Rothley Post (114) September 2015

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

SEP/OCT 2015

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A QUACKING time was had by all at the inaugural Rothley Charities Duck Race in July.

The event was organised by Ben Price at Nottingham Building Society and Harrison Murray who wanted to show their support for local causes.

A large crowd turned out to watch four races, one for each charity, at Roth-

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Pics: crowds on Bunney’s Field watch the Rothley duck race

ley Brook in the heart of the village with Ben at the helm to oversee things.

The Rothley Branch of the Nottingham building society had the support of many local residents and businesses who raised money and supplied prizes for the Jake McCarthy Foundation, the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, Tilinanu Orphanage and SportsAid. Ben says: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received and thrilled to have raised over

£2,300 for the charities involved.

“It was incredibly hard work but really worthwhile … the turnout was far greater than we expected and we actually ran out of ducks! We ran four races, one for each charity with the winner being presented with a special ‘Golden Duck’”.

The lucky winner of the ‘Golden Duck’ was “The Massive Co” and the Duck was received by Mrs Barbara McCarthy on behalf of the winners.

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Crash: man jailed A LEICESTER man who admitted driving dangerously and causing the death of another motorist has been jailed for six years.

Shahid Omar took part in a high speed race that ended with a fatal collision on the A6 near Rothley.

Omar, 28, of Laundry Lane, Belgrave, Leicester, previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol and was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court.

Omar was also banned from driving for three years and will have to take a full re-test before he will be allowed back on the road.

The collision occurred on Saturday 6 September 2014 on the A6, Loughborough Road.

Omar was driving his VW Scirocco

Continued on page 3

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THE ROTHLEY POST

SEP 2015

Rothley salon reaches final A ROTHLEY salon is a finalist at the 2015 HJ British Hairdressing Business Awards.

The Gavin Taylor Hair salon has been shortlisted for the ‘Best Salon Design’ category. After a two-day judging procPic: Liz Robson in her Rothley vineyard

Pic: Gavin Taylor

ess, category sponsors, influential business associates and industry peers chose the salon to go forward with five other finalists.

Winners will be announced by a celebrity media host at a prestigious ceremony held at the Lancaster London Hotel on September 14.

Salon owner and hairdresser Gavin Taylor said: “Receiving the news that I was a finalist in the British Hairdressing Business Awards was an incredible feeling. Putting the entry together gave us the opportunity to look at our business from an outsider’s viewpoint. It was a very useful business tool and has allowed us to see where we can make improvements, and to reach the final has been the pinnacle of the journey so far.”

Award winning Rothley wines WHAT STARTED as a hobby for Rothley winemaker Liz Robson seven years ago has now become award winning artisan winemaking.

Wines from her Kingfishers’ Pool vineyard have just won two medals in the prestigious United Kingdom Vineyards Association competition.

The still dry white wine made from Siegerrebe and Solaris grapes, called King Richard, won a silver medal. This wine is made in the boutique winery at the vineyard in Rothley.

The pink sparkling wine, Spirit of Freedom, made from Orion, Siegerrebe, Regent and Pinot precose grapes, won a bronze medal. This was made from the Rothley

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grapes, which were sent to Halfpenny Green Vineyard in Staffordshire who have experience in the complex process of making sparkling wine.

Vineyard proprietor, Liz Robson, said: “This is the first time I had entered a wine completely grown, produced and bottled by myself into a national competition, and when I saw the results and the words ‘silver medal’ I had to read the text several times before I could believe it.

“Spirit of Freedom had already attained commended in the International wine competition so the bronze was not a surprise. When I scrutinised the results further and realised that ours was the only Leicestershire vineyard to have won any medal I was ‘over the moon’! What had started as a hobby has now become true artisan winemaking.”

Liz retired last July from her full time position as principal lecturer in midwifery at De Montfort University to devote more time to the vineyard, which started as a hobby in 2008. She is enthusiastic about local history which inspires her choice of names for the wines. “King Richard is probably obvious” she said.

“Sprit of Freedom is named for William Wilberforce who stayed frequently at Rothley Temple, now Rothley Court Hotel, with his university friend Thomas Babington and drafted the act of parliament to abolish the slave trade there.”

There is a history section on the vineyard website which explains further. www.rothleywine.com The vineyard is small, but determined to succeed in producing fine quality wines with a distinctive Leicestershire identity. The vineyard’s four wines are sold under its company name of Rothley Wine Ltd and can be purchased from a number of local retailers, wine bars and at Ragdale Hall. At the moment the vineyard is not open to the public, but this may change next year.

THE ROTHLEY POST

SEP 2015

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Food bank Innovative Rothley business support A ROTHLEY business has been nominated for an award.

A FOOD BANK has given out over 400 food parcels since it opened in September 2014.

The Soar Valley Community Food Project is based in Rothley Baptist Church, Woodgate, in the centre of Rothley and provides food to those in need in Birstall, Rothley and other Soar Valley villages. It also directs people to other assistance that might be available.

Project co-ordinator Tim Jackson said: “We do this in a relaxed manner over a drink and biscuit. We are able to support people to a better future by helping them in the short term to put food on the table and to assist them find a way forward out of the crisis.”

Examples of what the project has been able to help with over the last year include: • Chasing the council to complete vital repairs to a rental house that had been outstanding for over a year • Getting a young family’s gas reconnected to ensure heating in the depths of winter • Supporting a family having major issues with neighbours • Going to court with a family to help them avoid being evicted from their house • Being able to provide food to individuals and families who have not eaten for several days In addition, the linked Soar Valley Community Money Advice Centre can offer advice on debt, benefit entitlement, cost-saving ideas and budgeting.

Tim said: “It has been fantastic to be able to help so many people over the past 10 months on their journey. Life can be a challenge for all of us at times and we feel privileged to support people when the need gets too great. We have an amazing team who work closely together to support all those who visit us.

“We are tremendously grateful to the local supermarkets and their customers who have donated food. When you shop please look out for the donation bins and donate non-perishable food. Also if you are connected with a school please consider making us the beneficiary of your harvest festival collection next term” The Soar Valley Community Food Project, which is jointly run by Rothley Parish Church and Rothley Baptist Church, is based at the Baptist Church, Woodgate, Rothley and is open Monday mornings from 11am to 1pm. It is open to anyone who needs help.

“Please pop in for a coffee and see us, call/text 07743 765958 or email soarvalleycfp@gmail.org and start the journey to a better future” said Tim. If you would like to donate food, money or time drop in or call 07743 765958.

Specialist Photography services ‘mi360 Virtual Tours’ has been selected as one of only three finalists in the ‘Excellence in Innovation’ category for the 2015 East Midlands Business Chamber Awards.

John Shelton, the owner of mi360, said: “I am delighted that mi360 has been selected as a finalist for this years Chamber awards. It is fantastic for a small business to be recognised for providing our innovative 360 degree Virtual Tours, Google Photography and Aerial Photography services to businesses across the East Midlands.”

The business started in October 2012 and its goal was to provide a number of digital visual solutions that were affordable and cost effective that would add

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0116 267 3737 Mob: 0785 066 2323 Continued from page 1 along the A6 when he collided with a BMW X6 which was being driven by Harjit Thaliwal, 27, of Quorn. Mr Thaliwal was collecting a pizza from a takeaway on Melton Road. He received serious injuries and died on his way to hospital. Omar and two other people in his car were injured.

