THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Delivered to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston
MAR/APR 2021
www.birstallpost.co.uk
No. 147
Rothley boy’s running challenge A SEVEN-year-old boy from Rothley ran a mile every day in January to raise money for the Rainbows Children’s Hospital. Henry, a pupil at Rothley primary school, has raised £851 and said he wanted to help children who are less fortunate than himself. Henry ran various routes around Rothley, accompanied by his mum or dad each time, except for one solo run around the park. He said: “It was really fun, great exercise and shows what you can achieve if you put your mind to it.”
Henry’s final run started and finish at the Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough. Mum Laura, and dad Chris, said: “We are unbelievably proud of his achievement and impressed with his determination and perseverance to run every day despite snow, rain and icy weather.”
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Peace Garden A PEACE garden has been created at the Mountsorrel & Rothley Community Heritage Centre. The garden, which took 18 months to design and plan, is a site where the ashes of loved ones can be spread, and a plaque erected in their memory. A Heritage Centre spokesman said: “Our volunteers have created a circular garden in a very beautiful and peaceful part of the old quarry bottom. On one side is a semicircle of upright railway sleepers where elegant granite plaques will be placed in memory of loved ones. On the opposite side, there are benches, planting and granite rock features. The eco team have planted a variety of flowers, ensuring the garden has colour throughout the year.”
Plaques cost £180 with the option to spread a small amount of ashes. Plaque orders are already being taken, and the first sleeper is almost full. For an order form and further details, please contact the Heritage Centre.
Woman spat at THE POLICE are appealing for information after a woman reported that a man spat in her face while walking her dog in Mountsorrel. Around 7.15am on Monday February 1, a women was walking her dog on Crown Lane when a man approached her from behind, forcibly pushed her, and then spat in her face. The man then verbally threatened the women before leaving the area on foot. He is described as around 5’7 with a slim build and brown hair. He wore dark clothing and spoke with a local accent. PSCO Katrina Hallmark said: “This was a disgusting and potentially dangerous incident. “It was light when it occurred and we would like to speak to anyone who may have a seen a man in the area who matches the description.” Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 21*65778.
Parish Council notes Several complaints have been received regarding the newly installed fencing across the footpath at Town Green Street. This has been brought to the attention of the rights of way officer at Leicestershire County Council. It was agreed to spend £3468 on a building condition survey of the Rothley centre. The survey will highlight any issues before a program of refurbishment can start. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on February 15. A police representative reported that antisocial behaviour in the area around Farmer’s Way was a police priority, as a large quantity of laughing gas canisters has been found in the area. The Rothley Neighbourhood Plan is awaiting approval from councillors be-
Tennis club can’t wait to get back IN MID-MARCH 2020, your local tennis club, Rothley Ivanhoe, held a successful open day just before the first lockdown.
Litter complaints LITTER BY the sides of the road along the A46 near Birstall has resulted in complaints from residents. The litter became visible after the Highways Agency cut back the verges. A Charnwood Borough Council spokesperson said: “We are responsible for cleansing a small part of the A46 between Birstall and Anstey. This section is scheduled to be cleansed twice a year by our waste partner Serco. The clean-ups usually take place in April and October when the clocks change and require a significant amount of planning due to it being on a busy road. This includes rolling road closures, staff availability and completing it at less busy times. The ongoing pandemic has affected the usual clean-up schedule, but the next clean is now scheduled to take place in April which should address the issue on our section of road.”
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“Who could have seen this one coming?” said club chairperson Anne Mumford. “We have kept the club open as much as we have been allowed to, and organised competitions and social play within the guidance. We have had to be really innovative to give opportunities for play to new and existing members. It was such a shame as we had a great programme of tennis and social events planned.” Club events have included encouraging naturally socially distanced singles play with lots of people playing and
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keeping fit. When ‘the rule of six’ was enforced, the club arranged some play with just six people playing a mix of singles and doubles, and a ‘bubble doubles’ event was organised. The club had plans to resurface four courts in late 2020 or spring 2021 and instead brought the work forward to be largely completed while the courts could not be used in April and May. The work by local contractors Fosse Contracts was permitted while play was not possible. All this means is that the courts will not need to be taken out of play for the resurfacing. Anne said: “We will be open for our existing members and for new members of all ages and abilities as soon as we are permitted to do so, and tennis will be organised in a safe way consistent with the Government and LTA guidance.” She added: “Tennis is such a great game, the courts are playing really well and we cannot wait to get back to social and competitive play as well as to delivering our coaching programme.” See more details at: www.rothleytennis.info Contact: enquiries@rothleytennis.info
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MAR 2021
A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on January 18.
A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on January 21 (there was no meeting in December). A member of the public reported fore it can be put out to the community litter problems on Bradgate Road from in a referendum, to be held on May 6, Station Road through to Roecliffe Road. 2021. The clerk will report this to Charnwood A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & and look at the possibility of recruiting litter pickers for the parish. Cropston Parish Council was The council has been looking into the held on November 19. possibility of adding five or six names to It was reported that speed data in the the Memorial plaque in the Memorial parish showed the average speed was Hall. just above 30 mph. The council agreed a precept for The police have reported one burgla2021/22 of £40,842, an increase of ry in Cropston, one theft in Thurcaston 3.8% from 2020. and criminal damage on Bradgate It was reported that 26 slabs have Road/Swithland Road in Cropston. now been laid in the ashes section of the There is a casual vacancy following cemetery and each slab is being marked the resignation of Councillor Stephan with its unique plot number. Brooks. Charnwood has been placing notices The council agreed to submit objecregarding dog fouling on lampposts in tions to the Leicester City draft local plan, the parish. The clerk will contact Charnrelating to site allocations 261, 580 and wood requesting another dog waste bin 262 (A and B). on Station Road in Cropston.
THE ROTHLEY POST
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Joy of fresh snow and blue sky
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WAKING UP on a Sunday morning in late January and finding Rothley covered in a thick blanket of snow and blue skies was a tonic for one of Rothley’s older residents.
