Mountsorrel Post (76) Sept 2021

MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

SEPTEMBER 2021

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 76

Celebration of almshouses TENANTS OF Mountsorrel’s Castledine Almshouses and their families were joined by the trustees for a tea party in the Memorial Centre in July.

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The occasion was a celebration of 75 years of the Almshouses Association – a charity that provides low-cost accommodation all over the country.

The Castledine Almshouses, built in 1853, are a row of six cottages in Loughborough Road Mountsorrel and were founded by deed of gift to the village by Anne Castledine in memory of her nephew Thomas and later the Walter William Adam Smith Bequest. The properties were originally intended for the poor widows of the village aged 45yrs or over.

Currently, to meet the criteria the resiContinued on page 2 Pics: tenants of the Castledine Almshouses: Sharon King, Shirley ShawWhite, Jean Brown, Linda Marshall & Christine Leader; an historic photo of the almshouses

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Lucy the Mountsorrel Paralympian A PRIMARY school teacher from Mountsorrel made her Paralympics debut for Team GB in Tokyo. necrosis. Although she was only 12-yearold at the time, she remembered knowing that something wasn't quite right.

“It was quite scary because I was an accidentprone kid, I had broken my wrist a couple of times before and I thought it would

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Pic: (above & inset) Paralympian Lucy Robinson

just be the same it this time, but I the GB Futures Programme, before being couldn't get up.” called up to the GB Women’s junior Lucy had to have an external fixator programme. for several months while she recovered In 2018, Lucy finished as a joint-top and was told she would no longer be scorer in the U24 European Championable to play football. After many operaships final, where Team GB won gold. tions and lots of rehab, Lucy was able to The team claimed bronze at the U25 walk, albeit with a pronounced limp and World Championships the following year in need of a hip replacement. But the in Thailand. long-term outlook was no able-bodied Alongside training, Lucy has also sport. juggled a teaching degree at Sheffield She tried archery but missed the team Hallam University. She completed her element of football, so instead moved on degree in Primary Education last year, to wheelchair basketball. achieving a First Class Honours and has After attending a 'come and try' event even had time to squeeze in some work organised by the Leicester Cobras club, as a supply teacher in between her sporther heart was set on the game. ing commitments.

“It was kind of incredible to be in a After taking part in her first overseas sports hall surrounded by people with training camp in January 2020, Lucy will disabilities of all ages and abilities,” she now be making her Paralympics debut. said. “Having a limp slowed me down Before the call in May, she had told but watching how fast people could go her friends and family to assume she in a wheelchair was amazing. “We were had not been selected - but when the all equal there.” call came, she was "utterly shocked".

Lucy spent the session talking to “I just couldn't believe it - I thought people from all walks of life about the 'oh my gosh, this is really happening,” game, becoming more interested in she said. “I haven’t stopped smiling playing. since”.

“I met one man who had both of his Lucy set off to Tokyo with the rest of legs blown off and lost an eye while he the Women's Senior Team on August 19. was serving in Afghanistan - he was “I really think I have proved myself and really inspirational,” she said. it's an honour to be on the team.”

Not long after, she began training Update: the Women’s Wheelchair with the team and became part of The Basketball team placed seventh in Tokyo.

Cobras’ Women’s League team.

She continued to develop through the The December issue of the British Wheelchair Basketball (BWB) pathway, being one of the first athletes MOUNTSORREL POST to join its Advanced Apprenticeship in will be published on Nov 26 Sporting Excellent in 2015.

The copy deadline is Nov 12 A year later, she was invited to attend

SEP 2021

Pic: guests at the tea party in the Memorial Centre Continued from page 1 dents have to be female aged 45yrs or place between each property. This inover and to have a limited income. volved raising each of the roofs by one Tenant Christine Leader said: “The brick. cottages are very comfy, you feel very There are also plans to renovate or welcome and living here as like being replace the original sandstone plaque on part of a family.” the front of the building, which is now The trustees are in the process of indecipherable. Anyone wishing to doreplacing all six roofs to improve insula- nate to this work can contact tion and have also put fire prevention in chris_haywood@btinternet.com

MOUNTSORREL POST

“It took me years to get to this point, but for me, this is just the start of my journey,” said Lucy Robinson (22).

