Rothley Post Sep 2009 (78)

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

SEP/OCT 2009

ISSUE No. 78

Rothley Heritage Trust ROTHLEY HAS a new charitable trust dedicated to promoting and conserving the village’s historical and natural treasures.

Pics: (l-r) Mrs Irene Marriott, Rebecca Langton, Eilidh Leitch, Georgia Walton and Mrs Christine Miranda. Right: Chris Miranda shakes hands with Prince Philip

Golden girls

The Rothley Heritage Trust has been formed by the village’s three Heritage Wardens, Brian Verity, Marion Vincent and Terry Sheppard.

The treasurer of the new trust is Brenda Sutherland.

Chairman Brian Verity said: “There are so many exciting things that might be done to educate the general public about the rich history of Rothley at the same time conserving the local heritage.”

One of the Trust’s projects is the creation of a Rothley Heritage Centre in the now unused cemetery chapel. Brian said: “A lot of work needs to be done but feasibility talks on the lease have started with Rothley Parish Council who own the chapel. The great thing about the new trust is that its constitution will allow it to raise funds from sponsors and Continued on page 2

THREE GUIDES from Thurcaston and Cropston travelled to St James’ Palace to receive awards from the Duke of Edinburgh.

The three Rangers, Rebecca Langton, Eilidh Leitch and Georgia Walton were presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. The trio were accompanied by leaders Mrs Irene Marriott and Mrs Christine Miranda, who were introduced to Prince Philip for their work with Leicestershire Guiding and the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme.

Nineteen year old Rebecca said: “My day at the palace is one I will never forget. Since gaining my award I have continued to work Continued on page 2

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 1

Adult courses HOW MANY times have you thought ‘I would like to learn how to do that’ or ‘I wish I could speak a foreign language’.

The Leicestershire Adult Learning Service offers a wide range of courses including IT, Languages, English & Maths, Sport, Arts & Crafts and General Interest starting in September. Courses are available at Longslade in Birstall, Rawlins in Quorn and also a small number of courses at Mountsorrel Library.

You should by now have received their brochure through your door giving details of courses in your area. If you have not received a brochure but would like one or, would like advice on one of our courses please telephone Freephone 0800 988 0308 and speak to an advisor.

Alternatively contact your local college on one of the following numbers: Longslade, Birstall 0116 2673389, Rawlins, Quorn on 01509 622826 or go to our website www.leics.gov.uk/golearn.

Learners in receipt of certain benefits are eligible for 70% or 100% discount, telephone for details.

Pic: (l-r) Terry Sheppard, Marion Vincent MBE (Secretary), Brenda Sutherland (Treasurer), and Brian Verity (Chairman).

Continued from page 1 Guides continued from page 1 with the Brownies and have become a warranted leader. I would certainly encourage others to participate in the award, it has been great fun, I have learnt so much and made some good friends along the way. It was a fantastic experience and gave me the opportunity to learn lots of new things from bell ringing to motor skills.”

Any girls aged at least 14 or in Year 9 at school who would like to find out more about the DofE Award Scheme should contact Chris Miranda cbm189@aol.com or Irene Marriott on 2364295 or come to the first meeting on September 16, 7.15pm, Richard Hill School, Anstey Lane.

funding organisations such as the National Lottery. Already Rothley History Society has promised £2000 towards the museum project, which is a great start.”

Rothley’s Heritage Wardens were initially appointed by Rothley Parish Council in 2004, working with the guidance of the County Council’s Community Heritage Initiative.

Since that time the wardens have carried out a lengthy archaeological and natural history survey of the ancient parish boundary with hundreds of photographs and notes. They have also organised events and open days for Rothley’s notable historic buildings including this month’s Heritage Open Days.

The Trust’s latest publication is ‘The Departure of the Dead, the story of burials in Rothley’. The book is a comprehensive look at this subject from Roman times to the first 50 years of burials in the Parish cemetery on Mountsorrel Lane.

Gold medal winner A FLORAL marquee exhibited by a Birstall man has won a Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medal at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

The RHS Gold Medal is the highest accolade in the gardening world and was won by Mr Barry Berrington of Birstall Road, owner of the Oska Copperfield Nursery in Rothley.

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 2

Summer graffiti project YOUNG PEOPLE working with graffiti artists have transformed Rothley Youth Club.

Around 30 young people worked together to create a design on the youth club building on the Fowke Street playing field with artists Dones and Emptea from Kolorblindesignz.

The artwork depicts a jungle theme. The youth shelter has also been painted with a spaceship design.

Youth Worker Nicki Rhodes said: “The group of young people involved with the project have got on well and have really bonded. We’ve seen how their skills have improved as the week went on.”

Money for the project was provided by Charnwood Borough Council after County Council Youth workers put in a bid for funding.

Pic: Some of the young people who worked on the graffiti project

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 3

Dancers’ Paris show Planning PUPILS AT a local dance school have returned from Paris where they entertained audiences at Disneyworld.

“Each and every dancer, as well as myself, has taken away memories to last a lifetime” says teacher Bianca Zarcone of Bianca’s Dance Academy.

She took a group of 31 dancers, who performed in front of a packed audience at Disney’s Fantasy Festival Theatre. Bianca said: “All the seats were taken and the audience were so supportive, clapping and cheering for the dancers.

“The Disney team commented on the energetic routines and the lovely smiling faces of all the dancers and praised our colourful costumes. We were supported with a full lighting and sound team who ensured that the performance was very professional.”

To top off the day, 24 of the older dancers took part in a parade through the streets of Disneyworld after the show, watched by thousands of visitors.

Pic: Dancers on stage at Disneyworld

Walking website

A NEW website contains all the information you need about walking in the county.

