MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
JUNE 2021
No. 75
www.birstallpost.co.uk
íFOOTBALL CLUBHOUSE
Plan for centre A THREE-YEAR business plan for the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre (MMC) has been adopted by Mountsorrel Parish Council.
íALLOTMENTS
The £3.9 million centre opened in 2018 and, the plan states, became “a source of contention and criticism” for reasons including a lack of clear vision for the building, its management and the level of financial support it requires from the residents through the parish precept. In 2018, the precept was increased by 163%, partly because of the centre. The plan, adopted by Mountsorrel Parish Council (MPC) on May 17, states that “the issue Mountsorrel Parish Council has to resolve is the balance between its aspirations for the centre, and the willingness of residents to support these
CRICKET PITCH
CRICKET PAVILION è
Continued on page 2
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New recreation area planned AN AMBITIOUS £1.6 million project providing outdoor sports pitches with a pavilion and clubhouse, allotments, provision for children and young people and landscaped parkland is planned for land off Halstead Road. The Halstead/Cufflins Park project (HCPP) is being led by Mountsorrel Parish Council and supported by the Mountsorrel Sporting Alliance (MSA). The MSA was set up in 2019 following discussions between local sports clubs, with members concerned about the future of sport and recreation in Mountsorrel. It is calling for extra playing field space, rationalised pitch disposition to accommodate all clubs and age groups, and additional changing and social facilities. The HCPP aims to resolve all these issues. The scheme has a cricket pitch and pavilion, and two senior football pitches. Junior football would move to the memorial playing fields, replacing cricket at that location. The HCPP incorporates the existing Halstead Road playing field, owned by Charnwood and leased to the Parish Council, the Jelson site, which will be transferred to the Parish Council, and land owned by Tarmac, which would be leased to the Parish Council. Some of the funding for the project is in place, including the section 106 contributions from Jelson when planning permission was granted for the Halstead Road development of 250 homes, and
from the West Cross Lane development by Charles Church. A new planning application by Jelson for 50 homes off Halstead Road would also generate section 106 contributions that could fund the scheme. Mountsorrel Parish Council has identified a shortfall in funding of £810,000, which it hopes to make up once planning permission and land agreements are in place. The Football Foundation has been identified as a source of grant aid.
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through the precept.” The Mountsorrel War Memorials Trust (WMT) owns the centre. The plan states: “The current lease agreement between the Trust and MPC must be replaced. b) The MMC should be operated by an independent charitable company. c) As the owners of the MMC, the Trust will grant a lease to the charitable company for the operation of the Centre. d) MPC will continue to support the MMC financially, in accordance with the charitable objectives of the new company and in line with the Council’s own statutory responsibilities and powers. e) That MMC becomes accountable to an independent Management Board. This may include representatives of MPC and/or the Trust but is not subject to control by either of them. f) This new arrangement will ensure that both the Trust and the Parish Council have an arms-length legal and managerial relationship with the new charitable company Recreation area continued from page 1
Outline planning permission for the scheme is expected to be submitted to Charnwood this June. Chairman of Mountsorrel Parish Council Kate Walker said: “This is outline planning permission for an exciting development in our village. Detailed planning will follow, which will include feasibility and cost funding exercises, and these will ensure the project is sustainable and financially viable.”
The MMC will operate as a ‘business’ independent of the day to day operation of either MPC or the WMT.” The plan identifies a vision for the centre: “The Memorial Centre is a venue at the centre of the Mountsorrel community. It will seek to maximise the use of the Centre, prioritising community use, and also being a venue of choice for events, the income from which will help to financially support its long-term sustainability. It will fulfil the needs of the community by being forward-looking, adaptable, professional and environmentally responsible.” The plan further states: “The MMC is a venue for the local area and not just the village. In terms of being a venue for gigs, theatre and shows, it could aspire to regional significance.” The plan anticipates a continuing level of subsidy from Mountsorrel Parish Council. “A balance of community and financial targets can be achieved but it is unrealistic to expect MMC to be financially selfsupporting. However, the level of subsidy, which presumably will come from the Parish Council through the annual Pre-
PHOTO: MOUNT SORREL YARN, FACEBOOK
Memorial Ctr continued from page 1
Foxes lift FA Cup for first time cept, will be predictable, manageable and will decrease significantly from the current level if the Plan is successfully implemented.” “This subsidy is a legitimate use of taxpayers money if matters such as the social value of community activities is taken into account, and a majority of residents can be reasonably judged to support this expenditure, for the benefit of the village.
A POSTBOX in Mountsorrel was yarn bombed before the FA Cup final, to wish the Foxes good luck against Chelsea.
“A target of a maximum £125,000 annual subsidy from the Parish Council is a reasonable financial target by the end of the Plan period [2024]. This level of subsidy may stabilise for the longer term, or be further reduced, subject to policy decisions incorporated into future revisions of the Plan.” The business plan was drawn up by Local Council Consultancy and cost £3200.
