Mountsorrel Post Sep 2009 (28)

MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Delivered

to Mountsorrel, four times a year

SEPTEMBER 2009

ISSUE No. 28

Fun at youth day The day was organised by the Mountsorrel Youth Development Group (MYDG), a working party of the Parish Council as part of a programme of events which take place during the summer holidays for the young people of Mountsorrel. This programme consists of a range of sporting activities at the Soar Valley Leisure Centre, with at least one event taking place every day.

Visitors enjoyed a mixture of fun events and informative displays that made up the day. Attractions included a huge inflated slide, a gladiator ‘ring’, bar football, similar to table football but with human players, a rodeo Continued on page 2

PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN

AROUND 300 people enjoyed a Summer Youth Activities Day on the Halstead Road playing field in August.

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 1

Sorrel youth cafe PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN

Continued from page 1 buck and a bouncy castle for younger children.

A ‘splat the rat’ game offered sweets to successful contestants which had been kindly donated by the Co-operative stores in the village. A tug of war also took place. Additional presentations were made by the Jessica Michelle School of Dance who entertained the audience with a display, Carl Allen brought his birds of prey, Charnwood Arts, Leicestershire County Council Youth Service, Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service and Charnwood Borough Council Antisocial Behaviour Unit.

Refreshments in the form of teas, coffees and cold drinks with a range of sweets were sold by the football club and hot dogs were made by the scouts.

A spokesman for the MYDG said: “We are extremely grateful to Lafarge Aggregates and Concrete UK who contributed £740.63 to pay for expenses of the day and Leicestershire County Council and Charnwood Borough Council who gave £1,000 and

Pic: Ben Hawkins (right), Project Manager, Mountsorrel Quarry handing a cheque to Cllr Hilary Dyer (treasurer MYDG) and Cllr Steve Haywood at the Activity Day

£200 respectively towards the whole summer programme. Thanks are also expressed to all the people who helped make the event such a success.”

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 2

PLANS TO open a youth club on the Green were announced at a public meeting on September 3.

The Sorrel Youth Café project want to use the former Maltby Insurance offices, opposite the library, as a base for teenagers to meet after school to relax, meet friends, use the internet and eat and drink.

The project manager is parishioner Mrs Leslie Strange.

She said: “A facility like this is needed and my friends and I have been keeping our Pic: the proposed location of the eyes open for youth cafe premises in the village. Young people are hanging around on the streets as there’s nowhere they can go and meet their friends. Here they will be able to sit down, talk, play pool or go on the computer.”

The proposed opening hours of the Youth Café are 3.30-8.30pm on weekdays, but would be flexible to meet demand. The age range attending would be 11 upwards.

Some of the team behind the project have been involved with the Revive youth group run by Deacon Jan Sutton, which meets on Tuesdays during term time in the Methodist rooms. The Revive group will continue as will the on-street youth work provided in the village by Leicestershire County Council’s Youth Service, which is supporting the Youth Café Project.

A spokesman for the County Council Youth Service told the Mountsorrel Post: “We have provided advice and guidance to the Mountsorrel café project through our local youth worker who also attended the public meeting.

We will continue to maintain this support, including access to training programmes, and take an active interest in the project.

“We run detached youth work on Tuesday and Thursday evenings which involves two staff per night - this will continue and will promote the café as well as other services.

Dependent upon the success or difficulties that the project encounters, we may find that the need for our detached work in the area diminishes or we may find that our staff need to work more directly alongside the project workers to support their practice. We would expect the current detached team to make themselves known to the café workers when the project starts and to work closely, referring young people where appropriate. The project will inform our plans for deploying resources in the future.”

The organisers intend to employ a qualified youth worker and having already secured some funding, are in the process of applying for more. They hope to submit a planning application for change of use shortly and anticipate that the Youth Café could open in January 2010.

Leslie would welcome comments from residents about the project. Email leslie@sycafe.org. The project’s website is www.sycafe.org

Adult learning courses HOW MANY times have you thought ‘I would like to learn how to do that’ or ‘I wish I could speak a foreign language’.

The Leicestershire Adult Learning Service offers a wide range of courses including IT, Languages, English & Maths, Sport, Arts & Crafts and General Interest starting in September. Courses are available at Longslade in Birstall, Rawlins in Quorn and also a small number of courses at Mountsorrel Library.

You should by now have received their brochure through your door giving details of courses in your area. If you have not received a brochure but would like one or, would like advice on one of their courses please telephone Freephone 0800 988 0308 and speak to an advisor.

Alternatively contact your local college on one of the following numbers: Longslade, Birstall 0116 2673389, Rawlins, Quorn on 01509 622826 or go to the website www.leics.gov.uk/golearn.

Learners in receipt of certain benefits are eligible for 70% or 100% discount, telephone for details.

46 homes on MY site PLANS HAVE been submitted to build 46 homes on the site of the former MY Cartons factory on Linkfield Road.

Applicants Nampak Cartons & Healthcare Ltd want to build a range of accommodation from two bedroom apartments to four bedroom detached houses.

The pond near the site, which has been designated a Local Wildlife Site, will be retained.

The proposed dwellings are a mix of two, two and a half, and three storey. A single access road to the development will be created from Linkfield Road.

