Mountsorrel Post (57) Dec 2016

Hall MOUNTSORREL POST on schedule Junior team are trophy winners YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

DECEMBER 2016

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 57

WORK IS well underway on the new £3.9 million Memorial Centre in Mountsorrel.

A LOCAL football club has been nominated for an award.

Mountsorrel Juniors FC has been nominated for awards in two categories of the Charnwood Sports Awards, organised by Charnwood Borough Council.

The U12 Futsal team 2015/16 are nominated for Junior Team of the Year and the club is up for the Club of the Year award.

Futsal is a variant of five-a-side football and during the 2015/16 season the Mountsorrel side finished unbeaten in the Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Development Futsal league and won the Leicestershire final at St George’s Park.

They represented Leicestershire in the

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Pic: (l-r) Josh Lancaster, Morgan Jones, Samuel Priestley, Joshua Forknall, Ben Jones, Marc Hurst, Owen Wardle. The photo was taken at St Georges Park after winning the Leicestershire Futsal Final, and the boys are holding the winners trophy

regional finals at St George’s Park and secured qualification for the national finals for the top eight teams in the country.

Coaches Mark Forknall and Keith Prestley said: “To see young players develop over time and go on to partici-

pate nationally is something they should be proud of.

“Representing your county in a national final is a great achievement and something the boys should remember for a long time.”

The new facility will offer a hall complete with café, two retail units and smaller rooms for the community. The hall will also feature moveable auditorium style seating for use when required.

As it is one of the village war memorials, the names of the fallen will feature in the new hall.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor David Gaskell, visited the site in November to tighten a bolt on the building’s steel frame.

The new hall has been supported by £2.7 million of Section 106 money which is funding given by developers to improve the community when they receive planning permission to build in the area.

Steve Haywood, Chairman of Mountsorrel Parish Council, said: “The new Memorial Centre has been brought about by excellent partnership working involving borough and parish councils and the War Memorials Trust with fantastic support from Tarmac which has provided a very generous grant.”

Cllr Eric Vardy, Charnwood Borough Council’s Lead Member for Planning and Section 106 Money, said: “I am delighted that work on this new centre is unContinued on page 3

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DEC 2016

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MOUNTSORREL POST

Located on Geoff Monk Way near to the Fire Service headquarters, the gym was launched by physiotherapists and exercise professionals from professional Sport, bringing

Continued from page 1 derway and when complete, this will provide a great facility for the whole community.

“There have been a number of developments in the Mountsorrel area and section 106 agreements are there to make sure that when we get growth, we

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also get community and infrastructure benefits.”

The rest of the funding for the project has been provided from a range of sources including the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund, the Mountsorrel War Memorials Trust Ltd and Mountsorrel Parish Council.

The old Memorial Hall was built in 1964 and opened the following year. The new building is scheduled to open in September 2017. It will be managed by Mountsorrel Parish Council.

Post office moving

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2016

ROTHLEY’S POST Office will be relocated to the Mercury News shop at 1 Woodgate, despite 2000 people signing a petition objecting to the move.

“I feel angry how the Post Office have walked over the community” said Steve Mitchell, who organised the petition.

“I don’t think the Post Office is being fair” he added “Why can’t they be honest and say they are just doing it for commercial reasons and ask us how to make it easier, instead of having a ‘consultation’ when it was going to go ahead regardless.”

The relocation is part of the Post Office’s modernisation programme which has seen 3000 post office branches opening inside existing retail businesses nationwide.

In their statement announcing the decision to relocate, the Post Office say the new premises: • will have level access for disabled customers • will have fully trained staff • will have two Post Office service points • customers will be able to collect undelivered mail from the new branch • cheques will be accepted as a method of payment • most services offered at the existing branch will be offered at the new branch Opening hours of the new branch will

be 9am-9pm Mon-Sat and 8am-9pm on Sundays.

The date of the relocation has not been announced but is expected to be in January.

Call Lisa on 0116 304 0607 or 0753 931 6717

Victoria filmed on local line RAILWAY SCENES featured in ITV’s drama ‘Victoria’ were filmed at the Great Central Railway’s Mountsorrel branch line.

thrilled when the production company came to us wanting to film scenes for Victoria. The railway looked fantastic and the cameras really picked out the unique charm of the branch line”.

Passengers riding the trains over the weekend of October 22/23 were able to see the locations used in the series and volunteers were on the trains to answer passengers’ questions.