THE ROTHLEY POST
MAR 2021
She writes: “What a wonderful and surprising gift we all received on Sunday, didn’t we! Bright sunshine, deep blue, clear skies with hardly a breath of wind, and layer on layer of pure snow! “And not just any snow, but snow just right for building huge snowmen, some even taller than the adults who were busy helping their youngsters! “It was such a tonic for us all, after so many wet, grey, windy days. It seemed that everyone, who could manage it, was out and about, enjoying the show and chatting to passers-by. “ Eleven years since we’ve seen snow like this!” “It’s my children’s first experience of snow!” were frequent remarks.
“So, by Monday morning, Rothley had its very own Sculpture Park! Fowke Street playing field exhibited snowmen, huge snowballs, and even artistic patterning in the fresh snow. There were carrot noses, of course, and a wonderful variety of twiggy arms and hands, and the usual stones for mouths and eyes. But one artist made eyes from the two halves of an empty eggshell! Is that a first? “As Monday was another clear day, a good crowd came out to admire the exhibits and even add some more. “We had a special couple of days! Will it be 11 years before the next time?” Pics: fun in the snow in Rothley
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Betty celebrates jab, thanks NHS Business
A RESIDENT at a Rothley care home has thanked the staff and the NHS after being vaccinated.
LOCAL BUSINESSES are being contacted by Charnwood Borough Council and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to make sure they are Covid-secure.
Pic: Mountview resident Betty Allen celebrates her vaccination
first dose, I look forward to having a big party once things return to normal!” Mountview General Manager, Selina Leone, said: “The past year has been a real challenge for everyone, but we have always had faith that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the availability of a vaccine has been our continued
hope that we will return to normal. "Betty’s letter was extremely heartfelt and was an emotional read for our care team. It means a lot to have such recognition from our residents, and it solidifies how much of a family we really are. Once everyone had a chance to read the letter, we passed it on to the NHS team to give them a positive boost for all of their hard work.” Mountview care home, operated by Ideal Carehomes, provides 24-hour residential and dementia care, offering personalised care on an inclusive fee basis. The home is currently welcoming new residents for short and long term placements, and loved ones can visit in dedicated Covid-safe social rooms (subject to current guidelines). Upon moving into Mountview, the team will facilitate organising a Covid-19 vaccination on your behalf. For more information about Mountview, contact Selina Leone on 0116 303 3303 or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk
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The HSE is also working alongside local public health authorities to support the understanding of any patterns in confirmed coronavirus cases in the area. During the checks, advice and guidance will be provided to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors, but where some businesses are not managing this, immediate action will be taken. This can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices and stopping certain work practices until they are made safe. Where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution. Being Covid-secure means that businesses need to put adjustments in place to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus. Cllr Shona Rattray, lead member for regulatory services at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Local businesses in and around Charnwood are being contacted to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity. “Being Covid-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in Charnwood, it is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus. This means making business adjustments to become Covid-secure. We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.” HSE and local authority inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of sectors that include: • failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing, • failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime, particularly at busy times of the day. Cllr Rattray added: “All businesses are eligible for spot checks, which means businesses of any size, in any sector, can receive an unannounced check to ensure they are Covid-secure. By making sure that businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of the local community as well as support the local and national UK economy.” For the latest information and safer business guidance, see www.gov.uk/coronavirus
MAR 2021
Betty Allen has lived at Mountview care home in Rothley since October last year and was eagerly waiting for the vaccination day to arrive. She expressed her thanks in an emotional letter. She wrote: “I would like to give the biggest thank you to the Mountview care team and to the nurses who came to give us our Covid-19 jabs. The dedication and compassion you have all displayed during the pandemic is nothing short of amazing.” Betty also offered advice to anybody who may be feeling down during the lockdown. She said: “If anybody is feeling blue, I would suggest singing along to ‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor. It is the perfect song to give you the strength to carry on!” Staff and residents at Mountview recently received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. The home arranged for each resident to pair up with a staff member whilst having their injections to offer additional support as the team of Registered Nurses from NAME Medical Centre came to carry out the vaccinations. Betty said: “The Mountview team have really gone above and beyond to support us in every way and the nurses who came to give us the vaccine were lovely! I am so pleased we have all received the
Covid secure
THE ROTHLEY POST
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History Society news THE SPEAKER at our January meeting was Jo Mungovin whose talk on Joseph Merrick “The Elephant Man” was very informative. Those of us who had been brought up to believe that Joseph was a ‘freak’ whose life revolved around him being exhibited at Penny shows were soon to be told the true story. Joseph‘s grandfather moved to Leicester in 1837. Later his son Joseph married Mary Jane. During her pregnancy Mary Jane attended a May Fair where, rumour has it, she was frightened by an elephant which affected the foetus she was carrying. People actually believed that the various afflictions which Joseph suffered were the result of this frightening encounter. The resulting baby, our Elephant Man, was born with many physical defects. Young Joseph‘s father was ambitious and soon moved with his wife and young family into a different house. His father owned two shops and was a successful man. There was no indication that young Joseph was bullied or teased; many
Pic: the cardboard model of Mainz cathedral made by Joseph Merrick and now in the museum of the Royal London Hospital. Courtesy of the Museum of the Royal London Hospital
children had physical difficulties at that time. His major trauma was his mother’s death when he was seven years old. His father’s subsequent remarriage did not help. Joseph‘s fingers were thick; he could not do fiddly factory jobs and was beaten at home if he failed to earn money. Finally, Joseph moved to his uncle’s house for two years, but when he was 17 he took himself into the infirmary workhouse to join its 1200 residents. He spent four years there, doing dirty and demeaning jobs and eating very poor food. During that time he developed a huge growth in his mouth which required an operation.
Club appoints new assistant manager
THE ROTHLEY POST
MAR 2021
ROTHLEY PARK Golf Club has appointed Rob Hennessy as Assistant Club Manager.
