Rothley Post July 2009 (77)

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Delivered FREE to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston

JUL/AUG 2009

ISSUE No. 77

Future of Rothley shops A DELEGATION of Rothley shopkeepers met with parish councillors to discuss issues affecting local businesses.

Representatives attended the Parish Council meeting on May 18 where spokeswoman Yvonne Pulford from Latimer Design said that the main issues were lack of parking and the street wardens.

She said that with the direction of the one-way on Woodgate as it is, motorists were not stopping if there were no spaces on Woodgate and driving on to Anstey, Birstall and Quorn to shop. It was suggested that the direction of the one-way be reversed.

Yvonne also requested improved signage for the free public parking at the Rothley Centre, one suggested location being the entrance to Woodgate, and that the Parish Council ask Charnwood that its street wardens “back off”.

Pic: re-enactors in period costume at Rothley station

War weekend HALF A million poppy petals were dropped onto the Great Central Railway from a vintage aircraft as part of the GCR’s wartime weekend in June.

This year the event commemorated the 65th anniversary of the D Day landings: a remembrance garden was created and there was a Sunday service attended by the Mayor of Charnwood and veterans from the Royal British Legion.

Continued on page 4

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 1

Continued on page 2

Shops continued from page 1 “I have seen an elderly couple in tears after getting a ticket for being one minute over the time and I thought that was disgusting” she said.

She added: “We are lucky to have such a variety of shops but the situation has got so serious, a lot of businesses will not be able to survive if we don’t get support – we are totally dependent on support from the Parish, Council and Charnwood Borough Council. It will be very sad to see our community break up – each shop depends on the survival of the others.”

Yvonne also said that the publicity about the disappearance of Madeleine McCann had deterred people from coming to the village and that we needed to move forward from these “exceptional circumstances”, which had been followed by the credit crunch and the increased visits by Street Wardens.

The Chairman of Rothley Parish Council, Percy Hartshorn said on-street parking was the County Council’s responsibility and that Charnwood was responsible for off-street parking.

The Parish Council could not dictate what parking measures were made but could only make requests, he said. Signage also needed to be approved and provided by the County Council.

The Parish Council agreed to ask the County for signs directing shoppers to the Rothley Centre car park and that the waiting limit on Howe Lane be increased from 30 minutes to one hour.

Cllr Hartshorn said the Parish Council had been pressing the County for the last six months to release the layby outside Babington Court for shoppers’ parking and that he understood they would be considering the matter in June.

The Parish Council could not influence the frequency of visits by the Street Wardens, he

said, and reported that the Parish Council received letters from residents who felt they were not in the village often enough.

Borough Councillor Diane Wise commented that if Street Wardens began exercising discretion they were likely to lose their jobs.

Cllr Hartshorn said that costings had been obtained for converting the land on the corner of Macauley Road opposite Bradleys into car parking spaces. £80,000 for four spaces was not considered value for money, he said.

The Parish Council would resist any suggestions to increase parking on Cross Green by taking away some of the seating area as it was in a conservation area and an important area of open space.

Cllr Hartshorn said that the frontages outside the shops on Woodgate were private land and that all the garages on Greenway Close are let and being used.

It was reported at the meeting that Everards would like to purchase the nine space public car park that belongs to Charnwood Borough Council and which forms a part of the car park next to the Royal Oak. Everards are prepared to install a pay and display machine on the Royal Oak car park and anyone with a receipt from a local shop would not have to pay. The Parish Council agreed to support such a proposal.

• Following the meeting Deborah Doyle of Zebra has produced some posters for the village shops informing shoppers of the free Rothley Centre car park.

• The County Council has announced they have started the procedures to remove the yellow lines in the lay-by on Woodgate outside Babington Court to create parking spaces with a one hour limit. They also intend to increase the waiting limit on Howe Lane to one hour.

• In a statement received just before going to press, a spokesman for Charnwood Borough Council said: “Negotiations are underway for the Council to sell the car park [the nine space area at the back of the Royal Oak] to the brewery [Everards]. The matter is still being discussed and we hope the deal can be resolved as soon as possible.”

Hallfields humps ONE OF the new speed humps on Hallfields Lane has been lowered.

Rothley Parish Council requested that the County Council’s Highways Department check the specification of the speed cushions – as a result the speed cushion outside 53 Hallfields lane was reduced in height.

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 2

Sports Local elections award THE CONSERVATIVE party retained control of Leicestershire County Council at the June elections.

The Tories increased their number of seats by six, winning 36 seats with 44.3% of the vote.

The Labour party won four seats (down nine) with 15.5% of the vote and the Liberal Democrats won 14 seats (up three) with 27.1% of the vote.

The British National Party won a seat for the first time with 12.1% of the vote. At the last local elections four years ago they polled 1% of the vote.

The turnout was 39%, well below the 63% recorded in 2005.

Local Results: Birstall Liberal Democrat hold. R Wilson (LD) 1489 (37%), S Jones (Con) 1442 (36%), P Cheeseman (BNP) 644 (16%), C Poole (Lab) 464 (11%). Majority 47. Turnout 42.4% Rothley & Mountsorrel Conservative hold. P Osborne (Con) 1878 (52%), T Smith (LD) 664 (18%), C Collett (BNP) 650 (18%), J Smith (Lab) 443 (12%).

Majority 1214. Turnout 38.7%

for Jessica A TALENTED trampolinist from Thurcaston has received a sporting award.

Jessica Draycott (pictured) was named ‘Key Stage 3 Sportswoman of the Year’ at the South Charn-

wood School Partnership’s first awards evening, held at Wreake Valley Community College in June.