Keen walker John Harris says he get fed up with the lack of information on walks that are going on in Leicestershire so decided to create his own website:

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 4

Land adj to 39 The Ridgeway, Rothley – 3 storey seven bedroom detached property with double garage and open air swimming pool 5 Alvis Dale, Rothley – erection of single storey extension to side of dwelling 54 the Ridgeway, Rothley – change of use of annex to dwelling house with new access 56 Anstey Lane, Thurcaston – reduction by 15% and raise crown by 2.0m to 3 yew trees, cut back 0.5m to 1 conifer tree and fell l leylandii tree 58 Anstey Lane, Thurcaston – feeling of l larch tree and 2 eucalyptus trees 55 Anstey Lane, Thurcaston – crown reduction of 1 corkscrew willow tree 300 Leicester Road, Cropston – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling High View, 112 Rectory Lane, Thurcaston – reduction of 3 Lawson cypress trees

GCR speed THE GREAT Central Railway has been given approval to carry out testing work at a top speed of 75mph.

The increase in the permitted maximum speed at the GCR from 60 to 75 mph will only happen under strictly controlled testing conditions. The speed of GCR passenger trains remains limited to 25mph.

www.walkinginleics.co.uk The site has details of more than 170 walks to download and print for free as well as details of all the Leicestershire walking groups, maps and walk books.

Cricketing Sunday ROTHLEY PARK Cricket Club’s annual charity match was held in August in front of a record crowd.

A full strength Leicester Tigers XI captained by Sam Vesty lost by 28 runs to a strong Matt Hampson Trust XI team in their annual 20/20 cricket match, raising over £8000 for local charities and attracting over l,300 supporters.

This was the sixth year the event has been held at Rothley Park Cricket Club. Charities to benefit from the event included LOROS, the Matt Hampson Trust and the development of junior cricket at Rothley Park.

Sam Vesty won the toss and putt the Matt Hampson Trust XI team into bat, captained by Matt Elliott (Leicester City). Matt Elliott hit a match winning 45 in their total of 171-8.

In reply for the Tigers James Grindal top scored with 30, but the team fell well short of the required run rate to finish with 143-8 off their allotted overs.

Legion quiz winners THE ROTHLEY Royal British Legion team entered in the Annual Rothley Village Quiz came out tops in the general knowledge and themed quiz held on June 10 at the Rothley Centre.

The four man team comprising A Green, C Swan, P Chester and J Brooks conquered the complexities of the competition which is in its 17th year and organised annually by Mr Albert Greaves.

Pic: Matt Hampson (centre) with the teams

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 5

A large number of village groups put up teams of all ages and the event is an annual occasion much appreciated by villagers. The Rothley RBL members at their monthly meeting in the Rothley Court Hotel all greatly appreciated the team’s efforts and celebrated by toasting the champions.

From Norman Pratt RBL Rothley

Garden weekend 25 GARDENS in Thurcaston and Cropston were opened to the public in June, as part of the Open Gardens weekend.

Organised by the Richard Hill school PTA, this year gardens were open in Thurcaston on the Saturday afternoon, while the Richard Hill School Fair was taking place, and gardens in Cropston were opened on the Sunday afternoon.

The weekend was a great success and the total amount raised from the Open Gardens and the Richard Hill School Fair was ÂŁ3259.

This money will be used to continue to improve the playground facilities at the school, and to support some of the after-school clubs including activities such as music, art and sport.

The organisers would like to thank everyone who supported the event and all the garden owners. If you are interested in finding out more about the Open Gardens weekend or would consider opening your garden for the 2010 event then the Richard Hill School PTA can be contacted on richardhillpta@aol.com or 0116 236 2503

Pic: Taking a break on the garden trail are (top) Mrs Rosemary Hale & Mrs Monica Spowage & (right) Norman & Barbara Ellis

Pic: Carol Grocock with her granddaughter Tamzyn Worth

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 6

Top Scouts ROTHLEY SCOUTS were winners in a recent competition.

When the Charnwood Scout District Patrol camping competition was resurrected in July after being in abeyance for some years a patrol from Rothley emerged as the winners.

Led by 13 year old patrol leader Amelia Yeomans the team of six young Scouts aged from 11 to 13 had to hike to John’s Lee Wood carrying all their personal kit on their backs and then camp for a 24-hour period under canvas, looking after themselves completely without any adult help. This they did successfully and took the competition shield home with them.

Group Scout Leader Ron Bromley congratulated the patrol on their success.

Pic: (l-r) Harry Cox, Alex Bailey, Amelia Yeomans, Alex Mee, James Lovett, Spencer Freeman

Kids cooking PARENTS AND toddlers are being invited to a new group where they can cook healthy food together and have fun.

The Parents and Tots Cook 'n' Eat Club is the idea of Leanne Nelson from the Royal Oak on Cross Green.

Jeanne, a qualified nutritionist and chef, said: “I worked for two years as a Surestart/NHS healthy eating advisor and my most popular sessions were the cook 'n’ eat.

“As well as having fun and learning to cook together, I’d hope that we could also put together a village recipe book for the children”.

Soups, baking, sandwich filling and dips are some of Leanne’s ideas for the club, which would meet on Thursdays from 3-5pm at the Royal Oak. A small charge would be made to cover the costs of the ingredients.

Leanne said: “I would like to give something back to the community that we are now a part of and I hope we could build up this lovely group within the village.”

Leanne would like to start the group to coincide with British Food Fortnight September 19 to October 4 and needs expressions of interest from parents to get the club established.

Contact her on 0777 958 1833.

Marathon milkman

ROTHLEY’S Kirby and West milkman, Derek Poyser, is once again in training for the Leicester Marathon which takes place on Sunday October 11.

All Derek’s sponsorship money will be doubled by Kirby and West and donated to

Immaculate fully refurbished throughout ground floor 2 bedroom & first floor 1 bedroom flats

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Superb opportunity to suit single or professional couple.

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Please ring for details.

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Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 7

LOROS. If you would like to sponsor Derek just hail his milk float any morning or visit Uppercrust in Woodgate, Rothley where they have a sponsorship form and the Certificate of his donation to LOROS in 2008.

