Mountsorrel Post (69) December 2019

PHOTO: LEICESTERSHIRE FIRE & RESCUE

MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

DECEMBER 2019

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 69

Support from Waitrose

Boat rescued A CREW from Birstall fire station helped to rescue a boat that became grounded in Mountsorrel during recent flooding.

TWO LOCAL good causes have benefited from the Mountsorrel Waitrose Community Matters scheme.

The Jayne Morley Memorial Fund has

Pics: (above) Jo Fagan from Waitrose and Partners, Mountsorrel and Paul Morley,Chairman of the Jayne Morley Memorial Fund: (left) Ruth, Mountsorrel Library Assistant, receives the donation from April, Waitrose Partner

Seven firefighters in inflatable boats paddled across flooded fields near the River Soar on October 27 after the crew of a narrowboat called for help.

The front of the boat had become grounded and the boat’s engines were put into reverse to free it. The operation took one hour and one lane of the southbound A6 was closed for a time.

DAVE HUTCHINGS GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS

received £357. It was set up following the tragic death aged 55 of a Mountsorrel teacher in October 2012, and helps young musicians.

Her love of music inspired her husband, Paul, and two sons, Thomas and Benjamin, to set up the fund which has gone on to support many local young musicians.

Since its inception it has provided help towards a diverse range of projects, including music tuition, scholarships, instrument purchase and degree courses. Amongst its current projects it is supporting a student with Continued on page 2

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Sorrel Youth Café set to close in March THE SORREL Youth Café on the Green is set to close next March after 10 years but the organisers say they hope to find a way to continue the services that are provided there.

Continued from page 1

many more with a safe and supportive environment. The café has been a place for young people to socialise, gain support and be educated. This work needs to continue, but the way it is delivered needs to change.”

Mr Doyle said the decision to close the café is the result of two years of discussion and a re-appraisal of how the organisation meets its objectives.

He said that the demand by young people for a centre based offering has declined and that what is needed now is outreach youth work meeting with young people “on their own turf”.

Another factor was the difficulty in recruiting for a new management structure to take the organisation forward.

Mr Doyle said that funding issues or the renegotiation of the lease of the building were not factors in the decision to close.

He said: “Although sad, our decision to dissolve the charity

is the right one, we have explored the options open to us and we would not

Continued on page 3

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2019

his Voice Studies degree in the USA. Previous recipients of awards have gone on to complete a masters degree in instrument conservation and restoration, receive a keyboard scholarship from the Andrew Lloyd-Webber Foundation to attend a prestigious school in Bramley and another student as part of a local choir, the Leicester Church Music Consort, has sung at many of England’s great churches, including Westminster Abbey, Liverpool, Winchester and Gloucester Cathedrals.

For more details of the charity please contact Paul Morley by e-mail at paulmorley636@gmail.com The second good cause to benefit from the scheme was Mountsorrel library.

Story Time, a weekly session run by volunteers at Mountsorrel Library, received a donation of £138. The donation will be used to purchase story bags and sensory boxes.

Story Time runs every Tuesday morning 11.15am -12noon at Mountsorrel Library with storys, songs and crafts for under five year olds.

The Sorrel Youth Café began, in what was previously an insurance office, as a means of reducing anti-social behaviour in the village.

Over time the provision of services has grown to include a Young Carers Group, a Homework Downtime Group and Sorrel Tots as well as becoming a base for various groups. It also supports the Charnwood Food Poverty Group by acting as a satellite centre for the distribution of food to vulnerable people in the area.

Chairman of the Trustees at the Sorrel Youth Café, John Doyle, said: “There is much to celebrate in what, through the hard work and commitment of our staff and volunteers, the charity has achieved with many of the original drivers, most notably youth antisocial behaviour, having quantifiably decreased.

“There is acknowledgement that the work has helped a significant number of individual young people to change their life path for the better and provided

Continued from page 2

Christmas at

want to commit to another building lease post March 2020.”

The trustees of the café have begun discussion with Mountsorrel Parish Council to examine the options for continuing to deliver youth services within the village.

Mr Doyle said: “We have commenced engagement with the Parish Council and also with other stakeholders and interested parties to seek a basis for the future delivery of youth services and indeed the wider community services that are based

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Pics: (top) young people from the youth café on a litter pick in the village; (left) preparing a Christmas meal

in the café.

