Mountsorrel Post (46) March 2014 by The Birstall Post

MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

MARCH 2014

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Summer fun event THE MOUNTSORREL Revival event in August promises to be an old style festival of fun. “The Revival is Mountsorrel’s version of the traditional village fete – all the old fashioned fun served with a modern twist” says organiser Ian Shonk.

“Mountsorrel used to have a carnival years ago. When I suggested the idea of a ‘Revival’, everybody I spoke to seemed to think it was a great idea. We have had such great support and offers of help it’s been amazing” he added.

The event, on Sunday August 10 from 10am – 4pm, will take in venues all the way from Stonehurst Farm through the village, using business forecourts, public spaces, the Parish Office, library, Memorial Hall as well as pubs and restaurants. On the riverside there will be river trips, have-a-go archery and gnome

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lobbing. Ian said: “The idea is the whole village will be full of events and entertainment ranging from river trips to soap box racing, archery to vintage shopping.

“Custom cars will jostle for space alongside ice cream sellers and local rock group ‘Lockdown’ will be taking Continued on page 2

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MAR 2014

Continued from page 1 over the Buttercross alongside vintage cars and bikes.” Leading the day’s event will be soapbox racing, and Ian is inviting village groups or individuals to take part – more than a dozen have already signed up. He said: “Remember when you were a kid, making a kart out of old pram wheels and some planks? Well, when boys and girls grow up it gets a bit more fun, with everything from baby landrovers and airplanes to a rolling cheeseburger – all powered by nothing more than gravity!” The racing will start after a procession through the village to the race track. Ian Shonk and his wife Anne have lived in Mountsorrel for four years and enjoy putting something back into the community – they run the Ripples

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on December 9.

Pic: Organisers Ian & Anne Shonk with their ‘40 style Hot-Rod

awards dinner each year, which recognises individuals who have made a contribution to the community.

School “inadequate” but improving THE QUALITY of teaching at Mountsorrel primary school is improving, say Ofsted inspectors. Inspectors visited the school in February – it’s first monitoring inspection after Ofsted graded the school as ‘inadequate’ last year. Following that inspection, in September 2013, Ofsted said that Christ Church and St Peter’s Church of England Primary School was a school that has ‘serious weaknesses’. Graded as ‘inadequate’, the school was not placed in ‘Special Measures’ as Ofsted judged the school’s leadership and management to be ‘Grade 3 or better’. David Williams, the headteacher, was appointed in September 2012 and Ofst-

ed’s inspectors said he had: “…a good understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses and has been swift to take action to improve the school’s performance.” The report stated: “Teaching is improving. Teachers are working hard to improve their practice with guidance from the headteacher. All staff are working together as a team to improve the

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To participate or to find out more go to the event website: www.mountsorrel-revival.co.uk school.” The report also found that: “Pupils have not made enough progress over time in English and Mathematics because the quality of the teaching has been inadequate and inconsistent. Teachers do not have high enough expectations of what pupils can achieve. “In those lessons where teaching is not good, pupils’ behaviour and attitudes sometimes impedes learning.” The Inspectors found that pupils feel safe in school and say that bullying is not a problem in the school. Ofsted’s monitoring inspection on February 4, 2014, found that: “The school’s action plans provide a sound basis for improvement. “The headteacher and deputy headteacher are ambitious for the school to improve and have taken decisive action to improve the quality of teaching.” The inspectors found that the proportion of teaching which is consistently good or better is increasing, and that the governing body provides better challenge and support. Headteacher David Williams said: “I was appointed as headteacher from September 2012, I am also a registered Ofsted inspector. Upon appointment my evaluation of the school was that, over time, it had failed to secure appropriate attainment levels for a sufficient proportion of its pupils and therefore was failing within the context of the Ofsted evaluation criteria and when compared to schools nationally. This evaluation has been the focus of the school’s improvement agenda over the last 18 months and has been shared with staff, governors and parents throughout this time.” Mr Williams said his comment to any parent with concerns about Ofsted’s rating of the school was: “Over time the school has failed to secure a sufficient proportion of pupils attaining at agerelated levels but it is no longer a failing school. It is one where pupils overall are making good progress, many are making outstanding progress and the gap between the levels at which children should attain is beginning to close.” Before the inspection in September 2013 the school’s governors were investigating the advantages of the school becoming an academy. They have now agreed to begin the process and the school will join the multi-academy trust of the Diocese of Leicester, called the Leicestershire Academies Charitable Trust.

Borough Councillor Richard Shepherd reported on the exhibition at Mountsorrel school for a proposed development by Charles Church of 150 dwellings off West Cross Lane, in Rothley. Borough Councillor Leigh Harper-Davies said she felt it was inappropriate to put more houses in the village and that the Borough Councillors would support the parish council in its response to these proposals. Cllr Pat Moulding’s resignation from the Council was announced. Chairman Brian Allard thanked her for her work over the years. It was agreed to spend £200 on a bench for the cemetery. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on January 13. Resident Ian Shonk reported that he was organising a village gala type of event in the summer and requested some funding from the Parish Council. It was agreed to consider the request at the next meeting. PCSO Tom Joyce will be leaving his role to start training as a Police Constable. He introduced Mountsorrel’s new PCSO James Meachem. Some concern was expressed about the future of Mountsorrel library in light of the County Council’s cutbacks. It was agreed to ask the County and Borough Councillors for their support to keep the library open, staffed and managed by the County Council. It was reported that within the next eight weeks a new plan to demolish and rebuild the Memorial Hall would be available and that a suggested start date for the build was November 11, 2014. It was reported that the Youth Development Group needed more people to attend with ideas for the group, or it could not continue. The Council’s precept for 2014/15 is £163,858.

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Plans for new homes “unsustainable” CAMPAIGNERS OBJECTING to 150 new homes planned for West Cross Lane in Rothley have submitted a detailed 43 page objection to Charnwood Borough Council. Prepared by the West Cross lane Fields Residents Action Group, the document sets out their objections to the proposed development, which is located on the parish boundary with Mountsorrel. The action group object on the grounds: • the site is on an area of green wedge that separates Rothley and Mountsorrel • there is no public transport provision in or near the site • access to major road networks is limited and difficult • local services and facilities are too distant from the site • the site is not a Development Focus Area within Charnwood’s Core Strategy and Local Plan • there are increased road traffic and safety implications • local schools are at capacity, even the new build school in Rothley • the site encroaches on the Rothley Ridgeway Conservation Area • there will be a significant impact on the local community in terms of disruption, loss of amenities and competition for inadequate services • affordable housing at the proposed site does not fit with policy guidelines Action Group spokesman Andy Worby said: “We plan to oppose this development by demonstrating it is not sustainable within the spirit of the latest government guidelines, is not required in order to meet housing targets in this area and is not good for the villages, their residents and the local communi-

Bench for Lexi A HAND carved bench will be a lasting memorial for four year old Lexi Branson, who was killed by the family pet dog last October. The bench has been installed at the Caterpillar Pre-school in Mountsorrel, which Lexi had attended for two years. The pre-school organised a sponsored walk after the tragedy and the money raised was donated to the air ambulance service and the LRI Special Care Baby Unit, both causes chosen by Lexi’s mum Jodi. The proceeds also paid for the bench, which was designed by Peter Leadbeater and features a crescent moon with three smiling stars.

