THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
JUL/AUG 2016
www.birstallpost.co.uk
No. 119
Couple celebrate diamond wedding A ROTHLEY couple who met at the Rock cinema in Mountsorrel have celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary.
Claimant’s false statement A WOMAN has been given a conditional discharge after failing to inform a council that she co-owned a £200,000 house w hen applying for homelessness support. Aimee Hurst, 43, was found guilty at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court following the prosecution by Charnwood Borough Council. The court was told Hurst had bought a house in The Rise, Rothley in 2001 with her partner. When they moved out six years later the property was rented out. Hurst, of Woodfield Road, Rothley, later separated from her partner and in
“We were sat beside one another and just started talking and that was it, we just got on” said Ernie Wain, who after that first meeting asked wife-to-be Sheila on a date, a trip to the pictures in Loughborough.
Continued on page 2
New primary school A NEW primary school with spaces for 420 pupils is planned for the Broadnook Garden Suburb, between Birstall and Rothley.
Pics: (top) Diamond couple Ernie & Sheila Wain and (inset) on their wedding day
Three years later, in 1956, they were married in Rothley parish church and soon afterwards bought their bungalow on Mountsorrel Lane where they have lived ever since. The couple, both 82, have two daughters, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. They celebrated their anniversary with a family get together at the Quorn Grange hotel. “It was really lovely to see them all” said Sheila.
It will be a state funded Church of England school for children aged 4-11, operated by the Templar multi-academy trust and led by Rothley CofE primary school. It will also include a nursery class for 3 year olds. A trust spokesman said: “An open admissions policy with no faith-based oversubscription criteria means the school will serve the diverse communities and cultures of the area and give families more choice for their children’s primary education. The new school will be at the heart of the community, and the new community at the heart of the school.
Speaking at one of two public consultation events in June, headteacher of Rothley School Fiona Parr said: “Moving from our old school to a new school Continued on page 2
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“Broadnook CofE Primary school will offer the very best educational experience. With a rich and dynamic curriculum and vibrant programme of enrichment activities including modern foreign languages, science and sport, the school will be focused on ensuring all pupils are well prepared for the next stage in their education. The ethos will be Christian but affirming of all pupils and families, who will be welcomed, cherished and respected at Broadnook CofE Primary School.”
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School continued from page 1 on the edge of the village in the middle of a new housing development was a challenge for us, we learned a lot in the move and can apply that experience to the new Broadnook school.” One parent asked if one child went to Rothley school would a sibling go to Broadnook if Rothley school was full and was told the new school’s catchment area was the development boundary of the Broadnook Garden Suburb, and that although Rothley school is fully subscribed it can accommodate children from Rothley and has the potential to build new classrooms. A formal application to establish the school will be submitted to the Department for Education in September 2016. The Broadnook Garden Suburb is a planned garden city style development of up to 1650 homes and employment land, incorporating health care facilities and shops. www.broadnookceprimaryschool.co.uk www.broadnook.co.uk
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Claimant continued from page 1 2013 filled in a homeless application with the borough council. The application asks people if they “own or have rights of access to any other property”. The defendant answered “no”. The defendant also answered “no” to a question on a housing application form which asked if she had any residential property in this country or abroad. Hurst later moved into council accommodation. The issue did not come to light until 2015 when Hurst appealed a decision regarding her housing benefit. A Land Registry search revealed she had been listed as the joint owner of the property in The Rise, Rothley since 2001. In 2013 the property was valued at £200,000. Magistrates found her guilty of recklessly making a false statement contrary to section 214(1)(a) of the Housing Act 1996. Hurst told the court that after her relationship with her former partner ended she formed a “firm belief” that she had no interest in the property, even though she had paid for it. She also said she never gained any financial benefit as her partner kept the rental income. Magistrates said they felt that failing to declare the property was reckless as the questions were very specific and very clear on the application forms. They imposed a conditional discharge for two years and ordered her to pay prosecution costs of £485 and a victim surcharge of £15. After the hearing, Councillor Leigh Harper-Davies, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “People need to make sure the information they provide to us is correct. Failing to do so could land you in court and with a criminal conviction. “We also have limited resources and we need to make sure they are targeted towards helping the people who are most in need.”
JULY 2016
Pic: The Broadnook Garden Suburb
THE ROTHLEY POST
2
Rothley Record numbers in Rothley race crime report OVER 700 runners descended upon Rothley in June for one of the most celebrated charity road races in Leicestershire, the Rothley & Soar Valley Lions’ Club/ Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k.
Crime Report : Rothley, Apr& May 2016 Burglary 5, burglary non-dwelling 6, theft of motor vehicle 2, theft from motor vehicle 1, theft 2. A suspect was arrested for one of the burglary offences. There were two suspects for the theft of motor vehicles – one has been arrested. We have had several complaints from across the area regarding parking issues, we have sent out advice letters to affected areas and shall, where possible, increase foot patrols within the area to monitor the situation and we will be issuing advisory notices where necessary. We would like to remind residents to lock and secure your home, outbuildings and vehicle as there has been a rise in theft from motor vehicles in the surrounding areas as well as a rise in shed breaks within the area. Thanks for reading and as always please remain vigilant and report any crimes or suspicious activity to the Police on 101. You may also contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous on 0800 555 111.
THE ROTHLEY POST
JULY 2016
PV 4505 Leye Price, PCSOs 6524 Chris Kendall and 6391 Fiona Lacey NL56 –Charnwood West www.leics.police.uk Tel: please use 101 or 999 to report crime.
This is a new record for the race, which normally attracts around 500 runners. Runners from all age groups and backgrounds showed up in force for its 31st year to raise essential funds for a variety of local causes, including LOROS, Rainbows, County Air Ambulance Service, Age UK, Eye Camps and RNLI. Last year saw donations of £16,000 from runners and supporters and this year it is estimated that over £20,000 will be raised. Ian Mattioli, Chief Executive of main sponsor Mattioli Woods plc, said: “The event was a huge success and I was taken aback by the support that was demonstrated to help raise vital funds for organisations and charities based in Leicestershire”. Lion President Steve Hickling says: “Rothley & Soar Valley Lions congratulate and are exceedingly grateful to all the runners who took part this year. Again we sincerely thank our corporate business sponsors, especially Mattioli Woods, for their generous support. As in previous years, we expect to raise in excess of £15,000 from the event, which will bring the total raised over the years to close on £300,000.” Stuart Spencer from Nottingham AC was the overall winner of the race with a time of 32.19 minutes as well as winning the Affiliated Male category. Anne Holyland from Wreake Runners won the Affiliated Female category as well as Female Veteran. Jason Williams won the Male Veteran category. The Anstey Amblers and Runners won the Affiliated Female Team and Hermitage Harriers Running Club won the Affiliated Male Team. The race also included junior categories, where Luke Pole won overall in 41.04 minutes. Other local businesses who sponsored the Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k included The Fleet Auction Group, Juice, Marcol, Gateley, Champions (UK) plc, Fairline, Van Monster, Lafarge Tarmac, RWP, Swithland Spring Water, Sowden Group, Storage Concepts, Mazars, HSBC, Dimbleby Catering Company, Print Wizards, Stones Events and Anne Mills Recruitment. • Before the main race, families and young children took part in a charity mile-long fun run to support the work of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust. Joe’s Jog is now in its third year. Steve Humphries, chair of JHMT, said: “The family- friendly fun run gives families and children aged seven and over the chance to be part of the Rothley 10k evening. It also raises awareness of the vital work of the JHMT's ongoing work to raise awareness and understanding of sudden cardiac death in young people,
Pic: (top) runners at the start line & (below) Joe’s Jog
between 12 – 35 years old.” 133 runners took part in this year’s event and first home was 13-year-old Ryan Elston, of Mountsorrel, in a time of five minutes and 41 seconds. Second was Cameron Harrison-White, 14, of Mountsorrel, in 5:59 and third was Angus Lloyd, 15, of Cropston, in 6:09. Fourth place went to 14 year-old Samuel Pilbeam, of Rothley, in 6:12. The first girl to finish was Annabella Jagger,11, from Rothley, in 7:49. The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust was set up in memory of Leicestershire teenager Joe Humphries, 14 years old, collapsed and died suddenly whilst out
jogging in his home village of Rothley in October 2012. Joe was a victim to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), which causes a disturbance in the heart’s rhythm. All funds raised from Joe’s Jog will go towards JHMT’s vital work providing life-saving CPR training and defibrillators in city and county schools and for sports clubs. This is just one of the life-saving initiatives that makes up the work of the JHMT. The charity also campaigns for greater awareness of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) amongst the general public, parents, young teenagers, medical staff and professionals working with young people.
