THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Delivered to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston
MAY/JUN 2020
www.birstallpost.co.uk
No. 142
Mountsorrel quarry donates PPE AN EMPLOYEE at Tarmac’s Mountsorrel Quarry has answered a personal plea from his NHS frontline wife by donating personal protective equipment (PPE) to the local hospital where she works as a deputy sister. Duncan Green, an asphalt supervisor at the quarry, approached the site management team after his wife returned home from work at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, concerned that low supplies of PPE meant they could run out. Usually based on the endoscopy ward, as more patients have been admitted with COVID-19, Duncan’s wife has been moved to a respiratory ward. Duncan explains: “Although the hospital currently has supplies of PPE my wife was understandably worried that there Pic: NHS staff with the donated items could come a time when the right kit health guidance, helping to keep the wasn’t available. roads, highways and railways open so “I knew the team at work would want health and social care staff can get to to help any way they could and I was work, emergency services can operate really pleased to be able to pass on safely and key resources such as food some FFP3 face masks, gloves and viand fuel can move around the country. sors.” Mountsorrel works manager, Trevor Mountsorrel Quarry is an important Warren, said: “We’re really proud of manufacturing hub for essential materials, required to maintain critical regional work the team is doing to support vital infrastructure at this important time. We and national transport infrastructure. know that many people in our team have The team there is working in strict acpersonal connections to the NHS and cordance with government and public
Virus stalls plan LEICESTER CITY Council’s Draft Local Plan, which includes a site for 611 new homes south of Thurcaston, has been stalled by the coronavirus pandemic. A statement on the Council’s website says: “The Draft Local Plan consultation has been postponed until further notice due to the Coronavirus emergency. Further updates will be available on the council website and Twitter.” All the documents relating to the draft plan are still available to view on the city council’s website, from its Consultation Hub page. The Draft Local Plan covers the period 2019-2036 and states that 21,291 homes will be built in Leicester, with 30% affordable housing on greenfield sites.
DAVE HUTCHINGS GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS
other care workers and it’s always been important to us to support our people and local communities wherever we can. “We are so grateful to Duncan’s wife, her colleagues and everyone in the health service for their work and providing some PPE was the least we could do.” The donation made by the team at Mountsorrel is part of a wider employee led campaign in Tarmac which has seen sites donate PPE to NHS and social care workers up and down the country.
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Scheme helping those in need THE ROTHLEY Good Neighbours Scheme received dozens of offers of help as the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Spokesman Steve Mitchell said: “These are indeed extraordinary times and as one would expect from a tight knit community when faced with a challenge, Rothley was not found wanting. “From mid March when the coronavirus was becoming a daily factor in all our lives, The Rothley Good Neighbours Scheme received many offers from local people all offering to join the scheme to help with the high level of expected tasks that were to come our way.” The normal jobs that the original RGNS volunteers carried out, mainly lifts to hospital and doctor appointments, were very quickly replaced by a deluge of requests to collect prescriptions from Rothley Pharmacy and deliver to locations in Rothley and Mountsorrel. Steve said: “We would like to thank those that offered their help and hope that those whose registration, for ID &
DBS checks, has been delayed will understand that immediate deliveries of prescriptions were our top priority. “We are also aware that many, many informal arrangements were set up in streets and localities where people helped out the elderly and vulnerable
‘next door or down the road’. Thanks go to these networks too for their continued efforts.” RGNS is also checking by phone on a regular basis with their known clients to ensure their wellbeing.
Steve said: “We are sure that the whole of the community would like to say a huge thank you to the local workers at the Post Office and Bradley’s for keeping us supplied with food items, the staff at Corts for supply of pet foods and essential household supplies, local postal workers and to the local council workers like the bin lorry workers for carrying on in difficult circumstances. “Also, a massive debt of gratitude is due to the staff of the Rothley Pharmacy for processing prescriptions as quickly as they can in order that those most in need are being supplied with essential medication.” Anyone seeking any kind of help from RGNS should contact 0756 1596 873. If you need a prescription collected and delivered you need to provide these details: • who the prescription is for • the date on which it can be collected • the address for delivery
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Charnwood scheme’s support £1million fund CHARNWOOD COMMUNITY Action was launched to help those in the Borough who need support which cannot be met by yourself, existing support workers, neighbours, friends or family networks. If you are a resident or would like to share a concern about a resident in Charnwood, please let us know by either emailing enquiries@jscharnwood.org.uk , completing the request forms on the
website www.JSCharnwood.org.uk or if you do need to contact them by phone please call 01509 631750 (MondayFriday 8.30am-5.30pm)
New volunteers help with growing demand THE PANDEMIC crisis and lockdown has had three impacts on Thurcaston and Cropston Good Neighbours Scheme: • Massively increased the number of requests for help. In its four years, GNS has received about 700 requests. After volunteers hand-delivered letters to all 950 homes in the two villages on March 18, we have received 30 requests. The first of the previous 30 requests was received in August 2019! • Doubled the number of active volunteers to 36. • Changed the sort of help that is required. We used to do a lot of driving villagers to appointments. Now we are busy shopping and collecting prescrip-
tions. The crisis and lockdown has left three things completely unchanged: • The eagerness of our volunteers who want to help. Most have telephoned or e-mailed people regularly to ask if help – any kind of help at all – is needed, or just to chat. • The gratitude of the villagers who have been helped • The way of contacting Thurcaston and Cropston Good Neighbours: tandcgns@gmail.com or 0743 526 5397 whether you want to offer help, or to ask for help for yourself, a friend or a family member. New: you can now find us on facebook www.facebook.com/TandCGNS/ From Thurcaston and Cropston Good Neighbours Scheme
I need help or know someone who does If they/you need help with shopping or a prescription delivery, due to being in isolation or having no alternative support then please complete the details which will register you with our partners Loughborough Against Corona. The team will look at the request and match you with a volunteer from Loughborough Against Corona who will get in contact with you to arrange support. I need specialist help or know someone who does If you are in urgent need of a response to an issue including access to food, prescription issues or to log concerns about someone you know or care for you can register here. The Charnwood Community Action Team will follow up this referral and provide a prompt response. If you would like to be a volunteer, register online and Loughborough Against Corona will contact you to advise how you can help. If you’re extremely vulnerable and have been identified as part of the government’s shielded group and do not have family or a support network to help you access food and medicine please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremelyvulnerable or call 0800 0288327 The next issue of
THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on July 11. The copy deadline is June 26.
