Rothley Post (92) Jan 2012

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

JAN/FEB 2012

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No. 92

New road & 240 homes planned Christmas lights A LARGE crowd gathered at Cross Green to watch the Rothley Lights Christmas switch on.

BBC Radio Leicester’s Tony and Julie Wadsworth threw the switch and broadcast live from the event. Proud parents looked on as the microphone was passed between Continued on page 2 the children from Rothley school who were singing carols.

240 NEW homes and a link road are being planned for a site on the northern edge of Rothley.

Developers Radleigh Group Limited want to build on a 34 acre site between Mountsorrel Lane and its junction with Walton Way over to Loughborough Road.

The new link road will take traffic from the Walton Way roundabout across the Loughborough Road, near to Brooklea Nursery.

The site is mostly arable land and some is used for keeping horses.

The link road will ease congestion on the busy Linkfield Road but both Rothley

Pic: (top) children admiring the Christmas lights, (ctr) Parish Council Chairman Percy Hartshorn (left) with Julie & Tony Wadsworth turns on the lights, (bottom) a pupil from Rothley school sings into the microphone for the live Radio Leicester broadcast

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and Mountsorrel Parish Councils have stated the two parishes have already had enough development and that local facilities cannot cope with more.

The two Parish Councils are in the process of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan in a bid to control the scale of any future development.

Developers Radleigh have not yet submitted a formal planning application but have asked Charnwood Borough Continued on page 7

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

Continued from page 1

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

PC Stephen Rhodes, who is retiring, introduced Rothley’s new beat officer PC Ed Stephenson. PC Rhodes was thanked for his help and assistance over the years.

It was reported that the Parish Council has received £200 for damages to the play equipment behind Rothley library and that further monies are promised over the next few weeks.

It was agreed to spend £11,500 on seven items of gym style exercise equipment for the Town Green street playing field.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on December 12.

Councillors discussed the proposal from developer Radleigh Group Limited to build 240 homes and a link road on land east of Mountsorrel Lane and south of Whatton Oaks. The link Road will connect Walton Way to Loughborough Road, near to Brooklea Nursery.

The Council’s view was that the development was not wanted, but that if an application for the site is submitted the Parish Council would recommend that the location of the planned dwellings within the development site be moved closer to Mountsorrel Lane.

It was agreed that the Parish Council’s precept for 2012/13 be £95,000 – no increase on the previous year.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on October 20.

There was a Santa’s grotto in the Scout hut, stalls, fairground rides, the Church choir sang the carols and most of the shops were offering drinks and nibbles.

The Parish Council event, supported

by Rothley shopkeepers, was organised

by Anne Harmer.

She said: “We were all very pleased with the outcome, it was another large crowd and a great success.”

Pic: (top) At Cort’s stall are (l-r) Sharon & Jim Cort, Terry Wright & Mark Johnson

Two parishioners reported that vehicles were parking on the pavement along Station Road, Cropston and produced photos. The clerk was requested to contact the County Council Highways Department to enquire about possible traffic calming measures on Station Road, Cropston.

It was reported that a wheelchair user was having difficulty along Rectory Lane and Anstey Lane because of an overgrown hedge restricting access.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

New village Policeman ROTHLEY, THURCASTON and Cropston’s new beat officer is PC Ed Stephenson.

Ed (38) joined the Police eight years ago having previously worked as a furniture salesman.

His police career started in Quorn and he has been a beat officer in Thurmaston, East Goscote and Queniborough.

Ed said: “I enjoy being a beat officer as I enjoy getting to know people and there is such diversity in the job it literally is different every day.”

Ed replaces PC Steve Rhodes who retired in December.

To contact Ed’s voicemail dial 101, his collar number is 2029. Or email: edward.stephenson@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk Pic: Rothley’s new beat officer PC Ed Stephenson

Children facing Crime walk to school report FREE SCHOOL transport has been withdrawn from 28 pupils in Rothley who will now have to walk to school in Birstall along the A6. been submitted. A County spokesman said: “These have not generated any reassessment as they haven’t flagged up any material changes or new issues not considered in the assessments carried out in summer 2010”.

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Fundraising tea party A FUNDRAISING tea party organised by a Rothley couple raised £1130 for a cancer appeal.

Maureen and Alan Meredith learnt about the Ourspace Appeal, to create a purpose built cancer unit for children and young people with separate facilities for teenagers/young adults, when they visited their 8 year old grandson Will who is having treatment at the children’s oncology unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary. At present there are no facilities in Leicestershire, Northants, Notts or Rutland for teenagers and young adults with cancer – instead, they are looked after in a children’s or adult ward, often with the very young or very old. The Ourspace appeal aims to provide: • dedicated upgraded space for children up to 13, including a playroom and televisions • brand new separate space for young people aged 13-24 years for treatment, recreation and specialised isolation rooms • new day case treatment and clinic space for 0-24 year olds within the young people’s cancer unit and • support for patients and their families.

Maureen and Alan decided that to raise funds for the Ourspace appeal they’d invite fellow Soar Valley Rotary & Inner Wheel members, friends and neighbours for Sunday tea & cake at their home in Sheepcote, Rothley.

Over 90 people turned up on the day with many more sending donations. Will and other grandchildren organised competitions to raise even more for the Appeal.

Maureen and Alan expressed thanks to all who attended, assisted, or donated cakes, prizes or funds. The afternoon raised £1130 for the Leicester Hospitals Ourspace Appeal.

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The County Council says it must apply its school transport policy consistently within the county and has written to the families of 84 pupils in Leicestershire after carrying out distance checks of available walking routes.

Children are entitled to free school transport if they live above the qualifying distance from their catchment school – three miles for secondary school pupils and two miles for primary age pupils.

The move will see the Council save £42,000 a year.

Some parents of affected pupils in Rothley are worried about the safety of the route and the time it takes to walk.

Diane Hardy has two sons who go to Stonehill school. She said: “Walking along a dual carriageway with traffic going at 70mph is too dangerous. I am especially concerned about children crossing the slip road where traffic exits the A6 for Rothley.

“It takes an hour and a quarter to walk, so if I accompany my children, that will take me five hours a day. I appreciate that the County have to make some savings but putting children’s safety at risk in not on.”

The County says a route “…is available if it is a route along which a child, accompanied as necessary [by an adult] can walk with reasonable safety to school.”

The County has offered affected parents seats on the school bus for £400 per pupil per year.

Parents can appeal the County’s decision and five appeals have so far

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

Effigy of Master Templar on display THE HISTORIC and atmospheric location of the Temple Chapel at the Rothley Court Hotel was the scene for the unveiling of a stylish presentation case containing a stone effigy of a Master Templar.

House burgled THE POLICE have issued a description of an engraved watch taken during a burglary at a house in Thurcaston early in October. The incident happed at approximately 8pm on Friday October 7, when a window at the back of the house was smashed.

Once inside those responsible took various items of jewellery, including watches, necklaces and rings, a 32 inch Panasonic plasma TV and a Kodak digital camera. Also taken was a gold rotary watch with an engraving on the back. The owner’s silver BMW was also taken during the burglary but was found abandoned in the Stocking Farm area of Leicester on Wednesday October 12. Detective Constable Denise Reidy, the investigating officer, said: “Some of the jewellery stolen during the burglary belonged to the owner’s mother and so holds great sentimental value.

“One piece in particular could help us locate the stolen items, a gold rotary watch which had the date 17/09/1963 engraved on the back. If you have recently been given that watch, know someone who has recently acquired it or have been offered it to buy please call us.

