MOUNTSORREL
Council POST agrees No. 70 precept
YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
MARCH 2020
www.birstallpost.co.uk
The Green’s long history MOUNTSORREL HERITAGE group is staging an exhibition about The Green later this year and is appealing to residents for photos and documents. A spokesperson for the group explains: Mountsorrel Green had probably some residents as early as 1377 where there are records of people occupying a small settlement in the village and the Green has been the centre of village life since then. The small quarry situated at the top of the Green may have been the source of the granite that was used to build the castle in the 12th century. In medieval times it may have been used for archery practice when men were required by law to practise on Sundays and holidays. In fact if anyone was killed during practice it was not deemed to be a crime. Through the years the Green has seen many fetes, parades, galas and even an annual fair that brought visitors from across the county many of these taking
Pic: an early 20th century postcard of The Green, Mountsorrel
place prior to the First World War. Many of the original houses have been demolished and replaced by newer buildings but there are still 11 listed buildings on the Green .There were also four shops and some small industrial factories along with many framework knitters premises. The Green has had some famous visitors namely Clement Attlee a former Prime Minister and almost certainly Dick Turpin would have passed through at some time. The Mountsorrel Heritage Group have numerous photographs articles and documents illustrating many of the events mentioned and many of these will be on display at an exhibition they are
Midland Window Installations
putting on in the village museum during the late spring and early summer. If you have any photographs, documents or information about former residents properties or events the group would love to see them. The museum is open Thursday, Friday or Saturday during normal library opening hours and they would love to see you and have a chat and with your permission copy the items whilst you wait. The Heritage Group hold meetings in the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre on the second Tuesday of the month commencing at 7-30pm .The February talk is on “The Farnham Family of Quorn” and March will be “Place Names”
MOUNTSORREL PARISH Council has agreed its precept for the year 2020/21 will be £508,940. In 2019/20 the precept was £543,865. The precept is the Parish Council component of the council tax. The council’s budget for the year 2020/21 includes projected expenditure of £377,125 on the Memorial Centre and an income of £212,825 from the centre. Other expenditure items include: Cemetery, conservation and environment £66,400 Recreation and amenities £36,655 Planning and highways £17,500 Full council £161,750 Library £33,230 Grant War Memorial Fields Trust £38,350.
DAVE HUTCHINGS GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS
Brickwork • Patios Re-pointing Tiling • Plaster Patching • Fencing etc No job too small Friendly Reliable Service Free Quotations • Fully Insured
Tel: 0116 260 7716 Mob: 07770 785400 Email: dave@dave-hutchings.com Website: www.dave-hutchings.com
CORTS HARDWARE 3 Cross Green, Rothley. Tel: 0116 2375347 Est: 1993 CHEAPEST & BEST SERVICE ANYWHERE ON
DRY CLEANING 3 for 2 offer!
AL REMOV STAIN LIST SPECIA
SIL SPEC K IALIS T
Garments Only
bring in three garments & only pay for two!
DUVETS & THROWS • CURTAINS - SPECIAL OFFER! LAUNDRY & BAG WASHES • SUITE COVERS
Specialist in PVC-U Windows, Doors, & Conservatories 29-33 Thurcaston Rd, Leicester LE4 5PG Tel:
2676167
ROOFLINE PRODUCTS INCLUDING GUTTERING
Memorial Centre hosts Christmas fayre THOUSANDS OF visitors attended the Festive Fayre and Christmas Lights Switch On event at Mountsorrel Memorial Centre in December. Food, drink and gift stalls filled the main hall, and visitors received a welcome from Father Christmas and the cast of the panto, Beauty & The Beast. There was music from Christchurch and St Peter’s school choir, and Ratby brass band. Charnwood’s Mayor, Cllr Brenda Seaton, turned on the lights.
Woodcock
FARM SHOP
Pic: (left) Ash Clifford and Jessica Elan from Beauty & The Beast: (below) Cllr Steve Haywoo(left) and Mayor Brenda Seaton (right) as the lights are turned on
Home Grown Potatoes: White Melody Red Mozart Fresh Fruit & Veg Local Honey & Preserves incl Marmalade & Chutney
Horse & Pony Feeds, Goat Feeds, Poultry Feeds, Rabbit Food, Hay Straw & Shavings 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
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.
www.woodcockfarm.co.uk 2
MOUNTSORREL POST
LOUGHBOROUGH RD, ROTHLEY Tel (0116) 230 2215 James 07802 915559 Fred 0797 7014606 OPENING TIMES
MAR 2020
And lots more!
Warm welcome at tennis club’s open day ADULTS AND children are being welcomed to Rothley Ivanhoe tennis club’s open day on March 14. This lively club, recently awarded the title of club of the year by Tennis Leicestershire, holds a weekly coaching program for all ages which runs all year round. The club is located on Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, behind Rothley library. Rothley Ivanhoe Tennis Club offers play throughout the year on its six courts five are floodlit. There are membership packages and pay and play opportunities. Members have the chance to represent the club in matches, to play social tennis and in club competitions held throughout the year. There are
seven men's teams, five women's teams, four mixed teams and junior teams. Anne Mumford, Chairperson of the club, said : “We are the envy of many other clubs for the organised play we have throughout the year. This was recognised a couple of years ago in being awarded Tennis Club of the Year by Tennis Leicestershire. The club is well organised and has fantastic volunteers and coaches and such commitment to the club was recognised recently by Pete Randall being awarded Tennis Leicestershire's Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Federation Cup Captain Anne Keothavong.” This year the club will be offering
some new sessions as well as old favourites, starting with the Open Day on Saturday March 14 from 1pm to 3pm with a better than half price offer for adults joining on the day. There will be a 45 minute adult coaching session starting at 1pm followed by social tennis.
