THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Delivered to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston
NOV/DEC 2020
www.birstallpost.co.uk
No. 145
Plans for 80 homes refused PLANS FOR an extension to Rothley school and 80 new dwellings south of the site have been refused by Charnwood Borough Council.
Pic: Presenting his poem at Corts: Norman (ctr) with (l-r) Eileeen Payne, Jim & Sharon Cort, Revd Pam Harvey
Rothley shop inspires poem A ROTHLEY man is so impressed with a village shop he wrote a poem about it. 89-year-old Norman Harrington visited hardware store Corts on Cross Green to present owners Jim and Sharon Cort with his verse accompanied by Eileen Payne, who typed it up for him, and Reverend Pam Harvey, who encouraged him to write it. Norman, who has lived in Rothley for 57 years, said: “I’m so impressed with the range of goods at Corts, there’s almost nothing they haven’t got and if they haven’t got it they can get it for you.” Jim and Sharon‘s shop has been trading for 27 years. They said: “It is so nice to be appreciated and we are really pleased Norman took the time and trouble to write his poem and come and present it to us.”
1 - 4 - AL L Domestic Appliance Spares & Repairs All Leading Makes Serviced 20 Years Experience Washers • Dryers • Dishwashers Fridges • Cookers
GAS & ELECTRIC David Preston - 0775 262 3885
www.1-4-all.co.uk
Norman’s poem: In that little shop a mighty stock There is every make of mortice lock, A pruning saw that sharply cuts, Feasts for the woodpecker – peanuts. Everything is there except caviar!
DAVE HUTCHINGS GENERAL BUILDING & HOME REPAIRS
Brickwork • Patios Re-pointing Tiling • Plaster Patching • Fencing etc No job too small Friendly Reliable Service Free Quotations • Fully Insured
The place is like an overindulgent grandma Who gets all the toys grandchildren ask for. Corts is the store you just can’t ignore.
The reasons for refusal were that the application site lies outside the limits to the development of Rothley, identified in the council’s Core Strategy. Charnwood also determined that the development would negatively impact on the character and appearance of the Rothley conservation area, and would result in “an acceptable landscape harm on account of its visual impact.” The application received 161 objections from residents and 420 petition letters. There were two letters of support: one from a resident, and one from the headteacher of Rothley School. Those objecting had concerns including increased traffic, loss of an area of local separation, lack of local facilities, impact on wildlife, and that the development contravenes the Local Plan. As well as 80 new homes, the six extra classrooms would have expanded the capacity of the school from 420 to 600 pupils. Chairman of Rothley Parish Council Percy Hartshorn said: “I think most of the village will be relieved that this application was refused. It’s now up to the County Council to come up with a plan B for expanding Rothley School.”
CORTS HARDWARE 3 Cross Green, Rothley. Tel: 0116 2375347
Est: 1993
Tel: 0116 260 7716 Mob: 07770 785400 Email: dave@dave-hutchings.com Website: www.dave-hutchings.com
Martin Tibbles PAINTING & DECORATING SERVICES Excellent references available Quality Workmanship Guaranteed 33 Years Experience
Interior & Exterior 0116 291 0489 07855 412 945 Free Estimates
Vast NEW Range of LED bulbs now in stock
EXTENSIVE RANGE OF ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES • • • • • •
Fluorescent Tubes Extension Leads Sockets and Switches Telephone Extensions Security Lights & Timers Television accessories
• • • • • •
Cable and Conduit Kettles and Irons Toasters & Hairdryers Computer leads Large range of LED bulbs Large range of LED bulbs Torches & Batteries
2
Rothley site for 40 homes Grant funding COMMUNITY GROUPS in Charnwood have been awarded over £117,000 in grant funding to help them recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Charnwood Borough Council launched its VCS Covid-19 Recovery grants in a bid to help voluntary organisations respond to community needs during the pandemic. A total of 39 organisations have been awarded funding which will help with the additional cost of PPE and cleaning, reopening of buildings and restarting or adapting services to meet current government guidelines.
PLANS FOR 40 dwellings on an area of grassland behind Hickling Close and off Cossington Lane have been sent to Charnwood Borough Council. The landowners are seeking ‘preapplication advice’ from the council for their plan to build a ‘high-quality residential development.’ The field currently has a vehicle access point from Cossington Lane and this would be widened to make the access for the development. Rothley Parish Council has objected to the proposal. It says: · The site is not in the current or draft new strategy · It contravenes the emerging Rothley Neighbourhood Plan · Rothley has had more than its share of new homes · Local roads cannot cope with more traffic Planning reference: P/20/1617/2
Pic: plans for 40 new homes off Cossington Lane
Break-in at Heritage Centre, tools stolen
Pick Your Own
Pics: (above) the Stonemasons’huts; (left) forced roller doors
ing at 10.35 pm and then returning at midnight for half an hour. The Heritage Centre says the cost of replacing the tools and repairing the damage will be over £10,000. Laura Pepper, a regular visitor to the centre, set up a Just Giving page to raise funds. It has so far reached £2554. A spokesperson for the centre said:
QUALITY REAL
CHRISTMAS TREES & Holly Wreaths
Mark’s
PROFESSIONAL
GARDEN MAINTENANCE TIDYING • LAWNS CUT • HEDGES TRIMMED SUPPLY & PLANT ORNAMENTAL TREES During this crisis I am OPEN for business & would welcome your call GENERAL PRUNING INCLUDING: APPLE & PEAR TREES
35 YEARS EXPERIENCE
TEL: 07903 614561 or 0116 2692805
Brooklea Nursery Old A6 Rothley LE7 7NL Tel: 07599 515 689
“A huge thank you to all who have shared our original Facebook post, donated to the Just Giving page Laura set up and for all the very kind comments of support we have received. “All of the volunteers were at rock bottom after the theft and you’ve given us all a huge lift.”
I. Wardle Maintenance Services Fencing •Turf laid SFreriendly vice & Hedges cut FREE Estimates Landscaping Gravel drives & paths laid New guttering & repairs Need extra room? Garages/Sheds emptied
Free estimate with no obligation • 0116 2676478 Email: imwardle@yahoo.co.uk • Mob: 0776 8233552
NOV 2020
Around midnight on Wednesday, September 9 thieves broke into the stonemasons' huts, used to store power tools for maintaining the railway and the site. Padlocks had been ripped off and the roller shutter doors forced open.