MORE THAN 160 community and voluntary groups have applied for a share of a £1million fund to support the most vulnerable across the county. Leicestershire County Council launched the Communities Fund in April to ensure that voluntary organisations can continue to carry out vital work, despite the impact coronavirus is having on their finances. Nick Rushton, Leader of the county council, said; “I’m delighted by the huge response to the Communities Fund so far and it shows that volunteers and groups want to continue making a difference. “It’s never been more important for communities to band together and support each other. And it’s crucial that their work not only continues but groups are able to step up activities to support vulnerable people and those isolating. “This fund enables people to stay safe by staying at home and ultimately, saves lives. I’d like to thank our volunteers and community groups for their fantastic work and I would encourage those who haven’t yet to visit the website to find out more.”
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Hanging Baskets & Bedding plants THE ROTHLEY POST
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1950 home garden suburb: plans approved PLANS FOR the 1950 home Broadnook Garden Suburb north of Birstall were approved by Charnwood Borough Council in February. island and Rothley crossroads to cope The site lies between Birstall and with the extra traffic, the impact on Rothley and occupies 204 ha. 15 ha have been allocated for employment land,Rothley’s healthcare facilities and its and 16% of the homes (312 in total) school. The scheme has been put forward by will be affordable. The plans committee at Charnwood the Palmer-Tomkinson trust, Cooper voted unanimously to approve both an family, Barwood homes, and Davidson’s homes.
Pics: (top) the site location; (left) a view of Broadnook Centre; (below) a typical street scene
THE ROTHLEY POST
MAY 2020
70 bed care home • Parkland and allotments • Sports facilities including pictures, tennis courts and the bowling green • A village centre with shops, cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and community hall • a site of four plots for show people The developers will be required to pay £30.5 million to mitigate the impact of the development as part of a section 106 agreement. This includes £8.3 million for a new primary school £6.8 million for the Cedars Academy for 378 extra school places £1.1 million for healthcare (to create additional capacity at Greengate Medical Centre and Birstall Medical Centre) The development will be run by a outline planning application for the whole site and a detailed application for community trust as a garden suburb, phase one of the development which will like the one in Bournville, Birmingham. The trust will see 193 manage the homes built. entire site Work on including the the developsports faciliment will not ties, green start until the spaces and highways work community has been combuildings. pleted. The The scheme development includes: will be served • A 630 by a new signal controlled roundabout on the A6. capacity primary school The only representative from the local • A 175 Unit retirement village with a area to attend the planning committee and speak objecting to the application was the chairman of Rothley Parish Council Percy Hartshorn. He said: “This development is going to have a serious effect on our facilities and there are no measures proposed to mitigate the impact on Rothley – it’s terrible really. “It will be a separate village, with some of its own facilities, like the school, but they won’t be ready for a long time after development starts.” Councillor Hartshorn told the planning committee Rothley’s concerns were about the capacity of the new access
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The application, reference P/20/0610/2, seeks to provide six new classrooms, a school hall and 80 new homes behind the school. The plans also include: • Relocation of the existing hardcourt play area onto adjoining land. • Provision for staff parking • Increasing the size of the drop-off car park near Hallfields Lane from 40 places to 80 • Vehicle access from Brookfield Road • Pedestrian access from Burrow Drive • A financial contribution towards a footbridge across Rothley Brook The plans for Rothley School have been drawn up by the school’s headteacher, landowners Rothley Template Estates and Leicestershire County Council. The developers held a public exhibition of their plans at Rothley School on February 11 attended by 181 people. They also circulated 2350 leaflets in the village inviting responses. There were 206 responses received from the public; 54 at the exhibition and 152 via the website. The most frequent issues raised by the public were: • Facilities/services 41%
neighbourhood plan. The inability of Cossington Lane simultaneously, reduc• Transport 24% Rothley crossroads to cope with more ing the number of sequences from 5 to • Flooding traffic was one of the reasons the West4. • The plans include 40% affordable field Lane development was rejected.” Currently the junction operates at housing Rothley’s vicar Rob Gladstone repre133% of capacity at morning peak, with • Other issues raised included: • The site is in an Area of Local Sepa- a queue of 80 vehicles. The changes will sents the church foundation of the school on the governing body. He said: see the junction operate at 96.1% of ration in the Charnwood Local Plan capacity after Broadnook and the school “The foundation of the school commits • Leicestershire County Council has us to provide the very best education for development are complete, with a longsufficient section 106 developer contrithe children of the parish within a Chrisest queue of 21 vehicles. butions to pay for the school extension tian ethos, and with particular concern The developer concedes that the without the necessity for 80 new homes development is in an area of local sepa- for any who are more disadvantaged. • Construction traffic “The recent and proposed growth of ration but maintains that local separa• Loss of wildlife habitat the community is entirely outside of the tion can be retained. • The plans refer to the provision of Rothley resident Daniel Granger said: school’s control and has put consideraa footbridge across Rothley Brook ble pressure on us as we seek to ensure “The village character of Rothley will be which may be provided anyway as an that no child living in Rothley who wishirreversibly eroded if this proposal were obligation associated with the Charles es to be admitted is ever turned away. to be allowed. The village is already Church Avalon development “Our foundation commits us to worksaturated with new build properties and • The site is not identified as suitable ing together with the local community, Broadnook is a huge development on for development in the draft Rothley Rothley’s doorstep. Whilst I accept there Parish Council, local authority and such Neighbourhood Plan. Continued on page 5 is a need for sufficient primary school Residents’ concerns about facilities were that there were insufficient doctors, places this does not have to be funded by a development with endless issues Trouble with your figures? dentists and secondary school places to and there is a big part of me that thinks cope. Let me help Want the school should be working with its Concerns about traffic were congesget your someone to local community rather than private tion at school drop-off times and the books in walk you developers.” capacity of the Rothley crossroads. shape… through a self Rothley Parish Council will comment The developer says they will increase & keep them trim assessment? on the plans but normal meetings of the the size of the car park near Hallfields Linda Kimberley-Brooks (ACMA) council have been suspended due to Lane from 40 to 80 and widen the enCOVID-19. Permission to hold virtual trance. Final accounts • Self assessment meetings is being sought. Changes to the traffic light sequence Taxation • Bookkeeping • VAT Rothley Parish Council Chairman at the Rothley crossroads are required Payroll • Management accounts Percy Hartshorn said: “Our main conas part of the Broadnook Garden subwww.twyf-accounts.co.uk Email: Linda@twyf.co.uk cern is that the development is in a urb plans, recently passed by CharnCompanies & individuals call now on greenfield site in an area of local sepawood. The changed sequence will allow 0116 23 66 345 ration. It is not in our draft Rothley traffic to move from Hallfields Lane and A friendly service tailored to your needs
THE ROTHLEY POST
PLANS FOR 80 new homes and an extension to Rothley School have been submitted to Charnwood Borough Council.
