Flood Action Team – FLOAT – Autumn 2023

Posted by Robert on 17 November 2023, 9:00 am

In the early hours of 18th September 2023 an intense series of rain storms affected Ashby de la Zouch and the surrounding areas. The huge volume of water that fell quickly saturated open ground areas and began a rapid run off, through rain water gullies and drainage systems, into the Gilwiskaw Brook towards Packington.

Unfortunately for Packington, our brook cannot contain such flows, and we experience flooding. Even under normal circumstances, the Gilwiskaw Brook may break its bank on Mill Street between the watermill bridge and Hall Lane bridge. This overflow can block the road for a few hours before retreating back into the channel.

In September however the rainfall was such that the volume of water was much greater than normal and as a result more than 15 homes were flooded as well as over 40 properties that were cut off due to their access being under flood waters. Packington Primary School itself was unable to open, being inaccessible to vehicles.

*Sarah Marvin’s kitchen view of Mill Street after the height of the 18 September 2023 floods*

This was extremely distressing for everyone affected. It has caused damage to property, loss of personal effects, and a huge amount of disruption as home and property owners began to clear up afterwards.

Packington Post has tried in the photo gallery below to illustrate flood waters and the affected areas – Mill Street and Brook Close are particularly badly hit, Heather Lane at its Junction with Mill Street also had houses 1 to 3 inundated in September.

FLOAT (Packington Flood Action Team) have been in regular contact with Leicestershire County Council , NWLDC and the environment agency to examine what the root causes of the more extreme flooding were. The examination of where flooding occurred during this event indicated that it was a combination of water coming out of the Gilwiskaw Brook, failure of culverts and ditches around the village, and the continual issue of emergency discharge from the sewage works.

There are now further investigations planned by LCC into what can be done to clear watercourses – the Environment agency have been tasked with improving the flood alert system to try and alter their current system to allow flood warnings to actually be sent before flooding happens – however this still hasn’t been put in place.

Friday 20th October 2023 – storm Babet swept into the UK and once again Packington flooded. This time the water rose during daylight hours and so some preparation against floodwaters could be made by vulnerable households. The lowest lying homes in the village did still suffer significant flooding, roads through the village were impassable, and the school was once again cut off by the floodwaters.
The community really rallied around to check on neighbours and assist in getting sandbags to protect homes that were at threat of the rising water – and this was much appreciated.

Unfortunately we did get a small number of ‘thrill seekers’ coming into the village in off-road vehicles with the intention of driving in the flood water – the standing advice from Fire & Resue services is that you should never enter flood waters either on foot or in any vehicle – from a safety aspect – manholes and drain covers can become dislodged by floods causing an unseen hazard, and from a practical point of view, vehicles moving through puddles or flood waters cause spray and push water into bow waves that then cause more issues for homes effected.

So what can we do as a community?
Please – Report all blocked drains and gullies to Leicestershire County Council Highways department.
– Report any roads that become impassable due to flooding (no matter for how short a period)
– Report any flooding to your property – include any integral or attached garages or outbuildings

It is only by continuing to report issues will we get support from our local authorities in looking for ways to improve the current situation. Development and construction upstream of Packington are making our problems worse and for this there is no quick fix.

Meanwhile watch out for any communications from FLOAT, we are planning to hold more open meetings to update people on any progress made, this includes having a structured village flood plan to alert and hopefully assist residents and vulnerable properties

From an article in Issue 123 of Packington Post, November 2023

by village Flood Warden Sarah Marvin

Packington Show – Saturday 2nd September 2023

Posted by Robert on 10 September 2023, 5:41 pm

Our village Horticultural Society PHS held it’s annual September first-Saturday Show again this year on 2nd September. This was the 80th year since the first show in 1943 held to support village members serving the armed forces in wartime.

The pictures try to give a flavour of the enthusiasm of the village to support this major function. The Hall front flower bed is in September glory; tables full of produce; trophies and silverware on display; and the hall and the meeting room humming and buzzing with visitors admiring the exhibits.

Short speeches from Bob Parry of PHS and show Chair Mike Powell thanked everybody who had participated. Cheques of donations to local charities and groups funded by this charity village show were handed out.