In the drama Queen Victoria and Prince Albert enjoy their first exhilarating experience of riding on a train through the Leicestershire countryside.

The branch line was restored by volunteers from the Mountsorrel Railway Project. Volunteer Steve Cramp said: “It has taken over 100,000 volunteer hours over the past nine years to restore the railway, so we were

3

Mountsorrel Christmas lights CHILDREN FROM Mountsorrel primary school sang carols in the the Baptist church before walking over the road to The Green to watch the switch on of Mountsorrel’s Christmas lights on December 2.

Pic: Jackie Mottram, Harriet Sykes (10) & Jane Hopewell

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MOUNTSORREL POST

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ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL WORK

THE VILLAGE parade to remember and honour the fallen took place in Mountsorrel on Remembrance Sunday, November 13.

PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN

Remembering their sacrifice John Doyle, on behalf of Mountsorrel Royal British Legion, said: “Thanks to all those who attended the Armistice Day Service at the Peace Garden and the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service at St Peter’s and made them such memorable events.

“The branch are particularly grateful to the representatives of the Army Cadet Force, Scouts, Guides and Boys Brigade who read the Roll of Honour of the Fallen of the Village from both World Wars and presented wreaths to The Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Chairman of the Parish Council, the Royal British Legion County President and other dignitaries prior to their lay-

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The village has once again been generous in it’s support for the Poppy Appeal, the interim total currently stands at £4100 and is expected to rise to at least £4600 by the year’s end.

John Doyle, the Poppy Appeal Honorary Organiser for the village, said: “ The interim total is amazing and is already more than we have collected in a full 12 months some years. I’d like to thank not only all those who have contributed so generously, but also all the pubs and shops who have had collecting boxes but especially the volunteer collectors who have maintained our traditional door to door collection”.

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A dog called Ruffle IF YOU’VE been to one of the stations on the Great Central Railway recently you may well have noticed a large black and tan dog with a red collar around his neck.

PLANS FOR an expanded Christmas lights switch on event in Mountsorrel this year were put forward by the Mountsorrel Community Team (MCT), organisers of the Revival.

6

the bottom of his garden.

This is the start of many adventures for Ruffle such as travelling on the train to the seaside and the fair as well as helping with a film production dilemma and reuniting a lost teddy bear with his young owner.

The inspiration for the stories comes from Rachel’s love of her Airedales and knowledge from her two children who have worked on The Great Central Railway.

AN EXTRA-ORDINARY meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on July 4.

The meeting had been called to discuss issues relating to the new Memorial Centre.

It was reported that the decision regarding leasing units in the centre would be a joint one between the Parish Council and the War Memorials Trust and that the occupiers would be expected to fit out the units.

Costs of upgrading the car park are not included in the budget and extra funding would be needed to do this. It is anticipated that grant funding and future section 106 agreements would meet these costs.

All the monies required for the project are now in place. The council agreed to sign all the necessary documents as soon as they are ready. It was agreed that Mr Will Antill and Admin assistant Mrs J Wainwright have a vote of thanks for all the work they have done towards the project.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on July 11.

A member of the public commented about the poor state of the grass on Castle Hill. He was advised that due to the cost there were only three cuts a year and that the contractor is not paid to pick up the cut grass.

It was agreed to contact the County Council about the poor condition of the traffic island at the south end of the village and to request that the outlet in Continued on page 7

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MOUNTSORREL UNITED CHARITIES Relief in Need Fund

Do you need financial help?

Have you lived in Mountsorrel for 6+ months?

The Mountsorrel Relief in Need Fund could help by giving you a grant towards items for your home, your health, your garden or other needs.

Please phone to make an appointment.

You will need to give some financial details but these are kept confidential.

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DEC 2016

The plans were dropped after Mountsorrel Parish Council who provide the lights on the Green, expressed concerns about the proposed event which would have featured a Mrs Santa Claus, carol singing, a nativity scene, games, stalls, elves and an air guitar competition.

At their September meeting, the Parish Council agreed they were not happy about some aspects of the proposals, to meet with MCT, the church and the school, and to ‘get Christmas back into Christmas’.

Parish Council Chairman, Steve Haywood said: “There was a discussion and some people around the table didn’t like the Mrs Christmas, the air guitars and the elves. We’d like to see Christmas as Christmas and this year, to keep the event the way it is.”

He added: “We are willing to work with MCT and have a meeting next year to see what we can work out together in 2017.”

