THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Delivered to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston
JAN/FEB 2020
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No. 140
Christmas nativity scenes
Good neighbour ROTHLEY GOOD Neighbours Scheme has just celebrated its first birthday. During the first twelve months it has assisted 25 clients, mostly senior citizens, with 150 requests for a variety of tasks Continued on page 2
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CHILDREN FROM Rothley C of E Academy presented their nativity tableau in Rothley church.
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Fiona Riley, Head Teacher, said: “School was very busy during Advent, preparing for Christmas and retelling the Christmas story in church. This year, for the first time, 75 children in our Foundation Stage base presented their Nativity
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tableau and their parents completely filled the church. “Years 1 and 2 then presented The Angel Express to their parents, who thoroughly enjoyed it.” She added: “Thank you to all our parents for their kind Christmas wishes and gifts. All the staff and children hope that everyone in the village has had a very happy and holy Christmas.”
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ers are asking local residents to assist by recommending anybody who they feel would enjoy and benefit from the opportunity to meet up and have a chat and a cuppa with others. They would be pleased to receive any suggestions or indeed offers of help during the afternoon. The number to ring is below. “If the afternoon proves successful we would be looking to hold them on a regular basis” said the spokesman. • Rothley Good Neighbours Scheme links people in the local community who are in particular need, with local volunteers who are willing to help. It is aimed at improving the quality of life for the more vulnerable members in the area. For help just ring the number below. 0756 1596 873
Rothley couple marry in their eighties A ROTHLEY couple in their eighties have tied the knot after a chance meeting in a graveyard. Roland Rayner (84) and Thelma Lane (85) were married by special licence at Rothley parish church on Friday November 8. Rev Robin Gladstone conducted the service which was followed by a reception at the Rothley Court Hotel. Their marriage came after 10 years of loving companionship and they feel very supported by their friends in the church. During the Cold War, Roland was working at the now famous Bletchley Park He had suffered the loss of a dear friend, Bert, whose grave is in a nearby village, Deanshanger. One day while Roland was attending to the grave of his friend, by chance a cousin of Bert's, Thelma Lane, also came to visit the grave and it was there that Roland and Thelma met each other. Introductions were exchanged and it did not take Roland
long to follow up this chance meeting. Editor's note - just before going to press we received this statement: “We have to record that sadly Roland passed away on December 16, 2019. However Thelma's wedding day remains a treasured memory for her and her family and friends.”
WI news AT OUR October meeting we welcomed Alan Jacobs, the retired manager of Beaumanor Hall, who came to talk about the hall and its history. A house has stood on the site since at least 1277, and the hall has been rebuilt at least three times. The estate came into the hands of Sir William Herrick, a wealthy business man, who bought it in 1595. It remained in the Herrick family until the death in 1915 of the wife of the late Sir William Perry Francis. The property was later acquired by the MoD and was used for military purposes between 1939 and 1945. The military sold the estate to Leicestershire County Council in 1974, who transformed it into a conference centre. This was an extremely informative and well-presented talk, given by a very enthusiastic historian. Members felt they had gained an insight into a little known but very interesting piece of local history. On September 11 members enjoyed a lovely lunch on the Great Central Railway. We boarded the train at Rothley and travelled to Loughborough. The railway with all its history and the journey evoked fond childhood memories for many members. From Thurcaston & Cropston W.I.
JAN 2020
including lifts to medical appointments at local doctor’s surgeries or hospitals in Leicester and Loughborough, simple DIY, domestic and gardening tasks, lifts to and from hair appointments or shops. A spokesman said: “No task is too small so we have even posted letters for people who are housebound. The 15 active volunteers would very much like others who have some spare time to join them. You will find the volunteers a really friendly group and offering help is very rewarding. Please ring 0756 1596873 to speak to one of the volunteer team.” The volunteers are now planning a tea, sandwiches and cakes afternoon on Sunday January 26 from 2-4pm for senior citizens, to be held in the Community Library. Transport to and from the library will be provided and the organis-
PHOTO: STEPHEN BAUM
Continued from page 1
THE ROTHLEY POST
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Children collect items for food bank PUPILS AND staff at Richard Hill C of E Primary School, Thurcaston, have been collecting items for Rothley Food Bank, part of the Soar Valley Community Project. Following an assembly about helping others in the community, pupils decided that they’d like to donate food and other essential
items to those that need a little extra help, especially during the long winter months. Newly appointed Headteacher, Ms Terena Moreton, said: “It is wonderful that our children want to help others less fortunate than themselves, we are so blessed to have such caring and considerate pupils within our school.” Staff at the school say they are thrilled to be able to provide donations for a local cause, especially as Rothley Food Bank is based at Rothley Baptist Church. Ms Moreton said: “As we are a Church of England school, we feel it beneficial to work in partnership with other local churches. Our children have learnt a great deal from this positive experience.” The pupils are looking forward to welcoming Tim Jackson from Rothley Food Bank to their school to hand over the donations. Pic: Freddie in Year 1 with some of the items collected for Rothley Food Bank
Rothley Christmas lights switch–on HUNDREDS OF people turned out for Rothley’s Christmas lights switch on event on November 20, despite the rain. Children from Rothley school choir entertained the crowd before players from trophy winning Rothley Cricket Club were welcomed onto the stage to
switch on the lights and set off a firework display. Many shops were open late, there were funfair rides and Rothley Scouts HQ was packed with visitors where there were stalls and refreshments. Pic (top): Ollie Freckingham, Richard Williams and Niki Patel from Rothley Cricket Club switched on the lights.
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JAN 2020
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Travel agency opens A TRAVEL Agency is coming to Birstall! Holiday Lounge was formed 15 years ago in Hinckley by Paul Moss & George Reynolds with a total of three staff - 15 years later it now also has branches in Burbage and Lutterworth and 15 staff, before its latest venture in Birstall, on the Sibson Road parade. Director George Reynolds said: “The success of Holiday Lounge has been based on offering customers a high level of customer service from experienced and knowledgeable staff, as well as taking an active part of the local community.” Birstall was chosen as its potential was well known to George who was previously a Director of Tomorrows World Travel, who used to have a shop in the village. George, otherwise known as Ben to many people in the village, was born in Birstall and still has many links here having lived in the village for over 40 years. In that time he played cricket and football for local teams.
THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2020
Pic: Holiday Lounge Director George Reynolds
George said: “I’m now entering my sixth decade working in travel since leaving Longslade school and I believe that despite the changing trends over the years in this very competitive industry, there is no substitute for old fashioned quality service.” The experienced team in Birstall will include Leah and Sandra who live in Birstall, Kim who used to be the Manager of Tomorrows World Travel and Zoe who has worked at Holiday Lounge for over 10 years. As well as being agents for a wide range of holiday and cruise operators, Holiday Lounge are able to make bespoke arrangements for individuals and groups, which have included wedding packages, sports tours and arranging for dance academies to perform on cruise ships. George said: “All arrangements are ABTA and ATOL bonded, giving customers complete financial security and being independent enables Holiday Lounge to give totally impartial advice. “So for all your travel requirements call into Holiday Lounge and you be assured of a warm welcome!”
Festive project’s look into future CHILDREN AT Rothley CE Primary Academy have been looking at the opportunities science could bring them in the future - and bringing elements of it into a festive village project. The Elements of Christmas initiative was the brainchild of Ben Price, who works at The Nottingham’s Rothley branch, and was inspired by 2019 being the 150th anniversary of the periodic table. Supported by Ben and their teachers, pupils learned about science and its key role in many jobs and wider aspects of
Free tree scheme RESIDENTS CAN apply for free trees under a scheme which has returned to Charnwood. The borough council has once again teamed up with the National Forest and partner idverde to run the scheme which has 3,000 trees to give away and people have until January 10, 2020 to apply. Matt Bradford, head of cleansing and open spaces at the Council, said: “We’re pleased to be offering our free tree scheme for the second year running. “Following the success of last year, we’re giving away even more trees and I’d encourage residents to apply as soon as possible to snap up their free trees. “Charnwood is part of the National Forest and this is one way to help make it even greener.” Last year 2,000 trees were given away to local residents, community groups and parish councils in the borough. Households and community groups are eligible to choose up to three trees and there is a choice of three varieties; holly, hazel and cherry plum. The trees will be approximately 20cm – 40cm when they are collected. Each resident who applies for a free tree will be given a guide on how to look after them properly. Trees will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and residents that apply for a free tree must be available to collect on one of the following dates and locations: • Saturday January 18 2020, 10am3pm – Central Park, Syston • Saturday January 25 2020, 10am3pm –Derby Road Playing Fields, Loughborough. To apply online, all residents need to do is visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/freetrees idverde manages the borough’s parks and open spaces on behalf of the Council.
