MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
DECEMBER 2018
www.birstallpost.co.uk
No. 65
Village remembers armistice YOUNG AND old from across the village came together to commemorate the centenary of the 1918 Armistice Day and remember the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in conflict in the service of their country.
Parish sets precept THERE WILL be no increase in the parish council part of your council tax for 2019/20, Mountsorrel Parish Council has agreed. It considered its budget for the next financial year at a parish council meeting on November 12 and agreed a precept of £543,865. In 2018/19 it was £543,970. The parish precept is the amount collected from parishioners and is a component of the council tax. In 2018/19 the precept was increased by 163 percent, which for a band D property meant the Parish Council component of the council tax rose from £75.99 to £199.85 The council said the increase was
On Friday November 9, year six from Christ Church & St Peter’s Primary School held their Remembrance Service at St Peter’s. All those attending were moved by the prayers, poetry reading and in particular, the quality of the pupils’ singing. After their service they visited the Peace Garden for the Act of Hom-
Continued on back page
DAVE HUTCHINGS GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS
Pics: Mountsorrel’s MPs Edward Argar and Nicky Morgan with children from Mountsorrel school planting a tree in the Peace Garden; (left) children looking at the casualty markers
age marked by a bugler and supported by the British Legion’s Mountsorrel Standard Bearer. Children helped our two MPs, Nicky Morgan and Edward Argar, plant Rowan and Silver Birch trees to commemorate the Armistice Cente-
nary and then viewed the individual casualty markers which generated many comments and questions. These had been put in place by members of the Legion, the Mountsorrel Heritage Group and other villagers. They laid out the Peace Garden in the form of Continued on page 2
Midland Window Installations
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
Celebrating 25 years 1993-2018
CORTS HARDWARE 3 Cross Green, Rothley. Tel: 0116 2375347
Est: 1993
EXTENSIVE RANGE OF ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES 99
Specialist in PVC-U Windows, Doors, & Conservatories 29-33 Thurcaston Rd, Leicester LE4 5PG Tel:
2676167
ROOFLINE PRODUCTS INCLUDING GUTTERING
• • • • • •
Fluorescent Tubes Extension Leads Sockets and Switches Telephone Extensions Security Lights & Timers Television accessories
• • • • • •
Cable and Conduit Kettles and Irons Toasters & Hairdryers Computer leads Large range of LED bulbs Large range of LED bulbs Torches & Batteries
Continued from page 1 a small War Cemetery with a post marking each of our village’s casualties in both World Wars. The posts each bore the details of an individual casualty, his name, age and address, along with his photo where they had been able to find one, or if not, his Regimental or Ship’s badge. Joining the children was Ella Whittington (90) of Linkfield Road, whose brother James Arthur Dodge lost his life in World War II, aged 21. Standing in front of her brother’s casualty marker Ella said: “I think it’s wonderful what they have done here in the Peace Garden. I was 12 when my brother died, I remember he was full of fun, a great joker and he loved life.” Christine Butcher from Mountsorrel painted 117 pebbles with the names of those from the village who lost their lives in the two world wars and decorated each with a poppy. These were laid around the memorial stone in the Peace Garden. John Doyle from Mountsorrel British Legion said: “Throughout the Remembrance weekend and the following week the Peace Garden has been visited by many people who, from the messages of appreciation that have been received,
Pics: (top left) the parade leaves The Green; in the Peace Garden are (l-r) Std Bearer Keith Hassall, Cllr John Capleton, Cllr Steve Haywood, Cllr Richard Shepherd & Cllr Jane Hunt
Pics (above) looking at a display in the Memorial Centre are Kenneth Sharman, (98), Royal Light Infantry and Steve Haywood; Rainbow Guides in the parade; (left) children looking at casualty markers in the Peace Garden
found the memorials both thought provoking and moving.” The start of this year’s Poppy Appeal and centenary events was a talk given in
St Peter’s Church on October 27. The talk looked at the history and current work of the Poppy Appeal. John Doyle said: “The appeal really picked up speed the following weekend with the Royal British Legion’s two day collection at Waitrose. While it is too early to even make a guess at this year’s total we hope to match last year’s staggering total of £7170 which was a real testimony to the generosity of the village. We have of
course some time to build up the total as the appeal continues through to next September.” The Heritage Group also continued their series of World War I themed displays in the foyer of the Memorial Centre. This, the last of the series, focused on our casualties and the campaigns in which they fell and also included the casualties from World War II. The foyer also received two Poppy Soldiers, put
Presents