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Teddy bears float from tower
New NHW contact
ALL SAINTS Church, Thurcaston held their Garden Fete on Saturday June 11 in the Church Garden. Stalls included cakes & jams, flower arrangements, bric-a-brac, plants, tombola and there were teas with home made cakes accompanied by jazz and classical guitar music, plus hand bells. Children brought their teddies to watch them parachuted off the church tower.
Who is your New Neighbourhood Watch Village Co-ordinator? My name is Melanie Buchan and I am Leicestershire born and bred, having lived in the borough of Charnwood for most of my life. I moved to Rothley in the summer of 2010 and very much enjoy living here and I’m often out and about the village with my two small dogs. I am a keen supporter of Neighbourhood Watch and I am happy to be taking over from Marion and I very much look forward to keeping in touch with you all.
Pics: (top) children cheer on their bears parachuting from the church tower
Park & ride THE NUMBER of passenger journeys from Birstall’s park and ride site has risen by 5.7 per cent over the last year, new County Council figures reveal.
Tea party for the Queen ROTHLEY’S NOTTINGHAM Building Society hosted a tea party on Friday June 10 to mark the Queen’s birthday. Guests enjoyed a cup of tea and a scone at the branch on Woodgate which was decorated with bunting, flags and cardboard crowns. The Nottingham’s Head of Branch network Gary Womersley said: “We wanted to play our part in helping Her Majes-
Pic: Melanie Buchan
Pic: Brian Lewin cuts a cake
ty celebrate such a milestone birthday. “The Queen is very close to the hearts of many of our customers and we enjoyed having a cup of tea and a sandwich or scone with them to raise a cup to Britain’s longest serving monarch.”
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Thank You Marion I would like to say a big Thank You to Marion Vincent for her tireless commitment and effort in developing and running the Neighbourhood Watch scheme for our wonderful village - twenty years is a noteable achievement indeed! The success of Rothley’s Neighbourhood Watch is also attributable to YOU. The continued support of Rothley’s many NHW Street Co-ordinators and its members contributes greatly to the feel-good factor of our village. My Objectives • To co-ordinate information from the Police to village members. • To promote crime prevention awareness. • To increase vigilance and reduce opportunities for crime. • To encourage reporting of suspicious/criminal activity to the Police. • To develop community cohesion within Rothley. • For residents of Rothley to enjoy living in a safer community. Beat Surgery Dates for your diary: Our forthcoming Beat Surgeries are taking place at Rothley Community Library on: Saturday 2nd July 2016 between 10.30 and 12.30 Monday 8th August 2016 between 1.30 and 3.30 Our PCSO Fiona Lacey will be there to discuss crime prevention matters or any other issues you may wish to bring to her attention. It will also be an opportunity for you to meet me! Melanie Buchan NHW Co-ordinator for Rothley mbuchan.rothley.nhw@btinternet.com
JULY 2016
Passenger journeys rose from 253,130 in 2014/15 to 267,522 in 2015/16, generating £225, 746 from ticket sales. The City and County Councils share the cost or providing Leicester’s three park and ride services on a 50 : 50 basis – the other sites are Enderby and Meynell’s Gorse. Total passenger numbers using all three sites rose from 889,560 to 948,132. The service does not pay for itself and requires a subsidy – this was £537,961 in 2014/15 but fell to £507,672 in 2015/16. The projection for 2016/17 is £443,352 and the County Council says its aim is for it to make a surplus by 2020. Both Councils are planning to increase usage by offering more ticketing initiatives, reviewing fares, advertising and reviewing timetables.
THE ROTHLEY POST
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Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on May 16. Cllr Percy Hartshorn was elected as chairman of the council for the ensuing year. A member of the public asked for the locations that the Parish Council has agreed the Big Dig archaeological project can excavate this summer. The locations are: cemetery (at the bottom near the hedge); Fowke Street recreation ground (next to the entrance); Mountsorrel Lane playing field; Bunney’s Field. Cllr Mueller has resigned from the Parish Council. A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on March 17. It was agreed to investigate the cost of a new seat for the corner of Station Road and Leicester Road, Cropston and also the cost of refurbishing the seat which has been there for over 40 years. A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on April 21. A member of the public asked about speeding on Station Road. It was agreed to apply to Charnwood Borough Council to register Cropston Pinfold and the Coffin Bridge over Rothley Brook on the bridlepath between Cropston and Thurcaston as Community Assets. It was agreed to write to Leicestershire County Council regarding speeding on Station Road, Cropston and to enquire if they would consider traffic calming. It was agreed to obtain a quotation for the existing Vehicle Activated Speed sign on Station Road to collect data on the number of speeding vehicles. It was agreed to abolish the concessionary rate of £4.50 for film tickets so all tickets are £5, and to allocate £50 a month to a replacement of film equipment fund.