We have visited some pawnbrokers but would encourage any others, who we haven’t yet spoken to, to come forward if they think they have any information that could help with our investigation.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4212 Denise Reidy by dialling 101. Follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer, and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4212. Alternatively, you may contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

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The five foot long effigy is thought to have been carved in 1250 AD. It was described and drawn in John Nichols’ mammoth ‘History and Antiquities of Leicestershire’ and has had an insecure existence since 1567 when it was taken out of Rothley parish church to be dumped in the cemetery. Discovered under earth and weeds by John Nichols in 1790 it was replaced in the church by the Lord of Rothley Manor, Thomas Babington. However during later church restoration it was moved yet again ending up in the Rothley Court Chapel entrance in 1876. It remained there for many years and became a feature for visitors to look for. Among others, Arthur Mee’s ‘Leicestershire’ is typical in having a reference in his paragraph on Rothley Temple to a ‘worn, cross-legged figure’ seeming to guard the entrance to the chapel.

The effigy was doomed to experience another eviction. In 2004 Heritage Warden Brian Verity realised that it had been taken away from its location. He said: “I searched and found to my horror that the head of the effigy had been dumped into a drain while the torso and legs were half buried in an adjacent rockery.” A rescue was undertaken and after a clean up the Templar was returned to the chapel.

Rothley Heritage Trust, founded by the parish heritage wardens in 2009, put the proper conservation of the effigy high on its list of projects and set up a public appeal fund to raise the £2000 needed. Thanks to generous donations from the Hames Trust, NEXT plc and Rothley History Society the sum was soon raised and the work commissioned with Vertigo Creative Studio Ltd. In unveiling the new display case Percy Hartshorn, chairman of Rothley Parish Council stressed the importance of the Templar Heritage in the life of the village by drawing attention to the numerous Templar symbols that are to be found around Rothley.

Each guest was presented with an illustrated booklet about the project edited by heritage trustee, Terry Sheppard, and the ceremony ended with a toast proposed by Brian Verity, Rothley Heritage Trust chairman, that after such a bumpy past experience the Master Templar should now rest in peace forever.

The Templar Chapel at Rothley Court Hotel on Westfield Lane, Rothley is open to the general public and well worth a visit to appreciate its historic architecture and the new presentation case.

Pic:(l-r) Susan Beaumont, NEXT plc, Susan Joyce Chair Rothley History Society, Percy Hartshorn Chair Rothley Parish Council, Alex Smith Knight Templar reenactor and Brian Verity Chair Rothley Heritage Trust

THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

5

Youth cabin handed to Rothley Imps ROTHLEY YOUTH Project’s cabin on the Fowke Street playing field has been handed over to a junior football club.

Five years to the day since the youth cabin arrived on the playing field, ownership of the building has been gifted to Rothley Imps Junior Football Club for use as their clubhouse. It offers a social space and the opportunity to raise funds by selling refreshments during home fixtures and holding birthday parties.

Andy Gale from the Junior Imps said: “We are delighted that the Management Committee of the Youth Project has generously agreed to gift the youth club building to Rothley Imps Juniors Football Club, it will enable us to provide much needed additional facilities. We understand that the gift has been made on the condition that the building continues in its current configuration and will be available for hire by other youth groups in the hope to maximize its potential.”

A cut of fifty percent in Leicestershire County Council’s Youth Service budget earlier this year saw the withdrawal of youth worker support to villages like Rothley, deemed of lesser need than other localities. Also the end of grants for voluntary youth groups has meant the loss of the club’s other income source covering overheads.

The original group of youngsters who worked so passionately to get the youth club up and running saw it as a great achievement and something to be proud of,

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though it has been their siblings and friends who have benefited most. Lesley Peasant Chair of the Club said: “The Club has provided a place for youngsters to come and feel safe amongst friends and they have gained support and guidance through their teen years from the youth workers.

The small Duke of Edinburgh group have all now completed their Silver

and the bench which now sits outside the Club house has been organized and financed by their efforts. It is a great shame that the next generation do not have the opportunity to experience these things.”

She added: “There will always be a need for young people to gather and it is hoped that there may be adults in the village who would, as we did some 8 or 9 years ago, be prepared to devote some precious time to run the Club - at least the building exists this time. There will also be a small amount of residual funds avalable held for the benefit of the young people of Rothley to support a new venture.

“Finally, thanks then to all the young people who made the Rothley Youth

Project what it was, to all the adults who volunteered and supported the work, to all past colleagues at the LCC Youth Service, to the Parish Council for its support, and to the Junior Imps for accepting the building and leaving the door ajar for a future youth club.”

Pic (above): Lesley Peasant, Chair, and Olwen Jones, Treasurer, of Rothley Youth Project hand the keys over to Paul Sedgley, Charlie Maher and Jack Sedgley Under12 footballers, Jonny Gale & Under 16s team managers Andy Gale & Chris Maher from Rothley Imps Junior Football Club. Pic (inset): the cabin on the official opening day

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

Planning

Event to mark sacrifice THE SOUNDING of the Last Post stirred the feelings of an almost full Rothley Church at a special event that aimed to remember the sacrifice of the 33 Rothley men who died in the Great War. An hour of songs, stories and music concluded with the projection of a letter sent home from the front by Private Arnold Archer, one of the 33 casualties.

He added: “After his rendering of a As the audience looked on, curate subtly amended Ode of Remembrance, Tom Rout dressed in authentic solder’s ‘we shall grow not old as you who are uniform, emerged from the darkened left, grow old’, Emily Higson played the chancel and read the letter aloud.

Last Post on her trumpet, there was a “Goosebumps rose on most people pause and Private Archer led the choir present” said event organiser Terry Shepoff the stage leaving a nearly full church pard.

quietly remembering the 33.”

A fully illustrated 40 page colour booklet containing the text and images used at the event is available for £6 from Terry Sheppard, 0116 230 2931.

Pic: Curate Tom Rout in Rothley church dressed as Private Archer in a WWI uniform and Durham Light Infantry Cap Badge.

Farewell visit

by PC Rhodes

CHURCH VIEW NURSERY

PUPILS at Richard Hill C of E Primary School in Thurcaston gave PC Stephen Rhodes a final farewell when he visited their school for the last time before retiring from the Police Force after 30 years of service.

Children throughout the school have benefited from PC Rhodes’ guidance and advice – he has been visiting the school for the last eight years and has built up a strong relationship with pupils, staff and parents alike. The children have learnt about topics such as Stranger Danger, firework safety, personal safety at Halloween and social responsibility.

In addition they have learnt about all the different parts of a policeman’s uniform

and about the police car, which the children particularly love because PC Rhodes brings the police car into their playground for them to get a closer look, and he puts the sirens on!

Rachel Hames, Deputy Head Teacher said: “PC Rhodes is a well respected member of our community and has taught the children many valuable lessons which we hope they will remember as they go through school and beyond. It

P/11/2767/2: Keepers Cottage, 103 Town Green Street, Rothley – demolish front part of boundary wall to increase vehicular access width by 1.7 metre P/11/2693/2: 103 Town Green Street, Rothley – replace 5 windows to rear elevation with traditional frames/glazing bars: install 2 Conservation style roof lights to rear single storey roof P/11/2746/2: Severn Trent Sewage Treatment Works, Fillingate, Wanlip: Discharge of Conditions nos.15,19,20,21 and 22 of APP/X2410/A10/2134 Ecological and landscape plans. Birds and bats.

P/11/2573/2: 16 The Rise, Rothley – retention of and amendments to two storey extension to side and single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/11/2397/2: 39 Woodgate, Rothley – erection of single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/11/2687/2: 4 Fowke Street, Rothley – removal of overhanging branch to 1 ash tree and crown reduction to 1 spruce tree P/11/2634/2: 17 Anthony Street, Rothley – removal of a 5 metre length boundary wall to create a vehicular access P/11/2623/2: LCC Library Depot Corner of Cossington lane, Loughborough Road, Rothley – prior notification of demolition of rear part of building P/11/2617/2: Avalon Development, Loughborough Road, Rothley – revision of plots 69,70,71,84,85 & 86 to form double garages P/11/2526/2: 35 Westfield lane, Rothley – erection of single storey extensions to sides of dwelling, formation of pitched roof and erection of carport.

