Café MOUNTSORREL POST leaves No. 68 SEPTEMBER 2019 centre Digging up the past in Castle Gardens YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER www.birstallpost.co.uk
PEPPERCORNS CAFÉ have left the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre after a long running dispute with Mountsorrel Parish Council.
AS PART of the month long Leicestershire and Rutland Festival of Archaeology the Mountsorrel Heritage Group dug two archaeological test pits in Castle Gardens. Volunteers were divided into diggers, sievers and washers. Metre square test pits were dug and each 10cm spit of soil was sieved and any finds bagged labelled and washed. Passers by came to have a look, one staying the rest of the day digging. Spokesman Keith Foster said: “Digging in the shadow of Castle Hill where a Norman castle once stood would we find evidence of the 1217 siege by the French army of Prince Louis? No. What we found was evidence of habitation along the old A6 going back hundreds
Open for more than a year in a ground floor unit near the entrance, the café closed on August 22. The café owner and Mountsorrel Parish Council were never able to come to an agreement regarding the terms of the lease. Peppercorns have made a formal complaint to Mountsorrel Parish Council and have also contacted local MP Edward Argar. In a Facebook post, Peppercorns said: “The saddest part about closing the café is losing a fantastic team like the one we have at Mountsorrel. I am immensely proud of them. The Mountsorrel community has welcomed us with open arms.” On August 14 Mountsorrel Parish Council posted a statement on their website: Continued on page 2
DAVE HUTCHINGS GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS Pics: (top) washing the finds are Kathleen Warrilow, Sylvia Stanton, Janet Killingback & Margaret Manning; (right) digging is Paul Hunt; some of the items found; sieving soil beside one of the pits
of years, in the shape of bits of clay pipes and and pottery sherds.” In practically every spit they found Victorian White Ware (19th to 20th century) and Pancheon Ware- pottery used for a range of household items including Pancheons (large bowls for milk to cool in used in the dairy industry) from the 17th to 20th century
Continued on page 2
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Dig continued from page 1 In two spits they found Midland Purple Ware used for jars, bowl and jugs in the mid 14th and 15th century Other finds included: Midland Yellow Ware mainly used for tableware (bowls, dishes, plates) made between the 16th and 18th century Staffordshire Slipware (17th and 18th century) Staffordshire Mottled Ware used for small tankards and other tavern ware 1680-1780 Peppercorns continued from page 1 “In May 2018 the council entered into negotiations with Peppercorn Catering Ltd for the grant to the company of a lease of the cafe unit. A draft lease was prepared and the company commenced occupation. Unfortunately, the parties were unable to reach agreement on the terms of the lease,
and consequently no lease was ever executed or completed. “On July 2, 2019 the council instructed it’s solicitors to serve a formal notice on the Peppercorn Catering Ltd requiring possession of the cafe unit on July 16, 2019. The council’s solicitors sent further letters to the company on July 11 and July 19, 2019, but at the present time the company remains in unlawful occupation of the café unit. “On August 12, 2019 the council reaffirmed its decision to recover possession of the café unit and its solicitors have now written again to the company requesting it to agree an orderly handover of the café unit on or before 5 pm on August 23, 2019. If the council does not obtain possession by then, court proceedings will be issued without further notice to the company.” Edward Argar MP told the Mountsorrel Post: “I have been in correspondence with
Sprinter wins trophy A JUNIOR sprinter from Mountsorrel won a gold medal and the Ellis cup for setting a new record in the 50m. 11-year-old Alesia De Mello Leitao, a pupil at Mountsorrel school, was competing in the Loughborough Town Sports
Peppercorn Catering about this issue, and while it appears to be a legal and contractual issue between Peppercorn and the Parish Council in which I have no legal powers to intervene as an MP, I have already taken the matter up on behalf of Peppercorn with the Chair of the Parish Council and hope that a way of resolving the issue can be found.”
Pic: Gold medallist Alesia
event which is held annually at the Paula Radcliffe stadium. 21 local primary schools were taking part. Alesia has won gold at the event for the last three years. In the 50m she set a new event record of 7.1 seconds and in the final, where she finished first, matched the current record of 7.3 seconds. She was awarded the Ellis Cup, given each year since 1951 to the most promising athlete. Alesia is the first pupil from Mountsorrel school ever to win it. Alesia is a member of Charnwood Athletics Club and competes regularly she is the Leicestershire and Rutland county champion 2019 for the 100m and 200m in the under 13s.
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Bradgate Park: new leadership THE LEADERS of the County Council and City Council have taken control of Bradgate Park in a move described as “an unlawful local authority takeover” by former Chief Executive of the Bradgate Park Trust, Peter Tyldesley. Mr Tyldesley resigned on July 31. He told Radio Leicester: “Over the last three years my job has become increasingly difficult. I was forced into leaving and I was lucky I had a good job to go to.”
