Rothley Post (98) Nov/Dec 2012

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

JAN/FEB 2013

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 98

Traveller site plans A DECISION by Leicester City’s Mayor on whether to proceed with plans for travellers’ sites, including one on Greengate Lane, is expected on January 4.

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby was expected to announce a decision in October, after a public consultation exercise in the summer. Hundreds of residents attended public meetings, an action group was formed and a 3000 name petition was submitted to Leicester City Council, objecting to the proposals.

Sir Peter Soulsby says recent discussions he has had with travellers’ representatives have caused him to think again about the plans.

He has been reported as saying that travellers have “argued for smaller sites, rather than large multi-family sites. They say smaller sites are easier to manage for both them and us. That is a very powerful argument.”

He has suggested there is a need for: • virtually permanent camps, for travellers who do not move very much who need to be near schools, shops and services • transit sites for those who move throughout the years • peak transit sites which could offer temporary pitches, for a few weeks, that do not need to be near services In December, Leicester City Council

Pic: (above) Hannah Jeffery & Becki Heather from Elan Hair & Beauty & (inset, right) Miss Leicester, Lena Walker

Continued on page 2

Christmas lights switch on CHRISTMAS CHEER warmed the crowds at Rothley’s Christmas lights switch on event.

Hundreds gathered to watch as Alan Birchenall, Olympian Lisa Dobriskey and Miss Leicester Lena Walker turned on the lights on Cross Green.

Stalls, refreshments and fun fair rides entertained on Woodgate where many

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2013

Continued from page 1

published a report containing officer recommendations: that the Greengate Lane site and the Red Hill way site are suitable sites; that the Beaumont Way site is unsuitable, that Hoods Close is suitable as a short stay transit site; a new site on Braunstone Lane East could be used as a short stay site in the summer months.

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Burglars Centre caught refreshed TWO MEN who were chased across gardens by police after burgling a house in Rothley have been jailed.

THE SOAR Valley Leisure Centre in Mountsorrel has opened following extensive renovation.

Lee Stuart White (30) and Robert Terence Wilkinson (30) admitted burglary in Kiln Garth, Rothley on July 24.

Police were alerted by a neighbour and arrived to find the two men in the garden of the house. They fled across gardens and over fences and when caught were carrying some items stolen from the house.

White, of Ingold Avenue, Beaumont Leys, was recalled to prison for breaching his licence and was jailed for three years.

Wilkinson, of Collet Road, Beaumont Leys, was given an eight month sentence, suspended for two years.

Leicester Crown Court was told the pair committed the crime to fund a drug habit.

The leisure centre now boasts a new fitness studio and health suite as well as a fully refurbished reception, pool viewing area and refreshed gym and changing facilities. Refurbishment began at the centre, managed by Fusion Lifestyle in conjunction with Charnwood Borough Council, in August. One addition is the new health suite, which features a sauna, steam room, plunge shower and heated relaxation seating. A new class timetable will also be introduced, alongside extracapacity spin classes.

Fusion Lifestyle CEO, Pete Kay said of the opening: “We’re really excited to reveal the results of the redevelopment work at Soar Valley Leisure Centre to the public and hope they agree what a great transformation it has been.”

Other facilities at Soar Valley Leisure Centre include a 25m swimming pool, outdoor floodlit Astroturf pitch, children’s crèche and a sports hall hosting badminton, netball and basketball sessions.

Soar Valley Leisure Centre is run by Fusion Lifestyle in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council, a registered charity, and aims to provide sport and leisure facilities for all members of the community at accessible prices.

Memberships for the Leisure Centre are on sale now, with great offers available including two weeks free and no joining fee for a limited period.

For more information on membership, opening times and facilities visit www.charnwoodleisure.com

Fire in roof AN ELECTRICAL fault is believed to have started a fire in a Cropston cottage.

The cottage, on Station Road, is one of ten run by the Hind Sisters Homes and was unoccupied.

Flames were spotted coming through the roof at 9.30pm on Saturday December 1. Firefighters attended the scene and the occupiers of a neighbouring property left their home while the fire service A tackled the blaze.

Pub theft

FORMER landlord of the Royal Oak on Cross Green has been given a suspended jail sentence for theft.

David Edwards became landlord in April 2012 but on May 16 his employers GT Pubs Ltd discovered he had gone missing, taking money and stock.

A gaming machine had been broken into and £2,000 worth of newly delivered stock was missing. The total lost by the business was £8,624.

Edwards was arrested on July 3 in Torquay for being drunk and police discovered he was wanted in connection with the pub theft.

Leicester Crown Court was told that Edwards (42) of St Marychurch Road, Torquay had a drink problem that spiralled out of control.

Edwards admitted theft and was given an eight month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months with supervision, and ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £960 to GT Pubs Ltd at the rate of £10 a week from his benefit money.

THE ROTHLEY POST

3

JAN 2013

Food company buys site at Ashton Green THE FIRST phase of a development set to bring 3000 homes, new jobs and economic growth to Beaumont Leys has moved a step closer.

The city council has agreed the sale of a five-hectare site at Ashton Green to food giant Samworth Brothers, a major local employer. It’s also given the goahead for the construction of a new highway access to open up the site.

Planning permission for the project was granted in October, and a start on site was planned for early December 2012. It’s anticipated that the new occupiers will be applying for planning permission for a new production facility in 2013, and could potentially be on site from early 2014.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This is excellent news for the city. At a time of severe economic downturn it’s re-

markable that we are making real progress with a scheme that has the potential to provide the most significant and innovative housing development in Leicester for more than 30 years.

“Attracting businesses to bring new jobs and economic regeneration to the area will be vital to its success. At a time when every job created really counts I am delighted that we have now agreed a deal with an important local employer that will really kick-start this process.”

20,000 new homes are needed in the

Parish Council notes

city over the next two decades. Those at Ashton Green will include a range of family houses including lower-cost affordable homes, new schools, community and health facilities, public transport improvements, and shops. Around a third of the site will be improved as public open space.

The council is currently negotiating

with a number of major housing developers with the aim of selecting a development partner in 2013.

The city council has secured cash from the government’s Growing Places fund to design and build the new road that will open up the new site, and will eventually serve other development opportunities nearby.

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It was agreed to spend £650 on an automated defibrillator, to be located in the Rothley Centre.

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PC Ed Stevenson reported that from January the organisation of neighbourhood policing was changing and PC Richard Carruthers, currently at Birstall, would be Rothley’s new beat officer.

The Council agreed to object to William Davis’ application for 250 dwellings off Mountsorrel Lane on the grounds that it takes away the separation between Rothley and Mountsorrel.

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

PC Ed Stephenson reported Police burglary patrols were continuing in the village.

County Councillor Peter Osborne said that following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, the County Council would be considering further cuts to its budget.

Proposed reductions would be detailed on the County’s website and he urged residents to look at them and comment.

He said that a major priority of the Council is promoting measures to foster economic growth.

Cllr Osborne reported that the Rothley Royal British Legion’s Poppy appeal had raised £6300.

He said that the Brookfield Farm planning application is likely to be determined in January, but that the William Davis application would be in February or March as it was incomplete.

A member of the public suggested that a public noticeboard be erected on the Avalon estate.

Comment was made that the proposed development of 250 dwellings off Mountsorrel Lane would worsen flooding in the area and that a balancing pond would not be effective.

