MOUNTSORREL POST Gifts YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Delivered
to Mountsorrel, four times a year
MARCH 2011
ISSUE No. 34
for troops TWO LOCAL stores have helped provide provisions for our forces serving in Afghanistan. Customers at Budgens in Mountsorrel pledged either £5 of £10 which the store used to buy and supply at cost small items for servicemen and women to take out with them on patrol. 63 tuck boxes were assembled and sent out by the Rothley and District Branch of the Royal British Legion to named recipients who are from the district. Following the success of the tuck box scheme, the troops were requesting hot water bottles. Corts of Rothley were able to offer them at less than cost price and as a result, 40 bottles are now on their way to Afghanistan. Norman Pratt, one of the scheme organisers along with Diane Allen from Mountsorrel, said: “This action, following the hundreds of Continued on page 2
Tesco Express store AN EMPTY Mountsorrel pub is being converted into a Tesco Express. Work started on the conversion of the Stag & Pheasant, 109 Leicester Road, in February. Public houses can be converted into shops without requiring planning permission.
Pic: The Tesco Express in the Conservation Area in Olney
Because the building is within the Mountsorrel Conservation Area, Tesco will have to seek planning permission to make any changContinued on page 2 Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 1
Gifts continued from page 1 tuck boxes sent out over the last months through the kind offices of Budgens store in Mountsorrel, has bought many messages of appreciation from the boys and girls performing their hazardous tasks out in the danger zone. Many, many thanks to all the generous local contributors.” Norman added: “Diane Allen has, in her own right, collected and dispatched a large number of boxes in addition to those collected at Budgens and is to be applauded for her dedication and efforts.” Pic: Norman Pratt with another load of boxes for the troops
New Council homes NINE NEW homes will be the first council houses to be built in Charnwood for almost 20 years. The Borough Council are building nine affordable and energy efficient properties in Barrow-upon-Soar, Thurmaston and Shepshed. They will be for rental only. The £1.2million project will be part funded by the Homes and Community Agency (HCA) which is providing £406,000. The building was scheduled to start in August 2010 but was stalled following the emergency budget in June 2010. To enable the scheme to continue Charnwood had to find extra money:
last year the Cabinet agreed to use £264,175 of Section 106 money provided by the developers of the Grange, Fowke Street, Rothley. It had been allocated for affordable housing. Section 106 monies are payments from developers that are negotiated by the planning authority as part of planning approval. They are designed to mitigate the impact of new development and are normally spent in the immediate local area. Charnwood plans to build 250 affordable homes in the Borough by 2012. The remaining Section 106 monies associated with the development of the Grange are:
Tesco continued from page 1 es to the front of the building. At the time of going to press, Charnwood Borough Council had not received a planning application from Tesco. Conservation Areas are designed to help preserve and enhance the character and appearance of an area, and Tesco will need to convince the planners that any changes they make are not detrimental. Tesco Express stores exist in many Conservation Areas across the country including Lyme Regis and Olney in Northamptonshire. Bhavna Patel owns The Paper Shop at 79 Leicester Road and has been contacting other village retailers to co-ordinate opposition to Tesco’s plans. She said: “How can they do this in a Conservation Area? Do we really need another supermarket in the village? This will be very detrimental to my business, we are both selling the same things and are not in the same league as Tesco. I am a leaseholder here and I’m worried I could end up not just losing my business, but my home as well.” Michael Roberts of 85 Leicester Road has been running his butcher’s shop for the last 38 years. He said: “This will be absolutely devastating for all the village shops. The paper shops and off licences will close and this part of the village will be dead. What annoys me is Tesco’s are a supermarket, but now they want to be corner grocers as well. They went to control everything. At this rate if we’re not careful, there won’t be any small shops left in this country at all.” Mr Roberts’ shop has been a butchers since 1860. “I don’t think it will hit me as much as some of the other shops” he said: “We have established a reputation that we have managed to maintain and are still quite successful.” A Tesco Express opened on Sibson Road, Birstall in 2008. It is open 7am to 10pm, seven days a week. No one at Tesco head office was available for comment despite repeated attempts to contact them, but workers on the site confirmed the plans for a Tesco Express. The June issue of the
MOUNTSORREL POST will be published on May 28. The copy deadline is May 13.
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THE CONTRIBUTION of two people to the community of Mountsorrel has been recognised with the presentation of an award. Mountsorrel Parish Council has awarded certificates of commendation to June Wakeling and Alan Smith. June received her award for her work for a period of over 30 years as a school crossing patrol, ensuring the safety of the village’s schoolchildren. Alan Smith's award was for his contribution and work over many years with the Scouts, Boys' Brigade, Royal British Legion and other organisations within Mountsorrel. Speaking about her work as a lollipop lady, June (74), of Market Place, said: "I've really enjoyed meeting the kids, we've had no
PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN
Village service award Pic: Award winners Alan Smith and June Wakeling end of laughs and I've made a lot of friends and heard a lot of gossip!” Having only taken on the job with the intention of doing it 12 months, June has now been helping children across the road for 35 years. She will be retiring in May for health reasons. Alan Smith (83) has lived in Mountsorrel all his life, in the same house on Rothley
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 3
Road. He said: “I was very pleased to be given this award, it was a surprise.” Alan joined the Mountsorrel Scouts aged 12 and was a Scout leader for many years, as well as being an instructor with the Boys’ Brigade. He said: “I tried to teach them to show some initiative, do a good turn and help others.”