The burglars made off with several items including a pressure washer, rail disc cutter, strimmers, mowers and chainsaws. CCTV shows a white Transit van visit-
THE ROTHLEY POST
PHOTOS: HERITAGE CENTRE FACEBOOK
A BREAK-IN at Mountsorrel and Rothley Community Heritage Centre saw thieves make off with £7000 worth of tools.
1271 homes & new school planned THURCASTON
611 new homes 660 new homes & 1200 place secondary school
GCR receives crisis grant
THE ROTHLEY POST
NOV 2020
THE GREAT Central Railway has been given £250,000 by the National Lottery to help them through the Covid-19 crisis. The money has come from the National Lottery Heritage Emergency Fund, set up to assist heritage organisations at risk due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking about the grant, GCR’s Managing Director Michael Gough said: “This is a huge relief to all of our management, staff and volunteers and comes at a point when the railway is going through an incredibly difficult and stressful time in navigating the impact of the Covid-19 crisis. “Despite the fact that significant hard work has gone into operational recovery with many services now running again, much of what we are able to do to generate essential income is severely hampered by restrictions, reductions in capacity and significantly increased costs and we are so grateful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has agreed to help us with our recovery at this crucial time.” Anne Jenkins, Director, England, Midland’s & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration and benefiting our personal wellbeing. All of these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from this current crisis. “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are pleased to be able to lend our support to organisations such as the Great Central Railway during this uncertain time.” Grants from the fund have also been made to several other heritage railways throughout the country.
HARROWG AT
E DR
GREENGATE LANE
611 NEW homes on land south of Thurcaston feature in Leicester City Council’s draft Local Plan. The plan also identifies 660 new homes and a 1200 place secondary school on an area of open space off Greengate Lane. Leicester City Council’s draft plan was put out for public consultation on September 14. You can make your views known on the plan until December 7, when the consultation period ends. 53 new homes are planned for a 2.78 ha site behind Park Road, Birstall, adjacent to the railway. The site is currently a part of Birstall golf course. The draft plan states: “the allocation leads to the loss of green wedge but is outweighed by the strategic opportunity of the two sites, as a natural extension of the already approved and partially delivered main Ashton Green development [3000 homes]s.” The draft local plan says the timeframe for the development is 2023 for the school, 6 to 15 years for the housing and 6 to 10 years for the employment land. The draft local plan covers the period 2019– 2036 and states that 29,104 homes will be built in Leicester, with 30% affordable housing on greenfield sites. The plan also identifies three other sites for development: • Land west of Anstey Lane • Western golf course • Land at Leicester General Hospital. The consultation is available online at consultations.leicester.gov.uk. It includes the draft Local Plan and details of all proposed sites for potential development across the city, as well as an interactive
Pics: Sites near Thurcaston identified for development in the Leicester Local Plan
map that sets out all the sites in detail. People can click on the sites and make individual comments on them. City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “A Local Plan is something every local authority has to have in place, by law. It covers the way we plan to develop the city over the next 15 years. Without such a plan, it would be harder for us to protect wildlife and our built heritage, make plans for a greener and healthier city, or effectively accommodate the growing needs of our city. “We know that we have a number of challenges ahead – not least the climate emergency and our responsibility to protect our environment for future generations. That is why our new Local Plan is more important than ever. “We originally prepared to consult on the draft Local Plan back in March, but
the coronavirus lockdown caused us to postpone. We’re now ready to launch our comprehensive consultation, which will run from today [Monday, September 14] until 7 December, to give people plenty of time to comment.” Face-to-face meetings for people to give their views are not possible at this stage, due to coronavirus. However, people are invited to comment online and can look at copies of the Local Plan in city libraries, the majority of which have now been reopened. All the comments and suggestions received will be considered before a final version of the plan is produced for further consultation. The plan will then be used to inform planning policy and decisions in the city. To take part in the consultation, visit https://consultations.leicester.gov.uk/
3
4
Christmas at Rothley Parish Church Details also on our website: www.rothleychurch.org.uk
THE ROTHLEY POST
We will have a joyful saidservice in the church building at 9.30 am. We love to welcome visitors, but under current guidelines can accommodate a maximum 70 people. As we are not allowed to welcome everyone to the building, there will be a special Christmas morning thoughtfortheday by our Vicar, Rob Gladstone, from his home on our website and Youtube channel
NOV 2020
Jesus Good News for All the People!
5
Remembering John Thompson FORMER ROTHLEY newsagent John ‘Tommo’ Thompson passed away in March, aged 83. John was born and went to school in Leicester, and on turning 18 in 1954, was called up for his national service, joining the RAF. It was whilst on leave, and helping his mum with her jewellery business on Upppingham market, that he met his future wife Sheila, who was working on the next stall. They married in 1959 and set up their own business selling clothes on the markets. John then went to become area manager of a chain of newsagents in Leicester, where his dream of having his own newsagents began.
This dream came true in 1971, when he bought Rays Newsagents, in Woodgate, Rothley, this becoming Thompsons' Newsagents (locally known as Tommo's). Together John and Sheila worked hard at the business and turned it into the popular and well-respected shop it became. John was a natural-born newsagent, often telling people how he loved to be up every morning at 3am ready for the papers to arrive! John became an active member of the local community, always supporting local charities and events. The shop became a complete family business in the mid-1980s with both daughters, Marie and Sharon, working there. One of his longest-serving employees was Mick Adcock, who started as a paperboy and became a full-time employee, and a close life-long family friend. John was a keen sportsman, playing football and cricket. But it was at tennis and table tennis that he excelled, enjoying success at county level in both sports. He also played darts for numerous teams in Rothley and Mountsorrel during the 1970s and 1980s. Throughout his life, he was an avid Leicester City fan, still attending matches in his later years. John retired in 1993, and he and Sheila spent many happy times at their static caravan on the Norfolk coast. They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last October and spent nearly all their married life living in Rothley and Mountsorrel.
John will best be remembered for being happy and cheerful, with a very positive outlook on life. Despite having numerous health issues, and being a wheelchair for the past few years, nothing stopped him getting out and about and enjoying life to the full. John enjoyed many things in this life, but most of all spending time with his family. John passed away on March 7. He leaves his wife Sheila, daughters Marie and Sharon, and son-in-laws Ade and Jim.
Pic: Rothley newsagent John Thompson
A tribute to John Thompson, from his daughters:
Our dad, our hero Dad lived his life with a “Glass half full” attitude, He was so optimistic, with a positive attitude like no other! Dad always saw the good in everyone, he never held a grudge and smiled and whistled every day. Dad cheered us on with mum at every obstacle, our biggest supporters.