“Rothley Park is a lovely golf club,” said Rob. “I am hearing great things about how friendly the members are, and I hope I can soon become part of the Rothley Park family. I have plenty to learn, and with club manager Danny’s guidance I hope to quickly become an integral part of the club. He added: “I started working for The European Tour in 2005 and enjoyed travelling around the world. Now onto my next chapter, to hopefully help Rothley Park to build upon its already great
Finally, he contacted Sam Torr, a music hall proprietor who agreed to use Joseph as an exhibit at one of his Penny Shows. Later, he went to Nottingham and then to London where he was befriended by Tom Norman. Tom exhibited him for money but also showed him kindness. Joseph supplemented his income by writing his own pamphlet which he sold. In the mid 19th century there was no legislation to stop exhibits of fat ladies, giants, dwarves etc. At this time Joseph was described as being “a poor fellow, deformed head, skin thick and crinkly, hanging in folds”.
reputation and become a valuable member of the team. I will endeavour to enhance the members’ enjoyment at the club and be available to assist members with their queries. I am starting a GCMA Diploma in April.” Rob will work closely with Club Manager Danny Spillane dealing with the overall running and management of the club, including its interactive software systems, and regularly updating the membership via the website and online diary. He will also deal with daily enquiries and manage club opens, events, visitor and society bookings. A key responsibility will be coordinating the clubhouse and catering facilities. Rob has a wealth of golf management experience, having been employed by the European Tour Organisation for over 15 years as a Scoring & Information Services Manager. His job took him around the world to prestigious golf events including the Ryder Cup, the Seniors’ Tour Finals in Mauritius, The PGA Championship at Wentworth and the Women’s Solheim Cup at Gleneagles. Pic: new assistant club manager, Rob Hennessy
marked grave at the City of London Cem- 5 etery. Later, a plaque was placed there including the dates 1862-1890. There is a replica of his skeleton, his hat and his hood, plus a letter, and a model of the church he had made from cardboard, on show at the Royal London Museum. No DNA could be retrieved from Joseph’s bones and there is still no medical diagnosis of his condition. Jo described a human, not a freak, determined to be independent despite all the severe difficulties imposed by his physical condition. If this story intrigues and interests you, please see Jo Mungovin’s book “Joseph: The Life, Times and Places of The Elephant Man”, which includes Joseph’s 22 years in Leicester. From Sylvia Cole, Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society
AT OUR online meeting in February, we welcomed Mark Temple to tell us about the ‘Vanishing Windmills of Leicestershire and Beyond’. While watermills already existed in the Saxon period, windmills were probably introduced to England after the Norman conquest. The first written reference to them dates from the 12th century, and by the 14th century, we have illustrations in books such as the Luttrell Psalter.
Later Dr Frederick Treves, who worked at the Royal London hospital, began to take an interest in Joseph. The doctor had a scientific obsession with the freaks on display at the shows. He persuaded Joseph to attend sessions at the hospital where he was part of medical demonstrations. Joseph finally refused to continue and Dr Treves closed down the Penny Shows. From 1885 onwards Joseph’s life began to change. His new manager designed a new hat and a facial hood for him so that he could appear in public without ridicule. He was even exhibited at the world fair on the continent where at times over 400 indigenous people were on show. However, the manager of the foreign tour stole the money Joseph had managed to save and abandoned him. Joseph returned, penniless to the London Hospital. He was given clothes and his own lodging in Bedstead Square. He was well cared for and doctors visited him daily. They even discussed how he would look preserved in alcohol! In 1887, after opening the new hospital building, the Prince and Princess of Wales met him and subsequently sent him food and visited him. He made money by weaving baskets; had three holidays in the country and even wrote letters about his life experiences. His confidence increased but, by 1889, his health was failing. He had bronchitis, a weak heart and a growth in his mouth was increasing. He attended Mass twice on April 6, 1890, and, early on April 7, when visited, he seemed in good health. Sadly at 3:30pm, he was found dead as a result of asphyxiation. He was 27 years old. His body was handed over to Dr Treves at the Royal London Hospital. The flesh was removed and his bones were bleached. In May 2019 Joseph’s final resting place was finally discovered in an un-
Pic: the Woodhouse Eaves windmill
Those early examples were all post mills, in which the whole structure was pivoted on a large, central post so that it could be turned to face the wind. This made them vulnerable to strong winds and a gale in 1895 destroyed or damaged 40 windmills in the Leicestershire area. The only example surviving in the county today is at Kibworth. The central post was usually supported by a trestle structure resting on four stone piers, and sometimes, as at Markfield, the four stones in the shape of a cross are all that remains on the site of a former mill. A later development was the tower mill, in which the sails were mounted at the top of a brick tower, where they could catch more wind. Only the cap with the sails needed to turn to face the wind so the millstones and other heavy equipment could be housed in a fixed building below. Continued on page 6
County council offer to local litter pickers supply these groups with road signs and hi-vis jackets to help keep them safe, and extra-long litter pickers to reach under bushes and hedgerows. Louise Richardson, Leicestershire County Across Leicestershire, there are hunCouncil for commudreds of groups who collect litter from nities, said: Leicestershire streets, parks, verges and “Womblers provide other public spaces. a vital community Now, practical support is being ofservice. The benefered through a new fund which will fits are numerous litter-picking Continued from page 5 keeps our public However, tower mills were more spaces clean, aids expensive to build, and most Leicesterwildlife, promotes shire windmills continued to be of the walking and increases post mill type, perhaps because – unlike recycling. in Lincolnshire – we have no shortage of “That’s why we want to support hills to put them on. our local groups by giving them the Although 5- and 7-sailed windmills did exist, an even number of sails was preferred so that if one sail was lost, the opposite one could be removed to balance it and keep the mill in use. Loughborough is known to have had four windmills. A “South Prospect of Leicester” from 1743 shows several of them in the area that is now Victoria Park and Highfields, as well as on the distant hills of Charnwood. A large number of village windmills ROTHLEY LIBRARY will continue survived into the age of photography, to operate with restricted timand Mark showed us many examples ings until advice is received from around the county. During the from Leicestershire County Counearly 20th century flour began to be cil. milled on a more industrial scale using other sources of power. Most windmills A library spokesperson reports: “We were either dismantled or allowed to are still offering our Call and Collect decay, so there are no working examservice which is now proving very popuples in the county today. lar. Remember, children can ask us to The most famous windmill in this pull out their favourite authors, or you area was at Woodhouse Eaves, which can take picture books to read together. remained a popular tourist destination “Grandparents are now beginning to long after it had fallen out of use until take out books regularly to share with destroyed by a fire in 1945. their grandchildren on zoom. Perhaps Its stone base survives, and a viewing you would like to do this, or maybe, you platform has been added. Also near to could start a new bedtime tradition with us, Hough’s Mill near Swannington is your own family. undergoing restoration and will re-open “No holds or orders are possible durto visitors as soon as that becomes possi- ing lockdown, but we will gladly help ble. you to locate your favourite authors or As far as the members of our Society try to find you something similar to read. are aware, there was never a windmill in “The public computer and printer are either of our villages but documents do still available for use on Mondays and refer to one somewhere in Swithland. Thursdays. The strict cleaning protocols The names of the former furlongs Windmean that you can use them in confimill Lane in Cropston (1775) and Wind- dence. mill Flat in Thurcaston (1608) suggest “Remember our collection of books to that the Swithland mill might have been make you feel better kindly donated by located not far from our border. Rothley WEA. Our collection of Reading From Thurcaston & Cropston Local HistoWell Shelf Help has been recently extendry Society ed to cater for children and young peowww.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk ple. This can be done in total
LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY Council is supporting local litter picking groups - often called wombles by pledging to help them access the equipment they need.