Anne said: “Come and see our Saturday afternoon junior coaching which runs in different age groups from 2pm for juniors and talk with our coaches. Match practices and some start of season social and skills sessions will commence following the open day.”
MOUNTSORREL Every year parishioners in PARISH COUNCIL Mountsorrel show their interest and concerns by attending the Annual Parish Meeting. The Parish Council are hoping that the following guests ANNUAL PARISH will be attending to answer your questions and hear your opinions MEETING REPRESENTATIVES FROM Memorial Centre, Charnwood Borough Council & 105 Leicester Road, Leicestershire County Council Mountsorrel Tarmac Thurs 23rd April 2020 Leicestershire Constabulary at 7 pm Mountsorrel Charities
Art Classes With INGRID
KLEINS-DANIELS Jan to Apr term 2020 King George Rooms, Woodhouse Eaves Wed morning class 10.30am till 12.30 (10 weeks starting Apr 22nd- £120)
Beginners Drawing & Painting An introduction to all media and various techniques. For those that are setting out on a new interest.
Thurs mornings 10.30 till 12.30pm (10 weeks starting Apr 23rd- £120)
MOUNTSORREL POST
MAR 2020
Intermediate Art Course
J’s Quality Home Care Tailored high quality care services based on individual requirements We offer a wide range of care services including support around the home & out & about
Janet: 0794 425 3088
Ian Roe
Improving techniques in watercolours, pastels, acrylics, mixed media, drawing and painting. For those with some previous experience.
LANDSCAPES
Thurs afternoons 1.30-3.30pm (10 weeks starting Apr 23rd- £120)
& DRIVEWAYS
Advanced Art For those with previous experience, working on different themes to extend personal interpretation and skills.
Call Ingrid: 07951 911699 Email: ingriddaniels@hotmail.co.uk
07847 003554 0116 2303222 www.ianroe.co.uk 3
MOUNTSORREL POST
4
MAR 2020
Memorial Centre wins design award THE MOUNTSORREL Memorial Centre and an apartment block on Fowke Street, Rothley were winners at the Charnwood Design Awards 2019. Mountsorrel Memorial Centre was considered the best ‘new build’ scheme in terms of architectural quality. Fowke Street, Rothley was chosen as a winner because of the contribution it makes in terms of new buildings within a conservation area. Loughborough University’s Student Village was chosen as the overall winner. Richard Bennett, head of planning and regeneration at the Council, said: “I would like to congratulate our winners and all our finalists in this year’s awards. “There has been an exceptional level of quality which is very encouraging to see. The Council is committed to improving the quality of design in the built environment because it has a significant impact on our communities. Outstanding design can help enhance our communities, stimulate the local economy and make Charnwood a better place to live, work and visit. “We hold the Charnwood Design Awards to give deserved recognition to outstanding design and hopefully inspire other projects. This complements our existing work on a day-to-day basis to encourage good design when supporting applicants in the planning process.” The other finalists were: Storkit Meadows, Wymeswold; 58 Brook Street, Wymeswold; The Oaks, 133 The Ridings, Rothley; Milk Bottle Yard, Forest Road, Loughborough; Loughborough Schools Foundation Sports Hall. Pic: Chairman of Mountsorrel Parish Council Steve Haywood (right) receives an award for the Memorial Centre.
General election 2019 JANE HUNT is the new MP for Loughborough.
MOUNTSORREL POST
MAR 2020
The seat was previously held by Nicky Morgan (Con) who decided not to stand in the general election. Constituency boundaries bisect Mountsorrel meaning the village has two MPs – Jane Hunt (Con) and Edward Argar (Con), the MP for Charnwood. Jane Hunt lives in Quorn and is a borough councillor for Quorn and Mountsorrel Castle. Edward Argar was reelected in Charnwood. General Election 2019 results: Loughborough (turnout 68.5%) Jane Hunt (Con) 27,954, vote share 51.2%, vote share change + 1.3% Stuart Brady (Lab) 20,785, vote share 38%, vote share change - 4% Ian Sharpe (Lib Dem) 4,153, vote share 7.6%, vote share change + 4% Wes Walton (Grn) 1504,
vote share 2.8%, vote share change +1% Queenie Tea (Ind) 235, vote share 0.4%, vote shate change +0.4% Charnwood (turnout 69.6%) Edward Argar (Con) 35,121, vote share 63.4%, vote share change +3.1% Gary Godden (Lab) 12,724, vote share 23%, vote share change -7.8% Kate Tipton (LibDem) 4856, voteshare 8.8%, vote share change +5.1% Laurie Needham (Grn) 2664, vote share 4.8%, vote share change +2.9% Pics: Mountsorrel’s MPs, Jane Hunt and Edward Argar
5
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 Methodist Church Centre Celebrating Nineteen Years of Sunday Night At Eight
YOUR SAY...
