Rothley Post (154) May/Jun 2022

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Delivered to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston

MAY/JUN 2022

www.birstallpost.co.uk

No. 154

Bunny raffled for Ukraine A HUGE chocolate Easter bunny worth £40 was raffled by the staff of Deli 1880 café, to raise money for emergency and medical supplies for Ukraine.

The lucky winner of the bunny, donated anonymously, was Mary Crawley. Mary, who lives on Woodfield Road, said: “I am not awfully fond of chocolate, but my great-nieces and nephews and their families will have a lovely time eating this!”

In addition, another person, who wanted anonymity, sewed blue and yellow ribbons for the same cause, and these are being sold in the café.

A total of £550 was raised and donated to the Disasters and Emergencies Committee for emergency aid and medical supplies for the beleaguered people of Ukraine.

THE FOWKE Street Cycle Track will have an official opening event this month, to pay tribute to the hard work of the volunteers, track designer and sponsors that have contributed to making the site such a success.

Steve Mitchell reports: A band of intrepid volunteers spent the morning of March 12 wheelbarrowing 20 tons of mill waste, kindly donated by Tarmac of Mountsorrel, around the various paths that weave in and out of the area. Most of the paths will be used by walkers and spectators wanting to watch the cyclists, and the material will enable the paths to be mud free during the winter.

Some of the mill waste was also used to provide higher starting positions for the cyclists.

Although a plan exists to add some fine mill waste into the cycle track surface in the future, it seems appropriate to have an opening event to recognise

Pic: Amy Page (left) from Deli 1880, presenting the giant chocolate bunny to Mary

Continued on page 2

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the enormous amount of work that has been put in by cycle track advisor Ben Rafferty, local volunteers and the generous financial support of The Harry Hames Charity and Tarmac, Mountsorrel.

The official opening will be held on Saturday May 28, at 10am.

The track will be dedicated to Scott Mason, the founder of the original track and Rothley Aces BMX Club over 30 years ago. His initial drive and enthusiasm got the facility started.

The morning will start with the unveiling of a plaque to dedicate the three newly planted trees in recognition of the

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Everyone is welcome.

Pics: (front page) the pile of 20 tons of mill waste at 9am; (left) By lunch-

time, the pile had gone and been used to create paths around the track; (above) Adults and children helped do the hard work.

Rothley therapist

April2022

Pic: Lynn Hebblethwaite and Shirley Lovett at Angel Yard Osteopaths, Sileby

THE ROTHLEY POST

In 2016 Lynn Hebblethwaite was brought to Rothley by her parents so they could take care of her.

She was bed-bound with severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), a complex, chronic medical condition affecting multiple body systems, similar to Long Covid.

Following years of care and slow, steady rehabilitation, she has set up Heartful Being, a new Reiki business. She operates from home offering distant treatments, while in-person treatments take place at Angel Yard Osteopaths in Sileby.

Lynn said: “I have practised self-Reiki throughout my experience of ME/CFS, I find it so calming, comforting and reassuring. Reiki can be used alongside other complementary treatments and conventional medicine but cannot be used instead of seeking professional medical advice.”

Reiki is energy healing, it is a complementary therapy that originated in Japan in the 20th Century. It is pronounced ‘ray-key’ and translated as ‘universal life force’. A treatment begins with a chat to establish the reason for requesting Reiki.

The recipient lies or sits down on a treatment couch fully clothed and covered with a towel. The practitioner connects to Reiki and places their hands in a series of non-intrusive hand positions on the recipient’s head and body. Clients report feeling better, more themselves, relaxed and having a good night’s sleep.

Lynn added: “I liken a Reiki treatment to a trip to the hairdressers. Sometimes you will have a specific problem for example stress, insomnia, a broken bone which would require a series of treatments.

Much like if you had tired bleached hair with a lot of split ends, you would need a series of treatments to get back on track, it’s the same with Reiki. Once you feel more balanced, you can receive treatments on a monthly/bimonthly basis to continue feeling your best.” www.heartfulbeing.co.uk

MAY 2022

A ROTHLEY woman has gone from being bed-bound to running her own business in six years.

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ROTHLEY

BROADNOOK GARDEN SUBURB (1950 homes)

Club’s fundraising day for Ukraine A6

ROTHLEY IVANHOE Tennis Club held a tennis and fundraising day for the Disaster’s Emergency Committee's work in Ukraine.

A46

PARK & RIDE

New junction on A6: speed limits lowered

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2022

SPEED LIMITS on the A6 and Loughborough Road, Rothley will be reduced to improve road safety.

Barwood and Davidson’s homes are building the 1950 home Broad Nook Garden suburb north of Birstall. It will have access from a newly constructed roundabout on the A6, and another new roundabout that will serve the new development with a link road to the new A6 roundabout.

On the A6 it is proposed that the speed limit on the length of Loughborough Road, Wanlip from the existing 40mph speed limit in Birstall to a point north of the new roundabout is reduced from the national speed limit to 50mph.

It is also proposed that the section of Loughborough Road, Rothley which is currently national speed limit is reduced to 40mph from where it has its junction with the new roundabout.

The new roundabout that serves the

new development and part of the link road from this to the new roundabout on the A6 are due to be 30mph by virtue of street lighting.

“We created a tennis programme that ran all day,” said Anne Mumford, Chair of the tennis club.

“There was tennis for all our members, whatever their age or tennis experience.”

The event included a family tournament, social tennis, some singles, exhibition tennis and a fitness-for-tennis session.

Jordan Lee from Birstall Garden and Leisure Centre showed

how great pizza ovens can be, and many pizzas were eaten, along with cakes provided by members.

The total raised stands at over £1600, and donations are still open at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rothle ytennisukraine For more information about the Rothley Ivanhoe Tennis Club see: www.rothleytennis.info or contact us at: enquiries@rothley tennis.info

Pic: In Ukrainian colours: (l-r) Jackie Wales, Andy Kaminski, Dave Creasey

Parish Council notes

A FEW days after she celebrated her 90th birthday, Joy Coleman was helping to decorate Rothley church for Easter, by arranging flowers.

Joy began to arrange flowers in Rothley church after she and her late husband John retired from their work with the Post Office in Leire Street, Leicester.

She celebrated her birthday with a trip to a health spa and several parties with members of the family, some of whom she had not seen for several years.

She was also able to use her flower arranging skills at home by arranging all the flowers she had been given for her birthday.

Pic: Joy Coleman arranging flowers

reported this was a view shared by other parish clerks in the borough.

Borough Councillor Mark Charles said he would take these comments back to Charnwood. He reported the council tax refunds would be sent out in May and that Charnwood has given out 300 litter picking packs to volunteers.

He said the Local Plan would be out for public consultation in June, and that the borough hopes to adopt the plan before the end of the year.

The Rothley Centre refurbishment is still on track to be completed by the end of April.

Councillor Steve Mitchell reported that the Fowke Street cycle track was now a well-used facility, thanks to the work of track designer Ben Rafferty.