equipment they need. It’s a great example of how we can support and empower our communities to
News from Rothley library
make a difference in their area. “I applaud our womblers and hope that our support bolsters their brilliant work.” The kit provided: Six-foot litter pickers Hi-vis waistcoats Easy-to-transport, light-weight fold-up signs – to keep people safe on roadside verges You can apply by emailing Community.Litter@leics.gov.uk
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MAR 2021
confidence; just speak to one of the library volunteers. “World Book Day 2021 is just around the corner! The campaign to get more children reading is now in its 24th year and this year is celebrated on 4 March. Go to worldbookday.com for tips and ideas, and if you are dressing up to celebrate, why not come down to the library between 2.30 and 3.30pm and show us your costume. We cannot accept book donations at the present time but we are very happy to confirm that despite the lack of fundraising activity, we have been supported by lockdown grants and hope to resume all our community-based activities as soon as we are permitted to do so. “Please do not worry about incurring fines for overdue books even if you receive messages about this from the library service. We will waive/cancel any fines that may arise. “Your requested books can be collected on Thursdays between 2.30 and 3.30, library phone number 0116 237 6162. Email: info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk”
Help with personal care, medication, light house work, meal preparation, companionship
THE ROTHLEY POST
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The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicester, LE7 7PR Normal Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 to 11.00am Phone: 0116 2374544 Email: clerk@rothleyparishcouncil.org.uk
Newsletter No 10 March/April 2021 Rothley Parish Councillors & the committees they sit on are: Andrew Brettle Planning Nathanial Bromwich Open Spaces Mike Ferguson Staffing Premises/Health/Safety Roger Gross Finance Staffing Planning, Premises/Health/Safety Graham Hall Finance Open Spaces Percy Hartshorn Finance Planning Premises/Health/Safety Steve Mitchell Finance Open Spaces Premises/Health/Safety Barry Simons Finance Staffing Planning Premises/Health/Safety Open Spaces Douglas Sutherland Staffing Planning Premises/Health/Safety Open Spaces Christine Watts Premises/Health/Safety Staffing Administration Rothley Parish Council staff
THE ROTHLEY POST
MAR 2021
Parish Clerk - Gail Newcombe Senior Administrator Sue Wyles Admin Assistant - Bev Eldridge Caretaker - Jennifer Cornish Caretaker - Andrew Hodgson Caretaker - Bernadeta Skubala Dogs on Mountsorrel Lane The park near the Library is very popular due to the huge amount of new equipment. There is also a small running track. To ensure young children feel comfortable whilst playing we are asking dog owners to have their dogs on a lead when children are there. When there are no children owners are at liberty to let their dogs off the lead. We want all families to share this facility. Mountsorrel Lane playing field.
Further funding from local developments, has led to children’s play equipment being installed in February. The pieces include a climbing tower with double slide; a four-seater seesaw; turning / monkey bars; a musical pipe panel and two additional picnic tables.
Organised fitness activities. Please note that leaders and organisers of fitness groups / boot camps etc or personal trainers who intend to use any of the parks / playing fields or adult fitness equipment in Rothley for organised fitness sessions should register their activity with the Parish Clerk. This applies to voluntary groups or commercial activities. There is no charge.
Fowke Street Fitness Zone. Also funded by developers and as part of the Parish Council’s commitment to public health an adult fitness zone has been installed at Fowke Street. The equipment includes a combination unit for a whole range of fitness activities, some dips bars as well as other items. Each piece of equipment has diagrams and pictures and a QR code so that, using a mobile phone, people can access information on how best to use the equipment.
Thomas Babington Macauley As outlined in the Jan/Feb Rothley Post, The Lord Macaulay Walk is now open for walkers and it is being used by many local people. In order to inform those that pass by, an interpretation board giving information about the history of the walk, originally laid out by Thomas Babington over 200 years ago, will be installed by the Parish Council at a date hopefully later this Spring when Government restrictions permit small ceremonies to take place.
Grass Verges Grass verges within Rothley have, over the past three years, been cut by the Parish Council’s grounds maintenance contractor on a fortnightly cycle. The verges Parish Office We appreciate your patience are the property of the County Council who gave parish councils during various degrees of the national Tier System and the option to cut them to their Lockdown. Our intention is to requirements. The LCC’s grass open the Parish Office as soon cutting regime is based on a as guidelines and prevailing 6-week cutting cycle and when restrictions permit. In the they gave permission to the meantime, please contact us by Parish Council to cut them they email or phone. only gave limited funds, which had to be augmented with Neighbourhood Plan update considerable amounts of money raised from the parish precept. The Parish Council has now informed the LCC that for the foreseeable future, in an effort to save money, we want the LCC to cut their own verges. The grass Following approval by areas that will still be cut on a Charnwood Borough Council the fortnightly basis are ones that are Rothley Neighbourhood Plan has owned by RPC or by local progressed through a further Trusts: Mountsorrel Lane Playing stage and will now be ready for Field, Town Green Street Playing going out for local approval by Field and the old Town Green, way of a referendum. This, Fowke Street Playing Field, however, has been delayed due Bunney’s Field, the Cemetery to the current Covid situation and and the area around the War is likely to be held in May or Memorial. June. The Lord Macauley Walk
2021 Census
Wildflower plans This year will see a national census, which has occurred every 10 years since 1801 (apart from 1941). The first was concerned with the number of people, their occupations, and numbers of families / houses and also a collection of the numbers of baptisms, marriages and burials. The 2021census will be the first to be completed digitally, which can be done on any device; mobile phone, computer or laptop.