“Whilst there has been a positive response from all parties it is as yet far too early to have an agreed scope and structure for future service delivery and with it the financial basis for that delivery. We hope that in the coming weeks we will be able to make a positive statement as to the future.”

Parish Council Notes A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on September 9.

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2019

Three new councillors were welcomed following an uncontested election : A Lackey, C O’Neill and K Walker.

It was reported that work to repair the pedestrian access to the cemetery would start within two weeks.

The council has been refused permission to paint lampposts within the Conservation Area of the village as it would cover up cracks and signs of damage during safety inspections.

It was reported that Nicky Morgan MP had met with residents to discuss issues regarding Sileby Road bridge.

A member from Mountsorrel Community Team thanked the council for its help and assistance with the 2019 Revival event.

PC Andy Folland reported on the current crime figures that included the theft of a tractor, a burglary dwelling, a bicycle theft and a cornfield fire on Bond Lane. A vehicle speed check on Walton Way resulted in 9 drivers being reported and 20 advice notes issued. PC Folland agreed to take up the matter of parking problems outside the school with his supervisors.

It was agreed to use the council’s reserves to meet an anticipated overspend of £15,000 on the £40,000 budget set aside for the new play equipment on the Loughborough Road playing field.

A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on October 14.

It was reported that repairs to the pedestrian access to the cemetery had been delayed due to bad weather.

John Doyle, chairman of the Trustees of the Youth Café reported that the café

will close at the end of March 2020.

The council agreed to form a Memorial Centre Committee.

Councillors considered a report compiled by Cllrs Holyoake and Lackey setting out the case for running the café unit at the Memorial Centre as an inhouse project or to lease the unit to a private café business. The council agreed it should be run as an in-house project.

He added: “As chairman I wish to thank all those who have supported the endeavour in any way whatsoever and particularly want to thank my fellow trustees both current and past, our youth officer, our community café supervisor and especially our volunteers and staff without whose communal efforts nothing would have been achieved.”

The council agreed to allow the Mountsorrel Community Team to use council land and facilities for the 2020 Revival.

The council agreed to hold councillor surgeries for a six month period in the Memorial Centre Café once a month on a date to be fixed.

It was agreed to donate £100 toward funding Marie Curie Nurses.

Councillors considered a list of detailed expenditure for 2020/21. Members requested that the precept for 2020/21 remain at the same level as 2019/20 if possible.

Festive Wreaths • Holly • Mistletoe Plus all our usuals including: Free Range Eggs • Local Honey Preserves • Marmalade • Chutneys

Manure, Woodchip Mulch, Topsoil we can deliver bulk loads of these items, call or visit for further details

DIY Liveries FIREWOOD: bulk loads delivered Good Quality Dry Logs, Hard & Soft Wood, Coal &Smokeless Fuel, Kindling And lots more!

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Christmas Carol Concert Organised by Mountsorrel Parish Council You are all invited to the Memorial Centre on Friday December 6 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 3

Remembrance Day parade and service MOUNTSORREL’S REMEMBRANCE parade took place on Sunday, November 10.

Veterans, dignitaries and village organisations were led by the Leicestershire Snibston Co-op band from The Green to St Peter’s church.

A parade has been held in the village since 1926. During the church service, young people from Mountsorrel Scouts, Guides and the Boys’ Brigade read out the names of the 97 Mountsorrel residents who lost their lives in the two world wars.

Pics: (right) The Leicestershire Snibston Co-op Band lead the parade; (below) Mayor of Charnwood Brenda Seaton with Parish Council Chairman Steve Haywood

Pics: Mountsorrel Youth organisations joined the parade

MOUNTSORREL UNITED CHARITIES Relief in Need Fund

Do you need financial help?

Have you lived in Mountsorrel for 6+ months?

Service, Repairs, Installations of all Gas Appliances

12 YR WARRANTY ON BOILER INSTALLS BOILER REPLACEMENTS • SAME DAY BREAKDOWN VISITS Contact Rob: 4

07860 735066 0116 2367923 bobzgas@gmail.com

Boiler & Gas Fires Serviced

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

DEC 2019

(Charnwood Ltd)

MOUNTSORREL POST

GAS-SERVWELL

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.

