Rothley Post (155) Jul/Aug 2022 by The Birstall Post

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JUL/AUG 2022

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No. 155

Rothley cycle track gets thumbs up ROTHLEY’S off-road cycle track on the Fowke Street playing field is proving popular with cyclists.

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The track has been remodelled and upgraded, thanks to financial assistance from the Harry Hames Trust and Tarmac’s Mountsorrel Quarry. The project to improve the track started several years ago after the BMXstyle undulating circuit at Fowke Street, Rothley, became overgrown and dilapidated. Rothley Parish Council wanted to improve the facilities, so engaged with local cycle track enthusiast Ben Rafferty to clear the site and completely redesign the course. In order to create a network of pathways in and around the track, the parish council contacted Tarmac for a donation of materials. The track was officially opened on Saturday May 28.

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Pic: Unveiling the plaque: riders JoJo Norton (13) and Max Murray (18) with Ben Raferrty (left) and Tyler Mason (ctr)

Pic: Percy Hartshorn,Chairman of Rothley Parish Council, beside the newly planted Jubilee trees

Cllr Steve Mitchell, from Rothley Parish Council, said: “It’s great to see the completed project after everyone’s hard work and support. “We are very grateful to everyone who worked together to make this project a success, especially Ben Rafferty for his hours and hours over the last two years, reshaping and re-developing the track to make it one of the most popular facilities in the area.” The facility is dedicated to the late Scott Mason, the founder of the original track and the Rothley Aces BMX track. Scott’s son Tyler Mason (29) was one of the riders cycling on the track at the opening event. He said: “It’s nice to have this dedicated to my father. I spent my life down here as a child, training here before competing for Britain at the BMX World Championship.” Rob Lees, operations manager at Mountsorrel Quarry, said: “We are al-

ways keen to support a diverse range of community projects around the quarry, so when we received the request from Rothley Parish Council, we were keen Continued on page 3

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to support. “We hope the community in Rothley, and the surrounding villages, enjoy the new and improved facilities.”

Friends’ 26-mile charity walk

A GROUP of friends have completed a 26-mile charity walk starting from their local, the Bradgate Arms in Cropston. Over two days in May, the group of eight hiked their way on a route that took them through Rothley, Cossington, Sileby Barrow on Soar, Mountsorrel, Newtown Linford, Woodhouse and Swithland. Nicole Alborn said: “We are a group of friends who decided to raise money for the local charity Wishes4kids throughout this year. They are a charity The cycle track opening event also that grants wishes for poorly children, saw the unveiling of a plaque beside something very close to my family’s three trees, planted by Rothley Parish hearts having a granddaughter diagnosed Council to commemorate the Queen’s with leukaemia in June 2020. Our target platinum jubilee. for this year is £2500. The trees are Acer Campestri ‘Queen “Most charities have suffered throughElizabeth’ and Acer Freemanii ‘Celebraout Covid as people have not been able tion’, which have a rich autumnal colour. to fundraise.” They were planted in March and form She added: “We are very lucky as our part of the Queen’s Green Canopy to local pub, The Bradgate Arms, and landcreate a legacy in honour of the Queen’s lords Stephanie and Shaun have been leadership of the nation, which will amazing supporting us, they have held a benefit future generations. quiz night there in February for us, and Shaun did dry January with me to raise money that way as well. Shaun joined us on the walk, and they have kindly offered to hold another quiz night on July 10 for us.”

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Pic: Walkers (l-r) Tina, Alicia, Shaun, Nicole, Dean, Tracey, Scott and Elle

Shaun said: “We are more than happy to support our locals with their fundraising throughout the year for the fantastic Charity Wishes4kids, which helps makes children’s wishes come true. We have really enjoyed holding the events at the pub and will continue to do so. Anyone

wishing to donate can do so via the just giving page or pop into the pub, we will be more than happy to pop it into the jar.” www.justgiving.com/fundraising/NicoleAlborn1

Brothers’ daunting challenge TWO ROTHLEY brothers and their families took part in a daunting challenge on June 25, walking to the top of our three highest mountain peaks within 25 hours. This might seem impossible, but the usual way is to start by climbing Ben Nevis in the evening. The first step for our local families, then, was to get themselves up to the foot of Scotland’s highest mountain (1,345 m.) in good time for the start. Climbing Ben Nevis is the least dangerous of the three routes when the light is fading, which is why the challenge started there. Once down off the mountain, the Rothley group was then packed into a minibus and driven overnight to the next Peak – Scafell Pike, in the Lake District National Park. Climbing, at first light, to the top of Scafell, (only 879 m.) was certainly less of a climb than up Ben Nevis, but it was no easy “walk in the park”, given that most people didn’t get much sleep en