Pic: former Chief Executive of Bradgate Park Trust, Peter Tyldesley.
years to seize control, which I believe is unlawful as charities should be independent of local government.” He said Bradgate Park staff had found out about the changes by reading about them in a newspaper, that many were in tears and felt devastated “to see all their hard work so publically trashed.” The Charity Commission say they are investigating the concerns raised by Peter Tyldesley and can’t comment publically at this stage. Nick Rushton, chair of the Bradgate Park Trust, released this statement following criticism levelled at him by former Director Peter Tyldesley in both the Leicester Mercury and on BBC Radio Leicester: “In my role as chair, which I took over in March this year, I had a constructive working relationship with the former director as we addressed some of the issues that had been identified relating to the management of the park. “We were making good progress in our discussions, so it’s very unfortunate
Men flee blaze TWO MEN were injured after jumping from a third floor window to escape a fire at a property on Barons Way, Mountsorrel. Calls were made to the Fire service at 7:34pm on Saturday July 13 about a fire in a block of flats. The fire was located on the second floor but had got into the roof space. Four fire crews, a tactical response vehicle and an aerial ladder were needed to tackle the blaze. The two men who jumped from the window were seriously injured and taken to the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham by ambulance. An investigation by the police and fire service has concluded that the fire was started deliberately.
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SEP 2019
County Council Leader Nick Rushton became Chair of the Bradgate Park Trust in March 2019 and together with fellow trustee Sir Peter Soulsby, the Mayor of Leicester, have taken control of the park. Nick Rushton told the Leicester Mer-
cury: “A little while back myself and Peter Soulsby realised Bradgate Park was not delivering for the people of Leicester and Leicestershire, so we are now in control. The whole management of the park will be looked at.” Cllr Rushton said he wants to: • change parking arrangements – introduce short term charges for visits under an hour to help prevent on street parking in Newtown Linford. • allow visitors to pay for parking with an app • review a policy of demanding payment for use of the Old John Logo • improve the tea room and visitor facilities • use the county council and city council’s expertise to make the most of the park reducing the need for the Bradgate Park Trust to buy in services Former Chief Executive of Bradgate Park Trust Peter Tyldesley has reported the Bradgate Park Trust to the Charity Commission. He told the BBC: “The council has been trying for the last three
that Mr Tyldesley didn’t raise his concerns before his decision to leave and take up a new role elsewhere. I would have liked to have worked with him to address these concerns. We’ll also talk to the Charity Commission if called upon to do so. “My over-riding objective throughout my tenure as chair is to achieve the best possible management and governance of the Trust for the benefit of the local community, and the residents of our city and county. I also want to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work that has been undertaken and continues to be carried out by staff and volunteers.” • Bradgate Park was bequeathed to the people of Leicestershire by Charles Bennion in 1928. It is run by the Bradgate Park Trust.
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Revival a village festival of fun
PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN
Ratby with her family and won a Little Red Riding Hood in a tombola. The family’s favourite moments? “Dancing to the band; it’s such a lovely village and
event.” Visiting from nearby Barrow-uponSoar, the Maclean family loved the bike buddies, the dog show, the archery, the
clowns with giant bubbles and the donkey ride. “And we’ve eaten samosas and peanut butter brownies and bought some Continued on page 5
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MOUNTSORREL POST
SEP 2019
Started by Ian Shonk in 2013, The Revival event is now organised by The Mountsorrel Community Team including 90 volunteers. Highlights this year included the parade, the combined churches events and the fun run; competitions for fancy dress, baking and decorate a biscuit; tug-of-war and the gospel choir; the Viking re-enactment, dog show, the model railway at the Memorial Centre and the soap box racing. The Pollard family from Barrow-upon-Soar visited the event for the first time and son Rocco announced: “the bouncy castle was the best thing, and then I won a coconut!” John Sanderson of Loughborough was running the extremely busy Hearty Hotdogs stand on the village green. “There’s a very good atmosphere here, a great vibe, it’s friendly and well organised. It gets better each year and I’ll definitely be back in 2020.” The extended Carter family from Queniborough, Sileby and East Goscote were visiting for the third time. “We’ve loved the great variety of stalls, live music and the soap box race. The cake stalls and handmade fudge have given us something to take away.” Erin Long, age four, visited from
PHOTO: LEON SULLIVAN
A WELL-ATTENDED, much-loved and mostly rain-free annual Mountsorrel Revival event took place for the sixth time on Sunday August 11.
MOUNTSORREL POST
SEP 2019
honey to take home.” With over two thousand visitors another piece of good news from the event was from the Charnwood Communities First Responders, “The biggest injury we’ve had to deal with is a wasp sting.” The event takes place with the support of the generous sponsors, the Parish Council, local businesses and money raised from stall holders and advertising in the programme. In order to keep the event running more volunteers and especially committee members would be very welcome for 2020.
