MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
DECEMBER 2014
www.birstallpost.co.uk
No. 49
Talented rider wins A MOUNTSORREL schoolgirl has won a national showjumping competition. Lara Gorse (12) was competing against 48 young riders from across the country at the Search for a Talented Showjumper competition at the Countryside Live event in Yorkshire this October. Continued on page 2
DAVE HUTCHINGS GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS
Brickwork • Patios Re-pointing Tiling • Plaster Patching • Fencing etc No job too small Friendly Reliable Service Free Quotations • Fully Insured
Tel: 0116 260 7716 Mob: 07770 785400 Email: dave@dave-hutchings.com Website: www.dave-hutchings.com
Pic: Rider Lara Gorse with Graham & Tina Fletcher
Midland Window Installations
Specialist in PVC-U Windows, Doors, & Conservatories 29-33 Thurcaston Rd, Leicester LE4 5PG Tel:
2676167
ROOFLINE PRODUCTS INCLUDING GUTTERING
Library at risk LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY Council is pressing ahead with its plans to reduce support for libraries in the county. Mountsorrel’s library is one of 36 village libraries that the County has identified – these ‘community libraries’ will be run by volunteers with support from the County Council. The 16 major libraries will continue to be funded by the County Council but will have their opening hours cut by 20%. The County Council say their plans will save £800,000. The proposals have attracted widespread local opposition with 1700 people signing a petition and high attendance at public consultation meetings. Parish Councillor Stan Coats organised a petition and has been actively Continued on page 2
2
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2014
Continued from page 1 researching ways the County’s plans could be challenged. He said: “Mountsorrel will be badly hit by the proposal to close its library if we cannot find enough volunteers. It has a modern library and education centre which was built in 2007. It is not an affluent village and has some pockets of real deprivation, being one of four priority neighbourhoods in Charnwood. Rider continued from page 1 The riders took part in a series of heats over two days and were judged by Olympic showjumpers Graham and Tina Fletcher, with Lara chosen as the overall winner. Lara, a pupil at Rawlins Academy, will now spend time with the Fletchers, where she will pick up vital tips to help her showjumping career. Lara who started riding when she was five years old, was delighted with her success at Countryside Live. But it could all have been a different story for Lara and her family whose transport had broken down before the event, forcing them to borrow a trailer and campervan to travel to Harrowgate. “I’m so pleased we made it, we didn’t expect Lara to win. I’ve never ridden a horse in my life, she certainly doesn’t get her talent from me” said mum Haley. Lara said: “I felt a little nervous as there were so many people. I’m not used to a big event like this, it’s so exciting to have won.” Graham Fletcher, who has been involved in showjumping for more than 30 years and won all the major international Grand Prix competitions, said Lara stood out as a stylish rider. “The riders we have had in this year’s competition have been among some of the best we have ever had. Lara rode impeccably – the way she improved over the weekend was really great. She is a very stylish little rider and willing to learn and adapt her style” he said.
"There are families with no books in the house and who cannot afford to buy children’s books or the bus fare to travel to Loughborough to the nearest library.”
West Cross Lane plans approved PLANS FOR up to 130 new homes off West Cross Lane in Rothley have been given the go ahead by Charnwood.
Pic: Mountsorrel library
The County Council says that a pool of 30-50 volunteers would need to be established to run Mountsorrel library. It says it now wants to identify eight of the 36 ‘community libraries’ which will act as bases for a library liaison officer to advise and support local communities. • in 2012/13 Mountsorrel library had 48,133 visitors in total of which 1443 were active borrowers, the highest figure of the 36 ‘community libraries’ • 1040 people attended 50 events at the library • 129 people attended 13 classes run by the Adult Learning Service
The plans, on the boundary with Mountsorrel, were considered by the Borough Council’s planning committee in September. It voted to recommend development and reduce the amount of affordable housing from 30% to 15%. A decision notice has not been published while the details of the section 106 developer contributions are negotiated. The reduction in the amount of affordable housing, a move supported by the developer Charles Church, will result in a considerable increase in the size of the 106 contributions. The West Cross Lane Fields Residents Action Group campaigned against the proposals and presented a detailed objection to the planning department at
LANCASTER LANDSCAPES BLOCK PAVING SPECIALISTS
Drives • Patios • Paths Garden Design Crazy Paving Slabbing Fencing Lawns Cut Hedges Cut Turfing
Slabs & Walls Cleaned
01509 814280 or 07979 851976
Charnwood. Spokesman Andy Worby said: “We’re clearly disappointed with the result. What concerns us most is that the plans committee paid almost no attention to the key issues around sustainability and the impact of the development on the local area. All the focus was on the Section 106 money coming from the developers and how to resolve the squabble between Rothley and Mountsorrel parish councils on who should get it. It’s a real concern that it’s come to this. “The council needs to change its approach and pay more attention to how the current pace of development is affecting the local communities, and not just think about how they’re going to balance their books using developer handouts.” Rothley Parish Council have submitted a bid for a £500,000 contribution towards a new Rothley Centre. Mountsorrel Parish Council has also requested contributions: £450,000 towards a new Memorial Hall, £400,000 towards sports facilities on Halstead Road and £200,000 to secure the future of Mountsorrel Library. The developers will be required to make a contribution of £460,405 for educational provision, and contributions to public transport, policing and the NHS to expand a local doctor’s surgery.
birstall post office
6
Misted up double glazing ? Replace with new clear sealed units Faulty locks & handles replaced
Call Colin Wright for a free quote LOCAL BUSINESS 07765635505 • 01162209573
MOUNTSORREL POST
Parish Council notes
A VILLAGE business has come to the rescue of Mountsorrel guides. Leader in Charge at 1st Mountsorrel Guides Julie Massey said: “The young girls at 1st Mountsorrel Guides are thankful for being well equipped with a good selection of camping equipment. For many years this has been stored in the shed of a generous elderly local resident for which we are very grateful. Unfortunately the shed has recently fallen into disrepair and the camping equipment moved to prevent damage. After approaching local businessman Alan McDougall, owner of village business ‘City Transair’, he has kindly provided us with emergency storage as a temporary solution. For this we are very appreciative as we were fearful that valuable equipment would be lost to water damage.” 1st Mountsorrel guides are now looking for a more permanent solution. If anyone is able to provide a dry and secure home for a variety of tents and cooking equipment please contact Guide Leader Julie Massey on 07804096920
OUR PICTURES show some of the many local groups that had fund raising stalls at the Autumn Charity Fair in Mountsorrel’s Memorial Hall.
PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN
Guides: storage needed
3
Charity stalls
A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on July 14. Miss Lian Munday was co-opted to fill a vacancy on the council. Regarding the recent ‘Lestfest’ event, it was reported that Charnwood Borough Council are only obliged to tell the Police and Health & Safety before granting permission, not the Parish Council or neighbouring properties. It was agreed that Charnwood be asked to notify the Parish Council of any future events. It was reported that the contractor was working hard to improve the cemetery and anticipates a significant improvement within the next four to five weeks. Cllr Stan Coats reported that the petition he organised regarding the threatened closure of Mountsorrel library raised 1100 signatures with the Heritage Group’s petition raising even more. Cllr Mick Lemon reported that, following initial objections by Leicestershire County Council, the man who had been maintaining the plants on the roundabout at the southern entrance to the village had been granted a licence to continue. It was agreed to write and thank him for his efforts. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on September 8. The winners of the Parish Council’s Best Kept Front garden competition were presented with their prizes. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on October 13. Cllr Stan Coats reported that the County Council appeared to have a fixed policy of continuing to support only the top 16 libraries with full funding, and that the remaining libraries would need to be run by volunteers. He advised that the Parish Council and residents would need to continue fighting the closure of Mountsorrel library. It was agreed that the Parish Council and residents would need to continue fighting the closure of Mountsorrel library up to the Secretary of
DEC 2014
State if necessary. It was agreed that the Parish Council deplores any decision to withdraw professional County Council staff from Mountsorrel library and that it would be a dereliction of their duty un-
ashwell Stoves & Chimneys Ltd Installation of wood burning Domestic Stoves SUPPLY & INSTALLATION OR INSTALLATION ONLY
FREE EXPERT ADVICE Accredited HETAS installer 19 Lawn Ave, Birstall
07712 772497 07801 482 115 info@ashwellstoves.co.uk
ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL WORK
Extra Points Alarms Rewiring Security Lighting Electrical Testing Part P Registered
Control Electrics Ltd Lodgewood Ave, Birstall, Leicester
Tel: 0116 2682910 FREE ESTIMATES
der the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. The Council has received a letter of resignation from Cllr D Nicholls.
4
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2014
4500 new homes: plans approved
ASDA
PLANS FOR 4500 new homes on land behind the Asda store in Thurmaston have been given the go-ahead by Charnwood Borough Council. Around 100 residents attended the meeting of Charnwood’s planning committee where the plans were discussed for more than three hours. Councillors decided by seven votes to five to support their officers’ recommendation and approve planning permission, which resulted in angry shouts from many objectors. The Barkby and Barkby Thorpe Action Group led the campaign against the development. The objections included: • impact on local roads • loss of village separation and community identity • loss of agricultural land • no proper consideration of alternative sites The development will be delivered over 15-20 years at an annual build rate of 200-300 dwellings per year. Charnwood’s current housing target is 17,380 new dwellings between 2006-2028. 5811 new dwellings have been completed in the period 2006-2014. Section 106 developer contributions are negotiated to mitigate the impact of developments and for this development will run into many millions of pounds – the contribution towards new schools along totals £37million. Money for new roads, leisure and health facilities will also have to be provided. The development is the largest planning application ever to come before Charnwood Borough Council. The plans include: • 4500 dwellings • 25% affordable housing • 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 sports centre with full size artificial pitch • a new southern link road • a northern link road connecting to the A607 Syston by-pass • 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.” More details on the planning pages of Charnwood’s website, planning application P/13/2498/2
Christmas café THE SORREL Youth Café held a Christmas fundraising event with festive stalls and tasty Christmas treats.
Scouts bronze award FOUR LOCAL scouts from the Rothley and Mountsorrel area have received their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. Our picture shows Daniel Bowler, Benjamin Hutchings, Ashleigh Eddy and Georgia Ward with Chief Constable of Leicestershire, Simon Cole and Leicestershire County Commissioner for Scouts, Carol Black Chief Constable Simon Cole presented the awards at a ceremony at the Scout
Headquarters in Leicester Forest East. The Chief Constable, who is Vice President of Leicestershire Scouts, said: “I was delighted to see so many young people achieving such great successes and I felt honoured to be included in their celebrations.”
Nicky Morgan MP, the Education Secretary, read Christmas stories to the children and café volunteers sold handcrafted gifts, new and second-hand books, warming soup and delicious Christmas goodies. All money raised at this event will go to fund youth work within the café for the young people of Mountsorrel and beyond. The Sorrel Youth Café is a public limited charity that is now the sole provider of freely accessible youth services in Mountsorrel. Fundraising events like these, and generous regular donations from local people, enable the Sorrel Youth Café to continue providing trained youth workers, social, emotional and educational support to young people and the café premises, for the use of young people and the wider community. For more information about the Sorrel Youth Café project, contact Leslie Strange at leslie@sycafe.org or on 0116 2106379. You can also visit our website at www.sycafe.org.