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route in the minibus. Scafell is England’s highest peak. Once down off Scafell Pike, our group was driven off to North Wales, to the foot of Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, as the Welsh now ask us to call it. Probably a lot of Rothley Post readers have enjoyed walking up this mountain as part of a leisurely holiday in that area, but, for our family of walkers, this was not a leisurely climb because, of course, they had already been on the go for so long.

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It’s hard to imagine why anyone would want to do a challenge like this. But the answer here, is that the families are raising money for three charities with which they have connections: Save the children; The Brain tumour Charity; Kidney Care UK. The group was hoping to raise £5,000, but had already been sponsored for over £6,000 before they left. If anyone would like to find out more and perhaps even contribute, details can be found at https://gofund.me/d722f2f7 Cousins, and nieces and nephews from Leicester and London, also joined the local group, so a total of 14 people took part. “After all the training we have put in, I think we will make it,” said one of the party before setting off. “But it’s going to be tough, that’s for sure.” There will hopefully be an update on their adventure in the next edition of the Rothley Post. The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Sep 9. The copy deadline is Aug 26.

JULY 2022

Continued from page 1

THE ROTHLEY POST

Joe’s Jog: big turnout for family fun run AFTER A two-year wait due to the Covid pandemic, it was finally all systems go for the return of Joe’s Jog. The family fun run mile, which is now in its seventh year, took place before the Mattioli Woods Rothley 10k on Tuesday June 7, 2022. The event attracted over 300 runners, with families and children of all ages enjoying the chance to be part of the Rothley 10k evening. Joe’s Jog 2022 raised £1336 to support the ongoing work of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT). The race was started by Matt Piper, BBC Radio Leicester’s Football co-commentator and former LCFC and Sunderland player. The first five runners to cross the line were: Harrison Hill, Freddie BlockleySmith, (1st female home) Sian Evans, Jaxon Loik and Harry Barber. Joe Humphries was 14 when he collapsed and died suddenly while out jogging near his Rothley home. He was a victim of SADS – sudden arrhythmic

death syndrome – a heart condition which can strike anyone at any time, particularly otherwise fit and healthy young people. Since Joe’s death, his family and friends have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of SADS and sudden heart deaths. They set up the JHMT to provide free CPR training in schools, sports clubs and community groups, help fund community defibrillators and campaign for a better understanding of SADS. The charity also

Pics: Runners taking part in Joe’s Jog through the streets of Rothley

Joe’s Jog family run mile since 2019. Thank you to all the runners for creating a brilliant atmosphere from start to finish. “Joe’s Jog is a great way

runs the Inspire Awards, a small grants scheme that helps inspire young people to fulfil their potential. Steve Humphries, chair of the JHMT, said: “It was really uplifting to see the community return en masse to the first

THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2022

Golf club’s funds for Ukrainian appeal OVER £5000 has been raised for Ukraine by Rothley Park Golf Club. Members of the club certainly rose to the challenge when Club Chairman, Phil Watson, asked for donations for the Disaster Emergency Fund. “We were keen to highlight the terrible suffering in Ukraine following the Russian invasion,” says Phil. He added: “Ordinary people losing loved ones and their homes, and mil-

lions forced to leave the country to live in refugee camps. So we put a Ukrainian flag alongside our club flag and set up a fundraising page on the internet. Club members very generously donated £5243, all of which has gone to the Disaster Emergency Fund for Ukraine. Our thoughts are with them.” Golfers of all ages, young and old, contributed to the cause, illustrated by the photo taken on the club terrace as golfers came in from the course.

to commemorate Joe in his home village of Rothley and raise vital funds for the ongoing work of his Trust to save young lives. None of this would have been possible without the support of forty ‘Team Joe’ volunteers who rallied to the cause and helped create a safe and enjoyable environment for all the participants.” To find out more about the Trust’s work, to get involved as a volunteer, or to learn how to apply for the Inspire Awards or CPR training for your sports club, visit www.jhmt.org.uk

