Rothley Post (97) Nov 2012

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

NOV/DEC 2012

www.birstallpost.co.uk

A DECISION on two major proposals for development in Rothley is expected in December.

Path connects villages

Charnwood Borough Council will consider plans for: • 250 dwellings, a new primary school and a medical centre off Mountsorrel Lane, with a relief road. The developer is William Davis.

• 180 dwellings and a primary school at Brookfield Farm. The developer is Charles Church.

An action group, the Rothley-Mountsorrel Green Belt Preservation Group, has been formed to campaign against the William Davis plans.

Its members are concerned about the loss of separation between Rothley and Mountsorrel, building on open countryside on land that floods and road safety.

Rothley Parish Council and Rothley’s Continued on page 2

A NEW footpath connecting Thurcaston to Anstey has been created by a group of volunteers.

The 1.2km path off Cropston Road and along Anstey Lane was a joint project of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council and Anstey Parish Council.

“All the comments I’ve had from the people I’ve seen using it have been positive” said Richard Younie, Chairman of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council.

The scheme was supported with a £9311 grant from Leicestershire County Council’s Big Society grant scheme, with each Parish Council also contributing £1000.

Pics: volunteers working on the path and (top) the Chairman of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council Richard Younie driving a roller

The path now provides a safe walking route between the two villages.

Blake Pain, the County Council’s lead member for the Big Society, said: “This is another outstanding example of the Big Society grant aiding local communities to take responsibility for a local issue, while also helping to demonstrate real community action.”

The County Council has this year allocated a total of £340,000 for its Big Society fund. For details and application forms visit: www.leics.gov.uk/bigsociety

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No. 97

Developers’ plans for Rothley

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2012

and a new school is needed urgently.

Head Teacher Fiona Parr said in her letter supporting the application: “I fully approve of the proposed school new site and the layout is excellent. The school offers exciting opportunities to fully involve the whole community including developing a much more inclusive school, better parent opportunities, after school and wrap around care and a nursery. We would aim to be an outstanding Academy school thus being able to work with other schools in our area as a sponsor using the excellent new build for training opportunities for other schools with accommodation issues.”

Pic: the proposed development off Mountsorrel Lane

Continued from page 1 County Councillor Peter Osborne are objecting to William Davis’s plans.

The Parish Council is also objecting to the Brookfield Farm plans. It says the planned school is too far from the centre of the village. The proposed car park is inadequate and the local roads have insufficient capacity to cope with the extra traffic.

The Council also objects to 59 houses planned for the current allotment site as it is development on greenfield land which forms an area of separation between Rothley and Birstall.

Rothley school’s governors are supporting the Brookfield Farm proposals as the current school site is too small for any further expansion, is already having a negative impact on education

Pic: (left) the red boundary marks the location of the Brookfield Farm proposals (above)

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Rothley and Mountsorrel Parish Council are preparing a Neighbourhood Plan which will set out the areas for growth within the Parish and identify what new facilities and infrastructure are needed. Once this is prepared it will be put out for public consultation and once adopted will shape future development in the area.

• the Government’s new Growth and Infrastructure Bill is currently passing through Parliament and is expected to become law in 2013.

It is intended to stimulate economic growth but has been criticised for undermining the Localism agenda that aimed to put planning decisions in the hands of local communities.

Shaun Spiers, Chief Executive of the CPRE, said: The bill is a depressing attack on the protection of the countryside. It is also a centralising measure, a serious departure from the Government’s welcome commitment to localism.”

The Bill allows for applications for development to be made directly to the Secretary of State, bypassing local planning authorities. Decisions will be made by the Planning Inspectorate with no appeal against the decision.

The bill also relaxes roles on the provision of ‘affordable homes’ within new housing developments.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

3

NOV 2012

Local plan now includes 2000 homes PLANS TO build 2000 homes and an employment site on land north of Birstall have moved a step closer.

In September Charnwood Borough Council’s cabinet agreed to include the site in its Local Plan Core Strategy. This will set out the areas for development in the Borough that are required to meet Government targets for housing and employment. The detailed plan will not be ready until March 2013 when it will be considered by the cabinet.

The development will occupy the former Bentleys Roses site.

Charnwood’s report into the proposals, prepared by the Strategic Director of Housing, Planning and Regeneration Cllr Matthew Blain, states that: • the site will be highly attractive to investors due to direct access to the strategic road network • it provides an opportunity to locate new jobs with new homes • the A46 is likely to be a major barrier to integration with Birstall [the site is in the Parish of Wanlip] • the development will have a “moderate” impact on the settlement separation of Birstall, Rothley and Wanlip that can be “mitigated through master planning”.

• potential for some impact on the wider road network which may be diffi-

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PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE A46

HALLAM FIELDS PARK & RIDE cult to mitigate.

The landowners are the Palmer-Tomkinson Trust and the Antony Cooper family. They have already drawn up plans for a “high quality settlement” called the Broadnook Garden Suburb.

They say they are ready to start building in the first quarter of 2014 if approval is given.

Guide flag re-dedicated AT A recent Girl Guide meeting at Richard Hill Primary School, Thurcaston, Rev David McDonough re-dedicated the Guides’ flag, 40 years after its original dedication.

David was also able to present the ‘Guide of the Year’ cup to Rebekah Johnson and runner-up cup to Amy Johnson. Also pictured in our photograph are Abigail Crisswell, Chloe Fitzsimons and Lauren Furniss.

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A ROTHLEY student reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, part of a team from Aberystwyth University climbing the highest mountain in Africa for charity.

Holly Whittaker (20) and her team began the final ascent at 11.50pm . She said: “The long climb in the dark was really hard as we were still tired from the day’s trek and the extreme attitude made physical exertion and breathing difficult. We couldn’t even drink and walk at the same time and quickly got cold if we stayed still for more than a few minutes at a time.

“I’ll never forget the sunrise over the clouds – it was a truly magical moment.”

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Holly said: “I would like to thank everyone who supported me in this challenge event and donated money to improve the lives of children in Tanzania. It was the experience of a lifetime”.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2012

Exhibition reveals village history VISITORS TO a local exhibition saw how Rothley has changed over the last 230 years.

The Changing Face of Rothley 1780 to 2012 was the title of an exhibition held in the Rothley Centre in October.

John Brooks, Terry Sheppard and Kate Croden were the brains behind the event, organised by Rothley History Society.

“Visitors to the exhibition were unanimous in their praise and amazed at the detailed work” said the Society’s secretary Ursula Greaves. “This had involved hours of painstaking research followed by the digital mounting of the materials on display.”

Some of the pupils from Rothley School visited the Centre on the Friday afternoon

Pic: Terry Sheppard (left) and John Brookes

and then the rest of the school and their parents had the chance to see the display during parents’ evenings the following week.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Diane Wise, was welcomed to the exhibition on Saturday morning. She was introduced to the research team and also presented prizes to the four children who had

been selected in the children’s art competition.

For those who were unable to attend the event or who would like their own record of these 230 years, the information and images from the

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exhibition are available in a book, also entitled The Changing Face of Rothley.

Copies are available through the Rothley History Society which meets in the Rothley Centre at 7.30pm on the third Wednesday of the month. Visitors are welcome.