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JUN 2021
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Compost: get started this summer
MOUNTSORREL POST
JUN 2021
TAKE UP composting this summer with cut-price compost bins, thanks to a Leicestershire County Council scheme. Residents can buy a discounted compost bin from as little as £12, with a second one offered at half price. The bins are made from 100% recycled plastic and are available in two different sizes and colours to suit individual needs. When you start cutting the grass and pruning plants ready for new growth, the best way to dispose of garden waste is to compost it at home, says the council. Composting reduces the amount of food and garden waste sent to landfill, which cannot properly decompose without air and, instead, produces methane. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Rod Weston is a volunteer Master Composter, who promotes composting to residents in partnership with the council. He said: “Composting kitchen and garden waste is an excellent way that individuals can reduce the waste sent to landfill and pollution from bonfires. Substituting homemade compost for shop-bought peat-based compost not only saves money but also reduces environmental damage caused by digging peat.” Anyone can compost if they have an outdoor space and you do not need a large garden. Support and advice are available from the county council’s Master Composters, and there are local demonstration sites that will be opening with advice and practical training once restrictions are lifted. Compostable items include fruit and vegetable peelings, grass cuttings, coffee grounds, newspaper, and cardboard which will all decompose in around a year. The resulting compost can then be dug back into the garden next spring to provide nutrient-rich food for the garden. For more details or to order a compost bin, visit www.getcomposting.com
Getting ready for REVIVAL EVERYONE IS looking forward to the return of the Mountsorrel REVIVAL this August, with organisers saying that 90% of the pitches have already been booked.
lots of things happening around the village, including soapbox racing, games, rides, stalls, activities and music. Follow “Mountsorrel Communi-
ty Team “on Facebook or go to their website at www.the– mct.co.uk to see what’s happening and find out how you can support the event.
The Mountsorrel Community Team (MCT) says the theme of this year’s event, on Sunday August 8, is “Celebration”. Revival will begin with a parade at 11am, and there will be
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Royal British Legion marks centenary in 1932 there was a clean organisational break with the club becoming the Mountsorrel Working Men’s Club but with many members supporting both organisations.
THE CENTENARY of the Royal British Legion was marked in Mountsorrel with the laying of a wreath at the Castle Hill War Memorial on Saturday May 15.
From John Doyle
Pic: Wreath laid by Cllr Steve Haywood, Armed Forces Champion for Mountsorrel Parish Council. Also present in the photo, Mr Keith Hassall, Mountsorrel RBL Chairman (carrying Branch Standard), Mr Robin Davies, Branch Committee Member, Mrs Sheila Hassall, Branch Sec. & Rev Colin Resch Branch Padre
The British Legion was created in 1921 with the merger of the four national ex-servicemen’s organisations that had been formed in the immediate aftermath of the First World War. The Royal British Legion in Mountsorrel In July 1919, following the return of the majority of the Mountsorrel men to the village after the war, a “Welcome Home” event was held involving the whole village. Shortly after this the “Soldiers and Sailors Association” was formed, which was the precursor of the Legion here in the village. With Maj. Charles Martin as President, Roland Goodman MM as Chairman and C. W. Holland as Secretary. With the war still raw in the memory, there was a large and active membership. In 1926 the Association had formally become a British Legion Branch and took
1 - 4 - ALL Domestic Appliance Spares & Repairs part in the unveiling of Castle Hill War Memorial and then, in November, held the first village parade and church service to mark the commemoration of the 1919 Armistice. The former factory at the top of the Green (now the Scout Hut) was acquired
and developed as a licensed club, the Mountsorrel British Legion Club. The club was very successful, having regular shows and dances, but with changes in Branch leadership, it began to move away from the core aims of the Legion and into a purely social organisation for which there was a clear need. Eventually,
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Work is currently ongoing to develop the former local authority building into new office facilities for the charity's Operations Team, including 12 staff covering administration, finance, business development, research, events and fundraising. The charity will be moving out of its existing facilities in Leicester when the new offices are ready in summer 2021. The purchase of the building has been privately funded, and this, along with the whole refurbishment, is being supported by Walter Miles Electrical Engineers Ltd which has a long-standing relationship with the charity. Mesothelioma is a cancer related to exposure to asbestos and predominantly affects the lining of the lungs. The UK has the highest incidence of the disease in the world, with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year. Mesothelioma UK
offers information, support, research and a team of specialist nurses based at NHS Trusts around the country. Liz Darlison, Chief Executive Officer at Mesothelioma UK, said: “The charity has grown from humble beginnings as a basic information service for mesothelioma patients and their families. We now manage a UK-wide network of 32 Clinical Nurse Specialists, providing amazing treatment and care to mesothelioma patients, in addition to funding a range of research projects and being a voice for patients, families, carers and other healthcare professionals on the national and international stages. “The headquarters move is the next stage in our evolution, and we simply wouldn’t have been able to do this without the help from the team at Walter Miles and also the dedicated tradespeople who are getting the offices ready for us. We will be eternally grateful for their support, so we thank them all on behalf of the entire mesothelioma community.” Pic: staff outside Mesothelioma UK's new Mountsorrel premises
MOUNTSORREL POST
MOUNTSORREL UNITED CHARITIES Relief in Need Fund during Coronavirus
NATIONAL ASBESTOS-RELATED cancer charity, Mesothelioma UK is moving its UK headquarters into new offices on Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel.
