Rothley Post (139) November 2019

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THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Delivered to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston

NOV/DEC 2019

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 139

Hearty in the park

THE SOAR Valley Community Food Project continues to grow and develop. It provides food parcels for people in need from Rothley Baptist church on Mondays from 11-12.45pm and from Birstall Catholic church on Tuesdays from 10-11am. Support is also given in the form of debt advice, budgeting, CV writing and benefits advice. As well as food, sanitary products, toiletries, clothes and other goods are also provided. The project has donation points at four Co-op supermarkets and at Waitrose as well as in schools and churches. 767 food parcels were provided in the last year.

A CHARITY event with a festival vibe was held on the Mountsorrel Lane playing field, raising £5000 for Heart Link. The ‘Hearty in the Park’ on October 5 featured live music and entertainment throughout the day with games, a quiz and stalls. It was organised by Jessica Martin from Rothley whose son Woody, now aged nine months, was born with a large hole in his heart requiring open heart surgery. Jessica said: “Although it was horrific having to deal with everything, including a six hour surgery, it was made that much easier by Heart Link. Without them who knows where we would be now and because of that we wanted to give something back.” She added: “The week leading up to the event was terrible weather wise and with the flash floods we thought it might be a washout, however on the day we were blessed with no rain and it was an almighty success. We raised an incredible £5000 for Heart Link in only one day and we can’t wait to smash that figure next year, with Hearty in the Park 2020. Watch this space!”

Local food project

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Lights switch on

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ROTHLEY CHRISTMAS lights switch on event is on Thursday November 28 at 5.45pm

Couple celebrate 60 years together

The service will start in September 20120, say Bradgate Education Partnership Trust. Gareth Nelmes, CEO of the Trust, said: “The number of students applying to come to Wreake Valley Academy from the Rothley and Sileby areas has warranted a new bus route to be provided. The flexible service will allow parents to purchase either weekly return passes or individual daily passes to suit their needs. The bus route will give parents greater choice for their child's secondary school option and we are excited to be able to offer this service for students and parents.” Parents who would like further information should contact Rachael Boyall at Wreake Valley Academy on 0116 264 1080 or email admin@wvacademy.org

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A MOUNTSORREL couple have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. John (82) and Sheila Thompson (80) were married on October 3, 1959 and will be remembered by many in Rothley for running Thompson newsagent on Woodgate for 22 years, where they worked together. The couple met when Sheila was 16 and helping out on a market stall in Uppingham. John was working on the neighbouring stall and it was

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love at first sight. Sheila says she thought John had a good sense of humour and made her laugh. John says Sheila was caring and pretty as a picture. The couple say the secret of a long marriage is lots of love and laughter together and not going to bed on an argument. John and Sheila have two daughters, Marie and Sharon, and the family celebrated the anniversary with a get-together at Kilworth House. Pics: Holding their card from the Queen are John & Sheila Thomson and (inset) on their wedding day.

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“Following on from the massive success of the Rothley Christmas Lights event last year, the community has come together again to plan an even stronger event this year” said event spokesman Tim Jackson. He added: “The Rothley churches, shopkeepers, Parish Council and village organisations have again swung into action to organise the event. Everyone is looking forward to an amazing evening when the lights will be switched on and the village will come to life. “In addition to the Rothley school choir, all the shops being open, there will be stalls, entertainment, funfair rides, an array of food and drink and the chance to meet friends and raise money for local charities. “The lights will be switched on by a local celebrity and will be a reminder to everyone that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus – the Light of the World.” If people need further information or would like to take part in any way, please contact Tim Jackson on 07720 458626 or Simon Payne-Mivshuk on 0116 2301550.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

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Colourful display at show draws crowd THE THURCASTON and Cropston Gardening Club’s 36th Annual Garden, Craft & Produce Show was held at the Richard Hill Primary School on Saturday September 7. A club spokesman said: “The sun was out early morning and continued to shine throughout the day and with a steady stream of exhibitors it ensured the show benches were looking splendid by the time judging time arrived. The superb quality of entries in the flower and floral art sections led the way, but all sections were looking splendid with lots of entries in our 68 classes. “Congratulations to Annette Spurr who took two of the top trophies, the Sedgwick Cup awarded for the ‘Highest Overall Points in the Show’ and the Jubilee Challenge trophy ‘Garden Club member with the highest overall points’. “The ‘Best Exhibit in Show’ trophy went to Paul Stubbs whose large bowl of Sweet Peas was praised by the judges for their outstanding quality. “The ‘Have-a-Go’ trophy, introduced this year, was won by Meg Grant. This trophy was added to encourage more people to ‘have a go’, and a class in each section was specifically allocated for this purpose. First signs are encour-

aging, and we hope to entice more firsttime exhibitors next year. “Special thanks to the Brownies for their outstanding contributions to the children’s section. Although the total number of children’s exhibits was considerably down on recent years the standard was extremely high.

Pic: Annette Spurr who took two of the top trophies being presented by Councillor Deborah Taylor

“Something we always like to see are new names on our winners list and this year we have five, Sue Holyoake and Meg Grant in the Floral Arts section Di Longwith (Preserves & Wine) Andrew Holyoake (Home Baking section) and Alan Talbot

Pic: The “Have-a-Go” trophy, introduced this year, was won by Meg Grant

who won the Novice Trophy. Congratulations go to all our winners for their sterling efforts. “Our ever-popular tombola table was a big attraction for our afternoon visitors and, at the end of the day, many a bargain was snapped up from our after show ‘market stall’ sale. “Thanks to County Councillor Deborah Taylor for finding the time in her busy schedule to come along and present cups and trophies to all our winners. Thanks also to all the exhibitors and visitors and everyone who contributed towards the smooth running of the show. See you all again next year.”

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Historic season for Rothley cricket

RPCC 1st XI County Cup & Premier League Winners

ROTHLEY PARK cricketers are celebrating an historic 2019 season. The 1st team won the Everards Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League Premier Division and the Leicestershire County Cup beating Kibworth at Grace Road. This is the first time the club has won either trophy in their 202-year history and is even more remarkable as they were only promoted to the Premier Division last season. The 2nd team also celebrated being promoted from Division Five and break-

ing some batting records. Will Rowell hit 107 and Richard Williams 140, setting a new opening partnership record of 250 against Hathern Old. This only lasted two weeks as Richard Williams with 109 and Sam Ward with 212 reset the record with an opening stand of 336 against Hinckley Amateurs. Another outstanding individual feat came in the County Cup Quarter Final against Shree Sanatan when Rothley’s Niall O’Brien scored 254 with the bat. Club Chairman James Upton said: “From Division Four to Premier Division champions. Massive thanks to everyone who has contributed to our rise and rise – this success is all of ours.” Club Secretary Martin Williams added: “This season is the culmination and reward for a remarkable 11 years of hard work, effort and organisation behind the

Pic: RPCC Womens XI Premier League Winners

scenes to pull the club up by its boot strings, helped by annual development planning and a tremendous level of support from the local community to achieve these plans.” More congratulations went to Rothley Park Women’s XI who were proud winners of the Midlands Women’s Premier League title in their first season together at Rothley. They went undefeated the whole season. Rothley Park’s Junior Under 13 and U15 teams also dominated their respec-

tive leagues, reflecting the growing success of the Club’s junior coaching programme which now has an active participation of 200+ boys and girls from ages U5 through to U19. “Friday evening’s junior coaching and associated club social night is very keenly looked forward to by juniors and parents alike supported by bar and BBQ” said a club spokesman.