Ian Shonk, who had prepared the plans for the Christmas event and is the founder of the Mountsorrel Revival, subsequently resigned from the committee of MCT. The Mountsorrel’s Christmas lights switch on event takes place on a Friday afternoon, is organised by the church and the school, and features school pupils singing carols and Christmas songs.

The MCT planned to expand the event and move it to a Saturday to enable more people to attend.

Debbie MacRae is MCT Chair. She said: “I’m disappointed. We wanted to make it a more family friendly event by moving it to a Saturday and providing stalls and games for the children.”

The MCT team were part of this year’s event on December 2, serving mince pies from the Youth Café and canvassing residents’ views on what kind of event they would like to see in 2017.

Pic: author Rachel Greaves with Ruffle

Parish Council notes

MOUNTSORREL POST

Festive plans dropped

If so, then you have seen Ruffle – a new, exciting creation for children from Mountsorrel author and illustrator, Rachel Greaves (50).

Ruffle is an Airedale Terrier whose large, inquisitive nose leads him to the station on the steam railway that runs at

She said: “As an English teacher I feel that reading is important to gain knowledge but also to fire children's imagination. In your imagination you can go anywhere and do anything.”

Rachel isn’t short on imagination with five story books and a colouring book in the series so far, including Ruffle’s first Christmas adventure, published September 2016. The first stories were printed at the end of April 2016 and so far 500 books have been sold. Rachel’s pencil drawings capture the charm of these tales, and she says they are ideal for under 5s to be read to, then up to a reading age of 11 as children become more independent readers.

Visit www.rufflether aildog.co.uk for more information about the books.

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2016

Continued from page 6 project £20,000. the lay-by on the A6 be removed.

It was agreed that as the Parish CounCllr Shardlow and Cllr G Pirt have cil satisfies the criteria, it will adopt the resigned from the Parish Council. It was General Power of competence effective agreed that they both be sent a letter of from August 8, 2016. This gives parish thanks for their work. councils new powers to meet the needs It was agreed that Mr Will Antill’s of their community. contract as planning advisor to the counA resident has reported increased cil be renewed for 12 months. noise from the quarry and councillors Mr Antill reported there was an agree- expressed concern about the speed of ment in principle regarding the surrenquarry lorries. It was agreed to contact der of the lease with the County Council Tarmac about these issues. and Mountsorrel library. The council It was agreed to contact the County re-affirmed its support for the continuaCouncil with concerns about the new tion of the library for 18 years at LED street lighting. £20,000 per annum (index linked).

A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish It was reported that Jelson had startcouncil was held on September 12. ed work at the development on Halstead A representative from the Mountsorrel Road and had paid the section 106 mon- Heritage Group explained that they ey for the new Memorial Centre. Jelson would like to organise a group of volunwill provide a cricket square and drainteers to work with the Parish Council to age as part of the scheme and the site improve the Peace Garden. It was agreed will also include a pavilion, senior and to give permission to the group to carry junior football pitches, allotments and a out the work detailed in the letter it had nature conservation area. sent to the council.

It was agreed to spend £4200 replacA full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish ing the fascia at Leicester Road pavilion.

Council was held on October 10.

It was agreed to spend £800 on a Borough Councillor Richard Shepnew Parish council website and £39 a herd gave an update on Castle Park. Cllr month on the website maintenance fee.

Steve Haywood raised concerns that the It was agreed to recommend Cllr hedges and vegetation surrounding CasJohn Capleton for a certificate of comtle Park are too high and the height mendation and to thank him for his needs to be reduced to prevent antisosuccessful year as Mayor of Charnwood. cial behaviour.

It was agreed to pay a £19,000 Local Cllr Tom Duffin raised concerns Government pension scheme exit fee to about blocked drains and street cleaning the County Council. between Market Place and Granite Way. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Mr Will Antill reported that progress Council was held on August 8. regarding the library was slow as it inIt was reported that the contractor volved the establishment of a new charity. who cuts the grass on Castle Hill has Leigh Harper-Davis, Alistair Duffy and been asked to quote for picking up the Susan Roberts were co-opted to fill vacut grass. The council is still waiting for cancies on the council. the quote but the contractor has indicated it will be in the region of five times The March issue of the the current cost.

John Doyle from the Mountsorrel MOUNTSORREL POST Youth Café answered questions from will be published on Feb 25. councillors about the usage and funding The copy deadline is Feb 10. of the café. It was agreed to award the

Salsa fun & fitness FITNESS, FUN and exercise – they’re all a part of the experience at a Mountsorrel salsa dancing class.