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Low vision clinic A LOW vision clinic has been launched at Pilbeam Opticians in Mountsorrel. The majority of us who have blurred vision simply correct this by wearing spectacles or
Pic: Jonathan Pilbeam with Jane Macnaughton
contact lenses. However, when a person has reduced vision in both eyes which cannot be improved with conventional spectacles or contact lenses, they may be described as having sight loss or low vision. Anyone suffering from sight loss may benefit from using a specialist magnifier or Low Vision Aid. Jane Macnaughton is an experienced optometrist with a specialist interest in rehabilitation of the visually impaired. She trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London and has spent many years working and teaching in the practice of Low Vision. Jane has previously worked at Pilbeam Opticians, Mountsorrel and together with Jonathan Pilbeam is launching a new Low Vision Assessment Clinic. “Most people with low vision need assistance in reading to continue leading an independent life” says Jane. “Magnification can assist most people suffering from sight loss. However, choosing the correct level of magnification is important. There are no harmful effects of using the incorrect level of magnification, but it can avoid a lot of frustration and disappointment.” Jonathan said: “Jane’s experience in this area will add a valuable new dimension to the services we offer at Pilbeam Opticians and we are very excited about the benefits this will bring to our local community.” For further details contact Pilbeam Opticians on 0116 237 5362
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 4
Bid for funds THIRTY FOUR per cent of council homes in Charnwood do not meet a ‘decent home’ standard, needing new kitchens, bathrooms, insulation and boilers. The Borough Council has put in a bid for £17million of government money to make improvements. This sum includes £7million needed for the borough’s 300 PRC homes, 19 of which are in Mountsorrel. These are concrete homes that need major refurbishment. There are 5835 council properties in Charnwood. 1831 do not meet the government’s ‘decent home’ standard.
Beat team MOUNTSORREL’S NEW beat officer is PC Glenn Spiby. Glenn (45) joins PCSO Tom Joyce who has been working in Mountsorrel since May 2010. Glenn has been in the Police force for eight years and was Principal Beat Officer in Sileby for 12 months in 2007. He said: “Our biggest concern in Mountsorrel is road safety. I’ve issued more speeding tickets in the last two months than I have in my whole career.” Glenn and Tom have been conducting speed checks on Halstead Road, Walton Way and Leicester Road. They have issued 30 fixed penalty tickets, which means three points and a fine, and stopped more than 50 motorists and issued an advice notice. Only three of
Theft at Budgens
Pic: PCSO Tom Joyce (left) and PC Glenn Spiby
those stopped did not live in Mountsorrel. One motorist was doing 59mph on Walton Way. Glenn said: “My first month in Mountsorrel has flown by and I have been out and about on the beat addressing local residents’ concerns. I am actively seeking an office in the village due to the immanent closure of Quorn police station which will mean that the Police beat team are in the village and easily accessed most of the time. I look forward to meeting more residents and making a differ-
A THIEF stole money and cigarettes from a cashier at a local supermarket. The incident happened at around 8pm on Thursday January 20 at the Budgens supermarket on Granite Way. The cashier was moving goods from the petrol station to the supermarket which is next door. As she wheeled the trolley over the forecourt, she noticed a silver Ford Mondeo pull up which had no headlights on. A passenger got out of the car and asked the cashier to step away from the trolley. The man then stole a black container containing a quantity of cash, cigarettes and magazines before getting back into the car which drove off towards Quorn. The passenger is described as white, between 25 and 30 years old of a stocky build and around 5’6” tall. He was wearing jeans, a hooded top and a scarf pulled over his face. He also spoke with a local accent. There is no description for the driver. Det Constable Maria Pancholi, from North Area CID, said: “This incident has left the cashier feeling very shaken and afraid. Maybe you were in the area of Granite Way and witnessed the incident? Or perhaps you saw two people in a silver Mondeo acting suspiciously? “We are also particularly keen to speak to a possible witness in a dark coloured vehicle which pulled up at the forecourt at around 8pm. Any information you have could assist our investigation so please get in touch.” Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact DC 4319 Maria Pancholi on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4319. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers which is free and anonymous on 0800 555 111.
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 5
ence to the community in a good way.” Police surgeries are held once a month at Mountsorrel Methodist Church on Church Hill Road where you can raise any policing issues with Glenn and Tom. Contact PC Glenn Spiby 2041 or PCSO Tom Joyce 6442 by voicemail on 0116 222 2222 then enter their collar number to leave a message. Or email: glenn.spiby@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk thomas.joyce@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk
Youth café opens MOUNTSORREL’S YOUTH Café will be officially opened on Saturday March 19. Residents are being invited to the event from 2.30 to 4.30pm. “You are very welcome to come and view the new interior, meet the youth worker and the people who manage this independent project” said spokeswoman Leslie Strange. The Sorrel Youth Café is located on The Green, opposite the library. It is open to young people after school until 5.30pm and in the evening from 6.30-8.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Leslie said: “It is a café rather than a youth club and we provide a warm, comfortable, safe space which the young people of Mountsorrel can call their own, a place where they can meet their friends, eat, drink and talk. There are activities to do, games to play, computers to use and youth services to access.” The funding for this independent venture has come from variety of sources. Mountsorrel’s United Charities have funded the first year’s rent and the salary of the youth worker for one year has been met using grants from the County Council Area Forum, the Grace Charitable Trust and the Church and Community Fund.