The plans can be viewed on Charnwood’s website: www.charnwood.gov.uk Planning application P/09/1506/2

Walk site

A NEW website contains all the information you need about walking in the county.

Keen walker John Harris says he get fed up with the lack of information on walks that are going on in Leicestershire so decided to create his own website: www.walkinginleics.co.uk The site has details of more than 170 walks to download and print for free as well as details of all the Leicestershire walking groups, maps and walk books.

LEARN TO DO SILK PAINTING Saturday 7 November 2009

Rothley Centre 10am until 4pm Cost: £38 which includes materials No drawing ability needed. This will be a relaxed and supported day when you can learn a new skill.

To book or for more info ring

01509 416823 Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 3

Rare jigsaw treasured PICTURED WITH a family heirloom, a jigsaw of King Edward VIII, is Dennis Potter of Hawcliffe Road.

Dennis (85) was given the jigsaw in 1934 when he was 10 years old and his family liked it so much they framed it.

Edward is pictured as Prince of Wales, a title he held before becoming King in January 1936. He abdicated in December 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson.

“I think he was something of a rum lad” says Dennis.

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 4

Planning applications Land to rear of 73 Cross Lane – erection of detached bungalow and garage 14 The Green – installation of double glazed replacement windows, replacement oak doors and other alterations Former Factory, Linkfield Road – site for the erection of 46 dwellings 6 Mere Close – erection of two storey extension to the front of the dwelling 251 Leicester Road – erection of single storey extension to side of dwelling 201B Swithland Lane - erection of two storey extension to front of dwelling Mountsorrel Memorial Hall, 105 Leicester Road – erection of a memorial centre with alterations to access and car parking arrangements, external play and performance space, landscaping and public art 5 Johns Avenue – demolition of bungalow and erection of 4 dwellings with ancillary works to access road 6 Conway Road – erection of first floor extension to side and single storey extension to rear of dwelling 2 Long Furling – erection of a porch and single storey extension to front of dwelling 22, 23 & 24 Edinburgh Way – resiting of boundary fence to rear of 22, 23 & 24 Edinburgh Way 17 Castle Road – erection of detached bungalow fronting Highfields Road Land at Peats Barn (opposite junction of Balmoral Road), Halstead Road – screening opinion for land off Halstead Road 43 Carisbrooke Road – erection of single storey extension to front, side and rear of dwelling

Parish Council notes Burglars A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on June 8.

Concern was expressed about problems at the pavilion with young people camping out at night, the number of people begging for money from parishioners within the village, particularly from parents of children near the school, and the amount of time the police were taking to respond to incidents.

Some discussion took place about the increase of people with suspected drug problems being housed in the village by Charnwood, estimated to be up to 60 people.

Complaints have been received that vehicles parking on the south side of The Green are causing an obstruction to passing traffic and there have been a few near-miss incidents. It was agreed to write to the County Council Highways department to request double yellow lines around the grass islands on the south side of The Green to help alleviate this problem.

More complaints have been received about car parking while the Sunday car boot sale is in progress and it was agreed to report these problems to the County Council and the police for their comments and advice.

Following the sawing down of the flagpole on The Green, it was agreed to obtain quotes for a new foldaway flag pole and resite it at the front corner of the Parish Rooms.

It was agreed to re-instate the uplighters at the Butter Market, the Cross and the Swan statue and to obtain a quote to pressure-wash the Swan statue.

The minutes of the meeting held on July 13 were unavailable at the time of going to press. There was no meeting in August.

caught A BURGLAR caught redhanded in a Mountsorrel store has escaped a prison sentence.

Thief Adam Mulgrew (22) from Bedlington, Northumberland was caught burgling the Bargain Booze store on Rothley Road, along with an 18 year old accomplice, causing £10,000 worth of damage.

Loughborough magistrates sentenced Mulgrew, who pleaded guilty, to a 26 week prison sentence suspended for two years, a 12 month supervision order and 150 hours of unpaid community service. He was ordered to pay the store owner, Mr Niraj Samani, £260 in compensation.

Mr Samani has criticised the sentence as being too lenient.

Because of his age the accomplice’s name cannot be reported. He was referred to a youth court after entering a guilty plea.

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 5

Small Ads Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32 words: 50p.

Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an envelope) at Mountsorrel library.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which you are asking for payment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale. All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 words. Phone numbers count as one word.

TELEPHONE EXTENSION Sockets fitted by ex-BT engineer. Cable, BT and digital TV. Over 25 yrs experience. £28 complete. John 2675132 ARCHITECTURAL DRAUGHTING. Plans, extensions & alterations drawn and submitted to council. All types of draughting undertaken. Over 15 years experience. Tel: Mark 0116 2677721

Cream teas at garden party

Pic: (l-r) Bob Wells, Jeanette Marshall, Pat Radley, Jean Lee and Pauline Wells

AN OPEN garden event at the home of a Mountsorrel couple has raised £1200 for Rainbows.

Pat and Dave Radley opened their Hawcliffe Road garden to visitors who enjoyed delicious cream teas, cobs and cakes as well as stalls including tombola, plants, books, bric-a-brac, crafts and a golf game.