We will always remember dad's smile, his great sense of humour, quick wit and positivity. Mum and dad had over 60 years of love, fun and laughter. Dad will leave a massive gap in our very close little family but we must ensure his legacy of optimism, love and laughter lives on. He was simply the best husband and dad.
Marie at Gavin Taylor Hair, Rothley Marie (MA Hair) runs her busy diary within Gavin Taylor Hair & has been there since the salon opened in 2014. Marie speaks about her experience, challenges with Covid restrictions & gives some handy tips!
Q. How would you describe your expertise? Oh gosh, I have been in the hairdressing industry for 23 years, starting as an apprentice. Being part of a big team, learning from the best, show work and colour seminars. I went on to teaching and training in salons and colleges and now at Gavin Taylor Hair. Q. How have Covid restrictions affected your job? I had four months off work due to lockdown and it was a scary time being self-employed. I was raring to pick the scissors up on 4th July! I had a few video consultations with clients to guide them through cutting their husbands hair, which was funny! Q. What hairstyling product do you rely on mostly? Icon Welder by Evo is a fantastic product, not only preventing heat damage but it also helps protect and prolong colour.
Winter Warmer Hot Tip… Cut & Blow-dry Prices from £25
THE ROTHLEY POST
NOV 2020
Book online at www.gavintaylorhair.uk/book-online or call our friendly team
No ordinary salon… ♦ AWARD WINNING SALON ♦ CLIENT CAR PARK ON SITE ♦
www.gavintaylorhair.uk ♦ Tel: 0116 2302071 10 Fowke Street, Rothley LE7 7PJ (Located next to Victoria Mills)
Shampoo your hair and then towel blot to take away excess water. Apply a small amount of Great Hydrator Conditioner through your hair and massage in a circular movement. Comb the conditioner through and wrap your hair in a warm towel. Leave for 10 minutes and thoroughly rinse. Your hair will be left silky smooth!
6
Noticeboard all details printed free
Rothley Christmas Lights will be switched on, November 26. Rothley Parish Council will provide the same decorations as previous years: trees on Cross Green and Christmas trees outside of the shops on Woodgate/Cross Green. There will be no switch on event this year.
Online wildlife talks in the comfort of your own home
YOUR SAY...
The Rothley Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk
Thanks Following my request for a seat to be placed adjacent to the tree copse which was planted in memory of Marion Vincent on the Rothley Park, I would like to say a huge thank you to Mr and Mrs Sheppard for the donation of a beautiful seat placed in memory of their anniversary and also in memory of Marion. It was wonderful to sit today overlooking the park in the sunshine with my little dog away from the children's play area. Many thanks again. Linda and Dolly
The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust has put together an exciting and informative programme of wildlife and naturethemed talks which are accessible online in the comfort of your own home. This replaces the monthly local group meetings and is a great way to find out more about nature as well as to stay in touch with your local Wildlife Trust group. The talks are held via Zoom and details of the talks and how to book them can be found at: https://www.lrwt.org.uk/onlinetalks The talks are free, but if you would like to donate to the Trust please go to: https://www.lrwt.org.uk/donate
Covid-19 Emergency Volunteer Voluntary Action Leicester (VAL) VAL is recruiting a pool of emergency volunteers to prepare for potential future lockdown measures related to Covid-19 Tasks could include: Helping with leaflet drops Supporting mobile testing units Supporting local foodbanks Delivery of food and medication Short term befriending However, these tasks will entirely depend on the need that arises, so we could contact you as urgent requests come through to see if you could potentially help. By signing up to this role, you will be added to a list of emergency volunteers that we can contact as and when we receive urgent requests for volunteer support from local councils, health services and other partners. Please note you won’t be immediately mobilised as a volunteer, but we will contact you as and when you could be needed to see if you are able to help. If you would be interested in offering your support, please apply through the VAL Volunteering website and we will ask for a few additional details. www.volunteerleicestershire.org.uk The next issue of
THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 9. The copy deadline is Dec 18.
Club’s new president ROTHLEY PARK Cricket Club has elected Robin Bulmer as its new president. Robin has been part of the club since the late 1970s as a player, captain, coach, groundsman and committee member, and was delighted to be asked by club Chairman James Upton to take on such a leading role at the club. Rothley Park Cricket Club is one of the leading club sides in the county with strong links to Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Rothley won the Everards Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League ECB Premier Division and the Talent County Cup in 2019 and the Ladies team in their first season. They also won the East Midlands Women’s Premier League. “I was brought up in the village and played cricket at school, but only joined the village team when I was 17 years of age after some friends invited me to the club,” said Robin. “I continued playing until 2007 and have some good playing memories and made many great friends over the years. I was captain of the first team for six years. Rothley has always had a high standard of cricket, apart from one day in the 1980s. We were playing a team called ‘Adam Brothers and Shardlow’ at the Birstall Co-op ground one wet day. We bowled them out cheaply for 27 runs thanks to Kevin Kinch taking the majority of the wickets and thought we would be
Pic: new club president Robin Bulmer in the pub by mid-afternoon with a comfortable win, however, we were bowled out for 24 runs.” He added: “This season has been positive, even though we managed only a third of the season due to coronavirus. The youngsters excelled, helping the 2nd team win their Group’s Covid-19 Cup competition where the team put in some outstanding performances, which augers well for the future of the club. “Hopefully, we will be playing a full season of cricket next summer. I would love to see more people from the village coming down to watch games, join as a player or assist in coaching. We have an excellent standard of cricket, a good friendly atmosphere, superb facilities in our new pavilion with bar, refreshments and plenty of space for all the family in the ground.”