Jessica (13) competes at the highest level of her sport, representing the UK at competitions in Portugal and the Czech Republic as part of the East Midlands contingent of the UK Trampoline team.

She recently qualified for the national finals which will be held at the National Indoor Arena in July.

Jessica is a member of the Charnwood Trampoline Club and is coached by Sarah Corrall.

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 3

GCR war pictures Continued from page 1 Visitors to stations along the line enjoyed the sight of dozens of re-enactors in wartime outfits, military skirmishes at Birstall and Rothley and flypasts by a Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire.

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 4

Exercise SPACES ARE now available on four popular exercise classes which aim to improve the health of inactive people.

The Active Lifestyle Exercise Referral Scheme gives people who do no exercise or have a condition that could benefit from physical activity the opportunity to take part in gentle workouts. Run in partnership between Charnwood Borough Council, Serco Leisure, GP Practices and other health care professionals, the hour-long classes are the perfect way to get active.

Spaces are currently available on classes held in Loughborough, Birstall, Sileby and Syston and cost £2.30 for people who have been referred through their GP or £3.30 for those who simply want to try out the sessions.

Nita Pearson, Charnwood Borough Council’s Active Lifestyle Development Officer, said: “Physical activity provides physical, social and mental benefits and the Referral Classes are the ideal way for people who have had little or no exercise to get active. All the sessions are held under the guidance of qualified exercise professionals and will help improve fitness and general wellbeing”.

Spaces are available on the following classes: • Gentle Exercise to Music at Sileby Community Centre on Tuesdays between 12noon and 1pm • Gentle Exercise to Music at Birstall Village Hall on Tuesdays between 2pm and 3pm

Goal scoring talent A JUNIOR footballer from Rothley has received a trophy for his goalscoring talent.

Matthew Mendel (10) of The Rise was the top goalscorer in the Leicester and District Junior League last season, scoring 27 goals in 14 games for his side Barrow Falcons under 10s. His total included four hat tricks.

Matthew has come top in a League that has 392 teams and in excess of 4000 players.

His club also presented him with a trophy for being their top scorer. Manager Mike Gubb said: “Matthew has had a very good season, we won the league on goal difference so he scored some important goals for us.

He’s a good team player with great speed.”

Pic: Top goalscorer Matthew Mendel • Gentle Circuits at Syston Community Centre on Fridays between 10am and 11am • Gentle Pilates at St Peter’s Community Centre, Storer Road, Loughborough on Fridays between 2pm and 3pm.

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 5

To find out more about the Active Lifestyle Exercise Referral Scheme, call Nita on 01509 634 594, log on to www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/exercisereferral or email nita.pearson@charnwood.gov.uk

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on May 18.

Cllr Percy Hartshorn was elected as chairman of the Parish Council for the ensuing year

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 6

and Cllr Brian Popple was elected vice chairman.

Matters arising from the Annual Parish meeting on May 15 included questions on the size and legality of the speed cushions on Hallfields Lane and problems caused by buses parking on Hallfields lane to collect spectators when the Tigers were playing at home. It was agreed to ask the County Council to comment about the speed cushions and to refer the parking problem to the Police.

A representative of the local shops gave a presentation to councillors about trading conditions in the village and asked the council for its support (see report on page 1).

It was reported that repairs to the skateboard park have been carried out. It was agreed to have the BMX track repaired, as well as damage to a seat on the Fowke Street playing field.

It was reported that the County Council Youth Service are committed to providing a summer programme of youth activities.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on June 15.

It was reported that the County Council has agreed to remove the yellow lines from the layby outside Babington Court to create car parking spaces for shoppers and to increase the waiting limit on Howe Lane from half an hour to one hour.

Cllr Peter Finch said the Council needed to consider long term arrangements for increasing car parking. We want our shops to survive and prosper and there is clearly a lack of parking in Rothley, he said.

Cllr Harold Wise made a proposal that the Parish Council should allocate up to 15 minutes at each council meeting for the public to speak without the need for them to give prior notice. This is the current practice at neighbouring parishes of Mountsorrel, Birstall and Thurcaston and Cropston. At Rothley the current arrangement is that a member of the public can speak if they make a request to do so, giving details of their questions, by the Thursday prior to the meeting. They are then advised if they will not be allowed to speak by 12noon on the day of the meeting.

Those speaking in favour of the proposal

argued that not having to give notice would make access to the council by the public easier, promote transparency and improve communications with the public. Those speaking against the proposal were concerned at the time it would take up, that if questions were not known in advance a detailed reply may not be possible, and that the existing arrangements were satisfactory.

Two members of the public attending the meeting said they had come to speak to the council and were advised it was not permitted without having given notice. They then left the meeting, commenting: “call this bloody democracy”.

On being put to the vote there were three votes for and three against. The Chairman’s casting vote was against the proposal.

Cllr Harold Wise said that the decision “served the people of Rothley very poorly and that the Council should be prepared to be more open”. Cllr Steve Marshall commented that the two gentlemen who left the meeting complaining would tell all their friends what had happened and that this would foster a negative impression of the Council.

Chairman Percy Hartshorn commented that the rules allowed such a proposal to be considered again in six months.

The Parish Council agreed to support residents of Church Street who are requesting ‘Residents Only’ parking in their street.

The clerk was instructed to obtain prices for a set of 4-bay swings for the Mountsorrel Lane

playing field. The Council is also considering a multi-gym style piece of equipment for the Town Green Street playing field.