School’s magical panto performance

Staged at the Palmer-Tomkinson Centre, at the Cedars Academy, Birstall, the children had prepared the show in just four weeks, learning 12 songs and hundreds of lines, how to follow stage directions and mastering all the props. Teacher Ben Asquith said: “The Year 4 children really pulled out all the stops on this one. They really went all-in with their learning of the lines, acting and expression. Every child’s role was integral and added to the amazing performance it was! Our main roles, Aladdin, Jasmine, Abanazar and

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Widow Twankey, to name a few, were just fantastic – I think we may be seeing them on the big stage in the future!” He added: “The Year 3 choir were the perfect accompaniment to the show. The songs for this particular play are not easy – with multi-layered songs, harmonies galore, and many songs to learn. However, the Year 3s were incredible and really showed the singing talent Rothley school has to offer! The props and costumes were brilliant, and all put together by our fantastic teaching assistant team in Year 4.” The teachers and children are already looking forward to doing it again next year.

JULY 2022

CHILDREN FROM Rothley Church of England Primary Academy wowed audiences with a colourful production of Aladdin.

THE ROTHLEY POST

Summer afternoon in local gardens

THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2022

Your views on Jubilee Park THURCASTON AND Cropston Parish Council is seeking residents’ views about proposals to improve Jubilee Park. The Parish Council is currently reviewing the public open spaces in the parish to enhance them for the benefit of residents and wildlife alike. Work has already been carried out at Mill Race Bridge on Brooky Lane to expose the original stonework and restore the pond beneath. Feedback from this venture has been very positive, says the council, and work will soon begin to restore Sandham Bridge, helping to conserve the rich heritage of this area. Jubilee Park, situated off Latimer Road, Cropston was first leased to the Parish from Charnwood Borough Council in 1977 to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. It is a large field, bordered by mature trees and hedgerows, within which there are seats, a children's play area, a rudimentary football pitch, a basketball post and a picnic table. A Parish Council spokesperson said: “To make this area more inviting for people of all ages to enjoy, the Parish Council is considering creating some more interesting paths around the site, perhaps with interpretation boards along the way. It is acknowledged that the central sports/play areas should be maintained as they are at present since these are well used and much valued by the local community. “There are also opportunities to increase the biodiversity of this site by allowing the growth of wildflowers and grasses in several sections of the park and planting fruit-bearing trees which would, in turn, encourage more insects, birds and animals, many of which are declining in our increasingly built-up world. A series of closemown paths could run in between these sections to maintain easy access throughout the park.” The Parish Council wants to hear your views on these initial ideas for this new project. Please contact Marianne Lane, Parish Clerk by email at: clerk@thurcastonandcropston.org. uk Or in writing to Parish Clerk, Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council, Parish Office, Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston LE7 7JA Responses are required by August 31, 2022.

THE THURCASTON and Cropston Open Gardens took place in June, with 20 gardens for visitors to enjoy, all in aid of the County Air Ambulance. Visitors were able to buy plants, books, cakes, and other refreshments. Many garden owners also raised money for their particular charities. Pic (left): The School of Baroque String Quartet performing in one of the gardens; (above) Denise Wright & Caitlin Coley with Caitlin(6) and Freya (4)

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Parish Council notes THE ANNUAL parish council meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on May 16.

THE ROTHLEY 10K returned for 2022 and was once again well supported. Taking place on June 7, 612 runners ran through Rothley to raise funds for

charities, including hosts LOROS. As well as the main race, Joe’s Jog made a return with many children taking part to help others, raising £1336 for The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust with Harrison Hill and Sian Evans the first male and female runners to cross the finish line Early indications show that over £28,500 has been raised for LOROS, a figure that is still rising thanks to the JustGiving page for those who were unable to run this year. Ian Mattioli, Chief Executive Officer of Mattioli Woods, said: “LOROS has helped so many families over the years, mine

included, and so the Rothley10K is not just a great event but also highlights just how much we need LOROS. Each year it seems to get better and better, and once again, I appreciate just how much the runners, sponsors, volunteers and spectators give to ensure the event is such a success. I would also like to thank the residents of Rothley for lending us their beautiful village for a few hours each year!” Fundraising Co-ordinator (Events) for LOROS Joshua Richardson said: “It was fantastic to see such a great turnout for the race once again! At LOROS, we are so grateful for the amount raised as the event continues to grow. Having Joe’s Jog return this year was a brilliant addition to the evening and one which was enjoyed by the many spectators.” Next year’s event will be on June 6, 2023. 2022 Results: Overall winner Dan Hallam (affiliated) who completed the course in 33 minutes and 26 seconds. Rebecca Randell, first affiliated woman 40:20 Kieren Coleman-Smith, first unaffiliated man 33:40 Haley Bellerby, first unaffiliated woman 43:17