ty.” Rothley Parish Council has objected to the development and Mountsorrel Parish Council has asked for an extension to the date for submission of comments. Rothley Parish Council’s Chairman has expressed concern that the site has room for at least 600 new homes and said that developers Charles Church should give a legal assurance, if planning permission is granted, that no more than 150 homes be built. Increased housebuilding in the parishes of Rothley and Mountsorrel has put strain on local services, roads and facilities, and the campaigners say that increasing this still further is unsustainable. The total number of homes in Rothley and Mountsorrel is 4686 and the additional housing that is currently planned in or near the parish boundary

Additional Housing planned in or near Rothley and Mountsorrel • Halstead Road – 200 • Brookfield Farm – 120 • Mountsorrel Lane – 250 • Marsh Road – 14 • Lindens Public House – 9 • West Cross Lane –150 • Old Rothley School site – 16 • ‘North Birstall’ (old Bentley’s Roses site) – 1500

Total - 2259

of the two villages is 2259 – an increase of 48 per cent. “The local infrastructure is not able to support a 48 per cent increase in the number of houses, residents, children and elderly and those needing care, cars, demands upon public services etc. This scale of development is not sustainable” say the action group. If local objectors can persuade Charnwood Borough Council to turn down the application, the developer can appeal and the appeal will be decided by Her Majesty’s Planning Inspectorate which is based in Bristol. Appeals are often successful as was the case with the Brookfield Farm development in Rothley, currently under construction.

If Charnwood grant planning permission, residents cannot appeal as only developers have the right to appeal. A spokesman for Charnwood Conservative Association said: “Many residents in Charnwood recoil in horror watching the random, almost anarchical transformation of rural agricultural land into housing estates. This has a catastrophic effect on the character of Charnwood and the situation is getting worse. Rothley is particularly badly affected and local residents feel betrayed.” Planning application reference P/14/0058/2. You can comment on the plan until March 13. Visit the planning section of Charnwood Borough Council’s website to leave your comment or write to the Planning Department.

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Proposal backstage at Cycle ride for LOROS Simple Minds concert WHILE BACKSTAGE at a Simple Minds concert at London’s O2 arena a Mountsorrel man proposed to his bride to be as band members looked on.

Stephen (Pip) Pierrepoint (54) was passed the ring by Simple Minds keyboard player Andy Gillespie (pictured above with the couple) as he popped the question to girlfriend, Deborah King (44). Deborah, also from

TWO WOMEN from Mountsorrel will be cycling 250 miles from Vietnam to Cambodia this November, to raise money for LOROS. Beth Parker (26) and her aunt Lorraine (55) will be cycling from Saigon to Angkor Wat, passing through traditional Vietnamese villages, paddy fields and mountain scenery. Beth said: “We have decided to take on the challenge in aid of LOROS. It’s the only way we felt we could give something back to a char-

Mountsorrel, said: “Pip got down on one knee and asked me to marry him which of course I accepted. The feelings I had at the time are hard to explain, it was quite an emotion.” She added: “Pip and I met through music, we have a passion for Simple Minds. While backstage we also met Midge Ure from Ultravox which was an added bonus as they were supporting Simple Minds – the whole event was mind blowing!” Pics: (left) the happy couple & far left, Deborah with Jim Kerr from Simple Minds

ity that helps such a wide range of illnesses. Not only is it close to both our hearts but we realised that everyone has come across the amazing local work that this charity has done at one point or another in their lives. “Both my auntie and I are doing the charity ride together and after losing my uncle, Lorraine’s husband, to cancer as well as other family members and friends, we felt that as an auntie and a niece duo we should attempt to conquer the world – well the next best thing – cycle the 400km route from Vietnam to Cambodia! Lorraine had the idea as she is celebrating her 55th birthday and I thought at 26 I’d better go and look after her!” Beth added: “We feel so uplifted and positive each time we visit the hospice and we are hoping to raise £6000. We are most looking forward to seeing the two amazing countries and finding out if we are up to the challenge!” To donate go to www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraising/be thandlorraine

MOUNTSORREL POST

MAR 2014

Future of village libraries uncertain SMALL VILLAGE libraries in Leicestershire could close if the County Council cannot find partners to help run them. The County Council currently maintains 52 libraries and six mobile units at a cost of £5.82million. It is looking at measures to save £800,000 over the next four years. Birstall library is one of 16 that will continue to be maintained by the County, but the libraries at Rothley and Mountsorrel along with 36 other small libraries are at risk. Richard Blunt, the County Council’s cabinet member for libraries said: “We expect to continue to run our town libraries, but we will explore communityrunning of our smaller libraries and possible co-location with other organisations, such as parish councils. We may have to close libraries if we can’t find partners. Smaller libraries are already not the best used and we’ve reflected that by reducing opening hours. “The authority is facing significant financial challenges and we are proposing to make savings of £800,000 over the next four years. When taking into account the wider budget pressures, people thought that there were higher priorities than libraries. “We are still working on the detail but the broad proposal is for the county council to offer professional support from its libraries service on a tapering basis. “We have been following the work of other local authorities who have been more advanced in this to learn lessons from them. We also have a significant volunteer network working with the service already and we hope that we can encourage greater involvement from those experienced volunteers to help. We’ve been having exploratory discussions in Kegworth, Ratby and Barrow and these discussions are ongoing.” Representatives from parish Councils in Rothley and Mountsorrel have been invited by the County Council to a meeting on March 31 to discuss “new and different ways of sustaining our local library network”. The changes to the library service are part of a package of cuts to services that aim to save £110million by 2018. Byron Rhodes, the Council’s deputy leader and finance spokesman, said: “We simply cannot afford to run services the same way as we have in the past. It’s inevitable that the public will notice major changes. We have to concentrate on caring for the most vulnerable people and that means saving money from other services, which have to take a lower priority.” The Council will lose 700 full time posts, in addition to the 600 redundancies that have taken place over the last three years. The savings are required because of a reduction in the annual grant the Council receives from the Government, combined with an increase in demand for certain services, such as adult social care. Reductions in the budget include: • children and young persons budget

£12.7million will be cut by 2017/18. That includes £1.5million on reducing the cost of social care placements and £2.1million in cuts to its early help service, which intervenes as soon as possible to tackle problems emerging for children and their families. • Adult social care: changes will save nearly £23million. • Environment and transport: a total of £18.7million will be cut from the budget. That includes £1.2million from street lighting, £3.3million from highway maintenance and £9.2million of efficiency savings. • chief executive’s department: £4.6million will be saved, including £2million by reducing grants to voluntary groups. £550,000 will be saved from a review of the Council’s youth offending service and £80,000 from reduced maintenance of country parks.

New cinema THE OLD Baxter Gate hospital site in Loughborough is set to become a brand new multi-million pound cinema and leisure complex. The site has been sold to developer Citygrove which wants to build an eightscreen multiplex cinema complete with up to seven family restaurants, including Nandos. The project will create around 180 jobs and will boost Loughborough’s profile as a top destination for shopping and leisure, says Charnwood Borough Council. The Citygrove development was approved by the Council’s Plans Committee on December 5, 2013. Councillor David Slater, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I think it is fair to say the Baxter Gate is overdue some tender loving care, and this complex will deliver that as well as giving the town a major economic shot in the arm. We’ve been working on improving and regenerating the town centre for a number of years and national companies are now recognising that Loughborough is the place they want to be.” Steve Wiener, CEO of Cineworld said: “I am very pleased that Cineworld will be able to provide a new modern cinema for the residents of Loughborough and the surrounding area. We take great pride in always trying to deliver the best movie experience for all members of the community.” Oliver de Chalus, Development Director for Citygrove, said: “Operators who have now committed to the scheme include Cineworld for an eight-screen state of the art multiplex cinema, Pizza Express, Nandos, Loungers Café Bars, Starbucks, Dean’s Diner and Mimosa. We look forward to commencing construction works late summer 2014.”