Some material for the track has been donated by Tarmac. An opening event will take place on Saturday, May 28 at 10 am. The track will be dedicated to Scott Mason.

Councillors discussed the Rothley Christmas light switch-on event. It was suggested that Rothley Parish Council should take a bigger role in organising the event. Comment was made that ways of increasing the benefits to local groups and organisations in Rothley should be considered. It was agreed to consult with the organisers of last year’s event to find out more details.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on February 21.

Continued on page 5

MAY 2022

Joy’s 90th birthday

A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on March 21.

It was reported that there had been a decrease in vehicle crime in February (two were reported in January). No burglaries were reported, no reports of criminal damage, and no reports of antisocial behaviour.

The police beat team have been conducting speed checks on Loughborough Road and Swithland Lane. Data has been sent to the County Council, and warning letters to speeding offenders.

It was reported that the County Council has replied that speed cameras could not be justified on Swithland Lane as the number of accidents did not meet the nationally agreed criteria for their provision.

It was reported that work on the refurbishment of the Rothley Centre was on schedule and should be completed at the end of April.

It was agreed to approve a request from Rothley community library to plant a tree at the Mountsorrel Lane playing field to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on April 19.

It was reported there had been two vehicles stolen in March, four thefts and one report of antisocial behaviour.

Speed checks have been undertaken on Swithland Lane and Loughborough Road.

Comment was made that the response from Charnwood Borough Council was poor, with no acknowledgement of emails and slow response. The clerk

THE ROTHLEY POST

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Fundraising family fun run around Rothley FOLLOWING THE postponement of Joe’s Jog in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, it’s all systems ‘go’ for the return of this popular family fun-run mile.

The 7th Joe’s Jog will start at 6.15pm, just before the annual Mattioli Woods Continued from page 4

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2022

The clerk reported positive feedback from residents regarding the restoration that has begun on Mill Race/Sheepwash bridge on Brooky Lane.

38 people attended the screening of the film ‘Nomadland’ and a profit of £125 was made.

It was agreed to obtain quotes for replacing the film projector used for film nights in the Memorial Hall. The cost is anticipated to be between £1500£2000.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on March 21.

It was agreed to consult with Gary Kirk at YourLocale, to review and update the Thurcaston & Cropston Neighbourhood Plan. YourLocale is a business that helps communities prepare Neighbourhood Plans.

It was agreed to obtain quotations for replacing the fencing at the front of the cemetery on Leicester Road.

It was agreed to spend £120 on a tree and have it planted in Jubilee Park to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Rothley 10k running event on Tuesday June 7, 2022.

Joe's Jog is a mile-long fun run in

memory of Joe Humphries, a 14-year-old Rothley boy who loved running.

Families, carers and young children of all ages are invited to join a charity mile-long fun run to support the work of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, (though children under seven will need to have an adult with them). Absolutely anyone who wants to join in the fun will have the chance to be part of the Rothley 10k evening.

Entry fees and any money raised will go towards JHMT’s ongoing work to raise

awareness of SADS, and provide key lifesaving skills and equipment, including public access defibrillators to help create a heart-safe sporting and community environment for all across Leicester and Leicestershire. The JHMT also runs the Inspire Awards, a small grants scheme that helps inspire young people to fulfil their potential – something which the victims of SADS are cruelly denied.

Advance entry: £4 Child (minimum age 7), £5 Adult On the Day entry: £6 Child, £10 Adult You can now register online: http://jhmt.org.uk/joes-jog

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Alpine House Surgery 86 Rothley Rd, Mountsorrel, Loughborough LE12 7JU Tel: 0116 216 9947

Navigating your NHS GP services

Pharmacy Referral Scheme We also offer a new Pharmacy Referral Scheme where patients are formerly referred to a local pharmacy for minor problems. Very often minor problems can be dealt with by over the counter remedies and there is no need for an appointment to be made with the surgery. A trained pharmacist will telephone you to discuss your

EXTERNAL SERVICES PATIENTS CAN ACCESS In addition to appointments within the surgery, there are lots of other external services that patients can access for help, as follows:

Social Prescribing Team What is Social Prescribing? Many things affect your Health and Wellbeing.

GPs tell us that a lot of people visit them feeling isolated or lonely. Or they might be stressed by work, money, and housing problems. Sometimes it's the stress of managing different long-term conditions, managing at home or being a carer. There are lots of things that can impact on your physical and mental health or wellbeing. A lot of these concerns cannot always be "fixed" with medication alone. Sometimes you need someone to listen and work with you to find the solution.

That's where social prescribing comes in. From your conversation and thoughts or concerns someone from your practice can refer you for support. It starts with a conversation about what matters to you, with a Social Prescriber.

The link worker is there to listen to you, and put you in touch with the people and activities that might help you to feel better or find solutions to any of your difficulties or concerns. We can support you to make positive changes in your life which will improve your health

There are some services that patients can access themselves directly (self refer) without contacting the GP Surgery, as follows: Mental Health & Wellbeing Vitaminds (Vita Health Group) Self Referral VitaMinds can help to improve your Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Are you experiencing:Excessive worry Low mood Depression Anxiety A lack of motivation VitaMinds is a talking therapy service, known as IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies). It is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. All therapies can be provided via secure video, text-based therapy, webinar, phone or face to face (one to one or group).

If you are over 16 and live in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland VitaMinds can support you by providing the tools you need to get life back on track.

GET HELP NOW by phoning 0330 094 5595. You do not have to contact the surgery, you can self refer on this number. You can also collect a leaflet containing this information from our reception.

Monday - Friday 8.00am - 8.00pm and Saturdays 9.00am - 12.30pm Physio: Self Referral Physiotherapy Service (NHS Trust) This service is available for self referral. To book an initial telephone consultation with a physiotherapist please call their booking centre on 0300 300 0046 Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm.

Get Help to Quit Smoking - Self Referral You are four times more likely to stop smoking if you have support from a stop smoking service. For quit smoking support call or chat online to our friendly stop smoking advisor on 0345 646 6666 or visit www.quitready.co.uk

Charity for Patients outside of the Mountsorrel Area In addition to the Mountsorrel Community Support Fund Charity (info @mountsorrelcsf.org.uk), please note we do have details of another charity for patients who live in other areas within our surgery catchment area. If you feel you are in need, hardship or distress please contact the surgery's email address alpine.house@nhs.net for the attention of Andrea McGarry Ass. Practice Manager, in the first instance.

MAY 2022

They are all fully trained to deal with a wide variety of problems and can prescribe independently or will have access to a GP for prescriptions if required. This means that it is not always necessary for you to speak directly to a GP. Once our reception team have a brief description of your problem, they will book your appointment with the most appropriate clinician. Reception have received in-depth training to signpost patients to lots of additional helpful internal and external services.

Therefore, although reception only ask for a brief description of your problem, the more information you are comfortable to give to reception, the better they can help you navigate your patient journey.