It was reported that the County Council Youth Service are planning a graffiti workshop at the Fowke Street youth shelter this summer.

It was agreed to consult Charnwood’s Tree officer about the tree in the middle of the green on Town Green Street. The canopy is so low that the grass beneath it cannot be mown.

• Rothley Parish Council meetings are normally held on the third Monday of each month at the Rothley Centre at 7.30pm. They are open to the public. Parish Council minutes, details of local planning applications and contact details are available on the website http://rothley.leicestershireparishcouncils.org

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on April 16.

It was reported that following a public meeting about the road safety issues at the junction of Causeway Lane and Station Road, the Parish Council had sent a letter to County Councillor David Snartt requesting that they bring the matter to the attention of the Highways department.

Parking problems near the entrance to the Hallgates car park will be reported to PC Steve Rhodes.

It was noted that Mrs M Gillham had resigned her position as Heritage Warden. It was agreed to write and thank her for her

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 7

efforts on behalf of the parish.

The Annual Parish meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on May 21.

Mr R Younie was elected chairman of the Parish Council for the ensuing year and Mr Green was elected vice chairman.

PC Steve Rhodes reported that crime has increased this year compared to last. There have been a spate of burglaries in the parish followed by the arrest of a male, who has been remanded in custody.

Speed checks have resulted in 112 tickets or advice notices being issued. PC Rhodes will visit the Richard Hill school in June to talk about Stranger Danger.

Summer concert AN OUTDOOR summer concert at Beaumanor Park, Woodhouse will feature popular soprano Hayley Westenra.

‘Music for a Summer Evening’, organised by the Quorn branch of the Royal British Legion, will climax with a Last Night of the Proms programme and a firework finale.

Paul Hilliam conducts the East of England Orchestra the Leicestershire and Rutland RBL Pipe Band will also play.

The concert is on Saturday July 11 at 7pm – tickets cost £18 and can be obtained from Jackie Towers 01509 416070 or Beaumanor Hall 01509 890119,

Win a personal trainer Speeding IMOGEN GORDON-STABLES, Personal Trainer (National Academy of Sports Medicine) has two 6-week packages of personal training to give away free– that’s six sessions once a week for two lucky winners.

“This is more than enough time to see some fantastic results” says Imogen, who is based in Rothley.

All you have to do is answer the following question: Which two of these famous personalities has Imogen trained in the past? Please go to the website www.imo-gym.com to find the answer. l. Greg Rusedski (tennis) 2. Lucy Speed (EastEnders)

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST

Pic: Imogen Gordon-Stables

will be published on Sept 7.

The copy deadline is Aug 21.

3. Vanessa Feltz (presenter) Please email your answers to imogen@imo-gym.com by the closing date July 25. Winners will be contacted by email by July 30.

Imogen has started a new exercise class at Thurcaston Memorial Hall on Mondays from 1.30-2.30pm. All levels of fitness are welcome, £4 on the day, £3.50 in advance. To book call Imogen on 07841437741.

0116 2674213 editor@birstallpost.co.uk www.birstallpost.co.uk

54 MOTORISTS were caught exceeding the speed limit in a Police crackdown on speeding in six villages across Charnwood.

The beat officer for Swithland and Rothley, PC 544 Stephen Rhodes, and three Police Community Support Officers from other neighbourhoods spent two days with the speed radar gun at ten sites.

Between May 6 and May 7 they went to: Bradgate Road in Newtown Linford (twice), Westfield Lane in Rothley (twice), Main Street in Swithland, Loughborough Road in Rothley, Cotes Road in Barrow, Melton Road in Barrow, Loughborough Road in Cotes and Loughborough Road in Hoton.

54 motorists were caught exceeding the speed limit – five of them were given £60 Fixed Penalty Notices and three points on their licence and 49, who were only just over the limit, were given advice notices.

PC Rhodes said: “Speeding is one of those issues that understandably upsets people and is the main area of concern when we ask people what they would like us to focus on in their communities. We are out in the villages monitoring speeds and dealing with offenders as often as we can. Our two day speeding initiative was very well received by local residents who were pleased to see us and delighted when we told them further operations are planned.”

He added: “At the end of the day, motorists who speed are breaking the law, driving too fast is dangerous and someone could get killed. Speed limits are there for a reason, to keep motorists and pedestrians safe, so please stick to them.”

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 Rothley library or Rothley Post Office on Woodgate.

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.

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Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 8

Society’s birthday ROTHLEY HISTORY Society celebrated its tenth birthday in May. John Brooks and Maureen Bulmer, who were in at the beginning, had worked very hard with their display of posters of the History Society's first ten years. They showed reports of our activities, including programmes and outings, and also included many photographs. All our thanks go to Maureen and John for refreshing our memories – what a wonderfully interesting display.

We were pleased to welcome Maxine Court and Shirley Bye who came as representatives of the Rothley VE and VJ Day Society. They presented a cheque of £500. to the History Society as they wished that their society's accumulated funds should be utilised by a village organisation. They were very interested in the prospect of a local museum. It was also agreed that a wreath should be laid by Rothley History Society at the Remembrance Day Parade in November on behalf of the now disbanded Society.

Ann Harmer, our Chairman, made a lovely birthday cake, with white icing and decorated with fresh flowers – tiny pink roses and blue

Pic: Chairman of Rothley History Society Ann Harmer (centre) with the committee and members

forget-me-nots, picked that very afternoon. The cake really looked very good and what is more, tasted quite delicious – thank you Ann. The party was very well supported by members and guests. We were delighted that, as a consequence, at least four guests joined our society as members and we look forward to welcoming them at our future meetings.

