Rothley Post (135) Mar/Apr 2019 by The Birstall Post

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Delivered to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston

MAR/APR 2019

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 135

Plastic free Rothley A GROUP of local residents have got together to do their bit to reduce the amount of single use plastic used in the village – and their message is spreading fast. Surfers against Sewage, a small charity based in Cornwall, has set up a nationwide challenge, and Rothley is aiming to become accredited as Plastic Free. Over 400 communities across the UK are now committed to making a real difference in their city, town or village, and they’re working with businesses, community organisations, councils and individuals to get the message across. “Rothley might be about as far away from the sea as you can get, but there’s still a lot to do” said a spokeswoman for Plastic Free Rothley. “People are carrying their own drinks mugs and their own shopping bags, and giving up buying one-use plastic water bottles and using plastic straws. There will be a village litter-pick in March. Rothley Community Library was the first village organisation to join in, and local businesses have been quick to pick up the challenge.”

Pics: (from top) volunteers at Rothley library; Liz Robson from Rothley Wine; Gavin Taylor & staff at Gavin Taylor Hair

Woman jailed A ROTHLEY woman has received an eight month prison sentence for blackmail. Paris Padley of Merttens Drive, threatened to post a video on the internet of a woman smoking crack cocaine unless she was paid £5000. The video had been taken on an iPad which was stolen in a robbery. The victim was unaware she was being filmed at the time. Padley, a mother of two, contacted the victim via facebook, Instagram and by post demanding £5000 and threatening to circulate the video. The victim, who lives in the Boston area went to the police. Padley’s fingerprints were found on the envelope containing a threatening letter sent to the victim. Padley, (24), admitted at Lincoln Crown Court a charge of blackmail between September 3-20, 2017 and was jailed for eight months.

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Gavin Taylor Hairdressing and Rothley Wines are the first businesses to receive their wooden plaque and certificate, having made big steps to reduce plastic use. Already, Corts Hardware, The Royal Oak, North’s Deli, Lassiter’s, School’s Out after school club and Elan hair have also applied to be Plastic-Free Champions. The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Apr 27. The copy deadline is Apr 12.

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Plastic Free Rothley Three months into the group’s life, there have already been changes in the village. If you go into Corts hardware shop, you’ll be offered a bag made of reused fabric instead of plastic to take your shopping home. North’s Deli are also trying out the fabric bags, and using cardboard boxes for customers’ shopping. Fabric bags The bags are made in a community payback scheme in Leicester, who have joined in partnership with Plastic free Rothley. These strong bags are made from duvet covers, curtains and other donated fabrics, and are provided free of charge. If you have any suitable material to offer, please contact the group. Litter pick There are a few areas in Rothley which seem to gather litter, in spite of all the efforts to keep the village tidy - and much of it is plastic. As part of Keep Britain Tidy’s Spring Clean, Plastic free Rothley is organising a village litter pick on Sunday March 24, meeting at the car park on Hallfields Lane near the school at 10am, and ending at 12. Children are very welcome, but they need to have an adult with them. Equipment will be available, but if you have a high vis jacket, please wear it. This is part of the drive to become more aware of single use plastic and its impacts. If you know of areas which might need some work, please let the group know at plasticfreerothley@gmail.com, with a photo if possible. Businesses Rothley Wines and Gavin Taylor Hair were the first two businesses to be accredited as Plastic Free Champions, and were presented with their plaques and certificates on February 22. More businesses are on the way towards accreditation, and local businesses are wel-

come to join those already accredited as Plastic Free Champions, by identifying at least three changes they have made or are planning to make in their business to reduce single-use plastics. Parish council Rothley Parish Council discussed the project at their February meeting, and agreed to support the work of the group. Councillor Graham Hall agreed to be the council’s representative on the steering group, and the council will consider its practices at the Rothley Centre, as well as fund the printing of information leaflets for delivery to all village households. Anyone willing to deliver leaflets in their area is welcome to get in touch. Community organisations Even the smallest organisation in the village can make changes – like using paper straws for drinks, or reusable coffee cups and glasses. Community organisations small and large can also join the scheme. The library has been the first to join and make significant changes, most of them reducing costs. Biscuit wrappers, plastic bottle tops and pens can be recycled at the library. Radio Leicester and Leicester Mercury Plastic free Rothley featured on Radio Leicester’s Breakfast show on February 20, and in the Leicester Mercury. It is hoped that other communities in Leicestershire will take up the scheme. Lots of local volunteers are working hard to make the changes possible. The next open meeting of the group is at the library on Tuesday, 12 March, from 6.30 to 8pm, and new members are always welcome. The group can be contacted at plasticfreerothley@gmail.com, or at 07764941574, or you can visit their Facebook page.

BEGINNERS CLASS Why not bring your little one for some exercise, some fun and to make new friends. They can join our little ones for Ballet & Tap on Mondays 4.30-5.30pm at the Village Hall, Fowke Street, Rothley Classes offered in Ballet, Tap, Modern & National for Boys & Girls of all ages. Other classes available www.pilbeamacademyofdance.co.uk New Adult Ballet class 6.15pm Mondays before the Adult Tap at 7pm

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Parking problems near schools SCHOOLS ACROSS Leicestershire are being encouraged to signup to a scheme to combat the problems of inconsiderate parking. Our School Keep Clear scheme aims to address concerns that parents, residents and teachers have about parking during the school run by using a camera car to enforce mandatory zig zag zones outside school entrances. Since it launched in September 2018, the scheme has seen 57 schools sign up, with a further 23 schools set to join the scheme later this year. “We have received positive feedback

from the scheme so far and are asking other schools to register an interest in time for the scheme to run again in September this year” said Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for environment and transport. He added: “We know that inconsiderate and dangerous parking outside schools can be a real problem, and we believe that the School Keep Clear scheme has gone some way to alleviate concerns in communities where we now enforce. “It would be great to see more schools get involved and I would urge them to get in touch to find out more.” The work involves ensuring traffic regulation orders are in place through upgrading mandatory signs and lines so the zones are enforceable. Enforcement officers will continue with their normal duties while a camera car is also being used as part of the scheme. Using automatic number plate recognition technology, the car will be used by officers to collect the necessary evidence to enable fines to be issued, via post, to drivers who park on zig-zag markings. Since the beginning of September, 22 warnings have been issued and 91 penalties have been processed to motorists parking illegally. “The trial isn’t about catching and fining motorists – we want people to stop parking inconsiderately near schools as it endangers the lives of pedestrians and causes a great deal of concern for schools and parents” said Cllr Pain.

