Rothley Post (153) Mar/Apr 2022

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Delivered to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston

MAR/APR 2022

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 153

PLANS FOR four detached houses at 23–25 Anstey Lane in Thurcaston have received objections from local residents.

Schoolchildren making music in new garden A NEW music garden has been provided at Rothley school thanks to local fundraising.

Pics: pupils in the new music garden at Rothley school

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Jenny Johnson, Whole School Music Teacher at Rothley Church of England Academy, said: “Four years ago, we set out on a fundraising mission to install an all singing and dancing outdoor music area. Costing £12, 000, this was no mean feat but we are thrilled that our mission is now complete!

“Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Rothley PTFA, our outdoor summer proms concerts and the incredibly kind donations from Rothley Lions and the family at Rothley pharmacy, we have installed seven fantastic instruments including colourful samba drums to bring Brazil to Rothley, and pentatonic percussion to allow the children to experiment with sound.”

She added: “All of our pupils are now enjoying music making fun during music lessons and playtimes and we have many budding composers in our midst! Even the local crows seem impressed, and have been spotted several times having a good old peck on our beautiful, shiny cajon. Music really is for all!”

The site is currently a field behind 23 Anstey Lane. Access to the site would be from Anstey Lane, opposite the school entrance.

A pre-application enquiry was considered by Charnwood Borough Council planning department. Its report considered that the harms of the development would outweigh any benefits. In those circumstances, the planning authority would recommend planning permission be refused.

The principal objection made by residents is the location of the access, which would cause congestion and a risk to children arriving/departing school.

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Continued from page 1 Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council has objected to the planning application.

It says the development will harm the character of the local area, the proposed dwellings are oversized compared to the surrounding properties, the site is out-

side the limits to development, it will spoil the rural views of the elderly residents of Wallis Close, the access is unacceptable on safety grounds, the development would result in a loss of habitat for wildlife, and result in a loss

of valuable agricultural land.

Details of the application can be found on the planning pages of Charnwood‘s website.

Planning application reference is P/21/2401/2.

Coast-to-coast cycle ride RETIRED TEACHER and Rothley Parish councillor Steve Mitchell is preparing for a 140-mile charity cycle ride in May.

Pic: Coast-to-coast cyclist Steve Mitchell

THE ROTHLEY POST

Steve is inviting anyone who wants to support his ride to donate to three charities he has chosen. ww.toilettwinning.org Provides clean sanitation in poor countries Martins-Mountain.justgiving–sites.com The Spinal Injuries Association Justgiving.com (Search ‘priestleysamuel’) Supporting a poorly student at Rawlins Academy, where Steve is a governor/trustee.

MAR 2022

Steve (70) will be cycling the coast-to-coast cycle ride from Whitehaven to Newcastle, a route that will take him through the Lake District, over the Pennines, across North Yorkshire and onto Newcastle. He will be cycling with a retired university lecturer friend, and the four-day ride will include many hill climbs.

“I currently cycle about 140 miles a week through the relatively flat landscape of Leicester, but I’ve been altering my routes, seeking out more hills,” said Steve.

Dancer Margaret celebrates her 100th ROTHLEY’S MARGARET Foister celebrated her 100th birthday on January 26 and celebrated with not just one party – but four, to fit in all her family and friends.

Margaret Foister (nee Hardy) was born in a tiny village in Lincolnshire where her parents were farmers. Lincolnshire still has a place in her heart and she happily calls herself a “Yellow belly”.

Her mother loved the theatre and they often went to see shows at the Arcadia Theatre in Skegness. At the age of five, Margaret started dance classes and her teacher reported that she had a real flair for it. This meant that, at the young age of 11, Margaret was sent away to a dance school in Cheltenham. How did she feel about that,

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2022

I wondered? Her answer: “You went because it was good for you” will ring bells with many people who are now over 70!

At 16 Margaret moved to a dancing school in London but when the war came, the school closed. She and a friend found a job in the theatre on Brighton Pier but it wasn’t long before they were knocking on the door of the Drury Lane Theatre in London, which was the HQ of ENSA. They were welcomed in and in 1940 they and five other young women were shipped to “Gib” the rock of Gibraltar, the first females to go abroad with ENSA. Fortunately, Margaret’s mother was happy for her to go. At that time, a mother had to give her consent to such things until girls were 21. The ENSA girls were especially welcome on the Gib that year because all the resident women and children had been taken to Spain for safety.

The girls’ routine included Tap, Greek, Ballroom and Ballet dancing as well as taking part in the songs. They took all their costumes with them and did seven or eight shows a week, sometimes two per day. Some of their routines were specifically created for either Army or Navy or Air Force audiences. Margaret’s time with ENSA lasted until the end of the war. She went all over the place:

North Africa, Iceland, The Orkneys, Ireland, Italy. Most of the time, the ENSA group travelled on troopships, occasionally in a plane.

The war was nearly over, and Margaret was in Italy when she met her husband to be. Margaret remembers the incident well: the ENSA girls were billeted at a house that had no running water, so, if they wanted a bath, they had to go across the road to a grand house that happened to be the officers’ mess. While Margaret was waiting for her friend to finish in the bathroom, she got chatting to Peter, a young army captain. It was love at first sight.

For the last 77 years, Margaret has lived in Leicestershire. She and Peter were married at the end of the war and he returned to his civilian work as Managing Director of the Cliff Hill Quarry, at Stanton under Barden.

Married women didn’t usually return to work, but Margaret continued to enjoy social dancing. Sadly, however, Peter died young and sometime later, Margaret married David who was a mutual friend of them both. David was one of the Directors of Cherub, a wellknown Leicester manufacturer of children’s clothing – (remember the envelope vest?)

Photographs around Margaret’s lounge show that she is loved and supported by a large family: three children, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild, as well as David’s family. In order to include everyone, Margaret has had to have four parties, and her birthday itself happened to be her regular Wednesday lunch club at Rothley Church Hall. It was a great pleasure for everyone there to celebrate Margaret’s special day. The dessert course was a wonderful birthday

Pic: Margaret Foister has celebrated her 100th birthday

cake from David North’s, accompanied by a glass of prosecco.

People who are 100 years old are often asked for the secret of their longevity. Margaret‘s answer is “potatoes and red wine - some of each, most days” but she also suggested that maybe having the

maiden- name ‘Hardy’ might help? She has a wonderful sense of humour and a positive outlook on life, and she agreed that both are invaluable, especially now in these uncertain times.

From Ursula Greaves

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Charnwood charity ride returns Man jailed for two years

THE ANNUAL Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride returns this May, after a two-year break.

The event is organised by the charity Alex’s Wish, which is dedicated to finding new treatments and ultimately a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy that affects one in every 3,500 boys. Founded

by Emma Hallam, the charity is named after her teenage son, Alex, who lives with Duchenne. Its slogan, Be More Alex, is in recognition of Alex’s positive outlook on life.

Emma said: “The charity turns ten

A MAN who stalked a Rothley woman, threatening to smash his car into her house and kill her, has been jailed for two years and seven months.

MAR 2022

this year and hopes even more people will ‘Be More Alex’ – getting on their bikes to help raise money and celebrate this milestone birthday.”

This year’s ride is on Sunday May 15 and starts at 7.30am from the Rothley Village Centre. To allow for all fitness

levels, cyclists ed. We’re so grateful to our wonderful have the choice sponsors, and of course to all our cyof riding 10 clists, some of whom have taken part in miles, 20 miles this event many times before. We look or 50 miles. forward to seeing them again and to The 2022 attracting new riders as we celebrate our cycle ride is 10th birthday.” being sponFree parking in Rothley village is sored by Spirit available to all members of Team Alex’s Healthcare, Wish. Riders will also be offered refreshNext, Two New Street Chambers, Greens ments along the way and complimentary Consultancy, KRS Estate Planning, Bradhomemade cakes. All riders will receive leys, Ben’s Kitchen, Nuffield Health, Flex- a unique 10th Year medal when they press, Pedal Power and Jay Webb complete the ride.