We have our summer break in July and August and then on September 16 we resume with our first speaker of the autumn, when we shall be pleased to listen to Peter Liddle, who is coming to talk about the Time Team archaeological excavation of Stonton Wyville, and the rare discovery of an Anglo Saxon settlement, at Knave

Photos on display at the society’s 10th birthday celebrations included these two: the staff of the Grange in 1912 and the Grange in 1948.

Hill, near Market Harborough. You may remember seeing this on the television and reading about it. Now come along and enjoy hearing about it.

For our October meeting, we have a talk on “The History of Witchcraft and in December we look forward to being entertained by a puppeteer, Mal Trott, with his hand and string puppets.

Our meetings take place on the third Wednesday of each month at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. The hall will be open from 7pm and the talk will start at 7.30pm. We look forward to seeing you.

From Maureen Bulmer

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 9

Heritage open days VISITORS TO Rothley’s Heritage Open Days in September will be able to find out about Rothley’s Victorian vicar Richard Burton, enjoy a free Victorian concert and sample a cream tea in the Old School Rooms.

Heritage Warden and one of the events organisers Terry Sheppard explains: All sorts of unusual places will be open on the second weekend of September for the public to see round and enjoy. In Rothley we will be marking the centenary of the death of Rothley’s Victorian Vicar, Richard Burton, who had a significant effect on the heritage of Rothley.

Burton’s was the last ever burial in the Churchyard, and we will be exhibiting the whole history of burial in Rothley, right through from Roman times up to today.

Rothley’s long serving Victorian Vicar Richard Burton died at the Vicarage in 1909, one hundred years ago. He came to Rothley in 1858

as a Curate to assist Vicar Henry Shackleton, who subsequently died in September 1869 while resting in Scarborough. Bachelor Richard Burton assumed the position of Vicar and immediately set about presiding over two major building projects. In 1870 the one-roomed National School in School Street was bursting at the seams, and unless such schools were enlarged to cope properly with the need, the Government were set to impose a municipal School Board, which would raise building capital at a hefty charge on residents through local rates. Burton led the fund-raising campaign and engaged the famed Leicester Architect Goddard, all of which led to doubling the size of the school, and kept the rate school out.

Burton turned his attention to the parish church, which in his judgement was in substantial disrepair. His 1877 building project saw the church completely revamped inside, following the fashionable Gothic ideal of open pine pews, the choir and minister behind the screen in the chancel area, and a high altar at the east end with the new stylish encaustic floor tiles of the period. Burton was much beset by the height of the ground in the graveyard. Centuries of burials had brought about the new raised level.

The restoration works specification provided for a substantial lowering of the ground, particularly on the north side, so that rainwater leaving the roof would run away from the church walls. It is a mystery what happened to that earth, and in particular what might have been included within it.

In this high tide of Victorian pride and self-belief, England & Rothley were developing

Pic: Revd Richard Burton at a rapid rate. In 1893 Harry Rainer Parker put the Temple Estate up for sale in a bundle of attractive lots. An explosion of terraced housebuilding followed, and the railway came to Rothley not long after. In 1894 the old churchbased parish structures were succeeded by the new civil Parish and County Councils, and Richard Burton jumped into the fray as first Chairman of the new Parish Council. There was no mechanism for paying pensions to parochial clergy in those days. Burton struggled on in his post, increasingly frail and with failing eyesight, until his death in January 1909. His remains are buried in the churchyard in the plot with his mother, the very last full burial ever to be made.

This story will be celebrated on Saturday & Sunday September 12 & 13 between 1 and 5pm each day in Rothley Church. A Display Board Exhibition will tell the story of the 1877 Church Restoration. At 4.30pm on Saturday September 12 Terry Sheppard, one of Rothley’s Heritage Wardens, will deliver an illustrated lecture on the Life & Times of Richard Burton. That evening from 7.30pm the Rothley Church Choir, heir to the Burton instituted choir of 1877, will perform a free Victorian Concert.

Wine & Nibbles at the interval. After the open period on Sunday September 13 at 5.30pm, the weekend will culminate in a Festival Sung Evensong following the 1662 Prayer Book Rite, at which Rob Gladstone, Vicar, will preach a sermon in the style of Richard Burton.

When Richard Burton came to Rothley in 1858, there were two dissenting places of worship. The Baptist Meeting House had been put up in 1800 and on Sunday September 13 it too will be open to visitors from 1pm to 5pm. A little known secret is that

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 10

hidden away behind the present Chapel is a charming walled graveyard, being specially spruced up for Heritage Open Day. While visitors are there, refreshments will be available, and from time to time it is hoped that short organ recitals will be given. Exhibits will tell the story of the Chapel and the burials, the restoration of the burial ground, and the campaign to restore the fine Taylor pipe organ.

Heritage Open Day visitors on Sunday September 13 will also be able to enjoy a Victorian Cream Tea at the Old School Rooms in School Street. An added attraction in the Rooms will be the Census Wall. Every schedule from every 10 year census of Rothley will be on display in folders, and wall displays will tell some of the interesting stories arising from the census.

Not content to simply throw open the doors in this way, the Rothley Heritage Wardens are assembling a major book to complement the festival. The volume is entitled The Departure of the Dead: The Story of Burials in Rothley and covers the whole period from Roman & Saxon times right through to the modern Parish Cemetery on the crest of the hill towards Mountsorrel. The book includes the story of how the Parish cemetery came into being in the 1890s, and lists all the burials that took place in its first fifty years.

