Rothley Post (103) Nov 2013

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

NOV/DEC 2013

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 103

New entrants welcomed at show THIS YEAR Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club’s annual show attracted a record number of exhibitors.

Plans for new homes PROPOSALS FOR 1500 homes on the edge of Rothley featured in a plan that was given approval by Charnwood Borough Council on October 28.

Charnwood’s Local Plan Core Strategy was voted upon at a special full council meeting that was webcast live for the first time in Charnwood.

The Local Plan has taken eight years to produce and contains plans for growth in the Borough, including 9500 new homes.

Charnwood’s plan for ‘North Birstall’ include 1500 new homes, 15 hectares of employment land, health facilities, a new primary school, a supermarket, four pitches for travelling showpeople and a Wanlip link road.

Continued on page 2

Having moved from the village hall to a new and larger venue at Richard Hill primary school the extra space helped make this show, the club’s thirtieth, a success.

A spokesman said: “Exhibits were up to their usual high standard and it was

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Pic: Peter Smith (left) collecting his trophy from Cllr David Snartt

most pleasing to see so many people entering for the first time and this was reflected in the winners list.”

Mr Phil Dews retained the Sedgwick Cup for most points overall and the Challenge Trophy for the best points total by a Garden Club member.

Continued on page 2

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2013

Show continued from page 1 New names were Mrs Alison Briggs who won trophies for Best Exhibit in Show (3 roses in 3 stages) and the Orton Bowl for vase of 3 roses.

Mr John Holyoake , entering for the first time, took the Novice Shield for the most overall points scored by an exhibitor who has never won a Club trophy before.

The Delia Brook trophy for photography of the year award went this year to Peter Smith, after years of domination in this class by Roy Emmett.

“It was great to see a new name on the Junior Cup, Oliver Keran was joint winner with James Lacey, well done to them both. This cup is awarded to the junior who scores the most points in the adult classes” said the spokesman.

“The children gave us another colourful and imaginative array of entries in the junior classes and a very special thanks to the Girl Guides and the Brownies for their excellent contributions.

“Cllr David Snartt was again on hand to present the trophies, many thanks to him for finding the time to ‘do the honours’. Thanks also go to everyone; exhibitors, visitors and officials alike for their contributions in making it such a resounding success.”

For more information about the Gardening Club contact Dave Haddon on 0116 2359758

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Plan continued from page 1 A total of 28 councillors voted in favour of submitting the plan, 17 voted against and two councillors abstained.

Rothley Parish Council urged residents to object to the plans and organised a letter writing campaign objecting to the proposals.

Early next year the Local Plan will be examined by an independent planning inspector. If it is considered sound, Charnwood will vote whether or not to officially adopt the plan in the autumn of 2014.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST

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will be published on Jan 11.

The copy deadline is Dec 13.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

Ban for woman A ROTHLEY woman has pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to animals and has been banned from caring for horses.

Sarah Blackwell (24) of Armitage Drive was responsible for 13 horses in a field at South Croxton. The RSPCA visited her in December 2012 and January this year to warn her about the condition of the animals but she ignored their advice.

The RSPCA, with support from the Police, then entered her property and took away seven horses suffering from dehydration and lice infestations. Two were described as “emaciated”.

At Leicester Magistrates Court on Monday September 30, Blackwell was given a 12 month community order after having pleased guilty at an earlier hearing. She will have to do 60 hours of unpaid work and have no involvement in caring for hoses. She was ordered to pay £140 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Can man fined A MAN who threw a drinks can out of the window of a moving bus has been fined.

The 20 year old man has received a £90 fixed penalty notice for disorderly behaviour. It follows an incident on an Arriva bus in Hallfields Lane, Rothley on February 27.

Leicestershire Police issued photos of three people it wanted to trace in connection to the incident, and received a number of calls after the photos were published in local newspapers including the Rothley Post.

The police investigation revealed only one of the three had committed a criminal offence. The offender admitted throwing an open drinks can out of the bus’s window, which nearly hit a following vehicle.

A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said: “We would like to thank members of the public who came forward to identify the three men”.

NOV 2013

3

Village shop celebrates anniversary A HARDWARE store that prides itself on providing friendly service, expert advice and low prices is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Corts in Rothley is owned and run by Jim and Sharon Cort with help from manager Mark Johnson and sales assistants Alan Paget and Tim Neath.

The shop, on Cross Green, is open seven days a week and has grown considerably over the last 20 years.

Jim said: “When we started in 1993 we had less than 2000 products, which has now increased to well over 10,000.

We have grown the business mainly by listening to what customers want. If for any reason we have not got an item, we can normally always order it. We pride ourselves on customers coming into the shop and saying “I knew you would have it” and people see it as a challenge to try and ask for something they don’t think we will stock, but they are normally always beaten!”

As well as a traditional hardware shop that stocks most things for the home and garden, Corts also offer a service for dry cleaning, laundry, clothing alterations, shoe repairs and sharpening.

Jim said: “We pride ourselves on our large loyal customer base. We have many of the same customers today that shopped with us 20 years ago and the children that came in with their parents then, now shop with us for their own homes, which makes us feel very old!

“We are always moving with the times and are having our website redesigned.

Where we win over a the large DIY superstores is that as well as being cheaper on over 90% of products, with our excellent product knowledge we make sure that the customer gets the right product for the right job.”

Sharon said: “We both feel very lucky to enjoy all aspects of running the busi-

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Pic: Jim & Sharon Cort (front centre) with staff Alan Paget, Mark Johnson & Tim Neath

ness. It is such a pleasure to run a village shop and to feel like a part of the community. I can honestly say that I have the best job in the world serving the community that I grew up in having worked in

my parents’ newsagents in the village since I was 14, and still continuing to see many people from that time. We plan to carry on improving the shop and hope to still be trading in another 20 years!”

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2013

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on August 19.

It was reported that the Diamond Jubilee Oak planted in 2012 is dead. It was agreed to replace and replant, and that the village heritage and tree wardens supervise planting and aftercare.

The Fowke Street playing field picnic bench has been destroyed by vandals. As this is the third time this has happened, it was agreed not to replace it.

The cemetery entry gates will be repainted.

The organiser of the Rothley Christmas lights switch-on event has retired and it was agreed to ask for local commercial and charity involvement in organising the event for this year.

Councillors have met with officers from Charnwood to discuss how £60,000 of Section 106 money allocated for Rothley could be spent. Some of the money has been spent on a new heating system for the Village Hall.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on September 16.

It was agreed to spend £100 on red tulips for Cross Green garden.

The Council has received no responses from any local shop or organisation that it contacted asking for assistance organising the Christmas lights switch on event. It was agreed that without any support, the event will not be held this year. An electrician will install the Christmas lights and switch them on on November 28.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on October 21.

The birds’ nest swing on the playing field has been vandalised. It was agreed to repair it. It was agreed to meet with the organiser of a fitness class that is taking place on Bunney’s Field, to discuss issues arising from the use.

Severn Trent has agreed to install 18 solar panels on the roof of the Rothley Centre free of charge.

The next meeting is on November 18 at 7.30pm at the Rothley Centre.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on June 20.

170 members of the public attended the meeting, concerned about proposals to build up to 150 new homes in the parish. Surveyors Mather Jamie will be invited to present a second public exhibition of the plans, as the first exhibition was poorly advertised.