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Noticeboard all details printed free The School of Baroque String Quartet
Autumn Concert All Saints Church, Thurcaston Friday 27th September 2019 at 7:30pm Programme includes Divertimento in F – W. A Mozart Canon in D – J. Pachelbel Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – G. F Handel Palladio – K. Jenkins Eine Kleine Nachtmusik – W. A Mozart Tickets £8 including light refreshments from 07906 238893 and 0116 2365402 Children free Proceeds in aid of LOROS and All Saints Church
You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, to watch renowned professional artist Richard Holland giving a demonstration of how to produce an “Autumnal River Scene” using watercolours. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Refreshments available at the interval. Newcomers and visitors most welcome. Demonstration ends at 9pm. Members £2; Guests £4. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access The Leicester Sketch Club
Annual Exhibition Fri Oct 18 to Tue Nov 26
website for more details) Free entry - everyone welcome to visit the exhibition to browse and enjoy the display. Most of the work is available to buy Launch Event – Thursday Oct 17, 6 – 8.30 pm. Long-standing champion of Leicestershire artists, Dayle Flude, will open the Exhibition. Come and join the artists for drinks and nibbles. Meet The Artists – Sat 2nd Nov 11am - 3.30pm – As part of ‘The Big Draw’ festival, Leicester Sketch Club Members will be here to share & discuss their work, techniques and inspirations. Join in and have a go at sketching. Find out how to join the Sketch Club. This is a free event and all are welcome. www.leicestersketchclub.co.uk Christ Church, Rothley Road, Mountsorrel, LE12 7JU
Harvest Festival Cafe Church Sunday 29th September 2019 at 11am. Everyone welcome.
Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 10th September, at 7pm
Remembrance Sunday Sunday 10th November 2019 at 11am. Act of Remembrance with Word and Worship service.
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An exhibition featuring a rich and varied array of drawings and paintings by The Leicester Sketch Club. Members include established and emerging artists from Leicester and the surrounding area. At The Old Library Galleries Basement Gallery, 54 Belvoir Street, Leicester, LE1 6QL Open Mon - Thur 9am – 8.30 pm. Fri – Sat 9 am – 3.30 pm. (check
Christmas Tree Festival Open Friday 6th December: 10am – 5pm {including Coffee Morning 10-12} Open Saturday 7th December: 10am-5pm, Open Sunday 8th December: 1.30pm-5pm, (Morning Service 11am)
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Open Monday 9th December (School & Pre-School Visits, and an evening Carol Service) If you or your group would like to put a tree in to the festival, please contact; Mrs Helen Hodson, Tel: 0116 230 3828, Email: p.hodson4@ntlworld.com Leicester Branch of Cancer Research UK are holding their annual
Coffee Morning and Christmas Sale at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane Rothley on Saturday November 19th 2019 from 10am to 12 noon. Stalls will include Cakes * Books * Bric a Brac * Gifts * Plants * New Toys * Handicrafts * Phoenix Cards * Tombola and Raffle. Entrance will be £1 to include Coffee/ Tea and biscuits. Everyone is welcome – all money raised will be used locally in research at Leicester University/Hospitals
Mountsorrel Community Library Tel: 0116 305 5892 Storytime Every Tuesday 11.15am — 12noon. Starting June 4th. Open to all preschool children and their carer's. No need to book, just come along! Sip & Stitch Alternate Tuesdays 2.30pm — 4.30pm. Tues 18th June, 2nd July etc. Open to all — knitting not necessary just come along for a chat. Small charge for refreshments. Board Game Fun Starts Tuesday 11th June and every fortnight. Drop-in 2.30pm — 4.30pm. Experience not required, come and learn! Refreshments available. New Library Opening Hours Mon 2pm-5pm Tues 10am-1pm 2pm5pm Thurs 2pm-5pm Fri 12noon5pm Sat 10am-1pm Come and support your Community Library! The Dec issue of the
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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.
Grants Parish Council notes for young people A FULL meeting at Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on June 17.
IF YOU are under 25 years of age and living in Mountsorrel, then the Mountsorrel Educational Fund may be able to help you. A spokesman said: “We are a Charity that can award grants, at the absolute discretion of our trustees, from the funds we have available to assist young people in pursuing their education. “Last year we awarded grants of over £177,000 to the local school, students and those in Higher Education and Training.” The trustees will be meeting at the end of October to consider applications from young people who are planning to continue their education at College and University. To apply you need to be: • Under the age of 25 • A pupil or former pupil of Christ Church and Saint Peters Church of England School or • have been (or whose parents have been) resident in the Electoral Parish of Mountsorrel for at least 12 calendar months. Application forms can be downloaded from: http://mountsorrelunitedcharities.org.uk/ mef/ The absolute deadline for submission of completed application forms is Friday October 11, 2019.