Pic: Rothley Primary Academy’s Mrs Jackie Warner (left) and Mrs Laurne Barber with The Nottingham’s Ben Price.
life, before being set the exciting task of one person who successfully links eledesigning colourful Christmas decoraments on show in the seven businesses. tions made from recyclable materials Customer Services Assistant Ben said: that feature in the periodic table. “We’ve previously worked on projects The result was some festive decorawith the school and this year thought tions, which were on show from Novem- we’d bring the community together at ber 25 in the Rothley businesses listed Christmas with something that may also below for everyone in the village to eninspire the children for their futures. joy in the lead-up to Christmas: The “I read that it was the 150th anniversaNottingham and Harrison Murray Estate ry of the periodic table and came up Agency; Elan Hairdressers; Dawn Newwith the idea for Elements of Christmas, combe Hair; Libby’s; Deli 1880; Latimer which the school got enthusiastically on Design; Corts. board with. The pupils have really enAt each location people could also joyed learning about the opportunities pick up an entry form into a free period- that science offers, culminating in them ic table themed competition, with the producing some wonderful Christmas chance to win a chocolate gift bag for decorations out of recyclable materials.”
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Plaque revealed to honour historian
across Charnwood.” A CHARNWOOD Heritage Plaque Peter Lewis, who chairs a panel has been unveiled to commemowhich leads the plaque scheme, said: rate the historian Lord Macaulay “It’s great to see the heritage plaque in of Rothley. place at Rothley Court Hotel just below
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Thomas Babington Macauley (1800-1859) Thomas was a son of Zachary Macaulay (d.1838) and his wife Selina (Mills). Zachary was a prominent anti-slavery campaigner whose sister Jean had married Thomas Babington and it was at her house at Rothley Temple that Thomas Babington Macaulay was born. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, distinguishing himself in classical scholarship. After studying law he was elected a Member of Parliament and later served on the Council in India. Thomas contributed extensively to the Edinburgh Review and was an influential historian. His ‘History of England@ was very popular, as was his ‘Lays of Ancient Rome’. He was created Lord Macaulay of Rothley in 1857 and died of a heart attack in the study of his home in Kensington. He was unmarried. “I would rather be poor in a cottage full of books than a king without the desire to read” Lord Macaulay
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Pic: Mayor of Charnwood Cllr Brenda Seaton with Terry Sheppard, chairman of Rothley Heritage Trust, at the unveiling of the plaque
dence.” It is the third plaque which has been installed in Charnwood to honour interesting people, places and events which have a connection to the history and culture of our borough. Last year two plaques were unveiled in Loughborough, one to honour the 158 Logistics Regiment and 203 Transport Squadron and the other marked the centenary of the First World War.
The Council would like to hear from communities and organisations about other suggestions for future plaques. For more information or to nominate a person, place or event for consideration, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/heritage_plaqu es For the 2020 plaques, the deadline for nominations is March 31, 2020
JAN 2020
Lord Macaulay was a British politician, historian, essayist, author and colonial administrator. Charnwood Borough Council launched the plaque scheme last year to mark people, places and events in Charnwood’s history. The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Brenda Seaton said: “It was an honour to attend the unveiling of the plaque to commemorate Lord Macaulay of Rothley. “The Charnwood Heritage Plaque scheme is a way of acknowledging the history of the borough and I look forward to seeing many more installed
the room where Lord Macaulay was born all those years ago. “The aim of the scheme is to ensure people know about the borough’s history and we’re now looking for more suggestions for future plaques. “We commemorate not just people but events and local places that are significant in the story of our towns and villages, so I’d encourage people to submit their nominations with supporting evi-
THE ROTHLEY POST
The plaque was revealed at Rothley Court Hotel at a ceremony held on October 25, 2019 which would have been Lord Macaulay’s 219th birthday.
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Village remembers fallen A LARGE crowd gathered at Rothley’s War Memorial on Cross Green on Remembrance Sunday. After the service in Rothley Church, the Legion Standard was paraded up Fowke Street to the War Memorial. A minute’s silence was observed and then wreaths were laid
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will be published on Mar 7. The copy deadline is Feb 21.
Local salon owner Gavin Taylor gives us an insight into his award winning salon… The feel when arriving at Gavin Taylor Hair is one of family and home and you instantly feel welcome. With its rustic, tactile interior, Taylor the salon dog sits proudly in the lounge waiting area whilst the expert team of stylists are poised to deliver realistic goals to their clients. No sign of perm solution in this salon! Gavin Taylor Hair have realised that clients want 'real' hairdressing for 'real' people. Specialising in natural hair care for ladies, gentleman and children. The salon has wheelchair access, is baby friendly and also dog friendly.
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JAN 2020
Salon founder and owner Gavin Taylor, talks openly about his passion: Q. Why is your salon unique? A. Our salon doesn't follow the rules, we have broken free from the everyday stainless steel salon that can often feel sterile and intimidating. We are building a new culture in hairdressing
that challenges the status quo of sustainability and the impact we all play on the planet. Using the knowledge from our loyal clients we have developed our own brand of hair and skin care which in turn keeps our impact on the environment to a minimum yet making everyone feel confident and positive about themselves. Beauty can be sustainable too! Q. Some people perceive your salon to be expensive, is this true? A. We appeal to a huge age range of the community and have kept our prices very competitive. Not only are our prices similar or less than our peers (prices from £22) but we have chosen to use the best possible products and provide the quality and care needed to enhance and make everyone's experience an unforgettable one. We go that extra mile by providing hairstyles that not only look good in the salon but ones that will work for you at home. We are continuously improving and adapting our service to keep us ahead of the pack, creating new ideas that others will share. Pop in and you will see that we are No Ordinary salon! Q. What does the future hold for GTH? A. We have just begun our journey and will never be complacent. Our plans are to continue to inspire and change the industry by proving you can provide the best hair styles at competitive pricing whilst always learning and growing the local business community. We believe that local business is the future of retail and we can keep developing young people through apprenticeships to enable them to become confident hardworking adults. Hairdressing doesn't have to be just aesthetically pleasing, it can be the driving force for positive change. In the next edition, GTH will be giving hair advice and answering any questions from local residents - please email your questions to info@gavintaylorhair.uk
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The Rothley Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
Classrooms I read with interest in The Rothley Post Nov/Dec 2019 No. 139 on page 13 a comment by Rothley County Councillor Peter Osborne who seems quite happy to allow Messrs Davidsons' to pay for six new classrooms to accommodate 180 pupils as long as they get planning permission to build 78 new homes. A planning application is expected in January and he further says 'they' would provide them if Davidsons' application is refused by Charnwood..... Well Mr Osborne Rothley has had it's fair share of 'new homes' thank you and we don't want any more so yes, go ahead and let the County Council pay for the six classrooms G Allen, Rothley
Bulky waste I read on the letters page of the Nov/Dec issue about Mrs Carr’s concern that the introduction of bulky waste charges would increase fly-tipping. I can reassure her, and other readers, that this is not necessarily the case. In my experience of working with over 30 councils across the UK on waste and recycling services there is no evidence that this happens. In some areas of the country where fly- tipping is at its worst the collections are free and in others that charge the highest rates fly tipping is low. Equally where a charged service becomes free there is no consequent reduction in fly tipping and hence the converse principle could be true for Charnwood. The fact is, fly tipping is a moral decision. There are some who would never commit a criminal act because there is a charge, while there are a minority of people who are inclined to break the law regardless of whether there is a charge or not. Richard Featherstone
Difficult decision In its Nov/Dec edition the Rothley Post reported on the Rothley Parish Council meeting in August 2019. It correctly reported that the Parish Council voted by 5 votes to 4 against a resolution that the Rothley Neighbourhood Plan, currently in draft, should support a proposal that 78 new houses should be built next to the existing Brookfields
Noticeboard
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
Film Club Winter Programme at The Rothley Centre Friday January 17th, 2pm The Aftermath
The Aftermath is set in post war Germany in 1946. Rachael Morgan (Keira Knightley) arrives in the ruins of Hamburg in the bitter winter, to be reunited with her husband Lewis (Jason Clarke), a British colonel charged with rebuilding the shattered city. But as they set off for their new home,
JAN 2020
YOUR SAY...