JUN 2021
Charity’s new HQ
Heritage Centre ready to welcome you
Pic: the new steam locomotive, ‘Colin’
to Rossells Security for the free help they have provided." He added: “The Eco Team volunteers have been busy in the Nunckley Garden Nursery, lovingly growing plants for visitors to buy for their garden throughout the summer. The Eco volunteers have been planting many new flowers, trees and shrubs around the site to help make it even more beautiful than ever.” The popular Crazy Golf and Garden Railway have had a revamp. All the Crazy
Golf obstacles have been rebuilt. The Garden Railway has seen additional track added to create a more interesting layout, a new train has been donated which produces smoke from its chimney, and there are additional buildings in the miniature village to see. The Shack has had a makeover and other improvements to better serve visitors. “We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to The Heritage Centre Site to see all our new additions!” Steve says. The Mountsorrel and Rothley Community Heritage Centre is open seven days a week 10am until 4.45pm. For more information visit their website http://heritagecentre.co.uk . If you are interested in a plaque in the new Peace Garden, email rachaelmbarnet t@btinternet.c om for more details. Pics: the garden railway & (above) the Peace Garden
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JUN 2021
Although the pandemic has hit the Mountsorrel and Rothley Community Heritage Centre hard, their team of dedicated volunteers have used the time to make lots of improvements. Visitors will be able to enjoy all of these new additions now the site has reopened. Managing director Steve Cramp said: "Three of the really exciting changes and new projects include the new Peace Garden, the new steam locomotive ‘Colin’, who will be ready for shunting demonstrations when they reopen, and ongoing project to restore Stephenson’s historic Lift Bridge. “The new Peace Garden we have created in the bottom of the old quarry provides a peaceful, beautiful area for visitors to relax. It is also possible to buy granite plaques in memory of loved ones to go onto the sleeper sculptures in the garden. New paths have also been added in the bottom of the quarry, leading to an area we have started to develop into a beautiful garden. The quarry bottom features a new summer house allowing visitors a place to sit and relax whilst they watch the shunting demos, including our new Steam Locomotive at certain weekends”. During lockdown, the volunteers helped to move the remaining parts of Robert Stephenson's historic 1831 lift bridge to the Heritage Centre, and visitors will be able to see it being restored and rebuilt over the next two years. Granite’s Coffee Shop, the Heritage Centre building and the patio have also had a spruce up ready for reopening. The Learning Hub in the downstairs heritage room now has video clips of Woodhouse Eaves residents describing village life from the WWII years, including Beaumanor Hall's role in the war, and the upstairs heritage room has a new display about Swithland church's bells. As well as Stephenson’s Lift Bridge, the Restoration Team have been working hard and have fully restored a derelict
London Midland and Scottish Railway wagon from 1934, which is on display in the quarry heritage area and will soon house a mini-museum inside. New display boards have also been added in the railway museum to give further information about the exhibits, including Mountsorrel's royal train. “Additional security has been added following on from our burglary last year,” Steve continues. “With all buildings now protected by Fog Bandit systems and additional CCTV cameras covering all areas of the site. We give special thanks
PHOTOS: MOUNTSORREL & ROTHLEY HERITAGE CENTRE
MOUNTSORREL AND Rothley Community Heritage Centre reopened on May 17 with lots of new additions!
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Police Covid fines POLICE IN England and Wales have processed a total of 94,368 fixed penalty notices for breaches of Coronavirus restrictions up to 14 March 2021. The latest provisional figures released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council show that 25,416 fines were processed in the latest reporting period. The total processed in England is now 85,975 and 8,393 in Wales. Fixed penalty notices were processed for the following reasons: Large gatherings (£10,000 fine) 284 FPNs have now been processed relating to holding a gathering of more than thirty people in England and three in Wales. These include, but are not limited to, unlicensed music events, protests and private parties Participating in a gathering of more than 15 people (£800 fines) 1,647 FPNs have been processed under regulations requiring people not to participate in a gathering of more than 15 people. Face coverings 3,140 FPNs were processed between 15 June and 14 March for breaches of the Face Coverings Regulations in England. 547 of these fines were processed for failure to wear a face-covering on public transport. 2,593 fines were processed for failure to wear a face-covering in a relevant place, such as a retail setting. Businesses 687 FPNs were processed to businesses up to 14 March. The main reasons for the issuance of an FPN included: Businesses not enforcing face-covering regulations; businesses refusing to close during the emergency period or refusing to close during restricted hours, gatherings of more than the restricted number taking place within a business; businesses not adhering to the table service only rules. International travel regulations Up until 14 March 508 FPNs have been processed in England for those failing to self-isolate after arriving from a country on the UK Government Quarantine list. Three have been processed in Wales. Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Martin Hewitt, said: “As the rules change in the coming days, weeks and months, we can expect crime, including violent crime, to return to pre-lockdown levels. All forces have robust plans in place to deal with violence and clamp down on violent offenders.”
JUN 2021
A MEETING of Mountsorrel Parish The council has submitted its objecCouncil’s Finance and General Purtion to Jelson’s plans for 50 homes on land off Halstead Road. poses Committee was held on March In public participation, a representa8. tive from Mountsorrel Revival gave an It was agreed to leave the gate to the update on the planning for this year’s Peace Garden unlocked for a trial perievent, held on August 8. od of three months, not to proceed with A member of the public requested paying someone to look up the Peace that section 106 monies be used to proGarden at night, and to review the situavide a footpath from Cufflins Pit Lane to tion in three months. The police will be the Heritage Centre. requested to visit when they can. A representative from LRYFS spoke in A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish support of outdoor gyms and allocated Council was held on March 15. spaces for children and young people (a Chairman Kate Walker paid tribute to hub or small building). the late Graham Lloyd for his work with An offer was made to supply bulbs for young people in the village and in leadfloral displays on Walton Way. ing the Mountsorrel Community Team. Councillors considered proposals for Deepest sympathy was expressed to the family of Roy Bennett, who was chair- the future use of section 106 monies. These are cash contributions paid by man of the council from 1977–81. developers that can be spent on facilities The parish manager, Ross Willmott, that mitigate the impact of the new develreported that the war Memorial trust, opment. They are legal agreements beowners of the Mountsorrel Memorial tween the developer and Charnwood, the Centre, had accepted in principle the planning authority. Ideas proposed innew arrangements for the Memorial cluded: footpath’s, parks and play areas, Centre as an arms-length company. The arrangements should be completed with- fencing at Loughborough Road playground, additional play equipment at the in three months, he said. Loughborough Road play area, upgrade The application for outline planning permission for the Halstead Road project of facilities at Halstead Road playground, outdoor gyms, the Halstead Road project, has been agreed upon by the Project new football facilities, youth provision in and Amenities committee. the new pavilion, more allotments, BMX A staffing review of the council has track and a transport subsidy. started and been paused, pending the It was agreed to reopen the Memorial development of a strategic plan for the Centre for activities for children aged whole council.