The establishment of a wildflower meadow at ‘The Donkey Field’ was partially successful and more work will be carried out this spring to reduce the grass overwhelming flower seed. Other areas at Mountsorrel Lane Playing Field, Bunney’s Field, the Primary School campus and Did you know? Woodgate will be further enhanced. We have also On the R.P.C website there is a approached LCC to seek very comprehensive collection of permission to use small sections local history documents including of verges for wildflowers. Census details of Rothley 1851, 1861 & 1901. The 1851 census Persimmon Homes Land shows a population of 985 in All the green spaces and Rothley with 42% of its playgrounds on land where inhabitants born outside the Persimmon houses are to be parish. Mobility depended on found is still ‘unadopted’. The whether a village was 'open' or plan for them to be handed over 'closed'. A 'closed' village was and maintained by the Parish one where the property was in Council is still some way off. So, the hands of a very few people any issues with regards to the who could control development cutting of grass on these areas and restrict people coming in or the maintenance of who might become dependent on playgrounds at Warren Way, poor relief. Rothley, being partly Saxon Drive & Old School Way an industrial village, would attract or the emptying of litter bins workers from elsewhere and should be raised with Persimmon conformed to the pattern of an Homes / Charles Church directly 'open' village. Of the inhabitants on 0116 281 5600. These areas in Rothley, 490 had an remain outstanding due to the identifiable job;55 different ones unresolved issue of a bridge, were recorded. Agricultural which Persimmon Homes were Labourers and Framework due to provide over the Rothley Knitters made up the bulk of the Brook from Town Green Street workforce with 84 of the former Playing Field. and 132 of the latter. Grants All the information on the Local Thanks to the diligence of the History section was added by the Parish Clerk & the Senior late Marion Vincent, MBE Administrator the Parish As an example, here are two photos of Cross Green in the Council has managed to early 1900s. successfully apply for a
variety of different Lockdown grants available and in addition funds to assist with furlough of staff. In total approximately £23,000 has been received which will go some way to offset the huge loss of income from lettings at the Rothley Centre & Village Hall, which had been cancelled over the past 12 months. (see next column for more information). Access via the RPC website https://www.rothleyparishcouncil. org.uk
Parish Precept The year 2020/21 has been extraordinary for everyone and the Parish Council is no exception. While the ‘precept’
(the Parish Council’s share of your Council Tax) makes up the greater part of our income a significant contribution comes from the hiring of rooms at the Rothley Centre & Village Hall. Throughout the year both buildings have either been completely closed or hiring of rooms severely curtailed. This has led to a significant shortfall in income which we have had to make good from the contingency reserve that we are (fortunately) obliged to maintain under Government guidance. In setting a budget for 2021/22 we have been obliged to allow for the likelihood of the loss of income continuing for part of the year and the need to replenish the contingency reserve. This means that the precept will have to increase by a significant percentage (about 38%). However, residents should not be too alarmed as this will only represent an increase of 50p per week for each household. Furthermore, the precept in Rothley will still be low compared with other surrounding villages. The Parish Council’s budget for 2021/22 is £220,412. This compares with £200,007 for 2020/21. As always, the ‘precept’ makes up the greater part of our income - £190,207 for 2021/22 compared with £138,000 for 2020/21. The breakdown of Parish Council expenditure for 2021/22 will be approximately as follows: Salaries 35% Admin/operating costs 7.5% Open spaces 14% (grass cutting, maintenance, floral displays, playgrounds etc) Christmas lights 3.6% Village Hall 5% * Cemetery 2.5% Street Lighting 2.5% Rothley Centre costs 20% * Insurance 3% Other 7% * largely offset by lettings income in ‘normal’ years We agreed to financially assist the Community Library as its funding runs down and we expected a small increase in precept in this financial year and thereafter as a result. However, as the library has been successful in applying for grants the parish council contribution is not needed in 2021/22. Rothley Centre refurbishment. The Parish Council are starting to carry out refurbishment of the Rothley Centre using developer contributions (section 106). We have £370,000 to carry out work which we feel needs doing.
We have now instructed 'Scape’ a framework contractor to carry out a condition survey and then recommend the work we need to do, within the limitations of the budget. They will also project manage the works.
We have a wish list which is to replace the current boiler and heating system which is very old, replace all windows with modern double-glazed units to reduce our carbon footprint. Also depending on costs, we want to replace the kitchen, replace floors and redecorate the complete building. This work will complement the refurbishment we have already carried out in the toilets. We are trying to bring the Centre up to a modern standard throughout. This work will mean we have to keep the centre closed for the duration of the work. We are pressing ahead as the centre is currently closed any way. Village Hall The retaining wall at side of the village hall has been rebuilt which has created a better fire escape route and access for disabled visitors.
Repairs and repointing to gable ends and replacement of broken roof slates has also occurred to assist with the upkeep of this wonderful old building, provided in 1886 by Frederick Merttens at his own expense for somewhere for local people to go and hold village events. This facility will be available to hire once Government restrictions are lifted allowing events and activities to resume.
MAR 2021
Scroll down the left-hand side to find the link to Village History.
THE ROTHLEY POST
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News from Sustainable Sustained fall in Rothley crime during HIBERNATION AND lockdown have come at the same time this year, and Sustainable Rothley is still limited in what they can do.