Try tennis at club’s open day NEW PLAYERS are invited to try tennis at Rothley Tennis club’s open day in March. “One thing this club offers is the chance to just pay and play and give tennis a go” says club coach Tim Stanton. “Adults who are not members can join in the cardio tennis on a Monday evening or coaching on a Friday morning or Tuesday evening.” The club is also launching the new online court booking system at the open day allowing people to be able to book and pay online. The pay and play sessions and online court booking system are part of the club’s commitment to widening access to trying out tennis. The open day will be held on Saturday March 29 from 2–4pm. The club is located behind Rothley library, next to Rothley school. Half price memberships will be available for adults on the day. Club spokes-

woman Anne Mumford said: “This is a great time to join as match practices start just before Easter and the new coaching term just afterwards along with what is probably the best club competitions programme in the county. “Coaching is available for adults and juniors. Bring your racket if you have one and join in the social play for adults or junior coaching.” She added: “Club membership gives increased playing opportunities through social play, club competitions and match tennis for less than £3 a week – great value and great fun!” For more information about membership call the membership line on : 0775 7833 360, www.rothleytennis.info For information about coaching call Tim Stanton on: 07929 335 246.

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New heritage centre: funding secured AN AMBITIOUS project to build a heritage centre, museum and tea room on Swithland Lane has been given a £540,000 funding boost by quarry giant Lafarge Tarmac. The Mountsorrel Railway Project are celebrating after receiving news of the grant from Lafarge Tarmac’s Community Fund, who have promised an additional £66,000 for the group’s planned station at Mountsorrel Halt, near Bond Lane. Steve Cramp from the Mountsorrel Railway Project said: “We’ve virtually

Pic: the Heritage Centre & (left) the planned layout of the site

completed this branch of the Great Central Railway using nearly entirely volunteer labour and next to no money in record time. “The level of support from Lafarge Tarmac for this project is hugely appreciated. We have an opportunity to create an outstanding recreational and educa-

tional resource for our local communities to enjoy. We are grateful to Lafarge for sharing this vision and providing such a generous grant.” Both the grants are for 90 per cent of the capital cost and the remainder has to be raised by the MRP. Fundraising for the £56,000 needed for the Heritage Centre has already begun. The Heritage Centre will be located alongside the restored Mountsorrel railway, near the junction of Swithland Lane with Halstead Road. The existing ‘Nunckley Trail’, a nature and history trail, will also form part of the overall attraction. The scheme intends to save, relocate

Pic: the granite barn on Kinchley Lane (left) & the Mountsorrel quarry Time Office

and restore three historic buildings which are at risk of being lost. These are a 200 year old granite barn from Kinchley Lane, Rothley, once used as a

Location of Heritage Ctr

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mess room for German prisoners of war during World War I, the only remaining original building within the old Mountsorrel quarry site, the ‘Time Office’ and the remnants of a granite built explosives store at the disused Nunckley Hill quarry. They will be carefully dismantled and rebuilt to form the basis of the Heritage Centre and a tea room. The heritage centre has been designed to tell the story of both Mountsorrel’s and Rothley’s village history. There will be a car park with access to the adjoining road and a quarry museum telling the story of granite quarrying in the area. This will include demonstration stonemasons’ huts, recreating a quarrying scene that would have been common in the late 19th century. A small railway platform will allow passengers to Pic: Stonemasons’ huts, c1890

MOUNTSORREL POST

join and leave the trains to visit the new attraction. At a later stage there will also be a small museum building linked by rail to the Mountsorrel Railway. The museum will exhibit historical railway vehicles that once worked at Mountsorrel. Work on the station and car park at Bond Lane is expected to start this spring for completion by the end of the year. The 10 per cent match funding of this project has already been secured. Steve said: “The reinstated railway is

MAR 2014

Pic: Mountsorrel Time Office, c1870

Pic: the Bond Lane halt

now viewed as a unifying force for the parishes of Rothley and Mountsorrel and the construction of Bond Lane Halt and the Community Heritage Centre are vital further steps towards realising the potential benefit that the project can bring. We will be working with the Rothley

History Society, the Mountsorrel Heritage Group and the Rothley Heritage Group to ensure that the heritage centre tells the story of our past in as thorough and accurate way as possible. We are enor-

mously grateful for the support we have received from the local communities and, of course, our tireless volunteers who have worked to bring the project to its current stage. This is a community

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project built by the community for the community. If you would like to volunteer and help make this a reality then please get in touch by email to steve@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk” If you want to view the progress on the railway, walk around the newly created nature trail and see the plans for the Heritage Centre, there will be open public consultation days on March 22 and 23 from 11am-2pm with guided tours from the Swithland Lane entrance. There is no parking at the site. You can donate to the project by sponsoring a brick for £50 – see mountsorrelrailway.org.uk for details. The June issue of the

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Maurice Wainwright remembered Maurice Wainwright moved from number 97 to number 92 in 1974, where he had a garden for the first time, which he loved. As a boy, Maurice attended St Peter’s school and St Peter’s church, where he pumped the bellow for the church organ by hand. From age 16 until 21 he was an apprentice engineer at Brush in Loughborough and completed his National Service in the RAF from 1946-1948. After he was discharged from the RAF, Maurice began annual collections for the RAFA which he did every year up to 2013, raising many thousands of pounds. When he retired aged 65, Maurice was working at the Garats Hay Barracks, Woodhouse Eaves as a Mess Hand. He was awarded a Civilian Honour in March ’91 because during a weekend in December ’90 he travelled to work by bicycle in severe wintry weather for two days to provide the only civilian catering support for 200 soldiers while electricity and water supplies were severely disrupted. He stayed all day to carry out additional duties of those who did not make it to work. Following his retirement Maurice was awarded the Imperial Service Medal in recognition of the meritorious services which he had rendered. He received his medal in July 1993 from the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Colonel Andrew Martin. In later life he took driving lessons and although he passed his theory test in 1997 at the age of 68, he never managed to pass his practical test and so it Advertise in the

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Pic: Maurice Wainwright

was still the bike for Maurice. In fact, he enjoyed his driving lessons so much that he continued to have them until the age of 70. The funeral was held at St Peter’s Church on January 30, with the wake at Stonehurst Farm.

Belgrave flyover WORK ON the demolition of Belgrave flyover began on February 1. Leicester City Council says the demolition work will be completed at the end of March. This will be followed by further works at the junction which are expected to be completed by October 2014. www.leicester.gov.uk/belgraveflyover

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Christmas tree festival A CHRISTMAS tree festival at Christ Church in Mountsorrel was visited by 200 people over three days in December. 36 groups, companies and organisations displayed decorated trees in the church And the event, in its seventh successive year, raised £300 from donations.