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Sustainable Rothley Litter pick A huge thank you to all the wonderful people young and old who came to join the litter pick on September 28. The weather stayed dry and we collected about ten bags of litter as well as harvesting some tyres, a lightning conductor and a for sale sign post.

Changing to LED light bulbs – Alison Riggall’s story. “We’re changing our CFL (energy saving) lightbulbs for LED ones. It should reduce our lighting energy use – and cost – by at least 40%, and we’ll have recovered the purchase cost in a year or so. If you’ve still got the old incandescent bulbs, which are now illegal to buy, then the savings are much, much higher. “We’ve worked out that if everyone in Rothley changed just one bulb for an LED one, and used it for just one hour, Rothley would save 18KW. So if we all changed all our lightbulbs, it would help make a very significant difference to the energy we use in Rothley – and we’d all be better off too! “I spoke to Corts, who are one of the businesses that support Plastic Free Rothley. They’ve got plenty of LEDs for sale.” Have you got a story of what you’ve done to use less plastic and live more sustainably? Let us know.

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2019

Those who had also helped in the spring felt there was much less litter this time, so we hope that keeping areas clean and tidy will deter would-be litter bugs. The vast majority of the litter (without doing a proper audit) was all the usual suspects - beer bottles, beer cans, pop cans, plastic bottles, fast food debris. Thanks also to Charnwood Borough

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5 Council, who loaned equipment and picked up all the bags. Meeting The next meeting is on Tues November 5 at the library, from 6.30-8pm. Everyone’s welcome. We’ll be talking about the plans for the next year, which will include: • Sustainable Spring Festival: Gavin and Jane, from Gavin Taylor Hair Salon, are spearheading an event for everyone. Lots more news to come! • Sustainable events: encouraging all the events which take place in Rothley, including runs and bike rides, to reduce single use plastics and be aware of sustainable issues. • Sustainable shopping: businesses in Rothley have been brilliant in joining in the campaign and using less plastic. We’re going to approach the HQs of the chain shops to encourage them to join in. New logo The group now has a new logo to go with the name, Sustainable Rothley. It shouldn’t be long before the village will officially become a Plastic Free CommuTHE NEXT production by the Latnity. imer Players will be the swash Christmas plans buckling pantomime adventure With Christmas creeping up on us, we’re thinking about how we can enjoy ‘Robinson Crusoe and the Piit all sustainably! Think about the wraprates’. ping you use – could it be paper, not It’s a traditional pantomime, by Tom plastic? Could presents come from a Whalley, with jokes, sketches and audicharity shop, or be home-made? Could ence participation for all the family to you buy something locally? Or could you enjoy. give away an hour of your time, or an Our hero Robinson Crusoe has alexperience of some kind? And if you’re ways had an appetite for adventure! having a party, think about using Living with his old mother Dame Crystal leicesterecopartypackages@gmail.com for Crusoe, his washed up Father, Captain rental of everything you might need. Crusoe and his silly billy brother Sprat, You can get in touch at Robinson has no desire to take over the plasticfreerothley@gmail.com, or phone family Fish ‘n Chip shop. Meanwhile, the 07764941574. The group has a page on high seas are terrorised by the evil CapFacebook, and you can get the monthly tain Blacktashe in his search for the lost email newsletter by letting us know your temple of treasure on Skull Island but email address. If you’d like to know all the map where X marks the spot has the local collection points for recycling, been lost for years… Will Robinson ever you can find out on the Facebook page. find his treasure? Will Dame Crusoe end up battered? And what is that mysterious writing on the back of the chip shop menu? “We are pleased to welcome lots of new faces to the stage who are eager to make their debut, helped along by our usual pantomime actors” said Laura Simms from the Latimer Players. “It’s all good family entertainment with an opportunity to join in and sing along, or even to come on stage and show us how it should be done!” The production takes place in November at Thurcaston Memorial Hall and dates are Thursday 28th & Friday 29th at 7.30pm and Saturday 30th at 1.30pm and 5.30pm. Tickets are available from Christine Deavin - email christinedeavin@gmail.com. Telephone 0116 237 6855. There are special rates for children: Under 5’s are free, 7yrs to 12yrs £4.50 and Adults £7 . All children must be accompanied by an adult. Laura said: “We are always looking for new members and now could not be a better time to join us. Come and be a villager on stage or help back stage moving scenery, painting and building. You don’t have to be experienced in any of the tasks - just enthusiastic!” If you are interested contact Christine 0116 237 6855.

Panto adventure on the high seas


THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2019

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Fall from bridge Award winning wines A 38 year old woman died after falling off a bridge and onto the Western Bypass in Wanlip. Elizabeth Forbes fell from the bridge on Ashton Green Road between Thurcaston and Glebelands on Thursday September 26 just after 1pm. An inquest heard that Ms Forbes was hit by a van seconds after she fell from the bridge, reported Leicestershire Live. A post mortem examination at Leicester Royal Infirmary had been unable to establish the cause of death. The request was adjourned until next year for further reports from drug and alcohol teams, and the police.

TWO WINES grown in Rothley were praised on national television on the BBC1 Saturday Kitchen programme by renowned chef Marianne Lumb on August 10, 2019. She had mentioned the sparkling wines and the elderflower wine from Rothley Wine Estate and then a week later at the Regional Wine competition, this boutique wine estate scooped 8 medals. Liz Robson, vineyard proprietor at Rothley Wine Estate, said “I am so pleased. All the hard work has been recognised, and none of this would have been possible Pics: floral tributes have been placed without the help of our at the scene remarkable band of volunMs Forbes was born in London and teers. No gold medals were her occupation at the time of her awarded at all at the compedeath is unknown. tition, which indicates that a The van driver involved in the incisilver medal is a noble accodent was not hurt. Police closed both lade indeed. King Richard sides of the A46 Western Bypass follow- attained a silver thus beating King Henry who got a ing the incident. The road was rebronze. Now this might upopened at 6.30pm. set the history books a bit!”. She added: “The four awards achieved at the national competitions early in the year had identical awards in this regional competition, which I feel shows the stringency and reliability of the judging.” Pic: Liz Robson with her award winning Rothley wine

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST

New GCR museum THE GCR have published an image (above) of its planed museum at Birstall’s Leicester North site. The proposal is at an advanced stage of planning, say the GCR, and will incorporate a museum, station and conference/education centre in one enclosed area. The building will be 32,000 square feet and is estimated to cost £7million. The project will be delivered by the GCR,

County Council and Leicester City Council. Plans for a major national railway museum on the site had to be scrapped in December 2017 when the Heritage Lottery foundation reversed its decision to award £9.5million of lottery money to the project.

