Rothley Post (117) March 2016

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

MAR/APR 2016

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 117

Happy 100th birthday, Bessie!

A ROTHLEY woman has celebrated her 100th birthday.

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Mrs Bessie Grindrod lives at Babington Court and was joined by friends and family on February 26 for a birthday celebration in the lounge.

Asked to account for her longevity Bessie said: “I’ve always danced a lot and I’ve always been very fond of chocolate – I still am.”

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Pics: Mrs Bessie Grindrod & (inset) Bessie aged 10

Bessie was born in Thrapston in Northamptonshire but moved to Kettering while still a baby. An only child, she lived in Kettering until she retired and has lived at Babington Court for the last sixteen years. Bessie’s life was directly touched by the tragedy of the two world wars – her father was killed fighting in France during WWI and her husband Jack, who she married in 1939, was killed when the Lancaster bomber he was flying was shot down over France in 1944.

Bessie hated school, leaving aged 15, and got a job in the office of a chemist’s shop in Kettering. “The real trouble was

Pic: Bessie & her husband Jack on her wedding day

that I was brought up with two clever cousins who were top of the class and mother was cross with me as I wasn’t!” she said.

She remembers her mother running clothes through the mangle in her backyard, and how on Sundays she and all the neighbours would take their Sunday roast and Yorkshire puddings to the local bakery to be put in the oven, would attend the church service and on the way home collect the meat for dinner. “I remember how the Yorkshire pudding was often burnt on the bottom” she said.

Bessie counts two important inventions of the twentieth century as the washing machine and the fridge, having lived for years without either. She first had a telephone in 1960.

In her nineties Bessie lost much of her sight due to macular degeneration and can no longer watch TV or read, but she is a keen Radio Leicester listener, an avid sports fan and a follower of Leicester City, listening to all their matches on the radio.

Bessie has a daughter, Margaret, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She said: “I’ve always been interested in people and kept in touch as best I can. Lots of friends have passed on, but I’ve made lots of new ones.”

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Garden suburb: ambitious plans on show SOME VISITORS to a public exhibition of plans to build a 1650 home garden suburb between Rothley and Birstall expressed some scepticism about the proposal, while others gave it a cautious welcome.

“Pretty pictures, fine words – we’ve heard it all before” was a typical comment, with many visitors remembering the promises made when the Hallam Fields development was proposed.

The Broadnook Garden suburb is planned for a site between Birstall and Rothley, and the development of up to 1650 homes could start as early as 2017, subject to planning permission.

The plans are being put forward by the principal landowners of the site, the Palmer-Tomkinson Trust and the Cooper family. They have selected two housebuilding companies, Barwood Homes and Davidsons Homes, to deliver the new homes.

Prior to submitting a planning application, the landowners held a number of public exhibitions in January and February to find out local views – these were held in Birstall, Wanlip, Rothley and Thurcaston.

The landowners say the site will: • provide a wide range of integrated housing and employment land • provide a “generous framework of open spaces, parkland, sports facilities, woodland and tree-lined streets” • have access from the A6 at a new signalised roundabout • contain a Broadnook Centre where social and community facilities

Pic: the centre of the Broadnook Garden suburb

“A smarter way to sell your home”

WE HAVE all seen “that house” that seems to forever be For Sale and usually there’s a simple explanation for this; either the price is too high for what buyers are willing to pay, or the agent has not proactively worked hard to sell the house.

Home sellers are often confused as to why their house has not sold, despite several promises from their agent that it would sell quickly and achieve an excellent price. For the majority of us, buying and selling houses comes just a few times in our lives, therefore what we really need is good edu-

cation on the sales process and more importantly on what to look for in an estate agent.

Local estate agency, Open House Leicester, offers a unique approach to selling houses and has achieved great success in selling quickly and for the best possible price. This is down to the focus on honest communication and service, where every client is assigned their own dedicated personal agent that works with them directly from valuation right through to completion of the sale.

There are no false promises or unrealistic claims; it is a case of working together and working smart to achieve success.

Company director and Property Consultant, Rahul Jain, has written

a short book called “Top Tips to SELL your property”. The book covers many aspects of the sales process but mainly informs readers of: presenting your home, true property valuations, common sales pitches and tricks by estate agents, and the important questions to ask before signing contracts. The book would benefit anyone that is either considering selling their house or has been trying for some time without success. In addition the Open House website property blog offers further tips and videos that home sellers would benefit from.

The Top Tips ebook can be downloaded for FREE at www.openhouseleicester.co.uk.

For more information call Open House on 0116 243 7938.

MAR 2016

Learn the secrets to get your house sold

THE ROTHLEY POST

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Continued from page 2 can be concentrated • contain a new primary school and community centre, health care facilities, a nursery, local shops and services and a retirement village • be looked after and managed by the Broadnook Garden Suburb Trust.

The site is mostly within the parish of Wanlip but does contain land in Thurcaston and Rothley. It is expected that a new parish will be created for the development, which will have its own parish council.

Pics: (above & below) illustrations show housing styles

the impact on traffic on local roads and pressure on local services such as GP practices.

Birstall resident of 54 years Gerald Morling said: Issues raised by visitors attending the “I want to see this development done Birstall exhibition included concerns properly. Hallam Fields wasn’t, it’s a about the provision of low cost housing, “We don’t need five bed detached homes”, hotch potch of bits and pieces that should never have taken place.”

Bill and Ann Mee live on Birstall Road. Bill said: “There is a need for hew houses and what we have seen here looks very nice. It won’t be a part of Birstall, it will be a separate entity”.

Ann said: “The photos and drawings all look very impressive and hopefully when its built it will look like that, but its not possible to say all the shops will be filled to create the jobs they have identified.”

A planning application for the development is expected to be submitted to Charnwood Borough Council this month.

Crime report Crime Report: Dec 2015 & Jan 2016, Rothley Burglary 7, burglary non-dwelling 2, theft from motor vehicle 2, damage to motor vehicle 1, theft 10, damage 3 We would like to remind residents to ensure they have locked and secured their home or vehicle, we have had an increase in the surrounding areas and would like to ask our residents to remain vigilant and report any crimes or suspicious activity to the Police on 101.

If anyone has any information about crimes being committed in the area, please telephone Leicestershire Police on 101. You may also contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous on 0800 555 111 PC 4505 Leye Price – Beacon Officer PCSO 6524 Chris Kendall Sgt 2992 Rod Smart

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2016

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Plans for old pumping station THE VICTORIAN pumping station near Cropston reservoir has been sold by Severn Trent and could now become a restaurant and a private home.

Does Rothley have a litter problem?

TWO PEOPLE doing a litter pick over six hours in a small area of the Athena housing development filled 10 bags with litter.

One of those filling the bags was Rothley’s Natural History Heritage Warden Marion Vincent. She said: “Taking care of Rothley’s image is getting more and more difficult with the increasing population, takeaways and easily available alcohol.

“The collection was done in the new car park, around the left hand balancing pond and adjacent landscaping and a small part of the public footpath near the new school. This area was dreadful with beer cans and bottles by the score

and bags of dog fouling. Extracting cans and bottles from within hawthorn is hard work and time consuming.”

The Athena development is off Hallfields Lane Marion added: “Where is the pride in our village? How can people live with such rubbish next to their homes? Who is walking their dog, picking up the mess and then throwing it in the hedgerow? Who is drinking cans of beer and throwing them on the footpath close to the school? Who is going to be responsible for keeping these village developments clean and tidy in the future? No matter where you live in Rothley you will in due course Can we help with: be paying Charnwood Borough • Garden Maintenance Council for • Landscaping these land• Fencing & Gates scaped developments to be • Patios, Paving & kept clean.

Driveways Rothley needs to Please call Michael on: pay attention to 0116 2675309 this increasing 0798 0811737 problem. Keep Rothley clean.”

MAR 2016

taurant with high quality fine dining.

“It’s been empty for four years and we don’t want to let it rot away. We want to bring it back to life, I think it’s going to be fantastic.”

Some residents have objected to the plans on the grounds of highway safety for vehicles entering and leaving the site.

THE ROTHLEY POST

Previously used as a visitor centre since 1992, plans submitted to Charnwood Borough Council show a proposal to convert part of the building to a four bedroom home.

The new owner also wants to convert the building for use as a restaurant and bar.

There will be no changes to the external appearance of the building which was built in 1870 and is Grade II listed.