A cheque for £3500 was presented to Rainbows ambassadors Pauline and Bob Wells, money raised by Pat, Jeanette Marshall and Jean Lee during 2008. The trio, known as the Raindrops, hope that with the proceeds of this year’s garden event it will bring the total

for 2009 up to £3500, which will make a grand total of £16,500 raised over the last eight years.

Dave and Pat said: “We’d like to thank all the visitors who came along to support the event and make it a real success.

Thanks also to family, neighbours and friends who gave up their time to help out on the day.”

The first three raffle winners were Rosealea Moor, Sharon Harriman and Eileen Cooper.

NHW news & crime report Crime Figures, May & June 2009 Burglary dwellings 6, burglary non-dwelling 6, damage to motor vehicle 4, theft from motor vehicle 10, theft of motor vehicle 3, criminal damage 12, theft 5, assault/miscellaneous 5 Overnight on Friday May 22 the flag pole on the Green was sawn off and approximately 12 feet of it stolen.

On Friday May 2 three local youths were arrested on Elm Close for assaulting and verbally abusing police officers who were dealing with an incident.

At 3.40 am on Monday June 1 a woman asleep on her sofa was awoken by a male burglar inside the dining room. He ran off taking items of property with him.

House burglaries in the village and in Rothley have increased, we need to be vigilant for anyone suspicious, possible on a bike in the early hours of the morning.

I have been lucky enough to secure the use of a room within Mountsorrel Methodist Church, /Church Hill Road as a Police Office to be used by PCSO Brian Geeson and myself.

The idea is in the early stages but will mean

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 6

that very soon Brian and I will be able to spend increased time in the village during working days and also offer a place for residents to speak with us or leave messages.

PC Paul Bird 1326 I will update you all with further developments.

From PC Paul Bird 1326.

To leave a message call 222 2222 or email Paul: paul.bird@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk

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Students’ survival kit A FUNDRAISING Coffee Morning was held at the home of Methodist Deacon Jan Sutton in order to supply ‘freshers’ at Loughborough University and colleges with a ‘Survival Kit’ which will offer spiritual support to all students.

This kit is a new initiative organised by the university’s Chaplaincy Team and sponsorship is being sought at the rate of £2.50 per kit.

The Coffee Morning, which was well supported and blessed with real summer weather, raised over £320. Further information can be obtained from Deacon Jan, who is the university and colleges’ Methodist/Free Church Chaplain, by contacting her at www.lborofaith.org or by telephone – 0116 2302538 Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 7

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minimise noise and that the use of containers and compactors that seal and compress waste will reduce smells. The site design will incorporate CCTV to prevent illegal tipping near the entrance. The containers will be sunken so there will be no steps up to platforms to empty your waste.

The County Council say they have undertaken a full traffic survey to assess the impact of the site and that the ample parking provided within the site will minimise congestion.

• Borough councils are responsible for collecting waste, County Councils are responsible for disposing of it. For more details visit www.leics.gov.uk/waste Pics: the location of the proposed site

d oa rR ste ice Le

A NEW waste and recycling site has been proposed for land off Granite Way and the County Council say they intend to submit a planning application this autumn.

The proposal is being opposed by some local residents with 460 signing a petition objecting to the plans. Households most affected will be those on Woodward Close and Hawcliffe Road.

David Ingram helped organise the petition and has presented it to Stephen Dorrell MP. Mr Ingram said: “There is a lot of local opposition to this proposal. Traffic is horrendous at the moment. When the car boot sale is on, this will bring extra traffic as well as smells, flies and vermin.

“It doesn’t have to be here, at this site. It’s the wrong location, next to houses.”

The new recycling and household waste site (RHWS) would replace the one at Sileby.

A County Council spokesman said: “The current site has been in operation for many years and was originally intended to be a temporary arrangement when the old incinerator closed. It is outdated and limits the number of uses of the site, as well as the range of materials that can be recycled there.

As it is situated at the end of a narrow residential cul-de-sac, it can make it difficult for people to access the site.

“Several sites have been considered in the search for a replacement RHWS for Sileby.

Land at Granite Way, Mountsorrel was identified as the most suitable site. It is close to major roads and will be accessible to residents in Charnwood who already use the site at Sileby.”

The County Council say the new site will

A6

New waste site in village planned

New president THE NEW president of the Rotary Club of the Soar Valley has pledged to redouble its charitable efforts in the Soar Valley villages.

Roger Williams, who took over from Mountsorrel’s Carl Porter at the club’s annual dinner at the Rothley Court Hotel, also promised to continue support for Rotary’s national and international projects.

The annual dinner was a joint event with the Inner Wheel Club of the Soar Valley and during the evening Mrs Elizabeth Brookes succeeded Judy Jarratt as President of the Inner Wheel Club and a new Rotarian, Joe Leverment of Cropston was inducted.

Other Rotary officers are Senior Vice President Norman Ellis of Rothley, Secretary, Neil Morrison and Treasurer Peter Jones.

In his review of the past year, outgoing President Carl Porter praised the generosity of the people of the Soar Valley, in their response to the Christmas appeal in particular and collections at the Wyevale Garden Centre.