Clear Ear Services Phone 07936 899 855 Mobile ear syringing service (we come to you!) Professional, Friendly, Experienced & Qualified Nurses, Fiona and Vanessa
£40 all inclusive price
MOT VEHICLE TESTING STATION
TESTING
PETROLS • DIESELS MOTORCYCLES CROPSTON GARAGE 37 - 39 Station Road Cropston, Leicester 0116 2362363
Architectural plans
drawn & submitted for planning permission & building regulations approval Tel: 0116 4105060 / 07974807111 E: info@amlidesign.co.uk W: www.amlidesign.co.uk
David Ives Bsc(Hons) MCIOB FCABE C.Build E. Chartered & Accredited
THE ROTHLEY POST
Due to the coronavirus, there will not be a village lights-on evening this year. But before we exclaim: “Oh, no, they're going to be cancelling Christmas next,” we should probably ask ourselves: “What is Christmas about anyway?" Perhaps it is time to strip away a lot of the razzmatazz and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in more simple and humble ways? Now, there's a thought! Rev Simon Payne-Mivshuk, Christmas lights organiser
NOV 2020
Christmas
Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on September 21. It was reported that counsellors Percy Hartshorn and Steve Mitchell, along with the clerk, met with representatives from
Persimmon homes to underline Rothley Parish Council’s commitment to adopting open spaces and to agree on a way forward. The council agreed to appoint contractors to re-point the gable end of the
Village Hall and to improve disabled access. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on October 19. A member of the public requested that the council consider the reopening of the film club at the Rothley Centre, which is very popular with older residents. She also suggested that Rothley Parish Council consider hosting a com-
News from Sustainable Rothley SUSTAINABLE ROTHLEY has carried on doing things for the local environment in small ways. Bags have been made for the Food Bank, litter collected safely, wildflowers sown and grown. The group is now a member of the Climate Coalition, a campaigning group which includes the National Trust and the Women’s Institute, as well as small community groups like this one. The next meeting will be on Sunday November 22, from 7-8pm on Zoom. If you’d like to join in, contact the group so you can get the link. If you haven’t used Zoom yet and would like to try it out before the meeting, let the group know at sustainablerothley@gmail.com. Fabric and recycling Nottingham Building Society on Woodgate is still able to take fabrics for bags – duvet covers, curtains and pillowcases. Elizabeth Thompson is still able to take recycling for Terracycle – get in touch if you’d like to know how to contact her. Plastic-free Rothley The event to celebrate Rothley becoming a Plastic-free Community was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. There is a certificate
ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL WORK
Extra Points Alarms Rewiring Security Lighting Electrical Testing Part P Registered
Control Electrics Ltd Tel: 0116 2682910 FREE ESTIMATES
CLEARLY Clean
THE ROTHLEY POST
NOV 2020
Microsuction ear wax removal & hearing care. A local mobile service
• Ear wax removal in the comfort of your own home • Safe, gentle & effective • No need for water or syringing
waiting to be put on the Rothley Centre wall, but it will need to wait until things are safer. Pesticide use The Parish Council is very aware of sustainability issues in its work in the village, and their contractors do not use pesticides. If you’re interested in pesticides and their effects, with alternatives, look up the Pesticide Action Network. Maybe you’d like to think about that weedkiller, or glyphosate or any kind of pesticide you use in your garden – there are alternatives. The Climate Coalition The Climate Coalition is the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change. The group includes over 140 organisations — including the National Trust, Women's Institute, Oxfam, and RSPB — and is 22 million voices strong. Sustainable Rothley has now been accepted as a member and will be looking at their new activities for local communities.
munity fridge, as Mountsorrel Parish Council do. After some debate on the issues regarding the safety of allowing the film shows to be resumed, it was agreed that permission is granted for one screening to see if it was successful. The council agreed to submit an objection to plans for 40 dwellings off Cossington Lane. There is £30,000 of unspent section 106 developer contributions allocated for play equipment in Rothley; £17,000 for children and £13,000 for adult equipment. The Parish Council has appointed a contractor to install the equipment. It will include a seesaw, slide and picnic benches on Mountsorrel Lane playing field and adult gym equipment on Fowke Street playing field.
Litter picking Local people have approached the group about areas with litter. It’s not possible to have a formal litter pick at the moment but think about taking a litter-picker and a bag with you when you go out for a walk. A FULL meeting of Thurcaston We can all help keep the village and Cropston Parish Council was tidy, and there’s no need for held on August 20. masks, gloves etc to be left on County Councillor at Deborah Taylor the street. If you spot flytipping, reported on the Charnwood Covid-19 get in touch. infection rate, the Bradgate parking The Friday morning market scheme, the County Council initiative Ekojoe’s refill and reuse promoting wildflower planting in grass shop visits Rothley every two weeks, and verges and the reopening of recycling have a large stock of household goods and dried foods etc. They now visit Roth- sites and schools. It was reported that the parish speed ley on alternate Friday mornings, to data showed that the average vehicle coincide with a meat/fish van, a large speed increased in July. fruit and veg stall and a pie stall. The A new digital phone system in the veg stall is planning to be here every Parish Council office will result in savweek. The next full dates with Ekojoe’s ings of £38 a month. are November 20, December 4 & 18, at The council agreed not to open the roughly 9am -1pm in the Royal Oak car Memorial Hall to hirers other than the park. Ekojoe has some lovely little toys Dance Academy. The hall capacity at for Christmas, and they now have an social distancing of 2 m is 15. allotment in Blaby where they’re planIt was agreed to accept a quotation of ning lots of sustainable community activi£6300 for work at the cemetery includties. If you have any ideas or time to spare, ing creating pathways and interment plot markings. you can get in touch with Sustainable A full meeting of Thurcaston and Rothley by email – Cropston Parish Council was held on sustainablerothley@gmail.com, and you September 17. are very welcome at our informal meetIn public participation, a member of ings. the public requested that the council discuss the Leicester City Draft Local G E GAMBLE & SONS Plan at its October meeting. A question was asked about the overhanging branchINDEPENDENT FAMILY es on Leicester Road between ThurcasFUNERAL DIRECTORS ton and Cropston. —–––––––––– ESTABLISHED 1830 —––––––––– Councillor Deborah Taylor reported that there had been cases of Covid-19 at schools. It was reported that the average speed for all four speed signs in the villages was over 30 mph in August. A new picnic bench will be provided in Jubilee Park to replace a bench damaged by a disposable barbecue. 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
• Sales, Repairs & Upgrades • Wired & Wireless Networking • Branded & Custom Built PCs • Laptops, printers, peripherals & accessories • Server Installation & Support • On-site Maintenance & Remote Support • Original & Compatible Cartridges/Toners • Buy Dell products through our store
www.gamblefunerals.co.uk MEMBERS OF SAIF AND NAFD
Covering Leicestershire
Lindsey Ince 07702 021996 Call now:
0116 2672583 Mob: 0796 7 191975
LET OUR FAMILY LOOK AFTER YOUR FAMILY FOR FREE ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
www.ntlcomputers.co.uk 3 The Meadway, Birstall LE4 4NG
7
News from Rothley Library Since we reopened in August, our revised timings have been operating. This will continue for now and we will give notice if there are to be any changes relating to the Christmas period. Two public computers are now available for use. If demand is high then we will have to limit your session to a maximum of one hour. There are strict cleaning protocols in place so you can be confident in coming to use the computers. We are so glad to be open and to be able to offer our library users and volunteers a Covid safe environment although this does limit some of the community activities that we used to offer. Film Club Film Club will be taking place in November at the Rothley Centre! Apologies for having to cancel the October showing of Military Wives. The Parish Council were keen to confirm all the safety measures we intend to put in
Christmas at
Woodcock
FARM SHOP the Everything you need for
Festive Season!