The Police representatives reported that vehicle theft particularly in Leicester Road was a problem. They urged parishioners not to leave car keys in obvious places.

Three more volunteer litter pickers

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have come forward.

A full meeting of Thursday & Cropston Parish Council was held on August 15 (there was no meeting in July).

A member of Thurcaston Action Group requested that the Parish council not meet with Mather Jamie outside of a parish council meeting and that the solar park be added to the agenda of the September meeting.

The clerk will contact the County Highways department regarding a “slow” or 20mph sign on Rectory Lane following a complaint from a resident about speeding vehicles.

Borough Councillor Diane Wise reported that she had been unable to ascertain who the landowners were with regard to the plans for new homes in Thurcaston.

Borough Councillor David Snartt reported that the County Council subsidised 55 bus service was under threat of withdrawal.

The council discussed the proposed development in Thurcaston. The Parish Council should not adopt a position before a planning application is submitted as it would be seen as pre-determination.

The Council can object on planning grounds. A Neighbourhood Plan does not stop development but is taken into consideration by the planning authority. The Parish Council can willingly share knowledge of previous objections to planning applications if it is available in the parish office.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on September 19.

It was reported that Mather Jamie would not arrange a meeting or exhibition until their revised plans were completed.

Mather Jamie had also stated that past experience had shown than an open meeting with the public when most were against a development proposal achieved nothing but they are happy to meet with a lead member of Thurcaston Action Group.

It was reported that County Highways will not take any action in respect of “slow” signs on Rectory Lane.

PCSO Quinn reported that if a car is parked partly on the pavement leaving enough room for a double buggy to pass, then the vehicle is not given a warning notice.

The Chairman reported that producing a Neighbourhood Plan would involve considerable cost.

It was reported that a speed indicator sign has been approved for installation on Station Road, Cropston, next to lamp post 33.

It was reported that names of residents volunteering to take part in a Speedwatch scheme are being collected.

The Parish Council has sent a formal objection to the City Council’s plans for a six pitch travellers’ site on Greengate Lane.

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Pic: Kitesurfers Kai & Anna Casswell

Kite surfing duo are record breakers A COUPLE from Rothley helped to break a world record in September alongside Sir Richard Branson at the ‘Virgin Kitesurfing Armada’.

Kai and Anna Casswell who run Plumb Solar Ltd took a break from installing solar panels and travelled from Rothley to Hayling Island on the Hampshire coast on Sunday September 15.

They joined an army of other kitesurfers to form the largest parade of kitesurfers to complete a one-mile course. 250 people were required for the world record but that was smashed when 318 kite surfers took to the water to complete the mile.

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Anna said: “It was really exciting to be part of this event, I was very nervous to start with, I didn’t want to crash my kite or let anyone down, but as soon as I got on the water, my nerves vanished and I just enjoyed the ride!”

Kai and Anna raised £450 in sponsorship money which will go to three charities – Virgin Unite, SnowCamp and the RNLI. A total of over £66,000 was raised by all the participants. The Virgin Kitesurfing Armada marked the beginning of a five year partnership with Virgin and the youth charity Snow Camp - an innovative charity that uses a unique combination of skiing, snowboarding and life-skills programmes to support inner-city young people.

Sir Richard Branson wrote on his blog: “318 of us took to the water from Hayling Island in the first event of its kind for this fantastic sport. It was a real spectacle.

“Having broken the world record for the oldest person to kite surf across the channel last year, and been no stranger to world record attempts over the years, it was wonderful to break another record as part of such a brilliant team.”

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THE ROTHLEY POST

Dog waste blitz A BLITZ on dog fouling is being targeted on Rothley’s Fowke Street playing fields.

It is one of nine hotspot areas identified by Charnwood Borough Council after it consulted with parish councils in the borough.

Officers from Charnwood will increase patrols, post awareness leaflets and seek to prosecute offenders where possible. The council has also produced a tongue-in-cheek ‘public information’ film to help people deal with dog fouling as well as a campaign Facebook page.

Alan Twells, Charnwood Borough Council’s Head of Regulatory Services, said: “Dog fouling is one of the biggest sources of environmental complaint we receive and the Don’t Muck Around campaign is our commitment to residents that we will take action by educating, raising awareness and taking action against offenders.

“It is frustrating for our communities that there are still people who do not realise that wrapped dog waste can be placed in any public highway litter bin – not just designated dog waste bins.

There is no excuse for it and our analysis shows that the people most likely to commit offences are aged between 21 and 40 – they’re old enough to know better.”

Charnwood Borough Council receives nearly 200 reports of dog fouling each year and earlier this year prosecuted two people in court for dog fouling-related offences.

The areas being monitored are: Ashby Road Estate: Gracedieu Way, Sharpley Road, Hermitage Way, Shortcliffe Park Rothley: Fowke Street Playing Fields Barkby: Brookside Queniborough: Rearsby Road Playing Fields East Goscote: Weavers Wynd and Jubilee Playing Fields Woodhouse: Brook Road, Beaumanor Road and School Lane Mountsorrel: Memorial Park Sileby: Greedon Rise Playing area Birstall: School Lane Playing Fields

To report offences in Charnwood call in confidence on 01509 634564 or email cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk

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COUNTY Council’s County LEICESTERSHIRE Stepping Stones project is looking recruit more Tree Wardens to project toparishes across the county. seeks local tree wardens

Tree Wardens are appointed by local parish councils to coordinate local tree based environmental projects.

Tree Wardens are particularly needed in parishes in North West Leicestershire, Charnwood, Melton and Harborough.

“Volunteering as a Tree Warden is a great opportunity for people to make their community a leafier place by looking after local trees” said a spokesman.

NOV 2013

“The scheme is open to all adults and there is no minimum skill level or time commitment required. Tree Wardens carry out a range of activities, from setting up tree nurseries and growing trees, to surveying and recording trees of local interest and organising awareness events for schools and communities. The role is ideal for people who are passionate about trees and want to learn more and develop new skills.”

More information about the Tree Warden scheme can be found on the website www.leics.gov.uk/tree_wardens. To find out how to sign up as a volunteer please contact steppingstones@leics.gov.uk / 0116 305 7221.

For more information on volunteering visit www.leics.gov.uk/volunteers_opps.

Pic: how the turbine will look from Town Green Street

Wind turbine erected this month AN 80 metre wind turbine will be erected within the grounds of Wanlip Water Treatment Works this December.

Jon Beeson, renewable energy project manager at Severn Trent Water, said: “Work is underway to allow the new wind turbine at Wanlip to be in place by December. When constructed, it will generate around 5,000 mega watt hours of electricity per year, equivalent to supplying around 1,500 homes with

power each year.

“It takes a huge amount of electricity to provide water and waste water services to our customers, so this is a great way to help limit the amount of electricity we need to take from the national grid and reduce our carbon footprint.

We are already generating almost a quarter of our energy needs from renewables including sewage, hydro and energy from crops grown on our own farmland. Together with the energy from the new wind turbines, we hope to increase that to more than 30% by 2015.”

Charnwood Borough Council refused

Severn Trent’s planning application in 2010 but a Planning Inspector considered the appeal and ruled in favour of Severn Trent.

The turbine will have an 80 metre mast and a blade tip height of 132 metres, the same height as the London Eye. It will be one of the largest onshore wind turbines in the country.