Reed bed built in park

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2019

A SCHEME to create a new reed bed in Watermead Country Park started on September 16. The project is being led by the Leicestershire & Rutland Ornithological Society (L&ROS). The scheme, at the northern end of the existing reed bed nature reserve, will create an additional reed bed habitat with benefits for birds such as bitterns, egrets, water rails, reed warblers and sedge warblers. In addition, there will be benefits for fish breeding, for water quality, water catchment capacity and also additional habitat for otters. The project is being funded by the

Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society, the Trent Rivers Trust, Leicestershire County Council and Charnwood Borough Council. The northern part of the reed bed nature reserve will be closed for 2 - 3 weeks while the excavation works are underway. Chairman of the L&ROS, Andy Smith, said: “This is an excellent example of working with nature to deliver multiple benefits for the natural and human world. Sustainable schemes such as this will hopefully become the norm in future. We are delighted that our funding partners share our belief in delivering sustainable quality water environments.”

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Bulky waste charge On page 12 of the Sept/Oct edition of The Rothley Post there was an article relating to fly tipping. On page 14 it was reported Charnwood Borough Council will be introducing a £20 charge for the collection of bulky waste. I can't be the only person who thinks this charge will increase the incidence of fly tipping. Beverley Carr (Mrs)

Merchant Navy Day Hopefully you saw the Red Ensign (flag) flying from the Memorial at Cross Green on September 3rd honouring Merchant Navy personnel on what is known as Merchant Navy Day. What is Merchant Navy Day? It is the day when we remember the 50,000 men and women who lost their lives at sea during the 1st and 2nd World Wars,

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Bradgate Park I was amazed and dismayed in equal measure to read the news in the September/October Rothley Post of the "new leadership" at Bradgate Park. Two questions spring to mind which really need to be answered. In precisely what ways do Nick Rushton and Peter Soulsby think Bradgate Park is "not delivering for the people of Leicester and Leicestershire" and why does Peter Tyldesley feel he "was forced into leaving"? In my opinion the improvements in the seven years since Mr Tyldesley's arrival have been immense and his commitment to its flourishing has been obvious to anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing one of his enthusiastic, knowledgeable and inspirational talks about the park. The statements that the City and County Council are "now in control" and will be using their "expertise to make the most of the park" do not fill me with optimism, and I think many people will share my cynicism. Both Councils are capable of wasting money on an industrial scale. Let us hope that the Charity Commission will support Mr Tyldesley's complaint and that Bradgate Park as a wonderful facility for us all and will remain free from local government control and all the better for it. Mary Toone The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 9. The copy deadline is Dec 13.

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Noticeboard all details printed free 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 Running Club We meet on Monday & Friday at 6.15pm for 6.30pm run from the Pavilion, School Lane Playing Fields (showers & toilets available) We also meet on Wednesday at the Sibson Road car park at 6.15pm for 6.30pm run Spadework session also on Wednesdays See www.birstallrc.org.uk for more info or contact us: BirstallRC@gmail.com Leicester Branch of Cancer Research UK are holding their annual

Coffee Morning and Christmas Sale at The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane Rothley on Saturday November 19th 2019 from 10am to 12 noon. Stalls will include Cakes * Books * Bric a Brac * Gifts * Plants * New Toys * Handicrafts * Phoenix Cards * Tombola and Raffle. Entrance will be £1 to include Coffee/ Tea and biscuits. Everyone is welcome – all money raised will be used locally in research at Leicester University/Hospitals

Christmas Festival Birstall Methodist Church Winter Wonderland Friday 29th Nov 10am-6pm Refreshments from 10am, light lunches 12-2pm Hot dogs from 3pm Saturday 30th Nov10am-2pm Refreshments from 10am, light lunches 12-2pm Large display of trees in the Church Free admission – donations to Bark Foundation Stalls – Crafts & decorations, homemade cakes & preserves, toys, pick a bag, children’s lucky dip, Christmas gifts, vintage items, raffle, tombola, Santa. Children’s activities. Table tops Fri 2-6pm Sat 10am2pm

during the Christmas Festival Friday 29th Nov 2pm-6pm Saturday 30th Nov 10am-2pm Tables going fast, just a few remain. To book yours please ring Margaret Briggs: 0116 2671181

JHMT Christmas Craft Fair Come and do your Christmas Shopping early at the JHMT Christmas Craft Fair held at the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre, Leicester Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7AJ Sunday 3 November 2019 10.30am-4.30pm Help JHMT Save Young Hearts Visit us online at jhmt.org.uk or visit our social media sites

Indoor Boot Sale Saturday 16th November 2019 11am-3.30pm Two Venues: E. Goscote Church Hall (behind the Garage) Village Hall, Lingdale, East Goscote, LE7 3XW Fees. £5 per 6’space if you bring your own table £7 per table with hall table Payment to be made on booking. Booking forms available in E Goscote Library from Monday 9th September 2019. Telephone enquires to East Goscote Library 0116 3053510. Please leave your name and telephone number and a member of the organising team will get back to you Wanted Young people 6-18 years for

Music Tuition Vibrant individual and group tuition by highly experienced teachers of traditional Irish music is given in Tin Whistle, Button Accordian Banjo, Flute, Piano Accordian, Mandolin, Fiddle Bodhran Musical Instrument lending scheme available New learners of all ages and backgrounds are welcome Monday (in term time) from 7pm to 9.30pm to the Emerald Centre, Gypsy Lane, LE5 0TB Cost is £3.50 per child per week (£3 for younger siblings) First Taster Lesson Free! It is quite amazing how quickly youngsters learn - they soon sound impressively accomplished. This valuable musical experience is not the only benefit - socially, it's a lot of fun too! For more details contact: Rosaleen Duddy 07857849887 Giotto Bonomaully 07808060312 Comhaltas Follow us on Facebook Leicester Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann www.leicestercomhaltas.org

Table Top Sale Birstall Methodist Church Continued on page 10

NOV 2019

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 email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

keeping people in this country alive, by bringing food and materials from all over the world. Today in peace times, the Merchant Navy is still manned by brave men and women who make their work place at sea doing the same as Merchant Seamen did did 75 years ago. Not only do they face danger from rough seas and other disasters but are separated from families and friends for months on end. It is a lonely and different life to those of us living and working ashore and we must thank them for bringing the many commodities into our country that we need to sustain our daily life, and which we take for granted. Look around your home and much that you see will have come from other countries, brought by ships of the Merchant Navy. Pause a moment, and think of the men and women serving in the Merchant Navy today in all parts of the world. Martin Greenwood

THE ROTHLEY POST

YOUR SAY...

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THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2019

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Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society (Hats) Pantomime 2019

“Cinderella” by Norman Robbins, presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd. Dates: Thursday November 28th 2019 and Friday November 29th 2019 at 7.15pm Saturday November 30th 2019 at 2pm and 7pm Doors open 30 minutes before each performance Venue: Birstall Social Club, 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets: £7., £6 concession, £23 family ticket.(2 adults and 2 children) Discount for group bookings of 10 or more people (price available at time of booking). Tickets available now. Box office: 0116 2209594 and 07934204837 Or email hatstickets@hotmail.com. Face book: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/

Fosse Singers We are performing at the Cedars Academy, Birstall on Saturday 14th December 2019 at 7.30 p.m. a mixed repertoire of seasonal and non seasonal music to include a Sound of Music medley, a jazzy and a traditional Christmas medley. We charge £5 on the door for the concert and include free refreshments

Christmas Craft & Gift Fair Free Entry Thursday 5th December 6pm-9pm The Park Kitchen & Deli, 544 Bradgate Road, Newtown Lindford, LE6 0HB

Rothley Film Club 2.00pm Rothley Centre £5.50/£5 for concessions Rocketman (Nov 15th)

An epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John's breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. This inspirational story -set to Elton John's most beloved songs and performed by star Tar-

on Egerton -- tells the universally relatable story of how a smalltown boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture. Fisherman’s Friend (Dec 20) A fast-living, cynical London music executive (Danny Mays) heads to a remote Cornish village on a stag weekend where he's pranked by his boss (Noel Clarke) into trying to sign a group of shanty singing fishermen (led by James Purefoy). He becomes the ultimate 'fish out of water' as he struggles to gain the respect or enthusiasm of the unlikely boy band and their families (including Tuppence Middleton) who value friendship and community over fame and fortune. As he's drawn deeper into the traditional way of life he's forced to re-evaluate his own integrity and ultimately question what success really means Tactical Basement

Birstall Boxing Club At the Birstall Social Club Dean’s nights Mon and Fri.7 - 8pm For more details call Dean on 07979511501

Birstall Flower Club Birstall Village Hall, November 27th at 7.15pm Christmas Open Evening Demonstrators : Kate Russell and Patti Dawson Title : Christmas is coming, here we go again Visitors welcome - £10 with ticket Tickets from : Sylvia : 0116 2674206 or Mary 07704398017 Saturday 30th November 10am to 2pm St Theresa’s, Birstall

The Rothley Centre, 12, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members are free, visitors £3. New members and visitors are always welcome. Ample free car parking on site. For more information contact Jack Wootton on 07913129497

Wanlip Church Fair Saturday 7th December 2-4pm at Wanlip Hall and Church Flowers, music and refreshments in the church, assorted stalls in the Hall Everybody welcome, all proceeds to the Hall Floor Fund! Join us for our

Christmas Events hosted by Letters and Stitch & family! Christmas Robing Felting on Sunday 24th Nov 2-5pm. £15pp including festive nibbles. Christmas Wreath Making on Friday 29th Nov 7- 9.30pm. £25pp including festive nibbles. Events are hosted at Rothley Village Hall. There will also be a mini market with gifts perfect for Christmas. This is open to the public and not just those who are taking part in the crafting! Christmas Mini Market & Children’s Crafting! On Sun 8th Dec 2pm-5pm. A lovely range of stalls with gifts perfect for Christmas presents, handmade cakes and full of Christmas cheer! Children’s crafts including snow globe making and/or ‘frozen’ wand making + more. £6 per children for craft making. Free admission to stalls For more info. and booking please

visit ‘Letters and Stitch 2’ or call 07811069007

“Christmas Gift Basket” Sale Saturday 23rd November 10am-12noon Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop Carefully selected items in cellophane with bows Unique Christmas Gifts, Bargains Galore

Birstall Tea Dances St James, Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road, Leicester LE4 4DH Fridays Nov 8 & 22, 2019 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm, £4 each Tea / coffee and cakes included All welcomed Further information contact: Jackie 0116 2248278 / 07908607405 Email: jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council “Mary Queen of Scots” Nov 15, (124 mins )

This British epic historical drama stars the brilliant Saoirse Roman. At sixteen years of age, Mary became Queen of France but catastrophically was a widow by 18 years old. She returned to her beloved Scotland but .....Mary’s cousin Elizabeth was Queen of

Christmas Bazaar Sat 30th Nov, 10am to 2pm Raffle, Tombola, Cake, Christmas and toy stalls plus many more Hot soup and a roll available as your lunch time snack Everyone is welcome Rothley/Birstall

Birdwatching Club Tuesday, November 12, at 7.30pm New Zealand by Andy Smith. Andy is a return speaker and is a local birder, ringer and LROS Committee member. He will take us to New Zealand a country that offers high mountains, Fiords, raging rivers, scenic beaches, rolling pastures and active volcanic zones. It also has a good number of bird species, many of which are endemic to New Zealand along with many distinctive plant varieties. This is a land of the Maori people who call this the ‘’The Land of the Long White Cloud.’’ I wonder why? Perhaps Andy will be able to tell us. Tuesday, Dec 10th, at 7.30pm Members Christmas Meeting

NOV 2019

Continued from page 8

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England. The cousins were rivals in power and love! Would Mary’s plot against Elizabeth succeed? Will Elizabeth’s court follow a path of civil war? “Bohemian Rhapsody” Dec 13, (134 mins) Our December film is a British biographical drama about Queen and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury who defied stereotypes and convention, yet was a deeply private individual. "Bohemian Rhapsody" was directed from a screen play about the most well-loved music group in the world. Having gained four Oscars and won three British Academy Awards, this film will be a joyous celebration leading up to Christmas time. Our New Year Film will be shown on Jan 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 include refreshments and a lucky prize draw during the interval. Advance tickets may be purchased from Richard or Diana or via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door The Charnwood Orchestra

one. A charity market will kick things off at 10am, and there will also be a food court, craft and retail market, fairground rides and a Santa’s grotto. The Sock Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair will also be at the Loughborough Town Hall between 11am5pm. The stage will come alive at 1pm with performances by Loughborough Students' Union Sing, St Botolph's School Choir, Bright Lights Theatre School and Loughborough Schools Foundation Big Band. BBC Radio Leicester’s breakfast duo Jo Hayward and Ady Dayman will host the event from 3pm. Entertainment will include a big screen and live music from Kade Smith, former contestant on The Voice UK. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm Loughborough University’s Students Union will then provide entertainment until 7pm

Rothley Parish Church Sunday 22nd Dec: Sunday School nativity 10.30am Carols by candlelight 6.30pm Christmas Eve: Christingle 4pm Midnight Communion Service 11.15pm

Concert Emmanuel Church Forest Road Loughborough on 23 Nov 2019, starting 7.30pm. Conducted by Nic Fallowfield, the Orchestra are really pleased to welcome Solo Violinist Simon Smith, who will performing ever popular Bruch Violin Concerto No.1. Other works the Orchestra will be performing in this great programme include; Dvorak Scherzo Capriccioso Prokofiev - Symphony No.7 Tickets will be available from Via Paypal from charnwoodorchestra.org.uk, Email tickets@charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

The Florist High Street Barrow upon Soar: On the door St. James Church Friday 6th December at 7.30 p.m.

Singing For Fun!