The Mountsorrel Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Mountsorrel Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Mountsorrel library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
Dog Warden Whilst patrolling as dog warden in the village it never ceases to amaze me the excuses owners give to me for not cleaning up after their dog. From a lady saying it would make her late for work to a family with their first pet thinking the village green was `just a field` and so it was ok. Another owner stated she couldn`t be expected to manage an umbrella as well as a poo bag on a windy day whilst a gentleman with two dogs informed me how difficult it was to see what they were doing if they were walking behind him. The dark mornings and muddy playing fields always increase the amount of dogs walked on the streets during the winter but contrary to another excuse given that it’s ok to let your dog foul the street because “If I could go onto the field I wouldn’t need a bag” it is not ok and you DO need a bag on our playing fields. Please dog owners keep a box of poo bags where you keep your dog lead and go prepared. Mountsorrel Dog Warden 6
Sunday March 15th at 8pm: Robert Foreman Market Bosworth Organist Sunday April 19th at 8pm: Martyn Noble Sub-Organist, Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St. James’ Palace Sunday May 17th at 8pm: Dominic O’Connor Robinson Solihull Organist Sebastian Carrington Organ Student, Hinckley Admission Is Free Donations For The Church Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm
Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 10th March, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy to hear well-known professional artist Tim Fisher appraising the works of our members in various media from Watercolour, Pen & Ink, Pastels, to Acrylics and Oils, as well as ‘Mixed Media’ using a combination of materials and effects. This is a perfect opportunity for visitors to come along and see the work of our members and to find out more about our Society. Do join us to discover whether you will be inspired to take up this wonderful hobby. Refreshments available at the interval. Demonstration ends at 9pm. Members £2; Guests £4. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access. Barrow Panto Group’s 22nd family panto
Humpty Dumpty Friday March 6 starting at 7pm and Saturday March 7, 2pm and 7pm in Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar, LE12 8JU. It is the familiar nursery tale of Humpty Dumpty, the Egg who all the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put together again when he fell off the wall and smashed, even with the help of Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. It’s full of yolks and eggs-cruciating stories. Come along, join in and split your sides! Standard £10; Concessions of every sort £8; Family (2+2) £32. You can buy them by PayPal or card from www.busca.org.uk, or from Taylors Flower Shop, High St Barrow. Enquiries and Box Office: 07554447632 There are excellent parking and disabled facilities. Date: Fri 6th March, Sat 7th March 2020 Time: Fri 7pm; Sat 2pm and 7pm Venue: Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8JU
Rothley/Birstall Birdwatching Club presents: Tuesday, March 10th. 2020 at 7.30 p.m. The Wonderful World Of Insects by Carl Baggott. The world of insects is fast diminishing which is affecting many species of birds and animals. Carl who is a keen photographer, with a particular interest in butterflies and dragonflies, will perhaps be able to throw some light on to the causes of this decline and how we can possibly help. Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 7.30pm (Please note this is the 1st Tuesday of the month). AGM followed by Iceland, Land Of Ice And Fire by Nigel Slater. Nigel is a return speaker and is always very enthusiastic about his subject. This time he takes us to Iceland, a Nordic country situated in the North Atlantic. It is blessed with beautiful scenery characterized by lava fields, mountains and glaciers along with Artic Foxes, Reindeer and the occasional Polar Bear along with many Arctic birds notably Skuas, Puffins, Terns and Kittiwakes. The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members are free, visitors £3. New members and visitors are always welcome. There is ample free car parking on site
Community Flood Warden: We Need You Community Flood Wardens are members of the local community
and are supported by the Local Authorities, the Environment Agency and LLR Prepared. Nominated volunteers will sign up with their District Council and become part of the Community Flood Plan for their area. They will also receive direct flood warnings from the Environment Agency and pass these on to their neighbours. For more information please contact the Clerk to Mountsorrel Parish Council, Lorraine Davies – telephone 0116 2303809 / email clerk@mountsorrelparishcouncil.c o.uk / write to The Parish Office, 2a Little Lane, Mountsorrel, Leics LE12 7BH Receive the latest news, updates and events information direct from the police www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk
Neighbourhood Link
Police Community Messaging Service Benefits of signing up to Neighbourhood Link: Keep up to date about policing issues in your community Get the latest crime reduction and community safety advice Respond directly to your Neighbourhood Policing Team Feedback on information you receive Remember... Neighbourhood Link is a way of engaging with your Neighbourhood Policing Team
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
MAR 2020
Birstall Running Club
Organ Recitals
MOUNTSORREL POST
Noticeboard all details printed free
It is FREE to register and receive It is a confidential and secure service- we never share your details without consent You can unsubscribe at any time if the system is not for you REGISTER TODAY www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk
Mountsorrel Community Library Tel: 0116 3055892 Story Time 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. Sip & Stitch Alternative Tuesdays 2.304.30pm. Tues 25th Feb/10th March etc. Open to all – knitting not necessary, just come along for a chat. Small charge for refreshments. Board Game Fun Alternative Tuesdays 2.30– 4.30pm. Tues 3rd March/17th March etc. Drop-in. Experience not required, come and learn! Small charge for refreshments. Memory Box This is available for any groups or individuals to borrow. The theme of the current box is “Beside the Seaside” and contains 10 different activity bags. Other themes will follow. Please enquire at the library for further details. Library Opening Hours Mon 2pm-5pm Tues 10am-1pm 2pm-5pm Thurs 2pm–5pm Fri 12noon-5pm Sat 10am-1pm
Craft Exhibition and Fair is to be held 10am – 4pm at Christ Church, Rothley Road, Mountsorrel on Saturday 9th May 2020 remembering VE Day There will be a variety of Exhibitors and members of our local Craft Group will be displaying some of their creations. Admission is Free Refreshments available Come and Sing
MOUNTSORREL POST
MAR 2020
Haydn’s ‘Nelson Mass’ An opportunity to perform this wonderful oratorio written for the Esterhazy family of Vienna and first performed in 1798. Sun April 5 (Palm Sunday) in St Mary’s Church, Humberstone. Rehearsal at 2pm and performance at 6pm. The cost to take part as a singer is £10 which includes tea and cake after the workshop before the performance. Download an application form from www.cantamicichoir.org.uk Copies of music will be provided.