MAR 2019

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THE ROTHLEY POST

New science building at Cedars Academy THE CEDARS Academy have announced plans to build a new two story science block and to extend the existing sports hall. One of the school’s main buildings is considered obsolete and will be demolished. Once removed that part of the site will be soft landscaped. Science will be relocated into the new building, located next to the old youth centre. Music, food, technology, IT and catering will be relocated to the current-

ly under utilised Stonehill building. The sports hall will be extended to provide a new entrance and changing facilities. It will be provided with a new roof. The new build elements will be completed before any demolition takes place. Areas within the Stonehill building will be refurbished. These include: • IT classrooms • Music and music practice rooms • Food technology • Kitchen

Pics: (top) the new science block; (left) the building in the foreground will be demolished; (right) the sports hall, arrow shows location of new extension

The Cedars Academy is an 11 to 18 school with 968 pupils on the school roll. The planning application can be viewed on Charnwood‘s website, ref P/19/0245/2

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Broadnook Garden suburb a new community WORK ON the 1950 home Broadnook Garden Suburb north of Birstall could start this year.

ROTHLEY

The development will see the creation of a new community located between Birstall (it has 5700 homes) and Rothley (2000 homes). The site has already been identified as suitable for housing development by Charnwood Borough Council and a planning application for phase one of the project has been submitted to Charnwood. Phase one runs from 2019 to 2024. It will include: • 650 new dwellings. 25% will be affordable homes • 175 unit assisted living retirement accommodation (a 70 bed care home is planned for phase 2) • starting work on an enterprise area for small and medium sized businesses Phase one also includes the Broadnook Centre. This will include: • a 630 capacity primary school • a community hall • a high street with shops including a supermarket

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Access to the site will be from a new roundabout on the A6, 500 metres north of the A6/A46 roundabout. In 2018 the number of houses proposed for the site has increased from 1650 to 1950 and a new traffic impact assessment was carried out. This report states that traffic volumes would increase by 12%. The development will generate 1792 and 1493 traffic movements to and from an external location in the morning and evening peak hours.

To mitigate the traffic increase measures will be introduced to increase the capacity of the A6 and of the nearby junctions, although the report states that no significant improvement to the A6/Greengate Lane junction is possible. The development will contain a small site of four plots for travelling show people. This will be located close to the A6/A46 roundabout, near the existing Hill Top Cottage. Birstall Parish Council and Rothley Parish Council have previously raised

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MAR 2019

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THE ROTHLEY POST

concerns about the plans, particularly the impact on traffic and on local services and facilities. Rothley Parish Council is pressing for community facilities to be built early within the development and that green space between Rothley and Broadnook be protected for a minimum of 50 years. Rothley Parish Council have also asked for a package of £750,000 of section 106 developer contributions for Rothley, including improvements to Rothley Village Hall, street lighting, the library, a new park and skateboard track and refurbishing the Rothley Centre. Birstall Parish Council’s planning committee met on February 25 (after this issue had gone to press) to consider its response to the plans. Council chair Ann Marshall said: “Traffic is a huge concern, in terms of congestion and pollution. Someone has got to look at ways of directing traffic off the A6. I also have concerns about the access to the development. “Although things like medical facilities and care homes are in the plans, they are just aspirations, they can’t guarantee they’ll be provided and if they aren’t it Pics: (bottom, left) phase 1 of the plans; (top) view of Broadnook Centre which is in phase 1; (bottom) a typical house style

just increases the pressure on Birstall’s facilities.” Chairman of Rothley Parish Council

Percy Hartshorn said: “We don’t want this development but we can’t stop it. Highways matters are the biggest problem. Community facilities must be provided in phase one of Broadnook because if they aren’t it will put extra pressure on facilities in Birstall and Rothley.” The planning application can be viewed on the Charnwood website, ref P/16/1660/2

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Parish Council notes is behind schedule. Charles Church has tarmacced most of the track from the library past the tennis club and has agreed to make good the surface of the remaining section. It was agreed to support the work of Plastic Free Rothley, to reduce the amount of single use plastic in parish council premises and to donate £145 towards the group’s printing costs for a leaflet. Cllr Graham Hill was appointed as a representative on the Plastic Free Rothley steering group. The County Council have agreed to the provision of a defibrillator on an external wall of the library and it was agreed to progress the matter. It was agreed that the date of the Annual Parish Meeting be May 7. The council finalised its application to Charnwood for heritage plaque at the Rothley Court Hotel to commemorate Thomas Babington Macauley. It was reported that Charnwood Borough Council, owners of the Rothley Centre, have refused a request from the parish council to sell it to them. A request for an explanation of their decision has not had a response and it was agreed that if one is not received, to put in a Freedom of Information request to see the report on which the refusal was based.

PCSO Mitch Jarvis attended the meeting and presented a crime report. He said vehicle speed checks would be carried out once a month. Loughborough Road and Mountsorrel Lane were suggested as the most appropriate sites for monitoring. A representative from Plastic Free Rothley circulated a leaflet about the scheme and requested support from the parish council. It was agreed this would be considered at a future meeting. A problem of speeding traffic along Woodgate between Bradleys and Westfield Lane was reported. There has been some damage to the cemetery caused by badgers, although it was not as bad as in previous years. There has been flooding on Dutchman’s Walk. Chair of the Parish Council Percy Hartshorn has been invited to attend a Buckingham Palace Royal Garden Party on May 15 along with his wife in recognition of past service. It was agreed to spend £29,908 on play equipment for the Mountsorrel Lane playing fields. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on February 18. It was reported that the council has submitted its comments regarding the A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & 1950 home Broadnook Garden Suburb to Charnwood. These included concerns Cropston Parish Council was about highway matters, settlement separa- held on November 15. tion and a request that community faciliIn public participation, it was reportties be built in phase one of any ed that there had been a recent spate of development, to avoid extra pressure on burglaries to sheds/garages in Thurcasexisting facilities. The council has also ton. The police have advised that there is put in a detailed list requesting no evidence that turning street lighting £750,000 of developer contributions for off at night encourages crime. Rothley. It was agreed to obtain quotations for It was reported that a play area at the all the wooden benches in the parish, Primrose Hill development will be inincluding the cemetery, to be stalled by developer Charles Church but repaired/treated. A full meeting of Thurcaston & CropG E GAMBLE & SONS ston Parish Council was held on January 17 (there was no meeting held in DeINDEPENDENT FAMILY cember). FUNERAL DIRECTORS The council agreed a precept for the —–––––––––– ESTABLISHED 1830 —––––––––– year 2019/20 of £37,879. the precept for the year 2018/19 was £35,904. This is an increase of 5.5%. It was agreed that a quotation be obtained for the installation of a Vehicle Activated Speed Sign on Cropston Road, Cropston, near the junction with Waterfield Road. It was agreed to replace four old 57 HIGH STREET, SYSTON planters in Thurcaston with two new self LEICESTER LE7 1GQ watering ones. TEL: 0116 2607500 A FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS OFFERING A PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 24 HOURS A DAY FUNERALS ARRANGED IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME OR AT OUR UNIQUE 17TH CENTURY THATCHED COTTAGE PROPRIETOR MR RICK ASTILL, RESIDENT OF BIRSTALL

