Rothley Post (112) May 2015

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

MAY/JUN 2015

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 112

Rothley volunteer wins award THE FOUNDER of a charity that has helped transform the lives of young people in Malawi, Africa has been named as Britain’s Best Volunteer for her work.

Alice Pulford (25), from Rothley, has been recognised after setting up an orphanage and a charity that works to improve education and healthcare.

Alice began volunteering in 2008 aged 17 during a year out in Malawi. After teaching at a primary school for five months, she began work on building a shelter which soon grew into an orphanage housing 20 girls.

Alice returned to the UK to begin her university studies and spent her spare time during the year fundraising to expand the orphanage. The following summer, she returned to Malawi and used the funds to double the size of the shelter and move in 36 children - giving many their first chance to attend school.

In 2014, Alice founded the LoveSupportUnite foundation with her sister Nina and continued fundraising for a school to be built and a 'porridge fund' to help feed the children. The charity now sends

Plans refused PLANS TO build up to 50 homes, a community centre and park in Thurcaston have been refused by Charnwood Borough Council.

Continued on page 2

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Pics: With Alice volunteering in Malawi, her mum Yvonne Pulford (ctr) accepted the cheque. Alice is pictured inset.

£1,500 each month to the orphanage.

Alice has also been in discussion with the Malawian government relating to a proposal which will set the standard of education expected from schools across Malawi, and that Tilinanu Orphanage is to be used as the prototype for the standard that orphanages in Malawi must aim to adhere to.

Alice was announced as the winner of Britain's Best Volunteer 2015 in a close result which saw the public cast a total of 3,000 votes for the five finalists.

AMAZING RESULTS!! …from people you can trust

The awards are organised by charity insurer Markel UK and the Small Charities Coalition.

With Alice currently volunteering in Malawi, Andy Partington and John Barrett presented LoveSupportUnite volunteers Sophie Riley, Ibzie Duckett, Scarlett Duckett and Alex Duckett with a cheque for £1,250 for the charity at Alice’s former school, Ratcliffe College in Leicestershire. Alice will also receive £1,000 in holiday vouchers for her own personal use.

On hearing she had won the award, Continued on page 2

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2015

Continued from page 1

Parish Council notes

Alice said: “My sister Nina, and I, believe that to make positive and lasting change you need to take the time to work and listen to communities and build development together. The work that we are doing

is not easy – and there is no quick fix.

We are continuously working to generate change, and to build our support network.

“We are so shocked but grateful for the acknowledgement and love that has

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A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on March 16.

been shown for our efforts with this award. The endless love and support from our family, friends, community, local schools and, of course, our wonderful volunteers has enabled us to contribute positive change within the lives of so many hundreds of children, adults and communities in Malawi. Our dedication to this cause is lifelong. We want to share the opportunities that we have been lucky enough to receive in our life to help others less fortunate. Our motto is: we are love, we are grass roots, we believe in positive sustainable change.”

Alice says that the £1,000 holiday vouchers will be used for flights to Malawi, and the £1,250 donation will be put towards making the school standards project sustainable, and to introduce nutritional support through education of drip irrigation techniques. www.lovetilinanu.org.uk www.lovesupportunite.org

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Chairman Percy Hartshorn opened the meeting by paying tribute to John Sheppard who has died recently. John served as a parish councillor for 20 years and was chairman for four years.

He was a very dedicated man and will be sadly missed, said Cllr Hartshorn.

It was agreed to thank Goscote Nurseries for supplying hazel whips and a Mulberry tree which have been planted at Bunney’s Field.

Before the meeting, councillors were given a presentation about Community First Responders. These are volunteers trained and managed by the Ambulance Service that are sent to 999 calls in their local area, often arriving in the vital minutes before the ambulance arrives.

They requested a donation for a new defibrillator and it was agreed to provide £1000.

It was reported that following a public meeting, a committee of eight had been elected to progress Rothley Community Library.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on January 15 (there was no meeting in December 2014).

Chairman Younie reported that he was upset by the rumours circulating around the parish about the conduct of the Parish Council in relation to the Thurcaston Park outline planning application.

There is a belief with some parishioners that the Parish Council has held meetings with the applicant behind closed doors. This is untrue, said Cllr Younie. The Parish Council met with the applicant but only at Parish Council meetings with the public present. The full text of the chairman’s statement is appended to the minutes of the January 15 meeting, available on the parish council website.

It was reported that the Thurcaston and Cropston litter pickers were shortlisted for an award at Charnwood Borough Council’s Don’t Muck Around awards 2014.

Plans refused continued from page 1 Access to the 7.98 hectare site would have been off Mill Road.

The Borough Council said the detrimental impacts of the development would outweigh the benefits of additional housing supply. It stated that: • the development is unsustainable • the location has only limited local facilities and employment opportunities • there are limited public transport links • the proposal has significant impact on flooding, and negative impacts on heritage assets • loss of agricultural land • insufficient supply of affordable housing The plans resulted in a significant number of objections that came from local people, Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council and the Thurcaston Action Group.

It was agreed to spend £820 for new goal posts at Jubilee Park, £1000 on repairs to playground equipment, and to donate £250 to Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club.

The Parish Council precept for 2015/16 is £33,600.

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

It was reported that the Thurcaston Park planning application had been refused and Cllr Diane Wise said she thought an appeal by the developer was unlikely.

Some parishioners reported they had contacted the owners of tipper lorries which had been seen in the parish, which has a 7.5 tonne weight limit.

Potholes being filled POTHOLES IN roads are being filled more quickly, say Leicestershire County Council.

Improved maintenance techniques have reduced the number of potholes, and they are being dealt with more quickly.

Improvements introduced by the council include a shift from reactive to proactive maintenance, including tackling cracked patches of road, before they become potholes and better reactive maintenance, such as sealing of joints around potholes.

More patching in the spring and summer and a 60 per cent increase in

the amount of surface-dressing is also helping as are hotboxes, which ensure asphalt is available every day Due to these improvements, the number of potholes has fallen from 7,276 in 2012/13 to 5,471 over the last year, despite similar winter road temperatures in both years.