Pic: Derek Poyser

WEA’s autumn choices

New bell ringers ROTHLEY PARISH Church are looking for new bell ringers.

If you would like to try bell ringing for the first time, or have rung in the past and would like to know more, please contact Ian Stonehouse for more information.

Practices are every other Tuesday evening from 7.30pm and the bells are rung every other weekend and for almost all weddings.

Peals have been heard over Rothley for nearly 500 years. Six bells currently hang in the upper tower. The ‘foure’ Tudor bells (1553) were recast into five and re-hung in 1784 by Edward Arnold for £95.7s.9d. Taylors of Loughborough re-hung the bells in 1877 and a sixth bell was added in 1934 for £66 in memory of the vicar Lewis Pearson who served from 1916-1926.

Contact Ian Stonehouse by email on ian@rothleyb ells.co.uk Pic: a bellringer at Rothley church

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

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Send for menus for your special occasion to RITA or PETER ELLISON

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Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 8

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

New recycling site RESIDENTS ARE being invited to find out more about plans for a new, state-of-the-art recycling facility in the Charnwood area.

The County Council is proposing to replace the recycling and household waste site in Sileby with an ultra-modern, accessible facility at an industrial estate on Granite Way, Mountsorrel.

The new facility would offer: • a new, modern design • ample parking space • containers without steps • easy access from the A6 • clear signs and information • recycling for a range of materials meaning less waste to landfill Find out more at www.leics.gov.uk/waste

Cash ideas NHW news & crime report ROTHLEY RESIDENTS will have the chance to help decide how £20,000 could benefit the local area thanks to an innovative new project.

The cash will be made available for projects which will: • improve access to services • support and develop young people • make the area safer Each of the seven Area Forums in Charnwood will have £20,000 of Government money to pass on to projects. He money is part of a new £½ million initiative which involves giving £20,000 to each of the 27 Forums across the county to boost their local areas.

People from Rothley, as well as surrounding villages in the Bradgate, Rothley, Mountsorrel and Birstall Forum area, are invited to come forward with their ideas. Community and voluntary groups, businesses and local residents are all being urged to bring suggestions to a special ‘workshop’ in October. This will take place on Monday October 26. the venue will be Woodhouse Eaves Village Hill, starting at 5.30pm.

Progress will be reported back via the Leicestershire Community Forums website: www.leicestershireforums.org. and at subsequent Area Forum meetings. Area Forums are an opportunity for people to find out what is happening on their doorstep, give views, get answers to queries and influence local decision-making.

Derk van der Wardt, the County Council’s Community Engagement Team Manager, said: “We want help in deciding how £20,000 could improve each area and are offering people a chance to come forward with suggestions and vote for their favourite.

Residents, businesses and local community groups with ideas about a local project which needs a boost are invited to the workshops where they can have a hand in shaping their community”.

This workshop will be free to attend and will include a finger buffet and refreshments. Places will be limited so to book a place, or for further information, or to be added to our mailing list, please contact 0116 3058015 or visit www.leicestershireforums.org.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Policing team have set their new priorities for the next three months:

• to work with partner agencies to reduce rural crime including the theft of farm equipment by increasing awareness, communication, and through high visibility police patrols • to continue to work with partner agencies and the local community to reduce vehicle crime and antisocial vehicle use on the five Bradgate and Swithland Woods car parks.

The results of the previous priorities were: • to work with young people, primary schools and other groups to raise awareness of stranger danger and antisocial behaviour Result: We visited the primary schools at Rothley, Thurcaston, Swithland and Newtown Linford talking to over 700 children in 26 classes along with talking to other groups of young people on effects of antisocial behaviour and raising awareness of stranger danger • to work with partner agencies and the community to reduce vehicle crime and antisocial behaviour on the Bradgate Park and Swithland Car Parks Result: We carried out crime prevention displays on six occasions and worked closely with the Bradgate Wardens, one person was dealt with for drug offences and there was only one recorded vehicle crime, down from seven in the previous three months. The police

Rotary dinner

THE NEW president of the Rotary Club of the Soar Valley has pledged to redouble its charitable efforts in the Soar Valley villages.

Roger Williams, who took over from Mountsorrel’s Carl Porter at the club’s annual dinner at the Rothley Court Hotel, also promised to continue support for Rotary’s national and international projects.

The annual dinner was a joint event with the Inner Wheel Club of the Soar Valley and during the evening Mrs Elizabeth Brookes succeeded Judy Jarratt as President of the Inner Wheel Club and a new Rotarian, Joe Leverment of Cropston was inducted.

Pic: (l-r) Inner Wheel Past President Judy Jarratt, President Elizabeth Brookes, Rotary President Roger Williams and Past President Carl Porter

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 9

box is now being used again as a temporary office • to improve road safety and reduce speeding on Bradgate Road Newton Linford, Main Street Swithland and Westfield Lane Rothley.

Result: We carried out speed checks on 15 occasions giving out nine fixed penalty tickets and 72 advice notices.

Beat Surgeries for September and October

by PC Steve Rhodes and PCSO Alex Foster Fri Sep 11: 2-4pm, Rothley library, Mountsorrel Lane Sun Sep 13: 2-4pm Cross Green, Rothley Sat Oct 3: 2-4pm, Mercury newshop, Woodgate Fri Oct 30: 2-4 Rothley library Crime Report Rothley, June, July & August Burglary 9, burglary other 5, theft from vehicle 4, damage 10, theft 2, theft of vehicle 1

Thurcaston, Jan-July Damage 4, theft 4, theft from vehicle 4, burglary other 1, burglary 9, theft of vehicle 1

Cropston, Jan-July Theft 5, burglary other 4, theft of vehicle 2, theft from vehicle 2, theft 4, damage 3, burglary 8 Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston’s PC Steve Rhodes

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on July 20.