The council agreed a precept for the year 2013/14 of £92,000. The precept for 2012/13 was £95,000.

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

It was reported that all feedback from residents about the proposed vehicle activated speed signs on Station Road, Cropston had been positive.

PC Ed Stephenson reported that there had been a significant reduction in crimes in the parish. He said there were two dedicated officers on patrol every day. The new PCSO is Laura Grimbley 6197.

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Crime Report : Rothley Oct 1 – Nov 30 Theft from motor vehicle 5, theft 3, damage to motor vehicle 2, burglary 1 (window smashed, alarm sounded, nothing taken), damage 1 Burglary dwellings are well down which is great news. Dedicated officers are doing work daily around burglaries in order to reduce these.

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From January 8 the new Beacon officer for the area will be PC 2139 Richard Carruthers Crime Report : Thurcaston & Cropston Oct 11 – Nov 11 Burglary 3 (Anstey Lane, Latimer Rd, Waterfield Rd), theft 3 From PC 2029 Ed Stephenson

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2013

Garage theft: men arrested POLICE investigating a robbery at a Mountsorrel petrol station have arrested two men.

Pic: (l-r) Mayor Diane Wise, Richard Younie, Harold Wise & Bill Green with children from the Thurcaston Early Learning Playgroup, (bottom pic) the time capsule

Trees planted for Jubilee CHILDREN FROM a local playschool helped plant an oak tree in Cropston’s Jubilee playing field.

Four trees have been planted in the park by the Parish Council, to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Diane Wise, the Mayor of Charnwood, planted the tree and children from the Thurcaston Early Learning Playgroup, looked on as the time capsule they had filled with mementoes was buried beside it. “I hope the children will come back often as they grow up to look at the trees” said Richard Younie, the Chairman of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council.

The robbery happened at about 3.50am on Tuesday November 20, when a member of staff at Budgens Garage in Granite Way was threatened by two men. They were both wearing balaclavas and took alcohol, cigarettes and cash from the garage before leaving in a black Honda CRV and driving off towards the A6. Two men, aged 24 and 28 years old, have been arrested in connection with the robbery and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Dave Rock, the investigating officer, said: “Although we have two people arrested we are still hoping to talk to witnesses and would urge anyone with information to come forward. At the time of the incident the victim waved to the driver of a white van that was passing. We are appealing directly to that driver to come forward. If you drive a white van and normally take that route to or from work then please think back. Were you in the area that day? Did you see anything suspicious? If so, please call police immediately.

“Although it was very early in the morning we are hopeful that someone out there will be able to help us. Did you see the incident? Did you see the car described in the area?

Do you know who is responsible? If so, please get in touch.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact DC 1718 Dave Rock 101, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 1718.

Reporting rubbish RESIDENTS ARE being asked to help extinguish firebugs by reporting rubbish piles as part of an innovative arson-busting scheme.

Charnwood Borough Council, its waste management partner Serco and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have joined forces to tackle arson risks, such as piles of dumped waste.

The partnership is part of the council’s award-winning Don’t Muck Around campaign which during November is targeting fly tipping and raising awareness of Duty of Care offences. When an incident of illegally dumped waste is reported, the Council will make clearing it a priority.

Mick Grewcock, Charnwood District Manager for the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “This is a really great initiative which will see rubbish removed quickly preventing it from being set fire to. I would urge the community to be vigilant and report incidents of waste being dumped that could be a potential target for fire.”

If you are a resident email: cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk or call the contact centre on 01509 634564.

They will need to know the exact location and what the rubbish consists of. The Council cannot deal with rubbish on private properties but they can use litter clearing notices in extreme cases.

THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2013

5

New county president THE NEW President of the Mothers’ Union in the Leicester Diocese is Margaret Rouse of Rothley.

Pic: Margaret Rouse with Bishop Christopher Boyle

She was commissioned by Bishop Christopher Boyle at Leicester Cathedral.

Margaret is a member of Rothley branch of Mothers’ Union and for the past three years has been Action & Outreach Unit Co-ordinator. In this role she has been involved with various Mothers’ Union projects, including Chalet Holidays, which provide holidays for disadvantaged families in Leicestershire, producing a cook book for students at Leicester University, teddy bears for children visiting parents in prison and those facing interviews via Social Services, knitted shawls for stillborn babies, and knitted clothes and blankets for the Premature Baby Units in Leicester hospitals Margaret wills serve as Diocesan President for the next three years.

Invest in Council Planning Dedicated scout homes achieves gold

MORE THAN 1,300 homes are set for a £5.76million cash injection over the next few months as part of accelerated plans to improve council properties.

Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet has given the green light to upgrade kitchens, bathrooms, heating, electrics, roofs and doors at 1,305 properties by March 2013 under the Decent Homes programme. The money is part of an £11million package secured by the Council in 2011 from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and was meant to be spread evenly over four years. The Council says that by March 93% of the Council’s 5,845 properties will meet the Decent Homes standard.

The Council will have £13million to spend on improving homes in 2013/14 and £10million in 2014/15.

Charnwood Borough Council recently took over the management of its housing stock from Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing (CNH).

Burglary THIEVES STOLE a Canon camera, a Sony laptop and cash when they burgled a house on Garland, Rothley.

The burglary happened sometime between 4.30pm on Saturday December 1 and 6pm on Sunday December 2. The burglars broke a window of the property.

Anyone with information about this crime can contact PC 4679 Felicity James on 101.

P/12/2579/2: 188A Mountsorrel Lane, Mountsorrel – erection of 1st floor extension above attached garage and single storey extension to side of dwelling P/12/2523/2: 186 Mountsorrel Lane, Mountsorrel – replacement conservatory to rear and canopy to rear and side of dwelling P/12/2507/2: 5 Woodgate, Rothley – retention of 3 air conditioning units and burglar alarm to building P/12/2468/2: 48 Woodgate, Rothley – erection of single storey rear extension to dwelling P/12/2456/2: Land off Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – site for the creation of public open space including surface water balancing ponds and green infrastructure P/12/2404/2: Rowena Nursery, Loughborough Rd, Rothley – erection of single storey extension to side of building P/12/2363/2: 17 Howe Lane, Rothley – retention of fence to front garden of dwelling P/12/2330/2: 8 Linkfield Road, Rothley – erection of dormer extension to rear of dwelling P/12/2245/2: 90 Town Green Street, 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/12/2592/2: Thurcaston Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston – access ramp alterations and single storey extension to office P/12/2321/2: 50 Leicester Rd, Thurcaston – erection of extensions to side and rear of dwelling P/12/2324/2: 6 Station Rd, Cropston – erection of a detached garage with gymnasium over to rear of dwelling P/12/2284/2: 32 Station Rd, Cropston – erection of a garden room to rear of dwelling

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Mar 8.

The copy deadline is Feb 22.

A ROTHLEY Scout has received his Gold award.

Benjamin Hutchings (13) is a member of the 1st Rothley Scout group. He was presented with his award by the District Commissioner Byron Chatburn at a ceremony held in the Scout HQ in Blaby and attended by Scouts from all over the county.

Ben started as a Beaver Scout attaining his Bronze award before going on to achieve his Silver with the Cubs.

After four years as a Scout he had to

achieve eight Challenge badges out of a possible nine. These ranged from camping and hiking to learning new skills such as sailing, canoeing, rock climbing, fire lighting, camp cooking and map reading.