STEP INTO DANCE Mountsorrel Memorial Centre 105 Leicester Rd, Mountsorrel LE12 7AJ www.pilbeamacademyofdance.co.uk Visit our website for info about classes etc Check out our new Facebook page
2
MOUNTSORREL POST
Starts at 2pm
DEC 2018
Sunday December 2nd, 2018
Pic: Maggie Howlett was delighted to find a photo of a relative
together by 1st Mountsorrel Cubs, and these stood guard by the memorial in the Centre during the Remembrance period. Visiting the centre to look at the display was Maggie Howlett. She was delighted to see a photo of her uncle, Private Louis Henry Walker. “I have done so much research and looked so hard to find a photo of my uncle without success, so to see him here today, it’s great - I feel I could cry.” Private Walker served in the Leicestershire Regiment and died on February 22, 1917. On the evening of Saturday 10th the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre held a showing of the film “Warhorse” arranged at the request of the Heritage Group. Entrance was free and donations were taken that have gone to the Poppy Appeal. The Memorial Centre has also been raising funds for the Appeal through their weekly Quiz Night. At 11am on the 11th a Field of Re-
membrance Service was held at the Peace Garden attended by many villagers and families of those who fell in both World Wars. A wreath was laid by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Rosemary Conley and the laying of Poppy Crosses was led by the Chairman of the Parish Council, Steve Haywood. At 12.30pm the bells of St Peter’s rang as part of the national commemoration. In the afternoon the annual Remembrance Day Parade from the Green to St Peter’s church for the village Remembrance Service took place with veterans from the Second World War and many subsequent campaigns alongside several currently serving personnel. During the Service the Roll of Honour was read by representatives from the village Scouts, Guides and Boys Brigade. The Exhortation for the Fallen was read by the Great Great Grandson of Harry Slingsby, a village Quarryman killed in
NEW WORLD FLORIST 0116 2674034 Xmas Bouquets
Wreaths
Table Arrangements
Local, National & International Deliveries
action in 1917 and the first wreath was laid by his two younger brothers. In the evening, the Last Post was sounded by a Boys Brigade Bugler from Castle Hill War Memorial, a beacon lit forming part of the national chain of beacons and finally, to celebrate peace, the bells at St Peter’s and at Christ Church were rung.
Pick Your Own
QUALITY REAL
CHRISTMAS TREES & Holly Wreaths
Brooklea Nursery
DEC 2018 MOUNTSORREL POST
Pics: (top) part of the heritage display in the Memorial Centre; pebbles in the Peace Garden; Cllr Steve Howood lays a wreath in the Memorial Centre, watched by Cllr Brian Allard
FLOWERS GREETINGS CARDS GIFTS
CHOCOLATES
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
Old A6 Rothley LE7 7NL Tel: 07599 515 689
1 THE MEADWAY, BIRSTALL LE4 4NG
3
New block of flats planned Tel: 0116 2674395/ 07974807111 E: info@amlidesign.co.uk W: www.amlidesign.co.uk
David Ives Bsc(Hons) MCIOB FCABE C.Build E. Chartered & Accredited
R.E. MILLS SERVICING, MOT & CLASSIC CAR SPECIALIST MOT
TESTING
VEHICLE TESTING STATION
Servicing & Repairs to all makes & models MOTs • Bodywork Electronic Diagnosis Leaded 4*
RE Mills Motor Engineer
34-36 Town Green St Rothley LE7 7NU
0116 2302295 Christmas at Woodcock Farm Shop the Everything you need for
Festive Season!
Home Grown, pick or dig-your-own
Christmas Trees from 2ft-12ft Oven Ready, Farm Fresh Turkeys & Cockerels Order now to avoid disappointment
Oven Ready Game available in season All your Christmas Fruit, Vegetables & Nuts including home grown potatoes (Red Mozart, White Melody) & Sprout Sticks
LOGS
Barn dry Hard & Soft wood logs (bulk deliveries available)
Festive Wreaths • Holly • Mistletoe Plus all our usuals including Free Range Eggs • Local Honey • Preserves Marmalade • Chutneys COAL • Smokeless Coal • Kindling • Firelighters Manure • Woodchip Mulch • Topsoil Feed for horses, ponies, goats, rabbits Hay • Straw & Shavings
Tel (0116) 230 2215 James 07802 915559 Fred 0797 7014606 OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm Sat 9am to 5.30pm Sun 9.30am to 5pm Please note these times may change during public holidays. Ring us for details.
4
www.woodcockfarm.co.uk
G S Developments want to build 25 flats on a site next to the Granite Way roundabout, with access from Betty Henser’s Lane. Off street parking for 43 vehicles would be provided, including six visitor spaces. Existing trees on the road frontage would be retained. The building would contain 13 one bedroom apartments and 12 two bedroom apartments. Charnwood Borough Council has received objections from residents and Mountsorrel Parish Council to the plans. These relate to: • visual appearance • over-development
Waitrose
Pic: an artist’s impression of how the building of 25 flats would look
• effect on neighbours • inadequate access arrangements and parking provision • concerns about surface water drainage On October 30, the developers sub-
mitted revised proposals to try to address some of the concerns. Planning reference P/18/1379/2. The plans can be viewed on the planning pages of the Charnwood Borough Council website.
