Rothley Post (105) March 2014

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

MAR/APR 2014

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 105

Man jailed after violent burglary Peter David Gilheaney (21) of Armitage Drive, Rothley has been jailed for seven and a half years for his part in the raid.

On May 10, 2013, Gilheaney and three other men arrived at the home of the Gosai family in Evington at 1.30pm.

Gilheaney and an accomplice, both wearing masks, broke into the house and confronted Rajeev Gosai (23) in his bedroom where he was watching television.

Gilheaney’s accomplice threatened to throw acid over him, hit him with a metal pole and demanded drugs, money and gold. They then woke his father, asleep in another bedroom, and threatened him, making the same demands.

PROPOSALS FOR development in Thurcaston have been scaled back to 40 dwellings off Mill Lane.

Last summer surveyors Mather Jamie announced a scheme for 150 dwellings, on two sites in Thurcaston. They have now indicated they are about to submit an application for outline planning permission for around 40 dwellings off Mill Lane and a new community building that will include a pre-school facility.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council have requested Proposed sight of site the plans for before the 40 homes application is submitted, so they can invite parishioners to a public meeting to comment.

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A ROTHLEY man was part of a gang that broke into an Evington home and threatened to throw acid over the occupants, before ransacking the house for valuables.

Thurcaston homes

The burglars then ransacked the entire house, leaving after 30 minutes with £1000 of jewellery and cash.. The father and son said they feared for their lives during the ordeal.

CCTV cameras from a nearby property filmed the men entering and leaving the property. Two other accomplices waited outside, one as the getaway driver in a stolen Mercedes and one as a lookout.

Gilheaney’s DNA was found on a scarf left in the getaway car which was found later abandoned and burnt out. He admitted aggravated burglary and was sentenced to seven and a half years.

Pic(left): one of the ransacked rooms

Pic: Peter Gilheaney - jailed for seven & a half years

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2014

Plans for new homes “unsustainable” CAMPAIGNERS OBJECTING to 150 new homes planned for West Cross Lane in Rothley have submitted a detailed 43 page objection to Charnwood Borough Council.

Prepared by the West Cross lane Fields Residents Action Group, the document sets out their objections to the proposed development, which is located on the parish boundary with Mountsorrel.

The action group object on the grounds: • the site is on an area of green wedge that separates Rothley and Mountsorrel • there is no public transport provision in or near the site • access to major road networks is limited and difficult • local services and facilities are too distant from the site • the site is not a Development Focus Area within Charnwood’s Core Strategy and Local Plan • there are increased road traffic and safety implications • local schools are at capacity, even the new build school in Rothley • the site encroaches on the Rothley Ridgeway Conservation Area • there will be a significant impact on the local community in terms of disruption, loss of amenities and competition for inadequate services

• affordable housing at the proposed site does not fit with policy guidelines Action Group spokesman Andy Worby said: “We plan to oppose this development by demonstrating it is not sustainable within the spirit of the latest government guidelines, is not required in order to meet housing targets in this area and is not good for the villages, their residents and the local community.”

Rothley Parish Council has objected to the development and Mountsorrel Parish Council has asked for an extension to the date for submission of comments. Rothley Parish Council’s Chairman has expressed concern that the site has room for at least 600 new homes and said that developers Charles Church should give a legal assurance, if planning permission is granted, that no more than 150 homes be built.

Increased housebuilding in the parishes of Rothley and Mountsorrel has put strain on local services, roads and facilities, and the campaigners say that increasing this still further is unsustainable.

The total number of homes in Rothley and Mountsorrel is 4686 and the

additional housing that is currently planned in or near the parish boundary of the two villages is 2259 – an increase of 48 per cent.

“The local infrastructure is not able to support a 48 per cent increase in the number of houses, residents, children and elderly and those needing care, cars, demands upon public services etc. This scale of development is not sustainable” say the action group.

If local objectors can persuade Charnwood Borough Council to turn down the application, the developer can appeal and the appeal will be decided

by Her Majesty’s Planning Inspectorate which is based in Bristol.

Appeals are often successful as was the case with the Brookfield Farm development in Rothley, currently under construction.

If Charnwood grant planning permission, residents cannot appeal as only developers have the right to appeal.

A spokesman for Charnwood Conservative Association said: “Many residents in Charnwood recoil in horror watching the random, almost anarchical transformation of rural agricultural land into housing estates. This has a catastrophic effect on the character of Charnwood and the situation is getting worse. Rothley is particularly badly affected and local residents feel betrayed.”

Additional Housing planned in or near Rothley and Mountsorrel • Halstead Road – 200 • Brookfield Farm – 120 • Mountsorrel Lane – 250 • Marsh Road – 14 • Lindens Public House – 9 • West Cross Lane –150 • Old Rothley School site – 16 • ‘North Birstall’ (old Bentley’s Roses site) – 1500

Total - 2259 Planning application reference P/14/0058/2. You can comment on the plan until March 13. Visit the planning section of Charnwood Borough Council’s website to leave your comment or write to the Planning Department.

Rothley cricket club preparing book AS PART of its 200th birthday celebrations Rothley Park Cricket Club is preparing a book on the history of the club and some of the characters who have played for it over the years.

The club is appealing for help from readers. Spokesman Steve Thomason said: “Do you have any cricket photos, scorecards and match reports involving Rothley Park we could borrow, either of yourself or of a relative?

“Do you have any stories of characters and memorable games you could let us know about?

“We are very interested in items for the following families: Wykes, Archer, ‘Leggy’ Nurse, Brunt, Lole, Vann, Hyman, Copson, Chester, Ball, Hardy, Mansfield, Wells, Esworthy, Paddock, Beaumont, Bradbury and Preston.”

Contact Steve at steve@thomason.eclip se.co.uk or 0116 230 4467.

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2014

3

Village Hedge layed & trees planted libraries at risk A PROGRAMME of improvement works at Bunney’s Field in Rothley has seen the creation of a community orchard.

SMALL VILLAGE libraries in Leicestershire could close if the County Council cannot find partners to help run them.

The County Council currently maintains 52 libraries and six mobile units at a cost of £5.82million. It is looking at measures to save £800,000 over the next four years.

Birstall library is one of 16 that will continue to be maintained by the County, but the libraries at Rothley and Mountsorrel along with 36 other small libraries are at risk.

Richard Blunt, the County Council’s cabinet member for libraries said: “We expect to continue to run our town libraries, but we will explore communityrunning of our smaller libraries and possible co-location with other organisations, such as parish councils. We may have to close libraries if we can’t find partners.

Smaller libraries are already not the best used and we’ve reflected that by reducing opening hours.

“The authority is facing significant financial challenges and we are proposing to make savings of £800,000 over the next four years. When taking into account the wider budget pressures, people thought that there were higher priorities than libraries.

“We are still working on the detail but the broad proposal is for the county council to offer professional support from its libraries service on a tapering basis.

“We have been following the work of other local authorities who have been more advanced in this to learn lessons from them. We also have a significant volunteer network working with the service already and we hope that we can encourage greater involvement from those experienced volunteers to help. We’ve been having exploratory discussions in Kegworth, Ratby and Barrow and these discussions are ongoing.”

The changes to the library service are part of a package of cuts to services that aim to save £110million by 2018.

Byron Rhodes, the Council’s deputy leader and finance spokesman, said: “We simply cannot afford to run services the same way as we have in the past. It’s inevitable that the public will notice major changes. We have to concentrate on

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Pic: Anita Armstrong and Steve Mitchell planting an apple tree

The Parish Council manages the public space on behalf of a charitable trust and in 2013, work began to clear the hedge and ditch bordering Anthony Street.