Objectors were concerned at the turbine’s visual impact, noise, shadow flicker and its impact on birds and other wildlife.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2013

Cycle ride for Alex A BIRSTALL teenager and her friends organised a charity cycle ride to raise money for Rothley based charity Alex’s wish .

Pic: Liz and Matthew in their vineyard with ‘The Academic Feet’ and the East Midlands Fine Foods Trophy

Rothley vineyard is an award winner A ROTHLEY vineyard has won an award for its wine.

The Kingfisher’s Pool vineyard is in the back garden of a Westfield Lane couple – Liz and Matthew Robson.

The pair, who have been producing wine for the last five years, won a silver medal and the East Midlands Fine Food trophy for the best wine in the East Midlands region.

The medium dry white wine is made from Siegerrebe and Solaris grapes and is called ‘Academic Feet 2012’, because their colleagues from Leicester University help them trample the grapes in the traditional way.

Liz said: “Last year this wine won a bronze medal in the dry wine category, but the judging comments suggested it was in the wrong class, so we entered

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the 2012 vintage for the medium class and were overjoyed at the improved result.”

Their first attempt at making rosé resulted in a highly commended certificate, which Liz and Matthew are really pleased about and has made them determined to try this again.

The Orion grapes were sent to Halfpenny Green vineyard in Shropshire to be made into sparkling wine which will be ready in August 2014.

Liz also won the Mercian Vineyard ‘Small Producer of the Year’ jointly with Richard Rallings from Morville Vineyard in Shropshire. She said: “The 2012 summer had literally been a washout with incessant rain resulting in a meagre harvest, so we have very few bottles from our own wine making and are therefore delighted with the successes.

“The warm summer weather of 2013 is ripening the grapes for this year’s October harvest nicely and a good crop is anticipated. Unfortunately weed killer drift from a neighbour has affected three rows of vines and there is an agonising wait for toxicology tests to see if the grapes can be used.

“Starting a vineyard is not as easy as most people think. It is constantly a case of three steps forward two steps backwards, but at least we will have some nice wine to sustain us!”

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Paige Bradshaw (15), Ravina Battu, HeatherYeomans, Georgie Roe and Meg Holland cycled a seven mile route around Watermead Country Park, raising £100.

Alex Hallam is seven years old and suffers with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare severe muscle wasting disease that shortens his life. Sufferers either become paralysed or have to use a wheelchair in their late teens.

Paige, of Johnson Road, said: “I was really happy with the ride, all of us had a great morning, getting fit and raising some much needed money for research into such a terrible disease. I first discovered Alex’s Wish in early 2013 and felt that such a lovely boy like Alex doesn’t deserve to have such an awful disease. The Hallams are absolutely amazing people and are definitely people

Forum awards cash LOCAL GOOD causes have received a portion of £15,000 from Leicestershire County Council’s Area Forum.

The Bradgate, Rothley, Mountsorrel and Birstall Area Forum met in June and those attending voted for their favourite projects from a shortlist. The funding was allocated as follows: • Minibus Disabled Adventure Club £700 • The Bungalow, Longslade Learning Hub £3884 • Renovation of Rothley Scout HQ £4320 • Birstall Methodist Lunch Club £1280 • Reach for the Sky – Gunns Community Gym £1500 • Station platform at Mountsorrel £3316 The next Area Forum meeting is on Sep 23, 6.30pm at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre, Longslade College. All welcome www.leicestershireforums.org

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 11.

The copy deadline is Dec 13.

Pic: Paige Bradshaw (2nd from right) & her friends

to look up to. Alex has got to be the most inspirational person I have ever met, his courage and bravery was one of the first thing I noticed about him. I’m prepared to do whatever I can to help and support the Hallams, so Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy can be eradicated for good. A massive thank you to my bikers, all of you were fantastic!”

Quorn station facelift QUORN & WOODHOUSE station on the award winning Great Central Railway is set for a facelift.

The railway’s supporting charity has secured a grant of almost fifty thousand pounds from Biffa Award.

Repairs will be made to the grade two listed station staircase, an original 1890s Great Central Railway storage shed will be completely rebuilt and for the first time proper paths for people who use wheel chairs will be provided in the station yard.

Managing director of the Great Central Railway, Bill Ford said: “We're are delighted with the grant which will enable us to not only make vital repairs but also significantly improve the experience of our visitors. Working with Biffa Award will really help to protect our Victorian heritage. I would like to thank our funding team who have worked so hard to secure the award. The work will complement our recently developed family café and newly installed turntable.”

Gillian French, Biffa Award Programme Manager, said: “We are proud to support this project, which will bring to life the story of this rural railway goods yard from the steam era, so that it can be enjoyed by more of the local community as well as visitors from further afield”.

Other works at Quorn station will include new signs which will help interpret how a goods yard at a country station worked. Work will begin on the improvements before Christmas.

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2013

7

Monday Greengate Lane traveller site club IN SEPTEMBER the Membership met to support our customary “Bring and Buy Harvest” event in aid of “The Salvation Army” our Charity for the year 2013.

There was a very generous display of fruit and vegetables, various cakes, pastries, tins of biscuits, chocolates and books; everything was speedily sold raising the princely sum of £77.15.

Sue Wakerley, our resident artist of many years, explained how she researched and produced stage by stage her work. Sue showed paintings at various stages ranging from photography through to creating outlines and gradually the production of various paintings in the “nearly” finished state to the ultimate finished article.

We then went on to poetry readings and a miscellany of jokes received from old school friends from all over the world, which produced a great deal of laughter on which to end the afternoon.

At our October meeting it was the first time we have had to stop our speaker from completing his subject, as we had run out of time! Mr Brian Kibble’s talk about Anstey and area from the 1800s onwards, was so fascinating we were totally absorbed and just about partook of quick refreshments before returning to our homes.

A very professional presentation by way of photographic slides, greatly enhanced the talk and gave members an opportunity to search back in their personal recollections about the buildings, their business and shops and memories which had been handed down through their parents and families.

We have therefore requested Mr Kibble to return on the 10th March 2014 to complete his tour through Anstey’s history up to modern times. Everyone will be most welcome to come and join us. For any enquires please ring me on 0116 2363467.

The Monday Club meets at the Cropston Evangelical Chapel, on Station Road, Cropston, at 2.15pm on the second Monday of each month. Car parking is available by request.

Our next meeting will take place on November 11 when we shall enjoy a group of handbell ringers from All Saints Church for our entertainment and we shall be greeting the Christmas celebrations with homemade mince pies for our refreshment.

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

New school ROTHLEY’S NEW primary school will open next year.

A County Council spokesman told the Rothley Post: “The developer is due to start work shortly and the school will open either next autumn or winter.”

The school will be located on the site of the old Brookfield Farm, off Hallfields Lane. The existing school will be demolished and 16 homes built on the site.

TWO NEW gypsy and traveller sites in Leicester, including one on Greengate Lane, have been given the go-ahead.

KEY: PITCH

Ten permanent pitches for caravans at Red Hill Way and six at Greengate Lane were agreed unanimously by the city council's planning committee on October 30.

During a public consultation most of the 1,500 people who responded were against the plans. The LE4 Action Group

Blooming good effort LOUGHBOROUGH IS celebrating for the third year in a row after once again striking gold at the East Midlands in Bloom awards.