Lucy is the youngest member of the senior women's wheelchair basketball team and says she never expected to be selected this year despite her background of sporting success.

The 22-year-old began playing wheelchair basketball in her early teens, but her first sporting ambition was to play football. From a young age, Lucy was a promising footballer with dreams of making it big, but a life-altering accident changed everything.

While roller-skating, Lucy fell and severely damaged her hip, leaving her with a long-term hip condition, avascular

Heritage Centre receives prestigious award LEICESTERSHIRE’S Lord-Lieutenant visited Mountsorrel & Rothley Community Heritage Centre in June to present the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

They met volunteers and were given a tour of the Railway Museum and Robert Stephenson’s 1834 lift bridge before Mr Kapur formally opened the recently completed Peace Garden.

• Beside the Peace Garden a new botanical garden is being planted which is receiving “fantastic feedback from visitors” says Steve.

Heritage Centre spokesman, Steve Cramp, said: “Last year, all the hard work our team of community volunteers have put in to create and look after the Heritage Centre site was recognised as we were awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade a volunteer organisation can be awarded and the equivalent of an MBE.” Lord-Lieutenant Mike Kapur OBE was accompanied by Rosemary Conley CBE, Baroness Morgan of Coats, Charnwood leader Cllr Jonathan Morgan and Tim Deal from Tarmac.

Pics (left): Lord-Lieutenant Mike Kapur presents the award to Steve Cramp; (below) Lord-Lieutenant Mike Kapur & Rosemary Conley meeting volunteers

DAIRY TO DOOR ■ GOING GREEN

MOUNTSORREL POST

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Pic: volunteers planting a tree in the new garden are (l – r) David and Helen Williams, Jean Ramsell and Anthony Ashworth

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Scouts help plant colourful garden RESIDENTS AT Mountview care home in Rothley have been enjoying a spot of gardening with the help of the Mountsorrel Beavers Scouts.

Children aged between 6 and 8 contest across all Ideal joined forces with the Mountview resicare homes that encouragdents to create an eye-catching rainbowes both staff and residents themed garden design in the garden, to work together to empaying tribute to social care, NHS, and brace their love of the other healthcare staff that have worked great outdoors. at the forefront of the Covid-19 pandemScouts leader, Alison ic.

Harris, who arranged the Residents spent time outdoors with gardening club and prethe Beavers providing useful gardening sented the Beaver Scouts tips, such as how to correctly plant flowwith their gardening ers and bulbs to get the most bloom, achievement badges, said: and how to maintain gardens with weed “It has been wonderful and pest maintenance techniques. watching our Beavers Resident, Betty Allen, said: “I have work together with the really enjoyed our garden visit from the Mountview residents to Beaver Scouts, it is nice to see the clubs create such a lovely tribstill exist as I have really fond memories ute garden. It has been a from my days in the scouts. I was really long time since we were able to pleased to see the lads doing some planttake on new badge work, so it was all ing and weeding, leaving their print on the more special to have the residents our garden. I am really proud of them, cheer on our Beavers as we handed out and they definitely deserved their new everyone’s Gardening badges. I know the gardening achievement badges – well children will be back soon to take part done to them all.” in more exciting activities, challenges Rothley garden centre, Dobbie’s, gave and fundraisers!” the Mountview team free rein to shop Mountview Home Manager, Stacie until they dropped, as they gifted over Weaver, said: “Receiving a visit from the 30 punnets of Hyacinths, Pansies and Beaver Scouts has been a real high point tulips, in a multitude of colours to fit the for us all. They have such a wonderful theme. The home also received many ‘can do’ attitude, and it really showed in packets of sunflower seeds to grow over the work they did in our garden. Since the summer. their visit, we have had super feedback The rainbow garden will be one of on our NHS themed flower patch and I the centrepieces for the Mountview’s look forward to presenting it to our Gardens in Bloom competition entry, a Ideal Gardens in Bloom judges and ex-

Pic: Mountview residents and staff beside the garden plaining how much fun we had putting it together!”