Lafarge Aggregates are largely responsible for funding the refit of the café. The Jean Cope Trust and a bid to the Young People First made by the young people themselves completed this. To equip and furnish the café, funding has come from Charnwood Borough Council’s Positive Activities for Young People and the Community Fund, the Andrew Martin Trust, Voluntary Action Charnwood, the Rotary Club, Clymac Smoke Alarms and The Loughborough Building Society. Leslie said: “Local businesses and residents of Mountsorrel have made donations and some individual benefactors make regular donations. We urgently need more funding to keep the café open in the future. If you can help by making funding bids on our behalf we would like to hear from you.” She added: “We are always looking for more volunteers to support the project. If you are able to engage with children and young people, have a game of cards, teach them something, make or serve food we would like to hear from you. “This is for the young people of Mountsorrel. They need you.” www.sycafe.org
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Community action group A NEW community group has been formed: Mountsorrel Community Action Group. Spokeswoman Danae Chinnery said: “The aims of the group are to improve local housing conditions, services, environment, security and quality of life for all residents of Mountsorrel and to encourage a sense of community and co-operation between residents of all ages and promote harmony within the surrounding community.” If you would like more information or wish to become a member please contact Danae on 07919 256873. The group’s next public meeting is on Thursday March 24, 9.30am at Methodist Church on Church Hill Road. The group intends to invite Mountsorrel’s Principal Beat Officer, PC Glenn Spiby and Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing (CNH) to the meeting. Danae said: “Please come along, everyone is welcome! Perhaps you have a local issue that you wish to raise, or a problem with housing, transport or other local services. Or you might have ideas about how we can improve the quality of life in the village.” If you need help with childcare costs contact Sally Harbey (CNH) on 01509632556 or email her on sally.harbey@cnh.org.uk. If possible contact her at least a few days before the meeting to ensure of any financial help.
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Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 6
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Mountsorrel’s new waste site A NEW recycling and household waste site opened in Mountsorrel in November. It has been built by the County Council and will replace the outdated facility in Sileby. Costing £1m to build, it enables residents to recycle a variety of items including cooking oil, Tetra Paks, batteries and yoghurt pots, as well as dispose of household rubbish. The Mountsorrel site has a modern design and offers ample parking space, clear signs, easy-to-access containers without steps and recycling for a range of materials, helping to cut waste sent to landfill. The centre is located at an industrial estate on Granite Way, just off the A6, near Budgens. Tony Kershaw, County Council cabinet member for waste management, said: “We are making it easier for residents by replacing an old-fashioned site with a state-ofthe-art facility offering excellent access. “Reducing the amount of rubbish sent to landfill is a top priority. Leicestershire is already the top county partnership for recycling but we’re keen to increase this further.” The County Council runs 14 recycling and household waste sites across Leicestershire. Over 72% of rubbish taken to the sites is recycled. For more information on recycling, please
Pic: (l-r): At the official opening are Matthew Lugg, County Council director of environment and transport, Tony Kershaw, County Council cabinet member for environment and transport, Brian Allard, Chairman of Mountsorrel Parish Council, and Holly Field, County Council assistant director for the environment.
visit the County Council’s website at www.leics.gov.uk/waste or call 0116 305 0001. The new site at Mountsorrel will be open
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 7
seven days a week at the following times: Nov-Mar 8am to 6pm Apr-Oct 8am to 8pm
Exhibition Parish Council notes NATURAL HISTORY photographers are being invited to enter a local photographic competition. The Mountsorrel Heritage Group are holding an exhibition in the Scout Hut to coincide with this year's Charity Fair on the Green on June 18. As part of the Group's main exhibition, villagers are being invited to submit entries for an open photographic exhibition of Mountsorrel’s flora and fauna. Exhibition Entry Rules are: • Entries must be a colour or black and white photograph, mounted or unmounted but no larger in total size than 210mm x 297mm (A4 size) • The subject matter must be an item of flora or fauna (plants/trees and animals/birds/insects) and have been taken within the Parish boundary of Mountsorrel • Each entry submitted must have a title and the entrant’s name and address noted on the back of the picture, and also indicate if the owner wishes it to be returned Closing date is Tuesday May 31 with entries delivered to 1a Rothley Road Mounsorrel LE12 7JS in envelopes clearly marked ‘Mountsorrel Heritage Group - Photographic Exhibition’. We will be asking visitors to the exhibition to vote for the best entry. Entries will be available for collection at the Scout Hut immediately after the close of the exhibition at 4pm on June 18.