Councillor Steve Haywood was elected Chairman for the period June 2019 to May 2020. In public participation, several issues were raised relating to the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre and the introduction of charges at waste disposal sites. It was agreed to write to the boundary commission requesting that the parish wards be re-examined with a view to reducing the number of wards within the parish from 3 to 1. It was agreed to amend the car parking policy for the Memorial Centre to allow non-users of the centre a maximum stay of two hours. It was agreed to commence proceedings to obtain possession of the Peppercorns Cafe unit at the Memorial Centre and to reclaim any outstanding monies due to the council. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on July 8. In public participation, issues were raised by the owner of Peppercorns Cafe regarding her lease, and questions were asked about the bar facility at the Memorial Centre, artists fees, the Parish Council accounts and Parish Council communication with residents. A member of the public proposed a vote of no confidence in the council. The meeting was suspended to allow the clerk time to look up the procedure for dealing with this proposal. The meeting was reconvened on July 17. It was reported that the vote of no confidence was proposed by a person not on the electoral register for Mountsorrel. Three councillors have resigned from the Parish Council: L Harper-Davies, A
Duffy, and D Emmins. In public participation questions were asked about the library and the Memorial Centre website. It was agreed to set up a working party to consider the council’s three-year business plan. It was agreed to pay staff costs of £58 per week to allow for an additional 2.5 hours for the library assistant to open and close Mountsorrel library on its days of operation. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on August 12. Chairman Steve Haywood thanked The Mountsorrel Community Team for the Revival event. It was reported that the three vacancies on the Parish Council would be filled by election. For an election to be called a minimum of 10 residents within the ward must request one. If there are more than three candidates an election will be held on September 26. If there are three or less candidates, all the candidates will be elected with no poll being necessary. In public participation, the owner of Peppercorns Café at the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre said she was willing to work with the Parish Council to continue to provide a café facility at the centre, and that she had received no reply from the council to her complaint. Also raised were the pedestrian gate at the cemetery and flooding on Loughborough Road. PCSO Barker reported that there had been four burglary dwellings in July and three incidents of vehicle crime. A speed watch operation on Walton Way and Leicester Road had resulted in 28 advisory notices being issued. It was reported that Primrose Hill residents were experiencing problems with the developer
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Persimmon Homes and had formed an action group. It was agreed that the Parish Council support the residents in their efforts. It was reported that the estimated completion date of the Bond Lane scheme is late September 2019. It was agreed to organise a meeting with Charnwood Borough Council to progress obtaining authorisation for the dog warden to carry out enforcement including the issue of penalty notices. It was reported that section 106 contributions from the Linden Homes development (Link Field farm) amounted to £175,000. Of this sum, £50,000 is allocated for the improvement of existing facilities for young people at either of the existing play areas on Halstead Road or Loughborough Road. Safe Environs Solutions was approved as the preferred tenant for unit A at the Memorial Centre.
Efforts to tackle flooding in village PROGRESS HAS been made towards finding a solution to flooding problems in Mountsorrel, says Leicestershire County Council. A spokesman said: “We are currently on site investigating what needs to be fixed. From this officers will identify the materials to be ordered and book any specialist equipment needed with works starting on 12 August, as agreed with the property owner. “The aim will be to prevent flooding from occurring in Loughborough Road in the future, which includes fixing the damaged culvert located on private land. “We are investigating a number of locations across the county where flooding can occur and in light of the situation in Mountsorrel we have made resources available immediately to tackle the issue as a higher priority.” Officers visited affected residents in Loughborough Road on July 30 to discuss the next steps. They also carried out an initial survey to determine manhole levels and inspected the downstream ditches to ensure they were working properly. Residents are also being encouraged to prepare for flooding by: Checking for local flood warnings; Packing a bag including medicines and insurance documents; Keeping vulnerable neighbours informed of any flooding risks; Moving vehicles to higher ground; Shutting and locking all windows and doors; and Putting sandbags in toilet bowls to prevent sewage backflow.