MOT VEHICLE TESTING STATION
TESTING
PETROLS • DIESELS MOTORCYCLES CROPSTON GARAGE 37 - 39 Station Road Cropston, Leicester 0116 2362363
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2014
5
Mountsorrel remembers the fallen THE STANDARD of the Mountsorrel branch of the Royal British Legion was part of a Remembrance Sunday service in Yangon, formerly Rangoon, this year. Branch Chairman Mr Keith Hassall laid the standard on the altar of Holy Trinity cathedral where the service was being held. Mr Hassall also laid wreaths and crosses at the Yangon war cemetery in memory of all the Leicestershire men lost during the Far East campaign of World War II. In Mountsorrel, the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and church service took place on the afternoon of November 9 led by local dignitaries including Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Mr T Higgins, the Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood, Cllr and Mrs P Day, Col R Martin, Leicestershire County President of the Royal British Legion and President of the Mountsorrel Branch together with Mrs J Martin, County President of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section, Nicky Morgan MP and Mr Brian Allard, Chairman of the Mountsorrel Parish Council together with Parish, Borough and County Councillors for the village. As ever there was a strong showing by the youth organisations of the village including the Guides, Brownies, Beavers and Boys Brigade. Certificates of appreciation were presented by the Royal British Legion to Noel Wakeling, for his work as treasurer and welfare officer of the Mountsorrel branch 1980-2014 and to John Doyle, Poppy appeal and parade organiser. On Armistice Day at 11am on November 11 a short service was held at the Peace Garden, by the Market Place, at which wreaths, poppies and crosses were laid. This year the gathering was
Pics: the parade leaves The Green (top) and arrives at St Peter’s Church
Pics: County President of the Royal British Legion, Colonel Robert Martin (left) presents certificates to Noel Wakeling (top) & John Doyle
joined by a group of pupils from Christ Church and St Peter’s Primary School who laid a wreath in memory of the village fallen from the Great War. The pupils later attended a school led service of Remembrance in St Peter’s church where they were joined by their families and members of the Mountsorrel Branch Royal British Legion. A spokesman for the Mountsorrel branch of the Royal British Legion said: “We would like to thank all those who attended and supported the parade and services, and all those who supported
R.E. MILLS Planning SERVICING, MOT CLASSIC CAR applications & SPECIALIST P/14/2034/2: Land adjacent to 2,4,6,8,14 & 25 Kenilworth Close, Mountsorrel – use of lands as open space and erection of 2m high fence P/14/2180/2: 7 Rosslyn Avenue, Mountsorrel – erection of a two storey extension to side of dwelling P/14/2071/2: 251 Leicester Road, Mountsorrel – formation of raised parking area to front of dwelling P/14/2054/2: 3 Hugh Lupus Court, Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel – erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling P/14/2040/2: 44 The Green, Mountsorrel – conversion of attached garage to bedroom P/14/2031/2: Land on south side of Mountsorrel Lane, Sileby – request for screening opinion in relation to a proposed Solar PV farm P/14/1763/2: 4 Glebe Close, Mountsorrel - erection of a two storey extension to rear and side and single storey extension to front and detached single storey garage to front of dwelling P/14/1726/2: Albar Autos 177, Leicester Road, Mountsorrel – external aluminium cladding to front and side of car showroom
MOT
TESTING
the Poppy Appeal and particularly all the shops, pubs, clubs and other outlets who have happily taken a Poppy Box for the Appeal. The branch would particularly like to thank the Sorrel Youth Café for hosting the Appeal launch event and the ladies of the Christ Church and St Peter’s Craft Group, who produced the excellent and much asked for, knitted poppies for the appeal. The Village Appeal total stands currently at £3694 and we hope that more will yet be added to that figure.”
MULTI FUEL STOVES LOG BURNERS ELECTRIC/GAS FIRES FIREPLACES
VEHICLE TESTING STATION
Servicing & Repairs to all makes & models MOTs • Bodywork Electronic Diagnosis Leaded 4*
INSTALLATION ACCESSORIES FREE HOME SURVEY
MDW FIREPLACES RE Mills Motor Engineer
34-36 Town Green St Rothley LE7 7NU
0116 2302295
2a WANLIP AVENUE BIRSTALL LEICESTER LE4 4JP 01162 676601
www.mdwfireplaces.co.uk
6
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2014
YOUR SAY... Noticeboard all details printed free St James Gospel Choir Do you want to join a choir where there are no auditions, sing Christian and popular songs, and make lasting friendships? Then come along to our next practise on Friday 14th November 2014, St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall at 7:30pm. 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
Night before Christmas T’was two nights before Christmas. And all through my house Not a creature was stirring, just a risk-taking mouse Then all of a sudden there came a great smash I looked through the window – it was a sleigh crash The sleigh was quite battered but seemed quite unbroken Some language I heard, that was better unspoken Out staggered old Santa, a-rubbing his eyes Took one look at me and exclaimed in surprise: What’s this? You’re all grown up, you’re supposed to be ten Don’t tell me the Sat-Nav has done it again? I gently explained: “This is hard to believe But you’re early, tomorrow it’ll be Christmas Eve “Your Sat Nav is fine, it’s your eyesight that’s wonky That’s not Dancer or Prancer – you’ve hitched up a donkey”. He sighed and he told me “I think you are right I’ve been bothered, but I thought it a trick of the night I suppose it’s OK that I’m early, not late But it’s really quite silly to misread the date.” The unhappy chappy looked so woebegone That I said: “We know just where you ought to have gone.” Than I drove him on down to a place that was local And they fitted him up with some new specs (bi focal) Then I took him back to rescue his sleigh And he thanked my profusely and went on his way And all that remained was the place where the ass Had made quite a meal of my small patch of grass Perhaps it was his way of paying me back Or maybe the parcel had dropped from his sack. Either way it was simply an old
Birstall Royal British Legion December 2014 6th Neil Evans (M/V) 13th Kenny Sinclaire (M/V) 20th Jacqui Daniels (F/V) Xmas Eve Michael Jay (M/V) 27th Colin Stevens (M/V) Nye Steve Sinatra & Disco Dancing every Saturday night with live entertainment Bingo, Free beer raffle and not forgetting Open the Box Every Tuesday night Bingo starting at 9.15pm Quiz nights Sunday 14th and 28th December starting at 9pm Acoustic night Sunday 21st December at 8pm Food available every Saturday 122pm Functions/ Wakes catered for Food available 12-2pm families welcome New outside seating area Bt Sports & Wifi Available dream come true I could send him a letter – float it up through the flue But a loco, a train and a roomful of track? There just ain’t a chance of him getting that back From Peggy Clarke
Car park For over 10 years now, like many others most of who live outside Rothley, we attend a Tea Dance at the Rothley Centre. This event has been running for far longer and like all other functions at this centre the hirers have to pay for the hall. It has become increasingly difficult to find a parking space – the allocated area for hall users, stated on notices seem to be un-noticed by many or not relevant. On one occasion recently the hall was being used by only 16 people who between them had seven cars, three of these cars could not park on the whole car parking area, having to find road parking elsewhere in the village, some of which was limited to one hour, thus the owners of these cars had to move the vehicles during the dance. Yes, this is a public car park but NOT ALL of the area is! Some of the hirers have some heavy equipment and should have easy access to the hall. Perhaps the answer is clearer markings of the area reserved for hall users and a little more consideration by other users. Name & address supplied
New Members Always Welcome For current information join our FACEBOOK page AGM will be held on January 28th at 7.30pm
Mountsorrel Charities Fete
Merry Christmas!