Councillors were given a presentation by a representative from Severn Trent about the installation of a wind turbine within the Wanlip water treatment works.

County Councillor Peter Osborne reported that the County are continuing with their deliberations about Howe Lane. They are looking at refiguring the turn from Woodgate to either remove the no left turn restriction or make the turn impossible. Speed bumps are a solution to traffic speed on the lane.

It was reported that the County Council have rejected the Parish Council’s request for additional signage for the Rothley Centre car park. The County say cars will still turn into Woodgate first and the signs would therefore be superfluous.

Lafarge have agreed to donate 60 tonnes of quarry waste for the resurfacing of part of the Rothley Centre car park.

It was agreed to publicise the fact that while there are two NHW schemes in Rothley only one is free, has been running for a considerable time and is supported by the local police.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on August 17.

Charnwood Borough Councillor Paul Harley, Cabinet Lead Member for External Relations, attended to listen to councillors’ comments on the performance of the Borough Council. Comment was made that Charnwood would not return phone calls, enquiries were passed from one department to another and consultation documents were too long and technical. Councillors also raised issues relating

to the funding of the new Rothley Centre, car parking at the Royal Oak and the fact that Charnwood asked the Parish Council for its views on planning applications, ignored them, and went ahead with whatever it liked.

Rothley’s new Churchwarden Steve Thomason gave a presentation to the council about his role.

A proposal by Rothley Park Cricket Club to create a vehicle entrance for car parking on the Wellsic Lane/Westfield Lane bend was discussed. Councillors agreed that the proposal should be submitted as a planning application to Charnwood, so that the public can look at the plans and have the opportunity to comment.

The Council intend to provide new play equipment for the Mountsorrel Lane playing field, next to the library, and have been considering quotations for a slide, climbing frame and seats mounted on springs. The council agreed to prepare a bid for funding of up to £50,000 for new play equipment for 8-13 year olds for the Fowke Street playing fields.

The Council are considering quotations for resurfacing work to the Rothley Centre car park – the work is expected to cost no more than £15,000 and will include improvements to the surface water drainage.

The Council agreed to support in principle a proposal from Rothley Heritage Trust to convert the cemetery chapel into a museum.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on June 18.

It was agreed to provide some new shelving in the

LEARN TO DO SILK PAINTING

Memorial Hall storeroom and to replace the Hall’s gutter brackets and have all the gutters cleaned. It was agreed to obtain quotations for a new water heater for the kitchen.

Chairman Richard Younie reported on the costs of obtaining a screen and projector for the film shows and it was agreed that he be delegated to investigate sources of grant funding.

It was agreed to purchase a 100 litre steel litter bin for Jubilee Park.

There was no meeting in July.

Pilbeam Academy THE PILBEAM Academy of Dance continued its success with the second exam session of 2009 taking place in June/July.

The large number of students ready and eager to take their exams necessitated this session being split into two venues, dates and examiners. A total of 93 entrants were examined, including 10 pupils from Our Lady’s Convent School where the academy also holds lessons. This had to be divided with 19 Senior Pupils performing in front of the Senior Examiner of the Society, Miss Monica Bannister FDDA from Nuneaton, and a further 74 Junior and Intermediate students standing in front of Mrs Diane King FDDA from Ashby.

On the Tuesday June 30 session four Recommendations and four Commends attested to the high standards obtained by the Senior Students and the Sunday July 5 venue produced no less a standard of attainment with two Recommendations, five Special Commends and 20 Commends. These results together with a 100% pass rate means that all the pupils are to be congratulated.

The autumn term will start on Monday September 7 and Tuesday September 8 at the Rothley Village Hall and on Wednesday September 9 at the Rothley Baptist Church.

The loss of several of our Seniors who have gone to university means that there are a few vacant places available.

From John Sambrook

Small Ads

Saturday 7 November 2009

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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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History societies We were blessed with glorious evening sunshine on Tuesday June 16 for our walk to and from Rothley, with Society Secretary, Peter Smith, as our well-informed guide.

Starting at 7pm, we joined the bridleway leading from the mini-roundabout at the Rectory Lane / Leicester Road junction in Thurcaston. On old maps, the bridleway is marked as the “Slang”, the meaning of which is “a long, narrow (sometimes sinuous) piece of land; the ground beside a stream” – an apt description.

Reaching the rise of the hill, we paused at the railway cutting where Peter gave a brief resume of the history of the railway, which closed in 1969, a victim of Dr Beeching’s cuts. However, thanks to a group of keen volunteers who worked tirelessly in the ensuing years, the line is open and thriving today as the Great Central Railway (G.C.R.).

Having passed over the parish boundary, we continued to where the path met the junction of a

New president A SPECIAL dinner was held at the Rothley Court Hotel on Monday July 13 to mark the installation of Norma Grimes as President of Rothley & Soar Valley Lions Club.

Guests of honour at the dinner were Mike Foster, Chairman of the Leicester Cobras Wheelchair Basketball Team and his wife Kathy.

In his after-dinner talk, Mike, a wheelchair user himself, explained how his association with Cobras had changed his life and given him a new interest, an opportunity to make many new friends and, from participation in this fastand-furious, physicallydemanding sport, greatly improved his physical fitness.

He also spoke with gratitude of the Cobras long association with and support from local Lions Clubs, first with Syston & Wreake Valley Lions Club, going back more than 10 years, and then Pic: Mrs Norma Grimes with Rothley & Soar Valley Lions since the two clubs had amalgamated.

The Rothley & Soar Valley Lions Club is committed to helping those in need in the local community.

