Rothley Post (111) March 2015

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

MAR/APR 2015

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 111

New school opens

Thieves strike ROTHLEY’S MERCURY News Shop has been robbed by three men carrying a knife and a crowbar.

The incident happened at 4.54am on Friday February 13 at the newsagents on Continued on page 3

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ROTHLEY’S NEW primary school opened in January and pupils and teachers are settling in to their spacious, modern building.

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Head teacher Fiona Parr said: “We had an exciting time over Christmas as it

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saw us move into our brand new school building off Hallfields Lane.

“At the end of last term we ‘marched’ from the old school to the new with a Scots Piper leading the way. We were extremely touched at how many parents and local residents came out to cheer us on our way.

“The children have all settled into the new school building with ease and are enjoying the benefits of more space and better facilities.

We have received lost of positive

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2015

Continued from page 1

comments from parents and are grateful for their support.”

Children have been writing their thoughts about their new school on the school website.

Abigail Cook said: “I love the new working wall with the two white boards and a touch screen TV. I love the never ending corridors. I can’t wait for cooking classes and ICT. I love everything about our school.”

Abby O’Donaghue: “What I like about the school is that it is stretched out. What I also like is that I loved when the keys got handed over to Mrs Parr. But on the scale of 1 to 10 it is an amazing 10.”

Anais Smith: “This new school is amazing because it is a lot more spacious, all of the teachers are so kind. The lessons are great and very easy to understand, when the teachers explain it.

The maths is just great! Teachers make it fun. The hall is amazing, it has under floor heating. Also you will be amazed on how well the teachers have worked, they’ve tried really hard to impress us!

And it has worked!”

Scarlett Allton: “I can’t wait to do cooking classes in the studios. I also love the under floor heating. Thank you for a lovely new school.”

Pic: Piper Anders Hobson led the march to the new school, stopping en route at Rothley church

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THE ROTHLEY POST

Westfield Lane homes PLANS TO build up to 175 dwellings off Westfield Lane in Rothley will not be determined until March 2015.

Charnwood Borough Council have confirmed the planning application has resulted in the highest number of objections it has ever received – 2287.

Continued from page 1 Woodgate.

The men threatened a member of staff and made off on foot with cash and cigarettes.

No one was injured in the incident.

Three men, aged 32, 30 and 26 were arrested on suspicion of robbery and have since been bailed pending further enquiries. The investigation is ongoing, say Police.

Detective Sgt Scott Cairns said: “We would like to speak to anyone who saw where the suspects went after they left the store. I appreciate this happened very early in the morning bur someone could have been driving through the village and either saw the incident take place, or the moments before and after.

“If you have any information at all, please get in touch with me.”

The Mercury News shop was robbed on Tuesday November 18 at 8.45pm when a man threatened staff and stole cash and cigarettes.

Contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

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MAR 2015

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Church tower restored ROTHLEY PARISH Church has secured a Heritage Lottery Fund grant for restoration of the tower and a heritage project.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded the Church of St Mary and St John, Rothley a grant of £56,600 towards a project totalling £82,000 for essential repairs to the stonework, the roof of the 15th century tower and for initiatives intended to improve sharing of the church heritage and village history.

The project will include an annual events programme aimed at increasing the appreciation of Rothley’s past involving talks, music, bell ringing and village walking tours. Enhancements to the church’s electronic and printed media are also being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. These include a web-based virtual tour with 360 degree photography, making archive material available for schools and researchers through the website and creating new displays and leaflets.

The largely 13th century church has features of interest from the Saxon, Norman, Medieval, Tudor and later periods. The tower has a 500 year tradition of bell ringing and is an important part of the village landscape.

The grant will ensure it will be restored for generations to come. For the last 18 months it has been necessary to protect against the risk of falling masonry with fencing and scaffolding.

Vicar Rob Gladstone said: “The church greatly values the generous grant made by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It will ensure this place of worship that has been in continual use for well over 1000 years is in a fit condition for future generations. We are also very grateful for their support in sharing our heritage and are keen to welcome our whole community to visit the church, both those who live in established parts of the parish and those who are moving into housing developments in the area.”

The first event will be on Saturday March 28. In the morning, at 11am in the nave of the church in Church Street, Peter Liddle, Leicestershire’s Community Archaeologist Emeritus, will deliver an illustrated lecture ‘Rothley from the beginning - recent archaeological finds around the parish’.

That might result in people feeling a little peckish, so over in the Old School Rooms in School Street afterwards a hearty bowl of soup with bread will be offered, a sort of Saxon Potage.

Then for those that wish, at 1.30pm, Terry Sheppard will lead a Village History Walk taking in Cruck Cottages, Victorian Terraces, a Saxon Cross, and two Village Greens. In the event of rain, the village walk will take place ‘virtually’ on screen in the Old School Rooms.

Admission is free, though donations would be welcome. Numbers are limited for the soup offering and the village walk, so booking is essential on

sheppard7pj@btinternet.com or by telephoning 0116 2302931.

Pic: The tower of St Mary and St John, Rothley with scaffolding and fencing to protect against

falling masonry. Consulting Architect Dr David Pendery of Purcell, Oxford, evaluates the repairs needed from a cherry picker platform

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2015

Ashton Green: first new housing 100 NEW homes will be built at Ashton Green this year, the first of 3000 that are planned for a major new housing development at the Leicester City end of Greengate Lane.

Leicester City Council has agreed to sell a 2.5 hectare site to Morris Homes for just over 100 family homes, including affordable housing. The site will house a range of three and four-bedroomed homes, designed to meet the environmental standards required for Ashton Green as a sustainable development.

Securing this first land sale is an important milestone for the council as it has been unable to find a developer since planning permission was granted in 2010.

The parcel of land was sold for £3million. It is located at Glebelands Wood, off Leicester Road, next to the Glebelands development.

In 2014, the council altered its strategy for the development of Ashton Green to make it easier for different developers to take on a number of smaller parcels of land, rather than one developer taking on the whole scheme.

Since then the council has installed highway infrastructure needed to make the site more attractive to developers.

New walking and cycling routes and traffic-calming improvements are due to be installed to tie in with the Morris Homes scheme, which aims to be on site in the autumn.

Ashton Green is planned as a sustainable new community including 3,000 new homes and according to Leicester City Council, will be the most significant and innovative housing scheme in Leicester in more than 30 years. It will make a significant contribution towards delivering the new

BIRSTALL

homes needed in the city over the next 20 years.

When complete, the Ashton Green scheme will include a wide range of family houses, including rental and lower-cost affordable homes, as well as employment land for new jobs, new schools, community and health facilities, retail and public transport improvements. A third of the site will be kept as green space.

The site will be well served by buses from an early stage, say the Council, and travel planning for residents, schools and workplaces could include schemes such as car clubs.

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It’s great news that a housing developer has been secured for this section of land, following a lot of infrastructure work by the city council to open up Ashton Green to prospective developers.