To all our readers & advertisers from us all at
THE MOUNTSORREL POST
Proposed date of 13th June 2015 Any one wishing to have a stall Please contact Helen Wood on 0116 2374187 for further details
CLASH 2012 Exercise sessions for individuals with Arthritis and other MSK conditions. Tuesday 1.00 - 2.00pm - General Fitness Wednesday 1.00 - 2.00pm - Chair based exercise sessions. Sports Hall, Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester, LE4 6DP. Call Karen for further information on 07954584402. Please note that there will be a weekly charge of £2 per session for non members of CLASH 2012 attending the above exercise sessions. CLASH 2012, a UK Online Centre, provides basic computer training at its After School e-learning sessions held in the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade Community College - Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm term time only. UK Online has recently awarded CLASH 2012 a grant to support access to learning more about your health please visit www.learnmyway.com/whatnext/health to go direct to the 'BEING HEALTHY' landing page & please support CLASH 2012 by taking the Digital Health Survey including our centre number 3420633
For further information please contact Conrad on 07919844629 or Mark on 07801718908 CLASH 2012 Monthly Meeting Please note that there will no monthly meeting this month as members of CLASH 2012 will be meeting for their annul Christmas festivities. La Leche League Birstall
Mini Christmas Fayre Thursday 11 December 2014 1pm to 2.30pm Birstall Village Hall Lots of stalls and refreshments whilst you grab the chance of getting some last minute Christmas pressies. Come and support you local group. Everyone welcome For more info call Jackie on 07787130801
The Baldwin Trust Narrow Boats for Community Action on Leicestershire Waterways Santa Cruises aboard the narrow boat ‘St Clare’ Every 45 mins from ‘The Hope & Anchor’ On Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov 15 until Sunday Dec 14 Starting at 10am until approx 4pm £5 per person (all classes) Children can meet Santa and his little helpers and have a cruise on
PART-TIME SALES ASSISTANT REQUIRED A vacancy has arisen in our established and well-known hardware shop in Rothley. The candidate that we are looking for must be presentable, sociable, and a good communicator. A good level of enthusiasm is required for a position that is varied in duties, together with a willingness to learn. An ability to multi-task calmly and efficiently, whilst being aware of surrounding situations is essential. A background in retail, and any knowledge of DIY or related trades would be advantageous, but not essential. The physical side of the job entails being able to lift up to 25kg. You must be flexible with working hours and some weekend work is required. We pride ourselves on a low turnover of staff, where everyone works as part of a happy team. Please apply in writing with c.v. to: Mr J. Cort, Corts Hardware, 3 Cross Green, Rothley, Leics. LE7 7PF
MOUNTSORREL Tuesday 7pm The Concert Room Mountsorrel W.M.C (rear door) 73 Leicester Road LE12 7AJ Tel: Tracy: 01509 414208
PLUS Class Voucher JANUARY SALE, SAVE £££’s, LOSE POUNDS !