The singers will be directed by David Necklen and accompanied on organ by Timothy Lees. If possible, please register before March 16 Barrow’s Spring time Centre Stage show
“The Beautiful Game” Friday March 20, 2020 at Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow LE12 8JU Football. Some love it, others loathe it, but we can’t deny that it is somehow present in all of our lives. A family show, this is one for all to enjoy. The important thing is, you don’t need to be a football fan to appreciate it. The Beautiful Game is a laughout-loud look at Britain’s undying obsession with football, celebrating everything from weird match day rituals to ridiculous arm chair opinionating. It may even attempt to explain the offside rule. Packed with unforgettable goals, chant-along hits and full to the brim with nostalgia, this show will have you casting your mind back to fixtures gone by. It is performed by Next Door Dance, an all-female company based in Nottingham. They specialise in creating performances that are exciting and relevant to a wide range of audiences - especially those that might believe dance is not for them. Tickets will cost £11 (£12 on the door) or £5 for students in full time education (£6 on the door). They can be bought on line from www.busca.org.uk by Paypal or card, from Barrow Flower Shop or on the door. Enquiries from 07718153117 Watermead Country Park North
Open Day Sunday March 29, 11am-3pm. To mark the re-opening of the Reedbed Nature Reserve. The entrance is just after The Hope and Anchor pub on the left, postcode LE7 1PD (car parking is £2.50) Entry to the event is free. There will be groups from the Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithology Society, Birstall Bird Group, Moth group, seed bomb making and throwing, make your own butterfly feeder, bird/wildlife walks, simple refreshments, bird/duck food for sale and wildflower seed for sale HATS Spring Play is
“Penny Black” is a quick witted, hilarious farce based on the journey that culminates in the emergence of the great Sherlock Holmes. “Penny Black”, by Rob Wellington, with the consent of Lazy Bee scripts, will capture your imagination and humour right from the
opening scene. Note: This play contains some adult humour. Dates for performances are on April, 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2020. Venue: Birstall Social Club, 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets: £7.00, £6.00 concession. Discount for group bookings of 10 or more people (price available at time of booking). Tickets will be available from mid February 2020. Box office: 0116 2209594 and 07934204837 Or email hatstickets@hotmail.com. Face book: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/
Watermead Challenge 2020 Wreake Valley Rotary Club are pleased to announce their 11th Watermead Challenge charity run will take place on Tuesday 7th July 2020 at 7pm at Watermead Country Park near Syston. Proceeds are donated to charitable causes. Last year over £4,000 was raised and distributed. The largely off road run follows both a 3 mile and 5 mile route around the attractive lakeside setting of the park. You can enter at www.evententry.co.uk. Further information is available by visiting www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk You're invited to our
FREE coffee morning for freshly baked cakes, refreshments and plenty of chat! Everyone Welcome Every Friday 10.30am until 12pm at Beaumont Hall Care Home Beaumont Hall, 120 Beaumont Leys Lane, Leicester Call Emma on 0116 232 3291 for further details
Please phone to book a seat 0116 232 3291 Beaumont Hall, 120 Beaumont Leys Lane, Leicester, LE4 2BD
Film Club Programme at The Rothley Centre £5.50/£5 concessions Friday March 20, 2pm “Sometimes Always Never”
Alan is a stylish tailor with moves as sharp as his suits. He has spent years searching tirelessly for his missing son Michael who stormed out over a game of Scrabble. With a body to identify and his family torn apart, Alan must repair the relationship with his youngest son Peter and solve the mystery of an online player who he thinks could be Michael, so he can finally move on and reunite his family. Stars Bill Nighy, Sam Riley, Alice Lowe, Louis Healy, Tim McInnerny, Jenny Agutter Friday April 17, 2pm “Downton Abbey” Downton Abbey, becomes a grand motion picture event, as the beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance
You're invited to our free
60+ Community Lunch Club at Beaumont Hall Care Home Served Fridays 12.30pm to 1.30pm Mar 6th & 20th , Apr 3rd and 24th Booking is essential
Misted up double glazing ? Replace with new clear sealed units Faulty locks & handles replaced
Call Colin Wright for a free quote LOCAL BUSINESS 07765635505 • 01162209573
7
Sgt Rod Smart reported there had been one burglary at a shop, three vans had been broken into and two vehicles have been stolen. There had been an incident at the Soar Valley Leisure Centre involving an air rifle. There have been several assaults, all domestic related. He reported there was a new PCSO in post covering the parish and Rothley. Sgt Smart requested that anyone seeing quad bikes being ridden on the Halstead Road play area report it to the police on 101. Borough Councillor Richard Shepherd reported that the planning application for nine dwellings and two commercial offices off Granite Way had been approved by seven votes to five at the planning committee. The council agreed to spend £1328 on repairs to the Halstead Road playing field roundabout and £6870 on the 2019 Christmas lights. The council agreed to sign up to the Armed Forces covenant. It was agreed to prepare a draft recruitment policy. It was agreed to adopt the telephone box on Cromwell Road with a view to installing a defibrillator. It was agreed to spend £870 on tree work on trees located on Watling Street, the Green and the cemetery, and £2250
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
