West Leake
HOSPICE BOOST. A runner from West Leake ran seven half marathons in seven days to raise funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
Alice Murfitt (23) took on the challenge in May in memory of her cousin, Beatrix Barton, who received care and support from the hospice. Beatrix, who had Cerebral Palsy, died in 2017 at the age of 18.
Alice, who has only ran one half marathon previously, was on furlough when she came up with the idea - just one week before her challenge.
“When Bea passed I knew I wanted to do something in her memory,” said Alice. “It was May 2017 when she died so it seemed poignant to do it in May. When you have a reason, it spurs you on. It would have meant so much to her. My aunt and uncle always spoke so highly of Rainbows. It felt right to do it for her.”
Alice, who now lives in Manchester, mapped out a few routes around the city. “I tried to set off at 11am every day and it would generally take me around one hour and 50 minutes.
“I think I underestimated how hard it would be, mentally and physically. I had only done one half marathon before. Looking back, it seems so surreal. But it was one of the best things I have ever done. It was incredibly rewarding and the last day was very moving.
“As times are hard financially for people at the moment in light of the pandemic, I knew it would require a tough challenge to motivate donations. But I couldn’t believe the response I had. When I first started fundraising, I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to get to £1,000. People have been so kind and generous and I am so grateful.”
Rainbows Community Fundraiser Gary Farnfield added: “Alice has completed a very tough challenge and should feel very proud of herself. She has also raised an incredible amount. Without the support of people like Alice, we wouldn’t be able to open our doors and support the hundreds of families that we do. And at a time where Covid-19 is impacting on our fundraising, we need donations and the backing of our supporters even more so.”
Alice also raised £2,600 for Fairshare, the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste, which is where she volunteers in Manchester.
To donate to Rainbows, visit rainbows.co.uk/donate or call 01509 638049. from Charnwood Borough Council to hold our fabulous village event. If you are a lover of artisan food and crafts then our village trail will be right up your street. This year there will be around 40 stalls at outdoor venues throughout our picturesque village, including food, drink, craft, gift, vintage and community.
There will be stalls on The Cross , Church View Gardens, The Banks and the White Hart.
Village shops will be open - Vintage Chic, Skinny Whistle , Indy Hair, Velvet Fox, Od’thorpes, and Gifts @ 46.
Now in our 10th year this free event is always well supported. Extra parking is available courtesy of Rawlins Academy until 4pm prompt when the gates will be locked.
For obvious safety reasons there will be no indoor stalls this September.
QUORN PARISH COUNCIL NEWS. The Council met on Tuesday, July 7. There were no members of the public present.
County Councillor Hilary Fryer was not in attendance but had submitted a written report which was noted. Borough Councillor Richard Shepherd attended the meeting and advised that the Borough Council’s Customer Services were not reopening as planned because of new lockdown restrictions in Leicester. The resumption of the service had been put back a week.
He went on to respond to members’ question about the horse fair in Mountsorrel. He advised that the authorities had no legal powers to stop the event as it was on private land and no more than an outdoor market and similar to outdoor car boot sale. Events only require licensing if alcohol is on sale or entertainment laid on.
There were a number of resolutions made at the meeting including that a staffing review be undertaken by a working group made up of councillors and that LRALC be appointed as internal auditor.
The Council met again on Tuesday 4th August and again there were no members of the public present. County Councillor Fryer had submitted a written report which was noted. Borough Councillor’s Jane Hunt and Richard Shepherd were in attendance and members were pleased to hear that the Parish Council was to be consulted before any future horse fairs were organised.
There were a number of resolutions made at the meeting including that the Council seek funding to implement speed reduction measures recommended by the Quorn Active Travel Action Group, that the budget be revised due to loss of income as a result of Covid-19 and that a three-year contract be awarded to the Council’s present grounds maintenance contractor for grass cutting operations..
The Grounds and Facilities Committee met on the 8th July and the committee received update reports from the Grounds and Facilities Officer, the Community Library, working groups and volunteer organisations including the Stafford Orchard Advisory Group.
There were a number of resolutions made including the installation of a community notice board on Farley Way and monies were committed to the village centre planting scheme for 2021/22.
The Planning Committee met on the 20th July and 17th August. All planning applications received since the last meeting were of a minor, none contentious nature and did not require comments from the Parish Council. There was also an update on the Good Neighbours Scheme to say that the scheme now has over 40 volunteers but that progress is slow due to restrictions on meetings. However, the group is moving in the right direction.
Councillor Surgery: The next Councillor Surgery will be held in the Old School Main Hall on the 26th September 11am – 12noon and will be attended by Parish Councillors, as well as a Borough or County Councillor. Pop in for a chat and to share your views on the village or any issues you may be experiencing.
For details about Parish Council meetings have a look at the Parish Council section of the Quorndon website or follow Quorn Parish Council on our Facebook page on Instagram or @QuornParish on Twitter.