The investigation revealed that Omar and Mr Thaliwal were racing along the A6 and Omar was also over the legal drink drive limit.

Detective Sergeant Mark Partridge of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “The actions of both drivers in those few moments last September resulted in the Thaliwal family losing their loved one and now Omar will begin his six year sentence which will no doubt also have a devastating effect on his family.

“Omar drove his vehicle with alcohol in his system and had no regard for the consequences his actions may have on other road users.

“Drinking and driving does not mix, we are constantly informing the public of the dangers of getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of alcohol and this is one example of the devastating consequences.

“We hope that Omar’s admission of guilt and the sentence passed will help the Thaliwal family move on with their lives and assist in putting the events of last September behind them.”

value to its clients’ marketing strategies. mi360 has established its reputation across the Midlands and its clients include Leicester Tigers, Leicester Cricket Club, Bradgate Park, Leicester University College Court Conference Centre and Quorn Grange Hotel. The business also provides photography services to promote the new Heritage Centre at the Mountsorrel Railway Project. mi360 provide fully interactive 360 degree tours for a full range of business that include hotels, conference centres, B&B’s, sports clubs and tourist attractions through to boat builders.

John said: “The 360 degree tours allow potential customers to look around a business or venue from the comfort of their own home. The interactive features allow my clients to really showcase their products and facilities to attract more customers. They are fantastic 24 hour marketing tools that can

Pics: (left) John Shelton with a UAV & photos of local scenes

be used on websites and in social media campaigns, and offer a great return on investment compared to other forms of marketing”. mi360 are also Trusted Google Photographers and have provided Google tours to local shops, pubs and restaurants.

John is fully licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and is qualified to provide Aerial Photography and Video services using mi360’s UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) commonly known as ‘drones’.

For more information about mi360, visit their website at www.mi360.co.uk, or call 0116 2203004/07722 445182

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THE ROTHLEY POST

SEP 2015

THE ROTHLEY POST

Gardening club’s annual show stall, refreshments and the chance of a bargain at the end of show ‘market stall’ sale of produce.

The show is open to everyone and exhibits are displayed from 8.30am to 10.45am on the morning of the show.

Doors are open to visitors at 2.30pm and the entrance fee is 50p (free to exhibitors and children).

Show schedules are available from the Thurcaston village hall, Tebbatts Electronics, Brookside Nursery, Bradleys Supermarket, Wyevale Garden Centre, Brooklea Nursery, or from the Show secretary on 0116 235 9758.

Autumn meetings of the Gardening Club in the Memorial Hall Wed 14th October, 7.45 pm – The History of

THE ANNUAL Show of the Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club will be held at the Richard Hill Primary School, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston on Saturday September 5, 2015.

This will be the club’s third year at the school. “The previous two were extremely successful, with more exhibitors showing more exhibits and more afternoon visitors enjoying the whole occasion” said a spokesman.

“With a large range of classes there is something for one and all. Forget the idea that only “experts” participate, this is a show designed to involve the whole family; the whole community” he added.

There’s also a tombola

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Wed 9th December, 7.45 pm – A Festive Evening Pre-Christmas fun with food and a quiz or two. Come and join the party!

New members always welcome For more information of any of these events call Dave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758

New pavilion ROTHLEY PARK Cricket Club has been given permission to erect a new cricket pavilion.

The club’s existing timber framed pavilion built in the 1920’s will be demolished. It no longer meets modern standards of health and safety, disabled access and is too small, say the club.

The existing 76 square metre building will be replaced with a new timber pavilion of 131 square metres incorporating disabled facilities, separate umpires/female changing, and kitchen facilities in the same style as the existing building.

The new pavilion will be sited on the footprint of the existing pavilion. A new timber framed equipment store will also be provided.

It is the club’s intention that the new pavilion and the overall cricket facility be made available to other local community associations during the summer months such as the local primary school, scouts and parish young people’s groups for outdoor sports activities.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

SEP 2015

Adult learning service courses

Parish Council notes

OPPORTUNITIES TO gain new skills and qualifications, find a new job or develop a new interest are offered in Leicestershire Adult Learning Service’s new Autumn 2015 course programme.

Leicestershire County Council have written to apologise for the length of time it has taken to resolve the issues with paving at Cross Green.

Following a request from a resident to hold film shows in Rothley, Cllr Barry Simons is investigating the matter. A member of the public has requested that an up to date map of Rothley be updated to the Parish Council website. The clerk will investigate if there is a map available that includes new developments.

It was reported that Rothley library management committee had a planned opening date for the library of October 19. The committee is investigating grants for internal improvements, to upgrade IT facilities and make improvements to the children’s area. The County Council will continue to be responsible for the external maintenance of the building.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on July 20.

It was agreed to award a grant of £1500 to Rothley Community library.

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

PCSO Steve Quinn reported there had been eight crimes in July including a burglary on Grangefields Drive where the only item stolen was a bottle of milk.

He said there was currently a spate of thefts from motor vehicles across the

“Choose from a great selection of daytime, evening and weekend courses in IT, languages, leisure or free English and Maths, which are available in a range of levels from beginners up to GCSE. Courses take place in venues across the County, including some libraries” said a spokesman.

“If you are unemployed and would like to improve your prospects of getting back into work our Skills for Jobs programme offers practical help and support to move on to additional learning when the time is right.

“If you are lacking in confidence we offer alternative courses for adults who do not feel ready to join a more general course to learn in a supportive, safe group in other locations.

“Do you need help with finding employment? Help with a CV? Thinking of a career change? Support in identifying the right learning course for you? Operating across the county of Leicestershire, our professional team of information, Advice and Guidance advisors provide face to face, free and impartial advice at our regular county wide job clubs and local centres.”

Call 0800 988 0308 to enrol or to get advice and information about courses, enrolment fees or paying by instalments to help you spread the costs. There are discounts of up to 70% for people on certain benefits.

Browse the courses and enrol online at www.leics.gov.uk/golearn or ring the Freephone enrolment line on 0800 988 0308.

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

Soar Valley villages, mostly from vehicles that had been left unlocked.

It was reported that the Village Hall and the Parish Council office had been newly decorated and looked very good.

The Parish Council considered a revised planning application for Lazarus Court off Woodgate. The number of dwellings has been reduced from 13 to nine. It was agreed to object to the proposal on the basis that the width of the access road, with no pedestrian footway, did not support more than five dwellings on the site. It would also result in the loss of employment land.

It was reported that the firm demolishing the old Rothley school were storing metal fencing so it could be re-used by the Parish Council and when asked by passers by for souvenir bricks, were handing them over.

Fifteen years ago the Parish Council installed a lantern style street light on The Ridgeway which has broken. It was agreed to spend £653 on a replacement.

It was agreed to replace the parish council office photocopier with a printer/scanner at a cost of £600.

Cllr Barry Simons reported on the village film screenings provided by Phoenix Arts that show films in village halls throughout Charnwood including at Thurcaston Memorial Hall.

The fee is £120 per screening and 50 per cent of the takings from tickets sold. It was agreed that this provision would be welcome, particularly for elderly residents, and to consult further

THE ROTHLEY POST

Continued from page 6 before making a recommendation about whether films should be shown in the afternoon or evening, and the admission price.

THURCASTON AND Cropston Parish Council’s annual meeting was held on May 21.

Cllr Richard Webb was elected chairman and Cllr Mark Charles was elected vice chairman.