In January contractor Jamie Markee of UK Treework was employed to lay the surviving hawthorn hedge in the traditional manner. Where unwanted ash and elder have been removed from the hedge, hawthorn whips have been planted to fill the gaps.

A number of old plum and damson trees by the ditch were so damaged by ivy and wild hop they have been felled.

Rothley Heritage Warden Marion Vincent obtained permission from the Parish Council to plant fruit trees as part of a community orchard and with help from Rothley Tree warden Anita Armstrong and Parish Cllr Steve Mitchell, five trees have now been planted, all donated by members of the public.

Once complete the new orchard will have apple, plum, greengage, mulberry and walnut trees, with rowan and crab apple alongside.

caring for the most vulnerable people and that means saving money from other services, which have to take a lower priority.”

The Council will lose 700 full time posts, in addition to the 600 redundancies that have taken place over the last three years.

The savings are required because of a reduction in the annual grant the Council receives from the Government, combined with an increase in demand for certain services, such as adult social care.

Reductions in the budget include: • children and young persons budget £12.7million will be cut by 2017/18. That includes £1.5million on reducing the cost of social care placements and £2.1million in cuts to its early help service, which intervenes as soon as possible to tackle problems emerging for children and their families.

• Adult social care: changes will save nearly £23million.

• Environment and transport: a total of

£18.7million will be cut from the budget.

That includes £1.2million from street lighting, £3.3million from highway maintenance and £9.2million of efficiency savings.

• chief executive’s department: £4.6million will be saved, including £2million by reducing grants to voluntary groups. £550,000 will be saved from a review of the Council’s youth offending service and £80,000 from reduced maintenance of country parks.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2014

Employment land: more than half is in Wanlip A 30 HECTARE site in Wanlip has been identified as potential employment land by Charnwood Borough Council.

The site is located east of Severn Trent’s water treatment works and west of the A6. It would be in addition to the 15 hectares of employment land that is proposed for the Broadnook Garden Suburb, the planned development of 1500 homes that is proposed for a site next to the old Bentley’s Roses.

If both sites are developed, it would see the parish of Wanlip getting 60 per cent of the employment land Charnwood

Belgrave flyover WORK ON the demolition of Belgrave flyover began on February 1.

Leicester City Council says the demolition work will be completed at the end of March.

This will be followed by further works at the junction which are expected to be completed by October 2014. www.leicester.gov.uk/belgraveflyover

Borough Council says is necessary for the entire Borough in the next 15 years.

The 30 hectare Wanlip site features in the draft Allocations and Policies Plan, published by Charnwood last month. It is part of the Council’s Local Plan process, which sets out areas for development in the Borough for the next 15 years.

Birstall Parish Council’s Chairman Anne Marshall said: “I am very concerned about the effect the houses and the employment land will have on traffic on the A6. Hallam Fields is not even completed yet and the traffic is very bad, at peak times it is almost gridlocked. To continue to pour even more traffic down the A6 is lunacy.”

The Borough Council has suggested a Wanlip bypass to take pressure off the A6. It would leave the A6 near the old Bentley’s Roses’ site, cross the A6 and pass through a field before joining Wanlip Lane, moving traffic out of Wanlip Village centre. Charnwood’s report says the bypass would result in 500+ vehicle movements an hour along Wanlip Lane at the morning and evening rush hour.

Birstall Parish Council and Wanlip Parish Meeting have both opposed the proposed bypass. At this stage the bypass

Planned Broadnook Garden Suburb: 1500 homes & 15 hectares of employment land

Proposed Wanlip bypass

Proposed employment land

is an option being considered by Charnwood: it featured in a report they commissioned to suggest measures to mitigate the impact of development in the area.

If it passes through the consultation

stage, the 300 hectare Wanlip site will be published in a ‘Preferred Options’ document this summer. At this point, exhibitions will be held and the public invited to comment on the plans.

THE ROTHLEY POST

Course for women A FREE course offers women of any age the opportunity to have a go at construction and craft trades.

MAR 2014

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Scouts build hedge in park TEN SCOUTS from Thurcaston built a 30 metre section of hedge at a country park to help get their Community Challenge badge.

The Scouts, from the 77th Bradgate Troop, Thurcaston, had previously visited Brocks Hill Country Park in Oadby before Christmas. They had planned on helping the park

Pic: Scouts at Brocks Hill country park

‘Women in Construction’ is a free taster course run by Leicester City Council for women aged 16 and over. It allows women to try their hand at bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, plumbing, electrics and painting and decorating.

The course is provided by Leicester College and runs this year during the Easter holidays: April 14-17 and 22-25 at the college’s Aylestone Road site.

Women can attend as few or as many sessions as they wish and there is the opportunity for those who enjoy the course to go on to apply for an apprenticeship.

Find out more at the college’s open day on April 7/8 or visit www.leiecster.gov.uk/womeninconstru ction The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Apr 25.

The copy deadline is Apr 11.

staff build a part of an adventure trail, but waterlogged ground meant the staff asked them to build a dead hedge instead.

Scout Leader Steve Baker said: “Two hours later, following a lot of sawing, cutting, hammering, hard graft and lots of enthusiasm a 30

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2014

New heritage centre: funding secured AN AMBITIOUS project to build a heritage centre, museum and tea room on Swithland Lane has been given a £540,000 funding boost by quarry giant Lafarge Tarmac.

The Mountsorrel Railway Project are celebrating after receiving news of the grant from Lafarge Tarmac’s Community Fund, who have promised an additional £66,000 for the group’s planned station at Mountsorrel Halt, near Bond Lane.

Steve Cramp from the Mountsorrel

Pic: the Heritage Centre & (left) the planned layout of the site

Railway Project said: “We’ve virtually completed this branch of the Great Central Railway using nearly entirely volunteer labour and next to no money in record time.

“The level of support from Lafarge Tarmac for this project is hugely appreciated. We have an opportunity to create an outstanding recreational and educa-

tional resource for our local communities to enjoy. We are grateful to Lafarge for sharing this vision and providing such a generous grant.”

Both the grants are for 90 per cent of the capital cost and the remainder has to be raised by the MRP. Fundraising for the £56,000 needed for the Heritage Centre has already begun.

The Heritage Centre will be located alongside the restored Mountsorrel railway, near the junction of Swithland Lane with Halstead Road. The existing ‘Nunckley Trail’, a nature and history trail, will also form part of the overall attraction.

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Kinchley Lane, Rothley, once used as a mess room for German prisoners of war during World War I, the only remaining original building within the old Mountsorrel quarry site, the ‘Time Office’ and the remnants of a granite built explosives store at the disused Nunckley Hill quarry. They will be carefully dismantled and rebuilt to form the basis of the Heritage Centre and a tea room.

The heritage centre has been designed to tell the story of both Mountsorrel’s and Rothley’s village history.

There will be a car park with access to the adjoining road and a quarry museum telling the story of granite quarrying in the area. This will include demonstration stonemasons’ huts, recreating a quarrying scene that would have been common in the late 19th century. A Pic: Stonemasons’ huts, c1890

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THE ROTHLEY POST

small railway platform will allow passengers to join and leave the trains to visit the new attraction. At a later stage there will also be a small museum building linked by rail to the Mountsorrel Railway. The museum will exhibit historical railway vehicles that once worked at Mountsorrel.

Work on the station and car park at Bond Lane is expected to start this spring for completion by the end of the year. The 10 per cent match funding of this project has already been secured.