Rest assured that our paramedics, advanced nurse practitioners and minor illness nurses are all highly skilled, qualified and competent clinicians, but do have immediate access to a GP if further advice is needed. By signposting correctly, this ensures that our GP appointments are used appropriately for patients who have more complex issues and needs such as complex long term conditions, cancer and end of life care.

problem and will invite you into the pharmacy to be seen face to face if appropriate. You may be recommended an over the counter remedy that you can purchase yourself. It is unlikely that a minor problem would warrant a prescription in any event. Please contact reception with a brief description of the problem and a referral can be made straight away.

When you call please make sure you:Have your NHS number and mobile/home number available plus details of any medication you are taking.

When you speak to the Booking Centre, they will ask you for some basic information and agree a time and date for your telephone appointment. You will be asked about your symptoms and your medical history.

This may take up to 30 minutes. If a further appointment is required then this will be discussed and may take place by phone, by video or face to face.

Please Note: This is NOT appropriate for treatment in your home, under 16 years old, breathing problems, continence issues, stroke or other neurological conditions. For these problems, a GP will need to make a referral to a different service.

THE ROTHLEY POST

At Alpine House we are proud of our diverse and highly skilled clinical team. We are committed to providing you with the best possible health care for your needs. However in order for us to do this it is essential that you speak to or see the most appropriate clinician for your problem.

Diverse & Highly Skilled and wellbeing.

You may not be aware, but alongYour Social Prescriber can work with side our traditional GP appointments, Clinical Team you to identify your non-medical needs you can also consult with our Paraand support you to access the right medic Team, Advanced Nurse PractiParamedic Team services for you. tioners, Minor Illness Nurses and If you think the service may help you Advanced Nurse in-house Pharmacists. or someone you care for, or to find out Practitioners more, please ask any member of staff at your GP practice.

Minor Illness Nurses In-House Pharmacists PATIENT SELF REFERRAL GPs

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2022

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Carl’s lifetime playing golf

AN 87-year-old Rothley golfer says the sport keeps him young.

Carl Porter first joined Rothley Park Golf Club in 1952, aged 16 – his father encouraged him to take up the sport, and he’s never looked back.

Both his mother and father were club members, and he spent many happy days playing golf accompanied by his father, who often caddied for him in major competitions.

In 1955 he won the Club Championship. In the same year, Carl beat the course record with a round of 66. In 1959 he won the Leicester Mercury Cup, and in 1960 he was one of the team that won the Leicestershire County 4’s Trophy at Willesley Park (photo below). In fact, Carl tells us he won every major trophy at Rothley Park.

Carl says golf has kept him young:

News from Sustainable Rothley SUSTAINABLE ROTHLEY has an event coming up in Woodhouse Eaves at the Sustainable Living Fair on Sunday May 22, where the group will be promoting growing your own veg.

Pic: Carl Porter playing at the Leicestershire Golf Club in a county junior competition with his father Percy caddying for him

through the years. I would encourage youngsters to consider taking up golf because it’s a sport you can enjoy throughout your life.”

He added: “We have members at Rothley Park well into their nineties still regularly playing golf, and it provides us senior golfers with regular fresh air and the company of good friends.”

“It’s a great sport with no age barriers, and because of the handicap system, you can play with golfers of all ages and abilities and still have an enjoyable, competitive round.

“I was very lucky to have such a supportive wife who didn’t mind the time I spent on the golf course, and we’ve made some great friends

Pic: Championn in 1955: Carl Porter points to his name on the club’s championship board

It won’t be too late to start a salad pot or sow a bean or two. More helpers and contributions are needed, email sustainablerothley@gmail.com.

News to come soon about this year’s Climate Coalition Big Green Week in September – September 24 to October 4, ahead of COP27.

Last year Sustainable Rothley made canaries, dressed up in canary capes and decorated the village. It was a quiet reminder that we need to look after the earth like canaries looked after miners.

There’ll be more news in the next issue of the Rothley Post.

Ideas and energy for anything else are very welcome, including people to help bring Rothley’s Plastic Free status up to date.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jul 9.

The copy deadline is Jun 24.

Radfield Home Care covers the Rothley and Birstall areas and offers professional, personalised, and friendly care services to older people, including companionship, medication support, dementia care and assistance with shopping and household activities.

Radfield is a privately owned company, led by Dr Hannah MacKechnie and her brother Alex Green, and has provided care for over 30 years.

Director, Sona Bharkhada, said: “I am so excited for the launch of Radfield Home Care in Leicester to support the needs of older people in the local community. Our aim is to make a difference in each individual’s life by supporting

them to live their best lives, independently. All our services are delivered to the highest quality and personalised to each individual.”

She added: “Radfield has a unique ethos and exceptional values; they are a family and believe passionately that by

treating their Care Professionals as a trusted family, they empower their staff to treat their clients with the same warmth and respect.

“Radfield is proud to care and believe in looking after people and empowering them to live their unique lives to the fullest.” www.radfieldhomecare.co.uk

MAY 2022

A HOME CARE business that supports older people to live well in their own homes has been launched in Syston.

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THE ROTHLEY POST

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Best friends are now neighbours TWO BEST friends were over the moon when they found out they were also to become next-door neighbours.

Pals Mariam Forman, 92, and Una Markham, 79, were fearful they may become separated when the care home where they were living closed down.

But the friends were ecstatic to hear that not only were they moving together to Mountview care home in Rothley, but that home manager Stacie Weaver had managed to find them adjacent rooms.

The new neighbours celebrated on their first morning with a special candlelit breakfast for two, which Una compared to 'the Ritz.'

The friends, though 13 years apart in age, share a similar sense of humour, a rural Leicestershire childhood and a strong work ethic throughout their younger lives.

Mariam previously owned Whitehouse Farm in Stapleton, with her husband John, to whom she was married for 57 years until he passed away in 2007. She worked on the farm for over 40 years, where they produced cereal, poultry and eggs. She has one child, two grandchil-

Open gardens event

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2022

LAST YEAR saw the return of the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens after a year off due to Covid.

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

Our chosen charity continues to be Leicestershire Air Ambulance, and we hope to help them raise some muchneeded funds. Like many charities, they have suffered over the last year.

We put a number of measures in place to keep visitors and garden owners safe from Covid last year, which worked well. Covid is still with us, so we may need to do so again this year.

Gardens will be open from 2 – 6pm on both days. Tickets are £5 each (accompanied children and wheelchair users free) and will be valid for both days. They can be purchased on the day from any of the signposted open gardens.

Look for the fuchsia-coloured balloons!

Tea and cake will be available at various locations, and some gardens will be selling plants.

We have a number of very varied gardens for you to visit across the two villages: some large, some small, some immaculate, some very much less so!

Some are new gardens, and some have taken part before. But all for you to enjoy.

It is often said how welcoming our gardeners are, and they would love you to come and see all their hard work.

Why not put the date in your diary now, then come along with your family and friends to support this great community event, and help us raise money for a very worthwhile cause.

For more information about this event, please have a look at our website www.tcog.org.uk or contact Linda on 0116 2363872 or email linda@tcog.org.uk We look forward to seeing you.

Pic: friends Mariam (left)and Una at Rothley’s Mountview care home

dren and one great-grandchild.