01530 813361
www.weight-care.co.uk
MOUNTSORREL POST
his floating grotto All children will receive a present from Santa (up to age 12) Adults can have tea/coffee or hot choc with cream and marshmallows, mince pie or biscuits For larger groups booking is advisable as ‘St Clare’ can only carry 12 passengers per trip Call Peter on 07787757114 (bookings for Santa Trips only)
Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council "About Time"
Mountsorrel Methodist Church has a full size
Sports Hall for hire on a regular basis on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday nights The hall is ideally suited for birthday parties and other celebrations on most Saturday afternoons & evenings. Two smaller rooms are also usually available. For further details please contact either Gloria Longmire 0116 2375652 or email mountsorrel12310@btinternet.c om
The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Brooke Studio, Syston Thursdays 5-6pm, 5-11 yrs; 6-7pm. 12-17 yrs; adult classes from 7-8pm Develop confidence, make new friends, learn dance skills, have a great time Voucher currently available for 3 free sessions 01664 569 738 nleics@helenogrady.co.uk
Christmas Celebrations at Mountsorrel Methodist Church Dec 6: St Nicholas Day Party including a Seasonal Tea, 3-6pm Dec 21: Carol Praise, preacher Liz Newton, 10.30am Dec 24: Carols by Candlelight, preacher – Rev E Adam Wells, 7pm Dec 24: Midnight Communion – United Service at St Peter’s Church, 11.15pm Dec 25: Christmas Day Praise, preacher – Deacon Jan Sutton, 10am Everyone is invited to come and join the celebrations
Ian Roe General Building BUILDING MAINTENANCE HARD & SOFT LANDSCAPING & FENCING etc INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING
0116 2303222 07847 003554
www.ianroe.co.uk
Fri December 12 (124 mins) Directed by Richard Curtis, this wonderful British comedy drama stars Bill Nighy and Domhnall Gleeson who features in "Anna Karenina". Tim discovers that he has a new gift which enables him to travel in time. With this special
ability, Tim tries to change his past in order to improve his future. Do these unusual plans succeed? He has an eccentric family and friends who all help to give this film both warmth and humour. “Nebraska"
Friday January 9, 2015 (118mins) In Alexander Payne's comedy drama, an ageing father named Woody, joins his estranged son on a journey to Nebraska to find riches. Bruce Dern's performance as Woody, who is endearing as well as infuriating, has been highly acclaimed. This crisp, black and white film will commence our new year well. It gained five nomina-
DEC 2014
tions for Golden Globe Awards, was nominated for six Academy Awards and competed for the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival. “Jimmy's Hall" Friday February 13 Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. There will be refreshments and a lucky prize draw. Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office 0116 236 7626 or at the door
The Mountsorrel Post has a new phone number
0116 4422067
7
8
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2014
Memories of school inspired at exhibition AFTER 112 years on its present site, Rothley school will be moving to a new building in January 2015 and to mark the occasion a time capsule, capturing life at the school, has been sealed during a special assembly. Pupils, teachers and governors, along with village and church representatives, all placed items in the capsule. Designed to capture the essence of the school, both today and from the school’s past, the capsule included a whole range of different artefacts. These included letters from pupils in Year 5 to pupils of the future, a school report from a past pupil, Ofsted and National Curriculum documentation, school newsletters and reports, a school food menu, photographs, items of school uniform, building plans, key historical legal documents, local newspapers and items from each of the churches in the village along with the Parish Council. Everyone then witnessed John Barratt, a local cabinet maker, seal shut the English Oak capsule. It will be placed on view in the wall of the new school building on the site of Brookfield Farm, off Hallfields Lane. Mrs Fiona Parr, Head Teacher said: “This assembly was a piece of history in the making and will provide an abiding memory for the all the children and adults present. I am sure the contents of the time capsule will be fascinating to those who open it in years to come and will give a real insight into school life in 2014. Placed in the school foyer in the new school, it will provide a unique bridge connecting the rich and varied
Pic: Rothley school in 2014
history of the school over the past 112 years to the next exciting chapter in the Pic: Lead Infants Teacher Miss Lilian Haywood & assistant Miss Morley in 1902
life of the school in its new building.” The sealing of the time capsule accompanied an exhibition detailing the history of the school while on the Mountsorrel Lane site. Terry Sheppard, local historian of the Rothley Heritage Trust and exhibition coordinator, said: “The interest in the exhibition has surpassed all our expectations and the memories shared and school friendships rekindled has been a privilege to capture. The contents of the time capsule will hopefully be a source of enjoyment and historical interest when it is opened many years from now.” Kate Croden, School Foundation Governor, past teacher at the school and joint co ordinator of the school exhibition, said: “The interest and memories of those who attended the exhibition – many of whom have captured them in
the Memories Book - has made the whole exhibition extremely worthwhile and added to the collective knowledge of the school. I hope the time capsule will generate a similar level of interest when it is eventually opened by a future generation.” The preparation and sealing of the time capsule was an integral part of an exhibition ‘From Foundations to Academy, 1902 – 2014’ held in Rothley Primary School. A spokesman said: “Throughout the past century the school has been an integral part of village life. Many thousands of children have benefitted from their formative education within the building - an experience which has sometimes spanned three generations within a family. Teachers, parents and governors have all, in so many different ways, added to the school’s rich heritage.” To mark this milestone - for present and past pupils and everyone who has been involved with the school at one time or another - and to capture the life, memories and spirit of the school, the exhibition ‘From Foundations to Academy, 1902 – 2014’ ran from 11 – 15 October 2014. The exhibition provided a final opportunity for parents, past pupils and everyone else who has an association with the school, to revisit, bring their memories and help capture and preserve the school history before the site is developed for new housing. Welcoming visitors to the exhibition, Fiona Parr said: “I’m amazed at how
many people have come, each one has their own story and special memory of the school. Most do feel some sadness at the school being taken down but they understand now is the time for the next phase of education in the village. “The new school will become a hub for the community and all the families in the new developments, who will be the future generations of Rothley.” Fiona has been headteacher at the school for nine years. “I feel very proud to be the head that is establishing the new school and will be taking the ethos from the old school to the new” she said. On December 23 at 2pm teachers and pupils will parade from the old school through the village to the new school off Hallfields Lane. Fiona said: “It
Pic: the new school under construction
