MOUNTSORREL POST Waste YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Delivered
to Mountsorrel, four times a year
MARCH 2010
ISSUE No. 30
site approved A NEW waste and recycling site will be built in Mountsorrel.
Pic: Mountsorrel’s Beat Officer PC Paul Bird with Abigail Perry (left) & Lydia Cant
Week of community activities A WEEK of community activities and events took place in Mountsorrel in March in a bid to improve the environment and boost residents’ fitness and wellbeing. A community litter pick on March 1 kicked off the initiative which was organised by Charnwood Borough Council’s Communities and Partnerships Team. Nearly 11 tonnes of rubbish were collected on Monday morning during the environmental clean up: this included over 10 sofas and over 40 white goods including 11 fridges and freezers. Officers from the Borough Council including the Communities and Partnerships Team, Waste Management and Street Management and Voluntary Action Charnwood were joined in the clean up by Deacon Jan Sutton from the Methodist Church and local residents. Refreshments were provided by the Lindens public house. As well as being able to take part in a host of activities during the week, villagers also benefited from direct access to many service providers including Charnwood Borough Council, Housing, Police, Fire and Rescue and the Health Service. Events included a Wriggly Reader session Continued on page 2 Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 1
The County Council has approved the plans for the site on Granite Way despite objections from residents in Mountsorrel, Quorn and from Mountsorrel Parish Council. Objectors were concerned about traffic congestion, noise disturbance, air pollution, vermin and possible risk from toxic waste. The site will replace the facility at Sileby, which will be closed. The County Council say the Sileby site has one of the lowest recycling rates in the county. A spokesman said: “A replacement site at Mountsorrel would have significant operational advantages and facilitate an increase in recycling to help the County Council meet local and national targets.”
Continued from page 1
at Mountsorrel library, and free health check sessions, including blood pressure and cholesterol checks, at the Methodist Church. Visitors received advice from dieticians and had a chance to try out new physical activities including Pilates. On Thursday March 4 a free community event was held at the Lindens Public House. The activities included fun for children with the activity Play Rangers and a chance to get involved in plans for a mural design with Charnwood Arts. Organisations including the Police Service, Youth Service, the Borough Council’s Recycling and Antisocial Behaviour teams, Credit Union, Bridge Housing, the Fire and Rescue Service and Sure Start were there to help residents with any issues they may have. The Fire and Rescue and Police Services brought their community trucks and offered advice on home and personal safety. A local bike service called ‘Free Wheels’ was also on hand to give free bike checks and help with repairs. Mountsorrel resident Alex Wallace said: “I think this is a good thing for the people of Mountsorrel. It gives us a chance to work together to improve things in the village.
Pic: Mayor of Charnwood Roy Brown & the Mayoress Gillian Brown look on as Playrangers Linda Savage (left) & Sue Monk prepare activities for children at the Lindens on Halstead Road Pic: (left): Mayor Roy Brown helps service a bike at the stand set up by Freewheel: they visit local schools to teach basic bike maintenance to young people
“I have enjoyed working with Helen Clarke, from the council’s Communities and Partnerships Team, in planning and organising the event – now I am just praying for good weather and some sunshine during the week!”
Cllr David Snartt Chair of the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, said: “I am delighted that the Partnership is supporting this event and that so many of our partners are actively participating. “It is by working with local communities that we can reduce crime and disorder across our communities. Mountsorrel is a strong community with lots of things happening locally, this can only help to galvanise this work”.
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 2
Town Green wassail A RIOT of music and dancing in a Rothley orchard aimed to wake the trees and scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest this autumn. Local cider maker Andrew Fear, who also owns Budgens in Mountsorrel, invited friends and customers to his orchard in Town Green Street for the wassail on January 16. There were dances performed by the Leicester Border Morris Dance troupe ‘Bakanalia’ and Wassail Queen Eve Mason (16) of Mountsorrel led a procession through the orchard while the assembled crowd were encouraged to make as much noise as possible to scare away the evil spirits. Toast soaked in cider was placed in the boughs of each tree as a gift and a traditional incantation was made to the orchard: “Here's to thee good apple tree, to bear and blow apples enow, this year, next year and the year after too. Hats full, caps full, three bushel bags full, and pay the farmer well” Mr Fears ‘Thirsty Farmer Cider’ is made in Sutton Bonington near Loughborough from apples from the Rothley orchard and Somerset. The recipe was passed on to Andrew from his grandfather Metford Fear who first sold it from the pier at Weston Super Mare in 1880. Mr Fear said: “The Morris men were wonderful. They provided us with a great deal of entertainment and joy and performed several dances despite the ground conditions which were less than suitable following the thaw and rain. I can’t thank them enough and sincerely hope that they enjoyed themselves as much as I did.” The cider is available at Budgens and costs £5.49 for a 2.5 litre flagon.