A MONEY advice centre offering free advice is open in Rothley twice a week.

bring. We will be working with the Rothley History Society, the Mountsorrel Heritage Group and the Rothley Heritage Group to ensure that the heritage centre tells the story of our past in as thorough and accurate way as possible. We are enormously grateful for the support we have received from the local communities and, of course, our tireless volunteers who have worked to bring the project to its current stage. This is a community project built by the community for the community. If you would like to volunteer and help make this a

reality then please get in touch by email to steve@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk” If you want to view the progress on the railway, walk around the newly created nature trail and see the plans for the Heritage Centre, there will be open public consultation days on March 22 and 23 from 11am-2pm with guided tours from the Swithland Lane entrance.

There is no parking at the site.

You can donate to the project by sponsoring a brick for £50 – see mountsorrelrailway.org.uk for details.

Parish Council notes

Road, Anstey.

Cllr Jankowski reported that the new speed sign is working with cars slowing down. He called for more action to be taken about dog fouling in the parish.

The provision of ‘£1000 fine’ signs for erection on lamp posts will be investigated.

It was agreed to spend £50 clearing moss from rubber matting on Jubilee Park following a complaint, £20 on Community Speedwatch training and £150 on eradicating moles from the cemetery.

The Council’s precept for the year 2014/15 is £33,600, the same as last year.

Steve said: “The reinstated railway is now viewed as a unifying force for the parishes of Rothley and Mountsorrel and the construction of Bond Lane Halt and the Community Heritage Centre are vital further steps towards realising the potential benefit that the project can

A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on January 15.

Cllr Peter Osborne said he felt the application to build 150 new homes off West Cross Lane would be difficult to oppose given governmental pressure to support house-building on sustainable sites.

It was reported that the Diamond Jubilee tree on the Donkey Field has been replaced.

The Council agreed to object to the plans for 150 homes off West Cross Lane on the grounds of reducing the area of separation between Rothley and Mountsorrel, loss of agricultural land and sustainability. If permission is granted, the developers make a contribution to medical and community facilities and agree on no further development on the site for a specified number of years.

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

It was reported that fruit trees provided by donors had been planted on Bunney’s Field and it was agreed that letters of thanks be sent to the donors.

The Parish Council have submitted a formal response to Charnwood’s Core Strategy plan, which includes a site for 1500 homes in ‘North Birstall’ on the edge of Rothley parish boundary.

The Parish Council says the Core Strategy is unsound in parts and that the ‘North Birstall’ development would concentrate development on the outskirts of Leicester, reduce the gap between Rothley and Birstall to a quarter of a mile, result in the loss of agricultural land, not serve deprived communities, impact negatively on the environment and biodiversity and require expensive highway modifications.

It was reported that some councillors had met with the organiser of a bootcamp fitness class that uses Bunney’s Field for sessions. After discussion it was agreed that the bootcamp would be

7

Money advice

Pic: Mountsorrel Time Office, c1870

Pic: the Bond Lane halt

MAR 2014

using Bunney’s Field on Saturday mornings only and that those participating would use the Rothley Centre car park, leaving Anthony Street and the Woodman’s Stroke car park for use by residents and customers.

A lighting column in the Rothley Centre car park fell down in high winds causing minor damage to a vehicle. The Parish Council will cover the cost of repairing the damage.

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

It was reported there had been an increase in crime in the month of October, with burglaries having the biggest increase.

Sam Rowlett from the Rural Community Council outlined what options were available to parishes with regard to planning matters. These include a Neighbourhood Plan, Parish Plan, Village Design Statement and Landscape Character Statement. These documents are produced by parishioners and most must agree.

Neighbourhood Plans are costly but have statutory rights and are a legal document. Funding is available from Borough and County Councils and the RCC can provide assistance but at a cost.

It was agreed to form a Village Planning Committee after six parishioners and three councillors volunteered, following a discussion in open forum. The delegated responsibility of the committee is to investigate the best way forward on village planning.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on January 16 (there was no meeting in December).

PC Steve Quinn reported there had been several burglaries in December and damage to one motor vehicle.

It was reported that Marrons have applied for outline planning permission to build 70 homes on land off Cropston

The Soar Valley Community Money Advice centre has trained advisors who provide free face to face debt counselling.

Centre Manager Tim Jackson said: “We will go through your finances, prepare a budget and negotiate with anyone you owe money to. This will remove the pressure that your creditors are putting on you and ensure an affordable payment plan is agreed.

The aim is to support you to a future free of debt.”

In addition the Centre can advise on benefit entitlement, other free services available, cost saving ideas and budgeting.

Mr Jackson added: “Over the last year we have been developing the vision for the Centre, so it is fantastic to open our doors to support those who need help. The team have a real heart to help those whose life is being impacted by debt and to help them to a debt free future. We re supported by Community Money Advice which is a national charity overseeing 130 centres across the UK.” The Centre is based at Rothley Baptist Church, Woodgate, Rothley and is open Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. “It is open to anyone who needs help so please pop in and see us, call/text 07743 765958 or email: soarvalleycma@gmail.org and start the journey to a debt free future” said Mr Jackson.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2014

Noticeboard all details printed free 50+ Fitness Classes Birstall and Sileby If you are over 50 or have been referred for exercise by a doctor, come and join our low impact aerobics, toning and Tai Chi sessions at Sileby and Birstall Sileby: Tuesdays 12.30-1.30pm Sileby Community Centre 41 High Street, Sileby Loughborough LE12 7RX Birstall: Tuesdays 2-3pm Village Hall, Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DH For more info please contact Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Mountsorrel, 0116 2230365 or email: gp-referralcharnwood@fusion-lifestyle.com

YOUR SAY...

Dance & Swing Band Appreciation Society Friday March 14 at 7.30pm An Evening of Talk & Music At St James Church Birstall Refreshments available Tickets £3 payable on the door With money raised going to Leicester City of Sanctuary and Church Funds Listen while you lunch A talk at Birstall Library by Nick Marshall to start our series of lunchtime talks about the First World War, on Thursday March 13 at 12.30pm

‘The Home Front in World War One’ considers what life was like for those “at home” as the war raged across the Channel Tickets available from the library, £2.50 for library members and £3 for non-members For further information contact the library on 0116 3058756 or birstalllibrary@leics.gov.uk BBC Radio Leicester

Down to Earth 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

White Lodge I’d be very grateful for any help your Rothley readers may be able to give me to locate a house that, in June 1940, was called White Lodge.

It was a house my parents rented when we (my mother, sister and I) were evacuated from Lowestoft. All I can remember of my parents’ description is that it was within walking distance of where my grandparents David and Gert Charles lived, at Sunnycroft on Swithland Lane. Most grateful for anything anyone can tell me. Many thanks John Ling Watermeadows, Bergh Apton, Norwich NR15 1DF Phone 01508 480439

Thanks I would like to thank all the people in Cropston who kindly left their surplus apples by their gates for anyone who wanted them last autumn, they were much appreciated by those of us not lucky enough to have our own trees. As I write this, there is yet another lovely pie cooling in the kitchen!

Thank you all.

Diana Longwith

Thursday March 13 Thurmaston Bowls Club Pavilion Elizabeth Park Sports and Community Centre, Thurmaston at 7.30pm Admission free Refreshments available to purchase on the night An evening of gardening conversation and entertainment answering your problems – with Dave Andrews and the BBC Radio Leicester

gardening team Bring a question!