will be a bridge from the old to the new and be a final goodbye for the children and the teachers.” Rothley School originated as a National School in 1837 in School Street and expanded in 1902 with a new classroom on Mountsorrel Lane. Two more classrooms were added in 1913 and the earth closets were converted to the water variety in 1928, all by local voluntary effort and provision. After the 1944 Education Act and the school adopting Church of England Controlled Status, Leicestershire County Council looked forward to the future which saw a big building scheme in 1966. Five class-
adline is The tax return de 5 31 January 201
Pic: The time capsule being sealed by John Barratt, local cabinet maker, watched by Head Teacher Fiona Parr and some of the pupils who placed items in the time capsule
MOUNTSORREL POST
Can we help with:
• Garden Maintenance • Landscaping • Fencing & Gates • Patios, Paving & Driveways Please call Michael on: 0116 2675309 0798 0811737
H Towell Funeral Services
Call us 24 hours a day Private chapels of rest 5 Danvers Rd, Mountsorrel Tel: 0116 230 2449 Part of Dignity plc. A British Company
New heritage centre project moves closer A £600,000 Heritage Centre in Rothley has been given the go-ahead by planners at Charnwood. The Mountsorrel and Rothley Community Heritage Centre, has now received planning permission to go ahead with its ambitious project to build a heritage centre at Swithland Lane on the boundary of the two parishes. With finance and planning permission in place the hunt is already underway for suitable contractors to undertake the majority of the work. The volunteer led Mountsorrel Railway Project are behind the plans. The Heritage Centre will be constructed alongside the restored Mountsorrel Railway at Nunckley Hill, close to the Halstead Road junction and will be operated by an independent, not for profit company run by the community for the community. The aim is for the heritage centre and other attractions on the site to be free for the public to visit with a tea room generating income to allow the site to operate. The plan involves the rescue, relocation and restoration of three old granite stone buildings, all of which have local importance and their own history, but are either in a poor state of repair or at risk of being lost. These will be relocated to Nunckley Hill to form the core of the heritage centre and tea room. The scheme has been made possible thanks to Lafarge Tarmac who are providing the land required for the project, materials at prime cost, as well as a grant of £540,000 through their Landfill Tax Credits scheme. The remaining match funding has been provided by public donations and
grants from the Rothley History Society, Friends of the Great Central Main Line, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Harry Hames Cottage Charity, the Helen Jean Cope Charity and the Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust. The heritage centre will tell the interesting and varied story of both Mountsorrel
and Rothley’s history, which includes connections to the abolition of the slavery movement, the Knights Templar and a castle built by a nephew of William the Conqueror! As well as the heritage centre and tea room, the scheme also includes car parking, a half mile long “Nunckley Trail” nature path through woodland, created by volunteers over the past 18 months, a railway platform to allow visitors to ride heritage steam and diesel trains, which the Great Central Railway will run along the branch line starting next year. There will also be a quarry museum area providing a static recreation of how granite quarrying took place in Mountsorrel at the end of the 19th century. This involves the creation of replica stone built stone masons huts and railway sidings for shunting demonstrations.
is still required if you are selling or renting out your house.
Advertise in the
1) Decide what size you want 2) Send us a sketch of your ad 3) We design, publish This Siz & send e you the Wednes bill days
S£E2X3Y +VAT
CALL 4422067 for an advertising rate card, or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk The prices above exclude VAT
Location of Heritage Ctr
For further information: www.heritage-centre.co.uk. Or to volunteer, email project leader Steve Cramp at: steve@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk If you would like to donate to the Exhibition and Museum Building fund then send cheques made payable to “DCRT” (David Clarke Railway Trust) to 112 Balmoral Road, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7EW (Please write ‘Heritage Centre’ on the reverse of cheques.)
Call David Jackson on 0781 5519490 to arrange your EPC
47 x 59mm £23 • 47 x 120mm £41 98 x 59mm £41 • 98 x 120mm £69
9
of the funding for the scheme and also to the public and other charities and organisations that helped us to raise the £56,000 match funding required to release the landfill grant. The next 9 months are certainly going to be an exciting and busy time for our volunteers. We need more help so if you would like to volunteer and get involved, whether it be with physical work or with the many administration and planning tasks, please get in touch”.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2014
A future addition will be a railway museum building housing historic railway vehicles that once worked at Mountsorrel quarry and an exhibition room to tell the story of the geology of Charnwood Forest as well as the history of quarrying at Mountsorrel. Funding is still required for these two buildings but the planning permission includes their construction. To comply with funding conditions the work is scheduled to be completed by mid-summer 2015. To keep costs down, however, a substantial portion of the work will be carried out by community volunteers and several local companies have come on board to offer their advice, services and skills free of charge to help the project succeed. These include Lafarge Tarmac, Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors, Ask Accounting, Languard Vegetation Management, Palmer Smith Tax Services, D & d Building Services Consulting Engineers, Kibworth Tax Services. The Rothley History Society, Mountsorrel Heritage Group and Rothley Heritage Trust are all working closely with the project also. Project Leader Steve Cramp said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response of local businesses and individuals to our project, which continues to develop as more people hear what we are doing and have achieved. To reconstruct the branch line, from Bond Lane, Mountsorrel to Swithland sidings on the Great Central Railway, took us six years and was a tremendous achievement. The heritage centre is an equally ambitious project. We are very grateful to Lafarge Tarmac’s Landfill Community Fund for providing the majority
DE MONTFORT
Club’s new bar MOUNTSORREL WORKING Men’s Club has had its bar refurbished. Former president Mr Brian Ayres officially opened the bar. Also on the night a cheque for £750 was presented to Mr Peter Kerrigan of LOROS by President Mr David Munns, the money raised
MEMORIALS • MONUMENTAL SCULPTORS • NEW MEMORIALS • CLEANING & RESTORATION • QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP • BROCHURE ON REQUEST
at the club’s annual fun day and fishing match. Pics: (top) Brian Ayres (centre) with committee members Mrs Carol Bellchambers, Mrs Sheila Ayres, Mr John Hill, Mr Paul Sullivan (steward) and President David Munns. Below: Peter Kerrigan (left) and David Munns
www.demontfortmemorials.co.uk Showroom:
3 BROOKBRIDGE COURT, SYSTON LEICESTER LE7 2JT
Tel: 0116 2601851
PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN
rooms, a hall, a kitchen and additional playing field were added on the Mountsorrel Lane site. A new ‘Early Years’ Foundation suite was added in 1989, a further classroom in 2001 and a double mobile classroom set in the school grounds completed in 2009. “Even with all this development the school is bursting at the seams. Everyone is looking forward to the coming move in January 2015 to extensive new facilities on the site of the old Brookfield farm” said a spokesman.