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Pics: the Mayor of Charnwwod Diane Wise withEsme Hutchin (top) & Lucy Welch; Rohan Hathi & Miles Eynon’s drawing of the Saxon Cross

New counselling service A NEW counselling service, operating from the Methodist Churches in Syston and Birstall is being opened.

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It is called Safe Space Counselling Service, and will be a place where people can make an appointment to see a trained counsellor and talk in a place that is safe, secure and completely confidential.

A spokesman said: “It is well known that many people need to speak to someone at times of trouble in their lives, whether someone is suffering relationship problems, bereavement, money worries, redundancy or anything else. Often they find it hard to turn to someone they are close to and would prefer to speak to someone who is impartial to support them through the difficult times.”

The councillors are trained to listen and support the clients as they work through their problems, or anxiety.

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Cycle path completed A SECTION of new cyclepath that connects Watermead Country Park and Cossington has been completed.

It marks the final stage of the Connect 2 lottery funded project that has seen paths, bridges and access points improved in the park.

The new section runs beside the river starting from the Hope and Anchor pub on Wanlip Road heading north to Cossington.

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2012

5

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

Retiring Parish Council secretary Ann Harmer was presented with a bouquet of flowers, garden vouchers and thanked for her 32 years of service.

Residents reported their concerns about plans for 250 homes and a school off Mountsorrel Lane. They are concerned about traffic to and from the school and the effect on property values.

The Fowke Street drains are not working properly. It was reported that the County Council are aware of the problem and are seeking funding to deal with it.

It was reported that Charnwood’s Engineering Manager had visited the balancing pond off Hallfields Lane and he is satisfied that it is operating as required, balancing the flow of water from the site into Rothley Brook. In times of extreme weather a balancing pond will not stop flooding as there are other sources of water feeding into the brook.

The Council considered an update on the preparation of its joint Neighbourhood Plan with Mountsorrel. A further public consultation exercise is planned for the autumn.

Rothley Heritage Trust wish to commemorate the burial of paupers from surrounding workhouses in Rothley cemetery by erecting a statue near the site in the graveyard. The Parish Council agreed to give permission.

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

Local residents attended to ascertain the Parish Council’s position in respect of development proposals in the village.

It was explained that the approach to development would be set out in the Neighbourhood plan that is currently being prepared jointly with Mountsorrel Parish Council. The response to specific planning applications would be given as applications are submitted. Parish Councils are not planning authorities, they are statutory consultees and their views are of an advisory nature.

The Council agreed to object to the Brookfield Farm development on the grounds that the school is in the wrong place and that additional homes are planned for the current allotment site which is on greenfield land forming an area of separation between Rothley and Birstall.

The cost of the 2012 Christmas lights will be £6163.

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

County Councillor Peter Osborne reported that he had objected to the planning application for 250 dwellings off Mountsorrel Lane.

Borough Councillor Diane Wise said that land north of Birstall was not a sensible site for development, the Mountsorrel Lane development would erode the separation between villages and that the Brookfield Farm school proposal presented traffic issues.

A resident representing a local action group said its members felt “overwhelmed and angry that our village is being targeted for development” and sought the Parish Council’s support.

Chairman Percy Hartshorn said the Parish Council had obtained more time to prepare its objections but it could

only object on planning grounds. He said: “We don’t want anyone building but unfortunately we cannot stop it as the Borough’s core strategy is not in place and Charnwood does not have a five year supply of housing sites.”

Cllr Hartshorn said the Parish Council’s planning consultant had drawn up plans to extend the existing school on to the tennis courts but that the County’s views was that it preferred a new school as the existing one is deemed not fit for purpose.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on June 21.

It was agreed to purchase four trees and one engraved brass plaque to mark the Queen’s Jubilee. The cost is £430.

A parishioner reported that cars owned by people visiting the Memorial Hall were blocking driveways along Anstey Lane. It was agreed that the terms and conditions of hiring the hall be amended, reminding hirers to be considerate.

An extraordinary meeting of the Council was held on July 23. It was agreed to spend £4214 on an access control locking system for the Memorial Hall. This enables automated access to the hall for hirers.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on August 16.

It was reported that councillors had met with a Highways engineer on Station Road, Cropston about the installation of vehicle activated speed signs. It was agreed to approve the next step and to consult with residents living nearby to the proposed sites for the signs.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on September 20.

It was reported that some dog fouling notices on lamp posts had became faded and it was agreed that Charnwood Borough Council be asked to replace them.

Additional anti-dog fouling posters will be put up by the Parish Council.

A member of the public commented on the untidiness of both villages – dumped rubbish in ditches, overgrown hedges, weeds in pavements and damaged road signs. It was agreed to report these issues to the County Council and to contact County Cllr David Snartt.

PCSO Alex Bierne reported that plain clothes officers were patrolling the parish as part of a concentrated effort to combat burglary.

It was agreed to pay an architect £1032 to carry out a feasibility study, site survey and plans for building work to the hall, parish office and exterior areas.

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Busy week performing JACK AND His Multi Coloured Beanstalk was the production for this year’s Faces Arts Summer School.

Over 60 children enjoyed a fun packed week held at St Bartholomew’s Primary School, Quorn, and Highcliffe primary school, Birstall. The week consisted of dance, drama and art with a performance to family and friends at the end of the week.

Jody Chesterton, Proprietor of Faces Arts, said: “Some of the children that attend summer school have never done anything like this before but the children really get stuck in and enjoy the week.

The children are very busy making crafts, painting scenery and learning dance routines. Children are given character roles and scripts for drama which gives them a real sense of achievement.

The children meet new friends and have a fun packed week. Each year we have a great time and well done to all the children involved!”

Faces Arts’ Saturday Theatre School is held on Saturday mornings at Highcliffe Primary School in Birstall. “Youngsters

from all over the county travel to participate in classes of dance, drama and singing, all under the instruction of a team of highly talented and experienced tutors, to help develop the talent and confidence of the pupils” said Jody.

Faces Arts also provides a number of after-school clubs in Street Dance, Performance Skills and Drama. In addition, Faces Arts provides birthday party options and their special ‘Shake Up’ sessions, designed specifically for parent and toddlers.

If you are interested in your child sampling a FREE taster session at the Faces Arts Theatre School, or for more information then please contact jody@facesarts.co.uk or on 07971423 201.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 12.

The copy deadline is Dec 14.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2012

Season’s Greetings from the White Horse, Birstall

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Somerset brie and beetroot tart served with a dressed rocket salad & beetroot and horseradish chutney Seasonal vegetables, brussels sprouts & parsnips are served with all meals *** Traditional Christmas pudding served with brandy sauce

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Dark chocolate tart served with raspberry coulis

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THE ROTHLEY POST

History society news ALTHOUGH THERE have been no monthly meetings, during July & August, Rothley History Society have not been entirely idle.

Several members joined with members of Rothley Heritage Trust to research and prepare the exhibition ‘The Changing Face of Rothley’, held in October.

Regular meetings resumed from September when members and visitors were entertained by members from the ‘Original Anstey Morrismen’.

On Wednesday October 19, the wellknown local historian Ned Newitt was the speaker, talking about The Slums of Leicester.