Pic: the Greengate Lane site

campaigned against the plans, collecting more than 2000 signatures on a petition.

Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council also submitted a formal objection to the plans.

Permanent sites provide residents with a permanent home and operate in

a similar way to council housing. Residents are responsible for paying rent, water, electricity and council tax bills.

The City Council say construction work on the sites will begin in May and take about eight months to complete.

The town put on a horticultural spectacle that wowed judges of the Best Small City category of the East Midlands accolade.

Last year the town also scooped gold at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom, following success at regional level.

This year the theme for the campaign was ‘Edible Britain’ and saw Loughborough University introduce bee hives and share the success of the fruit routes, while residents pressed home-grown apples and planted plums.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2013

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall Methodist Church Wanlip Lane, Birstall Saturday November 30 From 10am to 1pm

Table Top Sale Tables @ £10 each Contact Margaret 0116 2671181 (this is part of the Methodist Church Christmas Festival Nov 29/30) Yes Folks It’s Panto Time Again Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society presents

Bah! Humbug the Panto

by Elaine Hunt and Phillip Walton At Highcliffe School, Greengate Lane, Birstall Thursday Nov 28 and Friday Nov 29 at 7.15pm and Saturday Nov 30 at 2.30pm & 7.15pm Tickets Adult £6, concessions £5, discount group bookings Box Office: 0116 2209594 or 0116 2676049 Don’t delay book today! hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk

There is also a matinee on Saturday starting at 2pm This show will amaze you with the talent and enthusiasm of our young cast. After their triumphant production of Alice in Wonderland last year, their ambition knows no bounds. With wonderful costumes and spectacular scenery you can be confident of a terrific entertainment You will enter the magical land of Narnia, the land behind the wardrobe door where animals talk, trees can walk, a white witch covers the landscape with snow and bewitches someone with Turkish Delight and where a mighty lion rescues whoever is in trouble. C S Lewis’ first tale of Narnia is loved by children and adults all over the world and this story now comes to vibrant life on stage in Irita Kutchmy’s musical adaptation,. Just come and see the wardrobe door open: you will never believe what you see!

Tickets are priced at £7 and £5 (concessions) and can be bought from The Paper Shop, High Street, Barrow; or from the Box Office on 07718153117 or judithrogers155@gmail.com

Messy Church

‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’

Methodist Hall, Howe Lane, Rothley 3-5pm Saturday November 23 and December 21 Contact No: 07585557548 Sue Wainwright

a musical Friday & Saturday, November 22 and 23 starting at 7pm at Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow, LE12 8JU

Birstall & District Local History Society Thursday November 14 Birstall Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall

Barrow Youth Theatre presents

the

WOODGATE CLINIC OSTEOPATHY - Any muscular pain or strain - Any joint from head to toe - Neck Pain (especially after road accidents) - Frozen Shoulders - Low Back Pain

‘Murder Most Foul’ a talk by Virginia Wright Visitors are very welcome Parking is available on the Birstall Playing Fields via the School Lane entrance Birstall and Wanlip WI host a

Family Carol Concert Sunday December 1 at 4.30pm At Harrison Road Methodist Church, Belgrave Everyone welcome Refreshments Birstall Methodist Monday and Thursday groups are jointly hosting a

Christmas Concert on December 12 in the church at 7.30pm with ‘Singing for Fun’ (director Anne Hughes) Admission free but donations are welcomed for Glenfield Paediatric Unit and local Birstall youth groups Refreshments will be served

Quorn Festive Art & Craft Trail Sunday December 1, 11am – 5pm Over 50 stalls at four venues in village Passport to all venues £2 Children under 16 free Many fine art and craft stalls: paintings, prints, sculpture, photography, jewellery, ceramics, glassware, woodturning, natural soaps, candles handbags, greetings cards, linens, plants & garden gifts, food stalls: preserves, home-made cakes, Christmas puddings and mincemeat and much more Proceeds to Rainbows Children’s Hospice and The Bridge Village Christmas Lights switched on at 4pm

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

- Sciatica - Tennis Elbow • Golfers’ Elbow - Cranial treatment for babies - We now have a female practioner

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ident Franklin Roosevelt. However, behind the scenes, Franklin’s sixth cousin Daisy, develops a very close bond with the president, played brilliantly by Bill Murray.

‘Hyde Park on Hudson’ Friday November 8 (94 mins) This British comedy is set in the Hudson Valley and features King George VI and our Queen Mary on the first trip across the Atlantic for a reigning British monarch.

World War II is looming and our king is on a diplomatic mission to secure allied support, led by Pres-

‘Great Expectations’ Friday December 13 (128 mins) This recent best-ever version of the Charles Dickens classic has distinguished actors: Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, David Walliams, Helena Bonham Carter.

It promises to be an entertaining film, before Christmas.

Thurcaston and 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.

Ladies Circle Howe Lane Methodist Hall, Rothley For info please contact Pam Floyd 0116 2374111 November 19 Open meeting as speaker cancelled December 3 Lunch at Birstall Golf Club (members only) December 17 Carol Service

Birstall Flower Club Come and join us at our

Open Evening Birstall Village Hall Wednesday November 27 This is a fantastic evening with a complimentary drink and mince pie on arrival We have a duo of national NAFAS demonstrators – Kate Russell and Patti Dawson The title for their demonstration is ‘Christmas is coming – here we go again’ The evening begins at 6.45pm (demonstration 7.15pm) Admission by ticket only, available from Sylvia 0116 2674206, cost £8 If you love flower arranging then this is definitely an evening not to be missed. A raffle is run on the evening and the prizes are the

THE ROTHLEY POST

flower arrangements as arranged by our expert demonstrators

Christmas Festival (theme – Stable Story) Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall Friday Nov 29 10am-7pm & Saturday Nov 30, 10am-1pm Church decorated with themed Christmas trees, models, displays etc Admission £1 (accompanied children free)) Home made cakes, pies, pastries Christmas gifts & decorations Jams, chutneys & pickles, crafts & novelties, raffle & tombola, Santa’s Grotto, pick-a-bag, lucky dip, hot dogs & burgers, pancakes & punch Refreshments served throughout (Light lunches Friday & Saturday) Table Top Sale on Saturday Proceeds for Asthma UK & Birstall Methodist Church

Rothley Bowling Club

Autumn Fayre Saturday November 16 10am to 12noon at Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Admission 50p inc tea/coffee Craft items, homemade goods, jams, pickles, cakes etc books, bric-a-brac, bottle tombola, raffle, refreshments Everyone welcome Please come and give us your support Life Education Centres Leicestershire

Ladies Fashion Show Thursday November 21 at 7pm Fashion show clothing comes from a selection of popular high street fashion outlets with an opportunity to purchase Tickets £5 to include tea/coffee at Birstall Village Hall For further details please contact Harriet Greenhill 07976809127, Nim Mistry 07973730038, or Fiona Brown 07968862481 Charnwood Orchestra 40th anniversary

Gala Concert Sat Nov 30, 7.30pm Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough Greeting Prelude : Stravinsky Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso : Saint Saens Premier Rhapsody : Debussy Roman Carnival Overture : Berlioz Les Biches : Poulenc

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice : Dukas Tickets £15 (con £14), children u16 £3 077181 53117 judithrodgers@gmail.com

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 The next in the series of

Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursdays Nov 7, Dec 5 and Jan 2 at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Admission £2 All players welcome Large free car park

Coffee Morning Methodist Church, Howe Lane, Rothley Saturday, November 30 10am-12noon Christmas Gifts, Cakes and Tombola and many more stalls

Carol Service Methodist Church, Howe Lane, Rothley on Sunday Dec 15 at 4pm the Mayor of Charnwood will be in attendance service taken by Rev Dave Warnock everyone welcome, mince pies after the service

Charnwood Conservative Association

Christmas Fair Saturday December 7 Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley from 10am to 12noon Admission 50p Raffle, tombola, games, produce stalls, bric-a-brac etc Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP will be attending

A series of

Talks by historian Dr Michael Lynch from Leicester University October 15: North Korea – A Hangover from a Communist Past November 19: Brazil – A Market not to be Ignored January 21: The Eunuchs and Concubines of Ancient China All talks are to be held at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley where there is plenty of free parking. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start There will be a coffee/tea interval and a Q&A session to finish at approximately 9.30pm. tickets are £5 per person per talk and may be purchased on the night at the door but to book your place please call 0116 237 5254 so that seating can be arranged.