Pics: Wassail Queen Eve Mason & (top left) cider maker Andrew Fear with Bakanalia
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 3
Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on December 14. The Council agreed to allow the Youth Development Group to use the Halstead Road playing field on August 14, 2010 for a Fun Day. The Council agreed a new schedule of charges for the Parish Room, cemetery and allotments. Full details are available from the Parish Council. The Council agreed that at its Precept meeting on December 29, which sets the budget for 2010/11, the following items would be included: Mountsorrel Railway Project £100;
Memorial Hall (amount to be notified) and summer activities for young people £3000. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on January 11. Police Inspector Duncan Southall reported that there had been a slight increase in antisocial behaviour across the area but crime in general was reducing. It was noted that there would be significant changes to the budget over the next 12 months but no changes to local policing. Some concern was raised regarding the lack of collection of refuse/recycling bags during the bad weather. It was agreed to
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 4
write to Charnwood Borough Council and Serco to state that they appeared to have the ability to withdraw services when other services continued. The Council agreed to write to Stephen Dorrell MP and Andrew Reed MP to oppose the lifting of the restriction designating the land identified for a new waste and recycling site on Granite Way as employment land, due to the shortage of current land for employment. It was reported that £200 was raised for LOROS at the Parish Council’s carol concert. The Council agreed to send a letter of support to the Mountsorrel Railway Project for the work it is doing. The Council agreed to a Precept of £172,126 for 2010/11, the same as 2009/10. This is made up as follows: Environmental and Enhancement £18,000; Playing fields, cemetery, commons, allotments £119,516; Parish Offices, publicity and resources £99,440; less £64,830 taken from reserves. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on February 8. Borough Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies reported that she had attended a residents’ meeting on Church Hill Road and that the main concerns were speeding, dog mess, litter and parking around the school at school times. Borough Cllr John Capleton reported that he had attended a ward walk which had covered Church Hill Road, Martin Avenue and Boundary Road. The main issues raised were parking at the bottom of Church Hill Road and antisocial behaviour on Boundary Road. County Councillor Peter Osborne said he supported those objecting to the new waste site in Mountsorrel. He said he doubted that the decision to build the new facility could be changed and that MPs have no power to intervene in these matters. A comment was made that the County Council should not be the body that determines planning applications put forward by the County Council. Cllr Osborne said that officers make the application and that elected members make the decisions. Cllr Mick Lemon said
that the Parish Council should apply now for the section 106 developer contributions associated with the new Linkfield Road development, and allocate the money for the new Memorial Hall. Cllr Hilary Dyer has resigned for personal reasons. It was agreed to write to her to express the council’s appreciation for her contribution to the Council. It was reported that a power surge had resulted in damage to a CCTV monitor and hard drive in the Parish Office. It was agreed to replace the damaged items. The Council agreed to donate £100 towards funding a Police office in the Methodist Church.
Charity bike ride A MOUNTSORREL man is setting off on a 1000 mile bike ride this August. Craig Smith (48) will be riding with his friend John Breward (46) from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity. Craig said: “It’s been a long held personal challenge to cycle from the southernmost tip of England to the northernmost tip of Scotland. We’ll be covering 1038 miles in 11 days. “My aim is to raise £2 for every mile of Pic: Riders Craig Smith (right) & John Breward
Youth café art project MOUNTSORREL’S YOUTH Café is set to open this Easter with an art project. The facility, in the former Maltby Insurance offices on The Green, will provide a place for young people aged 11-18 to meet after school to socialise. The organisers have not fixed a date for the opening beyond Easter as they are still negotiating the lease of the property and arranging the funding to pay for a full time youth worker. A grant from Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) has provided sufficient funding to organise an Easter art project that will hopefully take place in the café premises and that aims to decorate the café interior. Two county council youth workers are currently employed setting up this activity for the Easter break. To find out more go to www.sycafe.org or call Youth Worker Sam Evans 0771 597 4507.
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 5
the journey. I close this charity because it seems everyone I know knows someone who has been affected by some form of cancer.” Craig is paying for all accommodation, food, travel and repair costs himself so that all the money raised will go straight to the charity. In 2008 Craig and Jon cycled a 210 mile route, mostly off road, following the Wainwright Coast to Coast route from Cumbria to Robin Hood Bay in Yorkshire. They are preparing for this summer’s ride with 50 mile training rides in addition to their daily commute by bike. To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/craigslejogchallenge
Objections to turbine A PROPOSAL to erect an 80 metre wind turbine on the edge of Rothley has resulted in calls for the plans to be thrown out by Charnwood Borough Council. Severn Trent want to erect the turbine to meet the energy demands of its water treatment works at Wanlip. It will have a blade tip height of 132 metres making it one of the largest onshore turbines in the country. Rothley Parish Council are objecting to the plans. It says the turbine is “a very large intrusive structure which would be visible over a wide area of open countryside”. Developers Charles Church are building 149 homes on Temple Grange, Loughborough Road which will be facing the wind turbine. They are objecting to the proposals on the grounds that the turbine: • is outside the defined limits to development, in an area of open countryside • would have a substantial effect on the visual amenity of Temple Grange and would significantly affect the landscape character • would result in noise and shadow flicker to residents on Temple Grange Rothley Borough Councillor and Cossington Lane resident Diane Wise is also objecting to the plans. She said: “It’s not just the visual
amenity that’s the issue, it’s the flicker and the shadow from it. Lots of people I’ve spoken to seem to be unaware of the size of it, they think it will be the same height as the mast that’s there at the moment. I’m surprised more people aren’t concerned about the plans.” Charnwood Borough Council’s website includes several other objections from residents and businesses including Woodcock Farm. Some raise concerns about the turbine’s impact on wildlife, such as birds in flight. Natural England is one of the statutory Rothley
Woodcock Farm
Proposed wind turbine location
Sewage Works
A46
A6
Wanlip
Birstall
consultees on planning applications of this type. It is a public body set up by the Government to ensure the natural environment is conserved and enhanced. One of its roles is designating SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest). It has considered the planning application and concludes: “We are satisfied the proposal will not make an unacceptable impact on the landscape or ecology of the area provided that the recommended mitigation and compensation measures [identified by the applicant] are fully implemented.” The planning application, number P/09/2402/2, is likely to be determined at a planning committee in April.