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday March 11 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tompkinson Centre at Longslade College to watch renowned professional artist Tim Fisher appraising the works of our members in various media from Watercolour, Acrylics and Oils, as well as ‘Mixed Media’. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Refreshments available at the interval. Demonstration to end at 9pm, Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access

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Tuesdays 1-2pm General Fitness Sessions Sports hall of the Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester LE4 6DP Wednesdays 1-2pm Chair Based Exercise Sessions Sports hall of the Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester LE4 6DP Call Karen for further information on 07954584402 CLASH 2012 a UK Online centre, provides basic computer training at its after school e-learning sessions held at Longslade Community College in the Palmer Tomkinson Centre, Thursdays during term time only 3.30-4.30pm.

Please contact Conrad for further

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information 07919844629 CLASH 2012 monthly meeting – Wednesday March 12, 7-9pm – Chronic Pain Q&A with Dr B Collett, Consultant in pain medicine, UHL and Chair of the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition (CPPC), Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade Community College.

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 Thurcaston & Cropston Women’s Institute Thursday March 6 7.30pm Thurcaston Memorial Hall

‘40 Days and 40 Nights’ An illustrated talk by popular speaker Michael Webster about the significance of the many colourful festivals leading up to Easter in Spain Visitors welcome £4 A date for your diary – April 3 – Fashion Show and Sale

Charity Bridge Drive Organised by Loughborough Lions Club at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Wednesday April 9 at 1.30pm Afternoon tea provided at a cost of £6 per person To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or email brianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com The Charnwood Orchestra 40th Anniversary

Spring Concert Saturday March 22 All Saints Parish Church, Loughborough Tickets £10 (£9 concessions and £3 for accompanied children under 16) Available from the Box office: 07718153117 or by emailing judithrodgers155@gmail.com or from members of the orchestra or on the door Beethoven – Leonora overture No.3 Elgar – Cello concerto with soloist Tim Gill Brahms – Symphony No.3 Further details about the orchestra and the pieces we are playing are on our website www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk Mountsorrel Methodist Church presents the 3rd in the 13th series of

THE ROTHLEY POST

Sunday Night @ Eight Organ Recitals Sunday March 15 at 8pm

by Ivan Linford Oakham organist Admission free Donations for church’s development fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Film Presentations from Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council ‘Captain Phillips’ Friday March 14 (134 mins) Played by Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips was on an unarmed trading boat heading for Mombasa, Kenya. The boat was hijacked by armed Somali intruders. This film is an action-packed powerful drama. It is based on Richard Phillips’ book ‘A Captain’s Duty’ and it is all true!

‘Philomena’ Friday April 11 (134 mins) This British film is a moving true story about one woman’s quest to right a terrible wrong. Philomena is played remarkably by Dame Judi Dench. She and the journalist, played by Steve Coogan, form a beautiful relationship as he investigates her son’s disappearance.

‘Sunshine on Leith’ May 9 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 236 7626 or at the door.

Birstall Tea Dance Ballroom, Sequence and Latin Friday March 14 3.30-5.30pm St James Village Hall, Birstall Rd, Leicester LE4 4DH £3 includes refreshments All welcome, come along for a great afternoon of music, dancing and great company For more info please contact Joan 07718519480 or email: guido@derosa.me.uk

Rotaract The social club with a conscience, aiming to have fun whilst raising money for charity and aiding the local community Rotaract is a fun, dynamic and unique international organisation for people aged 18-30, offering a wide range of activities that enables you to try something new while having a great time and making new friends 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 r.hallam23a@gmail.com or search ‘Leicester Rotaract’ on Facebook We look forward to hearing from you!

Continental Market Gallowtree Gate, Leicester Wed Mar 26 – Sun Mar 30 9am to 5.30pm (Sun 10am to 5pm) Food, artwork, crafts, coffee, flowers, plants, gifts

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Charnwood Borough Council were recently awarded funding from the Department of Energy and Climate Change to run ‘Big Energy Saving Network’ sessions, offering free and impartial energy saving advice to groups of consumers within the local community. Each event will give you the opportunity to receive one-to-one advice, covering: • payment options, tariffs and how to switch • fuel bills and the annual statement • further assistance available – help with paying fuel bills, fuel debt advice or improving energy efficiency Charnwood’s Jennifer Roberts said: “We hope that local community groups will put themselves forward for a Big Energy Saving network session, held throughout February and March 2014. for more information, please call me on 01509 634937 or jennifer.roberts@charnwood.gov. uk”

Conservation Volunteers Diplomas in work based environmental conservation training are free to people on qualifying benefits Gain knowledge and pursue a career in the environmental sector The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) have been improving Aylestone Meadows since 2000 If you want to join in with TCV’s Diplomas in Environmental Conservation or find out how else you can volunteer with us either visit www.tcv.org.uk or call 0116 2553515

One Act Play Festival A competition between local amdram groups, with each group presenting a play of 25-50 minutes duration Groups are judged on their presentation, acting skills, direction

and overall expertise The Old Phoenix Theatre, Newarke St, Leicester Fri March 21, 7pm Sat March 22, 2pm Tickets £8 on the day or from sandra.sutcliffe@ntlworld.com 0116 2236428

Messy Church First Saturday of the month, at 10am At Mountsorrel Methodist Church Craft activities, lively songs, Bible stories, friendship and free lunch provided Everyone welcome Please call 07748 590594 or email loughboroughsdachurch@gmail.c om to let us know you are coming

Leicester Symphony Orchestra Saturday April 5 7.30pm De Montfort Hall, Leicester Conductor: John Andrews Soloist: Laura van der Heijden, winner of BBC Young Musician of the Year 2012 Tchaikovsky, Francesca da Rimini Tchaikovsky, Variations on a Rococo Theme Dvorak, Rondo op.94 Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition Free pre-concert talk 6.30pm with Laura van der Heijden Tickets £11- £18, children 18 and under, £5 Tickets from DMH box office or Nigel Moore: nigel.moore@moorelarge.co.uk

MAR 2014

••• Rothley Methodist Church, Howe Lane, Rothley

Messy Church Dates up to the 2014 summer holiday break March 22, April 26, May 17 (3rd Sat), June 28 starting each time at 3pm until 5pm for children of all ages, their families, grandparents, carers & friends Crafts & Fun, Shared Worship, A Meal Together

Soar Valley Bowls Club We would like to extend a warm welcome to all age groups who would like to try bowling We are holding two open days on April 26/27 from 10am to 12noon for anyone who would like to have a go All that you will need is a pair of flat soled shoes and we will supply the equipment Our bowls green is situated on Loughborough Rd, Mountsorrel, opposite Hilltop Garage We will also tea and biscuits to calm the nerves!

If you would like any more information please phone 0116 2364246 Or email hilbil1@virginmedia.com Remember it’s not just for the aged!

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10 THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2014

days March 6, April 3, May 1 in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Admission £2 All players welcome Large free car park Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council Are you interested in becoming part of a

Cultural & Recreation Working Party We are looking at creating a Cultural and Recreation Working Party to foster activities which improve culture, education and recreation in order to support the mental, social and physical health of the community.

Activities could include: • history • biology • horticulture • music • drama • walking • cooking • health promotion Membership could include: • people with skills in any area • people with educational skills in any area • people with time • people who want a challenge • people with links to local societies and hobby clubs Meetings: Bi-monthly or quarterly If you are interested and can help, please contact Councillor Jankowski via the Parish Office on 0116 2367626

Try tennis at club’s open day NEW PLAYERS are invited to try tennis at Rothley Tennis club’s open day in March.