Jenny Harvey has been holding her Espiritu Latino class at the Mountsorrel Working Men’s Club for 16 years.

“If the art of exercising without realising it or adding a new dimension to your relationship sounds like fantasy then think again” said Jenny.

She added: “The classes are run and designed solely for the students. The pace of the class is designed to be stress free and the moves are repeated often. In fact the whole course is designed around what the students specify during the enrolment, feedback from previous courses and real-time interactions during the class.”

The class has a policy of time-out anytime to allow people to have a rest during the class. Jenny said: “The question has to be asked - why do very few of the students take advantage of this break?

The simple answer from many students is that they get so involved in the dancing that they forget about the exertion. Does the fun factor and the laughing at oneself when you get it wrong release endorphins that make you forget? When was the last time you really laughed?”

Having two left feet, a bad memory, no partner or limited fitness are no reasons to miss out, says Jenny. Her class has students from 16 – 70 plus years of age with people from all back grounds.

She said: “Espiritu Latino takes its name from ‘Latin Spirit’. If you can walk you can dance. Do it with attitude, even if at first we are bad, lets be bad with attitude! As they say in South America a bailar!”

For enrolment and venue details please call Jenny on 07931 524825.

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Pics: (top) one of Jenny’s classes & (inset) instructor Jenny Harvey

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Dress up & have fun at banquet Firm

relocates

IF YOU’VE ever longed to visit a medieval banquet or to try jousting while bouncing on a space hopper then you need to buy a ticket for a new event brought to the village by the organisers of the popular Mountsorrel Revival.

A ROTHLEY accountancy firm has relocated.

The Mountsorrel Community Team (MCT) are holding a medieval banquet on Saturday April 8, 2017 in honour of William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke to mark the 800th anniversary of the siege of Mountsorrel Castle.

“We hope it will be a chance for the whole village to come together to celebrate its history and its future”

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Pic: Caroline Dinsmore (right) outside the new premises in Rothley with Janette Hick and Remi Sargeant

Merry Christmas To all our readers & advertisers from us all at the

MOUNTSORREL POST 8

DEC 2016

Misted up double glazing ?

cheek.”

The event will be held at Mountsorrel Working Men’s Club on Leicester Road which will be transformed into a banqueting hall with candlelit tables dressed in medieval style, each with its own ‘house’ crest.

Each house will compete in tournament games including archery, sword fights and space hopper jousts including archery, sword fights and space hopper jousts, with the winners awarded the freedom of Mountsorrel, valid until midnight only.

The evening starts at 7.30pm and runs though until 11.30pm and is compered

by Sire John and his jester, overseen by Sir William Marshall at the top table.

Tickets are £22.50 each – for more details or buy tickets contact Ian Shonk on 07940 511449.

A second event is planned for May that will feature a battle re-enactment as its centrepiece.

MOUNTSORREL POST

said organiser Ian Shonk.

“It’ll be an entertaining evening, everyone in costumes all very tongue in

CP Accountancy Ltd has moved from Lazarus Court to 44 Town Green Street in Rothley.

“We are thrilled to have moved to this great location and are excited about the future” said Caroline Dinsmore, Managing Director.

“As a small, friendly, professional practice in Rothley, with many local clients, we recognise the importance of convenience to small businesses and these new premises offer an easy dropoff point for delivering accounts, in addition to a private meeting room for confidential discussions in a light, spacious environment.

“The move to more spacious and accessible accommodation comes at a time of rapid growth for the company in servicing small businesses in the area with their accountancy and taxation requirements.”

CP Accountancy Ltd was formed in 2011 by Caroline to provide a professional, reliable and trustworthy service to small businesses. The company is committed to providing a first-class service with a personal touch to clients who are either sole-traders, partnerships or small limited companies and whose businesses range from hair and beauty salons, sub-contractors, retailers, gardeners, consultants, roofers and a BAFTA nominated sound recordist.

Caroline said: “The service we provide is tailored to clients’ needs. They may just need a set of accounts and a self-assessment tax return preparing each year, however they may require that extra help each month with bookkeeping or payroll together with advice along the way. An accountant should be approachable and that is what we are.

Please feel free to come and see us at our new offices to discuss any accountancy or taxation query you may have over a cup of coffee!”