More information on the events and the book can be obtained by contacting Brenda Sutherland on 0116 230 2766, and from the Rothley village website www.leicestershirevillages.com/rothley

Four baptisms Childcare & a full church club SUNDAY MAY 17 was a very special day for two Rothley families.

The morning service at Rothley Parish Church included the baptisms of three children and one adult. New church Warden Steve Thomason said: We had to find extra chairs to seat everyone, the congregation doubled to nearly 300 from normal and we had visitors from all over the country. I cannot find a record of the church ever having four baptisms in one service before”.

Rob Gladstone, Vicar of Rothley Parish Church said: “We baptise about 15 children or adults a year on average, but this month we had more than usual. If you would like to be considered for baptism in the future, or for your child, please contact me on 2302241 or Linda Shuker on 2303442 and we will help you explore and think through the promises that baptism means today.”

Pic: Kelly and Andrew Kolvin with daughter Isabelle who was one of those baptised.

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 11

THE ROTHLEY Childcare club in the Village Hall on Fowke Street has now been open for seven years and currently has spaces available.

Kaleidoscope in Action set up the club in partnership with Rothley primary school and the Parish Council.

Owner Kevin Osborne said: “We have been delighted with the partnerships created along the way, not only with the school but also with parents, carers and our dedicated staff.

“During the past seven years our staff have gained qualifications in childcare and helped to develop the club, which now includes a garden project as well as our zones , linking with the Six Early Learning Goals. We have built up a superb set of resources and are particularly proud of our art and craft activities. We regularly consult children and parents to ensure that we offer appropriate and fun activities. We have spaces available and operate a walking bus to collect and take children to school.”

Phone Yvonne 0779 6383725 for more information.

Agora move to Rothley History Society

AGORA MARKETING Communications Ltd has moved back to Rothley after 10 years in Loughborough and Quorn.

Managing Director Steve Thomason explained the move. “I originally started the business from my home in Rothley over 10 years ago as a marketing consultant, but soon found lack of space and young children running around a problem. We spent eight happy years at The Ark Business Centre in Loughborough until lack of space forced us to move out to One Ash in Quorn.”

Pic: (l-r) Kevin McEneaney, Hayley Atkinson-Hines and Steve Thomason, some of the team at Agora He added: “Our business is very much about helping small companies grow and develop.

The fundamental techniques we apply and our unique approach have enabled us to grow and develop the team and our client base, thus the

move to Rothley.”

Some of the local companies Agora work alongside include Concentrix, IMS, Tyler Events, AltiMed, John Unwin, EuroEnergy and Powernetics.

For further information about Agora Marketing Communications Ltd please visit their website at www.agoramc.co.uk

WI birthday party Thurcaston & Cropston WI’s annual birthday party was held at the June meeting.

Members as usual provided a delicious array of food which we all thoroughly enjoyed. The evening was concluded with a challenging quiz.

Our next month’s meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday July 2 at the Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston when Mr Ian Rogerson will give a talk entitled “Smile please say cheese”.

The competition is a cheese recipe.

From Thurcaston & Cropston WI

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AT OUR May meeting we were treated to an evening of nostalgia, when Felicity Austin transported us back to childhood with a fascinating history of toys and games.

To illustrate her talk, Felicity brought along an amazing collection of children’s toys and games, some originating from the early 20th century, and many of which had been donated to her.

Some games go back to Greek and Roman times, such as board games, and we were shown pictures, first of a toy hedgehog on wheels originating from Mesopotamia from the third Millennium BC, and secondly, a plate showing a Greek boy playing with a yo-yo.

Interestingly, in the 18th century, yo-yos were popular for adults’ amusement, but later reverted to being children’s toys.

In Tudor times, toys were made of natural materials such as wood (dolls), leather (balls), sometimes clay and even a pig’s bladder could be blown up to form a ball!

Over the centuries, children generally played creatively and there were, and still are, many games requiring no equipment, e.g. leapfrog, “hide and seek” and “hop, skip and jump”. Imagination and improvisation were also common, such as playing “shops” using everyday items as substitutes, like buttons for coins, to pretend to buy and sell. Stringing two empty tin cans together to make a “telephone” was another example of improvisation.

The Victorians were great inventors, including Plasticine, model steam engines, kaleidoscopes and paper toys to cut out and construct, such as a theatre with props and characters. In the late Victorian era Buffalo Bill, with his “Wild West Show”, toured the UK, establishing the popularity of “Cowboy and Indian” games, and boys often had home-made guns and bows and arrows. For more affluent families, there were replica outfits to be purchased. The popularity of playing cards also began in Victorian times.

By the 1920’s there were such things as toy sewing machines, telephones, model cars and train sets. The following decade saw the advent of dolls made of celluloid (a kind of fragile plastic) and the influence of Walt Disney films with Mickey Mouse and Snow White dolls. The teddy bear was created, named after the then President of the USA, Edward Roosevelt, supposedly because, when on a hunting trip, he refused to shoot a female bear because she had young cubs.

During and in the aftermath of World War II, because of the scarcity of resources, there was a need for home-made toys, made from whatever materials might be available, such as balls knitted from left-over wool and teddy bears made from scraps of old material.

In the past, there have tended to be toys and games specific to boys (e.g. pedal cars, farms, train sets, Meccano) and girls (e.g. tea sets, cleaning sets, dolls, prams) and this trend continued into the 1960’s with the arrival of Barbie doll for girls and Action Man for boys!