Consultancy.

To register online or for more inforEmma said: “Our sponsored cycle mation, please visit alexswish.co.uk or ride through beautiful Charnwood Forest email zoe@alexswish.co.uk is always great fun and very well-support-

Joe Parkinson, also known as Joe Dryden, admitted a series of offences, pleading guilty to battery, damaging a mobile phone and killing the victim's Koi carp, using bleach.

On April 1, 2021, Parkinson woke the victim at 2am with a blow to the head, later punching and throttling her before driving off. He then began a campaign of stalking and harassment, trying to persuade the victim to withdraw her complaints against him.

The victim fled her home on June 7, and the police arrested Parkinson two days later.

Leicester Crown Court heard Parkinson’s record included previous similar offences of battery, damage and harassment against a former partner.

THE ROTHLEY POST

Pic: riders taking part in the Alex’s Wish cycle ride

Covid-19 fines

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2022

POLICE IN England and Wales have processed a total of 118,963 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for breaches under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 and subsequent amendments.

The total processed in England is now 106,907 up to 19 July 2021. 12,056 were processed in Wales up to 19 December 2021.

There was limited enforcement and fewer FPNs issued in England and Wales between July and December, for regulations relating to self-isolation, international travel and face coverings.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Operation Talla, Assistant Chief Constable Owen Weatherill said: “We have observed very high compliance by the public. Officers have very rarely had to use their powers in recent months, only enforcing where there are clear breaches of the rules or people haven't responded to explanation and encouragement.”

Panto coming early this year IT’S EASTER, so it must be pantomime!

I hear you say Easter is not pantomime time but for the Latimer Players, this panto is coming early, or late, depending on how you look at it.

Regrettably, last November we had to cancel our production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears due to COVID and precautionary isolation. With lines all learned, costumes almost done, scenery well on the way and with three weeks to go, you can imagine the disappointment for the cast and our audience when we postponed.

We are pleased to say that we are going ahead with Goldilocks and the Three Bears this coming April on Thursday 28th, Friday 29th and Saturday 30th at 7.30pm and Saturday 30th at 2.30pm. Children 5 years and under are free, 6-12 years £4.50 and Adults £7. Tickets are available from Christine Deavin at christinedeavin@gmail.com or 0116 237 6855.

The action of the pantomime takes place in a circus where we meet all the usual circus characters, including the strong man, jugglers, tightrope walkers, a magician and lots more. Dame Gertie and her hapless son Billy run the circus but are failing to make it profitable. Enter evil Heinkel and his sidekick Snot who want to steal the circus by tricking Dame Gertie into believing he is a goodie. Goldilocks saves the day with the help of the Three Bears. As always, they are helped along the way by the good fairy or, in this case, Mystic Sharon. Find out what Goldilocks’s father’s big secret is and if Goldilocks and Billy can finally live happily ever.

The Latimer Players are grateful for your

Pic: from the archive - a Latimer Players production from 2008

support and understanding over last year’s cancellation. We are keeping our fingers and toes crossed that everything will work out well this time around. We are a small group but during the pandemic, we managed to keep together over zoom meetings, where we joined in with quizzes and games and chats. With several am-dram groups closing, we consider ourselves lucky that we are still going strong. This is partly due to the camaraderie within the group and our loyal supporters.

If you would like to take part in this or any of our forthcoming productions, ring Christine on 0116 237 6855 or email christinedeavin@gmail.com. We are always looking for actors, set build-

ers and backstage people. No previous experience is required, just enthusiasm.

Along with our two productions a year we have monthly members’ events, which usually involves food and alcohol at different venues and a chance to catch up with each other.

In November we are celebrating our 70th anniversary and will be putting on a show depicting the best bits of our productions over the last 70 years.

There will be something for everyone, with the emphasis on a fun-packed night out.

In the meantime - don’t forget to order your tickets to see The Latimer Players production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

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Teen paralysed as ex-boyfriend kidnaps her

Chay Bowskill (20) was found guilty on January 25, following a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

Bowskill, of Empingham Drive, Syston, was also convicted of coercive and controlling behaviour and perverting the course of justice. He was found not guilty of a charge of section 18 grievous bodily harm.

A second man, Rocco Sansome (20), of Wanlip Lane, Birstall, was also found guilty of kidnap.

Bowskill was sentenced to a total of seven-and-a-half years in prison, while Sansome was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

At around 10.45am on Thursday September 17, 2020, members of the public approached officers after they came across 19-year-old Angel Lynn lying seriously injured in the carriageway of the A6 near Loughborough.

At the same time, the force control room also started to receive a number of calls from concerned members of the public – unaware of what had happened - reporting that they had seen something in the road as they travelled past.

Pic: Convicted - Chay Bowskill

Colleagues from the East Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene and Angel was taken to hospital. Despite intensive medical intervention, she remains in hospital with life-changing injuries.

The Police investigation uncovered that shortly before being found injured, Angel was seen exiting a silver transit van that had pulled up in Loughborough Road, Rothley, near Hilltop Garage.

Pics: Captured on CCTV - Bowskill manhandling Angel Lynn into his van

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Bowskill followed her out of the van, forcibly picked her up in the street and carried her back into the van. The vehicle, driven by Sansome, then swiftly left the area at speed.

At some point in the journey, Angel exited the vehicle while it travelled along the A6. She suffered a fractured skull and brain injuries that have left her requiring round the clock care.

Further enquiries later identified that the man who carried out the kidnap was Bowskill – who was Angel’s boyfriend - while the driver was Sansome. Both men were arrested at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Yarwood Pic: Angel Lynn - she now needs round the clock care from the East Midlands had such a great future ahead of her.

Special Operations Unit Major Crime team was the senior investigating officer. That future has sadly been taken away from her.

He said: “Angel is a young woman who “The catastrophic injuries Angel sufhad plans and aspirations in place and fered will mean life will never be the the rest of her life to look forward to.

Because of the extent of her injuries, she same for her or our family. Every day is not only a huge struggle for Angel but now faces constant medical treatment also a huge struggle for our family and and round the clock care.

“Her family remain devastated by what friends. We are lucky in some ways as we are a close family, we have lots of has happened, and I praise the strength and bravery they have shown and contin- lovely friends who help us and people that care in other ways. ue to demonstrate to this day.

“We try to remain strong, but we know “No verdict or subsequent sentence that every day will be difficult and a can make up for the quality of life this struggle for us all, especially for Angel. young woman has lost."

I know that Angel will never get married Angel’s father, Paddy, said: “Our lives now, and I will never get to walk my have been changed beyond recognition daughter down the aisle. Nikki and I forever. Angel was so full of life and will never be grandparents to Angel’s children. We don’t know what the future holds for our daughter, but we try to put smiles on our faces each day but inside our hearts are bleeding out.

“We’d like to thank all the officers involved in the investigation, our family liaison officers and our barrister, Mr Janes for their support throughout the last 16 months.

They have all worked so hard and their dedication to Angel’s case has been remarkable.”

A fundraising page for Angel Lynn's recovery has raised over £75,000. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com and search for Angel Lynn.

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A MAN who bundled a woman into a van in Rothley, minutes before she was found seriously injured on the A6, has been convicted of kidnap.

THE ROTHLEY POST

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Museum of local history in restored wagon

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MOUNTSORREL AND Rothley Community Heritage Centre is creating a museum of local history in a railway wagon.

Spokesman Steve Cramp said: “Our volunteers are working to turn the inside of our restored LMS wagon into a museum of local history. A viewing booth has been created just inside the doorway of the wagon, effectively turning the inside space into a giant display case. They’ll be audio buttons to press so you can learn about the items on display and they’ll even be a working 70 year old train set!”

The museum will be ready to open for the Queen’s Jubilee bank holiday weekend at the beginning of June.