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Rothley’s wartime casualties “THESE MEN and memorials have been a big part of my life over the last few years and it has been a very emotional journey through all my research” says the author of a new book about Rothley’s casualties of the two world wars. ‘Rothley Remembers’ is a 200 page encyclopaedia of Rothley’s 54 casualties and the memorials that recall their names, by local resident Marion Vincent MBE. She said: “I felt that it was important for future generations to get an insight into what happened to these local men, the nightmares that surrounded them on the battlefield and that death did not just happen in the trenches. The loss of life in the support services and the accidents away from the battlefields all affected Rothley men and their families. I have included some War Diaries of the day that a man was lost or killed as they can reflect the chaos that surrounded the regiments and our Rothley men.” The book has 139 pages in full colour and is a must-have volume for anyone wanting to understand the enormity of the sacrifice of Rothley lives in the two world wars, with many references to assist your own research. Marian added: “A man that I met by chance at the memorial had come to look at his father’s name and I told him that he was also mentioned on the village website. The family was so pleased that he was remembered in this way and that was a big part in my decision to write this book. I wanted the relatives of all these men
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to know that they were more than just a name on a plaque in the centre of Rothley and just how many memorials we have in their memory.” There will be a book launch on October 8 at 10.30am at the Old School Room, School Street, Rothley. Those wishing to ensure they have a copy can order for £15 and prepay for the book as a founding subscriber. Readers who pre-order by August 31, 2016 will have their names entered on the List of Subscribers in the front of the book, and have
Pic: Able Seaman Archibald Arthur Newby
priority access on October 8 at the Book Launch. Books can be posted at £4 each extra, or collected later by arrangement. After the launch the book will retail at £17.50 each. For pre-ordering and more information contact Brenda Sutherland on 0116 230 2931 or email: brenda.sutherland1@ntlworld.com
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The Rothley Charities
Building Society & Harrison Murray Estate Agency In aid of the Julie McCarthy Foundation, the Tilinanu Orphanage, Alex’s Wish and The Warners’ Wish to Walk
Duck Race
Leicester Lions
Rothley Brook, Bunney’s Field nr The Woodman’s Stroke Thursday July 7, 6.30pm Sponsored by the Nottingham
YOUR SAY...
Summer Fair 34 The Ridgeway, Rothley Sun Aug 7,11am-3pm Tea, cake, BBQ, bric-a-brac, plant sale All proceeds to charity
Birstall Running Club
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
Book search I have been trying, without success, to obtain a copy of "A History and Guide to Rothley - a Great Central Country Station" by D J U Knighton, published in 1989. It occurs to me that one of your readers might have a copy that they would be prepared to sell, or possibly lend, to me. I used the station daily in the late 1950s/early 1960s and came to know Mr Brown, the stationmaster, and the porters George and John, well. I can be contacted by e-mail at rclark@iee.org Roger Clark
Delighted A few days ago I lost my desk keys when parking my car in the city. Fortunately, I had printed my phone number and address on the tab, but did not really expect to see them again. Imagine my delight and astonishment when a charming Birstall family who found the keys did not just phone me but drove out to Thurcaston to return them to me in person, and then adamantly refused to accept any reward or recompense for this extremely kind action. It is heartwarming to realize what a fine example some set for others to follow. Peter Mans
Station I was interested in your article about the above but would point out that the flying saucer canopy design was exclusive to the Mobil Oil Co. and the station is now owned and run by the BP oil Co. John Tinley
Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.20 for 6.30 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 Web site – www.birstallrc.org.uk
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
Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, July 12 at 6.30pm for a 7pm start You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Road, Birstall LE4 4GH to watch professional artist, Terry Anderson, demonstrate how to create a ‘Landscape’ using watercolours. Come along and see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Demonstration to end at 9pm. Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access. Tuesday, August 9, at 6.30pm for a 7pm start You are invited to join us at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre at The Cedars Academy, Wanlip Road, Birstall LE4 4GH to watch renowned professional artist, Norman Rossiter, demonstrate how to create ‘ Wildlife in a Landscape’ a ‘Landscape’ using acrylics. Come along, be excited and encouraged to see if you will be inspired to try your hand at this wonderful and fulfilling hobby. Demonstration to end at 9pm. Members £1, Guests £3. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access.
A Fantastic Opportunity to Help Others with Technology! Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland are now recruiting Digital Champion Volunteers - small amounts of time make a huge difference. With more and more services now
digital by default we are holding events across Leicester Shire and Rutland to support people over the age of 50 using a variety of devices such as laptops, smart phones and tablets. You don't have to be a computer genius to be a Digital Champion we don't teach, we guide! For more information please contact Hollie Ind - 0116 223 7371 or email hollie.ind@ageukleics.org.uk
Rothley’s BIG DIG! 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday 23rd & 24th July 2016 Coming NOW to a garden or green space near you The Big Dig is led by the Charnwood Roots Team (see website) with expert help from Leicester University, aiming to uncover more of the Archaeology of the settlement of Rothley. There will be 35 one-metre square dig sites. The BIG DIG needs YOU! Lots of jobs-digging, riddling, washing and processing the finds All ages welcome, training and equipment is provided and no previous experience is necessary. Become an amateur archaeologist for a weekend of fun. Register your interest at charnwoodroots@le.ac.uk or leave a message on 0116 252 5946
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THE ROTHLEY POST
6
Coffee Shop & Table Top Sale Saturday 19 August, 10am-1pm Birstall Methodist Church & Church Hall Leicester Gilbert & Sullivan Society raising funds in aid of MND Association Tombola, Raffle, lots of different tables etc Please come along and support this charity
Rothley Community Library What could you do? Vacancies on the library board of trustees and on new sub - groups Working on: 1. Events & fund-raising 2. Day to day running 3. Finance & management 4. Communications & publicity Are you interested? Contact Steve Mitchell chair@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk
Sue volunteers@rothleycommunitylibr ary.co.uk or phone Steve - 077506 133 154 visit www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co. uk for more information Join Charity Link for the
Leicestershire 3 Peaks Power Walk
Leicester based poverty charity, Charity Link, would like to invite you to join them for their first ‘Leicestershire 3 Peaks Power Walk’ – a 15 mile challenge taking place on Sunday 25th September 2016. The challenge will see individuals and teams taking on a 15 mile course starting and finishing at Bradgate Park. The route includes the peaks of Old John Tower, Beacon Hill and Leicestershire’s highest peak, Bardon Hill, which, at 912ft, is just 88ft short of a mountain. Walking through some of the county’s most beautiful (and physically challenging!) scenery, the goal is to finish the route within six hours. Funds raised through the walk will help the charity, which marks its 140th birthday this year, to change the lives of local individuals and families in severe financial hardship or crisis, including the victims of domestic violence and people facing chronic illness or disability. For more details visit www.charitylink.org/events/challenges or contact Rachel Markham for an information pack (email rachel.markham@charty-link.org or call 0116 222 2218).