THE ROTHLEY POST
MAR 2021
There have been developments in contacts with other organisations, and there’s always something to learn. Sustainable nappies to try A group of volunteers contacted the Facebook page, asking to pass on information to all families expecting a baby or with a baby. They’re running a reusa-
ble nappy library, servicing the Leicester(shire) area, and promoting the use of cloth-based baby items such as nappies and wipes. They offer the hire of trial kits to those interested in trying different kinds of cloth nappies before committing to a purchase of their own, and support their clients during the hire period and beyond. The group is supported by Leicester City Council and De Montfort University. Cloth nappies are much better for the environment than disposable nappies. But they have other benefits too. They can reduce nappy rash and thrush, and potty training times. They come in bright prints, and a trial pack can cost as little as £8. You can contact them through their Facebook or Instagram page or email leicesterclothnappylibrary@gmail.com. Conferences and meetings: Diversity Alison Riggall heard Meena Rajput, diversity and inclusion lead with Greenpeace, talk about her work. She's done some remarkable stuff, including direct action against krill fishing in the Antarctic, oil drilling in the North Sea, Cocacola plastic use. She often finds herself alone as a person of colour on Greenpeace actions. A reminder to us all to do all we can to ensure our actions are as inclusive as possible, and to collaborate as effectively as we can with likeminded organisations. Monitoring Lynn Hebblethwaite attended the Monitoring and Evaluation overview at the Plastic-free Communities leaders' conference. They are working to establish an evaluation framework that will show what we are delivering on outcomes and impacts. Things like a greater sense of belonging or Plastic Free Communities developing into wider sustainability campaigning or reducing the amount of plastic that is coming into the local area.
Measuring the impacts is important because it gives access to grants, influences change and inspires others. Disposable cups Maxine Linnell heard a talk from Boston Tea Party cafes, in the southwest. They have a very clear environmental approach and work from the idea that if you start with people and the planet you will get profit. They have strong policies and values and believe that doing good is good for business. For cups, they use loans and sell cups at a discount price. They’re the first to have completely stopped using disposable cups. They are keen to help other small businesses to reduce their footprint and waste, so they're a real resource for all of us to make progress for local businesses easier. Local coffee shops and tea rooms might be interested to find out more, and Sustainable Rothley is happy to help facilitate this. Non-plastic period products Maxine Linnell also heard Ella Daish talk about her campaign to change period products to remove plastic. She suggested ideas like encouraging local shops to stock eco versions, and schools to have alternatives available. She's done a lot of work with the big corporations around it too, and has had no action from Tampax, though Sainsbury's, Aldi and Superdrug all stock alternatives now. What’s next? There are ideas to put on something local in September, to coincide with the COP21 gathering. This will be part of the Climate Coalition initiative. Litter picks may be possible soon. A small stall offering free wildflower seeds etc. Sustainable Rothley continues to meet on Zoom, and the next gathering will be on Sunday March 14, from 5.30-6.30pm. Email sustainablerothley@gmail.com for more information. The next issue of
THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on May 7. The copy deadline is Apr 23.
the pandemic restrictions in the run-up to Christmas and New Year. “Police will always strive to make the most effective use of any additional capacity when crime falls.” Speaking about the continued rise of assaults against emergency service workFixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) given to ers reported within this snapshot, at four the public for breaches of Coronavirus per cent higher than in 2019, Mr Hewitt Regulations rose as national restrictions added: were implemented in England. “Assaults on emergency workers who Preliminary figures released on Janudo crucial work to keep the public safe ary 28 show an overall fall of thirteen per cent in the four weeks to 20 Decem- are deplorable. We’ve been firm from the outset, together with the Director for ber 2020, compared to the same period Public Prosecutions, that we will do all in 2019. we can to prosecute those who commit For the most recent recorded snapshot, for the four weeks to 20 December, these criminal offences.” Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued serious violent crime, including Grievous by territorial forces in England and Bodily Harm, Actual Bodily Harm and Wales personal robbery reduced by 26 per In total, 42,675 FPNs have been recent, shoplifting was down 29 per cent, corded as having been issued in England vehicle crime fell by 27 per cent and residential burglary was down by 28 per and Wales under Coronavirus Regulations between Friday 27 March and cent compared to the same period in Sunday 17 January. In England 38,452, 2019. were issued, and 4,223 in Wales. Throughout the pandemic, sustained 80 per cent of all Coronavirus notices falls in crime have been recorded throughout periods of national lockdown, issued in England and Wales were given to those aged between 18-39. with crime only rising close to 2019 levels during the summer months. The falling trend following November’s national restrictions has continued throughout the periods covered by the Alert Level Tiers in England. Particularly in the period just before Christmas and New Year, most of England and Wales was covered by continued restrictive measures based on the spread of the virus across Wales and English counties. Individuals were also more likely to stay home and isolate due to the prospect of household mixing being allowed for Christmas Day, allowBICYCLE THEFT fell by nearly ing criminals fewer opportunities to 10% across the country from commit crime. 2019 to 2020, according to It is expected that the crime rate will the latest police crime figures. continue to fall for January as England The biggest drops were during the entered a third national lockdown. first lockdown, with April 2020 reNational Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, cording a 39.5% fall (down from Martin Hewitt said: “We have seen falls 6690 to 4050 crimes reported) yearin crime during periods of national on-year, followed by March – down lockdown, and we are beginning to see 30.5% (6340 it again in January. There was no signifito 4410). cant rise back towards 2019 levels obThe easing served in December. Many parts of of lockdown England and Wales still faced significant restrictions led to a small resurgence in bicycle crime, with September recording a near 10% year-on-year rise in reported thefts - a PETROLS • DIESELS likely combination of soaring bicycle sales and a greater number of opporMOTORCYCLES tunities for thieves. Those most likely to have their CROPSTON bicycles pinched were cyclists in Cambridgeshire, reporting on average 3.9 GARAGE crimes per 1000 residents, London reported 3.3 crimes and Thames Val37 - 39 Station Road ley 2.1 – the same areas that topped Cropston, Leicester the bicycle theft hotspots in 2019. 0116 2362363
PROVISIONAL DATA from police forces in England and Wales shows police recorded crime is thirteen per cent lower than in the same period as 2019.
Bike thefts fall
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Tree lined walk in country park Long waits increasing
A TREE trail in Watermead Country Park will soon be providing a space for reflection and remembrance for those whose lives have been affected by the coronavirus, thanks to the success of a crowdfunding campaign. In just two months, local people and businesses have helped raise the £60,000 needed to create a tree-lined memorial walk that will link the city side of Watermead Park in the south with the county side in the north. By the time the crowdfunding campaign ended on January 31, around 170 individuals and organisations had stepped forward to support Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council’s proposals for the project.