Duck Races – Bank Holiday Monday 28th August 2023 from 5:30pm

Posted by Robert on 27 August 2023, 10:20 pm

Packington Duck Races – Bank Holiday Monday 28th August from 5:30pm at Lower Mill Street. Huge excitement, especially for youngsters..

Post-Event photos are here on our Packington Post Facebook page, by our Packington Post Photographer, Karn Turnbull :

A series of Duck Races, from 5:30pm, with Grand Prizes. See the ducks flowing down the Gilwiskaw Brook from launching at the Hall Lane bridge, down to the Little Lane bridge.

There’s a personalised race for your own decorated duck, but mostly we’ll race the numbered yellow ducks available at the start for £1 each. Come and see the fun!

Huge excitement, especially for youngsters. The tension rises as the race progesses, people strain forward to read the numbers of the leading ducks – DON’T FALL IN !!

Great prizes, and proceeds to our Memorial Hall Charity.

High Street Walk success on Tuesday evening 27th June 2023 for PVHG

Posted by Robert on 24 July 2023, 10:46 pm

Some 30 village folk were present at the 7:30pm start on Tuesday 27th June for the guided walk of our village High Street, led by our History Group PVHG

More joined a little later, keen to hear Robin speak:

Robin Boucher is the eminent chair of our village History Group PVHG, and he gave an excellent hour-long guided tour. Robin spoke with an engaging sense of humour about many features of our village High Street

At least 38 village folk were now present as we headed North past the Bull and Lion Inn.

The walk itself ended at the top of High Street, opposite the Round House, but was followed with refreshment served in the Memorial Hall meeting room alongside a PVHG display:

Village Open Afternoon at our Memorial Hall – Saturday 17th June 2023

Posted by Robert on 24 July 2023, 10:20 pm

Packington Memorial Hall opened its doors to our community at 2pm for an open afternoon during a gloriously sunny and warm day.

Packington Post’s Editor, Amy Powell, was there:

Many groups and clubs are regular users of the hall and its facilities, and a number were present with information about their groups, and also to meet old and new community members. Our History Group PVHG were present:

This opportunity to meet potential new members also allowed group members an opportunity to network, to meet and talk about their upcoming events together. Members of the Board-Games group are seen, busy networking:

A fun afternoon was clearly had by all who attended, as these further photos by hall committee treasurer Angela Holt attest- Click on each photo thumbnail for the full sized image:

The Village Show team

Community Film Club

Book Club

Aimee, Choir Leader

Church information

Ashby Ivanhoe Garden Society

Ashby U3A Science & Technology Group

The groups that attended included:

Packington Communications Group (PCG)

Packington Village History Group PVHG

Packington Lunch Club

Packington Boardgames Club

Packington Book Club

Packington Village Community Film Club

Packington Horticultural Society (PHS)

Ashby Ivanhoe Garden Society

Packington Holy Rood Church

Packington Community Choir

Packington Parish Council

Ashby U3A Science and Technology Group.

For more information on some of the groups who attended this event take a look at the Packington Memorial Hall Facebook Page.

A big “thank you” goes to the Memorial Hall trustees and committee for organising this event.

Packington’s Community Choir brings fun and laughter

Posted by Robert on 6 June 2023, 2:29 pm

May 2023 – Our newly formed community choir is enjoying welcoming new participants each week, and with around 30 attending, looks set to stay!

So far, we’ve had an awful lot of fun and lots of laughter whilst learning a wide range of pieces – from popular classics, gospel, and traditional tunes.

Despite being a newly formed group, the choir is already singing some wonderful harmonies, and looking forward to what we can achieve in the coming months.

If you enjoy singing, give us a go; there’s no audition or necessity to read music.

We’re an informal group that focusses on the joy of coming together to share a love of singing. We meet at 7pm on Thursdays, at the back of the village church.

First session completely free – book your free session with

Aimee on 07967 316645 or email: aimeemusic at live dot co dot uk

Village Open Afternoon at our Memorial Hall – Saturday 17th June 2pm – 4pm

Posted by Robert on 4 May 2023, 8:55 pm

FREE hot drink or glass of Prosecco.. Pop in for 5 minutes, or stay for longer. Our Bar will be Open!

Information on Village Groups, Clubs, Societies, events, and activities will be on display at Memorial Hall starting at 2pm on Saturday 17th June 2023. Plus you can MEET the PEOPLE behind all these !