A FULL meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on December 13. PC Paul Bird reported that this would be his last council meeting as he was moving to force headquarters and that PC Glenn Spiby would be taking over as beat officer for Mountsorrel. PC Bird was thanked for all he had done for the village and the Parish Council. Cllr Steve Haywood thanked him for all his help with the Mountsorrel Youth Development Group. It was reported that four new dog bins had been sited in the village, two close to the school, one on Church Hill Road and one on Bond Lane. It was agreed to donate £50 to the Mountsorrel Railway Project. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on January 10. PC Glen Spiby reported that crime was down on the same period last year. The local beat team are looking for premises in the village to use as a Police office and asked the Parish Council if they would consider making the room above the Parish office available. Chairman Brian Allard said the matter would
have to be discussed by the Council at a later date. Cllr Mick Lemon reported that he had made an official complaint to Charnwood Borough Council about the person who interviewed him and handled the case against him, regarding the investigation into a complaint about him that was investigated by Charnwood’s Standards Panel. It was reported that the Parish Council carol concert had raised £216 for LOROS. It was agreed to set a Parish precept of £174,126 for the year 2011/12. This is a £2000 increase on the previous year. A full meeting of Mountsorrel Parish Council was held on February 14. PC Spiby reported that there had been a spate of thefts from motor vehicles. Antisocial behaviour is at a very low level. PC Spiby said he had been conducting speed checks in the village on Leicester Road, Walton Way and Halstead Road, spending one hour in each location. He had stopped 26 motorists, issued 16 fixed penalty notices and 10 advice notices. 24 of the 26 stopped lived in Mountsorrel. Borough Councillor Richard Shepherd reported that a dust management plan for the village is being prepared. Cllr Tom Duffin reported his concerns to Cllr Shepherd that it was difficult to speak to anyone at Charnwood, to report blocked drains and that when he did, no action was taken. He also commented that Charnwood’s Street Wardens were never seen in the village, and that onstreet parking restrictions were not being enforced. Cllr Steve Haywood reported that the County Council’s Youth Service were expecting cuts of 50 per cent to their budget The Council agreed not to permit the local Police team to use the room above the Parish office, as it would not be practical. The Council is to write to holders of large allotment plots, asking if they would be prepared to give up some of their plot due to the high number of people on the waiting list.
MOUNTSORREL POST
Colourful future THE MOUNTSORREL Post will be published in colour from June. As well as being in colour, future issues will be in a slightly larger format than the current A4 page size. The paper used will be of the same quality. Jerry Jackson, Editor of the Mountsorrel Post, said: “I hope our readers and advertisers will enjoy our new colour editions and larger format which will enable me to squeeze even more of your news into the Post.” Sister papers The Rothley Post and The Birstall Post will also be published in the same format. Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 8
Cider maker’s wassail A WASSAIL in a Rothley orchard aimed to ensure a bumper harvest this autumn. Guests, friends and customers of Farmer Fear’s ‘Thirsty Farmer Cider’ enjoyed an evening of merriment with a serious, traditional twist at the Thirsty Farmer orchard on Town Green Street in Rothley, on January 15. A procession of invited guests left The Blue Bell Inn in Rothley at dusk, led by Leicester Border Morris Dance Troupe ‘Bakanalia’ and by a Wassail Queen, Amy Gledhill of Leicester. Upon reaching the orchard the apple trees were ‘wassailed’ by the gathered group. Usually performed on the old Twelfth Night the purpose of wassailing is to wake the apple trees from their winter slumber and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest of fruit in the autumn. A traditional incantation was made to the trees of 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!” The Wassail Queen then led everyone through the orchard weaving their way between the planted rows, placing cider soaked toast into the boughs of the trees whilst music was played and songs were sung by the procession. The assembled crowd were then encouraged to make a lot of noise and a round of gunshots were fired into the night sky through the branches of the trees to make sure that no evil spirits remained. Andrew Fear, the ‘Farmer Fear’ who produces the award winning cider and owner of Budgens, Mountsorrel, provided all the assembled guests with free cider and a BBQ supper. He said: “The Morris men were wonderful! They provided us all with a great deal of entertainment and joy. They also performed for us several dances including Lord of the Dance, Leominster, Black Pig & Wellyboot. I can’t thank them enough and I can confirm
that they enjoyed themselves as much as I did.” Thirsty Farmer Cider is made locally in Sutton Bonnington, near Loughborough and is produced from a quality mix of cider apples from both the Rothley Orchard and Somerset. The recipe for this pleasant medium dry cider has been passed down
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to Andrew Fear from his grandfather, Metford Fear who first sold it on a small commercial scale from the Pier at Weston Super Mare in 1880. The recipe remains a family secret, but does not contain any unnecessary ingredients and is completely natural. Andrew puts his recent win in CAMRA’s East Midlands and Yorkshire Cider Competition in October 2010 down to, in part, the success of last year’s Wassail. Last autumn’s bountiful harvest produced an award winning cider that I am very proud of!” he said. Thirsty Farmer Cider can be bought from Farmer Fear’s Budgens, Granite Way, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7TZ and costs £5.49 for a 2.5 litre Flagon or in larger bag in box quantities by request, visit www.farmerfear.co.uk for more information. Pics: Wassail Queen Amy Gledhill and top, Andrew Fear
PHOTO: CLIVE RASIN
WI in Mountsorrel
Coffee morning cash COFFEE MORNINGS held at Mountsorrel Baptist church throughout 2010 raised £630 for LOROS. Our picture shows Adrian Walker from LOROS receiving a cheque from Janet Wright
DID YOU know Mountsorrel has a WI? “We have been established in the village for a number of years and are always looking to recruit new members” says Mountsorrel WI President Alison Aldwinckle. The aim of the WI is to bring together women of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy a variety of new experiences. Alison says: “You may have the mis-conception that the WI is all about knitting, baking and jam making, and although they are all worthwhile pursuits we offer so much more - remember the calendar girls? Each month we welcome speakers from all walks of life who come to either demonstrate or talk about their passions, whether it is puppeteers, musical concerts or a wonderful local charity.” She added: “The fantastic thing about being a WI member is having the opportunity to really make a difference either in your local community, county wide or nationwide. The powers that be feel that the WI has a voice worth listening to, and our lobbying has helped to change really important issues faced by the nation as a whole. “I wanted to be able to join a local group with my mum, which would be interesting for both of us. The WI caters for every age group and we both enjoy the variety of activities
available. I myself have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to be involved in the re-recording of the WI Anthem ‘Jerusalem’ with the Harmonies at Abbey Road Studios in London, which was a wonderful experience. We hope to welcome you as a new member soon.” The Mountsorrel WI meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7.30pm in The Parish Rooms, on Leicester Road. For further information please contact Alison Aldwinckle on 0116 2106373.