MAY 2020
New school classrooms & 80 homes
Author visit brings pages to life
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A CHILDREN’S author visited Rothley school for World Book Day in March, pre lockdown.
PHOTO: STEPHEN BAUM
Tom Percival, who is also an illustrator, started the day by sharing his writing and drawing experience with the children during a wholeschool assembly. This is also included him giving the children tips on how to write and draw. “Tom even created a story with the children and put it into a song! The children were all amazed and enthused by his talent; it generated a real buzz of energy” said teacher Alex Mclugash. Following his assembly, Tom worked with children in years 1, 2 and 3, taking them through a character creation workshop.
THE ROTHLEY POST
MAY 2020
Continued from page 4
landowners and developers so that the school will always be able to fulfil our mission for the whole community on a site that is fit for purpose.” Reverend Gladstone said that when the new school was first planned, the school pressed for local developers William Davis, Charles Church, the Borough and County Council to work together to ensure that ground works were put in place for the future extension of the school. He said: “The council said no, it had not at that stage received the section 106 developer contributions, and the developers would not work together. This was frustrating, we had been pleading for joined up thinking.” The layout of the school site would require the new classrooms to be built on a hard play area, so new land must be provided for a replacement play area
and the school is not in a position to purchase land, says Reverend Gladstone. He said: “If the council keeps granting permission for new housing they have to create the facilities for the school to have sufficient spaces to fulfil its mission and meet the needs of the community.” Reverend Gladstone said that in the last academic year, every parent from Rothley that applied for a school place for their child got in, but that they had to provide a temporary classroom building to meet the demand. Residents can comment on the application on Charnwood Borough Council’s website, and comments will be considered by the council when it comes before the panning committee. Go to the planning pages and search for P/20/0610/2. You can also send comments by post.
“All the children that worked with Tom expressed how inspiring it was” said Alex. “Tom then joined the children in Little Bunnies and Foundation Stage to read them one of his brilliant stories - The Sea Saw is my personal favourite.” Tom finished the day by talking to the school's 'Reading for Pleasure Research Group', who are a group of teachers leading evidencebased projects to develop reading for pleasure across the school. Pics: author Tim Percival (right) & children from Rothley school getting creative for World Book Day
A time of change & reflection once the pupils are back and the school returns to normal, so I will keep you informed. I hope everyone is well Colin Shaw.
Doing things at home I'm still making bags out of old fabric. I guess lots of us are doing things in our gardens - we're growing strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, apples, lots of herbs and I hope runner beans - no different from usual, but being confined to the garden makes me more bothered about them than usual. I think those with allotments or seriously sized gardens are doing more. A lot of people have thought about how they can live more lightly on the earth, and that will continue. When I go for walks now the predominate sound is birdsong, not the roar of the A6. I'm trying to do some sort of exercise class each day too - either yoga or aerobics for old people, or my clog practice. George Monbiot is right. I now know more of my neighbours than previously, and am booked to do a 'Hungry caterpillar' birthday cake for a little boy in the house that backs on to us, for his second birthday soon. I'm not a cake decorator, so I hope their expectations aren't too high. Alison Riggall
Rothley Parish Council Please do not use this number unless NEWS FROM Rothley Parish Counthe matter is urgent. cil. Rothley Centre & Village Hall Burials The position that parish councils face at the moment and ours in particular is that we have been facing unprecedented demands for burial & ashes plots from local people, many of whom have lived here for years, all over 60 all of whom could buy one in advance in normal circumstances. However, these are anything but normal times and in order to minimise the impact on our bereavement service we will be allocating plots at "the point of need" The clerk is working from home, with a multitude of tasks to do in pressing circumstances. RPC seek your understanding at this difficult time. Parish Office As a precaution the Parish Council Office is closed to the public. If you wish to contact the office please email the clerk at the e mail address below clerk@rothleyparishcouncil.org.uk If you have an urgent enquiry only please phone 07955621257.