Wednesday November 21 will be the AGM when a report of the past year and a short preview of the year ahead will be given and the committee for the coming year will be elected.

Meetings are held at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley at 7.30pm.

Visitors £3, members £2. Visitors are always welcome.

From Linda Poole, Rothley History Society

FOR OUR first indoor meeting of the autumn we welcomed Alison Coates, in the guise of Widow Jenny Grooby, to tell us about life in the Tudor period.

Widow Grooby was not merely in a Tudor costume but her outfit was meticulously researched to be appropriate for a widow of her particular age and station in the year 1555. Thus her dress was dyed “poor black” because she was not wealthy enough to afford true black cloth, which required multiple applications of blue and brown dyes to achieve. On the other hand, a velvet trim perhaps indicated an aspiration to marry again. She wore a rosary, which was acceptable in the reign of Catholic Queen Mary but not under the Protestant monarchs immediately before or afterwards. Like all respectable persons of the period, her hair was modestly covered.

Widow Grooby brought an impressive collection of implements and utensils that would have been available 450 years ago.

For example, both leather bottles and wooden buckets were lined with pitch to make them watertight. Drinking vessels were usually of pewter or pottery as glass had to be imported from Italy. Visitors would bring their own knife to a meal and the use of forks for eating was still uncommon. Most cooking was done in cast iron pots over an open fire but Widow Grooby was skilled at making fancy sauces for the gentry with the use of a brass or copper saucepan on a small charcoal stove.

Undaunted by 21st century projection technology, Widow Grooby also showed us photographs of the re-enactments that regularly take place at Kentwell Hall in Suffolk.

Hundreds of participants remain in character and live as closely as possible to a Tudor lifestyle over a period of days or weeks in order to develop a deeper understanding of the world of our forebears. Members of the public can visit and it sounds a fascinating experience.

Our next meeting will be in the Harrison Room adjoining All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston at 7.30pm on November 20. Following a short AGM, our member Brenda Hooper will tell us about people from our two villages whose stories made it into the newspapers.

Contact Peter Smith on (0116) 236 7365 for more information.

From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

NOV 2012

7

More medals for Rothley wine POOR WEATHER and rampaging pheasants haven’t stopped a Rothley couple winning awards with their locally produced wine.

Liz and Matthew Robson of Westfield Lane have a vineyard at the bottom of their garden and make the wine in their kitchen, helped by friends and neighbours.

This autumn they entered wine from their ‘Kingfishers Pool’ vineyard in the Mercian Vineyards wine challenge, with wine made from grapes harvested in 2011.

Liz said: “The frost of May 2011 had destroyed every single green shoot and graped buds, and we had to rely on secondary shoots and a very meagre supply of grapes for a very late harvest in the pouring rain.

“Then pheasants from a nearby farm flew over for pudding and feasted on the grapes just as they were ripening! We named our dry white ‘Pheasants Choice’ to mark the event.”

To make enough wine from the harvest to be eligible for the competition, Liz and Matthew had to press and repress the debris. “It broke all the rules of good winemaking but we just managed to achieve the 50 bottles necessary” said Liz. On the awards night the senior judge said she admired the resilience of English winemakers in such appalling weather conditions and that only three

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gold medals across six classes were awarded this year.

Liz said: “I thought I had misheard when the scores for the Dry White were read out – Kingfishers Pool, Pheasants Choice, bronze medal. I was so stunned I did not hear the results for the Medium Dry until someone slapped me on the back and said well done – we had got another bronze medal.”

The couple won a third award for Innovation by devising a trellis system to layer vines to root in soil while also cropping grapes.

Despite this year’s rain the harvest this autumn has produced a good crop.

One Saturday in late October the Orion grapes were picked and 1000kg was gathered.

They were then collected by Clive Vick-

Pics: (top)Matthew & Liz Robson, (left) crushing the grapes in the kitchen

ers of Halfpenny Green Vineyard to be made into wine at his premises.

“Having achieved two bronze medals in a row with our kitchen set-up, we wondered what our grapes could achieve in expert hands in a modern winery” said Liz. “Clive said our grapes were some of the healthiest he has seen this year and that many would be envious of our crop.”

The wine will be ready in September 2013 and if it is of good enough quality it will be sold to the public at David North’s shop on Station Road.

8

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2012

YOUR SAY...

Healthy exercise, good fun, great music and new friends: try

Scottish Dancing Monday evenings at Avenue Road School, Knighton 7.30 - 10pm Tuesday afternoons at Holy Cross Centre, Wellington Street 1.30 3.45pm Thursday evenings at Holy Cross Centre, Wellington Street 7.30 10pm Qualified teachers, don’t need partner, first session free of charge

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

Thanks Hazel and I would like to thank everyone who has helped us over the years with our Shoe Box Appeal.

Once again we have just sent off 300 very full boxes which we hope will give 300 children pleasure at Christmas. We have also sent a cheque for £750 for carriage. This is our last year for sending the shoe boxes, however, we will still be very grateful for your donations as we will be doing other charity fundraisers in the future.

Once again thank you.

Daphne Stephenson

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 12.

The copy deadline is Dec 14.

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Friends of Bishop Ellis present

Christmas Fair Sat December 1, from 2-4.30pm at Bishop Ellis School, Thurmaston We need your help Can you bake a cake?

Run a stall?

Donate a prize?

Contact us on fobe@bishopellis.leics.sch.uk Come & join in the festive fun Victorian swing boats, children’s carousel, craft & gift stalls, Santa’s Grotto, tombola, raffle, Irish coffees, festive hot food, Christmas carols, Marwood Brass Band & much much more Rothley Church

Christmas Market on Saturday December 1, from 3-5.30pm Old School Rooms, School Street & Rothley Church A really welcoming event for all the community Christmas tree competition Various stalls, gifts, toys and games, cakes etc, raffle School Choir & Handbell Ringers

Refreshments, mince pies, hot dogs etc Donations to Rainbows & Rothley Church Admission free •••

Art Exhibition & Craft Fair Individual pieces of art work and hand made gifts & cards at Rothley Centre, Saturday December 1, from 10am to 4pm Free entry – tea & homemade cakes available Charnwood Branch of Cancer Research UK

Christmas Crackers on Saturday December 1 at 7.30pm in Rothley Centre Join us for an evening of light entertainment including music from the ‘rat pack’ by Jonathan Tickets £10 inc light supper & a welcoming drink of mulled wine Contact number for tickets or further information Jan 0116 2674746 or Brenda 0116 2302766 Charnwood Conservative Association

Christmas Fair Saturday December 8 at Rothley Centre, 10am – 12noon Admission 50p Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell will be attending Raffle, tombola, books, produce stalls, games, Santa’s grotto, bric-a-brac etc

Phase Arts Theatre School A special performance celebrating

The Magic of Disney Sunday December 2 at 6pm The Palmer-Tomkinson Theatre, Longslade College, Birstall Tickets £5 adult; £4 children (discounts available for children/yp’s groups) Box Office: Tel/Text 07974333890 E: phase.arts@hotmail.co.uk If you would like to know more about our group or register for a free trial class, please contact us as above or visit www.phasearts.co.uk Belgrave Ladies Bowling Club Thurcaston Road, next to Rugby Club

Autumn Fayre Saturday November 17, from 10am to 12noon Homemade cakes, garden produce, books, jigsaws, nearly new clothes (inc bowling gear), tombola, raffle, and more Tea/Coffee Entrance 25p All welcome

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘War Horse’ Friday November 9 (146 mins) Michael Morpurgo’s moving story has been played on stage for over four years being set amid the backdrop of the First World War. Steven Spielberg’s film centres on the close connection between a young boy and his horse, Joey.