Mountview care home, based on Loughborough Road and operated by Ideal Carehomes, provides 24-hour residential and dementia care. The home is currently welcoming new residents for

TERRY ALLEN

short and long term placements. For more information about Mountview, contact Stacie Weaver on 0116 303 3303 or visit http://www.idealcarehomes.co.uk

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Fun filled class is keeping people fit OUTDOOR FITNESS training sessions are taking place five times a week in Mountsorrel, on the Memorial playing fields next to the leisure centre.

They are led by Mountsorrel’s Hayley Phillips, who has worked in the fitness industry for over 17 years.

Hayley, a qualified personal trainer, said: “When leisure centres closed during the first Covid lockdown, I really missed fitness coaching. I still wanted to help people keep fit so, in May last year, I offered free HIIT sessions via Facebook Live.

“In June, we were able to meet in larger groups for outdoor exercise, and so I launched Hayley Phillips Outdoor

Fitness.

“We meet on the Memorial playing fields next to the leisure centre five times per week, and sessions run all year round. Some people are not ready to go back to indoor exercise, and others really do enjoy the outdoor group environment in the fresh air, come rain or shine.”

She added: “I’ve received many comments from members that our sessions have really helped them mentally and emotionally as well as physically, and it’s been brilliant seeing people grow fitter and stronger.

Many members had not exercised much, if at all, in the past. However since Covid, it really hit home how important good physical health is.

It’s lovely too that my members have made new friends or reconnected with old friends. It really is a great commu-

nity to be part of.”

If you’d like to find out more, contact Hayley on 07715 642079.

Hayley said: “I absolutely love going to work and seeing so many people from all walks of life each day, coming together, having a laugh while keeping fit and well.”

Pics: (top) the Mountsorrel class & (left) personal trainer Hayley Phillips

The December issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Nov 26 The copy deadline is Nov 12

Grant funding for education ARE YOU under 25 years of age, living in Mountsorrel and need help with funding your education?

MOUNTSORREL POST

SEP 2021

The Mountsorrel Educational Fund may be able to help you.

It is a charity that can award grants, at the absolute discretion of its trustees, from the funds it has available to assist young people in pursuing their education.

A spokesperson said: “Last year we awarded grants of £121,648 to the local school, students and those in Higher Education and Training. The trustees will be meeting in November to consider applications from young people who are planning to continue their education at College and Universi-

ty.”

To apply you need to be: • Under the age of 25 • A pupil or former pupil of Christ Church and Saint Peters Church of England School or • have been (or whose parents have been) resident in the Electoral Parish of Mountsorrel for at least 12 calendar months.

Application forms can be downloaded from the website: http://mountsorrelunitedcharitie s.org.uk/mef/ The absolute deadline for submission of completed application forms is 5pm on Friday, October 15, 2021.

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Pics: First prize went to Louise Turton (her design pictured far left), second to Austin Parker (left). Below: the prize winning designs of (from l-r) Freya Law, Olive Snell & Sophie Iliffe

Creative kids’ programme designs

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A Revival spokesperson said: “We have some great young talent in Mountsorrel. We will be using parts of the designs in our posters and promotional work for next year, so keep an eye out.”

All the winners received art supplies,

sweets and a certificate. First prize went to Louise Turton (10) and second prize to Austin Parker (9). Other winners were Freya Law (5), Olive Snell (11) and Sophie Iliffe (9).

THE CANCELLATION of Mountsorrel REVIVAL did not stop the soapbox team and they've done the next best thing…for all of August, CARSA in Mountsorrel hosted a soapbox display in their showroom.

The December issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Nov 26 The copy deadline is Nov 12

SEP 2021

Organisers, the Mountsorrel Community Team, made the announcement on July 1.

In a statement on their website, they said: “We are very sorry to announce that our Mountsorrel REVIVAL 2021 is cancelled.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly. As you may be aware from our previous updates it had been our intention to continue if restrictions are lifted on 19th July.

Regrettably, this week we have been informed that some of our biggest attraction suppliers have had to pull out of the event and another popular attraction was likely to follow.

This has been mainly linked to COVID problems beyond their control.

“A huge amount of work towards staging the event is already complete. This made it a very difficult decision for our team. However, we are all in agreement that this, in addition to being aware that even if restrictions are lifted, there will remain in place additional financial and organisational requirements that put severe burdens on our budget and the team.