All the new councillors were invited to introduce themselves to the 23 members of the public present at the meeting.

A request was made for a volunteer Tree Warden for the parish.

It was reported that County Council Highways had sent a team to clear drains. They cleared chambers but could not clear the flows, a different team needs to do this. Cllr Clooney reported he had been involved in Community Speed Watch and that 65 per cent of cars were travelling in excess of 40mph in a 30mph zone. Better signs are needed and a police enforcement programme.

Richard Younie has agreed to continue organising parish film shows until October 2015 at least, with Cllr William Green. This was approved.

At the end of the meeting Cllr James Clooney resigned.

THE HUB café in Rothley for 11-15 year olds is three years old this month.

Started and run by Rothley parish church , it was set up to meet a need in the village for young people to have a space where they could chill out following the closure of the youth cabin on Fowke Street Playing Fields.

Ros Taylor jointly oversees the café. She said: “We meet after school every Friday afternoon in term time at the Old School Rooms on School Street from 4-6pm. Over the three years we have had more than 50 young people come along. They enjoy the space and time to chat with friends enjoying sweets, pop, pot noodles, toasties, music, table tennis, board games etc. We recently organised a trip to Megazone in Leicester and are planning on having the occasional organised event in the future”.

“If you are aged 11-15 and would like to come down, it is free to attend and you can come and go as you like.

Why not bring a friend?” she added.

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Celebration offers local food been allocated by Rothley Temple Estates to the Rothley Allotment Society.”

All this takes place on the traditional Harvest Festival Sunday in Rothley Parish Church, when worshippers gather at 9am, 10.30am and 6.30pm for Festival Services. For more information on the events and the day call Charles Poole on 0116 267 3435 or Terry Sheppard on 0116 230 2931.

ENJOY A feast of local food at the Grown In Rothley Celebration this October.

“Bring your apples and pears to be pressed into juice to take home. Taste the excellent English wine from the grapes of Rothley’s Kingfisher Pool Vineyard. Pick up a jar of jam from fruit grown in the village. Wonder at the variety of produce grown on the new Rothley Allotments ground, and take in the superb artistry of the Harvest Festival flower arrangements in Rothley Church” said a spokesman.

The celebration is set to happen on Sunday October 4, between 1pm and 4pm, the third event in the Quarter Days Cultural Programme at the parish church. The Apple Press will be in place under a gazebo in front of the newly restored Tower of Rothley Church, at the top of Church Street. Staffed by experts from the Transitions Community Allotments in Loughborough, the press also comes with a Pasteuriser. “The juice from your apples or pears will keep for a week in your fridge in plastic bottles, unpasteurized, or for several months in

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sealed glass bottles after being pasteurised. So save your bottles and bring them along with your fruit to press” said the spokesman.

The Kingsfishers’ Pool Vineyard on Westfield Lane has been making a name for itself with its award-winning wines. A champagne-method sparkling vintage has been added to the selection, which sold out quickly last season at the David North Shop by Rothley Station. On October 4 in the Church the vineyard will offer tastings, and directions to the outlets which will be stocking the produce.

The spokesman said: “Home-made jams and chutneys are always popular.

On October 4 there will be a stall selling the creations made from fruit grown in the back gardens of the village. Watch out for the gooseberry jam, its berries are said to be excellent this year. The flower arrangers will have prepared their usual stunning displays to mark the season, and the teapot will be ready for when visitors feel the need for refreshment.

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SEP 2015

Noticeboard all details printed free Rothley Community Library

Opening Event Saturday Oct 17 from 11am to around 1.30pm Everyone is welcome to the opening event on Saturday, October 17 and people are invited to dress up as their favourite book character.

The event will start at 11am on Cross Green, followed by walking down to the library which will be open for people to look around.

There will be food and drink stalls, and a formal opening and unveiling of the new signs.

From Monday, October 19 to Saturday, October 24, which is halfterm, the library will also host an opening festival www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co. uk • on Monday Oct 19 the library will be open to the public from 2-7pm • book loans will be extended during the closure period and no fines will accrue during this period • for now, the opening times will remain the same, but the group is hoping to increase opening hours sometime in the future

Swithland Flower & Vegetable Show Saturday September 12, 1.45pm The Griffin Inn, Swithland and Swithland schools Plant sales, tombola and auction Proceeds to LOROS and rainbows Adm.50p, children free

Continuation of

Talk Series On the following dates, Dr Michael Lynch, Modern History Lecturer (Rtd) at Leicester University, will continue his greatly appreciated talk series at the Rothley Centre, with another four subjects, which will intrigue and inform his audience Tuesday October 7, 2015 : ‘Human Rights’ Tuesday November 3, 2015 : ‘Putin’s Russia’ Tuesday December 1, 2015 : ‘The Democratic Vote System’ Tuesday February 2, 2016 : ‘The Magna Carta’ The doors will be open by 6.30pm with the talk commencing at 7.30pm There is plenty of free parking at the Centre Tea/coffee interval at around 8.30 and, after a questions and answer session, the talks will conclude at about 9.30pm The talks are always well attended and so to be sure of your place, please call Norman Pratt on 0116 237 5254 to book. Ticket price is £8 per person and you may pay at the door Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club

Annual Show Saturday Sep 5 Richard Hill Primary School, Thurcaston Exhibits on display from 8.30am to 10.45am Doors open to visitors 2.30pm Entrance 50p (free to exhibitors & children)

Charity Bridge Drive organised by Loughborough Lions Club Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Friday November 6 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: brianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com

Birstall Running Club Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.20 for 6.30pm run Birstall School Lane playing fields – showers & toilets available Wednesday night beginners group at Birstall Legion 7pm Speed work sessions also available on Wednesdays for those wanting to improve Contact Deryk on dwoods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 www.birstallrc.org.uk

Open Church Weekend at St Leonards Church, Swithland September 19/20 Tea and cakes will be served each day from 2-4pm

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

Can we help with:

• Garden Maintenance • Landscaping • Fencing & Gates • Patios, Paving & Driveways Please call Michael on: 0116 2675309 0798 0811737

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Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday September 8 at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at Longslade College, LE4 4GH to watch renowned artist Robert Fathers showing us how to create a painting of “Two Swans on a Canal” using gouache. If you are unfamiliar with this medium or want to learn more, why not come along and find out how effective it can be. Demonstration to end at 9pm. Members £1, Guests £3.

Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

Charnwood Orchestra

Annual Concert Sat Sep 26, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Barrow Upon Soar Wagner : Siegfried Idyll Mozart : Violin Concerto 5 Arvo Pärt : Fratres Haydn : Symphony 100, The Military

One Voice for Care De Montfort Hall Saturday October 10 at 7.30pm Military Wives Choir & Fron Welsh Male Voice Choir Also appearing: Edgars Cuzinskis with the Leicester City Male Voice Choir and other choirs Competed by BBC Radio Leicester Presenters Dave Andrews & Monica Winfield Tickets from £10 tel: 0116 233 3111 Call De Montfort Hall Box Office, open Mon-Sat: 10am to 6pm In aid of: LOROS, Rainbows, Hope Against Cancer

Canoe Litter Pick Team Want to help clear up you local river, and do a bit of canoeing?

Join our team of river litter pickers. We meet every month for a few hours of cleaning up our river.

