ELECTION OUTCOME.
and splintered as the population continued to grow despite the usual medieval disasters.
In 1318 the Treaty of Leake was a short-lived settlement between King Edward II and his rival Thomas, Earl of Lancaster.
Mr. Hodgkinson says It is not thought that the Black Death affected the village though we know that the main lord of the manor, John de Parva Leake, died “in the recent pestilence” though his son survived. In modern times the Townlands Trust (1637) and John Bley School (1723) charities helped village development. Social control remained in the hands of the rector and curate, the churchwardens and a village constable. In the 18th century Sir Thomas Parkyns of Bunny bought his way to a significant manorial lordship.
To cater for increasing numbers of the poor a small workhouse was built in the Nook. Basketmaking and framework knitting provided new employment opportunities while the Baptist and Methodist chapels (1757 and 1798 respectively) reflected these changing social needs. 1798 brought the enclosure of the old open fields with, now, 50 separate landowners (some in outlying farmsteads) plus the church land and that of three charities.
Georgian and Victorian Leake was a thriving mixed community whose more varied economic growth was further helped by the Great Central Railway (1898, linked to Nottingham and London St Pancras) and a growing gypsum industry (BPB). The parish council (1894), however, was slow to invest in public services (electricity, mains water, gas and the Health Centre). In 1945 the population was about 1,500 but grew rapidly from the 1950s with a secondary modern (1956), then a comprehensive school (the Harry Carlton), a second primary school (Lantern Lane), the Catholic church, a supermarket and motorised transport (South Notts bus service from the 1930s).
The Great Central Railway closure in 1969 was much regretted as a valuable transport resource though a single line remains open to limited gypsum and leisure use.
From a typically small linear farming village of a few hundred Anglian people, Mr. Hodgkinson says that East Leake has become a much larger multi-faceted “town” with one large employer (BPB), many small industrial units and much professional commuter traffic. A few traditional timber-framed and Jacobean Georgian and Victorian listed houses can still be seen but most framework-knitting units and all back yards have disappeared. Further housing development is expected and may take the population close to 9,000.
FRAUD EMAIL WARNING. Parishioners in East Leake and surrounding churches are still being reminded over the possibility of danger from fraudulent emails.
Last year the Rev. Tim Parker, the Vicar of the United Benefice of East Leake, did give a warning to parishioners that a number of churches and congregation members in the Nottingham and Southwell Diocese had received scam emails, purporting to be from members of the clergy. The fraudulent emails ask for money or the purchase of gift vouchers.
A general reminder of the warning has been given locally , asking everyone to be vigilant to all forms of fraud and computer crime.
With a turnout of just over 43 per cent in last Thursdays Notts County Council elections for the Leake and Ruddington seats, East Leake is to be again served by two Conservative councillors, both of whom secured a seat on the authority quite comfortably.
Newcomer Matt Barney topped the poll with 3,451 votes to take over from the retired Andy Brown and existing conservative member Reg Adair came in with just over 100 votes less.
Of those who voted during the 15 hours opening of the poll at the two stations in the village -- the Leisure Centre and the Village Hall – 34 of the votes were rejected, four because of the papers showing the elector had voted for more candidate than they were entitled to and 30 because the papers were either unmarked or wholly void for uncertainty.
Although the number of people using postal votes to make known their choice rose sharply --thought to be because they favoured not having to actually visit the polling stations during the present Covid-19 situation – there was a steady stream of people who turned up in person to register their vote at both venues.
There was a surprising difference of support by almost 600 votes for the two Liberal Democrat candidates. Full voting figures:
Matt Barney (Con) 3451 (elected), Reg Adair (Con) 3337 (elected), and not elected: Jennifer Walker (Lab) 2425, Mike Gaunt (Lab) 2291, Jason Billin (Lib Dem)1013, Richard Holmes (Green Party) 819, Shannon Briggs (Lib Dem) 424.
PLAY GROUP VOLUNTEERS. Extra volunteer committee members would be welcomed by East Leake Pre-School Play Group to help further the early years provision in the village.
Currently there is a committee of seven mothers, who volunteer their time to help manage the playgroup.
Committee members often resign when their children reach school age but leaders of the play group point out that committee members do not need to have a child at the playgroup.
Affiliate membership is available to anyone who would like to support or become involved in the work of the Play group.
Play group leaders explain that committee members may be grandparents or other relatives of children attending the playgroup or local residents who wish to give their time to support a voluntary organisation in the village.
For the Play group to function, the Committee must have at least five members at any one time. The leaders say that more members result in a stronger committee.
Play group leaders say that volunteering is “a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and enhance CVs”. They also say that committee members “can influence the running of communities pre-school settings” and they add that volunteering is a way “to meet new people and make some great friends.”
Local people who may be able to contribute relevant expertise, skills or support to the committee, are asked to express an interest by email and they will then be put in contact with a committee members.
They are also being invited to “come along to the next virtual committee meeting to learn more about what is happening ‘behind the scenes’ at the Playgroup right now.”
Anyone interested in the role of committee member is asked to email chair_ elpreschoolplaygroup@yahoo. co.uk or telephone 01509 559926.
CHURCH SERVICES.