Una was born in Bagworth and lived in Queniborough with her husband Jeffrey for over 40 years until he passed away in 2008. She worked in light engineering.

Stacie Weaver, home manager, Mountview, which is operated by Ideal Carehomes, said: "Una and Mariam's friendship is very special and we are delighted to be able to help it to continue. They have not known each other for very long - only a matter of months - but it's obvious to everyone how deep their friendship runs and how much they enjoy each other's company.

"To be able to bring them to Mountview and keep their friendship strong means the world to us."

Una said: "When I saw my bedroom I couldn't believe it - it was very posh!

"Our candlelit breakfast with music, looking out over the gardens was like being at the Ritz.

"We are settling in very well together.”

Mariam said: "It’s just perfect. Everyone is so friendly and prompt. I don’t need to press my call bell. It’s such a lovely place. What have we done to deserve this?

"It’s very different here, and that’s all I

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can really say. Everyone is so nice.

“And the tablecloths are such a nice touch - the last time we had tablecloths was at Christmas!"

Mountview is a purpose-built luxury residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 66 ensuite bedrooms, it has secure, landscaped gardens and a full and varied activities programme. It is rated good by the Care Quality Commission.

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DIY Liveries FIREWOOD: bulk loads delivered Good Quality Dry Logs, Hard & Soft Wood, Smokeless Coal, Kindling And lots more!

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OPENING TIMES Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm Sunday: closed Please note these times may change during public holidays. Ring us for details.

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Rothley British Legion Appeal The Rothley branch of the RBL are considering placing a plaque at the Memorial on Rothley Green to remember anyone from Rothley, or the surrounding district, who gave their life serving for the country in any conflict since the end of the Second World War. Should anyone know of any person please contact Rothley British Legion on 07756 234 201

Thurcaston & Cropston Open Gardens 2022 25th and 26th June 2022, 2 - 6pm Tickets are £5 each (accompanied children and wheelchair users free) and will be valid for both days. They can be purchased on the day from any of the signposted open gardens. Look for the fuchsia-coloured balloons!

Tea and cake will be available at various locations, and a number of gardens will be selling plants. www.tcog.org.uk

Time to spare?

Enjoy helping people?

Want to make a difference?

Charnwood Citizens Advice is currently looking for people to join its friendly team as voluntary Generalist Advisers.

Being an Adviser involves helping our clients over the phone and

face to face, to explore the issues they need help with and to find the information they need to solve their problems. The work is interesting and rewarding and can occasionally lead to paid work within our organisation.

Full training is given and there is continuous supervision and support at all times. More information about what is involved, how to apply and what it is like to be an adviser can be found on our website – www.charnwoodcab.org.uk/volunt eering & jobs or by emailing training@charnwoodcab.co.uk Friday Film Presentations In Thurcaston "A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood" (May 13, 111 mins) May’s film, starring Tom Hanks, is a heart-warming story, based on a real magazine article about a beloved children’s television host, Fred Rogers. When the naturally cynical journalist finally meets Fred, he cannot believe that this host is so kind and selfless. However, we must ask ourselves two questions, “Will the journalist learn to face his traumatic past?” and “Will these two men ever become friends?” Tom Hanks excels in this compassionate roll, for which he was nominated for a British Academy Award.

“The Colour Room” (June 10, 108 mins) Our June film tells the story of the determined working class Clarice Cliff, who overcomes all odds to become a ceramic artist, paving the way for other women, in the process. She revolutionises the workplace and becomes one of the

recommenced meeting.

You are invited to join our local support, friendship and information group for people with lung disease, their carers, and friends at Gorse Covert Community Centre, Loughborough.

The group meets monthly on the third Thursday 2–4pm We also organise a Gentle Exercise Class Every Thursday 1-2pm For more information, please contact Rhoda Andrews 0116 2362583 most influential ceramicists of the twentieth century. Surely you have seen her exquisite pottery on an antiques show! Starring Phoebe Dynevor, this will be an inspirational film.

"Downton Abbey - A New Era" or "Belfast" will be shown on September 9.

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

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

Rothley Bowling Club Join in a Free Session of Bowls as part of Bowls England's "Big Bowls Weekend" Saturday May 28, 1 – 4pm Come along and find out more about the game and give it a try.

All you need is a pair of flat shoes.

For more information see our website: rothleybowlsclub.org A volunteer who grows plants for the Mountsorrel and Rothley Community Heritage Centre is running short of

Plant Pots and would be very grateful if any readers have some that they would be prepared to donate. I am particularly short of 3” to 5” pots (7.5cm to 12.5cm). Please ring 0116 220 9146

Birstall Flower Club Wed May 25, 2022, 7.15pm Birstall Village Hall Demonstrator: Alison Suffolk Title: Woodstock Visitors welcome £5 Queries to Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437 Do you have a

Lung Condition Breathe Easy Loughborough have

The Leicester Model Railway Exhibition Saturday 7 and 8 May2022 Organiser - Syston Model Railway Society (Previous shows at Sileby).

Venue – Roots at Thorpe Farm, Thorpe Farm, Barkby Thorpe, near Syston, near Leicester LE7 3QE. Open 10am to 4.30pm (4pm on Sunday) Admission Adults £5 Accompanied children (under 16) FREE. Advance tickets via website www.systonmrs.org.uk Features 10 high quality layouts from T to O gauge. Usual trade support including new and second hand model railways, bargain books, electrics etc Beautiful food and loads of free parking Enquiries 0116 2605760.

Email systonmodelrailway@gmx.co.uk

Rothley History Society Future meetings at Rothley Village Hall Wednesday 18th May 7.30pm 'The Roman Villa Excavations in Rutland' Peter Liddle has been fully involved in this work and will be giving us a first hand report.

Wednesday 15th June 7.30pm 'The Migration of Ugandan Asians to Leicester' This year is the 50th anniversary of President Idi Amin's order to Indian and Pakistani communities to leave Uganda within 90 days.

Colin Hyde from Leicester University will be sharing oral records of some the people who came to Leicester

Strings 4 Juniors at Richard Hill Primary School, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston, Leicester LE7 7JA 1:30 – 2.30pm £3 per session First Sunday of each month, starting on 6th March For string players ages 7 upwards from beginners to grade 5.

This orchestra will be fun and relaxed so players can develop their ensemble skills in

MAY 2022

Noticeboard all details printed free

THE ROTHLEY POST

10

Spring play a hilarious farce HATS’ SPRING play is “Penny Black”, by Rob Wellington, with the consent of Lazy Bee scripts.

We are delighted to share with you our excitement at receiving a message directly from Rob Wellington, all the way from New Zealand. His comments included: “I am delighted you are putting on this show and sincerely hope you will enjoy performing it as much as the audience

Pics: some of the cast rehearsing

will (hopefully) enjoy watching…Break a leg, I’d love it if you could keep me posted”.

I’m confident that we will certainly enjoy performing this for you, and will update Rob after the show has finished.

This message came completely out of the blue - modern technology is a won-

derful thing.