Dr Lynch is extremely well travelled and has proved himself a most entertaining and knowledgeable speaker and is not to be missed.

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CYCLING FROM Birstall through Leicester to the southern boundary of the city has been made easier following improvements to the Great Central Way. A programme of resurfacing work and repairs is being carried out to tackle wear and tear along parts of the Great Central Way – a popular cycling, walking and horse riding route following the route of the old great Central Railway and linking the north and south of the city.

The latest works have focused on a section of the route through Aylestone Meadows, between Evesham Road and the bridge over the River Biam. They included repairs to the uneven and potholed surface to make the route safer to use. The next phase of the work will involve repairs and resurfacing to the link running to Braunstone Lane East, which is due to take place on Monday, November 18 for one week.

Improvements to the Great Central Way are part of a wider £250,000 programme of Riverside Way works, which are funded by the Department for Transport and NHS Leicester.

The Riverside Way will tie in to new works being undertaken around the Innovation Centre and a developer-funded bridge linking to Wolsey Island off Abbey Park Road in the north of the city.

The route north from Birstall through Watermead Country Park to Cossington was completed last year.

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Cycle route improved

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Richard Hill Primary School PTFA Thurcaston Saturday December 7 from 1.30-4pm Stalls, games, refreshments, carols, Father Christmas in his grotto, live ukulele music Raising funds for an all weather shelter

NOV 2013

Join us on Facebook! www.markpatrickbutchers.co.uk

10 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2013

Rothley burglary: suspect on CCTV THE POLICE have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a burglary in Rothley.

The incident took place at around 2.25pm on Thursday May 30 at a house in the Westfield Lane area of Rothley.

Access to the house was gained via a gate to the rear garden. A window at the back of the house was forced open. It is thought that nothing was taken during the burglary.

Detective Constable Clare Birch, the investigating officer, said: “We have released an image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with this incident as he may have information that could assist us with our enquiries. We would ask you to contact us if you recognise this man or you were in the vicinity of Westfield Lane and remember

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE is supporting a new website that aims to quickly answer non-emergency questions and free up staff to concentrate on urgent and more complicated calls.

Pic: Police are looking for this man

seeing anything suspicious.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4174 Clare Birch on 101, follow the instructions to leave a mes-

sage for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4174. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous on 0800 555 111.

Gardening club news

Evening and Quiz Night Are you interested in gardening?

Would you like to know more about all the fascinating and wonderful things that grow and live in your garden? Would you like to visit gardens of interest in the local area and see how others do it?

If these things appeal to you then come and join a group of enthusiastic amateur gardeners. Whether you are experienced or just a beginner we have a wonderful programme of events for 2014.

Visitors and new members are made most welcome. Meetings are informal, informative and good social events.

What’s more, attending meeting is excellent value! The membership fee is still £12 for the year or £3 per meeting.

And, if you would like to come as a visitor (to give it a try) and then you decide to join, your visitor fee will be refunded. So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try.

THE OCTOBER meeting of the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club was a talk called ‘Plants that Excite’ by Dr Andrew Ward.

Andrew runs a nursery in Norwell near Newark and he drew his inspiration for the talk from the many plants that he grows and sells. Indeed, Andrew made the point that the talk should be called ‘Plants that Excite Me’ as this talk was a personal selection of plants for the time of year, and would have been different in another season.

The talk was enhanced by

excellent photographs of each plant.

Andrew had a gentle humour and told many anecdotes about the plants featured. But most of all he had extensive knowledge, and was clearly a very experienced and well trained horticulturist.

The list of plants featured was very extensive, including Lobelia, Achillea, Crocosmia, Hemerocallis, Geranium, Aster, Chryanthemum, Heuchera, Orchid, and many more. Andrew also frequently showed various varieties of a certain plant and talked about the merits of each as well as the most suitable growing conditions.

This talk was well received, as were the many plants that Andrew bought for sale from his nursery. The nursery has a very good website that is well worth visiting www.norwellnurseries.co.uk Gardening Club activities and meetings for the rest of the year Wed November 13, 7.45 pm – An Old Fashioned Christmas – Felicity Austin Wed December 11, 7.45 pm – Social

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8 Jan: Medieval and Tudor Gardens Matt Haddon, preceded by AGM (15 to 20 mins) 12 Feb: Wall Shrubs and Climbing Plants - Hazel Kaye 12 March: The Garden at Coton Manor – past, present and future - Caroline Tait 9 April: Behind the Scenes At Chelsea Flower Show - Geoff Smith 14 May: Ferns, Bamboo and Grasses - Colin Ward 11 Jun: Evening garden visit to “Barraca” - Earl Shilton 9 July: Garden Trail and BBQ 26 July: Trip to Tatton Park Flower Show 13 Aug: Evening garden visit to Hill Park Farm - Belton, Near Shepshed 6 Sept: 31st Annual Garden, Craft and Produce Show (Open to All) To be held at The Richard Hill Primary School, Thurcaston 8 Oct: Bugs and Insects - Sally Cunningham 12 Nov: Growing Prize Winning Chrysanthemums - Peter White 10 Dec: Christmas Social Event

For more information, please call Dave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758

The ‘Ask The Police’ website, which is also available as an app for smart phones, holds answers to around 750 questions, on the subject of things such as stray dogs and noisy neighbours, that the police are most frequently asked by the public through 101 or 999. The website is part of a national initiative that will assist the public to find solutions to everyday problems that can affect the quality of their lives.

The service is an easy-to-navigate wesite www.askthe.police.uk which is bespoke to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and offers a range of answers and useful contacts..

Leicestershire’s contact management department currently handles on average 1,957 calls a day, of which 1,644 are non-emergency. It is believed that this number will be substantially reduced, which will free up valuable resources to be re-allocated to frontline policing.

Assistant Chief Constable Phil Kay said: “This is the latest in a range of additional services we are introducing into our area. We anticipate that, as the public become aware of it, this new website will prove to be a much appreciated and well used resource.

“The range of questions is very comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects that include pets, noisy neighbours, road traffic, harassment and public order. New questions are continually added and we are encouraging the public to submit any questions they may have to the editors of the website who will consider them for inclusion nationally.”

Visitors to the website will be able to give their rating of the information and find rankings of the popularity of the questions asked. The new service will have a direct link to the Leicestershire Police website.