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A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on April 11 Councillors considered what actions they could take to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Councillor Cole said that Richard Hill School are keen to get involved with Jubilee celebrations. Councillor Cole suggested giving Jubilee gifts to the children at the school. The council agreed to spend £3000 to purchase and install a new projector at the Memorial Hall for film nights. It was agreed to rename the restored bridge on Brooky Lane, ‘Mill Race Bridge’. The annual Parish Council meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on May 16. Councillor Mark Charles was elected as chairman for the forthcoming year, and Councillor Matt Green vice chairman. It was agreed that meetings be held on the second Monday of each month, commencing June 2022. Councils considered spending £306 on purchasing Jubilee mugs for pupils at Richard Hill school. It was agreed not to proceed with this. It was agreed to spend £475 renewing membership of LRALC/NALC.

In 2012 it was estimated that the council’s operations produced an estimated 2,161 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) every year. By 2018, that was down to 1,361 tonnes, a reduction of 37%. By 2030, the council has made a pledge to reduce that figure to zero and the council will be Carbon Neutral. A spokesperson said: “This means by 2030, while our operations may produce carbon emissions, we will balance that out by contributing to projects, schemes, or initiatives that reduce carbon emissions such as tree planting or producing renewable ener-

gy.” The Charnwood Carbon Neutral Plan 2030 sets out key aims to: reduce net carbon emissions from its buildings reduce net carbon emissions from the transport it uses (waste collection vehicles, fleet vehicles, staff business travel, street warden vehicles) invest in carbon positive activities As part of the plan, the council will be engaging with the local communities to raise awareness of environmental and climate change issues. You can read more about our plans by visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/CarbonNeutral2 030.

JULY 2022

612 runners compete in Rothley 10K

Councillor Percy Hartshorn was elected as chair for the forthcoming year, and Councillor Roger Gross was elected vice-chair. It was agreed that no meeting takes place in July. PCSO Katrina Hallmark presented the crime report for Rothley. There has been an increase in vehicle crime, including catalytic converter theft, attempted theft of registration plates, attempted theft of a motorcycle and theft of a car. Burglary and criminal damage had decreased. A business property has been broken into. It was agreed to extend the lease with Rothley Bowls Club to 2035 by way of a deed of variation, all costs to be paid by the club. Charnwood has requested that the parish council pay £400 for a license to maintain the land on the corner of Babington Road/Woodgate, which the Borough Council has neglected for several years. It was agreed to contact Charnwood. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on June 20. It was reported that there were two incidents of theft and two of criminal damage in May. There has been some criticism on social media of the parish council for not putting up any bunting to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Councillor Steve Mitchell said that with the benefit of hindsight, the council should have put some up, but that the council had planted three trees to mark the Jubilee. Comment was made that the council should continue to publicise its activities and plans for the future, in a newsletter in the Rothley Post and on social media. Councillor Steve Mitchell has been consulting with local groups and businesses about Rothley’s Christmas light

switch-on event. He said the parish council should lead this event and ensure that local groups are encouraged to participate so that they can benefit, rather than non-local commercial stalls. The open space on the corner of Babington Road and Woodgate is not being maintained by Charnwood Borough Council. If the Parish Council maintain it, Charnwood says the Parish Council must pay them £400 for a license to do so. Comment was made that the site looks a mess, residents just want to see it in good order, and there are volunteers in place who are willing to do the work. It was agreed that the Parish Council maintain the site, and not pay for a license.