P/11/2544/2: Moongate Cottage, 9 Anthony Street, Rothley – 3 x conifer trees cut down to stump P/11/2529/2: 36 The Rise, Rothley – erection of 1st floor extension to rear of dwelling P/11/2506/2: 60 Grangefields Drive, Rothley – crown reduction by 20% and 10% thinning to 2 oak trees P/11/2487/2: Land off Mountsorrel Lane, Mountsorrel – screening opinion for residential development, maximum 240 dwellings (Environmental impact assessment) P/11/24447/2: 7 The Rise Rothley – proposed alteration and extension to dwelling

has been very beneficial to have such a close connection as it helps children to really understand the role of the police and gain respect for the officers from an early age. We look forward to working with PC Rhodes’ replacement in the near future.”

Pic: Foundation stage and Year 1 children learning about the police car Pic: Children from Richard Hill C of E Primary School presenting PC Rhodes with a farewell card made by the children

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Cadet’s special role A CROPSTON ATC cadet has been selected to accompany the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire on her official duties.

Alexander Taylor (18) a member of the 1947 Birstall Squadron, will be one of three cadets that are chosen each year for this duty, after demonstrating outstanding achievement with their corps.

Alex (18) is a student at Longslade College and joined the ATC in 2001.

His Commanding Officer Paul Vissani said: “Cadet Warrant Officer Taylor is keen to keep Squadron standards at Squadron, Wing and Corps.” their high level and actively promotes The two other cadets selected were this with his NCO colleagues and junior Jasmine Smith (16) from Burbage and cadets. He mixes well with adult staff and plays a vital link ensuring good staff Cliodhna Betts (16) from Thorpe Astley.

The trio attended an investiture ceremoand cadet relations. I am highly confiny attended by the Lord Lieutenant Lady dent that his performance as a Lord Gretton in October.

Lieutenant’s Cadet will be a credit to the She said: “I am delighted to welcome my three new cadets. I am very fortunate

to be able to draw up such an able and talented group of cadets, and whether it is leading the procession at the County service, acting as a wreath bearer on Remembrance Sunday or an important duty at a Royal engagement, it is reassuring to know that I am being supported so competently by my cadets.”

Pic: Lady Gretton with Cadet Alex Taylor

GYM STYLE exercise equipment costing £11,500 will be provided at Town Green street playing field by Rothley Parish Council. The equipment, pictured above, is aimed at adults and the elderly to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Sunday school kids’ weekend A GROUP of 31 children from Rothley Parish Church’s Sunday School, called Surfers, recently went to The Oakes Christian Activity Centre in Sheffield for a fun packed weekend.

Alison Godfrey, childrens co-ordinator at Rothley Church, explained: “Its important for children of all ages to spend time together in a safe environment. At the Oakes they combine various activities, such as archery, a ropes course, craft, remote controlled cars, wide games etc. with teaching about Jesus and how he can be with us in our lives even today.”

If you would like your child to try one of our Surfers groups on a Sunday morning, please ask Alison at alison@godfrey4.org.uk for more information, or come along to one of the

10.30am Sunday services any week.

Further information can be found on the website at www.rothleychurch.org.uk Continued from page 1 Council if one would require an Environmental Impact Assessment. Charnwood’s decision is that one will not be required.

Details can be viewed on Charnwood’s website, the planning reference number is P/11/2487/2

Gardening club’s year IT’S BEEN a busy autumn for members of the Gardening Club.

The beginning of September saw the gardening club’s Annual Show. This was another great success for the many exhibitors and visitors.

In October members of the Gardening Club contributed to a splendid display at the Harvest Festival in All Saints Church. In addition, members have enjoyed two visiting speakers, and recently enjoyed a Christmas event.

Programme of Events for the first six months of 2012: Wed Jan 11 – Composting (and short AGM) –Rodney Weston Wed Feb 8 – History of the Walled Garden – Kate Ward Wed Mar 14 – Growing for Showing – Helen Osborne Wed May 9 – Pests and Diseases – Jeff Bates Sat May 12 – Visit to the Malvern Spring Show Wed Jun 13 – evening visit to Ridgewold Farm, Wymeswold

We hope you will find interest and relevance within it, whether you are an experienced gardener or only a beginner.

The membership fee is £12 for the year or £3 per meeting. Why not come along and give it a try?

If you would like more information please call Dave Haddon on 0116 2359758.

From Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

Life on the farm Living & working at Brookfield AS YOU drive down Hallfields Lane in Rothley many people hardly notice the farm gate which leads to Brookfield Farm.

There has been a farm on this site for many years, long before many of the houses which now make up the village of Rothley.

Today Bill and Sarah Wright live at Brookfield Farm on Hallfields Lane. In this and future issues of the Rothley Post, Sarah will be writing about life on the farm: January and February are usually quiet months at Brookfield Farm, with little arable work being done. However, the lorries still collect the stored grain, and the straw and hay lorries arrive almost daily to collect the bales we have sold. This year we have sold straw to Holland which is used for animal bedding and for covering the bulbs in the fields to protect them from frost. Communicating with the lorry drivers has been a little more challenging this year as we have had French, Polish and Dutch speaking drivers collecting the straw.

Before Christmas the cows, heifers, calves and bull which make up the suckler herd were brought into the barns for warmth and extra feed.

To bring them into the farmyard from the field behind Brookfield needs careful planning. Firstly plenty of manpower, or

womanpower for that matter is needed.

Tractors and trailers are strategically placed in any gateways or openings that could be inviting for a wayward beast to slip through. The barns are filled with straw and hay, and the gates are left

wide open for them.

When this preparation is complete the cattle are rounded up by quad bike and people on foot, and gently moved down towards the farm buildings. The most successful way is to not get the animals too excited so they, hopefully, move at a reasonable speed down into the waiting barns.

This year all went quite smoothly and most of the herd obligingly trotted down the field and into the barns. However, 2 Limousin heifers became very frisky and refused to co-operate. They charged about the field, jumping over fences into the miniature horses’ fields and out again.

They could be serious contenders for the Grand National, and the horses were most surprised at the quick entrance and exit of their uninvited guests.

This went on for some time and gradually tempers became shorter as this is the point where everyone feels they have the best idea of what should be done next.

Eventually it was decided that the cattle trailer should be placed in the

gateway to the field and feed be placed in the trailer every day to try and encourage the animals into the trailer. At the time of writing the two girls are still out in the field, and I was forced to use my zoom lens to get a photograph of them as they still won’t let anyone get very close. The food in the trailer, however, is disappearing daily.

The more sensible cattle are now safe and warm in the barns with a twice daily feed of silage and hay. The calves from last year have been separated from their Mothers and are in their own nursery barn. It will not be long before the new calves are born again and the process beings once more. After the calves are born in the barns, and the grass has regrown in the spring, they will again be turned out to graze.

As for Thelma and Louise, they are still on the loose in their field, but hopefully we will be able to entice them home before we have any snow.

More space for station tearoom THE TEA room at the GCR’s Rothley station is being extended to cope with increasing demand.

Opened three years ago in a converted former grain store, the Ellis Tea Room had 26 seats and quickly became full, especially during gala events.

The newly extended building will have 46 seats. The £35,000 project was boosted by a £10,000 grant from the County Council.

The Ellis Tea Room is open seven days a week and serves freshly made soup and cakes.

There is a large car park on site.

• On Saturday February 4 the RVP Society will be holding a film show of the early days of the Rothley Station, with faggots, cheesy mash and peas. Saturday February 24: a Psychic Supper. All tickets will be on sale from Ellis Tea Room.

THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

9

Service at Cross Green A SERVICE of Remembrance at Cross Green on Remembrance Sunday was well attended by local people.