The Centre is appealing to residents for items they could borrow for the museum. Steve said: “Do you or anyone you know have any old items of interest in the loft or shed that you might like to loan to the Heritage Centre for display in the new museum? It doesn’t have to be

Pic: a wagon will house the museum

an old item made in the village, just things that were part of everyday life from 50 or more years ago. If you do please get in touch as soon as you can as we’ll soon be finalizing the display and recording the audio descriptions.”

Heritage Centre volunteers have started work on a new garden in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Standing at the side of the Peace Garden, before you reach the Botanical Garden, the Jubilee Garden will feature a

new circular path with a planted area at its centre, new ornamental trees and a bench on the far side. The garden will be completed and ready for opening for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend at the beginning of June.

New group for children Heather Wilson, mum and Early Years Practitioner with over 25 years experience, will be offering the sessions on Mondays from April 25.

She said: “Telling stories and promoting early communication, giving parents the techniques to create chatty children, is my passion. I created @thecowshed back in 2017, running small groups for parents and children from my converted garage to promote the importance of early communication.”

She added: “Working with children in a pre-school setting recently has highlighted the impact of the pandemic on children’s development, particularly in personal, social and emotional development, as well as communication and language, and I am relaunching @thecowshed – this time out in the community!”

Sessions include songs, stories, play and activities.

Heather said: “My website and social media is currently being developed. please send enquiries, or to express an interest in sessions, to heather@thecowshed.me

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THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2022

Pic: volunteers at work on the Jubilee Garden

EARLY COMMUNICATION sessions for children aged 0-4 will be running from Rothley Community library, starting in April.

Club captains’ charity total GOLF EVENTS, social occasions, raffles and draws have helped Rothley Park Golf Club’s captains raise over £25,000 for their chosen charities.

It is a club tradition at Rothley Park Golf Club that the captains raise money through the year for a charity close to their hearts.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the Covid pandemic and the inevitable course and club closures during 2020 and 2021, it was agreed at the 2020 AGM that the captains would carry on for a second year in office, only the second time this has happened in the club’s 100 year history.

Jenny Piecha and Alan Dorn have completed the reconciliation of their Captains' Charities Fund and are delighted to announce that they have collected a total sum of £25, 349. The money will be split between their chosen charities, Lyme Disease UK and Ménière’s Society.

Natasha Metcalfe of Lyme Disease UK wrote to Jenny and said: 'This is just incredible news that you’ve raised such

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Council tax rise CHARNWOOD BOROUGH Council has agreed to raise its share of council tax by 9p a week for a Band D property.

Pic: Jenny Piecha and Alan Dorn have raised more than £25,000 in their time as captains

an astonishing sum! It is the largest happy this has made us and what a great single donation we have ever received, way to start the year. Thanks to Rothley and you and everyone connected to Park Golf Club members for all your Rothley Park have been so generous! I support, it’s so appreciated!” can’t tell you how grateful we are for all The last word goes to Jenny and Alan: your stellar efforts!”

“We are extremely grateful to everyone Speaking on behalf of Ménière’s, Kelly who has donated to our Fund but espeBoyson said: 'We cannot believe the cially to the staff and members of the final amount - what an incredible club for their tremendous efforts on our achievement. You cannot imagine how behalf and for their extraordinary generosity.”

The increase was agreed at full Council on Monday February 21 where 31 councillors voted in favour of the increase and eight voted against.

The increase will see the annual charge for the Charnwood element of an average Band D property rise by £4.61 (3.52 per cent) to £135.69 from April 1, 2022.

The Charnwood element of council tax bills accounts for less than 10 per cent of the total average bill.

Cllr Tom Barkley, lead member for finance and property services, said: “I am confident we are delivering value for money and as I have said before, it is worth noting that the Charnwood element of council tax accounts for less than 10 per cent of your total bill. For that, we provide scores of services, from the operation of leisure centres and markets to the emptying of bins and management of open spaces.”

Rotary Christmas fundraising THE ROTARY Club of the Wreake Valley held several successful Christmas fundraising events over Christmas 2021.

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Granby St improved A BUSY shopping street and the main gateway between Leicester city centre and the railway station is set for a revamp, with the work expected to be finished by September.

Leicester City Council has begun work to pedestrianise and improve a stretch of Granby Street between its junctions with Northampton Street and the inner ring road at St George’s Way. The aim is to create a more welcoming gateway into the city centre and help make the busy route safer and more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists.

The pedestrianised area will be reconstructed to create a level surface, finished in red asphalt and a continuation of the existing block paving. Automated bollards will be installed at the entry and exit points and changes will be made to the existing contraflow cycle lane between Dover Street and the inner ring road to improve the route for cyclists.

IThe scheme will cost around £900,000.

Pic: (l-r) Ivan Brookes, Rainbows Ambassador, and WVRC President Graham Packwood

These included street collecting with their Santa’s Sleigh, bucket collections at Asda and Dunelm in Thurmaston, and the “Watermead Winter Warmer” charity run at Watermead Country Park.

Rotary Club President Graham Packwood said: “Our members and volunteers worked really hard over the Christmas period to raise such a fantastic sum. The result would not have been possible without the generosity of local residents and support from nearby Asda and Dunelm stores. The club believes that as the money was raised locally, most of it should be spent locally. Thank you to everyone who supported us.”

He added: “In January 2022, a meeting was held to make the difficult but pleasant decisions as to how the monies raised should be allocated. Over £9,000 will be distributed this year due to the generosity of residents.” £2,500 was awarded to Rainbows Hospice. Further donations are being made, including: Living Without Abuse in Loughborough, Soar Valley Outreach (which runs the Soar Valley Foodbank), Leicestershire Life Education charity, MIND mental health charity, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance Service, and various local dementia and Scout/Guide groups.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

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Popular club welcomes new members “IN MANY ways, tennis has been one of the bright lights of the last two years,” says Anne Mumford, Chair of Rothley Ivanhoe Tennis Club.

“It is a great game for all ages and, with being outdoors and naturally socially distanced, we have done what we can to get people involved and active, includ-

ing our “bubble doubles” enabling some competitive tennis within the Covid rules!”

The club, located behind the library in the centre of Rothley village, has six floodlit courts and tennis programmes for all running throughout the year.

People can join in social club play, attend coaching, play matches and arrange their own tennis with a convenient online court booking app.

Pic: Tennis played under the club’s floodlights

The club runs men’s, women’s, mixed and junior teams in the Leicestershire leagues. A popular coaching programme is run for juniors and adults throughout the year and is headed up by Tim Stanton, one of the GSM coaches.

Although members are looking forward to playing in warmer conditions, the cold rarely stops play.

The club was recognised as Tennis basis to suit availability.

Leicestershire’s Club of the Year in 2021 “For just a £10 joining fee for the first – the second time the club has received year for those new to bowling, there is this accolade. little to lose? Why not give it a go?”

Anne said: “A priority for the club www.rothleybowlsclub.org this year is to encourage local women who may not have played for a few years

Rothley bowls club hosts open day

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2022

AFTER A disruptive two years, Rothley Bowls Club is happy to announce that its green will again be open for play from the beginning of April.

Carole Law, Secretary Rothley Bowls Club, said: “Now that the better weather is hopefully on its way, why not take the chance to get active in the fresh air and meet new people and make new friends.

Why not come along and join us?

“Bowls is a great sport for all ages, and Rothley Bowls Club is the perfect place to do just that. We are located off Mountsorrel Lane in Rothley, just behind the library.”

The club is holding an Open Afternoon on Saturday April 16, from 1pm to 4pm.

Carole said: “A warm welcome is extended to anyone who would like to visit us for a chat to find out more about the game and the club or to have a go.

All you need to bring with you is a flat pair of shoes, we provide all the necessary equipment to get you started!”

She added: “In addition, our Social Bowling afternoons are open to all.