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Running Club Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.20 for 6.30 run Birstall School Lane playing fields – showers & toilets available Wednesday night beginners group at Birstall Legion 7pm Speed work sessions also available on Wednesdays for those wanting to improve Contact Deryk on dwoods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 Web site – www.birstallrc.org.uk

St Peter’s Church

Festival of Lessons & Carols Sunday December 18, 6pm Mountsorrel Baptist Church Sunday December 18, 4pm

Traditional 9 lessons & carols Christmas Day 10am Short Family Celebration Service Mountsorrel Methodist Church Centre presents Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals

YOUR SAY...

on Sunday January 15 at 8pm

by Dr Simon Ainge, Billesdon Parish Church Admission is free Donations for Church Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm Birstall Birdwatching Club Presents

Finland & NorwayBirding the Arctic Circle 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, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Mountsorrel library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2016

Everything done?

We are now in the last month of the year...

Now, what do we need to remember?

Perhaps a "to do" list would be of some use Oh, there's so much to do in December.

There's shopping of course with our family and friends, Watch out for that last posting date!

You've probably written so many nice cards, You'll not want them turning up late.

Is the pudding complete? Is the Christmas Cake iced ? Have you made a big trifle to share?

Have you candles and crackers for your festive meal?

Or gifts if you're dining elsewhere ?

How many mince pies did you carefully bake?

Will there be enough do you suppose?

Have you hung decorations and put up the tree?

Are the presents all tied up with bows?

If the answers are "yes", then that's wonderful news - It's certain that everything’s done.

But wait - there's one more thing you mustn’t forget: Most important of all — have fun!

From Peggy Clarke

By Neil Glenn A return visit by Neil taking us to this wonderful landscape that few of us have experienced for wildlife watching. From the Land of the Midnight Sun to days when light is scarce this is an exciting destination for lovers of natural history.

Tuesday 10th January 2017 at 7.30pm The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley

Members free. Visitors £2 Children free. Free on-site parking and easy access.

Further information Marion Vincent 0116 2375156 Coastal Wildlife

by Jack Perks Well-known for his work on the TV programme ‘Springwatch’ where his interest in wildlife in the water has introduced many to this fascinating, mainly unknown area of natural history. This evening he takes us to the coast to see what can be found and enjoyed around our shores.

Tuesday 14th February 2017 at 7.30pm The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Members free. Visitors £2 Children free. Free on-site parking and easy access.

Further information Marion Vincent 0116 2375156

CLASH 2012 Clash Table Tennis Club For anyone between 11yrs - 23yrs living with a family member with Arthritis Monday Evenings 7:00 to 8:00pm At Rawlins Academy, The Deep End, Loughborough Road, Quorn,LE12 8DY Friday Evenings 7:00 to 8:00pm At Peepul Enterprise Sports Hall, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester LE4 6DP To register an interest, call us on:0333 344 4611 or email: info@clashgroup.org.uk Dock 218, 75 Exploration Drive, Pioneer Park, Leicester, LE4 5NU Tel. 0333 344 4611 MSK Health Promotion Hub, Get Healthy Leicester 1st, 8th, 15th &

22nd December - 11.00am 12.00pm MSK Health Promotion Hub, Get Healthy Leicester 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th January 2017 - 11.00am 12.00pm Cafe on the Corner - pop in for coffee with Mark and bring your iPad queries. Please ring Mark if you have a query beforehand on 07801 718908.

Thursday 8th December & Thursday 12th January 2017 - 2.00pm 3.30pm THANK YOU to Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop (& Peter & Eileen Molesdale) for the August Bank Holiday Church Hall hire. The Coffee Mornings over the past few years helped to raise important funds to sustain the charity. Many thanks also to all the local shops that contributed to the Raffle over this time. The Coffee Morning now coincides with an annual Family Fun Day the charity will be holding at Abbey Pumping Station.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2017.

Can you VOLUNTEER? We would welcome volunteer support with Office Administration at Dock.

Please ring Chris on 07751072612.

Save a life – give blood Friday 16 December 13:05 to 15:30 & 17:00 to 19:45 Soar Valley Leisure Centre Kingfisher Road Mountsorrel For more information visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 05595

TOP QUALITY

SPLIT LOGS ONLY £75 inc vat (5%) Full pick up load approx 1 cubic metre • Mainly Oak and Ash • Grown in our own woods • Deliveries by appointment • Inspect before accepting delivery • Order by phone (office hours) or email which will be acknowledged • Delivered within 7 days of ordering • Phone call prior to delivery Delivered to Swithland, Mountsorrel, Anstey, Newtown Linford, Woodhouse Eaves, Barrow on Soar, Cossington, Quorn, Birstall, Sileby, Cropston TO ORDER T: 0116 230 0050 OFFICE HOURS E: admin@swithlandhall.com 9

Birstall & District Local History Society The December meeting of the Society will be on Thursday 8th December 2016 in the Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall, Leics commencing at 7.30pm.