Mountsorrel heritage MEMBERS OF Mountsorrel Heritage Group enjoyed a presentation on metal detecting in February, held at Mountsorrel library. Phil Harding, a biologist and keen amateur metal detector, entertained everyone with his experiences and 'finds' in the Leicestershire area. He stressed that permission should always be sought from the landowner before entering on to anyone’s land for the purposes of metal detecting. Apparently, ancient unploughed meadows are not the best places for finding ancient objects as the items will be deeply buried below the surface. Ploughed areas will often yield their treasure more easily because the deep ploughing has brought up the objects from their resting places to near the surface. He showed the audience a number of his finds including Roman gold rings,

silver coins and an Iron Age axe-head plus many others. The MHG Chairman Brian Stanton thanked Phil Harding for his very interesting talk and explained to the nonmembers in the audience the group meets on the second Tuesday of every month in the Mountsorrel library and is currently involved in a number of projects embracing The Mountsorrel Archive Website, recording interviews with older Mountsorrel residents, tracing important families from earlier times and recording and logging local Flora and Fauna. The next meeting is on Tuesday, March 11 at 7.30pm in Mountsorrel library – all are welcome. From Mountsorrel Heritage Group

Local charity seeks volunteers A POPULAR charity that provides narrowboat trips for the disabled and elderly is looking for volunteers. Peter Anderson, Chairman of the Baldwin Trust, said: “We give full training in narrowboat operations and the roles of the waterways to new volunteers and it is not necessary for them to have experience of ‘messing about on the water’, it’s more a case of having ‘fun on the water’ while providing a valuable service to the local community who are less fortunate than ourselves.” The Baldwin Trust has two 70 foot narrowboats – one moored at Leicester Marina, Thurmaston and another at Pilling’s Lock, Barrow on Soar. In 2013 the charity car-

ried 3000 clients on days out and their boats are on the water almost every day of the week. Mr Anderson said: “So, if you are active and reasonably fit and would like to join a friendly charity on the waterways of Leicestershire or would like to help on the administrative side the Trust would like to hear from you!” Visit www.baldwintrust.org.uk, where you can leave your details, or contact Peter Anderson on 07787757114

MOUNTSORREL POST

MAR 2014

Memories of life at British United ‘BU People’ is a 52 page landscape A4 size book made up of contributions from many people connected with BU. In its 1960s heyday this powerhouse of British engineering employed over 4500 local people and was the world’s largest supplier of shoemaking machinery and materials. The final quarter of the twentieth century saw the gradual demise of BU culminating in in its eventual closure in 2000. With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund the BU History Group have connected with ex employees of the company to build a record of memories and photographs of life at BU. This people’s history contains memories, history and many colour and black and white photos, and covers much of the company’s 100 year existence. There

PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN

MEMORIES or working life at the British United Shoe Machinery Company feature in a new publication, published by the BU History group.

are stories about being an apprentice, the Quarter Century Club, the BU at War, family life connected to the firm, technological excellence and innovation, and pride and satisfaction at working for BU. The book is priced at £5 (of which £2 will be donated to LOROS, a Leicestershire hospice charity). Postage within the UK is an additional £2. Send a

COFFEE MORNINGS at Mountsorrel Baptist church have raised £761 for LOROS. Our picture shows Adrian Walker from LOROS (left) receiving a cheque from Alan Alexander. cheque for £7 made payable to the BU History Group 8 Greenhill Road, Leicester LE2 3DJ. The book is also available for pur-

chase at £5 in the following LOROS shops: Anstey, Birstall, Leicester High Street and Queens Road Bookshop. info@buhistory.org.uk

Dog waste crackdown DOG fouling and litter in hotspot areas was slashed by a third during a Charnwood Borough Council enviro-crime crackdown. Enjoy a complimentary therapy treatment in a calm relaxing atmosphere. Meet & chat to other patients & carers over a cup of tea. Therapies available include aromatherapy massage, reflexology, Indian head massage & reiki

H Towell Funeral Services The Council’s three-month Don’t Muck Around campaign helped cut dog fouling by 32% in a record nine areas across the Borough and litter by 37% in three hotspots. Dog fouling hotspots covered Birstall, Rothley, Loughborough, Barkby, Queniborough, East Goscote, Woodhouse, Mountsorrel and Sileby. As part of the crackdown, enforcement officers also issued 35 fixed penalty notices to offenders for a range of environmental offences. The Council also recorded a six per cent increase in awareness of Duty of Care offences - where householders can be fined for failing to responsibly get rid of waste from their homes. Councillor Jane Hunt, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said: “Once again the Don’t Muck Around campaign has helped to reduce incidents of environmental crime across the Borough, through education and enforcement. “The Council is committed to ensuring Charnwood is clean and tidy for residents and visitors, and we will continue to work towards driving down

incidents. “This year we focused on a record nine hotspot areas following feedback from our residents, so I am really pleased we can report a reduction in incidents across the three campaign strands. “The reduction in the instances of dog fouling in the hotspots is particularly encouraging. Please could I, on behalf of local residents, thank those people who have changed their behaviour and now clean up after their pet. Your help in improving the area is appreciated.” The campaign ran for three months, from September 27, 2013, to December 20, 2013. Officers monitored hotspot areas before and after the campaign to see what impact the education and enforcement work had on offences. To help with education, the Council also introduced an online tool to help residents plot the dog waste in their area, and the location of nearby dog and litter bins. All reports of dog fouling are now featuring on www.my.charnwood.gov.uk.

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MOUNTSORREL POST

MAR 2014

Noticeboard all details printed free Come and Enjoy Music More! Do you enjoy

Classical music and would you like to know more about it? Enjoy Music More meets at the Adult Education College in Wellington Street, Leicester On Tuesdays from 10am to 12noon from September to March each year. The well-known local organist, choirmaster and music teacher Robert Foreman talks to us in his very individual style about a variety of music and we then listen to and discuss the mu-

YOUR SAY...

sic. Are you interested? Ring Martin on 0116 2592868 or Ken on 01455 822285

50+ Fitness Classes Birstall and Sileby If you are over 50 or have been referred for exercise by a doctor, come and join our low impact aerobics, toning and Tai Chi sessions at Sileby and Birstall Sileby: Tuesdays 12.30-1.30pm Sileby Community Centre 41 High Street, Sileby Loughborough LE12 7RX Birstall: Tuesdays 2-3pm Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall

If what you need is an appointment with your own GP within 24 hours you will get it. Even if all you need is just good advice about what you need to do, you will get it. Call 111 when you need medical help Kevin Blanks NHS Healthwatch

Questions answered In which battle did Napoleon die? His last battle

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

NHS 111 The new 111 telephone call service for urgent medical care is now working in our area and across Leicestershire. Why should we use it? Most of us who call 111 (and might have called 999) are not experts in telling the difference between the need for urgent (fast) medical care and emergency (life-threatening) care. If you call 111 and the person answering decides you need emergency care they will send an ambulance to you immediately without you needing to call 999. Therefore 111 can get you emergency care without any delay. How should we use it? The person who answers your call (the call handler) is trained to get you the help you need quickly. S/he will ask questions about you and what has happened to you or the person you are calling about. You will probably be worried, you might even be scared but try to stay calm and answer the questions as well as you can. The call handler has medical experts (experienced nurses and a GP) available to help and, if needed, will transfer you to talk to them. Call 111 for the best service for you. If you need emergency care (an ambulance) you will get it; If you need urgent (fast) care, you will get it;

Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? At the bottom of the page What is the main reason for divorce? Marriage What is the main reason for failure? Exams What can you never eat for breakfast? Lunch & Dinner What looks like half an apple? The other half If you throw a red stone into the blue sea, what will it become? Wet How can a man go eight days without sleeping He sleeps at night How can you life an elephant with one hand? You will never find an elephant that has only one hand If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in the other hand, what would you have? Very large hands If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take four men to build it? No time at all, the wall is already built How can you drop a raw egg on to a concrete floor without cracking it? Concrete floors are very hard to crack From Peggy Clarke

LE4 4DH For more info please contact Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Mountsorrel, 0116 2230365 or email: gp-referralcharnwood@fusion-lifestyle.com