The applicant, Simon Thompson, says the proposal would create four full time jobs and 15 part time.

He told the Loughborough Echo: “The uniqueness of the building is what drew me to it. It will be an English res-

Ridgeway Rothley library big book sale house burgled THE POLICE are appealing for any information about a burglary at a house on The Ridgeway, Rothley.

The owners of the house returned home at 9.50pm on Saturday December 12 to find two, maybe three, masked men inside.

The men fled the property in a small car that was waiting nearby.

The men have been described as around 5ft 10ins tall, one of medium build and the other of stocky build.

They were dressed all in black and wearing balaclavas. A third man was seen running from the property wearing dark clothing. No one was hurt during the incident.

High value women’s jewellery, including rings and a watch, and a man’s Vacheron Constantin watch were taken in the burglary.

PC 1948 Chris Hayton said: “This burglary has left the residents of the house understandably shaken.

“Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area of The Ridgeway at the time of this incident? Can you help us find those responsible? Have you been offered any items of jewellery for sale?

Investigations are ongoing, if you know anything that can help with our enquiries, please contact police.”

Contact police on 101, asking for PC 1948 Chris Hayton

ROTHLEY COMMUNITY Library ran a Big Book Sale on February 6, to celebrate National Libraries Day and invite the community into the library.

Library volunteer Maxine Linnell said: “Like many activities at the library, the sale wasn’t just about books. Steph Berrington from Cuppas provided wonderful cream teas, so there was a tearoom corner. David Lloyd brought along lots of his brilliant puppets for the children to play with.

“There were crafts for sale made by Rothley residents. Books were donated by local people, some were chosen to go on the library shelves, some were sold to help the library stay open, then the remainder were taken to LOROS at Glenfield to support their work.

Thanks to everyone who contributed and who came along.”

The event raised a total of £290.

Rothley Beavers visited the library on February 1, and the volunteers set lots for them to do to explore the library.

Under-5s Storytime continues on the first Tuesday of the month, starting on March 1, and the last Friday of the month, from 9.15-10am.

This session is popular with carers and children, with music, singing and stories.

Careers advice is available on the first and third Thursday of each month from 1012noon. Computer support sessions have been well attended.

On Wednesday evenings there has been a series of Coding Club meetings, where John Smith led a group of young people through the process of making an app or a small computer game.

These have finished for now, but there may be more later.

Maxine said : “Everything at the library is run by volunteers, and the library has been running smoothly for six months now with their invaluable work.

New membership of the library trebled in January compared to the previous year, and 45 people joined the local Rothley Community Library at the Big Book Sale.”

Groups can hire the library, located on Mountsorrel Lane, for meetings etc, and details of all future events are available at the library, or on the website www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2016

2015 WAS the 25th anniversary of the Pilbeam Academy of Dance.

Led by Antonia Pilbeam, the academy began with 25 students and one class and has grown to over 100 students with classes on three nights.

There were two exam and medal sessions in 2015. In July the session was adjudicated by Karen Yates from Hagley who saw performances of ballet, tap, modern, jazz and national syllabus work. There were several special commendations and a number of recommendations.

In December the session was judged by Miss Monica Bannister from Nuneaton and 59 students performed, achieving excellent results.

A new ladies ballet class has proved popular with students showing the same enthusiasm as they do in their tap classes, which have been running for over 25 years.

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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

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Development

with dread that David Wilson Homes wants to build up to 175 homes on 45 As you have already read in ‘The acres of farmland off Westfield Lane, Rothley Post’, in January 2016, CharnRothley, opposite to the Cricket grounds. wood Councillors have voted to approve And the question has been “Why the a planning document that recommends Borough Council does not stop these building 1,500 new homes near Rothley. continuous random developments?”

The proposed development sits on 15 The answer is simple. The Governhectares on land to the north of the A6, ment has been under pressure to probetween Birstall and Rothley. vide more houses. In 2011, the BBC A number of Rothley residents have announced that England is facing a asked us why did we vote in favour of "growing housing crisis", according to a adoption and we feel obliged to give an report which estimates a shortfall of honest answer.

750,000 homes by 2025. In 2014, it was Many people who have lived in Rothestimated that there should be 250,000ley all their lives, as well as people who 300,000 new homes every year to admoved in Rothley for a better quality of dress the demand. And, of course, the life, have watched with horror the rapid, Government mandates that each area disproportional and almost random should provide their share of new housing developments in the village. homes.

Let’s see what has been happening in In this context, Charnwood Borough Rothley over the last few years.

Council produced a development plan William Davis Ltd applied to build called ‘Core Strategy’. This includes the 250 houses and a new relief road befollowing developments: tween Mountsorrel Lane • 3,000 homes and 16 ha of employfrom the end of Walton ment to the west of Loughborough Way to Loughborough Road.

• 500 homes adjoining Shepshed.

Developers Charles • 4,500 homes and 13 ha of employChurch successfully obment to the north of Hamilton/east of tained planning permission Thurmaston for 149 homes at the Aval• around 1,500 homes and 15 ha of on development in Rothley. employment on land to the north of the They also successfully apA46 near Birstall plied to build 157-180 These houses are expected to address houses in the Land at the regional housing needs for the periBrookfield Farm, Hallfields od 2011-2028.

Lane, Rothley. Then, Unfortunately, the original ‘Core StratCharles Church also applied egy’ document was not accepted by the to build 130 houses in the inspector, because it did not provide land off West Cross Lane enough houses. Therefore, the document reducing the boundary had to be re-submitted with alterations. between Rothley and Mount- The amended ‘Core Strategy’ was finally sorrel to around 120 meadopted by the Borough Council on 9 ters. Charles Church also Nov 2015. applied to build 16 dwellDuring that period, between the rejecings at Rothley Church of tion of the original ‘Core strategy’ and England Primary School. the adoption of its final version, the We are sure that this list Council and the councillors found themwill go on and on. selves in a very difficult position. The More recently, we learnt urgent need to provide new houses, under pressure and in line with the guidelines by the centre, overruled every other potential objection. It was this element that gave the opportunity to random developments in Rothley.

We voted in favour of the ‘Core Strategy’ because we strongly believe that the Council should be allowed to control the new developments. The ‘price’ for this is that there would be 1,500 houses between Birstall and Rothley. We are fully aware that this will deteriorate traffic problems in Rothley, as we are suffering at the co-op traffic lights as much as everybody else. We commit ourselves to fight for urgent solutions to improve the disgraceful situation of traffic and con-

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gestion near the Rothley Co-op.

On a positive note, the principal landowners of this site-the Palmer-Tompkinson Trust and Cooper family- are bringing forward a 21st century new Garden Suburb proposal for the site.

You can see more information at www.broadnook.co.uk Cllr Leon Hadji-Nikolaou Cllr Brian Page Borough Councillors for Rothley, Swithland & Thurcaston

Thanks May I through your columns offer a big 'thank you' to everyone in the Soar Valley for their generous contributions to our Santa collection this year.

Each Christmas Soar Valley Rotarians and friends accompany Santa each evening around the local villages collecting for our charity appeal. In this way, we are able to help many good causes including Loros, Rainbows and the Air Ambulance and our 1st night’s collection this year was sent to Rotary clubs in Cumbria to assist in their response to the floods.

Those we visit donate generously and Santa's 'sleigh' is greeted with delight by young and old. This year the start of our tour was delayed but we still raised over £4.200.

So our thanks once again to all who were able to contribute and especially to Kia Loughborough, without whose unstinting support Santa would have had to rely on reindeer power alone.

You can find more about us at www.soarvalleyrotary.co.uk and we look forward to visiting you all again, next year.

Richard Hilliar President - The Rotary Club of the Soar Valley 2015-16

Help needed Want to meet people, get some exercise and help a local charity raise much needed funds? We urgently require lottery collectors to call four-weekly on small, established rounds in Birstall, Mountsorrel, Rothley, Syston and many other areas.

Would you or someone you know be interested in collecting LOROS Lottery subscriptions for us? Maybe you have just moved house and don’t know anyone in your area? We are desperately looking for anyone with a couple of hours to spare. There is no cold calling involved and everyone on the round has indicated that they would like a collector to call. Most importantly, it is a very worthwhile way of supporting LOROS.

MAR 2016

YOUR SAY...