MOUNTSORREL POST
Parish Council notes
under five from April 12. Mountsorrel’s Annual Parish Meeting was held on April 22. Chairman Kate Walker presented her report on the past year. She reflected on the challenges of Covid-19 and thanked the community for the effort it had made. She said the council was implementing the recommendations of its governance review. One of these was a new arrangement for the operation of the Memorial Centre – the council has agreed to set up an arms-length company with charitable status to run the centre, with an annual subsidy from the Parish Council. A draft three-year business plan for the centre has been drawn up. She reported that Mountsorrel has twinned with Château Montsoreau in France. The Halstead Road/Cufflins Park project will see the cricket pitch moved from Memorial Park to land off Halstead Road, with football teams moving to Memorial Park. A planning application will include plans for a pavilion, open space and allotments. It will be essential that a full study of the finances required for this project is undertaken, to ensure that both build costs and ongoing maintenance are provided for, she said. The council is considering how it can improve the village’s playgrounds. It will conduct a comprehensive mapping of the village cemetery to produce a definitive map. The council continues to fund a member of staff at Mountsorrel library and youth work in the parish. The youth work provision will be expanded, with an additional grant of £5000 this year. The council hosts the community fridge and will again be supporting the Revival event. The council is investigating the necessary repairs to the War Memorial and the Peace Garden memorial. The council continues to employ a dog warden to help keep the streets clear of dog waste. In January, the parish clerk resigned. The new parish manager is Ross Willmott. Councillor Walker said the council has ambitious plans for the future that will need careful guidance and said she hoped the Parish Council will continue to help bring people together and promote a strong sense of community spirit for years to come. At the annual council meeting on May 17, Councillor Kate Walker was elected as chairman for the ensuing year, and Councillor Beth Benner was elected vicechairman.
Busy with bunting
Lockdown crime CRIME FIGURES provided to the National Police Chiefs’ Council from forces in England and Wales show an overall fall of 22 per cent in the four weeks to 14 February 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.
THE MOUNTSORREL Community Craft Project is busy preparing bunting for this year’s REVIVAL.
PHOTOS: MOUNTSORREL COMMUNITY CRAFT PROJECT, FACEBOOK
The project invited volunteers in the village to make the flags for the bunting, which will then be assembled by a small team. The bunting will become part of the standard decorations for REVIVAL in future years.
Woodcock
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Sainsbury’s in Dobbies JUN 2021
DOBBIES GARDEN Centre has opened a new-look food hall in its Rothley store.
MOUNTSORREL POST
Throughout the pandemic, sustained falls in crime have been recorded throughout periods of national lockdown, with crime only rising close to 2019 levels during the summer months of 2020. The third national lockdown introduced on 6 January 2021 saw a large reduction in recorded crime as individuals were told to stay at home, allowing criminals fewer opportunities to commit offences. For the most recent recorded snapshot, for the four weeks to 14 February 2021, serious violent crime, including Grievous Bodily Harm, Actual Bodily Harm and personal robbery reduced by 36 per cent, shoplifting was down 44 per cent, vehicle crime fell by 36 per cent and residential burglary was down by 36 per cent compared to the same period in 2020. Reported rape saw a 12 per cent fall, and recorded domestic abuse incidents decreased by five per cent over the snapshot period compared to the same period in 2020. There remains little evidence of the significant increase in reported domestic abuse that was anticipated at the start of lockdown, although police continue to monitor this area closely and work closely in partnership with relevant organisations. Police figures do not capture hidden domestic abuse that is not reported. The latest figures also showed a 14 per cent increase in assaults on emergency workers. The rise is thought to be driven by increases in common assaults on police officers, including suspects spitting on officers while claiming to be infected with Covid19. National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt said: “We have seen falls in crime during periods of national lockdown, and we are seeing the same trends Home Grown Potatoes: again. White Marfona “Although overall crime is lower than the Red Mozart comparable time last year, demand on the Fresh Fruit & Veg police remains significant. As well as day-today policing, to prevent Local Honey & and tackle crime and Preserves incl keep communities safe, Marmalade & we continue to work Chutney alongside our partners both locally and nationally in tackling this panHorse & Pony Feeds, Goat demic and limiting the Feeds, Poultry Feeds, Rabbit spread of the virus. Food, Hay Straw & Shavings “Assaults on emergency workers who do Manure, Woodchip Mulch, Topsoil crucial work to keep the we can deliver bulk loads of these items, public safe at any time call or visit for further details are deplorable. This is an offence, and those DIY Liveries caught will be prosecuted. Police are out in FIREWOOD: bulk loads delivered communities, working in Good Quality very challenging circumDry Logs, Hard stances, and I am grate& Soft Wood, ful for their continued Coal &Smokeless hard work. Fuel, Kindling “We encourage the And lots more! public to follow the rules in place to limit LOUGHBOROUGH RD, ROTHLEY the spread of the virus.” Tel (0116) 230 2215 Forces have also James 07802 915559 continued to observe falls in calls to police. OPENING TIMES Compared to the same Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm period in 2020, 999 call Sunday 9.30am-5pm Please note these times may change volumes decreased by during public holidays. Ring us for details. 20 per cent and 101 www.woodcockfarm.co.uk calls by 18 per cent.