Charity Bridge Drive Organised by Loughborough Lions Club at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Wednesday April 9 at 1.30pm Afternoon tea provided at a cost of £6 per person To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or email brianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com The Charnwood Orchestra 40th Anniversary

Spring Concert Saturday March 22 All Saints Parish Church, Loughborough Tickets £10 (£9 concessions and £3 for accompanied children under 16) Available from the Box office: 07718153117 or by emailing judithrodgers155@gmail.com or from members of the orchestra or on the door Beethoven – Leonora overture No.3 Elgar – Cello concerto with soloist Tim Gill Brahms – Symphony No.3 Further details about the orchestra and the pieces we are playing are on our website www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk Mountsorrel Methodist Church presents the 3rd in the 13th series of Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals Sunday March 15 at 8pm by Ivan Linford Oakham organist Admission free Donations for church’s development fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘Philomena’ Friday April 11 (134 mins) Advertise in the

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This British film is a moving true story about one woman’s quest to right a terrible wrong. Philomena is played remarkably by Dame Judi Dench. She and the journalist, played by Steve Coogan, form a beautiful relationship as he investigates her son’s disappearance. ‘Sunshine on Leith’ May 9 Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £4.50 and concessions are £4. The price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw. Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office - 0116 236 7626 or at the door.

Rotaract The social club with a conscience, aiming to have fun whilst raising money for charity and aiding the local community Rotaract is a fun, dynamic and unique international organisation for people aged 18-30, offering a wide range of activities that enables you to try something new while having a great time and making new friends We are always recruiting people aged 18-30 so if you would like to get involved, meet like-minded people and help out in the local community then contact us on r.hallam23a@gmail.com or search ‘Leicester Rotaract’ on Facebook We look forward to hearing from you!

Continental Market Gallowtree Gate, Leicester Wed Mar 26 – Sun Mar 30 9am to 5.30pm (Sun 10am to 5pm) Food, artwork, crafts, coffee, flowers, plants, gifts

High energy bills? Confused by energy tariffs? Need help switching suppliers? Charnwood Borough Council were recently awarded funding from the Department of Energy and Climate Change to run ‘Big Energy Saving Network’ sessions, offering free and impartial energy saving advice to groups of consumers within the local community. Each event will give you the opportunity to receive one-to-one advice, covering: • payment options, tariffs and

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how to switch • fuel bills and the annual statement • further assistance available – help with paying fuel bills, fuel debt advice or improving energy efficiency Charnwood’s Jennifer Roberts said: “We hope that local community groups will put themselves forward for a Big Energy Saving network session, held throughout February and March 2014. for more information, please call me on 01509 634937 or jennifer.roberts@charnwood.gov. uk”

Conservation Volunteers Diplomas in work based environmental conservation training are free to people on qualifying benefits Gain knowledge and pursue a career in the environmental sector The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) have been improving Aylestone Meadows since 2000 If you want to join in with TCV’s Diplomas in Environmental Conservation or find out how else you can volunteer with us either visit www.tcv.org.uk or call 0116 2553515

One Act Play Festival A competition between local amdram groups, with each group presenting a play of 25-50 minutes duration Groups are judged on their presentation, acting skills, direction and overall expertise The Old Phoenix Theatre, Newarke St, Leicester Fri March 21, 7pm Sat March 22, 2pm Tickets £8 on the day or from sandra.sutcliffe@ntlworld.com 0116 2236428

Messy Church First Saturday of the month, at 10am At Mountsorrel Methodist Church Craft activities, lively songs, Bible stories, friendship and free lunch provided Everyone welcome Please call 07748 590594 or

email loughboroughsdachurch@gmail.c om to let us know you are coming

Leicester Symphony Orchestra Saturday April 5 7.30pm De Montfort Hall, Leicester Conductor: John Andrews Soloist: Laura van der Heijden, winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year 2012 Tchaikovsky, Francesca da Rimini Tchaikovsky, Variations on a Rococo Theme Dvorak, Rondo op.94 Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition Free pre-concert talk 6.30pm with Laura van der Heijden Tickets £11- £18, children 18 and under, £5 Tickets from DMH box office or Nigel Moore: nigel.moore@moorelarge.co.uk

Soar Valley Bowls Club We would like to extend a warm welcome to all age groups who would like to try bowling We are holding two open days on April 26/27 from 10am to 12noon for anyone who would like to have a go All that you will need is a pair of flat soled shoes and we will supply the equipment Our bowls green is situated on Loughborough Rd, Mountsorrel, opposite Hilltop Garage We will also tea and biscuits to calm the nerves! If you would like any more information please phone 0116 2364246 Or email hilbil1@virginmedia.com Remember it’s not just for the aged!

Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursdays March 6, April 3, May 1 in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Admission £2. All players welcome Large free car park

MOUNTSORREL Every year parishioners in PARISH COUNCIL Mountsorrel show their interest and concerns by attending the Annual Parish Meeting. The Parish Council are hoping that the following guests will be attending to answer your ANNUAL PARISH questions and hear your opinions MEETING REPRESENTATIVES FROM Mountsorrel Memorial Hall, Leicester Road, Mountsorrel

Thur March 20th 2014 at 7.30pm.

Charnwood Borough Council & Leicestershire County Council Lafarge Aggregates Leicestershire Constabulary Mountsorrel Charities

The Alpha Course

MAR 2014 11

the sessions you take part in. New members are always welcome – just turn up! You don’t even need dance shoes if you don’t have any – just wear sensible shoes and comfy clothes. So what are you waiting for? Come

Starts again at Christ Church Top of The Green, Mountsorrel on March 14 at 7.30pm If you are interested in finding out more about the Christian Faith or want to explore the meaning of life Contact Christine Butcher on 0116 2376122 or 07708 443870 or chrissie.butcher@yahoo.co.uk

and give us a go this Monday!

77th Bradgate Scouts

Wreake Valley Rotary Club

Jumble Sale

10th Real Ale Festival

Saturday March 22, 11am-1pm Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston Jumble, tombola, bottle tombola, cake stall, refreshments Get Fit, Meet People & Have Fun with

Quorn Tap & Ballet Clubs Why not try something new in 2014 – come tap and ballet dancing! It’s a fantastic way to keep fit without overdoing it plus it’s a great place to have a giggle and meet new people. Quorn Tap Club takes place every Monday, 7.45-8.45pm and Quorn Ballet Club takes place every other Monday 8.45-9.30pm. Both are at Quorn Church Rooms (just in front of Rawlins Community College in Quorn). Both classes are for mixed abilities and focus on dancing for enjoyment. You can attend tap or ballet or both! One class costs just £3.50, and tap and ballet together cost just £6 and is payable weekly. So if you miss a week, it doesn’t matter! You only pay for

For more information log on to www.amcschoolofdance.co.uk or call Adele on 01509 556564, text 07842098146 or email info@amschoolofdance.co.uk

Syston Community Centre April 10, 11 & 12 Thursday 10th & Friday 11th will be 5-11pm and Saturday 12th will be 12noon- 11pm We will be offering 20 different ales to sample and on Saturday there will be a quiz to keep the grey matter stimulated. As usual all the proceeds will be used to support local and international charities throughout the year.