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Donation will support homeless HOMELESS PEOPLE in Leicestershire will benefit from over £450 donated to One Roof Leicester by The Nottingham’s branches in the county. A cheque for £250, which will help the charity buy food, rucksacks and clothing, was recently presented to the charity by the building society’s branches in Rothley, Loughborough, Shepshed and Syston. One Roof’s Salma Ravat said: “We are extremely grateful for The Nottingham’s ongoing support. It’s heart-warming that they care so much about the community. The kind donations will be used to directly help homeless people in the county.” Customer Services Assistant Tammie Gant said: “We are honoured to make the donations, which will aid One Roof’s great work in helping to combat homelessness in our communities. It’s

a cause close to our hearts as we help so many in the Leicester region put a roof over their heads with our building society and estate agency services. “We’ve also discussed how we could further support their work with some volunteering over the coming months, as our team get two days a year paid leave for volunteering.” Through its Doing Good Together initiative, The Nottingham has donated over £950,000 since 2011 to local good causes. Pic: One Roof’s Salma Ravat can be seen (right) receiving a £250 cheque from Tammie Gant at the Harrison Murray Estate Agency (part of The Nottingham) branch in Syston

MAR 2019

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

THE ROTHLEY POST

Money lecture A FINANCE Professor is to deliver Rothley’s fifth Annual Lady Day Lecture.

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2019

Last year it was Astrophysics Professor Martin Barstow with his ‘What Has Space Done For Us’ presentation. This year we have Dr Thanaset Chevapatrakul, Associate Professor in Finance and Director of the MSc Finance & Investment Programme at Nottingham University Business School. With the UK’s departure from the European Union imminent, Dr Thanaset’s topic is ‘Money Makes the World Go Round: The Bank of England, Monetary Policy, and You’. This event is aimed at bringing understanding of this would-be complicated matter to the wider general public. Dr Thanaset asserts that monetary policy affects the value of your money and ultimately how you spend it. In this talk, he will demystify how the Bank of England conducts monetary policy and its impact on the economy and your everyday life. The presentation will be delivered in Rothley Parish Church at 11am on Saturday 23 March 2019. Admission is free and refreshments will be served over the discussions at the end of the talk. Parking is available at Victoria Mills on Fowke Street, LE7 7PJ. Further information from Terry Sheppard on 0116 230 2931 or at sheppard7pj@btinternet.com.

Faces Arts’ annual show FACES ARTS, the locally based and well-established performing arts company for children, performed their yearly Commercial Street Show at The Cedars Academy in Birstall this February.

Local children from Birstall participated in the performances and Faces Arts Director Jody Chesterton said: “I’m proud and full of admiration for the student’s achievements. Faces Arts is about providing opportunities for the local children to discover their performing talents. The development in their ability and self-confidence of the children has been outstanding. A huge well done to all the children who took part”. Faces Arts hosts a variety of classes for children. For more information please visit www.facesarts.co.uk

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Apr 27. The copy deadline is Apr 12.

Birstall Running Club Meet Monday & Friday nights, 6.15 for 6.30 run Birstall School Lane playing fields – showers & toilets available We also meet on a Wednesday night at Sibson Road car park at 6.15pm for 6.30pm run Speed work sessions also availa-

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ble on Wednesdays for those wanting to improve Contact Deryk on dwoods1@sky.com or Bob 07927 346640 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 Mountsorrel Methodist Church Centre Celebrating 18 years of Sunday Night at Eight

Organ Recitals

The Birstall 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 Birstall library or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Thanks Tim and Karen Taylor would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support over the last few months for the loss of their son Mark. Thank you all. Donations at the funeral raised 800 for charity Centrepoint. Tim & Karen Taylor

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Sunday March 17, 8pm Edward Byrne & Dominic Remedios Organ scholars, Loughborough Endowed Schools Sunday April 14, 8pm Angela Sones Director of Music, All Saints Church, Lichfield Admission free Donations for the church development fund Buffet from 7.30pm

Letters and Stitch Creative Movie Madness Workshop! Thursday 21st February 10am 12pm Rothley Village Hall Come along for a morning of crafty makes and sensory fun with theme from some of your favourite family films. £6 per child including refreshment.

For more info and booking visit FB: 'Creative Movie Madness Workshop! or 'Letters and Stitch 2'

Easter Eggstravaganza Creative Workshop! Wednesday 17th April 10am 12pm Rothley Village Hall Come along for a morning of Easter themed crafty makes and sensory fun! . £6 per child including refreshment. For more info and booking visit FB: 'Easter Eggstravaganza Creative Workshop!' or 'Letters and Stitch 2'

Bradgate Sewing Circle Have you thought about joining a friendly craft and chat group? If so why not come along to the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on any Tuesday morning 9-30 - 11-30am. The group was formed in 1985 mainly as a quilting group, but crafts now include knitting, crochet, cross stitch and more. If you are looking to try a new craft we have members who would be happy to show you. At present the cost per meeting is two pounds, which includes coffee/tea and biscuits. Come along and give it a try Barrow Panto Group will be performing

Peter Pan on Fri March 8 starting at 7pm and Sat March 9 2pm and 7pm in Humphrey Perkins Community Centre, Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar, LE12 8JU.

This is a magical and very funny pantomime version of the novel by J.M. Barrie. It is largely faithful to the original story with the addition of a dame, Nana, the new nursemaid who has replaced a dog, leading to lots of ‘doggy’ jokes. Captain Hook is the best kind of panto baddie and his pirate sidekicks are suitably stupid. The pirate comedy duo Line and Sinker are chased relentlessly by the Indian squaws Shy-Ann and Sioux. There are lots of opportunities for slapstick including a traditional ‘He’s behind you’ scene, a mop drill on board ship and a scene with a large inflatable fish. Tickets cost is very reasonable: Standard £8; Concessions of every sort £6; Family (2+2) £24. You can buy them by PayPal or card from www.busca.org.uk, or from the Flower Shop, High St, or Barrow Library or from members of the cast. Enquiries and Box Office: 07718 153117 Do join us – it will be a hilarious and colourful show

Rothley/Birstall Birdwatching Club Presents: Tuesday, March 12th, 2019 at 7.30pm The Joy Of The Song Of Birds by Nigel Slater and Sandy Aitken Nigel always gives us an interesting evening, full of enthusiasm for his subject. This time he claims that his friend Sandy is an even more experienced wild life enthusiast than he is and also has a superb knowledge of birdsong, so we should be in for real treat and get some useful tips on that often difficult to recognize birdsong. Tuesday, April 9th at 7.30 AGM followed by Brentingby Meadows by Julia Hawley. It is ten years since Julia came and gave us a talk about her family farm near Melton. Tonight, she reflects on 18 years of involvement in Agri-environment schemes. The family has a traditional mixed farm of cattle and sheep as well as a small area of cereals. The farm has been managed with wildlife in mind and boasts a range wildlife, particularly birds, including kingfishers and owls. The River Eye, which is a designated SSI, runs through the farm. Along with an abandoned 18th century canal and acres of medieval ridge and furrow. All meetings at The Rothley Centre, 12, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members are free. Visitors £2.50. Ample free parking on site