THE ROTHLEY POST

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Noticeboard all details printed free What We Wore Stories and pictures of children’s clothes 1990-1999

Charity Bridge Drive organised by Loughborough Lions Club will be held at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Wednesday April 6 at 1.30pm with afternoon tea provided at a cost of £6 per person To book a table please contact Jackie 0116 2303317 or email: brianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com

Coffee Shop

Charnwood Museum, Granby St, Loughborough LE11 3DU Feb 6 to May 16 Museum open: Feb & March, TuesSat 10am-3pm, Sundays 12noon3pm April & May, Tues –Sat 10am to 4.30pm, Sundays 2-5pm Public car parks in Granby St & Packe St

Your Say continued from page 1 Give the Lottery Office on (0116) 2318430 if you would like to have an informal chat and find out more about becoming a LOROS Lottery Collector.

Liz Singleton, LOROS

Chapel For some years Rothley Heritage Trust has kept an eye on Rothley Court Hotel and in particular the Templar Chapel which dates back to the 13th century.

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

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

Birstall and District Art Society Tuesday, March 8 at 6.30pm for 7pm start You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Road, Birstall LE4 4GH to listen to the com-

ALARMS Established 25 years

We would now like to find someone to take on this role. Legal experience and an understanding of Listed Building regulations would be an advantage but is not essential. We have discussed with Greene King current and future work that they are carrying out on this Grade I listed building which is of such historical importance to our village.

Phone me on 0116 2302766 if you are interested.

Brenda Suthlerland

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2016

Parking Regarding the parking bay at the North East end of Town Green Street.

I'm wondering which genius spent taxpayers money to create a needed parking facility and then funded the painting of double yellow lines in about half of it. Why? there is adequate field of vision of oncoming vehicles and to my knowledge no incidents. Let's have them removed pronto!

Mr A Whitehouse.

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ments of renowned professional artist Tim Fisher appraising our members’ work which have been created using various media from watercolour, acrylics and oils as well as ‘mixed media’., Come along, see what we are doing and, if you think this is a hobby that you would enjoy, be inspired to join us. Demonstration to end at 9pm. Members £1; guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.

Riverside’s Dance Fundraiser Help raise money to buy IPads for the school March 11 at Palmer Tomkinson Centre at 7pm Come and help support the younger generation It would mean the world to them!

Tickets: adults £3, child £1.50 Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult Tickets will be £3.50 on the door

Fusion Rugby Cubs

classes each week with our qualified 7 coaches, working their way through our very own badge scheme.

Through these sessions your child will learn key life skills including independence, focus, self-discipline, enhanced coordination, strength, agility and balance.

Class times at Soar Valley Leisure Ctr, Mounstorrel: Wednesday 10:00-10:40am: 3-4 years Sunday 10:00-10:40am: 5-7 years Each class will be 40 minutes long and sessions will run 50 weeks each year. Payment will be made by monthly Direct Debit and this includes all costs for badges and also includes free swimming for your child.

Bookings are now open! For more information and to book your place, contact sports development officer christopher.andrews@fusionlifestyle.com. Alternatively, you can call or visit your nearest leisure centre: Soar Valley Leisure Centre – 0116 2375267

Birstall Birdwatching Club

The Fusion Rugby Cubs programme starts the week commencing the 7th March 2016 at Soar Valley and Loughborough Leisure Centres.

This new & exciting programme has been created with the aim to encourage all children, aged 3 to 7 years old to be more physically active.

Children will take part in structured

presents The Andean Wildlife Project By Mike Webster Tuesday 8th March at 7.30pm Mike and Paula Webster now spend most of their year in South America as part of a project to study wildlife in the Andes. This evening they will tell us what they have been doing in this exciting part of the world and what they have discovered about why South America is so good for birds.

Kent: Wildlife Of The Garden Of England By Jack Perks Tuesday 12th April at 7.30pm Kent rarely features in local talks but this is a county with a rich herit-

Queniborough Cross Country

Fun Run Proceeds to LOROS part of the Fun Run series Fun For All The Family Saturday 12th March 2016 Start Time 2 Pm A Medal For All Finishers £5 Per Person - No Entries On The Day More Information & Download An Entry Form From www.queniboroughfunrun.co.uk Refreshments & Prize Presentation Helpers Needed!!

We are looking for volunteers to help with marshalling the course and serving refreshments.If you can spare an hour or 2 on the day, and would like to help please call Wendy on 0116 2606433

Leicester Lions Bluebell Day On Sunday May 8th 2016 Leicester Lions invite you to Walk Among the Bluebells in the grounds of Heyday Hays, 240 Markfield Lane, Markfield LE67 9PS. Open from 11am to 3pm.

Wander through more than 14 acres of beautiful woodland along wellmarked trails amongst the bluebells. Bring the children, grandchil-

Easter Family Communion at 10:30am Easter Praise at 6:30pm Ivanhoe Model Railway Society

Diecast Toy & Train Fair

dren, the whole family! Afterwards, sit and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a cake, or buy some plants, books or home made produce. There is plenty of free car parking space, and admission is only £2 for adults, £1 for children (under 5’s free).

All proceeds to Parkinsons UK.

The Rothley Centre 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE7 7PR. Sunday 20th March 2016 Doors open 10:30 – 15:00 Admission £1 Refreshments Wheelchair Friendly Ample Free Parking For more information, please visit: www.ivanhoe-mrs.co.uk

From Classics To Jazz Saturday 19th March, 7pm Syston Methodist Church Concert by Rachel Lawson – clarinet/saxophone and Stephen Waterhouse piano.

Tickets £6 in aid of LOROS and Church funds.

For further details/tickets please contact Maureen Lawson on 0116 260 9804

Easter At Rothley Parish Church Church Street, Rothley

Sunday 20th March – Palm Sunday Services at 9:00am / 10:30am / 6:30pm Thursday 24th March – Maundy Thursday Holy Communion at 7:30pm Friday 25th March – Good Friday Family Service at 10:00am Church Open for Private Prayer 2:003:00pm Readings/Music 7:30pm Sunday 27th March – Easter Day United Sunrise Service (Beacon Hill) at 6:30am Holy Communion at 9:00am

Friends of Charnwood Forest From Ice Age to war games Recent archaeological survey and excavation in Bradgate Park Talk by Matt Beamish Monday 14th March at 7.30 p.m.

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall Matt Beamish is a Project Officer for University of Leicester Archaeological Services. He has worked as an archaeologist in Leicestershire since 1990.

He is a specialist in manipulating and interpreting LIDAR aerial data

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37 HOURS PER WEEK Salary Scale LC1 (18-22): £17,714 to £20,253 per annum.

Birstall Parish Council is seeking a motivated person looking for a new challenge to play a key role in helping us to manage and maintain the excellent standard and condition of the playing field areas, the Cemetery and the Parish Council owned car parks situated in Birstall.

You will be providing an enforcement service as well as assisting with the delivery of the high standard ground maintenance on a 7 day week shift rota, giving support and information for users of the Council's public spaces and carrying out enforcement of relevant environmental crime legislation as necessary.

You will need to have an interest for working outdoors and have experience of meeting and dealing with the public on a daily basis. You must have good verbal and written skills and deliver a positive image of the Parish Council. You will be able to demonstrate an ability to work independently and communicate effectively with a wide range of people.

Successful candidates will be required to work occasional evenings, weekends and Bank holidays on a seasonal shift rota system.

For an informal discussion please contact Sue Coulson on 0116 267 6191 An information pack is available to download from the Parish Council's website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk Or you can telephone the office to request a hard copy of the application form, or you can request a form via email by contacting us on admin@birstallpc.org.uk Please do not send in your CV, they will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is: 3pm - 1st April 2016

for archaeological purposes. He will talk about the exciting discovery of a stone-age site, containing many tools from the end of the ice-age.

This site is of international importance. He will also cover many other potential sites of historical interest.

Members are free. Guests are welcome, £3 at the door. Refreshments included.

The talk will be preceded by a short Annual General Meeting.

Further information: Peter Bertram 01162 100 572 or www.focf.org.uk Birstall Methodist Church Saturday 12th March 2016 10.00am - 1.00pm

Mini Market Easter gifts & hampers Home-made cakes & pastries Home-made jams & chutneys Plants & Tombola Coffee shop open serving tea,coffee & juices home-made scones & cakes

Recently Separated?

Divorced some time?

You can ‘go’ through the experience or ‘grow’ through it.