With their help the Rotary Club of the Soar Valley has helped numerous good causes including: • local charities large and small (LOROS, Rainbows, the Hope Foundation & Prostaid but also local groups like the scouts & St

Johns) • local young people (through Kids Out, Rotary Young Leadership Awards, Young Chef, Youth Speaks etc as well as with individual grants) • our community (eg blood pressure checks on Stroke Awareness Day) • around the world, responding to major disasters (with disaster boxes, water boxes and cash via rotary clubs ‘on the spot’) and • Rotary’s project with the World Health Foundation and the Gates Foundation to ‘End Polio Now’ The club which meets on Monday evenings at the Rothley Court Hotel welcomes enquiries about membership and anyone interested should contact: Rtn Norman Ellis, tel: 0116 2374953 Pic: (l-r) Inner Wheel Past President Judy Jarratt, President Elizabeth Brookes, Rotary President Roger Williams and Past President Carl Porter

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 8

Police make arrests A POLICE operation to tackle travelling criminals targeting the area has led to a number of arrests.

Operation Quibble has been launched in response to crimes in Birstall, Anstey, Thurmaston and Mountsorrel.

The arrests have been made in connection with burglaries at homes, businesses and shops. Extra night patrols have been put in place on the main roads into and out of the villages, most of them involving plain-clothes officers in unmarked cars.

Officers are also using stop-and-search powers to deal with suspicious people who are out in the early hours.

The police Automatic Number Plate Recognition team is also being deployed in the area. Its cameras can scan car registrations and check them against databases to show if they are owned by known criminals or have been used in offences.

Charnwood police commander Inspector Duncan Southall said: “Our aim is to disrupt the people who think they can travel from Leicester into our villages and commit crime.

“We have a team of officers in plain clothes who are out at night, looking for suspicious activity. Anyone out walking or driving through the area in the early hours will be stopped and asked to account for their actions. Officers will be pulling over cars if they have reason to believe they are involved in suspicious activity.

“We also need help from the community and would ask residents to contact us if they see anything that arouses their suspicions and, if possible, make a note of car registration numbers. Officers will be acting quickly to make arrests. It is all part of our plan to disrupt criminal activity, reduce crime and bring offenders to justice.”

PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN

Fun day raises cash for LOROS

Dedicated volunteer A LOCAL volunteer has been presented with a gift to thank her for 10 years of dedicated service.

Maureen Armsden, who helps out at the Mountsorrel day centre, was presented with a hand made vase and some flowers.

Pic: (l-r) care assistant/driver Rod Newitt, Maureen Armsden and Pam Cooper

The December issue of the Pic: Paul Kerrigan gets a soaking in the stocks from Ian Gibbons

THE ANNUAL fun day at Mountsorrel Woking Men’s Club raised £1950 for LOROS. Hundreds of visitors enjoyed the many stalls, barbeque, cakes and refreshments as well as a vintage fire engine and a display of dancing by the Jessica Michelle School of Dance.

Pic: Pat Pawley and her grandson Sam (11) selling cakes Pic: Shannon Tedds (9) has her face painted Pic: Carol Bellchambers and Trevor Robinson serving at the barbeque

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 9

MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Nov 28.

The copy deadline is Nov 13 .

Funds for students YOUNG PEOPLE seeking financial assistance to help continue their education can apply to a village charity.

The Mountsorrel Educational Fund is administered by a body of trustees who, at their absolute discretion, can award grants from the funds available to the charity to assist young people in pursuing their education.

The Chairman of the Trustees, Mr Brian Allard, said: “Grants amounting to £122,566 were awarded by the trustees in 2008 to local school pupils, students and those in higher education and training.” At their next meeting in November trustees will be considering applications from persons who are planning to extend their education at college and university.

Applications can be made from persons under the age of 25, who are pupils or former pupils of Christ Church and Saint Peter’s Church of England School, or who have been or whose parents

have been resident in the Electoral Parish of Mountsorrel for at least 12 calendar months.

The forms of application are as follows: Application Form 1 – University/Higher Education Application Form 2 – A Level/College Equivalent/Apprenticeships Application Form 3 – Educational Visits (Primary to A Level) Application Form 4 – Music Tuition (Primary onwards) Application Form 5 – Other Applications All of the above forms can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope detailing which Application Form is required, to the Clerk to the Trustees, Mr P R Blakemore, K D B Book Keeping Ltd, 21 Hollytree Close, Hoton, Loughborough LE12 5SE. The deadline for submission of completed application forms is 16 October 2009.

Help selling poppies EVERY YEAR the Mountsorrel branch of The Royal British Legion organise the Remembrance Day Parade and Service and we greatly appreciate the backing of the Mountsorrel community.

We also arrange to sell poppies in the shops and also doorto-door, but we really need more people to come forward to help us with this.

In 1914 we called Mountsorrel a village where everyone knew everyone else, but today we are a town with over 6000 electors. We have grown so much that we are appealing for Mountsorrel people to come forward to help us make this year’s Poppy Appeal the best ever.

Many Mountsorrel men volunteered to serve in the Forces in the First World War 1014-1918 and 36 never came back. In 1939 we were still only a village but again many men went to war, and this time 19 never came back. The names of all these men are inscribed on the War Memorial on Castle Hill where we used to hold our Remembrance Day Service. Unfortunately our committee are all elderly and the climb up to the Memorial is beyond most of us, but these names are now read out at our Remembrance Day Service in St Peter’s Church after our parade.