The play Penny Black includes mystery, suspense and humour with a twist at the end. This is a hilarious farce that we are sure you will thoroughly enjoy.

Penny Black, tells how three brothers (a sex therapist, a postman, and the third evil brother), together with their mother, desperately search for a secret formula written on the back of a Penny Black stamp, while having to contend with their eccentric father. Watch out for the celery, yes CELERY. I say no more!

This is the story of how Holmes Hardy became Sherlock Holmes, the world famous detective.

So, for all you super sleuths, and the others who are not so super and just want to see a good play, this is the one for you.

Can you work out what the twist is,

Dogs prefer route past salon ROTHLEY DOG owners are being stopped by their pets for a treat at a Rothley hair salon.

Gavin Taylor Hair’s ‘Dog Café’ is proving a hit, as owners on a walk with their pet can take a treat for their dog in return for a small donation.

Jane Taylor from Gavin Taylor Hair on Fowke Street said: “Our dog cafe is such a big hit, and we love seeing passersby being stopped by their four-legged friend until they are given a treat from our dog cafe!”

The total donated has reached £143, which will be given to the Dogs Trust, a charity that rehomes dogs.

Jane said: “All donations to the Dogs Trust are used to cover the costs of running the rehoming centre, costs such as heating the kennels and washing the dogs’ bedding. The money also goes towards food for the dogs, training and medical care - all with the ultimate goal of finding a dog a loving home.

“We send a donation annually to Dogs Trust and would like to thank our local community for their ongoing support.”

Pic: a local dog walker passing by for a visit with her pet dog!

MAY 2022 THE ROTHLEY POST

a friendly atmosphere and make some new friends along the way.

It will be an exciting opportunity to play a wide range of music, developing your potential whilst having fun with music!

Violins, Violas, Cellos & Double Basses are all welcome!

Please contact : Claire Grocock CT ABRSM 07906 238893 Strings4juniors@gmail.com http://kmstringorchestra.org/new s-and-updates This group is run by DBS professional tutors

Sat May 21, 2-4pm Wanlip Community Hall Cakes, Plants, Bric-a-Brac, Refreshments and more!

Community Platinum Jubilee

Celebration Service in Rothley Parish Church at 10.30am on Sunday June 5, followed by a Community Picnic Lunch in the churchyard. Everybody welcome. Church service will be suitable for all ages and including those who don't regularly come to church - all welcome

From HATS

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Wanlip May Fair

Performances start at 7.15pm. Doors open at 6.45pm Venue: Birstall Social Club, 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets: £7.00, £6.00 concession.

Discount for group bookings of 10 or more people (price available at time of booking).

Tickets will be available from: Box office: 07948 796675 Or email hatstickets@hotmail.com.

Face book: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/

Linda Kimberley-Brooks (ACMA)

The next issue of

Continued from page 10

or will you be so enthralled with the plot 11 and the humour, that you just sit back and watch the drama unfold.

This is a very fast paced production and the cast are having to work very hard.

Rehearsals are in full swing, with the usual moments of angst, brilliance, stress and laughter.

But as with most shows, we have every confidence that it will be alright on the night, well actually, more than alright, it will be amazing.

Once again the costumes and scenery are looking fabulous.

You have the easy job, just buy your tickets, turn up on the night, sit back and relax.

NOTE: This play contains some adult humour Dates for Penny Black performances are Wednesday May 18, Thursday May 19 and Friday May 20, 2022.

will be published on Jul 9.

The copy deadline is Jun 24.

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Thurcaston & Belgrave links Savings advice THERE ARE close links between Thurcaston and Belgrave, the two villages having been directly connected by road until the route was diverted along Beaumont Leys Lane in the 1990s.

At the Society’s March meeting, our member Nick Fathers took us back several generations earlier, on a photographic and historical tour entitled “Welcome to Belgrave”. Nick’s explanations were enlivened – not to say upstaged – by the contemporary opinions of Mrs Sarah Billington, landlady of the Bull’s Head, who was conjured up for us by Sandra Moore.

The talk was illustrated with a fine collection of photographs of Belgrave at different periods.

Some came from postcards, like the example here that provided Nick’s title. It was one of many local scenes published by the postmaster Walter Clayton.

Other photographs came from a collection of glass negatives and were so well preserved that Nick was able to zoom in and show details of children’s faces and of goods for sale in the shop windows.

Until the mid-19th century, Belgrave was a small, self-contained village centred on its hall, church, village green and the medieval bridge on Thurcaston Road. Then, from a population of 1200 in 1845, it rapidly grew six-fold as people moved from the coun-

tryside to find work in factories in and around Leicester. The grand houses along Loughborough Road show that the area first became a fashionable suburb but before long all the spaces in between were filled with the rows of terraced housing that we see today. To support the greater population, there was a wide variety of shops and an extraordinary number of pubs and alehouses. That might explain the building of a substantial police station, which survives but is no longer in use. The small village school close to the river was replaced by the National School – known as the “Nashy” – on the corner of Thurcaston Road. This was the terminus of the tram line from Leicester and a tram shed survived nearby until quite recently.

Other interesting pictures showed: The “Old Tree”, an elm that stood for many years outside the Talbot Inn and was the main meeting place in the village.

The Green at the bottom of Bath Lane, which was flooded in 1912.

A venue for pleasure boating next to the bridge.

Piecemeal development through the 20th century has destroyed much of the character of Belgrave but there are still things of historical interest to spot if you know where to look!

From April, the Belgrave Heritage Trust will have photos and other information on display at Belgrave Hall, each Wednesday and on the first weekend of each month, so that would be a good time to go and explore the area for yourself.

We hope you will join us at 7.30pm on Tuesday May 17. Bob Trubshaw will be paying a return visit to explain how the Anglo-Saxons found their way in the days before maps. The fee for visitors is £4. www.thurcastoncropstonhist ory.org.uk From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

YOU MIGHT qualify for a cheaper phone or broadband package if you are struggling to pay your mobile phone or broadband bill, says Citizens Advice Charnwood.

If you have a low income and are receiving government benefits such as Universal Credit, speak to your provider as soon as possible to see how they might be able to help you. There are a number of things they may be able to offer – one of these is called a ‘social tariff’, which is a cheaper package offered by some providers to some customers depending on their circumstances. More information can be found at https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2021/strugglingto-afford-phone-or-broadband-social-tariff-could-help At a time when more and more support is available through the internet, having access to affordable broadband and mobile data is becoming essential. Social tariffs can provide a safety net for eligible households who might be struggling to afford their broadband or phone services.

You can also: Check if you're in or out of contract If you’re out of contract, you’re probably paying too much, and it’s time to find out if there is a better deal for you.

When you sign up for a new service, you’re typically tied in for 12, 18 or 24 months. This usually means that you’re not able to leave your service provider without paying a fee. If you haven’t spoken to your provider in the last couple of years, the chances are you’re out of contract.

Comparison websites provide information on the best deals available. When you find a better deal, ask if your current provider will match it.

They might be able to match, or even beat, better deals you’ve seen elsewhere. By spending as little as five minutes on the phone with your provider, you could save hundreds of pounds.