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Mountsorrel Poppy Appeal 2019 Help for Heroes and individual Service Mountsorrel Poppy Appeal 2019 and Regimental charities is leading the In the aftermath of the First World way in delivering that support. War people wanted to remember those Nationally the Poppy Appeal raised who had given their lives for peace and over £44 million last year but we spend freedom. The poppy, the only thing at least £1.7 million every week of the which grew following the devastation on year on our longstanding welfare supthe Western Front in Flanders and port initiatives which include: Picardy, was chosen as the emblem of • Running our Care Homes and Break remembrance and to coincide with the Centres third anniversary of the Armistice on 11 • Providing a Benefits and Money November 1921 poppies were sold to raise money for the ex-Service communi- Advice service which has helped over 11,000 individuals to date; ty. Ninety-eight years later and that • Making direct Grants totalling £24 tradition continues today with the Royal million awarded to 42 organisations; British Legion Poppy Appeal. • Making individual grants totalling The Appeal benefits service people £18 million to over 22,000 beneficiaries. and their families from all the camTo learn more about the work of the paigns from the 1st World War to today – remember there has only been two years Royal British Legion see http://www.britishlegion.org.uk since the end of 2nd World War when a This village has always been tremenmember of our Armed Forces has not dously supportive of the work of the been killed on active duty somewhere Legion and in last year’s Poppy Appeal across the world. The long term legacy of support that is needed for our service together we raised over £6000 that has gone towards our continupersonnel and their families as a result ing and ever of operations in Afghanistan alone is developing stark. There, welfare work. between THREE BROWNIES from the first Can you help? 2003 and Mountsorrel Brownie unit have If you would 2015, we been presented with a gold award, like to help us we suffered the highest a Brownie can achieve, would welcome your 454 dead by district commissioner Angela support, in particular in and severDryden. continuing the traditional al thouPic: (l-r) front; Charlotte Turton, Zoe Bosdoor to door street collections sand worth, Evie Fisher; (l-r, back) Carol Harfor which the village has a long and wounded graves (Brown Owl), Angela Dryden (District proud tradition. If you think you in action. Commissioner) could help in this way please contact The Royal John Doyle, Poppy Appeal Organiser British Legion, Mountsorrel - tel: 0116 2375623 or with your support, email johncdoyle@talktalk.net and in co-operaPoppy Appeal Concert tion with partner charities Each year, in addition to organising including CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council the Poppy Appeal within the village, the Mountsorrel Branch holds a public fundis introducing a £20 charge for raising event. This year it will be a Popthe collection of bulky waste. py Appeal Concert to be held at the The service is currently free. CharnMountsorrel Memorial Centre on the wood residents could request from the evening of Saturday November 9. The Council three free bulky waste collecconcert will feature light popular music tions each year and only face a charge from the 30s, 40s and 50s and Musicals. after exceeding that amount. Taking part will be the Ibstock Brick Now the Council’s Cabinet has agreed Brass, Nottingham Military Wives Choir, to introduce a £20 charge for each Quorn Ukelele Orchestra and the Choir Mountsorrel Memorial Centre collection for up to three items. Officers of Christ Church & St Peter’s School. We With INGRID KLEINS-DANIELS will also consider an exemption scheme also have live music in the bar during Sept to Dec term 2019 for people experiencing exceptional the interval. Tickets will be on sale hardship. through the Mountsorrel Memorial CenThurs morning class 10.30am till 12.30 The Council will review the changes tre nearer the date. (12 weeks £120) after six months and ensure promotion Mountsorrel Remembrance Services Beginners Drawing & Painting of alternative methods of collection to 2019 All aspects covered, using a wide variety of residents. media for a general introduction to drawing and Remembrance Sunday November 10, Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead mempainting skills. For those that are setting out on 2019 a new interest. ber for major contracts at the Council, The village parade to remember and said: “We must ensure we are operating honour the fallen in all conflicts will Thurs afternoon class 2pm till 4pm as efficiently as possible and that means take place on Sunday November 10 (12 weeks - £120) looking at alternative ways of funding leaving the Green at 2:30pm for the Paint & Draw Autumn & Winter services. Remembrance Service at St Peter’s Using watercolours, pastels, acrylics and mixed “The changes will help ensure we can media, drawing and painting the changing church, Market Place, at 3pm. maintain a high-quality, frontline service.” colours of the seasons through landscapes and Armistice Day Service Monday NovemCabinet approved the changes at a still life interpretations. For those with some ber 11, 2019 previous experience. meeting on July 4. At 11 on Monday November 11 there The current bulky waste service costs will be a short Field of Remembrance around £105,000 to operate and introFor full details and information call Service at the Peace Garden (junction of ducing the charge is expected to generIngrid on: Market Place and Sileby Road). ate around £60,000 a year. From John Doyle, Poppy Appeal Organiser 07951 911699 The new charges are due to be introduced in October.