Home Grown, pick or dig-your-own
Christmas Trees from 2ft-12ft Oven Ready, Farm Fresh Turkeys & Cockerels Order now to avoid disappointment
Oven Ready Game available in season All your Christmas Fruit, Vegetables & Nuts including home grown potatoes (Red Mozart, White Marfona) & Sprout Sticks
Festive Wreaths • Holly • Mistletoe Plus all our usuals including: Free Range Eggs • Local Honey Preserves • Marmalade • Chutneys
Manure, Woodchip Mulch, Topsoil we can deliver bulk loads of these items, call or visit for further details
DIY Liveries FIREWOOD: bulk loads delivered Good Quality Dry Logs, Hard & Soft Wood, Coal &Smokeless Fuel, Kindling And lots more!
LOUGHBOROUGH RD, ROTHLEY Tel (0116) 230 2215 James 07802 915559 Fred 0797 7014606 OPENING TIMES Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm Sun 9.30am to 5pm Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day
www.woodcockfarm.co.uk
place were satisfactory. The arrangements (below) have now been accepted by the full Council and so the screening of Military Wives will now take place on Friday November 20 at 2pm. This film will be FREE OF CHARGE.
There are a number of changes to the normal routine. ~ Following Government guidelines people at cinemas are required to wear a face covering. ~ On entry people will be expected to hand sanitise and record their name & phone details ~ For the present we are not providing refreshments ~ There will be other measures taken to ensure appropriate social distancing. We very much look forward to seeing you on November 20th. You will be very welcome. Walking Group The walking group continues to meet in groups of up to six every Friday at 9.20am. Check beforehand with the leader Alan as not all walks start from the library. Phone 07896346491 or email him. morti.aj@btopenworld.com
the village will be collected in shortly and reissued in time for the Easter holidays at the start of April. The car park has now been completely resurfaced and looks great. Anniversary Our AGM would normally be taking place at this time of year but this has been deferred for the present time. Our fifth anniversary also passed without any public celebration this year. We had hoped to do something very special to mark this achievement but, as with so many things, it is not possible for now. Please continue to support us by taking part in the Charnwood Lottery. There is a link on our web site at rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk Some of our volunteers have been with us for well over five years from the initial planning meetings back in February 2015. Inevitably some people's circumstances have changed during this time and so we would really like to invite you to join us at the library as a volunteer. It's completely flexible, you sign up for shifts when it suits you on our computerised rota system. Why not come down to the library, have a chat and see what the various volunteer roles are all about? We have a comprehensive training programme for those who would like to work on the counter. There are lots of other roles though. There's bound to be something to suit you if you have a couple of hours to spare now and then. Just get in touch with us via our website or call into the library.
Visiting your GP THE NHS is urging patients to continue accessing GP services, even though some practices may appear to look closed. Practices are fully open for patients with symptoms and conditions requiring medical care. However, due to changes in place to protect patients and NHS staff during the pandemic, patients need to phone their practice or go online to book an appointment to be treated over the phone, via a video link or to be seen by a doctor or nurse in person if necessary. Often pharmacists can give quick and helpful advice and treatment which might be more convenient. Parents of sick children should also seek advice and treatment by phoning their GP practice in the first instance, NHS111 or in the case of an emergency, by accessing emergency services. Anybody concerned that they may have possible symptoms of cancer must call their GP practice so that they can be checked out. Doctor Nil Sanganee, a GP in Leicestershire said: “Your GP practice is open for you so please use it if you need it. “Since the pandemic, we have been working in different ways, taking precautions to protect patients and our staff. “Whilst some patients are continuing to be treated remotely, others still have to attend their practice in person for emergency and non-emergency services. “Due to these changes practices may appear to be quieter or even look closed, but we are fully open for our patients “In particular, if you have noticed possible symptoms associated with cancer, please call your practice to discuss these. Women due cervical screening will be contacted to book an appointment and I urge them to do so. “Some of you may be experiencing delays in getting through to your practice due to the volume of patients phoning in. We would like to thank you for your patience and ask that you bear with us so that we can continue to provide you with the care you need. “We have taken measures at all Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland practices, including use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and social distancing and we’d like to assure patients that it is safe to attend your practice with an appointment.” Patients should access GP services by phoning their practice or checking their practice website for further information on how to access care. Patients will be triaged on the telephone or via video link by a health professional and in some cases if necessary, patients will be asked to attend their practice. Patients should not attend their practice without an appointment.
NOV 2020
News from Rothley library
Book Boxes & Car Park The book boxes which are around
THE ROTHLEY POST
8
Remembrance 2020 RESIDENTS OF Charnwood are being asked to stay at home on Remembrance Sunday this year and find other ways to honour those who served and sacrificed themselves in the line of duty. The Royal British Legion has advised all their local branches that they cannot take the lead in organising Remembrance events, due to Covid-19. In Rothley this year there will be no public ceremony at Cross Green. Instead, at 11am on Sunday November 8, the leader of the Parish Council and a representative of the County Council will meet with the Vicar to lay a wreath at the War Memorial in a very short ceremony. The uniformed organisations will not be attending and the public is being requested to mark Remembrance in their own homes. “This is a very difficult request to ask of our community who wish to express their gratitude for those who have fallen in the service of our nation but we are sure you fully understand why this has been necessary for this year,” said Liz Sleath, Rothley Parish Church administrator. To support the community in marking Remembrance in their own homes, there will be a service from the Parish Church with an Act of Remembrance available on-line on the Rothley Church website, www.rothleychurch.org.uk and via the Rothley Church YouTube channel. Liz said: “This will feature the memorial that was commissioned by the villagers who lost loved ones in the First World War, together with music from the organ which was donated in their memory, and we hope many of you will be able to watch that in your homes.” The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor David Snartt, said: “It is a great shame that we cannot all come together to commemorate Remembrance Day this year. “It is important that we give our thanks to all who served and died for our country and honour those veterans and actively serving members of the armed services, and even more important that we do so from the safety of our own homes. “I hope that we will be able to come together next year on Remembrance Sunday and share a two minute silence
9
for all our heroes.” A spokesman for the Poppy Appeal said: “Every year during the Poppy Appeal, our volunteers cover as many areas as possible, collecting on the streets, in shopping centres and at stations. However, this year, as a result of Covid-19, many of our volunteers are understandably unable to assist, and reduced footfall in these areas means that our Poppy Appeal income is at real risk. Whilst there will be poppies available in many supermarkets - Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, and Aldi - we want to make sure that you are also able to participate in this year’s Poppy Appeal from your own A ROTHLEY couple, Terry and home.” You can make a donation by Pauline Sheppard, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary phoning 0845 845 1945. Or you can donate by text: on September 24. To donate £2 text POPPY2 to 70545* They have donated a bench to the To donate £5 text POPPY5 to 70545* village, located at the far side of Fowke To donate £10 text POPPY10 to Street playing field, a stone’s throw from 70545* their home. *Texts cost £2, £5, or £10 plus one The inscription on the bench not only standard network rate message (typically 97% of the donation amount goes to the Royal British Legion). The spokesman said: “In these unprecedented times, your donations will help us support the most vulnerable in the Armed Forces community, be it older veterans that we care for, those suffering from social isolation, or those facing challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. “Please support the Poppy Appeal in any way you can – without you, we cannot provide the life-changing support that our Armed Forces community needs and deserves.”
