Category: News

If you live in a town or large village you are unlikely to find barn owls near your home. In urban areas, most owl contacts are with the tawny owl and its familiar hooting and “kee-wick” calls. Conversely if you live in a rural area with barns, outbuildings or man-made owl boxes, the ‘white owl’ may be a familiar sight.

John Tillotson, a retired Solicitor, has retired as Clerk to Illston Parish Estate (otherwise known as lllston Town Land Charity) with effect from 31 December after holding the position for an astonishing 56 years. John was appointed in 1968, the year of his marriage, by trustees chaired by the late Lord Hazlerigg when he was a Partner at Wartnaby Solicitors of Market Harborough. During his retirement he has worked from home.

William (Will) Weston, youngest son of Pam and George Weston formerly of Merton Way, Kibworth sadly passed away in Newham Hospital in London on 14 December after becoming seriously ill. Will was born in Market Harborough Cottage Hospital in January 1980. He spent his childhood living in Kibworth along with his older brothers Robin and Edward. He was educated at the local village schools finishing at Beauchamp College, Oadby. 

Volunteers at the mill, ably assisted by staff from the SPAB who own the mill, had an enjoyable morning getting into the festive spirit whilst affixing colourful new Christmas lights to the sails. The bright lights were kindly donated by Steven Briggs of the Windmill Farm Park, and can be seen from as far afield as Gumley Top! 

The monthly parish council meeting was held on 5 November at 7pm in the Studio at the Kibworth Community Hub.

Last weekend we experienced Storm Darragh - it’s the fourth storm since 1 September when this new season began.

Hurray for Wimbledon (I mean the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, not the town or Football Club)! They are working to make their grass courts and flower beds as sustainable as possible in the way they garden. They’ve given up peat compost and are experimenting with alternatives. They are also using coffee grounds, naturally rich in nitrogen, that help bacteria and fungi to flourish. http://happyeconews.com/wimbledons-peat-free-gardens/

It’s over 3½ years since I wrote the first article for the Chronicle about climate change and the challenge it presents, after a powerful presentation by David Ramsden MBE, speaker at the February U3A meeting. David told us about the huge sums of money spent by the main oil companies on anti-climate lobbying policies and the harm yet more oil production was causing. He urged us to take action, if only for the sake of the younger generations.

It is that time of the year when there is a need to check when the last green bin collection is to take place before the winter hiatus. For all those subscribers Harborough District Council will continue to collect your green bin garden waste up to and including the week ending Friday 22 November for those on the YELLOW chart schedule.

We’re pleased to announce that the team has completed the flood management phase of the Smeeton Westerby nature project. We are now ready to plant 2000 small tree whips (30-50cm) at this inspiring and beautiful site in Smeeton Westerby. The Langton Brook hosts the site, off the footpath running from Debdale Lane. Location: What3Words ///airstrip.instance.rotations.