We try to honour and remember these men every year by selling poppies in shops and door-to-door.

We are all getting older and it gets harder to find people willing to help us with poppy selling, even though we are now a large town in comparison to 1939.

The British Legion was formed in 1921 and in 1971 became The Royal British Legion. At the moment in Mountsorrel we only have 33 members, mostly pensioners.

I am appealing to you to help us this year with our poppy selling. It is only for two weeks but even two days would be of great help to our branch who struggle along every year. You do not have to be a member of The Royal British Legion to do this.

Please think about this and get in touch if you would like to help us.

From P Clarke, Poppy Appeal Organiser – tel: 0116 2302958

MOT VEHICLE TESTING STATION

TESTING

PETROLS • DIESELS MOTORCYCLES CROPSTON GARAGE 37 - 39 Station Road Cropston, Leicester 0116 2362363 Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 10

Storewatch WEA autumn courses scheme A SCHEME to ban shoplifters and abusive customers from village shops has been launched.

Store managers in Mountsorrel, Sileby and Barrow have got together with the support of local police to start a Storewatch scheme.

Similar to the system operated by pubs, the scheme’s members will share photographs and information about known offenders and problem customers, who will be barred from every store taking part.

Representatives from Tesco in Sileby, Budgens and the Co-op in Mountsorrel and Somerfield in Barrow attended the first Storewatch meeting.

The bans will range from three months to permanent, according to the severity of the behaviour. Those breeching their ban will face an ASBO (antisocial behaviour order).

Volunteer help Do you have an hour or two to spare on a regular basis? Could you help local visually impaired people?

Vista, the local charity supporting almost 6,000 blind and partially sighted people is looking for volunteer befrienders to work on a one-to-one basis with people living in this area who would like a visit from a befriender available in the daytime on a weekly basis.

Assistance is required with tasks as varied as reading correspondence, assisting with shopping, providing companionship and possibly accompanying to local venues such as the doctor’s surgery and the bank etc Vista undertake an informal interview, take up two references and carry out a criminal records check. Full training is provided and expenses are paid.

If you feel that you would be interested, for further details contact: Kathy Christie-Smith, Befriending Officer, Vista Society for the Blind Tel: 0116 249 8871, www.vistablind.org.uk or email: kathy.christie-smith@vistablind.org.uk

Council rents AN INCREASE IN Council house rents applied in April has been cut from 6.2% to 3.1%.

Tenants who have been paying the higher rate will have a refund backdated to April 6, 2009.

The reduction follows the government’s announcement in March that it won’t be cutting the housing funding by as much as previously anticipated. The decision follows extensive lobbying from Councils across the county about the major rent increases which were going to result from their funding cuts.

THE BIRSTALL and Rothley Branch of the Workers’ Educational Association offers three choices for the autumn.

Pompeii And Herculaneum This is our very popular Tuesday morning history class and enrolments must be made by post to secure a place. Please do not turn up at the first class as you could be disappointed! Enjoy history with this popular tutor.

Tutor: Colin Groves Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Date and Time: Tuesday 15th September 2009 for 10 weeks 10.00-11.30am Fees: £43.50 Concession A £39.15 (not available for those retired) B Free Afternoon Tai Chi This is a lovely way to keep your body supple or gently move those flagging knee and hip joints. The soft-flowing movements to quiet music promote stress reduction and well-being and this class is suitable for all ages and abilities. The tutor will be pleased to discuss the movements if you have doubts about your ability to participate in this enjoyable form of exercise. Beginners and those with experience will be very welcome.

Tutor: Laraine Tucker Venue: Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall

Date and Time: Tuesday 15th September 2009 for 12 weeks 1.30-3.30pm Fees: £69.60 Concession A £62.65 (not available to those retired) B Free Catching The Light Come and explore the dynamic concept of light in art and how artists represent it as a form of energy, patterns and other ways.

Artists will range from Monet, Seurat, Delaunay and Boccioni. If you enjoy looking at paintings and want to increase the pleasure gained from the gallery visit then this is the course for you. Just come with a lively, openminded interest in art!

Tutor: Janis Baker Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Date and Time: Wednesday 16th September for 10 weeks 7.15-9.15pm Fees: £58 Concession A £52.50 (not available to those retired) B Free For further information please contact Marion Vincent 0116 2303405 vincent.mbe@ntlworld.com or Franca Freeman 0116 2362566 francafreeman@hotmail.com Postal enrolments to the WEA Treasurer John Laurance, 35 Seagrave Road, Sileby, Loughborough, Leicester LE12 7TN 01509 813005

Tel: 0116 267 2583 Mob: 07967 191975 Buy DELL products here

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PHONE NOW ON 0116 2505842 Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 11

ALTHOUGH JUNE’S annual charities fete on The Green was washed out, hundreds of visitors enjoyed an exhibition, staged in the Scout HQ, by the Mountsorrel Heritage Group. The Syston band provided musical entertainment.

GCR war event

HALF A million poppy petals were dropped onto the Great Central Railway from a vintage aircraft as part of the GCR’s wartime weekend in June.

This year the event commemorated the 65th anniversary of the D Day landings: a remembrance garden was created and there was a Sunday service attended by the Mayor of Charnwood and veterans from the Royal British Legion.