Birstall Flower Club Tel: 07938 718243

Birstall Village Hall March 27th 2019, 7.15pm Demonstrator : Shirley Henderson

MAR 2019

Noticeboard all details printed free

THE ROTHLEY POST

Title : A touch of Gold April 24th@ 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstrator : Eleanor Landy Title : Let’s Party Visitors welcome - £5 Queries to Sylvia: 0116 2674206 or Mary : 07704398017

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust Regular indoor meetings are held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on the second Wednesday every month from September to May starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 for LRWT members, £3 for visitors, children free, including refreshments. Wednesday March 13th 2019 at 7.30pm AGM followed by Charnwood Lodge - Leicestershire’s last wilderness? A talk by Neil Pilcher, Senior Conservation Officer, LRWT Neil’s talk will cover the snippets of history discovered about the reserve; management work on the reserve and why it is undertaken and the wildlife recorded there Film Presentations Friday 15th March:

Birstall & District Art Society Tuesday, 12th March, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy to watch an exciting demonstration of painting ‘Exotic Birds’ using acrylics by wellknown professional artist Tom Shepherd. Do join us to discover whether you will be inspired to take up this wonderful hobby. Refreshments available at the interval. Demonstration ends at 9.00 p.m. Members £2; Guests £4. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access Charnwood Orchestra

Concert 23 March 2019 Emmanuel Church Forest Road Loughborough LE11 3NW Conductor Nic Fallowfield We shall be performing works by: Dukas - La Perie Fanfare Berlioz Overture Le Corsaire Faure suite Masques et Bergamasque Chausson Poeme - Violin Soloist Beth Allmand Sibelius Symphony No 7 Tickets availablewww.charnwoodorchestra .org.uk & on the door

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2019

What is Dementia?

‘Darkest hour’ Rothley Centre 2pm Raffle & free refreshments A thrilling and inspiring true story begins as Churchill (Gary Oldman) becomes Prime Minister of Great Britain and must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a nation. Friday 19th / 26th April: ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Rothley Centre 2pm Raffle & free refreshments Bohemian Rhapsody is a footstomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury, who defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet Over 60's- £5.50, otherwise £5 for concessions

Age Uk Leicestershire & Rutland and Cedar Mews Care Home at Hallam Fields in Birstall are holding another in their series of FREE Family Carer Workshops on Thursday 14 March between 2pm – 4pm. Come and join us at our Dementia Friends Session and gain a clearer understanding of dementia, what it’s like to live with memory loss and how you can help your loved one. Q&A and Networking opportunities at the end of the session, along with refreshments! To book – please contact Jeanette Silver at Age Uk on 01509 260327 or Cedar Mews Care Home on 0116 267 4835

Disco for people with learning disabilities

Once a month in association with Safe Well and Happy for extra activities Peppercorns Cafe open for refreshments

Do You Eat Crisps?

Would Like To Help A Local Self Funded Charity? ADAPT Prembabies is a Leicester charity that supports families who have a baby on Leicesters neo natal units needing life saving intensive care treatment. We have to raise all our own money and this is one way you could help us. We receive a small donation for every crisp packet no matter what brand, these are then turned into plastic pellets which are used to make items like garden furniture. If you can help ADAPT, please contact Lindsay on 07847 264 382 or email: lindsay@prembabies.co.uk. Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society Spring Play Come along and see the

“Vicar of Dribley” a tribute to the Iconic BBC comedy, by Ray Evans. A tribute to the “Vicar of Dibley”. Dates: May 16th, 17th and 18th at 7.15pm. Doors will be opened half an hour before each performance. Please note this production contains some adult humour. Venue: Birstall Social Club, Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS. Tickets: £7.00, £6.00 concession. Box office: 0116 2209594 or email hatstickets@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/hatsamdram

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish "The Children Act"

March 8, 105 mins In March's British drama, Dame Emma Thompson plays a high court family judge who can make life or death decisions. Having visited a very sick teenager in hospital, she must deliver a ruling as to whether he should be given a blood transfusion against his parents' wishes. The judge's workload is high but does this affect her marital private life?

Cedar Care Circle Support group for anyone affected by Alzheimer's and Dementia. Our next meetings will be Monday March 11th and Monday March 25th. We meet at Ruth's Lambourne Cafe. Lambourne Road, Birstall at 2pm. Join our friendly group we discuss problems, suggest answers, on how we deal with different issues that arise. Most of all we enjoy being with others who understand and have a laugh. Contact Barbara on 07905760556 for more info Birstall Running Club

C25K 2019 With DJ Dolly and Chris Every Monday except bank holidays and during big performances Mountsorrel Memorial Centre 12-30pm – 2:30pm Adults 4pm – 5pm Under 16’s £2 per service user to cover costs, carers free

ners aged 18 and over who really want to get out there, develop their skills, get fit both physically and mentally & meet new people. This will be a 9 week programme, on a first come first served basis, that will take you from the Couch to running 5K, finishing with your graduation Park Run in Braunstone Park. So if this is for you, please get in touch with Met Snutch (dave.snutch@ntlworld.com) or come down and see us. See you in April…

Where: Pavilion, School Lane, Birstall, LE4 Monday 8th April, 6pm Prompt Cost: £16 We are delighted to announce that we will be holding a "Couch to 5K" programme this April! This programme is designed for begin-

"The Wife" April 12, 100 mins Our April drama has many nominations this year for Academy Awards. The captivating Glenn Close plays Joan, the apparently perfect wife of a famous American novelist. In Stockholm, Joan's Husband is being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. However, as the film progresses, many dark secrets are unearthed ! "King of Thieves" May 10 Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5 which will includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw during the interval. Advance tickets may be purchased via the parish office -0116 236 7626 or at the door

Lottery Rothley Community Library has signed up with the Charnwood Community Lottery, which is an exciting weekly lottery that raises money for good causes in Charnwood. All good causes supported by the lottery will benefit Charnwood and its residents. By joining you have a chance to win weekly prizes as well as supporting your nominated charity. For further details go to www.charnwoodlottery.co.uk Charnwood Community Lottery Charnwood Community Lottery - a fun and easy way to support good causes in Charnwood! www.charnwoodlottery.co.uk Film Club Friday March 15: ‘Darkest hour’ Rothley Centre 2pm Raffle & free refreshments A thrilling and inspiring true story

in the RSPB Big Bird Watch weekend. There were over a dozen children who came along with their parents / grandparents to made bird feeders from a menu of peanut butter, apples, suet/ seed mix etc, all prepared and provided by library volunteers. At 1pm when the public began to leave and bird feeders session was over the library was occupied by children ranging from six year old to some in their early teens arriving for a two hour Lego session, again or-

ganised by more library volunteers. One young teenage lad came in at 10am, spent some time on the computer, made some bird feeders and stayed on for the Lego Club. A fantastic example of volunteers serving their community. Are you using your local library? They are great places to support.