Scout Leader Ivan Hutchings said: “I am very happy to see Ben presented with this award as it took time and commitment – not all that start manage to fulfil all the requirements.”

Pic: District Commissioner Byron Chatburn presents Ben Hutchings with his Gold award.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2013

Award marks completion of double track THE GREAT Central Railway has received a National Railway Heritage Award.

Presented by the head of the National Trust, Simon Jenkins, the signalling award was presented to the GCR in recognition of the completion of the Swithland Sidings scheme, the culmination of a multi-million pound double track project.

At Swithland loops and sidings have been installed together with a restored signalbox and complex signalling. Trains can now pass each other heading in opposite directions, and slower trains can be put into loops to allow faster services to ‘overtake’. The whole installation has been finished to a high standard by the railways Signal and Telegraph

department, using hundreds of thousands of volunteer man hours.

Managing Director of the Great Central Railway Bill Ford said: “We are immensely proud to collect this award. It is a tribute to our team who completed the project to such a high standard, the fundraisers who helped make it a reality and most of all to the late David Clarke, the man who inspired and provided a large amount of funding for the project”

Pic: the Swithland sidings and signal box

History society news OUR NOVEMBER meeting began with the AGM. Our speaker for the evening was society member and archivist, Brenda Hooper, who thoroughly entertained us with her well-illustrated talk, entitled “Local People in the News – Read all about it.”

Brenda’s meticulous research covered the years from 1827 to around 1900 and her main source of information came from “The Leicester Chronicle” that was published during that period (later being taken over by the “Leicester Mercury”).

It was of relevance to note that the villages of Thurcaston and Cropston had been enclosed in 1778, with hedges installed to mark the field boundaries and grass verges to border the new roads. The introduction of labour saving agricultural machinery meant fewer workers were

required on the land and jobs were hard to find elsewhere. The laws of the 19th century would seem particularly harsh to us today and made life in rural areas especially difficult. Punishments and fines were meted out accordingly, with very little margin for leniency.

The types of offences or events that made newsworthy reading in the 19thcentury give us a great overview of life in the countryside at that time and included: Straying animals – in June 1875, William Reynolds, butcher of Thurcaston, was charged with allowing 6 beasts to stray. He admitted guilt and was fined 18s, including costs, or 7 days imprisonment.

Poaching – in May 1857, two men were charged for fishing in the brook at

Cropston (much of the local land and properties, plus fishing rights, were owned by the Earl of Lanesborough of Swithland Hall). The men were ordered to pay 8s, including a fine, or receive 10 days hard labour.

Thefts and burglaries – in July 1860, Sarah Dexter, wife of James Dexter of Thurcaston, was charged with stealing 3lbs of blackcurrants, value 1s, the property of Robert Palmer. The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined 15s including costs, or 7 days imprisonment.

Fire / Arson – in September 1839, a reward of 100 guineas was offered to discover the identity of the person who set fire to a crop of standing wheat and some wheat standing in shocks at Holgates, in Newtown Linford, which belonged to Mr R. Burchnall of Cropston.

For all major fires, the fire brigade would have to be summoned from Leicester and could take up to half an hour to arrive, so that often it was down to the efforts of local people whether a fire could be controlled and property saved.

Family matters – in September 1851, Sarah Lovett (wife of John Lovett who has deserted her) and her 6 children were sworn to their settlement and orders were granted for their removal from Barrow-on-Soar to Thurcaston.

Medical matters – in October 1830 this notice appeared: “Wanted immediately, a true blue surgeon to attend upon the poor of the parish of Cropston, the old one having been discharged for professing Liberal principles! Applications to be made to the Overseers or their Masters.”

Wakes and feast days – Cropston’s feast day was held in August and Thurcaston’s in September. In August 1839, Thomas Clark and John Atkins of Thurcaston were charged with assaulting William Noble and John Edwin at Cropston feast. The parties got drunk and, in a short time, the complainants had great need of sticking plaster and leeches, which, from the quantity used on the occasion, must have created a scarcity in the market! The defendants were idle lads and so were fined 10s each and costs, or 2 months imprisonment.

Sport and entertainment – In November 1855, a game of cricket between Anstey and Thurcaston caused considerable excitement among the players as it was for a leg of mutton supper. The game was abandoned due to nightfall,

after one innings each side, with the final score of Thurcaston 14 runs and Anstey 3 runs! In April 1875 there was a musical entertainment provided by Thurcaston and Cropston villagers to raise money for the Leicester Royal Infirmary – every item received an encore!

Outings to the parish – this parish was a popular destination for city / town dwellers to enjoy the countryside. In July 1883, the Abbeygate Mission Hall Bible Class had an excursion to Thurcaston and partook of tea in the far-famed “Latimer’s House”, followed by cricket and other games for all to enjoy in the fine weather.

Local hostelries – in May 1862, William Dexter of Thurcaston, beerhousekeeper, was charged with unlawfully keeping his house (which today is known as the Wheatsheaf Inn) open for the sale of beer at 11.30pm on the 16th inst.

Nine persons were in the house and ale was upon the table. He pleaded guilty.

Effects of construction of Cropston Reservoir (Bradgate Reservoir, as it was originally named) on the parish – at any one time 500 to 600 men were employed and needed accommodation in the vicinity. In July 1870, a Rothley labourer was charged with stealing a piece of rope, 3 pieces of wood and a piece of putty, value 1s, the property of Leicester Waterworks Company. The prosecution was not instituted with a view of inflicting heavy punishment, but to put a stop to pilfering of a similar kind which was rife at the time. The man was sentenced to 10 days hard labour.

Largesse of local landowners – in January 1883, the Earl of Lanesborough, with his usual liberality, gave to each of his cottage tenantry at Swithland and Thurcaston, 10cwt of coal and a piece of beef, for which they were thankful! This was an annual occurrence.

Our meeting concluded with festive refreshments including mulled wine.

Our first meeting of 2013 will be on Tuesday January 22 (please note, it is the fourth Tuesday of the month, not our usual third). Time: 7.30pm. Venue: Harrison Room, All Saints’ Church. We shall enjoy a return visit from Professor Marilyn Palmer who will talk on “Technology in the Country House”. Annual subscriptions (£12) will be due. All welcome.

From Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society

Continued on page 7

THE ROTHLEY POST

Continued from page 6 AT THE AGM in November, the committee was voted in unanimously.

The re-elections were: Chairman, Sue Joyce; Vice-chairman, Frank Luce; Secretary, Ursula Greaves; Treasurer, Albert Greaves; Programme Secretary, Linda Poole; and Refreshment Co-ordinator, Valerie Wadge.

The Chairman thanked all members for their continuous support, and the committee for all their work behind the scenes. Special thanks were given to Terry Sheppard, John Brooks, Kate Croden and Ursula Greaves for organising the exhibition in October. The meeting was followed by a “fun quiz” of pictures of Rothley organised by Charles Poole. The winners were Kate Croden and Terry Sheppard.

At the next meeting on Wednesday January 16, Terry Sheppard will be giving a “double edged” talk – the first will be “Chapels in Rothley – The Untold Story”, followed by “The War Agricultural Committee” and the effect it had on Rothley.

On Wednesday February 20 the speaker will be Bon Gregory and his subject is “Buildings in Leicestershire and Their People”.

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

Admission is £3 for visitors and £2 for members. Visitors are always welcome.