These are held from 3 to 5pm on Wednesday afternoons from May onwards and are a great opportunity to get down and active whilst having fun and meeting new people. We suggest that you telephone Sue Lewin (0116 2106661) to confirm that the session is running the week you would like to attend. You can also contact any committee member – contact details and further information can be found on our website. Other times can be arranged on a one to one

Pic: Rothley Bowls club’s clubhouse

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to return to tennis – maybe you used to enjoy tennis as a junior or played matches before having a family and are keen to find a local and welcoming club and get tennis-active again. The club will create a personalised induction for you as a new member and link you with key contacts and direct you towards opportunities for getting back into playing, including through some free group coaching.”

Information about the club can be found at: www.rothleytennis.info and any questions can be emailed to: enquiries@rothleytennis.info

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Newsletter No 12 March/April 2022

Though the Rothley Centre will be closed until early May, some public car parking will still be available at the top, beyond the area where the building is.

Parking still remains at the owner’s risk.

Work on upgrading this fantastic area has been on hold during the winter but we now are seeking a big voluntary effort to assist with upgrading the areas surrounding the track. We have much mill waste that needs distributing along path ways and this is a call out to anyone who can spare an th hour or two on SATURDAY 12 MARCH at Fowke Street to come along anytime after 10.00am with a rake / spade / shovel and especially wheelbarrows to help with the distribution of the mill waste.

If you haven’t yet cycled around this area then try it out (children and adults).

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

In preparation for the national celebrations in June, RPC has planted 3 trees at Fowke Street.

These have been planted next to the small copse which was planted some while ago, in memory of Marion Vincent, whose passion was for trees.

The trees are Acer Campestri ‘Queen Elizabeth’ & Acer Freemanii ‘Celebration’ which have a wonderful rich autumnal colour.

A new footpath from Mountsorrel Lane into the Rothley Meadows They will look like this in time. estate is planned for opening in March. There are waste bins at both ends which will benefit the public, especially dog walkers.

The surrounding areas will be sown with grass seed in the spring and children’s play equipment will be installed in preparation for being available by the summer.

In full leaf.

In the autumn

MAR 2022

The £375,000 refurbishment started in February & will be completed by the end of April / beginning of May. These improvements are funded by S106 monies from local building developments.

Fowke St. off road Cycle Track

THE ROTHLEY POST

Playground Improvements Rothley Parish Councillors & Parish Precept the committees they sit on are: 2021/22 has been a challenging The grass under the play Andrew Brettle year financially. While the ‘precept’ equipment at the rear of the Library at Mountsorrel Lane and Planning (the Parish Council’s share of your grass under a climbing tower at Nathanial Bromwich Council Tax) makes up the greater Fowke Street are to be upgraded Open Spaces part of our income, a significant after much recent wear and tear.

Mike Ferguson contribution comes from the hiring Wildflower areas Premises/Health/Safety of rooms at the Rothley Centre and Roger Gross Village Hall. As in 2020/21, both Finance buildings have either been Staffing completely closed or hiring of Planning, Premises/Health/Safety rooms severely curtailed through much of the year. From February Graham Hall 2022 the Rothley Centre has again Finance been closed and will remain so for Open Spaces several months. These closures Percy Hartshorn The areas near the Library and Finance have led to a significant shortfall in Planning at the Donkey Field on Hallfields income. However, we have been Premises/Health/Safety able to make up much of this Lane have been strimmed, seed Steve Mitchell allowed to drop and volunteers shortfall by obtaining a number of have sown some yellow rattle Finance grants. This means that for the Open Spaces seed too, as this will keep grass coming year the precept will only Premises/Health/Safety need to be increased by a relatively growth in check allowing the wild Barry Simons flowers to flourish. small amount, from £190,207 in Finance 2021/22 to £199,132 in 2022/23, an Staffing increase of about 4.7% or less than Planning Premises/Health/Safety £5 per household per year.

The Parish Council’s budget for Open Spaces 2022/23 is £239,682. This compares Douglas Sutherland with £220,412 for 2021/22. The Staffing Planning breakdown of Parish Council Premises/Health/Safety expenditure for 2022/23 will be Open Spaces approximately as follows: The County Council has granted Christine Watts Salaries 35% permission to sow wildflowers at Premises/Health/Safety Rothley Centre costs* 20% the junction of Hallfields Lane & Staffing Open Spaces 21% Town Green Street. The turf will RPC Administration & Staff Admin/insurance 10% be removed in March for Village Hall* 5% Parish Clerk - Gail Newcombe wildflower seeds to be sown.

Street Lighting** 6% Senior Administrator Sue Wyles New footpath Other 3% Admin Assistant - Bev Eldridge * largely offset by lettings income in Caretaker - Jennifer Cornish Caretaker - Andrew Hodgson ‘normal’ years Caretaker - Bernadeta Skubala ** includes an allowance for Rothley Centre refurbishment. gradual LED replacements.

Rothley Centre car park

Noticeboard all details printed free Volunteers needed!

This is a big call out to anyone who could spare a couple of hours of their time every now and then to help keep Rothley Community library open. This valuable community resource is highly regarded by local residents, and in order to assist the process of expanding our hours of openings back to pre Covid levels, we need additions to our team.

Training is available and this is a chance to serve the community while having a good time, enjoying the company of a fantastic team of volunteers. For further information either call into the library and leave contact details with one of the volunteers, leave a message on 0116 237 6162 or email info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co. uk You will receive a very warm welcome

The Rothley History Society will be re-commencing their monthly meetings on Wednesday 16th March at 7.30pm in Rothley Village Hall Our talk will be given by Bob Massey on the topic of 'The Robins', a history of the postal service.

We look forward to welcoming members and friends Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council

er than being filmed in different places and at varying times and then edited. It is a truly breathtaking story.

“Spencer” (Apr 8, 111mins) At Christmas time 1991, Diana Princess of Wales decided to finish her marriage to Prince Charles.

We, the audience, wonder just what was happening behind Sandringham’s carefully decorated halls. We see Kristen Stewart give an astonishing performance as Princess Diana, indeed, she bears a remarkable resemblance. In April’s film there are shocks but much laughter as well as tenderness.

"A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood" will be shown on May 13.

We will be keeping the hall well ventilated and there will be room for us to space out.

We would like to remain cautious at this point and make sure that everyone feels comfortable. You are asked to wear face masks whilst you are in the hall.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5, which includes a lucky prize draw and refreshments during the interval.

You can pay for tickets at the door or pay in advance from Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619 It’s time to meet our friends and neighbours again.

Join us on Saturday April 2, 2022 for a light-hearted

Quiz 7-30pm Thurcaston Memorial Hall Bring your own snacks, drinks and glasses. £10 entry per team of 4 adults.

Prizes!

All proceeds to Children’s Air Ambulance.

Ring Sylvia or John Cole on 01162352873 to register your team before Friday March 25. No admission on the door as numbers will be limited.

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2022

Free Guided Tours

“1917” (Mar 11, 110mins) This World War I epic has won a remarkable 7 BAFTA’s and 3 Oscars. In April 1917 on the Western Front, two British soldiers are given a seemingly impossible mission to cross enemy territory and deliver, to an isolated regiment, a message which will save 1,600 lives. This film, from the awardwinning director Sam Mendes, uses a new technique, in that it was filmed in one take, with cameras rolling for much of the time, rath-

of Leicester Guildhall Join our wonderful tour guides and explore the history of Leicester's oldest medieval building.

Find out about the characters who have passed through it's historic doors and discover the role its played in Leicester's history.

Tour Dates: 13th and 27th March.