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MAR 2019

News from Rothley library

Martin A Song of Ice and Fire is a series of epic fantasy novels by the American novelist and screenwriter George R. R. Martin. He began the first volume of the series, A Game of Thrones, in 1991 and had it published in 1996. Martin, who initially envisioned the series as a trilogy, has published five out of a planned seven volumes. Under 5s Sessions Tuesday March 5 and Friday March 15: 9.30 - 10.30am begins at the precipice of World War II Tuesday April 2 and Friday April 19: as, within days of becoming Prime Minis- 9.30 - 10.30am ter of Great Britain, Winston Churchill These sessions with music, singing (Gary Oldman) must face one of his and stories for the under 5s are very most turbulent and defining trials: expopular with parents, carers and chilploring a negotiated peace treaty with dren. Thanks to everyone who gives Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight their time to plan and make them so for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a successful. Everyone is welcome. nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces World Book Day roll across Western Europe and the Thursday March 7 threat of invasion is imminent, and with Children who may well go to school an unprepared public, a skeptical King, dressed as their favourite book character and his own party plotting against him, are very welcome to come to the Library Churchill must withstand his darkest after school as there will be rewards for hour, rally a nation, and attempt to doing so! change the course of world history. Easter children’s crafts Friday 19 & 26th April : ‘Bohemian Saturdays April 13 & 20 Rhapsody’ Rothley Centre 2pm Children will have the opportunity to Raffle & free refreshmake Easter related crafts and take them ments away. Bohemian Rhapsody is Chess Club a foot-stomping celebraThursdays afternoons 2 – 5.pm tion of Queen, their music March 14, 21, 28; April 11, 18, 25 and their extraordinary This club is open to all ages and now lead singer Freddie Mercuattracts a number of regular players. All ry, who defied stereotypes abilities are welcome and if you want to and shattered convention learn the game or improve this is the to become one of the place to come. most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound, their nearimplosion as Mercury's lifestyle spirals out of control, and their triumphant reunion on the eve of Live Aid, where Mercury, facing a life-threatening illness, leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. In the process, cementing the legacy of a band that were And finally! always more like a family, This is what we, as a Community and who continue to inLibrary, are all about! spire outsiders, dreamers If there was ever an example of what and music lovers to this a community-managed library does it day. was on January 26. On this Saturday Community Book Group morning there was a good supply of Wed March 13, 7.15pm: local residents coming in for their nor'Eleanor Oliphant is Commal book returns and selections, the pletely Fine' by Gail Honeycounter being serviced by library volunman teers. Running alongside this there a Eleanor Oliphant struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy. Weds April 10, 7.15pm: ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ great opportunity for children to make a Book 1 of a Game of variety of bird feeders to take home, Thrones by George R. R. with a view to observing garden visitors

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2019

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2019

History society

Monday Club news

subject for the February meeting. Speaker Bill Pemberton, treasurer of the Leics. Industrial History Society, addressed the history of this first coal-transporting railway in Leicestershire, and took us through a fascinating photographic tour of what can still be seen today. As the River Soar passes through LeicesCoal from the Swannington area was ter it follows the course of the prehistoric mined from the 13th century. With LeicesRiver Bytham, which flowed north then ter’s 19th century population explosion, east towards Great Yarmouth. The Ice however, demand rapidly increased. PackAges reshaped the landscape so that water horses along muddy tracks were no longfrom the Soar now reaches the sea at the er good enough. The Leicestershire mine Humber Estuary. The Soar is very much owners competed with the NottinghamLeicestershire’s river, draining 90% of the shire and Derbyshire miners, who had the county but hardly extending beyond it. advantage of transport along the 1779 Erewash Canal and the River Soar. The Charnwood Forest Canal (built 1794) enabled Leicestershire mine owners to remain competitive, at least until the collapse in 1799 of the Blackbrook Reservoir Dam that fed the canal. In the late 1820s, Swannington coalmine owner William Stenson and colleague William Ellis approached George Stephenson, the famous railway engineer. He said ‘Yes’ to the Glenfield tunnel project, putting it in the hands of his son Robert. Construction began in 1830. The Leicester and Swannington Railway line opened in 1832. Other coalmines along the 16 miles single-track route benefitted, such as Stenson’s mines at Whitwick. Furthermore, passengers could travel with the coal. Hence the various Railway Inns en route. The rail route from Swannington to its It is believed that Celtic settlers’ name West Bridge terminus in Leicester passed for the river was Leire – possibly from the through Coalville, Bardon, Bagworth, Mersame origin as the River Loire – which in ilees, Desford, Ratby and Glenfield. Engiturn gave rise to the name Leire-cester. neering challenges included the The chosen site of the town was a small, Swannington incline, the Bagworth incline glacial hill, close enough to the river for and the hill between Glenfield and Leicesconvenient transport and water supply but ter. The Swannington incline required a high enough to avoid flooding. The Rostationary steam powered winding engine mans built walls on three sides, with the to lift the coal wagons to a train system at river forming a boundary to the west. the top. The Bagworth challenge required Although Leicester eventually grew and a system of lowering full wagons of coal spread beyond the walls, there was almost down the incline to join another train at no development on the other side of the the bottom. The Glenfield Tunnel opened river until the 19th century. in 1832, allowing rail transport of coal Coal was four times more expensive in into Leicester’s West Bridge station. In Leicester than in Loughborough until the 1846, the Midland Railway bought out the opening of the Soar Navigation in 1794, L&SR, and used its middle part, now douwhich allowed cheap supplies from Derby- ble-track, as part of their Leicester to shire to be brought to a wharf near BelBurton-on-Trent line. The Swannington grave Road. The Leicestershire coal branch line closed in 1948. The pumps at owners soon fought back by building the the former Calcutta colliery were kept pioneering Leicester and Swannington operating until 1947, to prevent deeper Railway, with a station at West Bridge. mines elsewhere from flooding. The Industry has since declined and factories Leicester branch from Desford to the West no longer face onto the river and canal Bridge station closed in the mid-1960s. but many of their chimneys still form The second part of Bill’s talk was a landmarks on the skyline and are prefascinating photographic record of those served by planning rules. The owners historical remnants of the old line still complained at first but later reaped the visible to walkers exploring the old track benefits when sites for mobile phone aeri- today. He ended with images of that part als were needed! of the Glenfield Tunnel that is still open Flooding was a recurrent problem in for organised group visits. Those wanting Leicester until a grand scheme in the to visit the Tunnel should contact the 1870s lowered the bed of the River Soar Leics. Industrial History Society (via its by 10 feet. This also made it possible to website www.lihs.org.uk). Visits are organcreate Abbey Park on land between the ised in July and September. Advanced river and the canal. booking is essential. Commercial use of the waterways dwinOn 19th March, Katie Bridger will dled after WWII but a rally in Leicester in return to answer the question Landscape 1967 attracted 350 boats, marking a renHistory: What's that all about then? Join aissance of the river and canal for leisure us at 7.30pm in the Harrison Room, All activities. Today nature is returning: there Saints’ Church, Thurcaston. Visitors welare badgers living in Abbey Park and come (£3). otters have been recorded along the whole www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk length of the River Soar. From Thurcaston & Cropston Local The Leicester and Swannington Railway History Society Today: a Photographic Journey was the

AT OUR January meeting Mr Derek Holloway told us about the Moorcroft company of Stoke-on-Trent, which was founded in 1913 and is still going strong, using the same traditional work techniques as before.