If you need help or advice ring our Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605 which is open on Mondays and Thursdays 9.30am – 3pm & Tuesdays 9.30am – 12noon (apart from bank holidays).

Up to date information can also be found on our website: www.charnwoodcab.org.uk From Citizens Advice Charnwood

OUTDOOR FITNESS sessions take place in Mountsorrel five times a week, led by local fitness instructor Hayley Phillips.

9.00am - 9.45am

She said: “I’ve received many comments from members that our sessions have really helped them mentally and emotionally, as well as physically, and it’s been brilliant seeing people grow fitter and stronger.

“Many members had not exercised much, if at all, in the past, but since Covid, it has really hit home how important good physical health is. It’s lovely too that my members have made new friends or reconnected with old friends. It really is a great

community to be part of.”

Hayley (pictured inset, above) worked in the fitness industry for over 18 years, teaching group fitness classes at Soar Valley Leisure Centre. She launched Hayley Phillips Fitness four years ago after leaving her office-based job of 21 years to qualify as a personal trainer.

Hayley said: “I absolutely love going to work and seeing so many people from all walks of life each day, coming together, having a laugh whilst keeping fit and well.”

You can contact Hayley on 07715 642079.

MAY 2022

Outdoor fitness THE ROTHLEY POST

12

Grant Back on stage for Faces Arts funding COMMUNITY GROUPS and voluntary organisations in Charnwood are being invited to apply for grant funding.

FACES ARTS, the well-established Performing Arts Company based in Birstall, was delighted to finally perform its yearly productions in February and March.

The Commercial Street dance show

Charnwood Borough Council has was a high energy, upbeat and fastlaunched its first round of the 2022/23 paced show, and the Theatre School Charnwood Community Grant schemes which students performed their all-singing, help local organisations, charities, and comdancing and acting musical productions munity-led projects access funding support.

‘The Addams Family’ & ‘Oliver Twist’.

Applications are also open for the MemFaces Arts’ owner Jody Tinbergen was bers Grant scheme which enables local full of admiration for the children’s hard groups to apply to their local councillor for up to £500 in funding. work and commitment to their performDuring 2021/22, the Council awarded ances. She said: “All our talented stuover 90 grants, including one to Shepshed dents loved being back on stage, Dolphins Swimming Group (SDSG) who performing their hearts out to family and received £2,000 from the Charnwood Comfriends. munity Grant scheme.

“Faces Arts is all about providing opShepshed Dolphins Swimming Group portunities for local children to supports those with a disability, health condidiscover their performing talents tion or long-term illness feel comfortable in and building confidence. The the water. The grant was used towards the development in their ability cost of hiring a pool and the costs of runand self-confidence has ning aquafit sessions.

The different grants are open to properly been outstanding. A constituted community and voluntary groups huge well done to all for activities not conducted for profit (retrothe children who spective applications are not eligible). The took part.” grants include: For more inforCharnwood Community Grant – Round 1 mation on Faces deadline Friday May 13, 2022, 5pm These Arts Saturday Theagrants can provide up to £5,000 for organitre School, Comsations currently running projects with community benefit in Charnwood, including organisational running costs (for up to one year), environmental projects and one-off contributions for equipment costs.

The maximum amount of grant that can be applied for in one year is £5,000. Applications can be made in both rounds to a maximum combined total of £5,000.

Community Facilities Grant – Round 1 deadline Friday May 13, 2022, 5pm The community facilities grants scheme can award funding of up to £20,000, to a maximum of 50% of the cost of a project which assists with the renovation, improvement and provision of community buildings, including fitting out and provision of facilities for people with disabilities Member Grants – Applications close on Tuesday January 31, 2023 These grants give each borough councillor the opportunity to award up to £500 to projects which bring benefits to their ward each year.

A FREE event in Woodhouse Application forms and more information Eaves on May 22 aims to prois available at: www.charnwood.gov.uk/grants, mote a sustainable lifestyle email: grants@charnwood.gov.uk or call 01509 634730. and features a repair shop, a

mercial Street Dance, Shake Up Parent & Toddler or Summer Schools, please contact Jody@facesarts.co.uk, 07971423201 or visit the website www.facesarts.co.uk for further information.

Pics: performers from Faces Arts in productions of The Addams Family & Oliver Twist

Sustainable living fair

toy swap, a marketplace and a host of activities for all ages.

Charity run

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2022

WREAKE VALLEY Rotary Club are holding their twelfth Watermead Challenge charity run, sponsored this year by Dunelm, on Tuesday July 5, 2022 at 7pm.

Race Director, Dave Snutch, said: “This ever popular run attracted about 600 entrants last year. The relatively flat route around the lakes of Watermead Country Park suits runners of all abilities and offers the opportunity to achieve a personal best time.”

To enter please, visit www.evententry.co.uk. Further details can also be found at www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk.

The Sustainable Living Fair on May 22, from 10am – 4pm at Woodhouse Eaves Village Halls LE12 8RZ, is organised by Woodhouse Eaves Plastic Free.

Spokesperson Gemma Andrews said: “With free entry, it allows you to come along, get involved and take home inspiring ideas. Find out everything on offer and what you need to bring along at www.wheplasticfree.co.uk/fair. There will be a marketplace of stalls, a Repair Café, Toy Swap, art activities and refreshments and much more.”

Toy Swap The Annexe Hall will be open from 4pm – 6pm on Saturday May 21 to receive toys. Organisers request that you bring clean, working toys, and puzzles or games with all their pieces

and parts. Each child can bring a maximum of three items and they will receive tokens for each item brought.

On Sunday between 10am – 1 pm, they return to ‘spend’ their tokens by choosing new toys to take home. There is no cost attached – bring a toy, take a toy.

Repair Café The Repair Café will have teams of electricians, textile enthusiasts and a chain saw sharpener ready to repair your broken items. Bring your item along, and one of the team will attempt to fix it for you. Repairs by volunteers are free, but if you are able to, there will be a box for donations. Alongside the volunteers, Let’s Get Sharp and BBuddies will also be there for the day.

Bring along your kitchen knife, dog clippers, or secateurs and Let’s Get Sharp will bring the blade back to life.

B-Buddies will be carrying out free bicycle checks. Any repairs needed can then be undertaken for a fee.

Marketplace The marketplace will be packed with organisations and companies giving information or selling items to help you make sustainable swaps to your daily life. For a full list of all the stalls, check out the website www.wheplasticfree.co.uk/fair Activities to get you involved Have a go at various activities running throughout the day for all ages.

B-Buddies will be taking any old bikes that you feel are not safe.

Ever wondered how Freegle or Freecycle work? Have a chat with Helen, who has become rather hooked on decluttering and finding a new home for items she would have previously taken to the tip. Find out how the process works to rehome your own unwanted processions.

New stallholders and activities are being added to the lineup daily. To keep up to date, visit Facebook or Instagram @wheplasticfree.