Farm development, the quid pro quo being that the developers would help to fund a much needed extension to Rothall details printed free ley School and provide land for a play area and staff car park. The Parish Council revisited this resolution at its October Coffee Shop meeting and this time voted against it by Rothley Methodist, Howe Lane an increased majority of 7 votes to 2. Every Tuesday morning, 10This was a difficult decision for the Par11.30am ish Council. While councillors and the Come rain or shine draft Neighbourhood Plan support the need for an extension to the school and support the principle that the school In December we distributed our should be able to accommodate all chil- Christmas food parcels to over 200 local dren living in the Parish, the majority of elderly residents in the Rothley and Soar councillors do not feel that an extension Valley areas. Unfortunately, this will be should be dependent on building a furthe last one due to the pending closure ther 78 houses, especially since this of our Lions club on the 31 May 2020. development would impinge on the proIt is with considerable sadness that posed area of local separation between the Rothley & Soar Valley Lions club will Rothley and the Broadnook development. be closing after over 40 years of service No doubt councillors were also influto our community and Lions internationenced by information from Leicestershire al, but lack of active members available County Councillor, Peter Osborne, who to successfully operate our club has informed the Parish Council that LCC has caused this pending closure and our funds to pay for an extension although sincere thanks go to all present and past they have yet to identify a means of promembers for their dedication and hard viding a play area. Parish councillors work during their membership in our very much hope that LCC can bring forclub. ward a proposal to extend the school The good news is that the Mattioli that is not linked to a further housing Woods Rothley 10K will not be affected development in the Parish. as Rothley & Soar Valley Lions Club, who Roger Gross were the hosts of this event with their Vice Chair, Rothley Parish Council partner LOROS, have transferred the and Chair, Rothley Neighbourhood Plan hosting of the Rothley 10K completely to Steering Group LOROS who together with Mattioli Woods will continue with the organisation of this annual charity fund raising event. As Lions club closing many of you know the Mattioli Woods Rothley & Soar Valley Lions are Rothley 10K has been held for the last pleased to announce that following a 34 years and has been a major charity very successful year of fundraising they fund raiser, so it is important that this have been able to make donations to popular annual event continues to opermany of the local charities and other ate for many years in the future, so local projects, some of which are listed please continue to support this. below: Rothley & Soar Valley Lions would LOROS, VISTA, Air Ambulance, Admilike to thank you all for your continued ral Nurses, Syston & District Volunteers support which has enabled the club to Centre, Wishes for Kids, Rothley Church, be so successful over its lifetime. Rothley School and Breast Cancer Care Lion President Ruth Johnson
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Rachael is stunned to discover that Lewis has made an unexpected decision: They will be sharing the grand house with its previous owners, a German widower (Alexander Skarsgård) and his troubled daughter. In this charged atmosphere, enmity and grief give way to passion and betrayal. Friday 21st February, 2pm Mary Poppins Returns Mary Poppins Returns stars LinManuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer and Julie Walters with Colin Firth and Meryl Streep. The film, which introduces three new Banks children, also features Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury. The film is set in 1930s depression-era London and is drawn from the wealth of material in PL Travers' additional seven books. In the story, Michael and Jane are now grown up, with Michael, his three children and their housekeeper, Ellen, living on Cherry Tree Lane As it is half term this would be a great way to entertain children for the afternoon. Children can come for free accompanied by an adult. The film is rated as PG and will finish around 4.35pm At
Community Bible Study (CBS) in Rothley we come together in small groups at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings at Rothley Baptist Church. Together we discover how we can use what we learn from this powerful book to enrich and enhance our lives, to make our lives even more meaningful. The Bible has the power to gently change us and our lives; whatever we’ve done God loves us truly and deeply and He wants us to know it. We’d love you to come and join us. Even though we meet in a church building CBS is not a church, we won’t ask you to join any committees or be ‘religious’; we’re just a group of people like you wanting to understand the meaning of life
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JAN 2020
Rothley/Birstall Birdwatching Club Tue Jan 14 at 7.30pm A Year In The Life Of A Tour Leader by Neil Glenn Neil, who hails from Nottinghamshire has been a keen birdwatcher since his childhood. He is a freelance journalist and author of the ‘’Best Birdwatching Sites’’ books. He is also a tour leader with Avian Adventures. He will take us into the life of a tour leader and tell us of his adventures and the trials and tribulations on his many trips. The Rothley Centre, 12, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members free. Visitors £3. There is
ample free car parking on site. New members and visitors are always welcome. Tue Feb 11 at 7.30pm Living Wild In South America by Mike and Paula Webster. Mike and Paula are both well known local naturalists who now spend much of their time in South America. During their stay they work with local organisations and support and talk to schools about bio-diversity and the need for conservation. They are very enthusiastic about the area and will tell us of their work and adventures whilst living wild. The Rothley Centre, 12, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR,. Members free. Visitors £3. There is ample free car parking on site. New members and visitors are always welcome Birstall And District
Art Society Tues Jan 14, at 7pm You are invited to join us at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at Cedars Academy, Wanlip Lane, to watch well known professional artist Andrew Geeson giving a demonstration of ‘A Cityscape’ using the wet-into-wet method. Newcomers and visitors most welcome. Refreshments available at the interval. Demonstration ends at 9pm Members £2; Guests £4. Free raffle. Ample parking and wheelchair access
Open Exhibition 14 Dec 2019 – 25 Jan 2020 New Walk Museum & Art Gallery Leicester's Open Exhibition celebrates its 30th year, showcasing contemporary arts and crafts from across the East Midlands. Displays include the outstanding youth category (ages 5 to 19) as well as the adult exhibition. Work featured is available to purchase, all supporting the region’s creative talent Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish “Red Joan” Jan 10 (110 mins) Our first film for the new year is a fantastic true British story of a "Granny spy" played by Dame Judi Dench. As a civil servant after World War 11, she falls under suspicion by the authorities for being a Soviet spy, possibly because she was associating with a Russian Communist. Will she be able to prevent the ultimate destruction of herself as well as her friend? "Green Book" Feb 14 (130 mins) Another amazing true story will be our biographical comedy drama in February. This film brings to light the racial division in American society during the 1960's. When a club bouncer falls on hard times, he becomes the concert tour driv-
el Royal, St. James’ Palace Sunday May 17th at 8pm: Dominic O’Connor Robinson Solihull Organist Sebastian Carrington Organ Student, Hinckley Admission Is Free Donations For The Church Development Fund Buffet from 7.30pm er for a talented African-American concert pianist. Having won three Oscars and three BAFTA'S, this film is a warm and joyous tale about loyalty and companionship. 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 Mountsorrel Methodist Church Centre Celebrating Nineteen Years of
Rothley NHW We are looking to form a new NHW scheme which would involve getting previous members together. I have been in contact with current NHW coordinator and she would like to restart it and invite members to join the scheme. We have planned a meeting at the Rothley Court Hotel on the 14th January 2020 at 7pm, meeting to start at 7.30pm. Myself, NHW coordinator and the police neighbourhood team for Rothley will be attending. Hope to see you at the meeting From Eric Scoins, Leicestershire Police
Sunday Night At Eight Organ Recitals Sunday January 19th 2020 at 8pm: Anne De Graeve Leicester Organist Sunday February 16th 2020 at 8pm: Thomas Keogh Holy Cross Priory, Leicester Sunday March 15th at 8pm: Robert Foreman Market Bosworth Organist Sunday April 19th at 8pm: Martyn Noble Sub-Organist, Her Majesty’s Chap-
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Charity hits £1million target Park to fund research wins A ROTHLEY charity is celebrating after having reached its target of raising £1million.