From Rothley History Society

JAN 2013

Village gathers for Remembrance HUNDREDS OF people gathered at Rothley’s War Memorial on Cross Green on Remembrance Sunday.

The service was arranged and conducted by Churches Together in Rothley with the Rothley & District British Legion and the Legion members, Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Boys Brigade were all on parade in good numbers.

There were representatives in the large crowd from all the local villages and the service and two minutes silence were a testimony to the continued support and appreciation of the sacrifices and dedication of our fighting men and women.

Pics: (right) British Legion Members – Standard Bearer John Leake, Orator Alex Alexander and Rothley & District Branch Chairman Meg Hendre; part of the large crowd with the Rothley scouts on parade; the Rothley War Memorial bathed in the morning sun with wreaths

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The CPA, which helps the public to identify safe reliable contractors to carry out home improvements, awarded its 5 year Membership Achievement Award to CWC. Membership of the CPA means that customers have their deposits and guarantee underwritten by the organisation.

Mandy Manning from CWC said: “We put the interests of the customer first and we wont compromise on our attention to detail or the quality of the materials we use.

“Everything is carefully project managed by us personally and we do everything we can to ensure the work we do enhances your home.”

RESIDENTS CAN earn rewards as they exercise as part of a loyalty card scheme offered at three Charnwood leisure centres, including the Soar Valley Leisure Centre at Mountsorrel.

The Rewards Card scheme, devised by sport and leisure management Charity Fusion Lifestyle which runs the leisure centres in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council, aims to encourage customers to exercise regularly. It is designed to motivate people to attend the gym by offering financial incentives alongside the obvious health benefits of a more active lifestyle. Customers can earn 10 points for every £1 spent which can then be redeemed against a range of products including all key activities at Loughborough, Soar Valley and South Charnwood leisure centres.

All reward card users are given 200 points free to welcome them to the scheme, and should be able to claim approximately every tenth visit free, depending on the item redeemed.

As well as saving money on activities including swimming sessions and exercise classes, card holders will also be sent regular unique promotions to be redeemed at their local centres, and will receive early news such as the latest group exercise timetables.

Fusion Lifestyle Group Customer Relationship manager, Peter King, said of the scheme: “At Fusion we’re always looking for new ways to offer our visitors added value and to reward customer loyalty. The rewards card scheme has proved to be very popular so far at our Charnwood centres, and the insights we’ve gained about how members use their points has allowed us to adapt and refine the offering to make it as attractive as possible.”

For more information on the benefits of a Rewards card, or how to apply for yours, visit www.charnwoodleisure.com/rewards

8

THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

YOUR SAY...

F.O.B’s (forward observation bases) mostly live under canvas and as you know the winter months in Afghanistan are very very cold.

The Rothley WEA and the Sewing Group regularly donate also.

My mum and I ran a tombola stall on the night of the lights being switched on and raised £187, that amount has continued to rise and is now over £200 as people continue to donate.

Thank you all.

Diane Allen

Surprised 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

Parcels For the past three years I have been sending parcels to our troops in Afghanistan and to date have sent over 2,000 boxes, last year being the best (over l,000). I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without the generosity of the general public.

Local shops have given so much, the list is endless.

Budgens (Mountsorrel) have for the past three Christmases run an appeal whereby the public can purchase a ‘tuck’ box for either £5 or £10. I have today received an email to say donations so far are 17 x £10 & 33 x £5 tuck boxes, total value £335 with still two weeks to go.

Rothley fish & chip shop donates every week and Corts (Rothley hardware shop) donate each year hot water bottles to send out. These are gratefully received as those out at Check Points and

I read with some surprise your article in the November edition concerning proposals for 2,000 new homes between Birstall and Rothley. Charnwood Borough Council recently commissioned an expert consultancy company to review and re-appraise the councils 2008 chosen locations for such a development.

The consultant’s report (which can be found on Charnwood BC web site) advised the Council that the preferred options made in 2008 were still valid, i.e. land east of Thurmaston / north of Hamilton and land west of Loughborough / north of Garendon. The land between Birstall and Rothley was rejected by the consultants because of massive transport infrastructure costs, damaging conservation issues and full schools. I therefore fail to see why the Councils Cabinet Committee is still considering the Wanlip site. I do hope they are not being seduced by superficial section 106 agreements, and taking their eye off of the real issue here – affordable social housing in a failing economy. Why else would they pay for yet choose to ignore expensive expert advice?

Mr A.Court

Santa The Santa Sleigh raised a fantastic £547.86 from the 3 nights it went out last week which is a great achievement.

The Rothley Beavers went around the

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centre of the village on the Monday night. The cubs went around the Loughborough Rd on Tues night and the Scouts went out on the Weds night up Mountsorrel Lane and the Kiln Garth estate. All groups went out with the Santa Sleigh which is an annual event and the funds raised this year will go to towards either refurbishing or rebuilding the scout headquarters.

A huge thank you to all the villagers who supported us.

Alison Hercock 1st Rothley Scouts

War Memorial Each year we, The Rothley Royal British Legion, attend the memorial to our First and Second World War dead and read out their names during our service at the eleventh hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month. However, we are acutely aware that some of our young veterans may have lost their lives in conflicts since that time and are not recognised on our memorial or in our service. Unfortunately, we are not privy to personal and classified information as to their names and when they were killed.

We have been approached by one parent who lost a son in the Middle East but before we investigate the possibility of including his name either on the memorial or during the service we would like to know how many others there might be. I should point out that this relates to Rothley and there are other memorials around the area which would need a separate inquiry.

Please contact me at 17 Windmill End, Rothley, Leics LE7 7RP or by telephone 0116 2237 5254 or email: nankpoo@btinternet.com.

Norman Pratt

Rotaract It’s the New Year, you have made your resolutions and have decided that you want to try something different but have no idea what that something is?

If that’s the case, then Rotaract is for you! Rotaract is the social club with a conscience, aiming to have fun whilst raising money for charity and aiding the local community. A couple of things we’ve done together for example is take part in a charity walk in the Peak District and at Christmas we had our own Santa Sleigh going around the streets collecting money for charity.

We also meet up for socials ranging from laser quest and ten-pin bowling to the local pub quiz or joint other rotaract clubs for the annual charity ball.

We are always recruiting people aged 18-30 so if you would like to get involved, meet like-minded people and help out in the local community then contact us on monica.rotaract@gmail.com or search ‘Leicester Rotaract’ on Facebook.

We look forward to hearing from you!

From Leicester Rotaract

Top nosh For the older and possibly more discerning generations finding places to visit on a regular basis where service and conviviality are the norm is not easy.

Our favourite restaurant is Ferraries Italian restaurant in Quorn. Despite the famous name the offerings are certainly

not “Fast Food”. The reception is always full of Italian enthusiasm, the Specials Menu is explained and recited with gusto and the food excellent. They are always eager to please and if, on a particular dish, you would prefer an alternative sauce or embellishment then they are always eager and willing to oblige.

The second restaurant that we have found exceptional is the “Syston Spice” restaurant in Syston. A Bangladeshi Restaurant, the reception is polite beyond belief, the menu extensive but efficiently explained, and the ambience quiet and comfortable. For those who enjoy “Indian” food but are a little nervous of what to choose, then here is an opportunity to try it out. You will not be disappointed.

