Articles

Gumley Hall, demolished in 1962, employed many people during its heyday. The Hall used to stand to the east of the church with a lake behind, which is still there but is private property. There was no electricity in the village until 1931, but the owners of Gumley Hall made good this deficiency by generating their own supplies. In the small factory-like building with a large chimney-stack south of the church, Captain Whitmore produced gas in the late-19th century, and Mr Murray Smith in the early 20th century converted the installation to produce electricity.

So said Troilus to Pandarus in Shakespeare’s ‘Troilus and Cressida’ (Act Five, Scene Three). A sentiment shared by the philosopher Alan Watts who called words ‘puffs of air’. On the other hand, the America Christian preacher Charles Capps has said that words are the most powerful thing in the universe.

At our last meeting, the Kibworth Art Lovers enjoyed an evening of exceptional photography. Rutland photographer Richard Adams presented on the night.

For villagers in Church Langton, Kibworth, Foxton, and Great Bowden you might have heard on Easter Monday your church bells ringing for up to half an hour. Bell ringers from as far away as Cambridge and Desford descended on south Leicestershire. It was part of an Easter ‘tour’, visiting the towers of the four churches above. Some of the bells were even recorded. One of the ladies, Rebecca Banner from Desford bell ringers, is recording all the bells of Leicestershire. A joyful and very English sound and appreciated by all who heard them.

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter break involving plenty of chocolate and a lovely break.

Whether you consider that spring starts on 1 March, or at the equinox around 21 March, April is at the heart of spring.

Illston-on- the-Hill WI were privileged to host Sue Pulsford, a former police officer. The tales of her time in the force during the 1960’s left us both entertained and enlightened. Under the intriguing title ‘Heartbeat, I was there’, Sue took us on a nostalgic journey through her experiences as a pioneering woman in a predominantly male police force.

In April, Laboratory Administrator Lynn Shalvey marks her 30th year with Edmonds and Slatter independent opticians. Just as the pearl symbolizes a 30th anniversary, Lynn's tireless dedication behind the scenes in managing the spectacle glazing lab, akin to the hidden gem within an oyster, has not gone unnoticed.

County Councillor for Gartree - April 2024

Kibworth Beauchamp Parish Council - April 2024