The average time to tackle the most serious, category one potholes on main roads has reduced from 7.5 days to 3.1 days.

A council spokesman said: “Thanks to a series of improvements, fewer potholes are forming on the county’s roads and we’re dealing with them more quickly.

“While we can never prevent all potholes from forming, we’re determined to tackle them more effectively.”

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2015

3

Historic village walk & lecture in Rothley AN ARCHEOLOGIST traced the story of settlement in Rothley at the first annual Lady Day lecture in Rothley Parish Church on March 28.

Speaking to an audience of over 75 people, Peter Liddle, the former County Archeologist, spoke about the Stone and Bronze Ages through to Roman & Saxon times.

His presentation was illustrated with images of the finds unearthed from recent excavations. Notable was the discovery of a Neolithic round house dugout on the Rothley Lodge Farm site just to the north of the Rowena Garden Centre.

The archaeologists found hundreds of flint tools and pottery shards arranged in the floor of the dugout.

Peter showed images from the excavation just next door to the present churchyard under The Grange development. As well as Roman-era tiles and walls, almost 300 Saxon burials were exhumed for study, with dates established between 680 and 980 AD. With that evidence in mind of extensive Saxon occupation the gathering moved next door to the Old School Rooms for a meal of soup and bread prepared to a recipe that would have

Pics: (above) the village walk stops at the Saxon Cross & (left) Peter Liddle presenting a talk in Rothley church

been familiar to our Saxon forbears, prepared by Linda Poole and her team.

In the afternoon 30 people followed local historian Terry Sheppard on his Historic Village Walk, starting at the Old School, and delving into the background of 15th century cruck cottages through to Victorian terraces, put up on a build-to-let basis by enterprising local artisans. This popular event will be repeated on the next Quarter Day event on July 4 for those who find the actual walk a little daunting. Instead ‘walkers’ can sit back over a cream tea in the Old School Rooms and watch the walk described in screened images.

WI news AT OUR March meeting land agent Peter Tyldesley gave a talk entitled “A View of Bradgate Park”.

Peter told us that 560 million years ago Leicestershire was an island. Notable archaeological features of Bradgate Park include evidence of human occupation dating back to the Bronze Age and an Ice Age hunting ground. Aspects of these features are due to be explored over the next few years.

We learned that the park has 528 veteran trees, the oldest one being over 800 years old. Bradgate is currently home to 420 deer, 75% of which are Fallow Deer and 25% Red Deer. The park’s managers are committed to habitat restoration, reducing the dominance of bracken, restoring acid and wet heath grassland, as well as deer husbandry. It is now a Grade 2 listed historical parkland.

This excellent talk gave us all a different perspective on what is to us all, our local park.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2015

Village volunteers to run Rothley library A BUSINESS plan put together by a group of volunteers to save Rothley libary has been accepted by the County Council.

The group has now moved to the development of an agreed transition phase with clear steps, milestones and timelines for Rothley Community Library and the County Council for the transfer of the library. The library will be run by volunteers, but the services of free library loans from the county’s book stock, wifi and computer use and photocopying facilities will continue to be available. The group will also continue to work very closely with Voluntary Action Leicestershire, whose support has been crucial.

Over 40 people have volunteered to help so far, but more will be needed as the opening gets nearer says the group.

The Parish Council has offered a contribution towards keeping the library open, and a group of local people has gathered who are giving their time on a committee.

“It is my privilege to be working with all these supportive residents in order to achieve what this village deserves - a community library which we can feel proud to call our own,” said Steve Mitchell, a parish councillor and chair of the library committee.

He added: “Many local people, including children and young people, have been asked what they would like from the library service, and all their ideas will be considered. Many have also offered to help, and the group is still looking for ideas and offers of help and sponsorship from local people and businesses. In the next few months a volun-

teers’ meeting will be held to establish a working team; meanwhile volunteers are being kept up to date with developments through an email newsletter.”

It is planned that the library will reopen as a community library by next February at the latest, after a month’s closure while minor alterations will be made to the building. The committee

Pic: Nicky Morgan MP (ctr) with pupils and head teacher Mrs Fiona Parr

Rothley’s new school opened by MP and the county council are however hoping for a date this autumn, if the timescale can be met. The opening hours will remain as a minimum of sixteen as they are now, although there may be minor adjustments within those hours to accommodate changes that come as a result of consultations and volunteer availability.

Rothley Community Library now has a website, www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk, and a Facebook page, and information is updated regularly. The group can be contacted through the website and Facebook, or in the box in the Post Office.

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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

THE NEW Rothley primary school was officially opened on March 20 by the Secretary of State for Education and Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan.

Mrs Morgan was one of more than 50 guests who were invited to the event – they were welcomed to the school by head teacher Mrs Fiona Parr.

There was music from piper Anders Hobson and the school choir performed two of their compositions conducted by Gregory Smith from the Kanine Choir.

Rev Rob Gladstone gave a brief history of the school, its changes of site since 1902 and its growth to keep up with the increasing population of the village.

Guests were then given a guided tour of the new building.

Planning applications P/15/0783/2: 122 Mountsorrel Lane – 2 storey side extension and single storey rear extension to dwelling inc alterations P/15/0663/2: Land off Hallfields Lane – erection of 8 dwelling and substitution of house types to plots 78,79,80-83,84-87,88,89,90,91-94 and 95 P/15/0688/2: 6 Woodgate – Single storey rear extension to Pizza Inn shop P/15/0672/2: 20 Homefield Lane – New pitched roof to front garage replacing existing flat roof plus internal alterations and bricking up of garage door and window P/15/0648/2: 121 Swithland Lane – erection of front and side extensions to dwelling P/15/0496/2: 43 Westfield Lane – erection of a single storey extension to side of garage P/15/0517/2: 14 Woodgate – variation of condition 2 of P/14/0323/2 to amend opening hours to 7am10pm Mon-Sat and 10am-6pm Sunday & bank holidays P/15/0607/2: 15 Badgers Bank – erection of extensions and alterations to dwelling P/15/0605/2: 1 The Rise – erection of single storey rear extension to dwelling P/15/0587/2: 22 Greenway Close – erection of single storey side & rear

extensions to detached dwelling and erection of a single detached pre-fabricated garage P/15/0581/2: Soar Valley Bowls Club, Loughborough Road – replacement of gutters and paths around bowling green P/15/0446/2: 23 The Ridings – erection of 2 storey extension to side & rear of dwelling P/15/0394/2: 17A Anthony Street – erection of replacement door (Listed Building Consent) P/15/0367/2: 17A Anthony Street – erection of up to l.85m boundary wall

Crime report Rothley Crime Report: Feb & Mar 2015 Theft from motor vehicle 3, damage 3, robbery 1, burglary non-dwelling 5, burglary dwelling 4 (Grangefields Drive, Town Green Street, Knight Crescent, Templar Way), theft 1.

