighting of a newly planted Christmas tree. (Did I mention mulled wine and carols?) The tree was very kindly planted by David Wilson Homes on what has become known as ‘the green’ since residents organised a gathering there in May to celebrate the Royal Wedding, and sparked a tradition…

At our November meeting members made their way into the main hall and were met with beautifully set out tables of cosmetics, as well as a most delicious smell. All of a sudden we felt very relaxed. 

This event, instigated by the Village Hall Committee, is designed to celebrate an important time in the Church’s Calendar, to reflect Advent and to bring the community together at a very happy, positive time of the year. 

On Friday 9 November all 850 students, staff, governors and guests gathered in the sports hall for an incredibly moving remembrance assembly. Co-ordinated by Mr Smith of the English Department, the assembly was led by our Head Boy, Nathan Booker, and Head Girl, Lydia Redman, with readings from other staff and students. Music from the school orchestra with playing of the last post by two students was led by guest Paul Hings (whom you may have seen later that weekend playing The Last Post on Match of the Day).

A huge crowd of 1,500 filled the field opposite the top of New Road, Kibworth. Yet again they witnessed a spectacular firework display from Hi5 Fireworks. “Better than last year” I heard many say. The money raised, approximately £3,000, will go to Scouts, Guides and Youth Groups locally. 

Foxton Society is putting on two exhibitions in the village during November. One in St Andrew’s Church, during Armistice Week, will give profiles and information on the Foxton men who died or served in the Great War, and another display in the Robert Monk Village Hall, over the Armistice weekend, will cover general wartime and Foxton history. 

The September meeting was an opportunity for members to make short presentations of their personal memories which illustrated how society has changed over the last 60 years. The members’ experiences covered a wide range of topics. 

Another amazing evening was spent in Smeeton Westerby at the beginning of July when, once again, The Oddfellows Brass Band came to the allotments to entertain us with their annual concert. This event really draws in the crowds and ,with the weather being so glorious, those crowds had increased in number.