The garden centre chain, in partnership with Sainsbury’s, is bringing a range of food and grocery products to the store. Shoppers at Dobbies’ Rothley can now enjoy a range that includes over 3,000 products, giving customers a choice of food to take home, including ambient, chilled, fresh and frozen produce, as well as other grocery, household and toiletry products. Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “It is
fantastic to see our new look food hall open, with a diverse range of Sainsbury’s products now available for customers. This new food and grocery offer provides convenience and a wide product selection for our customers. “A big thank you to everyone who has worked hard to bring this partnership to fruition. We hope customers enjoy our new look food hall.” In line with Government guidelines, the food hall is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, Sunday 10:30am to 4:30pm with social distancing measures in place. Find out more at www.dobbies.com
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Trustee Needed The Mountsorrel Educational Fund is part of the Mountsorrel United Charities and awards grants to young people living in the village to assist them in pursuing their education. We are looking for someone who: o Is empathetic, caring and considerate, respectful and nonjudgemental o Has experience of secondary/further education. o Can commit to attending and participating in two meetings a year. Mountsorrel Educational Fund Trustee role description: Trustees need to be willing and able to: o Attend two meetings a year, usually in May & October o Read and digest grant application information o Understand basic financial information o Challenge policy and procedure
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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 email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
Thanks
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A note of thanks from the family of Mr Roy Bennett: 01.06.1926 – 19.02.2021 Mrs Trude Bennett and family would like to say Thank You for the many cards of condolence received when Roy passed away. Although we have not been able to thank everyone personally, it was wonderful to read that many thought of him as a kind and gentle man, always ready with advice and friendship, and we were touched to hear how highly regarded he was. Roy’s funeral took place at the end of March in St Peter’s Church, and he will be interred in Mountsorrel Cemetery. As the Reverend said at his funeral service, he was “Mr Mountsorrel”, having lived, worked and died in the village. Trude Bennett
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this include Mountsorrel Educational Fund (which provides educational grants to the under 25's) and Relief in Need (soon to be renamed "Mountsorrel Community Support Fund") Can all be accessed through https://mountsorrelunitedcharitie s.org.uk/
Mountsorrel Community Fridge this operates out of the rear of the Parish Rooms on Little Lane from 11am to 12pm Monday and Thursday. There is no charge but we do ask for proof of address and to keep a record of your visit. (Donations of long life and non perishable food can be made at the same time.)
Soar Valley Community Food Project
We put the interests of the customer first and we won’t compromise on our attention to detail or the quality of the materials we use
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Mountsorrel United Charities
this is a foodbank for those experiencing financial difficulties. (Some toiletries are also available). This runs from the Baptist Church next to the memorial centre on a Tuesday from 10am until Midday however they do ask that if possible you make an appointment. Ring 07743 765958 or email: soarvalleycfp@gmail.org (Donations of long life and non perishable food and toiletries can be made at the same times) Tim Jackson from the foodbank above also runs
Soar Valley Community Money Advice Centre a free service which can help you to manage your money in times of difficulty. Details can be found here http://www.soarvalleycma.org/
Young People Access to the village Youth Service via https://lryfs.co.uk (Details from Liz Blackshaw, Facebook)
JUN 2021
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in a tactful manner o Bring their skills, knowledge and experience as local residents to the table o Maintain confidentiality o Respect the views of others around the table o Confirm they are not excluded from acting as a charity trustee To apply, you should email your CV and covering letter to the Chair, Sandra Utteridge at sandra.utteridge@ntlworld.com. Closing date for applications is Sunday 31st July 2021 *
MOUNTSORREL POST
ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL WORK
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Care home shop a hit with residents RESIDENTS AT Mountview care home in Rothley have been enjoying a spot of retail therapy as staff revealed the newest addition to their home: the residents’ very own on-site convenience store. The Mountview care team and residents welcomed the Lord Mayor Councillor David Snartt, who joined the team to officially cut the ceremonial ribbon and declare ‘The Mountview News’ store officially open. He said: “I enjoyed my visit to Mountview care home immensely, the whole experience was a delight. It was a real honour to be asked to open the new ‘Mountview News’ shop within the care home and meet the residents, who, I must say were very friendly and happy! We all enjoyed some cake together in celebration of the launch, and it is fair to say I didn’t need much lunch after-
wards! I truly hope that the shop is a great success, I think all of the items for sale were well thought out to meet the needs of the residents. I look forward to visiting again in the future.” The store has been a huge hit with residents who have been heavily involved in the renovation from the start, helping to pick the name, colour theme and decoration for their store by creating mood boards, which saw them settle on a ‘vintage’ layout. Residents can shop at their leisure
and purchase newspapers, magazines, clothing and accessories, toiletries, stationery and greeting cards, cosmetics, DVD’s, homeware and decorative trinkets. The store also has a retro confec-
Rothley off-road cycle track
tionery aisle which staff hope will give residents a taste of the past. Before the launch, residents insisted that they would like to be in charge of the shop and with so many willing volunteers, the care team held small, informal ‘job’ interviews for the store manager position, declaring Liz Banks the official manageress. Liz Banks said: “I am thrilled to be given the manager role at Mountview News, it means a lot to me to have a role to fulfil, and it makes me really happy to greet customers. The team made sure all the residents got to be involved in the project, which was great. I feel like my opinion truly mattered. I am so pleased with the decoration of the store, which I was able to help arrange, seeing the bright wallpaper every day really makes me smile!’. Pic: Lord Mayor Councillor David Snartt, officially cut the ceremonial ribbon and declared ‘The Mountview News’ store officially open! The Sept issue of the
MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Sept 17. The copy deadline is Sept 3.
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AN OFF-ROAD cycle track in Rothley is being restored by volunteers.
glect, the metal ramp was removed and the whole area was overtaken by nature, with silver birches planted. 2018 saw an enthusiastic voluntary group clear back the rampant nettles and brambles, revealing the track in its deteriorated form. This allowed families and riders limited, safe biking. The area is now being upgraded again to provide a much needed offroad cycling facility for all age groups. Ben is a keen cyclist and has worked with enthusiasm, encouraging others to join in and lend a hand. He has also spread the word about this developing facility, which is now drawing cyclists from other local villages.
