Barkby’s got Talent

BBC television recently paid visit to Syston and the surrounding countryside, including Barkby, to shoot a daytime programme about house swapping. Apparently this is now popular as it avoids a lot of the hassle associated with moving house. We all know that Barkby is a lovely village, full of character and with a lively community spirit, so who wouldn’t want to live there or near to it?

The team explored the area, including the local amenities and Church View Nursery in Barkby was on the itinerary. Were the houses the stars of the show or perhaps the house swappers or the presenter? No, the character with the real X Factor was Maisie, the three year old Border Terrier at Church View Nursery. Maisie seems to love all the visitors and is loved by them in turn; when you arrive she always runs to meet you for a stroke. The fact that she is incredibly cute and lovable may have something to do with her popularity and one of the Nursery’s best customers keeps Maisie supplied with her favourite nibbles, Pedigree Rodeos. Apart from starring on the telly, Maisie loves chasing rabbits and has had a frustrating time recently with one that keeps evading her by hiding under one of the wooden buildings.