Tom Middleton plays a debonair cavalry officer who buys Joey to ride him into battle. There is hope, courage and perseverance surrounding this one horse.

‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ Friday December 14 (124 mins) There are tears and laughter in this hilarious but touching drama about growing old disgracefully.

Evelyn, played by Judi Dench, determines to start a new life in Jaipur and meets other retirees who are also aiming for this luxurious retirement home but disappointment awaits. The teeming streets of Rajistan burst with colour and vitality, a fitting setting for our film, amid our preparations for Christmas.

Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall.

Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £4.50 and concessions are £4.

The price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw.

Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office, 0116 2367626 or at the door.

THE ROTHLEY POST

The next in the series of

Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursdays, November 1, December 6 & January 3 at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Admission £2 All players welcome

Book Sale Grab a bargain at Birstall library Sat Nov 3 to Sat Nov 10 The library is selling off older stock to make way for new, both adult and children’s stock will be available at bargain prices Drop in during normal library opening hours and see if there is anything for you Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society presents

Rapunzel A pantomime by Philippa Smith at Highcliffe School, Greengate Lane, Birstall Thursday & Friday Nov 29 & 30 & Saturday Dec 1 at 7.15pm, also on Saturday Dec 1 at 2.30pm Tickets are £6 (£5 concs) and may be obtained from the box office Tel: 2676049 or 07757854719 or by email to hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk

Cheer

by Our Members Everyone welcome to this informal meeting when members bring their photographic or conversational talents which are intermingled with cheese straws, mince pies and other surprises brought along by our members and visitors. Just come and see what our members have been doing this past year in their pursuit of wildlife.

Tuesday December 11 Both evenings at 7.30pm at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Visitors welcome £2 Contact Ken Goodrich 0116 2674813

Christmas Festival at St Leonard’s Church, Swithland Saturday December 8 from 10am to 5pm Refreshments all day St Theresa’s

Christmas Bazaar

Beetle Drive and

Sat December 15 11am till 3pm in St Theresa’s Church Hall Front Street Stalls to include cake stall, bottle tombola, raffle, preserves & many more to delight you Tea, coffee & hot soup will be available All proceeds to St Theresa’s Church funds

Patient Information Day

Coffee Shop

The Leicester Stoma Care Nurses invite you to a combined Beetle Drive and Patient Information Day Open to anyone who has a stoma (guest included) Thursday Nov 29, 10.30 start – 12.30 approx Refreshments available Regency Hotel, 360 London Road Stoneygate LE2 2PL Ring 0116 2585184 to book a place on this unique social event (places limited) Birstall Birdwatching Club presents

75 years at Rectory Farm

by Phil Johnson Rothley is losing its farmland at an alarming rate, with Birstall already decimated, so it is easy to think that no-one cares about farms and the part they play in the preservation of our wildlife.

Rectory Farm, on the edge of Eyebrook Reservoir, is proof of a successful farm and habitat creation for all kinds of wildlife. With all of this, the birds also benefit and Phil will tell us how his working farm has been managed to include hedgehogs and bees. Peanuts and seed on sale.

Tuesday November 13 Christmas DIY with Christmas

Rothley Methodist, Howe Lane Every Tuesday morning, 1011.30am Come rain or shine

Now open : Book exchange Everyone welcome Tea, coffee, biscuits, toasted tea cake Proceeds for the Methodist Church The Latimer Players are performing

‘Mother Goose’ a traditional family pantomime, suitable for all ages Follow Mother Goose, her family and village friends and see how she turns from, rags to riches with the help of Candy, the goose who lays golden eggs. You are invited to join in with the boos and hisses and all the songs November 22,23 & 24 at 7.30pm and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm in the Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston LE7 7JA Tickets available from Anna Lacey, 121 Leicester Road, Thurcaston LE7 7JL All seats £6.50 each

Netmums meets up At Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Low key meet ups to provide friendship and chat for parents & carers Children welcome 10am-12noon, last Tues each month except Aug & Dec Next date: November 27 Hope to see you there! Feel free to get in touch in advance Jacqui & Georgie jacqui@netmums.com www.netmums.com

NOV 2012

9

Oh Whistle….

Supernatural tales by M R James, master of the English ghost story The Nunkie Theatre Company Sunday Nov 25 at 7pm Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow £8, £7 (con) Box Office: 07718153117 judithrodgers155@gmail.com •••

Alice in Wonderland Barrow Youth Theatre A junior musical Friday Nov 16: 7.30pm Saturday Nov 17: 2pm & 7.30pm Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow £7 & £5 (concess) A fresh & colourful production with a talented young cast Box Office: 07718153117 judithrodgers155@gmail.com Syston

Christmas Gift Fair at Syston Methodist Church Hall Nov 17, 1.30-5pm 50p entry (u12 free) over 30 stalls of unique gifts kids’ face painting plus coffee shop with homemade cakes on sale Come along and get stocked up for Christmas Win a Christmas Hamper in the raffle

Continued on page 10

10 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2012

Rothley Christmas Pamper Evening Nov 23, 7-9.30pm at The Rothley Centre, Rothley over 40 stalls, of unique gifts and pampering Tickets £4 in advance, £5 on the door inc complementary drink Chance to win a Christmas Hamper in the raffle Tickets: 07951656941 or 07875979058

Choice Unlimited Information, ideas, innovation, services, products, education & employment for young people, parents, carers and professionals Choice Unlimited welcomes all young people, their parents, carers, teachers as well as service providers We offer a special welcome to disabled young people and young people with additional needs which many of the exhibitors will cater for Leicester Tigers Stadium, Aylestone Rd, Leicester LE2 7TR Wednesday Nov 21

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Brickwork • Patios Re-pointing Tiling • Plaster Patching • Fencing etc No job too small Friendly Reliable Service Free Quotations • Fully Insured

Tel: 0116 260 7716 Mob: 07770 785400 Email: dave@dave-hutchings.com Website: www.dave-hutchings.com

10am to 6pm Free entry – please register your interest There will be a huge choice of exhibitors who will be covering • accommodation • education & training • employment • health & wellbeing • lifestyle & leisure • support & advice • transport & motability • volunteering To register your interest and to find out more tel: 0116 285 9440; SMS:07910 864 594; Email:events@lcil.org.uk; Website: www.lcil.org.uk; Twitter:@ChoiceUnLtd Visit us on Facebook

Rothley Christmas Lights switch-on & late night shopping Thursday Nov 29 Lights switch-on at 6pm Funfair, stalls Seasonal refreshments

Home Carers Required

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I. Wardle Maintenance Services (Birstall DIY) Do you need any of the following work carrying out? If so, please phone or email me.