You can contact your local policing team by calling 101, selecting option 2 and when prompted tapping in identification number 4505, 2139, 4664, 2041 or 6646 to leave a message.

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2015

5

Church history project ROTHLEY PARISH Church in Charnwood has recently secured Heritage Lottery Funding for tower restoration and a series of heritage projects.

One of the heritage projects has raised considerable interest not just in Rothley itself but across the county and beyond.

Terry Sheppard, local historian, explains why. “Rothley Church has a rich and varied collection of history dating back to Saxon times, in the past we could only write about it or provide tours for small groups of people. With the help of a local marketing company, a small group of us from the church came across an exciting and interactive way to make the church history come alive and available worldwide. The result is stunning web based 360 degree photography including close ups of specific features of interest, all complete with audio commentary and informative text.”

Rothley Church history goes digital on Saturday July 4. Simply log on then to view at www.rothleychurch.org.uk or why not come along on the afternoon of the 4th with your smartphones and tablets to Rothley Church itself and join with us in experiencing new technology at its best using the free church Wi-Fi. The tower itself has a 500 year tradition of bell ringing and is an important part of village life. As part of the heritage day on July 4 the church tower will be open to the public for bell ringing tours every half an hour from 1pm through to 4pm (minimum age 10). If climbing the tower is not your thing, join the hand bell ringers in the nave for a new musical experience. A special welcome is being extended to past ring-

Pic: Chairman of Rothley Parish Council Percy Hartshorn (front, left) and fellow councillors say goodbye to retiring parish clerk Robin Dent (front, right)

Rothley parish clerk retires AFTER SERVING as Rothley Parish Council clerk for 16 years, Robin Dent retired in April.

Robin (72), who has lived in the village for 33 years, said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the local community.”

During his time as clerk Robin introduced computerisation of the accounts, payroll and room hire. He also started the Parish Council website.

He said: “To be a parish clerk you need a good sense of humour, be able to organise, and a thick skin.

“Our councillors are all singing from the same song sheet, there’s no animosity, and though you might not agree with them about everything they are all trying to do what is best for the village.”

PILBEAM ACADEMY of DANCE Tel: 07584 166838 Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern & National for children from age 3

ers, who are invited to come and try some rounds or changes for old-times sake, The afternoon also includes a special quiz trail for children, a timeline exhibit, free take-home brochure, midsummer cream teas and a digital village history ‘walk’ from 4.15pm to 5pm.

For further information, or to book for the cream teas and walk only, contact Terry Sheppard at sheppard7pj@btinternet.com

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

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

Pupils 3yrs + welcome

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

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Chairman of Rothley Parish Council Percy Hartshorn said: “Robin has taken us into the modern age. He has computerised everything and generally kept us

in order re government legislation. I have certainly welcomed his help since I have been chairman.”

The new clerk is Gail Newcombe (pictured third from left).

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2015

YOUR SAY...

around 1920. She was connected in some way to a man called Harold, maybe this was her husband or possibly her brother and she came from quite an affluent family.

We think she may have had 2 daughters within her marriage (to Harold?) and that they were likely to be young teenagers when Nicholas (middle name James) was born by another father Edgar James Gardner - she may or may not have been divorced/widowed/seperated. This may have been a secret affair - we really don't know but it was certainly a relationship late lasted many years. We

Within their relationship Patricia & Edgar called each other Eddy & Patsy Girl. It may be that Patsy Girl was divorced or separated from her husband.

The only name that we could make out in any letters was possibly Anderson but really this is unclear and could be misleading. but the house (Wayside) could have been in their family ownership from as early as 1920 up until 1950/60's and maybe beyond that.

know she lived at 88 Swithland Lane in Rothley Park, which had the name of 'Wayside' when she lived there probably from late 1940's to 1960's. There is a picture of Nicholas standing at the back of 'Wayside' with a white Scottie dog.

Unfortunately we do not know Patricia or Nicholas's surname which makes the search tricky from the outset. Nicholas' father was called Edgar James Gardner (1909-1985), my grandfather. He left my father's mother when my father, Christopher James Gardner, was only 8 years old. My dad only met Nicholas a couple of times - once in his early adult years. Nicholas would be about 61 now and it is still possible that Pat is alive.

Nicholas we know attended Hurstpierpoint School in West Sussex in his junior years as a boarder from around 1960. There is a photo we think of him in his school uniform at around 5 years old.

That is about all we know. If anyone could shed any light on their history, give us a surname to search with - anything at all, we would be really grateful.

It would be wonderful if the two brothers could one day meet and exchange their life stories. I can be contacted on kvgcliff@icloud.com.

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

Family search My father is in the early stages of Alzeimer's and is trying to draw up his family tree and provide us with as much history of his life as possible before it is too late. To this end I have recently started a search for his half brother, Nicholas (middle name James but surname unknown). I am appealing to help from those who live or have lived in Rothley Park in the past as that, we believe is where the story and life of my father's half brother begins. We are hoping that there may be somebody who knew of the family or recognise the people in the photos.

Nicholas was born we think in 1954 but we only have photos and a few postmarks to go on. What we do know is that his mother was called Patricia and also went by the name Pat & Patsy Girl and perhaps would have been born

Kate Gardner

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Christian Aid Seventy years ago, 1945 saw a Europe in chaos, a devastated continent.