WI news THE SPEAKER at the January meeting of Mountsorrel WI was Sandy Leong who gave us a very entertaining talk on the history and meaning of nursery rhymes. As Sandy said rhymes are passed down through generations and are still recited today but what exactly is the meaning of these? As we discovered are they really appropriate for young ears? Some contain social comment, others malicious gossip, they include coded insults and there is even the odd one designed to entertain children! We were fascinated to hear that 'pop goes the weasel' was actually about pawning the Sunday best coat every week to fund a lot of drink and a little food! You may have thought Old Mother Hubbard was just about a poor old dog but in fact was comment on Cardinal Wolsey's inability to gain a divorce from Rome for Henry VIII. And a word of warning: Lucy Locket and Kitty Fisher may not be all they seem! We were all able to remember 21 out of the 22 rhymes covered which just goes to show how ingrained these are in the memory of many people. We did wonder, however, if the tradition of retelling these historic rhymes is being carried on today. At our February meeting the speaker

was Roxanne Dinsdale on Belly Dancing. All visitors are very welcome so why not come along! We certainly are not just Jam and Jerusalem. Please just turn up and be assured of a very warm welcome or for further details contact Alison Aldwinckle on 07517232029. From Mountsorrel WI

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MOUNTSORREL POST

MAR 2014

Art society offers friendly welcome

Thurmaston urban extension PLANS FOR 4500 new homes near Thurmaston feature in a planning application submitted to Charnwood Borough Council in January. KEY

1a. Syston

1b. Syston Station

Thurmaston

Hamilton

Watermead Country Park

Site Boundary

LCiC

CBC

A LOCAL Art Society has launched its 2014 programme and is welcoming new members. The Birstall & District Art Society was started in 1995 by the late Norman Sims. It is a mixed ability group and meets monthly at Longslade’s Palmer-Tomkinson Centre. A spokesman said: “A warm and friendly welcome awaits anyone wishing to join our society. “Whether you are young or old you’ll be more than welcome to come along and join with others who have the same interest.” The society offers facilities for tuition, workshops and outdoor sketching in the summer months, and a social calendar throughout the year. “We are a mixed ability group sharing a common interest, a group where we all help each other and where the absolute beginner is as welcome as the professional artist” added the spokesman.

Pic: red line shows area for development

The plans include: • 4500 dwellings • 13 hectares of employment land creating 3000 jobs • two local centres • one district centre • a range of retail outlets and one large convenience store • a travellers site adjacent to the A607, near to the Asda roundabout • up to three new primary schools and a site reserved for a secondary school • healthcare facilities • allotments • a new southern link road • increasing accessible open space on the development site from 35 hectares to 137 The 360 hectare development site straddles the Charnwood and Leicester City Council boundary. The majority of the land is currently in agricultural use. The applicants are Commercial Estates Project Ltd and Mr J Pochin Trustees. Their application states: The North East of Leicester Sustainable Urban Extension will be a locally distinctive, sustainable and thriving new community

that is well integrated and has excellent connections with Thurmaston and Leicester. It will assist in realising regeneration opportunities for Thurmaston and north east Leicester and create a new focus for the community east of the railway line but maintain a physical separation from Syston, Barkby and Barkby Thorpe. It will provide a balanced mix of high quality housing as well as diverse employment opportunities and an excellent network of green infrastructure which connects into existing areas of environmental value and includes an extension of the Leicester Hamilton Green Wedge. It will have vibrant centres that provide a heart to the community and accessible community, shopping and business facilities. Charnwood Borough Council is required to provide sites for 17,380 new homes within the period 2006-2028. More details on the planning pages of Charnwood’s website, planning application P/13/2498/2

The annual subscription is £25 plus £1 per meeting, members’ children and grandchildren have free membership and non-members’ children cost £12.50 per year, 50p per meeting. Full time students have a 50% concession. Visitors can try a single meeting for £3. For details visit www.badas.org or phone 0116 2606826

Pics: (top) a demonstration in the Palmer Tomkinson Centre & (below) the Society's annual exhibition in Birstall Village Hall

Cycle rides Police jobs to go

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE expects to lose up to 300 officers in the next three years as part of a cost cutting programme. The force currently employs 2150 officers and has lost 260 police officers and 230 staff in recent years. It has to make savings of £20million by 2016/17. The losses are expected to come through natural wastage – mostly retirement. To help keep trained officers on the frontline Leicestershire Police have been using support staff more widely. Earlier this year the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader raised council tax payers’ annual contribution to policing by 1.5% - the equivalent of £2.60 a year for a band D property.

CYCLISTS ARE being offered the chance to take part in two exciting rides and to raise money for a local charity. Alex’s wish is raising funds for life saving research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a muscle wasting condition. Alex (7) from Rothley was diagnosed in 2010 and there is no cure. The charity has secured 26 places on this year’s Prudential Ride London event on August 10, a 100 mile route on closed roads through London and Surrey, made famous by cyclists at the 2012 Olympic games. A £50 deposit secures your place, and £500 sponsorship. Every cyclist will receive an event jersey and training and sponsorship advice. A bigger challenge is the London to Paris cycle ride, leaving London on July 25 and arriving on Sunday July 27. To find out more about either ride contact Emma Hallam on 07903 349 475, emma@alexswish.co.uk or visit www.alexswish.co.uk.

MOUNTSORREL POST

MAR 2014 13

Music workshops at youth café The Sorrel Youth Café on The Green has organised six sessions, covering a range of popular music including rock, rap and pop. The workshops aims to give young people an opportunity to have a go at singing, playing an instrument and performing As part of their Music in the Community unit, Loughborough College will lead the workshops. College Lecturer Matt Toole said: “Our students are very excited about the opportunity to inspire people in the local community and to share their passion for music. They see the workshops as a fantastic opportunity for both themselves and the community.” The workshops are part of the Sorrel Youth Café new Catch Up Friday’s programme that aims to introduce and develop young people’s interests over four themes – music, film, food and fitness. Youth Officer, Graham Lloyd said: “Our partnership with Loughborough College is just one of the ways we are trying to develop our Friday night programme. Their expertise and access

to equipment will mean that we can offer things that we couldn’t afford to do on our own. It’s a great relationship.” The Café is now looking for young people over 14 to sign up for the workshops. Places will be limited to a maximum of eight per session. Participants don’t have to attend more than one and can choose depending on the type of music they are interested in. Those who are interested can sign up to as many sessions as they like, but it will be on a first come, first serve basis. Graham said: “We are looking for young people who are interested in having a go, but there will be no pressure on them to attend regularly. However for those who are interested we want to work with them to develop their talent through the programme, including open mic sessions, organising a local music event and so on.” Those interested in find out more about the workshops should contact Graham on 07775 616001 or 0116 2375289 or email glloyd@sycafe.org.

Join in with city’s race for life CANCER RESEARCH UK is calling on Leicester women of all ages, shapes and sizes to enter this year’s Race for Life run at Victoria Park in July. The event is a women only 5k or 10k charity walk/run which last year saw 4800 take part, raising £335,000. Katie Martin, Cancer Research UK’s Leicester Events Manager, said: “We’re calling on Leicestershire’s mighty mums, gutsy-grans, feisty friends and go-getting girls to join our formidable army and take on cancer at this year’s Race for Life. “We know how committed Leicester women can be when they really make up their minds to do something. We want to harness that power to stop cancer in its tracks, by raising money for life-saving research. “Race for Life is non-competitive. It’s not about being fit or fast. Most women are able to walk 5k in an hour while

chatting and having fun. Or they can choose to jog, run or even dance around the course if they prefer. Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across the East Midlands. Katie continued: “Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate life but also remember those who have been lost to the disease. There are over 200 cancers and we won’t give up until we find cures for them all.” To enter Race for Life today go to www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050

PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN

MUSIC WORKSHOPS for young people are being held in Mountsorrel.

OUR PICTURE shows children from Christchurch and St Peter’s primary school choir singing at Mountsorrel Parish Council’s Christmas carol concert on December 10.