Now that the funding has been secured, plans can be implemented to plant the 58 hornbeam, elm, oak, aspen and birch trees that will form the trail – with the two councils hoping that all the trees will be in place by March. City Mayor Peter Soulsby hosted the campaign on his crowdfunding platform, CrowdFund Leicester. He said: “I am very grateful to everyone who got behind this project. Their support means we can create a place of natural beauty that will be enjoyed by the people of Leicester and Leicestershire for generations to come.” Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “In December we set out to deliver a project that would bring the spirit of our communities even closer together – creating a memorial walk that would help acknowledge the impact coronavirus has had on everyone’s lives. “People have been truly tested by this pandemic, physically and mentally, and we are humbled to have witnessed so
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many people declaring their willingness to work together once again to make this project possible. “The new environmentally-conscious walk will serve many across local communities, acting as a space to reflect on the past while looking to the future. “I would personally like to extend thanks to everyone who supported this project. It really does reflect the strength and positivity of our county and city during very difficult and challenging times.” Interpretation boards will be placed at each end of the walk, while benches will be installed at regular intervals to encourage people to use the space to relax and reflect. Subject to weather and ground conditions, the new trees will be planted and the benches installed by March 2021 – with the interpretation boards expected to be installed later in the spring. More information about the Watermead Memorial Walk can be found at www.spacehive.com/watermead-memorial-walk The next issue of
David Preston - 0775 262 3885
THE ROTHLEY POST
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will be published on May 7. The copy deadline is Apr 23.
Responding to English A&E performance figures for January 2021, Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “January was an extremely challenging month and placed unrelenting pressure on the health service. The data show huge numbers of 12-hour stays and difficulties offloading patients from ambulances into departments - we do not have enough beds to meet the demand. “12-hour stays have reached the highest ever figure, and four-hour performance dropped to its lowest ever. This rise and fall come despite the number of attendances being the lowest ever for the month of January and the lowest since May 2020. “We know that the 12-hour stay reported by NHS England measure only from decision to admit to admission and do not present the full scale of 12-hour stays from arrival to discharge. The College has called for this to be resolved in the new metrics proposed in the Clinical Review of Standards. We hope this will present the full picture of the issues facing urgent and emergency care and lead to transformation and changes for the better.” The latest performance data shows that in January 2021 there were: The highest ever number of 12-hour stays (3,809) The third highest ever number of ‘trolley waits’ (94,989) The lowest ever January attendances The worst ever four-hour performance at major Emergency Departments (70.1%) and second-worst ever performance at all types (78.5%) Queues of ambulances, with 13.4% of ambulances waiting longer than 30 minutes to transfer patients into Emergency Departments. Dr Henderson said: “The figures are terrible for patients and paint a picture of a truly battered and beleaguered health service. We were in an incredibly tough place going into the pandemic, but staff have worked magnificently throughout it. “They have risen to the added pressures facing our hospitals for nearly a year now. However, these pressures and the hard work has taken a huge mental and physical toll on staff. “Our work does stop as the peak passes, and as covid admissions begin to fall, the NHS will begin a new phase of recommencing services. We hope that the lessons learned about the smooth running of the Emergency Care pathway are maintained. “In the short term, it is absolutely essential that mental health and psychological support is provided to all health care workers. There is a significant training backlog that must be addressed – time and resources must be allocated to ensure professional progression and deliver a qualified workforce.”
MAR 2021
THE NUMBER of patients staying for over 12-hours in Emergency Departments has reached a new record.
THE ROTHLEY POST
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Dog theft at record levels in lockdown POLICE ARE urging dog owners to take reasonable security measures to keep their pets safe. Officers are warning that criminals are exploiting the huge increase in prices and demand for puppies over the Coronavirus restrictions. The charity DogLost has seen reports of thefts rise by 170% in the last year from 172 dogs in 2019 to 465 in 2020. National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Acquisitive Crime, Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “Dog theft can be a devastating crime for families and causes considerable distress to owners. Whilst it is still a very rare crime, it’s sadly something we have
seen increasing recently. “During the Coronavirus pandemic, criminals have adjusted their activities and are taking advantage of the big demand for pets over the lockdown period. The cost of a puppy has considerably increased over the past year, making this a lucrative market for organised criminals to exploit.” Police across the country are taking robust action to target those responsible for dog theft. Recently in Greater Manchester officers arrested three people after a member of the public reported seeing someone carrying seven English Bulldogs puppies into a property. Two 21-year-old men and a 20-year-old woman were
Pics: (above) some of the 80 dogs recovered from a property in Wales & (top) bulldogs rescued from a property in Manchester
arrested on suspicion of burglary. While in Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police has returned nearly 30 dogs to their rightful owners after officers found 80 animals at a property in Carmarthenshire. One person was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and another on suspicion of burglary. Inquiries continue. Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman added: “We rely on the public providing us with information and would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it to their local officers.
Whilse these offences can be very difficult to investigate police understand how upsetting they are and will robustly follow any lines of inquiry. “Dog owners can take reasonable security measures to prevent thefts like checking privacy settings on social media before sharing pictures of your pet online, as this can attract the attention of some criminals. The Blue Cross website has a wide range of advice on how to prevent theft of dogs and steps to take if this happens. “I also want to encourage those who are buying dogs to really consider where the pet has come from and ensure that it is being purchased legally. Advice can be found online on the checks you should make before purchasing a new dog or puppy.”