They hold business meetings once a month at Rothley Court Hotel and enjoy social events together throughout the year. New members are always welcome. For further details please contact Norma Grimes. Telephone 0116 2608412, email: norma.grimes@btinternet.com or Frank Luce, tel: 0116 2302433.

late 18thC carriage drive, constructed in the time of Thomas Babington, which crosses a bridge (to our left) over Rothley Brook. Sadly, the bridge is now overgrown and impassable. The whole drive originally led to the main road, coming out near the junction of the old and new A6 roads and avoiding going through Rothley village. On our right was the wood known, mysteriously, as “Black Hovel Spinney” and, in the distance ahead, the tower of Rothley Parish Church was visible.

Next, we reached the bridge spanning Rothley Brook, it having meandered through Anstey and Thurcaston on its route from its source at Bagworth. Prior to this bridge being built, around 1900, the only access had been by a ford and stepping stones at this point. In 1979 banking was constructed nearby to alleviate the surrounding area from regular flooding. In the heyday of the industrial past there were several mills along the route of the brook.

Across the bridge, we came to Town Green, Rothley, known as “Uptown” in the 1920’s. It is unusual that Rothley has two greens (the other being Cross Green), but it is probably due to Rothley Temple being regarded as a separate community in the past. In 1954, G. Cecil G. Gee – hosiery manufacturer – donated a marker stone and benches to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 2nd which had taken place the previous year. A survey in 1954 showed that Rothley had a quarter of the surviving cruck-frame buildings in Leicestershire.

Next, following the footpath alongside the cricket ground, Peter related a brief history of Rothley Temple. Its incumbents were the Knights Templar (1231 – 1312), the Knights Hospitallers of St. John until 1540 and then it was sold to the Babington family. The main house dates from circa 1600 and

was remodelled in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Thomas Babington (1758 – 1837) was an antislavery campaigner (with William Wilberforce) and is buried in the chapel in what are now the grounds of Rothley Court Hotel. Lord Macaulay, historian and essayist and nephew of Thomas Babington, was born at Rothley Temple in 1800. In 1893, Rothley Temple became the home of wealthy, Manchester shipping merchant, Frederick Merttens, then during World War 2 it became a nursing home and by 1974 it was converted into a hotel, which it remains today.

Walking along Westfield Lane towards Cropston, we reached Rothley Station and learned that it was Frederick Merttens who persuaded the G.C.R. company to build the station here and not at Swithland, as had previously been planned. This area , bounded by Swithland Lane and The Ridgeway, was all part of Frederick Merttens’ grand plan to create “Rothley Garden Suburb” – what we would call today the “commuter belt”, with access to nearby towns and work by rail, while being able to enjoy the benefits of living in the country. Season tickets to Leicester were £5, 3rd class and £7 / 1s / 9d, 1st class. Merttens’ vision was of “broad, winding avenues and spacious gardens, back and front”.

Eminent architects submitted designs and no speculating builders would be tolerated. House purchase prices ranged from £250 to £1000, or rents were from £30 to £100 per annum. Additional facilities were to be tennis courts, a bowling green and a golf club, the latter being the only project to reach fruition and it opened in 1911, with the clubhouse opening in 1912. Sadly, 1914 brought the outbreak of World War 1 and Merttens’ grand plan was never completed.

Two very interesting discoveries were made, one when the cutting was dug near Rothley Station, it

Continued on page 12

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

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

Apply to the Secretary: Roger Gregory, 21 The Green, Long Whatton, Leicestershire LE12 5DA. Tel: 01509 843579 Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 11

Continued from page 11 revealed a Saxon burial ground and the second, in 1904, was during the construction of the Ridgeway, when the foundations of a very substantial Roman Villa (circa 200A.D.) were unearthed – today this area, at the end of The Ridgeway, near Rothley Station, remains untouched and no further excavations have been done.

Nearby is David North’s grocery shop, founded by his father after W.W.2, and David’s son, Dominic, also runs a patisserie business.

Further along, almost opposite the junction of Thurcaston Lane with Station Road, is Swithland Hall Lodge, which dates from 1838 and currently is undergoing some refurbishment.

Peter had brought some relevant photographs with him to illustrate further some of the places and events of interest mentioned along our route. The evening concluded with very welcome refreshments at the home of Society Chairman, Colin Revell, and his wife, Nadia.

On Tuesday July 7 we gathered for an evening’s guided tour of Beaumanor Hall at Woodhouse. This made an interesting follow-up to the talk we had in February about the use of Beaumanor Hall during World War 2 as a “secret listening” intercept station.

Beaumanor Hall was the home of the Herrick family for several generations and there have been at least three different houses on the site. Originally, the estate extended to Woodhouse Eaves and beyond. William Perry Herrick was the last of the line to inherit Beaumanor and, when he did, the building was not at all to his liking, so he decided to have the old Hall demolished and have a new one built, specific to his taste! Designed by the architect, William Railton, who is also credited with the design of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London, the Beaumanor Hall we see today was begun in 1842

AC

and took approximately 11 years to be completed.

It is a prime example of Victorian architecture.

Having congregated in the grand entrance hall, for the first part of our tour, we descended to see the cellars beneath the Hall which are constructed around a central courtyard. Numerous cellar rooms, some of which have no windows, are accessed via a network of corridors, all of which were originally lit only by candles or oil lamps.

Some of these rooms have fireplaces, so would have been quite warm and dry and the whole complex was planned as the location for the servants to undertake all the services and tasks required to maintain a large country residence. Rooms we were able to view to illustrate some of these tasks included the bread kitchen, salting room, linen room and laundry room. Other cellar rooms were clearly put to different uses when the Hall was requisitioned for military purposes during W.W.2.

Interestingly, there is a hot air venting channel which leads from the cellars up to the main entrance hall, although our guide did not have any available information as to how this heating system was fuelled. Also, there are ducts at strategic places for access to sweep the chimneys.

Moving upstairs again, we ascended to the first floor. We were unable to visit some areas, such as the servants’ former bedrooms on the top floor, and many other rooms have been converted into offices, but it was easy to imagine what a grand establishment it was in its heyday. We were able to see the room known as “King Richard’s Room”, named in honour of King Richard 3rd, because at one time the bed he was purported to have slept in, prior to the Battle of Bosworth, was kept there. The room itself retains much of its original, ornately carved woodwork and the windows have some beautiful stained glass patterns.