“One thing this club offers is the chance to just pay and play and give tennis a go” says club coach Tim Stanton “Adults who are not members can join in the cardio tennis on a Monday evening or coaching on a Friday morning or Tuesday evening.”

The club is also launching the new online court booking system at the open day allowing people to be able to book and pay online. The pay and play sessions and online court booking system are part of the club’s commitment to widening access to trying out tennis.

The open day will be held on Saturday March 29 from 2–4pm. The club is located behind Rothley library, next to Rothley school.

Half price memberships will be available for adults on the day. Club spokeswoman Anne Mumford said: “This is a great time to join as match practices start just before Easter and the new coaching term just afterwards along with what is probably the best club competitions programme in the county.

Pic: Playing under floodlights at Rothley tennis club

“Coaching is available for adults and juniors. Bring your racket if you have one and join in the social play for adults or junior coaching.”

She added: “Club membership gives increased playing opportunities through social play, club competitions and match

Fun on the water A POPULAR charity that provides narrowboat trips for the disabled and elderly is looking for volunteers.

Rothley Parish Church Three services every Sunday 9am, 10.30am, 6.30pm All ages welcome

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Charity night at Anmol A RECENT fundraising meal at Anmol Restaurant, Rothley raised £390 for the locally based charity Bondhon.

Dee Shiels, secretary of Bondhon said: “It was a great night, good company, fabulous atmosphere and lovely food.

Thanks to all those who came and all the staff at the restaurant for their hard work.”

In addition to the meal and raffle, £330 was raised from the sale of calendars featuring photos taken during the Advertise in

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last visit to Bangladesh.

Bondhon is a small charity providing assistance to Muradpur village in the Habiganj district of Eastern Bangladesh.

Dee said: “Muradpur is quite remote and suffers from flooding for six months of the year. It lacks many basic amenities including electricity, has poor transport systems and limited access to health provision and income generating opportunities. Bondhon supports community development projects and sustainable initiatives managed by the local community association in Muradpur.”

For further information, offers of support or to receive regular updates please email: bondhonrep@gmail.com

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Apr 25.

The copy deadline is Apr 11.

Peter Anderson, Chairman of the Baldwin Trust, said: “We give full training in narrowboat operations and the roles of the waterways to new volunteers and it is not necessary for them to have experience of ‘messing about on the water’, it’s more a case of having ‘fun on the water’ while providing a valuable service to the local community who are less fortunate than ourselves.”

The Baldwin Trust has two 70 foot narrowboats – one moored at Leicester Marina, Thurmaston and another at Pilling’s Lock, Barrow on Soar.

In 2013 the charity carried 3000 clients on days out and their boats are on the water almost every day of the week.

Mr Anderson said: “So, if you are active and reasonably fit and would like to join a friendly charity on the waterways of Leicestershire or would like to help on the administrative side the Trust would like to hear from you!”

Visit www.baldwintrust.org.uk, where you can leave your details, or contact Peter Anderson on 07787757114

THE ROTHLEY POST

Woman hurt in crash A WOMAN was injured when a bus crashed into a wall at the bottom of North Street, Rothley.

The 71 year old woman, a bus passenger, was taken by air ambulance to the University Hospital of Coventry with what Police described as serious but not life threatening injuries.

Fire crews from Birstall and Loughborough attended the scene and used cutting gear to remove front panels from the bus so they could free two people trapped inside.

There were about a dozen people aboard the bus at the time of the accident, which involved a tractor pulling out of a side road.

The accident took place at 10.30am on January 28 and North Street was closed to traffic until 1.30pm.

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Ashton Green: 3000 new homes THE PROVISION of 3000 new homes on the edge of Birstall has been brought closer.

Leicester City Council’s Ashton Green site is located in Beaumont Leys, opposite the junction of Greengate Lane with Thurcaston Road. The City has been unable to attract interest from developers and so has adopted a new approach – bringing forward smaller parcels of land for development by a variety of builders, instead of seeking a single development partner.

The City Council has also postponed some of the more complex and costly transport improvements until later in the development programme, which will mean developers will not need to contribute to all the infrastructure costs up front.

Cycling and walking routes, traffic calming, and bus routes will be carried out as the first houses are being built.

These include a chicane and one way traffic over the Greengate Lane railway bridge, controlled by traffic lights, and the provision of a cycle lane along a

Mountsorrel messy church A NEW church service aimed at adults and young children has started in Mountsorrel.

‘Messy Church’ starts with craft activities, games and puzzles for children and adults.

A spokesman said: “Next is a short and lively worship time of songs and a Bible story. A free lunch is provided for everyone to enjoy spending more time relaxing with family and friends.

“Messy Church is church for everyone – children of all ages, parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends are all welcome.

Children will need to bring a responsible adult with them.

There is no charge but donations towards the cost of running Messy Church are always very welcome.”

Messy Church, organised by Loughborough Seventh-day Adventist church, will be meeting on Saturday April 5, Saturday May 3, Saturday June 7 and thereafter on the second Saturday of each month. They meet at Mountsorrel Methodist Church, Church Hill Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7JB. Please call 07748 590594 or email loughboroughsdachurch@gmail.com if you wish to attend.

Pics: (above) a detail from the plans showing the school site & below, the entire site

section of Greengate Lane, near the cemetery.

An extension from Bennion Road to Thurcaston Road has already been completed, opening a five hectare area of land for employment use.

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Ashton Green will be the most significant and innovate housing scheme in Leicester for more than 30 years and will be key to meeting our target for new homes needed in the city over the next 20 years.

“We are very keen to get work underway on this important housing development scheme, and these changes are

a big step forward in achieving that.”

The Ashton Green site will contain retail units, health and community facilities, 50 hectares of green space and employment land. An all age school is planned for a site adjacent to the Greengate Lane/Thurcaston Road junction.

12 THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2014

Art society offers friendly welcome

Thurmaston urban extension PLANS FOR 4500 new homes near Thurmaston feature in a planning application submitted to Charnwood Borough Council in January.

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1b. Syston Station

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Thurmaston

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Watermead Country Park

Site Boundary

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A LOCAL Art Society has launched its 2014 programme and is welcoming new members.

The Birstall & District Art Society was started in 1995 by the late Norman Sims.

It is a mixed ability group and meets monthly at Longslade’s Palmer-Tomkinson Centre.

A spokesman said: “A warm and friendly welcome awaits anyone wishing to join our society.

“Whether you are young or old you’ll be more than welcome to come along and join with others who have the same interest.”

The society offers facilities for tuition, workshops and outdoor sketching in the summer months, and a social calendar throughout the year.

“We are a mixed ability group sharing a common interest, a group where we all help each other and where the absolute beginner is as welcome as the professional artist” added the spokesman.

3

Pic: red line shows area for development

The plans include: • 4500 dwellings • 13 hectares of employment land creating 3000 jobs • two local centres • one district centre • a range of retail outlets and one large convenience store • a travellers site adjacent to the A607, near to the Asda roundabout • up to three new primary schools and a site reserved for a secondary school • healthcare facilities • allotments • a new southern link road • increasing accessible open space on the development site from 35 hectares to 137 The 360 hectare development site straddles the Charnwood and Leicester City Council boundary. The majority of the land is currently in agricultural use.

The applicants are Commercial Estates Project Ltd and Mr J Pochin Trustees. Their application states: The North East of Leicester Sustainable Urban Extension will be a locally distinctive, sustainable and thriving new community

that is well integrated and has excellent connections with Thurmaston and Leicester. It will assist in realising regeneration opportunities for Thurmaston and north east Leicester and create a new focus for the community east of the railway line but maintain a physical separation from Syston, Barkby and Barkby Thorpe.