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CAB help SINCE THE first lockdown in March 2020, Citizens Advice Charnwood has helped nearly 1,500 people with over 4,500 issues. Many of these issues relate to the adverse impact of Covid-19, particularly in the areas of benefits, debt and employment. Local people are facing situations they never anticipated. Some have to navigate the benefits system for the first time while many need help in understanding the new furlough and job retention schemes launched by the Government. The number of debt cases has increased in Charnwood, with some people losing their jobs. In other cases, both people in a partnership are now unemployed, leading to extreme and unexpected hardship. Citizens Advice Charnwood can make referrals to food banks for the most vulnerable and for clients moving to benefits for the first time, who may have a four week wait for the payment to be made. Ian Dennis, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Charnwood, said: “This year has been particularly challenging for everyone, and like many other organisations we have had to look at how we can adapt to provide a service to the residents of Charnwood. In line with Government guidance, and without a break in our service, we moved away from face-to-face drop-in sessions to the telephone.” Citizens Advice Charnwood local enquiry line: 01509 649605 (Mon 9.30am-3pm, Tue 9.30am-12noon, Thur 9.30am-3pm) www.charnwoodcab.org.uk
THE ROTHLEY POST
MAR 2021
Leicester over reliant on retail, council told RADICAL NEW thinking is needed if Leicester city centre is going to not just survive, but thrive beyond the pandemic That’s the message from a trio of business groups, which have joined forces to help reshape the city as one fit for purpose in the post-Covid world. East Midlands Chamber, Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV) and BID Leicester will take research presented by the Centre for Cities think-tank at a recent roundtable discussion to inform Leicester City Council as it develops its next Local Plan. The study of its commercial property make-up and footfall data showed Leicester was over-reliant on retail within its city centre mix and weekend trade – with a suggestion it needs to focus on attracting businesses that employ highskilled professionals, who will have better spending power.
During a webinar on January 29, Centre for Cities researcher Valentine Quinio presented a series of datasets that showed how Leicester lags behind the national average for highly qualified workers, quality and quantity of office space, and transport accessibility. The think-tank regards a “strong city centre” to have about three times as much office space than retail, which is viewed as less of an asset now due to the industry’s transformation to online. Leicester is composed of 40% retail and 27% office space, while its 15% high street vacancy rate is three percentage points higher than a stronger rival. However, its relatively large proportion of industrial space (15% – double the recommended level) offers scope for repurposing into different uses, such as offices. Footfall data from pre-pandemic and
development. during the Covid-19 summer recovery Simon Jenner, director of BID Leicesshowed the city centre was busiest durter, which represents more than 700 ing weekends, but Valentine said activity peaks on weekdays in the most prosper- organisations in the city, added: “We’ve been following the Centre for Cities data ous cities as this offers more opportuniclosely, and one of the things that’s ties for income. emerged is a strong strategic consensus She added: “Online shopping is less around the importance of people living of a threat than the lack of spending and working in the city. power, so the challenge “We’re moving in the now lies in attracting these right direction in this rehigh-skilled businesses, spect, with some very good which will, in turn, benefit examples of businesses the whole economy. relocating to the city in “Policy needs to focus recent years such as Mattioon making the city centre li Woods, IBM and PPL PRS, an attractive place for while there’s also a big businesses to locate, and Pic: Researcher Valentine Quinio increase in high-quality this will require investing residential accommodation in skills, commercial and with schemes such as Waterside Leicesoffice space, transport and the public ter. realm.” “There’s also demand for more busiIn November last year, the council ness relocation, so one of the issues we began a consultation on the Leicester need to look at is the supply of quality Local Plan, which sets out policies and office accommodation because we recogproposals for the city’s growth over the next 15 years – covering a wide range of nise how having more people with issues including future plans for housing, spending power in our city will help businesses.” employment, transport and economic
Gardening club’s schedule on hold A spokesperson said: “The 2021 Programme of Events promised to be excellent. It was finished by March last year, and we were incredibly pleased with it and so looking forward to another good
Gardening Club year. We are now left wondering when we might be able to resume, and how many of the booked speakers will be able to visit us this year. We have several speakers who have visited before and who were very well
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received. These include Adam Pasco, Joe Whitehead, Jeff Bates and Andrew Ward. We also have some new speakers booked, including Jonathan Moseley talking on ‘The Cut Flower Garden’, Paul Green with a talk called ‘Dark and Desirable’, and Vince Edwards from Coles nursery on ‘Running a Nursery’. Other subjects include ‘Herbaceous Plants and Borders’, ‘Over the Garden Wall’, and ‘Easy Ways to Better Gardening’. We hadn’t made decisions about outings before the first lockdown. Of course, we are now pleased about that! We do have an outing to the RHS Tatton Show that is booked for Friday July 23, 2021. This is held over from 2020. We are in touch with all the speakers, and some of those in the early part of the year have agreed to come in 2022. In addition, we hope that some of the speakers who were booked for 2020 will be able to visit us in the future. Membership fees remain unchanged at £12 per annum. We have also decided to only collect membership fees when we are able to resume on a face-to-face basis. At that point, fees will be on a pro-rata basis. The Gardening Club is keeping in touch with members through a monthly newsletter, and members send in lots of lovely photos and short stories to share with other members.” From Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club
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Jon Carter, who formerly worked in the theatre, has been working since the summer of 2020 at Apple House in Wigston - and has spoken about the work he does and how he has enjoyed his transition into a support worker’s role. Jon said: “I have found it really easy to fit into Apple House, every day I am learning new skills and new things about the residents. “At Apple House, we work to get the best out of every one of our residents, my more experienced colleagues are so keen to help me develop and support me in giving the best possible care.” Jon was recruited by the county council’s Inspired to Care team. It has a mission to recruit people to a variety of adult social care roles, in particular supporting people discharged from hospital back into the community and help-
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ing to free up beds for the NHS. He added: “I encourage those thinking about a role in adult social care to speak to Inspired to Care.” Richard Blunt, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for adult social care, said: “I am so pleased to hear Jon has settled into Apple House, and I am sure his work is invaluable to the residents. “We are always after caring, passionate people to join us in adult social care. The roles on offer will give Leicestershire residents the opportunity to make a difference in their local communities, support the most vulnerable to stay safe and well at home, and earn money while carrying out a rewarding role.” At the start of the first lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, the county council’s Inspired to Care team launched a recruitment drive to help recruit social care professionals into vital roles and help increase the capacity of support within home care, supported living, nursing and care homes. All the new recruits, when surveyed, said they were suited to their role as care professionals. There are long-term and temporary positions available, full-time and parttime, say the county council. It is recruiting: • People who are out of work or have reduced hours • Self-employed people • Previous care professionals No experience is necessary as full training will be given. For more information and to apply, visit: www.Inspiredtocare.co.uk/jobs or call 0116 305 5186.
Correspondence, news etc can be handed in or sent to our office: Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR editor@birstallpost.co.uk
MAR 2021
THURCASTON AND Cropston Gardening Club’s members are wondering how many of the speakers they booked for 2021 will be able to visit them this year.
THE ROTHLEY POST
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