Village museum in library

New school bus

MOUNTSORREL’S MUSEUM is located on the first floor of the village library on The Green.

Run by the Mountsorrel Museum and Heritage Trust, the museum regularly changes its displays to show the history of the village and how it has changed over the years. It also has recorded stories by the older residents about how life in the village was many years ago.

Trust spokesman Pat Neal said: “We are also building up a large data base of records that will be of assistance to people wanting to research family history in the area.”

In 2018 the group published a book titled Mountsorrel in the Great War, the first print run of 250 having sold out within weeks a second print run was ordered and is now on sale from the museum. They have also undertaken two archaeological test pits over the last two years and the findings, which include some medieval pottery, are now on display in the museum which is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday during library opening hours.

Pat said: “Please pop in and see us

A NEW bus service will take students from Rothley and Sileby to Wreake Valley academy in Syston.

Pic: a postcard of the Green between 1918 & 1939

and if you have any information about Mountsorrel we will always be pleased to see you, especially if you have records of former residents of The Green as this will be the subject of out next major exhibition in the spring of 2020.”

The group hold monthly talks in the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre every second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm

Police called after ATM machines damaged

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2019

At around 11pm on Monday September 16 three suspects were witnessed arriving at a supermarket in Catherine Street in a car, which pulled up outside.

A member of the public reported seeing the suspects using what was believed to be crowbars to force open the shutters of the supermarket.

Access was gained to the shop and damage caused to the ATM inside the premises.

No one was inside the shop when the incident took place.

The second incident happened at around 11.45pm the same night.

A car stopped outside a shop in Woodgate, Rothley, and three men, were seen prising open the front door to the shop with what was described as a silver pole.

Entry was gained to the shop and damage was caused to the ATM. At this stage of the investigation it is not known if any money was taken from either premises.

Detective Inspector Mark Parish is investigating the incidents. He said: “Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding these two crimes are in the early stages and we are looking into the likelihood of them being linked.

“We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed either of these

incidents and has not yet spoken to police.

“Were you using public transport at the time and did you see anything suspicious?

“Any information you may have could help us piece together what happened and assist to find who was responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote incident 713 of 16 September.

Pick Your Own

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

MOUNTSORREL POST

QUALITY REAL

CHRISTMAS TREES PHOTO: STEVEN BRANDIST

POLICE ARE investigating following two incidents where ATMs were damaged in the city and in Rothley.

The Trust has evolved from the Mountsorrel Heritage Group which was formed in 2005 to research, archive and preserve both the spoken and written history of the ancient village of Mountsorrel together with recording, preserving and in some instances restoring the flora and fauna of the village. From its original membership of approximately 12 people it has grown to having over 45 members, which has prompted moves to different premises over the years Apart from talks and meetings on local and not so local history a small ‘Eco’ group has taken on not only a wild life meadow next to Christ Church but now cares for the Peace Garden where they have undertaken much new planting The group have now created a museum in the upstairs room of the Mountsorrel Library, and as they are now a registered charity they have changed their name to The Mountsorrel Museum and Heritage Trust of which the Mountsorrel Heritage Group and the ‘Eco’ group are sub groups.

The service will start in September 20120, say Bradgate Education Partnership Trust. Gareth Nelmes, CEO of the Trust, said: “The number of students applying to come to Wreake Valley Academy from the Rothley and Sileby areas has warranted a new bus route to be provided. The flexible service will allow parents to purchase either weekly return passes or individual daily passes to suit their needs. The bus route will give parents greater choice for their child's secondary school option and we are excited to be able to offer this service for students and parents.”

Parents who would like further information should contact Rachael Boyall at Wreake Valley Academy on 0116 264 1080 or email admin@wvacademy.org

& Holly Wreaths

Pic: Police at the crime scene in Rothley

Architectural plans

drawn & submitted for planning permission & building regulations approval Tel: 0116 4105060 / 07974807111 E: info@amlidesign.co.uk W: www.amlidesign.co.uk

David Ives Bsc(Hons) MCIOB FCABE C.Build E. Chartered & Accredited

Brooklea Nursery Old A6 Rothley LE7 7NL Tel: 07599 515 689 5

Tel: 0116 3055892

Birstall Running Club

StoryTime

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

Every Tuesday 11.15–12noon.