“We apologise to all our volunteers, stakeholders, potential visitors and especially to the people of Mountsorrel, whose enthusiasm makes this event such a great success. We thank everyone for their support, encouragement and understanding and we remain committed to making our REVIVAL 2022 an even more spectacular community event. We look forward to seeing everyone at REVIVAL 2022.”

THE REVIVAL 2021 program design competition still went ahead, and the winner’s artwork will appear on the program cover in 2022.

MOUNTSORREL POST

MOUNTSORREL REVIVAL 2021 was cancelled due to Covid-19 related issues.

Market trader for 54 years retires ONE OF the longest standing stallholders on Loughborough Market traded for the last time in June.

Mountsorrel’s Roger Boon has been part of the Charnwood Borough Council’s market for over 54 years, trading as Boon’s Hosiery, and is swapping the early morning starts for retirement.

The Boon family first started trading in Loughborough in the 1940s as a mobile bookseller before moving into selling hosiery and knitting wool. The market stall Boon’s was set up in 1947, the same year Roger was born. The stall operated alongside three other shops in Loughborough.

At the age of 15, Roger headed to Sea School on the Vindicatrix near Bristol

Parish Council notes THE ANNUAL meeting of Mountsorrel parish council was held on May 17.

Cllr Kate Walker was elected chairman and Cllr Elizabeth Benner was elected vice chairman.

It was agreed to accept the Memorial Centre business plan as a working document and to recruit a general manager at a salary of around £35,000 per annum.

A meeting of the finance & general purposes committee was held on July 19.

Cllr Leon Hadji-Nikolaou introduced himself as the newly elected county councillor for Mountsorrel.

He reported that each county councillor had been allocated £25000 to spend on highway improvements in their ward and asked for ideas on how the money could be spent.

Cllr Megan Pirt was appointed as a trustee to the Mountsorrel Educational Fund for four years from May 28, 2021.

MOUNTSORREL POST

SEP 2021

Baby massage and yoga BABY MASSAGE and Baby Yoga classes are coming to the area.

Baby Massage will be launching at The Methodist Church in Mountsorrel every Wednesday from 1.30-2.15pm.

Baby Yoga will also be launching this October at The Trinity Rooms in Barrow Upon Soar, every Wednesday from 10.30am-11.15am Both are 5-week courses.

Course leader Lisa Porter from Chi Baby said: “ The classes are a lovely opportunity for parents to learn techniques to help soothe and settle baby along with some fun yoga, singing and sensory play. We will also enjoy a cuppa and social chat at the end of each session.”

For more details, contact Lisa Porter @Chi Baby on 07894 966606

where he worked on five ships. He returned to Loughborough in 1967 to help with the family business.

In 1980, his parents handed him the reins to the business which he has proudly kept going for over 40 years.

Roger says he is looking forward to spending time with the family but will miss life on the market and his customers who have supported his business for decades.

Roger said: “I have family and friends all over the country and I’m looking forward to spending more time with them, but I will definitely miss seeing my customers and not having to get up at 5am for market days will also be a nice bonus!

“I have loved trading on Loughborough Market for so many years. From the banter with other traders to having weekly chats with my regular customers.

I would like to thank everyone who has already popped by to stock up on their favourite products or to just wish me well on my retirement.

“Being a market trader really is like no other job and it has been a real privilege."

Roger’s retirement is taking place in the same year that marks the 800th anniversary since Royal Charters were granted for the Loughborough Market and annual Loughborough Fair.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough said: “Boon's has been part of Loughborough’s history for 74 years. First with the shops and then the market stall. Roger is a familiar face on the market, and we know many people will miss his stall.

“However, 54 years on the market is a fantastic achievement and he certainly deserves to put his feet up and spend more time with his family.

“On behalf of the Council and visitors

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Pic: market trader Roger Boon

to Loughborough Market, I would like to thank Roger for being part of our wonderful market for so many years and wish him well on his retirement.”

The award-winning Loughborough Retail Market operates every Thursday and Saturday between 8am-4pm and has a range of stalls selling fresh produce and confectionery as well as clothing and household goods.