on cutting back the hedge at the Halstead Road playing fields. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on December 9. A member of the public outlined the changing face of the parish over a number of years and the improvement in the facilities now available in the parish including the Heritage Centre, Waitrose, library, youth café, a Michelin starred restaurant and the Memorial Centre. He also referred to the excellent annual Revival event and praised the council for the hard work enabling these projects to come to fruition. He referred to the hosting of the Children in Need event at the Memorial Centre and for the opportunity for Mountsorrel to be seen by millions of viewers. He reported his thanks to all those involved in creating a legacy for the parish which residents should be proud of and appreciate. He referred to the prospective Halstead Road project and urged the new councillors to work with existing councillors as one team to bring the project to fruition which he said would be a much needed additional facility in the parish supporting its sports clubs. Another member of the public commented on the proposed closure of the Sorrel Youth Café in March 2020 and outlined the groups currently supported by the café including Sorrel Tots, SEN Craft Group, MALE Group and the Community Food Project. The café also hosts a number of local groups including the walking group and more recently a new group aimed at men with Aspergers, as well as providing affordable food for local residents. Young carers use the café once a fortnight for a time out from their caring duties. Recently a LGBT group has been set up. She urged the council to support the good work that has been achieved by continuing to provide a good quality high value community provision for residents. A resident raised the issue of quad bikes being ridden on the Halstead Road playing field and about drainage problems in the park. Another member of the public raised
Calendar pics needed DO YOU love taking photos? Are you a dab hand with a DSLR or skilled with your smartphone? LOROS Hospice is launching a photo competition and is inviting you to submit your images for their 2021 calendar. Gary Dale, Retail Manager at LOROS, said: “We’re looking for pictures that show the best of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Lovely landscapes, wonderful wildlife and magnificent buildings – if it’s local, then snap it and send it in. The winning photos will be used in LOROS’ 2021 calendar and sold to raise vital funds to support the Hospice’s care of patients and their families. “We’re inviting everyone to submit entries, not just professionals. A photo taken on a smart phone is absolutely fine. So if you have a passion for photography and would like to help LOROS raise money, get snapping,” Gary added. Twelve winning entries will be selected to form the LOROS 2021 calendar which will be sold across LOROS’ 29 shops. Entries must be submitted online – please visit loros.co.uk/calendar/ to enter and for terms and conditions. The deadline to send in photos is 5pm on April 26, 2020.
• 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
8
www.ntlcomputers.co.uk 3 The Meadway, Birstall LE4 4NG
MAR 2020
A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on November 11.
MOUNTSORREL POST
Parish Council notes
the issue of the safety of the entrance doors to the Memorial Centre. The council received a report of the Crime Prevention working party held on October 2. PC Spiby reported that the main areas of concern re speeding traffic were Halstead Road, Walton Way and Leicester Road and recommended vehicle activated speed signs. PC Spiby requested that CCTV cameras be located at Rothley Road near the chip shop, Buttermarket area, Halsted Road near roundabout and roundabout at West Cross Lane, Rothley Road, Walton Way. It was recommended that the situation be monitored for the next 12 months and, if required, a budget allocation request be made in 2021/22. The council received a report of the Social Media working party held on October 22. It was agreed to publish a parish council facebook page, and to create a Twitter account, Instagram account and a Nextdoor account. It was agreed to make a donation of £500 to the Poppy Appeal and of £100 to Charnwood First Responders. It was agreed to spend £2000 on a Peer Review to be undertaken by Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils. The aim is to improve the delivery of services by looking at the Council’s existing procedures. It was agreed to make an application to the County Council for the creation of a wildflower verge at the junction of Leicester Road and Granite Way. It was agreed to spend £1775 on the installation of a barrier to stop the entrance door at the Memorial Centre opening too far and causing an injury to pedestrians using the footpath next to the Centre. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on January 13. In public participation, questions were raised about the council’s precept, the occupation of Unit B at the Memorial Centre, a complaint about a breach of the Code of Conduct and a broken fence on the Kingfisher estate. PCSO Hallmark reported there had been two burglaries, one of which was from a residential property, and one theft. PC Spiby is investigating the use of electric scooters on the Halstead Road play area. It was reported that the County Council had received a large member of enquiries about flooding. Investigations are being carried out including the inspection of gulleys and culverts. The council agreed a precept for 2020/21 of £508,940. The precept in 2019/2020 was £543,865.
Poppy appeal donations ORGANISERS OF last year’s Poppy Appeal in Mountsorrel say that over £5000 was raised.
Architectural plans
drawn & submitted for planning permission & building regulations approval
Spokesman for the Mountsorrel branch of the Royal British Legion, John Doyle, said: “A big ‘Thank You!’ to everyone who supported the 2019 Poppy Appeal in the village, to date our total stands at £5665.85 but we are confident that will rise as the collection year progresses. “Do remember that the appeal that started last November runs through to the end of the coming October. The final total for our 2018 Poppy year was £7596.07 which is the most we have ever raised and reflects the generosity of everyone in the Centenary Year of the end of the Great War.” The Leicestershire & Rutland RBL County Conference was held at the Memorial Centre on Saturday January 18 and saw Mountsorrel’s Branch Secretary Mrs Sheila Hassal receive a commendation to mark over 20 years outstanding service organising ceremonial and training events across the county. Sheila received the award from the RBL County President, Col. Robert Martin OBE DL.
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
Trouble with your figures? Want someone to walk you through a self assessment?