Tour times: 11:30, 13:00 & 14:30 Tours are FREE, booking advised the-guildhall@leicester.gov.uk 0116 253 2569

Birstall Tea Dances St James Birstall Village Hall

Birstall Road, Leicester LE4 4DH Friday's 11th & 25th March 2022 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm £5 each Tea / coffee and cakes available All welcomed Further information contact: Jackie 0116 2248278 / 07908607405 jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

Birstall Flower Club Wed March 23rd 2022 7:15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstrator: Shirley Henderson Title: Around the World in 80 Minutes (ish) Visitors welcome £5 Queries to Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437 St Leonard's Church Swithland

Bluebell Service On Sunday 24th April at 3pm in Swithland Woods by the Great Pit Join us for this unique celebration of the blessings of Spring in the beautiful local surroundings of Swithland Woods.

After the service you are invited to St Leonard's Church to share tea, coffee and cakes.

All donations collected are to be given to The Children's Society

The Uocean Project Our Mission Is To Remove #1billionkilos by 2030 River Plastic Clean Up Sat 19th March - 10am-12pm Location: Watermead Country Park. Mill Lane, Thurmaston, LE4 8AF FREE Book Your Place Online Below All Equipment Provided. www.theuoceanproject.com @Uoceanleicester @Uoceanproject Any Questions, Email Us At info@theuoceanproject.com www.thevayyufoundation.co.uk * The Alpine Garden Society

Flower Show & Plant Sale Sat 12th March,11am–3.30pm Iveshead School, Forest Street Shepshed, LE12 9DB Admission £3 Octave Sing

“West End to Covent Garden” A group of Principal Singers from around the county are coming together as Octave to perform a range of music including many well-known pieces from a variety of composers and shows including Figaro, Nessun Dorma, Les Misérables and Ol’ Man River at All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston on Saturday 5th March 2022: 6.30pm

for 7 pm They come highly recommended, having sung together around Leicestershire and beyond for many years, as well as pursuing solo opportunities in concerts and shows.

Tickets are Adults £10, Children £4.50 including a glass of wine and light refreshments. Tickets available from Jane Westby 0116 2352226 or mowestby@virginmedia.com .

Come and join us for what will be a fabulous evening of music

100 Years of Music at the Movies Leicester Symphony Orchestra Saturday 5 March 2022, 7.30pm De Montfort Hall Conductor John Andrews Programme includes music from some of your favourite films: Gone with the Wind, The Magnificent 7, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, The Dambusters and many more.

Tickets: £20 / £16 Family tickets (2 adults and up to 3 children): £42 or £35 2-4-1 carer’s scheme • Students/children: £5.00 Tickets Available From: De Montfort Hall Box Office www.demontforthall.co.uk • Tel: (0116) 233 3111 www.leicestersymphonyorchestra. co.uk

Volunteer Drivers needed We help older people in the communities of Birstall, Syston and the surrounding district by taking them to various appointments, anything from the hospital to the hairdressers. All volunteer mileage costs are covered at £0.45/mile and will not affect any benefits a volunteer may currently receive.

In the main, drivers use their own cars to transport members We are entirely dependent on our volunteer drivers and any time that they can offer us. So, whatever time you can offer whether it is one day a month or five days a week we can use you. We are also very conscious that you are a volunteer, the clue really is in the title. If you don’t want to take people to hospitals or go shopping, we’ll accommodate your wishes. Most importantly you’ll also be helping people who sometimes have no one else to turn to.

Help others Driving expenses paid at £0.45/mile Volunteer your time only No benefits affected Syston Volunteer Centre Phone 0116 260 7888

11

New books The Library has a budget to buy some new books for all age groups children, teenagers and adults. Library users are very welcome to suggest titles & authors either to one of the volunteers behind the counter or by writing down ideas on The Library is planning to organise a various forms at the counter or on the scarecrow festival in the Autumn, and is newspaper table. We would very much looking for any organisation or individuwelcome your views and suggestions. al who wishes to either get involved or Newspapers offer their help in the organising of it, to As well as the weekly Loughborough contact us either by registering their Echo, which comes out on Wednesdays, interest next time they are in the Library, the Leicester Mercury will be available or by emailing on Wednesdays & Saturdays.

Info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk AGM Tues March 8, 6.30pm Opening hours As a charity, Rothley Community LiCurrent opening hours brary has to have an AGM which will be Monday 2.30 – 4.30 Wednesday 2.30 held in the Library on March 8. For – 4.30 Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 2.30 – those coming, apart from the AGM items, 4.30 Saturday 10.00 – 2.00 there will be light snacks & drinks as The library is now opening five times well as a quiz. a week, as indicated by the information Scarecrow event above. The additional sessions are on Thursday mornings: 10am until noon, and the Saturday session is now a fourhour opening 10am till 2pm. In total, we share toys and games together. are open for 12 hours per week which Donated books is some way short of our original 16 We are still accepting donated books, hours before the pandemic arrived. In many of which are currently on sale in the coming months, we will be seeking the Library at 50p each. Come and the views of the community as well as check these out as they are all of great those of the volunteers, as to when and Pics: A group of local talented young quality. A big thank you to those who how the additional four hours might be ornithologists have donated books, DVDs & CDs. Alallocated. though we have not had a book sale for ble community resource is highly regardThursday mornings a few years, we are selling donated items, ed by local residents, and in order to The morning opening from 10am till in the Library and online, and within the assist the process of expanding our noon on Thursdays gives a wonderful last 12 months have raised £240. Our hours of openings back to pre Covid opportunity for childminders or carers aim is to have a book sale/coffee mornof young children to come to the Library ing in the Spring. Further details will be when it is relatively quiet. The toilet has in the next Rothley Post. baby changing facilities, and there is a Payments wide Payments can now be made for fines, range of charges, photocopying, book purchases toys, colouring etc electronically via card reader as well materials, as paying by cash.

Charnwood Lottery lots of levels, we need additions to our team.

The Charnwood Lottery raises money Lego and of course for good causes in Charnwood. Every £1 Training is available and this is a chance to serve the community while having a a massive ticket bought, 50p will go to the charity good time, enjoying the company of a of your choice (which could be the range of fantastic team of volunteers. For further Library) and 10p going to other good wondercauses. Each ticket has a 1 in 50 chance information either call into the Library ful chiland leave contact details with one of the to win, with a top prize of £25,000! dren’s volunteers, leave a message on 0116 For access to the Lottery go to books.

237 6162 or email There are https://www.charnwoodlottery.co.uk/ info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk You a number News from January Big Garden Bird will receive a very warm welcome.

Watch weekend. of parThere has been a completely new set ents who of displays put up, by a very talented are alartist/volunteer, all on the theme of Trouble with your figures? ready birds. On Saturday January 29, many taking Let me help Want the advan- local children came in to make birds get your someone to and to take part in other related activitage of books in walk you ties to highlight the RSPB Big Garden this sesshape… through a self sion, and Bird Watch weekend. They all took & keep them trim assessment? home their bird model and a pre-pre9.00am - 9.45am it would pared fat-ball feeder to hang in their Linda Kimberley-Brooks (ACMA) be great gardens. if others Final accounts • Self assessment Good fun was had by all, including came to Taxation • Bookkeeping • VAT the adults. allow Payroll • Management accounts And Finally: Volunteers needed! young www.twyf-accounts.co.uk Email: Linda@twyf.co.uk This is a big call out to anyone who children Companies & individuals call now on could spare a couple of hours of their to play 0116 23 66 345 time every now and then to help keep and A friendly service tailored to your needs the Community library open. This valua-

MAR 2022

News from Rothley library

THE ROTHLEY POST

12

History society news IN THE last couple of years, many of us have made more use of our local network of footpaths.

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2022

Perhaps that explains the good number of members and visitors who attended our meeting in January to hear from Vicky Allen, President of the Leicestershire & Rutland Bridleways Association, about the history of rights of way.

In ancient times, the easiest way to transport people and goods was by water – but as it didn’t always flow where you needed to go, roads of various kinds have always been necessary. Some of those ancient routes may be the oldest man-made features to survive in the landscape. The Romans famously built good, straight roads, which continued to be used long after the Roman occupation. Their technology was not improved on until the scientific advances of Telford and Macadam in the 1800s.