THE ROTHLEY POST

7 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 Thanks go to the village for supportorganisation or ing this event, the library volunteers and individual who the generous donation of cakes. wishes to either get involved or offer Tuesday afternoons Yarn Crafts, 2.30 – their help in the organising of it to contact us either by registering their interest 4.30pm next time they are in the library or by On the first and third Tuesdays of emailing. each month, a new group has started, Info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk which will be for those who wish to bring their knitting, crochet, macramé or anything ‘yarny’ to the library whilst having a chat and a cuppa. Why not come along and pick up or exchange ideas? visitors, and just over £200 was raised Chess Club for library funds. Meets July 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 2.30 – The morning also saw two young 4.30pm visitors unveil a plaque on a tree planted Library hiring @ the Cowshed in the park adjacent to the library, as Heather, who has been working in part of the Queen’s Green Canopy. the Library on Mondays, will resume her Outdoor screening Jessie & Alice, both aged 7, are point- sessions in September. These focus on Friday September 23, 7.45pm ing to the plaque at the base of the tree language development & baby massage. Due to popular demand, we are holdplanted in the wildflower meadow, estabMake a date in your diary for these ing another outdoor screening to kick lished by the Parish Council. events: off the Scarecrow Trail weekend. The The tree, an Acer Freemanii ‘ Celebra- Scarecrow trail film (yet to be decided) will be screened tion’ was funded by friends of the library. September 24 & 25, 10am – 4pm in the park next to the library.

News from Rothley library The Summer Reading Challenge is here!

The challenge is free to join and runs from Saturday July 2, until Saturday September 10. For this year’s Challenge, The Reading Agency has partnered with the Science Museum Group to create ‘Gadgeteers’, inspiring children to use their curiosity and creativity to discover the science behind the everyday and celebrate the role of the imagination in both reading and the sciences. The Gadgeteers are planning an EPIC summer party! Help the Gadgeteers use their special skills to get everything ready by reading books and collecting rewards. Children can join in the fun by reading or listening to six library books, eBooks or eAudiobooks throughout the summer to collect six special stickers including some smelly ones - for their colourful collector’s poster. Participants will also be rewarded with special incentives as they read their books, including a certificate and medal when they complete the challenge. Opening hours

Platinum Jubilee celebrations CAMPING CHAIRS, foldable tables, life-size cutouts of the Queen, and lots of food took over dozens of local streets as people celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. Our pictures show (right): Celebrations on Latimer Road, Thurcaston; residents from Rothley’s Mountview care home on a jubilee boat trip; thumbs up for the Queen - Isla Boland (8) & her sister Faith (11)

THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2022

The library is now opening six times a week, as indicated by the information above. 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. News from the Jubilee Coffee Morning & Book Sale

Rothley Community Library celebrated the Platinum Jubilee with a cake and coffee morning combined with a book sale. There was a constant stream of

Open Exhibition 2022 Date: July 30 - August 31, 2022 Venue: Sock Gallery @ Loughborough Town Hall Sock Gallery’s Summer Open Exhibition 2022 is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work, with cash prizes for the winner of both our adult and young person categories and a chance to win an exhibition at Sock Gallery through our People’s Choice Award. Designed to provide an opportunity for artists, whether local or national, professional or amateur, to exhibit their work. The exhibition also offers the people of Charnwood and the surrounding areas a chance to see work by many different artists, all at the same time

Open Church St Leonard's Church Swithland will be open from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday July 9 Saturday August 13 Saturday September 10 Come and learn more about our very interesting Church and churchyard, or just spend some time with us to enjoy its peace, beauty and tranquillity. Tea, coffee and cakes will be available Rothley Methodist Church Howe Lane , Rothley

Coffee Morning every Tuesday at 10am to 11.30am Meet with friends over a coffee and biscuits Books on sale Friday Film Presentations In Thurcaston

Dates for July 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Held at Birstall Village Hall Birstall Road, Birstall LE4 4DH 3.30 - 5.30pm. £5 each on the door Tea/Coffee included. Also, homemade cakes available We ask for Donations towards cost of the cakes Further information contact Jackie. 0116 2248278 Mobile 07908607405 jackielucas957@hotmail.co.uk

ning with a better back nine score). Jez Perry won the Nett prize with a score of 147. The Ladies Club Championships will this year take place in September. Pic: Tom Roberts is Rothley Park’s Triple Men’s Club Champion

“I can honestly say I am thrilled to have retained the trophy and joined the three other people that have won the trophy on three consecutive occasions,” said Tom. “We have just had our third baby and I promised my wife that I would win a third time so my family has a win each! The course was fantastic and the greens fast. It was a tough weekend but I’m happy to take the win.” Tom won with a convincing score of 149 over 36 holes, beating Tom Hoy and Jon McCreedy, who both came in with a score of 156 (Tom win-

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TOM ROBERTS has won the Rothley Park Golf Club Men’s Club Championship for the third consecutive year, only the fourth time this has happened in 110 years.