Felicity recited various rhymes popular with children, including nonsense rhymes which many of us remembered from our own childhoods and the meeting concluded with the opportunity to look at the toys and try some of the games, many of which had wonderful stories relating to their original owners.

Our next meetings, part of our summer events, will be a guided tour of Beaumanor Hall on Tuesday 7th July and guided tour of Kegworth Museum on Sunday 16th August.

For further details please contact Peter Smith 0116 2367365 From Jennifer Kennington, Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society

WEA courses THE BIRSTALL and Rothley Branch of the Workers’ Educational Association offers three choices for the autumn Pompeii And Herculaneum This is our very popular Tuesday morning history class and enrolments must be made by post to secure a place. Please do not turn up at the first class as you could be disappointed!

Enjoy history with this popular tutor.

Tutor: Colin Groves Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Date and Time: Tuesday 15th September 2009 for 10 weeks 10.00-11.30am Fees: £43.50 Concession A £39.15 (not available for those retired) B Free Afternoon Tai Chi This is a lovely way to keep your body supple or gently move those flagging knee and hip joints. The soft-flowing movements to quiet music promote stress reduction and well-being and this class is suitable for all ages and abilities. The tutor will be pleased to discuss the movements if you have doubts about your ability to participate in this enjoyable form of exercise. Beginners and those with experience will be very welcome.

Tutor: Laraine Tucker Venue: Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Date and Time: Tuesday 15th September 2009 for 12 weeks 1.30-3.30pm Fees: £69.60 Concession A £62.65 (not available to those retired) B Free Catching The Light Come and explore the dynamic concept of light in art and how artists represent it as a form of energy, patterns and other ways. Artists will range from Monet, Seurat, Delaunay and Boccioni. If you enjoy looking at paintings and want to increase the pleasure gained from the gallery visit then this is the course for you. Just come with a lively, open-minded interest in art!

Tutor: Janis Baker Venue: The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Date and Time: Wednesday 16th September for 10 weeks 7.15-9.15pm Fees: £58 Concession A £52.50 (not available to those retired) B Free For further information please contact Marion Vincent 0116 2303405 vincent.mbe@ntlworld.com or Franca Freeman 0116 2362566 francafreeman@hotmail.com Postal enrolments to the WEA Treasurer John Laurance, 35 Seagrave Road, Sileby, Loughborough, Leicester LE12 7TN 01509 813005

Monday club THE MONDAY Club, Anstey, Cropston & Thurcaston welcomed Sue Perks (Sister Mary John) to the April meeting.

Sue is a nun and staff nurse with the Stroke Unit at Leicester General Hospital and also a volunteer with PAT. She gave a most interesting and thought provoking talk on the work of the organisation and its volunteers both locally and nationally. PAT is a small UK wide national charity that has over 3600 volunteers, who together with their temperament assessed dogs and cats, visit a variety of recipients in establishments such as hospitals, nursing/residential homes, special needs schools, day centres, prisons etc.

She demonstrated how pet therapy was used and explained how a patient’s automatic response to a pet could perhaps achieve results in some cases where sadly conventional methods had proved more difficult.

Sue had brought along her much loved and very welcome pet volunteer, a beautiful cavalier King Charles spaniel called “Holly”.

In 2007 Holly had proved such a hit that she was selected to be one of the six finalists in the charity’s national “Dog of the Year” contest and following a public vote, was awarded the runner up prize at Crufts.

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Seeing her in action we could well appreciate how she had achieved such a prestigious award and she certainly deserved her well earned cup of tea and treats - along with the rest of us - at the end of the meeting.

In May, members enjoyed a guided tour of the historical villages of the Vale of Belvoir led by Blue Badge Guide Margaret Harrison.

The Griffin Inn, Swithland will be the venue for our Strawberry Cream Tea on 13th July. Members and friends most welcome.

From Ann Farndon

ACORNS UNDER FIVE'S PLAYGROUP Acorn under Five's (Birstall) is a busy playgroup based on the Highcliffe School Campus. The group operates over nine sessions per week term time only, between 8.30 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. - 3.30 p.m. There are currently 78 children attending the setting. We are currently seeking to recruit the following staff to commence in September: TEMPORARY TODDLER GROUP LEADER (MATERNITY COVER) You will be required to lead the Toddler group sessions on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, each session lasts 1.5 hours. You will be responsible for planning and arranging activities that provide a stimulating and educational experience for parents to do with their children. It is a total of 5 working hours per week.

Ideally you should be qualified to NVQ level 2 or equivalent and have experience of working in childcare.

BANK STAFF To work in the Playgroup on an as and when required basis - occasionally at short notice. It is a requirement that you are qualified to NVQ level 2 (ideally working towards level 3) and have a good knowledge of Early Years Foundation stage.

The successful candidates will have a willingness to learn, be approachable to colleagues, parents and the children alike.

Any interested applicants should telephone 0116 2672795 for an application pack.

Closing date Friday 10th July 09

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 13

Junction feared dangerous SEVERAL NEAR misses at a junction in Cropston have resulted in concerned residents preparing a petition, urging the County Council to take action.

Some motorists coming from the direction of Anstey are failing to stop at the STOP sign at the junction of Cropston Road and Station Road and are driving through the junction, sometimes at speed. For vehicles exiting Causeway Lane this presents a real risk of collision, says Parish Council Chairman Richard Younie.

“Coming out of Causeway Lane is quite dangerous, there have been several near misses and minor accidents but not yet a serious one” he said.