Visitors to stations along the line enjoyed the sight of dozens of re-enactors in wartime outfits, military skirmishes at Birstall and Rothley and fly pasts by a Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire.

Regular Yoga Classes restart in the following two locations Mountsorrel Mountsorrel Memorial Hall on Tuesday 8th September 2009 from 7-9pm Woodhouse Eaves St. Paul's School and Community Centre, Meadow Road on Wednesday 9th September 2009 from 7-9pm.

These classes are aimed at enabling you to incorporate Yoga into your everyday life and are facilitated by a teacher holding qualifications in both Yoga and the teaching of adults. Both of these classes are suitable for all levels of ability, this includes people who have not practised yoga before, and you can join these classes at any time in the programme.

Come and join in and learn a new skill and enjoy the process. For more information either email moira@hardy-smith.fsnet.co.uk or phone me on 0116 2302 402

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 12

Cash on offer

MOUNTSORREL RESIDENTS will have the chance to help decide how £20,000 could benefit the local area thanks to an innovative new project.

The cash will be made available for projects which will: • improve access to services • support and develop young people • make the area safer Each of the seven Area Forums in Charnwood will have £20,000 of Government money to pass on to projects. He money is part of a new £½ million initiative which involves giving £20,000 to each of the 27 Forums across the county to boost their local areas.

People from Mountsorrel, as well as surrounding villages in the Bradgate, Rothley, Mountsorrel and Birstall Forum area, are invited to come forward with their ideas.

Community and voluntary groups, businesses and local residents are all being urged to bring suggestions to a special ‘workshop’ in October. This will take place on Monday October 26. the venue will be Woodhouse Eaves Village Hill, starting at 5.30pm.

Progress will be reported back via the Leicestershire Community Forums website: www.leicestershireforums.org. and at subsequent Area Forum meetings. Area Forums are an opportunity for people to find out what is happening on their doorstep, give views, get answers to queries and influence local decision-making.

Derk van der Wardt, the County Council’s Community Engagement Team Manager, said: “We want help in deciding how £20,000 could improve each area and are offering people a chance to come forward with suggestions and vote for their favourite. Residents, businesses and local community groups with ideas about a local project which needs a boost are invited to the workshops where they can have a hand in shaping their community”.

This workshop will be free to attend and will include a finger buffet and refreshments.

Places will be limited so to book a place, or for further information, or to be added to our mailing list, please contact 0116 3058015 or visit www.leicestershireforums.org.

Spy dog visits CHILDREN’S AUTHOR Andrew Cope visited Mountsorrel library with his dog Lara to talk to children about his Spy Dog series of books.

In the books Lara works for the British Secret Service as an undercover spy and Andrew enthralled his audience with tales of her adventures.

Pic: author Andrew Cope and Lara

Poplars’ garden party THE POPLARS residential home on Watling Street held a garden party in July.

Our picture shows (l-r) Joan Moore, resident Edith Ecob and Emily Marriott, Manager of the home, which houses 23 elderly people.

Art on show THE MOUNTSORREL Painting group have staged their fourth annual exhibition.

Started by Guy and Pam Martin when a local art class

folded five years ago, the group had eight artists exhibiting their work at this year’s exhibition, held in the garden of Guy and Pam’s home.

Pic: visitors enjoying the paintings on show.

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 13

YOUR SAY...

half-past three?

That cheerful chap was on, the one that does that panel game, You know the one I’m thinking of – what on earth’s his name.

He used to do that other show on channel two – or three, I think his name begins with B, but then perhaps it’s C. He played in that new pantomime early in December, He has a wife who’s famous and whose name I can’t remember

The Mountsorrel Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Mountsorrel Post, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed in at Mountsorrel library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

You Have to Smile I watched that play the other day; the one on ITV, I switched it on at half-past one, or was it

I can’t remember when it was I started to forget, Often I forget the name of someone I’ve just met, I never used to find it hard recalling names and things, But now my memory drifts away as if on silent wings.

Things that happened years ago are clear as clear can be, While those today refuse to stay within my memory.

But as that lady poet said – that writer of great fame – ‘Better to forget and smile…’ I just forget her name.

From Peggy Clarke

Lunch Just a few lines to the Mountsorrel (ratepayer) resident who “was not pleased to see County Council workers sitting in their vans for an hour. Does the (ratepayer) not realise that we are entitled to a lunch time break even if this means working until the job is completed?

Therefore we don’t always have lunch at the correct time.

Mr Johnson PS Did this ratepayer never have lunch breaks when they were at work?

Can you help I have been researching my family history for a few years and when I come to the inevitable brick wall I then turn to my husband’s family. Although he always thought he was pure Lancastrian, his roots are Norfolk, Cambridge and Gloucestershire.

While looking for his great-grand parents I found a photo of them on the web, taken in Clanfield, Oxford, celebrating 60 years of marriage. The owner of this item is Graham Liquorish. I have traced him to Mountsorrel and then drawn a blank.

Wishing to make contact, if anyone knows this gentleman, please assist me by informing him of my email address: jbmull33@yahoo.co.uk. I would be greatly indebted for any help given.

Mrs J B

Photo competition BE INSPIRED by the natural world and capture a landscape or wildlife image for a photography competition.