MOUNTSORREL POST
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 Government funded places available in September 2021
JUN 2021
Located near the Fowke Street playing field and on land owned by Rothley Parish Council, a group led by experienced track designer Ben Rafferty is restoring and extending the facility and is applying for grants to pay for the work. The 1970s saw this area develop from a simple mud circuit into a cycle speedway circuit with regular events held in competition with other venues in the region, including Leicester Cycle Speedway track, still in existence on Abbey Lane. Size limitations meant that the facility could not develop as the sport of BMX racing required, and although a vibrant club called Rothley Aces had regional and national successes, the track became more of a play facility. A metal skate ramp was added to offer more variety. Following a period of ne-
For more information please contact Carol Tel: 07745299555 or email: office.caterpillar@gmail.com Pics: (top) Ben Rafferty (right) with volunteers at the track; (left) a rider at Birstall’s track, designed by Ben
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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Getting back in the shed THE MEN and Women in Sheds project in Loughborough has resumed operation.
MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Sept 17. The copy deadline is Sept 3.
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Rob’s shed story Rob Davies has experienced multiple life-changing events since April 2014. It was then that he was made redundant from his GP Practice Manager position and embarked on a lengthy job search. Having always been very successful at interviews, Rob and his wife, Lisa, found it strange that it was taking so long to find a job. A visit to his GP resulted in a diagnosis of anxiety and depression and a prescription for anti-depressants, but Rob still struggled on the job front. Eventually, in 2015, he joined Hinckley logistics company DPD helping them to set up the local operation. It was the perfect job, being stress-free and local to him, but after a few weeks, his manager took him to one side and sensitively explained that he felt something wasn’t quite right. He suggested that Rob visit his doctor because his performance didn’t tally with his impressive CV and his experience. A GP referral resulted in Rob’s diagnosis of early-onset dementia in October 2015 at the age of just 52. Life at this point changed radically for the whole family. Whilst Rob isn’t so aware of the impact his dementia has, his wife Lisa says that forgetfulness has changed the sorts of things he can do. Rob had been a fantastic cook but can no longer follow a recipe or work out cooking timings, and his brilliance on the computer has also gradually waned. Lisa and Rob now live their lives by lists to help Rob remember what he needs to do while Lisa is at work – to have lunch, pop in to check on his mother and to take some exercise, usually a walk or bike ride. The diagnosis also meant that Rob was no longer allowed to drive. Lisa worried about Rob being home alone all day and was keen for support to get him out of the house. Their Occupational Therapist suggested attending the Loughborough Men in Sheds project, and Adult Social Services arranged for someone to drive him there for his first 16 weeks. Rob joined the Shed after Christmas and attends one day a week, getting involved in the greenhouse project and
Pic: the Loughborough shed
woodworking. In Rob’s words: “When I first walked through the door I felt at home. It has a good atmosphere and
Pic: Rob Davies
the members are friendly and supportive. Everyone helps each other and that’s the best bit – someone always says ‘I know how to do that, I’ll show you’. I used to do a lot of DIY, so I’ve been able to use those skills here, but if you’re not sure about something, someone else in the Shed will know.” Whilst the support and camaraderie are valued by Rob, Lisa feels that the structure of the day is really important: “Rob was 17 when he got his first job and worked every working day right up to 52. So coming here perpetuates the feeling of going somewhere, doing something, feeling productive and coming away feeling that he’s achieved something – and that’s very important to Rob. When we talk in the morning about what Rob is doing that day, he’s much more positive on days he’s due to visit the Shed and then there’s something to talk about in the evening. Rob’s always been a very social person so to be stuck in the village, in a house on his own when everyone else is out all day is just alien to Rob. I know he’s amongst supportive and friendly people but also that he is doing something that he likes doing.”
Charnwood Borough Council has purchased additional equipment to help people who want to help give their local communities a spring clean or are planning to get involved in next month’s Great British Spring Clean. The campaign is organised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and will be held across the country between Friday May 28 and Sunday June 13, 2021, but residents are being encouraged to get ahead of the game this year and safely start litter picking now if they wish. The Council has bought an extra 100 hi-vis jackets and litter pickers, and will also be providing colour-coded bags to help identify rubbish that has been collected by litter picking groups. Equipment will be distributed on a first come first served basis and people are being urged to get in touch with the Council as soon as possible. There will be a limit of six equipment packs per groups, and the Council will also accept requests from individuals. A Charnwood Borough Council spokesperson said: “When residents get in touch with the Council to tell us about their litter pick, we will ask them when and where they are litter picking and agree a location for our waste partners Serco to collect the bags of rubbish. As well as providing litter pickers and hi-vis jackets, we will also be providing people with colour coded rubbish bags to help make the bags easier to identify.” Groups and individuals will be able to keep the equipment for future litter picks. The Council is being supported by partners Idverde which manages the Council’s parks and green spaces, and Serco, which runs the refuse, recycling, and street cleansing service. Individuals and groups can also register their litter picking and cleansing events at www.greatbritishspringclean.org.uk. People can request equipment and provide details of their litter pick by emailing cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk
JUN 2021
The Sept issue of the
RESIDENTS IN Charnwood are being encouraged to get their free litter picking equipment ahead of the Great British Spring Clean.