The Police have monitored the junction and issued advice notices to those who have failed to stop.

In a bid to improve the junction, the County Council have improved the visibility of the STOP sign by putting a large yellow border around it. They have also moved the stop line

A ROTHLEY Juniors Football club team finished the season at the top of their division.

The Under 15 team won Division 3 of the Leicester District Sunday Junior Football League.

Pic: (l-r,top) Liam Powell, Danny Boulter, Kurt Tinsley, Callum Sexton, Joe Brett, Luke Dooher, Ben Lucas, Christian Mayes, Ben Corbett, Jim Cooper (Manager);(l-r, bottom) Goerge Vernon, Alex Wright, Angelo Cooper (Captain), Tramaine Byron, Dom Bagnall, Peter Thomason

forward one metre but these measures have not made a significant difference, say residents.

They are urging that the County re-align the junction utilising a small area of land currently occupied by a park bench, or install traffic lights.

A County Council spokesman said: “We have been keeping this junction under review and

over the last 18 months have made some improvements to the position of the stop line and signs. Working with the police we will continue to monitor the operation of this junction, even though there have been no recorded personal injury accidents over the last five years.”

Golf day A CHARITY golf day at Rothley Park Golf Club raised £6000 for LOROS. Special guests Freddie Tuilagi, a former Leicester Tigers and Samoan International, and his brother Alex took part in the third LOROS golf day at the club, held in May.

“The 22 teams were thrilled to meet the rugby stars” said LOROS fundraising manager Dianne Morris. “I am very grateful to all the players, Freddie and Alex Tuilagi, Rothley Park and our sponsors. It was such a success next year’s event has already been organised” she added.

The winning team was Spire Healthcare, Let The Good Times Roll were second and Fore Dawn, a youth team playing in memory of cancer victim Dawn Smith, were third.

Pic:: Freddie and Alex Tuilagi with members of the Spire Healthcare winning team

Crime report Rothley Crime Report, April & May 2009 Burglary 3 (Wellsic Lane, Loughborough Rd, North St), burglary other 9, damage 4, theft from vehicle 4, theft 4 Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 14

YOUR SAY...

The Rothley 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 Rothley Post, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed in at Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Recession I have every sympathy with the shopkeepers in these difficult times, many of whom I know personally, and some of the ideas they suggested for making it easier for shoppers are a good idea, such as better signage to Rothley Centre car park, and increased waiting limits for village parking. But you only need to go into Leicester to see shops closing down and empty premises everywhere, and this is because we are in the deepest recession since the Second World War, not because people can't park! The first things to be affected in a recession are non-esssential and luxury items which a significant number of the shops in Woodgate sell, so it's not surprising that their trade is down.

As for reversing the direction of the one-way traffic on Woodgate, that will make no difference at all. Originally it was two-way traffic, then it was changed to one-way. The shopkeepers then complained that they had lost trade so the flow was reversed. Now they're saying they want it changing back again! It didn't make any difference before so why should it now?

The suggestion that traffic wardens be more lenient is surely a joke? Living on Howe Lane the access to the rear of our houses (off Woodgate in between Zebra and Minnie James' gallery) is regularly blocked by inconsiderate drivers who obviously think they can park anywhere. Illegal parking is a problem and no-one needs to park on double-yellow lines just to post a letter or pick up a pint of milk, it's pure laziness. Extend the waiting time by all means but please enforce illegal parking.

We were told recently at a public meeting that conservation areas had increased in Rothley which sounds like a good idea and should make living in Rothley more pleasant and keep it that way for the future. I am sure most of Rothley's residents would say that they don't want more cars congesting the streets. I looked out of my front and back windows this morning and counted 23 cars within several yards of my house.

We must hope that a happy solution can be found for the shopkeepers whilst keeping the centre of the village a pleasant place for shoppers and residents alike.

Harry Ovenall

Planning 80 Leicester Road, Thurcaston – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling 139 Station Road, Cropston – erection of single storey extension to side, conservatory to rear and detached garage to front of dwelling 35 Latimer Road, Cropston – erection of two storey front/side extension and single storey rear extension 26 Waterfield Road, Cropston – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling Richard Hill Church of England School, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston – extension to building adjacent to entrance area 4 Guild Close, Cropston – felling of two cherry trees November Cottage, 92 Rectory Lane, Thurcaston – felling of nine conifer trees and one ash tree 157 Leicester Road, Thurcaston – erection of roof extension to side elevation and two-storey extension to front of dwelling 26 Merlin Close, Rothley – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling 948 Loughborough Road, Rothley – formation of pitched roof to side and rear of dwelling 55 Swithland Lane, Rothley – conversion of outbuildings to form one residential unit 50 The Ridgeway, Rothley – erection of detached garden machinery to side of dwelling 144 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – erection of first floor and ground floor extensions to sides of dwelling 37 North Street, Rothley – felling of one Lawson Cypress tree 53 North Street, Rothley – insertion of replacement windows to front of dwelling 16 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling Rothley Park Golf Club, 23 Westfield Lane, Rothley – retention of timber summerhouse on golf course 57-59 Swithland Lane, Rothley – conversion of outbuildings to form two bungalows and erection of three bay carport 90 Swithland Lane, Rothley – change in materials of roof on single storey extension to rear from ‘Green roof’ to single ply membrane 75 The Ridings, Rothley – erection of single and two-storey extensions to side and rear and pitched roof dormer extensions to front of dwelling Millfield, 9 Church Street, Rothley – pollarding of one willow tree Rothley Church of England Primary School, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – installation of a double mobile classroom

AC

RN

BUILDERS EXTENSIONS ALTERATIONS & PROPERTY REPAIRS

( 2675658 Proprietor RMS Gibbon

Coffee cash THE ROTHLEY Methodist Ladies Circle raised £650 from two coffee mornings, the latest in March this year.