New dementia support group A NEW group has been set up in Thurmaston for those affected by dementia. Thrummy Drummer Dementia Group’s aims are to help alleviate the isolation experienced by both sufferers and carers. A spokesman said: “At each meeting there will be a short talk on subjects that will be helpful or of interest, along with entertainment which has included dancers, choirs and flower arranging demonstrations. “At our December meeting we celebrated Christmas with a choir and lots more, mince pies along with the tea, coffee and biscuits that are served at all our meetings. We extend a very warm welcome to all those who live in the Borough of Charnwood and are affected by dementia.” The Group meets between 10.30am – 12.30pm at Elizabeth Park Sports Centre, Checkland Road, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8FN The Thrummy Drummer will continue to meet on the second Thursday of each

Birstall Life Drawing Class St James Centre/Village Hall Saturday afternoons 2pm - 4pm £4 per session Refreshments provided For more information visit our facebook page: Birstall Life Drawing Class

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Correction WE WOULD like to apologise for an error in our December issue regarding funding for the Mountsorrel Youth Café. In the article the incorrect officer was quoted as securing the funding for the café. The correct officer to be credited for this should have been PC Ian Mundy. The report was taken from the Leicestershire Police website which contained the error. Leicestershire Police subsequently changed the details on their website but this was after our report had been written. We apologise for the error.

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MOUNTSORREL POST

MAR 2014

New messy church A NEW church service aimed at adults and young children has started in Mountsorrel. ‘Messy Church’ starts with craft activities, games and puzzles for children and adults. A spokesman said: “Next is a short and lively worship time of songs and a Bible story. A free lunch is provided for everyone to enjoy spending more time relaxing with family and friends. “Messy Church is church for everyone – children of all ages, parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends are all welcome. Children will need to bring a responsible adult with them. There is no charge but donations towards the cost of running Messy Church are always very welcome.” Messy Church, organised by Loughborough Seventh-day Adventist church, will be meeting on Saturday April 5,

Money advice is free A MONEY advice centre offering free advice is open in Rothley twice a week. The Soar Valley Community Money Advice centre has trained advisors who provide free face to face debt counselling. Centre Manager Tim Jackson said: “We will go through your finances, prepare a budget and negotiate with anyone you owe money to. This will remove the pressure that your creditors are putting on you and ensure an affordable payment plan is agreed. The aim is to support you to a future free of debt.” In addition the Centre can advise on benefit entitlement, other free services available, cost saving ideas and budgeting. Mr Jackson added: “Over the last year we have been developing the vision for the Centre, so it is fantastic to open our doors to support those who need help. The team have a real heart to help those whose life is being impacted by debt and to help them to a debt free future. We re supported by Community Money Advice which is a national charity overseeing 130 centres across the UK.” The Centre is based at Rothley Baptist Church, Woodgate, Rothley and is open Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. “It is open to anyone who needs help so please pop in and see us, call/text 07743 765958 or email: soarvalleycma@gmail.org and start the journey to a debt free future” said Mr Jackson.

Saturday May 3, Saturday June 7 and thereafter on the second Saturday of each month. They meet at Mountsorrel Methodist Church, Church Hill Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7JB. Please call 07748 590594 or email loughboroughsdachurch@gmail.com if you wish to attend.

Website CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council have re-designed their website. A spokesman said: “The site has been designed with customers in mind so they can find the information the need quickly and easily as well as paying bills, reporting issues, and requesting help at the touch of a button.” www.charnwood.gov.uk

GCR wins award THE GREAT Central Railway’s half a million pound renovation project to revive ‘Loughborough’s Crystal Palace’ has triumphed at a national award ceremony. The full restoration of the elegant glass, metal and wood station canopy, which is grade II listed and dates back to 1899 took three years to complete. Originally provided to protect Victorian travellers it is now ready for another century of service at the heritage line. It picked up the first prize at the National Railway Heritage Awards in the station environment category. It faced competition from two projects completed by Network Rail at Battersea Park and Horsham stations. The National Railway Heritage Awards recognise work to preserve Britain’s rail heritage. They encompass buildings,

The June issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Jun 7. The copy deadline is May 23 .

PILBEAM ACADEMY of DANCE Tel: 07584 166838 Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern & National for children from age 3 Held at Rothley Village Hall, on Monday & Tuesday evening, & at Rothley Baptist Church, Woodgate, from 4.30pm on Wednesday. Some spaces available in the beginners class at 4.30pm. All classes can lead to stagework, medals and examinations. Pupils 3yrs + welcome

Ladies Tap classes for experienced or beginners held on Mondays at 7pm.

JOIN US FOR FUN, EXERCISE OR EXAMINATIONS • Est 1990 Principal: Antonia Pilbeam F.D.D.A.

structures and signalling. The Great Central Railway has previously won awards for its signalling and the work carried out by volunteers at Rothley station. The judges praised the renovations at Loughborough station as a “heritage restoration of the highest order”. The work was funded through a major public appeal and also grants from the Wolfson Foundation, The Pilgrim Trust, Biffa award, Garfield Weston and the Edith Murphy Foundation. Hundreds of hours of volunteer time was dedicated to recovering original wood and metal where possible or manufacturing completely new pieces.

New green manager AN AWARD-winning company has been appointed to manage beauty spots throughout Charnwood. Quadron Services, a specialist Green Space management company, won a rigorous bidding process to manage green spaces on behalf of Charnwood Borough Council. Last year the Council approved plans to outsource the management of Green Spaces which includes the maintenance of Queen’s Park, the Outwoods, Loughborough Cemetery and management of the Rangers Service. Current green spaces staff will be transferred over to Quadron with no job losses,. Outsourcing the service is exAdvertise in the

MOUNTSORREL POST 47 x 59mm £23 • 47 x 120mm £41 98 x 59mm £41 • 98 x 120mm £69

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pected to save the Council around £90,000 per year. Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said: “The bid submitted by Quadron was exceptional and their plans for enhancing our already gorgeous beauty sport are really exciting. “This represents brilliant value for money for our residents as well as meeting our very high standards of quality which have helped make our open spaces among the best in Leicestershire.” Quadron’s successful bid included commitments to enhancing the green spaces service by: • cutting grass more often • more sustainable planting • providing better equipment and training to staff • increasing the number of beauty spots with Green Flags • enhancing the council’s contribution to Loughborough In Bloom Quadron also detailed how it plans to recruit apprentices and beef up a network of volunteers to help staff keep Charnwood’s Beauty spots in top condition.