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£40 “Death on the Nile - 2022 version” (Sept 9, 127 mins) Holidaying aboard a glamorous Egyptian river steamer, Hercule Poirot, played by Sir Kenneth Branagh, is caught up in a terrifying search for a murderer. With stars Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French and Letitia Wright, there are many unexpected additional twists to the original Agatha Christie mystery. "Downton Abbey - A New Era" will be shown on December 9 if the film has been released on DVD or Blue Ray. 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

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JULY 2022

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THE ROTHLEY POST

History society news AT OUR April meeting, we welcomed back Bob Trubshaw to discuss the intriguing subject of how Anglo-Saxons found their way. Bob is a writer and publisher on various subjects that are ancient, mystical or mysterious, as well as the instigator of Project Gargoyle to document the medieval church carvings of Leicestershire and Rutland. Anglo-Saxon settlers began to arrive from mainland Europe not long after Roman rule here had ended. The kingdoms that they founded eventually united to create England, and their culture and the Old English language remained dominant until the time of the Norman Conquest. Anglo-Saxon people needed to travel for reasons including trade, pilgrimage and war but they did not have maps, so how did they find their way? One possible answer comes from studies of English place-names, the majority of which are Anglo-Saxon in origin. This includes names that end in -ham (related to “home”) or -ton (related to “town”). Both those words meant a settlement, with a tendency for -ham places to be more pastoral and -ton

places to be more arable. Many placenames, including Cropston and Thurcaston, referred to individuals but others are descriptive of landscape features. Research by Margaret Gelling and others has demonstrated that those descriptions can be extremely specific. For example, there were at least 20 different words for “hill”, depending on whether the hill was round (-don), steep-sided (cliff or edge), a ridge dipping at the end (over), “heel-shaped” with a high and a low summit (ho- or hough-), wooded (hurst) or artificial (barrow or -low). There were similar ranges of words for types of valley, woods, water features, etc. Other names referred to the former Roman occupation so anywhere called Stretton will be near a Roman road (street), while places with names ending -chester, -cester or -xeter will be on the site of a Roman town. In the opinion of Bob and others, these descriptions were specific enough for travellers to have found a route from

one place to the next. He has identified that you could still travel from Great Glen, south of Leicester, to Thistleton on the Lincolnshire border, passing only through villages that have descriptive Old English names. Although we have no evidence of Anglo-Saxon journeys being planned in this way, there are surviving documents that define the boundaries of estates by reference to a series of landscape features. The main difficulty for travellers would have been to remember the sequence of places. It is likely that the Anglo-Saxons used stories or songs to link them together in a memorable way, similar to the “song lines” of Aboriginal Australia or the traditional stories of Traveller communities. There is more detail about these ideas in a written version of Bob’s talk, which is online at http://www.hoap.co.uk/hasftw.pdf. Do you know Every Street in Leicester? We do! – thanks to the Blue Badge guide Steve Bruce, who led us on a city-centre tour to explore the stories behind Leicester’s street names. Of course, Every Street runs along one side of Town Hall Square, and it was named for the cries of the horse-drawn cab operators that used to ply their trade there. Steve explained that many of the streets’ names have more obvious origins, for example, telling you where they lead to (Humberstone Gate), activities that used to take place there (Horsefair Street), or commemorating people or events that were in the news when someone had to come

up with a name (Wellington Street). Quite often, the people commemorated were the owners of the land the streets were built on. For example, Bishop Street – also beside Town Hall Square – recalls a Mr Bishop, who owned this area outside the

town walls before it began to be developed in the late 1700s. Another example is the group comprising Rutland Street, Belvoir Street and Granby Street. They were built on land belonging to the Dukes of Rutland, whose home is at Belvoir Castle and whose heir takes the title Marquess of Granby. Beware that the obvious explanations are not always correct! Many of Leicester’s street names end in “Gate”, but this usually does not refer to an actual gate. Instead, it dates from when our area was occupied by Danish settlers, whose Norse word for a road was gatan. On the other hand, Eastgates (by the Clock Tower), Southgates and Northgate Street do all mark the locations of old gate-