Planting flowers SOAR VALLEY Rotary Club members spent a day planting 2000 crocuses at Rothley’s Great Central Railway station, as part of Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign.

Richard Patching, Operations Manager, at the Great Central Railway said: “We look forward to seeing the results and hope everything will flower at Roth-

ley. We wish the whole campaign every success”.

Pic: (l-r) John Newman, John Calow, Graham Cooper and John Tyers

China & the Middle East: talks at the Rothley Centre CHINA AND the Middle East will be the subject of two talks at the Rothley Centre.

They will be given by Dr Michael Lynch, recently retired as a Modern History lecturer at the University of Leicester, with the support of the Charnwood Conservative Association.

Spokesman Norman Pratt said: “Dr Lynch, who is a very entertaining lecturer, will cover all the historical aspects of the areas’ development and any western interventions leading up to the present day. He will also try to interpret some of the ‘attitudes’ which may intervene in any present day negotiations. Neither talk is in any way political and everyone is welcome.”

The first talk on ‘Modern China’ will take place on Tuesday, January 24 and the second on the ‘Middle East since 1945’ on Tuesday February 21 at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. The doors will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and tea/coffee will be served in the interval. The session should end at about 9.15pm. Plenty of

free parking is provided at the Rothley Centre.

The tickets cost £4 each and bookings should be made through Norman Pratt by telephone 0116 2375254. The tickets are then available by writing to him at 17 Windmill End, Rothley LE7 7RP and cheques should be made out to C.C.A. and a stamped, addressed, envelope enclosed for their return.

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The service was taken by Rev Rob Gladstone, with the homage spoken by Meg Hendry, the Chairman of Rothley Royal British Legion. The Kohima epitaph was spoken by Alec Alexander.

After the two minutes silence prayers were said and the hymn ‘O Valiant Heart’ sung. This was followed by the recitation of the poem ‘We Remember’ and the ‘Song of Remembrance’ sung by children from Rothley school.

Legion spokesman Norman Pratt said: “It was most uplifting and greatly appreciated by the Legion members that so many turned out to remember the signing of the Armistice, at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month back in 1918 and to pay hom-

age to the fallen. Of particular note was the attendance of a young ex-solder from the 1st Battalion the Coldstream Guards, for it is important to the Legion that support for the veterans and those injured in conflict comes from all ages in the community.”

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Feb 25.

The copy deadline is Feb 10.

10 THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

YOUR SAY...

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, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH, or handed in at Rothley library, Rothley Post Office, Woodgate or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

Help for heroes Now why did I stand for four hours at the local Farmers Market in the car park of Budgens, Mountsorrel with my bucket: Below is an extract from a ‘bluey’ received on December 9.

“I have served 20 years with the Military Police in N. Ireland, Balkans, North Africa, Iraq and now Afghanistan. During all that time I have never received a gift parcel, until now, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

This why I have been sending parcels for a while now.

I first got into it when my neighbours’ son (Nathan) went on his first tour. I visited my friend Hayley, whose other half is Lee an RMP, to ask her what sort of things she sent Lee when he was out there. Lee was there at the time having just finished a tour. He asked if I could include a couple of mates and that’s how it started.

I only send to ‘named’ soldiers, that way they get to the FOBs (forward observation bases) and CP (check points) where life is basic to put it mildly.

Did you know some lads and girls out there NEVER receive a parcel or letter during the whole of their tour? These lads and girls who are putting their necks on the line daily with no support from home. THAT IS WHY I STOOD FOR FOUR HOURS IN THE COLD – to show these young lads and girls that I, and my friends, are proud of them and the job they are doing.

I emailed friends and chatted up strangers. I was amazed at the response, things came pouring in and I am still sending more and more out to Afghanistan. Last year I sent around 1,000 boxes

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and beat that easily this year. People here in the UK just want to let them all know how proud we are of our Armed Forces, especially those out there in Afghanistan.

I have found however, the ‘Older Generation’ give much more money than anyone else.

I saw the programme about the use of dogs out there and sourced the TMWDSU address from a very helpful Major. At one time I was getting more stuff for the dogs that solders!

I have a good friend called Pam Wright and together with her son Paul have every month, without fail, contributed anything up to 20 boxes a month.

Paul is/has taken part in a Santa run to raise funds for boxes together with parcels for ‘The Dogs of War, or alternatively known as ‘Paws for War’.

I have to say a big thank you to Budgens. For the second year running they have run a scheme whereby people can either contribute what they can afford or, purchase a tuck box of either £5 or £10 in value. All goods are charged at cost price, so, due to Budgens’ generosity we are able to send even more out. As this point I must thank Vanessa Gregory for her help and support.

I would also like to thank Corts Hardware of Rothley who last year let us purchase hot water bottles at cost and this year they donated them f.o.c.

I attend a WEA history class at Rothley and they all regularly contribute. Also (via my Mum), the local Weight Watchers.

Together with my friends, who also contribute. Costs for the replacement of a tyre was waived by a garage in Mountsorrel and told to ‘buy something for your boys and girls’.

That is why I have sent around 1,000 parcels last year and over 1,000 this year, and knowing we are putting a smile on the faces of our military. And that is why I was proud to stand in the cold to raise money for our boys and girls.

Diane Allen dianeallen4@sky.com

Thanks Rothley Scout Group are delighted to announce that we raised £297.34 at the Santa’s Grotto in the Scout Hut at the Rothley Christmas Lights Switch on, which took place on December 1. We also raised a fantastic £581.37 on the Santa Sleigh on December 5-7 around the village of Rothley.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Rothley for their generous support.

Diane Hardy, Trustee Rothley Scout Group

Thanks Hazel and I would once again like to thank everyone who contributed with goods to help us fill 500 boxes for the Samaritans Purse Shoebox Appeal. This year our boxes are going to Kiev. A special thank you to John & Anna, the RSPCA shop in Birstall, Footmedics, Michael on Leicester Market, Krismans on Melton Road, David & Siobhan, the late Jean Best, all those people who donated wool, and to all our fabulous knitters. To everyone who supported our fundraising events from the children who will receive these boxes. A Very Big Thank You. Hopefully we will be thanking you again next year as we have already started to collect items for our boxes.

Daphne Stephenson

Noticeboard all details printed free Coffee Morning At Rothley Methodist Church, Howe Lane Every Tuesday morning, 10-11.30am come rain or shine Friendly atmosphere, everyone welcome Tea & Coffee and biscuits or toasted tea cake Proceeds for the Methodist Church •••

Quorn Badminton Club Held in Rawlins Community College, Sports Hall Mondays 7.45-9.45pm For more details phone 0116 2106717 •••

Birstall Birdwatching Club Presents The Natural History of Grace Dieu

by Steve Woodward The area surrounding Grace Dieu Priory with its lovely woodland has been the subject of a major study by Steve and he tells us about his discoveries and their importance to county records.

The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Tuesday January 10 at 7.30pm An Introduction to Bird Ringing

by Andy Smith What is bird ringing all about and where is it done? Andy spends a lot of time ringing birds at Watermead Park and also ringed ‘Ken’s swallows’ in Wanlip village. This fascinating subject tells us so much about birds and their survival The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley Tuesday February 14 at 7.30pm Visitors welcome £2 Contact Ken Goodrich 0116 2674813 •••

Film Presentations From Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

‘Water for Elephants’ Friday January 13 (120 mins) Based on a best selling novel, this film follows an unexpected romance between veterinary student, Jacob,

and Marlena, the star performer in a circus. Their compassion for a special elephant shines through. Jacob is on the threshold of a huge career but for Marlena, the circus is her only life.

Will her husband take revenge?

‘Larry Crowne’ Friday February 10 (99 mins) This romantic comedy stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. After a successful career in the navy, everything is right in Larry’s life until hard times befall him. At his local college, in a public speaking class, on his journey of self discovery, Larry begins an interesting relationship with his teacher.