10
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2014
Fundraising to help Barrow mum A FUNDRAISING coffee morning at a Mountsorrel care home has raised funds for the family of a young women from Barrow-upon-Soar with terminal cancer. Sammy Conway (33) was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. She underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and had a double mastectomy but in August 2014 received the devastating news the cancer had returned, spread to her spine, and was terminal. Now in a wheelchair after an operation to remove part of her spine, Sammy wants to make the time she has left with her two daughters, Gracie (7) and Amalie (3), special. Sammy said: “I don’t know how I’m facing this or what I’m doing, thinking or feeling most of the time. I know only one thing and that is I have two beautiful daughters. These girls are everything to me. I love them, I adore them, as every mum should, I am everything to them and they are everything to me, I don’t understand a world that would take me away from them because I know that I am the only person they need more than ever! And to think that I won’t be here to see them grow or be a part of their future in unthinkable. I have no choice though.” “Life has dealt me the cruellest of blows, and even though I will give this fight everything I can, never give up, always want to be here with them forever, on will alone more than anything, I can’t and it’s heartbreaking. It’s so very important to me that what has happened to me can’t happen again! It’s important to me that I save a life be getting the right message out to the right people, it is important to me that my daughters’ future will be a safe and happy one filled with love and that my girls know how much mummy loved them”. “I would like to make memories for Gracie and Amalie I would love your
Pic: Sammy Conway with her daughters
support to make this happen for us and that is really as simple as it is, I am so grateful to all the help we have already received and all the kindness you have already shown to us, my family and friends are truly wonderful and those of you I haven’t met surprise still with your generosity! Thank you to all of you that have been here and continue to be beside me.” The Blossom Tree Trust has been set up in the hope that people will support, sponsor and donate to various fundraising events to help these two girls enjoy the time they have with their mummy and to fulfil Sammy’s dreams and wishes for them. A trip to Disneyland Paris is planned and fundraising events already held include a Halloween party at Barrow FC and sponsored runners taking part in the Leicester Half Marathon. www.gofundme.com/blossom Pic: (top) at The Poplars’ coffee morning are Hayley Mays, William Twigg, Bobbie-Jo Betts, Lewis Hickey, James Conway, Victoria Cornwell & Peter Conway
Café’s major facelift
Front garden winners
THANKS TO the National Citizenship Service the Sorrel Youth Care has had a major facelift.
THE WINNERS of Mountsorrel Parish Council’s Best Kept Front Garden competition in 2014 were:
Ten young people, volunteering through the NCS, worked with young people from the Café to raise the funds and decorate its interior. Budgens, Mountsorrel provided the group with an opportunity to raise over £250 with a sponsored cycle. This covered the cost of the paint and materials. Jessica Pavey, NCS Project Co-ordinator, said: “It’s great to have opportunities like this and we thank the Café for letting us take on the job. The young people involved have told us that they feel they have made a real difference. What’s more the Café looks great!” The timing of Café revamp helped it prepare for the Mountsorrel Revival when it was given a back in time theme with a 1940’s front room, furniture and props courtesy of Vinspiration, a 1950’s Ice Cream parlour. Youth officer Graham Lloyd said: “Despite the bad weather all our hard work paid off. The café looked great and we were able to welcome Revival visitors to come in out of the rain for tea, cake or a boxed lunch. Thanks to the NCS and Budgens for their support.” He added: “The Café has been a great supporter of the Revival and saw it as a great opportunity to demonstrate what the Café is doing. Young people and volunteers dressed up and visitors could have their photo taken, enjoy a specialist ice cream or fresh strawberries donated by the Co-op, Mountsorrel – thanks to them. “A big thanks has to go to Ian Shonk for his inspiration and hard work. He battled through the setbacks and when the sun finally came out I hope he felt it was all worth it. We are looking forward to next year’s event.” The Café has started its autumn programme and is looking for new volunteers who want to work with young people. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Café and/or volunteering should contact Graham, call on 07775 616001 or email glloyd@sycafe.org
Hanging baskets & window boxes: Mrs L B Beck – 1 Blue Granite Caravan Park Small gardens: 1. Mrs Lanning - 11 Blue Granite Caravan Park 2. Mrs J Morris - 2 Cloud Lea 3. Mr A Wallace - 38 Church Hill Road Large gardens: 1. Mr & Mrs Heemskerk – 29 Kingfisher Road 2. Mr & Mrs Cooke - 25 Kenilworth Close 3. Mr R Monk - 1 Bradgate Close Business premises: 1. The Mountsorrel Guest House – 217 Loughborough Road 2. Rose Cottage Rest Home -136 Rothley Road
Crash hurts boy A BOY received serious injuries after he was hit by a car on Halstead Road. The collision occurred at 5.20pm on Thursday September 25 as the boy, riding a two wheeled scooter, crossed the road. He was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham where he was subsequently discharged following treatment. The March issue of the
MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Feb 20. The copy deadline is Feb 6 .
MOUNTSORREL’S PREMIER TREE SERVICE Just like the rest of your property, have you considered your trees require a little maintenance from time to time?