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2013 11

Sewing Circle’s colourful open morning BRADGATE SEWING Circle held an open morning in October.

This year the group’s chosen charity is Cancer Research UK which benefited from the sale of a generous selection of handicraft items, a number of pieces from the sales table and tea, coffee and biscuits.

The raffle offered a first prize of a patchwork quilt made by members of the Sewing Circle, along with a Meal for Two donated by Mandy and Jim at Rothley’s Time and Plaice Restaurant.

Spokeswoman Maureen Bulmer said: “All the members were gratified to see so many people admiring their handicrafts and watching them whilst they worked on ‘work in progress’ pieces.

There were items on display from patchwork quilts, cushions, miniature knitted items, miniature pieces, cross stitch, embroideries, tapestries and even hand made lace.

“Many of the members were on hand to demonstrate and explain about their pieces while others dedicated time selling from table tops, helping with the raffle and working in the kitchen providing refreshments.”

Member Pam Martin said: “The nice thing about this group is you can come and do some amazing things or if you’re like me and not very good, bring your knitting and have a coffee and a chat.”

Maureen Bulmer added: “Members and Committee of Bradgate Sewing Circle are very grateful to those who took time out to call and see us at the Rothley Centre and for all donations towards this deserving fund. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you all again some time.”

Pics (top left): Pam Martin (left) and Lin Luce & inset, Chloe Dalby (2)

New wool shop opens COUNTY YARNS, Birstall’s new wool shop, has everything for new and seasoned knitters.

A family business, run by Sue, Vic, Wendy and Sheila, County Yarns has relocated from Leicester’s indoor market.

Sue said: “Our objective is to provide a variety of knitting/crochet yarns and accessories at sensible prices along with good old fashion service too”.

She added: “We have brought with us

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some of our best selling yarns and also have some new ones coming in for the autumn, from a new lace weight to super chunky.

“Anyone who wishes to start knitting or crocheting we will do our best to help you find what you are looking for, we all knit, even Vic, well - in a fashion!”

The shop has a selection of knitting yarns from a number of suppliers including Sirdar, Robin, Woolcraft, Stylecraft and James Brett.

“If you cannot find what you are looking for please ask, we may be able to get it for you” said Sue. “To all our customers who have supported us in the indoor market we will be pleased to see you in our new shop on Wanlip Avenue, and to those who have yet to try us, give us a look, we will be pleased to see you” she added.

County Yarns, 2a Wanlip Ave (opposite Co-op Travel) Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm Tel: 0792 6630 973

County Yarns 2A Wanlip Avenue, Birstall Leicester LE4 4JP Tel 0792 6630 973

Opposite Co-op Travel & behind Purple Pear Greengrocers

A local supplier of most of your

Knitting & Crochet needs Having a good range of yarns from major suppliers being stockist of selected yarns by SIRDAR, JAMES C. BRETT, ROBIN, Stylecraft & Woolcraft

We can supply most of your basic need's for knitters & crochet crafts 100g basic DK from £1.49, 100% acrylic This Season's NEW Ranges are now arriving!

Our current opening times are : Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

e-mail: county.yarns.thewoolshop@gmail.com

12 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2013

Art on show OUR PICTURES show some of the artwork on display at the Soar Valley Artists’ annual exhibition, held in the Rothley Centre in October.

Pic: John Kennedy and Mary Macrae welcome visitors to the exhibition

Leicester food festival LEICESTER’S WINTER Food Festival will be back again this year, celebrating its 5th anniversary of Sunday November 17 between 11am and 5pm.

Each year, Leicester Market hosts the Winter Food Festival to highlight the diversity of local and regional food and drink producers, featuring the best stallholders, exhibitors, restaurants and bars. This event will again coincide with the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony, which this year has been relocated to the Clock Tower.

Adam Piotrowski, Food Enterprise Support Manager at Leicester Market, who is organising the event said: “Any food lover will be keen to browse through the stalls selling everything from homemade samosas and curries, to jams and chutneys, cakes and baked goods.

“We have scoured the region to find everyone’s favourite traders, as well as introduce some new business-

es on to the thriving food scene. As well as a plethora of food stalls, the festival will also feature Christmas crafts again , back by popular demand.”

There will also be a full programme of entertainment, including live music, choirs, cooking demonstrations and taster sessions.

Mr Piotrowski added: “We are extremely excited about this year’s event and we want to encourage everyone to some down for a look around the festival to see the exciting offering of food, drink and crafts of the region.

Crime report Crime Report : Rothley, Aug & Sep Theft 8, theft from motor vehicle 1, burglary 5, damage 2 Outbuildings and sheds are being targeted by thieves for garden equipment and tools. Make sure your shed is secured.

Also make sure you do not leave anything unattended on the front of your property as thefts of metal and bicycles is on the increase.

From PC 2139 Richard Carruthers

THE ROTHLEY POST

History society IN OCTOBER society member and archivist, Brenda Hooper, entertained us with a delightful account of the life and times of Leicester writer and botanist, Mary Kirby (1817 – 1893).

Mary’s father, John, came from a farming family in the Ibstock area, but he eventually became one of Leicester’s leading hosiery manufacturers.

John’s first wife died aged 29 years, soon after giving birth to a son who also died, but from his second marriage, Mary was the second eldest of their six children (five of whom – one son and four daughters – survived to adulthood).

John was an indulgent father and his children lacked for nothing, especially books.

John was determined to ensure his children received a good education and Mary and her elder sister, Sarah, were mainly educated together – it was apparent from an early age that of the two sisters, Mary was the more intellectually able. They attended various schools both in Leicester and Leicestershire.

By 1839, Leicester Philosophical Society allowed women to attend their meetings and Mary was an eager participant, as well as going to lectures at the Mechanics Institute. This was also the time that she began to develop her interest in botany which had begun when, in her early childhood on holiday in Ramsgate, she collected seaweed.

Around this time, Mary suffered an injury to her foot, so in order for her to recuperate, her father rented part of a house in Thurcaston where she and one of her younger sisters, Catherine, could stay and benefit from the “forest air”.

Mary later recorded memories of this time in “Leaflets of my Life”, published in 1887, referring to the Rector, Revd.

Waterfield as “a kind and agreeable man, and a clear-headed preacher” and “he restored the church at his own cost; and also placed a tablet within it, to the memory of Bishop Latimer”. Among the many things of interest she observed, she noted that “A country life has many pleasures. It was a great delight for me to sit and watch the changing light upon the hills, and to see the storm clouds rise over the summit of Old John, and then discharge themselves into the valley below.”

Above all, during the twelve months she stayed in Thurcaston, Mary gathered a variety of wild plants to add to her collection, eventually totalling 400 specimens, which, after her death, was given to the Literary and Philosophical Society and now forms the basis of the County

Collection.

Mary’s book, “The Flora of Leicestershire”, which included details of 14 plants gathered in the vicinity of Thurcaston, was published in 1850 and she acknowledged the assistance of a Leicester public schoolmaster, Mr Hollins, in the collection of the plants and the collaboration of Revd. Andrew Bloxam, Rector of Twycross, who contributed material and did editorial work for her book. Mary was delighted when Sir William Hooker, first Director of Kew Botanic Gardens, praised her book and contribution towards promoting local interest in botany.