“Creating 100 new homes will certainly help meet the need for housing in the city, and also gets development of the site off on the right footing. I look forward to the council working with Morris Homes to help bring their plans to life.”

Regional managing director at Morris Homes, Adam Knight, added: "We have a strong history of building quality

Greengate Lane

homes in Leicester, and award-winning properties that boast cost-saving sustainable features, and we are proud to be the first housebuilder to start work on this landmark scheme.

"The emission-reducing features will help reduce energy bill costs for buyers, and the design of the properties will reflect the contemporary, sustainable homes available across our portfolio."

Birstall Parish Council, and many local residents, have expressed concern about the impact the development will have on traffic on Greengate Lane.

Birstall Parish Council Chair Ann Marshall said: "It has ben a long time coming but this development is going to be absolutely huge. We are being closed in on all sides in Birstall by development, we are really surrounded.

"The traffic that comes down the A6

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"These developments on all sides make it increasingly difficult for us to remain a community. As everywhere melds into everywhere else we are all joined together with no distinction between places - we are losing our sense of community."

In 2010 a traffic impact assessment produced by the City Council said that measures to deter traffic from entering Greengate Lane would result in “no material impact on Greengate Lane with the traffic from Ashton Green”.

The City Council have proposed the following traffic mitigation measures for Greengate Lane: • one-way signal controlled shuttle working at the railway bridge. The bridge is owned and maintained by the GCR. Traffic lights will control traffic on either side of the bridge, alternating the direction of traffic: east/west then west/east.

The City Council says: “the very nature of introducing traffic signals may increase journey times along Greengate Lane. However the signals are unlikely to result in significant build up of queues and on balance it is considered that they will act as an effective traffic calming measure, ultimately reducing the attractiveness of Greengate Lane for general traffic whilst a the same time increasing its attractiveness for pedestrians and cyclists.”

• speed humps • a shared footway/cycleway from Leicester Road to beyond the bridge.

One option considered is utilising the verge as far as the junction of Woodgate Drive before cyclists rejoin the carriageway.

The City Council are also proposing speed humps on Leicester Road between Ashton Green and Thurcaston, and a ‘gateway entry feature’ for traffic approaching Ashton Green from the north that will reduce the speed limit to 30mph.

The Ashton Green development is part of the City Council’s plans to find 20,000 new homes in the next 15-20 years. The City Council says it will offer:

THE ROTHLEY POST

• employment on 5 hectares of employment land • an ‘all-age school’ from 3-19 years, located at the western end of Greengate Lane extending eastwards towards the GCR bridge • safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists • good public transport links • community facilities • 49 hectares of green space • energy efficient homes with renewable energy sources • an on-site Energy Centre More details at www.leicester.gov.uk/ashtongreen

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Golf club’s charity fundraising ROTHLEY PARK Golf Club has raised £10,500 for the charity Parkinson’s UK. At the start of every year Rothley Park Golf Club’s elected captains announce their chosen Captains’ Charities. Last year’s captains, Ian Agar and Viv Holland, made the decision to both raise money for the same charity, Parkinson’s UK. The ladies and gents sections organised a wide variety of fund raising opportunities both on and off the course.

The ladies raised over £1000 at a Christmas Fayre whilst the gents raised in excess of £2,000 at Ian’s Captains’ Day. Both Captains also held a joint Captains’ Charity Event which raised in excess of £1,500.

The charity was a popular choice with the membership as many have first hand experience of family and friends with this debilitating condition, including the gents captain whose father-in-law has been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. Ian says: “It has been a great honour to raise this amount of money for Parkinson’s UK who are providing tremendous support

Longslade: standards continue to rise AN OFSTED inspection of Longslade College in January reported that the school is making "reasonable progress" towards the removal of special measures.

The inspection was the fourth monitoring inspection since the school became subject to special measures in June 2013.

Inspectors found that: "Standards are continuing to rise and there is a sustained trend of improvement...this reflects the work that leaders in the college have done to improve the quality of teaching."

Inspectors found that the gaps in progress made by disadvantaged students and others in the college are narrowing.

There is now no inadequate teaching and Inspectors found that "students have positive attitudes to learning and are experiencing better teaching on a more regular basis." This was also a view expressed by students who met Inspectors.

MAR 2015

Pic: Ladies and Gents Past Captains, Ian Agar and Viv Holland, presenting the cheque to Darren Worthy of Parkinsons UK (ctr)

to people who suffer from this disease.

The members of Rothley Golf Club have been fantastic with their support throughout the year.”

Darren Worthy, the Regional Fundraising Manager for Parkinsons UK, visited Rothley Park Golf Club in February and was delighted to receive a cheque for £10,500. He thanked Rothley Park and said the contribution will play an important part in the support of

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Ian’s father-in-law, Mr Cedric Murray, who has suffered from Parkinson’s disease for the last 10 years, attended the cheque presentation and thanked all the Rothley Park members for their generosity.

The 2015 captains, Tom Mulligan and Angela Fox, have again decided to fundraise together, this year for LOROS.

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The report states: "Students in their discussions with Inspectors confirmed that behaviour in lessons has improved considerably, so that learning can carry on without interruptions."

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2015

Gardens needed for June event ORGANISERS OF the Thurcaston & Cropston Open Garden weekend are inviting gardeners in the parish to sign up for this year’s event.

A spokesman said: “Perhaps you have opened your garden every year so far, maybe you have once or twice; or maybe you are plucking up the courage to do so for the first time. Come and be part of this popular annual event for local residents of our villages and those visitors from further afield.

“We welcome gardens of all shapes and sizes; big or small; simple or elaborate; immaculate or with a more ‘natural’ look, and even those that are a ‘work in progress’. People who have opened their gardens in previous years have very positive things to say about the experience, which is why they come back year after year.

“Gardens in both villages are open on two afternoons, but if you can only manage one afternoon, then that’s fine.”

If you would like to open your garden for this year’s event or would like more information contact Linda 0116 236 3872 or email linda@tcog.org.uk For more information, inspiration and encouragement, which now has answers to some frequently asked questions to go www.tcog.org.uk.

Last year’s event raised £1400 for LOROS. The event this year will be on June 27/28 from 2-6pm, in aid of LOROS.

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

It was reported there is considerable concern relating to the school crossing and the lack of appropriate signage and safety measures. The appropriate agencies have been involved in trying to overcome the problems – mainly associated with inappropriate driving through the crossing area.

Rothley Parish Council’s new clerk, Gail Newcombe, has been appointed, commencing February 2, 2015.

Cllr Steve Mitchell reported that an expression of interest in running Rothley library had been submitted to the County Council. The next step is to form a legal committee to operate the library on behalf of the village, open a bank account and formulate a business plan.

The Rothley library steering committee needs to firm up a volunteer base to operate the library at a minimum of existing opening hours.

It was agreed that the Parish Council support the formation of a management structure and if possible provide financial support.

It was agreed to consult with residents in the Town Green Street area about damage to the ground around Town Green.

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

A resident and a member of a working group set up to enable Rothley library to remain open run by volunteers reported that a public meeting on February 24 had been organised to recruit more volunteers.