MOUNTSORREL POST

MAR 2014 15

Employment land: more than half is in Wanlip A 30 HECTARE site in Wanlip has been identified as potential employment land by Charnwood Borough Council. The site is located east of Severn Trent’s water treatment works and west of the A6. It would be in addition to the 15 hectares of employment land that is proposed for the Broadnook Garden Suburb, the planned development of 1500 homes that is proposed for a site next to the old Bentley’s Roses. If both sites are developed, it would see the parish of Wanlip getting 60 per cent of the employment land Charnwood Borough Council says is necessary for the entire Borough in the next 15 years. The 30 hectare Wanlip site features in the draft Allocations and Policies Plan, published by Charnwood last month. It is part of the Council’s Local Plan process, which sets out areas for development in the Borough for the next

15 years. Birstall Parish Council’s Chairman Anne Marshall said: “I am very concerned about the effect the houses and the employment land will have on traffic on the A6. Hallam Fields is not even completed yet and the traffic is very bad, at peak times it is almost gridlocked. To continue to pour even more traffic down the A6 is lunacy.” The Borough Council has suggested a Wanlip bypass to take pressure off the A6. It would leave the A6 near the old Bentley’s Roses’ site, cross the A6 and pass through a field before joining Wanlip Lane, moving traffic out of Wanlip Village centre. Charnwood’s report says the bypass would result in 500+ vehicle movements an hour along Wanlip Lane

Man jailed after violent burglary A ROTHLEY man was part of a gang that broke into an Evington home and threatened to throw acid over the occupants, before ransacking the house for valuables. Peter David Gilheaney (21) of Armitage Drive, Rothley has been jailed for seven and a half years for his part in the raid. On May 10, 2013, Gilheaney and three other men arrived at the home of the Gosai family in Evington at 1.30pm. Gilheaney and an accomplice, both wearing masks, broke into the house and confronted Rajeev Gosai (23) in his bedroom where he was watching television. Gilheaney’s accomplice threatened to throw acid over him, hit him with a metal pole and demanded drugs, money and gold. They then woke his father, asleep in another bedroom, and threatened him, making the same demands. The burglars then ransacked the entire house, leaving after 30 minutes with £1000 of jewellery and cash.. The father and son said they feared for their lives during the ordeal. CCTV cameras from a nearby property filmed the men entering and leaving the

Park & ride GROUP TICKETS from Birstall’s park and ride are now available from 7am. The group ticket is £3.50 per car and allows up to five people to travel. It was previously only available after 9am. www.quicksilverbus.co.uk

Proposed Wanlip bypass

Planned Broadnook Garden Suburb: 1500 homes & 15 hectares of employment land

Proposed employment land

at the morning and evening rush hour. Birstall Parish Council and Wanlip Parish Meeting have both opposed the proposed bypass. At this stage the bypass is an option being considered by Charnwood: it featured in a report they commissioned to suggest measures to mitigate the impact of development in

the area. If it passes through the consultation stage, the 30 hectare Wanlip site will be published in a ‘Preferred Options’ document this summer. At this point, exhibitions will be held and the public invited to comment on the plans.

Church raising funds A LOCAL church is appealing for waste it can recycle to raise funds for a building.

Pic: Peter Gilheaney - jailed for seven & a half years

property. Two other accomplices waited outside, one as the getaway driver in a stolen Mercedes and one as a lookout. Gilheaney’s DNA was found on a scarf left in the getaway car which was found later abandoned and burnt out. He admitted aggravated burglary and was sentenced to seven and a half years.

The Loughborough Seventh Day Adventist church currently meets at Mountsorrel Methodist church on Saturday mornings. A spokesman said: “We are very happy at our current rented location but our dream is to own a church building of our own.” For the last three years the church has been organising fundraising events and is now appealing for waste items and packaging, much of which cannot currently be recycled though the green bin system. The church receives 2p per item recycled. Items needed are biscuit packets; Activa, Actimel or Shape pots; Tassimo discs; Kenco refill pouches; old mobile

phones; used pens; printer cartridges; baby food pouches; clothing and shoes. Waste can be collected or a freepost label sent. For more information contact Vivienne 07748 590594. loughboroughsdachurch@gmail.com

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MOUNTSORREL POST

MAR 2014

Planning applications

Courses for women A FREE course offers women of any age the opportunity to have a go at construction and craft trades. ‘Women in Construction’ is a free taster course run by Leicester City Council for women aged 16 and over. It allows women to try their hand at bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, plumbing, electrics and painting and decorating. The course is provided by Leicester College and runs this year during the Easter holidays: April 14-17 and 22-25

at the college’s Aylestone Road site. Women can attend as few or as many sessions as they wish and there is the opportunity for those who enjoy the course to go on to apply for an apprenticeship. Find out more at the college’s open day on April 7/8 or visit www.leiecster.gov.uk/womeninconstru ction

Scrapping councils would save money SCRAPPING CHARNWOOD Borough Council and the six other district councils in Leicestershire would save £31.4 million a year. The findings emerged from a report commissioned by Leicestershire County Council and prepared by consultants Ernst & Young. The County Council currently spends £356 million a year, and has to save £110 million by 2018. County Council leader Nick Rushton said: “We commissioned the report following a strong steer from Council taxpayers and local MPs. “People who responded to our budget consultation last summer said they wanted fewer councillors and public service organisations. And when we briefed MPs about our financial situation, they mooted the idea of a unitary council. “I’m not commenting on the conclusions today and I’m not advocating an immediate campaign, either for or against. But, at a time we must save a third of our budget and front-line services have to be reduced, this report is an important contribution to the public debate. We’re happy to hear from members of the public.” The report, by consultants Ernst and Young, says: • Having a single, unitary council for Leicestershire would save up to £31.4 million per year, compared to the cost of running the current county council and seven district and borough councils. • The costs of setting up the new council - £12.8 million - would be repaid in just over a year, mainly from reduced management and support serv-

ice costs. • The savings could lead to a reduction in Council Tax of more than £7 million per year across the county. The current average band D Council Tax for county and district councils would reduce by 3.1 per cent (£37 per year). Of the 280,000 properties in Leicestershire, more than 230,000 would see their Council Tax bill reduce by between 0.6 per cent and 8.4 per cent. • Based on Boundary Commission advice and what has happened in other areas, the number of councillors in Leicestershire could reduce from 316 at the moment to around 100 in a unitary council. • The number of jobs that would be lost at district level would be 520.

P/14/0402/2: 9 The Homestead – erection of replacement single storey rear extension P/14/0321/2: 10 The Quay – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/14/0252/2: 9 Heron Close – erection of two storey extension to side of dwelling P/14/0071/2: Plots 16 &17, The Lane, Waterside Drive – erection of two dwellings P/14/0031/2: 99 Rothley Road – creation of additional flat to first floor, alterations to shop front and insertion of two doors to side elevation P/14/0021/2: 42 Otter Lane – erection of single and two storey extensions to rear and porch to front of dwelling P/14/0058/2: Land off West Cross Lane – site for residential development of up to 150 dwellings (Outline Application) P/14/0030/2: 5 Renning End – erection of extensions to front, side and rear and two juliet balconies to side of dwelling, following demolition of garage P/14/0067/2:Mountsorrel Quarry, Loughborough Road – LCC CM Application. Extension of the mineral extraction area, relocation of the primary crusher and surge pile, relocation of quarry office, workshops, lorry and car parks, construction of overburden landforms and proposed restoration and aftercare. P/13/2514/2: 36 Cross Lane – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/13/2419/2: Charnwood Surgery, 39 Linkfield Road - erection of canopy to side of building and alterations to carpark layout P/13/2451/2: The Lindens, 22 Halstead Road – erection of nine dwellings P/13/2518/2: 38 Halstead Road – single storey rear extension

Man fined A MOUNTSORREL man has been fined for growing cannabis plants. Steven David Phillips (32) of Glebe Close, Mountsorrel, was fined £300 at Leicester Magistrates Court on December 2, and ordered to pay £30 victim surcharge for producing cannabis plants, a controlled B-class drug. He pleaded guilty and an order was made for the plants and growing paraphernalia to be forfeited and destroyed.

New World Florist

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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.

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plans drawn and submitted. Extensions, conversions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395/07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk THE GREEN, Mountsorrel. Lock up garage to let. £30 per month. Tel: Jarroms 0116 2221999

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

The June issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Jun 7. The copy deadline is May 23 .

MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Mountsorrel Library, Rothley Post Office or to our office in the Youth Centre, Longslade College, Birstall

editor@birstallpost.co.uk