Neighbourhood promise BOROUGH COUNCILLORS have approved new plans to create ‘Neighbourhood Agreements’ in eight areas including Mountsorrel which tell residents what services they can expect to receive. If agreed by Charnwood Borough Council’s full council, those neighbourhoods would be guaranteed certain services such as multiagency neighbourhood walks every six months, special health clinic events, environmental action days and community events. The agreements are designed to meet the aims of the Government’s Localism Bill which seeks to empower communities as part of the Big Society agenda. Councillor David Snartt, Charnwood Borough Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “This agreement will let residents in these areas know precisely what they can expect from us and our partners. More importantly it seeks input from residents so we know how to fine tune what we provide and can work with people to improve their communities. This is a fantastic way of giving residents the chance to take ownership of their neighbourhoods and gives them a powerful voice. Working with communities, we have already seen excellent progress to reduce antisocial behaviour and this is an extension of that. This is a way of formalising the way we work.” Council officers are now looking at what other services can be provided to communities under the neighbourhood agreements. It is intended that, if approved, the Neighbourhood Agreements could be implemented this summer. • The areas covered are Mountsorrel, Thurmaston, Syston and five neighbourhoods in Loughborough
Planning P/11/0315/2: 32 Danvers Road – erection of two storey extension to rear and side of dwelling P/11/0331/2: 139 Loughborough Road – erection of brick barn for storage of agricultural machinery P/11/0017/2: 30 Glebe Close – erection of first floor extension to front of dwelling P/11/2705/2: Waterside Drive, off Loughborough Road – construction of marina and associated parking P/10/2845/2: 117 Boundary Road – erection of 5 dwelling and 6 self-contained apartments P/10/2694/2: 53 Hawcliffe Road – erection of dormer extensions to front and rear of dwelling
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 10
Bargain bridge repairs VOLUNTEERS WITH the Mountsorrel Railway Project have been restoring the Bond Lane bridge. Spokesman Steve Cramp explains: “Back in early 2009 local volunteers took on the restoration of the granite railway bridge at the far end of Halstead Road. The bridge required sections of the parapet wall to be rebuilt and both road facing walls completely repointing. The distinct historical importance of the bridge made the restoration all the more difficult, with the need to reuse the original stones and to ensure that key stones all went back in exactly the right places. “The contractor quote for the work was just under £19,000, but our volunteers undertook the restoration ourselves, completing the work to a very high standard at a cost of only £120! This was made possible thanks to a donation from Mountsorrel Parish Council, Lafarge who supplied some of the materials, and several people who donated. The work took over 15 months to complete and many volunteers of all ages came from the community to help. “Last summer, vegetation clearance around the bridge at Bond Lane, revealed the parapet walls to be in the same poor state of repair. It soon became clear we had another ambitious restoration on our hands! Our thanks go again to Mountsorrel Parish Council for sharing our desire to preserve Mountsorrel's heritage and making a further donation towards the cost of tools. We are also grateful to Lafarge who have kindly agreed to provide the materials needed for the restoration. “Exploratory work started last October with help from Loughborough University students. Work got underway properly in January with over 20 local volunteers descending on the bridge with hammers and chisels to remove the old mortar ready for repointing. Remarkably this extraordinary number of volunteers enabled the entire south side of the bridge to be chiselled out in only one day! “Our volunteer stonemason has already made a start on repointing the south side of the bridge. The collapsing end wall has been dismantled after careful numbering of the stones and our volunteers are currently in the process of rebuilding it. “Work will continue over the coming months. The restoration is an example of how community volunteers were able to come together with local industry and the council to preserve our heritage. The "Big Society" in action! “If you'd like to come and help with this work we have volunteer sessions each Tuesday and Saturday. Please get in touch with Steve Cramp by email steve@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk
Pic: Volunteers working on the Bond Lane bridge “The project would also like to thank Mountsorrel Post readers for their support in purchasing the limited edition Mountsorrel Railway water colour prints, which show sole surviving Mountsorrel Railway steam loco Elizabeth running on the railway. Over £1000 has so far been raised through their sale. The prints are still available priced £15-£20 plus
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 11
a small charge for frames. If you would like further details please contact Steve Cramp on the email address above. • The Mountsorrel Railway Project aims to restore the Mountsorrel railway, built in 1896 by Earl Lanesborough of Swithland Hall to serve the granite quarries around Mountsorrel.