Dates include: Saturday September 26th 1:30pm to 4:30pm Saturday October 24th 1:30pm to 4:30pm Saturday November 21st 1:30pm to 4:30pm Saturday December 19th 1:30pm to 4:30pm To sign up please phone us on 0116 2681426 or email on si@lopc.co.uk Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Ladies Circle Howe Lane,Rothley Re-opens September 1st £6.00 to join and £1-00 each time you come to Ladies Circle, Visitors £2 Sept.1st : Rev.Dave Warnock :On Sabbatical ,Dave’s trip to Iona plus ,on his bicycle

THE ROTHLEY POST

Sep.15th: Rachel Parkinson: Harvest Festival (in church) Sept 29th : Peter Tyldesley :Warden of Bradgate Oct 13th: Joyce Godfrey: Both sides of the counter October 27th: Sue Wainwright: Origins of salt Nov 10th: Heather Parris: Christmas Flower arrangements Nov 24th :Christmas Lunch (members only) Dec 8th: Audrey Baker: Carol Service (in church only) 2016 Jan19th: Marion Vincent: Belgrave Riverside February 23rd: Monica Winfield: Radio Leicester Antidotes March 8th: Mike Riley: Great Central Railway decline and restoration March 22nd: Dorothy Hutchinson: Easter Message (taken in church) April 12th: Joy Henderson: Something different: April 26th: Ruth Coward: Ark at our Peter May 10th AGM May 24th: Charity: the Laura Centre June 14th Summer lunch (member only) Saturday October 10th Coffee Morning

Table Top Sale on Saturday 7th November at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane LE7 7PR from 10am to 12.30pm.

Tables available £12, please contact L&RFWI on 0116 266 1342 to book a table.

Sat 26 Sept 2015, 7.30pm English Martyrs School, Anstey Lane, Leicester

Chamber Serenade Conductor: John Andrews Elgar Serenade for Strings Dvorák Wind Serenade Bernstein Dance Suite for Brass Quintet Haydn Symphony 104 ('London') An intimate treat for lovers of chamber music and small ensemble playing; this concert is a great way to hear music in its purest form. Whether you are a fan of string, woodwind or brass music or all of the above – there is something for you.

As a thank you to its loyal supporters, the orchestra would like to offer this performance for free to those Patrons, Friends and subscribers to the 94th Concert Season who book tickets in advance.

Tickets £10, Students and 25 & under £2 from the Leicester Symphony Ticket Secretary.

Coffee Morning and Sale to be held at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Saturday 5th September 2015 from 10am to 12noon.

In aid of Cancer Research UK Stalls to include Cakes, Books, Bric a Brac, Phoenix Cards, Gifts, Jewellery, Plants, Toys, Tombola and Raffle.

Entrance is £1 to include unlimited tea/coffee and biscuits.

Everyone Welcome - Please Support Your Local Cancer Research UK Birstall & District Art Society

21st Annual Exhibition Oct 31, Nov 1- Nov 2 at the Village Hall, Birstall Road, Leicester, LE4 4DH. Open 9.30am-5.00pm Sat & Sun, 9.30am-3.00pm Mon. Free admission, wheelchair access, refreshments, free parking to the rear of the village hall.

Visit: www.badas.co.uk

Messy Church Howe Lane, Rothley 3-5pm Saturday September 26th, October 24th, November and December 19th Every one Welcome Crafts, Fun, Friendship & Worship ending with sharing a meal together The Rothley Heritage Trust Presents

Elgar & The Great War

By Barry Collett Saturday 14th November 2015 10.30-16.30 The Old School Rooms, School St. Rothley In 1914 Elgar was at the height of his powers with a burgeoning international reputation. The Great

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War shattered his world, as it did for the whole of society. Dejected by a war against the nation which had first recognised his genius, he nonetheless produced some patriotic pieces to aid morale, as well as to help Belgian and Polish charities.

He also produced some of his most deeply felt masterpieces.

But it wasn’t all sombre gloomsome of his best and most attractive light music comes from these years. Post 1918 was a different age and the composer felt out of tune with this new era.

This course will explore Elgar’s music from these years, and one session will be devoted to music from other composers affected by these turbulent times.

COURSE FEE £7 (includes morning and afternoon refreshments) EARLY ENROLMENT BY POST ESSENTIAL Cheques payable to The Rothley Heritage Trust and sent to Brenda Sutherland, 4 North St., Rothley, Leicester LE7 7NN. Please include name(s), address, ‘phone number and e-mail (if applicable) so that details of the day can be sent to you.

Further information from Marion Vincent 0116 2375156 vincent.mbe82@yahoo.co.uk The Rothley Heritage Trust is a Registered Charity No. 1145397

Birstall Birdwatching Club presents Cossington Meadows -Its Journey From Quarry To A Wildlife Haven

by Chris Hill Tuesday 13th October 7.30pm Chris is a Conservation Officer with

SEP 2015

the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and Cossington Meadows Reserve has been his project through its development and to the present day. This evening Chris will illustrate his project, the wildlife it has encouraged and its future.

Your Wildlife Garden – Bring It On!

by Nigel Slater Tuesday 10th November 7.30pm With so much of our countryside being taken over by development we can all make a small contribution towards helping wildlife by seeing our gardens in a different light-as a wildlife site or ‘patch of protected area’. Nigel’s first love is birds but has boundless enthusiasm for everything in the natural world and how vital it is to encourage all forms of wildlife, including birds, into our gardens for species survival.

Both meetings at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Visitors £2 Children free Free on-site parking and easy access.

Further information from Marion Vincent 0116 2375156 •

Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7,30 p.m on Thursdays 3rd September, 1st October, 5th November in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. Admission £2.00. All players are welcome

Table Top Sale Birstall Methodist Church Wanlip Lane, Birstall.

Saturday 28th November 2015

9

10 THE ROTHLEY POST

SEP 2015

10.00am - 2.00pm (Christmas Festival Weekend) Tables available @ £10 each Contact 0116 2671181

Birstall Flower Club September 23rd 2015, 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstration by Sandra Meakin “Have You Booked In Yet?" Visitors welcome - £5 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary Linnett: 07704398017

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”

breaks the Enigma Code. This film is a "must" for our cinema goers.

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

Starting at 7.30pm.There will be refreshments and a lucky prize draw. Advance tickets may be purchased via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door.

Soar Valley Artists

Annual Exhibition

Sept 11th (122 mins) During the three years since our first “Exotic Marigold Hotel”, the proprietor, Sonny, has found a girlfriend on whom he dotes. Comanager, Muriel, played by Maggie Smith, assists with the hotel expansion. The wonderful performances by Judi Dench and Bill Nighy are enhanced by Richard Gere to produce a hilarious but touching drama.

“The Imitation Game” Oct 16th (114 mins) October’s film is set in Bletchley Park during the Second World War when Alan Turing, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, amazingly

the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR Saturday & Sunday, 10th and 11th October 2015, 10am to 5 pm.

As usual there will be paintings in a variety of styles and media, most of which will be for sale, and refreshments will be available, including home - made cakes.

Entry is free and all are welcome to come and browse, be inspired (hopefully!), and then relax with a cuppa!

Lace up your walking boots and join LOROS for a

‘Walk on the Wildside’ Sunday 27th September!

The popular countryside walk is back for 2015 and this year, has an exciting new start location at Bradgate Park’s Hunts Hill car

park!

There are three scenic trails to choose from: a 4.5 mile trail, an 11 mile trail or the Tiny Trail (suitable for little ones, pushchairs and wheelchair users), all leading you through the beautiful Bradgate Park and Charnwood Forest.