We haven’t staged an event of this size since an Open Evening in 2019. Back then seemed to be a major success, with many village people commenting on how they “..just didn’t know..” about all the different activities and societies that take place in Packington.

Some new to our village may never have seen inside our vibrant village hall – here is their chance to see what goes on. They can check us out on our website, at pmhv.uk

Also four years on from 2019, we estimate one-quarter of the village population were not here then. New to Packington? So were we, once. Please come along and say hello, or just observe, us and the inside of the Hall. We’d LOVE to see you, and offer you that FREE drink!

Four years further on, there are many thriving village Groups that YOU might enjoy being part of, like the table-tennis club shown above. The groups would welcome YOU to come and see what they are and what they do. This is YOUR chance to look around with zero commitment needed.

Organised by Packington Memorial Hall Management Committee, in conjunction with our village Groups and Societies..

YOUR (second) chance to become a Parish Councillor: action by Friday 12th May 2023

Posted by Robert on 4 May 2023, 5:44 pm

There were only 5 applicants to be Councillors in the new Parish Council in April, and all 5 were elected uncontested.

Our council really needs 6, not just 5 – they need one more, and YOU can be that one, NOW, without any fuss of election, using the official “Co-Option” mechanism.

To apply, just write a short letter saying who you are and why you should be considered. You need this to be received by Friday 12th May 2023.

Full details are in the official notice below. You can click at the botom to download a pdf copy.

PLEASE APPLY – our village needs YOU

Notice-of-vacancy-available-to-be-filled-by-cooption Download

Aldi Ashby 20 Race 2023 – feedback, and thanks from the organisers to us in Packington

Posted by Robert on 13 April 2023, 9:52 pm

1500 Runners ‘Spring Forward ‘ – March 26th, 2023

With a spring in their step, 1500 runners descended upon Ashby to take part in the annual Aldi Ashby 20. This 20-mile ‘BARR Gold’ road race is organised by runners, for runners.

After 12 months preparation by Ivanhoe Runners, the ‘not for profit’ event took place on Sunday 26th March 2023, the day the clocks went forward. Changing the clocks the night before, runners started arriving first thing Sunday morning, congregating around the streets of Ashby and in cafes before assembling on Upper Packington Road. The mass start at 10am resembled streets of London during the marathon, rather than the Market Town of Ashby de la Zouch.

With the early rain easing, the runners headed towards Packington over the A42 bridge, turning down Mill Street towards Measham Road before commencing a 2-lap scenic country road course, taking them past Champneys Springs, through Heather via Swepstone, and heading towards Packington again after visiting Normanton Le Heath.

The roads were lined with volunteers from Ivanhoe Runners, Conkers parkrun and Ashby Castle Rotary, cheering on the runners who join the race from all four corners of UK. Medical cover was managed by Leicestershire Search and Rescue.

After completing the 2 lap course, the runners headed back towards Ashby before crossing the finish line on the Bath Grounds, earning their special edition Ashby 20 famous hoodie, orange this year. Ivanhoe Runner, Abigail Halcarz came in at 2:07:53, taking first female place, whilst Daniel Bagley, Mansfield Harriers, finished in 1:47:36 as first place male.

As aways runners all had their individual challenges and stories, some to beat their time, others simply to complete the distance. Many ran for their chosen charity with Wishes 4 Kids, Hospice Hope, and Teenage Cancer Trust all benefiting. The latter saw 3 Aldi employees running as Cuthbert the caterpillar, in preparation for the London Marathon:

Earlier, on the Bath Grounds, around 100 children took part in two separate fun runs, organised by Ivanhoe Robins each being twice around the perimeter of the Bath Grounds. This was the first time since the pandemic, and each child earned a fabulous medal to show off to their friends and family.

Richard Bebbington, the Race Director said, “Each year ceases to amaze me. Despite the early wet conditions, all the runners eagerly awaited the start on Upper Packington Road, Ashby, whilst volunteers wrapped up well to support the athletes. As always their feedback was simply amazing. It really is an absolute pleasure to be part of Ivanhoe Runners who spend hours of their own time to put on such a well-reputed race, with participants from throughout the UK. Many thanks to all our volunteers, the runners, our sponsors, and most importantly the support from the local community and Packington village“.