Man fined for fly tipping A FORMER RESTAURANT owner was ordered to pay more than £1,000 by magistrates after building waste from his business was dumped on a farm in Quorn. Unfortunately for Farid Uddin, the farm was owned by a former customer at his restaurant who instantly recognised the ‘unique’ pattern of carpet which had been dumped, along with other waste, on his land on January 15, 2010. Charnwood Borough Council’s environmental crime team investigated and traced the source of the waste back to the newly renovated Mount Palace - formerly The Mint - in Mountsorrel. The restaurant now has a new owner who has nothing to do with the offence. Loughborough Magistrates’ Court heard Uddin, of Lincoln Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to a duty of care offence under the Environmental Protection Act after paying people to dispose of the building waste following a renovation of the restaurant. Uddin admitted he had not asked to see a waste carrier’s
licence authorising them to remove waste, even though he was aware of his obligation to do so, to ensure the men he hired were legally licensed waste carriers. All occupiers are under a legal duty to ensure that any waste disposed of by them via a third party is only to people are authorised to carry and dispose of waste. Failure to do so is a criminal offence. Chris Cary, Charnwood Borough Council’s senior environmental crime officer, said: “We were able to trace Mr Uddin because the carpet which had been dumped was very distinctive and the victim recognised it instantly as he used to be a regular at The Mint. “We were also able to find the former owner of the restaurant. He provided further confirmation that the carpet came from that particular restaurant as he had originally bought it.” Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough
Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “We take our obligation to protect the environment very seriously and will look to take action when waste has been dumped illegally. “There really is no excuse for businesses which fail to check the documentation of people they pay to remove any type of waste. “Let this case act as a reminder that illegally dumping waste will hit you in the pocket - so ensure you have made the necessary checks and arrangements.” Uddin was fined £300 and ordered to pay £521.85 costs, £176.25 compensation and £15 Victim Surcharge when he was sentenced on January 18, 2011. If you have any information about a fly-tip, call Charnwood Borough Council’s environmental crime team on 01509 634559 or email: cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk
County Council cuts THE COUNTY Council is proposing to make £8.2million worth of cuts over the next four years, lose 1,000 posts and change the way many services are delivered. The county says it will make £58million of efficiency savings, which leaves £24million that will come from service cuts. It says it will keep its pledge to freeze its share of the Council Tax for the next three year. The cuts are necessary because of the government’s reduction of 27% in real terms of the grant it makes to the County over the next two years. The County Council proposes to spend £347,700,000 in the year 2011/12. Its income will be £108,900,000 from Government grant and £238,800,000 from Council Tax. Some cuts are planned for: • Children and Young People services • Street lighting energy bills • A review of support for local bus services • A review of support for libraries, heritage and arts services • Trading Standards • Public Relations • Debt advice services Efficiency savings will be made by sharing back office functions with Nottingham City Council, cutting management posts and administration and more efficient purchasing of goods and services. All County Council staff will have a three year pay freeze. The County Council is a Conservative led administration with 36 seats (Lib Dem 14, Lab 4, BNP 1). The next elections are in 2013.
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 12
Christmas switch on
Noticeboard all details printed free
PHOTOS: CLIVE RASIN
A CALL has gone out to offer artists throughout Charnwood the chance to have their work displayed at one of the town’s top visitor attractions. Artists are being urged to submit their work and showcase their talent at the Charnwood Borough Council-run Queen’s Park Café Gallery For more information about hiring the gallery please contact Alex Gasson on 01509 233754 •••
BEN JACKSON from BBC Radio Leicester was the special guest at Mountsorrel’s Christmas lights switch on event. Held on The Green, children from Mountsorrel school sang Christmas music at the event.
Craft Fair Organised by the Loughborough Lions Club at Rawlins Community College, Quorn Sunday March 27 (just before Mothers Day) from 11am to 4pm Refreshments available Also activities for the children Cost £1 adults, 50p concessions & children under 5 For more info or to book a stall, please contact Jean/David on 0116 2376154 or Ann 01509 232422 •••
Pic: Ben Jackson switches on Mountsorrel’s Christmas lights
YOUR SAY...
“Of galloping poet’s twitch” “Oh no, not that” I cried with fear “Is there no hope at all To rid me of this malady That drives me up the wall”
Charity Bridge Drive
“I know a special clinic, where The therapy, they say, Is toasted Keats or Shelley Or grilled Byron every day”
Organised by Loughborough Lions Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Wednesday April 13 at 1.30pm With afternoon tea provided at a cost of £6 per
“You’re worse than I am” I replied “Completely off your truck” And grabbed him by the stethoscope, Then knotted it for luck
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
From Bad to Verse I don’t know how it happens Bur mostly every time I try to write down something It always seems to rhyme I’d like to write a thriller That had a wicked twist Like Roald Dahl or Ruth Rendell Do you get my gist?