RN

BUILDERS EXTENSIONS ALTERATIONS & PROPERTY REPAIRS

( 2675658 Proprietor RMS Gibbon

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 12

Our route brought us to the great gallery which runs around three sides of the main staircase and is very impressive, with views over the entrance hall below. The carved woodwork has a proliferation of bulls’ heads, one of which is featured in W. P. Herrick’s coat of arms. As we descended to the hall, the grand staircase is dominated by the magnificent, armorial, stained glass window at the head of the stairs. Most of the ground floor rooms, now used for meeting / conference facilities, still retain some of the opulence of a bygone era, with lofty, ornate ceilings and huge windows giving panoramic views over the gardens and to Woodhouse village and church beyond – all part of the planning, specific to W. P. Herrick’s aspirations. He also had almshouses built in Woodhouse to house former servants in their retirement.

Our tour of the Hall concluded in what used to be W. P. Herrick’s private room cum office and where, apparently, he died. He and his wife had no children and no other heirs. His wife continued living at the Hall for several more years, but after her death, information regarding the fate of Beaumanor Hall is rather limited, except that, seemingly, it fell into disuse until destiny directed it towards a completely new purpose in the 1940’s. W. P. Herrick and his wife are buried in Woodhouse parish church.

Ironically, the aforementioned “private room” is now used as a bar, since today, under the auspices of Leicestershire Education Authority, Beaumanor Hall has to earn its keep through social functions, weddings, conferences, residential courses, etc.

Lastly, there was an opportunity to move outside to view some of the huts that were erected during W.W.2 to accommodate the equipment and workers involved in the Secret Intelligence Service in intercepting enemy radio messages. Some huts still

retain the disguises that were incorporated in their structure to avoid detection by the enemy, e.g. one in the guise of a stable. Clearly, the vital work undertaken at Beaumanor throughout W.W.2 greatly influenced the course and outcome of the war, not forgetting the work that continued for several years after the war had ended while the so-called “cold war” endured. Today, some of these huts are used as accommodation for people attending residential courses at Beaumanor Hall.

All in all it was a thought-provoking evening, when considering the varied history of this grand old Hall.

For our meeting on Tuesday 15th September we return to the Harrison Room, All Saints` Church, Thurcaston for a talk by Peter Liddle about the Anglo – Saxons and again, on Tuesday 20th October, to hear Lynn Mellor speak about “A basketful of Leicestershire Legends”. Both meetings start at 7.30pm and on 20th October there will be a raffle in aid of society funds.

From Jennifer Kennington, Thurcaston & Cropston History Society AT THE June meeting of Rothley History Society Fiona Ure from Leicestershire Museums Service spoke about Ladybird Books – known and loved all over the world.

The Leicestershire Museums have the largest public collection of Ladybird books, probably even larger than that in the Ladybird Company's own collection. During her talk, she passed around an assortment of books, which sparked off recollections of having this or that one.

What a wonderful trip down memory lane it was for all of us. We all remembered our own books, read by ourselves, and later to our children and grand-children.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, September 16th, when we shall be pleased to see 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 Hill, near Market Harborough. You may remember seeing this on the television and reading about it.

Now come along to the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley in time for the talk at 7.30pm and enjoy hearing about it.

From Noreen Wilson, Rothley History Soc.

raised £57 pounds.

On August 10 The Monday Club was transported into the life and times of Joanna David, wife of the Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London, talking about “Living in the Tower of London from a Personal Point of View”.

On reaching the position of a Sergeant Major in the Army, having served for 26 years, Joe David qualified to become a Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London.

Joanne experienced plenty of exercise living there, as their apartment in the Beauchamp Tower, was on the third floor and the upper and lower floor was divided by 15 steps and a further 15 to enter their apartment, then in order to place her washing line on the battlements (well below public view!) she had a further flight of 15 stairs. No curtains were permitted to be hung at the windows, but as it was impossible to see into the rooms, this was of no concern. The apartment was very cosy and afforded the couple complete peace and privacy from the hordes of tourists visiting the Tower. In case of any catastrophes there was a rope ladder supplied to escape the Beauchamp Tower but this was never needed.

When asked if she had seen any ghosts in the Tower, Joanne said she had not, but on one occasion when left on her own one night, she experienced a very heavy and unpleasant atmosphere.

The next meeting on September 14 will be devoted to a Harvest Bring and Buy for our Charity “Bosom Friends”. For further details, please contact me on 0116 2363467.

From Ann Farndon THE SPEAKER at the July meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston WI was Mr Ian Rogerson who gave a witty and entertaining talk about his passion

Monday Club FOR THE third year, the Monday Club has experienced a very happy afternoon enjoying a well presented Strawberry Cream Tea at the “Griffin Inn” in Swithland.

The purpose of our annual strawberry cream tea is to raise money for our yearly elected charities.

This year we have chosen ‘Bosom Friends’, a local charity supporting cancer patients, and as a result of a generously provided table of Raffle prizes we

Regular Yoga Classes restart in the following two locations Mountsorrel Mountsorrel Memorial Hall on Tuesday 8th September 2009 from 7-9pm Woodhouse Eaves St. Paul's School and Community Centre, Meadow Road on Wednesday 9th September 2009 from 7-9pm.

These classes are aimed at enabling you to incorporate Yoga into your everyday life and are facilitated by a teacher holding qualifications in both Yoga and the teaching of adults. Both of these classes are suitable for all levels of ability, this includes people who have not practised yoga before, and you can join these classes at any time in the programme.

Come and join in and learn a new skill and enjoy the process. For more information either email moira@hardy-smith.fsnet.co.uk or phone me on 0116 2302 402

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 13

entitled: “Smile please and say cheese!”