Following Government advice, The Rothley Centre and Village Hall are now closed until further notice. Playgrounds RPC would like to thank parents and children for keeping away from the play areas across the village. Please continue to respect the Government’s request for children not to use the play equipment. Mountsorrel Lane Playing Field. Please keep off the middle of the field as it has now been levelled and seeded. Dog owners can exercise their dogs around the outside but should keep their pets off the middle area. Neighbourhood Plan The Rothley Neighbourhood Plan has now been formally submitted to Charnwood Borough Council for approval and inspection by an independent inspector. If approved there will be a referendum to seek the approval of Rothley residents. All the current documents can be viewed online from the RPC website. From Rothley Parish Council
Children’s activities This will be a time when parents are spending a lot of time with children. As such, they will be grasping at ideas for how to do so constructively. Is there an opportunity to have a think about ways in which they, together with their children could help in small ways with being environmentally friendly? Bert Pollheimer
A time of change? My feeling is that the group has built a lot of momentum since it started. Keeping in contact via Zoom or WhatsApp is a great idea. This time is an incredible opportunity for sustainable behaviour Lynn Hebblethwaite change. When Local litter normal patterns Albert and I are enjoying walking are disrupted about and the amount of litter is somethere becomes thing that we are increasingly aware of. space, a window in When you go out and about, wear rubwhich to do things ber or latex gloves, and do some collectdifferently. I think we as a ing. group can tap into this and help to build I guess working in the garden and a better future. encouraging flowers, insects, vegetables This crisis has shown that if the gov... all these are ways of helping the enviernment believe the threat is imminent, ronment. then all rules can be scrapped. I believe Veg box deliveries this needs to happen for climate change. I am pleased that various local busiHow is the lockdown benefiting the nesses have diversified to do veg box environment? Reduced travel means deliveries, and some come without any reduced emissions, walking instead of plastic. It has actually encouraged peodriving reduces emissions, and more ple to shop local, which is great. space for wildlife increases biodiversity. Cherrie Whatmuff (from Woodhouse Eaves) The air is far clearer. Ekojoe’s shop had taken up a regular How can we do things differently to spot in the Royal Oak car park, and is keep these benefits, and what positive now focusing on deliveries. Orders over changes could we keep once the lock£10 are delivered free locally, phone down is over? Perhaps we have been 07784673371 or info@ekojoe.co.uk. shown that we don't need to buy so They sell a wide range, from pasta, toilet rolls and flour to shampoo and laundry G E GAMBLE & SONS liquid, all without plastic. Ekojoe.co.uk Recycling INDEPENDENT FAMILY With the library closed and hairdressFUNERAL DIRECTORS ers closed, collection of waste for recy—–––––––––– ESTABLISHED 1830 —––––––––– cling has paused. Terracycle is hoping to be able to reopen, but it’s not clear when. Sustainable Rothley will have an online Zoom get together on the day the Spring Festival was planned for, Sunday 26th April at 7pm. Anyone who’d like to be involved, email sustainablerothley@gmail.com 57 HIGH STREET, SYSTON LEICESTER LE7 1GQ TEL: 0116 2607500 A FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS OFFERING A PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 24 HOURS A DAY FUNERALS ARRANGED IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME OR AT OUR UNIQUE 17TH CENTURY THATCHED COTTAGE PROPRIETOR MR RICK ASTILL, RESIDENT OF BIRSTALL
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From Sustainable Rothley
MAY 2020
Changing Plans Covid-19 has taken over all the plans we made - the Spring Festival and the litter pick have had to be cancelled, or hopefully postponed, and we all have pressing concerns about staying safe and well and taking care of each other. George Monbiot’s latest newsletter points out something important: 'All over the world, communities have mobilised where governments have failed... The horror films got it wrong. Instead of turning us into flesh eating zombies, the pandemic has turned millions of people into good neighbours.’ https://www.monbiot.co m/2020/04/02/a-zombie-love-story/ While it may be hard to imagine now, this pandemic will end. But the climate crisis hasn’t gone away, even though the skies are clearer and the air is cleaner. We still need to be aware that the climate crisis will go on way beyond the pandemic, and when it’s possible for any of us, perhaps we can still do our best to help sustain our neighbourhood and our world. We asked local group members for their thoughts and suggestions. We’re especially delighted to hear about the school: Rothley Primary School Rothley Primary has been awarded the Green Flag Award and I would like to thank you for your support. I will be working with the school once we are back to work to ensure that the steps forward we have made are carried on and further improvements are made. Hopefully we will have a presentation
much stuff. We’re making stronger connections with loved ones and neighbours. Some of us can slow down and take time to reflect. What can people do at home to live more sustainably? Are there elements that can be used to support schoolwork for those with kids at home? Recycle Compost, especially now brown bin collections are suspended Grow veggies & flowers Build insect hotels Reduce food waste Streaming activities Mending and repairing Purchase thoughtfully A home audit of water, electricity & gas. People are clearing out drawers and doing jobs they don't normally have time for. They could switch electricity supplier to green power and possibly save money too.
THE ROTHLEY POST
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People on the track THE GREAT Central Railway is urging people not to walk along the railway track. Michael Gough from the GCR said: “There will still be the need to run essential engineering trains from time to time and, in this regard, we have been worried by a number of reported incidents of trespass on the railway which is still highly dangerous. We are asking everyone to report any such incidents that they see to us.” He added: “All events up to the end of June have, inevitably, been postponed or cancelled. Hopefully one or two of them will reappear in the calendar later in the year, although that will very much depend on the amount of time that it takes to lift the current restrictions on social contact. During March we suspended all passenger train services, including dining and closed all of our cafés. I am sure that it will come as no surprise to anyone, that these closures and suspensions will remain in place at the GCR and probably every other heritage railway in the UK until government guidance is relaxed.” GCR 01509 632323
Players cancel April show
THE ROTHLEY POST
MAY 2020
THE LATIMER Players regret to announce the cancellation of their forthcoming production. A spokesperson said: “Following Government guidelines it is with regret that the Latimer Players have cancelled their production of ‘Love and Money’ due to be staged on 23rd, 24th and 25th April. Rehearsals were in full swing and the cast were enjoying taking part but we thought, in the interest of our members and audience, cancelling at an early stage was the sensible thing to do. “At the moment, this is only a postponement and we hope to bring it back either this November, instead of our annual pantomime, or April 2021. It is too soon for us to have made any decisions, but as soon as we do you will be the first to know. In the meantime from all the Latimer Players, we send our apologies and hope in these unprecedented times you keep safe and healthy, ready for us to entertain you when the situation changes.” If you would like more information about our Society and our productions, email christinedeavin@gmail.com
Rothley care home rated ‘good’ MOUNTVIEW CARE home, based in Rothley, have been celebrating as they receive an overall rating of ‘GOOD’ by regulatory body, the Care Quality Commission. The report details how Mountview staff who provide care for up to 66 residents are ‘ kind, considerate and treat everyone with dignity and respect’. Following the unannounced inspection in February 2020, inspectors observed day to day life at the home and examined paperwork, policies and care plans. They also spoke to eight residents, six relatives of residents, visitors including doctors and nurses who work closely with the home, care workers and management to gather a full picture prior to compiling the report. Inspectors foud that residents and staff are supported, happy and empowered. The report stated: “Staff promote a positive culture that is person-centred,
Pic: staff at the Mountview care home
open, inclusive and empowering, which achieves good outcomes for people.” Inspectors were impressed with the varied daily activity programme, adding, “during our inspection the residents were enjoying receiving manicures and taking part in exercise classes such as armchair yoga”. One resident who spoke to inspectors commented: “There's all sorts going on here to get involved in.” The inspectors enjoyed learning about Mountview’s local community links, comprising of trips to local churches, amateur dramatic shows, local festivals and boat trips that had all been undertaken. Staff spoke with the inspectors who commented that morale in the home is good, adding that they enjoy their work and feel well supported by management. The report details how there is a strong team ethic where staff hold positive views of each other and feel confident to speak up. Registered Home Manager, Stacie Weaver, said: “ I have built my career at Mountview and have been part of the team since the very start, working my way up from Care Assistant to Home Manager, and I am extremely proud of how far we have all come in that time. I have seen the home consistently improve, and always with the residents at the heart of everything we do. I am thrilled we received ‘GOOD’ in all areas, congratulations to everybody involved, I am sure this very encouraging news will spur us on to continue our ‘good’ work.” Ideal Carehomes Regional Director,
Kay Paul, said: “I am thrilled that Mountview have achieved ‘GOOD’ overall following their inspection, there has been many improvements since the last inspection and that can really be seen in all of the positive comments throughout the report. I would like to congratulate all of our staff who make Mountview such a great place for our residents to
live.” Mountview care home, operated by Ideal Carehomes, provides 24 hour residential and dementia care and has all the finishing touches you would expect from a warm and welcoming home. All 66 bedrooms are en-suite enabling staff to deliver person-centred care in a dignified manner promoting independence as far as possible. For more information about Mountview, contact Stacie Weaver on 0116 303 3303.