Let me help get your books in shape… & keep them trim
Linda Kimberley-Brooks (ACMA) Final accounts • Self assessment Taxation • Bookkeeping • VAT Payroll • Management accounts www.twyf-accounts.co.uk Email: Linda@twyf.co.uk
Companies & individuals call now on
0116 23 66 345 A friendly service tailored to your needs
Pic: Shelia with her award in front of the memorial within Mountsorrel Memorial Centre
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
Youth Café future
MOUNTSORREL POST
MAR 2020
ALTHOUGH PLANS were announced last year to close the Mountsorrel Youth Café this March, efforts are being made to continue its work. “Sorrel youth café will finally close its doors on Friday March 20” says chair of the trustees John Doyle, “but while this is the end of one chapter in the village’s history, trustees and others involved are excited by the possibilities for the future. “There are currently active and very positive discussions and negotiations taking place between other bodies to secure both youth work in the village and, separately, a community café. Although nothing is as yet secured it is hoped that decisions will be made in the very near future.” When setting its budget for 2020/21 in January, Mountsorrel Parish Council agreed to allocate £20,000 for youth work, as it has done in previous years for the youth café.
Council signs Armed Forces Covenant MOUNTSORREL PARISH Council is one of nine in the borough to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. Charnwood Borough Council hosted an event where parish and town councils from across the borough came together to pledge their support for current serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and do not face disadvantage. Groups, organisations, charities, local authorities and businesses are encouraged to sign up to it. Cllr Hilary Fryer, the Council’s armed forces champion, said: “I am delighted many parish and town councils have come together to sign the covenant and are committed to helping the Armed Forces community. “It’s important we continue to encourage organisations in Charnwood to sign the covenant and ensure resources are in place to support the Armed Forces and their families in our communities across the borough.” The parish and town councils in
Charnwood are the first ones to sign the covenant in Leicestershire. Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities said: “We acknowledge the sacrifices our Armed Forces men and women, and their families make, and it was great to see the parish and town councils signing the covenant. “ Shepshed Town and Barrow upon Soar Parish Councils were among the nine organisations to sign and pledge their support. Cllr Joan Tassell from Shepshed Town Council said: “We are proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and are committed to helping those with a military background. “It’s fantastic so many organisations have come along today to pledge their support. We look forward to helping the Armed Forces personnel, both past and present within our local community.” The full list of parish and town councils that signed the covenant are: Anstey Barrow upon Soar Mountsorrel Newtown Linford
Landlords – don’t forget your Safety Certificates: from £45 Call now for a FREE no obligation quote
0116 2841076 / 07860 551820
The June issue of the
MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on June 6. The copy deadline is May 22.
Queniborough Quorn Shepshed Thurcaston and Cropston Woodhouse The borough council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 and employs an Armed Forces community covenant development officer, in partnership with Melton and Rushcliffe borough councils to help develop and support the Armed Forces community and ensure that military personal do not face any disadvantage as a result of their service. Rushcliffe and Charnwood borough councils recently received a gold award from The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Scheme (ERS). The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.
9
Outwoods visitor centre plan A VISITOR centre at the Outwoods in Loughborough will open later this year.
24th to 25th of May 11am till 5pm Adults £5 Children/car parking free 20 gardens – some not seen before Church display • Raffle • Tombola Plant stall • Cake stall Refreshments Band and Bagpipe Player Leicestershire Model Railway Further details 07754 892842 Pennyweston-webb@talktalk.net
MOT VEHICLE TESTING STATION
Pic: Cllr Hilary Fryer outside the ranger’s cottage which will become a visitor centre
tee which is a separate body to the Council. However, the Council effectively maintains the Outwoods working alongside the committee. Cllr Hilary Fryer, chair of the committee said: “Having a visitor centre and café at the Outwoods will make a huge difference to our visitors and hopefully encourage even more people to come
along and enjoy the ancient woodland.” The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England, which means it is protected by law to conserve its wildlife and geology.
PETROLS • DIESELS MOTORCYCLES CROPSTON GARAGE 37 - 39 Station Road Cropston, Leicester 0116 2362363
Charnwood Community Safety Partnership was a finalist in the Safer Community Celebration Awards, organised by the Police Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, Lord Willy Bach. Local police inspector Mark Botte
also picked up the Visible Policing Award. Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities at Charnwood and chair of the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, said the awards were a great way to highlight the great work taking place to make communities safer across the county.
Pic: Inspector Mark Botte
Limited number of Season Permits available
Contact Ian Kilgour: 0116 2350025 cropstonangling@gmail.com
GAS-SERVWELL (Charnwood Ltd)
Service, Repairs, Installations of all Gas Appliances
12 YR WARRANTY ON BOILER INSTALLS BOILER REPLACEMENTS • SAME DAY BREAKDOWN VISITS
07860 735066 0116 2367923 bobzgas@gmail.com
Boiler & Gas Fires Serviced
Cllr Taylor said: “The Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Area team are really committed to helping our residents and the Council and other partners appreciate the work they do. “We know there is still a lot of work to be done but it is pleasing to see a reduction in crime in the borough and we will continue to work together, as a partnership and with communities, to make Charnwood a safer place to live, work and visit. “I’d also like to congratulate Mark for picking up his award who along with his team are real assets to the borough.” Insp Mark Botte, Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Area commander, said: “I am extremely proud of all the officers at Charnwood who have contributed to this success as well as paying tribute to specialist departments and partners who have been supporting us. “I am committed to making Charnwood a safe place where residents have
confidence in the local police. Charnwood Borough Council have been key to the work we do and I would like to publicly thank them for their support.” The partnership says good results have been achieved thanks to greater partnership working. Examples include the implementation of a drug strategy to identity and assist people at risk of drug abuse and working with local schools and agencies to identify young people at risk of reoffending or harm and putting steps in place to mitigate the risk and support them. Police have also carried out Operation Lionheart to tackle County Lines activity in the borough and promoted Neighbourhood Link, a community messaging service. According to the latest figures, the total number of crimes in Charnwood was down seven per cent in 2019 to 9,590 incidents compared to 2018. The figures showed: • burglaries of homes were down 25 per cent to 638 incidents while burglaries at businesses were down 40 per cent to 163 incidents • theft from vehicles was down 19 per cent to 710 incidents while shoplifting was down 31 per cent to 627 incidents • cycle theft was also down 34 per cent to 214 incidents while robbery was down 12 per cent to 66 incidents • violent attacks with injury were up five per cent to 746 incidents and theft of vehicles rose two per cent to 270 incidents For more information about community safety in Charnwood, please visit https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/saf ety or follow @SaferCharnwood on Twitter.