Or check the website pages for updates www.wheplasticfree.co.uk/fair

13

Opening hours Current opening hours Monday 2.30 – 4.30pm; Tuesday 2.30 – 4.30pm; Wednesday 2.30 – 4.30pm; Thursday 10 – 12noon, 2.30 – 4.30pm; Saturday 10am – 2pm The library is now opening six times a week. An additional session has been added on Tuesday afternoons, and it means that the Library is now open four afternoons per week, with the intention of adding a Friday afternoon session sometime in the summer holiday.

Volunteers As a result of a call for more volunteers in the last Rothley Post, it is really encouraging to report that a number of people have come forward and are now trained and working in the Library. With a desire to open on Fridays too, we still would welcome anyone who has a few hours to spare.

For further information, 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.

Tuesday afternoons: Yarn Crafts 2.30 – 4.30pm On the first and third Tuesdays of each month, a new group has started which will be for those who wish to bring their knitting, crochet, macramé or anything ‘yarny’ to the library while having a chat and a cuppa.

Why not come along and pick up or exchange ideas?

Platinum Jubilee tree A tree has been planted in the field next to the Library to mark the Queen’s

Platinum Jubilee.

The tree is an Acer Freemanii ‘Celebration’. The tree has been paid for with contributions from friends of the Library.

Book boxes The white Library book boxes are now full of books for children to sit and read at the following parks: Mountsorrel Lane, Fowke Street, Town Green Street, Saxon Drive, Warren Way and at the end of Woodgate. The books have all been donated.

Payments Payments can now be made for fines, charges, photocopying, book purchases etc electronically via card reader as well as paying by cash.

New books

Library hiring: @ the Cowshed Heather has hired the library on a commercial basis on Mondays for hourly pre-paid sessions.

Email: Heather heather@thecowshed.me for more information or book online www.thecowshed.me Sensational Babies Babies thrive on love, connections and positive interactions.

This course is suitable for parents of pre-crawling babies who want the opportunity to explore more ways of offering all this to your baby through baby massage, songs story & play. 9-30 -10.30am Sensational Babies + Babies are born ready, willing and able to communicate and YOUR voice is one of their favourite sounds!

This course is suitable for parents of babies 0- 2-year-olds who want the opportunity to share Nursery Rhymes, songs and stories with your baby and also pick up some top tips for encouraging language development as your baby grows and develops.11.30am12.30pm Sensational Toddlers The first three years of a child’s life are THE most crucial years for brain development.

Talking, singing and sharing books with your child aids this development.

This course is suitable for parents/carers with children aged 2-4 years who want to enjoy songs, rhymes, stories and activities and also pick up some top tips for encouraging language development. 1-2pm ALL SESSIONS NEED TO BE PREBOOKED News from the children’s Easter craft morning on Saturday April 9 Many young children came to construct an Easter chicken bag. Once made the children were given eggs to fill them.

Pictured here is Grace, from Leices-

ter who was spending the weekend in Rothley with her nan.

Make a date in your diary for these events

Scarecrow trail September 24 & 25, 10am – 4pm Plans are well underway to hold a scarecrow trail on the weekend of September 24 & 25. A number of local organisations have already offered to join in with this event but it’s not too late for any organisation or individual who wishes to either get involved or offer their help in the organising of it to contact us either by registering their interest next time they are in the Library or by email.

Info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk

Outdoor screening Friday September 23, 7.45pm Due to popular demand, we are holding another outdoor screening to kick off the Scarecrow Trail weekend.

The film (yet to be decided) will be screened in the park next to the Library.

Ian Roe LANDSCAPES & DRIVEWAYS 07847 003554 0116 2303222 www.ianroe.co.uk

MAY 2022

News from Rothley library

There is a plentiful supply of new books and there are plans to spend more on further titles, especially for the teenage market. We welcome recommendations from the public.

Jubilee Book Sale & Coffee Morning Saturday June 4, 10am – 12noon A big thank you to those who have donated books over the past year or so.

Many of these have been sold either online or within the Library. But we would now like to hold our first book sale in over two years as they have been so popular in the past. Books are for sale at 50p for one book or bring a bag and you can fill it for £2. We are still accepting books should you wish to donate any. The event will also have a cake stall and a raffle.

THE ROTHLEY POST

14

Dancing Brownies

Club refurbished

us to inspect.

For Ballroom dancing, we tried the Tango. This dance was invented by slaves from the silver mines near the River With the expertise of Brown Owl and Plate between Argentina and Uruguay.

Barn Owl, the Brownies have been trying Tango means ‘a place where slaves meet’ out different dances, while Snowy Owl and was originally a dance just for men. has been researching their history and It was fun to ‘paint the floor, knee bend, culture. We started with ‘Action Dances’, lunge, flick the head’ and the Fernando’s and enjoyed the Macarena and the everHideaway music was in my head for the popular Chicken Dance. rest of the week!

We celebrated Burns Night in January ‘Wear something green for St Patrick’s by wearing something tartan, learning Day and we tried the Irish jig, learned of the Gay Gordon’s dance and the signifithe defiance to keep the Irish culture cance of the poet Rabbie Burns to the and language (Gaelic) alive, the worldScottish and their fight for Independence. wide exodus of the Irish in the face of At this time the famous ballroom in famine and the phenomenon that was Blackpool tower, used for Strictly Come Michael Flatley’s Riverdance.

Dancing Finals, was being renewed so Most of our evening meetings had we learned a little about the science of finished with the favourite game of ‘Wrigdance floor construction. The floors are gly Worms’ or ‘Torch Game’, involving springy to save injury to the joints of crawling about in the dark without being dancers. spotted in the searchlight of a torch. We Waitangi Day in New Zealand is in have also been under and over skipping. early February and we learned about the We had now earned our Brownie Treaty between the native people and the Dancing Badge and turned our thoughts colonial British. The aggressive Haka to Mother’s Day. We made pretty cards dance and words (performed before NZ that looked like baskets of flowers.

Rugby matches) were not easy to learn, Thanks to Pat, our helper, ably assisted

by Barn Owl. Egg rolling is an old tradition. The Brownies decorated hard-boiled eggs and then wrapped them in measured amounts of cotton wool, sellotape and aluminium foil. Everything had to be equal and fair. The following week the weather was heavy showers, but the brave Brownies, including an eight-year-old birthday girl, leaders and some but it was fun to pull faces, stick out parents/grandparents, climbed up to Old your tongue and pretend to be frightenJohn. ing.

Eggs bumped downhill along the February 22 is Thinking Day and we track chased by Brownies to the faraway celebrated the joint birthday of Lord and finish line. Who would be first? Would Lady Baden Powell, who founded the the eggs be cracked? Little chocolate Scout and Guide Movement, with a canEaster eggs were awarded to all and dlelit ceremony. extra eggs and chocolate coins to the Pancake Day races took place in winners. Soon it was time to hurry back March using pretend pancakes. Our out of the cold, damp weather. dance task that evening was to learn the We meet on Wednesday evenings 6 basic positions in ballet and use them in -7.15pm in the Harrison Room, All Saints our own routines. church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. Girls Brown Owl demonstrated ballet and can start Brownies at age seven. Please tap shoes. Barn Owl has recently taken contact Brown Owl (Louise Keran) moup clog dancing but has only had two bile 07711 422350, but avoid work lessons so far. She brought the clogs for hours if possible.