Anniversary bench
Trouble with your figures? Want someone to walk you through a self assessment?
Let me help get your books in shape… & keep them trim
Linda Kimberley-Brooks (ACMA) Final accounts • Self assessment Taxation • Bookkeeping • VAT Payroll • Management accounts www.twyf-accounts.co.uk Email: Linda@twyf.co.uk
Companies & individuals call now on
0116 23 66 345 A friendly service tailored to your needs
records their anniversary but also makes mention of the nearby copse which was planted in memory of Marion Vincent a fellow, founding member of the Rothley Heritage Trust. Readers of the Rothley Post will be aware that Terry continues to make a contribution to Rothley with an extensive range of books and articles on the heritage of our village. Pic: Terry & Pauline beside the new bench
Latimer Players’ news THE LATIMER Players, the amateur theatrical group based in Thurcaston, have been meeting monthly via Zoom. Spokeswoman Laura Simms said: “The Latimer Players are no different to any other struggling drama group during these difficult times. We may not be able to perform on stage but we are still trying to continue with our social events. We are still a thriving group, of various ages, getting together, even if it is virtually, once a month. “Recently we have held the obligatory
Zoom quiz and held a Macmillan Murder Mystery evening, where we raised more than £100 for a great cause. We are hoping to perform something virtually in November, so please keep an eye on our Facebook page for more details. You can find us @latimerplayers.” If you are interested in joining, email latimerplayers@yahoo.com with your name and some contact details. The next issue of
THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 9. The copy deadline is Dec 18.
THE ROTHLEY POST
NOV 2020
Richard Hill’s Church of England School Charity
Misted up double glazing ? Replace with new clear sealed units Faulty locks & handles replaced
Call Colin Wright for a free quote LOCAL BUSINESS 07765635505 • 01162209573
The Trustees of the Charity invite those under age 25 years who are attending or have attended the Richard Hill School to apply for a Grant to assist with educational activities (including social and physical training) not otherwise provided by the Local Authority. Applications should be made to the Clerk, Mrs. Ann Stringer, email rhillcharitytrustees@hotmail.com or tel. 0116 234 0625. Final date for receipt of applications 31st Dec 2020 for consideration in Jan 2021. Grants ranging from £100 to £1,000 will be awarded to applicants who meet the necessary criteria.
History Society news Annual championships North Evington. It later became the General Hospital. The major industries of the town were hosiery, footwear and the manufacture of the associated machinery, as well as diverse products such as cardboard boxes, cigars and biscuits. Leicester was known for its radical politics and several of the businesses, such as Equity Shoes, were run as cooperatives. The future Labour prime minister Ramsay MacDonald was elected as MP for Leicester in 1906. The talk was well illustrated with pho-
A large number of our members joined in and impressed us with their abilities on Zoom. The speaker was our old friend Peter Liddle and his subject was medieval pilgrimage from Leicestershire. For our October meeting, we were joined online by local historian Cynthia Brown to tell us about Edwardian Leicester. Edward VII was king from 1901 to 1910 but the Edwardian period is often viewed as continuing until the beginning of the First World War in 1914. After the long reign of Victoria, Edward’s accession was felt to mark a new era and large crowds attended the official proclamations in Leicester. Over the previous century the Pic: tram tracks being laid at the Clock Tower population of the town – not yet designated a city – had tographs from the period. They show grown three-fold to approximately busy streets with mostly horse-drawn 200,000 people. Many of them were traffic but that began to change with the living in crowded conditions and infant arrival of electric trams in 1902. The mortality was high but during the Edward- network was centred on the Clock Tower ian period, significant improvements and Cynthia told us that you can still see were made as a result of better diet and where the overhead cables were attached healthcare. For example, a school medi- to it. cal service was started and a charity High Street was widened to accommoprovided fresh milk to children at low date the trams and if you look above the cost. The workhouse continued in opera- modern shop fronts it has many fine tion but, for those too sick to work, a examples of Edwardian buildings. One new Poor Law Infirmary was built in casualty was the annual Leicester Fair, which had been popular for centuries but ended soon after it was moved from its site in Humberstone Gate to keep the tramlines clear. A number of other municipal facilities were introduced at this time, including the De Montfort Hall (1913) and a golf course at Western Park that was open to working people. The new crematorium at Gilroes Cemetery was only the second in the country but it took some time to be accepted. New Walk Museum was extended and the Bishop Street Library was opened in person by its donor, the US steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk ROTHLEY BASED Agora Marketing Communications Ltd is celebrating 20 years of trading as an outsourced marketing service. Steve Thomason, Marketing Doctor at Agora, said: “We would like to thank all our customers over the years for their trust in us, our suppliers who have partnered with us and met our demands, and those people who have worked for us, thank you.” Over the last 20 years, Agora has supported over 120 companies with their marketing, helping them to 0116 2303222 achieve their objectives. Pic: Steve Thomason - Marketing Doctor at www.ianroe.co.uk
Celebrating 20 years
Ian Roe LANDSCAPES
& DRIVEWAYS 07847 003554
Agora
THERE WAS a good turnout from members and supporters at Rothley Park Golf Club’s annual club championship. Tom Roberts was a convincing Men’s Champion taking the title six shots ahead of last year’s winner, Tom Hoy. The course was challenging due to a stiff breeze and fast, firm greens. The early running was made by the two past champions, Tom Hoy (2009 & 2019) and Tom Roberts (2008), However, Tom Roberts finished with a total gross score of 147 (69 + 78), runner up was Tom Hoy on 153 (78 + 75) with Tom Mitchell in 3rd place also on 153 (76 + 77). The 36 hole Nett Prize was won by Darren Want with a nett total of 146 (72 + 74). This year’s Ladies’ Club Champion is 17-year-old Vicky Mayfield. After 36 holes of golf, she came in with a combined gross score of 156 after a stunning downhill putt on the 18th to clinch the title by just one shot from last year’s winner, Maz Sharpe. Just a few days later Vicky went on to win the Nett Prize in the Leicestershire and Rutland County Junior Girls Championships at Glen Gorse with a combined nett score of 150 for the two rounds. Vicky is currently the County Junior Girls Captain and has
Pic: New Club Champions, Tom Roberts & Vicky Mayfield
played for the county since she was twelve. This is her last year as a junior golfer as she turns 18 in October. Congratulations also go to Helen Morrell who had her second win of the week by lifting the Ladies Club Championships Bronze trophy, the same week she won the Vincent Trophy in the County Shield competition for the best nett Bronze Division score. For more information about joining Rothley Park Golf Club view www.rothleypark.co.uk or telephone Danny Spillane, Club Manager on 0116 220 2809.