You can find out more about Loughborough Market at www.charnwood.gov.uk /markets

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Noticeboard all details printed free Grab a coffee, have a chat

Community Fridge for some fresh food on Mondays and Thursdays at the Parish Rooms, Leicester Road from 11am to 12pm. You will need to give your details and proof of living in Mountsorrel You can also contact Mountsorrel Baptist Church by Sunday on the

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Mountsorrel Community Food project If you are worried about how you will manage when the £20 uplift to Universal Credit is withdrawn, NOW is the time to contact the Foodproject so that we can help you to plan for the drop in your income.

We have friendly experts on hand to offer advice about budgeting, benefits and debt.

As well as helping by providing food when you are most in need the Foodproject is a safe space for you share a coffee and your financial problems. We are able to help in many other ways to.

Please message or phone us for an appointment or pop in on Tuesday morning between 10-12 at the Baptist Church (next to the Memorial Centre) Phone or text 0739 5956777

Guild going strong THE MOUNTSORREL Townswomen’s Guild is looking to restart its activities after the enforced closure due to the pandemic.

Members were due to plant a tree in the Peace Garden to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Mountsorrel TWG last year, but this was delayed until this year when they finally planted a cotoneaster. While the tree was planted in August, they will unveil a small plaque on October 1, followed by light refreshments.

After the members have met for their AGM, they will decide on future events.

The Mountsorrel Townswomen’s Guild is the only one still active in the county and possibly one of the oldest in the country.

Get out walking THE WEEKLY health walks at Barrow, Gorse Covert and Loughborough Town continue, as does the weekly Queen’s Park Nordic walks.

All these walks are free and beginners are welcome.

On Wednesday September 16, there is a longer walk with John Mumford. John will be leading a six-mile circular walk through the countryside from Seagrave.

Loughborough Nordic Walking group at the Outwoods continues on the week-

ends. Whilst the taster walks have finished, if you would like to give the group a go for free there is a discount code available – details on the booking page. www.bookwhen.com/loughboroughnordi cwalking.

On Friday September 16, the next Nordic walk takes place at Watermead Park with the Ministry of Nordic Walks community group.

For all walks details and booking visit www.charnwoodsport.org.uk/guidedwalks or call 01509 63 4673.

Charity superstore YOUR LOCAL air ambulance opened the doors in July to its biggest superstore, The Hanger, in Beaumont Leys.

The superstore, located in the Beaumont Shopping Centre, Bradgate Mall, has undergone a substantial transformation, and now the 20,000 sq ft space is the charity’s third and biggest superstore to date, offering customers a large range and quantity of goods, as well as a donation station to make it easier for people to drop off their donations.

The grand opening was attended by charity staff, volunteers, crew, and the official mascot Blade. As the ribbon was cut, visitors were welcomed in and had the opportunity to have a look around the superstore split over two floors and shop the extensive variety of new and

pre-loved homeware, furniture, electricals, clothing, entertainment, and brandnew white goods for sale.

The charity – which operates the 24/7 frontline Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) – relies on donations and income from its stores to remain operational, saving lives across Leicestershire and further afield.

“It’s great to be able to open our doors to the Leicestershire community today – and on behalf of the charity – I’d like to say a massive thank you to our local communities as we have already received such wonderful support,” says the charity’s Head of Retail, Gemma Ingram.

“We have such a vast variety of goods on offer here, so I really do encourage people to come to Beaumont Leys visit our superstore and shop with us, as we really couldn’t offer our lifesaving service without the public’s generosity,” adds Gemma.

The superstore opening follows this year’s launch of the lifesaving service’s brandnew replacement aircraft – so support for them at this time is essential as they attend up to ten potentially lifesaving missions per day, with each mission costing £1,700.

SEP 2021

If you are a resident of Mountsorrel don't forget you can pop down to the

number on the flyer to request a food parcel for next Tuesday. If you are struggling to make ends meet and worried about buying food then these are two ways to get help with your groceries

MOUNTSORREL POST

If you, or someone you know, is a male resident of Mountsorrel and would like to go along and have some company and brunch then just turn up at Breward's Coffee Shop on The Green, Mountsorrel on Tuesdays at 11.30am – 1.30pm for the men's group.

There's no charge and no need to book

Tree planting scheme

Pic: The Green, Mountsorrel

AN AMBITIOUS new plan to make Leicestershire greener and boost biodiversity is being launched by the county council, with plans to plant 700,000 trees – one for every resident in the county.