Ian, a butcher specialising in game and poultry, had no interest at all in cheese until thirty-eight years ago when he came down to Leicester from Bootle to manage Stafford’s the butchers. It was the old shop manager there who first introduced him to Stilton.

Its taste and versatility so impressed him that he began to take a serious interest in cheeses. Finding out how the many varieties are made then became his quest.

Ian suggested that when serving cheese at a dinner party it is best to offer several small portions with biscuits before the desert, as very often people ignore eating cheese at the end of the meal. He also stressed the importance of serving cheese at room temperature as it is a living organism and this enhances the flavour.

From Jacqui Gettings Members and friends welcomed back as their speaker at the August meeting Mr David Bell.

This time his subject was a rather gruesome one - Murder cases of Leicestershire and Rutland. After reminding us of his own personal background Mr Bell launched into the story of the murder committed by Laurence Shirley, the fourth of his line to hold the title of Earl Ferrers. Lord Ferrers resided at Staunton Harold Hall, his trial was held in the House of Lords, and he was the last peer of the realm to be hanged as a common criminal.

It was quite a long story of how Earl Ferrers, who had a reputation for mental instability and exercised a violent temper when drunk, attacked his wife and various servants. Finally he shot and killed John Johnson the family steward.

In case you may think we spent a somewhat sombre evening, I hasten to add that we did have a laugh or two and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

From Mrs Dorothy Budd.

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

well?

A particularly distasteful aspect of this bias in reporting was that some of them were dressed as SS men, members of the most hated and disgraceful organisation in the Nazi regime, equalled only in their mistreatment of prisoners, both military and civilian, by the Japanese Army. Are we going to see the latter in the next so-called visitor attraction staged by the GCR? Or maybe al-Qaeda.

I feel that anybody who thinks it appropriate to dress in Nazi uniforms for whatever reason needs to be treated with suspicion. They should at least me made to study some recent European history. But for a local publication to feature them so prominently and thereby encourage their twisted minds, casts some doubt on the judgement of its editor. The Rothley Post is normally a welcome and enjoyed bearer of local news in my household but it won’t be if any more of this disgusting ignorance of days which some of us lived through is displayed. And as for the GCR visitor attractions, if this is typical of their content then I shan’t be riding on their trains.

R A Bromley Editor’s note: the GCR’s wartime re-enactment weekend had the support of the Royal British Legion who this year took part in a special service of remembrance at the event. The reason Nazi soldiers featured in three of our nine photographs of the event was that Rothley station had been ‘occupied’

by German forces.

GCR weekend

Parking

It was disturbing to see the coverage you gave to misguided individuals masquerading as Nazi soldiers in your last issue. Were there no British soldiers in World War 2, and if so, why weren’t they featured as

I agree entirely with the comments made by Harry Ovenall regarding shopping and parking in Rothley.

Some of the shops sell non-essentials which

Advertise in

THE ROTHLEY POST 1) Decide what size you want.

2) Send us a sketch of your ad.

3) We design, publish & send you the bill 53 x 70mm £20 • 53 x 142mm £36 109 x 70mm £36 • 109 x 142mm £60 CALL for an advertising rate card, or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk PRICES EXCLUDE VAT

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 14

no-one is buying at present.

One Sunday I walked down Woodgate and there were plenty of parking spaces outside Bradleys Store. A BMW car was parked on the double yellow lines/pavement outside the Post Office and chemists (both closed). A male came from the paper shop, got into the BMW and drove off.

If the council provided 50 extra parking spaces, cars will still be parked on the double yellow lines/pavement because drivers are too idle to park up and walk a few yards to the shops.

If the council ran a check occasionally you would find that this is true.

Parking on double yellow lines is an offence and parking half on the pavement is a danger to pedestrians, and more tickets should be issued if drivers are not disabled.

Name & address supplied

Christianity explored WAS JESUS Christ just a figure from history, or is He something more?

These are just two of the questions which form part of a course being run at Rothley Parish Church this Autumn under the banner ‘Christianity Explored’.

Rob Gladstone, Vicar of Rothley Parish Church who leads the course is available to talk with you if you are interested to know more. “This is the perfect occasion to ask questions you have always wanted to ask about Christianity – others may well have the same questions! Equally, you will not be asked to do or say anything you don’t want to during the course.

“Whether you have just started thinking about Christianity, or have not been to Church for many years, you are encouraged to come along to the next course. Why not bring a friend with you who may also have those burning questions”.

The next course which starts on Tuesday October 27 is the fifth one in two years. It runs for eight weeks in the Old School Rooms, School Street and takes place over a free two-course meal and includes a lively DVD and table talk.

Interested? Contact Rob Gladstone on 0116 230 2241 or email the church office at parishchurch@rpc.ctlconnect.co.uk

Noticeboard all details printed free Volunteers Required LOROS, the Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice, requires members of the public to help assist the fundraising team with various events and administration work. We also require people to sell our grand raffle tickets at local venues.

If you would like to help raise funds to support local terminally-ill patients then please contact the LOROS Fundraising Team on 0116 2318431/2 or email: fundraising@loros.co.uk ••• Sunday September 27 Leicestershire & Rutland Family History Society Are celebrating their 35th anniversary by having a

Family History Day at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane between 10am and 4pm Admission free There will be local village history groups, books and CDs, free talks and a help desk Light refreshments served all day For more info contact Brenda Sutherland (Treasurer) on 0116 2302766 ••• The Ladies Circle invite you to a

Coffee Morning on Saturday October 3 from 10-11.30am

at Rothley Methodist Church, Howe Lane, Rothley Raffle, tombola, cakes etc 50p entrance Proceeds to the Loughborough Street Pastors ••• St Theresa’s Tuesday Ladies, Front Street, Birstall Welcome you to join them on Tuesday October 13 at 8pm when they welcome a speaker and a puppy from the