DRW is suitable for anyone of any age, gender, faith or background, and at any stage of separation or divorce A relationship breakdown leading to separation and perhaps divorce is one of the most traumatic events that can happen in your life'.

As a past participant I can thoroughly recommend this course as a means to grow and to rediscover yourself, in a supportive and sociable group.

The workshop will be on 6 Monday evenings from 11th April. It is run by trained past participants, at the Quaker Meeting House on Queen’s Road Leicester.

To reserve a place, see our national website www.drw.org.uk. Or book with; Val 0116 2101702 or Liz 07932 74829

Calling all established runners!

Are you currently training for a Marathon / Half Marathon / 10k Road Running Race? If you are aged 18 or over, can run comfortably at 10 minute mile pace or faster, looking to improve and fed up of running on your own in the dark?

Then take a look at this !

Wreake Runners are offering you 3 x free welcome taster sessions with group led runs around the local area every Tuesday / Thursday evening from 6.45pm. Various options are available on most nights including varied distance routes, Intervals and Hill reps.

If you feel intimidated by running with a club, then let us put your running fears at ease. We are a Fun and Friendly running club that’s been established since 1981. We ensure all our runners are safe and supported on club nights by running in groups.

MAR 2016

age of wildlife as well as history.

With its coastline, cliffs, rivers, woodlands and nature reserves we will enjoy a visit to the south east of England and its natural history.

Jack has featured in Spring Watch 2015 and Countryfile with his particular interest in underwater photography in local rivers and streams.

The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Members free. Visitors £2 Children free. Free on-site parking and easy access Further information Marion Vincent 0116 2375156

THE ROTHLEY POST

8

Still not sure, or have any questions?

Then take a look at our website www.wreakerunners.co.uk or contact us via email on run@wreakerunners.co.uk Please note that we do not offer a ‘learn to run’ group at the present time.

Birstall Flower Club March 23rd 2016, 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstration by Shirley Henderson “A Night on the Town” Visitors welcome - £5 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary Linnett: 0116 2672247 At the February meeting of

Charity Whist Drives Derek Farr organiser expressed his appreciation to the small group of regular players for their support and generosity during the last 12 months which has enabled a gift of £100 to be donated to the Midlands Air Ambulance Service.

Charity Whist Drives will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 3rd March.

Thursday 7th April. Wednesday 4th May in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. Admission £2.00. All players welcome

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council

"Suffragette" March 11 (106 mins) Our British period drama for March will be the first film in history to be shot in the Houses of Parliament where MP's denied women's rights until 1928. Maud, played by Carey Mulligan, is a determined factory worker who loses everything she holds dear because, as a suffragette, she feels she must refuse to "walk in a man's shadow". Meryl Streep plays the formidable Emeline Pankhurst. There are even connections to Leicester!

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2016

"Lady in the Van"

April 8 (104 mins) This British comedy drama was written by Alan Bennett in whose house the story was filmed. It was written originally for the stage. It tells the true story of an elderly woman called Mary, played by Maggie Smith. She lives in a dilapidated van on Bennett's driveway for fifteen years. Funnily enough, they form an unexpected bond. April's film is a masterpiece and not to be missed.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets will cost no

Harriet wins race

more than £5 and concessions will still be £4.50. There will be refreshments and a lucky prize draw during the interval. Advanced tickets may be purchased via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door.

A PUPIL at Rothley school came first in a 1 mile race at Wreake Valley school on February 12.

Harriet Forknall (8) has now qualified to run at the schools’ national cross country finals at Belvoir Castle on March 19. This year while running the cross country races at Prestwold Hall she has achieved 7th, 10th and 12th place in her races, competing with around 200 runners in each race.

Harriet enjoys football training each week which is helping her with her running.

The Latimer Players are pleased to raise the curtain on their first production of the year with the aptly named play

‘Curtain Up!’ a comedy by Paul Quilter.

In his will, Michael has left equal shares of a derelict theatre to his trophy wife, his embittered ex-wife, his unmarried daughter, his punk secretary and his slightly dotty mother. A recipe for disaster? The play opens with them discussing what to do with the theatre and it is decided that they will try to work together as a team to rebuilt it to its former glory and have a gala opening night. What they need is a Hollywood star to make the opening a success. Will they all get on, will they succeed, can they raise the money required and who will be the mega star on opening night?

Production dates are 28th, 29th and 30th April in The Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. Tickets can be purchased from: Christine Deavin - email christinedeavin@btinternet.com Tel: 0116 2376855 . Tickets are priced at £7.00 each.

Bust to boom “BUST TO Boom: the Forced Break-up Sale of the Rothley Temple Estate in 1893” is the title of the annual Lady Lecture at Rothley Parish Church to be held on Saturday 7th May at 10.30am. by Chairman of the Rothley Heritage Trust, Terry Sheppard.

Terry explains: “In 1892 there was a substantial unpayable mortgage debt outstanding on the estate which was called in by the Crown Life Assurance Company. An auction sale in London in 1892 was a flop.

A new sale in October 1893 based on a second edition catalogue was held at the Bell Hotel in Leicester. The event did not attract a buyer for the major lot that included the old Babington Manor House, Rothley Temple, but some of the smaller lots went to local men from Rothley.

“Significant for the future of Rothley, aspiring joiner/builder Frank Sleath bought Lot 14 at the junction of Woodgate and Wellsic Lane. He later turned it into the base for the building company F Sleath and Co that went through three generations.

Sleath rode the boom years for building in Rothley that saw dozens of Victorian & Edwardian terraced houses added to its street frontages.

“Then along came German-born Manchester Cotton Merchant Frederick Merttens.” Terry will explain what happened next in the lecture.

Afterwards he will conduct a short village walk to review the built evidence of that boom period ushered in by the breakup sale of 1893.

All enquires to Terry Sheppard, 0116 230 2931, sheppard7pj@btinternet.com.

Pic: Harriet Forknall

Fan’s tragic death A LEICESTER City football fan from Thurcaston died while watching a match.

Tom Bedford (16) was at home on January 20, watching Leicester play Tottenham in the FA Cup. He told his father John he was upset when Leicester went down 2-0, and began struggling to breathe. His parents rang for an ambulance and Tom was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary where he later died.

The coroner’s office told the family the cause of death was either arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) or a blood clot.

Further tests are being done to establish the exact cause of death.

Tom was a pupil at the Martin High School in Anstey.

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9

Thurcaston & Cropston Parish gardens open Neighbourhood Plan this summer THURCASTON AND Cropston’s draft Neighbourhood DevelopLOCAL GARDENERS are being invited to join up for this ment Plan completed a six week period of consultation on Feb- year’s Thurcaston and Cropston Open Garden Weekend. ruary 26. the feedback.

This Draft Neighbourhood Development Plan is now available to view, along with all supporting documentation, at thurcastonandcropston.com Hard copies of the Draft Plan will also be available to view at the Parish Council Office, Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 9.3011.30am week starting Monday January 11, 2016.

Charnwood Borough Council will now publish the proposed plan for a further six week period of consultation. Any responses to that consultation will then be sent, together with the plan, to an Independent Examiner.

The examiner may then: pass the plan, refuse the plan, or require amendments to the plan. If passed, the final plan will then return to the parish for a referendum. If a majorPic: red line shows proposed limits to development ity of those voting approve boundary the plan, it will then become part of the framework within which plancomments people wish to make in order ning applications will be considered. that those concerns can be responded to The right for communities to prepare and addressed if appropriate, with changes Neighbourhood Plans was established made to the plan where necessary.” through the Localism Act 2011, which set The Draft Neighbourhood Development out the general rules governing their prepaPlan for Thurcaston & Cropston is the ration. A Neighbourhood Plan forms part result of consultation with the community, and interest groups during the last eighteen of the statutory Development Plan for the area in which it is prepared. This statutory months. status means that it must be taken into Thurcaston & Cropston Neighbourhood account when considering planning deciPlan working party, which has been worksions affecting that area. ing on the plan, will also be consulting with a range of statutory bodies to add to The pre-submission consultation enabled the Thurcaston & Cropston Neighbourhood Plan working party to gather feedback from those who live, work or do business in the area, to comment. Mr Richard Younie, Chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Working Party, said: “It is important for us to be aware of any concerns or

Stoves, Fires, Fireplaces, Accessories & Installation

“Last year we raised £2400 for LOROS and we are hoping for an even more successful event this summer to celebrate our 10th Anniversary!” said organiser Linda Bennett.