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ways into the medieval town. The fourth 9 entrance was at West Bridge. A short street at the back of the marketplace is called The Jetty, but despite the pub sign of a sailing boat that hung there for many years, the name is probably a corruption of the local word “jitty”, meaning a narrow alley. Street names can reveal the past history of the city. Silver Street once housed many silversmiths. Bond Street was formerly called Parchment Lane, and both names refer to the manufacture of paper. Nearby is Butt Close Lane. Fearing invasion by Catholic powers, Elizabeth I ordered that all men and boys should practise archery each week, and this street was close to site of the archery butts. The tour was titled “Who put the Cank in Cank Street?” and Steve offered us a choice of explanations. It might refer to the “kink” along the length of the road. There was also a Cank Well there – the site being marked by a small brick in the pavement outside the entrance to St. Martin’s Square – so the name could be connected to the Cornish word for a water channel or to a Yorkshire dialect term for the gossiping that probably would have gone on in the queue! Steve provided lots of fascinating information beside the snippets here, which will add interest to future visits to Leicester, and many of his examples can also be applied to other places. We hope he will lead us on a different tour next summer, so look out for that! Meanwhile, on July 19, we will be paying a visit to the Framework Knitters’ Museum in Wigston. If you would like to join us, please make contact through our website: www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk If you would like to join us, please make contact through our website: www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

Special concert to celebrate Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 130 PEOPLE gathered in Roth- Alison Godfrey, Malcolm Cook and Simon Murphy, playing ‘Le Secret’ an ley Parish Church on the evening of Friday June 3, 2022, intermezzo by Leonard Gautier. Suffice to say, the audience was transfixed for a community celebration from first note to last! concert to mark HM Queen’s The programme then moved to two songs; the choir singing ‘Like a river, Platinum Jubilee.

ever-flowing onward’ by Marti & David Lanz, reflecting on the nature of the 70 years of service by HM Queen, and a solo, sung by Sue Joyce, ‘Perhaps

Jubilee garden open THE NEW Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Garden at Mountsorrel & Rothley Community Heritage Centre was opened in June by Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Rosemary Conley CBE. Community volunteers have spent the past five months creating the new jubilee garden, which was funded through donations visitors have made when visiting the site. Rosemary was also there to rededicate and light the former Castle Hill beacon. Thanks to Mountsorrel quarry owners Tarmac, the beacon has been restored and relocated to the Heritage Centre. Pic (top): Steve Cramp, Rosemary Conley and volunteer Jean Ramsell in the Jubilee garden Pic (left): Rosemary Conley with Ben Clayton from Tarmac, who oversaw the restoration and resiting at the Heritage Centre of the old Castle Hill beacon.

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Love’ by John Denver, focussing on the enduring marriage and obvious love between the Queen and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Two men from the Pilbeam family along with sister Sarah (now Kellie) and Margaret Houghton then caused many a wry smile and sometimes ‘laughs out loud’ as they sang, in the form of a psalm, extracts from the Highway Code, including recent updates, sometimes with amusing asides! To set the scene for the final ‘Toast to Her Majesty’, a video compilation of various aspects of the Rothley community – showing both its diversity and our good fortune of living in such a village, which had been both compiled and produced by Jenny Pilbeam, was shown on the AV system. This was followed by everyone present ’raising a glass’ in a formal toast to Her Majesty, led by Prof David Wilson DL. With final words and a blessing by the Vicar, Rev Rob Gladstone, Simon Murphy then rounded off a most enjoyable and celebratory evening by playing ‘Toccata in F’ by CharlesMarie Widor. A retiring collection with all proceeds to the Soar Valley Community Food Project raised £1100.