The subject of the talk will be

"Leicester in the Nineteen Fifties" Speaker on the night will be Virginia Wright.

Visitors are very welcome to join us for our last meeting of 2016.

Parking will be available on the night on the Birstall Playing Fields through the School Lane entrance Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council

“Love & Friendship” January 13, (93 mins) This romantic comedy drama, based on Jane Austen's novel, "Lady Susan", stars Kate Beckinsale as Lady Susan Vernon. She favours scandal without scruples and observes that "Facts are horrid things". The costumes are impeccable. "Love and Friendship"

Friends of Charnwood Forest

“Lacemakers & Luddites” Talk by Mr Tony Jarram Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall Monday January 23 at 7.30 p.m.

An illustrated talk of the of the development of lacemaking from hand made to machine production.

The story is centred on the East Midlands especially Loughborough & its environs. It is a story of invention, migration & destruction & is as full of twists and turns as lace itself. The research for this project started with an exhibition by the Friends of Charnwood Museum in 2007 and has continued ever since with an international following by the descendants of former lace workers. A recent exhibition in Loughborough Library further enhanced the story. Tony will raise several controversial theories relating to the Luddite attack in Loughborough and the reasons why the industry left the town to re-establish in the South West of England and beyond.

Further information Peter Bertram 01162 100 572

Gerry’s charity swim A 34 year old Mountsorrel woman is attempting a 22 mile swim in her local pool to raise funds for the spinal injury charity, Aspire.

Gerry Lindup of Iris Close said: “I want to help people who are struggling with spinal cord injuries and to feel that hopefully I can make a small difference to their lives by providing equipment they might need to make their lives easier.”

Gerry will be swimming the 22 mile distance of the English channel in the pool at the Soar Valley Leisure Centre – 1408 lengths, spread out between September 19 and December 15.

She said: “I think the most challenging thing for me is the amount of lengths I have to swim, and the most rewarding is helping to make a small difference and enjoying keeping fit.”

To donate to Gerry’s swim go to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gerrylindup2 10

New estate agent A NEW estate agent has opened in Birstall with a focus on client satisfaction.

Open House at 147 Sibson Road was launched at an opening event attended by the Mayor of Charnwood, the chair of Birstall Parish Council, clients and guests.

Director Mr Rahul Jain, the author of ‘Top tips to sell your Property’, said: “We are not a large corporate, and we are not a big high street agent. We are a local, independent estate agent and every client is important to us. Our clients have a dedicated point of contact from start to finish as we believe that relationship building and excellent communication is key to achieving a smooth process with a successful outcome.”

Open House sells and lets Pic: Rahul Jain

properties in and around Leicester and offers a range of competitive pricing options. The office can be contacted on 0116 243 7938 or at www.openhouseleicester.co.uk..

Ian Roe General Building BUILDING MAINTENANCE HARD & SOFT LANDSCAPING & FENCING etc INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

0116 2303222 07847 003554

www.ianroe.co.uk

Professional Caring Dog Grooming Service Birstall Dog Grooming provide a caring, professional dog wash and grooming service.

Fully qualified and insured groomer, member of ICMG. Fantastic new groom room for ALL YOUR DOG’S NEEDS Open Weekdays: 9am - 5pm or Saturday/Sunday 9am - 4pm

Birstall Dog Grooming Tel: 0116 267 3547 Mobile: 07917 653885 www.birstalldoggrooming.co.uk

DEC 2016

Organised by Mountsorrel Parish Council You are all invited to the Methodist Church, Church Hill Rd on Tuesday December 13 at 7.30pm Those taking part include: The Ratby Co-operative Band Local Organisations • Local Clergy Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the concert

will continue our Christmas joy into the New Year.

"Trumbo", will be shown on February 10 Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost £5 which will include refreshments and a lucky prize draw during the interval. Advanced tickets may be purchased via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door.

MOUNTSORREL POST

Christmas Carol Concert

Have your say

WEA Soar valley artists’ courses annual exhibition

WOULD YOU like to have a say in your local healthcare services?

Sunrise And Sunset-C2337445 An exploration of textures and surfaces to depict these wonderful times of the day.