wanted items or even home-made items, then set up your table on the morning of the 9th July. This will be fully advertised in the Leicester Mercury, Gumtree & publicised on Facebook/Twitter-we are expecting a brilliant turnout yet again. We will be making a list of participating addresses so if you would like yours to be included please get in touch: fiona.barnes20@ntlworld.com Facebook.com/BigBirstallYardSale Or call or text 0754 7293545 to register for the event This will ensure that we can direct potential buyers to your stall. Registering Your Address & Taking Part Is Completely Free!!! Please like our Facebook page for updates
Big Birstall Yard Sale
Revive
Saturday 9th July 10-4 For the 4th year running Birstall residents will be taking part in a massive collection of yard sales from their own driveway... If you would like your household to take part-then all you need to do is get in touch (details below) & start hunting for clutter or un-
Party In The Park – Rothley Sunday 28th August at Rothley Park Cricket Club Afternoon fun for all the family in the afternoon followed by live music in the evening FREE entrance, donations to the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust
Regular arts & craft workshops for health and wellbeing Particularly beneficial to adults experiencing mental health difficulties such as stress anxiety or depression Develop new skills with the help of an experienced arts for health practitioner along with encouragement and support from our friendly volunteers
Positive and relaxed atmosphere, providing an haven from everyday worries encouraging a feeling of calm whilst promoting confidence Sessions run during term time: Thurdays 12 noon - 2pm Fridays 10.30am - 12.30pm £5 per session including all materials plus tea/coffee We are based in Room 105, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR Please book ahead so we can plan effectively for our sessions 07760 232059 www.littlebirdsos.co.uk
Yarnjackers We provide a friendly social group, offering crafts and other activities which help improve mental wellbeing and confidence Everything made in this group is sold at craft fairs, open days or online, to raise the funds needed to make Little Bird SOS sustainable for the future Stay for the whole session or join us at anytime up to an hour befor the end You don't need any art & craft skills! We have a range of tasks available, from tea making and label making, to the production of quality crafted items for sale Sessions run during term time: Tuesdays 12 noon - 3pm Wednesdays 10.30am - 2.30pm Sessions are free of charge We are based in Room 105, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR Please book ahead so we can plan effectively for our sessions 07760 232059 www.littlebirdsos.co.uk
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Sun shines on charity cycle race THE MME Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride, organised by Rothley charity Alex’s Wish, reported its busiest year ever with over 250 cyclists recently taking to the 10, 20 or 50 mile routes. “The weather was just gorgeous,” says Emma Hallam, founder of Alex’s Wish, the charity that raises money to fund clinical trials into finding treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Duchenne Muscu-
lar Dystrophy, a life limiting condition which affects boys across the UK including Emma’s son Alex, after whom the charity is named. “That certainly helped draw a few more cyclists out on the day. We are still receiving sponsorship money but to date over £10,000 has been raised making this our most successful Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride to date – both in terms of number of riders and the amount raised.” Riders were equally happy with the event. Elizabeth Raouf said, “We love this event. Yet again it was beautifully organised and a fabulous ride. All of my colleagues enjoyed it and my daughter, who has just turned 14, joined us too. I hope to make the team bigger every year. Great news about the amount raised....well done!” Dave Haywood cycled the 50 mile route which was new for 2016 and said,
“Thank you, thank you for today. Really, really enjoyed the 50 mile bike ride round beautiful Charnwood. Can't tell you how brilliantly the course was laid out. I didn't know the area at all but found the arrows and directions where brilliant. Would definitely like to do it again next year. Thank you again.” Emma said: “It’s great to have good feedback on the event and to see everyone enjoying the new 10 and 50 mile routes as well as the established 20 mile route. I really want to thank all the volunteers, marshals and sponsors too. MME were our headline sponsor and we also received support from Cuppas of Rothley and Mattioli Woods. We also had three returning sponsors from last year too - Nisa (Bradleys store) in Rothley were the events first-aid
sponsors, The Woodmans Stroke Pub in Rothley were the communications sponsor and Pedal Power were the on-site bike specialists. Without their support this event would be almost impossible to put on. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
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We need volunteers! We are setting up a network of volunteers to deliver the Rothley Post. The Rothley Post’s sister paper The Birstall Post, established in 1983, has always been delivered by volunteers – there are currently 138 of them. In the last issue we appealed for volunteers and had a great response - many thanks to all of you. We still have vacant delivery routes - details below. Rothley Post volunteers will deliver the paper to their street six times a year. The papers are bound and dropped our your doorstep. If you decide to volunteer and can’t deliver an issue because of holidays or illness, you can contact the office and we will make other arrangements for that issue. If you volunteer then decide, it’s not for you, you can drop out at any time. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer for any of the delivery routes below.
Badgers Bank (14) Barley Way (16) Cossington Lane (14) Flaxland (7) Furrow Close (11) Garland (50) Hallfields Lane (69) Hames Close (11) Hickling Close (25) Knight's Crescent (21) Manor Holt Cl (14)
Mountsorrel Lane, odd nos. 57-129 (37) Mountsorrel Lane, odd nos. 135-231 (27) Mountsorrel Lane, even nos. 86-146 & The Crescent (31) Oldfield Lane (16) Templar Way (44) The Roods (19) Whatton Oaks (29) Windmill End (13)
CROPSTON
Causeway Lane (23) Cropston Road (11) Leicester Road, 301-312 (7) Lychgate Close (6) Outfields Drive (25) Ridley Close (26) Stamford Drive (18) Thistle Close (18) Waterfield Road, odd (21) Waterfield Road, even (22) Station Road, 152-198 (20) Station Road, 53-95 (22) Station Road, 101-147 (27)
Station Road, 149-197 (19)
THURCASTON Chapel Close (10) Fox Covert Close (5) Lanesborough Drive & Vine House Close (20) Leicester Road, 13-111 (45) Leicester Road, 121-201 (39) Leicester Road, 217-233 (9) Leicester Road, 120-174 (27) Mill Road (30)
Email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk • Tel: 0116 4422067 • Unit 109 Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR
JULY 2016
ROTHLEY
THE ROTHLEY POST
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175 new homes on Westfield Lane A PLANNING application that has seen a record number of objections from residents looks set to be determined in July. David Wilson Homes want to build 175 new houses off Westfield Lane in Rothley and submitted an amended application in May. Their previous applications have resulted in around 2300 objections. Objectors fear that the development will harm the character of the conservation area, increase traffic, put pressure on existing services and infrastructure and reduce settlement separation. The application received in May contained minor alterations to the access, tree cover and type of affordable housing, which will now include starter homes. The planning application states that the development will have: • a new vehicular access from Westfield Lane • a new emergency access off Breech woman for the Save Rothley campaign, Hedge said: “Thousands of local residents re• up to 40% of the dwellings are to main most firmly opposed to this probe affordable housing posed development in one of the few • a structural tree belt around the remaining areas of beauty in our village. western edge of the development We remain most concerned about the • a landscape buffer along the eastern loss of village identity, safety of the proedge of the development to respect and posed junction, impact on heritage and maintain privacy and amenity of existing conservation areas, loss of ancient trees residents along Templar Way and harm to wildlife, particularly the • a comprehensive green infrastrucbadgers resident in the large sett near ture strategy that integrates existing landthe proposed site entrance. scape features with new areas of public “The village infrastructure is unable to open space to local policy standards support yet another large build, with • a water attenuation strategy that parking for village amenities and congesintegrates water through the develoption already a daily problem. Local ment, which also enhances the biodiverschools are oversubscribed with the sity of the site large estates already under construction Vivienne Barratt-Peacock, a spokes-
in the village. The village does not have a GP surgery and both Mountsorrel practices are at capacity. “Flooding along Westfield Lane has been worse than ever this year, with water flowing from the field where building is proposed and across the road like a river whenever we have persistent rain. This water then flows down Wellsic Lane and onto Town Green Street, putting properties at risk and preventing home owners form getting in and out of their properties. Overflowing sewers on Templar Way have been a particular problem after rainfall this year. 175 more houses with tarmac drives and roads, linked into the same drainage system can only worsen these problems of surface water flooding and sewerage.” Planning application P/14/2083/2
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Local racing driver’s flying start
THE ROTHLEY POST
JULY 2016
GEORGE LINE got his F3 Cup Championship off to a flying start at Donnington Park with a podium finish in his first single seater race.