She said the library would need ongoing financial support to survive and urged the Parish Council to consider making regular financial contributions in its budget.

A resident reported on the litter on the pavement outside the Royal Oak. It was agreed to spend £2250 on the cleaning and restoration of the War Memorial.

It was agreed to spend £640 on a new noticeboard for the front of the Rothley Centre.

A report on the condition of the Village Hall found it was in a poor condition, needing re-decorating and new floors. It was agreed that a working party be set up to decide what work

needs doing.

It was reported that 57 households in the Town Green Street area had been consulted about the condition of some grassed areas near Town Green. 22 replies were received. Three said the area should be left as it is, 10 said it should be protected in some way – with boulders or posts.

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

PCSO Steve Quinn reported that two hand held speeding operations had taken place on Station Road.

Richard Mugglestone from Midlands Rural Housing gave a presentation on an affordable housing survey planned for early 2015.

It was agreed to donate £500 to Thurcaston Handbells for the purchase of a handbell.

It was agreed to replace a stolen grit ban at the junction of Rectory Lane and Anstey Lane at a cost of £200.

The Council considered a request from a parishioner that the Parish Christmas tree should be located outside Tebbatt Electronics instead of at the Memorial Hall. It was agreed the tree should be kept at the Memorial Hall.

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THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Apr 25.

The copy deadline is Apr 10.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2015

Rothley Ringers perform locally

John Sheppard remembered

A GROUP of local hand bell ringers have been out and about performing.

A MUCH respected local man and ‘old soldier’ John Sheppard has died, aged 99.

The Rothley Ringers meet each Tuesday in Rothley Parish Church at 7.30pm to practise ringing the Church’s set of hand bells. The bells were refurbished and retuned about three years ago and the group was then started as a social group to learn how to play them. Mr Richard Thornton is the group’s instructor and has passed on his expertise to take the ringers from a beginners group to one which now attends local events, especially at Christmas.

This Christmas, the Rothley Ringers entertained the retired residents at Pettifor Court (Anstey) and Hendon Grange (Leicester) as well as playing at the

switching on of the Rothley and Barrow Christmas lights. They also entertained the visitors to Stonehurst Farm’s Victorian Christmas event.

Member Helen Whittaker said: “There are nine of us in the group at the moment, including Richard who leads the group. We really enjoy our hand bell ringing group as it’s a great social activity as well as giving us a chance to learn a new skill. We try to keep it fun and informal, and no previous experience is needed if anyone wishes to join us.”

The group is open to new members and anyone interested in joining is welcome at Rothley Church on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm.

The group is currently taking bookings for events in 2015.

Pics: (top) the group rehearsing & (left) performing at Stonehurst farm

birstall post office

John, a resident of Rothley for more than 60 years, was born on August 6, 1915.

He served in the Second World War and, for his conduct while engaging the German army as a Mortar Platoon Commander with the1/5th Leicesters, at Tretten, Norway, on 23 April,1940, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery.

Taken as a prisoner of war, he was in camps in Bavaria and Poland until his release in May 1945. After being demobilized in October 1945, he later served with the 1st Battalion in Hong Kong, 1948-1950 He was a member of Rothley Parish Council for over 20 years, serving four years as Chairman.

He was president of the Rothley & Thurcaston branch of the Royal British Legion.

Chairman of Rothley Parish Council Percy Hartshorn said: “I knew John for 40 years, he was chairman when I joined the Council and he was very down to earth, with lots of local knowledge and very help-

Pics: John in uniform and (left) pictured on the right, at Cross Green in 2002

ful.”

Legion spokesman Norman Pratt said: “John, above all, was a gentleman and most interesting to talk to and to discuss almost any subject. He was an ideal role model, as President of the Royal British Legion and it will not be easy to replace him. Bon voyage John.”

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2015

YOUR SAY...

The Rothley Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or handed in at Rothley library, Rothley Post Office, Woodgate or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Thanks Through your paper I would like to thank the two young men and a local resident who picked up my iphone on Sunday afternoon February 1. I have just moved into Cropston and like living here very much, everyone is so friendly.

‘The little lady’ with the Shih Tzu dog, name and address supplied

Patriot This is an age when Great Britain lies mouldering in the dust of inadequacy.

We have thousands of young people unemployed but incapable of of filling the technical jobs available, so we have to import “technically capable people from overseas to keep our wealth creat-

ing industries afloat.

We cry out for more money to be put into the NHS and benefits pot, yet our wealth creating exports are diminishing as so much productive industry is sent overseas. Where is the technically innovative skills based workforce we were once so proud of? If we are to believe modern innovators, it lies in a small hand held tablet or Ipod, which no longer requires you to think or retain knowledge, for all you have to do is “Swipe” a screen and read the answer.

I am not blaming our young people.

They are being brought up in an era where technology supersedes intelligence and where the education system is frankly unfit for purpose. Any manufacturing company which produced a high proportion of substandard products would be out of business overnight.

Could it be that our current obsession with I-Pods and the latest hi-tech information gadgets is stultifying the individual thought process and making our young generation less able to initiate or evaluate a problem and act pragmatically? Skills can be passed on from one person to another but if that process is any way short-circuited because it is seen to be unnecessary then “hands-on” experience is lost and the ability, in "national terms” to stay ahead of the competition is markedly reduced.

As a country we have to innovate, initiate, manufacture, and export. Even service industries cannot fill the gap.

The sooner the Government and industry get together and come to some amicable solution the better, otherwise our great country will slide, progressively, into obscurity.

We can be as multi-cultural as the Government may like but it has to be on an ultra strong, home-grown, technical base, by all means supported by intelligent immigrants who can benefit alongside the whole population by national prosperity and wealth.

A Patriot

Noticeboard all details printed free Charnwood Orchestra The Banks of Green Willow Concert All Saints Parish Church, Loughborough Saturday March 21 at 7.30pm A programme of music by Butterworth, Howells, Duparc, & Vaughan Williams Dedicated to the memory of the fallen Concert followed by overnight peace vigil Tickets £10 (£9 con) 07718 153 117 www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk Mountsorrel Methodist Church presents the 14th series of Sunday Night @ Eight

Organ Recitals Sunday March 15 at 8pm Eric Chan Student at Ratcliffe College Sunday April 19 at 8pm Roxanne Summerfield Assistant Organist at St James the Greater, Leicester Sunday May 17 at 8pm Father Simon Lumby, St Aidans, New Parks Sunday June 21 at 8pm Ron Berry, Organist, St Lukes, Thurnby Admission free Donations for church’s development fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday March 10 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade College, LE4 4GH to watch renowned artist Tim Fisher asnd good friend of Birstall Art Society giving a demonstration of watercolour/pen & ink painting, the subject is Staithes Landscape’.

Demonstration to end at 9pm.

Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

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

Charity Bridge Drive organised the Loughborough Lions Club Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Wednesday 8

April 2015, at 1.30pm with afternoon tea provided at a cost of £6 per person.