Tutor: Anna Michalska-Tomajer. Fee £86.65 or Free if in receipt of an income related benefit.

Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Mondays 12.45–3pm, 10 meetings from Monday 16th January 2017 Brush Strokes Of History-C2337269 A look at history through paintings, sometimes great historical events but also simpler, more everyday aspects of society; and the backgrounds/motives of the artists.

Tutor: David Price Fee £52.00 or Free if in receipt of an income related benefit.

Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Tuesdays 10–11.30am, 9 meetings from Tuesday 17th January 2017 Creative Writing-C2337495 This course will help you to start writing your own stories and poems.

Tutor: Maxine Linnell. Fee: £53.90 or Free if in receipt of an income related benefit.

Venue: Rothley Community Library, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PS Date: Wednesdays 9.45-11.45am. 7 meetings from Wednesday 18th January 2017 Themes And Variations In Art-Art Appreciation-C2337273 From Gaugin’s Impressionist years through the vibrant images of modern life of the work of the Scottish Colourists, to landscape visions of Paul Nash.

Tutor Janis Baker Fee £53.90 or Free if in receipt of an income related benefit.

Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Wednesdays 7.15–9.15pm, 7 meetings from Wednesday 18th January 2017 Summer Courses: Practical Art with Anna MichalskaTomajer. Starting Monday 24th April 1.00-3.00 ‘Exploring iconic packaging and the way that artists have been involved in these’ 7 meetings £53.90 or free. Course reference C2337487 Creative Writing with Maxine Linnell.

Starting Wednesday 10th May 9.4511.45 7 meetings £53.90 or free. For new and more seasoned writers. Course reference C2337518 Information contact: Marion Vincent 0116 2375156 or vincent.mbe82@yahoo.co.uk or send your enrolments to Jill Williams WEA Treasurer, 14 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7PR. Please make cheques payable to WEA Rothley Branch.

Enrol on line for all courses if space available at www.enrolonline.wea.org.uk using references above

Patients of Charnwood Surgery on Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel are being invited to help shape healthcare services in their area by joining the Patient Participation Group (PPG).

“We work in partnership with the GPs and practice staff, to ensure that the patient’s voice is at the heart of your local healthcare services” said Melanie Buchan PPG Interim chair.

The PPG gives patients a chance to feed back their views, influence services and help raise awareness of the variety of health and social care which is available locally.

Melanie said: “PPG members from across the country have reported that they really enjoy being part of their Patient Participation Group. The work is incredibly interesting and varied. It involves everything from looking at ways to improve services and facilities to carrying out patient surveys and organising events to raise awareness about self-management or ways to access the help available for specific conditions.

We are keen to recruit more members to represent the catchment area of the practice.”

If you would like to get involved or find out more you can contact: • Reception at Charnwood Surgery, Linkfield Road, Mountsorrel Tel. 0116 2375089 • Melanie Buchan (PPG Chair (Interim) and Secretary) Tel. 0116 2376245 email: charnwood.surgery.ppg@btinternet.com

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2016

Friendly visit AN EIGHT day visit by 17 American visitors concluded with a supper and concert at the Rothley Centre on Mountsorrel Lane.

They were the guests of the Friendship Force Club of Leicestershire, an organisation that promotes home stay exchange trips.

During their stay in Leicestershire the visitors enjoyed a walking tour of Leicester City led by a Blue Badge guide, a long allot skittles evening and a visit to Loughborough market and carillon, where a special recital was given by the borough carilloner.

For more information about Friendship Force contact Margaret Myatt on 01530 244388 or melrose1936@icloud.com

OPPORTUNITIES AT the Workers’ Educational Association Rothley Branch.

MORE THAN 130 paintings were on show at the annual exhibition of the Soar Valley Artists, held in the Rothley Centre in October.

Our photos show some of the paintings on display.

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

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As one of the 24 M&S Spark Something Good projects for Leicester and Loughborough, The Sorrel Youth Café – located on The Green, Mountsorrel – organised an event in partnership with M&S Loughborough, in order to show customers what the Café has to offer.

During the day, five performers entertained customers while they enjoyed a cream tea, fresh coffee, or a bite to eat.

The line-up included local singer/songwriter, Emily Grey, two Loughborough College music students, Anna Wells and Katie McGough, Leicesterbased The Blue Sunset Band and local clarinettist, Becky Gardner.

In addition to helping the Café generate much needed income, the aim of the day was to explore if the venue is suitable for regular music and entertainment.