FENCING: Erection & Repairs GARDEN MAINTENANCE: Turf Laid, Mowed & Hedges Cut etc BUILDING REPAIRS/WORK: New Guttering & Repairs INTERIOR WORK: Curtain Rails Fitted, Mirrors Hung & Painting LANDSCAPING: Gravel Drives & Paths Laid FLOORS: Concrete & Laminate Laid

Free estimate with no obligation • Tel: 0116 2671584 Email: ian@birstalldiy.co.uk • Mob: 0776 8233552

Music from Rothley Church choir and handbell ringers Have your photo taken with an Olympic torch

Ladies Circle Nov 20, Freda Penteloe: Flowers for Christmas Dec 18, Anne Hughes: 12 days of Christmas (music) All held at the Methodist Hall, Howe Lane, Rothley Tuesdays at 2.30pm Visitors £2, everyone welcome

The Baldwin Trust A local charity that runs narrow boats for the disabled, special needs, elderly and community groups is looking for a Secretary This is a voluntary position and would suit a retired person, with good communication and computer skills Could you be the person we are looking for?

Contact: Glenda Townsend 01116 2301731 If you have any queries please do not hesitate to give me a call

Clairvoyant Evening An evening of Mediumship with Clairvoyant/Medium Sean Roper Fri December 14 7.30pm, bar open from 7pm with a break at 9pm the evening finishes around 10.30pm The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicestershire, LE7 7PR Tickets: £10 each - 50% of all proceeds go to Alex's Wish charity - to help fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (visit www.alexswish.co.uk for more details) Format of the evening: theatre style (up to 150 people) Raffle tickets available on the night. 100% of all proceeds go to Alex's Wish (for details visit www.alexswish.co.uk).

Please email emma@alexswish.co.uk or call Emma Hallam on 07903 349475 to purchase your ticket.

Police team YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD Policing team covers the villages of Cropston, Rothley, Swithland, Thurcaston, Newtown Linford Woodhouse, Woodhouse Eaves and Quorn.

The team is made up of police officers, police community support officers and special constables.

How to contact your neighbourhood policing team and who they are:

Neighbourhood Sergeant Sgt Nigel Burnham (77) I joined Leicestershire Police in 1997 and have held a variety of posts on the County and City. I am looking forward to working with my team to solve the issues that matter to local people.

I will continue to work with local Partners to reduce incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour in the community

PC Ed Stephenson (2029) I work as part of the Charnwood West neighbourhood team and I primarily cover the Rothley and the surrounding area. I have previously worked as a neighbourhood officer in Thurmaston and I look forward to working in and around Rothley. If you see me out and about feel free to stop and have a chat.

PC Matt Orton (1969) I have been a police officer with Leicestershire Police since June 2003 during which I have had various roles, mostly working within the Charnwood area. I am originally from the area and I enjoy working with the communities as well as partner agencies to address issues that matter to the people of these areas within the beat area. I have particular responsibility for Quorn, Woodhouse, Wooodhouse Eaves and Ulverscroft .

PCSO Chris Kendall (6524) I joined Leicestershire Police in 2003 and have worked as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) since the introduction of the role. Throughout this time I have had the pleasure of being the neighbourhood PCSO for Quorn and the neighbouring villages of Woodhouse, Woodhouse Eaves and Ulverscroft. I have endeavoured to provide a point of contact within the community and a visible presence in the villages that the beat covers."

Send an email to your neighbourhood team

PCSO Laura Grimbley (6197)

Rob Morris Plumbing & Heating All gas & plumbing work undertaken • Boiler Replacement • Gas Safety or landlord service with cert.

• All heating & plumbing breakdowns • Power Flushes • Full central heating installations Free quotation with no obligations, call Rob on 07849 414541

I have been a Police Community Support Officer since February 2009. I was the PCSO for the East Goscote and Queniborough beat, and have now moved to Rothley and I am looking forward to working with the community to tackle the matters that are causing concern.

How to contact your neighbourhood team To contact an officer, telephone 101 follow the instructions and when prompted, enter their identification number (shown in brackets) and leave a message.

Email via the website www.leics.police.uk (click on Neighbourhood Policing)

THE ROTHLEY POST

Art on show

SOAR VALLEY artists held their annual exhibition in the Rothley Centre in October. Our pictures show work by artists (clockwise from top) Janet Foster, Jenny Cowdroy, Alec Aldrich and John Kennedy. Pictured centre is demonstrator John Clarke painting a landscape

NOV 2012

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12 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2012

Life on the farm Living & working at Brookfield AS YOU drive down Hallfields Lane in Rothley many people hardly notice the farm gate which leads to Brookfield Farm.

There has been a farm on this site for many years, long before many of the houses which now make up the village of Rothley.

Today Bill and Sarah Wright live at Brookfield Farm on Hallfields Lane. In this and future issues of the Rothley Post, Sarah will be writing about life on the farm: Winter seems to have arrived quickly at Brookfield Farm, with some of the early autumn jobs still unfinished.

The wet weather has delayed drilling the seed for next year’s crops, as in some cases the ground has been too waterlogged to allow the tractors to get on to the field. However some of the crops have been drilled and the wheat and rape plants are now visible above ground. Unfortunately the damp weather has been ideal for slugs and at this time of year it is a battle to keep one step ahead of them.

The cows and calves have been brought into the buildings for winter, with the older calves being separated from their mothers. Bill and I had a rather disturbed night as the cows and calves call to each other for the first few hours. By morning, however, they all

Pic: Angus the bull

seemed to have settled into their new routine, and only bellow when they hear the tractor which is bringing their food.

Each cow, calf and bull has to have two ear tags which must correspond with its own passport. In one ear it has to have a small metal tag and a larger plastic yellow tag in the other ear. Sometimes the plastic tags are lost in the field and have to be replaced. DEFRA closely regulates the ear tags and we have to apply for the correct number to replace the missing tag. Retagging lively animals can be a challenging job, particularly as this time Angus the bull needs to have his replaced.

With the imminent closure of Brookfield Farm due to the new housing development, the cows are to be sold as we do not have sufficient room for them at the farm in Saxelbye [near Melton Mowbray].

Before they can be sold they have to be tested for Tuberculosis and then have to be sold within 2 months of this hopefully negative test. It will be a sad day when the last cow leaves as Bill’s Father, Jack, began farming at Brookfield with 6 cows 59 years ago, and there has always been a herd on the farm since that time.

As we approach a less busy time of year on the

CHRIS MEYNELL & FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS

farm we have to consider moving the buildings from Rothley to Saxelbye. Over the next few months all the staff will be involved in dismantling many of the buildings and preparing to rebuild them again in their new location.

Many of the liveries have now found new places to keep their horses and only a few remain. Our herd of Falabella horses will stay here at Rothley until we move ourselves and they have now grown very woolly winter coats in preparation for the bad weather.

We are beginning to remove some of the fencing and this has reminded Bill of an incident which happened on the farm some years ago. The farm had recently purchased a new quad bike and Bill’s late Father Jack, who was then about 70 decided he was going to try out the new purchase. He whizzed around the fields at speed, but as he began to drive down into Bates’ Hollow, well known by many Rothley residents as an excellent sledging hill, he lost control and crashed through barbed wire, electric and some wooden fencing. He ended up in hospital as his hands and arms needed stitching. The hospital doctor told him that he was far too old to be driving a quad bike, but this did not deter him in the future, although he did drive a little more slowly.