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS for school children at Bradgate Park have been recognised with an award.
help bring about effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the devastating, life limiting muscle wasting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. “Six years later I was able to announce
New tuition centre A NEW tuition centre has opened “Thousands of children attend weekly sessions with a very high success rate. in Rothley. First Class Learning Rothley offers maths and English tuition for children aged 5-15 years. The tuition centre is managed by Debbie Wolfe-Kinch, an approved First Class Learning Centre Manager. She said: “Our aim is for every child to reach their full potential by creating a winning mindset.” She added: “As every child is unique, we build individual programmes of study to fit around each child. This is done through a sequence of assessments that will determine not only the strengths but also the areas that need some work. Our maths and English programmes are suitable for children aged between 5 and 15, and many of our students who join us find that they excel in other subjects too.” First Class Learning has approximately 300 centres in the UK. Debbie said:
award
If you think your child has fallen behind, or could do with a boost, contact me now and I will organise an assessment that will give you a transparent view of where you child is at. From here you will get to see a sample of the type of work that will be set, and also the motivating environment that they will learn in. “Many parents and school teachers have seen their children completely change their attitude towards learning and make outstanding progress after starting at First Class Learning.” Contact Debbie at First Class Learning Rothley now to find out how we can help you: 0779 335 3435. The centre is located at The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley and is open on Tuesdays between 3.30 - 5.30ppm. First Class Learning is the largest UK based network of tuition centres that is aligned to the British National Curriculum.
MATHS & ENGLISH TUITION CENTRE IN ROTHLEY
Pic: Emma Hallam, founder of Alex’s Wish, with her son Alex
at our recent ball, that we had done it! It’s with thanks to our fabulous supporters and the local business community who has helped us achieve our initial target – and we would like to thank every single of them for their support so far. “The money raised has been invested in several research projects, clinical trials and supporting trial centres in the UK to run clinical trials, helping us move ever closer to effective treatments for Duchenne. Our latest commitments include promising gene therapy and stem cell therapy. A huge amount of progress has been made, but we still have a long way to go. We are committed to continuing to drive this momentum forward to help THIS generation of children living with Duchenne. We are now working towards securing our next £1million and will not stop until a cure is found.” www.alexswish.co.uk
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Staff and volunteers from the Bradgate Park Trust attended an award ceremony in London, where over 40 heritage attractions won a Sandford Award for high-quality heritage education provision. The Life-Long Learning Officer for the Bradgate Park Trust was joined by some of the dedicated band of volunteers that help deliver the school modules at the Park to accept this Award. The Bradgate Park Trust offers six themed sessions for school groups including topics such as the Stone Age; River Life and Map and Compass skills. In the last six months over 1,800 children have joined sessions at the Park which encourages learning outdoors. Mr Nick Rushton, Chairman of the Bradgate Park Trust, said: “This award recognises some of the best work currently being achieved in heritage education and we are thrilled that our outdoor classroom sessions at Bradgate Park achieved high praise. The Stone Age sessions assessed in the summer involved interviews with staff, volunteers, teachers and pupils and the Award recognises the dedication of the team of volunteers that support the charity’s staff.” This award for formal education is the second the Trust has achieved this year, having been presented the Sandford Award for Informal Learning, recognising the various family, adult and creative sessions now offered at Bradgate Park. Education and lifelong learning work has been developed in recent years, thanks to the Trust’s Explore, Share, Inspire programme that has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. For more information about the opportunities for schools offered by the Bradgate Park Trust, please visit https://www.bradgatepark.org/forschools
JAN 2020
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Alex’s Wish announced at their annual ball that they had achieved their initial fundraising target. Emma Hallam, founder of Alex’s Wish and mum to Alex, after whom the charity is named, said: “Six years ago when I set up Alex’s Wish I set ourselves the ambitious target to raise £1million to help fund vital research and clinical trials to
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THE ROTHLEY POST
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Sustainable Rothley Make a pledge Among the positive plans you have for this new year, could you make a pledge to support our community’s efforts to become more sustainable? The Parish Council is planning to plant more trees locally, and we’d love to support that with families and individuals planting trees in gardens and pots. Or you could change your light bulbs to LEDs – which will save you money as well as helping the planet. You could spread some wildflower seeds or let some grass grow wild for the sake of insects and birds. You could carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled drinks, or walk to the village instead of driving. Or there might be another way you’d like to help. Let us know what you’re doing – you’ll be able to leave your pledge on the sustainable tree in the library, email sustainablerothley@gmail.com, or go on our facebook page (Sustainable Rothley) to let us know. Spread the word. Let’s work together, it all helps, and you won’t be doing it on your own. Sustainable Spring Festival Put Sunday, April 26th in your diary for the festival, which will be at the Rothley Centre, thanks to the Parish Council’s support – we’ll be letting you know more details as it gets closer. Join our email list to get regular updates: sustainablerothley@gmail.c om. Wildflowers & party hire The Parish Council has plans to set aside some village areas for wildflowers, and they are looking for volunteers to help maintain them. If you’d like to be involved, contact the Parish Council. Hirers of the Rothley Centre will also receive information encouraging them to have reusable glasses, cups and plates. The kitchen is fully
equipped, or there are local small hire groups who can lend you everything you need for a small fee. Making bags January 17, 2.30pm at the library If you’ve shopped at Corts during the past year, you might know that we have been supplying them with fabric bags made from used duvets, sheets, curtains etc. The bags are freely available, and many people are returning them to the shop for reuse. We supply large bags to the Food Bank too. This has all been thanks to the help of Fran Barney at the Probation Service in Leicester, who make the bags, Nottingham Building Society who provide massive 100kgms of packets for recyTHE ROTHLEY Park Golf Club Juna collection point for fabric in the cling. The library also has a collection ior Knockout Trophy was won village, and Elizabeth Thompson, who collects and delivers point, where you can take used pens, this year by 16 year old Dylan biscuit wrappers, baby food pouches, supplies. We now need to coffee disc packs etc, and the school has Bamford. become more self-sufficient, The competition runs through the a collection point for pens in reception. and we’re trying out a meetsummer with the final match recently These items go to Terracycle, and are ing to start making the bags played between Dylan and Harry Finch, a used in this country to make tables, ourselves. Sewing skills are close match with both boys playing off planters, benches and playground equiphelpful, but not essential! So the same 17 handicap. Dylan managed ment. Elizabeth Thompson also runs a are sewing machines. If you to take the title by just one hole after an local collection point. couldn’t make a meeting, but exciting and very close final. The Primary School can sew at home, we’d love Past Club Champion, John Hardwick, After lots of work by group members, to hear from you. Instrucphotographed presenting the trophy to closer links are forming between Sustaintions and templates will be Dylan, presented the trophy to the club able Rothley and the primary school. available. Meanwhile, you in 1999 and has refereed the event for We’re delighted, and will have more can take old duvet covers, the last twenty years and is a keen amnews soon. sheets, curtains etc at Notbassador and supporter of junior golf at Sustainable Rothley tingham Building Society. the club. Sustainable Rothley has developed On the way to the final Dylan beat from Plastic free Rothley, which has Charlie Roulston, Hannah Garnerbeen running in the village for a year Stephens and Archie Gardner. Harry now, working to fulfil the objectives to meanwhile came through the other half become a Plastic free Community. That of the draw beating Elliott Izard and Eric doesn’t mean getting rid of all plastics, Your plastics can Walker on his way to the final. as many are useful, but reducing single be useful Dylan, who lives in Montsorrel, use plastics, like drinks bottles and It’s always better for the joined Rothley Park aged seven and has packaging. It’s a friendly group of local planet if you use as little enjoyed being a member of the lively people working together to do their bit. plastic as possible. But it’s junior section for the last nine years. Thanks to everyone who works so hard not always easy. You can still to make things happen. We’ll be running He is the current junior Vice Captain so take empty crisp packets to next year will be the club’s Junior Capmore litterpicks this year, and maybe Gavin Taylor Hair, or Elan tain. He has had a very successful golfyou have other ideas about what could Hair. Gavin has posted off a ing season winning the Mugs Cup, the happen… Adult/ Junior Foursomes partnered by Next meeting on Tue Mar 10 his father Phil, the net prize in the CenteThe next meeting is on Tuesday nary Eclectic with a nett 48 and the March 10 in the library. This time the Scratch prize in The Morton Cup again main meeting will be from 7-8.30pm, and the steering group will meet at 6pm. partnered by his Dad and the Junior We’ll be making plans for the Sustainable Knockout Trophy. Rothley Park’s PGA Professional, Katie Spring Festival, at the Rothley Centre on PETROLS • DIESELS Tebbet, runs a Junior Coaching Academy Sunday April 26 – could you be part of MOTORCYCLES and with a committee of club members it? There’ll be stalls, workshops and organises a series of events and matches talks… throughout the year. If you would like CROPSTON Get in touch to know more about Junior Golf at the Email sustainablerothley@gmail.com, GARAGE club please contact Katie on 1006 230 or plasticfreerothley@gmail.com, go to 2809 or visit our Facebook page or phone 37 - 39 Station Road www.rothleypark.com/junior golf 07764941574. Cropston, Leicester
Dylan wins trophy
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THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2020
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From Sustainable Rothley
Pic: Past Club Champion, John Hardwick, presenting the trophy to Dylan
12
Couple’s thirty happy years in village pub IN DECEMBER Tony and Kathryn Marshall celebrated 30 years behind the bar of their much-loved pub, Thurcaston’s The Wheatsheaf Inn and they are loving it as much today as the day they put their names above the door.