MAR 2020
WORK TO improve community safety in Charnwood has been highlighted at an awards ceremony.
Cropston Reservoir
10
TESTING
Charnwood policing recognised
Flyfishing for Trout
Contact Rob:
SECRET GARDENS
MOUNTSORREL POST
Charnwood Borough Council submitted a planning application last year to convert the former ranger’s cottage into a café and visitor centre. Work is due to start in spring with the aim of the centre opening in the autumn. Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “I’m really pleased the application to create a visitor centre has been approved. “The ranger’s cottage has been largely unused for many years so it will be great to see it brought back to life to improve facilities for everyone who visits this ancient and much-loved woodland. “I’m sure the café will be a popular destination for the many walkers and families who visit there and the centre will also give us a space for displays and other events. I’m looking forward to seeing work begin on the project and is opening later this year. “We are committed to improving the Outwoods while ensuring we maintain its natural and historic character on behalf of the people of Loughborough. As well as the visitor centre, last year we opened a new £140,000 natural play area and events shelter and we recently began a 10-year project to restore native trees to the Outwoods.” It is intended the visitor centre would include a café, toilets and space for displays. It would also be adapted to encourage bats to roost there through the inclusion of lead bat access points and flying space. Estimated costs to create the centre are around £130,000 and it is expected a private operator would manage it. Responsibility of the Outwoods lies with the Outwoods Management Commit-
COSSINGTON
Charity hits £1million target to fund research A ROTHLEY charity is celebrating after having reached its target of raising £1million. Alex’s Wish announced at their annual ball that they had achieved their initial fundraising target. Emma Hallam, founder of Alex’s Wish and mum to Alex, after whom the charity is named, said: “Six years ago when I set up Alex’s Wish I set ourselves the ambitious target to raise £1million to help fund vital research and clinical trials to
help bring about effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the devastating, life limiting muscle wasting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. “Six years later I was able to announce
New tuition centre A NEW tuition centre has opened in Rothley. First Class Learning Rothley offers maths and English tuition for children aged 5-15 years. The tuition centre is managed by Debbie Wolfe-Kinch, an approved First Class Learning Centre Manager. She said: “Our aim is for every child to reach their full potential by creating a winning mindset.” She added: “As every child is unique, we build individual programmes of study to fit around each child. This is done through a sequence of assessments that will determine not only the strengths but also the areas that need some work. Our maths and English programmes are suitable for children aged between 5 and 15, and many of our students who join us find that they excel in other subjects too.” First Class Learning has approximately 300 centres in the UK. Debbie said:
“Thousands of children attend weekly sessions with a very high success rate. If you think your child has fallen behind, or could do with a boost, contact me now and I will organise an assessment that will give you a transparent view of where you child is at. From here you will get to see a sample of the type of work that will be set, and also the motivating environment that they will learn in. “Many parents and school teachers have seen their children completely change their attitude towards learning and make outstanding progress after starting at First Class Learning.” Contact Debbie at First Class Learning Rothley now to find out how we can help you: 0779 335 3435. The centre is located at The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley and is open on Tuesdays between 3.30 - 5.30ppm. First Class Learning is the largest UK based network of tuition centres that is aligned to the British National Curriculum.
Nature trails Pic: Emma Hallam, founder of Alex’s Wish, with her son Alex
at our recent ball, that we had done it! It’s with thanks to our fabulous supporters and the local business community who has helped us achieve our initial target – and we would like to thank every single of them for their support so far. “The money raised has been invested in several research projects, clinical trials and supporting trial centres in the UK to run clinical trials, helping us move ever closer to effective treatments for Duchenne. Our latest commitments include promising gene therapy and stem cell therapy. A huge amount of progress has been made, but we still have a long way to go. We are committed to continuing to drive this momentum forward to help THIS generation of children living with Duchenne. We are now working towards securing our next £1million and will not stop until a cure is found.” www.alexswish.co.uk
Hernias treated in Syston
MOUNTSORREL POST
MAR 2020
PATIENTS IN Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) suffering with certain types of hernia can now be treated in a primary care setting thanks to a new operating theatre at The County Practice in Syston. The County Practice is the only one in LLR to offer this service and will mean that a significant number of patients will now be able to have their operations closer to home. Opened formally by Charnwood MP Edward Argar, the £62,000 Wilson Theatre Suite has been made possible through investment from The County Practice as well as funding from Charnwood Borough Council and Davidsons Homes, under their planning contribu-
NATURE TRAILS at the Mountsorrel and Rothley Heritage Centre need plenty of woodchip to keep them looking good. A spokesman said: “Our volunteers are hard at work re covering our nature trails in woodchip again! In order to keep the 3/4 of a mile of nature trails covered, it takes a lot of woodchip and we rely entirely on donations of woodchip from local tree surgeons. If any of you know a tree surgeon or is having any work done at home by a tree surgeon, please ask them to donate the chippings and drop them off at the Heritage Centre. Please note that chippings need to be woody and not have leaves or conifer cuttings. We would be most grateful of any donations they could provide.”