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NOV 2019

A Concert of seasonal and light choral music by the Singing for Fun choir. Light refreshments provided. Entrance is free, but contributions will be welcome Loughborough

Christmas Lights Switch on event Sunday November 24. Market Place between 10am-7pm. The event, which is organised by Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with Love Loughborough, has something for every-

Christmas Day: 9am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) 10.30am Family Service

Loughborough Fair The historic fair, which is in its 798th year, is organised by Charnwood Borough Council. The fair will include a host of rides including King Frog, Top Scan, Freak Out, Miami Trip and old favourites such as the Cakewalk and Dodgems. The big observation wheel will also return this year offering fantastic views of the town. The fair will be officially opened at 6pm on Wed Nov 13 Fair opening times: Wed Nov 13, 6pm to 11pm Thur Nov 14, 12pm to 11pm Fri Nov 15, 11am to 11pm Sat Nov 16, 11am to 11pm Please support the 663 Ensemble's 50th Anniversary

Concert of Light Music on Sunday, 24th of November at 3pm at St.James the Great Parish Church, Birstall. All proceeds (by donation ) to charity

Parish Council notes had had a meeting with officers from the A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish county council about the provision of Council was held on August 19. extra school places at Rothley school. The new commander of the CharnDeveloper Davidsons had a deliverable wood Neighbourhood Policing area, Inspector Mark Botte, introduced himself plan linked to permission being granted for 78 new homes in the village. Comto councillors. He said that he intended ment was made that the parish council to promote Rural Watch and Neighbourhad already voted not to support this hood Watch to encourage the public to proposal. report incidents, suspicious activity and It was agreed to obtain estimates for crime to the Police. He said he intended to publish a newsletter that will be availa- the provision of a plaque on the War Memorial and to investigate the permisble locally. sions that may be required. In public participation, a request was Quotations for the external decoration made for a memorial plaque on Cross of the cemetery chapel and for the decoGreen for all those who have lost their ration of the village hall were approved. lives in conflicts since the second world An asbestos survey of the Rothley Centre war. and the village hall will be undertaken. It was reported that the new play equipment next to the library was popuA FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Croplar and had resulted in an increased ston Parish Council was held on June number of families joining the library. 20. County Councillor Peter Osborne Chairman Mark Charles reported that reported that parents were concerned he and the clerk had attended a meeting about the lack of places at Rothley of Charnwood Borough Council with school. Parents want certainty about planning officers and developers of the where their children will go to school 1950 home Broadnook garden suburb and that siblings can attend the same to discuss section 106 monies. These school. are developer contributions made to Newly elected Borough Councillor Mark Charles introduced himself to coun- mitigate the impact of new development. Adrian Jarvis and Matthew Green were cillors. co-opted to fill vacancies on the council. Quotes are being obtained for the It was agreed to plant a hawthorn redecoration of the main hall at the Village Hall and the refurbishment of the hedge in the cemetery extension on the kitchen. right hand side where a metal fence has Councillors considered making a been erected. financial contribution to Rothley library. A full meeting of Thurcaston & CropIt will have depleted its existing financial ston Parish Council was held on August reserves in a couple of years. The land 15 (there was no meeting in July). occupied by the library is owned by the PCSO Mitch Jarvis reported there had parish council, the building is the rebeen one burglary and one theft of a sponsibility of the County Council and motor home in Cropston. There had the leaseholder has responsibility for been number plate thefts in Thurcaston. internal matters. It was agreed to consult A member of the public expressed the community about making a contribu- concern about speeding traffic on Croption of £2500 rising to £6500 annually ston Road in Cropston coming in from a from 2022/23 60mph to a 30mph limit. The council considered a proposal It was agreed to renew the 21 year that the Rothley Neighbourhood Plan lease on Jubilee Park at a cost of £500 support proposals for an additional 78 per year rent. homes in Rothley, located between RothOld concrete benches in the cemetery ley school and the allotments, linked to will be replaced with new wooden and dependent upon the developer findbenches – two will be purchased at ing the provision of six new classrooms £300 each and one will be provided at Rothley school. There is free by Gamble & Sons Funeral Directors. currently a shortage of school places. After a discussion councillors voted by 5 to 4 not to include the proposed development of 78 homes in the Neighbourhood Plan. The council agreed to spend £3750 to have the playing fields at Mountsorrel Lane levelled. It was agreed to transfer £12,522 from reserves for the refurbishment of the men’s toilets. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on September 16. Chairman Percy Hartshorn commented that he had noticed an increased police presence in the village recently. County Councillor Peter Osborne reported that he

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Library funding The Trustees have been in discussions with the Parish Council regarding helping the Library financially in the future. There is a parish council newsletter contained in this Rothley Post where there is a full explanation of our situation and we would urge you to read it and respond accordingly. Lottery Increasing the Library’s income is an important element in our future and thanks go to those who have joined this scheme and nominating RCL as their charity to support. If you are able to we would welcome more local people to join up to boost our income. For further details go to www.charnwoodlottery.co.uk Extension to our opening hours Clarke) into trying to sign a group of Opening hours were changed in May shanty singing fishermen (led by James and this has been a huge success partic- Purefoy). He becomes the ultimate 'fish ularly the decision to stay open on Satur- out of water' as he struggles to gain the days till 4pm. respect or enthusiasm of the unlikely The extra hours have proved really boy band and their families (including popular with families especially through- Tuppence Middleton) who value friendout the summer as there has been a ship and community over fame and steady flow of visitors. fortune. As he's drawn deeper into the Ensuring there are sufficient voluntraditional way of life he's forced to teers to cover these extra hours on Satur- re-evaluate his own integrity and ultiday afternoons has been on some mately question what success really occasions challenging but we have manmeans. aged always to remain open. Thanks as Under 5s Sessions always go to the volunteers for making Tuesday 5th Nov: 9.30 – 10.30am these and other sessions possible. Friday 15th Nov: 9.30 - 10.30am There will be review of this item at Tuesday 3rd Dec: 9.30 – 10.30am the AGM in November. Friday 20th Dec: 9.30 - 10.30am Greatest Showman outdoor screening These sessions are popular with parA BIG thank you. The Community ents, carers and children, with music, Library would like to thank all people singing and stories. Thanks to everyone who either helped with the organisation who gives their time to plan and make or promotion of this film showing and them so successful. Everyone is welcome. the local families who came out in large Community Book Group numbers to support the event. The weather was great and it was a huge success. Approximately £350 was made for Library funds. Events Film Club Autumn Programme • Nov 15th Rocketman Rocketman is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John's breakWednesday 13th November 7.15 – through years. The film follows the fan8.30. Why I am No Longer Talking (to tastical journey of transformation from white people) about Race by Reni Eddo shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into Lodge international superstar Elton John. This Wednesday 11th December 7.15 – inspirational story -- set to Elton John's 8.30. A Children’s Christmas in Wales by most beloved songs and performed by Dylan Thomas star Taron Egerton -- tells the universally Chess Club relatable story of how a small-town boy Thursdays afternoons 2 – 5pm became one of the most iconic figures in November 14th , 21st, 28th pop culture. December 12th , 19th • Dec 20th Fisherman’s Friend Lego Club A fast-living, cynical London music Saturday 30th November 1 – 3pm executive (Danny Mays) heads to a reSaturday 28th December 1 – 3pm mote Cornish village on a stag weekend Library AGM where he's pranked by his boss (Noel Friday 15th November 7pm Library.