Club growing girls’ game GIRLS’ FOOTBALL at Mountsorrel Juniors FC (MJFC) continues to develop: the club has received a £3000 grant and has officially partnered with Leicester City Women FC, the leading women’s team in the East Midlands. This summer the club was awarded £3000 from the Football Association’s Grow the Game scheme – it awards grants to grassroots football clubs wishing to create new teams, especially amongst under represented groups. David Gallagher, a member of the club’s working committee and a coach and manager for the U13s girls age group, said: “We’re really pleased to receive this award which will be used to create a new U9 Girls team for the 2018/19 season. We work hard to provide opportunities to all members of our community at an affordable price and therefore this injection of funds will be used to pay for the coaching courses and some kit for the new girls. But just as importantly we are proud that the Football Foundation recognise our dedication to promoting girls’ football the right way. We apply a club philosophy which emphasises development and fun over results.” Speaking on behalf of the FA, England Women and Arsenal striker Danielle Carter said: “I would like to congratulate Mountsorrel Juniors on working with the Football Foundation Leicestershire and Rutland County FA to secure a Grow the Game grant. Playing in an all-female team from a young age was key to my development, so I am delighted that there will be more opportunities for women and girls in the local area and wish Mountsorrel Juniors good luck during their debut season!”
Pic: Mountsorrel United Junior’s U12s girls team
In October, MJFC announced it had become an official ‘sister club’ to Leicester City Women FC (LCWFC). A club spokesman said: “This is an exciting partnership between MJFC and LCWFC that demonstrates our continued commitment to providing our young players and our coaches with opportunities in which to further develop their enjoyment of the game. “LCWFC are the leading women’s team in the East Midlands playing in the FA Women’s Championship, which is the second-highest division of women’s football in England. A number of our players, coaches and parents have been attending matches, and our players have found the experience of watching high level women’s football inspiring and empowering. “As a ‘sister club’ our girls’ teams and coaches are able to benefit from LCWFC’s generous support and guidance throughout the season. This includes training sessions with UEFA A&B coaches
and first team players as well as attendance at LCWFC home fixtures. “Our girls section is continuing to expand alongside our MJFC boys teams. Through the passion and enthusiasm of our dedicated coaches and volunteers we now have five girls teams (U10-U13) playing in the Leicester City & County Girls Football League as well as a developing (U9s) girls team.”
Advertise in the
MOUNTSORREL POST 47 x 57mm £23 • 47 x 116mm £41 98 x 57mm £41 • 98 x 116mm £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 0116 4422067 for an advertising rate card,
or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk The prices above exclude VAT
DEC 2018
drawn & submitted for planning permission & building regulations approval
PLANS FOR a three/four storey apartment building next to Waitrose have received objections from residents and Mountsorrel Parish Council.
MOUNTSORREL POST
Architectural plans
MOUNTSORREL POST
5
DEC 2018
Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.15 for 6.30 run Birstall School Lane playing fields – showers & toilets available We also meet on a Wednesday night at Sibson Road car park at 6.15pm for 6.30pm run Speed work sessions also available on Wednesdays for those wanting to improve Contact Deryk on dwoods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 www.birstallrc.org.uk
Mountsorrel School
Christmas Fete Friday Dec 7, 3.30-5.30pm Games, crafts, carols, festive food, stalls and Santa
Mountsorrel Wellbeing Café We meet every Friday 12.30-2.30pm at Studio 2, Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Kingfisher Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7FG Lots of fun activities including arts & crafts, board games, badminton, boccia, new age kurling & lots more Bring along a friend or carer £1 per week inc refreshments
Stories, Singing & Craft Fun for Christmas
Toddlers story, singing and craft session making decorations for Christmas. Tues 11th December, 11am — 12pm. Under 5's. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost £1 per child, adults free. Limited places, booking essential. Please call into the library or phone 0116 3055892
Christmas Tree Festival 2018 Christ Church, Mountsorrel Supporting Sorrel Youth Café Free Entry Saturday Dec 8: 10am-5pm Sunday Dec 9: 1pm-5pm (following our 11am Word & Worship service) Refreshments available Christ Church, Rothley Road, Mountsorrel, LE12 7JU http://cofe.mountsorrel.org/ Rothley/Birstall Bird Watching Club Presents: Tuesday, December 11th 2018 at 7.30pm Members D.I.Y & Christmas Cheer The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Tuesday, Jan 8, 2019 at 7.30pm
Birds Of Southern Portugal By Carl Baggott A new destination for us to start our 2019 programme and one that is easily accessible from the U.K. Carl will show us the countryside in the south of Portugal and the birds we are likely to see. Could be just the place to add to your to do list in the Spring. Tuesday, February12th, 2019 at 7.30pm A Peek Behind The Iron Curtain – Wildlife In No-Man’s Land By Tim Sexton For over 40 years the Iron Curtain divided Europe. Along stretches the physical barrier was set 5km in a country’s actual border, creating a no-man’s land, free from human habitants. With little disturbance, wildlife thrived. When the Iron Curtain fell many of these areas became protected as National Parks. Tim looks at the wildlife of one such area, Podyji National Park in the Czech Republic. All meeting held at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members free. Visitors £2.50. New members and visitors are always welcome. Ample car parking on site. Further information from Jack Wootton on 07913129497