On December 4, 1989, Tony and She added: “Running a pub becomes Kathryn first took over the tenancy at part of you. I think the day you wake up The Wheatsheaf Inn. They thought they and it feels like a drag - that’s the day would only be there for a few years but you need to pack it all in.” 30 years on they still love owning a pub “To tell you the truth,” says Tony, "I business and have created a pub that can’t imagine a time when it ever will.” has become a fixture of the local comTony heads up front of house and has munity. built a reputation for quality cask ales “I admit it’s hard work” said Kathryn, and Kathryn prides herself on serving “but we still do it because we still love it. home cooked meals and hosting the We love the pub and we love our custom- many events and occasions that take ers. It’s not just a job to us - it really is place at the pub. Their three children a way of life.” Andrew, William and Katie have also helped in the business over the years. “We would like to say a big thank you to all our regulars and staff, for their support over the years. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful community and to have met so many great and interesting people who’ve been there for us through the good and bad times. It is ultimately down to our customers and community that we have enjoyed our time here at The Pic: Tony and Kathryn Marshall at the Wheatsheaf Inn Wheatsheaf Inn - we can’t thank them An old tale says that the pub once caught years. enough” said Kathryn. fire and that the fire was extinguished You can find out more about The The Wheatsheaf Wheatsheaf Inn on their Facebook page using the beer! The pub was thatched Inn was built in the https://www.facebook.com/WheatsheafTh until 1929 and the Wright family from 1600's and was forurcaston Thurcaston held the tenancy for 105 merly a coaching inn.
We began the term with prizes from the village show for our yogurt pot people and Mexican Eye weaving. Next came a visit from one of our past Girl Guides who has been accepted for a trip to Peru with Leicestershire Girl Guiding. Thank you to Amy for entertaining the Brownies with stories of Peru. We have had more visitors while working for the Jobs badge. We learned about working in retail and pretended to sell burgers and fries. ‘Remember to be polite to the customers and don’t be late for work.’ Carol told us that to work as a nurse we would need patience, calmness and the ability to listen. With help, we tried out blood pressure monitors, as well as inspecting equipment needed to visit patients in their homes.
Primary school teaching assistant Rachel, soon engaged the girls in discussion of the strategies needed to cope with children of different abilities and finished the session colouring in tricky patterns as a soothing way to calm down. Ruth and Rachel from the RSPCA’s Woodside Animal Centre (and Lottie the dog) talked about working with animals and the girls dressed in apron, gloves and plastic protective shoe covers, These would be worn to clean out one cat pod, disposed of and new ones worn for the next cat pod thus preventing cross contamination. The Brownies wanted to know what happened to all the pooh ‘It goes down the Wishing Well’, a deep hole in the ground and the workers WISHED they did not have to
lift the lid and let out the pong. Brownies bought little gifts from the RSPCA ladies and the following week handed in bags of saleable items for the RSPCA shop. Next came working in the beauty industry and we watched Helen have her Halloween make up applied by Molly while the Brownies learned facts about makeup and college qualifications. I have never seen so many different col-
ours of enamel that Molly had brought for the girls to paint their nails. Luckily the rain held off when we had our bonfire party with fireworks, sparklers, hot dogs, singing and, when the bonfire (eventually) was burning, we toasted marsh mallows. Thanks to Sally and Philip for the fireworks. Several brave Brownies read a lesson, or laid a poppy wreath or carried the Brownie flag at the Remembrance Service at All Saints Church, Thurcaston. We will finish the term with a talk about working as a dental nurse, making Christmas crafts, visiting the panto in Loughborough and, finally, celebrating with a party. We have welcomed several new Brownies this term but have a few remaining spaces. Girls need to be 7 years old. Please enquire, (but not during working hours) to Louise Keran, (Brown Owl) 07711 422350 We meet on Wednesday evenings 6pm to 7.15pm in the Harrison Room, All Saints church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. Pics: Brown Owl and the Brownies at the Remembrance service and Bonfire Sparklers
THE ROTHLEY POST
THURCASTON BROWNIES have had a busy term, as leader Irene Marriott reports below:
JAN 2020
News from the Thurcaston Brownies
Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on October 21.
THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2020
It was reported that PCSO 6663 Shaheen Abdulla will be moving from Loughborough to cover the villages of Mountsorrel and Rothley. A member of the public requested details about how to start a community Speedwatch. PCSO Abdulla will send the details to the clerk. He said that speed checks are currently taking place in the village. County Councillor Peter Osborne reported that the County Council will submit a planning application for the expansion of Rothley school in January, if an application is not submitted by a developer linked to a plan for an additional 78 homes. The school expansion will either be paid for by the developer if it is granted permission to build the 78 homes, or by the County Council if it is not. It was reported that the planning application for phase one of the 1950 home Broadnook Garden Suburb is
expected to come before Charnwood Borough Council in December 2019. It was reported that 18 months of meetings with Persimmon Homes regarding the adoption of open spaces at Saxon Drive and Warren Way had proved fruitless. The Parish Council had received a request for grit bins at several locations in the village. There are several already in place. Cost of installation is £325. It was agreed further investigation was needed. It was agreed to approve a licence agreement from Charnwood Borough council to site a grit bin at the Garland at a cost of £375 for a period of three years. It was reported that an audit of the parish council’s use of single use plastic had taken place, and that it was doing quite well. A leaflet will be provided for users of the Rothley Centre about how they could reduce their plastic use. The council voted 7-2 against a proposal to include within the Rothley Neighbourhood Plan support for 78 new houses linked to and dependent upon the developer paying for additional classrooms at Rothley school. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on November 18. It was reported that crime in Rothley over the last month had been low, but there had been one distraction burglary, one shop break-in and three thefts from building sites in the area. It was reported that a public meeting had been held to discuss the provision of wildflower areas in the village. The council agreed to leave the gates around the War Memorial unlocked. Floor damage to the roof and floor of the Rothley Centre has cost £3000 to repair. A full meting of Rothley Parish Council was held on December 16. Sgt Rod Smart reported that there had been three burglaries in the village so far this month, In one, the burglars had gained access through an open door. Sgt Smart reported that there were now additional PCSOs in post and so they should be more visible in the village. It was reported that the planning application for the first phase of the 1950 home Broadnook Garden suburb was due to be considered at Charnwood in December. Comment was made that the provision of a GP facility within the development must be a priority because local services were overstretched.