It is not always a restaurant meal that is required and there are many times when just to be able to get out of the house and have somewhere to go and meet fiends is important. Here we have found a little Gold Mine. “Templars” café in Rothley has always been a quiet rendezvous location to visit and have a snack or beverage but now it is even better. It has been delightfully extended with comfortable chairs or sofas where you can relax and chat with the many visitors who regularly attend. The attractive young waitresses are all well trained, polite and efficient and overall the ambience could not be better. Regular visits

by Maurice, the boss, who walks around and enters into amusing and relaxing conversation with the guests gives you confidence and a feeling of belonging.

The Rover

Mayor’s year 2012 has been a truly memorable year.

In May, when I accepted the office of Mayor of Charnwood I said that every year was a ‘special’ year, but this year would be an extra special year because of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

My Consort and I have been privileged to visit numerous events throughout Charnwood celebrating the Jubilee and Games in addition to the usual presentations, exhibitions and entertainments. There has been a real sense of community at these events. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making special efforts to make our residents, young, old, able bodied or less-able feel included.

At this special season I would ask you to remember those in the public and private services who will be working throughout the Christmas and New Year period – the Armed Forces, Police, Fire, Ambulance and other Health Services – the list is endless.

My sincere thanks go to them all for their contribution to the well being of our nation.

My wish for 2013 is that our communities continue to work together for the common good. A fitting legacy of this extraordinary year would be to build on the experiences of 2012.

I wish you all a healthy and peaceful New Year.

Councillor Diane Wise Mayor of Charnwood The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Mar 8.

The copy deadline is Feb 22.

THE ROTHLEY POST

Noticeboard all details printed free Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

‘Salmon Fishing in the Yemen’ Friday January 11 (107 mins) In our first British romantic comedy of the new year, Ewan McGregor stars as a British civil servant who is unwilling coerced into an incredible scheme to introduce salmon to the Yemen desert. Harriet, played by Emily Blunt, also hopes to encourage better AngleArab relations by realising the impossible dream of the Sheikh.

‘Anna Karenina’ Friday February 8 (130 mins) In 19th century Russia, leaving one’s husband was morally reprehensible. The aristocrat, Anna Karenina, played by Kiera Knightley, embarked on an illicit love affair with Count Vronsky and found herself trapped by the conventions of her high society, This is Leo Tolstoy’s take of love and betrayal.

‘Hope Springs’ will be shown on Friday March 8.

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 next in the series of Charnwood Orchestra

Annual Strauss concert January 19 at Humphrey Perkins School, Barrow-upon-Soar, Leics at 7pm The programme will consist of all the popular music by the Strauss family and others Tickets £10 (£8 concessions), £3 for accompanied children under 16 Available from 07718 153117 or by emailing judithrodgers155@gmail.com and from members of the orchestra There will be an interval bar selling wine, Castle Rock Real Ale and fruit juice Book your tickets early as this is a very popular event!

Coffee Shop 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

Birstall Birdwatching Club presents Priory Water

by Steve Houghton Steve is a popular speaker at our meetings and this evening he will tell us about the development and wildlife of Priory Water, just off the Melton Road near Asfordby Tuesday January 8 also Life on the Edge

by Michael Webster Michael enjoys trying out his new talks at our club and tonight he will uncover the magnificence of the UK’s marine environment and the dilemmas for conservation Tuesday February 12 Both evenings at 7.30pm at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Visitors welcome £2 Contact Ken Goodrich 0116 2674813

JAN 2013

Ladies Circle

Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held on Thursdays January 3, February 7 and March 7 at 7.30pm in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Admission £2 All players welcome

Leicester Symphony Orchestra Northern Lights Saturday February 9 7.30pm at the De Montfort Hall Sibelius: Karelia Suite Grieg: Piano Orchestra Sibelius: Symphony 2 Conductor John Andrews, Piano Charles Owen Full price £11/£14/£17 Children age 17 & under £3 Concessions available Tickets available from De Montfort Hall Box Office 0116 233 3111 Leicester Symphony Orchestra Ticket Secretary Nigel Moore 07971 991662 E:nigel.moore@moorelarge.co.uk

Coffee Morning

January 8: Historic Castle Park, speaker Marion Vincent January 22: Aloe Vera Plant, speaker Natalie & Mahida February 5: Bread & Breakfast at Fictitious Hotel, speaker Graham Fortey February 19: Alpacas, speaker Sandra Pearce Methodist Hall, Howe Lane, Rothley at 2.30pm New members welcome For info on Ladies Circle contact Mrs Joan Lovett 0116 2374868 or Mrs Carole Jordan 0116 2375069

Leicester Sketch Club Call for Artists Meets first Wednesday of the month All artistic media embraced New members welcome Membership Secretary: Bob Morley 0116 2704649 www.leicstersketchclub.co.uk

Dyslexia Specialist PGCE, BA Hons, 20yrs experience

Methodist Church, Howe Lane, Rothley March 9 10 to 11.30am Proceeds in aid of Menphys and Methodist Church Funds Stalls: raffle, tombola, cakes, white elephant Entrance fee £1 Including tea & coffee, biscuits

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Mayor of Charnwood Charity Appeal Concert Supporting the Ourspace Appeal (LRI) & The Baldwin Trust

at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Friday 25th January 2013 at 7.30pm Performances by

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9

10 THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2013

New easy access bridge completes cycle path A NEW bridge over the River Wreake was lifted into place in December, completing the five year Sustrans Connect2 project that links Leicester to Cossington via Birstall.

The new bridge weighs over 12 tonnes, is 18 metres long and cost £174,000. It has easy access ramps and a wide deck allowing access for wheelchairs. The old bridge was narrow and had steps at one end.

The bridge is due to open to the public in January.

Popular talks at Centre A SERIES of popular talks at the Rothley Centre continues this month with a talk on Japan.

Tim May Services

On Tuesday January 22, Professor Len Cantor of Loughborough University will give a talk on ‘Living and Working in Japan’. Following Japan’s history of self-imposed isolation, the civil war involving the Samurais, and their gradual re-emergence into the modern state that they have become, the effect on the population, and their interaction with Westerners is an interesting topic. Professor Cantor lived there himself for some years and has some interesting experiences to relate.

On Tuesday February 26 Professor · Independent, Local Family Run Service David Gabe takes the stage. David is a Professor of Materials Engineering at · Over 15 Years Experience Loughborough University and his talk is · Available 24/7 for Emergencies entitled ‘The Hallmarking of Silver’ and covers the interesting history of hallmark· Arranging in the Comfort of Your Own Home ing throughout Europe. He also explains some of the metallurgical intereactions · Traditional Hearse & Limousine that occur between wearers of jewellery and the skin. · Horsedrawn Carriage, Motorcycle Hearse etc Both talks will commence at 7.30pm but the audience is asked to arrive well · Professional, Qualified Staff before that so that all can be seated and · Pre Paid Funeral Plans the talk commence on time. The talk with projected slides will take approximately · Free Consultations one hour, followed by a tea/coffee interval, and then a ‘Questions and Answer’ session. The evening should wind up at about 9.30pm. Tickets at £5 each may be booked by calling Norman Pratt on 0116 For Further Information Please Contact: 2375254 and may be collected at 17 Windmill End, Rothley LE7 7RP by apTel: 01664 840173 / 07712158386 pointment, or by post, sending a prestamped addressed envelope with cheque email: christophermeynellfuneralservices@live.co.uk to the same address. Cheques made payable to C.C.A.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

11

Grants for shops offered

Charity boxing event in March

VILLAGE SHOPS and Post Offices in rural areas are being offered grants of up to £3000 to help them survive the recession.