Modern Germany A TALK on Modern Germany covered the rise and fall of Hitler, post war rebuilding and Germany’s current position on the world stage.

Organised by the Charnwood Conservatives, it was presented by Dr Michael Lynch, a retired history lecturer, at the Rothley Centre.

The next talk will be presented on Tuesday November 20 by Leonados Hadjinikolaou, a consultant cardiovascular surgeon at Glenfield Hospital, on ‘The British – a Genetic History’.

Tickets are £5 available from Norman Pratt on 0116 2375254.

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Leisure centre LOUGHBOROUGH LEISURE Centre is halfway through a £2.1million refurbishment.

The facility, owned by Charnwood Borough Council and run by the charity, Fusion Lifestyle, has had a new gym, a new cycling studio and a new soft play area for children.

The final phase of the improvements will see the launch of a new main exercise studio, disabled changing areas, new toilets and a refurbished sports hall.

The centre has a 25m swimming pool.

WI news AT OUR September meeting Mrs Alison Briggs gave an inspirational talk on the charity Mercy Ships.

It was set up by a Canadian couple, Don and Deyon Stephens, who came up with the idea of raising funds to fit out a suitable ship as a hospital. This would then serve some of the world’s poorest communities along the coast of West Africa.

Mercy Ships now operates the world’s largest charity hospital ship, providing free health care to these communities.

The ship is run by 450 dedicated volunteers from around the world. The services given include an eye care programme, reconstructive surgery, orthopaedic surgery, oral care programme, a mental health programme and palliative care. Agricultural training is also given.

The present ship, “The African Mercy”, holds six operating theatres and eight wards, which are all equipped with the very latest technology.

This talk was both thought provoking and humbling. It made us all appreciate how lucky we are to live in this country with the benefit of the National Health Service.

At our October meeting Mr Malcolm Britain gave a talk entitled “The Story of Brooksby”. Mr Britain, a lecturer at Brooksby College, is also the warden at St Michael’s and All Angels, the church located within the college grounds.

We were told that Brooksby was a Viking settlement and had a population in excess of one thousand people by the end of the 11th Century. Over the years the hall and church were built and the hall’s primary use was for fox hunting.

Two very prominent families have resided there during its long history. The most influential, the Villiers, came over during the Norman Conquest and lived there from 1235 until 1711. Several prime ministers are descended from them: Pitt the elder and younger, Winston Churchill, Anthony Eden, Sir Alec Douglas Home and David Cameron. Members of the current Royal Family can also trace their origins back to Brooksby Hall. These include: the Spencers (Princess Diana), the BowesLyons (The Queen Mother), as well as The Queen and Princes William and Harry.

Its other distinguished occupant was Admiral Sir David Beatty, famous for his role in the battle of Jutland, and also the youngest Admiral since Nelson.

This was a highly entertaining and informative talk and was enjoyed by us all.

From Thurcaston & Cropston W.I.

A. G. HOLLAND Est 1976

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THE ROTHLEY POST

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New member of Bradgate Park team THE BRADGATE Park Trust has appointed a new Land Agent and Surveyor.

Peter Tyldesley is a Chartered Surveyor with many years’ experience in the management of a wide range of properties with high conservation value and historic interest and was formerly Director of Countryside & Land Management at the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority where he was responsible for developing the Authority’s Visitor Services and Tourism work as well as the management of a 16,000 hectare landholding.

Peter said: “Having been born in Leicester and with strong family connections in the local area, I am very excited to be taking on the management of somewhere as iconic and wellloved as Bradgate Park. I am keen to take the views those who use the Park into account as we plan for the future and we will be surveying and canvassing the opinions of local residents and visitors in a variety of ways over the coming months.”

PHOTO: COURTESY LEICESTER MERCURY

G E GAMBLE & SONS

NOV 2012 13

Pic: (l-r) Alice Briggs (Asst Ranger), Cllr David Snartt (Chairman of Bradgate Park Trust), Cllr Paul Newcomber (Trustee), Peter Tyldesley (Land Agent & Surveyor) and Peter Freeman (Head Ranger)

Chairman of the Bradgate Park Trust, County Councillor David Snartt, commented: “On behalf of the Trustees I extend a warm welcome to Peter and I am delighted that the Trust has secured such a

talented manager to carry on the excellent work that has been done over many years.”

Peter replaces Michael Harrison who has retired after over 50 years service.

Pic (r-l) Rtns Norman Ellis & Ivan Brookes.

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Club presents awards A ROTHLEY resident has been presented with a Rotarian award.

At a surprise ceremony in October, Rotary District Governor Chris Chew presented on behalf of the Soar Valley Club, the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship award to two former Presidents of the Club, Rotarians Norman Ellis of Rothley and Ivan Brookes of Loughborough.

Introducing the awards, Club President Graham Martin said of the recipients who had both coincidentally joined the Club in 1989 and served as President: “Norman has carried out a number of roles for the club with success, notably in 2010 as President, leading the club through a key time in its development, getting members more involved, shaping the type of club we wished to be

and setting clear goals which included becoming a “dual-gender” club. As President, Norman organised events to support the Peter Le Marchant Trust, a local charity providing boat trips for the disabled, and continues his support for this worthwhile cause.

“Ivan has held a number of roles in the club including organising our Charter Dinner and maintaining our archives/regalia. He actively supports our fund raising. He was appointed a Rainbows Ambassador in 2010 and is diligent in promoting this excellent organization. All clubs need an Ivan Brookes but few are blessed to have one who so epitomises our core value of ‘service above self’”.

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14 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2012

John a maritime hero Circle’s open morning JOHN BRYANT, a 69 year old sailing enthusiast from Rothley has been hailed a Maritime Hero in a new nationwide initiative – The Old Pulteney Maritime Heroes Awards.

VISITORS TO Bradgate Sewing Circle’s open morning at the Rothley Centre enjoyed displays of handcrafted work by members and joined them for a cup of coffee.

John was nominated by Lowden-based Sailing club, Trent Offshore Group, for his outstanding club service as its Expeditions Manager. He is one of 30 national semifinalists selected from the many entries nationwide.

The new annual awards scheme was launched in June

by Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky to reward the outstanding passion, commitment and achievements demonstrated within Britain’s maritime communities, at both a local and national level. To launch the scheme, Old Pulteney contacted UK Sailing Clubs asking them to nominate any members they felt deserved recognition within one of the following three categories: Club Service, Bravery or Sailing Achievement.

John was selected by the Old Pulteney judging panel for his tireless work in organising all his club’s yacht charters, a vital role as the Trent Offshore Group relies solely on charters to provide its members with sailing experience.

Throughout 2011 not only did John arrange for 53 members to sail in five different events, he also more recently took his role to a new level by investigating trip travel options, advising on packing and yacht provisions and developing an online booking system.

John took up sailing nine years ago following his retirement, taking training courses at Rawlins College. He has now sailed 2300 nautical miles at sea around the UK and Ireland.