“This year we are again raising money for LOROS and also for the new Good Neighbour Scheme within our villages.

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

She added: “We welcome gardens of all shapes and sizes; big or small; simple or elaborate; immaculate or with a more ‘natural’ look, and even those that are ‘works in progress’.

People who have opened their gardens in previous years

have very positive things to say about the experience, which is why they come back year after year.

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

If you would like to open your garden for this year’s event or would like more information or encouragement please contact Linda on 0116 236 3872, email Linda@tcog.org.uk The website www.tcog.org.uk has a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section which may be able to answer any of your questions.

“If opening your garden is not for you then please put the date in your diary to come along and support this worthwhile community event, June 25 and 26, 2 to 6pm, we’d love to see you” said Linda

MAR 2016

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Pics: photos from last year’s event

THE ROTHLEY POST

10

History on show at new heritage centre THE MOUNTSORREL and Rothley Heritage centre, opening sometime in April, will tell the story of the two villages’ history.

The creation of the centre has been led by the volunteers behind the Mountsorrel Railway Project, who restored the one and a quarter miles of the Mountsorrel railway, a project that started in 2007 and was completed last October.

The heritage centre, located on Swithland Lane near the junction of Halstead Road and Kinchley Lane, is almost complete. It was recently visited

by Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan, who was given a tour of the centre and the adjacent nature trail.

Project spokesman Steve Cramp said: “The heritage centre building will be an historic granite barn that used to stand a few hundred metres away on Kinchley Lane, Rothley. This charming barn was some 200-300 years old and had an interesting history including being used as a mess room for German prisoners of war who worked on the Swithland Reservoir dam during world War I. “The barn would have been lost due to expansion of the Mountsorrel Granite The project’s ecology group of volunQuarry, so the idea was hatched by the teers have created a nature trail through community to save, relocate and rebuild woodland south of Nunckley Hill. it to give it a new purpose as a commuThe circular half mile long Nunckley nity heritage centre telling the story of Trail can be accessed from Swithland Mountsorrel’s and Rothley’s history.

We are working with the Rothley History Society, Mountsorrel Heritage Group and Rothley Heritage Trust to ensure that the history of the villages is SERVICING, MOT as varied and thorough as possible.” & CLASSIC CAR There will be a great deal of information and artefacts to display but only SPECIALIST limited space, so it is planned that disMOT TESTING plays will be changed every few months to allow other stories to be told.

Two other historic buildings have been moved and rebuilt to form a tearoom at the centre – it is hoped that the VEHICLE TESTING income generated will support the ongoSTATION ing costs of running the heritage centre, Servicing & Repairs which is expected to be open seven days to all makes & models a week from 10am-5pm each day.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2016

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Pics: Nicky Morgan MP takes a tour of the new centre

Lane or via the foot crossing next to Nunckley Hill station platform.

Part of the trail runs alongside the restored railway and there is a picnic/viewing area where you can watch the trains go by.

ties from a local college who help on Tuesdays. Some of those who attend our Wildlife Warrior sessions have also helped to create the trail.

“Much thought has gone into creating the path which takes in many areas of ecological and historical interest. These include differing types of woodland habitats and the Wildlife Warrior activity areas, as well as the ruins of the old Dob Hall and the Industrial archaeology of the old Nunckley Hill quarry.”

The project organisers have put out an appeal for items for the heritage centre. Steve said: “Do readers have any items of historical interest associated with either Mountsorrel or Rothley, lying in the garden shed, in the loft or on the mantelpiece? If they would like to lend their item to us for display we would be very interested to hear from them.”

Contact Steve: stevecramp@heritagecentre.co.uk www.heritage-centre.co.uk The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on May 7.

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A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on December 21.

It was reported that PCSO Quinn has left the Police service and his replacement will be starting in the new year.

Members of Rothley Imps junior football club presented the committee with information regarding their request for module/storage facilities at the Fowke Street playing field.

A request for bollards on Town Green Street was received.

Following a complaint about dog fouling at the Town Green Street play area, the clerk has requested that the street warden visit the site. Additional dog fouling notices have been erected in the area.

It was agreed to spend section 106 monies of £30,000 on two new pieces of play equipment for Fowke Street playing field and two for Town Green Street playing field.

It was agreed to investigate other section 106 developer contributions which are outstanding for Rothley.

It was agreed to set the 2016/17 precept at £103,500 which represents a zero per cent increase per band D household.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on January 18.

In public session, comment was made about the parking and damage to verges on Town Green Street. There are two outstanding planning applications, for additional car parking at the Bluebell public house and for the erection of four dwellings on land to the rear of 58 Town Green Street, and the Council is unable to offer a solution to the parking situation at Town Green Street until these have been determined.

It was reported that Corts hardware have donated 53 boxes of plug plants to the Parish Council and it was agreed to

write a letter of thanks.

It was agreed that the archaeologists doing a community dig in the summer be allowed to dig on parish land.

From February 1, 2016 the Parish Council office will be open to the public from 9-11am, Mon-Fri. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on February 15.

Police Sergeant Rob Smart reported that a new PCSO Fiona Lacey will be starting work in the village. Problems caused by coaches parking on Hallfields Lane on Tigers match days were reported. A suggestion was made that they could park on the new car park at the entrance of the Athena development off Hallfields Lane.

Resident Marion Vincent reported on problem litter areas in the village, especially the Athena development near Rothley school. She has filled 10 bags with rubbish such as beer bottles, beer cans and dog waste in bags. The balancing ponds are also full of litter. As the development’s roads and open spaces have not yet been adopted by Charnwood Borough Council, the problem is the responsibility of developer Charles Church. The Borough Council’s enforcement team have been notified of the problem.

Chairman Percy Hartshorn reported that he had attended the exhibitions regarding the proposed 1500 new homes of the Broadnook Garden suburb development between Birstall and Rothley. He said he was disappointed that the County Council’s highways computer model predicted that the development would have a “negligible” impact on local roads. He said it would be desirable that planning permission, if granted, offer protection for the green fields between Rothley and the boundary of the Broadnook development.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council was held on November 19.

A member of the public reported that during the film showing at the Memorial Hall on November 13 a resident of All Saints Road had two cars stolen from their drive.

A resident of Causeway Lane, Cropston has requested that the Parish Council consider erecting a mirror to be sited opposite Causeway Lane, so that residents can see down Cropston Road towards Anstey as the junction is dangerous.

The Council resolved to approve subject to costs and feasibility. The County Council has since advised that they have a long standing policy not to allow the use of mirrors on the highway, due to a lack of evidence that mirrors make a positive contrive contribution to road safety, and concerns about maintenance and liability in the event of an accident.

The Parish Council are in discussion with the County Council about the possibility of installing a vehicle activated STOP sign at the junction.

Councillors discussed holding 2-3 parish council meetings in Cropston per year. It was agreed to do this and dates will be announced. The meetings will be held in Cropston Evangelical Free Church on Station Road, Cropston.

The council agreed to provide a dog waste bin on Mill Road at the entrance to footpath J57, following a request from a resident.

It was agreed to spend £150 on repairs to the footway between Thurcaston and Anstey.

Following a discussion in closed session, the council agreed to issue the following statement: the Parish Council wish to acknowledge and thank past councillors for their years of service to the council.

An extraordinary meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on December 10.

The Council agreed to accept and adopt the Thurcaston & Cropston Neighbourhood Plan draft policy.

The Council agreed that standing orders be amended so that any two councillors may talk to potential developers if approached and recorded by the clerk and minuted at a Parish Council meeting.

The council agreed to expenditure for the installation of a fire alarm at the Memorial Hall and parish office, fire proofing of the stage curtains and cushions and a new fireproof safe for storage of parish documents.

Rothley film club ROTHLEY FILM club will be showing two films at the Rothley Centre in March.

On Friday March 4 at 7pm ‘Mr Holmes’ will be shown (£5.50, £5 concessions, bar available) and on Friday March 18 ‘Zorba The Greek’ from the Feelgood film series (2pm, £2 includes refreshments). All are welcome.

Rothley Film Club is part of Rothley Community Library’s contribution to village life.

For the first time, a live performance has been arranged. Maxine Linnell form Rothley Community Library writes: “Forget Me Not is a murder mystery set on an Alzheimer's ward.

It's also a one person comedy poetry theatre show that has a lot to say about how we treat and perceive people with dementia.”