The boiler at the Rothley Centre broke down but has been repaired. It is 40 years old. Quotes will be obtained for a replacement. It was agreed to allocate £2500 in the 2021/2022 budget for Rothley library. This will rise to £6500 per annum in 2022/23. This grant will replace funding from Leicestershire County Council which is being withdrawn. The decision follows a public consultation that resulted in 47 responses, all in favour of awarding the grant. It was agreed that the War memorial gates should remain unlocked for a further three month trial period. It was agreed to spend £1250 on cutting back conifers at the bowls club/Rolls Royce site and £1889 in replacing a street light on Church Street. The light is in a poor condition. It was agreed that the parish precept will be £138,000 in 2020/21. In 2019/20 it was £132,000 . The 4.5% increase will result in a band D property paying an extra £1.50 a year. The council has access to £30,000 of section 106 funds allocated for youth facilities. It was agreed to consider at a future meeting how and where this be spent and what grant funding was available from Sport England. A skateboard park or multi use games area could be considered. A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on September 19. During the Police item it was reported that a front window in Thurcaston had been smashed and a charity bag stolen, and there were two attempted burglaries in Cropston. There are measures in place to recruit two more PCSOs. There are two at present, after PCSO Tom Barker stood down to join the Police. A member of the public reported that fly tipping on Anstey Lane had been removed by Charnwood Borough Council. It was reported that Charnwood have installed CCTV at some fly tipping hotspots. Diana Denton has retired as Heritage Warden. A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on October 17. PCSO Mitch Jarvis introduced a new PCSO and reported there had been two attempted thefts in Cropston. As a result of speed data reports, a request was made for speed operations to take place on Anstey Lane and Mill Road.
Rothley wildflower sites PLANS TO plant two areas in Rothley with wildflowers were discussed at a public meeting in November. Cllr Steve Mitchell from Rothley Parish Council organised the meeting. The sites identified are on the ‘Donkey field’ on Hallfields Lane and the bank at the top of Woodgate facing the junction with Howe Lane. Steve said: “The meeting was well supported and the Parish Council’s plans were explained in detail.” He added: “In January the Parish Council’s grounds contractor will be
spraying off the grass growth in these two selected areas with a herbicide to reduce grasses in preparation for wildflower seeding. As a consequence of the spraying, there may be large patches of yellowing grass followed by bare soil which could persist for some time due to the slow rate of wildflower germination.” The aim of the project is to increase the amount of food for pollinating insects, and to create a visual amenity. The size of the designated area on the ‘Donkey field’ is approximately the area of two tennis courts Steve said: “A further aspect highlighted at the meeting was the possible assistance that might be offered by residents in establishing small plots across the village at open spaces at Fowke Street, Bunney’s Field, Town Green Street and Mountsorrel Lane.” A number of offers of support were received from those who attendROTHLEY PARK Cricket Club were runed the meeting so in order to give an ners up at the Charnwood Sports idea of what the process will entail, Award 2019. a patch of ground on Mountsorrel Lane, next to the library, will be The awards ceremony, organised by Charnwood Borough Council, honoured prepared as a demonstration on over 30 shortlisted individuals and Saturday January 25 at 11-11.30am. groups at Burleigh Court, Loughborough “Anyone is welcome to attend, espeon Monday December 2. cially if any more people are interestRothley Park Cricket Club was a runed in volunteering” said Steve. ner up in the John Sutherington Club of For anyone interested in introducthe Year category. ing a wildflower area in their garden In 2019 the club won Everards Leices- Steve recommends searching tershire & Rutland Cricket League PreYouTube for “Monty Don sowing a mier Division and the Leicestershire wildflower meadow.” County Cup.
Cricket
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THE DANVERS of Swithland Hall was the subject for our October 2019 meeting.
Library funding Many thanks to all those people who wrote to the Parish Council in support of its public funding. Many positive and complimentary emails & letters were received by the Parish Council, who are now considering how to include the elements of the library’s request in their future funding plans from the financial year 2021/22 onwards. More detailed information will be available in the March / April 2020 Parish Council newsletter. 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 on Saturday afternoons The trial to extend the Saturday afternoon session to close at 4.00pm was reviewed at the AGM in November. It was decided that as the afternoon sessions were popular with local families we would make this a permanent arrangement. Thanks to all volunteers who staff this and all other openings for the public to use this great community facility. Events Film Club Winter Programme at The Rothley Centre • Friday Jan 17, 2pm: The Aftermath ‘The Aftermath’ is set in postwar Germany in 1946. Rachael Morgan (Keira Knightley) arrives in the ruins of Hamburg in the bitter winter, to be reunited with her husband Lewis (Jason Clarke), a British colonel charged with rebuilding the shattered city. But as they set off for their new home, Rachael is stunned to discover that Lewis has made an unexpected decision: They will be sharing the grand house with its previous owners, a German widower (Alexander Skarsgård) and his troubled daughter. In this charged atmosphere,
enmity and grief give way to passion and betrayal. • Friday Feb 21, 2pm: Mary Poppins Returns ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ stars LinManuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer and Julie Walters with Colin Firth and Meryl Streep. The film, which introduces three new Banks children, also features Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury. The film is set in 1930s depression-era London and is drawn from the wealth of material in PL Travers' additional seven books. In the story, Michael (Whishaw) and Jane (Mortimer) are now grown up, with Michael, his three children & their housekeeper, Ellen (Walters), living on Cherry Tree Lane. Under 5s Sessions Tue Jan 7: 9.30 – 10.30am Fri Jan 17: 9.30 - 10.30am Tue Feb 4: 9.30 – 10.30am Fri Feb 21: 9.30 - 10.30am These sessions are popular with parents, carers and children, with music, singing and stories. Thanks to everyone who gives their time to plan and make them so enjoyable and successful. Everyone is welcome. Community Book Group Wed Jan 8: 7.15 – 8.15pm: “The Salt Path” by Raynor Winn Wed Feb 12: 7.15 8.15pm: “ I Capture the Castle” by Dodie Smith Chess Club Thursdays afternoons 2-5pm. Come along to play against others, receive advice or learn to play. Jan: 9, 16, 23, 30 Feb: 13, 20, 27 Lego Club Sat Jan 25: 1– 3pm Sat Feb 29: 1- 3pm Big Garden (R.S.P.B.) Bird Watch Sat Jan 25: 10am – 4pm Children and parents are welcome to come along and take part in making small bird feeders for use in their gardens. Wildflower areas Sat Jan 25: 11am Demonstration of how to start a patch for wildflowers in the park next to the Library. Senior Citizens tea & cakes afternoon Sun Jan 26: 2 - 4pm The Library will be hosting an afternoon where local senior citizens will be given the opportunity to come for some refreshments and a chat. The event is being organised by the Rothley Good Neighbours Scheme who will be provid-
Speaker Anne Horton told us that according to a 1752 plaque in Swithland Church, the English branch of the family goes back to 1066, when Norman d’Alverse came to England with William the Conqueror. The history of the Swithland Danvers began in 1412 when Margaret Walcote, inheriting a half share in the manor of Swithland, married John Danvers of Shackerstone. The Swithland Danvers were involved in England’s 16th/17th Catholic v. Protestant conflicts during Oliver Cromwell’s ‘Commonwealth.’ Henry Danvers (1622-87), a Baptist and a Fifth Monarchist, planned insurrections against both Oliver Cromwell and Charles 11. He escaped capture, however, and died in exile. Joseph Danvers, Henry’s grandson, restored his family’s reputation and fortune. He extended his Leicestershire estates, acquiring, for example, both the Lordships of Mountsorrel and Thurcaston. In 1727 he enlarged the family burial chapel in Swithland church, though chose to be buried on the east edge of Swithland Churchyard, in the slate table-top tomb that still stands proudly today. No one knows why Sir Joseph chose burial there rather than inside the church. Perhaps he wanted to stand on his own land on Judgement Day! (The ‘dog legend’, incidentally, was a piece of 19th century imagination!) Next came the eccentric and flamboyant Sir John Danvers. ‘He was remarkably fond, like the Chinese, of painting everything red: so much that every door, shutter and gatepost in the towns of Swithland and Mountsorrel was so decorated’. Sir John was responsible for moving the fifteenth century market cross from Mountsorrel to Swithland Park, replacing it with Mountsorrel’s Butter Market. With no son to succeed him, Sir John married off his daughter Mary to an Irish teenager, Augustus Butler, requiring that he change the family name to ‘ButlerDanvers’. The marriage produced the necessary heir, Mary went to live in London, and Augustus lived with his mistress in Swithland, squandering money and selling off parts of the Swithland estate. Dying in poverty in Boulogne, he was succeeded by his sober and sensible son George John, who inherited the Earldom of Lanesborough in 1847. The 5th Earl tidied up the family finances, built the current Swithland Hall, as well as a new school building and many new cottages for his tenants in Swithland. His successors to the Earldom and to the Lordship of Swithland gradually became less Irish, more English and much poorer. When the 9th Earl died in 1988, without producing a son and heir, he had sold up Swithland Hall and moved to Scotland. Fortunately for the village, however, the Hall was bought by Mr and Mrs Page who have restored it to a beautiful family home. Our final meeting of the year included a brief AGM, followed by short talks from two of our members.