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Thanks As a resident of Garland my wife and I have had ongoing concerns through recent years about a hedge that runs along side our property that should be maintained by Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) rather than our own
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been struggling, without any help from Rothley Parish. Let’s hope we can get our priorities right for the whole village young and old. Linda Draycott We asked residents for their opinion about us supplying dog bags. This is something we have done for years but we question if it is value for money. We have had a number of comments asking us to continue. Last year we increased the Rothley centre car park providing 30 extra spaces for public use. With the new play equipment on Mountsorrel Lane the uneven surface was a health & safety issue so we addressed this by levelling the ground. We have had several requests for extra seats around the village and as funds become available we will consider these. But we try to keep our precept at a reasonable level for all residents. Percy Hartshorn (Chairman, Rothley Parish Council)
have been hugely encouraged to hear of many zoom meetings to study the Bible, to pray for the community and to make sure that those of our neighbours who are isolating are having their needs met. Where there are those who don’t have familiarity with social media it has been great when I phone someone to discover many have already been in touch to care for them. As your local Parish Church we very much are here for you all so do check our website or get in touch if you have practical needs or if you have anything/anyone specific you would like us to pray for. Revd Rob Gladstone
Stop & smile
Amidst all the gloom of the current crisis, can I please make some positive comments? I think that many of your readers would agree that we are very fortunate to live where we do. Many of us have gardens and, if we The Rothley Post are still able to go for a walk, there are some wonderful sights around us. Kinchley Lane The Rothley Post will continue to be The rainbows and other messages that published during this crisis as long as Kinchley Lane Rothley is an amazing children have put in their windows and place locally, used by many to walk dogs, government restrictions allow and it on their drives are very cheering. Big remains practical to do so. take a stroll and enjoy the scenery and Thanks go to all those kids, ( and to their The Rothley Post is delivered by volunviews of the reservoir. Unfortunately parents, of course). teers, but starting with the May issue, I others use this area in Charnwood to Also, the spring flowers, the butterflies, plan on using a mail delivery business to the bees and all the leaf buds on the trees, race cars, take drugs and engage in low deliver door-to-door. level criminality which is to the detrishow us that another beautiful spring has This arrangement will continue until ment to the wider public and also some arrived. Nothing can stop that, thank God. the crisis is over. local residents. I’m sure that all of us are grateful that The paper is also available to read I am trying to police this issue howevso many volunteers and neighbours are er apparently it’s been the status quo for online at www.birstallpost.co.uk offering help and kindness. Isn’t it great It is heartening to see our community to see the community coming together year and won’t ever change, a view that I pulling together in these difficult times. refuse to accept. I need locals who use like this. this area to provide me with evidence of The aim of the Rothley Post is to inform And we really appreciate it, that some people about the activities and achievelocal shops can still be open and willing how this behaviour of the few impacts ments of their friends and neighbours, to deliver within the village, where people on their enjoyment of this open space. to tell them about opportunities to meet, need that service. Have you been to Kinchley Lane and play sport and socialise in clubs and Lastly, how fortunate we are that we experienced any of the above activity societies, and report news about develop- have a village chemist. Special thanks go which has put you off coming back or ments, new facilities and investment in to Mr Shah, and his team who are providdo you have a view based on any third our area. All this helps people make ing such a valuable service at this time. party reports known to you? connections and fosters community spirit, So, if we stop for a moment and think If you have any evidence that may what it would be like to live in a flat in something which has always been there assist me in my long term quest to deal the middle of a big city, I am sure we will and which we can see people drawing with this unacceptable situation could realise straight away how many blessings on in these difficult times. I’m sure this you please email me with a summary of we enjoy in “rural” Rothley. experience will only deepen that spirit. your experience and a contact phone Pass the smiles round. It’s a good I send my best wishes to all readers number so I can get in touch. tonic. and advertisers. mark.botte@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk Long-term Rothley resident Jerry Jackson Police Inspector Mark Botte (Editor and publisher, Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing The Rothley Post)
Suggestion Rothley Parish Council has asked for suggestions regarding the cost of £500 per annum for Doggie poo bags at present issued free from The Rothley Centre. Over a year ago I forwarded a email to the Parish suggesting that a seat be placed near the memorial trees that were planted in memory of Marion Vincent, a place where the older generation could sit away from the children’s play area. There has been no response to that request, but it seems that a response was made to a request to level a children’s play area of a few bumps, at what cost I wonder. My suggestion would be to use the £500 this year to place a seat as suggested above and maybe for future years to use the money on other facilities, like parking facilities for residents who have
Church life Rothley Church building maybe shut at this time, but the life of the Church is very much open. It has been great to see many hundreds of people from within the community and beyond joining the church on line for their services through the Church website at www.rothleychurch.org.uk It has been a steep learning curve for many to work out the technology, but in addition to a daily Morning Prayer and a Sunday service at 10:30am, there have been activities posted on line for children and families to do at home and I
MAY 2020
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
Parish Council. Through the years the hedge has grown upwards to a point that our gardener could no longer maintain it and although its the full responsibility of CBC, who have cut other hedges in the same area of common land but for some unknown reason the one adjacent to our property has been left. In desperation I approached Mr Steve Mitchell a Rothley Parish Councillor, formerly known to us only by sight, asking him what steps we should take .He immediately took up the case and over the past four months has worked tirelessly on our behalf to spur CBC into action for which we are truly grateful. It’s taken this time to get something done. Through the Post we would like to pay tribute to him for all his fine efforts. We are indeed fortunate to have Councillors like Steve who are prepared to go the extra mile on behalf of Rothley residents. Stephen & Wendy Baum
THE ROTHLEY POST
YOUR SAY...