Christmas in Mountsorrel Mountsorrel Anglican Churches warmly welcome you to join them for their Christmas Services. Sun Dec 2: 6pm at St. Peters Advent Carols
Christmas Carol Concert Organised by Mountsorrel Parish Council You are all invited to the Memorial Centre on Friday December 14 at 7.30pm Those taking part include: The Ratby Co-operative Band Christ Church & St Peter’s School Choir Local Organisations • Local Clergy Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the concert 6
Mon Dec 10: 7pm at Christ Church - Ladies Carols among the Christmas Trees Sun Dec 16: 11am at Christ Church - Crib Service - all welcome to dress up as a crib character. Sun Dec 23: 6pm at St Peters Candlelit Carols Mon Dec 24: 4pm at Christ Church - Christingle 11:15pm Holy Communion (at the Methodist Church) Tue Dec 25: 9:30am at St. Peters - Holy Communion 11am at Christ Church - Holy Communion Sun Dec 30: 10:30am at St. Peters - Joint Service (Churches Together in Mountsorrel) In addition, the Annual Christmas Tree Festival will take place at Christ Church on Sat Dec 8, 10am - 5pm and Sun Dec 9, 1pm - 5pm. Free entry - refreshments available Mountsorrel
Happy Circle Club Weekly meetings Thursdays 1.30-4pm at Mountsorrel WMC Bingo, lottery, raffle, outings New Members Welcome
Birstall Tea Dances Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road,Birstall LE4 4DH Fridays 7th & 14th December 2018 3.30 pm- 5.30pm £4 each on the door
• 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
Roy Morris Plumbing and Heating Installation, Upgrades & Servicing Of Gas Cookers, Boilers and Fires
Servicing of Boilers £35 General plumbing, shower & bathroom installs. Tiling & electrical work also undertaken
Landlords – don’t forget your Safety Certificates: from £45 Call now for a FREE no obligation quote
0116 2841076 / 07860 551820
DEC 2018
Birstall Running Club
Mountsorrel Library
MOUNTSORREL POST
Noticeboard all details printed free
Popular heritage centre is expanding MOUNTSORREL & Rothley Community Heritage Centre has been granted planning permission to extend its popular railway museum. Built by community volunteers to encourage visitors to learn about local history and wildlife, the not-for-profit Heritage Centre opened in March 2016 and now attracts more than 123,000 visitors a year. An appeal has been launched to find the £18,000 needed to make the museum extension a reality. The total cost of the project is £50,000 and £17,500 has been donated already. If £18,000 can be found in donations by the end of the year they can claim match funding. Heritage Centre Managing Director Steve Cramp said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many visitors learning whilst they are enjoying themselves. We are always striving to introduce new areas
of interest with more to see and do. “There are some wonderful exhibits to see in the railway museum, such as a railway coach built in 1888 that would have run on the nearby Great Central Railway. We have struggled for space to
care for and restore the exhibits though. Sanding down and painting means that the museum exhibits get dusty and it is difficult for us to attract the really highprofile exhibits visitors would like to see.” The extension will see the railway museum building increase in size by over 50 per cent. The new area created
will form a dedicated restoration space separate from the exhibit display area, creating almost double the space for exhibits to be displayed to the public. De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) Interior Design students will be designing the museum space. Steve said: “Not only will this allow the exhibits to be displayed as effectively as possible, it will also help DMU students to gain experience of real design projects and to see their designs come to life.” Nicky Harding, Senior Lecturer with DMU’s Interior Design programme said: “It will be wonderful to be able to work with the Heritage Centre volunteers on both this project and the interior design for the Centre’s upcoming Discovery Education Building. “These opportunities help to give our students valuable experience, which helps to increase their employment opportunities when they graduate.” The Railway Museum extension
project will cost £50,000 and the Heritage Centre has launched a public appeal to fund the project by the end of the year. “We are very fortunate to have a donor who has promised to match fund all donations that are received up until the end of the year!” said Steve. “This means that every pound donated is worth two pounds to the project! If we can claim gift aid on the donation then that also doubles as well. Our appeal has got off to a fantastic start with £17,500 donated already. It’s free to visit the Heritage Centre so we hope that the public will support our appeal and allow the extension to be built as soon as possible.” Further details of how to donate can be found at the Heritage Centre website http://heritagecentre.co.uk/news/railway-museumextension/ Pic: (inset, left) the museum building
Youth café is the place to take your music
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2018
THE SORREL Youth Café is keen to hear from anyone who is interested in music, no matter what their interest.