Between 1850 and 1870 Mary and her younger sister Elizabeth wrote many books featuring natural history, moral tales and adaptations of the classics. Mary wrote “We were glad to find a ready sale for our manuscripts, and also to put the profits in our pockets”.

As published authors and being from a prominent merchant family, the sisters moved in well-placed social circles. They frequently travelled around England, visiting places of particular interest – on one occasion, Mary had a private guided tour of the British Museum where she saw the Rosetta Stone and collections of plants and mosses. Sadly later, Elizabeth suffered a mental breakdown due to a failed relationship with the man she had hoped to marry, and this situation led to the decision for the sisters to move away from Leicester to Norfolk. It was while they were living in Norfolk that Mary met the man who would become her husband Henry Gregg, a curate. Initially the couple lived at Syston, but later moved to a new house in Melton Mowbray.

Elizabeth never married and lived with Mary and Henry until her death in 1875.

Henry died in 1882 and Mary in 1893.

All three were buried near the churchyard wall at Brooksby. Mary shares a grave with her husband and specifically requested that there should be “no text or verse whatsoever” on the gravestone.

Despite the acclaim for “The Flora of Leicestershire”, Mary is best remembered today for “Leaflets from my Life” because it is an important legacy in portraying an accurate record of the domestic and social life of a 19th century Leicester lady.

Our final meeting in 2013 will comprise of the A.G.M. and an “Oral History Archive” presented by Colin Hyde. Date: Tuesday 19th November; Time: 7.30pm; Venue: Harrison Room, All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston. Visitors are most welcome and the meeting will conclude with festive refreshments.

From Jennifer Kennington, Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

WI news THE SPEAKER for our September meeting was Wendy Martin, who gave a talk entitled “Life in a Masai Village”.

Wendy and her husband had enjoyed two holidays in Africa staying with the Masai. She recounted her experiences of meeting these gentle, dignified people and of learning about their history, lifestyle and customs.

One of her concerns was the ritual of female circumcision. When she questioned the Masai about it, she was told it was no longer practised. Wendy felt however, that she was not given a truthful answer, and that this barbaric practice still takes place.

This was a well presented and highly enjoyable talk that created a lively question and answer time with our members.

At our October meeting our speaker was Penny Hodgson, who gave a talk called “How to Survive Christmas”.

Most of our members are veterans of hosting and surviving a family Christmas, but Penny gave an interesting insight into the history of the actual festivities. We were told that over 400 million people worldwide celebrate Christmas and that it’s the world’s biggest religious festival.

A lot of the traditions are Pagan in origin and the darkest time of the year was used to cheer everyone up.

Penny left us with these final words: “The Christmas spirit is about sharing, giving and forgiving. Most of all, we should relax and enjoy it”.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday November 7, when our AGM is held.

From Thurcaston & Cropston W.I.

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New housing website A NEW website for tenants and landlords has been launched by local councils. www.homefinder.uk.com has been set up by the Leicestershire district councils and Leicester City Council for landlords and letting agents in the county, offering support and advice and providing a range of services all under one roof.

Landlords and letting agents can advertise their properties for free and at the same time keep up-to-date with current legislation, have access to documents, videos and toolkits to help manage properties, information on available grants and loans and free training opportunities.

There are already over 70 letting agents signed up and 500 properties on the website, from shared houses to executive homes. It can be viewed in multiple languages and features include a housing benefit calculator and an online referral form for customers seeking support to remain in their current home or move to an alternative one.

David Harris, Charnwood’s Head of Strategic and Private Sector Housing said: “This website will help tenants have confidence that the property they rent is of a good standard, is being responsibly managed and more importantly that the landlord belongs to a recognised landlord accreditation scheme.”

Landlords or letting agents looking to advertise their properties on the website can register at www.homefinder.uk.com/acccommodati on

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14 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2013

Martin returns for school visit A TWENTY year old musician who is building a career in the music business returned to his old schools in Birstall as part of a drug abuse awareness campaign.

Martin Luke Brown received a warm welcome at Stonehill and Longslade College where he performed with his band for students.

Martin said: “The combination of the performance and the drugs talk works a treat. The students are all so enthusiastic and appreciative and the whole process

Lift share website IF YOU need a lift each morning from Rothley to Leicester there is currently one person offering to take you on a lift sharing website launched by the County and City Councils. www.LeicesterSHARE.com allows users to search for other potential car share partners across the city, county and beyond.

The free-to-use website was relaunched in April and since that time has seen more than 350 people sign up. The public database enables members to search through thousands of lift share partners locally and across the county. You enter your starting point and destination and the website finds lift share partners.

Alongside that Leicester SHARE also supports more than 880 employers of businesses and organisations through providing private car sharing groups.

The revamped site also has a calculator which enables users to work out how much money and fuel they could save by car sharing.

Peter Osborne Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member of Highways and Transport, said: “We are delighted that people are signing up to the scheme. Car sharing, depending on your commute or journey, could save you hundreds of pounds a year, not to mention the cost of vehicle wear-and-tear.

Service CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council has been recognised for its high levels of customer service.

The council has retained its CSE (Customer Service Excellence) status following a two day inspection. The authority was particularly commended for its partnership working with Leicestershire Police.

is so rewarding. They’ve also been really receptive and a lot more respectful than I was in school!”

Since moving to London Martin has headlined his own show at the Roof Gardens and the Emerging Icons stage at Westfield and recently won an award at the London Mayor’s Big Busk competition.

In Leicester he has played many festivals and supported McFly and The Maccabees when they were in town.

Martin has been working with DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and giving talks on substance abuse.

“Drug abuse is a massive problem all over the UK amongst young

Pics: Martin (inset) & (above) performing with his band at Longslade

people” said Martin. “Leicester especially seems particularly drug fuelled, especially on nights out in town. I think it’s sad that people rely on drugs to have a good time. I’m pro-life, and pro state of mind – always be in control of yourself and be happy with it.”

Remembering his time at Longslade, he said: “I had a great time here A levels especially. I always hear of other schools being very cliquey but it felt like a massive family here. Everyone got on with everyone and a lot of my year are doing some incredible things only two years after leaving!”

Birstall’s Christmas lights JOIN IN with the carol singing while you enjoy a free mince pie and mulled wine at Birstall’s Christmas lights switch on event on Friday December 6.

Organised by Birstall Parish Coun-

PILBEAM ACADEMY of DANCE Tel: 07584 166838 Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern & National for children from age 3 Held at Rothley Village Hall, on Monday & Tuesday evening, & at Rothley Baptist Church, Woodgate, from 4.30pm on Wednesday.

Some spaces available in the beginners class at 4.30pm. All classes can lead to stagework, medals and examinations.

Pupils 3yrs + welcome

New Bums & Tums class Tuesdays, 7.45pm, Rothley Village Hall Ring for details & to book spaces

Ladies Tap classes for experienced or beginners held on Mondays at 7pm.

JOIN US FOR FUN, EXERCISE OR EXAMINATIONS Principal: Antonia Pilbeam F.D.D.A.

cil the free event will take place on the Sibson Road car park at 6pm.

Fairground rides on the car parks at Sibson Road and School Lane will be open from 5pm and there will be a Christmas Market in the Village Hall from 3.30pm until 8.30pm.

Santa will be in his grotto in the entrance to the Village Hall from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.

Refreshments available at the event include roasted chestnuts, hot potatoes, burgers, hot dogs, tea and coffee.