The war had ended, but at such cost: ruined cities, massive food shortages and everywhere refugees, uprooted people, millions on the move. The task of rebuilding was only just beginning!

Among the many groups stepping up to this huge task were the British churches. The movement then known as Christian Reconstruction in Europe was founded to help European refugees after the Second World War. Among the many who were assisted were impoverished and displaced German civilians, not an easy matter for many in Britain who had suffered losses in the war. But the movement that eventually became known as Christian Aid was always rooted in the conviction that practical responses to human suffering and need should be unconditional, freely offered, regardless of background or belief.

Soon after the war, Christian Aid extended support to many thousands of Palestinian refugees, and expanded its remit to support development work in newly independent nations in Africa and Asia, and to respond to emergencies worldwide. For many people, Christian Aid is probably best known for the red envelopes of Christian Aid Week each May, and for the various events through which it has raised funds for seven decades to support some of the world’s poorest people. More immediately, with Christian Aid week approaching we appreciate the efforts of local people as they give and pray for the work that supports some of the world’s poorest communities.

This year the focus is on the work of our partner HUNDEE in Ethiopia as they provide poor women with livestock to ensure that they can adequately support their families, but also, as livestock owners, have a voice at local community meetings. This is transforming the lives of the poorest women, but also challenging and changing long-held gender roles.

Christian Aid events in Rothley this spring include street collections, ‘Coffee & Prayer’ at Templars, a Car Wash at Sacred Heart Church, and a Coffee Morning at the Rothley Centre. Look out for details of these and other events on the Noticeboard page.

Helen Playdon, convenor Rothley Christian Aid committee

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THE ROTHLEY POST

Noticeboard all details printed free Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday May 12 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade College, LE4 4GH to watch renowned artist Geoff Kershaw giving a demonstration how to paint a landscape in watercolour. Demonstration to end at 9pm. Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

Leicester Sketch Club Past & Present April 25 – August 1 New Walk Museum 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA

and drawings by current members of the Leicester Sketch Club alongside the work of past members selected from the Museum’s historic collection dating back to the 1900s This highly regarded club, founded in 1898, has encouraged and inspired local and regional artists for over 100 years, through a series of professional demonstrations, workshops, sketching days and monthly meetings.

A wonderful opportunity to see some of the talented work of Leicestershire based artists

Woodcock Farm Shop Manure,

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Coffee Shop Rothley Methodist, Howe Lane Every Tuesday morning, 10-11.30am Come rain or shine Now open : Book exchange Everyone welcome Tea, coffee, biscuits, toasted tea cake Proceeds for the Methodist Church

Open Church Weekend at St Leonard’s Church, Swithland May 9/10 Tea and cakes will be served each day from 2-4pm

Concert Saturday, 2 May 2015, 7.30pm Early Music at Rothley Parish Church LE7 7PD "From Leipzig to London" Nicolette Moonen (violin), Medea Bindewald (harpsichord) Programme: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Carl Friedrich Abel, Johann Christian Bach, Jacob Kirkman, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Ludwig Krebs, Johann Sebastian Bach Admission free, retiring collection Parking facilities at Victoria Mills, Fowke Street LE7 7PJ www.medeabindewald.com • All Saints' Church, Thurcaston

"Strike up the Band"

An exhibition of paintings

Home Grown NEW Potatoes Wilja Red Mozart Marfona Maris-Bard

Free admission to the museum and exhibition

Loughborough Concert Band Saturday 16th May 2015, 6.30 for 7pm Tickets: Adults £7.50, Children £4.50 (available from Jeff Kennington phone 0116 2365402) Includes light refreshments All Saints' Church, Thurcaston

Annual Garden Fete Saturday 6th June 2015, 1.30pm to 4.30pm This year the fete is one of the events marking the tricentenary celebrations for the founding of Richard Hill School by the former Rector, Richard Hill, in

MAY 2015

1715.

Come along to enjoy the various activities - Teddy Bear parachuting from the tower, raffle & tombola, live music, delicious refreshments, plus a variety of stalls The next in the series of

Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held a t 7.30 p.m on Thursdays 14th May, 4th June, 2nd July in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. Admission £2.00. All players welcome.

Birstall Flower Club 27th May 2015, 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstration by Beverley Artis “A Perfect Day " Visitors welcome - £5 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary Linnett: 07704398017 Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

"The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Oscar for Best Actor. Defying the death sentence of motor neurone disease, Stephen Hawking married Jane, raised a family and altered drastically our perception of the universe by searching for a single equation to explain everything.

Our June film is based on the memoirs of Jane Wilde Hawking.

Enjoy your summer! Our next film will be shown on Friday September 11.

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. Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office 0116 236 7626 or at the door.

Syston Syclers We are an enthusiastic group of mixed age and ability riders based in Syston and have been 'up and cycling' for a year now. We cater for those who are new to cycling right through to those who want to push the boundaries competitively.

Friday May 8 (99 mins).

This film traces the history of the hotel from 1932 to the present day through the eyes of two lovers who are involved with a stolen painting. The characters are eccentric, with Bill Murray in a comic role and Ralph Fiennes performing brilliantly. Even the young lobby boy received an inheritance. This beautifully crafted comedy received four Oscar Awards and five BAFTA's.

"The Theory of Everything" Friday June 12 (123 mins) This is the extraordinary true story of Jane and Stephen Hawking, starring Felicity Jones who won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and Eddie Redmayne who won the Golden Globe and

If you are looking to meet like minded people or just want to enjoy Leicestershires finest countryside, why not come along and join us.

All our sessions start from The Green, High Street, Syston LE7 1GQ Saturday -8.30am advanced rides, or 9am gentle ride.

Sunday - 9am for beginners Wednesdays -10am touring pace, generally 30-35 miles (including lunch stop) Thursday evening ride -18:30 advanced ride For more information contact Phil phil@systonsyclers.com or 0771 778 1501 Find us on facebook or visit our website - systonsyclers.com

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8

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2015

The subject of the talk will be about "Nell Gwynne" and the speaker will be Sally Henshaw.

All visitors are very welcome to join us for this talk.