BIRSTALL PARISH COUNCIL GROUNDS PERSON / GARDENER 37 HOURS PER WEEK Salary Scale LC1 (5-6): £18,795 to £19,171

Birstall Parish Council is seeking to employ a motivated person to play a key role in managing and maintaining the excellent standard and condition of the playing fields, Sports Pitches, Cemetery and all other Parish Council owned land and properties situated in Birstall. You will need to have a keen interest for working outdoors and have some experience of meeting and dealing with members of the public on a daily basis. An application form is available to download from the Parish Councils website: www.birstallparishcouncil.org.uk or by contacting the Clerk on 0116 267 6191 or by emailing: admin@birstallpc.org.uk The closing date for applications is: 3pm - Friday, 29 November 2019

Bible study class A BIBLE study class is starting its third year in Rothley Community Bible Study (CBS) started its first class at the Baptist Church in September 2017. Going in to a third year the class started on Tuesday September 3 at 7.30pm, meeting every term-time Tuesday subsequently. The group is studying Matthew’s Gospel which begins with the Christmas story. Spokesman Peter Molesdale said: “CBS is a global non-denominational organisation that was established in the UK 40 years ago. Its purpose is solely to facilitate Bible study and through that to provide all people, whatever their background, of any faith or none, with the opportunity to get to know Jesus Christ.” A study year usually runs from September to May, with 30 study sessions plus breaks that fit with school holidays. There are costs involved with running the class so members are asked for a voluntary weekly donation of about £2 or whatever they can afford. The first three weeks for a new person are free and without obligation – there is no problem if they decide not to continue at that point. Peter said: “For anyone who is not familiar with Bible study, we also offer help to get them started; you don’t need to be a Bible expert to join a CBS class. If you do not possess a Bible we can arrange for you to have one. We plan to do the study well, which does require a class member to be able to devote a short time at home each week to complete the study. When we come together as a class at Rothley Baptist Church there is a group discussion about that week’s Bible passage where everyone can share their study answers, if they wish. We learn from one another as we become more comfortable and confident with the Bible and are cared for by each other.” He added: “Many people find the study helpful – one of our members has given the following comment: ‘CBS is what it says on the tin! In Community Bible Study people from different denominations, not just one church (or no church background at all), are accepted and made to feel welcome. I have found it refreshing and have had my eyes opened to view things from a different perspective, but still true to God’s word, the Bible.’ “If you are thinking of getting involved with CBS at Rothley and want more information, please contact me on 07984 410618.” The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 9. The copy deadline is Dec 13.

NOV 2019

News from Rothley library

This will include many items for discussion and there will be an opportunity to make suggestions about how the library is run. Friday 8th November 7.30pm: Rob Gee at The Rothley Centre Rob Gee who came to Rothley in April 2016 is making his return with a new show Kevin King Of Egypt You never know what you’re going to get when you take your seat for a oneman show, though the title of Rob Gee’s new show certainly suggests there’s might be a laugh or two on offer. Kevin, King of Egypt is a high-octane, mile-aminute, dazzlingly wordy gallop alongside Kevin as he makes his escape from the psychiatric hospital where they’re saying he needs to stay as he’s not better yet. But Kevin has other ideas and something far more pressing to do – he’s got to catch a flight to Egypt on Saturday to lay claim to the crown that’s rightfully his as the reincarnation of Pharaoh Rameses II. Tickets (£10) on sale and available from Rothley Community Library, Vista in Woodgate Rothley Parish Council Office Tickets also available ring 07518 381 206 Hurry as there are only 100 tickets available

THE ROTHLEY POST

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Walking tour of Cropston IN AUGUST nearly 50 people joined Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society’s walking tour of Cropston to hear about the village’s history.

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2019

The –ton suffix probably indicates Anglo-Saxon origins, but most of the tour was about the last few hundred years, about which we know more. For much of that time Cropston was a few houses clustered around the crossroads. The village still has houses dating from the last 600 years. The Thatch, Cropston’s most well-known house, was originally 2 cottages. Beneath the 20th century black and white facade are earlier brick and cruck-frame constructions. Causeway Lane was one of the entrances to Bradgate Park until the reserPic: the Cropston crossroads voir was built. The Gate House controlled access. Miss Sarah Jane Hind, who died in During most of the 19th century 1922, provided in her will the land and White Lodge housed Cropston Brewery, funds to build almshouses for deserving as well as the house and outbuildings gentlewomen aged 60 or over who were for a small farm of 49 acres. The members of the Church of England. Burchnalls owned this, and the beerThe Hind Sisters homes still operate house next door, The Brewer’s Arms. today. In the 20th century the village bakery Cropston Chapel was built in 1879, was here. providing new accommodation for nonLife in this village of 110 people must conformists whose numbers had outhave been turned upside down in 1865 grown the house in which they had been by the arrival of 500-600 navvies to meeting since 1850. The chapel played build the reservoir. In addition to the an important part in the life of the vilinevitable disorder (an extra constable lage, most recently with a thriving youth was employed), this provided a business club. opportunity, and beer was sold from a Cropston used to be well provided shed (“shanty” or “shant”) to the thirsty with shops and traders: milk was delivworkers. When the dam was complete, ered from Astills Farm or collected in a The Reservoir Hotel (now the Badger’s jug from the Bradgate Arms, there was a Sett) was built and served a different butcher with its own slaughterhouse, a clientele: a standard daytrip from Leices- village store next to Corner Cottage and ter included a tour of the new pumping the Post Office and stores. station and refreshments at the hotel. More details can be found on the The site had plenty of space from which society’s website at to admire the view of the reservoir www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk. (since blocked by trees). Julie Attard is an old friend of the From the 1920s there was more proSociety and in September she returned vision for tourists: Park Hill Holiday with a talk entitled “What’s in a name? Centre, a 10-acre site between Causeway Exploring the history of Charnwood Lane and the Reservoir, advertised Forest through its place-names.” It was “luncheons, teas, caravans, bungalows, based on research carried out through camping and tennis courts. Motor parthe Victoria County History’s “Charnties etc catered for.” wood Roots” project, which Julie manThe road over the new dam replaced aged. part of the original road to Hallgates. A English place-names have absorbed a small part of this road still exists bemixture of elements from the languages tween The Thatch and Corner Cottage of successive waves of invaders. Differand contains the pinfold, an enclosed ent languages are often combined; for area where stray animals were kept. example, the first part of “Charnwood” Cropston expanded rapidly after Roth- is from the Celtic word for a cairn, while ley Station was opened in 1899, attract- “wood” comes from Old English. Someing professionals who could now times it is clear that new arrivals did not commute to Leicester or Loughborough. understand the meaning of the existing The population rose rapidly, from 191 in name – a classic example being Breedon 1901 to 909 in 1931. on the Hill, which means “Hill Hill on The Cropstone Land Society provided the Hill” in various languages! land outside the original village for some Analysing place-names can tell us of the first new houses to be built, about patterns of settlement and the way known collectively as “The Klondyke”. the inhabitants saw the landscape. The plots were long and thin, large “Thurcaston” is derived from a Viking enough to enable the householders to be forename Thorketil, combined with the self-sufficient in food. Old English tun, meaning a settlement. Guild Close is built on the site of a This suggests a period when a new Viholiday home run by the Leicester Guild king lord took charge of an existing of the Crippled (now called Mosaic). Saxon village. “Cropston” follows the The home provided an opportunity for same pattern, although it is not clear disabled members in Leicester to have a whether the forename in question is the week away from the city. It operated Saxon Cropp or the Viking Kropp. from 1923 to 1991. Some elements of Anglo-Saxon names

Extra space at Rothley school PLANS HAVE been submitted for a new nursery block at Rothley C of E primary school.