“This one-man triumph is equal parts mystery, comedy, storytelling, social commentary – and 100 per cent entertaining” said a review in theWinnipeg Free Press.

Written and performed by Leicester based comic, poet and psychiatric nurse Rob Gee, “A witty ,skilful storyteller”, Forget Me Not will tour the UK from March to September. The UK tour follows a recent sold-out run across Canada, where it was a critical smash and won several awards.

Rob spent eleven years working as a registered psychiatric nurse around

the UK and Australia before becoming a writer and performer. He's worked with Harold Pinter, Sue Townsend, Jo Brand and Sarah Millican, and clocked up over 3,000 shows around the world.

The performance is on Friday April 1, 8pm in the Rothley Centre, with bar open from 7.30. Tickets £8. Tickets will be on sale at various outlets in Rothley, including Dolce & Verde Cafe on Woodgate, Cuppas Cafe on Cross Green, Rothley Community Library and the Parish Council Office. For more information contact chair@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk

MAR 2016

Parish Council notes

It was reported that the County Council intend to install three vehicle activated speed signs on Westfield Lane. One will be located near the golf club entrance for vehicles entering Rothley and one near the Kingfishers Pool vineyard for vehicles exiting. The location of the third sign is yet to be determined. The signs will be paid for from section 106 developer contributions.

It was reported that section 106 money will also pay for speed cushions on Swithland Lane, located near the junction with The Ridings and Halstead Road.

THE ROTHLEY POST

12

Friendly Annual Charnwood cycle ride club’s open day AN ANNUAL cycle ride that starts in Rothley will offer two new routes this year.

ROTHLEY IVANHOE Tennis Club is your local friendly tennis club, offering competitive and social tennis opportunities all year round.

“With regular group and private tennis lessons offered by their fantastic head coach, Tim Stanton, members and non-members enjoy excellent coaching opportunities throughout the year” said a spokesman.

“Absolute beginner? No problem.

Tim offers a range of coaching sessions for all abilities. He even runs an ‘express tennis’ 6-week course, designed for beginners to learn all the basics in a fun, sociable way.”

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2016

Pic: Rothley tennis club

For those who wish to play competitive tennis, the club offers the most extensive opportunities in Leicestershire. With regular Sunday club tournaments running from Spring-Autumn, floodlit tennis league throughout winter and a winter singles league, in addition to the mens’, ladies’ and mixed summer and winter inter-club leagues there are ample opportunities for you to get involved.

The club is hosting their annual open day on March 19. There will be free coaching taster sessions running all afternoon, a bouncy castle, BBQ & refreshments, open courts to play on, and half price adult membership on the day for new members at £75 for the year. The open day will run from 12-6pm. For details of the coaching schedule on the day please contact the club.

For more information on the club and their open day, you can check out their website: www.rothleytennis.info, email them on enquiries@rothleytennis.info, or search Rothley Ivanhoe Tennis Club on Facebook and send them a message.

The Charnwood Forest Cycle ride welcomed 200 riders last year and with the addition of 10 mile route and a 50 mile route to the existing 20 miles, organisers say theyare hoping to find double that number this year.

The event raise money for the charity Alex’s Wish and has been run for the past five years by Emma Hallam and Zoe Edwards.

Emma said: “It would be amazing to see 300 - 400 people joining in the fun and cycling what is a beautiful route around Charnwood Forest.”

In 2015 the event raised £7,500 for Alex’s Wish, a local Rothley based charity who raise money to fund clinical trials into finding treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a life limiting condition which affects boys across the UK including Emma’s son Alex, after whom the charity is named.

“We are incredibly well supported locally and it’s always nice to see our supporters out and about on their bikes, having fun and raising much needed funds for Alex’s Wish” said Emma.

The start and finish line is at The Rothley Centre in Rothley, Leicestershire with the route taking place on open roads. “The route is well sign-posted,” explains Emma, “and because the event takes place on a Sunday morning the roads tend to be quiet with traffic. The circular route starts and finishes in Roth-

ley village and has been carefully chosen to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment. It is fairly challenging in parts and the 20 and 50 mile includes a steep climb up Beacon Hill road. There are plenty of marshals along the way to give you lots of moral support and encouragement.

“At the end of your ride you’ll get a warm welcome back, receive your medal as well as a chance to take the weight off your feet an enjoy a large selection of refreshments including hot bacon rolls, complimentary yummy homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks served to you by Cuppas of Rothley. Again, we are very grateful to Mattioli Woods who have sponsored the refreshments this year. This event is not a race, we want you to enjoy your ride and take in the stunning countryside whilst raising money for our fabulous cause. Families are welcome to join in on the fun at the Rothley Centre whilst waiting for riders to finish”said Emma.

The event has a new sponsor this year,

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Protection by MME, and also welcomes back three sponsors from last year - Nisa (Bradleys store) in Rothley are the events first-aid sponsors, The Woodmans Stroke Pub in Rothley are the communications sponsor and Pedal Power are the on-site bike specialists.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday May 8 and there is an early-bird entry fee of £10.00 (10-mile route) or £20.00 (20 and 50 mile route) for those entering before the 26th April, or £15.00 (10-mile route) or £25.00 (20 and 50 mile route) if registering on or after April 26. Anyone entering as part of the early-bird promotion will be entered in a draw to win a day at Champneys Springs, courtesy of Protection by MME. Emma said: “The event is open to everyone aged 14 plus whether you are an amateur cyclist or a professional. We also have free car parking, a half way refreshment stall and there is no minimum sponsorship required, although the more money you raise the more money we have to invest in leading edge research and clinical trials. We are also looking for volunteers to marshal too.

“Please come and join in. You’ll get a healthy dose of fresh air, enjoy spectacular views around the stunning Charnwood Forest whilst cycling for an incredibly worthwhile cause. It’s a fabulous opportunity to get back into cycling again after the winter months, so whether or not you are a keen cyclist, there’s never been a better time to dust of your bike in time for the summer months.”

You can register at our official event website www.charnwoodforectcycleride.co.uk.

Alternatively please contact Emma Hallam at emma@alexswish.co.uk

13

THE FIRST meeting of 2016 was a well-attended talk about the Cropston and Thurcaston Enclosures by Peter Smith (Secretary, Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society).

Peter started by talking about the local landscape as we see it today and how it was radically changed during the late 18th century

with the process known as Enclosure. This took place in 1782 in Cropston, and in 1799 in Thurcaston. He pointed out that this was a time of great political, industrial and agricultural revolution. For instance, the Americans had fought for independence and the French were revolting! The Soar Navigation had reached Mountsorrel and the agricultural revolution was to change farming, from large shared open fields with strips, to small, enclosed fields that the owners could farm as they liked, and which were often converted from arable to pastureland.

Summer dig planned MORE THAN 50 people turned up at a meeting to find out more about a project to ‘dig up’ Rothley’s past.

as well as their finds, if the museum does not want them.

“There were 2,000 finds when a similar dig took place in Anstey two years ago, so hopefully the Rothley event will prove equally successful” said Ursula.

Hosted by Rothley History Society, visitors listened as Dr Julie Attard from Leicester University’s Archaeological Society explained how she and her team, assisted by local volunteers, plan to excavate 35 one metre square plots in the village.

Ursula Greaves from Rothley History Society said: “Dr Julie will choose 35 suitable sites and then a test pit, one metre by one metre and up to a metre deep, will be carefully dug out at each site. A member of the team will be in charge at every pit, but three to four volunteers will be needed “There is no upper or lower age limit for to help with digging, sieving, sorting, volunteers, and having a test pit dug in washing and transporting.” your garden can be an exciting family At the meting Dr Attard explained that event.”

Rothley had been chosen because “there The project will be in the village beare strong research questions to be tween July 16 and 31. If you are interestanswered”, for example, was there any ed in helping with the dig in any way, prehistoric activity in what is now the call 0116 230 3500 or centre of the village? email and was there a Roufgr45@gmail.com. As man building there? well as volunteering to Dr Attard assured provide one of the dig her audience that sites, the organisers great care would be are also looking for taken to replace the people to assist with soil and the turf of several tasks, includeach pit and nothing ing taking photos and would be visible after six months. The videos of the dig. test pit owners will be presented with a The Rothley Dig is part of the Charnsouvenir report at the end of the project, wood Roots project.