Preparations are already in place for next years event, which takes place on Sunday 17th March 2024. Follow us on Facebook, and on our website

Richard Bebbington, Race Director, Aldi Ashby 20

Big Breakfast 2023 – Saturday 4th March

Posted by Robert on 6 March 2023, 1:11 pm

Our village special 2023 Big Breakfast charity event this year followed the familiar pattern of previous years. Organiser Debbie Hamilton supported teams of volunteers, mainly from our village but also welcoming some from Ashby and surrounding areas. A fuller set of images by our Packington Post photographer are here on Facebook

Packington Post Photographer Karn Turnbull captured this scene of Happy Munching at Memorial Hall

From 9am to 1pm a steady stream of customers donated to the Hospice Hope charity and received their full breakfast, or breakfast bap, along with trimmings – orange juice, hot drinks, toast, and friendly service from volunteers.

A total of 240 breakfasts were served, and with donations from villagers we raised more than £1500 for our nominated local charity, Hospice Hope.

We hope that just a few more of our photos below can capture the essence of the event:

A busy Memorial Hall, with customers about to start their breakfasts

Ashby Rotary volunteers in blue, standing..

The frontage of our village Memorial Hall

Bonfire Night 2022

Posted by Robert on 25 November 2022, 10:22 am

Thanks to Packington Post photographer Karn Turnbull for these dramatic images of our Bonfire Night Saturday 5th November 2022 celebration at the Recreation Ground:

August Bank Holiday Monday Open Gardens 2022

Posted by Robert on 31 August 2022, 10:17 pm

Our village Open Gardens has been running for 30 years, and this year was led by High Street residents Nick and Joy Gravestock – who also provided live music for much of the afternoon at their venue, as seen below with Joy on violin and Nick on guitar:

Again this year our Open Gardens was a success, benefitting from nice weather with the tiniest hint of a few spots of very light rain ( – a shame, perhaps, because after two weeks of drought, there wasn’t enough water in the brook at Mill Street to later stage the Annual Packington Duck Race.)

Packington Post is delighted to publish these excellent photos by star village photographer Karn Turnbull – click on an image for full definition:

See you next year, on August Bank Holiday Monday 2023 ?

Platinum Jubilee Review – Sunday 5th June 2022 – Church Service and Street Party

Posted by Robert on 5 June 2022, 8:26 pm

Church Service

Another two events on this day. A well- attended Church Service (Songs of Praise) commenced at 10.30am with songs chosen by those present, and accompanied by Chris Miles on the organ. The service was led by Lesley Birtwistle who gave a short message.

Hymns ranged from the quiet and reflective to the rousing and powerful. For example, “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”, “Jerusalem”, “I Vow to Thee My Country” and “How Great Thou Art”. In all, eleven songs were sung including the National Anthem at the end of the Service.

Packington says “Thank you, Lesley” for organising this service.

Street Party

The dry weather left us on the day we most needed it. Organisers pulled the plug on the street part of the event the night before and let as many as possible know via social media that it would be a children and parent event in the Memorial Hall starting at 2pm. It proved a good decision as the drizzle and cold persisted all day.

All children had a seat at tables and were served food and drink, whilst the bar was open for the adults. The Balloon Man was in demand, and he managed to fashion some amazing requests from the young people. His hands and fingers were moving incredibly fast, and he worked throughout the afternoon. Just brilliant!

A fancy-dress parade took place in the centre of the hall and the winners were presented with a prize from Bev from Poochies Café, who not only sponsored this event but also made all ninety food boxes. Thank you, Bev.

Platinum Jubilee Review – Saturday 4th June 2022 – Party in the Park

Posted by Robert on 4 June 2022, 10:59 pm

Party Time! at the evening Packington Platinum Jubilee Party in the Park – camouflaged village residents pose for a photo..

The evening Packington Platinum Jubilee Party in the Park on Saturday 4th June 2022 was another major village event. The wind was a little wearing, with blankets and thick coats in evidence, but a large circle of gazebos and tented windbreaks had quickly sprung up in a ring, focussed on the live music in the trailer from a very special local Ashby group of musicians. Much fancy dress was evident, and folk were seen enjoying themselves from 6pm until almost dark at ten pm.