Is this you, a friend or a member of Graham Lloyd, Youth your family? Officer at the Café, said: It may be that you want to practice “We are sure that there are singing in private or you may be in a band and need practice space. It may be young people in Mountsorthat you want to perform live or have an rel that have lots of talent and who are interested in playing and idea about organising a music event. making music. We want to hear from
them. We have the space and a support worker to help them develop their skills and ideas.” The Café, situated in Mountsorrel, has a number of free sessions in the week where the building can be open just for music. There will be no pressure to perform and those involved will have a full say in how the project develops. Advertise in Anyone interTHE ROTHLEY POST ested should 47 x 57mm £20 • 47 x 116mm £36 contact Graham 98 x 57mm £36 • 98 x 116mm £60 on 07775 616001 or via 1) Decide what size you want email 2) Send us a sketch of your ad sycafe18@gmail.c om. If you are 3) We design, publish This Siz interested in & send e finding out more you the about the Café W e dnesda bill +VAT ys and volunteering give Graham a CALL 0116 4422067 for an advertising rate card, or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk call.
S£E2X0Y
The prices above exclude VAT
7
YOUR SAY...
Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on August 21.
In public participation, the frequency of mowing of the Peace Garden and the council’s proposed violence/abuse of staff policy were raised. It was suggested that the policy include the behaviour of staff and councillors towards members of the public. It was reported that the Police would no longer be supplying written reports with details of local crimes, but that The Mountsorrel Post welcomes your these were available on the Police webviews and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and site,. It was agreed to write to the Chief Constable requesting that this be re-conaddress, (though not necessarily for sidered. publication) can be posted to: The Borough Councillor John Capleton Mountsorrel Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or hand- reported that the Borough now has 5.9 years of land supply for housing which ed in at Mountsorrel library or email: means the council is less vulnerable to editor@birstallpost.co.uk planning applications from developers for sites outside those identified in Charnwood Local Plan. Thanks Problems caused by overnight parkOn behalf the Mountsorrel Branch, ing on Granite Way and at Rothley Lodge Royal British Legion, I would like to have been raised with the County Counextend our heartfelt thanks to all those cil. It was reported that restricting parkindividual villagers and village organisaing would only move the problem to tions that have worked so hard to make another area and that parking enforcethis years Commemoration of the Centement officers would patrol the area nary of the 1918 Armistice so special. when resources permitted. The many expressions of appreciation Chairman Cllr Steve Haywood reportfor the work in the Peace Garden by the ed on the meeting held with local MPs, Heritage Group with practical support in County Councillor Peter Osborne and the background from both the Chairman parish councillors on July 20. The purand Deputy Chairman of the Parish Coun- pose of the meeting was to discuss the cil have been really welcome and have situation regarding the Memorial Centre vindicated the plan to honour the fallen and the rise in the parish council preand show the extent of individual sacricept. He advised that although the parish fice by the families of this village during council had been censured of the hantwo World Wars. dling of the matters nothing further had John Doyle been heard in connection with the issues. Parade Poppy Appeal Organiser It was agreed to appoint Freestone & Mountsorrel Branch Ware, at a cost of £1800, to assist the Royal British Legion
council in preparing a three year strategy plan for the Memorial Centre. The council agreed to spend £2290 on work to be undertaken on the trees surrounding the war memorial on Castle Hill. It will include the felling of two trees, a sycamore and an ash. It was agreed that the Parish council office remain in its current location and that Mountsorrel Heritage group be offered the first floor of Church House (the library) for the establishment of a museum and heritage centre. The council’s cemetery gardener has now taken on the responsibilities of the parish dog warden and has submitted her first report. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on September.10. It was reported that a statement of accounts for the Memorial Centre would be published on the council’s website. Cllr Haywood said there had been an initial meeting to discuss the 2019/20 precept but that it was too early to say whether there would be any rise in the precept. It was anticipated that the precept report would be considered at the council meeting on November 12. The council agreed to adapt a violence/abuse of staff policy and that a draft employee code of conduct policy be drawn up for consideration at the next meeting. The council agreed to accept a recommendation from Charnwood that the number of Mountsorrel parish councillors be increased from 13 to 14 for the next elections in May 2019. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on October 15. It was reported that Tarmac are responsible for replacing the Bond Lane bridge. The project will cost £1million and will be completed by March 18,
Merry Christmas To all our readers & advertisers from us all at the
MOUNTSORREL POST 2019. Jelson’s are required to provide a cricket pitch at Halstead Road and the parish council are putting together a scheme to provide additional football pitches. These will require a planning application. The parish council will spend approximately £7000 on the village’s Christmas lights this year. This includes additional Christmas lights to replace those damaged on The Green and additional ones for the Memorial Centre. The council agreed to adopt a code of conduct for all parish council employees.
ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL WORK
Extra Points Alarms Rewiring Security Lighting Electrical Testing Part P Registered
Control Electrics Ltd Tel: 0116 2682910 FREE ESTIMATES
CP Accountancy Ltd
• End of year accounts • Bookkeeping and VAT returns • Payroll and CIS • Tax returns • For Sole-Traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies • Business start-ups and company formations
CP Accountancy Ltd
Dormer House, 44 Town Green Street, Rothley, Leicestershire LE7 7NU T • 01162 303 973 M • 07749 650 129 www.cpaccountancyltd.co.uk 8
Caroline Dinsmore is licensed and regulated by AAT under licence number 5865.
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2018
FREE initial consultation
Micropub opening in village A MICROPUB is set to open in Mountsorrel. Located next to Mountsorrel Working Men’s Club at 75 Leicester Road, the Sorrel Fox will be run by Charnwood Brewery, which was started by Andrew and Andrea Reed in 2014. Andrew said: “When we started Charnwood Brewery we wanted to create fantastic beers and sell them in the best pubs, bars and restaurants locally, and we wanted to be sold in the best pub in every Charnwood Village.
Pics: (left) an artist’s impression of the micropub & (top) some of the brewery’s drinks
“As we’re unable to sell our beer in any of the Mountsorrel pubs we thought we’d open our own place.” The Sorrel Fox will sell a range of the brewery’s own real ales and craft beers as well as a lager imported from Austria, wine and a selection of gins and rums. Andrew added: “The reaction on social media when we posted
Bronze medals for dragon boat rower A TEENAGER from Mountsorrel won two bronze medals as part of the Great Britain Dragon boat racing team.
TESTING
PETROLS • DIESELS MOTORCYCLES CROPSTON GARAGE 37 - 39 Station Road Cropston, Leicester 0116 2362363
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. Call or text Rachel on 0793 1129 360 Email mountsorrelunitedcharities@outlook.com www.mountsorrelunitedcharities.com Registered charity number 217615 Find us on Facebook and Twitter
Pics: (top) medal winner Campbell Holloway & (below) the GB Team
says he enjoys. He is now training hard and hopes to be selected again for team GB to compete at the World Championships in Thailand next year. If you would like to try dragon boat racing the Soaring Dragons welcomes new faces – contact them on 07789 647 634
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2018
Campbell Holloway (17) took up the sport 18 months ago after attending an open day organised by the Soaring Dragons, who are based at Loughborough Boat Club. A dragon boat team consists of 20 paddlers sitting two abreast, a helm that steers and a drummer who sits at the front. The boats are brightly painted and decorated with a dragon head and tail. Campbell, who attends Rawlins Academy and is studying for his A-levels, says he was hooked from day one. Training three or four times a week, his potential was spotted by a coach and he was selected for the GB team. A six month period of training by the GB team began before they headed off to Germany in August for the European Championships where they won bronze medals in the 200m and 500m events. Campbell said: “It was the most amazing experience and to stand on the podium and get that bronze medal is something I will never forget.” Dragon boat racing is all about working as a team and this is what Campbell
about the pub opening was incredible with nearly 1000 likes in 48 hours. “In the four years our brewery has been open we have gained a very loyal following for our beer. At a time when the high streets are reportedly dying, we feel our small place will go a little way to revitalising the high street.” The Sorrel Fox will be closed on Mondays, open 5-10pm Tues-Thurs, Fri & Sat 12noon to 10.30pm and on Sundays from 12noon to 8pm.
MOT VEHICLE TESTING STATION
9
The latest Ruffle story by Rachel Greaves is called ‘Ruffle and the first train’. It was written especially to commemorate the centenary of the ending of the First World War and is aimed particularly at under 10s as a prompt for discussion. Rachel realised that the majority of yearly commemorations were aimed at older generations so decided to write a story featuring Ruffle, but which incorporated relevant facts; how Airedale Terriers were used as messenger dogs in the trenches. As in the other Ruffle books, it is set in a little heritage railway but Rachel reminds her readers that the railways we all love and enjoy visiting today were working railways a century
For all your soft furnishing needs: Curtains, Blinds & Accessories
F&S Curtains 0116 296 1032 Free home visit & quotation Give us a call today www.fscurtains.com enquiries@fscurtains.com
A 59-YEAR-OLD man from Mountsorrel has been found guilty of abusing his daughter and three other children.