‘One Day’ Friday March 9 (107 mins)

‘Jane Eyre’ April 13 Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £4.50 and concessions are £4. The price includes refreshments and a lucky prize draw.

Advance tickets can be purchased via the parish office, 0116 2367626 or at the door.

•••

Loughborough University Sleep and Lifestyle Study The Sleep Research Centre is currently recruiting for a new study looking at the impact of lifestyle choices on problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early in the morning The study is open to men and women aged over 40, who have problems with their sleep and who are not currently engaged in regular physical activity programmes If you would like to know more please contact Iuliana on 01509 223021 or email sleepstudy@lboro.ac.uk •••

Mini Market and Table Top Sale Saturday February 4, 2012 From 10am to 1pm At Birstall Methodist Church, Wanlip Lane, Birstall (tables @£10 each: tel. Mary 0116 2672606 Stalls include Made in Birstall (home made cakes & produce), Bric-a-Brac & Books, Tombola Coffee Shop open for refreshments ••• The next in the series of

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organised by Derek Farr will be held in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Thursdays January 5, February 2, March 1 at 7.30pm Admission £2 ••• Woodhouse Eaves WI

Bridge Drive Wednesday February 1 1.30-1.45pm start Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall Table Bookings: 01509 890576 (Table of four - £24) Raffle and Home Made Refreshments

THE ROTHLEY POST

History society news

JAN 2012

11

Monday club

MRS MARG JONES was our November speaker.

Marg had been the “wife”, as she insisted as being known, to the Mayor of OUR FINAL meeting in 2011, held on Charnwood, Mr Mike Jones, during the November 15, began with the A.G.M. years 2004/5.

After the usual introductory formaliAs an ordinary housewife and mother, ties, Chairman Colin Revell reviewed the she was dubious about being able to year’s activities and thanked the commitPic: the Corn Exchange, Leicester cope with the role of Mayoress and tee members for their work, including asked the family what they thought as Jennifer Kennington who was retiring Leicestershire and South Derbyshire”. she and her husband would be away along with several other beautiful old after serving six years on the committee.

7.30pm at the Harrison Room, All quite a lot and family life would be conshops, the Haymarket and the Great Jennifer will continue to write the siderably disrupted. The response was Saints’ Church.

Annual subscriptions Central Railway Station. reports of each of our future meetings, unanimous “go for it!” will be due: £12. All welcome.

One postcard depicted the annual unless some budding journalist volunMarg wended her way down memory From Jennifer Kennington, fair which used to take place in Humteers to take over! Jennifer was presentlane, reiterating the many occasions and Thurcaston and Cropston Local berstone Gate, the last one being held ed with a beautiful orchid plant as a events during that year, raising funds for on October 13, 1904. There were amaz- History Society token of thanks. Jane Smith, Treasurer, sporting projects and the arts totalling explained the details of the accounts for ing scenes showing the chaos at the 718 engagements including a trip to Clock Tower when the tram lines were the year to October 31, 2011 and stated AT THE Annual Meeting in November Epinal, France, where the Mayors from being laid, referred to as the “tramway that the financial situation is such that Sue Joyce was re-elected as Chairman, Belgium, Germany and Rouen attended siege”, but normality was restored for the annual subscription can remain at Frank Luce vice-chairman, Albert and a trip to China where Marg sported the official opening of the tram service £12 per person for 2012.

Greaves Treasurer, Ursula Greaves as an appropriate Chinese dress which she on May 18, 1904.

Other scenes showed Colin then introduced our speaker was delighted to wear! These trips were Secretary and Valerie Wadge agreed horse-drawn vehicles still in use, then for the evening, Society member, Sheila to promote good will and an ongoing to continue to co-ordinate the caterlater in the 1930’s, pre-multi traffic Rowlinson, whose topic was “Old Postrelationship between these countries. ing rota. light control, a policeman on “point cards”. Sheila explained that she began There could have been many more trips Sue Joyce thanked Noreen Wilson for duty” standing on a raised box in the her interest in collecting old postcards all her work during the past five years in abroad, but Mike and Marg thought middle of a road junction, although, by in 1993 and she now has over 800, their work in Loughborough was more her post as Programme Secretary and mainly featuring Leicester and Leicester- today’s standard, there was very little important as there was so much to do. providing a wide variety of speakers and traffic to direct! shire.

There was, however, an invitation to subjects.

Noreen has been replaced on Postcards even recorded momentous In 1861, the U.S.A. produced the Buckingham Palace when they were able the committee by Linda Poole. and historic events, such as the death, first postcards and it cost 1cent per to invite a gentleman suffering from In her report Sue Joyce reminded ounce to send to any U.S.A. destination. on 4th April 1908, of a very popular cancer who had just lost his son, and members how the society had been able (but grossly overweight!) local police In 1869, Austria was the first European although he eventually passed away not to support various projects during the constable; likewise, the death of King country to issue postcards and British year, by donating funds, namely £617 to long afterwards, he continued to talk Edward VII, followed by the proclamaones emerged in the following year. about it as being a very precious event the Effigy Fund (to restore and replace tion and coronation of King George V in Such was their popularity as a in his life. the Knights Templar Effigy), £1500 to 1910. A dramatic and sad picture was means of communication, a total of On conclusion of their Mayoral year, the Rothley Museum Fund and £250 to of the horrendous fire which destroyed 16,000 million postcards were sent in Mike was made Chairman of the Charnthe Rothley Hoard Fund.

St George’s Church on October 5, 1911, Britain between 1895 and 1918! Many wood Council where he and Marg conAfter the business meeting, members with further pictures showing the aftertinued to work enthusiastically for the of the early postcards had pictures on were entertained by Clive Jackson, a Community, but it was always pleasuraboth sides, leaving little space to write a math with the smouldering ruins and local wine expert, who provided four one of the bells fallen from the bell ble with many happy and rewarding message and the address of the recipidifferent wines for members to sample, tower – the site is now occupied by St moments of success. ent; some were real works of art and and gave a commentary on each one.

Marg was offered a fee for talking to had pictures exquisitely embroidered or George’s Retail Park.

Meetings are held on the third In conclusion, Sheila said that the us, but she kindly donated this to “Heart woven in silk. Up to 1918, it cost ½d to Wednesday of the month in the Rothley pictures portrayed, and the messages Link”. send a postcard; from June 1918 to Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley at written, on many of the postcards in The Club were then treated to Mrs 7.30pm.

January 1921 (taking advantage of the her collection give a fascinating insight Diana Whatton’s delicious mince pies Details of forthcoming meetings are: extra correspondence generated during into the social history of their time. We Wednesday January 18, when the speaker together with cups of tea and sparkling the First World War) it was 1d, but then had an opportunity to browse drinks by Schloer. will be Graham Fortey, who will be talkwhen the cost was raised again (beWe had five charities from which the through the beautifully presented collec- ing about “A London Shopping Spree”. tween January 1921 and May 1922) to membership had to cast their vote resulttion before the meeting concluded with Wednesday February 15, when Ernest 1½d, there was such public protest that ing in a selection of the NSPPC for 2012. delicious seasonal refreshments. & Sheila Miller will be bringing along the cost was reduced back to 1d! The As a point of interest The Monday There is no meeting in December. their “Games Ancient & Modern” late 19th and early 20th centuries was a Club has raised £2,430.45 from 2003 to There will be a small charge of £3 time, for the majority of the population, Our first meeting of 2012 will be on the present year for Cystic Fibrosis, MacTuesday January 17 when the speaker for visitors and £2 for members. when the post was the only means of millan Nurses, Air Ambulance, the Peter From Linda Poole, Rothley Hiscommunication. Only the select few had will be Prof Marilyn Palmer and her Le Marchant Trust, Heart Link, the topic the “Horse-drawn Railways of tory Society telephones and all of our modern elecLeicestershire Renal Unit, Bosom Friends tronic gadgetry had yet to be invented.