could be very specific, e.g. “Stocking Close”, which means an enclosure cleared of tree stumps, or “Swithland”, which means land cleared by burning. After 1066 the Normans gave French names to a few local places, such as Beaumanor and Grace Dieu. There are more than 2000 surviving medieval documents that relate to Charnwood and they are a rich source of old place-names. Julie showed us several examples, including a “perambulation” of an estate boundary from about 1300, in which roughly half of the names that appear can still be identified on a modern OS map. In the 18th and 19th centuries much of the countryside was enclosed and the associated maps and enclosure awards tell us the names of the old open fields and furlongs. Thurcaston and Cropston each had a Bybrook Field, which is straightforward to understand. It is less apparent that the name of Alitha Field in Thurcaston came from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “detached”. Subsequent documents record the name as “Hallythawe”, “Hollythorn” and “Albethough”, which shows how place-names can evolve as people try to make sense of them in their own ways. The Key to English Place-Names is a good resource: http://kepn.nottingham.ac.uk From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

New leisure centre WORK HAS started on a new leisure centre on Melton Road, opposite Sainsbury’s supermarket The facility will have eight five-aside floodlit football pitches and a two storey building that will include a gym, café and a space for badminton, table tennis and volley ball. A swimming pool is not part of the plans. There will be 47 car parking spaces. The developer is MNS GRP Ltd

Leicestershire County Council want to build a single storey building for 30 pupils. It will provide a classroom, toilets, storage room and an office/group room. The site of the proposed building is to the north east side of the school on what is currently a soft play area. The existing soft play area in front of the new building will be re-arranged and a new hard play area formed. There is currently a nursery in the main school next to the foundation classroom. The re-location of the nursery to a new building will free up this space for a further foundation classroom. The planning application can be viewed on the planning pages of Leicestershire County Council’s website. The reference is 2019/REG3Mi/0231/LCC • There are currently not enough places at Rothley school to meet demand and new classrooms are needed. A developer, Davidsons, has indicated it will pay for six new classrooms accommodating 180 pupils as part of a section 106 agreement if planning permission is granted for it to build 78 new homes on a site between the school and the allotments. A planning application is expected in January. Rothley County Councillor Peter Osborne told the Rothley Post that the County Council recognised that the new classrooms are needed and have indicated that they would provide them if Davidsons’ application is refused by Charnwood.. He said: “The school is short of places and it will start to get critical next year. I’m concerned that Rothley parents won’t get places and may end up having to take one child to Rothley and their sibling to another school. I’m open minded about how these new classrooms will be delivered but I think it will be a better deal for Rothley school if the Davidsons’ development goes ahead.”

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The joys of a lifetime ballroom dancing She told us how she would sometimes go to the local cinema on a Saturday morning with her friends, provided she could find enough returnable deposit bottles to earn the thruppence (three old pennies) needed for entry. The usherette would be quite fierce and order them about, waving her little torch, but then it went dark and the film would begin. Mrs Godfrey evoked the glamorous scene that would appear, with ladies in beautiful gowns dancing gracefully with elegant gentlemen in evening suits, and Ginger Rogers standing at one side of the room with Fred Astaire at the other. She had already had some piano lessons, but now she desperately wanted to learn to dance. Somehow her mother found a dance teacher, and the half-a-crown fee for the lessons in the back room of a pub; Joyce had to walk over a mile to get there after

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

school. The first lesson went well, but than a century ago, accompanied by her humorous poem, before answering quesshe was very late home as she kept prac- father. She is wearing a lovely gown, tions from the audience. tising what she had learnt on the way and the orchestra is playing “The Blue The afternoon concluded with a sale back! The teacher, Mavis, started a Danube” on the ballroom balcony. A of the items brought by members for the Saturday group but they were all girls. soldier approaches her, very smart in Harvest Festival, and tea and cakes. Once a boy turned up and she partnered his red coat and black trousers, and Meetings start at 2.15pm on the secJoyce with him, and decided they could requests a dance with her, then she ond Monday of each month. On Novemtry out for competitions, so they learnt smiles and allows him to write his name ber 11 we hope to hear advice about different styles of dance. She rememon her dance card, which soon fills up. retirement. Please check local posters bers going on the bus to the Palais in Joyce contrasted this picture with the for details. Visitors and new members Nottingham, and showed us the lovely modern day custom, whereby the male are always welcome. dress her mother had bought, along with accosts the female of the species with From the Monday Club Thurcaston and Cropston pretty shoes, gloves and a flower for her “Are yer having this dance or what?!” Mrs Maja Tompkins hair. Joyce was 13 and very nervous. Mrs Godfrey had obviously enjoyed Contact 07709 201881. The competitors wore a number on their her long career, and finished with a back, and had to demonstrate the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Tango. The first three went well but her partner Brian froze at the last one, and they shuffled about the floor miserably until the music stopped and they could leave. She cried all A CHRISTMAS craft fair will raise vital funds for a local charity the way home. On Sunday November 3, local charity the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust will When she was 17, she be holding their JHMT Christmas fair. would go to the Palais by bus on a Saturday night, Now in its 4th year, the annual created in his name.” having endured the curling Christmas Fair has become a popular The JHMT was set up to raise irons. She and her friends event, and will be held for the second awareness of sudden arrhythmic death would wait until they got there year running at the new Mountsorrel syndrome (SADS) and sudden heart to put on a tiny amount of Memorial Centre. deaths. The heart charity provides free lipstick, knowing that their Dads would Angie Humphries from the Trust CPR training, helps to fund community not have let them out wearing make-up! said: “Doors open at 10.30am-4.30pm defibrillators and campaigns for better Dances would begin with all the girls on and will be a chance for Christmas understanding of SADS. The JHMT one side of the room, and all the boys shoppers to also runs the on the other. Mrs Godfrey read an apchoose from a Inspire Awards, propriate poem by Joyce Grenfell, which range of unique, a small grants illustrated the teenagers’ thoughts very bespoke gifts and scheme that well. local produce helps inspire She decided that she wanted to bemade with skill, young people to come a dance teacher, and Mavis introlove and care by fulfil their potenduced her to her own tutor at Long talented artisans. tial. Eaton; he was a champion dancer. He We will have a JHMT Inspire decided to take Joyce on, but was very wide range of Awards of up to strict, and insisted that she must never beautiful items £500 are handbe late. In addition to doing her dayfor sale such as ed out to young people aged 13-21 time job, she began training with him jewellery, shabby chic furniture, homefrom Leicester and Leicestershire to every evening plus Saturdays and Sunwares and accessories, paintings and help them fulfil their ambitions in the days. It was all theory. She had a good artwork, glassware, candles, cards, fields of music, arts, sports and commemory, and qualified in her exam, then craft gins, local munity endeavbecame a student teacher. One day fine wines, delicaour. seven Teddy boys came in off the street. tessen goods and Angie said: They looked her up and many more all “So do come down (she was 22 by then), with the emphasis along to our but before they could cause on quality prodChristmas craft any problems she took ucts which are not fair where you control and spoke to them available on the can buy unique sharply, in the way the high street.” eclectic and cinema usherette had done She added: beautiful gifts, in the past. Within half an “The Joe Humhave a piece of hour she had taught them phries Memorial Trust was formed out homemade cake, a refreshing cuppa the waltz well enough for of the tragic loss of my wonderful son and help to save young lives in the them to pass their Bronze Joe who collapsed and died aged just process!” medal! Not all pupils were 14 after a run with one of his best The craft fair is free to attend – so gifted, however. Once friends. although a two brothers came in, and “Joe was a vicdiscretionary whilst one managed to tim of sudden donation on learn something his brother arrhythmic death entry would be had no idea which foot was syndrome (SADS), appreciated. All Left or Right; she tried to a heart condition proceeds will help him by tying different which causes go to the Joe coloured bows to his shoes, sudden, unexpectHumphries but that didn’t work either ed death in young Memorial Trust. as he seemed to be colour people and can For more blind as well! often go undiagnosed. The chasm information on the work of the Trust, Mrs Godfrey pictured which was left by Joe’s tragically sudvisit www.jhmt.org.uk the scene for us, a young den death can never be filled, but Joe’s girl at her first dance more legacy is the fabulous work of the Trust

Christmas craft fair for local charity

NOV 2019

MRS JOYCE Godfrey kept us all at the Monday Club Thurcaston and Cropston enthralled with her description of the joys and trials of deciding at a young age that she wanted to learn all about ballroom dancing.