Pic: Rachel Greaves with Ruffle
ago; carrying our soldiers off to war and bringing them back – though much fewer, and many injured. Rachel’s passion to include her younger audience is evident as she explains her feelings. “If we are to ensure the sacrifice is not forgotten, then we must look to our younger generations. Hopefully this story will begin the interest to help them remember…The story is not sentimental but will make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck!” The book is available to purchase through the Ruffle website priced at £3.50 each incl. p&p. ‘Ruffle and the first train’ is the 12th book in the series which includes a bespoke story commissioned by The Baldwin Trust, a Leicestershire charity who offer boat trips for disabled and wheelchair passengers and their family/friends in specially adapted canal boats. Another of Ruffle’s stories describes how Ruffle saves a life which is being used by The Community HeartBeat Trust charity within their information packs on defibrillators in the community. The stories are proving extremely popular with nearly 7000 books sold in just 3 years of self-publishing. Rachel has adapted some of the stories into a puppet performance and has already visited 60 schools to inspire a love of reading and imagination. More information about Rachel’s educational visits and how to purchase the books can be found on the website – www. ruffletheraildog.co.uk
Misted up double glazing ? Replace with new clear sealed units Faulty locks & handles replaced 10
Call Colin Wright for a free quote LOCAL BUSINESS 07765635505 • 01162209573
Peter Wilson denied the charges, but a jury at Leicester Crown Court was unanimous in finding him guilty of ten indecent assault offences. Wilson’s daughter, Natasha Mina, recalled being abused from the age of four and gave evidence in court, as did the three other victims. The offences occurred between 1991 and 2001. Natasha Mina, now 27, read out an impact statement in front of her abuser which was met with applause in court. Wilson, formerly of Pawley Close, Mountsorrel, was jailed for a total of 12 years with an additional one-year licence period. He was placed on a sexual harm prevention order and will have to enlist on a sex offender register for life. Wilson was also made the subject of an indefinite restraining order banning any future contact with his four victims.
Star rating retained
LEICESTERSHIRE’S only Michelin starred restaurant, John’s House in Mountsorrel, is celebrating retaining its coveted star in the latest issue of the guide. John Duffin opened the restaurant at Stonehurst Farm in 2014 after a career working in some of the best English restaurants. John champions a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy, sourcing local, British ingredients, many of which originate on the family farm. Pic: chef John Duffin
offers support THE CEDAR Care Circle is a group that shares friendship and help as they all look after a spouse or parent suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. “It really has become like a big family” said the group’s founder Barbara Wass. She added: “The group gives everyone who comes a sense of being amongst friends. It’s the feeling of not being alone, sharing our concerns and also our happy times.” The group meets twice a month at Ruth’s Lambourne Café on Lambourne Road, Birstall at 2pm. Barbara said: “We couldn’t have done it without Ruth and her lovely staff. I’d like to encourage anyone to come along and see what we are all about.” Contact Barbara on 07905 760556 for more information. Pic: the group at a meeting in the Lambourne Café
The March issue of the
MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Feb 23. The copy deadline is Feb 8.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is still required if you are selling or renting out your house. Call David Jackson on 0781 5519490 to arrange your EPC
DEC 2018
A NEW story by a Mountsorrel author about an Airedale terrier called Ruffle and his adventures on a steam railway has been published.
Man convicted of abuse Group
MOUNTSORREL POST
Author’s latest Ruffle adventure
Soar Valley artists’ exhibition THE SOAR Valley Artists staged their 16th annual exhibition of paintings at the Rothley Centre in October. Dozens of paintings were on display and visitors were able browse prints, sample refreshments and watch live painting demonstrations.
Bradgate memorial Café workers BRADGATE MEMORIAL Wood is celebrating its successful first anniversary.
MOUNTSORREL POST
DEC 2018
During the first year over 500 bronze oak leaves with personal inscriptions have been purchased from the Bradgate Park Trust and installed on distinctive feature wooden oak pillars within the Memorial Wood. This represents a net income for the charity of over £70,000. The Memorial Wood at Bradgate Park, funded by the Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons and Leicestershire County Council to celebrate their 300th anniversary, was officially opened by the Pro
Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, Peter Lowndes on the 5th October 2017. Since then, the wood has settled down nicely after its opening, and the Bradgate Park volunteers ensure that it continues to look its best. Peter Tyldesley, Director of the Bradgate Part Trust said: “We are delighted by the public reaction to the Memorial Wood, which has become an attractive, peaceful and dignified place of remembrance and reflection. It has been successful beyond our wildest expectations and we are already planning an extension. The Trust is extremely grateful to all those who have purchased leaves and to the Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons for their support in enabling us to make it a reality.” Pic: the Bradgate Park Memorial Wood
MOUNTSORREL YOUTH Café is seeking to recruit four sessional youth workers to help staff and develop its evening provision. Two Responsible Leaders and two Assessment Leaders are required to work with the Youth Officer and volunteers to maintain, develop and deliver informal education from the Café, located in The Green, Mountsorrel. Successful applicants will need to be able make a regular commitment to an evening session. They must be able to demonstrate experience/training in youth work or other forms of education and an empathy with and understanding of young people. Team work and a commitment to empowering young people will be an essential part of the role. For more information about these posts and an application pack, please contact Graham Lloyd: 07775 616001 or via email sycafe18@gmail.com.