Cancer Care, the Royal British Legion Prior to the First World War, there and this year the Marie Curie Cancer were up to seven postal deliveries per ROTHLEY’S PREMIER TREE SERVICE Care for which to date we have raised day, so it was possible to send a mesJust like the rest of your property, have you £517! sage or even an invitation to come for Mrs Margaret Hooper, our resident considered your trees require a little tea and expect a reply to confirm the Poet Laureate, had composed and read maintenance from time to time? arrangement on the same day! out an Ode to The Monday Club which Using her postcards, Sheila was able ARE YOUR TREES MAYBE? was brilliant and very much appreciated to conduct us on a nostalgic tour of by the Membership. ...UNSAFE, TOO TALL OR UNTIDY Leicester as it used to be. Some of the On December 12 The Monday Club ...BLOCKING LIGHT FROM YOUR HOME, streets and buildings are still recognisamembers, together with relatives and OR YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S HOME ble and in existence today, such as the friends, travelled to Birstall Golf Club, ...LIKELY TO AFFECT YOUR PROPERTY Corn Exchange, Guildhall, Cathedral, where an excellent Christmas Lunch was STRUCTURE the Midland Railway Station, the Prison enjoyed for the seventh year running.

With 20 years experience in all aspects of tree work we YOUR LOCAL and the Grand Hotel (now the Ramada TREE SURGEON Our initial entertainment was providwould be pleased to offer you FREE expert advice & a Jarvis). Sadly, some are long gone, FREE quotation without obligation such as the former Lewis’s building, PHONE NOW ON 0116 2505842 Continued on page 12

12 THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

Golf club’s centenary dinner WI news ROTHLEY PARK Golf Club held its Centenary Dinner at the Walkers Stadium in Leicester.

Well over 260 members attended what was an extremely memorable night.

Former world champion Snooker Player, Dennis Taylor and Former Solheim Cup Captain, Mickey Walker, were the guest speakers and representatives from the EGU and ELGA were also present.

The evening started with a drinks reception while The Ratby Brass Band entertained the guests. Dinner was then served and speeches followed. First, Ladies Captain, Lindsay Jelley, presented the Championship Trophies to their respective winners, Florence King and Ian Anderson, who was unable to attend but his trophy was collected by Roger Christian. Jeremy Clear then said a few words followed by Keith McEwan and then the EGU incoming President, Paul Continued from page 11 ed by Mrs Margaret Hooper of Cropston, who had composed and reiterated her poem dedicated to The Monday Club, describing our activities in a very humorous and accurate style, which was much appreciated by the audience.

Further entertainment was kindly provided by Mrs Rosemary Lennard and friends, fund raising for “Action for Children”, singing snippets from favourite shows and a generous medley of Christmas songs and carols and in which the audience was encouraged to join in.

A very reasonably in- tune sound was achieved!

Year by year, an even more generously laden Raffle Prize table was soon emptied by lucky winners and there was a second Raffle of a secret Prize to kick start our next year’s charity “The NSPCC” of a £25 Voucher for the Co-Op together with a Voucher for a Fish and Chip Supper at the “Rothley Fish & Chip Shop“.

The lucky prize winner was Mrs. Benita Gettings of Thurcaston. The Prize Draw achieved the princely sum of £52 to kick start our collection for the NSPCC. Our first meeting in the New Year will be on January 9, when we shall welcome Marea Roberts, the Marie Curie Cancer Care Area Fundraising Manager for the Midlands, to receive our cheque for their Charity. for 2011. Anyone wishing to come along, please do so, you will be very welcome.

A Very Happy New Year and Good Health to you all.

From Ann Farndon, the Monday Club Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston & Rothley.

Pic (above): Dennis Taylor (centre) was a guest speaker at the event, (right, l-r) Lady Captain Lindsay Jelley with guest speaker Mickey Walker

Baxter.

Mickey Walker and Dennis Taylor entertained the very receptive audience to some wonderful stories about their golf and snooker days intermingled with some very funny jokes.

Jeremy Clear presented Debbie Borley with a bouquet of flowers as a big thank you for all her hard work in making the

Centenary Dinner such a big success.

The dinner was the final event of a memorable Centenary Year for the club which included a busy schedule of golfing, social and charity events.

Spanish trip for Rothley Lion DURING A recent visit to Spain, Lion Norma Grimes of Rothley & Soar Valley Lions attended a lunch and fashion show put on by members of Jalon and Orba Lions Club.

Lion Norma said: “I was delighted to hear of this fundraising event and was given a warm welcome by Lion President Anna Cameron and her fellow Lions and

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learned that the Club was formed only four years’ ago and has 10 members.

“Jalon and Orba are beautiful villages, nestling in spectacular mountain scenery, north of Alicante Province on Spain’s Costa Blanca, some miles inland of the tourist resorts of Denia and Javea and the busy coastal strip.”

Lion Anna explained that the villages contain an interesting blend of residents with local Spaniards and many expatriates from northern Europe. “The mixture of cultures give many and varied opportunities to carry out our primary purpose of making a difference where we live” she said.

Pic: Lion Clifford Edmonds, Secretary (originally from Ashby-d-La-Zouch), Lion Norma, Lion President Anna Cameron and Lion Stuart Aitchison, Past President, with Lion John Wright, Treasurer, behind the camera.

AT THE October meeting, members of the Rothley WI welcomed Lorna Murphy Welch, a bubbly, enthusiastic lady working as a Support Volunteer with Leicestershire Police Constabulary.

Explaining her role Lorna talked of her satisfaction at being able to help support the crime prevention efforts of Leicestershire Constabulary , on a voluntary basis for a few hours a month, by offering residents of Leicestershire advice, literature, the use of Smartwater and other deterrents used in and around the home and reminded us all of the need for vigilance when opening our front/back doors, the importance of using a door chain and the need to be aware of distraction burglaries.

Members were warned to always check and read carefully any callers’ ID badges at which point Lorna passed around a number of fake ID badges, highlighting the need to read carefully the name and business of the person offering it to you to read at your door. The need for vigilance and care with our purses and handbags when shopping is always on the agenda. Our guest speaker certainly evoked an interested and active response from all the members present and it was not long before the whole group became very much involved in healthy discussion about personal experiences, stories of the experiences friends have had, not least about opportunists thieves in public toilets who simply reach over the toilet door and help themselves to your handbag from where you have placed it, safely you thought, on the hook at the back of the toilet door!

Or the thief who bends down and snatches your bag off the floor of the toilet whilst you are otherwise occupied… despicable as these crimes are, they are happening and we do need to be aware at all times.

At our November meeting members learned during the business meeting that President Diane Wise is to stand down as President of Rothley WI and will take the post of Deputy President. Di was thanked for her hard work, dedication and attention to detail in the role of our President and was presented with a lovely plant for her garden which she will enjoy, when she finds time to relax.

The role of President of Rothley WI is now taken up by Pauline Fitchett our returning, experienced, previous President, she was warmly welcomed back into the position with which she is very familiar.

All visitors/guests and new members will be made very welcome to our meetings held on the first Wednesday of each month. Please note slightly earlier start time of 1.45pm. Rothley Centre, 12,Mountsorrel Lane Rothley LE7 7PR. Tea, coffee and biscuits available.

From Maureen Bulmer, Rothley WI

THURCASTON & CROPSTON WI held their Christmas meeting on December 1.

A splendid buffet was provided by the committee, followed by the drama group entertaining us with songs, poetry and a hilarious nativity play.

This was an excellent start to the Christmas festivities and was enjoyed by everyone.

Our Christmas dinner will be held at the Rothley Golf Club on Thursday January 19. Arrive at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

From Thurcaston & Cropston WI

THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

13

Full steam ahead for project VOLUNTEERS AT the Mountsorrel Railway Project are celebrating after receiving a £6275 award from the NatWest.