MOUNTSORREL POST
The Shed, set up by Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, is a safe workshop space where older people come together to work on a wide variety of activities, including woodwork, gardening, model making and art and craft projects. The Shed was closed for much of 2020 and up to May this year due to Covid-19. It had been missed by its regular attendees who were very keen to get back into the Shed since it had been reorganised to ensure the Covid-safe participation in hobbies and activities with friends and peers. Irene Bayliss, whose husband started attending the Shed last year, said: "Sean was so happy when I told him the Shed was restarting. The Men in Sheds had given him the confidence to chat to other men and women in a safe, nonjudgemental environment. You make a difference in people’s lives far more than you will realise." On May 17, Shed Co-ordinator, Owen Jones was on hand to welcome back many of the shed members. Owen said: "Many Shed members have told me how the project has helped them to get through challenging times, including long term health conditions and other life-changing events. The recent lockdowns have been hard on our members, but it is encouraging to see that many are coming back to a project where they can keep active and that gives them a sense of purpose and a place to be with others. We are also keen to welcome new members to the Shed, so please get in touch if you would like to have a look around." Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is developing activities and sessions to support a wider section of local older people who need the support and a safe space to go to maintain their health and wellbeing. The first of these will be dementia friendly reminiscence and activities. For more information about the Shed, visit the website https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ and search for men in sheds
Collect local litter
Summer open garden event Indoor THURCASTON AND Cropston Open Gardens 2021 looks set to return this year. A spokesperson explains: Yes, that’s right; Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens 2021. We are currently planning on having an Open Gardens event on the weekend of June 26/27, 2021. In the current situation, the plan for coming out of the necessary Covid restrictions makes it possible for us to plan a 2021 Open Gardens event. Let’s hope that things will be much easier by our Open Garden weekend, and we can take our small part in reintroducing some normality as responsibly as we can. We will need to consider the concerns and the health of the garden owners and the garden visitors, with perhaps restricted or controlled numbers on the day, maybe using a traffic light system to allow for entry in some circumstances or one-way systems around some gardens. Entrance fees will be £5 to avoid any loose change. At this stage, it is too early to say in
group exercise INDOOR GROUP exercise has returned to local leisure centres.
Pics: visitors at the last Open Gardens in 2019
any detail. We may even have to cancel at the last minute. Watch our Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens website www.tcog.org.uk and the local noticeboards for updated information in May and June. Our chosen charity continues to be Leicestershire Air Ambulance, and we hope to help them raise some muchneeded funds. Like many charities, they
have suffered over the last year. So, as our gardeners plan for those brilliant displays of flowers and vegetables, sowing seeds and banishing those weeds, we hope you will pencil the dates in your diary, and we will all keep our fingers crossed for a successful Open Gardens. www.tcog.org.uk June 26/27, 2021, 2 - 6pm
GCR gets recovery grant THE GREAT Central Railway has received a grant of £515,700 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen. Nearly £400 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund. The grant, covering the period from
BIRSTALL PARISH COUNCIL GROUNDS PERSON / GARDENER 37 HOURS PER WEEK Salary ScaleLC1 (5-6): £19,312 to £19,698
MOUNTSORREL POST
JUN 2021
Birstall Parish Council is seeking to employ a motivated person to play a key role in managing and maintaining the excellent standard and condition of the playing fields, Sports Pitches, Cemetery and all other Parish Council owned land and properties situated in Birstall. You will need to have a keen interest for working outdoors and have some experience of meeting and dealing with members of the public on a daily basis. An application form is available to download from the Parish Council’s website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk or by contacting the Clerk on 0116 267 6191 or by emailing: admin@birstallpc.org.uk The closing date for applications is: 3pm – Friday, 18 June 2021
ing April to June 2021, will support the Michael Gough, the Great Central organisation with the costs it faces as it Railway PLC’s Managing Director, said: starts to welcome back visitors and makes the transition towards full reopen- “I cannot emphasise enough how much of a shot in the arm this is for us at such an incredibly difficult time. BIRSTALL PARISH COUNCIL “While we have successfully navigated the crisis thus far, the impact of CovidENFORCEMENT OFFICER 19 has dealt the Railway a £3 million 15 HOURS PER WEEK income-reduction-blow in the last 12 Salary Scale LC1 (5-6): (£19,312 to months, and this grant will significantly £19,698) Pro-rata per annum assist in the funding of actions we need to carry out to re-open Covid-secure, and in-line with government guidance. Birstall Parish Council is seeking to em“It will support us in the complex ploy a motivated person to work as process of transitioning from months of the Council’s Enforcement Officer to lockdown and significant restriction and enforce and issue Fixed Penalty Noticto return to the previous sustainable es to offenders of the rules business model of welcoming over regarding the dog fouling and dogs off 110,000 visitors each year through our leads on Parish Council owned land doors.” You will need to have a keen interest for working outdoors and have the confidence to uphold the Council’s byelaws. Training will be provided for the suitable applicant An application form is available to download from the Parish Councils website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk or by contacting the Clerk on 0116 267 6191 or by emailing: admin@birstallpc.org.uk The closing date for applications is: 3pm – Friday, 16 July 2021
Keep fit class THE TEACHER of a Mountsorrel keep fit class is retiring. Jayne Hill, a professional keep fit teacher with 40 years' experience, is retiring due to ill health. She has been holding popular weekly classes for many years at the Mountsorrel Methodist Church Sports Hall and is now seeking someone with plenty of experience to take on the weekly class of remarkably fit 55 - 85 years olds. If you are interested, contact Jayne: jayne.hill08@gmail.com
In line with the government roadmap, indoor group exercise returned to all three of Charnwood’s leisure centres from May 17. The restarting of indoor group exercise at South Charnwood, Soar Valley and Loughborough leisure centres means that residents in Charnwood can enjoy Zumba, yoga, pilates, body pump, indoor cycle and all their other favourite fitness fixes. Outdoor group exercise classes at Soar Valley will continue too for those who have been enjoying exercising in the fresh air. The centres will continue to operate in line with government safety guidelines, and those planning to visit will still be required to book and pay online. This will ensure contact is minimised at each centre and allow for the track and
trace process to be implemented. Gym users and group exercise participants will be asked to arrive ready to work out, ready to go. These measures, combined with meticulous cleaning routines, are designed to keep customers safe and offer complete confidence to use the facilities when they return to the centre, says the council. Anthony Cawley, Director of Operations at Fusion Lifestyle, Charnwood Borough Council’s leisure partner, said: “It’s a really positive step to be able to restart indoor group exercise classes. We know how popular group exercise is, and our instructors can’t wait to get back to offering the full timetable of classes. We are really pleased that we will be able to continue to offer some outdoor classes too, making sure we’re giving our members as much choice as possible.” All centres will be open daily, but please refer to the individual centre’s websites for opening hours. Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance via download of the Fusion Lifestyle app or visit www.fusion-lifestyle.com to register and use the online booking facility. 11
New £5 million fleet of electric buses A FLEET of electric buses powered by 100% renewable energy has replaced diesel vehicles on Leicester’s three park & ride routes.