To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or email: brianj ackie.popple@ntlworld.com The next in the series of

Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley at 7.30 p.m on Thursdays 5th March, 9th April and 14th May. Admission £2.00.

All players welcome.

At the January meeting Derek Farr organiser expressed his appreciation for the support and generosity of the small group of regular players which has enabled a gift of £100.00 being donated to LOROS Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society Spring Play Come along and see HATS Spring play, a comedy farce you are sure to enjoy and that will leave you laughing.

“Cheerleaders” a comedy by Dorothy Cooke, produced in association with comedyplays.co.uk.

Set in Dave Thornton’s disgustingly untidy flat, Cheerleaders tells the story of Dave and his neighbours Ken and Norm and their involvement with the local amateur football team. In an attempt to boost support for the team they consider auditioning some cheerleaders but confusion follows as Dave also needs a char lady to clean up his flat so he can persuade his girlfriend Sharon to move in with him. Norm gets the wrong end of the stick and things go from bad to worse for Dave and Sharon. Further trouble lies ahead in Act 2 when Sharon’s amorous mother arrives and sets her sights on Norm.

Dates: Thursday 14th, Friday 15th and Saturday 16th of May Time: 7.15 p.m. (doors open at 6.45 p.m.)

Venue: Highcliffe Primary School, Greengate Lane, Birstall, Leicestershire LE4 3DL. Tickets: £6.00 adults, £5.00 concession.

Discount for group bookings.

Contact details: 0116 2209594, or 0116 2128757. Email hatsbirstall1@hotmail.co.uk Don’t delay, book today.

Richard III And the Battle of Bosworth A talk by Richard Knox For the Friends of Charnwood Forest At Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on Monday 16th March at 7.30 p.m.

Richard Knox has been involved in Leicestershire archaeology for 24 years, working in a number of dif-

THE ROTHLEY POST

ferent roles for Leicestershire County Council. He first became involved at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre in 2005, when work started on a survey to find the actual battlefield and he led the reinterpretation of the Heritage Centre on Ambion Hill. He is currently engaged, with colleagues, in organising the County’s elements of King Richard’s reinterment in March.

All are welcome.

Further information--Peter Bertram 01162100572 or www.focf.org.uk

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council "The Hundred Foot Journey" Friday March 13 (124 mins)

tainly deserved the British Independent Film Award nomination for Best Actor. There was also a nomination for a BAFTA in Cinematography. Turner spent years in London with his beloved father but he led an unusual life. He had a relationship with a Margate landlady, while his impressionist works of art caused wrath at the Royal Academy of Art. We see in this beautiful film how Turner created his masterpieces.

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" will be shown on Friday May 8th.

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

Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £5 and concessions are £4.50.

There will be refreshments and a lucky prize draw. Advanced tickets can be purchased via the parish office - 0116 236 7626 or at the door

Recently Separated?

Divorced some time?

This uplifting comedy drama, starring Helen Mirren, charts the battle of wits between two restaurateurs in a close-knit French village. Circumstances necessitate Papa Kadam, with his Indian family, setting up his business across the road from the eating establishment of Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). They eventually learn to see eye to eye over the simmering saucepans and as they lovingly stir their thick sauces, our mouths water.

"Mr Turner" Friday April 10 (149 mins)

At whatever stage following the breakup of a long term relationship.

This Workshop helps people to better understand what they are going through and provides support from others in the same situation.

As a past participant I can thoroughly recommend this course as a means to grow, rediscovering yourself as an independent being, in a supportive and sociable group. See our national website www.drw.org.uk. Or book with: Val 011622101702, Liz 079932748249 or Sue 07554122910

A ROTHLEY hairdresser donated his time to help a woman raise money for Cancer Research.

Timothy Spall actually learnt to paint to play the complicated character, JMW Turner. Spall cer-

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Gavin Taylor of Gavin Taylor Hair on Fowke Street shaved the head of Sharon Sanders from Evington, who lost her dad, Peter Tighe, to cancer.

Sharon said: “My dad passed away in 2001 after a hard fought battle, my family and I were devastated. Dad wasn’t the first I had lost to cancer or sadly the last, but being more positive there are those I know who have survived it or are currently fighting it.”

Sharon is aiming to raise over £2000 by having her blonde, shoulder length hair shaved off.

Gavin has chosen to help a second good cause at the same time by donating her hair to a children’s wig charity, The Little Princess Trust, which provides real-hair wigs to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland that have sadly lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

9

Good year for dance academy 2014 WAS a good year for the Pilbeam Academy of Dance, with two successful exam sessions and culminating in the bi-annual show.

The May session of exams saw pupils perform in front of Miss Sylvia Lorden, a renowned adjudicator and examiner with various examination bodies. “A 100% success with an abundance of Special Commends and Commendations, made it a rewarding start to the year” said principal Antonia Pilbeam.

In July a second session, in front of Miss Monica Bannister, a senior examiner with the DDA, again saw the pupils achieve 100% success.

“It was a just reward for the pupils for their hard work” said Antonia.

In December the Academy presented ‘Encore’, a presentation of the students’ skills and progress.

All aspects of dance were shown: ballet,

Pic: Sofia Genco-Billington (left) and Shaina Shah

for achievement and improvement throughout the year, made it a double celebration for Miss Shepherd.

Pics: (left) Millie Shepherd receives an award from Monica Bannister & (above) Jenny Pilbeam, Grace Huband, Emma Cromby, Amelia Robinson , Dolly Abella, Abigail Griffin & Rebecca Jervis

6 Tuesday evenings starting on Apr 14

Charity head shave

MAR 2015

tap, modern, theatre and national.

Former student Miss Liberty Wisehall, who has made dance her career, returned to work with the senior students and performed a commercial jazz number. The adult tap class also provided two numbers, and two pupils from Our Lady’s Convent School Loughborough, where Mrs Pilbeam also teaches Ballet and Theatre, provided a ballet duet.

In the audience was Miss M. Bannister, who presented the Sambrook Performance Shield to Miss Millie Shepherd of Quorn for best student performance on the day. The awarding of the Progress Cup by Mrs Antonia Pilbeam,

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MAR 2015

D-Day veteran dies aged 96 WANLIP’S FRED Sharpe has died, aged 96.

Born in Rothley, he worked in the Leicestershire shoe industry becoming a ‘clicker’, a skilled job that involved cutting out the correct quality of leather for each part of a shoe.

He was called up in 1939 and on June 5, 1944 set sail from Portsmouth for the D Day landings, part of the largest invasion force in history that liberated Europe and helped to end the war.

On the morning of D Day, June 6,

Schools receive funding TWO BIRSTALL schools have been awarded grant funding from the Governments Priority School Building Programme (PSBF).

Highcliffe primary school and Longslade College are two of 227 schools in England chosen to benefit from the funding, which is for schools in "urgent need of repair".

Only two other schools in Leicestershire will receive funding.

The 277 schools will share £2billion, the equivalent of £7.2million per school.

At Highcliffe the money will be spent on refurbishing the school.