So next time if you see me, Just smile and say “Hello”, I’m getting better, by the way – This last verse doesn’t rhyme From Peggy Clarke
Burglaries A NUMBER of crimes in the village in January are being linked by Police to the same offender. Houses on Otter Lane and Meadow Road were burgled after their patio doors were forced. Electrical items and money were stolen following a tidy search. Later in January there were four thefts from motor vehicles and a garage was broken into. Police believe the crimes are linked and in investigation is ongoing.
He eyed me rather keenly Then rose to scratch an itch “I’ve got it, my first case” he cried
Tel: 0116 267 2583 Mob: 07967 191975 Buy DELL products here
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?
I thought I’d get it sorted So to the doctor went Explained my strange predicament Which nothing could prevent He pursed his lips and frowned a bit Then, with a knowing nod, Said “You should get out more” And gave my chest a prod
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PHONE NOW ON 0116 2505842 Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 13
Continued from page 13
Module 1 and level 2 Goalkeeping qualifications Please come along on the day or contact: Samantha (Sam) Chambers STJFC (Chairperson) Mobile 0777 6291355 email:sam.chambers37@hotmail.com •••
person To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or Ann 01509 232422 •••
Loughborough Phoenix Divorced, Separated & Widowed
Rugby Players Wanted
We meet every Monday from 8-11pm at The Brush Club,. 18 Fennel St, Loughborough LE11 1UQ, where we have a friendly chat and dance We have Saturday dances at other venues and weekends away. We are a branch of the NCDSW ••• Syston Town Juniors FC
Birstall RFC are recruiting players of all abilities to join their squad. We have two teams playing in the Leicestershire leagues. Either call Chris on 07766011043 or come to training at Stonehill High School on Tuesdays at 7pm •••
Birstall Longslade Swimming Pool
Girls Football Academy Girls Like Football Too! Wanted! Girls of all ages and ability interested in playing football Please come along to STJFC free girls football academy Where? Memorial Playing Fields, (Donkey Park), Necton Street, Syston, Leicester LE7 8HF When? Every Sat during football season, 1011.30am Goal! To enter teams into the Leicester City & County Girls Football League for season 2011 at all age groups Manager/Coaches All managers/coaches are CRB checked and hold minimum FA Level 1 qualification Some coaches hold FA Level 2/3/UEFA-B. Youth
Early morning swim sessions Monday/Tuesday & Friday at 7-9am Cost for adults £2.90, over 60s £1.70 Also Sunday morning Adult swim 8-9.30am There are also other swimming sessions available Tel: 0116 2673461 Website www.longslade.leics.sch.uk ••• The Bark Foundation (charity no.1129762) Supporting HOTPEC Orphanage, Cameroon Presents an afternoon of
Tai Chi Joint Exercises (22 forms) and Qi Gong (18 forms) Saturday March 26, 1.30-3.30pm at Birstall Methodist Church Hall Tutor Sue Hon, student of a Tai Chi ‘Grand Mas-
ter’ in Hong Kong Come and learn how to keep supple using exercises of special benefit for joint movement Simple, gentle movement suitable for all ages Tickets £7 (concessions £6) Places limited – book early Tel: 0116 2677576 Email: bark_foundation@btinternet.com ••• The Great British Fish & Chips Supper Supporting Spinal Injuries Association Friday May 20 The Great British Fish and Chip Supper is all about getting together, having fun and raising money for the Spinal Injuries Association To request a fundraising pack call 0845 071 4350 Email: fishandchips@spinal.co.uk Visit www.spinal.co.uk.fishandchips •••
Crews Wanted Are you up for a challenge? Do you want to have a great day out with family and friends? Do you want to learn a new skill? Do you want free training sessions? If you have answered yes to the above then this is for you, you need to sign up for this day of fun and laughter Our charity is hosting its annual Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday May 29 at The Boat House, Bridge St, Barrow-upon-Soar The festival will take place on the River Soar with fun and competitive racing starting once again at the Boat House. The day is filled with activities, fun and enjoyment for both crews and spectators. To form a crew you need 8-10 people over the age of 12 and able to swim a little with a lifejacket [no other restrictions apply] You can have more crew members as you can ‘take turns’ in racing. We are offering free training sessions to all booked crews before the day itself and all safety equipment is provided. To form a boat crew and enter the challenge, or for further information please contact Michele: 01509 550317 or email michele@lwa.org.uk ••• Birstall Birdwatching Club presents
Songs for Summer by Nigel Slater This is the time of the year when we are determined to get to grips with bird song and Nigel is going to show us how easy it is Tuesday April 12 at 7.30pm Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Visitors welcome to all meetings £2 Contact Ken Goodrich 2674813 •••
Open Afternoon at Abbeyfield, Birstall, 33/35 Church Hill Friday March 25, 2-4pm You are invited to join us for tea/coffee and cake For more info please call Nic on 0116 2674460 or Jenny on 0116 2671523 ••• Leicestershire & Rutland Branch Motor Neurone Disease Association
Charity Evening at the Royal British Legion Club, Front St, Birstall LE4 4DQ Wed March 23, 6.30pm for 7pm 3 Course Dinner
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 14
£15.50 for tickets and your menu choice please tel: 0116 2674040 Evening entertainment James Selfridge Sings Sinatra & The Rat Pack Era www.franksinatramyway.co.uk •••