8
School wins award A BIRSTALL school has won an award for its work. ALP Birstall is based in the old Stonehill high school building and provides education for young people aged 6 to 19 years with special educational needs – they may be on the autistic spectrum, with Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, have challenging behaviour or complex needs. The school was a winner at the Leicestershire Live Innovation awards 2020, which aims to recognise the brightest ideas and best new technologies in the region. Julie Rawle, headteacher at ALP, said: “We are so proud to have won this award. It is a testament to the hard work of my staff team and their consistent and resilient approach to supporting our young people.” The school has 35 learners on the roll, and teaches one-to-one or in small groups. It provides vocational educational packages to engage the learner – construction, creative crafts, hairdressing, cookery and music. They have created their own outdoor forest school and deliver angling courses
Noticeboard all details printed free Signs of an abusive relationship You may be: • in fear of your partner or family member • controlled by your partner or family member • constantly belittled Where to get help If you live in the city of Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland and you think you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact United Against Violence and Abuse (UAVA) Text only support: 07715 994 962 Phone advice line: 0808 802 0028 The advice line is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday. It’s free, confidential and hidden from bills. The police work closely with UAVA to make sure that victims receive the help and support they need
THE ROTHLEY POST
MAY 2020
Soar Valley Community Food Project
Struggling to feed yourself or your family? Call or text us on (07743) 765958 or come to Rothley Baptist church, Woodgate, Rothley LE7 7LJ on Mondays, 11 am to 12:45 pm (excluding bank holidays or the day after) Donations of food etc can be made at the church on Monday mornings
Phone support for the elderly THE CHARITY Age UK runs a tele- Who can sign up for Call in Time? To sign up for Call in Time, you must phone service, Call in Time, to be: support lonely people aged over • over 60 60. • have your own landline or mobile
Pic: (Ctr) Julie Rawle, Head Teacher, with David Cowell, Managing Director & Kate Shaw Assistant, Head Teacher
to improve concentration. ALP has its own careers guidance and organises work experience. Among other winners on the night were a Leicestershire company that designs a product to keep household goods smelling fresh and the creators of a school book for children impregnated with seeds that children can plant. A lifetime achievement award went to Thurmaston’s Cooke optics. It manufacturers lenses for the film industry and has been championed by directors Ridley Scott and Martin Scorsese.
Murder: man charged A MAN has been charged with attempted murder following an incident in Enderby that left a silver Mitsubishi vehicle riddled with bullet holes. Christopher Casey (22) of Thurcaston Road was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted murder, and for possessing a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence. The charges relate to an incident on Sunday February 16, when two people suffered gunshot wounds in Blaby Road, Enderby. A third person was also shot at and suffered minor injuries. They did not make themselves known to the police until after the incident. Armed police were deployed to the scene following reports from the public of shots being fired and a group of men involved in an altercation.
What is Call in Time? Call in Time is a free telephone friendship service for people 60 and over. They’ll match you up with a likeminded person who's keen to make a new friend, and every week they'll give you a call. Not having someone to talk to regularly can be lonely, particularly if you're used to sharing your home and time with others. A friendly, 30-minute chat on the phone every week can make all the difference. How does Call in Time work? You sign up and register your interest (or refer someone else). Age UK check you (or the person you're referring) match all the criteria. What's the criteria? Age UK find a likeminded person who has similar interests and hobbies to you or the person you're referring. Sometimes that can take a few weeks, so while they are waiting to find the right person, Age UK call you for a 5-minute catch-up as often as they can. Age UK connect the two of you to begin your weekly calls.
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phone • able to hear and be understood over the phone • able to commit to a regular weekly call at the same time. • Call in Time may not be suitable for people with memory loss, dementia or mental health issues who require higher level support. These conditions may affect the person's ability to build a telephone friendship with a volunteer. In some instances, people with these conditions may actually find the calls more distressing. www.ageuk.org.uk/ and put ‘Call in Time’ in the search box
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9
Brownies: their year so far Parish council notes
THURCASTON BROWNIES report on their year before the coronavirus pandemic brought a halt to their programme:
A FULL meeting of Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council was held on February 20.
Pic: Brownies with the puppets they made
beanstalks, Cinderella’s glass slipper etc After the half term break we returned to celebrate the Scout and Guiding Movement’s Thinking Day. In torchlight, we lit candles to denote our Promise and various parts of the World flag and we held Brownies and Guides all over the world in our thoughts. We finished the evening with Pancake races as Shrove Tuesday had been the previous day. On the following week the Brownies practised and practised their puppet shows and a week later performed excellently for their appreciative parents.
With all the work completed the Brownies were awarded their bright pink Performing Arts badges. Coronavirus reared its ugly head and the rest of our plans for the term had to be abandoned. To all Brownies and former Brownies, a reminder of the Brownie Motto ‘A Brownie thinks of others before herself and does a good turn everyday’. This might be a useful thought for the days ahead. Keep well, stay at home. From Snowy Owl
Food donated at Rothley school A NON-UNIFORM day at Rothley school resulted in a boost for the Soar Valley Food Project. A school spokesperson said: “On Friday March 20, when Rothley Academy was asked to close its doors to pupils to help the nation reduce the spread of corona virus, the pupils were invited to come to school in non-uniform. “On these special days families are usually asked to pay £1 per child which is donated to a particular
The speed data report from all for vehicle activated speed signs showed an average speed below 30 mph on Leicester Road, Thurcaston. The council has received a complaint about dog fouling. To report this to Charnwood, use the email Cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk Councillor Michael Jackson attended and signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the Parish Council at Charnwood borough Council on January 31. Councillor Matt Green has spoken to Charnwood about the provision of dog fouling signs in Thurcaston. The manager of the children’s home on Rectory Lane, Thurcaston introduced a new young resident at the home and advised the Parish Council he will be producing monthly bulletins. A number of residents raised concerns about the children’s home. One resident was invited to visit the home and was welcomed with tea and cake. Councillors thanked the manager and the young resident for attending and explaining the way forward for the children’s home. It was agreed to obtain an estimate for a plaque to be placed below the roll of honour in the Memorial Hall honouring Rakesh Chauhan. It was agreed to approve a 21 year lease for Jubilee Park. It was agreed to install a dog bin at the corner of Station Road/Cropston road in Cropston. Cost is £142, annual cost of emptying is £283 and the cost of the licence is £50. No other minutes were available at the time of going to press.