Kitchen boosts charity A RESTAURANT that diversified by delivering Sunday dinners to your door has been donating £1 for every meal sold to locallybased charity Alex’s Wish.
so is Alex’s Wish so its win, win, win all round! So far we’ve donated £1,034 to Alex’s Wish. “We’ve also been keeping ourselves busy by cooking hundreds of meals for NHS workers on the frontline who’ve worked tirelessly protecting our safety as we fight against Covid-19.”
Ben’s Kitchen is based at Forest Hills Golf Club. Ben said: “It’s been an incredible several months and I for one never thought I’d live and work through times like these and yet here we are. "We had to think quickly about how we could keep the business open and running and that meant being relevant to what people wanted during lockdown. Feeling like you’re going out for dinner, even when Pic: Alex with the cheque from Ben’s Kitchen you can’t, by accessing high-quality food Speaking on behalf of Alex’s Wish, prepared by someone else felt right and Emma Hallam, founder and Mum to Alex so we quickly introduced an online after whom the charity is named said, ordering system to our website and put “We’re so grateful to Ben and Ben’s Kitchout the word via our Facebook page. Sunday Dinner Delivered Straight to Your en for donating £1 from every Sunday Dinner sold. Their donation of over Door was a hit from day one and it £1,000 is amazing and just goes to show makes me so pleased that Alex’s Wish how donations can build up over time. has benefitted from a £1 donation from In times like these literally every penny, each meal. let alone pound, counts and for a small I know it isn’t a lot but we’re a very business to be thinking about others at a small company and I think to do sometime like this is testament to the kindthing – however small - rather than nothing is the point. Our customers are ness and generosity of people like Ben. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Ben pleased with our decision to support such a fabulous charity, I’m pleased and and his team for their ongoing support!”
NOV 2020
PHOTO: LEICESTERSHIRE RECORD OFFICE
FOR THE first time in the history of the History Society, our September meeting was held online.
THE ROTHLEY POST
10
New link road for Thurcaston Road WORK HAS started on a £10million highway infrastructure scheme designed to unlock further development land at Leicester City Council’s Ashton Green housing site. The project will see the creation of 2.8km of new roads and highway infrastructure to the west of Ashton Green Road, which will provide access to 40 hectares of development land earmarked for new housing. In 2018, Leicester was one of 133 councils to successfully bid for a share of the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, which aims to aims to help unlock potential for new housing development. The cash will pay for a new link road connecting Thurcaston Road and Ashton Green Road, along the north edge of the Samworths Bakery site. The work will also involve the construction of a main ‘spine’ road into the Ashton Green development along with drainage and other infrastructure for a future village centre. Thurcaston Road itself will be widened from its junction with Bennion Road to where it will join the new link road north of the bakery. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “These
important highway works will help unlock the next phase of development at Ashton Green and the building of more than 3,000 new homes. “The funding from Homes England is a vital catalyst which will ultimately help attract an additional £150million of private investment from developers over the next five years. “Ashton Green is an essential part of the city’s commitment to building the 30,000 new homes needed in Leicester over the next ten to 15 years and will contribute greatly to the local economic growth.” Work is being carried out by Galliford Try, under contract to the city council. The highways infrastructure works are expected to take around 14 months to complete. Leicester City Council is the principal landowner and promoter of the Ashton Green development, which is a mixed-use urban extension on a 320-acre greenfield site to the north of Leicester. Up to 30 per cent of the new homes to be built at Ashton Green will be affordable homes for rent and shared ownership. In response to our enquiries, Leicester City Council told the Birstall Post: Traffic using the link road from Ashton Green Road to Thurcaston Road will not
NEW ‘SPINE’ ROAD í
NEW LINK ROAD í ASHTON GREEN (3000+ new homes) SAMWORTH’S BAKERY
THE ROTHLEY POST
NOV 2020
The Birstall based Little Bird SOS is a social enterprise set up to promote health and well-being by delivering arts and crafts activities at local workshops. Little Bird SOS director Lisa Pidgeon said: “We are thrilled to get this grant, it will enable us to continue our work, reaching out to people who are feeling
isolated and looking for opportunities to connect with people in their community.” The group was meeting at Birstall Methodist Church but has now moved online, with a weekly zoom tutorial, coffee morning plus one-toone sessions, as well as a YouTube channel. Everything is free. The numbers participating have now increased, with people from all over
BIRSTALL LODGE FARM í
BIRSTALL GOLF COURSE
have access to Red Hill way via Thurcaston Road south of its junction with Bennion Road, as access will only be for cyclists and pedestrians. This is to prevent rat-running. The junction of Thurcaston Road and Greengate Lane will remain as it is (closed
Grant helps group reach out “The feedback we get is that people feel it’s friendly, safe, engaging and welcoming” added project partner Janet Currie. Little Bird welcomes new participants – to find out more go to www.littlebirdsos.co.uk where you can find out how to join the session, see examples of artwork, links to the YouTube channel and the Little Bird shop. You can also ring Lisa on (0116) 318 3655.
AN ARTS and crafts group that has moved online during Covid19 has received a grant of £4500 from Charnwood Borough Council.