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Carbon neutral pledge Snake trapped in bath is rescued CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council has declared its intention to be carbon neutral by 2030. The Council backed a motion to aim for carbon neutrality at a meeting on Monday, June 24 after it was put forward by Cllr Eric Vardy, lead member for the environment. The intention builds on the Council’s current work to reduce its carbon footprint which has seen the increased use of LED lighting, energy-efficient heating systems in its buildings and electric fleet vehicles. Cllr Vardy said: “I am pleased the motion was supported as we must act now to protect the environment for future generations. “In 2015, we made our 2020 Carbon
FIREFIGHTERS WERE called to a
Pledge to reduce the Council’s carbon home in Mountsorrel to free a footprint by 15 per cent and we’re on snake that had become trapped track to exceed that. in a bath. “This new target sets the bar even Houdini, a Royal Ball python, had higher and while ambitious, I am confibecome stuck in the bath handle. dent we can achieve it. We will be lookLeicestershire Fire & Rescue Service ing at how to directly reduce emissions said in a post on social media: “Houdini related to our operations as well as was safely released and has slotted back off-setting some emissions. We are alinto his lair.” ready committed to planting 100,000 trees in the borough over the next four years alone. He added: “We also want to encourage others within our communities to see how they can make a difference to the environment. Behaviour change is just as important as investing in new technology. I look forward to developing a plan to achieve our ambition.” The motion put forward by Cllr Vardy said the Council would aim to achieve carbon neutrality from its own operations by 2030 and officers would be requested to undertake a detailed plan public bodies across the borough and region to deliver carbon neutrality. of action. The latest carbon management moniThe motion acknowltoring report shows the Council has edged the need to balance competing demands reduced its carbon footprint by 32 per on the Council’s decreas- cent since 2012/13 thanks to using less ing resources and financ- energy, more power from more renewable energy sources and reducing waste. es and that further resources would be need- There is also a cost saving. In 2017/18, the Council spent nearly £139,000 less ed. on carbon-related costs, such as energy It also said the Counand transport, than in 2012/13. cil would commit to More information is available at work with residents, www.charnwood.gov.uk/carbonpledge businesses and other
It also tweeted pictures from the rescue, including one of the firefighters posing with the snake along with the message: “it’ssss never a dull day for the fire and rescue service!”
safespacecounselling@icloud.com
Methodist Church Hall, Churchill Road, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7JB
Providing high quality day care for children aged 2 years to 5 years Opening times: Monday 9am - 1pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 2.30pm Term time only
MOUNTSORREL POST
SEP 2019
Government funded places available in September 2019
For more information please contact Carol Tel: 07745299555 or email: office.caterpillar@gmail.com Castle View Nursery Ltd trading as Caterpillar Pre-school. Registered Office- Castle View Day Nursery, Watling Street, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire, LE12 7BD. Company number 9983850. Directors Helen Telford & Jayne Butler
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Preschool’s award CHARNWOOD PRESCHOOL in Mountsorrel has been awarded a gold award by the Woodland Trust for getting involved in green activities including tree planting, visiting a local woodland, reducing carbon emissions and recycling.
GAS-SERVWELL (Charnwood Ltd)
Service, Repairs, Installations of all Gas Appliances
12 YR WARRANTY ON BOILER INSTALLS BOILER REPLACEMENTS • SAME DAY BREAKDOWN VISITS Contact Rob:
07860 735066 0116 2367923 bobzgas@gmail.com
Boiler & Gas Fires Serviced
Planning P/19/1772/2: 105 Rothley Road Mountsorrel LE12 7JT. Proposed Extension to existing Garage P/19/1125/2 : 2 Grange Lane Mountsorrel LE12 7HY. Single storey rear extension P/19/1550/2: 20 Cross Lane Mountsorrel LE12 7BY. Erection of 3 dwellings with associated parking and access P/19/1641/2: 145 Leicester Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7DB. Two storey and single storey extensions to rear of dwelling
Pilbeam Academy of Dance BEGINNERS’ CLASS New Beginners’ Classes Ballet & Tap starting Wednesday 4th Sept, 5-6pm Old School Rooms, School Street Rothley Girls and boys from 3 yrs Adult classes in ballet & tap available Mondays from 6pm, Rothley Village Hall
Classes offered in ballet, tap, modern, theatre and national Start date for new term week comm. Sept 1st
07584 166838 10
P/19/1277/2: 36 Rockingham Road Mountsorrel LE12 7UJ. Erection of two and three storey extension to side/rear of existing dwelling for annexe P/19/1280/2: 146 Mountsorrel Lane Rothley LE7 7PW Creation of vehicular access. P/19/1363/2: Land adjacent Granite Way Mountsorrel Leicestershire. Erection of 9 dwellings and 2 commercial offices. P/19/1342/2: 2 Grange Lane Mountsorrel LE12 7HY. Erection of single storey rear extension P/19/1316/2: Land between 6 & 10 Meadow Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7HN. Erection of detached two storey dwelling. P/19/1300/2: 23 Montsoreau Way Mountsorrel LE12 7HU. Single storey extension to rear of detached dwelling. P/19/1207/2: 5 Caernarvon Close Mountsorrel LE12 7HZ. Proposed single storey extension to rear and side of dwelling.
