Articles

Dear Editor

On Sunday 12 October Stop the New Town (STNT), hosted a community walk in Great Glen leading local residents across some of the countryside threatened by development. At this fun, family event, supporters of the campaign joined by Ace, miniature Shetland pony, and Lemmi, miniature donkey, convened at the village recreation ground in a show of protest at the extensive housing development proposed in the Harborough District Council local plan, and the tsunami of speculative developments currently in the planning pipeline, two proposed for the village periphery.

Othorpe House is situated on the outskirts of the village of Slawston and has been the home to many families over the years. I discovered that one resident in particular, by the name of Edward Crawshay, had an interesting past with links to South Wales and beyond. Edward was born in 1821 at his father’s Rofant Estate in the parish of Worth in Sussex. He was the tenth of twelve children born to Richard Crawshay (1786-1859) and Mary Homfray (1779-1863) of Ottershaw Park, Chertsey in Surrey. 

Our most recent meeting proved to be a truly relaxing – and surprisingly invigorating experience. We were delighted to welcome Duncan from Rutland Tai Chi, who joined us to introduce the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi.

Analysis of the 2021 census data that is available on the city population website, reveals that some of the Kibworth and District Chronicle village populations have decreased since the 2011 census, whilst others have, of course, increased; sometimes substantially.

It’s been five years since Kibworth Community Library was first approached by the Parish Councils to consider moving location to the Old Grammar School and become part of a new Kibworth Community Hub.

Professional Leicester artist, Helen Newton, began her presentation at the Kibworth Art Lovers’ October meeting with a talk through the renowned artists who had influenced her work. Among these were Henri Matisse, David Hockney and Gerard Dillon whose strong colours and disregard for conventional perspective appealed to her own artistic leanings. Helen explained how her choice of gouache as a preferred medium provided the strong, vivid colours and flat application which are features of her paintings. Portraits of Leicester houses and gardens, and particularly the grounds of Leicester Cathedral, were fine examples of ‘The Vibrant World of Helen Newton’, one of the titles given to her work.

In October, our Year Six pupils embarked on an unforgettable residential trip to Castleton in the heart of the Peak District. The aim of this adventure was not only to explore the great outdoors but also to nurture independence, confidence, and friendships that will last a lifetime. As part of our commitment to enriching learning experiences, the children were given opportunities to challenge themselves, discover new skills, and create wonderful memories together. Their home for the week was the welcoming Hollowford Centre. Here they were welcomed by the friendly and supportive staff and instructors.

Thursday 27 November, Book Club at the Barn, Kibworth Books, 7-8pm

It’s all change this month in School Road, Kibworth. At one end we have the relocated Library in the Community Hub and at the other, the newly re-fitted Methodist Church. Come and try out our new chairs at one of our services.

Last month, we had the wonderful Mollie attend to give us a chair yoga taster session, which everyone enjoyed.

Our sense of ‘being me’, of having a mind and memories and feelings, is deeply mysterious. Even if you believe that the human mind is nothing but the product of brain processes, a purely physical phenomenon, no one has yet discovered how brain activity translates into the experiences that give me my sense of self. There are at least five aspects to this puzzle.

Mast is a collective noun for fruits, nuts, seeds and berries. You have probably noticed or heard people commenting about a super-abundance this autumn including apples, brambles, sloes and acorns.

Leicester High School for Girls proudly hosted the UKMT Primary Team Maths Challenge 2025. They welcomed pupils from Market Harborough C of E Academy, Fleckney Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, St John Fisher CVA, and Avenue Primary School for a day of exciting mathematical challenges.

I bring you tidings of great joy. Burton Overy are holding their Christmas tree festival again in St Andrew’s church, from Friday 5 December till Sunday 7 December. Once again, our beautiful church will be filled with imaginatively decorated trees, with countless themes.