In the right conditions, the early roads made it possible to travel quite rapidly: for example, Richard II was able to ride 70 miles along Watling Street in one night, with only a single change of horse. However, in wet weather routes over Leicestershire clay could become “foundrous”, meaning bad enough to bring a horse to its knees. In some cases, horses were better off following the bed of a brook, while lighter pedestrians would walk alongside. Individual parishes were made responsible for maintaining the roads that passed through them but they often failed to comply. Although the responsibility has

Pic: walkers on Brooky Lane

13

now passed to county councils, parishes do still retain some rights of veto in highways matters.

Richard II’s journey shows that, in medieval times, even kings would travel on horseback, while peasants would go on foot and goods would be transported by packhorse. There was also a network of drove roads across the country, along which herds of cattle and sheep would be driven from Wales, Scotland and the North of England to be sold in the South-East, grazing along the way.

Pic: The Leicester Guild of the Crippled holiday home in Cropston Pub names such as the Durham Ox and the Black Bull might indicate a drove ganizations such as the National Trust, from the Guild Hall at road, as might wide verges and clumps increased interest in preserving footpaths. www.macearchive.org.) of Scots pines, which were planted to In 1850 the artist John Flower – who In 1923, the Guild bought the site in mark favourable stopping places. painted in both Thurcaston and Cropston Cropston from the estate of Sarah Jane County maps did not begin to show – set up the Leicestershire Footpaths Hind and the holiday home was opened roads until about 1600 and, even then, Association, which went on to publish two years later. From each Easter to the maps were for display by the gentry, comprehensive maps of paths in the Christmas, it offered free accommodanot for practical route-finding. Later in county. The new pastime of cycling gave tion to Guild members, who were the century, writers such as Celia Firise to its own maps, with routes looked after by a matron and a small ennes made travelling fashionable and marked in different ways to show the staff. The home had a garden with views strip maps began to be published showquality of the surface. of Bradgate Park and a summerhouse ing the routes between principal towns.

Rights of way in the countryside (but that could be rotated according to the In the 1700s, turnpike trusts built better not in cities) are now recorded in Defini- weather. roads funded by tolls and it became tive Maps. A recent law has set a deadMany groups from local villages practical to make journeys by carriage. line of January 2026 for any new claims would raise funds for the home or proSurveying also improved and the military based on historic rights to be submitted vide volunteers, entertainment or other established the Ordnance Survey to plan and a huge number of them is expected. support to residents. Among them were the movement of guns (ordnance) in the However, after many years of campaignAnstey Toc H, the Mothers’ Union, Cropthreat of invasion. At the end of the ing to re-establish historic bridleways on ston Sewing Circle, Thurcaston Flower century, parliamentary enclosure transthe routes of footpaths, Vicky has conArranging Class and the handbell ringers. ferred large areas of the countryside into cluded that the distinction should be The home also had close links with private ownership and established the abolished. She advocates “greenways” Cropston Chapel. This was often the distinction between roads, bridleways that can be used by all non-motorized Guild members’ only chance of a holiand footpaths for the first time. traffic, with the money saved in legal day: they would return to the home The 19th century landscape movefees being used to educate users and every year and were very appreciative of ment, which led to the founding of orlandowners to share them responsibly. the care they received there.

You have probably seen the gated During the 1980s, the Guild faced development called Guild Close in Cropfinancial hardship because of rising ston, but have you ever wondered why it costs. The limitations of transport and has that name? At our February meeting, parking at Colton Street became a probJane Smith explained that from 1925 to lem, and there was reduced demand for 1992, the Leicester Guild of the Crippled holidays in Cropston as wider opportunioperated a holiday home on the site. ties became available for disabled people.

Despite having a name that is objectiona- A plan was made to demolish the holiday ble by modern standards, the Guild was home and build new headquarters, respioneering in the support that it gave to pite accommodation and sheltered housdisabled people in the early part of the ing on the site, to be paid for by the sale 20th century, long before there was any of the Guild Hall. However, no buyer welfare state to provide for them. could be found so in 1995 it was relucThe Guild was formed in 1898 and tantly decided to sell the Cropston site initially ran social evenings for disabled instead. The land was bought by David people at the Bishop Street Methodist Wilson Homes, who used it to build the Church in Leicester. Many such people 12 private dwellings that we see today. had previously been bed-ridden and kept Following a merger and several out of sight at home, but they came to changes of name, the Guild is now the events by whatever means they could, called Mosaic 1898. It continues its and the Guild would provide crutches, work providing advocacy, support, opwheelchairs and spinal carriages for portunities and care for disabled people those in need. in Leicestershire.

In 1909 the Guild opened its own We would love to hear from you if Guild Hall on Colton Street, which was you have any memories of the Cropston one of the first buildings in the country Holiday Home or any other aspect of life to be designed for disabled access. in Cropston or Thurcaston in years past.

There, it was able to offer religious serv- Do get in touch via our website ices, concerts, slide shows and classes www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk or such as artificial flower making, which come along to one of our meetings. The enabled the members to earn an income. next one will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday, An Honorary Surgeon gave advice on 15th March, when Nick Fathers will take treatment. There were rail excursions to us on a photographic tour entitled the seaside, largely funded by factory “Greetings from Belgrave”. Visitors are workers, while in the early days of moalways welcome (fee: £4).

From Thurcaston & Cropston Local Histotoring, the well-to-do members of the Leicestershire Automobile Club arranged ry Society www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk outings by road. (You can find footage of classic cars collecting passengers

Monday Club news THE MONDAY Club Cropston and ties. Members' birthdays are rememThurcaston held its AGM on Feb- bered, and special occasions or get well cards are sent as needed. One of ruary 14.

our ladies was recently honoured with a 100th birthday card from Her Majesty.

We run a Sales Table, consisting of paperback books and assorted small items, and any contributions are very welcome. One of our members also often brings freshly-baked scones, which are always popular.

The existing Committee members were all willing to continue in their current roles for the rest of the year, and we also welcomed one new lady onto the Committee. A vote of confidence was given by the members present.

Whilst we enjoyed a cup of tea and a cake, we attempted to cogitate an animal quiz/game provided by another member, and the meeting closed at around 4pm Meetings start at 2.15pm on the second Monday of each month. On March 14, we hope to have one of our popular previous speakers, or else we shall provide in-house entertainment.

The rest of the year will be varied and may include an outing to a place of interest, probably locally, and possibly a strawberry tea. We hope to have a pre-Christmas lunch again for members and their friends/families. New members and visitors are always welcome just turn up on the day.

From the Monday Club Cropston and Thurcaston

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on January 17.

The police have reported that in December there was one vehicle stolen (keys left in vehicle), three thefts of parcels, one theft from shop, one theft of a meal from a restaurant, and one criminal damage (car keyed).

It was reported that a resident had asked for permission to hold an event on the green at Town Green Street to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. It was agreed that the clerk would liaise with them regarding insurance requirements.

The council agreed to purchase three trees and plant them in the Fowke Street playing field to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A plaque will be installed in June.

It was agreed to spend £21,644 on resurfacing work at the Mountsorrel Lane and Fowke Street playgrounds.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on February 21.

PCSO Abdullah reported there had been two vehicle thefts in January, with no thefts, burglaries or criminal damage reported. He said there have been some reports of antisocial behaviour on Town Green Street.

A resident of Swithland Lane said he was disappointed that nothing ever seems to be done about speeding on Swithland Lane, despite him complain-

ing to the police and the council for 15 years. He said the average speed was over 40 mph, and a vehicle had been measured doing 81 mph. The road needs three speed cameras, he said.

It was agreed to permit the Air Ambulance charity to site a second clothing bank on the Rothley centre car park.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on January 17.

Andy Sharp was co-opted to fill a vacancy on the council.

It was agreed to submit a detailed objection to a planning application for four detached dwellings off Anstey Lane, Thurcaston, opposite the school.