It will provide a balanced mix of high quality housing as well as diverse employment opportunities and an excellent network of green infrastructure which connects into existing areas of environmental value and includes an extension of the Leicester Hamilton Green Wedge.

It will have vibrant centres that provide a heart to the community and accessible community, shopping and business facilities.

Charnwood Borough Council is required to provide sites for 17,380 new homes within the period 2006-2028.

More details on the planning pages of Charnwood’s website, planning application P/13/2498/2

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For details visit www.badas.org or phone 0116 2606826

Pics: (top) a demonstration in the Palmer Tomkinson Centre & (below) the Society's annual exhibition in Birstall Village Hall

Cycle rides Police jobs to go

LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE expects to lose up to 300 officers in the next three years as part of a cost cutting programme.

The force currently employs 2150 officers and has lost 260 police officers and 230 staff in recent years. It has to make savings of £20million by 2016/17.

The losses are expected to come through natural wastage – mostly retirement.

To help keep trained officers on the frontline Leicestershire Police have been using support staff more widely.

Earlier this year the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Clive Loader raised council tax payers’ annual contribution to policing by 1.5% - the equivalent of £2.60 a year for a band D property.

CYCLISTS ARE being offered the chance to take part in two exciting rides and to raise money for a local charity.

Alex’s wish is raising funds for life saving research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a muscle wasting condition.

Alex (7) from Rothley was diagnosed in 2010 and there is no cure.

The charity has secured 26 places on this year’s Prudential Ride London event on August 10, a 100 mile route on closed roads through London and Surrey, made famous by cyclists at the 2012 Olympic games.

A £50 deposit secures your place, and £500 sponsorship. Every cyclist will receive an event jersey and training and sponsorship advice.

A bigger challenge is the London to Paris cycle ride, leaving London on July 25 and arriving on Sunday July 27.

To find out more about either ride contact Emma Hallam on 07903 349 475, emma@alexswish.co.uk or visit www.alexswish.co.uk.

THE ROTHLEY POST

Memories History society news of BU life MEMORIES or working life at the British United Shoe Machinery Company feature in a new publication, published by the BU History group.

‘BU People’ is a 52 page landscape A4 size book made up of contributions from many people connected with BU.

In its 1960s heyday this powerhouse of British engineering employed over 4500 local people and was the world’s largest supplier of shoemaking machinery and materials. The final quarter of the twentieth century saw the gradual demise of BU culminating in in its eventual closure in 2000. With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund the BU History Group have connected with ex employees of the company to build a record of memories and photographs of life at BU. This people’s history contains memories, history and many colour and black and white photos, and covers much of the company’s 100 year existence. There are stories about being an apprentice, the Quarter Century Club, the BU at War, family life connected to the firm, technological excellence and innovation, and pride and satisfaction at working for BU. The book is priced at £5 (of which £2 will be donated to LOROS, a Leicestershire hospice charity). Postage within the UK is an additional £2. Send a cheque for £7 made payable to the BU History Group 8 Greenhill Road, Leicester LE2 3DJ. The book is also available for purchase at £5 in the following LOROS shops: Anstey, Birstall, Leicester High Street and Queens Road Bookshop. info@buhistory.org.uk

IN FEBRUARY we were treated to an excellent, beautifully illustrated presentation by Andrew Swift (Honorary Visiting Fellow, Geology Department, Leicester University), entitled “The Parish Churches of Leicestershire: Thurcaston and its Neighbours”.

Andrew began by explaining that his interest in churches stemmed from 32 years spent as a geologist, especially relating to the architecture and materials, such as local stone, used in their construction. Also, parish churches are an integral part of our heritage and irrevocably linked to social evolution, so with this in mind, Andrew decided to compile a book about the parish churches of Leicestershire. During a five year period, he visited 316 Leicestershire churches that are still in regular use for worship, in order to research their history and to take photographs. His resulting, superbly illustrated book, with himself as the publisher, is now printed in two volumes and he has also produced a companion volume about Rutland churches. The churches in our locality are examples of the entirety of his book.

Rothley: the church of St. Mary and St. John, built of Charnwood stone, dates from the 13th / 14th centuries, with some evidence of a previous Norman structure, but it has also undergone a Victorian restoration. Possibly dating from the 10thC, there is a fine example of an Anglo-Saxon cross in the churchyard. Within the church, special features include the wonderful Norman font (unique in Leicestershire), the 15thC screen which shows some signs of Victorian intervention and some wall tablets and tomb chests, ranging in date from the 16th to the mid-17th centuries. One particularly interesting memorial is inscribed with the deceased person’s last will and testament.

Wanlip: the church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas is constructed of Charnwood

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pendicular nave roof is an unusual type in Leicestershire. Approaching the church along the path and looking upwards, evidence of the timber framing can be seen externally at roof level. The stained glass in the east window (the original window being the work of the 15thC stained glass artist, John Thornton, who created the great east window of York Minster) has had a chequered life and eventually, in 1972, the only remaining glass was refashioned to its present form by glaziers from York Minster. The screen in the north aisle dates from the 13thC and the one at the entrance to the bell tower from the 15thC. Likewise, the stone font is from the 15thC. Among the attractive wall-mounted memorials in the chancel is the 19thC monument commemorating Bishop Hugh Latimer who was born in Thurcaston. Initially he was of the Roman Catholic faith, but diverted to Protestantism, an allegiance for which he was burnt at the stake in the turbulent times of the 1500’s. The most recent extension to the church, opened in 2008, is the Harrison Room, a much appreciated facility providing an office, meeting room, kitchen and toilet.

Andrew concluded his talk with a whirlwind verbal and pictorial tour around several other churches featured in his book.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday March 18 at 7.30pm. Venue: Harrison Room, All Saints’ Church. Speaker: Chris Penney. Topic: “Richard Hurd and his Library”. Richard Hurd (1720 – 1808) was a Rector at All Saints’ before progressing to become Bishop of Worcester where he established a unique ecclesiastical library.

From Jennifer Kennington, Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society

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stone and granite. An interesting feature of its structure is some early, rare perpendicular windows and there is an intriguing sandstone statue within the church. The churchyard has some fine examples of Swithland slate gravestones, with the earliest dating from the 1700’s.

Birstall: the mediaeval church of St. James the Great, mainly of Charnwood stone construction with some sandstone, dates from the 13thC, with possible 10thC influence. However, to accommodate the growing needs of the congregation in the 1960’s, a major extension was added which, externally, is a total contrast to and out of keeping with the original.

Internally, the well-cared-for church has a variety of artefacts, such as an AngloSaxon carving of, possibly, a hunting dog; a beautiful Victorian carved memorial; unique remnants of a Saxon wooden screen, secured within a Saxon window frame and an interesting font, the upper part of which is most probably Norman.

Worthy of special mention are some fine examples of the work of the renowned Leicestershire stained glass artist, Theodora Salusbury (1875 – 1956).

Swithland: St. Leonard’s is a muchcherished and immaculately-kept church, which has had a discrete, modern extension to provide additional facilities and amenities for the congregation. The church has some unique and rare 14thC, porthole windows, as well as its beautiful 18thC font, pulpit and marvellous Swithland slate wall tablets.

Thurcaston with Cropston: the origins of All Saints’ church are Saxon, but the present church dates from soon after the Norman conquest – only the original Norman south doorway remains. The church is constructed of granite and slate rubble-stone dressings and has a Swithland slate roof. There have been a number of alterations throughout the centuries and the late 14thC (or early 15thC) spectacular timber-framed, per-

MAR 2014 13

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Held at Rothley Village Hall, on Monday & Tuesday evening, & at Rothley Baptist Church, Woodgate, from 4.30pm on Wednesday.