Parking is available for cars on the Birstall Playing Fields through the School Lane entrance.

Wanlip May Fayre Sat 16th May 2 - 4 pm at the Wanlip Church and Community Centre in Wanlip

Christian Aid Events in Rothley 29th April – Spring Lunch, Old School Rooms, 3 School Street, donations (suggested £5+) for 2 courses, Please book in advance with Helen 0116 230 4634.

1st & 2nd May – Street Collection 9th May – Car Wash @ Sacred Heart Church, Mountsorrel Lane, 10am – 12noon, Coffees & Teas available 10th May – Churches Together Christian Aid service @ Rothley Methodist Church, Howe Lane, 6pm 11th – 15th May – Coffee & Prayer @ Templars, 3 Woodgate, 9 – 9:30am 16th May – 70th Birthday Coffee Morning @ The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, 10am – 12 noon [Cakes, Preserves, Books, Bric-a-Brac, Plants, Raffle]

White Horse Duck Race Whiles Lane riverbank, Birstall Mon May 4, 12noon. Duck Race 2pm Family fun day with stalls, games and activities Bradgate Park

‘Early Summer Fair’ Sat 30th & SuN 31st May 2015 10am to 5pm at Newtown Linford Local Produce, Arts & Crafts, Gifts, Demonstrations, Maypole Dancing and much more!

New Stallholders Welcome!

Please contact the Estate Office for further details & booking form - Tel: 0116 234 1850

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Free concert in Rothley church EARLY MUSIC specialists Nicolette Moonen (violin) and Medea Bindewald (harpsichord) invite you to join them on a musical journey “From Leipzig to London”.

Their free concert on Saturday May 2 at 7.30pm at Rothley Parish Church, St Mary and St John (LE7 7PD) takes its cue from young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s visit to London in 1764/65 and the founding of the Bach-Abel concerts in 1765.

The programme presents a selection of intimate chamber music featuring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Carl Friedrich Abel, Johann Christian (the London) Bach, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Johann Sebastian Bach and Bach’s student Johann Ludwig Krebs.

It includes a sonata by Jacob Kirkman, nephew of the famous harpsichord maker of the same name and organist at St George’s (Hanover Square, London) from 1786-1802. Having discovered the music of this unknown composer amongst the treasures of the British Library, Nicolette and Medea are currently planning a CD recording which is scheduled for this coming autumn and will take place at Finchcocks Musical Museum in Kent. In Rothley, they will give you a taste of the project by presenting a piece by Kirkman to the public for the first time!

Nicolette Moonen is one of the leading baroque violinists of Great Britain.

She teaches at the Royal Academy of Music and is artistic director of the Bach Players. She has formed a partnership with German harpsichordist Medea Bindewald in 2012. In the same year, the two musicians founded Trio Vermilion,

A NEW YORK based musician from Rothley will be performing in Leicester in May as part of a three week tour of the UK.

joining forces with viola da gamba player Susanna Pell. As a duo, Nicolette and Medea focus on exploring the unique repertoire for harpsichord with accompaniment by a violin. Their recording of works by the French baroque composer Jacques Duphly, released in 2014 (Coviello Classics), achieved a 5 de Diapason award.

This is the fifth Early Music Concert taking place at Rothley Church. Initiated and organised by Medea Bindewald, the success of these events bases on two factors: the choice of programmes and the quality of the musicians on the one hand, and the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at church on the other hand. In Rothley, the artists are not far away on stage, but ready to chat with you during the interval and after the concert.

Admission is free, donations will be collected after the concert. Refreshments will be available during the interval.

There are parking facilities at Victoria Mills, Fowke Street (LE7 7PJ).

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Pianist and songwriter Dave Mackay (pictured below) moved to the United States to study at the worldrenowned Berklee College of Music, and soon put together a band with his classmates. Having toured their unique style of epic instrumental rock music throughout the US and released two records together, the band has now added vocals to the mix and is embarking on a three week tour of the UK and Europe with performances in the UK, France, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland.

Pic: Nicolette Moonen (violin) and Medea Bindewald

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In addition to their busy performance schedule, the band is also teaching workshops and master classes at music colleges and schools throughout the country, including Leicester’s own LES Music school.

With a new album planned for release this autumn, Mackay’s return to his hometown is set to be a memorable night of music, showcased by some of new York’s top instrumentalists.

The Dave Mackay Group is performing at The Musician, 42 Crafton Street West, Leicester on Monday May 4 at 8pm.

Richard Hill’s Church of England School Charity The Trustees of the Charity invite those under age 25 years who are attending or have attended the Richard Hill School to apply for a Grant to assist with educational activities (including social and physical training) not otherwise provided by the Local Authority.

Applications should be made to the Clerk, Mrs. Ann Stringer, email rhillcharitytrustees@mypostoffice.co.uk or tel. 0116 234 0625. Final date for receipt of applications 30th June 2015 for consideration in July. Grants ranging from £100 to £1,000 will be awarded to applicants who meet the necessary criteria.

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2015

9

Rothley salon reaches regional finals A ROTHLEY hairdressing salon has reached the regional finals of a major hairdressing competition.

Pic: Rothley Imps U13 champions

Imp’s successful season ROTHLEY IMPS Juniors football club are celebrating a successful season.

The U13 team have just been crowned champions of the 11 a side Leicester and District Sunday Juniors League division D, winning 19 of 22 matches and scoring 116 goals.

Coach Mario Del Grosso said: “We have a fantastic group of boys who have come on enormously over the last couple of seasons, including going more than a full calendar year unbeaten in the league. The boys have thoroughly enjoyed the season and playing for their local club.”

With the team gaining promotion next season the U13s are looking for experienced players to trial to help strengthen the squad further. To discuss or attend a training session, contact Mario 07973 788551 or Chris 07725 219076.

The club has players from 4 to 18 and is based on Fowke Street

Small Ads Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words.

17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an envelope) at Rothley library or Rothley Post Office on Woodgate.

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

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Mini-dribblers is aimed at 4-6 year olds as an introduction to football, with sessions running on Saturdays from 10-11am indoors at the Soar Valley Leisure Centre.