Motor group taken over THE FRANCIS Motor Group, which has a car dealership in Mountsorrel, is being taken over by Marshall Motor Group of Cambridge Owner Robin Francis (63) has decided to retire. His company also has dealerships in Narborough and Leicester and these, along with the workforce of 85, are all being taken on by the new owner. Mr Francis, the chairman of Birstall Golf Club, began his career in the motor trade aged 15 at Castles Motors in Churchgate, Leicester. He bought the Honda Franchise from Robins & Day 17 years ago when it took over Castle. The company’s turnover was £35million in 2009 and it recorded its biggest profit that year.
Parking fines raise cash 14,000 FIXED Penalty notices were issued in 2009 to motorists parked illegally in Loughborough. The tickets resulted in Charnwood Borough Council collecting more than £400,000 in fines.
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 6
NHW news & crime report MEET MOUNTSORREL’S beat officer at the new police surgery in the Methodist Church on Church Hill Road. PBO Paul Bird said: “The intention is for the room to be used by myself and PCSO Brian Geeson primarily to conduct beat surgeries from, giving the residents at Mountsorrel a chance to meet their beat officers and discuss any issues that they may have.” An advertising A-board will be placed outside when the surgery is open. Planned surgeries will be advertised on posters around the village and on the Leicestershire Constabulary website. Mountsorrel Parish Council have donated £100 in support of this service. Crime Report: Nov 1 – Jan 31 Burglary dwelling 9, burglary non-dwelling 2, damage to motor vehicle 5, theft of motor vehicle 2 (2 persons arrested), theft from motor vehicle 4, criminal damage 5, theft 14 One person was arrested, charged and remanded in custody for a burglary on Castle Road on November 20. A large amount of lead was stolen from the roof of the vestry at Christ Church, Rothley Road between Nov 28-30. £400 worth of wrapped Christmas presents, a sat nav and alcohol were stolen from a car on Cross Lane on Nov 23. Two males in a van attempted to steal three metal milk churns from Stonehurst Farm on Dec 9. When challenged the males left but got away with one of the lids. On Dec 18 a card reading device and camera were discovered at the ATM at the Co-op store on Rothley Road. The device was removed before the offenders could retrieve it and no card details were lost. On Dec 9 at 6.30pm an 11 year old boy out carol singing was bitten on the face by a dog at PC Paul Bird 1326 a house on Elm Close.
Budgens’ food fayre BUDGENS IN Mountsorrel held a food and gift fayre in December. Stallholders in the supermarket’s car park were selling a range of items to shoppers. Pic (top left): Andrew Fear, owner of Budgens and maker of Farmer Fear’s cider, with his father John Pic: Janice and Keith Jackson at the Great Cheese Company stall
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 7
Bakery move A BAKERY firm is to invest £1m in a new site at Barrow-upon-Soar, creating 30 new jobs. Geary’s Bakeries is moving to the Hayhill Industrial Site. The firm saw its profits rise in 2009 to £4million , from £2.9million in 2008. It supplies millions of loaves of bread each year to supermarket chains.
Easter activities AN EASTER activity programme for young people aged 1-16 kicks into action on Monday March 29 until April 5. Charnwood Borough Council will once again be out and about across the borough delivering fun, sporty activities to youngsters who are keen to develop their skills or who just want to have fun and try something new. Activities range from the ever-popular horse riding and orienteering to the more daring such as high ropes and extreme kite flying. There is also a selection of trips available including ice skating, Mega zone and Tamworth Snowdrome. Charnwood’s Play Rangers will be holding free sessions across the borough with creative play, den making, dance mats and pond dipping as well as four of our popular playdays in Birstall, Loughborough, Syston and Thurmaston for all the family to attend. There is also a range of activities at the newly refurbished South Charnwood Leisure Centre in Syston, that will give young people the chance to have some fun in the water. For budding football coaches there is the FA’s Junior Football Organisers course for 14-18 year olds, designed to give young people the skills to deliver safe football related activities to groups of young people, and for those aged 16 and older what about qualify-
ing to become a pool lifeguard? The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is widely accepted by swimming pools and has been the first step for many people in a career within the leisure industry. The Wild Card is also on offer with new members able to sign up before March 31 for only £1.50 instead of the usual price of £3. Wild Card holders can save up to 50 per cent on the school holiday activities and receive discounts at tourist locations across the East Midlands. You can purchase your Wild Card at the Soar Valley Leisure Centre in Mountsorrel, Loughborough Town Hall or directly from the Charnwood Borough Council offices on Southfields. A brochure containing details on the Easter activities is being distributed to schools and can be picked up at the town hall and leisure centres. Bookings can now be made by sending the application form or by telephone between 1-4pm. Further details are available by calling Charnwood Borough Council’s Leisure Services team on 01509 634 673. Alternatively, you can view the holiday programme on the Council’s website by logging on to www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/holidayprogram mes
Garden talk DISCOVER THE best way to maintain your garden without exerting too much energy or hard work. Graham Pavey, an experienced gardener based in Bromham just outside Bedford in Bedfordshire, will be coming to Mountsorrel library on Monday March 29 from 7-8pm to talk about ‘Low Maintenance Gardening’. Graham has lectured at the English Gardening School and The Gardeners’ Academy. He is a speaker for the Royal Horticultural Society and each year he can be seen at a number of garden shows with the Gardeners’ Academy where he gives talks, demonstrations and sits on Gardeners’ Question Time Panels. Tickets cost £2 and are available from Mountsorrel library (01116 305 5892) Places are limited so early booking is advisable.