Leicestershire County Council’s Historic and Natural Environment Team is inviting entries on the themes of wildlife and landscapes in Leicestershire and Rutland. Photos could be a regular visitor to your garden or local park or a picture of your favourite scene at dawn or dusk.

The closing date for entries is October 31, 2009.

For details of how to enter and a copy of the entry form, email: wildscapes@leics.gov.uk, visit www.leics.gov.uk/wildscapes or tel: 0116 2670003.

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 14

Noticeboard all details printed free Heritage Open Days Rothley Sunday September 13 from 1-5pm Rothley Baptist Church & Burial Ground Woodgate Corner, Rothley Exhibition of records, organ recitals 28 memorial tombstones, teas Saturday & Sunday September 12/13 from 1-5pm Rothley Parish Church

The Richard Burton Festival Exhibition of the 1877 Church Restoration & Victorian Commemoration Floortiles Saturday September 12, 4.30pm Illustrated Lecture of the Life & Times of Richard Burton, Rothley’s Cleric from 1852-1909 Saturday September 12, 7.30pm Victorian Concert with wine and nibbles at the interval Sunday September 13, 5.30pm Festival Sung Evensong using the 1662 Prayer Book with the sermon in the style of Richard Burton Sunday September 13 from 1-5pm Old School Rooms, School Street, cream teas

The Rothley Census Wall Full printouts for every household in Rothley for each 10 year census throughout the Victorian period from 1841-1901, with special stories from some households Information 0116 2302766 or email brenda.sutherlandl@ntlworld.com •••

Loughborough Concert Band welcomes all players who enjoy making music in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere No minimum standard required Members range from teenagers to 70+ Brass players particularly welcome Rehearsals Thursday evenings in Loughborough Details: Denise Potter 01509 556516 www.loughboroughconcertband.co.uk •••

Volunteers Required LOROS, the Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice, requires members of the public to help assist the fundraising team with various events and administration work. We also require people to sell our grand raffle tickets at local ven-

ues.

If you would like to help raise funds to support local terminally-ill patients then please contact the LOROS Fundraising Team on 0116 2318431/2 or email: fundraising@loros.co.uk ••• Sunday September 27 Leicestershire & Rutland Family History Society Are celebrating their 35th anniversary by having

a Family History Day at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane between 10am and 4pm Admission free There will be local village history groups, books and CDs, free talks and a help desk Light refreshments served all day For more info contact Brenda Sutherland (Treasurer) on 0116 2302766 •••

Loughborough Farmers Market Devonshire Square, Loughborough Between 9am and 3pm Every month Next markets Sep 9, Oct 14, Nov 4 Wide variety of local produce: meats, sausage, bacon & cured meats, rare breed meats, meat, savoury & fruit pies, fruit & vegetables inc organic, plants & flowers, herbs, therapeutic herbal products, honey & beeswax products, chutneys & pickles, jams & preserves, homemade cooking sauces, wholemeal flour, muesli, fruit juices, eggs & cheeses, bread & cakes.

To book a stall or find out more call Markets and Fairs team 01509 634624, email: markets.fairs@charnwood.gov.uk or log on to www.charnwood.gov.uk ••• The Ladies Circle invite you to a

Coffee Morning on Saturday October 3 from 10-11.30am at Rothley Methodist Church, Howe Lane, Rothley Raffle, tombola, cakes etc 50p entrance Proceeds to the Loughborough Street Pastors ••• St Theresa’s Tuesday Ladies, Front Street, Birstall Welcome you to join them on Tuesday October 13 at 8pm when they welcome a speaker and a puppy from the

Guide Dogs for the Blind Pay on door, £1 includes a cup of tea and a biscuit •••

Keep Fit With a Difference Why not join our local basketball group No previous experience necessary For further details tel: John 2675269 •••

Glenfield Country Market (Glenfield Women’s Institute WI Market) Fridays 9-11.15am St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road, Glenfield LE3 8DP (off The Square) Free parking at the church Handmade cards and crafts Home grown plants, flowers, fruit & veg Home made cakes, savouries Jams, chutneys, honey, free range eggs, gluten free items

Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 15

Celebration cakes can be ordered LOROS book stall Hamper service Tea or coffee, admission free Everyone welcome Closed all of Jan 2010 Glenfield Market 0116 2364295 •••

Car Boot Sale At Longslade Community College Sunday September 27 Raising funds for the College’s 50th Birthday Celebrations in 2010 For more details call 0116 2677107 or email: school enquiries@longslade.leics.sch.uk •••

Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Thursdays Sep 3, Oct 1 and Nov 5 at 7.30pm •••

Volunteer Drivers Calling all drivers!

Could you spare about four hours per month to drive people who are not very mobile, but may have to get to the doctor or a hospital appointment etc We are presently receiving requests from villages throughout the South Charnwood area, but unfortunately we do not have sufficient drivers to ensure that we can answer every request. We understand that volunteers are not always available, so we need to have a larger list to compensate when other drivers are on holiday/have family commitments etc Mileage is paid and most insurance companies cover volunteer drivers at no extra cost – we provide the form to send to your own insurance company.