Council tax CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council is raising its share of council tax by just under 9p a week for a Band D property. The increase will see the annual charge for an average Band D property rise £4.43 (3.63 per cent) to £126.52 from April 1, 2020. Charnwood Borough Council currently has the 23rd lowest council tax charge out of 201 district councils in the country. Council tax pays for a range of services provided Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue and the parish council where you live (or Charnwood Borough Council for people in Loughborough). The Charnwood element accounts for less than 10 per cent of the total bill.
tions for health infrastructure to reflect the needs of the new housing development being built in the area. Dr Gareth Chidlow, GP at The County Practice, said: “We are really proud of our new operating theatre; we can now offer hernia surgery under local anaesthetic and for many patients it avoids the need to travel in to one of the main Leicester hospitals. “This service isn’t just for patients in Syston; patients can choose to be treated here if they live anywhere in LLR and the feedback we have received so far has been really positive. In future there’s also the potential for further procedures
to be carried out here, as we have both preoperative and recovery rooms and that is something we are really excited about.” The service is provided through the LLR Alliance, a unique partnership of health organisations in LLR, designed to offer patients more choice about when and where they receive day-case and outpatient treatment. Helen Mather, LLR Alliance Director, said: “This new operating theatre is a fantastic example of what the Alliance is all about - offering patients more choice about where and when they can receive their diagnosis, treatment and the after-
care. “Patients consistently tell us that they prefer not having to go into one of the big city hospitals if possible.” Edward Argar MP said: "It was a pleasure to officially open the Wilson Theatre Suite at Syston Health Centre with David Wilson, Dr Chidlow, and the fantastic team at the County Practice. “GP services like those at the Syston Health Centre are the heart of our NHS, providing all of our communities with the local health care that they rely upon, with their dedicated staff teams constantly innovating to improve the care offered to patients.
11
Plaque revealed to honour historian A CHARNWOOD Heritage Plaque has been unveiled to commemorate the historian Lord Macaulay of Rothley. The plaque was revealed at Rothley Court Hotel at a ceremony held on October 25, 2019 which would have been Lord Macaulay’s 219th birthday.
Thomas Babington Macauley (1800-1859)
Pic: Mayor of Charnwood Cllr Brenda Seaton with Terry Sheppard, chairman of Rothley Heritage Trust, at the unveiling of the plaque
our borough. Last year two plaques were unveiled in Loughborough, one to honour the 158 Logistics Regiment and 203 Transport Squadron and the other marked the centenary of the First World War. The Council would like to hear from communities and organisations about other suggestions for future plaques. For more information or to nominate a person, place or event for consideration, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/heritage_plaques For the 2020 plaques, the deadline for nominations is March 31, 2020
Birstall Cabs
MOUNTSORREL POST
C 0116 267 7777 H Download our 0116 220 0002 E A nationwide APP P Reasonable fares for Hospitals, E Train station, Bus station S Biggest network with CMac Group T No extra charge for night journey
Web: www.birstallcab.com • Email:birstallcabs@live.co.uk Loughborough contact: 01509278700
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
Specialist Wedding Gown Cleaning
A I R P O R T F A R E S
12
YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
or to our office.
Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9-5pm Wed & Sat: 9-1pm
editor@birstallpost.co.uk
MAR 2020
years ago. “The aim of the scheme is to ensure people know about the borough’s history and we’re now looking for more suggestions for future plaques. “We commemorate not just people but events and local places that are significant in the story of our towns and villages, so I’d encourage people to submit their nominations with supporting evidence.” It is the third plaque which has been installed in Charnwood to honour interesting people, places and events which have a connection to the history and culture of
MOUNTSORREL POST
Lord Macaulay was a British politician, historian, essayist, author and colonial administrator. Charnwood Borough Council launched the plaque scheme last year to mark people, places and events in Charnwood’s history. The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Brenda Seaton said: “It was an honour to attend the unveiling of the plaque to commemorate Lord Macaulay of Rothley. “The Charnwood Heritage Plaque scheme is a way of acknowledging the history of the borough and I look forward to seeing many more installed across Charnwood.” Peter Lewis, who chairs a panel which leads the plaque scheme, said: “It’s great to see the heritage plaque in place at Rothley Court Hotel just below the room where Lord Macaulay was born all those
Thomas was a son of Zachary Macaulay (d.1838) and his wife Selina (Mills). Zachary was a prominent anti-slavery campaigner whose sister Jean had married Thomas Babington and it was at her house at Rothley Temple that Thomas Babington Macaulay was born. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, distinguishing himself in classical scholarship. After studying law he was elected a Member of Parliament and later served on the Council in India. Thomas contributed extensively to the Edinburgh Review and was an influential historian. His ‘History of England@ was very popular, as was his ‘Lays of Ancient Rome’. He was created Lord Macaulay of Rothley in 1857 and died of a heart attack in the study of his home in Kensington. He was unmarried. “I would rather be poor in a cottage full of books than a king without the desire to read” Lord Macaulay