Stories, singing and craft fun.

Open to all preschool children and their carer’s. No need to book, just come along.

Wanted Young people 6-18 years for

Music Tuition

The MMC café and bar will be open for refreshments Mountsorrel Memorial Centre

Festive Silver Cinema

Board Game Fun Alternative Tuesdays 2.30– 4.30pm. Tues 26th Nov/10th Dec etc. Drop-in. Experience not required, come and learn! Small charge for refreshments.

Sip & Stitch Alternative Tuesdays 2.304.30pm. Tues 3rd Dec/17th Dec etc. Open to all – knitting not necessary, just come along for a chat.

Small charge for refreshments.

Memory Box This is new to the library and is available for any groups or individuals to borrow. The theme of the box is Royalty and contains 10 different activity bags. Other themes will follow. Please enquire at the library for further details.

Miracle On 34th Street (1947) Come and join us for a very special festive afternoon We will be offering a classic Christmas film with complimentary tea or coffee and a mince pie. This is a free of charge event but must be booked in advance Tuesday 17th December 2019, 2pm Call 0116 2304877 to book

Christmas Tree Festival Christ Church, Mountsorrel Free Entry

Library Opening Hours Vibrant individual and group tuition by highly experienced teachers of traditional Irish music is given in Tin Whistle, Button Accordian Banjo, Flute, Piano Accordian, Mandolin, Fiddle Bodhran Musical Instrument lending scheme available New learners of all ages and backgrounds are welcome Monday (in term time) from 7pm to 9.30pm to the Emerald Centre, Gypsy Lane, LE5 0TB Cost is £3.50 per child per week (£3 for younger siblings) First Taster Lesson Free!

It is quite amazing how quickly youngsters learn - they soon sound impressively accomplished.

This valuable musical experience is not the only benefit - socially, it's a lot of fun too!

For more details contact: Rosaleen Duddy 07857849887 Giotto Bonomaully 07808060312 Comhaltas Follow us on Facebook Leicester Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann www.leicestercomhaltas.org

Mon 2pm-5pm Tues 10am-1pm 2pm-5pm Thurs 2pm–5pm Fri 12noon-5pm Sat 10am-1pm

Festive Food & Drink Market & Christmas Lights Switch On Mountsorrel Memorial Centre

Christmas Coffee Morning

MATHS & ENGLISH TUITION CENTRE IN ROTHLEY Contact Debbie for a Free Assessment on 0779 335 3435

• Follows the National Curriculum • Improves Confidence • Encourages Enjoyment in Learning • Tailored Study Plan www.firstclasslearning.co.uk/centre/rothley 6

Rothley/Birstall Birdwatching Club Present Tuesday, December 10 at 7.30pm Members Christmas Evening Tuesday, January 14 at 7.30pm A Year In The Life Of A Tour Guide

by Neil Glenn.

Neal who hails from Nottinghamshire has been a keen birdwatcher since his childhood. He is a freelance journalist and author of the ‘’Best Birdwatching Sites’’ series of books. He is also a tour leader with Avian Adventures. His talk will give us a look into the life of a tour leader, of his adventures and of its trials and tribulations.

The Rothley Centre, 12, Mountsorrel Lane ,Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members are free. Visitors £3. Ample free parking on site. New members and visitors are always welcome

Cedar Care Circle Fri Dec 6, 10am - 5pm Saturday Dec 7: 10am-5pm Sunday Dec 8: 1.30pm-5pm (following our 11am service) Refreshments available Sat & Sun Christ Church, Rothley Road, Mountsorrel, LE12 7JU http://cofe.mountsorrel.org/ Thurmaston Health Centre

Free Entry Tuesday 3rd December 2019 5.30pm until 9.30pm Lights switched on at 6.15pm Visit Santa in his grotto Meet the stars of The MMC Panto, Beauty and the Beast Drink and gift stalls inside The MMC and food stalls outside Performances from the local school choir and brass band

Make a date in your diary to 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

All proceeds in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance 6th December 2019 - 10am-12pm Thurmaston Health Centre, 573a Melton Road, Thurmaston, LE4 8EA Come and join us for tea & coffee, cakes and raffle!