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2019

ADRIAN LANE is keen to share the knowledge he acquired during a 30year career on the riverside team of Leicester City Council, and his enthusiastic talk entertained a record audience at our January meeting.

by Kerry Goodwin. The chief designer is now Rachel Bishop, who has worked for the company for over 25 years, and the brand has prospered under her. She draws inspiration from the New Forest and the Lake District, and designers are encouraged to suggest The labour intensive pieces are considnew ideas. The Heritage Centre in Stokeered very beautiful and can command high on-Trent offers visitors free car parking prices. and free admission, and Mr Holloway thorThe company was founded by William oughly recommends pre-booking for a Moorcroft (1872-1945). He came from a one-hour factory tour. If you wish to buy Potteries family, but lost his parents when Moorcroft seconds, you can now do so quite young. He showed artistic skill, and online. Buy only from a reputable source, studied in London and in Paris. He went as there are many fakes being imported to work for the company James Macintyre, from the Far East. As the poet John Keats and rose to become their chief designer, said, “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.” taking inspiration from the Art Nouveau The Monday Club held its Annual Genermovement and William Morris’s work. He al Meeting on February 11, 2019. Copies even won gold medals for his work, which of the previous AGM and the current finanwas sold in Liberty’s of London, a company cial statement were circulated. with whom he had a very long association, We have a membership of around 23 and Tiffany’s of New ladies, and always welYork. come visitors including William left Macinmen. We were fortunate tyre’s and in 1913 he set enough to have two up his own business. speakers willing to step Crucially, Liberty’s supin at short notice, when ported him financially the original people during this period, and booked were unwell. held a major interest in Last year we were able to the Moorcroft company make donations to until the 1960s. The LOROS and to Heart Link building is now used as from funds raised. a Heritage Centre. Our programme for Moorcroft pieces are 2019 promises to be not made of porcelain interesting, with a variety Pic: Walter Moorcroft but of earthenware, of speakers. We shall which is more susceptible to chipping. also have an outing in May, a strawberry Various ranges were produced, such as tea in July, and an early Christmas lunch Aurelian Ware or Florian Ware, which can with entertainment. be quite valuable now. Liberty’s asked him The Committee Members spoke in turn to make pieces which promoted their com- about their activities; as nobody else pany, and Mr Holloway showed us an exwished to take on any of the roles, it was ample where their name appeared in large agreed that existing members would continletters around the top. No company of this ue for another year. Particular thanks are kind could make a profit from art pottery due to our Club Leader/Secretary; those alone, and so Moorcroft’s also made every- present gave a round of applause in appreday pieces such as their popular blue porciation to everyone. celain tea sets. There was very little Whilst enjoying our tea/coffee and cakes, mechanisation, and it took ten separate we taxed our brains to complete a quiz processes to make pieces for such a set. about the meanings of unfamiliar words, In 1904, Moorcroft’s designs won a and the afternoon concluded with one of Gold Medal at the World Fair in St. Louis; our members reading her own poem celeand in 1928 he received a Royal Warrant brating the birds and other wildlife which from Queen Mary. He would sign or initial we can enjoy seeing around Bradgate Park. almost every piece he had designed. Mr Our meetings start at 2.15pm on the Holloway showed us examples of some second Monday of each month. On 11th popular patterns in the 1930s called “PanMarch we shall hear about “May Clements’ sy”, and “Pomegranate”, which by now War” (character in WWII portrayed by Mrs had to compete against the Art Deco move- Sandra Moore), followed by “Rickshaws ment. Exotic flowers were featured in and Chopsticks” on 8th April. Please see ranges such as “Hibiscus” and “Arum”. local posters for details. Visitors and new Hugh Edwards is the current owner, members are always welcome. and there is a workforce of about 120 Mrs Maja Tompkins people. A vase commemorating the compaContact mobile 07709 201881 ny’s 100th anniversary was made in 2013 From Monday Club Cropston & Thurcaston

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Help lend a hand on the river A RAPIDLY growing charity needs new volunteers to help visitors enjoy a day on the river. Following the launch of a nationwide fund raising campaign during November 2017, The Baldwin Trust, a local waterways based community charity, now has a different problem to solve! The Trust was set up in 1983 to help patients of the Baldwin Ward at the former Leicester Frith Hospital by giving them therapeutic trips on the tranquil waters of the local river and canal system. The Trust is a Charity crewed entirely by volunteers to provide enjoyable days out for people of all ages and physical abilities. The boats are fitted with ramps

Pics: A Baldwin Trust river trip and (left) volunteer crew aboard a boat

great day on the water. Set the task of securing funds to replace both of its 30+ year old narrow boats; the funding team and volunteers have been successful in raising adequate funds to order the first of the new 68 foot long narrow boats. Construction started in February and completion is expected during July 2019. Spokesman Alisdair Macintyre said: “Having transported nearly 2,000 members of our community on the canals and rivers of Leicestershire during 2018, we have been surprised and delighted by the level of support to acquire the first and lifts for easy access for wheelchairs new boat but now find that we need and other mobility issues. They are also more volunteers and experienced skipvery happy to arrange trips for family pers to man the increased fleet of three and community groups wishing to have a boats by August this year! We never expected this to happen so quickly!”

They have recruited 15 new volunteers during the last six months but need at least 15 more to meet the growing demand from disadvantaged people of all ages to enjoy a day on the river. Alisdair said: “Can you help? Are you interested in using your spare time to help those less able than you? If you enjoy the outdoors and time by the waterside or may have some sailing experience, working with this Trust could be just right for you!” You can visit the web site for the Trust at www.baldwintrust.co.uk and fill out the volunteer application form and return it to the Trust or you can write to: The Secretary, 52, Johnson Road, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 3AS with your details.