Cruising the world THE MOUNTSORREL Working Men’s Club was transformed into a cruise ship for an event organised by the Mountsorrel Community Team. It was the third in a series of themed dinners and after the Medieval Banquet and the Murder Mystery, the events team decided this year to cruise the world! The Concert Hall of the WMC was transformed into the World Cruise Liner "SS Moonlight" with catering by Mountsorrel company Rival Catering. With much flag waving and singing the ship set sail for the cruise. As the ship travelled the world's oceans the Captain and crew introduced the passengers to acts from around the world... Fan Dancers from The Moulin Rouge, cabaret singer from New York, tango dancers From Argentina, performances from Cairo... whilst the Dancing Camel and 'Sand Dance' from
Egypt have already become legendary! The passengers competed in deck games to win the Captain's Trophy, as well as meeting King Neptune as the ship crossed the Equator. Passenger, Jan Wise said: “I don't think we stopped cheering, singing or laughing all night. It was so much fun!” As the ship 'docked' back at Mountsorrel the passengers joined the Captain and crew on the dance floor to finish the night. Organiser Ian Shonk said: “The MCT has a goal to bring local community & businesses together to promote and enhance the village. With the companies and acts involved all being local, it did exactly what it set out to do. “I would like to thank all the local people who gave so much support to the project.” WMC - Donation of the Concert Hall; Rival Catering Outside Catering; Scarlett Honey - Fan Dancer; Kevin 'Shep' Cabaret Singer; Doe Demure Darling Dancers; Andy & Lin Tango Del Corazon and the crew of the SS Moonlight: Anne Gregory, Sharon Calcott, Ali Fletcher, Jez Fletcher, Brett Melville.
LEARN TO DANCE New Beginners’ Class Ballroom & Latin STARTING THURS SEPT 12 7.30-8.30pm • £24 each for 4 weeks Thurmaston Memorial Hall 722 Melton Rd, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8BD Further information from Jackie
0116 2248278 or 0790 860 7405 jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk
SEP 2019
great outdoors, wildlife and green issues into the classroom.
Schools win awards for participating in green activities, which include tree planting, reducing carbon emissions and recycling. Charnwood Preschool have planted new trees in their school grounds, visited local woods, reduced their carbon emissions and joined in various other Woodland Trust activities. Beverley Coltman, Managing Director, said: “The staff and children have really enjoyed working towards the Woodland Trusts Gold Award. The children are learning so much the outdoors and environmental issues, they have become outdoor experts and adventurers!”
MOUNTSORREL POST
The Green Tree Schools initiative, which has seen more than 12,000 schools sign up since it was launched in 2008, offers the opportunity to bring the
School’s summer fete MOUNTSORREL PRIMARY school held its summer fete in June.
PHOTOS: CLIVE RASIN
A spokesman said: “What an amazing hot summer fête. From the cake stalls to the BBQ, bouncy castles, games, skipping shows, tombola, raffle and all the stall holders, we all had a brilliant day with a lot of laughs and some of you went away with great prizes! “All of this is not possible without the tireless work the volunteers put in before, during and after our events. A massive thank you to you all.”
Climb the tower Weapons handed in
MOUNTSORREL POST
SEP 2019
LOUGHBOROUGH’S HISTORIC Carillon Tower will open its doors on Saturday, September 14 as part of a national event to celebrate heritage. Charnwood Borough Council is working with the Carillon War Memorial Trust to open the tower during Heritage Open Days: England's largest festival of history and culture. The tower, which underwent a £280,000 conservation project in 2018, is currently closed while the trust applies for funding to improve the museum inside. Visitors will be able to see the completed conservation works and find out about the planned redevelopment of the museum. Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough said: “The Carillon is a much-loved part of Loughborough’s history which we will be showcasing as part of this year’s Heritage Open Day. “Following the conservation project last year, the tower has remained closed while the Council worked with the trust to refresh what the museum offers to visitors.” “There have been a number of open days already this summer giving people the opportunity to find out about the conservation project and to view the plans to refresh the museum. “I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t been to the tower for a while to come along to the open day, meet some of the volunteers and give feedback on the plans.” Visitors will be able to visit the ground floor of the Carillon between 12pm-3pm and can climb the 138 steps to the viewing balcony for spectacular views of Loughborough and to see the tower’s bells up close. The Council and trust are also working with Taylor’s Bellfoundry which is hosting an open day between 10.30am-
A TOTAL of 35 weapons and more than 900 rounds of ammunition have been handed in to Leicestershire Police during a two week national firearms surrender.