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JOIN US FOR FUN, EXERCISE OR EXAMINATIONS • Est 1990 Principal: Antonia Pilbeam F.D.D.A.

14 THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2014

Monday club news WI news ONCE AGAIN The Monday Club members arrived with husbands, and friends to enjoy our ninth Christmas luncheon at Birstall Golf Club on December 9.

Part of the enthusiasm expressed on these occasions is the fact that year on year, friends meet up with a host of tales to tell of family events experienced during the previous year!

After lunch, it was our pleasure to present Major Kathy Rowe, representing the Salvation Army, with a cheque for £256.23 by our Treasurer Mrs Gill Smart. This was the amount collected during the past year for the Charity.

Our January meeting was thankfully accompanied by plenty of sunshine although very cold. Previously for two years, we have had to cancel, much to the disappointment of both members and our prospective speaker.

After the “Business” section for the club meeting, we were pleased to enjoy a delightful spread of a variety of cakes etc to have with our tea and then proceeded to take part in two very amusing games, the first one being an old favourite of guessing from photos, the celebrities’ names and the other created by our member Mrs Diane Rouse which was a novel twist on “Pass the Parcel”. It required brainwork and deftness of hand.

An excellent conclusion to the first meeting of this year.

The February meeting centered on the AGM, and there was much discussion on the previous year’s activities and events. The happy atmosphere indicated to the committee that we are providing adequate interest and a happy atmosphere month on month. Sadly we have

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lost a few members through illness, disability and death, but are hopeful that the programme for 2014 will be of interest and encourage new members to join us: you will receive a very warm welcome.

Following through the business of the AGM, we were treated to a very merry activity session entitled “Why not try something different” which consisted of musical activity encouraging fitness of most of the body while seated. This item was so thoroughly enjoyed that several members requested a return visit.

Claire Orbell runs a “fitness” Club in Wigston, and is able to sell DVDs for use at home at a very nominal price, to continue the maintenance of what we had learnt. Claire is gifted with a very pleasant voice and encouraging amusing manner.

In conclusion to the afternoon we enjoyed a variety of cakes with our tea, to celebrate Diane Rouse and Gill Jefferson’s joint birthday. These ladies had also provided a touch of spring to the meeting room with the provision of vases of spring flowers which were very much appreciated by the membership.

Our next Meeting on Monday March 10, will feature Mr Brian Kibble who will continue his very interesting illustrated talk “All about Anstey and area from the 1800s onwards” Do try to come along.

Meetings take place at 2.15pm at the Cropston Evangelical Chapel Station Road, Cropston.on the 2nd Monday every month. To find out more about The Monday Club, please ring me on 0116 2363467. I have an ansaphone, so if I am not available, please leave a message and telephone number and I will return your call.

FEBRUARY’S SPEAKER was Richard Knox of Heritage Development, who gave a talk entitled: Bosworth 1485, the quest for Bosworth Battlefield and King Richard III. Richard described Bosworth 1485 as a battlefield and a King of England lost, and how the events became history.

Accounts at the time of the battle spoke of it having taken place on a field in Leicestershire.

As Richard had been travelling from the North and Henry from the South, Ambion Hill was the favourite choice.

Furthermore, Richard was reputed to have drunk water from the Ambion Spring, although our speaker thought it highly unlikely a person of his status would do so.

More recently, historians trying to find the real area of the battle came to the conclusion that this information was inaccurate. It had been rumoured that Richard’s horse fell on boggy land, throwing the King off and leaving him vulnerable to attack. Archaeologists spent a great deal of time searching the locality and eventually found a boggy area near to Fenny Drayton (the word Fenny means bog). They also unearthed

34 pieces of shot used at that time, the biggest amount of round shot ever found. In addition to this, they discovered over 1,000 bodies buried In nearby Daddlington Church. This new information led historians to conclude that the battle was fought at Fenny Drayton and Richard was in fact killed there.

The artefacts found at Ambion Hill currently on display at the visitor centre, are now thought to have been objects used by the local people and not by soldiers.

This is a very brief synopsis of an information packed talk, which held us all spellbound.

An excellent evening.

Please Note that on Thursday April 3 we are holding a fashion show and sale

by SOS Fashions. Admission £5 for non- members (includes tea & cakes).

Entrance by ticket only. For tickets please contact: Mary Tel: 01162365177 (Cropston), Bennie Tel: 01162366816 (Thurcaston) From Thurcaston & Cropston WI

Fundraising dance A SYSTON charity that sends surplus medicines to Africa has organised a fundraising dance.

Inter Care is celebrating its fortieth anniversary this year and promises a fantastic evening of live music and dancing at Quorn village hall on Saturday March 15.

Dr Steve Clay and Keith Croysdale are playing live Latin, ballroom, rock and pop music by ‘QU’ from 7.30-11pm Tickets are £7.50 per person and include complimentary nibbles. Bring your own drinks and glasses. Free car parking Advance tickets only from 0116 2695925 or visit: www.intercare.org.uk

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

Whist players’ donation FUND RAISING by charity whist players who meet monthly at the Rothley Centre has seen £100 raised for Cystic Fibrosis research fund.

Organiser Derek Farr said: “I would like to thank the small group of regular whist players for their support and generosity during the last 12 months.”

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

THE ROTHLEY POST

Unitary cost savings

Green contractor chosen

SCRAPPING CHARNWOOD Borough Council and the six other district councils in Leicestershire would save £31.4 million a year.

AN AWARD-winning company has been appointed to manage beauty spots throughout Charnwood.

The findings emerged from a report commissioned by Leicestershire County Council and prepared by consultants Ernst & Young.

The County Council currently spends £356 million a year, and has to save £110 million by 2018.

County Council leader Nick Rushton said: “We commissioned the report following a strong steer from Council taxpayers and local MPs. “People who responded to our budget consultation last summer said they wanted fewer councillors and public service organisations. And when we briefed MPs about our financial situation, they mooted the idea of a unitary council.

“I’m not commenting on the conclusions today and I’m not advocating an immediate campaign, either for or against. But, at a time we must save a third of our budget and front-line services have to be reduced, this report is an important contribution to the public debate. We’re happy to hear from members of the public.”

The report, by consultants Ernst and Young, says: • Having a single, unitary council for Leicestershire would save up to £31.4 million per year, compared to the cost of running the current county council and seven district and borough councils.

• The costs of setting up the new council - £12.8 million - would be repaid in just over a year, mainly from reduced management and support service costs.

• The savings could lead to a reduction in Council Tax of more than £7 million per year across the county. The current average band D Council Tax for county and district councils would reduce by 3.1 per cent (£37 per year). Of the 280,000 properties in Leicestershire, more than 230,000 would see their Council Tax bill reduce by between 0.6 per cent and 8.4 per cent.

• Based on Boundary Commission advice and what has happened in other areas, the number of councillors in Leicestershire could reduce from 316 at the moment to around 100 in a unitary council.

• The number of jobs that would be lost at district level would be 520.

Park & ride GROUP TICKETS from Birstall’s park and ride are now available from 7am.

The group ticket is £3.50 per car and allows up to five people to travel. It was previously only available after 9am. www.quicksilverbus.co.uk

Quadron Services, a specialist Green Space management company, won a rigorous bidding process to manage green spaces on behalf of Charnwood Borough Council.