GREENGATE LANE
the country joining in with the online sessions. Recent activities have included making leaf bowls and wind chimes but Lisa says it’s not all about the finished item. She said: “The process of making and the social connections made during the sessions are more important than the final creation. “It’s a place they can come for one hour a week and have their imagination sparked, and be given permission to play.”
Some feedback from participants: “I have always loved doing different crafts. Now, at this time, I feel it is especially beneficial to help calm and divert your mind. Groups like yours play an important part in nurturing creativity as well as fostering a sense of togetherness, so a big thank you for all that you do.” “It was a fabulous afternoon, thank you. I was so looking forward to it and I wasn’t disappointed, so glad I found you. Will look out for your next workshop. Thanks again.”
to vehicles). The link road is not intended to relieve traffic flows on Greengate Lane. The £10 million scheme does not include any work on Greengate Lane (e.g. traffic calming, cycleways).
Bradgate THE CAR parking charges at Bradgate Park and Swithland Woods are changing. The new charges are expected to be introduced before the end of the year. They are the result of a review of parking arrangements. Bradgate Park Trust hopes the new charges will help to spread out the numbers visiting the park throughout the day, to reduce congestion. The trust also intends to introduce a pay by phone app as a contactless payment option. The new rates for Hallgates and Newtown Linford car parks will be: Earlybird up to 9 am £1 (£2 weekends) Three hours £3 (£4 weekends) Full day £4.50 (£5.50 weekends) After 4 pm £2 (seven days) Swithland Woods will be £1 for an early bird during the week and £2 at all other times. The current charges at Bradgate Park are all day £3 Monday – Friday, £4 weekends, and at Swithland wood £1 for three hours and £2 all day.
11
Show must go on THURCASTON AND Cropston Gardening Club organised a ‘Summer Showcase’ this year, as Covid-19 prevented the usual annual show from taking place. Members were invited to send in photos of their flowers, vegetables and craft items.
Club’s defibrillator
A club spokesman said: “Thank you to all those members who sent photos for all the classes we asked for. We hope you enjoy the pictures. “At the beginning of lockdown, we couldn’t have imagined that the club
Pics: (from top) entries from Annette Spurr, Dave Haddon & Cheryl Young
A ROTHLEY bowls club is well on the way to becoming ‘heartsafe’ thanks to support from the borough council and the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT). Soar Valley Bowls Club now boasts a new defibrillator for use during cardiac emergencies. Charnwood Borough Council awarded £250 of funding towards the defib through its sports facilities grant scheme. Installation costs were covered by Rothley Park Kindergarten and neighbouring football club, the Rothley Imps. Local heart charity the JHMT has provided the cabinet to store the equipment. Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for communities said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Soar Valley Bowls Club purchase a defibrillator through our sports facilities grant scheme. “Not only will the equipment help the bowls club become heartsafe, but it will also be accessible for the local community.
Colourful NHS charity day a Pamper Day at Ragdale Hall and well done to Andrew Jones, Tom James and Jenny Piecha who won a weekend drive in a ‘high end’ Mercedes car so look out for these around Rothley soon. Lady President, Gilly Clear, said: “The success of the day was due to the enthusiasm of all the Rothley members and their incredible generosity. A big thank you to all members, sponsors, helpers and staff who supported us either before or on the day. The final amount raised was £8,075. This amount will be split equally between the Leicester Neo-Natal unit and The Osborne Unit.” Pic: Vice Captain, Simon Green, with the fabulously colourful ‘Rainbow’ team comprising Darren Want, Asa English, Jonno Arkle and Jez Perry.
OVER 200 members turned out to play in the recent NHS Charity Day at Rothley Park Golf Club. Club Captain, Alan Dorn and Vice Captain, Simon Green were at the tee at 7am to see the first team start the competition. Meanwhile, Presidents, Gilly Clear and Robin Laurie, together with Lady Captain, Jenny Piecha and Lady Vice Captain, Libby Carter prepared the halfway Caddyshack with an array of refreshments including fresh sandwiches, scotch pies and home-baked cakes. The Scotch Pies, proving especially popular, had been flown down from the famous Murdoch's Butchers in Inverness-shire by Scottish Robin.
Many members entered the spirit of the event by wearing ‘rainbow-themed’ golf attire. Robert Jelley who is usually ‘nailed on’ to top the award was forced to give way on this occasion to Jez Perry, Darren Want, Jonno Arkle and Asa English who were only short of 'indigo' from their wardrobe. Congratulations to the big winners of the event who were the Full Square Team of John Boggis, Mel Coupland, Ian Patchett and Craig Parkin. They secured first place on count-back from Maz Sharpe, Tom Rees, Tom Morgan, and Alun Harry. Also, in the winners’ circle, was Michael Green, who won a golf weekend for four people at the Gleneagles Hotel in the raffle. Lou Preedy won
“I’d encourage other local sports clubs to look into the grants that are available to help them with funding an Automated External Defibrillator.” The defib is fitted outside Rothley Park Kindergarten, on Loughborough Road, Rothley, and is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hilary Billings, secretary at Soar Valley Bowls Club said: “Soar Valley Bowls Club is extremely pleased to be associated with the project to supply a defibrillator in our area. “We are keen to support the welfare of our members and the supply of this machine close to our facilities is a great step forward. With the inclusion of the Rothley Park Kindergarten and the Rothley Park Football Club the machine will cater for a large diversity of age range.” Soar Valley Bowls Club has a 60-year history, with humble beginnings as an activity for workers at the former Rolls Royce factory in Mountsorrel. The club has 60 members and serves communities in Rothley and Mountsorrel. Pic: (taken before 'Rule of 6') shows representatives from Soar Valley Bowls Club, CBC, JHMT and Rothley Park Kindergarten
Specialist Wedding Gown Cleaning Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9-5pm Wed & Sat: 9-1pm
Roy Morris
THE ROTHLEY POST
Plumbing and Heating
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Installation, Upgrades & Servicing Of Gas Cookers, Boilers and Fires
Servicing of Boilers £35 General plumbing, shower & bathroom installs. Tiling & electrical work also undertaken
Landlords – don’t forget your Safety Certificates: from £45 Call now for a FREE no obligation quote
0116 2841076 / 07860 551820
Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising
0116 4422067 Correspondence, news etc can be handed in or sent to our office: Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR editor@birstallpost.co.uk
NOV 2020
would still be unable to meet six months later, but here we are with no sign of a lifting of restrictions. “The Parish Council is, understandably, sticking to government guidelines and a resumption of our events now seems far away.”
THE ROTHLEY POST
12