Easter Fair Richard Hill School, Thurcaston Saturday April 9 1.30-4pm Raffles, children’s Easter activities, stalls, cakes, refreshments 50p admission •••
SOS Fashion Show and Sale St Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield Tuesday March 29 at 7.30pm In aid of LRFWI funds This is a fun evening with the opportunity to buy a bargain. Designer label clothes from companies like M&S, Per Una, Principles, Wallis, Next, Gap, Monsoon and others will be available at half price or less. Tickets £5 (inc tea/coffee and homemade cake) can be obtained from Ruth Fenney 0116 2874114 or Pat Dickinson 0116 2872978 •••
Comic Relief Zumbathon Happening in a village near you on Friday March 18 Why not come along and help us raise a substantial amount of money for Comic Relief, classes cost £3 with ALL proceeds going to charity. Your nearest class is at Birstall Village Hall, 6.30-7pm Booking essential! For more info or to book please contact the Active Together team on 01509 632535 or email active.together@charnwood.gov.uk •••
Celebrating 20 years of HATS Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society invites you to our forthcoming production of
Play On A comedy drama by Rick Abbot At Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Birstall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 19th, 20th, 21st at 7.30pm Tickets £6 adult, £5 concess (disc for group bookings) Available from Box Office 0116 2128757 or 07757854719 Email: hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk ••• LOROS
One Big Bike Ride 2011! Sunday May 15 7, 8 or 15 mile sponsored bike rides from Rutland Water BBQ, DMU Cheerleaders, penny farthing bike To register call the fundraising department on 0116 2318431 Registration fee: adults £5, children £2.50, family £10 •••
A Concert by Highcliffe Harmony an evening of light entertainment in support of Birstall Playgroup for children with special needs
Saturday April 9, at 7.30pm Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Tickets £5 Available on the door or phone 0116 2675007 •••
Charity Quiz Evening at Birstall Methodist Church on Saturday April 2 at 7.30pm All proceeds jointly to The Bark Foundation (Reg Charity 1129762) and Action for Children (Reg Charity 1097940) Tickets £8 each including hot supper Phone David on 2677576 or Eileen on 2929670 to book a place ••• Saturday April 9, 10am to 12noon
Coffee Shop at Birstall Methodist Church Jewellery stall, tombola and raffle Friday April 15, 7.30pm Birstall Methodist Church Hall SOS Fashion Show and Sale High Street and Designer Clothes at bargain prices Tickets £5 – please book in advance Tel: 2677576 or 2209462 Entry on the day without a ticket only if space is available Proceeds to The Bark Foundation ••• St Peter’s Church
Take a Break Come along and enjoy a friendly break with tea,
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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
Flood Fair Tues March 29 Members Lounge, County Hall, Glenfield open to all, 3-6pm Learn the risks of flooding, how to protect your home and purchase self-inflating ‘sandbags’ www.leicestershireprepared.org.uk •••
0116 2696247 (quoting reference BP)
Mountsorrel Post MARCH 2011 (34), page 15
Continued from page 15 coffee and biscuits at St Peter’s Church on alternate Tuesdays at 2pm till 4pm Dates for March are 1, 15 & 29, then April 12, 26, May 10, 24 Annual Meeting Sunday April 17 after evensong in St Peter’s Church For more details please contact Rev Kerry Emmett 0116 2302235 ••• Christ Church
Cup ‘n’ Chat A new event, every Monday, meeting in the Bower Room from 1-3pm, there will be an opportunity for people to meet, irrespective of age for a cuppa and a natter. Please come along to meet new friends, renew friendships or just to get to know friends better and to share our love for Jesus with people from outside of the church who we hope will come along. Feel free to bring along friends and neighbours who you feel would like to come. •••
Marriage Preparation For those who are planning to be married we are running a Marriage Preparation Course in the Bower Room at Christ Church. The course is on five consecutive Fridays, starting on Friday March 11 ••• Annual meeting Monday March 21 at 7.30pm in the Bower Room at Christ Church For more details of all these events please contact Rev Kerry Emmett 0116 2302235 ••• Mountsorrel
Neighbourhood Watch Area Co-ordinator This post becomes vacant from Easter Anyone interested in finding out more can contact the NHW office at Loughborough Police Station 0116 2482542 ••• Syston Methodist Church Presents Ian Tracey
Men’s Fellowship
Organ Spectacular
Monday April 4, 7.30pm in the Bower Room at Christ Church The Men’s Fellowship of Christ Church & St Peter’s Churches, Mountsorrel invite you to hear about prostrate cancer and how to be aware of it. Out invited speaker will be Stuart Watson who is an Awareness and Support Volunteer with The Prostate Cancer Charity •••
Professor Ian Tracey, Organist Titulaire at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is coming to give one of his spectacular Organ Recitals at Syston Methodist Church (Leicestershire) on the recently installed Makin Westmorland Custom Digital Organ Thursday 19 May 2011 at 7.30pm Book now to ensure you get a seat! Entry by ticket only - price £7. Tickets available from Trevor Solway on 0116 2606457 or trevorsolway@gmail.com
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
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
MOUNTSORREL POST YOUR INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)
0116 2674213 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Mountsorrel Library, Rothley Post Office or to our office in the Youth Centre, Longslade College, Birstall
editor@birstallpost.co.uk
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