He said: “It was a very pleasant surprise to learn of my nomination for this

Spokeswoman Maureen Bulmer said: “All our members came in loaded with wonderful examples of hand crafted work, including framed and non-framed items of embroidery, cross stitch and tapestry. There was a marvellous display of miniature dolls house equipment, all hand made and including examples of hand knitted miniature birds, Christmas stockings, Advent calendars and wall hangings – along with what can only be described as a profusion of colour from the huge collection of handmade patch quilts of all sizes, from tiny ones for premature babies to double bed quilts.”

The Sewing Circle’s charity for 2012 is the DLR Air Ambulance and the event raised £162.

Maureen said: “The doors were open from around 10am to 11.30am and

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Pic: John Bryant

award for club service and a delight to win the regional final. It is difficult to feel worthy of this as an individual because so many in the group give up their time and energy for the benefit of all including, but not limited to, the skippers, our magazine editor Ian Calderwood, past training master Mark Davis, our Presiding Master Neil Macfarlane, and other council members past and present.”

To reward John’s enthusiasm and dedication, Old Pulteney has presented him with a Maritime Heroes Awards certificate and bottle of its award-winning 12 Year Old Single Malt. John will now be one of the 30 shortlisted sailing stars going through to the competition finals in December. If successful he will win £2,000 a commemorative trophy and a bottle of Old Pulteney 21 Year Old Single Malt.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is still required if you are selling or renting out your house.

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Enjoy a complimentary therapy treatment in a calm relaxing atmosphere. Meet & chat to other patients & carers over a cup of tea. Therapies available include aromatherapy massage, reflexology, Indian head massage & reiki

interested visitors enjoyed the amazing display of work and were then able to sit alongside those members who continued to sew and make craft items and generally enjoy a coffee and chat with them while they worked.

“This was our first ‘Open Morning’ as such and it has proved to be a resounding success. Judging by the buzz in the room that Tuesday morning it just may be that this is not to be the last one! The committee wish to thank all the members for such a splendid effort and bringing their works of art to the attention of everyone. The committee and members would also like to thank everyone who came for their encouragement and for supporting us which helped us raise £162”.

Christmas Charities market ROTHLEY PARISH Church is holding a Christmas Market on Saturday December 1.

This year, the Christmas Market will take on a festive theme with a Christmas tree display in the church.

There will be a prize for the best decorated tree and people in the community are invited to enter a tree either as an individual, as a group or as an organisation.

The venue and time are different from past years, the event being held in Rothley Parish Church and in the Old School Rooms, School Street, Rothley. Different activities will take place in each. The market will be held between 3 and 5.30pm. People will be able to walk between the two venues and enjoy the display of colourful trees, children’s activities and stalls. There will be a special performance of carols by the school choir and music by the Handbell Ringers.

There will be familiar favourite stalls - gifts, toys & games, cakes etc as well as a raffle. Refreshments will be served, including mulled wine, mince pies, hot dogs, tea & coffee.

The children will have their own activities - crafts and face-painting.

A spokesman said: “The proceeds will be donated to Rainbows and Rothley Church.

“However, the main focus is on the church and the community coming together as we prepare for Christmas.”

THE ROTHLEY based charity the Baldwin Trust has been nominated as one of two local organisations that will be supported by the Mayor of Charnwood during her year of office.

The Mayor, Cllr Diane Wise, has also chosen the Our Space Appeal, which aims to transform the children and young people’s cancer unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary The Baldwin Trust was founded in 1988 and organises day trips on adapted narrow boats for the disabled, elderly and those with special needs.

Cllr Wise, who lives in Rothley, said: “I am pleased to offer my support to these groups as they both benefit the local community. I am sure the residents of Charnwood will support the fundraising effort during my term of office.”

By tradition, the annual Mayor’s appeal is always well supported by people in the Borough and money raised has come from a variety of events including a sale of recycled textiles, raffles, church collections, donations and the Mayor’s own charity events.

Garden THE GARDENS at Babington Court have come second in a gardening competition.

Babington Court, a sheltered housing complex on Woodgate, was awarded second prize in Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing’s Annual Garden Competition.

Resident Dorothy Webster assisted by Tony Church have created the garden.

Dorothy said: “I’m trying to make a cottage garden with poppies, lilies, roses and sweet peas, but after all the bad weather I wasn’t very hopeful, so it was a real surprise to come second.”

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2012 15

Club’s annual show Annual Produce and Craft Show It was with some trepidation that we faced our 29th Annual Produce and Craft Show on September 1. After all, everyone had been saying for weeks, “what a terrible year it’s been for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers and they would be very lucky to have anything at all to exhibit.”

We had no need to worry, club members and non members alike provided us with a splendid array of produce and together with the baking classes, and arts and crafts. It was a highly successful show.

Cllr David Snartt very generously donated a new trophy, the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup. This was awarded to the Club member with the highest number of points, and was won for the first time by Mr Phil Dews.

Best Exhibit in show was a magnificent orchid entered in our Exotic Plant Class by Mrs Ann Stringer Well done to the novice trophy winner Mr William Bromley, who entered four classes in the baking section and won them all.

The Arts Club from Richard Hill Primary School entered our children’s classes and provided us with a very colourful display of ‘Decorated Bookmarks’ and ‘Painted Stones’; our grateful thanks for the school’s continued support.

Thank you to all the exhibitors for their splendid efforts in growing, cutting, baking and sewing; to the visitors who enjoyed the show, and the officials and judges for making it such an exciting event.

We look forward to welcoming you all back to the Annual Show next year.

The club welcomes visitors and new members.

If any of these final events of the year appeal to you, then come along and give it a try. The fee is only £3 per meeting (with ‘special offers’ if you wish to join for the rest of the year!!).

The Club’s October meeting was ‘Arable Margin Flora’ (or the Wonder of Weeds).

This was presented by Richard Penson, who has worked as a botanist for 20 years. Richard started his talk with a quote “weeds ... have much in common with criminals. When not engaged in their nefarious activities, both have admirable qualities.”

With the help of some fabulous photographs of many rare and unusual weeds and wild flowers, Richard ‘told the story’ of weeds in the UK. In medieval times weeds were much more abundant. In those times people had no idea how plants propagated and spread.

If farmers had weeds in their corn fields,

they considered it to be a punishment from God or the work of the devil. As a result, weeds were not pulled out and destroyed.

Some weeds that were damaging to crops and people, and abundant at that time, were referred to in the plays and scripts of Shakespeare and Chaucer.

Many of the weeds Richard talked about are native to the Country and some are ‘alien’ and brought in by many strange

Pics: (top) Ann Stringer with her Best in Show exhibit & (right) David Snartt presents a trophy to Phil Dews (right)

means. For example, weeds have been introduced by chance on the mattresses carrying troops from the Napoleonic wars.

Weeds were also spread by unusual means. For example, one particular weed ‘Oxford Ragwort’ came from Scilly and was carried and spread as the railways were developed and gradually spread all over the country.

Now, many weeds and wild flowers are in serious decline and some are only found in a couple of places in the country. This is due to modern farming techniques and the widespread use of pesticides and fungicides. Some plants have developed a tolerance to salty conditions and now thrive by the sea. Others do well on the verges of roads and motorways (sometimes thanks to the salt and grit spread for winter driving conditions).

Weed or wild flower?

As a botanist Richard’s view is ‘there is no difference’.

