Category: People

Railways have always held a fascination for me right from an early age when, along with my parents and brother, I lived close to the Great Northern Railway line that ran at the bottom of our garden in Wintersdale Road near Thurnby, Leicester.

In June I submitted an article to the Chronicle regarding Smeeton Westerby rectory and its residents. Since then I have acquired a letter, dated 22 July 1902, sent to the Rev Sale at the Rectory from the Rev Ambrose Pudsey Dawson, who was the last of the clerical heads and remained as headmaster of Kibworth Grammar School. His term of office was from 1889 until he resigned in 1906, in order to move to the village of Harston, which is close to Belvoir Castle. During his time in Kibworth he lived in School House and it is from here that this letter is written. A copy of it is shown here but due to its poor condition I decided to transcribe the handwritten message for additional clarity

If hero plants, the new name for weeds, plus insects, birds and hedgehogs could speak, how many marks out of ten would they give us for the way we care for their homes – our gardens?

Last month Tim Cole, director of Edmonds & Slatter Opticians, celebrated 20 years as part of the Leicestershire based independent opticians. Tim Cole was presented with a golden bottle of champagne by co-director Saagar Hirani for his 20 years as part of the company. It also co-incidentally marks 40 years within the optical industry.

On 22 March, Captain Hon. George Cecil Robert Maurice Spencer (known as ‘Bobby’) passed away in Trustbridge Hospice, West Palm Beach, Florida at the age of 90. He was a 1st cousin of Edward John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, father of Diana, Princess of Wales and Charles the 9th Earl of Althorp.

Three families, all from Kilby, met up for lunch in Bell Tower Square, Elizabeth Quay, Perth Western Australia.

This year 2023, there is a Diamond Jubilee celebration-in June (early notification!) What is the reason? It is the 75th anniversary of the first arrival of the Windrush generation from the West Indies; so named because the first newcomers travelled to the United Kingdom by sea aboard HMT (His Majesty's Transport) Windrush; they were invited to come and settle, by the then Labour government, for there were many employment vacancies. The year was 1948; they continued to come under this government scheme until 1951. To meet the requirements of the post war recovery, particularly, the needs of the newly created NHS adults and children travelled on one passport. The Second World War in Europe had only ended in May 1945.

On Saturday 15th October 2022 I was walking along Kibworth High Street, opposite the Co-op when I spotted an old photograph floating in a puddle of water.

Monday 10 October was an amazing day for me this year. Not only was it World Mental Health Day which I wholeheartedly support, but it was the launch day for a very special book, ‘Beautifully Broken'. Featuring the real life stories of sixteen courageous women all of whom have looked adversity in the face, overcome it and are rebuilding their lives.

Sale of the ‘Dalton House’ estate, Saddington, Leics in 1883

Dave Harris grows 5m tall sunflower in Kibworth!

Kibworth resident Janet Davis is passionate about family history and sharing her research experience. Her love affair with her family’s past began 25 years ago, when she recalled that her Nan remembered having had a brother. Her Nan was born in a workhouse, where she was left orphaned. Years later, Janet delved into the mystery and established that there had indeed been a brother.

On 26 June, a special service was held at Kibworth Methodist Church to celebrate Roy Bills’ 70 years’ service as a Methodist Local Preacher. Although Roy, aged 93, recently stepped down from leading services, he is still an active and much-loved member of Kibworth Church.

My wife was born a Carter and I have traced back her family tree to the marriage of one William Carter to a widow, Jane Beasley (nee Webster) in St Wilfrid’s Church, Kibworth on 27 November 1797. 

Thanks to Suzanne Clampin who provided this photo of the charming 97 years young Norman Norledge. She says we were playing tennis in Kibworth and Norman asked us to take his photo on the newly laid path at the recreation ground. Norman is a local lad and Kibworth resident and will enjoy the path on his walks from home to Ivy Joy’s teashop!