Have your say CONCERNED ABOUT dog fouling, litter or antisocial behaviour? Do you have something to say about local policing, highway matters, Mountsorrel’s new waste and recycling site or playing fields? Mountsorrel Parish Council’s annual meeting is an opportunity for residents to have their say and questions answered in front of a top table of representatives from the Parish, Borough and County Councils, the Police and Neighbourhood Watch. Issues raised at previous meetings have included the sale of alcohol to minors, street cleaning, the renovation of PRC homes and the 1860 bridge. This year’s Annual Parish Meeting is on Thursday, March 18 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall, Leicester Road.
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 8
Eye tests for children Outdoor EYE TESTS for children are free and a local optician is urging the parents of pre-school children to bring in their children for an eye examination. Jonathan Pilbeam, Managing Director of Pilbeam Opticians in Mountsorrel, said: “Every child should have an eye test by the
New play equipment NEW PLAY equipment has been installed at the Halstead Road playing field. It has been provided by Mountsorrel Parish Council and consists of a multi-play system, roundabout, flying saucer, junior swings, infant swings and a slide. Two seats and two rubbish bins have also been installed. The equipment cost £65,000. The County Council’s Shire Grant scheme provided £10,000. The contractor was Wicksteed Leisure.
age of three and earlier if you think there may be a problem, particularly if there is a family history of eye ‘turns’ or ‘lazy eyes’” In a recent survey, half of parents did not take their children for regular sight tests and of these, 51% said they had never taken them. When asked why, one in four said they thought their children’s eyes were examined at school when in fact this is rarely the case. Alka Gosai is a Senior Optometrist at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and also has regular clinics at Pilbeam Opticians. Alka said: “Children do not need to read or recognise letters for us to obtain meaningful results. An undetected defect can affect progress at school – the white board may be completely blurred to a child with uncorrected short sight.” All children under 16 are entitled to a free eye examination, and this continues if they remain in full time education up to and including 18 years of age. If children need glasses, there is financial assistance in the form of a voucher which is used by the optician. Jonathan said: “An eye test for your children gives them the very best start at school, and allows them to maximise their potential in their formative years.”
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 9
activities CLIMBING, ARCHERY, canoeing and orienteering are some of the activities offered to families this spring and summer on activity days. Organised by the County Council and held at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse and Quorn Outdoor Learning Centre, all the events include the hire of safety equipment, use of changing facilities and instruction from experienced and qualified staff. Highlights of this year’s programme include: • Survivor: learn survival skills, build a shelter and a raft May 22 Dads & Lads, families October 23. 9.30am – 5.30pm, £15 • Explore the Soar: a guided journey by canoe from Quorn Hall exploring the Soar valley. Picnic in a meadow and ending at a family friendly riverside pub. Transport back to Quorn Hall provided. July 31, 9.30am – 4.30pm, £20 adults. £15 U16s. For enquiries and bookings call Marcia Bond 01509 412223. A brochure is available from libraries: ‘Activity Days and Courses 2010, Leicestershire Outdoor & Residential Learning Service’. www.leics.gov.uk/outdoorlearn
THE MOUNTSORREL Railway project has a new sponsor. Loughborough University have provided a £500 grant towards the restoration costs of the third replica Mountsorrel Granite Company wagon. Once track is laid on the Mountsorrel Railway, the project hopes to include the wagons in historical recreations on the rebuilt branch line. Some of these recreations involve educational projects with local primary schools, aimed at allowing the younger generation to experience and re-enact scenes from a bygone age. The project’s young volunteer wagon team has already been hard at work putting the grant to good use and the restoration of the wagon is well under way.
Volunteer Steve Cramp, who leads the project, said: “The public has been generous in their support for our historical wagon
A VOLUNTEER from Mountsorrel who has put in 25 years of service has had her efforts recognised.
Pam cooper has been a volunteer with Age Concern since 1985. Her first post was organiser at Mountsorrel Housebound club and since 1990 she has been the Day Centre Organiser. She was presented with a bouquet in recognition of her efforts. A spokesman said: “Well known in all our county day centres Pam has always helped willingly to cover for staff absence and has earned the respect and admiration of service users, staff, volunteers, colleagues, managers and directors. Well done Pam, we hope you will continue your good work.” Pic: Pam Cooper (left) is presented with a bouquet by Joanne Dulson, Age Concern Service Manager
Baptist church fundraising THE PROCEEDS from fundraising events organised by Mountsorrel Baptist Church have been presented to LOROS.
PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN
Pic: volunteers painting a wagon
restoration project. This, coupled with a grant from East Midland Airport for the signwriting costs, has allowed us to complete the first two wagons but we were left with a funding gap to complete the third and final wagon. Loughborough University’s very generous grant plugs that hole and allows us to complete the wagon restoration project and unlock the historical educational potential they hold. We hope to have the third wagon completed by the end of February.” For more information see www.mountsorrelrailway.org.uk
Long service recognised
PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN
Wagons restored
Our picture shows Mrs Angie Price presenting a cheque for £758 to Mr Adrian Walker, Senior Fundraiser at LOROS. Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 10
Goodbye Margaret PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN
FRIENDS AND fellow volunteers said goodbye to one of their colleagues before she leaves the village to live in Wales.
Mrs Margaret Wells has been a volunteer at the Mountsorrel Memorial Day Centre for 10 years, and also a care assistant for Age Concern Leicestershire & Rutland. She was presented with some gift vouchers. A spokesman for the group said: “We have appreciated all the talents that Margaret has used in catering, organisation and driving clients in her car when going on outings.” Pic: Mrs Margaret Wells (front, centre) with her friends and fellow volunteers
Council payscales
Dead & buried Award winning design in Rothley ROTHLEY HERITAGE Trust has published its first book. The Departure of the Dead tells the story of burials in Rothley from the prehistoric settlement evidence, the Saxon Burial Site discovered during the building of the Great Central Railway, the mediaeval period with documents telling us how matters of death and inheritance were dealt with and how Elizabeth I was responsible for the start of death registrations. It relates how the cemetery on Mountsorrel Lane took nine years to develop up to the first burial of Fanny Taylor on September 2, 1904 and ends with a short history of Frank Sleath, the builder responsible for laying out the grounds and the building of the chapel. This 124 page book with illustrations in a fascinating record of life in Rothley as well as death. Copies available from Brenda Sutherland on 0116 2302766 or email brenda.sutherland1@ntlwo rld.com. Price £7 to include p&p or £6 at Rothley Post Office or Rothley Library. Further detailed information on www.leicestershirevillage s.com/rothley Click on Village History to the right of the Home Page, then Local Publications.
A LOCAL garden design practice has won a national award. Goscote Design Practice, based at Goscote Nurseries in Cossington received their award from the Association of Professional Landscapers for a garden that they designed and built last year in the village of Swithland. The judges commended them on their excellent design, attention to detail and strong planting, creating a contemporary garden which offset the traditional Swithland slate house. The nationwide awards were presented by James Alexander-Sinclair, the well known garden designer and broadcaster, who has featured on BBC’s Gardeners World and coverage of the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. APL Vice-Chairman Mark Gregory said it had been a record year for entries, with high standards in both small and large schemes. Goscote Design Practice’s Director Andy Bayley said: “It is great to be recognised for all our hard work and effort and to be able to compete with the highest standards in garden design and landscaping.” Goscote Nurseries are celebrating 45 years of supplying quality plants locally and nationally and have recently redeveloped the site, adding a larger car park and a greater selection of plants. www.goscote.co.uk
PAY SCALES for senior management at Charnwood Borough Council have been revealed: nearly three quarters of a million pounds are being spent on them a year. Seven staff earn between £80-£90k a year and one member of staff earns £130-£140k. The figures were revealed after Labour leader Cllr Max Hunt asked for the senior management costs to be itemised in bands of £10k for each salary above £60k. Charnwood say they have made £119,000 of savings by ‘streamlining’ senior management posts and are planning further savings.
Home Carers Required
Are you a caring person? Like varied work & job satisfaction? Join our team of carers in the Mountsorrel, Cropston, Quorn, Sileby, Syston, Birstall & Wymeswold areas. Flexible shifts, 10-40 hrs per week, & mornings, evenings and weekends available. No experience required as all training will be provided. Up to £7.25hr, plus travel expenses. Telephone essential. Ring Debbie between 8.30am & 4.30pm for more information on
0116 2696247 (quoting reference BP) Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 11
YOUR SAY...