As well as providing a valuable service, it is very sociable taking out the clients. If you have taken early retirement, or have been made redundant or have a car available – we would love to have an informal discussion on the service that the Syston and District Volunteer Centre provide (with no commitment at this stage) Tel: 0116 2607888 (9am-1pm Monday to Friday) •••

Volunteering Opportunity at Watermead Country Park South with Groundwork Leicester and Leicestershire (GWLL) Conservation team every Thursday 10am to 4pm Come for an hour, a morning or all day – meet people, get fit, help the environment!

Tasks include meadow management, coppicing, path clearing and controlling invasive species Wear old clothes and stout boots/shoes Bring a packed lunch if you are staying all day Hot drinks and biscuits provided For more information phone Catherine Tregaskes, GWLL, Conservation officer on 07929 165452 ••• Holland Academy of complementary therapies raising funds for local charities

Health & Well-Being Event Holistic Therapies, readings, gifts & crafts October 24 & 25 From 10am to 4pm

Continued on page 16

Continued from page 15 at Birstall Village Hall £2 admission, inc raffle Call now for more information 0116 2673337 or email: hollandacademy@aol.com St John Ambulance & St James Day Centre ••• Centre Stage The Oxford Theatre Company

‘Dancing in my Dreams’

by Neil Duffield A musical play suitable for families and children 8+ Kathleen loves dancing and Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, but when the bombs fall, she must swap her life in London for the farms and fields of the countryside. When Kathleen and her sister are evacuated, along with many of their friends, they find themselves sent to live with different families. Kathleen must cope with the trauma of separation whilst experiencing the jealousies and prejudices of her new ‘family’. Escaping the daily reality of wartime Britain she enters the fantasy world of her film idols, Fred and Ginger until an unlikely person comes to her rescue.

Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Barrow Friday October 9 at 7.30pm Tickets will be on sale from the Barrow Paper shop or by phoning Judith on 07718153117.

Full price tickets will cost £8 (concessions £7) but if you buy in advance from the discounted rate of £7 or £6 (concessions).

•••

(held in conjunction with Christmas Festival) Tables @ £10 each Contact Margaret – 0116 2671181 ••• Friday/Saturday/Sunday December 4-6 At Christ Church, Mountsorrel

Christmas Tree Festival Friday December 4 from 2-6pm Saturday/Sunday December 5/6 from 12noon to 6pm Entry by donation to Rainbows Children’s Hospice There will be a Carol Praise Service at Christ Church on Sunday December 6 at 6pm •••

Charity Bridge Drive Organised by Loughborough Lions At the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley On Wednesday November 11 at 1.30pm with afternoon tea provided Cost £6 per person To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or Ann on 01509 232422 ••• Soar Valley Artists

Annual Exhibition of Paintings at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Saturday & Sunday October 24 and 25 from 10am to 5pm Admission free Refreshments available All welcome

Charnwood Orchestra Holy Trinity Church, Barrow Saturday October 10, 7.45pm Haydn: Violin Concerto No.1 Haydn: Symphony 103, The Drum Roll Respighi: The Birds Ravel: Pavane pour une Infante Defunte £8, concessions £6, 16yrs & under £2 Tickets 077181 53117 or rodgers_david@hotmail.com ••• Thurcaston & Cropston Film Presentations

‘Dean Spanley’ Friday October 16 (100 mins) This clever, witty and barmy comedy drama, based on Lord Dunsany’s forgotten novel ‘My Talks with Dean Spanley’ is an incredible tale set in Edwardian England where “lips are stiff and drinks are stiffer”. Peter O’Toole gives a splendid performance.

At Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm, tickets £4, concessions £3.50. Price in refreshments and a lucky prize draw.

Tickets can be purchased via the parish office 0116 236 7626 or at the door ••• Leicester Committee for Cancer Research UK

Immaculate fully refurbished throughout ground floor 2 bedroom & first floor 1 bedroom flats

for rent In prime location, centre of Rothley Village.

Superb opportunity to suit single or professional couple.

Strictly no smoking or pets.

Please ring for details.

07887 787661

Coffee Morning Saturday October 31 10am to 12noon at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Many stalls: plants, books, bric-a-brac, gifts, cakes, tombola, Phoenix cards, handbags Raffle – entrance 50p inc coffee & biscuits All Welcome ••• Birstall Methodist Church Saturday November 28 From 10am to 2pm

Table Top Sale Mountsorrel Post SEPT 2009 (28), page 16

Contact us THE MOUNTSORREL Post is delighted to receive contributions from residents. You can send us: Details of a community event such as a rummage sale, fete or coffee morning for free publication on our ‘Noticeboard’ page.

Items of news - we’re interested in everything: club and society news, prizewinners, charity events, church news, complaints, praise, new projects, new facilities, trips, sport, crime, anything that concerns or interests you.

A letter for our letters page - we welcome letters on any issue, local or national. All letters must include the sender’s name and address (though not necessarily for publication).

Photos - we particularly welcome old photographs giving an insight into local history.

Small ads - you can sell items with a classified ad for only 25p!

How you can contact us: Phone or Fax (0116) 267 4213 Hand in your items at Mountsorrel Library, Rothley Library or Birstall Library Write to us at The Mountsorrel Post, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk The Mountsorrel Post is an independent newspaper

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