Touch screen display A LARGE 55 inch touch display screen has been installed at the Mountsorrel and Rothley Heritage Centre. Provided thanks to fundraising by Rothley primary school, the new display has been installed in the downstairs heritage room. A spokesman said: “At present there are over 200 photos, videos, and narrations for you to watch on the display, these will be added to over the coming months as we scan and index the wealth of historical information that has been loaned to us. This should give visitors a taste of what is planned for our Discovery Centre and allow you to see historical content with much more detail than would be possible in a book or on a display board. “A massive thank you to Rothley Primary School for raising the funds to allow us to buy this.”

Volunteer drivers Borough council tax needed for mini-bus group and also organises trips out to pubs, restaurants, garden centres, museThe proposed increase would see the ums and theatres in our mini-bus. annual charge for an average Band D A spokesman said: “All our drivers property rise £5 (4.27 per cent) to Volunteers can give as little or as are volunteers and we would not be able £122.09 from April 1, 2019. much time as they wish, whatever fits to function without them. We would give It is also being proposed to keep the around their other commitments. you a test drive of our mini-bus to make Loughborough Special Rate, paid by resiAge Concern Syston is a small selfsure you are happy then add you to our dents of Loughborough and the equivafunding help and information centre for rota for times suitable to you.” lent of a parish precept in villages, at the the elderly serving Syston and district. It Please get in touch with Yvonne or same rate, £74.97. runs day care groups and a respite care Councillor Tom Barkley, Lead Member Elaine by telephone 0116 2601476, or for Finance and Property Services, said: email ageconcernsyston@tiscali “We are proposing to increase our local element of council tax for the next finan.co.uk or call into the cial year. office between 9-12.30 “Local government funding remains Mon-Fri at The Methodist Church challenging and in order to protect our frontline services, we have put forward Centre, High Street, what we believe is a reasonable proposal. Syston, Leicester LE7 “It would mean we will still have one 1GP of the lowest council tax rates in the country. We are also proposing to freeze the Loughborough Special Rate once again. “Even with this increase, it will still mean we will have to use some of our reserves in order to balance the books for 2019/2020.However, because of careful planning in the past, our financial position will remain strong which will allow us to continue to offer excellent ‘Just the Job’ provides a professional property maintenance service services for residents.” Charnwood Borough Council currently We can cater for individuals & businesses. No job too big or small has the 23rd lowest council tax charge out of 201 district councils in the country. Call Tom on: 0773 266 6969 Council tax pays for a range of servicEmail: Tom@JTJservices.co.uk es provided Charnwood Borough Council,

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Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue and the parish council where you live. The Charnwood element accounts for less than 10 per cent of the total bill.

Film shot locally THE GCR railway featured in the recently released film ‘Stan and Ollie’ starring Steve Coogan and John C Reilly Parts of the film were shot aboard carriages along the line and shots of the train station were filmed at Loughborough. The film is a comedy drama about the famous comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in their later years as they travel around the UK and Ireland in 1953 on a music hall tour. The GCR has been used as a film location for the films ‘Enigma’ and ‘The Hours’ as well as for Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ and the TV show, Top Gear

MAR 2019

CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council is proposing to raise its share of council tax by 9p a week for a Band D property.

THE ROTHLEY POST

Open your garden for summer event THE POPULAR Thurcaston & Cropston Open Garden weekend is inviting local people to open up their gardens for this year’s event. A spokesman said: “Last year we raised £2343.10 for the Air Ambulance and the local Good Neighbour Scheme. This year we are again raising money for local charities. “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.”

He 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

Try golf this year villages are open on two afternoons, but if you can only manage one afternoon, then that’s fine. “So if you would like to open your garden for this year’s event or would like more information, or encouragement, please contact us. We hope you will join us for another successful year as part of the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens event.” Contact Linda 0116 236 3872, email Linda@tcog.org.uk Look at the website www.tcog.org.uk for more information, inspiration and encouragement . There is also a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on the website 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 on 29 & 30 June 2019, we’d love to see you” said the spokesman.

Art in woodland setting

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2019

LOCAL ART group ArtSpace, including members from Mountsorrel, are staging the biggest woodland art event to happen in Charnwood for decades. Mountsorrel artist Nita Rao, main creator behind the event, has undertaken an eight week ‘artist residency’ in the spectacular woodland setting to wet the public appetite and set the scene. This will be followed by a six week long sculpture trail leading through the woodland featuring artworks from eleven commissioned artists. The Sculpture Trail in Charnwood’s Outwoods, just outside Loughborough, will be opened with a weekend art event, including creative public drop-in workshops, on April 27 & 28. Nita’s residency started on February 18 and will continue until the opening of the Sculpture Trail. Mountsorrel based photographer and ArtSpace member Tony Thory, said: “Last year’s smaller event was such a success, and because the public appetite for opportunities to be creative outdoors in beautiful natural surroundings was clearly so large, ArtSpace members decided to go all out and stage a bigger and better event that would last longer and

meander through a large part of the woodland.” As artist in residence, Nita will spend two or three days a week developing new work in the woods from natural and found materials, taking inspiration from the Outwoods itself. The eleven commissioned artists will be creating and installing their work on site over the Easter holiday period, April 15-26, allowing visitors to observe the process and talk with the artists. The opening event for the sculpture trail will include two days of public drop-in workshops developed in response to work in the exhibition. During the six week trail further workshops will be held during a ‘sculpture-in-the-woods day’. Four day-long drop-in trail-based workshops will allow visitors to make work to take home as well as work on a larger collaborative piece to remain on the trail. The Project has been generously supported by Arts Council England, The National Forest and Charnwood Borough Council. For further updated information see the ArtSpace website – www.artspace-lboro.co.uk - and facebook – Into the Outwoods Sculpture Trail.

IS THIS the year you learn to play golf? If the answer is yes, then Rothley Park Golf Club’s Teaching Academy is the ideal opportunity to see if golf is for you without the commitment of being a club member. Those wishing to ‘have a go’ or to brush up their golfing skills are being offered a package of group and individual coaching with Club Professional Katie Tebbet, a chance to meet fellow beginners and improvers and to have the full use of the club’s practice facilities, with access to the course as and when Katie thinks you are ready. Katie says: “The Academy is aimed at adults beginners or those who have perhaps dabbled at the game but never really got going and those who have played a bit but not for the past few years and need help to get back into ‘the swing’. You don’t need to be a club member, you don’t need to have a golf handicap and you don’t even have to own golf clubs as we are happy to lend you what you need at this stage.” Membership & Communications Committee Member, Jim Needham, is the Academy Co-Ordinator. He said: “It’s a great way to find out if golf is for you, or,

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if you are already a golfer, but not currently a club member, an excellent way to meet our members and get your game back in shape.” “Last year we had a great group in the Academy” he added. “Many joined as club members and the feedback we received was that coaching and playing together created new friendships and gave Academy members the confidence to really give it a go. If you would like to know more about the 2019 Spring Academy package, please give the club a ring and they’ll put you in touch with Katie or myself.” The 2019 Spring Academy coaching package runs from April to September with group and individual lessons. The cost is £195 and in addition to coaching also includes full access to practice facilities, access to the course at selected times to play with fellow Academy members (at the discretion of the Professional), or with a full playing member. It also includes access to golf club social facilities and functions, free use of the necessary golf equipment for lessons, discounts on golf equipment from the shop, club members as mentors when you are ready to try out your skills on the course and the opportunity to follow on with a reduced rate membership to practice and consolidate your golfing skills. For more information about Rothley Park Academy please contact Jim Needham on 0116 2873623 or Katie Tebbet professional shop on 0116 230 2809. www.rothleypark.co.uk Pic: club pro, Katie Tebbet, with one of her academy groups.