Food will be available along with lively warm-up sessions, an activity area for the children and much more! Everyone participating will receive a goody bag and certificate on the day.

Register online at loros.co.uk/wow or call (0116) 231 8431 for your FREE fundraising pack!

New Cedars Academy, Birstall Year 6 Open Day and Family Fun Day 9am to 3pm on Saturday 26 September 2015 The Open Day is an opportunity for parents, carers and pupils thinking about their choice of secondary school to learn more about the new academy. Visitors will be able to see the classrooms and other facilities, and meet the staff. The Cedars Academy also plans to offer guided ‘hard-hat’ tours around the new buildings as they will be close to completion.

The entrance is on Wanlip Lane.

The Family Fun Day will celebrate the opening of this new school (formed from the merger of Stonehill and Longslade).

Between 9am and 3pm, there will be free entertainment, a variety of games and stalls and food. Most of the activities will be free.

There will be an opening ceremony at 12 noon attended by the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor John Capleton.

Footplate experience PEOPLE HAVE travelled from all over the world to take part in the Great Central Railways Drive a Train experience.

The 10,000 person climbed on to the footplate and took charge of a train, on August 7.

“This is a huge milestone for us” said Kate Tilley, Marketing Manager for the Great Central Railway. “It’s always wonderful to see the beaming faces of delighted drivers once they’ve completed their journey. Some will have grown up in the age of steam and always wanted to take control of a huge locomotive.

Others fancy the challenge of managing what is essentially a living breathing machine!. We have the perfect preserved double track Main Line to make those dreams come true. We have welcomed people from Japan and America – coming to the UK just to have a drive at the GCR.” Drivers can choose the physical challenge of a steam engine or the raw power of a heritage diesel locomotive.

Different packages are also available for people wanting just a taste, or those who would like to get serious mileage under their wheels.

September Song

Cossington Voices A programme of music, traditional and modern for mixed voices.

Conductor Alexanrdra Lewis Organist and accompanist Markian Lachman at St. James’ Church, Church Hill Birstall Saturday 19th September at 7.30pm Tickets £5 at the door. Refreshments available Proceeds to Jeel-al-Amal Orphanage, Bethany

A Musical Coffee Morning At St.James Parish Church, Church Hill, Birstall, on Saturday, Sept.26th 10am till Noon.

Music by the 663 Ensemble & Friends Donations to the Altzhheimers Society

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THE ROTHLEY POST

SEP 2015

11

WI visit Community library opens soon temple ROTHLEY COMMUNITY library opens in October and volunteers are working hard with their final preparations.

AT THE June meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston WI we celebrated our annual birthday party.

As usual, members provided an excellent spread. We rounded off a very enjoyable evening with a sing-song.

On Wednesday June 17, four of our members joined a tour of the “BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Gypsy Lane, Leicester. I am sure most people who pass this stunning building must wonder what it is. We all had the privilege of finding out.

The temple stands on the site of a former jeans factory. The local Hindu community raised funds for, and also participated in the building of, what is now the second largest Hindu temple in the country. It boasts elaborate carved stonework at the front of the building, plus a wood carved alter and religious art work, which were all commissioned from India.

Our tour guide gave us a very informative talk about Hinduism. We then

toured the building which actually houses three separate temples and a gym.

Finally when we thought the tour had finished, we were invited to a delicious meal, cooked and provided by the ladies of the Temple.

A most enjoyable and enlightening experience.

At our July meeting Julie Ede gave an enlightening talk called “The Life of Bess Hardwick”.

Elizabeth Talbot came from relative obscurity was married and widowed four times. Her husbands, Robert Barlow, Sir William Cavendish, Sir William St. Loe and Sir George Talbot, all came from extremely wealthy backgrounds. She later successfully married off all of her children into wealthy dynasties.

As a Lady in Waiting and a friend to Elizabeth I, Bess was responsible for building the famous Hardwick Hall. She was also a very skilled needlewoman and some of her work is on display there.

A prudent business woman in her own right meant Bess accrued a vast fortune. She died aged 80 in 1608, the second wealthiest woman in England the wealthiest being Elizabeth I. This was a well presented and informative talk which everyone enjoyed.

From Thurcaston & Cropston W.I.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Nov 7.

The copy deadline is Oct 23.

A committee of nine local people has brought together around seventy others to work on the project. A spokesman said: “With the community’s support we hope to bring the library back to the busy, vibrant place it was some years ago.” Initially 24 people will be trained in running the library and more will follow.

The County Council says it can no longer afford to fund the library. The current staff will be leaving when the library closes to the public. The spokesman said: “Rothley Community Library would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to the current staff members. The volunteers have a very hard act to follow and they all wish the staff, who have served Rothley well over many years, the very best of fortune.”

A competition to design library signs was won by Jennifer Moore. “Congratulations Jennifer, they have a fresh, modern feel, and will brighten up the building” said the spokesman.

The timetable is as follows: • the last public library opening session is on Monday Oct 5, 2-7pm • on Wednesday Oct 7 the community library will begin refurbishments at the building, and the library will be closed for lending etc until October 19 • on Saturday Oct 17 there will be an opening event from 11am to around 1.30pm

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

• New term starts 1st Sept • 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.

25

CELEBRATING

Years

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

• on Monday Oct 19 the library will be open to the public from 2-7pm • book loans will be extended during the closure period and no fines will accrue during this period • for now, the opening times will remain the same, but the group is hoping to increase opening hours sometime in the future Everyone is welcome to the opening event on Saturday, October 17 and people are invited to dress up as their favourite book character. The event will start at 11am on Cross Green, followed by walking down to the library which will be open for people to look around.

There will be food and drink stalls, and a formal opening and unveiling of the new signs.

From Monday, October 19 to Saturday, October 24, which is half-term, the library will also host an opening festival. The spokesman said: “During closing hours there will be events for children, talks and readings for adults and taster sessions for some groups which might form, like a book group, a writing group, a reading aloud group and possibly others. Rosalind Adam has agreed to talk about King Richard III and her children’s book about him, and Lisa Drakeford is coming to talk about taboos in teenage fiction and her new book for young adults. The Baby, published by Chicken House Press. The children’s quiz will be extended to the end of the festival.”

The programme will be posted to every letterbox in Rothley, so look out for your copy. Meanwhile the website will keep up to date with developments, and there is a Facebook page. You can get in touch through the website or facebook, email chair@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk or there are boxes in the Post Office and the library. www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk

H Towell Funeral Services

Call us 24 hours a day Private chapels of rest 5 Danvers Rd, Mountsorrel Tel: 0116 230 2449 Part of Dignity plc.

A British Company

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

Call David Jackson on 0781 5519490 to arrange your EPC

GREENGATE MEDICAL CENTRE www.greengatemedicalcentre.co.uk

FREE FLU VACCINATIONS We are delighted to announce that we have set up our flu vaccination clinics starting at the end of September 2015 If you fall within one of the "at risk" categories, and you are registered as a patient with us, you are entitled to a free vaccination DON'T WAIT: Please call the surgery on 0116 267 7901 to book your appointment The At Risk categories include: All patients aged 65 and over • Pregnant women Patients under 65 with a chronic health condition eg: Diabetes, Asthma, COPD etc If you are unsure whether you qualify for a vaccination or not, please contact the surgery for advice

12 THE ROTHLEY POST

SEP 2015

Guides’ busy year THURCASTON & Cropston Brownies & Guides have sent us this review of their year: Sept 2014-2015.