MOUNTSORREL POST

SEP 2021

Leicestershire is one of the least wooded areas of the country, currently around 6% woodland – well below the national average of 10%.

The county council currently manages around 321,000 trees (including 404 hectares of woodland), but with diseases such as Ash Die Back placing more trees under threat, the authority’s strategy and action plan, adopted in May 2020, will see the number of trees across the county increase dramatically.

It has already started to improve, thanks to the National Forest, which has increased forest cover in the northwest corner of the county to 21%. This is something that the council is keen to replicate elsewhere; in towns, villages, on farms, country parks and open spaces and embedded in the design of new housing and employment developments.

The tree planting will also support the county council’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030, as trees and woodlands play an important part in cleaning up the environment, providing clean air, improving soil quality and reducing flooding.

And it’s not just the environment which will benefit - research shows that a walk among trees reduces stress and improves mental wellbeing.

The council has submitted applications for grant funding to the Forestry Commission to help tree planting projects take root and to enable sustainable woodland management across its country parks, and it is looking for further opportunities to increase tree plant-

ing across the county.

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment, said: “The need for increased tree cover, both globally and locally, is well documented as a major action to mitigate climate change, and we are determined to take action now to ensure future generations can enjoy the wide-ranging benefits brought by trees and woodlands.”

Leicestershire County Council currently provides a free tree scheme for farmers and landowners and works closely with the Woodland Trust to offer tree packs for planting projects, including new hedgerows and the creation of new woodlands.

News from village heritage group THE MOUNTSORREL Museum and Heritage Trust have been busy over the long period of the shutdown.

They have undertaken archaeological test pit digs in an attempt to locate part of the Mountsorrel Castle.

While the dig was quite a large undertaking for the volunteers, no conclusive evidence was found as to whether or not they had found the remains of the castle or natural bedrock.

They are also continuing to maintain the village Peace Garden with increased activity towards the November Remem-

brance services. The Wild Flower Meadow has also continued to flourish with some quite unusual flora and fauna.

They have also been researching the history, social events, residents and businesses that were located on the Green.

The results of their research can be seen at the Mountsorrel Heritage Museum from September 25. The exhibition will be open during normal library opening times on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

In April 2020, the group was saddened by the sudden death of Paul Hunt, a Trustee and the Group’s Genealogist.

This was followed by Paul’s wife, Maggie,

who passed away on June 26, 2021, after a short illness. Maggie was the Chairman of the Group and an active member of Charnwood Roots. Both Paul and Maggie will be greatly missed by the group.

The group will be restarting their popular monthly talks at the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre commencing at 7.30pm on September 14, when the subject will be “A Virtual Pub Crawl and Tour” around the 30 plus public houses that used to be in Mountsorrel. All welcome, admission £3 members and £4 nonmembers. Annual membership is £5.

From Mountsorrel Museum & Heritage Trust

Pic: Loughborough Market, 1904

Loughborough market memories A NEW exhibition charting the 800-year history of Loughborough’s market is now on display at Charnwood Museum.

The Market 800 exhibition has been created by Leicestershire County Council’s Communities and Wellbeing Team, working with Loughborough Library

Local Studies Volunteer Group, Charnwood Borough Council and market traders.

The colourful panels in the display chart the history of the town’s market from the first Royal Market Charter of 1221, which also permitted an annual fair in the town, through to the develop-

ments and expansions in the 20th and 21st centuries along with memories and expressions of what Loughborough’s markets mean to people today.

The exhibition can be seen in Charnwood Museum until December 19, 10am to 4pm from Tuesday to Saturday and 10am – 1pm on Sunday. Admission is free.

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HANNAH CLARKE FOR ALMSHOUSES The almshouses has a vacancy of a one bedroom flat, well situated with an open outlook over the golf course, and is maintained to a high standard by the Trustees.

The property is of a sheltered nature and is suitable for a lady of 60 years plus. It is situated in Park Road, Birstall.

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Pics: the site of the proposed development, off Halstead Road; (above) the layout of the site

A new vehicular and pedestrian access would be provided off Halstead Road. A footpath will link the site to the phase 1 development.