Pic: George Line interviewed on the podium
The Thurcaston racing driver hadn’t been able to practice before the first round of the F3 Cup National Championship, so went straight into timed qualifying. This was the first time he had driven a single seater around this circuit. Race one saw George move rapidly through the field to finish second to the delight of family and friends. A fourth place finish in race two has given him an excellent start to his first season in F3 racing. Langford Line Motorsport are the smallest and least experienced team in the series. A spokesman said: “We are learning fast! With Lewis Caruthers, Mercedes F1 Apprentice Engineer, Faith Pickering on data and The Old Man, Robin Langford, Ex-boss of Langrop Anstey, George’s step-dad, getting in the way. We are now looking for further success in the next round at Brands Hatch.”
Ladies circle
THE LADIES Circle, Howe Lane, Rothley have been fundraising and presented a cheque for £450 to Gail Moore, founder of the Laura Centre. A further £450 has been raised for Rothley Methodist Church. Pic: Carole Jordan (right) presenting a cheque to Gail Moore
WEA courses OPPORTUNITIES AT the Workers’ Educational Association Rothley Branch. Animal Architecture-Mixed Media Practical Art 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: Mondays 1.00–3pm, 11 meetings from Monday 19th September 2016 The Victorian Countryside Tutor: Cynthia Brown 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: Tuesdays 10–11.30am, 9 meetings from Tuesday 20th September 2016 Creative Writing Tutor: Maxine Linnell. Fee: £53.90 or Free if you are in receipt of an income related benefit. Venue: Rothley Community Library, Mountsorrel lane, Rothley LE7 7PS Date: Wednesdays 9.45-11.45am. 7 meetings from Wednesday 28th September 2016 Art And The Human Form-Art Appreciation 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: Wednesdays 7.15–9.15pm, 7 meetings from Wednesday 28TH September 2016 Contact: Marion Vincent 0116 2375156 or send your enrolments to Jill Williams WEA Treasurer, 14 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7PR Please make cheques payable to WEA Rothley Branch. Enrol on line for all courses if space available at https://enrolonlinewea.org.uk/online
THE ROTHLEY POST
JULY 2016
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Monday Club news IN MAY the club travelled over to AlreWe heard that perfume was created and was in Staffordshire, to visit the Nation- worn by men only as far back as the Egypal Memorial Arboretum, which is the tian era. The Egyptians used to create ointments and balms with essential oils UK’s year-round centre of Rememmixed in to provide scent, but were furbrance and home to the iconic Armed ther refined by the Romans, the Persians Forces Memorial. and the Arabs. The word perfume is We were blessed with extraordinary, used today to describe scented mixtures warm, sunny weather facilitating easy exploration and discovery of the many memo- and is derived from the Latin word, "per fumus," meaning through smoke, which rial dedications. Many of the members was one method used by the Egyptians by took advantage of the fifty minute land burning heavily scented trees. train with pre-recorded Commentary, Mr Craven told us that the word Perwhich was a very pleasant and informative way of seeing the over 300 thought provok- fumery refers to the art of making perfumes and although perfume was still ing memorials situated amongst lush and worn by men only, right up to the early maturing woodland. Military and civilian Victorian times, the methods of achieving Associations are represented alongside the fragrances, became more suitable to tributes for individuals, rich in design and women. Today’s perfume, however, utilizes symbolism and sympathetic to the landa much more complex method of preparascape. tion. The desired scents, in specific quantiAlongside the richly displayed memorials, we discovered the sad recognition of a ties, are combined with either ethanol or ethanol and water. memorial entitled “Shot at Dawn”; reOn conclusion of his talk, Mr Craven minding one of the gross miscarriages of invited Members to come and sample the justice of the many men branded as cowsprays he had brought along and kindly ards for deserting the fields of war, who gave small free phials to take home; everywere later pardoned as being found to be suffering from shellshock, and not respon- one was delighted. Following the talk, as a token of resible for their actions. This memorial one spect to the Queen’s Birthday, the Memberhopes goes someway to comforting the ship enjoyed various cakes to have with families deprived of their loved one in their cups of tea. such dreadful circumstances. Our next Meeting will be held on July After having rewarded ourselves with 11 when we shall be enjoying our annual lunchtime refreshment, we boarded the Strawberry Cream Tea for £6.50 at the coach and proceeded down to Dobbies “Blue Bell Inn in Rothley at 2.15pm for Garden Centre, near Hinckley. This is a 2.30pm. Please ring me, if you are intervast centre stocking just about everything ested in joining us. in the way of garden equipment, furniture From Ann Farndon, The Monday Club Anand plants plus franchises belonging to stey, Thurcaston, Cropston And Rothley, 0116 Edinburgh Woollen Co., etc. After more 2363467. exercise, we made our way to the Restaurant which was advertising enticing large scones filled with jams various, together with double cream and, of course, the very welcome cups of tea. Thus fortified, after an extremely successful day, we then embarked for our journey home to Rothley, Thurcaston, and Cropston. Despite the inclement weather members managed to arrive to the meeting on June 13 between the showers. A CHARITY that provides homes We were rewarded by listening to a for single women in Birstall has fascinating talk given by Mr. James Craven several vacant properties. of Queniborough entitled “The History of The Burley Houses, Tempest Road Perfume”. He is a Perfume Archivist, at were opened in 1932 and were designed 'Les Senteurs' in London. by architect Stockdale Harrison. The trustees of the Burley Almshouses charity are holding an open day on August 6 between 10am and 4pm, where visitors will be given a tour of the properties. Residents are required to have lived in the county of Leicestershire for a period of 10 years, or have a husband or parent who has. All the properties are supplied with a monitoring device linked to Charnwood Lifeline providing a 24 hours call out service. For more details contact James Williams at 16 Tempest Road, Birstall LE4 3BE, tel: 0116 2676398, email
New flower planters TWO NEW flower planters have been installed in Cropston by Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council. The planter on the corner of Station Road and Cropston Road has been honoured to the memory of Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan of
THE ROTHLEY POST
JULY 2016
Vacant homes
jamesjwilliams@ntlworld.com
Cropston who was killed in Afghanistan in April 2014. The Parish Council also provided a brass plaque in his honour. The inauguration took place on Monday June 6 at 3.25pm. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and was attended by Rakesh’s family, Lady Gretton JP Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, the Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood, Parish Councillors, neighbours and many of Rakesh’s friends. Cllr Michael Jackson welcomed and thanked everybody for coming. Speeches were then read by Lady Gretton and Kesh Chauhan. In honour of Rakesh, three lavender plants from RAF Odiham were planted by Lady Gretton,
Jyoti & Kishor Chauhan, Rakesh's parents and his brother Kesh Chauhan and his financee, assisted by Chairman of The Parish Council Mark Charles. Kishor Chauhan thanked everybody for attending and invited everybody back to their home for refreshments. Pic: (top) Lady Gretton and Parish Council Chairman Mark Charles
News from Rothley library can join on their first visit. There are goodies on the way, and on the third visit they get a certificate and a medal! Bring the children along to see all our new books and take part. A brand new puppet theatre and puppets have arrived in the library! These are for you to explore and experiment with. Huge thanks for this lovely gift. Britons, Saxons, Vikings - Who are the English? Thursday 7 July at 7pm. A lighthearted, not to say irreverent, look at how England became a nation. With Marianne Whiting. Marianne was born and bred in Sweden. She has lived and worked in England since 1973. She is now happily retired and spends her time giving talks and writing, mostly about Vikings. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies and her novel Shieldmaiden was longlisted for the Rubery International Book Award in
is that the Phoenix can continue to support it, so there will be new films for the autumn. Library use In the twelve months from April 2014 to March 2015, 90 people joined Leicestershire Libraries at Rothley. Up until the end of March 2016 190 joined, an increase of 113%! Only two other libraries in the county have seen larger increases. Our book issues remain consistently good, with a rise in February of 7% to 1029 book loans. At a time nationally where the trend is for fewer books to be loaned out, our figures month by month remain on an even keel. There are now 209 likes on the library’s Facebook page, and there were 200 visits to the library website last month. One Saturday last month, 64 people visited the library. All events are held at Rothley Community Library, Mountsorrel Lane. There is a small car park, and buses 126 and 127 stop outside. The library is available to hire for small groups. Find out more at www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk, or follow us on Facebook.