The Mountsorrel Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Mountsorrel Post, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed in at Mountsorrel library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
Wind turbine I would like to draw your reader’s attention to Severn Trent Water’s plans to erect a 135m tall
wind turbine on land between Wanlip and Rothley, adjacent to the A6 bypass. I am writing as a resident of one of the closest houses to the proposed turbine, and am concerned that people in the locality are not aware of the proposals, which will have a dramatic effect on the landscape and environment for what I believe to be negligible benefit. I will run through a number of issues which I feel are of note. Wind Speed The average wind speed at the site is low when compared to other sites in the UK, or indeed the region. When referring to the NOABL database published by DECC, the average wind speed for the turbine location is 5.9m/s at 45m above ground level. This will result in any turbine having a relatively low capacity factor and a reduced electrical output. In order to gain the maximum carbon saving through increased generation, would it not be in everyone’s best interests for Severn Trent to enter into an option for a lease with a landowner in a windy location rather than progressing a site simply because they own the freehold? Turbine scale The turbine proposed is probably the largest onshore turbine currently in production. I surmise from the low wind speeds at the site that erecting a turbine of this scale is required to ensure an adequate return is made. Considering the constraints surrounding the site, in terms of proximity to housing and infrastructure, this scale of turbine is wholly inappropriate. A turbine 135m tall to the tip of the blades, with a rotor diameter of 100m will have a major impact on dwellings only 600m away. Noise and Shadow Flicker The supporting documents in the planning application acknowledge that there will be an increase in noise which will be audible at nearby dwellings on occasion, and that there will be significant shad-
ows cast from the turbine as well (cumulatively up to 50 hours per year). If the turbine was in open landscape, in a windier location, there would undoubtedly be room to mitigate such impacts by moving the turbine further away from dwellings or reducing the scale of the machine, but in this location there is no such flexibility. Ornithology The proposed location is also in close proximity to a number of local nature reserves in the Soar Valley, which provide habitats for a number of protected bird species. This has come about through sound management of the area following gravel extraction. The proposal will have an impact on these areas, and Charnwood Borough Council’s own ecologist has flagged up the issue, recommending planning permission should be refused. I would urge anyone who is interested to view the application on Charnwood Borough Council’s website (Reference P/09/2402/2) and comment upon it to the planning officer. The formal consultation period has now ended, but the application is due to be considered by the planning committee on the 1st of April 2010 (April Fools Day). Fred Barber, Partner F&G Barber and Sons
The Dieter’s Prayer Lord I have been very good And only eaten what I should For two whole weeks! And no éclair Has passed my lips. It’s true, I swear Profiteroles I’ve left alone And oh, such self-restraint I’ve shown Eschewed that lovely runny cheese Through gritted teeth said ‘Low fat please’ I’ve chewed a carrot for a snack And even drunk my coffee black And even tried to get a taste For yoghurt, thinking of my waist! No creamy pasta’s passed my lips It’s boiled spuds now – forget the chips! I trim all fat off from the edge One day I’ll learn to like steamed veg But Lord although I know it’s true You have so many things to do And on the grand scale, what I plead Is truly trivial indeed Lord, let me wake up just one day Just once, to see a paper say A MIRACLE OF SCIENCE, TRY IT – THAT NEW CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE DIET From Peggy Clarke
Tuck boxes for troops MOUNTSORREL’S PREMIER TREE SERVICE Just like the rest of your property, have you considered your trees require a little maintenance from time to time?
ARE YOUR TREES MAYBE? ...UNSAFE, TOO TALL OR UNTIDY ...BLOCKING LIGHT FROM YOUR HOME, OR YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S HOME ...LIKELY TO AFFECT YOUR PROPERTY STRUCTURE YOUR LOCAL TREE SURGEON
With 20 years experience in all aspects of tree work we would be pleased to offer you FREE expert advice & a FREE quotation without obligation
PHONE NOW ON 0116 2505842 Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 12
Just prior to Christmas 2009 we announced a contributory scheme to send tuck-boxes of goodies to the boys and girls in Afghanistan. The response was amazing and in total 137, 2Kg boxes were dispatched to known recipients. It is our intention, via the Rothley & District Branch of the Royal British Legion, to repeat the exercise with a despatch towards the end of April which is after the troops are rotated. This means new recipients will be listed. Any reader who has contacts with members of the armed forces in Afghanistan who will still be serving after April may ask for their name/s to be added to our list by contacting me on the following telephone number – 0116 2375254. For the next sending we are working with Budgens Store in Mountsorrel who have agreed to offer two boxes at £5 and £10 respectively containing items on the recommended list suitable for both male and female recipients. The items contained are at cost price and we thank Budgens greatly for their assistance and generosity and hope you will all take them up on their offer. Norman Pratt Rothley & District Royal British Legion
Thank you May I through your columns offer a big ‘thank you’ to your readers for their generous contributions to our Santa collection once again this year Each year Soar Valley Rotary members accompany Santa around the local villages and at Budgens’ supermarket in Mountsorrel, collecting for our charity appeal. In this way, we are able to help many good causes including LOROS and Rainbows. Those we visit donate generously and Santa’s sleigh is greeted with delight by young and old – indeed it is not always the children who seem most excited! This year was particularly noteworthy since, despite the difficulties of the credit crunch and the weather, we raised £5,109. You can find more about us at www.SoarValleyRotary.co.uk So our thanks once again to all who were able to contribute and especially to the Francis Motor Group, without whose support Santa would have had to rely on reindeer power alone. We look forward to visiting you all again, next year. Roger W Williams President – The Rotary Club of the Soar Valley
Planning 8 Cross Lane - erection of 2 storey extension to front of dwelling to provide garage with bedroom over Land to rear of 31 & 33 Cross Lane – erection of 2 semi-detached dwellings 17 Loughborough Road – retention of fascia signs, projecting sign and lighting 91 Rothley Road – erection of 1 detached dwelling with integral garage 18 Edinburgh Way – erection of single storey extension to side and rear of dwelling 18 Cross Lane – erection of 2 storey extension to side of dwelling 12 The Green – erection of first floor extension, raising of ridge height, installation of 5x rooflights to front and single storey extension to side of dwelling Land adjacent to The Temperance Hall, 2 Leicester Road – erection of one dwelling 15 Leicester Road – erection of detached dwelling and repair and refurbishment of existing attached barn to provide ancillary accommodation Mountsorrel Working Men’s Club, 73 Leicester Road – erection of a control kiosk 32, 34 & 34a Market Place – change of use of 3 shops to create 1 dwelling and 2 shops Spice Cube, 17 Loughborough Road – retention of security alarm box, fascia signs, projecting sign to front of building and lighting 21 Linkfield Avenue – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling 93 Boundary Road – erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling
Small Ads Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an envelope) at Mountsorrel library. Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which you are asking for payment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale. All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 words. Phone numbers count as one word.
AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plans drawn and submitted. Extensions, conversions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395/07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk DISABLED PERSON’S triwalker, as new, £20. Commode, top quality and looks like an ordinary arm chair £30. Various disabled aids, all like new and under £5. tel: 07973 309 987
The June issue of the
MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on June 5. The copy deadline is May 21.
Tel: 0116 267 2583 Mob: 07967 191975 Buy DELL products here
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 13
Noticeboard all details printed free Charity Bridge Drive organised by Loughborough Lions at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Wednesday April 14 at 11.30am with afternoon tea provided Cost £6 per person To book a table please contact: Jackie 0116 2303317 or Ann 01509 232422 •••
booking Tel: 0116 2128757 or 07757854719 or email hatsbirstall@hotmail.co.uk A play that will give you everything from a quiet chuckle to a raucous belly laugh Don’t delay book today! •••
Barn Dance Saturday April 17 7.30-10.30pm Birstall Village Hall Tickets £5.50 Bring your own food and drink Proceeds to LOROS Tel: Joan 2677516 or Daphne 2675721 ••• The Latimer Players Drama Society 60th anniversary year 1950-2010 present
Friends of Birstall Swimming Pool Needs adult swimmers to join them on Fridays from 12.30-1.30pm £2 first visit contact Lesley on 2671625 ••• Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society presents
‘Two Plays and a Platter’
Fish Out of Water a comedy by Derek Benfield Thurs/Fri/Sat, May 13/14/15 at 7.30pm Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Birstall Tickets £5. £4 concessions, disc for group
We Need a Man by Derek Raby Interval Supper (supply your own drinks)) A Bird in the Bush by Ron Nicol Thursday April 22, Friday April 23 & Saturday April 24 The Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston Curtain 7.30pm Tickets £8.50
121 Leicester Road, Thurcaston Tel: 0116 2362692 •••
Table Top Sale at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane LE7 7PR Saturday April 10 from 10am to 1pm Admission 50p (includes tea/coffee) To book a table call 0116 266 1342 •••
Leicester City Male Voice Choir St James Church, Church Hill, Birstall April 24 at 7pm Tickets £6 inc light refreshments Tel: 0116 2677023 Proceeds to St James Day Centre, School Lane, Birstall •••
Quorn Live: Are You Experienced Saturday March 20, 7.30pm Rawlins Community College, Quorn Charity Event: Help for Heroes Europe’s BEST Jimi Hendrix Tribute band, plus local support bands Tickets £7.50 from Midland Diving, Apple Tree (Quorn), Bradley’s (Quorn) or Ticket Hotline 07812 166 846. No tickets on door/over 18s •••
Birstall Pool Wanlip Lane, Birstall is open for public, aquafit, swimfit, adults only, adults and children’s swimming lessons etc Please contact Longslade Community College 0116 2670807 or email janehill@longslade.leics.sch.uk for a timetable and further information ••• Saturday March 27 from 10am to 2pm at Birstall Methodist Centre
Good-as-New Boutique (excellent quality clothes & accessories) Table Top Sale Cards, jewellery, pictures, cakes, preserves, toys, dolls, shell-craft,
MOT VEHICLE TESTING STATION
TESTING
PETROLS • DIESELS MOTORCYCLES CROPSTON GARAGE 37 - 39 Station Road Cropston, Leicester 0116 2362363 Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 14
collectables, bric-a-brac Coffee Shop refreshments, soups/hot dogs Admission free •••
Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘Morris – a Life with Bells on’ Friday March 12 (100 mins) This film is a heart warming British comedy about a Morris dancing troupe who incur the wrath of traditionalists by pioneering an extreme version of freeform Morris dancing. ‘Morris’ scored exceptionally in the Seattle Film Festival. We anticipate a light-hearted, fun evening. ‘Julie and Julia’ Friday April 9 (123 mins) A comedy, starring Meryl Streep, set in post war Paris, where Julia trains at ‘Le Cordon Bleu’ cookery school. An entertaining tale of cuisine, l’amour and the art of killing lobsters. ‘Looking for Eric’ Friday May 14 (116 mins) A football fantasy starring Eric Cantona and directed by Ken Loach Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £4, concessions £3.50. Price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw. •••
The Charnwood Orchestra Sat March 20, 7.45pm All Saints Parish Church, Loughborough Rimsky-Korsakov: Fantasia on Serbian Themes Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No.1, sol: Warren Zielinski Brahms: Symphony No.2 £8, concessions £6, 16 years and under £2 Tickets: 0771 815 3117 or rodgers_david@hotmail.com •••
One Hundred Years of Girl Guiding an Exhibition at Leicester Record Office, Long Street, Wigston Magna February 22 – April 16 Photographs & memorabilia ••• Leicestershire Record Office Can help you research family and local history To view a video about the facility go to: www.leics.gov.uk/recordoffice •••