Brenda Hooper recounted some of the episodes in the life of Richard Waterfield, who was Rector of the Parish of Thurcaston, Cropston and Anstey from 1838 to 1864. Among the major works of this generous man were the repair and renovation of All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston; the erection of a monument inside in memory of Hugh Latimer; and the rebuilding of St. Mary’s, Anstey – all at his own expense. A beautiful stained-glass window in St. Mary’s (pictured below) is a lasting memorial to this ‘kind and agreeable man and clear-headed preacher’ (Mary Kirby). Waterfield Road in Cropston is also named after him. Margaret Greiff then told us about Two Gentlemen of Thurcaston, who were associated with Thurcaston Manor during Shakespearean times. Nicholas Gravenor was the last Lord of the Manor of Thurcaston who actually lived in the village. He was born in about 1560, presumably in the manor house which his father had recently built or extended (and which no longer survives). The Manor of Thurcaston also included Keyham and Maplewell and when Nicholas grew up he decided to build himself a new manor house, with a moat, at Maplewell (near Woodhouse Eaves). He was involved in several lawsuits for debt and it is said that Nicholas and his wife would avoid paying church dues by worshipping in a different parish each week! The land and title to the Manor was sold in 1627 and Nicholas died in Leicester two years later, leaving only 12 pence to each of his sons and 20 shillings to his daughter. Nicholas Gorson was the only person from our immediate area known to have been charged with being a “recusant” Catholic, which means that he refused to attend Anglican church services. He was born in 1545 and probably studied law at Oxford, where his name is written in an early printed book at the Bodleian Library. He succeeded his father as the tenant at Thurcaston Manor and in 1595 his second marriage was to Ann Gravenor, who must be the sister of Nicholas Gravenor mentioned above. The Gunpowder Plot in 1605 led the Bishop of Lincoln to crack down on the “dangerous infection of popery” in his diocese, and in 1607 Nicholas Gorson was summoned to kneel before the bishop and promise to conform to the Anglican faith for the rest of his life. Documents show that he needed to raise money soon afterwards, probably for the payment of fines, and when he died in 1616 he left only modest sums to his children. Please note that from January we will continue to meet on the third Tuesday of the month but at a NEW VENUE, Thurcaston Memorial Hall. Do join us at 7.30pm on Tuesday 21st January, when Douglas Clinton will return to tell us about Guthlac: the East Midlands’ Saxon warrior and saint. Visitor fee: £3. From Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk
JAN 2020
News from Rothley History society news library
THE ROTHLEY POST
14
Monday Club news Local buildings win design award MS ANNA Stasinska runs the Old Brickyard Tea Garden near Melton Mowbray.
THE ROTHLEY POST
JAN 2020
She came very well prepared with many varieties of “tea” for us to taste, and kept us enthralled with her descriptions of how people have been enjoying this refreshing beverage for centuries.
The tradition of tea drinking in England started with the 7th Duchess of Bedford, lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria. Unwilling to wait hours for the late evening meal, she began asking the servants for tea in the afternoons, accompanied by sandwiches and cakes, and invited other ladies to join her. In those days there were public coffee houses, but only men went there, whereas society ladies could gather in each other’s houses and drink tea, wearing looser garments than the strangulating corsets which fashion dictated. Sugar was also popular, and milk jugs were often in the shape of animals. It is important to use fresh water to brew tea, as it loses oxygen by standing. Some teas can be re-infused up to three times. Many years ago tea was considered to be a medicine, and the name Typhoo actually means “doctor”. It is a liquid with no calories, and does you good. Ms Stasinska concluded by inviting the members to come and sample several different kinds of tea, and answered questions from the audience. In November Mrs Penny Hodgson entertained us with her personal story of trying to find out about her own family and their more distant ancestors; and those of her husband, who had been adopted. She began her search before the days of relatively easy access to various kinds of information, which can now be obtained by computer, and spent long hours poring over paper records in different libraries, trying to piece the puzzle together. She is distantly related to a doctor who attended Queen Victoria in childbirth. Mrs Hodgson herself has traced part of her family back to the early 1600s, but it can be more difficult the further back you try to go. As a child you might not ask many questions about family connections, or you may be discouraged from asking too much, but as older members of the family die out you may wish you had investigated a bit more. One chatty relative could save you hours of fruitless searching. (The characters in “Last of the Summer Wine” always seemed to know who married who and what became of them.) Mrs Hodgson had brought some family photographs with her, and remarked how the different generations can look alike, or share the same interests and talents, such as music, from different branches of the same family. Searching
for relatives often reveals that a person was married more than once, or was not married but had children, or committed bigamy, and so it goes on! Finding an ancestor is interesting but no guarantee of their character, of course. Mrs Hodgson answered some questions from the audience, and told us never to give up hope. She urged anyone interested to have a go, and suggested it is a good idea to write down important research you find in book form, for the benefit of future generations who may also wish to delve into the family history. Once again, Birstall Golf Club was the venue of choice for our Christmas lunch, held on Monday December 2. Members and their guests, totalling 31 people, attended. Following a very tasty lunch, which was served to the usual high standard by the attentive catering team, Jenny Kennington thanked everyone for coming and it was good that some members who had been absent from meetings for most of the year, due to personal circumstances, were able to attend. Then, a toast was made to “absent friends” who, for various reasons, were unable to share this annual occasion. The Club’s customary raffle was held which raised the sum of £83 for Club funds. For after-lunch entertainment, Jenny was pleased to welcome, for a return visit, the group of hand bell ringers from All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston with Cropston, some of whom had also joined us for lunch. The sweet sound of the bells was evocative of the forthcoming Christmas season and each piece played was introduced by the group’s leader, Peter Hunt. The appreciative audience was happy to sing along with some of the well-known Christmas music and carols and the music was interspersed with both serious and humorous readings – a very pleasant way to celebrate the start of the festive season. A collection was taken in support of the Loros Hospice, which is the chosen charity of the hand bell ringers – this achieved £97.75. Thanks were given to the committee members for their work throughout the year, and particularly to Jenny for organising the lunch. The afternoon was concluded with some impromptu complimentary comments from Janice Halford, a recent recruit to the Club, who also read an entertaining poem about how to cope with growing old. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month, unless otherwise notified. Meetings take place from 2.15 4.15pm and the venue is the Schoolroom at the rear of Cropston Evangelical Free Church, Station Road, Cropston, LE7 7HD. Annual subscriptions are due in January and remain at £12 per person for 2020. Members’ monthly entrance fee is £2 per person and visitors are each charged £3 per meeting. New members and visitors will be assured of a warm welcome. For further information, please contact Mrs Maja Tompkins on 07709 201881 From Jennifer Kennington (Club Leader/Secretary), Monday Club Cropston and Thurcaston
AN APARTMENT block on Fowke Street and the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre were winners at the Charnwood Design Awards 2019.