The council has agreed to restore the mill race pond on Brooky Lane. A verge in the parish will be planted with wildflowers, as a pilot scheme.

Councillor Matt Green agreed to become a snow warden for the parish.

It was agreed that the council plant a tree in Jubilee Park to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The council agreed on a precept for the year 2022/23 of £43,186, an increase of 5.7%. The precept for the year 2021/22 was £40,842.

It was agreed to award grants: £156 to Leicestershire and Rutland 4x4; £130 to the History Society and £250 to Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club.

Club’s new captains MEMBERS RECENTLY enjoyed the anbeing the biggest challenge of all! I nual ‘Putting Out and Driving In’ cere- moved to Rothley to join some dear mony where the 2021 Captains took friends who are members. As a working their final putts to close their time as lady, it is great to be at a progressive captains on the 18th Hole and the golf club with regular weekend competiincoming 2022 captains drove off tions.

“Like Simon, I hope to encourage down the fairway on the 1st hole. everyone to enjoy their golf and to see The new Men’s Captain is Simon members with smiles on their faces. I'm Green. Simon joined the club 15 years ago having finished his cricketing days at also looking forward to supporting Simon and sharing a special year together Rothley C.C. His family have been involved with Rothley Park for many years, as 2022 Captains”.

Simon and Libby have chosen a joint with his mother Glenys being both a past charity for their year in office, The Shutcaptain and past lady president, and his tlewood Clarke Foundation, as they both brother, Jimmy, a former regular member of the club scratch team. His mother felt they wanted their charity to be a and father for several years also ran the 'club charity' and importantly to support something local. bridge section of the club.

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is “Playing a wonderful sport with likebased at Ulverscroft and supports all minded people on an excellent track provides a great escape from the rigours ages in the community through the provision of support, wellbeing, education of work and the world,” sys Simon: “I love the ‘club feel’at Rothley Park, and it and therapy. Not only are they hoping to raise some additional funds for the is an honour to now be in a position to be able to give something back s well as charity they are also hoping members will support them to help the charity be an ambassador for the gents section further by giving up some of their time of the club.” by volunteering at Ulverscroft – to help He added: “The Club is in a great with a specific project, the details of place at the moment - the course is which are yet to be agreed. becoming the envy of the county, the The 2022 Junior Captain is 15 year service and food offering in the House is old Ben Brownhill. Ben started golf good and the membership is thriving. I intend to encourage the men's section to when he was eight and joined Rothley Park four years ago, already achieving enjoy their golf and seeing people play an enviable 17 handicap. at Rothley Park with a smile on their Ben says he really enjoys his golf. faces will be marvellous. I am also “Being out on the course is great for both looking forward to supporting Libby as your physical and mental wellbeing. I’m we share a special year together as Caplooking forward to organising the junior tain and if we happen to have some fun golf section throughout the season with along the way it will be a great bonus!” competitive and fun competitions. We Libby Carter, who has played golf for currently have over 40 junior members, over thirty years, joined Rothley Park in which is great,” he said.

2010 having previously been a member The Men’s Senior Captain is Ken Earp. at Breedon Priory G.C. and then WillesThere are over 100 ‘Senior’ gents signed ley Park G.C. up to play casual and competitive golf in She said: “Spookily I was Lady Cap2022 with some 14 matches against tain at Breedon Priory in 1992 - so senior men from clubs across the region. exactly 30 years ago!

The senior men support the junior sec“I have always played sports, in my tion with the proceeds of various compeschool days representing Derbyshire at titions. both netball and hockey. I started play2022 also welcomes new Men’s Presiing golf with a half set of clubs in the dent, Ian Agar and Ladies President, early 1980's. Golf is a sport that chalSusie Tyler, both former captains of the lenges in so many ways - you play club. against the course, fellow competitors, and yourself - those six inches between Pic: New captains Simon Green & the ears, your golfing mind, probably Libby Carter

MAR 2022

The Club Leader, Jenny Kennington, welcomed past members and talked about all the changes which have affected us over the past two years or so.

Our last meetings had been in early 2020. Many of our speakers use visual aids, and it is now a requirement that any electrical equipment brought in must have a PAT Test.

We shall make enquiries about having a possible Strawberry Tea when the weather gets warmer, which has been popular in the past and where family members or friends can also join us.

Copies of the last AGM (in 2020) and the current financial statement were circulated. In relation to the Club funds, Jenny explained that the accounts had again been audited by the company we have been using for several years. Our acting Treasurer explained that we have been informed by our bank that a charge of £5 will now be made every month on our account (total for the year £60) and additional charges will be made for all payments into our account. However, for this year, we have decided to keep the annual membership subscription at £12, members’ entrance fee £2 per meeting and charge £4 per meeting for a visitor.

We discussed the catering arrangements. We send a short report to the local magazines to advertise our activi-

THE ROTHLEY POST

14

Open gardens event returns this June LAST YEAR saw the return of the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens after a year off due to Covid.

It was a successful weekend with a record number of visitors and a record amount raised for the Air Ambulance – over £3600.

We put a number of measures in place to keep visitors and garden owners safe from Covid, which everyone seemed to appreciate. We will do so again this year if required.

This year we will be raising funds again for Air Ambulance.

So, we are inviting gardeners to join this popular annual event. Perhaps you have opened your garden every year so

far, maybe you have once or twice, or maybe you are plucking up the courage to do so for the first time. We welcome gardens of all shapes and sizes, big or small, simple or elaborate, immaculate or with a more ‘natural’ look, and even those that are a ‘work in progress’.

Gardens in both villages are open on two afternoons, but if you can only manage one afternoon, then that’s fine.

So if you would like to open your garden for this year’s event or would like more information (or encouragement), please contact us. We hope you will join us for another successful year as part of the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens event.

Linda 0116 236 3872 email Linda@tcog.org.uk

or look at our website for more infor- then please put the date in your diary to come along and support this worthwhile mation, inspiration and encouragement community event: June 25 & 26, 2022, 2 www.tcog.org.uk .

We look forward to hearing from you. – 6pm. We’d love to see you.

Pics: Some of the many visitors to the If opening your garden is not for you 2021 Open Gardens

Social supermarket’s two new stores rel Memorial Centre.

Your Store Shelthorpe is located at and supported by volunteers of The Good Shepherd Church Hall and is available to members of Your Store every Saturday from 11am-12pm.

For more information about Your Store, including the pop-up shops please visit https://yourstorecharnwood.org.uk/

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAR 2022

A SOCIAL supermarket which is helping people in Charnwood access affordable shopping has opened two new pop-up stores in Mountsorrel and Shelthorpe.

Your Store was created last year by a partnership involving Charnwood Borough Council, John Storer Charnwood, The Bridge East Midlands and Charnwood Food Poverty Group. It aims to support people who are eligible, and may currently be using food banks, to transition to more independence by becoming a Your Store member.

Over the first three months around 140 households have carried out a weekly shop either at the main Your Store shop at John Storer House in Loughborough or one of the two new pop-ups in Mountsorrel and Shelthorpe.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for community support and equalities said: “Your Store is the result of fantastic partnership working between a number of organisations and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved for their help and dedication to the project. A huge thank you also goes to the many businesses and volunteers that have kindly donated their time and services to help get this project up and running.

“The Council is committed to creating healthy communities and these pop-ups will ensure more residents across the borough can access affordable shopping.

Your Store also provides an additional layer of support to help people with issues around budgeting, health and wellbeing and employment support.”

Many local businesses have been involved with the project including supermarkets and local trade services which helped to build the Loughborough store.

A group of volunteers have also been offering support by helping to run the shop.