Nationally, over 5,800 community projects registered to take part in NatWest’s Community Force scheme, and these were then voted for by the public, either online or by telephone, in an election that was sub-divided into regional competitions. To achieve success the Mountsorrel Railway had to compete with 45 other projects in the Burton/Loughborough area. The £6275 grant will be presented early in the New Year.

The aim of the project is to relay just over a mile of railway from south of Swithland Reservoir to Bond Lane, Mountsorrel. When completed the branch line would become an additional attraction for the Great Central Railway, which would operate trains from Rothley along the branch to Mountsorrel. The restored railway branch line will form a working linear museum that will allow forgotten scenes from our industrial past to be recreated for today’s generations to experience and learn from. So far, over 500 metres of track have been relaid. The grant from NatWest Community Force will enable track-laying to progress rapidly towards Wood Lane, Mountsorrel.

Project Leader Steve Cramp was de-

Pics: volunteers laying track lighted to secure the grant. He said: “Nationally 5813 projects took part and over 366,000 votes were cast. To find that we came 47th nationally, well within the top 1% of all the projects, is simply astounding. I always knew that we had something very special here, but what I didn’t quite appreciate was the scale of public support and strength of feeling for the project. Not only does this allow our track-laying to continue unhindered, but it raises the profile of the project both locally and further afield.

Like so many community projects, we often find it an uphill battle to gain publicity and this kind of recognition is invaluable for raising the public’s awareness of us. What make the award so special is the knowledge that the public share our vision of bringing what we

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THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising (Tel & Fax)

0116 2674213 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in at: Rothley Library, Rothley Post Office or to our office in the Youth Centre, Longslade College, Birstall editor@birstallpost.co.uk

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14 THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

Lafarge plans record breaking open days MOUNTSORREL GRANITE quarry, operated by Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK, will open its gates next May to allow local villagers a glimpse inside a modern, working quarry.

The quarry produces unique pink granite, with around five million tonnes a year going into building and road construction, sea defences and as railway track ballast.

The open days, which are being held from Saturday May 5 to Sunday May 13 (weekends and Bank Holiday only), will give local people the chance to take a tour into the quarry, as well as meet and talk with experts, discover the quarry’s rich community heritage and learn about future plans. There will also be various visitor attractions including some ‘hands-on’ creative activities for youngsters.

The last open day, held over seven years ago, proved extremely popular and more than 4,000 local people were welcomed through the gates.

Quarry manager Angus Shedden said: “Although the open days are still six months off, there is a lot or oganising to do and we want to make sure

that everything goes to plan. To ensure that everyone who wants to visit can, admission will be by ticket only and people can start applying in December.

“These events give us a chance to share the Mountsorrel Quarry story and its history with our neighbours and the wider community. It also provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate that we are a responsible business, putting the health and safety of our people at the very core of our operations.

“Our neighbours will have the chance to come and see a modern, working Pic: Mountsorrel quarry around 1900

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quarry in action and talk to us about Mountsorrel’s rich community heritage, its place in the history of Charnwood Borough and, looking forward, about exciting plans for the future.”

The public can register for tickets online from December. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

John Bradshaw, national key account manger (Network Rail) for Lafarge, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see our long-standing relationship with Network Rail continue for a further five years. This contract award gives us the opportunity to provide, potentially, similar quantities as we’ve done previously, and ensure Mountsorrel Quarry benefits from an GRANITE FROM Lafarge’s Mountsorrel quarry will be keeping the coun- investment of £2 million in processing equipment. try’s railways on the right track for “We are immensely proud of our the next five years, after the compalink with Network Rail and of the conny secured a prestigious multi-miltribution we make to the nation’s translion pound contract. port infrastructure. There is a good Network Rail, which owns and oper- chance anyone who has ever been on a ates most of Britain’s rail infrastructure, train and looked down at the track will has awarded a framework contract to have seen Mountsorrel granite, as hisLafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK to torically Lafarge have supplied someprovide ballast and other crushed rock thing like 50 per cent of the ballast material from Mountsorrel quarry. used by Network Rail.”

The contract is worth £35million The ballast – a 50mm crushed rock over the next five years with Lafarge - forms the track bed on which railway hoping to supply more than a million sleepers are laid, keeping the track tonnes of product a year, a fifth of stable and ensuring trains can travel Mountsorrel’s annual output. smoothly.

It will ensure investment of It is compacted between, below, £2million in new machinery at Mountand around the sleepers to distribute sorrel, one of the largest granite quartheir load, facilitate drainage of water ries in Europe, and will help secure and keep down vegetation that might the future of the 100 plus workforce. interfere with the track structure.

The contract continues a 20-year partnership with Network Rail, during which volumes in excess of one million Required tonnes of ballast have been supplied Are you a caring person? annually from Mountsorrel.

Like varied work & job satisfaction?

Around 95% of the new ballast Join our team of carers in the Mountsorrel, being supplied will itself be transported Cropston, Quorn, Sileby, Syston, Birstall & by rail, so reducing road traffic, vehicle Wymeswold areas. movements and consequent carbon Flexible shifts, 10-40 hrs per week, & mornemissions. ings, evenings and weekends available.

The amount of rail ballast already No experience required as all training will be provided by Lafarge Aggregates & Conprovided. crete UK since 1991 is staggering, Up to £7.25hr, plus travel expenses. Telephone essential. Ring Debbie between equalling the weight of 20 of the two 8.30am & 4.30pm for more information on former Twin Towers in New York, 0116 2696247 (quoting reference BP) more than 54 Empire State Buildings Help At Home (Egerton Lodge) Ltd and more than 434 Titanic ships.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

15

Tara opens new centre

The building, already used by several community groups, is available for hire.

Contact Lyndsay King on 0116 2670807 for details.

PHOTO: LONGSLADE COLLEGE

Together they cut the ribbon to open the £4.8million building which has a 238 seat auditorium, a drama studio, media suites, outdoor amphitheatre, meeting rooms and a bar.

Local landowner Charles Palmer-Tomkinson’s charitable trust donated £1million towards the project with £3.47million provided by the Young People’s Learning Agency.

Mr Palmer-Tomkinson singled out planning consultant Will Antill for his work planning and guiding the project from an early stage.

Guests at the opening event were treated to a performance of music and drama

by Longslade students, who then escorted visitors on a guided tour of the building.

Longslade Principal Liz Hall said: “I was delighted with the opening – it was exactly as we had hoped – a real celebration and a chance to show the auditorium at work, as well as guests having the opportunity to tour the building and speak with students. Having the PalmerTomkinson family at the opening was absolutely great and students really appreciated being able to talk about their pride in the building. Tara and Charles and the whole family asked a lot of questions about how we are using the Centre and shared ideas for developing it. Tara is keen to keep in touch with the college in the future. The impact of the building has been such a positive one – post 16 students have more space for study and everyone enjoys using the new auditorium. Community groups have also been positive about the building and we have a lot of interest in using the Centre for a variety of events.”

PHOTO: LONGSLADE COLLEGE

TARA PALMER-TOMKINSON and her father Charles were special guests at the official opening of Longslade’s new Palmer-Tomkinson centre.

Pics: (top right) Tara Palmer-Tomkinson & her father Charles cut the ribbon. Bottom right: Tara talks to Longslade Principal Liz Hall & (top, ctr) meets some of the students who performed at the opening event

the

County crime figures POLICE IN Leicestershire are on track to meet many of the targets set out in their Policing Plan to make the county safer, it has been revealed.

Performance figures presented to members of Leicestershire Police Authority show total recorded crime in the 12 months up to August 2011 fell by 8.4%.

This represents 2,726 fewer offences and is better than the 5% target agreed within 2011/12 Policing Plan.