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For more details contact Rothley Parish Council 0116 2374544 clerk@rothleyparishcouncil.org.uk

ers from the countryside to the cities began.

New members and visitors are always welcome. Annual membership £12.00, visitors £3.00 per meeting. Meetings take place on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Harrison Room, All Saints Church,Thurcaston. Terry Shepherd will talk about the Barrow Union Workhouse on 15th March.

From Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society

Monday Club news OUR CHRISTMAS Lunch meeting held at the Birstall Golf Club on December 14, was once again a successful conclusion to a very happy 2015.

At our February meeting our eagerly awaited talk and video presentation was “A Day to Remember at Buckingham Palace.”

On May 2, 1996, Gill and her husband Geoffrey, received a letter from Downing Street inviting them to attend an Investiture for Geoffrey to receive the MBE for his work in the formation of “Heart Link the East Midlands Children’s Heart Care Association”, based at the Glenfield Hospital, but they did not open the letter straightaway thinking it was a bill of some kind. When at last she did open it Gill and her husband thought it was a hoax, but soon realised it was genuine.

The formation of Heart Link was as a result of their daughter Amanda, having been born with a heart defect. During the long process of treatment in hospital, Gill and Geoffrey were painfully restricted in visiting Amanda as there were no facilities provided for mothers to be with their babies and they could only attend during the appointed visiting hours, bearing in mind they had been told Amanda was not expected to live! The facilities for comfort for parents and counselling were non- existent, not even a kettle to make a cup of tea!

As a result Gill and her husband resolved to provide some form of facility for parents to sit in comfort and to this end, they joined with another couple. Gradually over the course of time Gill and Geoffrey were physically and financially aided by grateful parents in providing many activities benefiting both children and parents, but it was five years before they could claim Charity status.

From the time of receipt of the letter from Downing Street it was six months later when Gill, Geoffrey and their family including Amanda who had been fortunate to survive, came down to London on December 2, 1996. We witnessed, via a beautifully presented video film, the very proud moment, when Her Majesty the Queen presented the MBE to Geoffrey. This was a truly well-deserved and awesome experience and one which Gill’s family will never forget.

However, the work for the Charity carries on and Gill and Geoffrey are kept busy with their work in fund raising for Heart Link, to support the medical care of many more babies born, requiring medical care to survive, not to mention the huge parties Gill organises at Christmas numbering about 400 children who with treatment, have managed to survive.

On Monday March 14 Mr Chris Tarratt from Leicester’s Jewellers will talk about “Forgers, Furbishers and Duty Dodgers” at 2.15pm in the rear hall at the Evangelical Chapel, Station Road, Cropston. Husbands and wives now invited to come along and any more details can be answered by ringing me on 0116 2363467.

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

MAR 2016

History society news

Peter went on to explain life before enclosure and showed us a map of the open fields around Cropston and Thurcaston. These would have been farmed on a three-year rotation of cereal (wheat or barley), peas or beans and fallow. Villages also had areas of meadow, common land and woods, with rights to graze animals and to gather wood, and may have had access to Charnwood Forest. Each landowner would have strips in each field, and villagers tended to live where the fields met at the centre. At the time there were no formal roads or paths but there would have been established routes along balks or headlands.

The ridge and furrow patterns created by ploughing the strips can still be seen in some fields today.

The principal reason for enclosure was to farm the land more efficiently, especially by having pasture (sheep) rather than arable land. It also allowed for innovation, and most importantly owners could make more money! Private enclosures had taken place before this time. Private agreements between the rector and major landowners in 1600 meant that 1/3 of Thurcaston had been enclosed by the time of Parliamentary agreement in 1798. During the 18th century, however, enclosure was usually by Act of Parliament, and providing the correct process was followed, it did not need the agreement of every landowner. Most of Leicestershire was enclosed between 1760-80, so our two parishes were quite late. Charnwood forest was left until last and it took 21 years to sort out all the claims.

For enclosure to take place there had to be a consensus in favour (3/4 of owners or 4/5 of the land). A Bill was then presented to Parliament where a Committee rather than the main House would usually deal with it.

One owner in Cropston refused to consent but didn't have enough land to stop the bill going through, and in Thurcaston owners of 23 acres of the 1100 refused consent. Both Acts were passed, however, which allowed the procedure to start.

The standard procedure was to appoint three Commissioners and a Surveyor. The Surveyor would draw up a plan of the parish and assess the claims of all proprietors, value existing parcels of land and other rights, and allot parcels of land under the new system.

Commissioners were directed to take due regard to the quantity, quality and situation of the new land, making the allotments as near to the houses of the proprietors as possible.

The new enclosures were to be surrounded by quickset (hawthorn hedges). In Thurcaston, the land previously privately enclosed, was 'thrown into Hotchpot' and reallocated.

The minute book for the Thurcaston enclosure is in County Record Office.

Peter also told us a little about some of the Commissioners. Details from the will of John Sulzer show there may have been a falling out over money between two of the Cropston commissioners. John Davis of Bloxham in Oxfordshire, a Thurcaston Commissioner was one of the most prolific commissioners in the country dealing with at least 114 Acts across the country. Thurcaston Commissioner Thomas Paget went on to form the first bank in Leicester with Thomas Pares, who collected money from Cropston landowners, and later owned a house in Grey Friars with Richard III in his garden! The County Record Office has copies of the Cropston and Thurcaston awards setting out everything relating to the enclosures in writing.

The effects of enclosures are seen today, they changed the landscape to one with square fields and straighter roads, and farmers often moved from the centre of villages to the centre of their new plots. The Enclosure Commissioners were as fair as they could be, but small landowners probably fared worse than large ones. The biggest effect was on labourers, as arable land was converted to pasture, fewer people were needed to work the land. This is demonstrated by the increased expenditure by the Overseers of the poor for Thurcaston. The migration of work-

THE ROTHLEY POST

14

Club’s new captains Parish pinfold restored THE NEW 2016 captains at Rothley Park Golf Club are looking forward to the golfing season.

The Men’s Captain, Stuart Birtwistle, says he’s very honoured and proud to be the incoming men’s captain of Rothley Park. “I am looking forward to the year, in particular the prestigious English Seniors Championship to be held at Rothley at the end of May. This is great recognition of the course being presented to a high standard in the past few years and something all the members should be proud of” he said.

“The Lady Captain and I have chosen to support a local charity, Heartsafe Leicestershire. The Heartsafe programme aims to ensure that every young person passing through secondary education in the City and County schools is provided with training in Emergency Life Support, including vital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Heartsafe Leicestershire is headed up by Dr Doug Skehan, a member of Rothley Park. We aim to raise money to support his work in the local community with a variety of charity golf and social events at the club throughout the year.”

The Ladies Captain, Dee Laurie, says it is a great pleasure and privilege to be the

Neighbourhood plan

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2016

ROTHLEY’S NEIGHBOURHOOD Development Plan has passed the next stage in the process of adoption.

In December 2015, Charnwood Borough Council formally agreed to designate Rothley Parish as a ‘designated area’ for neighbourhood planning. This gives Rothley Parish Council the authority to go ahead with producing a plan for the way in which land will be used or protected in the coming years.

The Rothley Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group will take forward the project on behalf of the Parish Council.

“At its own meeting on December 21 Rothley Parish Council agreed to accept a quotation for provision of consultant support for the project and agreed to provide funds to the steering group for this purpose. This will be extremely helpful and greatly increases the chances of success” said steering group member Roger Gross.

On 12 January 2016 members of the steering group met with representatives of Charnwood Borough Council for preliminary discussions and introductions.

On 26 January 2016 the steering group held its third meeting which was attended by the newly appointed consultants. A programme of workshops was agreed at which the steering group will work with the consultants to produce a project plan, a public engagement strategy and a vision for the programme.

“A public engagement event will be held soon after the Easter holiday period and will be widely advertised. This will be the first opportunity for the steering group to obtain the views of local residents on the way in which they would like to see Rothley develop in the future” said Roger.

boundary.