However, I suspect that with some of the photos shown, every gardening club member would consider them to be weeds such as Japanese knot weed, giant hogweed, and rosebay willow herb. On the other hand, there were many photos of what most would consider a wild flower such as poppies, evening primrose, and orchids.

The Club’s remaining meetings of the year are: • Wednesday 14 November – Gardener’s Almanac – Stuart Phillips • Wednesday 12 December – An Evening with Howard Drury – please contact Dave Haddon for tickets for this event.

For information of any of these events

call Dave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758.

All these events start 7.45 pm at the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston.

The club welcomes visitors and new members. If any of these final events of the year appeal to you, then come along and give it a try. The fee is only £3.00 per meeting.

From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club

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16 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2012

Monday club IN SEPTEMBER, members attended the meeting with a variety of objects, fruit, vegetables, cakes, pies, various tinned soups, books and costume jewellery towards our Harvest Bring and Buy in support of our Charity for this year, the NSPCC. All items were nominally priced and achieved a generous sum of £46.

At tea-time one of our members Mrs. Jean Payne read a very amusing article she had read in the “Womans Weekly” entitled “Fun and Games – slipping in before the Paralympics, The Domestic Chores Olympiad is upon us”.

At our October meeting, the consensus of opinion expressed by the Membership and the Speaker, Mr, Derek Holloway, was that the “Life and Works of Clarice Cliff” was worthy of being made into a film. Clarice was possibly the most important and prolific Art Deco ceramics designer in the 20th Century. She suffered a very lowly childhood having been born on January 20, 1899 in Tunstall in Stoke on Trent in the heart of the pottery industry. The phrase “dark satanic Mills” was very apt.

She was acknowledged in 1971 as major Art Deco Designer by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and many of her pre-war works were included in an exhibition renewing interest in her work.

A beautifully presented talk by Mr. Holloway aided by a slide-showing of several products illustrating the diverse shapes and patterns created during Clarice’s lifetime.

We will be beginning the Christmas celebrations on November 12, with an unusual topic “And now for something different!” You are most welcome to come along to find out more! Including the mince pies and soft drinks.

Our Christmas luncheon will take place at the Birstall Golf Club on December 10. 12 pm for 12.30pm. priced at £13.50 including, musical entertainment. Relatives and friends will be most welcome.

Enquires concerning the above two meetings, please ring me on 0116 2363467.

From Ann Farndon, The Monday Club, Anstey, Cropston ,Thurcaston & Rothley

Lions’ golf ROTHLEY & Soar Valley Lions, Leicester Charnwood Lions and Thurnby Lions Clubs joined together for their annual, fundraising event at Beedles Lake Golf Course in East Goscote on Thursday September 6.

76 golfers, in 19 teams of four, took part in the golf competition, and there were over 100 attendees at the evening prize-presentation dinner. The event raised over £8,000 through sponsorship, donations and an auction at the dinner, proceeds of which will be shared between Hope Against Cancer and Diabetes Care, the charities chosen as recipients this year.

This year’s winning team were Satnam Nanuwa, Inderjit Mahal, Paramjit Takhar and Bill Loyal.

Santa’s tour THE ROTARY Club of the Soar Valley will once again be accompanying Santa on his tour of local villages from December 7-23.

Santa will be touring Birstall on Wed Dec 19 and Thurs Dec 20, Mountsorrel on Fri Dec 7 and Mon Dec 10 and Rothley on Mon Dec 10 and Fri Dec 21.

He will also be making stops at Birstall’s Co-op supermarket on Dec 16 and Budgens, Mountsorrel on Dec 22 & 23.

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

AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plans drawn and submitted.

Extensions, conversions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 / 07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk A-LEVEL and GCSE Mathematics Tuition in Birstall. Contact 07737352932 for further details

Planning P/12/2245/2: 90 Town Green St, Rothley – erection of a single storey extension to outbuilding, 2 storey and single storey rear extensions to dwelling, following demolition of 2 storey extension P/12/2219/2: 36 Woodfield Rd, Rothley – resurfacing of front driveway from gravel to tarmac P/12/1892/2: Land at Brookfield Farm, 5 Hallfields Lane, Rothley – erection of 157 dwellings with associated access, open space and landscaping P/12/2173/2: Land to the rear of 24 Greenway Close, Rothley – remove overhanging branches from one sycamore tree and remove one sycamore tree P/12/2005/2: Land off Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – site for residential development for a maximum of 250 dwellings and a new primary school. Change of use of dwelling to medical facility and of agricultural land to extend residential curtilages and construction of relief road P/12/1895/2: 929 Loughborough Rd, Rothley – installation of 5 lighting columns to car park P/12/1974/2: 23 All Saints Rd, Thurcaston – erection of single storey rear extension P/12/2203/2: 38 Latimer Rd, Cropston – erection of a single storey extension to rear and flat roof to pitch to side of dwelling P/12/2051/2: 172 Station Rd, Cropston – conversion of existing garage to habitable space & erection of new detached garage to front (garden) of dwelling P/12/1957/2: Arnot Barn 244 Station Rd, Cropston – erection of single storey extension with mezzanine floor

Crime report CRIME REPORT: Rothley Aug 1 – Sep 30 Burglary 3 (The Ridings, Hallfields Lane, Town Green St), theft from motor vehicle 6, burglary non-dwelling 3, damage 3.

Five thefts from motor vehicles occurred all on one night in the Whatton Oaks area but thanks to help from the public a person has been arrested on suspicion of all of them.

We have a new PCSO on the beat, Laura Grimbley (6197). PCSO Alex Bierne has moved on to Birstall.

From PC 2029 Ed Stephenson

Contact us by voicemail on 101 or via email from www.leics.police.uk and clicking Neighbourhood Policing

Bell target shooters SEPTEMBER SAW the start of the Redhill Bell Target Winter league where shooters will compete in two leagues one for pistol and one for rifle.

The event takes place at the Blue Bell Inn, Rothley where the club meets every Monday from 7.30pm. The night included presentations for the conclusion of the Summer League with the results: Rifle Summer League: 1st Andrew Chesterton; 2nd Steve Prime; 3rd Mick Bubb

Pistol Summer League: 1st Bernard Harris; 2nd Andrew Chesterton; 3rd Mick Bubb Top junior was awarded to Mitchell Beattie and the ‘booby prize’ to Dave Bourgault Pic: (r-l) Dave Bourgault Andrew Chesterton, Bernard Harris, Mitchell Beattie, Steve Prime

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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

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Quality spectacles at the best prices visit our showroom proSP CS eyewear GET A QUOTE FROM US BEFORE YOU BUYYOUR NEXT PAIR OF SPECTACLES Same day service on most plastic lenses Top quality lenses including Varilux, Nikon, Zeiss DESIGNER FRAMES

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CALL 2674213 for an advertising rate card, or view online at www.birstallpost.co.uk The prices above exclude VAT

Beauty Therapist Required part time for the Beautyroom, 16 Woodgate, Rothley • Minimum 4 years’ experience • Trained to NVQ level 3, or equivalent • Advantage if trained in Electrolysis, Bare Minerals, Jessica & St. Tropez • Competitive salary

Call Sarah for an informal chat (0116) 230 1903