Most categories of crime saw large reductions during the period, with burglary in commercial premises falling 13.3% (114 offences), theft of vehicles by 16.4% (107 offences) and theft from vehicles 15% (309 offences) – all of which were better than the target set by the Authority. Other offences such as burglary in people’s homes narrowly missed out on targets, falling 9.4% (165 offences) against a target of 10%.

The force improved its satisfaction rate among victims of vehicle crime at 82.9% in the 12 months to August 2011 compared to 71.4% in the 12 months up to July 13, 2011 as well as the number of serious violent crimes detect-

ed (61.2% compared to 59.6% at the last reported position).

It also saw the percentage increase in serious violent crime offences slow to 26.7% (31 offences) up to end of August 2011 from 50.8% (40 offences) in the 12 months up to July 13.

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

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Unit 12, Lazarus Court, Woodgate, Rothley LE7 7LJ

16 THE ROTHLEY POST

JAN 2012

Stitchcraft with tea and cake

Pic: Lisa Pidgeon at her sewing machine

A BIRSTALL woman with a talent for stitchcraft has turned her hobby into a business.

The Littlebird School of Stitchcraft teaches sewing and woolcraft skills at local cafés and other venues and is run

by Lisa Pidgeon.

She said: “When I was made redundant from Health Service academia, I wanted to do work that fitted around my family life and children. I have always had a talent for stitchcraft inherited from my mother who was a tailor, or my grandmother who was a talented seamstress.

“Traditional sewing and kitting crafts were an integral part of my childhood and beyond. It is fantastic that I am now able to pass on these wonderful heirloom skills that my own family taught me, and I especially enjoy teaching my own children.

“For my own sewing machine I use my mum’s 60 year old industrial Singer – it is indestructible and beautiful. I work with it and feel her presence.”

Lisa believes there is a recent resurgence of interest in traditional hand made stitchcraft. She said: “The recession has forced many people to ‘make do and mend’ and to explore sewing and wool crafts to save money and resources. A happy side effect of this is that stitchcraft is fun and, when infused with creativity it is an immensely satisfying thing to do.”

Littlebird School of Stitchcraft is cur-

rently running a series of Creative Cafés in and around Charnwood, each focussing on hand stitching skills such as knitting, sewing and crochet. In January there will be a workshop running over three consecutive weeks at Stonehill school Birstall, focussing on machine sewing.

Littlebird also offers individually tailored ‘one to one’ sessions if preferred, or small group sessions.

“I am keen that the group sessions I run have a strong social element. The interaction between the individuals often fosters creativity – this is why I often run them in cafés – learners can discuss and chat with their peers while they work and enjoy tea and cake! My own role is to facilitate their learning, and encourage them to enjoy the lessons. If learning isn’t enjoyable – it probably isn’t learning!” said Lisa.

For further information about the workshops and classes visit www.littlebirdsos.co.uk or call Lisa on 07760232059.

Creative Cafés run Monday mornings 10-12 at Stonehurst Farm teashop, Mountsorrel and every Wednesday morning 10-12 at Cooky’s café, Stonehill Ave, Birstall. They cost £5 for the first session which includes materials and £3.50 for subsequent sessions. The focus of these meetings at the moment is on crochet.

Quality spectacles at the best prices visit our showroom proSP CS eyewear GET A QUOTE FROM US BEFORE YOU BUYYOUR NEXT PAIR OF SPECTACLES Same day service on most plastic lenses Top quality lenses including Varilux, Nikon, Zeiss DESIGNER FRAMES

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237 6098

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WEA courses

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Birstall And Rothley Wea Spring 2012 Draw, Paint And Print An opportunity to explore a variety of techniques and media, providing an introduction to the basic skills of drawing, painting and printmaking. On-thespot demonstrations and discussion will be supported with examples of artists' work. An ideal course for beginners or those who want to try or revisit new skills.

Tutor: Jo Sheppard. Fee £67, discounted: £60.30 (not available to the retired) or Free Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Monday 1–3pm, 10 meetings from 16 January 2012 What The Victorians Did For Leicester Many of the buildings that we see in Leicester today, the organisations that serve, educate and entertain us, and the values that continue to influence the city, had their origins in the Victorian period.

We will consider how the Victorians shaped the Leicester of their own time, and explore some of the ‘legacies’ that they left to us.

Tutor: Cynthia Brown. Fee £40.20, discounted: £36.20 (not available to the retired) or Free Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Tuesday 10–11.30am, 8 meetings from 17 January 2012 Afternoon Tai Chi With daily practice, the soft flowing movements of Tai Chi strengthen the body, promoting stress reduction and well-being. One posture of the 24 sequential movements of the form is taught each week. Please wear loose clothing and flat-soled shoes.

Tutor Laraine Tucker Fee £73.70, discounted: £66.35(not available to the retired) or Free Venue: Birstall Methodist Church Rooms, 40 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Date: Tuesday 1.30–3.30pm, 11 meetings from 17 January 2012 Art For A Modern World An opportunity to look at a range of twentieth century artists, including Natalia Goncharova, Modigliani and George Braque, whose work reflects the very different aesthetic responses to the changing times. No experience necessary – just a lively, open-minded interest in art!

Tutor Janis Baker Fee £53.60, discounted: £48.25 (not available to the retired) or Free Venue: The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR Date: Wednesday 7.15–9.15pm, 8 meetings from 18 January 2012 Contact: Marion Vincent, Telephone: 0116 2375156 e-mail: vincent.mbe82@yahoo.co.uk or send your enrolments to John Laurance WEA Treasurer, 33 Loughborough Road, Hoton Leicester LE12 5SF Please make cheques payable to WEA Birstall & Rothley Branch Visit our website! www.birstallandrothleywea.org.uk The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) is a charity registered in England and Wales (number 1112775) and in Scotland (number SC039239) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 2806910). The registered address is 3rd Floor, 70 Clifton Street, London EC2A 4HB

Small ads are 25p for the first 16 words.

17-32 words: 50p. Enclosing payment, post your ad to us or hand it in (inside an envelope) at Rothley library or Rothley Post Office on Woodgate.

Trade/business rates for small ads are 25p a word. You are liable for the trade/business rate if you are offering a service for which you are asking for payment, or if you are advertising new goods for sale. All text will be printed bold. Box outline £1 extra. Max 50

PERSONAL TECHNICAL IT training from an experienced Microsoft and Sun Certified Trainer. One to one personal training in any of the following: Web Site design and development, Windows Application development, SQL Server/Oracle database development and administration, SharePoint development and Administration etc. For further details please telephone 07980 749992 AMLI DESIGN Architectural Consultancy. Plans drawn and submitted.

Extensions, conversions, new build.

David Ives B.Sc.(Hons) FBEng MCIOB 0116 2674395 / 07974807111 www.amlidesign.co.uk MATHS & PHYSICS tuition. Popular, experienced private/college tutor, (PGCE, BSc Hons) offers excellent tuition and exam preparation for GCSE and A-level. Call 07980 749992 for more details.

Contact us THE ROTHLEY Post is delighted to receive contributions from residents.

You can send us: Details of a community event such as a rummage sale, fete or coffee morning for free publication on our ‘Noticeboard’ page.

Items of news - we’re interested in everything: club and society news, prizewinners, charity events, church news, complaints, praise, new projects, new facilities, trips, sport, crime, anything that concerns or interests you.

A letter for our letters page - we welcome letters on any issue, local or national. All letters must include the sender’s name and address (though not necessarily for publication).

Photos - we particularly welcome old photographs giving an insight into local history.

Small ads - you can sell items with a classified ad for only 25p!

How you can contact us: Email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk Phone or Fax (0116) 267 4213 Hand in your items at Rothley Library, Birstall Library or Rothley Post Office on Woodgate.

Write to us at The Rothley Post, Longslade College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4GH The Rothley Post is an independent newspaper The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Feb 25.

The copy deadline is Feb 10.