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History society: Bradgate Park IN MAY the Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society heard an illustrated talk by Peter Tyldesley, Director, Bradgate Park Trust: “Colourful characters of Bradgate Park: 600 million years of history in one evening”.
Peter pointed out that most of us know Bradgate Park for, among other things, Lady Jane Grey, Old John Tower, deer and ice cream, but fossil evidence shows its history began some 560 million years ago in a warm sea in the southern hemisphere. The oldest rocks in the park contain trac2013. es of pre-Cambrian fossils of the creatures Pay as you like. Proceeds will be which lived in that sea. shared between Marianne and the library. The earliest peoples arrived across a Under 5s story time land bridge from Europe about 12,500 BC Tuesday 5 and Friday 29 July, 9.30as the ice retreated. They were hunter10.15am. gatherers following herds of deer and wild Everyone is welcome, pay as you like. horses. In 2001 the first scatterings of Community Book Group Wednesday flints they used were found in the Park. In 20 July 7.15-8.15pm We’ll be talking 2014 archaeologists from the University of about Villette, by Charlotte Bronte. On Leicester surveyed the site and more than Wednesday, 17 August we’ll be talking 400 flint tools and spears were recovered. The Grey family’s association with the about Early one morning, by Virginia Park lasted from 1445 until 1920, and Baily. Everyone is welcome pay as you from early times was connected with royallike. ty. Elizabeth Woodville, who became the Computer support group wife of Edward IV, was first married to Sir 7 and 21 July, 4 and 12 August John Grey, Baron Grey of Groby (killed in 10am-12. Together with Age UK. Bring along your laptop, tablet or smartphone, the Wars of the Roses). Elizabeth was mother of Edward V, and her daughter or try out our computers. All ages welElizabeth of York was wife of Henry VII. come, friendly one to one help. Elizabeth was, therefore, grandmother of Police Beat surgery Henry VIII, and great-grandmother of Saturday 2 July, 10:30 – 12:30 and Edward VI, and Queens Mary and Eliza8th August, 13:30 – beth I. 15:30. Come Elizabeth Woodville’s eldest son Thoalong with any mas Grey survived the Wars of the Roses concerns about and was created Marquess of Dorset. He crime or securi- reclaimed the Grey family fortunes, and ty. started building a new great house in his Rothley Film deer park at Bradgate shortly before his Club death in1501. His son (also Thomas) The film club continued the construction, building in the is taking a sum- newly fashionable material brick, the clay for which was dug from pits on the estate. mer break, but Lady Jane Grey was born in 1537, the good news
daughter of the 3rd Marquess of Dorset, Henry Grey. The Greys had early hopes of marrying Jane to the king Edward VI. They were a protestant family, with some claims to the throne, through Jane’s mother Frances. When Edward VI realized he was dying, he named Jane as his successor, to prevent his Catholic half-sister Mary ascending the throne. Mary, however, gathered supporters and marched on London bringing Jane’s nine day reign to an end. Jane was executed in 1554. During the 16th and 17th centuries the family’s fortunes ebbed and flowed with various colourful characters. Bradgate House was abandoned in 1739 after advantageous marriages and acquisition of new lands and titles meant that the family moved to Enville and Dunham Massey. In 1928 Charles Bennion, a footwear manufacturer, bought the Park and gave it, to be managed as a trust, for the people of Leicestershire. The Bradgate Park Trust established to do this still manages the Park today. Swithland Wood has since been added to the Trust, and both are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The Park has never been deep ploughed which means many archaeological signs remain undisturbed. The University of Leicester School of Archaeology is currently undertaking a five-year programme of summer fieldschools from 2015-19. They will be holding a public Open Day on Saturday 3rd July. More Information on the dig: www.bradgatepark.org Indoor meetings of the Local History Society recommence on 20th September with a talk about Leicester’s Roman Mosiacs, by Susan Tebby. From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society
JULY 2016
The Big Spring Sale There was wind and rain on Bank Holiday Monday, but plenty of people turned out for the library’s Big Spring Sale of books, plants, and cakes. Cuppas supplied beautiful cream teas, and local puppeteer David Lloyd put on a great Punch and Judy show for the children. All books and plants were donations from the local community, and the library was open for borrowing books thanks to library volunteers. Many thanks to everyone who helped and supported the library by coming along. A total of £420 was raised to help keep the library open. Computer system New at your library this month: thanks to a donation from the Harry Hames Trust, a new superfast computer system has been installed and is now working. Members of the public are welcome to come and use the computers during library opening hours, and printing is also available at good prices. Many thanks to Sally Lee who has organized this project, and to Richard from NoAggro.com who has created and installed the system. Anyone who would like to learn to use a computer is welcome to our computer support sessions run with Age UK, see below. Get involved! There’s lots more to do at the library than stamping books, and the Board of Trustees is looking for people to get involved in running the charity. There vacancies for trustees, and also for four new sub-groups to do practical work: 1. Events and fund-raising; 2. Day to day running; 3. Finance and management; 4. Communications and publicity. Contact Steve at chair@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk or Sue at volunteers@rothleycommunitylibrary.co. uk, phone Steve on 077506133154, or pop a note into the library. At this stage the deadline for new committee members is 8th July. Summer reading challenge This year’s challenge theme is the ‘Big Friendly Read’ to coincide with Roald Dahl’s birth a hundred years ago, and the release of the Big Friendly Giant film on 22 July. The scheme is for 3-12 year olds, and runs from 9 July until 3 September. Children need to visit the library three times, and take out at least three books. They need to be a library member, but
R.E. MILLS
THE ROTHLEY POST
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Helpers needed to dig up Rothley AN APPEAL has gone out calling for volunteers to help with this summer’s Big Dig in Rothley. Charnwood Roots is investigating how people have lived, worked and enjoyed this unique part of Leicestershire across the centuries; from pre-history through to modern day. As part of the Festival of British Archaeology (16 - 31st July 2016), Charnwood Roots will be holding a number of events around Charnwood Forest to give local people a chance to take part in some hands on archaeology. The most important event will be a community dig in Rothley. The village has huge archaeological potential and there are clues to Rothley’s early history waiting to be discovered in back gardens around the village. Beneath the earth are objects left behind by the people who lived in Rothley hundreds, even thousands of years ago. “This evidence can be pieced together to help us understand what was happening in Rothley in ancient and medieval times and will allow us to build up a picture of how the village developed in the period before we have written records,” explains Charnwood Roots Project Manager Julie Attard of Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust. The dig will be led by the Charnwood Roots team with help from archaeologists from the University of Leicester and local volunteers. “We’re looking for around 150 volunteers who would be willing to help excavate 30 test-pits in back gardens and public spaces across the village. Test-pits are small, only 1 metre square, but in our previous community digs in Anstey and Whitwick they have yielded hundreds of artefacts spanning many thousands of years. Every test-pit is unique
Pic: A Big Dig project in Anstey
and tells its own story about the history of that part of the village. In Anstey we found prehistoric artefacts in back gardens on the edge of the village in a modern housing estate. I am very excited to see what we will discover in Rothley.” The dig is suitable for everyone and families are welcome to take part. All training and equipment will be provided and no previous experience is necessary. People can also volunteer to help wash and process the finds if they cannot dig. Rothley’s Big Dig will take place over the weekend of Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July and if you would like to volunteer you need to be available on both of these days. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Julie at charnwoodroots@le.ac.uk or telephone 0116 252 5946. You can find out more about the whole project at www.charnwoodroots.org or follow @CharnwoodRoots on social media.