We had submitted ‘decorated plant pots’ and ‘animals made from natural materials’ in the horticultural show at Thurcaston. Some Guides and Brownies won prizes which were presented at our next meeting. During the Autumn term we were working for the Communicator Badge and learnt the phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie… etc) and used this to send messages with two-way radios. The Guides sent e-mails and texts to their leaders to prove they could use these systems .

How is communication altered if you are blind or deaf? With the help of experts, we all tried sign language for the deaf and the Braille alphabet for the blind, and learned about life as a teenager coping with deafness or life with a

Pic: Brownie Josie Snell with Milo the dog on a dog training session

guide dog.

We interspersed badge work with cooking on wood fires (Guides only), a trip to the swimming pool, and as Remembrance Sunday approached, we welcomed speakers from Anstey British Legion with their fascinating photos and stories of the World Wars. We made our own poppies from felt and attended the Remembrance Service at Thurcaston Church.

Luckily the weather was kind to us when we celebrated Bonfire night with fireworks, food and singing. For the Communicator badge, we were also learning Spanish words and phrases helped by a mum of one of our Brownies, but we also tried various Spanish foods such as churros and chocolate sauce, lemony biscuits and tortilla omelette.

As we neared Christmas, we made very pretty Angels for the tree. We really enjoyed our trip to the pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, at Loughborough Town Hall and finished the term with separate Christmas parties including dancing and games such as, the always popular, Chocolate Six and pass the parcel with forfeits.

The girls had requested to ‘Put on a show’ so Brown Owl, was busy over the holidays working on our own version of Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat.

The Spring term began with auditions and then lots of rehearsing for the girls.

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Costume production went into full swing, as well as making props and creating the scenery. We must not forget the help of several Dads for working the sound system, the video camera, and making a wooden cell to imprison Joseph. So the Spring term ended with our performance, to parents and friends, of a very professional attempt at Joseph with the Guides starring as the lead characters and the Brownies doing a super job as dancers and supporting chorus. The audience seemed unaware that there were only ten brothers, not twelve, on stage as the Guides had other parts to play. In the finale, a huge gasp could be heard as the magnificent coloured coat was unfurled to close the show.

We started the summer term re-living the Joseph performance on DVD and pretended we were at the cinema by eating popcorn too. The badge for this term was Animal Active and the girls brought in and talked about the care of their own pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and even a bearded dragon (lizard). We learned about the care of horses and experienced grooming the horses Edward and Oscar and picking

up the pooh. Thank you to Marion & friends at Swithland On the hottest evening of the year the girls and leaders brought along their dogs and met at Bradgate Park to experience dog training with Lindsey from Animal Aid. We also took part in doggy relay races with eggs and spoons too.

We also had various outside activities such as swimming, scavenger hunt and a cook out. Thanks to the work of Leicestershire Orienteering Club, the girls ran around the permanent white or yellow courses in Castle Hill, Anstey. The Guides helped the Leaders to collect £107 for Barnado’s. We started on crafts for the 2015 village show by making dream catchers.

Five Guides, who are working towards their Baden-Powell award, ran a Pin the Tail on the Donkey stall at the Church fete. These girls also organised two Wet and Wild sessions for the Brownies and then the Guides, so that the term finished with water bombs, super soakers and lots of fun.

We meet on Wednesday evenings at Richard Hill Primary School, Anstey Lane. Thurcaston.

Brownie time is 6pm until 7.15pm followed by the Guides 7.15 pm until 8.30pm Brownies start at 7 years old and Guides from 10 years. Costs are £25 per term, mainly spent on hiring the school hall, but in the Spring term we also have to pay an extra £25 each, the annual census, directly to Girl Guiding UK, in order to belong to the Guiding movement.

We have spaces for Brownies, Guides and helpers More information from the following people: Brownies, Louise Keran 07711-422350 Guides Christine Miranda 0116-2364293

Monday club news “Here we are again, happy as can be, all good friends and jolly good company” This little ditty just about sums up the happy atmosphere enjoyed during the annual Strawberry Cream Tea organised by our Deputy Leader, Mrs. Sue Wakerley, for the Club Members and friends at “The Bluebell Inn” Rothley on July 13, 2015.

We were plied with more than generous helpings of strawberries, double cream, strawberry jam, butter and newly baked fruited scones, not to mention the vast amount of tea and coffee supplied. the service from the waitresses was exemplary, which more than added to the happy occasion; we shall look forward to repeating the event again next year.

In August we welcomed Claire Orbell to perform Part 2 of her “Keep Fit Exercise Session.”

Although Claire delivered the session with the same amount of amusement and enthusiasm as last year, there was more technical information attached to each exercise illustrating the importance and benefit to each set of muscles.

There was no stress involved as everyone was just encouraged to do as much or nothing as they could. The members did seem to enjoy the session which lasted for 45 minutes, which flew by with good humour.

Following this, however, the afternoon concluded with the consumption of some gorgeous cakes in celebration of birthdays belonging to Mesdames Gill Smart, Diana Whatton and Marjorie Sebastian. Not probably what Claire would have recommended following the exercise session, but she seemed to turn a blind eye and enjoyed her cake nevertheless! A very happy afternoon.

Our next meeting will take place on Monday September 14 at 2.15pm when we shall hold our Annual Harvest Bring and Buy. Everyone will be welcome and it would be appreciated if you could bring along either some home produced items from your garden or your kitchen.

(Shop bought goodies will also be very acceptable!) We usually have a lovely display which sells well and following this, we shall welcome Mr Andrew Parsons talking about “Farming with Wild Life” If you have been considering coming along to the Club, you will be most welcome and this includes husbands and partners. If you require any further information, please ring me on 0116 2363467. The ansophone is always switched on and I will return your call a.s.a.p.

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

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Nov 7.

The copy deadline is Oct 23.

THE ROTHLEY POST

SEP 2015

13

Summer Cedars Academy open day event VISITORS TO Rothley church were treated to a dazzling digital tour of the historic building at a church event in July.

Midsummer was heralded by switching on a free broadband Wi-Fi connection inside the Church, and dozens of people came through the doors to log on from their smartphones and tablets.

Local historian Terry Sheppard helped create the tour. He said: “They were treated to a dazzling series of seven 360deg photographic tours, each with info buttons that called up even more detailed images along with descriptive notes of the historical features in the Church. Everybody was astounded by the quality of the images and the tours, the work of a specialist in this field, Adrian Witcombe.”

The tour can also be followed on home computers by logging on to www.rothleychurch.org.uk and selecting the 360 deg tour button.

The tour was a part of the second in a series of Quarter Day events.

Every half hour little groups of visitors were escorted up the tower to the bell ringing floor, where Tower Captain Ian Maynard-Smith led muchappreciated ‘try the bells’ sessions.

Down in the church chancel the Rothley Handbell Ringers were in full session, filling the afternoon with very intricate merry tunes. “Every visitor left the church with a copy of the all-new Visitor’s Guide featuring a stunning piece of artwork by freelance illustrator Terry Lewis” said Terry.

Over in the Old School Rooms Linda Poole and her team entered fully into the midsummer spirit, serving up splendid Cream Teas to the delight of all the visitors. To round off the afternoon, over forty people gathered round a large screen and were taken on Terry Sheppard’s Historic Village Walk, without having to leave their seats. A great opportunity for the less mobile to not miss out on a tour of the village.