The club is actively looking for new players across all age groups. Visit www.rothleyimps.co.uk

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Gavin Taylor Hair on Fowke Street has only been open for four months but has been successful in the L’Oreal Colour Trophy 2015 competition.

The salon will now join 60 others in the Eastern Regional final, looking to win through for a place in the grand final in June at Battersea Park, London.

Gavin Taylor said: “I’m so proud of our amazing team. To get into the final of the L’Oreal Colour Trophy after just four months of being open shows true spirit and great potential. I truly believe we as a salon are changing the way we

Pic: Gavin Taylor creating the look that secured his salon’s place in the regional finals

not only cut, colour and style hair but how we do business!”

At the regional final, Gavin and his team will have 30 minutes to create an original, inspirational and modern look on a live model.

10 THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2015

Donation supports life saving work A DONATION of £1000 for new equipment will help a team of local volunteers who support the ambulance service.

Charity skydive cash A SKY dive for a Rothley based charity has raised £13,500.

Alex’s wish raises money for research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the charity’s founder, Emma Hallam, was one of those who took part.

“It was one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences you could possibly do, to see the plane doors opening and people jumping out just felt hideous. But once you had jumped the free fall was exhilarating almost like an out of body experience, you just can’t put it into words. I would definitely like to do it again” said Emma.

Miss Toon, one of Alex’s teachers at Rothley primary school, decided to do the challenge for her 30th birthday and when the charity appealed for others to join her they were astounded to find so

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many people up for the challenge.

Emma said: “We would like to thank them individually for their amazing efforts, they are true Wish Warriors – so well done to Katie Hoskins, Donna Brenchley, Dave Allen, Annalee Toon, Tanya Hogan, Neil Moonaghan, Craig Robson, Sarah Hyde, Angela Roberts, Stephanie Monks, Daniel Brookes, Kimberley Sallis, Jenifer Nursiash, Will Watts, Nicola Adams and Wayne Harrold.”

Alex’s Wish is organising more Sky Dives in the future, so if you would like to take part (£50 deposit plus £500 minimum sponsorship required), please get in touch with Emma at emma@alexswish.co.uk or visit their website at www.alexswish.co.uk

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Community First Responders (CFR) are trained volunteers who work with the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

When somebody is suffering a potentially life threatening illness, a member of the CFR group can often arrive before the ambulance, as they all live in the local area – three live in Rothley and one in Mountsorrel.

In these cases the 999 control desk will send the closest member of the group to provide assistance while the emergency ambulance is travelling to the scene.

In time critical illnesses this can mean the difference between life and death.

Our village’s volunteers, who are associated with the Melton CFR group, gave a presentation to Rothley Parish Council and requested a donation. The council agreed to donate £1000 for new equipment.

Chairman Percy Hartshorn said: “This is a good service, they get to the patient several minutes before the ambulance and can save people’s lives. We know

they have been called to emergencies in Rothley.”

CFR volunteer Sarah Gallaway said: “We are very grateful for the donation from the parish council. It will go towards buying new equipment. Our defibrillator is no longer manufactured and the consumables are getting more difficult to obtain.

“My partner and I started responding in 2011 and we have been joined this year by a newly trained recruit. The responder in Mountsorrel started in 2013. In 2014 we attended 629 calls on behalf of the ambulance service.

“At present the ambulance service will send us to potentially life threatening conditions where the patient is 12 years or over. Over the next few months we are all being trained by EMAS to be able to attend a wider range of jobs and to younger patients. This also requires us to buy some additional equipment.

“We are all volunteers and we get satisfaction from putting something back into the community and find this role very rewarding.”

Summer walk in parish gardens GARDENS IN Thurcaston and Cropston will be open once again this summer.

The Open Gardens event will take place on the weekend of June 27/28 from 2-6pm.

All money raised from the event will go to LOROS. A spokesman said: “We hope to have a number of different gardens for you to visit across the two villages, some large, some small, some immaculate, some very much less so! But all for you to enjoy.”

Gardens will be open from 2-6pm on both days. Tickets will be £4 each (accompanied children and wheelchair users free) and will be valid for both days. They can be purchased on the day from any of the open gardens. Look out for further details nearer the actual weekend. Tea and cake will be available at various locations and a plant swap and sale will be held in one garden. You can bring along a spare plant from your own garden and swap it for something else!

“We are still looking for gardens to open, so if you would like to get involved by opening your garden please contact us as soon as possible, you will be most welcome. Gardeners who have opened before will tell you it is a very enjoyable and positive experience” said the spokesman.

For more information about this event or to volunteer your garden, go to www.tcog.org.uk or contact Linda on 0116 2363872 or email linda@tcog.org.uk.

“Why not put the date in your diary now, then come along with your family and friends and support this great community event, and help us raise money for a very worthwhile cause. We look forward to seeing you!”

THE ROTHLEY POST

History society news AT OUR March meeting, Society member Jane Smith gave us a thoroughly researched and well presented talk about two families that played a significant role in the history of Cropston: the Burchnalls and the Hinds.

The Burchnalls appear in the earliest baptism records of the parish and they were allotted nearly 50 acres in the Cropston enclosure. Their farmhouse, now known as White Lodge, had a brewery attached and they also owned an ale-house next door called the Brewer’s Arms. Brewing was a major occupation of the family, for better and worse!

Richard Burchnall, who was born in 1784, had about ten children and Jane traced their varying fortunes. The eldest son was a drunkard and Richard took out newspaper adverts disclaiming responsibility for his debts. Another son, Joseph, ran the Fish & Quart in Leicester with his wife but a few years later turns up in Kalamazoo, with a different wife, advertising “Old Joe’s XX beer, brewed in the English way”! The next son, Samuel, ran a successful brewery in Anstey and he donated the land for Anstey Primary School and for Cropston Chapel. Richard’s youngest son, followed by his daughter-in-law, continued the farming and brewing business in Cropston until in 1893 Richard’s grandson, Charles Daniel, moved with his family to Leicester, the last of the Burchnalls to leave the village. Charles Daniel sadly ended his days in the workhouse and lunatic asylum, having been divorced by his wife for drunkenness, violence, threats and adultery.