ORGANISERS OF a charity boxing show in March are hoping to raise £2000.

The event, at Birstall Social Club on Sunday March 10, will feature sparring demonstrations, exhibition fights in a full sized boxing ring, skipping routines and a boxing pads exhibition.

An auction of sporting memorabilia will include a pair of Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson signed and framed boxing gloves.

The idea for the event came about when Paige Bradshaw, one of the young volunteers who helps out at Gunns’ gym saw an article in the Leicester Mercury promoting Alex’s Wish charity. She felt strongly that she wanted to do something to help Alex and the thousands of other children in the UK who suffer from a rare genetic muscle-wasting disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

At present there are no cures or effective treatments for Duchenne. Alex is 6 years old and was diagnosed with this condition in 2006. In August of this year Alex’s parents Emma and Andy Hallam set up the Alex’s Wish charity to raise vital funds to help eradicate this disease. It’s a life limiting condition and over time the muscles become gradually weaker leading to the sufferer being unable to do the simplest of tasks. It leads to heart and respiratory failure usually in the 20s. For more information please visit www.alexswish.co.uk.

Carl Gunns said: “I feel strongly about this cause as those suffering with this condition are not able to participate in sports like boxing due to muscle weakness. As my charity helps children I felt there was a strong connection and wanted to help out in any way we can.

It’s also good for us as we will raise vital funds for our charity too whilst helping others in the local community. I believe this will be an excellent fun event for all to enjoy.”

Emma Hallam from Alex’s Wish said: “We are thrilled that a local charity like Gunns Gym want to get right behind our cause and we would like to thanks Paige for introducing us and to Carl for agreeing to put on this fantastic event to help us raise vital funds for research. I’d like to thank everyone involved.”

Raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the event and prizes will be presented at the end of the day. People are able to come and go as they please throughout the day. Doors will be open from 11am to 6pm. The event will be held at Birstall Social Club.

Tickets are priced at £3.50 each and can be purchased by going along to Gunns Gym, 275 Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3AL or Birstall Social Club or by calling Carl on 2671494.

JAN 2013

Fayre is magical A CONJUROR entertained visitors to Rothley’s Rowena garden centre when it hosted a Christmas Fayre weekend.

Magician Matthew Garrett holds the highest award from the Magic Circle for his close-up magic and he dazzled shoppers with his skills.

The Village Shop Support Scheme has been set up by Leicestershire County Council. It also offers free advice.

One venue that has benefited is Woodhouse Eaves Post Office which has developed a thriving art gallery.

Jennifer Cox, who runs the Gallery at the Post Office, said: “I’d encourage other traders to get support from this scheme – the council has been very helpful.

“We got a grant to convert a spare room into a gallery, where we display photos, paintings, prints, sculptures and scarves from 40 different artists, mainly from the local area. over the last three months our takings have trebled.”

Lesley Pendleton, Cabinet member for rural affairs, said: “Our village shops and Post Offices are the lifeblood of our local economies and we’ve launched this scheme to help them survive and thrive.

The scheme is prioritised for shops selling fresh food in communities with a population of less than 7000.

For more details go to www.oakleaves.org.uk

Pic: (l-r) Heidi Shaw, aged seven from Syston, modelling her balloon hat with magician Matthew Garrett and Assistant Manager at Leicester Rowena Garden Centre, Jonathan Mower as part of the garden centre’s Christmas Fayre Weekend

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12 THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2013

Local WEA courses

Songs, wine and mince pies LAS VEGAS arrived in Rothley when two local musicians performed a selection of well known rat pack songs at the Rothley Centre.

The Christmas Cracker event was organised by the Charnwood Branch of Cancer Research. “Despite the cold weather outside, and no doubt helped by a welcoming glass of mulled wine, the evening proved to be both warm and welcoming inside” said Chair Jan Gaskell.

“Jonathan Gaskell and Phil Harris led us through a sing-a-long of all time festive hits and our thanks go to Jonathan who although he was battling with a cold was determined to give us an evening to remember” said Jan. “While we were all scoffing mulled wine and mince pies, he was drinking Lemsip and eating cough lozenges, but his performance, despite this, was brilliant.”

Jonathan is a former pupil of Highcliffe Primary School, Stonehill High

School and Longslade Community College and is now a teacher at a school in Rugby.

Jan added: “Our thanks go also to our many supporters who joined us at the Rothley Centre. Your outstanding support has helped us raise over £6,000 during the past year. We hope you will continue to support us in our work for Cancer Research which we believe is the key to finding more ways of saving lives.

“Finally we have run this Christmas event for 12 years using music in all its forms as the main attraction. Next year we intend to have a different format, so watch this space. We hope that it will be something else for you to eagerly await next Christmas, but before that, watch out for our many other events through the year.”

Good weather for water companies SEVERN TRENT Water says its water resources are in “a good position” with reservoirs at an average of 94% full.

David Essex, water strategy manager for Severn Trent said: “While our sandstone groundwater supplies are below normal for this time of year, this is to be expected following the prolonged dry period we saw during 2011/12. Groundwater levels have been recovering since summer 2012 and we expect that to continue over the winter. We do not anticipate any of our groundwater sources being at risk next year.”

Even though the summer and autumn have been unusually wet, this time last year much of England was in sight of a severe drought. Seven water companies in the south east had to announce hosepipe bans and water restrictions. In the Severn Trent region there were no water

restrictions and the company managed its way through the driest 18 month period for 100 years, with a combination of innovative engineering solutions as well as working closely with its customers.

Mr Essex added: “The autumn and winter period when our sources would normally recharge has been very wet, which has helped to bring our water sources into a good position. Our groundwater sources are recharging nicely, our plans are in place and we are confident that we are in a good position to provide our customers with a continuous supply of water throughout the coming year.”

Birstall And Rothley Branch WEA Spring 2013 Echoes Of The Real Explore the fascinating interplay between elements of the real world and the power of the imagination in the work of a range of artists including Edward Hopper, Salvador Dali, Leon Golub and the portraitist Alice Neel. No experience necessary - just a lively, open-minded interest in art!

Tutor Janis Baker Fee £56, discounted: £50.40 (not available to the retired) or Free Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Wednesday 7.15–9.15pm, 8 meetings from January 16, 2013 Experimental Painting And Drawing Techniques An opportunity to explore numerous creative techniques and mixed-media effects using a variety of drawing and painting mediums. The course will be excellent for returning learners wishing to experiment but will also be accessible to beginners looking to be inspired. There will be a £5 course fee to cover materials, payable to the tutor during the first session.

Tutor: Jo Sheppard. Fee £70, discounted: £63 (not available to the retired) or Free Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Monday 1–3pm, 10 meetings from January 7, 2013 Afternoon Tai Chi With daily practice, the soft flowing movements of Tai Chi strengthen the body, promoting stress reduction and well-being.

One posture of the 24 sequential movements of the form is taught each week.

Please wear loose clothing and flat-soled shoes.