The Quarter Days events have been organised to celebrate the lottery funded project to restore the crumbing stonework on the church tower.

Now complete, the restored tower stands ready to be a prominent beacon in the landscape for another hundred years.

The next event based on the Michaelmas Quarter Day is the Harvest Sunday, on October 4, and the Christmas Quarter Day will be marked on December 19 with an atmospheric candlelit concert featuring the baroque music of the Medea Quartet.

THE CEDARS Academy, a new 11 to 18 school in Birstall, has announced that its Year 6 Open Day will be held on Saturday 26 September in conjunction with a Family Fun Day to celebrate the opening of this new school.

The Open Day is an opportunity for parents, carers and pupils thinking about their choice of secondary school to learn more about the new academy.

Visitors will be able to see the classrooms and other facilities, and meet the staff. The Cedars Academy also plans to offer guided ‘hard-hat’ tours around the new buildings as they will be close to completion. The entrance is on Wanlip Lane.

The Cedars Academy has arisen from the merger of The Stonehill High School and Longslade Community College. It is part of the Lionheart Academies Trust, which is led by Beauchamp College, an outstanding school and consistently one of the best performing schools in the county and one of the highest achieving nationwide.

Birds in focus BIRSTALL BIRDWATCHING Club meet monthly at the Rothley Centre.

The club was formed in 1978 when 12 people attended with the annual membership fee set at £1. the club’s aim was to encourage people to enjoy wildlife, with birds being the main focus at a local venue and affordable cost.

Illustrated talks during the winter months and outdoor visits in the spring and summer make up the programme.

The club’s winter programme starts on October 13 looking at Cossington Meadows and how the land was changed from quarry workings to nature reserve.

Details of this and the November meeting are on the Notice Board page.

The club charges £8 membership which includes entry to talks and walks.

Visitors are welcome £2 and children free. Free on-site parking Further details from Marion Vincent 0116 2375156

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For the past two years, GCSE results at The Cedars Academy have been better than the national average and students have outperformed those at most of the other secondary schools in the area.

Students and teaching staff recently celebrated record A Level results at Longslade Community College, for the last time before the school re-opens as The Cedars Academy. They were delighted with a 99% pass rate and that 91% of students passed with A* to C grades an increase of 24% on last year. The A* to C pass rate means The Cedars Academy is the second highest performing school at A Level in the county, just behind Beauchamp College.

Pupils starting Year 7 in 2016 must apply for their secondary school place before 31 October 2015.

The Family Fun Day will celebrate the opening of this new school. Between 9am and 3pm, there will be free entertainment, a variety of

games and stalls and food. Most of the activities will be free.

There will be an opening ceremony at 12 noon attended by the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor John Capleton.

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14 THE ROTHLEY POST

SEP 2015

History society visits castle WEA courses

ON A fine summer’s day in July, a group from the Society made the journey to Hartlebury Castle near Kidderminster, which was until recently the official residence of the Bishops of Worcester.

We were following in the footsteps of Richard Hurd, who was Rector of Thurcaston from 1756 to 1774. Hurd was a great favourite of George III and Queen Charlotte, becoming a tutor to their children including the future George IV, and he left Thurcaston when he was appointed as the Bishop of Lichfield.

In 1781 he was promoted again to become Bishop of Worcester and he immediately set about building a new library at the Castle to house his collection of books.

The Hurd Library remains on its original shelves today and it was the main focus of our visit.

The Librarian, Chris Penney, had spoken at one of our meetings last year and we were pleased to see her again in her natural environment.

First, however, we were given a tour of the state rooms of the Castle by the wife of one of the more recent Bishops.

The manor of Hartlebury was first given to the Bishops of Worcester by the Anglo-Saxon kings of Mercia. In medieval times it was fortified against attacks by the Welsh but it was badly damaged during the Civil War and the building visible today largely dates from the 17th and 18th centuries. There is a Great

THE FOLLOWING courses are offered by the Workers’ Educational Association, Birstall & Rothley Branch.

Pics: Hartlebury Castle

stay the night but the bed was eventually slept in by Charles, the current Prince of Wales.

On to the Library, which is a light and gracious room built above the Long Gallery, with windows along one wall and around a central bay. Chris and two of her Hall harking back to the medieval period and an elegant Saloon.

In the windows of the beautiful chapel was a reminder that another son of Thurcaston, Hugh Latimer, had also been Bishop of Worcester. Upstairs we were shown a fourposter bed prepared for a visit by the Prince of Wales – the future George IV – to whom Richard Hurd had been tutor. In the event, George did not

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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 applications 31st December for consideration in January 2016. Grants ranging from £100 to £1,000 will be awarded to applicants who meet the necessary criteria.

volunteer helpers had laid out examples of books from the collection, including some of particular relevance to us, such as an early atlas of Leicestershire and a letter written by Richard Hurd during his time at Thurcaston.

The Library contains more than 4000 volumes and was put together at the height of the Enlightenment, when information of all kinds was being gathered and re-assessed, and we admired beautifully illustrated books on subjects ranging from the flora of London to travel in Tibet and the South Seas. Other books were notable for their provenance, including more than 100 given by George III from the Royal Collection and an edition of Spenser’s Faerie Queen that had formerly belonged to both Dryden and Pope.

Chris is keen to make the books in the collection available for reference by anyone who is interested in the period or subjects concerned. The Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust has just obtained Lottery funding to buy the building and secure its future, and there are plans to improve access in conjunction with the Worcestershire County Museum, which is already on the same site. The Castle should therefore become an even better destination for the public to visit in years to come but we were privileged to have such a warm welcome and expert guidance on our private tour.

From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

Exploring & Interpreting Layers & Textures In Art Textures and layers can provide endless inspiration and imaginative imagery to explore. Sometimes as backgrounds, surface or the artwork itself. This can often influence a viewer’s response to a work. In any work of art, texture can very often draw us in so we spend more time with the work. Using a range of materials and techniques, including printmaking.

You will explore surface implication and illusions referring to a variety of 2-D techniques. Developing your knowledge, skills and own creative styles in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. No prior knowledge required, all abilities welcome.

Tutor: Anna Michalska-Tomajer.

Fee £84.70 or Free if you are in receipt of an income related benefit.

Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Monday 1–3pm, 11 meetings from 21st September 2015 NOTE: Early postal enrolment essential to ensure a place.

“Well Turned Out”: Fashionable Dress For Men & Women 16001914 From padded hose to spats, and hoops to crinolines-that pervasive dictator, fashion, has run the gamut from great elegance to the really ridiculous. A range of sources for both men’s and women’s clothing from 1600-1914 will be illustrated and discussed.

Tutor: Judith Hodgkinson Fee £52.00 or Free if you are in receipt of an income related benefit.

Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Tuesday 10–11.30am, 9 meetings from 22nd September 2015 Art For Changing Times Explore some of the varied responses to the rapid changes of the 20th century as expressed in the work of a range of artists beginning with The Sydney Moderns of Australia and their paintings of the inter-war period.

No experience necessary-just a lively open-minded interest in art!

Tutor Janis Baker Fee £53.90 or Free if you are in receipt of an income related benefit.

Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Wednesday 7.15–9.15pm, 7 meetings from 30th September 2015 Contact: Marion Vincent 0116 2375156 or send your enrolments to Brenda Sutherland, WEA Treasurer, 4 North Street, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7NN Please make cheques payable to WEA Birstall & Rothley Branch. Enrol on line for all courses at https://enrolonlinewea.org.uk/online Visit our website! www.birstallandrothleywea.org.uk

THE ROTHLEY POST

Crime Report : Rothley June & July 2015 Theft from motor vehicle 3 (North Street, Howe Lane, Swithland Lane), damage 1, damage to motor vehicle 2, attempted burglary dwelling 1 (North St), burglary dwelling 3 (Furrow Close, Brookfield Rd, Grangefields Dr), burglary non dwelling 4.

Contact your local policing team: PC4505 Leye Price, PCSO 6524 Kendall and PCSO 6646 Sieve Quinn by calling 101 and select option 2.

Planning P/15/1357/2: 18 The Pyke, Rothley – erection of single storey store to side of existing garage and erection of wall and gates P/15/1655/2: 8 Woodfield Rd, Rothley – erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 4.7m with a maximum height of 3.3m and height to the eaves of 2.2m P/15/1473/2: 205 Swithland Lane, Rothley – erection of a replacement dwelling P/15/1528/2: 81 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – erection of single storey extension to rear, dormer extension and juliet balcony to rear of dwelling P/15/1492/2: 7 Barley Way, Rothley – erection of summer house P/15/1411/2: 121 Swithland Lane, Rothley – alterations & extensions to dwelling P/15/1368/2: 17 Macaulay Rd, Rothley – erection of single storey rear extension to dwelling P/15/1317/2:133 The Ridings, Rothley – erection of two and single storey extensions to front and rear of dwelling with various other works to building P/15/1312/2: 1 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – change of use of 1st floor from showroom (Class A1) to restaurant (Class A3) P/15/1259/2: 16 Saxon Drive, Rothley – erection of two storey extension to rear of dwelling P/15/1265/2: 65 Swithland Lane, Rothley – erection of timber summer house in garden of dwelling P/15/1512/2: 123 Station Rd, Cropston – the erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 6.0m with a maximum height of 3.6m, and height to the eaves of 3.0m P/15/1394/2: 39 Latimer Rd, Cropston – erection of 4 bedroom dwelling and associated car port P/15/1588/2: The Wheatsheaf Inn, 203 Leicester Rd, Thurcaston – display of signage

15

Charity grants INSPIRING YOUNG people who have received grants from a Rothley charity to fulfil their ambitions have been sharing their stories at a fundraising dinner.

The Inspire Awards dinner, funded and hosted by law firm, Gateley Plc, took place at Leicester Tigers in June, in aid of charity the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

JHMT runs the Inspire Awards, a small grants scheme for young people that provides funds and mentoring to help them on their journeys in the worlds of sport, arts, music, community involvement and business.

Since its launch last year, the Inspire Awards have handed out 28 grants to deserving young people – some of whom attended the dinner to tell their stories.

Lydia Unsudimi (20) from Leicester got an Inspire Award of £250 to buy equipment to help her music career.

Also attending on the night, to talk about his experiences, was 15 year old Ryanvir Singh, a leading and passionate advocate for young people’s rights in Leicester.

In 2012, Ryanvir and some of his friends set up the ‘Big Stop’ campaign, aimed at stopping bullying. Recently Ryanvir held an empowerment event, called ‘Leicester’s WE Day, inviting 450 children and young people to attend workshops and presentations aimed at combating bullying and discrimination.

Ryanvir got a grant of £500 from the Inspire Awards to help him stage the event.

To apply for an Inspire Award or find out more about the work of the JHMT, visit www.jhmt.org.uk

Soar Valley Rotary AT SOAR Valley Rotary Club’s annual changeover dinner at Birstall Golf Club on June 29, President Alison Porter handed over the chain of office to Richard Hilliar.

At the joint event with the Inner Wheel Club, Sheila Bickley handed over the reins to Incoming Inner Wheel President Val Burdett.

As one of her last duties, Alison Porter, the Rotary Club’s first lady President, announced three Paul Harris awards to three members – Rtns Alastair Wood and Graham Martin (who was unable to be present) received a Paul Harris Fellowship and Rtn Alan Meredith received a Sapphire pin to his award.

The Paul Harris Fellowship, established in 1957, is presented to Rotarians and others in recognition of outstanding service to the community and the Club.

Soar Valley Rotary Club meets each Monday evening at the Red Lion, Rothley and the Inner Wheel meets monthly at Quorn Grange. Both clubs enjoy a meal followed by interesting visiting speakers together with social events community service and fundraising activities and would welcome approaches from anyone interested in finding out more.

Pic: (l-r) the retiring Rotary club of the Soar Valley President Alison Porter hands over the chain of office to President Richard, whilst for Inner Wheel, Sheila Bickley passes on their Wheel insignia to President Val Burdett

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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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Country park run A RECORD breaking 380 runners took part in the 6th annual Watermead Challenge charity run around Watermead Country Park.

Organised by the Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley, the event was in aid of the cancer charity Birstall BAGS. A range of runners in terms of age and ability competed on the flat tracks which circle the park’s lakes. The men’s five mile run was won by Anthony Woodward, and the ladies winner was Amber Lester. In the 3 mile run, first past the post in the men’s was Aaron Nicholson and in the women’s the winner was Florine Hiersemenzel.

For the first time this year a Veteran’s trophy for the first over fifty in the five mile race was awarded. The worthy recipient was Bruno Nikoloff of Birstall Running Club who has entered the race

every year since its inception.

One of the rotary organisers, Chris Battye, said: “We are delighted with the turnout for this community event in aid of a local charity. The run seems to grow yearly and will be held again in July 2016. It is envisaged a profit of around £2500 will be made.”

He added: “We took the opportunity on the night to present Park Ranger Dale Osborne with a cheque for £400 towards a reedbed environmental project which he is undertaking. This is to thank him and his colleagues for allowing us to use the park as our venue for the last several years.”

16 THE ROTHLEY POST

SEP 2015

Village gardens open IT WAS a warm and sunny weekend for visitors to Thurcaston and Cropston’s open gardens event in June.

Visitors had a choice of 25 gardens across the two villages, some old favourites who have been opening their garden gates for many years; some opening for the second or third year; and some new gardens. As part of their tri-centenary celebrations, Richard Hill School opened their gardens to demonstrate their prowess in growing strawberries and creating bug hotels.

Residents at Wallis Close opened their grounds for visitors for the first time and did a roaring trade in tea and cake.

Other attractions included a garden with two baby goats, a plant

swap and plant sales, several gardens offering refreshments, and the guest appearance of Ady Dayman from Radio Leicester’s ‘Down to Earth’ gardening show. Ady was on hand to answer queries and make suggestions for visitors and garden owners.

“But the real stars of the show were the plants and

flowers, the ponds and pots. The June sunshine had brought out flowers in every garden. Visitors had a whole range of gardens to enjoy, the formal, the informal, the cottage garden style and the neat and well organised, the large and the small” said a spokesman.

“The garden owners would like to thank you all for your interest, your most appreciative comments, your questions and suggestions. We all had a really enjoyable time, we hope you did too. Best of all, between us we all raised £2426 for LOROS. This is a record for our event, so well done to everyone. See you all again next year!”

Pics: some of the gardens opened to the public and (bottom, left) a photo that was part of a display on the day at Richard Hill school

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