Day care centre - NHS bosses extend funding A DEMENTIA day care service in Birstall that was threatened with closure has been given a reprieve – but only for 6 months. The centre, based in the village hall, place as soon as possible in order that we can allay the concerns of those is run by Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland and looks after 19 people with carers involved who are still worried about the future of the service” he dementia across two days, with nine added. on a waiting list. Birstall’s MP Edward Argar said: In April the NHS West Leicestershire “This local service is a hugely imporClinical Commissioning Group said it tant lifeline to those with dementia was withdrawing £70,000 of funding who use it, and for those who care for and the centre looked to set to close them, and we have been clear that to this September. close it would be the wrong decision. Campaigners, carers and Age UK I welcome the news that the CCG has urged NHS bosses to reconsider, and listened to the concerns I expressed to they now say they will extend funding them, in Parliament, and in the local to March 2017 after listening to the media, and to the voices of local peofeedback from patients and carers. ple. But while this is good news, there They say that in the meantime they will is still more work to do and I hope conduct a review of service provision. that this reprieve will give the opportu“It is important that we do not take nity for the CCG to work constructively our eye off the ball” said Tony Donowith me and local campaigners to find van, Director of Age UK Leicestershire a way to secure the Centre’s long-term & Rutland. “We are making every effuture beyond next year.” fort to ensure that the review takes
New Waitrose opens
THE ROTHLEY POST
JULY 2016
THE NEW Waitrose in Mountsorrel was officially opened on May 5 by Nicky Morgan MP.
Lions’ summer fair LEICESTER LIONS will be holding their annual Summer Fair again this year in the grounds of 34 The Ridgeway, Rothley LE7 7LE on Sunday August 7. This event which has raised over £10,000 for local charities is a great place to meet old friends, or bring the family and enjoy a cup of tea and cake, or something from the barbecue. Stroll around and browse for a bargain on the bric-a-brac tables or buy a cake, a plant or some garden produce. If you are feeling lucky try the tombola or buy a raffle ticket for some great prizes, many donated by local businesses. Gate opens at 11am until 3pm, entry £2 for adults, all proceeds to charity.
She joined store manager Tim Stanton in cutting the ribbon and welcoming the store’s first customers. The new store follows a multi-million-pound investment, which has transformed the former Budgens into an 8,500 sq ft Waitrose with 151 car parking spaces. A total of 60 new jobs have been created, adding to the 40 existing Budgens employees. Nicky Morgan MP said: “I am delighted that Waitrose has chosen to open in Mountsorrel. Not only have the
existing Budgens staff been retained, but 60 new jobs have been created as well. There is a real buzz surrounding the opening locally and I look forward to seeing this new store going from strength to strength.” Waitrose announced in January that it had reached an agreement with Booker Retail Partners GB to acquire the Budgens shop on Granite Way. The new branch is Waitrose’s largest convenience store and provides the retailer’s latest offer, including a bakery with seating for hot drinks and snacks, an extensive wine department, and the John Lewis Click and Collect service.
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Mountsorrel & Rothley heritage centre opens sorrel or Rothley, lying in the garden shed or in the loft, might consider lending their item for display in the heritage centre for visitors to see” said Sarah. The Community Room has already seen local people and businesses hiring it out to provide a number of events at the Centre. The first two weeks of opening it hosted ‘Passing Through’, an art exhibition by six local artists, which included paintings, drawings, printmaking, ceramics and photography. The first Saturday also saw a ‘meet the artists’ event. The Charnwood Craft Company
A NEW tourist attraction created by volunteers has opened in Rothley. The Mountsorrel and Rothley Heritage Centre opened in April – it has a coffee shop, an exhibition of local history, a community room that features art exhibitions and the Nunckley Nature Trail. It is open between 10am and 5pm, seven days a week and admission is free. The centre is the culmination of a project that began in 2007 when a group of volunteers got together to restore the Mountsorrel railway – a disused section of GCR track running from Rothley to Mountsorrel. That task, and the construction of the Mountsorrel station, was completed in 2015. Now the volunteers are working on the heritage centre site, building demonstration stonemason huts to recreate
quarrying scenes from the late 19th centu- very reasonable prices. Dominic at David ry. North of Rothley, will be supplying patisThere will also be a small museum series, whilst the coffee has been specialbuilding linked to the Mountsorrel railly blended by a local merchant. A wide way. It will exhibit historical railway variety of flavoured ice creams are comvehicles that once worked in Mountsorrel. ing from further afield, from Parisellas, a Sarah Hughes, a spokeswoman for the little family business in Conwy, North centre, said: “Despite a low profile open- Wales. The intention is that Granite’s ing, queues formed outside the door on Coffee Shop which is “Not for Profit”, the first day and the Heritage Centre, will generate the income needed to supGranite’s coffee shop and the nature trail port the operation and ongoing maintehave proved to be very popular.” nance of the heritage centre site. The She added: “Granite’s has sourced public will then have free access to all some high quality produce, all served at the areas of interest and attractions that
DE MONTFORT MEMORIALS
and the site will have to offer. Although there may be a small charge on certain special Smarti Paints are both holding craft mornings at the centre on Monday and event days and the Great Central Railway will sell tickets for rides on the trains on Thursday Mornings respectively where you can come and make something or days when the railway is operating.” learn a new skill. Inside the centre display boards reThere will also be storytime for the count the history of Mountsorrel and under 5s taking place on a Wednesday Rothley from the Bronze age to modern afternoon with local author Rachel times. These displays will rotate to allow the full breadth of the two villages’ histo- Greaves who will share her stories about Ruffles the rail dog and his adventures ries to be displayed. on a steam railway. All the events can be “The Heritage Centre also has a found at www.heritage-centre.co.uk number of artefacts on display and any If you have an artefact for display readers who might have an item of historplease contact steve.cramp@heritageical interest associated to either Mountcentre.co.uk
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A PLANNED 66 bed residential care home would create 42 new jobs, say the developers. Ideal Care Homes want to build the three storey building on a site next to Hill Top Garage, on Loughborough Road. The home will accommodate people from the local area and offer two types of care – general and dementia. The site is a vacant plot that is part of a site that was granted planning permission for 45 dwellings in January 2014. Planning application : P/16/0836/2
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
JULY 2016
Pic: the 66 bed residential care home
THE ROTHLEY POST
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GCR’s war weekend MUSIC, MOCK battles and a Spitfire aerial display were all features of the Great Central Railway’s wartime weekend event in June. Hundreds of re-enactors wearing period clothes brought the station to life, there were displays of military equipment and visiting dignitaries to stations along the line included Winston Churchill and the King and Queen.