Birstall & District Art Society There will be no demonstration at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy in December, as it is the Society’s Annual General Meeting. In the meantime, we wish all our members and their guests who have attended demonstrations in 2019 a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The next demonstration will take place on Tuesday, 7th January, 2020, when the always entertaining and delightful professional artist, Andrew Geeson, will show us how to produce a ‘cityscape’ using watercolours wet-into-wet.

If you are caring for someone who is suffering from Alzheimers, Dementia or Parkinsons please come and join us.

We will be meeting on the 2nd December as usual, 2pm at Ruth's La mbourne Cafe, Lambourne Road, Birstall. On the 9th December we will be enjoying our Christmas Lunch at the cafe. If you would care to join us please contact Ruth at Lambourne Cafe on 0116 2677374. Orders can be placed up to 6th December. I hope the festive season will be an enjoyable time although perhaps tinged with sadness. Best wishes everyone: Barbara

ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL WORK

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DEC 2019

Mountsorrel Community Library

MOUNTSORREL POST

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Church ride & stride CHURCHES IN Mountsorrel were amongst the many that were visited by walkers and cyclists taking part in the fundraising Ride & Stride event in September.

Ride & Stride is a sponsored bike ride or walk in which people walk or cycle between churches - in Leicestershire there are hundreds of churches taking part and since the event started in 1990, £l,060,000 has been raised for repairs and new facilities.

Pic: cyclists setting off from Mountsorrel

Couple celebrate 60 years together A MOUNTSORREL couple have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

John (82) and Sheila Thompson (80) were married on October 3, 1959 and will be remembered by many in Rothley for running Thompson newsagent on Woodgate for 22 years, where they worked together.

The couple met when Sheila was 16 and helping out on a market stall in Uppingham.

John was working on the neighbouring stall and it was

Art Classes

Restaurant retains star

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Beginners Drawing & Painting An introduction to all media and various techniques. For those that are setting out on a new interest.

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2019

A MOUNTSORREL restaurant has retained its Michelin star.

Advertise in the

Thurs mornings 10.30 till 12.30pm (12 weeks starting Jan 9th- £120)

John’s House at Stonehurst Farm is one of only 159 restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland to have a star- there are 23 with two stars and five with three.

John Duffin opened the restaurant at his family’s farm in 2014 and was awarded a Michelin star months later.

Many of the ingredients are sourced from the farm. The restaurant offers a three course lunch menu for £30 and eight course taster menu for £79 per person.

Pics: John’s House restaurant and (inset) chef John Duffin

love at first sight.

Sheila says she thought John had a good sense of humour and made her laugh. John says Sheila was caring and pretty as a picture.

The couple say the secret of a long marriage is lots of love and laughter together and not going to bed on an argument.

John and Sheila have two daughters, Marie and Sharon, and the family celebrated the anniversary with a get-together at Kilworth House.

Pics: Holding their card from the Queen are John & Sheila Thomson and (inset) on their wedding day.

Intermediate Art Course Improving techniques in watercolours, pastels, acrylics, mixed media, drawing and painting. For those with some previous experience.

Thurs afternoons 2-4pm (12 weeks starting Jan 9th- £120)

Advanced Art For those with previous experience, working on different themes to extend personal interpretation and skills.

Call Ingrid: 07951 911699 safespacecounselling@icloud.com

Email: ingriddaniels@hotmail.co.uk

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Soar Valley artists exhibit their paintings THE SOAR Valley Artists staged their 17th annual exhibition of paintings at the Rothley Centre in October.

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MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2019

More than 100 paintings were on display and visitors were able browse prints, sample refreshments and watch live painting demonstrations.

Memorial Centre Medals & jewellery a finalist in stolen from home design awards

THE MOUNTSORREL Memorial Centre is a finalist in this year’s Charnwood Design Awards.

A NUMBER of sentimental items of jewellery and medals have been stolen from a Rothley home.

The items, which include rings, broaches and medals were reported stolen from the property in Templar Way, Rothley, on October 28.

It is believed the theft happened between October 8 and October 22 – an exact date of the incident is not known.

No forced entry was gained to the property and it is believed the items may have been stolen in a distraction burglary.

Detective Constable Del Gillespie said: “We are continuing to establish the circumstances in which these items have been taken and are carrying out enquiries.