Council closures Pic: the items donated for the Soar Valley Food Project
charity or good cause. However, on this occasion families were asked to bring in an item of food to be donated to the Soar Valley Food Project, based at Rothley Baptist Church. “Families of the school are always generous in support of this charity when the school supports them at Harvest time and Christmas but the school did wonder if they would get the usual
support in light of everyone’s concern for their own food stocks at this time. “We needn’t have worried. We were amazed at the generosity shown! “It just goes to show that kindness to others prevails amongst our school families. “We are all so very proud to be part of such a community. Thank you all for your support. If you feel able to support the food bank please contact them, particularly at this difficult time when many more families will be in need of their support.”
LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY Council has taken the decision to close all of its recycling and household waste sites until further notice. Weddings which are booked at the council’s registration offices across the county have also been cancelled and will be re-arranged at a later date. People will still be able to register deaths. In March all country parks across the county were closed until further notice. Watermead Country Park is open to local people who walk or cycle to the park, with the council encouraging people to follow social distancing rules.
MAY 2020
We celebrated the New Year in Chinese style learning about the year of the Rat, and trying Lion Dancing with our home made lion costumes. Next we wore tartan, ate haggis and neeps, and danced the Gay Gordons for Burns Night. But the aim of the term was to earn our Performing Arts badge which involved the girls giving individual performances to the rest of the Brownie Pack; these included some beautiful singing, recorder playing, joke telling and even a maths lesson. The Performing Arts badge also required combined performances so the Brownies got together to put on three puppet shows. The girls chose the traditional stories of Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk and wrote their own version of The Three Little Pigs with the houses made of chocolate and toffee. But before the final performances a lot of preliminary work was necessary. Puppets were made with polystyrene balls for heads, the Fe Fi Fo Fum Giant needed an extra large head of course Bodies were made from small garden sticks with moveable stick arms. There was lots of choice of wool for the hair, googly eyes, fabric for clothes, pretty ribbons for decoration. As well as puppets the girls made scenery and props such as
THE ROTHLEY POST
10
Monday Club news AT OUR March 9 meeting Mrs Chris having an interest in craftwork and emWatkins explained that keys play a broidery, was drawn to volunteer for significant role in the voluntary work FCW. FCW was founded in 1997 by Lady that she does, which is with the chariAnne Tree, nee Cavendish, the 3rd ty “Fine Cell Work” (FCW), teaching daughter of the 10th Duke of Devonshire. inmates in British prisons how to In 1949 at the age of 22 and soon after make beautiful handmade products – her marriage, she became a prison visihence the key connection! tor, which led her to become a life-long Mrs Watkins spent her professional activist to promote improvements in the career as a teacher, working at English type of work prisoners were allocated to Martyrs School in Leicester. Following her retirement, she wanted to find some- do. Having conceived the idea that pristhing fulfilling and worthwhile to do and, oners could be trained to produce high
News from Rothley library
THE ROTHLEY POST
MAY 2020
WHILE THE current climate prevents the library from being open, books can be returned through the letterbox and these will be sanitized and discharged before being shelved. In addition, all fines across Leicestershire are currently suspended so no one should be concerned about raking up fees for books being overdue.
11 quality, creative needlework, it took her cases, table napkins, lavender bags, three decades to gain Home Office appurses, Christmas decorations, tea cosies proval, relentlessly and determinedly – the list is endless – and the prisoners using her high status connections to receive payment for the sale of their champion her cause. Recognising the work (about one third of the profit). element of punishment behind each These unique products are designed in prisoner’s sentence, never-the-less Lady collaboration with some of the country’s Anne felt strongly that worthwhile occuleading designers and are all hand-propation could instil self-discipline and duced. boost prisoners’ self-worth, working Since its foundation, FCW has grown towards independent, crime-free lives to become an organisation which proupon their release. duces high quality goods, now having a As a volunteer for FCW, Mrs Watkins network of well-known business contacts visits two different prisons, twice a and high-end stores to retail its products, month, to work with prisoners and including an on-line store. At its Lonteach them the necessary skills in emdon-based community hub, post-prison broidery and canvas work. Prisoners support is provided upon release, with eligible to be included in the scheme work experience, formal training and are usually at least 2 years into their employment being offered to ex-prisonsentence and have to be security vetted ers – the ultimate aim being for them to before being accepted to do the work. find mainstream work. Having attended the weekly training FCW produces a quarterly magazine workshops, the prisoners continue with highlighting all their latest products and their work during the time they are activities, in which many of the particilocked in their cells. Each prisoner is pating stitchers, past and present, make able to choose from a selection of sewa contribution. I will close with a quote ing kits, each containing the required from one of them: “Fine Cell Work has materials to produce their preferred given me back a sense of pride in myself, design. Scissors are not permitted so my self-esteem and self-worth”. From Jennifer Kennington, Monday Club they are allowed nail clippers to cut the Cropston and Thurcaston sewing thread and no more than two UPDATE: In relation to the report of needles, dependent on the type of sewthe most recent meeting of The Monday ing they will be doing. Completed work is sent to FCW’s London hub to be made Club, held on March 9, this is to notify you that all our Club meetings have been up into various articles to be sold, which include cushions, glasses & pencil cancelled until further notice.