The Hind family is best known locally for the Hind Sisters’ Homes in Cropston, which are almshouses for “deserving gentlewomen in reduced circumstances”. The Hinds monopolised the Swithland Slate industry during the 1700s, owning the Brand quarries and working the slate at Hallgates. As the industry declined during the 1800s, they gradually moved out, building grand houses for themselves in Whetstone and elsewhere.

The Hind sisters’ great-grandfather Henry owned a large amount of land in the county and his will made detailed provisions for how his property should pass down the generations. The sisters were not in line to inherit property in Cropston so Jane wanted to find out how it had come to them. Their father, another Henry, was unemployed in the 1851 census. By 1861 he and his wife were running the National School in Ibstock but Henry was soon dismissed for incompetency. Despite that, Henry and his family gradually went up in the world as older relations died without issue and they eventually lived in Ibstock’s very grand Holmesdale Manor. One of those relations was murdered in Naples and dumped in a well, allegedly by the mafiaconnected “secret society of Neapolitan market gardeners”, whose prices he had been under-cutting. The trial was floridly reported in newspapers throughout the English-speaking world.

Back in the UK, after her sister Henrietta died in 1900, Sarah Jane Hind was left as the sole survivor and a wealthy woman. She bought up land in Ibstock and Cropston and built dozens of houses. Sarah Jane died in 1922 and is buried in Swithland churchyard with her parents and sister. The bulk of her estate was used to found the Hind Sisters’ charity, which built the Homes on one of the fields in Cropston that she had owned.

We have no meeting in April. Our next will be in the Harrison Room on Tuesday May 19 at 7.30pm, when Richard Knox will be telling us about the life of a medieval knight.

From Peter Smith, Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

MAY 2015 11

Faces arts performance Longslade a ‘good’ school FACES ARTS, the locally based and well established Performing arts company for children , performed their yearly Street Dance Show at The Wreake Valley Academy in Syston.

Sixty children from Birstall and the surrounding areas participated in the show, aged from 4 to 18.

Faces Arts proprietor Jody Chesterton was full of admiration for the performances of the children. “Faces Arts is about providing opportunities for local children to discover their performing talents. The development in their ability and self confidence of the children has been outstanding. A huge well

done to all the children who took part” she said.

Faces Arts next performance, ‘Twist’, will be performed by he Theatre School children in May at Groby College.

Faces Arts will also be staging their Summer School during August at Highcliffe Primary School.

For more information on the variety of sessions or performances, visit www.facesarts.co.uk

Gardening club news THE MARCH meeting of the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club was an illustrated talk entitled “Tulip Time” with bulb expert John Gibson.

John is a member of the Royal Horticultural Societies Bulb Committee and has travelled extensively giving talks on his passion – spring flowering bulbs.

Tulip bulbs are different to all others as each bulb forms a cluster of bulblets around the base every year and as these break away from the parent bulb they will usually take 3 to 4 years to reach maturity and produce a flower, the old bulb gradually loses its vigour and rots away.

There are hundreds of tulips classified in 15 divisions based on flower form, the impressive range goes from the simple upright goblets of the single flowered tulips to the frilled and twisted petals of the Parrot tulips and the open double blooms of the Peony flowered forms.

There are also the dwarf species and hybrids, most of them flowering in early spring, these are ideal for containers and rock gardens.

John has visited the Dutch bulb fields a number of times and his photographs of the vast areas of tulips in flower were amazing, each colour in perfect stripes across the landscape - the automatic planting machines guided by satellite navigation. This multi million pound industry of cut flowers and bulbs is a far cry from its humble beginnings as the favoured flower of the 15th century Ottoman Empire.

The talk ended with a ‘visit’ to the Keukenhof Gardens a massive 80 acres of park land divided into a variety of garden styles where over 7 million bulbs are planted each 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 May 13, 7.45 pm – Wildlife: The Environment & Organic Gardening – Simon Gulliver Simon, a National Trust Consultant, will show us how to be kind to nature

and still have a beautiful and productive garden. Encouraging biodiversity, avoiding chemicals, following natural cycles, observing and intervening only when necessary.

Wed June 10, 7.00 pm – Evening visit to ‘Mountain Ash, Newtown Linford A two acre garden with stunning views across the Charnwood countryside.

Near to the house are patios, lawns, water features, fruit trees, flower beds, and veg garden. The lawns slope down to a wildlife pond with a waterfall and three areas of woodland with pleasant walks through many species of trees.

The perfect place to spend a summer’s evening.

For more information, please call Dave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758 From Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club Pic: Tulips on displays at a Spring flower show

STAFF AND students at Longslade College are celebrating after Ofsted removed the school from Special Measures and rated it as ‘Good’.

Acting Principal, Jason Smith said: “We’re delighted that Ofsted recognised that educational standards at Longslade are good. The turnaround at the College is due to the commitment of the staff and governors to providing the best education we can for young people in Birstall.”

Since an Ofsted inspection in 2013 rated the school as inadequate and placed it in special measures, the school has transformed its peformance - in 2012 only 39% of students achieved 5 A* to C GCSEs including English and Mathematics but in 2014, despite students at the College starting below the national average, 59% of students passed, which is better than the national average.

Ofsted inspectors visited the school in March. Their report states that the school is good due to “the unflinching vision of the Acting Principal and the senior leadership team” which has driven improvements in the quality of teaching which is now “consistently good.”

The report says that teaching is “good and improving strongly as a result of decisive action taken by senior leaders following the last inspection. Leaders’ skilful use of tailored training and coaching, using the best practice in the college and from the National Support school has led to improved progress for all the different groups of students.”

Student behaviour in lessons and around the college is good. They are “polite, motivated to achieve well and they attend regularly” said the Inspectors.

Inspectors found that Sixth form provision is good, well led and well managed.

The report stated that the school is not yet outstanding as not all teachers check that students act on the advice given to them to improve their work, and that not enough students attain the highest GCSE grades.

Mr Smith said: “The students here are fantastic, they have high expectations about what they can achieve and have responded well to increasing challenge and hard work.”