Issues raised by those objecting to the plans include: The site falls outside the allocated development areas Loss of attractive open countryside Loss of wildlife habitat Drainage and flooding Schools and other local facilities are already oversubscribed Increase in local traffic On August 24, Leicestershire County Council Highways stated they had no objections to the plans on highway safety grounds.

Details of the application can be

viewed on the planning pages of Charnwood’s website. The planning reference is P/20/2361/2

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The application has received dozens of objections from residents, as well as Mountsorrel Parish Council.

Developer Jelson has submitted the plans for a plot of land on Halstead Road, next to the site they are currently developing. That site received plan-

ning permission in 2014 for 200 homes – Jelson describes the new plans, for 50 homes on the site immediately to the west, as phase 2.

The application site is 3.1 ha and is currently used as a paddock. The proposed scheme is a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, with 30% (15 dwellings) designated as affordable. A 20 m wide green corridor with newly planted trees would be provided along the entire eastern boundary of the site.

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PLANS FOR a 50 home development on the edge of Mountsorrel will be determined at by Charnwood Borough Council in September.

Tower improvement project A PROJECT to improve the visitor experience at Loughborough’s iconic Carillon Tower has received a boost thanks to Arts Council England.

A grant of £13,500 has been awarded to the project which involves Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough War Memorial Museum Trust and Charnwood Arts.

Part of the funding will be used to appoint a designer to create plans for the inside of the Carillon Tower to be re-imagined for future visitors so that it can deliver the best opportunities for learning and engagement for visitors and be accessible to all.

There will also be a consultation aimed at all the target audiences of the Carillon Tower, including schools, community groups, young people and local families to discover how to better reflect the diversity of people who live and work in Charnwood.

The outcomes of the plans and consultation will then feed into another, larger funding application to bring the plans to fruition. The overall aim is to improve the museum within Loughborough’s iconic Carillon Tower and find creative ways bring the tower’s heritage to a wider audience.

The tower and the museum is currently closed to visitors while funding is secured to make improvements inside.

Councillor Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “Congratulations to the Loughborough War Museum Trust, Charnwood Arts and Charnwood Borough Council on their successful bid for funding, and to Arts Council England for accepting the bid.

“The tower is an integral part of the culture of the town and this funding will go a long way to improving people’s

the borough council, supported by War Memorials Trust.

To discover more about the Loughborough Carillon Tower and War Memorial Museum, visit www.carillontower.org.uk.

Converter thefts REPORTS OF catalytic converter thefts across the UK have dropped by 57 per cent, as people opt to forensically mark their vehicles.

Pic: the Carillon Tower

experience when they visit the tower.”

Shirley Novak, CEO of Charnwood Arts, said: “We as a team are delighted to be part of this truly amazing project which brings home once again the importance of ‘community’.

“Congratulations to Loughborough War

Museum Trust, Charnwood Arts and Charnwood Borough Council and we can’t wait to start the process of raising the awareness of this wonderful resource on our home ground.”

In 2018, a £280,000 conservation project was carried out on the tower by

Catalytic converter thefts peaked in March 2021, with 3,245 recorded in the UK that month. Thefts have steadily declined since, with 1,378 recorded in July.

A surge in the price of precious metals saw theft of catalytic converters become a national issue earlier this year, and police across the UK joined forces to combat the trend.

In April, British Transport Police (BTP) coordinated a multi-agency operation to tackle catalytic converter theft. Over a thousand stolen catalytic converters were recovered and more than 50 people were arrested. During the week, over a thousand vehicles were also forensically marked by officers and partner agencies.

Reports of catalytic converter theft should be made as soon as possible to increase the chances of detection.

People are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police by calling 101, or 999 if an offence is in progress. If you spot something at a railway station, contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.

Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555111.

Shared Lives carers providing support

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A BIRSTALL woman is using her own positive experiences to appeal to more people to become Shared Lives carers.

For more than 10 years, Hayley, from Birstall, has played a big part in helping to care for Maxine and wants to encourage more county residents to make ‘a space in their lives’ for adults who need that extra support.

The county council’s Shared Lives carer scheme supports adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or other needs that make it harder for them to live on their own.

Maxine lives with Hayley and her family. Hayley said: “I became involved with the Shared Lives service when I was a second carer for my mum and decided to make it my full-time work – I’ve loved it.