Tutor Laraine Tucker Fee £77, discounted: £69.30 (not available to the retired) or Free Venue: Birstall Methodist Church Rooms, 40 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Date: Tuesday 1.30–3.30pm, 11 meetings from January 8, 2013 What The Edwardians Did For Leicester This brief but important chapter saw unemployed footwear workers marching to London, ‘Landgrabbers’ occupying Walnut Street, and local campaigns for votes for women. Ramsay MacDonald became MP for Leicester, electric trams brought an end to the fair in Humberstone Gate, and a ‘garden city’ was planned at Humberstone itself. We will explore the significance of these and other aspects of Edwardian Leicester and consider the wider social history of Britain.

Tutor: Cynthia Brown Fee £47.25, discounted: £42.55 (not available to the retired) or Free Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Tuesday 10–11.30am, 9 meetings from January 8, 2013 Further information from Marion Vincent

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2013

13

Track reaches Mountsorrel and new path created THE AWARD winning Mountsorrel Railway Project continues to lay track in its efforts to restore a section of disused railway that links Mountsorrel to the GCR near to Swithland reservoir.

“Project volunteers have been busy over the last few weeks and track laying now stretches all the way to Nunckley Hill” said project leader Steve Cramp.

“If you look over the granite railway bridge at the top of Halstead Road you can now see the railway. By early December track should pass through the bridge and back into Mountsorrel Parish.”

A four minute long video of a ride along the restored Mountsorrel Railway is now available on Youtube at the following link www.tinyurl.com/clto9ak Track laying will continue early in the New Year with the intention of reaching the end of the line at Bond Lane during February.

Steve said: “New volunteers are still needed to help with track laying as the process requires at least 20 able bodied people at anyone time. If you think you would like to help on an occasional Saturday please get in touch. With the

railway soon to be completed you'll be able to look back in years to come and say "I helped to do that!”

A big thanks goes to Mountsorrel quarry who have donated a further 500 tonnes of ballast and thanks to

help from the Great Central Railway, most of the laid track is now top ballasted and almost ready for trains to run.”

The Mountsorrel Railway Ecology Group have also been hard at work creating a new foot path called the Nunckley Trail.

“This will be a half mile long circular nature/history trail through the woodland south of the Mountsorrel Railway at Nunckley Hill. The path will start and

Pics:(top) track laying and (inset) children at a Wildlife Warrior event

end close to the Halstead Road/Swithland Lane road junction. The route of the path has been carefully planned to take in points of ecological and historical interest. The Dob Hall ruins are in this area and the trail passes through them.

“The path will be edged with logs so will be suitable for the visually impaired.

We are also trying to keep the route wheel chair friendly or at least mobility scooter friendly.

“They'll be a picnic and viewing area over looking he rail-

days that the railway is operating.

“All this is being constructed at zero cost thanks to the hard work or our volunteer team although we are hoping to attract a small grant to fund the creation of information boards along the path to highlight areas of interest.

“More than half of the path has already been completed but the group needs additional volunteers to help finish the route. The team primarily consists of children of all ages and their parents, if you would like to get involved with the Mountsorrel Railway Project but track laying isn't your thing, then volunteering your time to help create the Nunckley Trail could be an ideal way of getting involved.”

Children were recently involved in a Wildlife Warrior event, building hedgehog hibernation houses and making their own teasel hedgehogs to take home.

If you would like to help the Mountsorrel Railway please get in touch with the project leader Steve Cramp by email steve@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk

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JAN 2013

Green Census energy reveals grants changes UP TO £1250 towards renewable energy technology such as air source heat pumps and solar panels is being offered to homeowners through a government scheme.

Anyone struggling to afford the initial installation costs of a renewable heating system can apply for vouchers as part of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme.

The value of the vouchers provided by the scheme will vary based on which technology homeowners are applying for. For a solar thermal system the grant is £300 and is valid for three months, for an air source heat pump the scheme provides £850 which is valid for five months, for a biomass boiler £950 valid for six months and for ground source or water source heat pump £1250 with a time period of six months.

The Government has organised this short-term scheme with the intention of meeting the 2020 target of 12 per cent of heating coming from renewable sources.

Alan Simpson, Sustainable Energy Advisor to Friends of the Earth, said: “An ambitious Renewable Heat Incentive will allow people to earn and save money by heating their homes and workplaces using clean energy.

“The Government must now stop dithering over feed-in tariffs and kickstart the UK’s green energy revolution – this will slash emissions and create tens of thousands of new jobs.”

Any homeowner can apply for solar thermal products, but only those without gas central heating can also apply for grants towards air, ground and water source heat pumps and biomass boilers.

All vouchers must be redeemed before the expiry date and will not be valid after March 31, 2013 when the scheme finishes. Applications must be submitted through the Energy Saving Trust website at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

By Claire Stevens

A. G. HOLLAND Est 1976

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FIGURES RELEASED by the Office for National Statistics in December reveal how the city of Leicester and the county of Leicestershire are changing.

The data, which comes from the 2011 census, shows that the number of cars/vans in Leicestershire has risen by 16% to 54,000 since the last census in 2001.

The number of people employed in manufacturing has fallen by 34.4%, those employed in the retail/service sector has risen by 5.3%.

1.9% of people in the county do not have English as their first language. The white British population has decreased by 3.9% to 88.9%. In the city of Leicester the white British population is 50.5%. The Asian population now represent 37% of city residents, up from 30% in 2001.

65% of Leicester’s population was born in England. 6500 city residents (1.9%) are Polish.

The population of Leicester is 333,000, an increase of 50,000 since 2001. The City Council has welcomed the publication of the figures as it says the government has used inaccurate figures for the last ten years, resulting in reduced government funding for Council services.

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

Call David Jackson on 0781 5519490 to arrange your EPC

Book provides insight into village history DECEMBER SEES the publication of a new book giving an insight into the industrial and social history of Mountsorrel.

Memories of Stone, Steam and Steel, has taken 18 months to research and write and is a joint project between the Mountsorrel Heritage Group and Glassball Arts Projects (GAP).

The Heritage Lottery funded book is 120 pages long and features rare photographs from personal family and business archives, the Lafarge Mountsorrel Collection, and extracts from the many oral history interviews conducted over the cause of the project with local people.

Cora Glasser from GAP said: “The book wonderfully captures various aspects of the industrial and social history of Mountsorrel.

“It is not an exhaustive text on the

village, but a collection of insightful glimpses and personal reflections into the working lives of past and present residents of Mountsorrel.”

The book was launched at a special event held at Mountsorrel library on December 10. It is available for sale online at www.glassball.org.uk Cora said: “On behalf of GAP, I would like to thank all those who have taken part in this project. It would not have been possible without the support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the generous amount of time volunteered by the members of the Mountsorrel Heritage Group and the young people of Mountsorrel.”

THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2013

15

Cold weather warning for swans A COLD winter could have a major impact on the swan population at Watermead Country Park warns a local wildlife volunteer.

Pic: Julie, Watermead Swan volunteer, in Watermead Country Park

Two years ago more than 50 swans died during a spell of cold and icy weather and Julie, Watermead swan volunteer, is urging local people to be on standby with food supplies.

“Swans are very big birds and a flock of swans will eat quite a lot of food” she said. “In snowy weather we get an influx of swans that have come from the surrounding areas that have frozen up. That puts a bigger demand on food.”

Julie recommends seeds, swan and duck food mixed with some bread.

“Bread alone doesn’t contain the nutrients a swan

needs for a healthy diet, but in cold weather they will be grateful for anything. Please pay attention to byelaws if you don’t want a fine” she said.