Our picture shows (left) Mrs Stephanie Brown, Chairman of the Mablethorpe Children’s Holiday Home, receiving a cheque from Mrs Joan Lovett, Chairman of the Ladies Circle.

Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 15

Noticeboard all details printed free Leics & Rutland County Royal British Legion with Quorn Branch On behalf of the British Armed Services Veterans Presents

Hayley Westenra

‘Music for a Summer Evening’ supported by The Heart of England Orchestra Musical director Paul Hilliam Leics & Rutland RBL Pipe Band In the grounds of Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Leics On Saturday July 11 at 7pm Also aerial displays from WW2 Hurricanes & Spitfires Tickets £18 each Available from Jackie Towers: 01509 416070; Loughborough Town Hall: 01509 231914; Beaumanor Hall: 01509 890119 •••

Coffee Morning at the Rothley Centre Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Saturday July 4, 10-11.30am Raffle, mystery parcels, cakes, groceries, tombola Admission 50p inc tea/coffee. All Welcome Proceeds to Mothers’ Union Chalet Holidays Project ••• Swithland Mothers’ Union

Summer Fayre Continued on page 16

Continued from page 15 Saturday August 8 From 10am to 11.30am At St Leonard’s Church, Swithland Cakes, plants, books, raffle, sales table etc Proceeds for Mothers’ Union Charities (Charity No: 250038) ••• Call in for a cup of tea & cream scone to support a local charity

Open Garden In aid of Rainbows Children’s Hospice Sunday July 12. From 12-5pm 33 Hawcliffe Road, Mountsorrel (follow signs on by-pass to Quarry as far as Budgens roundabout, turn left at roundabout and immediately right onto Hawcliffe Road) Cakes, tombola, bric-a-brac, raffle, plants Lottery Bonus Ball All stalls under cover Cream teas, filled cobs and cakes Admission £1 •••

Singing for Fun A light hearted singing group for singers, and wouldbe singers, of all ages and abilities We will sing a range of ‘classic’ hits from jazz, gospel, world, classical, popular and stage and screen, sometimes in unison, sometimes in harmony.

The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Starting September 4 Friday mornings 10am-12noon (also in Syston on Friday afternoons) further details: 01509 412152/Wolrich@AOL.com •••

Heritage Open Days Rothley Sunday September 13

from 1-5pm Rothley Baptist Church & Burial Ground Woodgate Corner, Rothley Exhibition of records, organ recitals 28 memorial tombstones, teas Saturday & Sunday September 12/13 from 1-5pm Rothley Parish Church

The Richard Burton Festival Exhibition of the 1877 Church Restoration & Victorian Commemoration Floortiles Saturday September 12, 4.30pm Illustrated Lecture of the Life & Times of Richard Burton, Rothley’s Cleric from 1852-1909 Saturday September 12, 7.30pm

Victorian Concert with wine and nibbles at the interval Sunday September 13, 5.30pm Festival Sung Evensong using the 1662 Prayer Book with the sermon in the style of Richard Burton Sunday September 13 from 1-5pm Old School Rooms, School Street, cream teas The Rothley Census Wall Full printouts for every household in Rothley for each 10 year census throughout the Victorian period from 1841-1901, with special stories from some households Information 0116 2302766 or email brenda.sutherlandl@ntlworld.com •••

Red Hill Allotment Open Day Saturday, August 22. 12noon until 4pm Fresh fruit, vegetables and plants for sale Refreshments, children’s trail and lots of other stalls, plus a special interest display about the site itself We have a waiting list for plots at the moment but we will be happy to take your details on the day as there

is still a potential for more plots subject to the remain area being cleared.

Because we have been so successful Leicester City Council are proposing to allocate another area of land to increase the amount of plots to be made available.

Iris O’Toole, Site Steward •••

Coffee Morning Saturday July 18 10am to 12noon at St James the Great Church, Church Hill, Birstall Various stalls including raffle & cakes All proceeds to Mothers’ Union Chalet Holidays (Holidays for families in need) Mothers’ Union, Christian Care for Families ••• The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Thursdays, July 2, August 6 and September 3 at 7.30pm.

•••

Garden Fete at The Poplars Residential Home, Watling Street, Mountsorrel on July 18 from 2-5pm Admission free Cake stall, jewellery, tombola, raffle •••

Loughborough Concert Band welcomes all players who enjoy making music in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere No minimum standard required Members range from teenagers to 70+ Brass players particularly welcome Rehearsals Thursday evenings in Loughborough Details: Denise Potter 01509 556516 www.loughboroughconcertband.co.uk •••

Burglary arrest A 28 YEAR-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary after a woman reported a possible intruder in her home in the Latimer Road area of Cropston.

Police were contacted at 3am on Monday May 18 and the suspect was spotted by PC Darren Sewell from Leicestershire Constabulary’s Dog Unit. The officer was on patrol with his German Shepherd Rosco, in Leicester Road, Thurcaston.

Following a search of the area, they recovered a holdall containing computer equipment and electrical items. It is not yet known whether they were linked to the burglary.

The officer then continued his search until around 6am when he arrested a man in the Rectory Lane area, Thurcaston, on suspicion of burglary.

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Rothley Post JUL/AUG 2009 (77), page 16

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