At Longslade it will be used to either refurbish or demolish and rebuild the main administration block.

The chair of the Lionheart Academies Trust Chris Swan said: “This is good news for families and the community as a whole. The next stage is for the Department for Education to send advisors to support the schools in deciding how to get the best value for money from the grant and a plan will then be put in place to make sure that the work is the least disruptive possible to teaching and learning.”

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1944 Fred was in the third wave of troops to jump down from their boats and make their way up Sword beach, near Caen, all the while under enemy fire.

Interviewed by the Birstall Post in 2005, Fred said: “I didn’t feel frightened because we were all so keyed up, I had my friends with me and I had been sick on the boat and was desperate to get off it!

“The Commandos and Marines were in the first wave and they had taken a lot of enemy machine gun positions but the beaches were still being shelled. I jumped from my boat but was up to my neck in water with all my kit on and I couldn’t swim. As I got on to the beach an enemy aircraft flew over and dropped a bomb, but I took cover behind a knocked out flail tank which took the blast. I looked on as our ships shot down the plane.”

Fred stayed with the Allied invasion force as it moved east through France and Germany before finally reaching Berlin from where he was demobbed in 1946.

Fred was first married to Connie with whom he had Marlene and Robert. In the early 60s he moved to Wanlip and married Dorothy and over the next 46 years made a major contribution to village life.

Each February Fred and Dorothy would sow seeds that would be nurtured for a fund-

raising plant stall at the annual May fair.

This and other fundraising schemes saw thousands raised for Wanlip Church and the Hall.

Many villages will remember Fred as Father Christmas each Christmas Eve. Ever generous with his time and hospitality, he will be long remembered as one of Wanlip’s characters.

Pics: (left) Fred en route to Berlin in 1944 & (below) on Sword beach in 2005

Fred died following a short illness and his funeral was on December 12, 2014 at Loughborough Crematorium.

Support for effort to save library VILLAGERS FILLED the meeting room at the Rothley Centre on Tuesday February 24 to discuss the threat to Rothley library and the proposals to save it.

In all 46 locals attended whilst many more had sent their messages of support.

Rothley library has nearly 1,000 users which amounts to 20% of the village and provides lending and may other services. It is one of the 36 village libraries threatened with imminent closure unless the local community agrees to take on the responsibility and in the case of Rothley, a small team has been looking at ways in which the library might be retained.

The team’s leader Steve Mitchell explained that the County Council is prepared to lease the current premises and provide books and the library system at the county's expense. They would also make a financial contribution which would initially cover most of the day to day running costs, but this would reduce each year over seven years and the county would not fund any library staff.

Even if the library was manned solely by volunteers, there would be a substantial

funding gap, which needed to be filled.

Villagers were concerned to be losing their current professionally run library, but supported the Community Library idea as the “least worst option”.

Steve went on to propose that a Rothley Community Library Group be formed and sought local residents’ support as well as volunteers to undertake the task.

Meanwhile a formal expression of interest had been lodged with the County, to make this possible.

Villagers offered many suggestions as to possible changes and improvements, but the overwhelming message was one of support for a community run library and the majority present offered their practical support in running and/or managing the library.

The meeting resolved to form a Rothley Community Library Group and to approach the Parish Council for their financial support. Two night's later on Thursday, volunteers met to formally constitute the Rothley Community Library

Group under the Chairmanship of Steve Mitchell, appoint other officers and committee. Work is now advanced in developing an Outline Business Plan for submission to the County by March 13.

The group say that while they have received marvellous support from the community so far, more helpers and skills are needed. Anyone else wishing to get involved, whether as library assistants, committee member or other help, should e-mail Steve Mitchell at mitchellsteve@ntlworld.com or visit http://www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co. uk or www.facebook.com/rothleycommunitylibr ary for the latest information.

THE ROTHLEY POST

Ratby band festival THE RATBY Co-operative Brass Band are set to host their annual Musik Fest event at Groby Community College on April 24/25.

The weekend will feature performances from all bands in the Ratby Organisation, as well as Enderby Wind Band, Soar Valley Music Centre Big Band, Groby College Group, Wigston Enterprise Band, Heart of England Chorus, Lutterworth Town Band and N’ukes Ukulele Band. This musical extravaganza promises to showcase a great variety of Leicestershire talent.

Children can attend the festival for free with tickets for either the Friday or Saturday evening costing £8 for adults and £7 for concessions. There are also full weekend tickets available at £12.

Contact Malcolm Pounder on 0116 2386749 or any Ratby Band members for tickets. For more information about the Ratby Brass Band Organisation, visit www.ratbyband.com

Planning applications P/15/0231/2: 10 Woodgate, Rothley – retention of up to 1.6m high timber fence P/15/0189/2: 78 Swithland Lane, Rothley – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/15/0175/2: Rothley Court Hotel, Westfield Lane, Rothley – application of render to staff accommodation and erection of replacement chimney (Listed Building Consent) P/15/0148/2: Rothley Court Hotel, Westfield Lane, Rothley – various repairs to hotel (Listed Building Consent) P/15/0097/2: 1 The Rise, Rothley – erection of a single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/15/0237/2: 11 Cropston Road, Cropston- remove kitchen barn wall and replace with bi-fold doors with 4 panels.

(Listed Building Consent) P/15/0078/2: 148 Station Road, Cropston – erection of a single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/15/0039/2: 9 Ridley Close, Cropston – erection of extension to side of dwelling

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Apr 25.

The copy deadline is Apr 10.

MAR 2015 11

NHS concerns raised with MP ROTHLEY’S MP Stephen Dorrell visited Birstall Medical Centre in February to talk about the future of the NHS. Mr Dorrell, the Secretary of State for Health from 1995-1997, listened to points put to him by the chairman of Patient Participation Groups from the area.

They reported that there was a lot of pressure on GP services, more staff were needed on the front line, there is a shortage of GPs and nurses, and that patients are afraid that the NHS is in crisis and are anxious about their immediate care needs.

Mr Dorrell said that the NHS needs structural reform and not more money

WI news IN FEBRUARY Dr Audrey Matthews from De Montfort University gave us a most enjoyable talk entitled “Smarty Pants”.

Audrey talked about the evolution of ladies’ underwear and its different roles and changes through the ages.

The Victorians had considered underwear lewd but, as women became more active, it became a practical necessity. Some items of underclothing however, were less beneficial than others. The pursuit of a then fashionable 18 inch waist for example, led Victorian women to wear corsets that were so tight, they actually caused damage to their organs!

Audrey, a scientist who works on manmade fibres, told us about the technology involved in the design of modern day underwear and sportswear. Nowadays fibres are modified for comfort and to suit the different needs of a wide variety of products.

It is certainly not something we tend to think about when purchasing these garments.

Our next meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 5th March at the Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane , Thurcaston, when Peter Tyldersley (Land Agent), will talk about Bradgate Park.

From Thurcaston & Cropston W.I.

Pic: Stephen Dorrell MP at Birstall Medical Centre

being put into existing structures. NHS Services need to be better integrated and include social care and the emphasis should be on treating people at home, and not in hospital.