Last year 120 swans gathered on the Raynsway lake, and Raynsway donated money to buy food.

Swans can take off, land and walk on snow and ice. Julie said: “I’ll always remember ‘Sunbeam’ who perfected getting across a frozen lake in two min-

utes. It put its wings out for balance and used its claws on its feet to run on tiptoe across the lake. It was amazing to watch it. I’ve never seen another swan master it quite like that. However we do have swans that struggle to learn how to stand, or swans that get frozen to the ice.

Although swans flock together in winter, during spring and summer breeding pairs are territorial and will drive off other swans that land on their territory, which sometimes results in deaths.

Julie said: “I have seen some very sad sights over the last few months. I have found swans weak, starved, dead, walking down roads, driven out, sitting by houses and had to pull them out from being killed by other swans.”

She added: “Watermead is a very beautiful and special sight to see. To have an area like this with lots of lakes where cygnets hatch, grow up with their parents and then join the flock is just so amazing and special.”

Museum wins top award CHARNWOOD MUSEUM has beaten tough competition to be crowned Leicestershire’s best Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the 2012 Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards.

The award for attractions that have fewer than 50,000 visitors a year, was presented on November 29, 2012 at the Leicester Tigers, Welford Road stadium, Leicester .

Judges said the museum, which is run in partnership by Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council, “showed a very impressive list of real improvements, applied creatively and to good effect, and a genuine commitment to exceeding customer expectations.”

Other attractions nominated in the category included Ashby-de-la-Zouch Museum and Foxton Canal Museum.

Householder fined after rubbish dumped A RESIDENT is counting the cost of paying a “white van man” to get rid of waste from her home.

Shilpa Jobanputra, of Loughborough Road, Birstall, pleaded guilty at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on October 26, 2012, to a fly-tipping charge.

Charnwood Borough Council enforcement officers were called in March 2012 to investigate a pile of waste that had been dumped outside the gates of a company in Mountsorrel.

Officers scoured the pile, which included 30 black bin bags, a TV, cardboard boxes and clothing, and found letters, payslips and bills addressed to Jobanputra.

They contacted Jobanputra who told officers she did not know she had committed an offence and expressed her remorse.

She said she paid £50 for a “white van man” to take the waste from her property after receiving a flyer through her letterbox.

She presumed they would take the waste to the tip and failed to check

Pic: the rubbish dumped in Mountsorrel

whether the company had a Waste Carrier’s Licence, which any waste disposal tradesperson is required to hold by law.

Householders are legally required to ensure tradespeople they pay have a Waste Carrier’s Licence. Failure to do so is an offence.

Councillor Jane Hunt, the Council’s Cabinet member for Regulatory Services, said: “Our Don’t Muck Around campaign is trying to raise awareness of Duty of Care offences. Please check that the people you pay to remove waste from your property have a Waste Carri-

er’s Licence. Don’t fall foul of this offence.”

Jobanputra was fined £75 by the Court and ordered to make a contribution of £100 towards the Council's investigation and enforcement costs, plus a £15 victim surcharge.

For more information about the Don’t Muck Around campaign or to report a fly-tip, contact 01509 634564 or email cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk. Also visit www.facebook.com/dontmuck

The museum features a range of exhibits that reflect the history of Charnwood and the surrounding area, with a number of permanent displays including ‘the natural world of Charnwood’ and ‘living off the land’.

Visitors to the museum can handle rocks from the borough’s volcanic past, visit a Victorian grocer’s shop, zoom in on a fly’s eye as well as enjoying a fantastic and varied exhibition programme with complimentary workshops.

The museum is free to enter, the opening times are: April to September: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm, Sunday 2-5pm October to March: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 3pm, Sunday 123pm Location: Queens Park, Granby Street, Loughborough LE11 3DU

16 THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2013

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Council transfer MANAGEMENT OF Charnwood Borough Council’s housing stock has been officially transferred back to the authority.

From November 1, 2012, the Council took over responsibility for maintaining and improving the 6,000 homes from Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing (CNH). Councillors decided in June to transfer the management of housing from CNH to the Council following changes to the way the service is funded by central government.

Councillor Jane Hunt, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Housing, said: “One of the Council’s core values is putting our customers first and this move will free up extra money for us to invest in tenants’ homes on top of the £60million we have already committed to improve homes and quality of life for tenants over the next five years. We are now looking forward to working closely with our tenants to identify what we are doing well and where we can do better.”

The move was approved by Cabinet in June and will generate savings which will be invested back into properties. The Council’s contract with CNH was originally established in December 2007 to enable the Council to access Government-held Decent Homes funding. However, changes to funding rules mean there is no longer a link between Government funding and councils with Arms Length Management Organisations such as CNH. Although the contract was for 10 years, it included the opportunity to break after five years.

Thurcaston & Cropston gardening club A LOCAL gardening club has published its 2013 programme and is welcoming new members.

A spokesman for the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening club said: “Are you interested in gardening? If so, you may be interested in coming to our club meetings.

“The club is made up of people from Thurcaston and Cropston and surrounding villages who have an interest in gardening. Some members are reasonably experienced gardeners and some are beginners. Visitors and new members are made most welcome. Meetings are informal, informative and good social events.”

The membership fee is £12 a year or £3 a meeting. For more details call Dave Haddon on 0116 2359758.

The club’s November meeting was a talk by Stuart Phillips called Gardener’s Almanac. It was a mix of facts and folklore based on the year round work in the garden. It included topics such as weather lore, lunar gardening, and a look at what truth there is in ‘old wives tales’.

Programme of events for 2013 January 9: Plant Propagation – John Stirling Preceded by AGM (15 to 20 mins) February 13: Gardening for Wildlife –

Dr Christopher Andrew March 13: Pruning Made Simple – Geoff Hodge April 10: How to Grow Prize Winning Dahlias – Tom Upton

April 27: Visit to the Harrogate Spring Show (Saturday) May 8: Sempervivums and Hardy Sedums – Paul Street June 12: Evening visit to Tebbutt’s Farm, Normanton-on-Soar July 11: Garden Trail and BBQ August 14: Aspects of Garden Design – Stephen Lovell September 7 (Saturday): 30th Annual Garden, Craft and Produce Show (open to all) To be held at the Richard Hill Primary School, Thurcaston October 9: Plants that Excite – Dr Andrew Ward November 13: An Old Fashioned Christmas – Felicity Austin December 11: Social Evening and Quiz Night

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Blitz on muck A COUNCIL led three month campaign targeting ‘envirocrimes’ saw a 63% reduction in dog fouling and a 44% drop in cigarette litter.

Charnwood’s Don’t Muck Around campaign ran for three months from September 2012 and targeted Loughborough town centre, Shepshed, Syston, the Outwoods and the Quorn and Hastings ward of Loughborough.

Officers monitored hotspot areas before and after the campaign to see what impact the education and enforcement work had on the number of incidents.

115 fixed penalty notices were issued during the campaign, which also included some areas in North West Leicestershire.

The campaign also aimed to raise awareness of the issues by presenting an ‘ash mob’, a dog show, a fly-tip in Loughborough town centre and working with schoolchildren and local businesses.

Cllr Jane Hunt said: “The results of the campaign are absolutely incredible.

Not only have we made inroads into raising awareness, but the campaign team has been able to significantly reduce incidents in hotspot areas through a combination of education and enforcement.”

In 2011, the campaign won an award from Keep Britain Tidy

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