“The items stolen are of huge sentimental value to the victim and we want to ensure they are safely returned to their rightful owner. It is possible that the items have been offered for sale at markets or car boot sales during the past few weeks or to local second-hand goods or antiques dealers.

“If you have come across any items similar to those described below, we urge you to make contact with us.”

The items stolen include: A wedding ring described as a plain

gold band with ‘to love and cherish’ engraved inside the ring An engagement ring which is described as a gold ring with a single diamond.

A collection of six gymnastic medals won in 1956 in the Metropolitan and Southern Countries amateur gymnastics association championships (pictured).

A Chief Scouts Commendation Badge and a Scouts Thanks Badge together in a green presentation box with a Scout badge on the top A gold, diamond and ruby ring with a central ruby surrounded by eight diamonds A single string of pearls in an oval plastic pearl box A gold broach with the name Christine engraved on it (similar to the one pictured) Three cameo broaches and a cameo pendant. One cameo is black and white, the others are honey colour and cream.

A ring with a central pearl surrounded by pale pink stones Anyone with any information should contact 101 quoting incident 19000576301.

The awards, organised by Charnwood Borough Council, recognise high-quality building design in the borough.

Richard Bennett, head of planning and regeneration at the Council, said: “These awards give us an opportunity to recognise the positive contribution that these high-quality building designs bring to the local area.

“It was great to visit the finalists with the judges to hear about the design and building process. The panel now have a very tough decision

on choosing the winners.

“Good luck to all of the finalists and I look forward to celebrating them all at the awards ceremony.”

The finalists are: Loughborough University Student Village Storkit Meadows, Wymeswold 58 Brook Street, Wymeswold Fowke Street apartments, Rothley The Oaks, 133 The Ridings, Rothley Mountsorrel Memorial Centre Milk Bottle Yard, Forest Road, Loughborough Loughborough School Sports Hall

MOT

MOUNTSORREL POST

DEC 2019

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Music and fun at ‘Hearty in the park’ thought it might be a washout, however on the day we were blessed with no rain and it was an almighty success. We raised an incredible £5000 for Heart Link in only one day and we can’t wait to smash that figure next year, with Hearty in the Park 2020. Watch this space!”

A CHARITY event with a festival vibe was held on the Mountsorrel Lane playing field, Rothley, raising £5000 for Heart Link.

The ‘Hearty in the Park’ on October 5 featured live music and entertainment throughout the day with games, a quiz and stalls.

It was organised by Jessica Martin from Rothley whose son Woody, now aged nine months, was born with a large hole in his heart requiring open heart surgery.

Jessica said: “Although it was horrific

having to deal with everything, including a six hour surgery, it was made that much easier

by Heart Link. Without them who knows where we would be now and because of that we wanted to give something back.”

She added: “The week leading up to the event was terrible weather wise and with the flash floods we

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Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of the Council said: “The member grants scheme helps spread funding to projects right across Charnwood, in each ward.

“We want to encourage groups who are making a positive contribution to their community to contact their local councillor about the grants.”

Any Mountsorrel community groups wishing to apply for a grant can find details on the website www.charnwood.gov.uk/member_grants Feel free to contact your local Borough Councillor if you wish to discuss a specific project. Each Councillor can support projects with grants up to £1000, and for larger projects groups can apply to more than one Councillor.

Applications close 31st December 2019 but each application will be reviewed as soon as it is received. Applications are open now.

MOUNTSORREL POST

COMMUNITY GROUPS in Charnwood are being urged to contact their local borough councillor to help them access grant funding for projects.

DEC 2019

Grants available for local groups

Fireworks stolen: reward offered POLICE ARE investigating a burglary at Bentleys Fireworks on Loughborough Road, Birstall in the early hours of Tuesday October 15.

Between 1am and 2am, a large container at the premises was broken into and fireworks worth around £20,000 were stolen. They were put into two Ford Transit vans - one silver, one white - which then left the premises.

CCTV camera footage shows nine men cutting their way into a steel container with an oxyacetylene torch and loading the fireworks into two Ford transit vans, one silver and one white.

Business owner Iain Bentley is offering a £500 reward for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the burglars.