NHS Services are already provided by a mixture of public and private, so what,

what matters is what works, he said.

Mr Dorrell said he was optimistic about the future of the NHS as all the main political parties largely agreed to the future direction of the NHS, a direction of travel that had been pursued for the last 10 years and is set to continue.

Kingfishers’ Pool Rothley's own vineyard www.rothleywine.com

Rothley wines are available from local restaurants & David North’s delicatessen, 289 Station Road by the steam railway station bridge www.dominic-davidnorth.co.uk Discount vouchers for Rothley residents are available in the shop & by email, contact rothleywine@btinternet.com

12 THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2015

1650 homes in new “garden suburb”

THURCASTON

BIRSTALL

SAT MAR 28

The First Annual

Lady Day Lecture and supporting programme, free admission

11.00 am to 12.15 pm

‘ROTHLEY FROM THE BEGINNING - recent

12.30 pm

SOUP & BREAD LUNCH, to a Saxon recipe

1.30 to 3.15 pm

archaeological finds around the parish’ Speaker: Peter Liddle, Leicestershire’s Leading Community Archaeologist Rothley Parish Church, Church Street

In the nearby Old School Rooms, School St.

VILLAGE HISTORY WALK (or if wet an illustrated presentation of the walk) Terry Sheppard, Parish Council Heritage Warden Meet at the Old School Rooms

BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR LUNCH AND WALK Call 0116 230 2931 or e-mail: sheppard7pj@btinternet.com Part of Rothley Parish Church Heritage Lottery Fund Project

A PUBLIC exhibition of plans to build 1650 homes in ‘North Birstall’ is expected soon.

The landowners are the Palmer-Tomkinson Trust and the Cooper family, and in a statement presented to a planning inspector in January, say that the exhibitions will be followed by a planning application for the first phase of the development. This will include: • the first 175 dwellings • the primary road access junction with the A6 and a two way connection with Loughborough Road, Rothley • the northern boulevard of the garden suburb • the detail of the Broadnook Countryside Park including woodland at the northern and north-western boundaries.

• an application for outline planning permission for the whole site of up to 1650 homes and up to 15 hectares of employment land.

The statement says: “The North of Birstall proposal is for an exemplar garden suburb mixed use development, based on Charnwood’s established heritage, at a scale and in a development form which safeguards … settlement separation and identity whilst supporting and being served by appropriate physical infrastructure.

THE ROTHLEY POST

“The development will be a flagship scheme for Charnwood, the East Midlands and nationally - it is founded on the established principles of the Garden City movement and the historic development of Rothley Garden Suburb.”

The landowners intend to form a Broadnook Foundation and a Broadnook Garden Suburb Trust to ensure a coordinated delivery of design and infrastructure, high standards and ongoing community engagement.

The landowners are working in partnership with Barwood Homes and Davidsons Homes. They say that there will be no built development on land east of the A6 and north of the A46 and that consequently there will be no need for a Wanlip bypass – a link road from the A6 to Wanlip Lane.

The infrastructure required for the development will be provided and funded fully by the landowners and their partners with no public funding.

The total section 106 developer contributions to mitigate the impact of the development will be £19million.

• £5.5million for a new primary school • £0.5million for secondary education • £0.5million for health facilities • £0.5million for policing • £8.2million for transport requirements including a new bridge under the A6 connecting the development to Wanlip, Birstall and Watermead Country Park via a non-vehicular route.

Charnwood Borough Council says the development will be capable of delivering 30% affordable housing. It says the timescale for the development is for 75 homes to be completed in the first year, 2016/17 and with completion of 1650 in 2022/23 • The Broadnook Garden Suburb is part of Charnwood Borough Council's Core Strategy. In December and January it was considered by a Planning Inspector. On January 22 the Inspector, Kevin Ward, ruled that the Core Strategy was unsound, but could be made sound with a number of "main modifications".

Councillor Eric Vardy, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, said: “Every Core Strategy that is adopted has had to be modified in some way. Mr Ward has found the strategy can be made sound with some modifications and we are now waiting to hear what those are."

The options available to Mr Ward included rejecting the Core Strategy or asking for modifications. A third option was to declare it sound as it is.

After the Inspector’s modifications have been received by the Council, a six week public consultation will be held.

For more details about the Charnwood Core Strategy: www.localplan.charnwood.gov.uk

Thurcaston & Cropston gardening club THE THURCASTON and Cropston Gardening Club started 2015 with the Annual General Meeting, celebrating the previous year’s successful programme, electing the new committee and thanking all those who had contributed in 2014.

Our speaker in our 2015 programme was one of the members of the Club.

Annette Spurr talked to us about the Women’s Farm and Garden Association, known as WRAGS. The organisation was formed in 1899 by 22 women including Gertrude Jeckell following an international conference. They were unhappy about the attitude of society towards women workers in the area of horticulture. By 1910, an education committee had been formed and examinations and awards in gardening and poultry keeping were being awarded to women by the Association.

The needs of the country during the 1st World War were ably supported by WRAGS as the organisation (now called the Women’s Farm & Garden Union). By 1918 the membership stood at 1100, and 9000 women had passed through its training farms.

By the 21st Century the Association tion go to www.wfga.org.uk has developed a new function. With The February meeting of the Thurcascharitable status, it is providing training ton and Cropston Gardening Club was a for woman and men who are looking to most interesting talk about saving vegetatrain and qualify as working gardeners. ble seeds. Pauline Pears, our speaker, Two days of practical training per week worked at Garden Organic, Ryton for 30 for a year is provided in a suitable garyears and has built up a wealth of den under the tutelage of a suitably knowledge about horticulture. Garden qualified and experienced gardener.

Organic is also home to the Heritage Together with workshop sessions for Seed Library. members and trainees in gardens Pauline suggested a number of reaaround the country, the placements give sons why it was good to save seed (apart the students a wide ranging experience from saving money). You can harvest to equip them for a career in horticullots of high quality seeds which are often ture. more vigorous than bought ones. You Annette talked about her role as a can keep your favourite varieties (they local co-ordinator, selecting and recruitcan disappear from catalogues without ing suitable students, and matching them warning from one year to the next). You to available placements in the East Midcan be confident that your seeds are lands. Over 100 gardens around the grown without the use of pesticides (if country offer such placements. Trainees that’s important to you). You can seare expected to keep a diary of their lect your own strains and save the genetexperience as well as sending an assessic heritage of seeds. But for Pauline, ment form to their coordinator once a growing plants from the seed she has month. These diaries are very useful for saved is now an integral part of how she future reference. gardens. It gives her an increased feeling Annette’s placement in a well know of satisfaction and self-sufficiency. It's local county nursery and garden was also fun and interesting. documented through some lovely photos Pauline also talked about the best including one showing the less glamorplace to store seeds, how long seeds can ous side of nursery work, taking penstelast, pollination, and suggested some men cuttings, for four days solid! seeds that are easier to save than others.