Ian Roe General Building BUILDING MAINTENANCE HARD & SOFT LANDSCAPING & FENCING etc INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING
0116 2303222 07847 003554
www.ianroe.co.uk Advertise in the
MOUNTSORREL POST 47 x 57mm £23 • 47 x 116mm £41 98 x 57mm £41 • 98 x 116mm £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 0116 4422067 for an advertising rate card,
or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk The prices above exclude VAT
11
Hardware store celebrates 25 years trading A HARDWARE store that prides itself on providing friendly service, expert advice and low prices is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
heard of, but together with social media are now an integral part of our business, so please like us on Facebook! We are constantly updating and improving and are at present having our website redesigned. Where we really win over the large DIY superstores is that as well as being cheaper on over 90% of products, with our excellent product knowledge we make sure that the customer gets the right product for that job.” Sharon said: “We both feel very lucky to enjoy all aspects of running the business. It is a privilege and a pleasure to run a village shop and to feel like a part of the community.”
Corts in Rothley is owned and run by Jim and Sharon Cort. The shop, on Cross Green, is open seven days a week and has grown considerably over the past 25 years. Jim said: “When we started in 1993 we had less than 2000 products, which has now increased to well over 10,000. We have grown the business mainly by listening to what customers want. “If for any reason we have not got an item, we can normally always order it. We pride ourselves on customers coming into the shop and saying ‘I knew you would have it’ and people see it as a challenge to try and ask for something they don't think we will stock, but they are normally always beaten!” For the first five years it was just Jim and Sharon working seven days a week, with help from both sets of parents. They now employ manager Mark Johnson, who has been with them for 17 years, together with supervisor Josh Newton and sales assistant Ryan Sharp. Sharon said: “We pride ourselves on our large loyal customer base. We have many of the same customers today that shopped with us 25 years ago and the children that came in with their parents then, now shop with us for their own homes, which makes us feel very old! “It is also very encouraging to see new customers shopping with us, attracted by
Memorial Centre
Precept continued from page 1 necessary to pay for extra responsibilities it was taking on as a local authority, such as the Memorial Centre and the library, and to replenish its reserves. Parish Councils calculate their precept by setting a budget. This sets out details of expenditure in various categories and also projected income. The difference between expenditure and income is the precept amount. It is divided by the number of properties in the parish that fall into council tax band D. Once calculations have been made to take into account the other tax bands, the resulting figure is collected from parishioners. Expenditure for 2019/20 includes: • Memorial Centre: £242,200 (projected income is £100,000) • Library: £26,000 • War Memorial Fields Trust: £40,000 (to pay for a footpath linking the sports pavilion with the leisure centre) • Tree management strategy: £5000 (includes a survey of all trees on council land) • Halstead Road sporting facilities project: £80,000 • Loughborough Road play area: £40,000 (for refurbishment) • Sorrel Youth café: £20,000 • Floral display: £9500 • Christmas lights: £11,000 A detailed breakdown of the 2019/20 budget can be viewed on the Parish 12 Council‘s website, in the finances section.
Traditional
Window Cleaners Regular, Reliable Service Tried & Trusted Traditional Methods Sparkling Clean Windows Specialist Wedding Gown Cleaning Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9-5pm Wed & Sat: 9-1pm
Gutter Clearing & Repairs
07727 944 405 www.twcleaners.co.uk
Quality spectacles
at the best prices
121 Sibson Rd, Birstall • www.prospecs.co.uk • 0116 2376098
Get a Quote from Us before You Buy Your Next Pair of Spectacles
NOW OFFERING
EYE TESTS Call to make an appointment or book online at www.prospecs.co.uk
We offer EXPERT ADVICE on your lens options including specialist lenses for sport, work, driving and leisure activities
Planning P/18/2100/2: 17 Mallard Road – the erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.3m with a max height of 2.55m and height to the eaves of 2.2m P/18/1747/2 202 Loughborough Rd – demolition of dwelling and erection of four dwellings (2 houses & 2 apartments) P/18/1922/2: 8 Cromwell Rd – display of one illuminated fascia sign (advertisement consent) P/18/1727/2: 8 Cromwell Rd – change of use from shop (class A1) to beauty hair salon (Sui Generis) & installation of condensor unit to the rear P/18/1789/2: 180 Leicester Rd – enlarge dormer to front of dwelling
MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings Leicester LE4 3BR Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising
0116 4422067 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Mountsorrel Library or to our office.
editor@birstallpost.co.uk
DEC 2018
the core values upon which we have built the shop, which are great products, friendly service and good value on your doorstep.” Jim said: “We have seen many changes over these 25 years. When we started, mobile phones, Sunday trading and the internet were all virtually un-
MOUNTSORREL PARISH Council has published a list of income and expenditure for the new Mountsorrel Memorial Centre. The figures relate to the period Jan 1, 2018 to Aug 31, 2018. They show an income of £70,056.27 and an expenditure of £87,746.93, resulting in a net cost of £17,690.66. A three-year strategy for the centre is being prepared by a consultant.
MOUNTSORREL POST
Pics: Jim & Sharon Cort outside their shop with a celebration cake; (left) the shop interior