A BOWLS club has refurbished its clubhouse after receiving grant support.

THURCASTON BROWNIES have been exploring dance, as group leader Snowy Owl explains:

Soar Valley Bowls Club, located just off the old A6 in Rothley, was awarded grants from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund, Charnwood Borough Council, The National Lottery and the Harry Hames’ Charity.

A club spokesperson said: “The club is deeply indebted to all of these organisations for their generous donations, which have enabled the complete refurbishment of the clubhouse. Without their support, this exciting project would not have been possible.”

The club, previously known as the Rolls Royce Bowling Club, was formed in the early 1960s.

Work began in October last year to fully modernise the clubhouse and install heating to facilitate year-round use. The facilities now include a large function room, a fully fitted kitchen and a bar, and the club wants to promote itself as an ideal venue for a special party or occasion.

Rob Lees, operations manager at Tarmac’s Mountsorrel Quarry, said: “We are proud to have been able to support Soar Valley Bowls Club with the grant from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund.

“We hope the improvements will bring enjoyment to the current club members, along with attracting new bowlers to the club.”

The official opening will take place on Sunday May 15, and the Club welcomes members of the public to come along and share in their success, and also to see the building and the facilities that are now

available.

The club will be open to the public from 1.30pm until to 4.30pm and refreshments will be available.

The spokesperson said: “Every bowling

club must have a first-rate bowling green.

Soar Valley Bowling Club boasts a green which is arguably one of the finest in Leicestershire, and is always pleased to welcome both new and experienced bowlers as members. A one-year free membership is available to new bowlers.”

On Sunday May 15, there will be the opportunity for anyone interested in taking up the sport to “have a go.” Expert guidance will be available; all that is needed are some flat-soled shoes.

For further details about bowling, social membership or private hire opportunities, telephone 07961335309 or01162374719, or email luapgmandraw54@icloud.com

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Schools Out Rothley We are pleased to announce that our Pre School is now OPEN

School’s Out NEW Preschool, OPEN from 9-3pm, running alongside our popular breakfast and after school club (7.30am – 6pm)

THE ROTHLEY POST

MAY 2022

Funded places available for all qualifying 3 year olds from Sept 2022

Based in the grounds of Rothley Primary School, with a safe 2 minute walk down to the main school School's Out operate a Breakfast, After-school club and Pre School, providing a safe and stimulating environment where children (3-11 years) are cared for between 7.30am-6pm Pic: Thurcaston Brownies in Bradgate Park

Phone: 07879 676025

claire@schoolsout-rothley.co.uk

15

THE THURCASTON and Cropston There are ferns that like either damp demonstrate key points in her talk. She Gardening Club welcomed Heath- shade, dry shade, or sun. Heather made passed plants round so club members the point that ferns will grow where er Godard-Key to talk about could see close-up of the details she was ‘they’ want to rather then where a garden‘Gardening with Ferns.’

Heather is from Fibrex Nurseries, which hold the National collection of Pelargonium and Hedera. They also grow and sell a huge variety of ferns.

Fibrex Nurseries was established 65 years ago by Heather’s mother-in-law who had a passion for Pelargonium. For years they attended RHS Shows (being at Chelsea for 35 years).

The number and variety of ferns is vast and can be bewildering. As a plant family, ferns are ancient, being some of the first living plants on the planet. They have been on the planet for 350 million years (one hundred million years before dinosaurs!).

Ferns do not flower; they propagate by spores. The process of germination is very complicated and can take months, and in some cases years. In earlier times when people first became interested in ferns, they knew very little about them and all sorts of myths grew up. In Victorian times, a fern society was formed which helped to research and protect them. Some ferns were named after some of these early botanists, a reminder today of what we owe to these plant pioneers.

er wants them to! Many ferns prefer dry shade, and these are mostly evergreen.

There are a group of ferns that grow well in damp shade. Their growing habit is to disappear away to nothing in winter and reappear the following spring.

When gardening with ferns, Heather recommended having different varieties of fern in a group to ‘set each other off.’

Although they are all green, there is a wide variety of shades and textures readily available. In fact, humans have evolved to be able to identify more shades of green than any other colour.

Heather’s talk was brilliant and very well received. Although the world of ferns is difficult to understand and the names of different varieties of ferns are almost impossible to remember (unless one is a fern fanatic); Heather provided a very entertaining evening. She bought a wide selection of ferns to

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describing. At the end of the talk, club members were delighted to buy many of her specimens.

The Gardening Club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. What’s more, it is excellent value! The membership fee is still only £12 for the year (pro rota) or £3 per meeting. So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the club a try.

The next club events are: Wed 11th May, 7.45 pm Hostas - Robert Barlow 'Hostas, The Versatile Herbaceous Perennial'. The talk provides details of the history and development of Hosta worldwide. The diversity of varieties now available. How to care for care for your Hosta plants. Propagation techniques and how to split them. Pests and diseases and protection of your Hosta plants.

Plants are to be provided as an aid to the talk and are available for purchase during the meeting.

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

Plants for sale.

Wed 8th June, 7.45pm Dark and Desirable - Paul Green This talk covers dark leaves, flowers & stems - there are plenty to choose from now as they have become very fashionable. The common misconception that darks plants are boring will be blown away. Add some drama to your garden!

Paul Green trained at Pershore College and has worked in horticulture over the last 30 years.

His current venture ‘Green’s Leaves’ started as a small “hobby” nursery in 1994 – and has grown in size and range.

There will be plants for sale at the talk.

For more information about the club, please call Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116) 236 8313: cropston161@hotmail.co.uk From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club Pics: These pictures show different types of ferns and demonstrate how they vary in colour, shape, and structure

Monday Club AFTER A brief review of our plans for the rest of the year Jenny Kennington, the Club Leader, introduced the speaker Derek Holloway at the March meeting.

His topic this time was the life and career of Beatrix Potter, an author and illustrator who is still a household name today.

At the April meeting Jenny Kennington, began by outlining the programme or the rest of the year. On June 13 we shall have a speaker from a charity supporting families of premature babies. In July, the Strawberry Tea has been booked at the Bluebell Inn at Rothley, where we have enjoyed a lovely spread before.

Our usual Harvest Festival is planned for September, and members will be asked to bring a contribution of some kind which can be sold at the meeting, with the proceeds going to a local charity. We have also made a provisional booking for a pre-Christmas lunch at the Birstall Golf Club, who have put on a good spread for us in the past. Friends and family are also welcome to join us for this.

Then Jenny handed the floor to one of our regular members, our speaker on the subject of alternate therapies such as Indian head massage, based on practices from the Ayurveda, and Reiki.

Our meetings start at 2.15pm on the second Monday of each month.

New members and visitors are always welcome to meetings - just turn up on the day.

From the Monday Club Cropston and Thurcaston (meets at Cropston Evangelical Free Church)

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Gardening with ferns

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