The final slides in the presentation Garden club members took part in a showed some of Annette’s favourite helvery interesting quiz by identifying varilebores and as a final flourish ‘before’ ous vegetables by their flowers (before and ‘after’ photos of her own garden as going to seed). Pauline recommended shown below. To find out more about the Garden Organic website the Women’s Farm and Garden Associa-

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MAR 2015 13

www.gardenorganic.org.uk for more information.

This talk was well organised and structured and Pauline shared a huge amount of information. The talk was supported by some brilliant photographs of a wide variety of seeds. Pauline’s was well received by a good number of members and visitors who were able to ask questions.

After the first two meetings, the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club programme has got off to an excellent start this year!

The gardening club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall 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 12 events planned for 2015, including a trip to Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire.

What’s more, it is excellent value!! The membership fee is £12 for the year or £3.00 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 11th March, 7.45 pm – Tulip Time – John Gibson Tulips, crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, etc. A look at the many spring flowers grown from bulbs. Concentrating mainly on tulips, this talk covers many varieties with a ‘visit’ to Keukenhof Gardens and the Dutch bulb fields.

Wed 8th April, 7.45 pm – Healthy Eating with Fruit & Veg – David Thorton A welcome return for this enthusiastic, knowledgeable and entertaining speaker. This time he will be looking at the very best produce to grow in order to promote health and stimulate vitality and energy.

For more information, please call Dave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758 From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club

Crime report Crime Report Dec 1 – Jan 31 Theft 7, theft from motor vehicle 3, damage 3, burglary dwelling 6 burglary non-dwelling 3, theft cycle 1.

You can contact your local policing team by calling 101, selecting option 2 and when prompted, tap in identification number 4505, 2139, 4664, 2041 or 6646 to leave a message. You can also email via www.leics.police.uk

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14 THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2015

Monday Club news THE JANUARY meeting was attended by a large proportion of the membership and it was obvious from all the chatter and laughter, that everyone was glad to be back to exchange information regarding their experiences of Christmas 2014.

We welcomed a new member whose husband will join her as a visitor for any meeting which is of interest to him, when he will be made most welcome.

Here I would mention that on several occasions over the years, I have received enquiries from couples and single and widowed men, but hitherto we have remained a “Ladies club”.

However, in 2014 the committee with the agreement of the membership, decided to alter the Club Rule and welcome gentlemen. Therefore, when I announce any subject for the next meeting, which may be of interest, do please feel free to contact me for further details.

We commenced the meeting with a very appropriate poem composed and read by our “Poet Laureate” Mrs Margaret Hooper about clearing out the rubbish acquired over the years. Most of us could relate to this, and it caused much amusement.

We then went on to test our skills with word making, from the letter “C”.

The allocated time was 20 minutes and the winner was Mrs Hazel Christmas with a grand total of 33 words. Her prize was a collection of scented “Nite Lights”.

After the hard work, we all enjoyed refreshing cups of tea and delved into the party food, both savoury and sweet, provided by the membership. A lovely chocolate cake was provided by Mrs Madge Sylvester, in celebration of her birthday which took place last November.

The reason for the delay was there was no meeting last December, as the membership plus husbands and friends, enjoyed our Christmas lunch at Birstall Golf Club. After enjoying plenty of delicious food and a magnificent raffle, we were treated to a very skilled and happy performance given by the Thurcaston and Cropston Handbell Ringers . Mr Peter Hunt led the ringers and included several bits of humour to everyone’s amusement. The charity we were supporting was LOROS and the resulting collection proved generous.

The February meeting was initially focused on the AGM, but following the business we were treated to a very amusing and interesting talk given by the Rev Sharon Constable entitled “Weddings through the Ages”. Our members were invited to bring along and display their wedding photographs and Sharon proceeded to take us through the changes of styles of wedding dresses through the 20th Century.

It was also fun to discover who was who from the members and hear some of their stories of the background of how they managed their weddings at the various times, through the World Wars and subsequent decades.

Sharon had been a Priest for 16 years and described the changes in the styles of both Wedding dresses and the changes of the conduct of the wedding services; apparently latterly bridesmaids precede the entrance of the bride which was an American idea.

Dresses of all shapes, sizes and colours were gradually introduced along with sizes and content of the bouquets for the bride and her maids.

Our next Meeting will be on Monday March 9, when Mr Christopher Tarratt will talk about “A day in the Life of a Jeweller”.

Our Meetings take place at 2.15pm at the Cropston Evangelical Chapel, Station Road, Cropston, LE7 7HP on the seconf Monday of every month. Plenty of parking space available. 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.

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

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New welcome signs NEW SIGNS featuring a well-known Charnwood landmark have been unveiled, with the first being erected in Birstall.

The new “gateway” signs have been placed at nine places on main roads leading into Charnwood by the borough council. They feature a picture of Old John Tower at Bradgate Park.

Councillor Hillary Fryer, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said: “The new road signs give a really warm welcome to Charnwood and feature one of the borough’s most well-

known sights. I am delighted to see them being put up.”

Road signs for the entrances to Loughborough are also planned.

Pic: (l-r) Councillor Hilary Fryer, Councillor David Gaskell, Councillor Iain Bentley, Charnwood Borough Council Leader David Slater, Leicestershire County Council Senior Engineer Mark Palfreyman and Councillor Serinda Shergill

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AN EIGHTEEN year old student at Ratcliffe College will be giving an organ recital at Mountsorrel Methodist church on Sunday March 15 at 7.30pm.

Eric Chan has been awarded an ATCL associate diploma from the Trinity College of Music and a grade 8 distinction level in the organ and piano.

Eric says: “When I first heard the sound of the piano I thought it was simply beautiful and I couldn’t wait to start playing. My piano teacher then recommended the organ which is now my favourite instrument to play”.

Eric has recently accepted a place at the Royal College of Music, focussing jointly on piano and organ.

Les Longmire, who organises the recital programme each year, said: “We are extremely privileged that Eric has accepted our invitation to visit Mount-

sorrel and we look forward to him playing to a full house as everyone is welcome to attend”.

Further information is available by e.mail: mountsorrel2310@btinternet.com or by telephone: 0116 237 6979.

Admission is free.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2015 15

History society news Station nearly complete

PHOTO: PHIL MCIVER

OUR MEETING in February was very well-attended to hear Ernest Miller’s detailed presentation, “The River Lin (a River through Time)”.

This seemingly insignificant waterway, which in fact is only known as the “River Lin” where it passes through the parish of Newtown Linford, has provided an important water supply for local communities for generations. Its source within Ulverscroft Reserve, where it is known as Ulverscroft Brook, is fed from nearby springs, so beginning its journey onwards to flow eventually into the River Soar at Quorn.

Not far from the brook’s source, there remain two separate stone-lined channels which look as though they might have been eel traps, but there is no way to confirm this. However, in a published book, “Breakfast at Bradgate”, the author mentions the ingredients of crayfish and eels. The next notable use of the water flow is the situation of Lord Stanford’s 6 feet deep fish pond. There was already a nearby mill at the site, so presumably, the existing mill pond was utilised to create the fish pond.