county council have your up to date email address on record, if it doesn’t work please contact libraries@leics.gov.uk and they will send you a PIN via email. How do eBooks & eAudiobooks work? eBook and eAudiobook titles are Leicestershire County Council have borrowed individually in the same way put this information together in order to as physical books. Most eBooks and level recorded during the same week the AIR QUALITY in Leicester has access Digital Library Services eAudiobooks can only be borrowed by year before. Quick Guide to eBooks, eAudiobooks, improved dramatically in the one person at a time due to licensing Last week, NO2 levels fell further to eMagazines and eNewspapers last two weeks due to the huge 22 microgrammes – the lowest level restrictions. LCC buy multiple copies of What Digital Library Services are Availreduction in the amount of traf- ever recorded at Vaughan Way. Other some popular titles that have been reable? served by several people to reduce the testing stations have recorded a similar fic during the nationwide coroLeicestershire’s digital library service waiting time for in-demand titles. Some pattern of improvement across the city. navirus lockdown. provides library members with access to popular titles and authors are not availaNationally many large cities across The drastic fall in the number of cars thousands of free eBooks, eAudiobooks, ble to borrow digitally from public lithe UK have seen dramatic falls in levels on the city’s streets has seen levels of eMagazines and eNewspapers. These can braries, this is due to restrictions put in of both nitrogen dioxide and other small Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) – one of the be accessed two ways: place by publishers. particulate matter – called PM10 partichief pollutants from traffic fumes – Using the free BorrowBox, RBdigital Borrow up to 10 eBooks and 10 cles – linked to traffic fumes. plummet to over half its previous levels. & PressReader apps on a smartphone or eAudiobooks from BorrowBox and 10 Leicester deputy city mayor for the Air quality monitoring stations tablet eAudiobooks from RBdigital at a time. environment, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: throughout the city have recorded big Using an internet browser on a deskBorrow titles for up to 3 weeks, re“Obviously this improvement in air quality reductions in pollution levels since the top PC, MAC or laptop turn titles when you have finished readis really good news for everyone living in Government’s coronavirus lockdown All digital titles are free and there are ing them or renew titles to borrow for Leicester, and is a welcome ray of suncame into effect on March 23. no overdue charges. Leicestershire Lilonger. shine in what is otherwise a worrying Figures comparing the same weeks in braries subscribe to three platforms, How do eNewspapers & eMagazines March 2019 and March 2020 show how global pandemic. BorrowBox, RBdigital and PressReader, work? “Having cleaner, fresher air to breathe NO2 levels began to fall drastically from each platform provides access to differeMagazines can be checked out from in the city couldn’t come at a more the third week of the month, when more ent types of content:. RBdigital and PressReader. important time, as we are faced with the people began How do I Access Digital Library ServiceNewspapers can be checked out risk of potentially working from es? from PressReader. severe respiratory home, and fell To start using any of the services visit eMagazines and eNewspapers can be illness caused by further during the digital library webpage on the Leices- checked out for as long as you like, just coronavirus. the last week of tershire County Council website which delete them from your account when “Obviously we March 2020 gives step by step instructions on getting you have finished reading them. There is when the full don’t expect pollustarted. no limit to the number of titles you can tion levels to relockdown began, You must be a member of the library checkout at a time. main this low once with schools, to access the digital library services, if RBdigital provides access to popular the lockdown is offices and many you are not already a member you can titles including Hello! Magazine, Radio eased and life evenother businesses join online to start using BorrowBox, Times and New Scientist. tually returns to normal – but the imclosing. RBdigital and PressReader straight away. PressReader provides access to thouprovements to air quality do offer a At Vaughan Way – one of the city’s To login to BorrowBox, RBdigital and sands of national and international newstantalising glimpse of how things could busiest roads and an air quality hotspot – PressReader you will need your library papers and magazines including The be if we all thought a bit more carefully NO2 levels in the third week of March card number/ online joiner number and Independent, The Daily Mail, The Guardi- fell to 34 microgrammes per cubic meabout whether or not our daily car jouryour four-digit PIN. If you have forgotten an and the Leicester Mercury. neys are essential, and if more people tre of air – compared to 62 during the your PIN you can reset it by visiting our Titles can either be read online via a used cleaner, healthier forms of transsame week in 2019. By the end of online catalogue, selecting ‘log in’ in the web browser or downloaded via the port such as cycling and walking more March, after the first full week of the top right corner and choosing ‘forgot my RBdigital or PressReader apps to be often.” lockdown – levels had fallen to just 24 PIN’. However, this only works if the read offline. microgrammes – less than half of the 58
Air quality improves
Springtime in the garden Planning Nigel was very qualified to give this talk, having trained in horticulture at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. In addition, he is now Head Gardener for John
Massey at Ashwood Nurseries and helps run a nursery, Hopes Garden Plants, with his wife.
This was a talk full of all the excitement of spring, looking at our favourite plants to build up the energy in our gardens ready for the summer. Nigel talked about a large range of plants from bulbs and corms, Spring herbaceous, and Spring flowering trees and shrubs. Most of the plants he mentioned are his favourites - tried and tested plants guaranteed to make an impact. As well as all the plants Nigel mentioned, he also gave lots of tips on how to get the best from them. With bulbs, Nigel recommended Crocus tommasinianus ‘Ruby Giant’ as a plant that is almost indestructible! Also, the lovely Narcissus ‘Jetfire’, as a very good ‘doer’. He mentioned bluebells and encouraged us to only grow native bluebells, not Spanish. Though he did admit that if we have Spanish bluebells in our gardens, they are almost impossible to dig up as the roots go deep! With tulips in pots, Nigel recommended planting different colours in one pot for a better impact. Ashwood nursery, where Nigel is head gardener, specialises in hellebores and he showed photos of many different varieties grown at Ashwood. One tip – hellebores are heavy feeders and Nigel suggested feeding them in June or July. Other spring herbaceous plants he mentioned included hepatica, primula, aquilegia, and pulmonaria. Nigel thinks that the best pulmonaria is ‘Blue Ensign’. This was a superb talk with excellent photo-
graphs, often taken in John’s Garden at Ashwood Nurseries. Nigel was knowledgeable and skilled. He also presented the talk with humour and enthusiasm. The Gardening Club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. What’s more, it is excellent value! The membership fee is
still only £12 for the year (pro rota) or £3 per meeting. So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try. For more information, and for a copy of our eye-catching poster of the 2020 Programme of Events, please call Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116 236 8313): cropston161@hotmail.co.uk Future Events and the Coronavirus We regret to say that the events scheduled for Apr 8 – Jun 10 have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus. We will re-start the Club programme as soon as it is safe to do so. From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club Pics: Crocus tommasinianus ‘Ruby Giant’: Narcissus ‘Jetfire’: Planting at John’s garden with snowdrops, helleborus, and ferns.
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THE ROTHLEY Post is delighted to receive contributions from residents. You can send us: Stories and photos of how you are keeping occupied during lockdown. This could be pictures of artwork, crafts, cookery, dressing up, indoor sports etc. 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. How you can contact us: Email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk Phone(0116) 4422067 Write to us at The Rothley Post, Unit 109 Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR. The Rothley Post is an independent newspaper
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MAY 2020
THE MARCH meeting of the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club was an illustrated talk by Nigel Hopes called ‘Spring Has Sprung’.
THE ROTHLEY POST
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