Enjoy singing? Come and try singing with Leicester Male Voice Choir – no auditions
2010 Organ Recitals at Mountsorrel Methodist Church All Sunday recitals commence at 8pm and are preceded at 7.30pm with a Finger Buffet FREE ADMISSION – donations received for Church Funds March 21, Peter Harrison, Organ Student from Nottingham April 18, Ben Atkinson, Organ Student at Cambridge University May 16, Adam Langeveld, Organ Scholar at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Glen Parva with South Wigston, June 20, Ian Orr, Retired Organist – formerly at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Glen Parva with South Wigston •••
We meet at the Methodist Centre, Wanlip Lane, Birstall on Wed evenings at 7.45pm and sing until 9.15pm You’ll enjoy this friendly choir who sing a range of popular songs and hope more men will join them Give us a try Any queries: 0116 2696577 •••
Secret Gardens of Cossington Sunday and Monday, May 2 & 3 11am to 5pm Village gardens open, art exhibition, displays, raffle, cake & plant stalls, hot and cold refreshments, local craft stalls and activities for children plus: Radio Leicester’s gardening expert Ady Dayman will be at Derrys Nursery to answer your gardening questions Passport to Open Gardens Adults £3, Children free, car parking free For more info contact 01509 812271 or 07754 892842 Event organised by Friends of all Saints Church Cossington on behalf of PCC Raising funds for church extension and new village amenity ••• Continued on page 16
PILBEAM ACADEMY of DANCE Tel: 01509 816117 Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern & National for children from age 3. Held at Rothley Village Hall, on Monday & Tuesday evening, & at Rothley Baptist Church, Woodgate, from 4.30pm on Wednesday All classes can lead to stagework, medals and examinations. NEW PUPILS WELCOME
New Classes start after Easter. Ladies Tap classes for experienced or beginners held on Mondays at 7pm. JOIN US FOR FUN, EXERCISE OR EXAMINATIONS
Principal: Antonia Pilbeam F.D.D.A.
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 15
Continued from page 15
Mountsorrel Anglican Churches
Free Health Checks
Easter Services
At Mountsorrel Library Monday May 10 Monday July 12 Monday September 13 2-5pm For more info call Bharti on 0116 305 8756 ••• Mountsorrel Library
Palm Sunday March 28 : the Walk of Witness, 9.45am, meet at Methodist Centre then walk to St Peter’s for a 10.30am service Maundy Thursday April 1 : modern Passover meal at Christ Church Good Friday April 2 : 2pm ‘Final Hour’, St Peter’s church Easter Day, Sunday April 4 : 6.30pm sunrise service at the top of Beacon Hill; 9.15am Holy Communion at St Peter’s, 11am Holy Communion at Christ Church; 4pm Fun@4 at Christ Church ••• Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley 6th Annual Charity
Wriggly Sessions For under 5s and their carers Every 2nd Friday of the month 10-10.45am Come & enjoy rhymes and stories with your young ones For more info call Bharti on 0116 305 8756 •••
Real Ale Festival
Free tennis open day Gynsill Tennis Club, Gorse Hill, Anstey Saturday April 10, from 10am Open to all ages from 7 upwards For complete beginners to more experienced players, you are assured of a friendly welcome Mattcgynsilltc@yahoo.co.uk •••
Thur Apr 15 & Fri Apr 16, 5-10.30pm Sat Apr 17 12-10.30pm Syston Community Centre 30 real ales to sample Entrance £5 incl a commemorative glass and your first half pint Details: osteofred@hotmail.co.uk
Reprints of photos in the
MOUNTSORRELL POST are available: A5 £2 & A4 £5
Advertise in the
MOUNTSORREL POST 53 x 70mm £23 • 53 x 142mm £41 109 x 70mm £41 • 109 x 142mm £69
1) Decide what size you want 2) Send us a sketch of your ad 3) We design, publish & send you the bill CALL for an advertising rate card, or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk PRICES EXCLUDE VAT • call us on 0116 2674213
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2010 (30), page 16
Contact us THE MOUNTSORREL Post is delighted to receive contributions from residents. You can send us: Details of a community event such as a rummage sale, fete or coffee morning for free publication on our ‘Noticeboard’ page. Items of news - we’re interested in everything: club and society news, prizewinners, charity events, church news, complaints, praise, new projects, new facilities, trips, sport, crime, anything that concerns or interests you. A letter for our letters page - we welcome letters on any issue, local or national. All letters must include the sender’s name and address (though not necessarily for publication). Photos - we particularly welcome old photographs giving an insight into local history. Small ads - you can sell items with a classified ad for only 25p! How you can contact us: Phone or Fax (0116) 267 4213 Hand in your items at Mountsorrel Library, Rothley Library or Birstall Library Write to us at The Mountsorrel Post, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk The Mountsorrel Post is an independent newspaper