will help ensure a smooth journey for passengers. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Thanks to our successful bid for government funding through the Transforming Cities Fund, we’ve been able to make this significant investment into sustainable public transport.
Runners needed for London Marathon Zoe Edwards, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Alex’s Wish and a keen runner herself, has already signed up. She said: “I’ve been running for a while now and have set my sights on completing two marathons for Alex’s Wish this year. The first is the Brighton Marathon on September 12, with the Virtual London Marathon being the second one. I really enjoy the training, the challenge and am anticipating a huge feeling of achievement afterwards! This year we were thrilled to receive 25 places for the Virtual London Marathon, and the organisers hope to attract, in total, 50,000 people to run wherever they’re based across the world.” The Virtual London Marathon enables runners to take on the world’s greatest marathon on a course of their choice from 00:00:00 to 23:59:59 BST on October 3, 2021, wherever you are in the world. Runners will have the chance to be a part of the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world. Zoe said: “Whilst October may seem like a long way off, to train effectively and efficiently for a marathon, you need to have that time on your side. “We’re asking runners to raise a minimum of £150 for Alex’s Wish, and we’ll support our runners every step of the way. Our runners will each receive ongoing support from Alex’s Wish from sign-up to the big day. We’ll provide them with fundraising ideas, marathon training advice and plans, nutrition plans, an Alex’s Wish t-shirt, a London Marathon Runner Number and a London Marathon Finish12
er t-shirt and medal. We’ll also suggest a course to run, and if you choose to run on that course, we’ll be there on the day to cheer you on!” Runners will log their miles by down-
TERRY ALLEN
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Election AT THE local elections in May, your representatives at Leicestershire County Council were elected. The results were: Rothley & Mountsorrel Election May 6, 2021 Conservative candidate Leon Hadji-Nikolaou was elected. Leon Hadji-Nikolaou (Con) 1804 (56.0%) Liz Blackshaw (Lab) 1072 (33.2%) Michelle Elizabeth Nelson (Green) 203 (6.30%) Alistair Paul Duffy (LibDem) 141 (4.37%) Turnout: 31.5% Quorn & Barrow Election May 6, 2021 Conservative candidate Hilary Jean Fryer was elected. Hilary Jean Fryer (Con) 1952 (54.7%) Josh Clayton (Lab) 1000 (28.0%) Mia Alexandra Woolley (Green) 373 (10.4%) Carolyn Thornborow (libDem) 158 (4.43%) Andy McWilliam (RefUK) 82 (2.30%) Turnout: 34.58 There was also an uncontested election for the Mountsorrel Parish Ward. Chris Berry was automatically elected to Mountsorrel Parish Council, as they were the only candidate.
MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
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0116 4422067 loading the Official Virgin Money London Marathon App, which is free. To book your place to run for Alex’s Wish, email zoe@alexswish.co.uk
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JUN 2021
THE MOUNTSORREL based charity, Alex’s Wish, have secured 25 virtual London Marathon places and are looking for runners to run with them.
“We know that if we are to persuade people to leave their cars outside the city centre, we need to offer them attractive and affordable travel alternatives. “These Greenline buses are clean, green and comfortable – and the more people use them, the more we can reduce congestion and improve air quality in the city.” Leicester’s Park & Ride services are run jointly with Leicestershire County Council and operated by Roberts Travel Group. Roberts Travel Group has played a key role in the electrification project, installing a brand new charging station at its depot in Coalville in partnership with Zenobe Energy. The buses are charged overnight and operate all day on a single charge. The Park & Ride service costs £3 return for a family/group ticket and is free for concessionary bus pass holders. The service is currently subsidised so that health workers can travel free of charge until further notice. More information can be found at choosehowyoumove.co.uk/parkride/greenlines/ Leicester’s successful bid to the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) has funded
MOUNTSORREL POST
Eleven brand new buses now operate on the routes linking Birstall, Meynell’s Gorse, and Enderby with the city centre, in the first phase of a £50m project that could see electric buses rolled out to a third of the city’s network by 2024. Bringing cleaner, greener and zeroemission public transport to Leicester for the first time, the £5m buses will also provide commuters and shoppers with a quick, quiet and comfortable journey to the city centre. The distinctive green buses – equipped with onboard digital screens and USB charging points at every seat – will also provide passengers with free WiFi. People waiting for the bus will benefit from real-time arrival information and smart new bus shelters – while new bus priority measures over the next 18 months
most of the £7.1m required for 18 new electric buses. As well as the 11 new Park & Ride buses, four electric buses will be introduced on the popular Hospital Hopper routes in the autumn, while three electric buses will operate on a new city centre shuttle service from autumn 2022. The green shuttle will ferry people between transport hubs and key destinations in Leicester, free of charge. The TCF is also funding the £7m required for complementary works, such as bus priority measures, bus shelters, digital ticketing and real-time displays, as well as the creation of two new electric bus park & ride sites at Beaumont Leys and the General Hospital. The buses – manufactured by Yutong, the world’s leading supplier of electric buses – have been supplied by Pelican Bus and Coach.