Guide Dogs for the Blind Pay on door, £1 includes a cup of tea and a biscuit ••• Sacred Heart R.C. Church are holding a

Coffee Morning on Saturday September 12 At the Rothley Centre From 10-11.45am Proceeds for Church Funds and the ‘Street’ children Admission 50p includes coffee/tea & biscuits Variety of stalls, raffle, tombola etc •••

Keep Fit With a Difference Why not join our local basketball group No previous experience necessary For further details tel: John 2675269 •••

Glenfield Country Market (Glenfield Women’s Institute WI Market) Fridays 9-11.15am St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road, Glenfield LE3 8DP (off The Square) Free parking at the church Handmade cards and crafts Home grown plants, flowers, fruit & veg

Home made cakes, savouries Jams, chutneys, honey, free range eggs, gluten free items Celebration cakes can be ordered LOROS book stall Hamper service Tea or coffee, admission free Everyone welcome Closed all of Jan 2010 Glenfield Market 0116 2364295 •••

Car Boot Sale At Longslade Community College Sunday September 27 Raising funds for the College’s 50th Birthday Celebrations in 2010 For more details call 0116 2677107 or email: school enquiries@longslade.leics.sch.uk •••

Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Thursdays Sep 3, Oct 1 and Nov 5 at 7.30pm •••

Volunteer Drivers Calling all drivers!

Could you spare about four hours per month to drive people who are not very mobile, but may have to get to the doctor or a hospital appointment etc We are presently receiving requests from villages throughout the South Charnwood area, but unfortunately we do not have sufficient drivers to ensure that we can answer every request. We understand that volunteers are not always available, so we need to have a larger list to compensate when other drivers are on holiday/have family commitments etc Mileage is paid and most insurance companies cover volunteer drivers at no extra cost – we provide the form to send to your own insurance company.

As well as providing a valuable service, it is very sociable taking out the clients. If you have taken early retirement, or have been made redundant or have a car available – we would love to have an informal discussion on the service that the Syston and District Volunteer Centre provide (with no commitment at this stage) Tel: 0116 2607888 (9am-1pm Monday to Friday) •••

Volunteering Opportunity at Watermead Country Park South with Groundwork Leicester and Leicestershire (GWLL) Conservation team every Thursday 10am to 4pm Come for an hour, a morning or all day – meet people, get fit, help the environment!

Tasks include meadow management, coppicing, Continued on page 16

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 15

Continued from page 15 path clearing and controlling invasive species Wear old clothes and stout boots/shoes Bring a packed lunch if you are staying all day Hot drinks and biscuits provided For more information phone Catherine Tregaskes, GWLL, Conservation officer on 07929 165452 ••• Holland Academy of complementary therapies raising funds for local charities

wartime Britain she enters the fantasy world of her film idols, Fred and Ginger until an unlikely person comes to her rescue.

Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Barrow Friday October 9 at 7.30pm Tickets will be on sale from the Barrow Paper shop or by phoning Judith on 07718153117. Full price tickets will cost £8 (concessions £7) but if you buy in advance from the discounted rate of £7 or £6 (concessions).

•••

Health & Well-Being Event

Charnwood Orchestra

Holistic Therapies, readings, gifts & crafts October 24 & 25 From 10am to 4pm at Birstall Village Hall £2 admission, inc raffle Call now for more information 0116 2673337 or email: hollandacademy@aol.com St John Ambulance & St James Day Centre ••• Centre Stage The Oxford Theatre Company

‘Dancing in my Dreams’

by Neil Duffield A musical play suitable for families and children 8+ Kathleen loves dancing and Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, but when the bombs fall, she must swap her life in London for the farms and fields of the countryside. When Kathleen and her sister are evacuated, along with many of their friends, they find themselves sent to live with different families.

Kathleen must cope with the trauma of separation whilst experiencing the jealousies and prejudices of her new ‘family’. Escaping the daily reality of

Holy Trinity Church, Barrow Saturday October 10, 7.45pm Haydn: Violin Concerto No.1 Haydn: Symphony 103, The Drum Roll Respighi: The Birds Ravel: Pavane pour une Infante Defunte £8, concessions £6, 16yrs & under £2 Tickets 077181 53117 or rodgers_david@hotmail.com ••• Thurcaston & Cropston Film Presentations

starting at 7.30pm, tickets £4, concessions £3.50.

Price in refreshments and a lucky prize draw.

Tickets can be purchased via the parish office 0116 236 7626 or at the door ••• Leicester Committee for Cancer Research UK

Coffee Morning Saturday October 31, 10am to 12noon at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Many stalls: plants, books, bric-a-brac, gifts, cakes, tombola, Phoenix cards, handbags Raffle – entrance 50p inc coffee & biscuits All Welcome ••• Birstall Methodist Church Saturday November 28, from 10am to 2pm

Table Top Sale (held in conjunction with Christmas Festival) Tables @ £10 each Contact Margaret – 0116 2671181 •••

‘Slum Dog Millionaire’

Rothley Parish Church

Friday September 11 (121 mins) This well publicised film, produced by Danny Boyle, with many global awards, is a 21st century realistic glimpse into the harsh, yet exciting, slums of Mumbai.

Three Services every Sunday 9am Holy Communion 10.30am Morning Family Service 6.30pm Evening Worship www.rothleychurch.org.uk •••

‘Dean Spanley’ Friday October 16 (100 mins) This clever, witty and barmy comedy drama, based on Lord Dunsany’s forgotten novel ‘My Talks with Dean Spanley’ is an incredible tale set in Edwardian England where “lips are stiff and drinks are stiffer”. Peter O’Toole gives a splendid performance.

Both films shown at Thurcaston Memorial Hall,

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

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR 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: Rothley Library, Rothley Post Office or to our office in the Youth Centre, Longslade College, Birstall editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Rothley Post SEP/OCT 2009 (78), page 16