“Maxine has been with me for nearly 13 years now, and she has really fitted well into the family and has given my children a different outlook, they’ve grown up with Maxine being part of their life.

“We have a great relationship and love

Pic: Shared Lives carer Hayley with Maxine

doing things together, especially shopping. Maxine has come a long way in that time and is quite independent and has her own unique ways."

There are many different types of shared lives carer, some carers live with the person they care for full time, some offer short breaks for days or weeks or are daytime support for someone on a

one-to-one basis or groups.

Maxine said: “I like living here with Hayley. I like to help out and love going shopping with Hayley and buying new clothes. We also socialise together, and I enjoy working at charity shops and meeting all the customers.”

Shared Lives carers are self-employed so have the flexibility to carry on work-

ing in an existing job. They can work from home or stay at home to raise their children.

Christine Radford, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for adults and communities, said: “Our 'Shared Lives’ carers are so valuable.

Spending time with people in their communities can help our adults in social care learn valuable skills and make friends for life.

“Becoming a Shared Lives carer is a great way to give back to your community, do something with a real sense of purpose and accomplishment while earning money and fitting your work around your own schedule.”

To find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer, contact the county council team on sharedlives@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 8133

11

Poppy appeal & Remembrance MOUNTSORREL POPPY Appeal organiser John Doyle reports on this year’s appeal, and Remembrance events in the village: Like many other charities, the Poppy Appeal suffered a major reduction in income last year due to the constraints of Covid-19, but with the easing of restrictions, it is hoped that we will be able to return to mount a full appeal in the village this year.

The village Royal British Legion Branch has had a positive reaction from the retailers whom we have already approached and you should therefore see the traditional Poppy Collection boxes appearing around the village as of October 28.

This year we plan to have a collection point at Waitrose Mountsorrel on the weekend of October 30/31 and Dobbie’s Garden Centre on Sunday No-

Pic: the familiar parade through the village will not be taking place this year

vember 7 and thank the management of both stores for their support.

We also hope to have a Poppy Collection point at the Mountsorrel Memorial

Centre on the morning of Saturday November 6.

Following discussions with the Parish Council, it has been decided that with

the continuing Covid-19 constraints, it is not possible to hold the village Parade this year. We are, however, hopeful that next year will see a full return to normality.

On Armistice Day, there will be the now traditional Field of Remembrance Service at the Peace Garden starting at 11am with the cross laying being led by pupils of Christ Church and St Peter’s Primary School. For those wishing to lay crosses these, it is hoped, will be available from the Foyer of the Memorial Centre during the Poppy Appeal period.

Although there will be no parade, there will still be a village Remembrance Service at St Peter’s Church commencing at 3pm on Sunday November 14. It is hoped that village community groups will in due course receive invitations to this service from the Parish Council.

Wreaths laid during the service will later be moved to the Peace Garden.

Before the Service at St Peter’s, there will be a wreath-laying at the Memorial Centre.

Ponies’ field gets flood protection TARMAC’S MOUNTSORREL Quarry has come to the aid of a local resident, who reached out for help after a field that is home to rescue ponies was left unusable due to flooding.

The entrance to the field, situated on Betty Henser Lane in Mountsorrel, sits below the flood level, meaning the ponies could be stuck in deep mud for days at a time.

To help relieve the issue, the quarry donated materials to improve the ground under foot for the horses, which included 150mm Type 1 subbase, geotextile fabric and several old quarry conveyor belts. The quarry also enlisted the help of A&V Squires to transport the materials

and help with the groundworks.

Trevor Warren, works manager at Mountsorrel Quarry, said: “Seeing the condition of the field when flooded, we knew we had to do something to help and were keen to get involved.

“I would like to thank A&V Squires for their help with the project, along with the team from QPI Ltd who helped us cutting the old conveyor belts down to size. It’s great to know the ponies now have a useable field to call home.”

Sharon Eva Bunney, owner of the rescue ponies, said: “We are very grate-

ful to Mountsorrel Quarry for helping us improve the ground conditions for the ponies.

“It’s a relief to go in the autumn and winter months knowing the ponies are safe and that we don’t have to worry about them when the weather turns for the worst.”

The December issue of the

MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on Nov 26 The copy deadline is Nov 12

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Pic: rescue ponies in Mountsorrel