Revival is back this August
THE ROTHLEY POST
JULY 2016
MOUNTSORREL REVIVAL returns to the village on Sunday August 14. The festival will once again bring old-style vintage fun to Mountsorrel, featuring a street parade, music, dancing and lots of interesting stalls and attractions. With over 6,000 people attending last year, it was a busy day - every food stall was sold out by mid afternoon! With the summer on the way, it’s time to start thinking about building your Soap Box racer for this year’s competition. The race is a centrepiece of the Revival and the race teams will take part in the street parade, as well as race on the Cricket Club Track. All sorts of wild and wacky machines take part – from the ‘serious engineering’ to the entertaining ‘just for the fun of it’. Details of the race, entry forms and a video of last year’s racing can be found on the
Pic: photos taken at last year’s event
‘Mountsorrel-revival’ website. Ian Shonk, the race organiser said: “We can promise you a great afternoon’s fun – and some wonderful handmade trophies to challenge for” Entries for both Stall-holders and Race Teams are now open. Spaces for
both are limited and on a ‘first-come’ basis. Details are available on the ‘Mountsorrel-Revival’ website. Admission to the Mountsorrel Revival is free and the event runs from 11am to 5pm along the length of the village from The Green to Stonehurst farm, where there will be a WWII event made up of local Allied and Axis re-enactors featuring vehicles and weapon displays. These will include a copy of the Enigma machine similar to the one used to read German messages at Bletchley Park.
Fuchsia expert visits club THURCASTON & Cropston Gardening Club welcomed Jayne Daykin, Vice President of the Nottinghamshire Fuchsia Society to our May meeting. Jayne has been a fuchsia enthusiast from an early age and a member of Nott’s Society for over 20 years. She covered subjects such as growing fuchsias in the garden, propagation and fuchsias in hanging baskets and for showing, giving us a practical demonstration of each section along the way. Hardy varieties, plants that are permanently planted in the garden, will survive outdoors for many years, particularly if they are planted deep and given a mulch for root protection in the autumn, cut them down by half in November and down to ground level in March or April, by mid-summer they will back to their best and full of flowers. Fuchsias in hanging baskets and troughs perform best when only fuchsias are used in the display, they require
damp rather than wet conditions to realise their full potential and this cannot easily be achieved in a mixed display. Cuttings are best taken in March after the plants winter recess. Repot established plants, lightly trim and water, then as the branches break take the young
shoots for cuttings. TIP; to encourage more breaks along the old stems mist spray with water every 2 or 3 days, this will soften the bark allowing the young shoots to break out easier. Cuttings can also be taken when ‘stopping’ the branches later in the season, that’s pinching out the leading shots and laterals to encourage a bushier habit. When taking cuttings if you are leaving the first pair of true leaves on, cut them back by half this will conserve energy and restrict moisture loss by reducing plant area. It’s also best to use only the very tip - ¾” / 1” - this is where all the energy is located and the cuttings immediate reaction is to send out roots to keep alive. To allow the young roots to develop quickly make sure the compost is well aeriated by adding plenty of perlite or vermiculite. Water in with a few drops but after that be very sparing until you can see obvious signs of growth, remember: damp not wet. If growing a single cutting per pot or cell don’t go straight to your final pot size when potting on, build up to it by using slightly larger pots 2 or 3 times as this encourages a stronger root formation. Growing for showing is a more ‘handson’ art and your show plant needs to be a good shape, glowing with healthy leaves and with an abundance of flowers,
achieved by regular pinching out. This is where the skill comes in as you need to be aware of how long it will take to produce new flowers on each new branch. To be really accurate a detailed log from previous years is necessary but as a general rule the suggestion is wisely made to allow 60 days for singles, 70 for semidoubles and 80 for doubles. That’s why you need to start early in the season to create a real show-stopper. Top variety on the show bench in 2015 was F. ‘Shelford’, other popular varieties were ‘Southgate’, ‘Cecile’, ‘Hawkshead’ with its mass of small white flowers and one of the oldest and still one of the best ‘Lye’s Unique’. Non-members are very welcome, £3.00 each, meet at the house at 7.00pm. This year our day out is on Saturday July 9th when we will be visiting Renishaw Hall in North Derbyshire, last year’s Garden of the Year. Back to the village hall in August for a spot of “Greenhouse Gardening” with Geoff Hodge. Our 33rd Annual Garden, Craft & Produce Show at the Richard Hill Primary School on Saturday September 3 completes our summer line up for 2016. From Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club
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AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plans drawn and submitted. Extensions, conversions, new build. David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 / 07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk
Planning P/16/1346/2: 19 Swithland Lane, Rothley - Proposed new single storey garage with pitched roof and canopy over front of garage to the lobby. Proposed ground floor toilet and lobby. Existing garage to be converted into new utility room and toilet. Proposed new rear lobby to connect utility to house P/16/1263/2: 23 Fowke Street, Rothley – change of use from social club (Class D2) to restaurant and bar (mixed use Class A3/A4) and erection of single storey extension P/16/1178/2: 13 Westfield Lane, Rothley – erection of a shed to front of dwelling P/16/1177/2: 28 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – erection of a detached garage and store to rear of dwelling P/16/1139/2: 965 Loughborough Road, Rothley – erection of 1st floor extension to side of dwelling P/16/1164/2: Woodcock Farm, 903 Loughborough Road, Rothley – erection of steel framed barn P/16/0949/2: Land adj 21 Cossington Lane, Rothley – erection of two detached dwellings P/16/0909/2: 81 Swithland Lane, Rothley – erection of single storey extension to side/rear of dwelling P/16/0943/2: 82 Leicester Road, Thurcaston – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling. Raising of roof, creation of 3x dormer windows and erection of detached garage P/16/0893/2: 181 Station Road, Cropston – erection of a two storey extension to front & rear, remodelling of roof of dwelling and erection of a detached garage to front of dwelling
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FULL TIME SHOP SUPERVISOR A vacancy has arisen in our established and well-known hardware shop in Rothley. The person that we are require must be positive and enthusiastic with a pleasant and friendly attitude towards dealing with people. A background in retail, and any knowledge of DIY or related trades would be advantageous, but not essential. You must be flexible with working hours as we are open 7 days a week. Average hours are 34 per week and some weekend work is required. The physical side of the job entails being able to lift up to 25kg. Please apply with a handwritten c.v. to: Mr J. Cort, Corts Hardware, 3 Cross Green, Rothley, Leics. LE7 7PF
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JULY 2016
THE ROTHLEY POST
THE ROTHLEY POST
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