Last year the Council approved plans to outsource the management of Green Spaces which includes the maintenance of Queen’s Park, the Outwoods, Loughborough Cemetery and management of the Rangers Service.

Current green spaces staff will be transferred over to Quadron with no job losses,. Outsourcing the service is expected to save the Council around £90,000 per year.

Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said: “The bid submitted by Quadron was exceptional and their plans for enhancing our already gorgeous beauty sport are really exciting.

“This represents brilliant value for money for our residents as well as meeting our very high standards of quality which have helped make our open spaces among the best in Leicestershire.”

Quadron’s successful bid included commitments to enhancing the green spaces service by: • cutting grass more often • more sustainable planting • providing better equipment and training to staff • increasing the number of beauty spots with Green Flags • enhancing the council’s contribution to Loughborough In Bloom Quadron also detailed how it plans to recruit apprentices and beef up a network of volunteers to help staff keep Charnwood’s Beauty spots in top condition.

MAR 2014 15

GCR wins award THE GREAT Central Railway’s half a million pound renovation project to revive ‘Loughborough’s Crystal Palace’ has triumphed at a national award ceremony.

The full restoration of the elegant glass, metal and wood station canopy, which is grade II listed and dates back to 1899 took three years to complete.

Originally provided to protect Victorian travellers it is now ready for another century of service at the heritage line.

It picked up the first prize at the National Railway Heritage Awards in the station environment category. It faced competition from two projects completed

by Network Rail at Battersea Park and Horsham stations.

The National Railway Heritage Awards recognise work to preserve Britain’s rail heritage. They encompass buildings, structures and signalling. The Great Central Railway has previously won awards for its signalling and the work carried out by volunteers at Rothley station.

The judges praised the renovations at Loughborough station as a “heritage restoration of the highest order”. The work was funded through a major public appeal and also grants from the Wolfson

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Foundation, The Pilgrim Trust, Biffa award, Garfield Weston and the Edith Murphy Foundation. Hundreds of hours of volunteer time was dedicated to recovering original wood and metal where possible or manufacturing completely new pieces.

Birstall Life Drawing Class St James Centre/Village Hall Saturday afternoons 2pm - 4pm £4 per session Refreshments provided For more information visit our facebook page: Birstall Life Drawing Class

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Santander branches HIGH STREET bank Santander is to close 11 outlets in Leicestershire towns and villages, including the one in Rothley.

It is part of a move that will see all the bank’s 139 agencies in the UK closed. Agencies are outlets branded as Santander bur run by other businesses.

The announcement to close the agencies came after the bank decided it was better to directly manage all its outlets.

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MAR 2014

Medieval gardens & bugs at club NOT MANY people manage to combine their main interests of Medieval and Tudor history and garden design into one, but our first speaker of 2014 does just that.

Mathew Haddon, a garden designer from East Yorkshire with a degree in medieval history, used a series of pictures of ancient documents, maps, pictures, and manuscript illustration and the occasional photo of a reconstructed garden to take us all on a journey from the end of the Roman Empire to the end of the Tudor Dynasty.

Looking at the different types of gardens that everyone from the humble peasant farmer to the rich and noble kings and bishops would have been familiar with; Matt took us through features that our ancestors would have been known and loved. A walled or fenced area with a decorative entrance, creating an enclosed space, trees round the edge with clear space in the centre,

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grass with flowers and beds of roses, lilies and daffodils. It all has a familiar ring to it doesn’t it?

Matt showed explained the different types of gardens frequently seen in these earlier times. From allotment to herber, a monastic garden with rows of plants grown for medicinal and herbal purposes; from orchard to Royal Park, with gardeners brought in from Spain and Italy to make gardens that would keep young European princesses from being homesick by recreating a familiar space for them.

These historical gardens are not really very different from our own, re-enforcing the idea that our hopes and inspirations for our gardens are deep seated in the human psyche. Gardens are still places to grow food and flowers, places to display our wealth and passions, and to create places to relax surrounded by flowers rich in colour and scent.

In February Sally Cunningham gave a presentation on Bugs & Insects.

Your garden should shine and flower, but also squiggle, squirm and creep.

These were Sally’s opening words to us as she described the bugs, insects, bees, moths and butterflies that we should all expect to find in our gardens and in corners of our homes in these dark cold days.

Sally (pictured right) is a lifetime professional gardener with a passion for bugs and she set out to tell us how we can tell if they are good or bad for our plants.

Sally identified the insects to cultivate because they are the “good guys” in your garden; • If they move fast they are predators; chasing other insects

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• Moths and bees will pollinate your flowers • Ground beetles and centipedes are among the top predators. These need encouraging – they don’t like bare soil.

• Wasps, when feeding their young will take huge numbers of greenfly, red spider mite, and other unwelcomed pests. The only time they become a nuisance to us is when (as Sally said) they throw their young out of the family house and party!

• Big carnivorous slugs will eat the small ones, And the bad guys: • If they move slowly they are ready to eat your juicy plants • Beware the small grey slugs, they will decimate your spuds and strawberries • Turn over the stones, tiles and pieces of wood, to find and ‘remove’ the snail and slugs and their eggs; easier when they are hibernating than when they are active in the spring and summer.

Sally spoke in almost affectionate terms about insects that we might run from. Earwigs, for example, are fantastic parents. They turn their eggs daily and wash them and keep their young safe from attack.

“Make peace with your bugs” were Sally’s final words to us, to be tolerant and not to reach for the spray or the boot too quickly. For example, bugs and insects will be attracted to your sick and ailing plants attracted by the pheromones. However, this also signals to the predators that might just rescue your plants from imminent disaster. So hold back on the spraying, nature might just provide its own answer.

Sally had a quiet and subtle humour and was well received by club members.

She also had excellent illustrations from the Field Studies Council (FSC).

The gardening club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall.

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Planning P/14/0358/2: 981 Loughborough Road – the erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 3.6m, with a maximum height of 2.6m and height to the eaves of 2.5m P/14/0334/2: 158 Swithland Lane – erection of single and two storey extensions to side and rear of dwelling P/14/0169/2: 43 Westfield Lane – erection of 1.83m high gates and boundary fence P/14/0235/2: 13 Swithland Lane – alterations and extension to dwelling and detached garage to front of dwelling P/14/0227/2: Land at Rothley Lodge, Loughborough Road – erection of building for offices (Class B1) with associated parking and access P/14/0193/2: Rothley Court Hotel, Westfield Lane - display of external signs P/14/0191/2: Rothley Court Hotel, Westfield Lane – display of various signs to building P/14/0075/2: 129 Mountsorrel Lane – erection of single storey extension to side and rear of dwelling

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0116 2674213 Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. There are 13 events planned for 2014, including a trip to the Tatton Park Spring Show. What’s more, it is excellent value! The membership fee is £12 for the year or £3 per meeting.

And, if you would like to come as a visitor 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 next club events are: Wed March 12, 7.45 pm - The Garden at Coton Manor – Caroline Tait An illustrated tour through the garden over the last 40 years. A history of the garden’s stewards and its more recent developments, planting theories, border maintenance and floral displays through the changing seasons.

Wed April 9, 7.45 pm – Behind the

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

Scenes at Chelsea Flower Show – Geoff Smith An entertaining and light-hearted look at what really happens behind the scenes at the world’s most prestigious flower show.

Wed May 14, 7.45 pm - Ferns, Bamboo & Grasses – Colin Ward An introduction to the cultivation, care & propagation with descriptions and husbandry of this wide variety of fascinating plants.

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