Longslade Community College will merge with Stonehill High School and in the new academic year will open as The Cedars Academy, a new school for students from age 11 to 18, which is part of the Lionheart Academy Trust led by Executive Principal Hugh Howe.

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12 THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2015

Mountsorrel Revival Charity cycle ride appeal for teams in Charnwood THE MOUNTSORREL Revival returns this August and the organisers are appealing for teams to take part in the Soap Box racing event.

Revival is an all day family event on Sunday August 9 featuring hot rods and custom cars, vintage shopping stalls, a burlesque show, ballroom and jive dancing, live street bands, archery, river trips and gnome lobbing.

New for this year are a street parade, dog show and a fun run.

“But leading the festival is the Soap Box racing!” said organiser Ian Shonk. “Everything from the old fashioned ‘plank & pram wheels’ to miniature company vehicles, airplanes and bathtubs will take part in the Parade before going through their paces on the track in front of the cheering crowd.

“Get your team organised now – and start constructing your entry. Construction is simple, no engines, no pedals and no complicated rules.”

Trophies are on offer for ‘Fastest Time’, Constructors Championships & ‘Spirit of the Event’.

Ian added: “the Soap Box Race is not about hi-tech speed. It’s all about having

Pic: Soap box cars at last year’s event

some fun with family and friends.

All the details of the event and entry forms for the Soap Box Race or an event stall can be found on the website: www.mountsorrel-revival.co.uk

Monday club news WE WERE pleased to invite Mr Christopher Tarratt of Tarratt’s Jewellers in Market Street, Leicester to our March meeting.

Mr Tarratt’s talk was illustrated by a film demonstrating various beautiful artefacts which have been made since the business was started by his grandfather Mr George Tarratt in 1913.

At that time the company earned the reputation as a recognised supplier of unique quality silverware. Silver items are not so popular these days, but still in demand for commemorative and prestigious trophies presented at various sporting events around the country.

George’s son, Ivan, joined the firm in 1936 after training at Wilson & Gill of London and took the firm on from the Art Deco era when the business moved along Market Street in 1967. He expanded its jewellery ranges and watch lines.

Inevitably the success resulted in a move in 2006 to the fabulous new showroom at 23-25 Market Street. We were delighted to view the interior and Christopher guided us round illustrating the

comfortable atmosphere, sympathetic and knowledgeable salesmanship offered by the assistants.

It was also very interesting to witness the work carried out in the creation of fine jewellery etc. at the back of the shop. Each day the fine dust from the workings of silver, gold and platinum is hoovered up and subjected to differing temperatures to melt down the materials, the loss of which would amount to hundreds of pounds.

This was our first meeting that gentlemen were invited to attend and judging from the response they appeared to have enjoyed themselves. Helped, no doubt, by the specially supplied cakes brought along by Mesdames Jenny Kennington, Gill Jefferson and Diane Rouse in celebration of their birthdays in February.

On April 13, it was with pleasure we greeted Mr. Martin Greenwood to give us a talk on “My Maritime Career” He attended the School of Navigation Warsash in 1963 until 1964 when he became Indentured to Furness Withy & Co. up to 1967. He provided us with details of his maritime career until his retirement in 2008.

All this information was ably supported by some marvellous and detailed photography of the various Ships on which Martin sailed, together with awesome sea conditions!

In conclusion of the afternoon, we enjoyed luscious cakes provided

by Gill Smart, our Treasurer. in celebration of her and her husband Jeff's Golden Wedding anniversary. We wish them both many more years of happiness and good health.

There will be no members’ meeting in May, as we have planned a delightful coach trip to Ludlow, but there will be the usual meeting on Monday June 8, when we shall welcome Mr. KP Goddard with a light hearted “Introduction to Classical Music”.

Our meetings take place at 2.15pm at the Cropston Evangelical Chapel, Station Road, Cropston, LE7 7HP on the second Monday of every month. Plenty of parking spaces available. To find out more about The Monday Club, please ring me on 0116 2363467. I have an ansophone, 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.

THE CHARNWOOD Forest Cycle Ride returns this May for its fifth year, supporting local charity Alex’s Wish.

Organisers are looking for people to register to take part in the event, held on Sunday May 10. You can choose between a 20-mile ride or a 40-mile ride and families are welcome – although anyone aged 14+ will need to ride with an adult.

Open to everyone, the 20-mile ride is for those that want a challenge and a reason to get back out on their saddles over the spring whilst the 40-mile is a challenging ride for the more experienced rider.

Spokeswoman for Alex’s Wish Emma Hallam said: “The ride is on open roads and takes you through the beautiful Charnwood forest countryside with marshals cheering you on at every corner. There is a half way refreshment stop and freshly made hot bacon and sausage cobs and complimentary homemade cakes and drinks to look forward too at the end of the ride.

It’s a great excuse to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a morning of fun with friends.

“Activities will be available for the little ones throughout the morning at the Rothley Centre so be sure to bring your family along to greet you in at the finish line. They will be able to grab a roll and hot drink in the comfort whilst waiting for you. Soar Valley Cycles is on hand to service your bike before the ride and available throughout the morning.”

The ride starts at the Rothley Centre with registration opening at 8.30am followed shortly by a fun warm up session.

Elizabeth Raouf took part last year. She said: “I was so impressed with the organisation in general and especially with the marshalling on the course. I was on my own and not really clear where I was going – I was a bit nervous to be honest! But I soon relaxed when I realised how clearly marked the route was. The people marshalling the route were so friendly and encouraging they all had something nice to say to me and were very smiley.”

Emma Hallam said: “Whatever the weather each year we see around 100 cyclists taking part in this wonderful ride, it’s got a really great feel to it and everyone enjoys the ride knowing they are supporting a worthwhile cause.”

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 4422067 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Rothley Library, Rothley Post Office or to our office Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR editor@birstallpost.co.uk

To register for this event visit www.charnwoodforestcycleride.co.uk or email Emma at emma@alexswish.co.uk a full event pack will be sent to you once you’ve registered.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jun 27.

The copy deadline is Jun 12.

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