PC Laura Hobbs, the investigating officer, said: “Many of the fireworks taken are used for larger displays, rather than smaller ones for home use. Have you seen or been offered fireworks for sale? If so, then I would like to speak to you.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who saw either of the Ford Transit vans leaving the premises, which is on the A6 close to the A46 roundabout, in the early hours of yesterday morning.”

Call 101 or send the Police a direct message, quoting reference 19*551902.

Pics: burglars inside the container and loading a vehicle with stolen fireworks

Gold for Loughborough LOUGHBOROUGH HAS struck gold at the national RHS Britain in Bloom finals.

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DEC 2019

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

showcase their gardening projects and initiatives.

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Replace with new clear sealed units Faulty locks & handles replaced

P/19/2076/2: Waterside Inn Sileby Road Mountsorrel LE12 7BB. Display of 1 internally illuminated fascia sign, 1 externally fascia sign and projecting sign and various non-illuminated directional and information signs P/19/2090/2: 69 Boundary Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7EP. Extension to dropped kerb.

P/19/2154/2: 47 Leicester Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7AJ. Erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/19/2103/2: 9 Celandine Close Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7FX. Erection of first floor extension to front of dwelling P/19/2055/2: Charnwood Pre-School Mountsorrel Sports Pavilion Little Lane Mountsorrel LE12 7BH. Proposed Change of Use of Upper floor from Residential accommodation (Use Class C3) to Children's Day Nursery (Use Class D1) associated with existing use on ground floor.

P/19/1772/2: 105 Rothley Road Mountsorrel LE12 7JT. Single storey extension to garage.

P/19/1844/2: 255 Leicester Road Mountsorrel LE12 7DD Proposed single storey extension to side and rear of dwelling P/19/1803/2: Land off Mountsorrel Lane Rothley Non-material amendment to P/17/0503/2. Alteration to position of garages to plots 301, 302, 303, 305, 306, 345, 349. Plots 308, 350 and 384 updated to render.

P/19/1739/2: Mountsorrel Quarry, Loughborough Road Mountsorrel Leicestershire LE12 7AT. LCC CM Application.

Section 73 planning application to vary conditions 3, 20 and 54 of planning permission 2019/0788/02 (to vary an approved plan, amend the layout of the approved Phase 1 Office and Workshop area, and to retain the monitoring compound on site for a further five years) (LCC ref. 2019/VOCM/0185/LCC )

Roy Morris

PHOTO: BRIAN NEGUS

Earlier this year the town was selected to represent the region in the small city category at the national awards organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Derry, Harrogate, Kirkcaldy and Rugby had also been nominated for the small city category in the national competition.

The ceremony, which was hosted at RHS Lindley Hall in London, saw Derry named as overall category winner and Loughborough and Harrogate achieve gold. Kirkcaldy and Rugby both received a silver gilt.

The Britain in Bloom judges visited Loughborough during the summer for a three-hour tour of the town. Volunteers and community groups were able to

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Bloom chair said: “This is an excellent result for the town, and everyone involved. It recognises the hard work of our volunteers and community groups on a national level.

“I’d also like to congratulate the other towns which represented their regions and took part in the competition.”

“A huge thank you and well done to everyone.”

This is the fourth time Loughborough has been at the Britain in Bloom finals.

The town was awarded gold in 2016, a silver gilt in 2014 and achieved gold and was named the category winner in 2012.

The March issue of the

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New play equipment installed WORK TO install new play equipment on the Loughborough Road playground began on November 18.

Mountsorrel Parish Council consulted with the village primary school and with

the public with a display in the Memorial Centre before choosing the equipment.

The Parish Council has budgeted £40,000 for the work. Which is expected to cost £55,000. The extra £15,000 will be taken from the council’s reserves.

GCR reveals plans for new museum THE GCR has published an image of its planed museum at Birstall’s Leicester North site.

The proposal is at an advanced stage of planning, say the GCR, and will incorporate a museum, station and conference/education centre in one enclosed area.

The building will be 32,000 square feet and is estimated to cost £7million. The project will be delivered by the GCR, County Council and

Leicester City Council.

Plans for a major national railway museum on the site had to be scrapped in December 2017 when the Heritage Lottery foundation reversed its decision to award £9.5million of lottery money to the project.

The March issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Feb 22.

The copy deadline is Feb 7.

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