The surrender was co-ordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) with many other forces across the UK taking part from Saturday 20 July to Sunday 4 August. All of the firearms handed in, including ammunition, CS Spray and Tasers, will be destroyed or handed to museums to be displayed. A variety of weapons were handed into Neighbourhood Policing Areas (NPAs) across the county: Deactivated Shotguns - 2 Deactivated Rifle - 1 Shotguns - 6 Rifles - 2 Revolver/Pistol – 1 Air Rifles – 9 Air Pistols – 3 Blank Firing Revolver/Pistols - 6 BB Guns – 3 Captor/Spray – 1 Stun Gun – 1
2.30pm. People can see behind the scenes of one of the UK’s last major bellfoundry and visit the museum there. The bellfoundry will also host a guided walk from Queen’s Park to the bellfoundry. The walk will depart from the Carillon Tower at 1pm and people are encouraged to dress up in Victorian fancy dress. To find out more about the Heritage Open Day at the Carillon Tower visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/eve nt/carillon-tower For more information about the Heritage Open Day at Taylor’s Bellfoundry visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/eve nt/loughborough-bellfoundry-open-day Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history as part of Heritage Open Days. It involves more than 2,000 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers.
Detective Inspector Helena Bhakta said: “The aim of the surrender is to get
firearms away from the hands of criminals. These aims have been achieved thanks to the great response from the public. “The communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have got behind this national campaign. Together we have ensured there are less firearms in circulation, reducing accessibility to criminals, and making our streets safer. Leicestershire Police will continue to robustly investigate those that illegally arm themselves and take measures to combat gun crime. “Our commitment to keeping gun crime low will continue beyond this surrender, and I hope that we can count on the public for their continued support.” If anyone has a weapon they would like to hand in they have been advised to contact Leicestershire Police on 101 and they will be given further advice on what to do.
Bridge wins award THE HALLAM Fields footbridge across the A6 has won a civil engineering award. The £l.5million, 50 metre bridge was opened in August 2018 and has been recognised in this year’s East Midlands Merit Awards by the Institution of Civil Engineers, winning in the Medium Project category. The judges felt that the project across the A6 was extremely well-planned with minimal disruption to the public. The new bridge made use of innovative engineering techniques and the team delivered “an impressive looking struc-
Pic: the bridge being lowered into position
ture” that provides safe pedestrian and cycle access over a busy dual carriageway. The bridge was built by Donaher & Walsh.
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LED lighting saving money says Council MORE THAN 50,000 street lights have been upgraded as part of £25 million programme and energy consumption has been cut by 63 per cent, say Leicestershire County Council
Last year, the council finished upgrading 68,000 street lights to LEDs as part of a planned £25 million investment programme. The scheme, which is set to save £2
million a year, has already seen a reduction in the carbon produced, down from 14,752 tonnes in 2013/14 to 3,071 tonnes per year - a 78.9 per cent reduction.
GCR’s magical Christmas ride THE GREAT CENTRAL Railway are promising a magical train ride on their new ‘Winter Wonderlights’ experience, launching in November. “This will be a train ride like no other. Experience a steam train with a magical twist, fantastically dressed in a myriad of lights to transform these stunning vintage steam engines and carriages into a spectacle that’s not to be missed!” said GCR Chief Executive Michael Gough. He added: “During the experience passengers will see the historic stations and countryside transformed with snow, lights and all things festive. A magical display that can only be seen and experienced from within the train. A perfect
evening for the whole family to get everyone in the festive spirit.” The Railway has launched a short video to show a small snipped of what’s
in store. Tickets for the winter Wonderlights experience can be purchased online at www.gcrailway.co.uk
MOUNTSORREL POST
Search for fly tippers
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PILES OF rubbish fly tipped in the area may contain clues that will help prosecute the offenders.
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dealt with in the strictest confidence.” To report fly-tipping contact 01509 634564
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MOUNTSORREL POST
Charnwood Borough Council are investigating five fly-tips that have been found at Rothley, Cossington, Quorn and Woodhouse. A spokesman said: “the items in each fly-tip are similar and we think they may be coming from the same source, potentially a premises currently undergoing a refurb. They include a variety of items such as wooden decking, astro-turf, mock fibreglass tree stumps and a range of real and artificial plants. “If anyone has any information or can help us locate where these fly-tips are coming from the please let us know so we can investigate further. All information will be
This and future reductions in carbon emissions will contribute to a commitment to achieve carbon neutrality as a council by 2030 following the declaration of a climate emergency on 15 May 2019. The work, which began in February 2016, involved replacing existing street lights and removing unnecessary highway sign lighting. The new lights are controlled by a central management system. This provides flexibility in how lighting is provided, for example enabling those in part-lit areas to be switched back on temporarily during the evening to help the emergency services at incident scenes if necessary, or to dim or brighten lights if needed. The annual energy used for 2018/19 was 10.08 million kwh (kilowatt) compared to 26.9 million kwh in 2013/14 – a 63 per cent reduction. The new lights are expected to save around £2 million per annum through a combination of reduced energy bills and lower maintenance costs, as the reliability of the LED bulbs is significantly better that traditional street lights, say the County Council.