Parish Clerk Marianne Lane said: “The Parish Council resolved to restore the pinfold and is doing so in stages, the A pinfold, or pound, was originally first stage is complete, all the brambles, built to hold animals which were found nettles etc have been removed from the straying from their owner’s land or were site. The next stage will be to level the found grazing on the common without ground in the pinfold which will be a common rights. The animals would not huge task as rubbish has been dumped be released until a fine had been paid to in the pinfold for years.” the pinder. Abraham Woolett was pinder The pinfold is located on the old road at Cropston in 1739, an ancestor of the by the side of the thatched cottage on Parish Council’s Heritage Warden. the corner of Station Road and Reservoir Breaking into the pinfold to release Road, at the back of the Badgers’ Sett. the animals was an offence punishable Pic: the Cropston pinfold by a fine and/or imprisonment. They were also used by drovers taking their stock to market.

The pinfold was used to pen the animals overnight for a small fee.

Most villages would have had a pinfold by the 16th century. Cropston is ‘elite’ in that the pinfold although small has stone walls rather than a hedge as its

THURCASTON AND Cropston Parish Council is restoring the Cropston pinfold.

Pic: Stuart Birtwistle & Dee Laurie

new Lady Captain of Rothley Park Golf Club. She said: “We are fortunate to have one of the largest ladies sections of any club in Leicestershire. With almost 100 active players, we play a variety of inter club matches and numerous internal club competitions. The section is very friendly and lady members of all standards are welcomed. Last year we introduced an Academy for beginners and this proved very successful with a number of ladies graduating to full membership. It is a great way to get into golf! Details of the SCHOOL’S OUT, the after school club, will be opening onRothley Park Golf Academy are available on our website www.rothleypark.co.uk.” site at Rothley primary school from April 2016.

Stuart has previously chaired the School’s Out, the breakfast and after course management committee and Dee School’s Out, who were rated ‘Outserved as the ladies competition secretary school club that opened in Rothley durstanding’ by Ofsted in 2014, offer both for five years. They both bring a wealth ing 2009 has gradually grown over the breakfast and after school care from of experience and enthusiasm to their last seven years and is pleased to an7.40am until 6pm, supporting working captaincy year. Both Stuart and Dee live nounce it is soon to open in the grounds parents in the village. For more informain Rothley. of Rothley primary school, from Easter tion contact Claire on 07879 676025, This year’s Senior’s Captain is Ian this year. email: claire@schoolsout-rothley.co.uk Freeman and Junior Captain is Toby Owner/Manager Claire Parker said: Jensen.

“We are excited about the move to school, as we will be running from premises adjacent to the playing fields and so plan to take advantage of the large, safe outdoor space.

Creative Transfer Techniques (PracBeing onsite will tical Art) also mean a safer Learners will be shown how to create walk to and from image transfers and introduced to a classrooms whole new world of using creative imthrough the school agery within their work. Learners will be grounds, with easy shown the best methods for a range of drop off and pick up techniques using inexpensive materials, parking for parents.” including how to create transparent layers. The resulting images are beautiful for adding dimension and depth to various art projects, from paper arts and THE ROTHLEY POST collage, to textile arts and more.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Tutor: Anna Michalska-Tomajer Monday April 18, 1.00pm-3.00pm for Unit 109, Greenacres, 7 weeks. Fee £53.90 or free if you are The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR PETROLS • DIESELS in receipt of an income related benefit.

Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 MountMOTORCYCLES Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax) sorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Contact: Marion Vincent, Telephone: CROPSTON 0116 2375156 or send your enrolments to Brenda Sutherland WEA Treasurer, 4 Correspondence, news etc GARAGE North Street, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7NN can be handed in at: Please make cheques payable to WEA Rothley Library, Rothley Post Office 37 39 Station Road Birstall & Rothley Branch or to our office Unit 109, Greenacres, Cropston, Leicester Visit our website The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR 0116 2362363 www.birstallandrothleywea.org.uk editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Rothley after school club

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Gold medal winning speaker THURCASTON & Cropston Gardening Club started the new year with an illustrated talk by John Stirland appropriately entitled “The Winter Garden”.

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cally demanding and extremely worthwhile.

Your new bog garden area can be kept moist or wet by firstly digging out about ½ metre (1½ft) of soil in a straight sided shape then lining the hole with a cheap lining material such as builders damp proof membrane. Add 7.5cm (3”) depth of gravel to the base for drainage then puncture the membrane with a fork about every square metre, this will allow some drainage but will also retain some moisture in the soil.

Check which plants you intend to plant in your bog garden before you puncture

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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.

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the liner. More holes will make it better drained and therefore require plants suitable for moist soil such as Aruncus (Goat’s Beard), Astilbe, Primula, Cotton Grass and the tall elegant flower stems of Schizostylis and Lythrium (Purple Loosestrife), not forgetting the ever popular Hostas and the giant (only if you have plenty of room) Gunnera. Fewer holes and it will retain more water and this will require plants happy to have their feet constantly wet such as the many varieties of Iris and the beautiful dark red flowers of Lobelia Cardinalis.

Refill the hole with soil and a humus rich compost mix before cutting off the still visible pieces of liner. You want it to look natural so disguise around the edges with rocks or logs. Although this ‘bog garden’ appears to meet the water area next to it they are completely separate, this allows you to keep the ‘bog garden’ as wet as you need by watering from a porous or leaky hose, giving you a constant drip effect when attached to a tap or water butt.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday March 9 at the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston 7.45pm, when our guest will be Mr. Alan Mason whose subject will be Drought Tolerant Gardening.

For more information on all our 2016 meetings and events please call Dave Haddon (0116) 2359758

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Planning P/16/0337/2:19 Babington Road, Rothley – erection of new dwelling to side of existing dwelling following demolition of outbuilding P/16/0271/2: Ivy House, 30 Anthony Street, Rothley – repair to boundary wall (listed building consent) P/16/0187/2: 16 Woodfield Road, Rothley – replacement of original windows to ground and first floor (listed building consent) P/16/0119/2: Tower House, 4 School Street, Rothley – replacement of original windows to ground and first floor (listed building consent P/15/2642/2: 2 Old Farm Close, Rothley – erection of two storey extension to dwelling P/16/0101/2: 30 Howe Lane, Rothley – erection of garage and creation of hardstanding to front of dwelling P/16/0015/2: Kingfishers Pool, 43 Westfield Lane, Rothley – move a lean-to greenhouse and increase the depth slightly to install wider door P16/2629/2: Sports Ground, Fowke Street, Rothley – replacement of two storage containers for changing rooms and storage P/16/0211/2: 150 Station Road, Cropston – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/16/0137/2: 3 Guild Close, Cropston – erection of single storey extension to side of dwelling, rear dormer extensions, insertion of roof lights and extension alterations to front balcony P/16/0206/2: 2 Rectory Lane, Thurcaston – change of use from residential (Class C3) to residential institution (Class C2)

New Waitrose shop A WAITROSE shop will open in Mountsorrel in late spring.

Waitrose, the food shops of the John Lewis partnership, has announced that it has reached an agreement with Booker Retail Partners GB to acquire its shop on Granite Way in Mountsorrel.

It will become only the sixth Waitrose shop in Leicestershire and it first branch to open in the county since 2012.

The Budgens staff employed at the branch will transfer to Waitrose and a further 40 jobs will be created as part of the multi-million pound investment it is making in the store. All employees will become Partners in the John Lewis Partnership, will have a stake in

the success of the business, a say in how it is run and a share in profits.

Budgens will continue to trade until the end of February. It will then be handed over to Waitrose in late March with the new shop opening in late spring 2016.

Recruitment for 60 jobs at the new store is now underway.

Customer service, hospitality and supermarket assistant positions are available and will be advertised at www.jlpjobs.com.

Nigel Keen, Director of Development at Waitrose, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring the Waitrose brand to Mountsorrel and we cannot wait to welcome our new customers in the spring. We look forward to becoming part of the community and making a positive contribution to the area for many years to come.”

MAR 2016

John has been to see us before and his easy relaxed style, involving his audience whenever possible, was the perfect start to a busy year of events.

At our February meeting the club welcomed Linda Smith of Waterside Nurseries, Sharnford.

Linda is a five times Chelsea Gold Medal winner and although she was suffering from winter ailments, she still delivered a very informative and comprehensive talk, illustrated with delightful pictures.

Her topic was creating and planting a Bog Garden.

Enhancing the edge of a pond or stream is a project that can be very rewarding as it provides the correct environment for an extensive group of moisture loving plants and it brings many added benefits to both still and running water giving wonderful reflections with all the different textures, structure, height and colours. It will also provide an extended habitat for wildlife and a visual backdrop to the water area.

The construction is simple, not to physi-

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THE ROTHLEY POST

16