Pic: the apartment block on Fowke Street & (below) Mountsorrel Memorial Centre
Loughborough University’s Student Village was chosen as the overall winner. Richard Bennett, head of planning and regeneration at the Council, said: “I would like to congratulate our winners and all our finalists in this year’s awards. “There has been an exceptional level of quality which is very encouraging to see. The Council is committed to improving the quality of design in the built
work and visit. “We hold the Charnwood Design Awards to give deserved recognition to outstanding design and hopefully inspire other projects. This complements our existing work on a day-to-day basis to encourage good design when supporting applicants in the planning process.” Loughborough University Student Village was chosen as the overall winner
environment because it has a significant impact on our communities. Outstanding design can help enhance our communities, stimulate the local economy and make Charnwood a better place to live,
because of the contribution it makes to place-making, sustainability and wellbeing. Mountsorrel Memorial Centre was considered the best ‘new build’ scheme in terms of architectural quality. Fowke Street, Rothley was chosen as a winner because of the contribution it makes in terms of new buildings within a conservation area. The other finalists were: Storkit Meadows, Wymeswold; 58 Brook Street, Wymeswold; The Oaks, 133 The Ridings, Rothley; Milk Bottle Yard, Forest Road, Loughborough; Loughborough Schools Foundation Sports Hall.
Roll of honour THURCASTON & Cropston Parish Council are planning on installing another Roll of Honour in the Memorial Hall. It would sit alongside the existing Roll of Honour for the first and second world wars. The council is appealing to the community for the names of service personnel from the parish who were killed in action during conflicts after the first and second world wars. Contact: tncparish@btconnect.com
The next issue of
THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Mar 7. The copy deadline is Feb 21.
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2019 HAS been another good year for the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club. We saw a steady increase in membership and the 2019 programme of events was full, varied, good quality, and very good value for money. In 2019 we held nine Club nights at the Thurcaston village hall and a summer programme that included a visit to Barkby Hall, an outing to the RHS Malvern Spring Show, and an autumn outing to Trentham Gardens. We held our 36th Annual Show at the Richard Hill Primary School. The Show is open to everyone and brings together not only Club members but like-minded gardening folk from far and wide. It’s a day of fun and gentle competitiveness, we would love to see
you in September 2020 at our 37th Show. Have a go, you will enjoy it enormously. Show schedules are widely available from early spring. We have confidence that the programme we have put together for 2020 will maintain the high standard of events we have offered in recent years. We start the year on Wednesday 8 January with a talk on ‘Birds, Butterflies and Bees’ with Janette Merilion. Janette
is an experienced horticultural speaker, lecturer and historian with a successful garden design business. In this illustrated talk, Janette will give all the information you need to plant up your garden to encourage wildlife to visit. Everything from blackbirds to hoverflies and butterflies to hedgehogs. She will also have a selection of plants to sell. Other talks include ‘Year-round colour in the garden’, ‘The Social History of the Allotment’, and ‘Growing Rare and Unusual Plants’. We also have outings to Waterperry Gardens nr Oxford and to the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park. We are confident there will be something for everyone. The annual membership fee is still only £12 (£3) for visitors. Fees are on a pro rota basis after the first 3 months. New members are most welcome. And, if you would like to come as a visitor and then you decide to join, your visitor fee will be refunded!! So, if you are interested in gardening - come along and give the Club a try. Programme of Events 2020 8 Jan: Birds, Butterflies and Bees, Janette Merillion 12 Feb: Growing Rare and Unusual Plants, Kevin Pratt 11 Mar: Spring Has Sprung, Nigel Hopes 8 Apr: The Social History of the Allotment, Twigs Way 13 May: Hostas, Robert Barlow 22 May: Outing to Waterperry Gar-
dens, Oxford 10 June: Year-round Colour in the Garden 8 July: Evening Visit to Tresillian House, Melton 24 July: Outing to RHS Show Tatton Park 12 Aug: A Van Full of Colour, Alan Dayman 5 Sept: Annual Show 14 Oct: The Mistakes Gardeners Make, Graham Pavey 11 Nov: In a Monastery Garden, Michael Brown 12 Dec: Festive Evening Meetings are held at the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall and start at 7.45pm on the second Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise stated). For more information, and for a copy of our eye-catching poster, please call Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116 236 8313): cropston161@hotmail.co.uk From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club
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VINTAGE CROCKERY hire, for afternoon teas, weddings, parties etc. Also, Mad Hatters Tea Party props. Contact Diane on 0744 3476114
Planning P/19/2521/2: 66 A Swithland Lane Leicester Rothley LE7 7SE Removal of flat roof to side wing, to be replaced with pitched roof; window / door replacement scheme; additional render & timber cladding sections to external walls (currently rendered) P/19/2467/2: Dobbies Garden Centre Loughborough Road Rothley LE7 7NL Erection of 3m high close boarded fence on part of southern boundary adjacent to car park. P/19/2443/2: 11 Fowke Street Rothley LE7 7PJ Proposed two-storey side and singlestorey rear extensions, and alterations to existing vehicular access. P/19/2425/2: 1 Brownhill Crescent Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7LA T1 scots pine- crown reduction by 2m and lateral spread by 1m; crown lift to give 5m clearance. T2 scots pine - crown reduction by 2m and lateral spread by 1m; Crown lift to give 5m clearance above ground. P/19/2190/2: 28 Swithland Lane Rothley LE7 7SE Installation of dropped kerb. P/19/2220/2: 42 Fowke Street Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7PJ Fell x1 Beech Tree FINAL DECISION Make Tree Preservation Order P/19/2171/2: 1 Saxon Drive Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7SR The erection of a single storey rear extension extending beyond the rear wall of the original house by 3.9m, with a maximum height of 3.5m, and height to the eaves of 2.9m. P/19/2169/2: 49 Garland Rothley LE7 7RG Two storey extension to side and rear of dwelling. P/19/2339/2: 20 Rectory Lane Thurcaston LE7 7JQ Proposed single storey extensions to side and rear of existing dwelling P/19/2238/2: 47 Anstey Lane Thurcaston LE7 7JB Variation of condition 2 to application P/18/1816/2 - substitution of plans to revise the appearance of the proposed dormer and two storey extension. P/19/2561/2: 19 Causeway Lane Cropston LE7 7GD single storey rear extension, project out 4.5m with a flat roof, floor part extension to project 1.35m. conversion of roof space with gable dormer and roof lights. all elevations re-designed and reroofed in new plain tiles P/19/2557/2: 73 Station Road Cropston LE7 7HG Demolition and removal of the existing, two storey, detached house on the site. Construction of a new, two story, detached house with associated landscaping and parking. P/19/2464/2: 22 Latimer Road Cropston LE7 7GN Proposed single storey extension to front and side, render to front elevation, alterations to front cladding and existing porch. P/19/2364/2: 99 Cropston Road Anstey Leicestershire LE7 7BQ Erection of detached single storey building for residential annexe and agricultural store. P/19/2252/2: The Old Slate Barn 17 Cropston Road Cropston LE7 7GE Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of replacement conservatory to rear of detached dwelling (Listed Building Consent)
JAN 2020
Club looks back at busy year
THE ROTHLEY POST
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