Bryan Gardner, Section Manager for M&S Loughborough, said: “It’s been a pleasure to be able to join the volunteers that attended The Sorrel Youth Café’s Spark Something Good project.

The kindness and dedication of our colleagues and local volunteers has been outstanding. This M&S initiative is just the beginning, we’re really proud we were able to Spark Something Good for this vital community project.”

Graham Lloyd, Youth Officer at The Sorrel Youth Café, said: “It has been an ambition of ours for some years to provide an opportunity for young local performers to share their talents and we believe the Café provides just that. We’re extremely pleased the M&S Spark Something Good project has been the spark to get things moving for our Café within the local community.

“The Café is a great venue and we are keen to encourage young people with a range of talents to get involved and to give them a chance to gain valuable experience through performing and helping to organise and manage small events.”

Following the success of the day, the Café is considering putting on another event before Christmas and, if enough interest is established, develop a programme of events for 2017. Over the next year the Café intends to develop its programme of open sessions and is keen to hear from anyone who has any ideas.

For more information about the Café, or anyone who is interested in helping to organise, perform or support the programme please contact Graham Lloyd at The Sorrel Youth Café on 07775 6161001 or email glloyd@sycafe.org

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 Birstall 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.

A STUDENT with a work placement at a Mountsorrel business has been named as Apprentice of the Year 2016.

Holly Mundy, a Loughborough College student, scooped the title at the annual East Midlands Chamber of Commerce Leicestershire Business Awards.

The 20 year old, who is studying on the intermediate Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) course at Loughborough College alongside working with Mountsorrel-based business communications and IT company Dalycom, said the award was a genuine surprise.

Holly said: “It was a huge black tie event at the Leicester City's King Power Stadium with businesses from across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire and my first thought was, Oh no, I have to go up on stage in front of everyone. When I was accepting the glass trophy and bottle of champagne I was shaking like a leaf. Luckily I didn’t have to say anything.

MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings Leicester LE4 3BR Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 4422067 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Mountsorrel Library, Rothley Post Office or to our office.

editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Small Ads

Pic: Loughborough College's Holly Mundy accepts her Apprentice of the Year 2016 Award from Paul Roberts, Factory Manager, at Caterpillar

“I knew I wanted to take an alternative route to university and this is my third year with Loughborough College and Dalycom. I started with an administration course and now I am studying for the AAT qualification. It’s brilliant because each enhances the other. What I am learning in the classroom really helps me at work and vice versa. I am enjoying it all so much, I am definitely not finished with the College yet – I am thinking of moving onto management accountancy or chartered accountancy.”

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

Planning applications P/16/2579/2: 8 Meadow Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7HN. Erection of low carbon energy detached dwelling P/16/2437/2: 50 Loughborough Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7AT. Replacement windows to front elevation of building.

P/16/2620/2: 43 Walton Way Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7EQ. Erection of single storey side extension between existing detached garage and bungalow.

P/16/2563/2: 45 Hawcliffe Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7AQ. Erection of single storey extension to front of dwelling, two storey extension to rear and single storey extensions to side and rear.

P/16/2050/2: 1 Linkfield Avenue Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7DH. Erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling.

P/16/2079/2: 42 Otter Lane Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7GF. Erection of 2 storey and single storey extension to rear of dwelling.

P/16/2480/2: 8 Wishbone Lane Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7FA. Erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling.

P/16/2434/2: 99 Rothley Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7JT. Alterations to shop front including installation of roller shutters, creation of additional flat to first and second floor including erection of external access staircase to side elevation and 2 dormer windows to rear P/16/2082/2: 3 Windmill Close Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7HR. Installation of PV solar panels to front roof pitch of dwelling.

P/16/2206/2: 143 Halstead Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7HE. Erection of single and two storey extensions to dwelling following demolition of existing extensions and garage. Erection of 3 dwellings, creation of new access and associated works P/16/2071/2: 45 Hawcliffe Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7AQ. Erection of single storey extension to front of dwelling, 2 storey extension to side and rear and single storey extension to rear.

P/16/2002/2: 33 Rockingham Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7UJ Raising of roof to garage and insertion of dormer window to front elevation of dwelling.

P/16/1990/2: 19 Berkeley Close Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7DN. Extensions and alterations to caravan

DEC 2016

THE SORREL Youth Café was alive with the buzz of volunteers and customers enjoying tea, cake and live music, as part of Marks & Spencer’s Spark Something Good campaign in October.

Student wins award

MOUNTSORREL POST

Music at café