Further on, but some distance from the brook, stand the remains of Ulverscroft Priory which had a three-sided moat and is one of several moated sites along the route of the brook/river. Water-filled moats were considered to be an essential method of protecting vulnerable property from unwelcome intruders. A less savoury use of the fresh water supply is evidence that sewage from the Priory drained directly into the brook, which was most unhealthy for people living further downstream who depended on the brook for water for drinking and cooking! No wonder people drank more beer than water, because beer was safer!

Looking at an overhead map, it can be seen that in the area between Priory Lane and Polly Botts Lane, the brook was re-routed in order to create a water meadow, known as Nowel Spring Meadow. When there was a need to prevent animals straying and contaminating an area, a ditch surround would be dug, as in the case of the site of Ulverscroft watercress bed which used to benefit from its fresh spring water supply. Sadly, the watercress bed has long been neglected with minimum evidence of its former proliferation. At Lea Meadow and Barn Leys there are further moated sites and the meadow was allowed to flood periodically to promote grass growth.

Ulverscroft Mill (now a ruin) was in use up to about 1940 and here the brook/river makes a U-turn and forms the boundary between the parishes of Ulverscroft and Newtown Linford. Onward through Newtown Linford, on reaching the cricket pitch the river takes a sharp turn leading into Bradgate Park.

As it flows through the Park, the river’s course has had intermittent settling ponds introduced – this was done in order for any silt to be cleared before the water flowed into Cropston Reservoir.

It is thought that when Bradgate House was still occupied, water was fed from the river to the rear of the house to supply not only the daily needs of the residents, but also to fill a pond for the mill at the house. Further water meadows were situated within the Park.

Swithland Reservoir is kept filled by the overflow from Cropston Reservoir.

Both reservoirs were drained on separate occasions for maintenance work to be done during the second half of the 20th

Pic: the River Lin

century, and aerial views of each still clearly showed the original course taken by the river/brook. From Swithland Reservoir the brook, now known as Bybrook, feeds through to Swithland Mill and is complicated by the fact that two brooks flow here. After Swithland parish, there is another name change to Buddon Brook as it flows via Chaveney’s Mill and Farnham’s Lake, past the Quorn moated site and on to join the River Soar.

Throughout history and particularly during the Middle Ages there were frequent disputes regarding rights to water supplies, especially in relation to the use of water for mills, which often led to legal proceedings. We are fortunate today to have fresh clean water so readily available.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday March 17, when our speaker will be Society member, Jane Smith, whose talk will be about the history of two wellknown Cropston families. Time: 7.30pm.

Venue: Harrison Room, All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston. All welcome. Visitors: £3 per meeting.

From Jennifer Kennington, Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society

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WORK ON the new Mountsorrel Station by volunteers from the Mountsorrel Railway Project has moved into its final stages with the completion of the platform.

The platform picket fence will be painted white and there still remains some general tidying up of the site to do and other small finishing off jobs. The final major task is the construction of the car park connection to the highway.

The station landscaping is also complete with the planting of the boundary hedgerow, new trees and the cutting sides have been sown with wild flower seed.

Spokesman Steve Cramp said: "The most striking element of the new platform is the station sign. This has been constructed by our volunteer Ray Martindale with sponsorship of the sign timber coming from Harbot Builders of Carlisle Street, Leicester."

On December 1st LMS Jinty no. 47406 came along the branch line to Mountsorrel station to bring track materials ready for track laying in front of the station platform.

He added: "We would like to say thanks to the contractors who have worked on the station project - Costock Building Services, J. Taylor Landscapes and Steve Barsby Digger Services. We also thank Lafarge Tarmac for providing the Landfill Tax Credits grant to allow the station to be built as well as materials for the build and their digger operator Nigel Copson. Most of all we give thanks to our hard working team of volunteers who over the past few months have at times worked seven days a week side by side with the contractors to help keep construction costs to a minimum.

Project volunteers have begun the new year track laying. Steve said: "This is a task that needs at least 20 volunteers each Saturday, so if you fancy burning off some of those extra Christmas calories, please get in touch and spend a day volunteering with us track laying. No previous experience is necessary so give it a try!"

A 58m long platform, including ramps at either end, has been created.

The platform has been designed for a train consisting of two coaches and a steam loco or a two coach diesel rail car.

Contractors Steve Barsby Digger Services and J. Taylor Landscapes have worked with volunteers to create the disability friendly access path to connect

the new platform to the car park.

The planned opening date of the station is July 2015 and the construction work on the new heritage centre is expected to start in April 2015.

Pics: the new station sign and LMS Jinty bringing track materials to the station

Mountsorrel Station ►

16 THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2015

Thurcaston playgroup THURCASTON PLAYGROUP finished 2014 with a Christmas party for the children.

Club presents prizes ROTHLEY PARK Golf Club hosted its annual prize presentation event over two evenings in November and December Many of the trophies are steeped in history with engraved winners’ names going back nearly 100 years. The prestigious trophies, shields and plates have been donated by past Presidents and Captains and members who have served the club for many years. Winners of all ages and abilities came together for these special end of season events including juniors, seniors, ladies and gents.

The club has won two county titles in 2014: the Under 35 team won the Coun-

ty Team Championship and John Hardwick won the Gardiner Cup, an event for all past and current secretaries involved with Leicestershire County golf.

A spokesman said: “Rothley Park Golf Club has over 600 members including one of the strongest ladies sections in the county and an enthusiastic and every growing junior section. The club is delighted to welcome many new members who took up its autumn Trial Membership Scheme and are now planning to become active 2015 season members.”

Santa bought a present for all the children who attend on a regular basis.

“A big thank you to all the parents and grandparents who helped to make the party fun by providing food and also for their continual support and help with running our local playgroup” said spokeswoman Estelle O’Donoghue She added: “The new year has brought the cold and frost and the comfort of the Thurcaston Memorial Hall has been very helpful to help burn energy and keep our little ones busy. The children have had fun on the bikes, indoor slide, pop-up tent and playing with the balls. Activities have included painting, drawing and sticking. The two hours that playgroup provides is a great way to help the children form new friendships as well as a chance for parents and grandparents to indulge in a cuppa and a chat.”

If you are looking for a relaxed, friendly local playgroup for your children (0-5 years of age), then call 0116

210 9188 or just turn up on Tuesday mornings (term time), 9-11am at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane. Cost is £2 per family.

Pics: Gents and Ladies prize winners

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Santa sleigh tour MEMBERS OF The Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley toured Rothley and other local villages with a Santa’s sleigh this Christmas.

A spokesman said: “Many thanks to all residents who supported our Christmas 2014 collections at Asda Thurmaston, Tesco Syston and with our Santa Sleigh. Thanks too to the supermarkets for allowing our collections.

“As usual most of the proceeds will be distributed locally during 2015. You can find out more about this and about our club at www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk. If you know of a local cause we could support please do get in touch.”

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