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

Talk captivates members Planning WE WELCOMED Adam Pasco to the Club members captivated from start to P/19/0391/2: 46 Kiln Garth, Rothley – change from public open space to residential finish. February meeting of the Thurcaston use (Class C3) The Gardening Club meets in the and Cropston Gardening Club - he P/19/0390/2: 18 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley – delivered a brilliant talk called ‘Grow Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall drop kerb stones to provide off road parking Whether an experienced gardener or the Best Glorious Plants’. in front of property Adam is a radio and television broad- an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you P/19/0369/2: Rissington House, 11A will find something of interest in this Woodgate, Rothley – erection of new fence up caster. He also to 8 ft tall at rear of property year’s programme. New members are writes in local and P/19/0333/2: 49 Garland, Rothley – part renational newspapers made most welcome. What’s more, it is moval of existing single storey rear extension excellent value! The membership fee is and magazines. He and replacement with new 2 storey extension still only £12 for the year (pro rota) or is perhaps best P/19/0311/2: 58 Swithland Lane, Rothley – known for his work £3 per meeting. So, if you are interestdemolition of existing garage with storage above and erection of 2 storey side extension on the BBC Garden- ed in gardening - come and give the and single storey rear extension to create er’s World magazine, club a try. For more information, and for a copy open plan living space which he launched P/19/0307/2: 196 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley of our eye-catching poster of the 2019 and edited for 22 years. – install rear driveway Programme of Events, please contact In his illustrated talk, Adam introP/19/0296/2: 969A Loughborough Rd, RothDave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: duced us to a wide range of glorious ley – proposed single storey rear extension david.haddon20@ntlworld.com and loft conversion plants that are guaranteed to succeed, Or Richard Elks P/19/012l/2: 1 Old Farm Close, Rothley – 1st whether in borfloor extension to front/side of dwelling (0116 236 8313): ders, pots or cropston161@hotm P/19/0103/2: 30 Howe Lane, Rothley – erecbaskets. His talk tion of porch to front of dwelling ail.co.uk was full of inP/19/0098/2: 71 Swithland Lane, Rothley – The next club spiring planting erection of two storey extension to side, sinevents are:gle storey extension to rear, addition of new ideas designed Wed 13 March, front entrance & porch to front, construction to fire the imagiof detached garage and annexe to side & 7.45pm, Colourful nation. Summer Containers, store to front of dwelling Adam grows P/19/0071/2: Ridge House, 1 Windmill End, Arthur Parkinson many of the Rothley – erection of 1st floor extension to Arthur Parkinplants he reside of dwelling son is a plant photographer and florist, ferred to in his own garden, so he had P/19/0005/2: 17 Saxon Drive, Rothley – erecbest known for creating a cutting garden tion of single storey rear extension confidence in the performance of these in the courtyard of the famous potter P/19/0150/2: 46 North Street, Rothley – carplants. port to rear of dwelling (Self Assessment Emma Bridgewater. Recently become He divided his talk into different form B completed) assistant to the renowned gardener and sections, starting with ‘plants that really P/19/0321/2: 110 Station Rd, Cropston – florist Sarah Raven. perform’. He talked about the RHS proposed 2 storey & single storey rear extenThis talk will focus on containers, (Royal Horticultural Society) ‘Award of sions, new entrance to front of property & dormer windows to front of property Garden Merit’ (AGM). Plants with the P/19/0241/2: 134 Station Rd, Cropston – AGM label have been trialled and judged erection of new car port by gardening experts to help gardeners P/19/0105/2: The Pumping Station, Bradgate choose good plants. In this section Rd, Cropston – addition of lighting & conduit, Adam suggested many perennials includsecurity cameras, alarm box & woodburner ing Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ AGM flue (retrospective application) P/19/0013/2: 4 Latimer Rd, Cropston - erec(perennial wallflower) and purple tion of 2 storey rear extension, 1st floor side cranesbill AGM, and many shrubs includextension and canopy roof over porch to ing Physocarpus ‘Diabolo’ AGM, and dwelling Viburnum plicaturm AGM. In other sections Adam suggested ‘the how to ensure lavish displays that are TO ORDER AVON ONLINE Nation’s Favourite Rose’, ‘planting partbold, exciting and bee-friendly with cut ners and grouping’, and ‘plants for WWW.WEBBSHOP.CO.UK and come again colour a priority. shade’. In another section Adam sugWed 10 April, 7.45 pm, Pelargoniums, gested trees for outstanding foliage, Heather Godard - Key flower, fruit and bark such as the Crab From Thurcaston and Cropston GardenApple – Malus ‘Sentinel Red’ AGM. ing Club Adam covered a huge amount of Pics: (from top) speaker Adam Pasco; part WWW.ITSABEAUTIFULBUSINESS.CO.UK ideas and tips in this talk. He suggested of the herbaceous border at Oxburgh Hall; good plants to grow from seed, plants to Coneflower – Echinacea Purpurea INTERESTED IN grow in pots, and grow your own fruit BECOMING AN AVON and vegetable. In addition, he showed photographs from Oxburgh Hall in NorThe next issue of REP? folk as a case study in keeping colour THE ROTHLEY POST TEXT ‘AVON’ TO will be published on Apr 27. coming all summer. The copy deadline is Apr 12. This talk was quite superb and had 07782 276668

Rothley’s helping hands THE ROTHLEY Good Neighbours Scheme (GNS) is a new group that aims to improve the quality of life of the more vulnerable people in the area. The scheme aims to link people in the community who are in particular need with local volunteers who are willing to help. It was launched in November 2018 with the aim of putting in touch volunteers in the local community with those who may wish for assistance in some way. This includes the elderly, disabled, single parents or those in need of temporary help due to illness, injury or bereavement. Currently 20 volunteers have provided a helping hand to a number of local residents. This has included computer support to the folks who have difficulty leaving their house, simple DIY jobs, gardening, transport to doctor, hospital and other appointments. If you would either like help or could spare some time to join the group of volunteers then simply ring 0756 1596 873 The phone line is open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm where you will find a friendly voice to speak to. “Tasks for the weekend need to be pre booked by phoning in advance” said a spokesman.

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