Your Store shelves have been filled thanks to the support of companies such

Your Store – how it works

Pic: (l-r) Mary Bullivant - services manager (prevention and wellbeing) at The Bridge East Midlands, Rachel Trivett – financial education officer for Mountsorrel at The Bridge East Midlands, Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for community support and equalities at Charnwood Borough Council, Rachel Wood – food poverty assessment officer at The Bridge East Midlands and Gemma Skevington – food poverty development officer at The Bridge East Midlands

as Samworth Brothers, Fairshare, Everards, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and local Co-ops and pubs. There has also been fantastic generosity shown by members of the public and local community groups, schools and churches with additional support through grants and other funding.

Eligible Your Store members were initially identified through local food banks as part of the support from the Charnwood Food Poverty Group, and over 250 households in the borough have already registered as members.

Members are being referred through local agencies but can also visit the Your Store website, the main shop or a popup store to complete an initial application to check if they are eligible.

In addition to one shop each week, a £3 weekly Your Store membership gives members access to a wide range of support to address any areas of concern

they may have.

The Your Store assessment team work with members to develop a personal plan, identify concerns and help them access support. Support is available across a wide range of areas including budgeting, debt advice, struggles with health and wellbeing, employment, family life and loneliness.

Joe McSharry, chair of the Charnwood Food Poverty Group, said: “If you are experiencing crisis or would like to build capacity, I would encourage you to see how you could benefit from becoming a Your Store member. Everyone’s situation is different, and we understand asking for help can be the first difficult step, but support is available, and change is possible.”

Your Store Mountsorrel, partly funded by the Mountsorrel Community Fund, is available every Thursday between 11am1pm and can be found at the Mountsor-

Your Store is a social supermarket based at John Storer House in Charnwood offering its members an affordable shop alongside a wide range of support and advice Charnwood Food Poverty Group assess people currently using foodbanks and if suitable, offer them the opportunity to become members of Your Store Membership costs £3 per week when they visit and includes one weekly shop at Your Store. Each shop will be made up of a range of food items, that would be around a quarter of the cost in a similar shop from a supermarket.

Members will also be able to buy additional items such as cleaning, personal hygiene and baby products at affordable prices.

Each member will receive a one-toone assessment and will be given a personal support plan to help them with things like debt advice and support, budgeting, health and wellbeing, adult learning, employment support, cooking and volunteering opportunities.

Your Store Loughborough will be managed by John Storer House and local volunteers, and it is hoped Your Store members will also volunteer to become part of the team.

The food and goods on the Your Store shelves will come from a number of sources including FareShare, supermarket and community donations alongside food purchased through funding.

Your Store will also focus on reducing food waste both through FareShare deliveries and other initiatives.

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Gardening club’s busy year ahead The club finished 2021 strongly following a difficult time due to Covid-19.

Whilst Covid is still very much with us, the club has published a full Programme of Events for 2022 and we approach the New Year with optimism.

Steve was once the owner of the much-missed Brookside Nurseries in Anstey. He has talked to the club before and provided an entertaining evening.

This talk took us on his personal journey of ‘no-dig gardening’.

Steve moved to Cossington in April 2019 to a bungalow on a good-sized plot. The plot was largely uncultivated, but since moving there Steve and his wife have extended the house, laid a large patio, brought the garden into productivity, and Steve also treated himself to a large greenhouse (30 x 12 foot)!

One of the features of their new house is a one-acre paddock. When

Steve started to work this, he discovered that the soil was good loam with no clay.

Steve knew about ‘no-dig gardening’ but had never tried it. His investigations led him to Charles Dowding, a pioneer of the no-dig movement. The basic principles of no-dig gardening are to feed the soil and the soil will feed the plants.

No-dig means just that! It means the soil is undisturbed and you feed the soil

with organic matter. Because the soil is undisturbed through digging, soil organisms can multiply, and the soil is feed with organic matter. Adding annual organic mulches also improves the soil structure. This increases the ability of plants to find food.

Steve bought in 30 tonnes of soil improver from the Council garden-waste site and used it to create seven vegetable beds. He also made some large cloches using ‘wonder mesh’ to protect brassicas.

Steve has been delighted with the results so far and has become self sufficient in vegetables. Whilst it is early days for Steve’s venture into no-dig, he feels sure that it’s the way forward.

The Gardening Club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. What’s more, it is

Residents get knitting RESIDENTS AND staff at a Rothley care home are proof of the expression if you want to get ahead get a hat!

Between now and the end of June, Mountview Care Home have tasked themselves with knitting 66 miniature bonnets to raise funds for Age UK - that's one for every bedroom at the luxury dementia

Pic: dedicated knitter Joan Peel

and residential care home.

Each of the handmade headdresses will end up atop a bottle of Innocent smoothie or juice as part of the annual The Big Knit campaign.

The Big Knit is a partnership between Age UK and Innocent drinks which sees scores of knitters across the country take up their needles to craft tiny bobble hats. For each behatted bottle sold, innocent will donate 25p to the charity. Since 2003, the annual knit-a-thon has raised over £3m for Age UK. One of the care home’s most dedicated knitters is 97-year-old Joan Peel, who has lived at Mountview, on Loughborough Road in Rothley, since March 2020.

She said: “I've always loved to knit, so why stop? Knitting for charity is giving me even more pleasure, knowing the money raised will make a difference for so many people.

"I'm enjoying keeping my hands busy whilst chatting with other residents."

Staff at the home, which is operated

by Ideal Carehomes, have also been getting involved with the campaign and senior carers, Vicki Willoughby and

excellent value! The membership fee is still only £12 for the year (pro rota) or £3 per meeting. So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the club a try.

The next club events are: Wed 9 March, 7.45 pm Propagation: Philip Aubrey New plants from seed, cuttings and division. This talk gives a practical demonstration of the various aspects of propagation. This covers sowing seeds of different sizes, the many different types of cuttings and which plants you can increase by division. It is an up close and practical demonstration to help members improve their skills and level of success.

Philip began his career as a student at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and then studied at Pershore College of Horticulture. He became a nursery manager Dorset before returning to the Midlands to work at a retail nursery.

These were then just starting to be called ‘Garden Centres’ and in time was promoted to Managing Director.

He joined Birmingham City’s Parks

Department and, through promotion, managed one third of the City’s parks and open spaces. In 1987 he returned to Birmingham Botanical Gardens as Director.

Wed 13 March, 7.45pm Yvonne Bayley have been particularly keen to show off their knitting credentials.

Vicki said: “I just love everything crafty and creative and am really enjoying supporting residents to get involved with The Big Knit, as well as casting off my own fun-size caps during my spare time.

"Any excuse really to pick up my knitting needles! Over Christmas I knitted two snowmen for a resident to give to her grandchildren and she was overwhelmed! The Big Knit has spurred me on to keep creating"

Gardening with Ferns: Heather Godard-Key Advice on all aspects of fern growing, especially for growing in different types of conditions eg dry shade and wet.

Heather comes from Fibrex Nursery.

It is a family run nursery that has been going for over 60 years. They hold two National Collections, Pelargoniums & Hedera. The Pelargonium Collection is the largest National Collection in the world. We also specialise in Ferns, Hardy Geraniums & Tuberous Begonias. We show at all the major RHS Flower Shows and have countless Gold Medals for our efforts.

Plants for sale.

Wed 11 April, 7.45pm Hostas: Robert Barlow 'Hostas, The Versatile Herbaceous Perennial'. The talk provides details of the history and development of hostas worldwide. The diversity of varieties now available. Care of your hosta plants.

Propagation techniques. Pests and diseases and protection of your hosta plants. Plants are provided as an aid to the talk and are available for purchase during your meeting. I will provide a demonstration on how to split hosta plants.

During June 2018 North Staffordshire Hostas was awarded National Collection Status by the Plant Heritage Society for our hosta collection.

This is an illustrated talk. Plants for sale.

Pics: some photos of speaker Steve Budding’s new plot From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club The next issue of

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MAR 2022

THE THURCASTON and Cropston Gardening Club’s first meeting of 2022 was an illustrated talk

by Steve Budding.

THE ROTHLEY POST

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