THE ROTHLEY POST

14


Planning

15

P/19/2137/2: Former St Johns Ambulance North Street Rothley LE7 7NN Erection of office building, alterations to access and associated works, following demolition of existing building P/19/2073/2: 19 Mountsorrel Lane Rothley LE7 7PSSingle storey rear extension & loft conversion P/19/2135/2: Rothley Church Of England Primary School 2 Burrow Drive Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7RZ LCC CM application The development comprises a new single storey nursery block. This will provide the following: A classroom, toilets, access/staff WC, storage room, office/group room. An area of informal hard play area will be formed in front of the new nursery block. Existing soft play area to be reconfigured to accommodate this. (LCC ref: 2019/REG3Mi/0231/LCC) P/19/2047/2: 2 The Crescent Rothley LE7 7RW Erection of single storey carport and porch extensions to front of dwelling and single storey extension to rear P/19/1896/2: 7 Swithland Lane Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7SG Proposed single storey extension to rear and convert garage to utility room. P/19/1833/2: Rissington House 11A Woodgate Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7LL Erection of 2.4metre high boundary fencTHE SOAR Valley Artists staged their ing to rear of dwelling P/19/1876/2: 8 Brownhill Crescent Roth17th annual exhibition of paintings at ley LE7 7LA Erection of shed at front of the Rothley Centre in October. dwelling following demolition of existing More than 100 paintings were on outbuilding. (Revised scheme display and visitors were able browse P/18/1730/2 refers) prints, sample refreshments and watch P/19/1870/2: 1 Wellsic Lane Rothley live painting demonstrations. Leicestershire LE7 7QB Fell 1x Oak Tree (LCC TPO Works) FINAL DECISION 10-092019 Raise Objection P/19/1779/2: 57 Woodgate Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7LL Fell x1 Willow Tree (Tree Works in a Conservation Area) FINAL DECISION 09-09-2019 Do not make a Tree Preservation Order P/19/2102/2: 3 Guild Close Cropston Leicestershire LE7 7HT Proposed single storey rear extension P/19/2049/2: 3 Waterfield Road Cropston LE7 7HL to be checked Garage conversion with new apex roofs over garage and parts of main house to replace derelict CHILDREN AT Rothley School and faulty roof replace derelict conservatowere put through their paces ry with single story extension on the same footprint when they were visited by P/19/1974/2: 19 Causeway Lane Cropston triple jumper Laura Samuel. LE7 7GD Erection of single and two storey The 28 year old Commonwealth extension and dormer with Juliette balcoGames silver medalist had the chilny to rear, erection of porch and pitched dren doing circuits of exercises inroof gable to front and cladding/rendering cluding hill climbers, pick ups and to external walls star jumps. She then hosted an asP/19/1899/2: 41 Latimer Road Cropston sembly where she spoke about getLeicestershire LE7 7GP Single storey extension to front and two storey and single ting into sports and working hard for storey extensions to rear your goals and dreams. P/19/1727/2: 14 Causeway Lane Cropston The visit was organised by Sports LE7 7GD Remove x1 Norway Spruce (Tree for Champions and the children had Works in a Conservation Area) FINAL been fundraising for the say, making DECISION 20-08-2019 Do not make a Tree a total of £1386, some of which will Preservation Order be spent at the school on sports P/19/1942/2: 52 Anstey Lane Thurcaston equipment. LE7 7JA T1 - Mulberry - Crown Reduce by 20% approx 1m. T2 - Blue Atlas Cedar ROTHLEY SCHOOL’S football Crown reduce by 30% approx 3m from tips. T3 - Lawsons Cypress - Remove FINAL DECIteam were 10-0 winners in SION 19-09-2019 Do not make a Tree the first round of a county Preservation Order wide football competition. P/19/1754/2: Land off Leicester Road The Rice Bowl in an FA cup style Thurcaston Leics Proposed infill of land knockout competition for schools in depression on agricultural paddock

Soar Valley artists’ exhibition

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2019

Rothley school news

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 9. The copy deadline is Dec 13.

Leicestershire with the final played at the King Power stadium. Rothley’s first game was against Gaddesby primary school and was played at the Wreake Valley Academy.


Gardening club news Police called after ATM machines damaged Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. For more information please contact Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116) 236 8313: cropston161@hotmail.co.uk The next club events are: Wed 13 November, 7.45 pm, The Winter Garden, Joe Whitehead Joe is the new Head Gardener at

POLICE ARE investigating following two incidents where ATMs were damaged in the city and in Rothley. Burghley House, Stamford. He will be offering the best advice for creating a garden that can be full of interest throughout those chilly winter months, selecting the very best architectural plants and shrubs as well as winter flowering plants to bring winter joy. From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club

Grants for projects COMMUNITY GROUPS in Charnwood are being urged to contact their local borough councillor to help them access grant funding for projects. The member grants scheme is run by Charnwood Borough Council and enables each borough councillor to award up to £1,000 to projects in their ward each year. Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of the Council said: “The member grants scheme helps spread funding to projects right across Charnwood, in each ward. “We want to encourage groups who are making a positive contribution to their community to contact their local councillor about the grants.” Any local community groups wishing to apply for a grant can find details on the website www.charnwood.gov.uk/member_grants

Feel free to contact your local Borough Councillor if you wish to discuss a specific project. Each Councillor can support projects with grants up to £1000, and for larger projects groups can apply to more than one Councillor. Applications close December 31, 2019 but each application will be reviewed as soon as it is received. Applications are open now.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 9. The copy deadline is Dec 13.

At around 11pm on Monday September 16 three suspects were witnessed arriving at a supermarket in Catherine Street in a car, which pulled up outside. A member of the public reported seeing the suspects using what was believed to be crowbars to force open the shutters of the supermarket. Access was gained to the shop and damage caused to the ATM inside the premises. No one was inside the shop when the incident took place. The second incident happened at around 11.45pm the same night. A car stopped outside a shop in Woodgate, Rothley, and three men, were seen prising open the front door to the shop with what was described as a silver pole. Entry was gained to the shop and damage was caused to the ATM. At this stage of the investigation it is not known if any money was taken from either premises. Detective Inspector Mark Parish is investigating the incidents. He said: “Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding these two crimes are in the early stages and we are looking into the likelihood of them being linked. “We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed either of these

incidents and has not yet spoken to police. “Were you using public transport at the time and did you see anything suspicious? “Any information you may have could help us piece together what happened and assist to find who was responsible.” Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote incident 713 of 16 September.

PHOTO: STEVEN BRANDIST

THURCASTON AND Cropston Gardening Club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall.

Pic: Police at the crime scene in Rothley

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