Rothley Parish Council is not organising a Christmas lights switch on event this year, after an appeal for help to organise it produced no response.

THE ROTHLEY POST

Business network group

Musical education in local schools THE BIRSTALL Area Music Centre was launched last month to give young school musicians a chance to play in a wind band or string ensemble under the guidance of professional musicians.

A NEW local business networking group has been launched that meets at Starbucks, Thurmaston retail park.

Around 40 delegates attended the first meeting of Network Watermead, which ran from 7.30-9.30am.

“Attendees had been invited to come along and open network, with no joining fees, no presentations and no pressure” said Ian Morris from solicitors EHL, who have started the group with Leicester accountants Clear & Lane.

“It has been designed to make networking less pressurised and easier for those who are less experienced. The event provides a relaxed environment for both experienced networkers and those who are new to business events” he added.

“We’ve had a fantastic turn-out here today, a lot of people have come along, met new contacts and created potential business leads.”

The group will run every second Thursday at Starbucks from 7.309.30am, although people are advised they can come and go as they please.

Vanessa Fisher, Marketing Manager at Clear and Lane Accountants, said: “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from everyone who has attended and we think Network Watermead is gong to go from strength to strength. Comments such as “It’s great to see new faces here”, “It’s right on the doorstep” and “We don’t usually attend these but wanted to give it a try” were all really good feedback for us to hear. Our aim now is to build on the momentum that we have started and help connect more local businesses through networking but also by problem solving, sharing knowledge and experience with each other.”

Waste site hours THE OPENING hours of the recycling and household waste site at Mountsorrel are changing.

The County Council introduced reduced winter opening hours from November 2. The site will now be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. From April 1, 2014 to September 30 it will be open seven days a week.

The winter opening hours are now 9am – 4pm and in summer, 9am – 7pm.

The hours of the county waste sites have been reduced as a cost cutting measure by the County Council. It has to reduce spending by £110million in five years.

For more details: www.leics.gov.uk/waste

NOV 2013 15

The Centre is run by the Leicester-Shire Schools Music Service in partnership with Stonehill and Longslade schools. It meets during term time at Stonehill on Thursdays from 4-5pm.

Sainsbury’s roadworks speeded up ROADWORKS AT the site of a new supermarket development are being speeded up to help bring to an end traffic disruption in the area.

Sainsburys is building a new supermarket at the former GE Lighting site at the corner of Troon Way and Melton Road, and the development includes extensive roadworks to improve two main junctions close to the store. Changes include creating new access roads, lanes and pedestrian crossing facilities to improve traffic flow and road safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

Leicester City Council has now met with developers to agree ways in which the work can be completed ahead of schedule to enable the Melton Road/Troon Way junction to be fully operational by early November.

Final resurfacing work for the Nicklaus Close/Troon Way/Gleneagles Avenue junction is now also planned for early November, meaning all major highway works linked to the supermarket should be completed by mid November.

From this week contractors will be employing an additional team of staff to work during the late evenings, nights and weekends. The moves follow a series of ongoing meetings with the contractors, at which concerns about the extent of the roadworks and the disruption caused to motorists were discussed.

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16 THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2013

HATS preparing for panto HATS ARE busy rehearsing their 2013 panto which this year has been written by two members of the society.

One of the founder members, Elaine Hunt, wrote the first pantomime HATS performed way back in 1992. She has now teamed up with another member Phil Walton, to write this year’s panto-

Sainsbury’s recruitment starting SAINSBURY’S LEICESTER North supermarket on Melton Road has started a recruitment drive.

Applicants looking for both full and part-time work in a wide range of positions at the new Sainsbury’s store, currently under construction, can apply for a selection of jobs online at sainsbury.jobs Initially the new store will create around 200 new job opportunities, with more to follow in the New Year when the ‘goods online’ service and pharmacy opens. 140 staff are transferring from the store on Belgrave Road, which will remain open and trade until the replacement store on Melton Road is completed towards the end of the year.

Positions will be uploaded to the recruitment website in batches over the next few weeks and applicants will be prompted to register and submit an online application form.

Pic: some of the cast rehearsing (l-r) Micheal Smith, Alex Collins, Dannie Wells, Louise Steel, Tracy Fuller

mime “Bah! Humbug the Panto”. Phil has also written all the songs and put

Leisure Centre opens LOUGHBOROUGH LEISURE Centre is now fully open after work was completed on refurbishing new pool changing rooms and a health suite.

It is the first time the new improved centre has been fully open after a major fire closed the pools last December, just as a huge £2million refurbishment was due to be unveiled. The centre, operated

by Charnwood Borough Council’s leisure centre’s partner Fusion Lifestyle, has: • a refurbished gym with state-of-the-art equipment • refurbished exercise studios • refurbished pools and health suite • completely updated changing rooms • soft play area • double size sports-hall • squash courts • a refurbished café with free Wi-Fi and meeting room

Visit www.charnwoodleisure.com for more information

together the music.

“There are still several members in the group who performed in that first panto in 1992 but we have quite a lot of new talented members who have joined our group in the last couple of years” said spokesman Rod Atkins.

“Our pantomime this year is not one of the traditional stories but it does contain all the traditional panto ingredients. Oh, yes it does!” he added.

Nasty old Scrooge is tightening his purse strings on his townsfolk. He doesn’t even want to finance this year’s pantomime. How will be get rid of Goldilocks, Aladdin, Snow White and many other pantomime characters? Will his plan succeed or will Robin Hood and Marion save the day!

How would you like it if the local council banned all pantomimes? What a dreadful thought. So better not miss this one just in case they do!

Thurs Nov 28 & Fri Nov 29, 7.15pm.

Sat Nov 30, 2.30pm & 7.15pm Highcliffe School, Greengate Lane.

Tickets £6 (Con £5) 0116 2209584 hatsbirstall@hotmail.co.uk

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Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words. 17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an envelope) at Birstall library.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which you are asking for payment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale. All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50 words.

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Planning P/132031/2: 139 Station Road, Cropston – erection of dormer extension to side of dwelling P/13/1963/2: 133 Station Road, Cropston – erection of 1st floor and two storey extensions to rear of dwelling P/13/1900/2: 18 Leicester Road, Thurcaston – erection of single storey extension to side and rear of dwelling P/13/2076/2: 36 North Street, Rothley – erection of extension to dwelling P/13/2110/2: 38 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – proposed outbuilding (self assessment form B submitted) P/13/2077/2: 10 Woodgate Rothley – erection of a two storey extension to side and rear and alterations to existing dwelling (listed building consent) P/13/2027/2: Annexe 34 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – erection of one bungalow P/13/1877/2: 1 Westfield Lane, Rothley – erection of two and single storey extensions to rear, single storey extension to side and erection of detached garage to rear of dwelling P/13/1986/2:150 Swithland Lane, Rothley – demolition of dwelling (conservation area consent) P/13/1824/2: 150 Swithland Lane, Rothley – erection of 2.5 storey dwelling with associated works following demolition of existing building

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Rothley Library, Rothley Post Office or to our office in the Youth Centre, Longslade College, Birstall editor@birstallpost.co.uk

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

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

Apply to the Secretary: Roger Gregory, 21 The Green, Long Whatton, Leicestershire LE12 5DA. Tel: 01509 843579 or Andrew Atkinson 07973 309 987