ARE YOUR TREES MAYBE? ...UNSAFE, TOO TALL OR UNTIDY ...BLOCKING LIGHT FROM YOUR HOME, OR YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S HOME ...LIKELY TO AFFECT YOUR PROPERTY STRUCTURE YOUR LOCAL TREE SURGEON
With 20 years experience in all aspects of tree work we would be pleased to offer you FREE expert advice & a FREE quotation without obligation
PHONE NOW ON 0116 2505842
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2014
11
Rothley vineyard’s winning wine A ROTHLEY vineyard has won an award in a national wine competition at its first attempt. The Kingfishers’ Pool vineyard was started as a hobby by Liz Robson in 2008, in the garden of her Rothley home. In July, Liz retired from her full time position as principal lecturer in midwifery at De Montfort University to devote more time to the vineyard. The first sparkling wine, Sparkling Orion, has just won a silver medal at the English and Welsh wine competition in
Island travellers
Oxford in the white sparkling wine class. Liz said: “This is the first time we have entered wine into a national competition, and when I saw the results and the words “silver medal” I could scarcely believe my eyes! When I read the results in more detail I realised that very few of the sparkling wines were from the 2012 vintage, which had been the wettest summer on record and a number of prestigious vineyards had not taken a harvest at all. “When I scrutinised the figures further it slowly dawned on me that only three 2012 sparkling white wines had won a silver medal, ours, and the other two being Renishaw in Derbyshire, made by the same winemakers, and the renowned Camel Valley in Devon. To think that our small boutique vineyard was producing wine on a par with Camel Valley was astonishing and exceeded my retirement expectations.”
Pic: the winery at Kingfishers’ Pool vineyard
The vineyard has won bronze medals in a regional competition and five of these wines, as well as Sparkling Orion, are currently for sale at David North’s delicatessen on Station Road, Rothley. Kingfishers’ Pool was visited by Ben Jackson from BBC Radio Leicester in September and he broadcast some of his show from the vineyard. www.rothleywine.com
Pic (below): Clive Vickers, winemaker, who produced the Sparkling Orion and is providing consultancy for Kingfishers’ Pool Vineyard. He is standing beside the Orion vines which won the silver medal.
TRAVELLERS HAVE set up camp on Red Hill island five times this year, with the last group evicted in October. Leicester City Council own the land and have to deal with clearing the site of rubbish after the travellers have been evicted. This has included several fridge freezers, bedding, toys, a pick-up truck, car seats and litter. The costs of the clean up and the hazard to motorists using the busy junction are causing concern to residents and councillors. Ann Marshall, the Chairman of Birstall Parish Council said: “Red Hill Island is not an acceptable place for travellers to be, it’s a very busy island with lots of traffic and, unless the City Council take some steps to stop them going on it, it will just continue. They need to install stakes or a railing, with a drop down post to allow access for the Police and paramedics.” A Leicester City Council spokesman said: “There are no plans to build any barricades at Red Hill roundabout. We haven’t any requests to do so and it would be expensive and complicated given that we need to ensure visibility for drivers is maintained, and that access remains possible to the various utilities based on the roundabout.” Each time travellers have camped on the site they have been moved on within two weeks, say the City Council. • a six pitch traveller site on Greengate Land and a 10 pitch site at Red Hill Way/Thurcaston Road are expected to be completed in March 2015.
Youth café now open to all THE NEW look Sorrel Youth Café will now open its doors to the general public Monday to Friday “It has always been important to us to ensure that the Café is part of the community – it’s never been just a youth café. We are therefore responding to feedback and are opening our doors between 9am and 2pm every weekday” said Youth Officer Graham Lloyd. “One of the main ideas behind the move is to make better use of the café at time when young people don’t use it. However the Charity also needs to generate income and wants to provide training opportunities for young people Recent restrictions in national and local funding mean that the café’s future is still under threat and it needs to look at new ways of bringing in sustainable income to secure the future. “Over the last year people have said to us that they would value a café in this part of the village. We have therefore
looked at how an open café would fit in with our charitable objectives and help the café to survive the next few years.” The café offers a menu for breakfast and lunch and will be staffed by a qualified chef, volunteers and young people. As a community café it offers a place for people to meet and the income generated will support the youth work. In its first few weeks the new opening times proved a great success. The café’s chef Jo Wiseman said: “We have had a great response and have been pleased to see so many people trying out the new menu. We are keen to recruit
new volunteers to help us run the sessions so if people are interested they should just pop in.” Anyone interested in finding out more about the café and/or volunteering should contact Graham and call 077775 616001 or email glloyd@sycafe.org
12
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2014
Art exhibition OUR PICTURES show some of the paintings at an exhibition staged by the Soar Valley Artists at the Rothley Centre in October. Spokesman John Beckett said: “The exhibition is a challenge and something for the members to work towards, we all come together to take part in running the exhibition.” The Soar Valley Artists have a selection of their paintings on show in Glenfield hospital for the enjoyment of visitors and patients. Sales have generated £2500 over the last three years, to help pay for hospital equipment.
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
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) 4422067 Hand in your items at Mountsorrel Library, Rothley Library or Birstall Library Write to us at The Mountsorrel Post, Greenacres, Leicester LE4 3BR Email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk The Mountsorrel Post is an independent newspaper
The March issue of the
MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Feb 20. The copy deadline is Feb 6 .
Advertise in the
MOUNTSORREL POST • Sales, Repairs & Upgrades • Wired & Wireless Networking • Branded & Custom Built PCs • Laptops, printers, peripherals & accessories • Server Installation & Support • On-site Maintenance & Remote Support • Original & Compatible Cartridges/Toners • Buy Dell products through our store
Covering Leicestershire
0116 2672583 Mob: 0796 7 191975
www.ntlcomputers.co.uk 3 The Meadway, Birstall LE4 4NG
47 x 59mm £23 • 47 x 120mm £41 98 x 59mm £41 • 98 x 120mm £69
1) Decide what size you want 2) Send us a sketch of your ad 3) We design, publish This Siz & send e you the Wednes bill days
S£E2X3Y +VAT
CALL 4422067 for an advertising rate card, or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk The prices above exclude VAT