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The first half focussed largely on the 1953 Coronation music. After opening with the congregational hymn ‘All People that on earth do dwell’, Rothley church choir gave a stirring rendition of ‘Zadok the Priest’ by G F Handel, accompanied by footage shown on the church AV screens of the Crowning Ceremony at Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation. Simon Murphy, Organist and Choir Trainer, then demonstrated his masterly skills playing the Organ Voluntary ‘Crown Imperial’ by William Walton, followed by him accompanying the Rothley Choir in the Anthem ‘O thou Central Orb’ by Charles Wood. ‘La Rejouissance’ from Music for the Royal Fireworks by G F Handel, and an exquisite organ voluntary by Simon, continued the feast of well-loved favourites before the choir sang the Royal School of Church Music Official Platinum Jubilee Anthem ‘In our Service’ by Thomas Hewitt Jones. This first half musical banquet then concluded with the rousing congregational hymn ‘I vow to thee my country’. Following an interval, during which light refreshments were served, the Rothley Gospel Choir opened the second half under the direction of Greg Smith with a striking selection of songs, delivered as an energetic and highly enjoyable performance with real clarity of vocals, which both set the tone for the second half and received enthusiastic applause The more varied and light-hearted repertoire continued with a piano duet of the ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’ by G F Handel, played by David Hodgson and Simon Murphy. A World premiere then ensued, as the Rothley choir sang an anthem specially composed for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations by one of its members – Jenny Pilbeam – entitled ‘Strong to Serve’. Multi-handed piano playing then reappeared, but this time six-handed by

New Rothley optician’s opening event ROTHLEY OPTICIANS Edmonds and Slatter held an opening event and ribbon cutting in May. The independent opticians opened its fifth practice in Rothley, on Woodgate, just over a year ago, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic they were not able to

celebrate in the usual fashion at that time. Practice manager Jodie Lyon and her team worked very hard preparing the event. She said: “It was an exciting day, another milestone marked. “We are looking forward to meeting and greeting the residents of Rothley and

Monday Club news ry, but DHSC Casualty dealt with children with things like simple fractures, cuts needing sutures, and burns and scalds. There was also a separate “receiving Earlier in the year, we only tentatively room” for patients who had been rebegan to plan a programme because we ferred for admission to the wards for were still uncertain about any further surgical or medical reasons. For those Covid 19 restrictions being re-imposed. young patients admitted to the various Partly for that reason, we decided not wards, for the majority it was a very to arrange an annual coach outing as we isolating time because visiting was limithave usually done. As an alternative, we ed to half an hour daily! This was intendBodie Hodges Foundation, drinks, nibmade a booking to go out for lunch and, being able to show them everything ed to protect the patients from infection bles, designer frame ranges on display on Monday May 9, a group of club memEdmonds and Slatter has to offer.” being brought into the hospital. However, and a children’s entertainer modelling bers and their guests met at the UlverSpecial guest of the day was Darien a far-reaching report in the late 1950’s balloons making it an event for the scroft Grange Tea Rooms. Nelson-Henry, Captain of the Leicester had demonstrated the detrimental effect whole family to enjoy. We were welcomed into the conservaRiders basketball team, who was given of this separation and emotional deprivaTo book your appointment at the tory where our pre-ordered menu choicthe honour of cutting the ribbon and tion on young children, and the 1960’s Rothley practice please call 0116 444 es and drinks were served to us. All in officially opening the Rothley practice. saw the gradual introduction of more 1486. all, it was a pleasant social occasion, There was a charity raffle in aid of The open and flexible visiting hours, as well and the food was very tasty, plus there as parents being able to help care for was the added bonus of a craft fair betheir children. Nurses tended to the ing held in the vicinity, with the opportuchildren as required, and made their nity to browse the stalls after our lunch. beds several times a day so that everyOn July 12, we have booked to have thing was tidy for the Consultants’ ward a strawberry tea at the Blue Bell Inn in rounds! Rothley. CHARNWOOD FOREST Cycle Ride has raised more than £58,000 for A schoolteacher was employed to In June, Jenny Kennington gave a talk maintain the education of the school-age Leicestershire charity Alex’s Wish over the past 10 years. focused on the early years of her nurschildren, but at this time there was no ing career. This popular event has always been a new treatments and ultimately a cure for provision for play activities for the youngJenny was interested in becoming a favourite fixture on the charity’s calendar Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which er ones, and even the nurses were not nurse from an early age, inspired by the – and after a two-year break due to covid affects one in every 3,500 boys. Founded supposed to spend “play-time” with the nursing care received by her mother, – it made a welcome return this year. by Emma Hallam, the charity is named children! Serious illnesses like polio, who suffered long periods of ill health after her teenage tuberculosis, tetanus, diphtheria and and sadly died when Jenny was 12 years son, Alex, who lives whooping cough were still prevalent, and old. Later, her father married again and with Duchenne. Its every effort was made to avoid the possithe family moved to his home county of slogan, Be More bility of transmitting infection. Derbyshire. Nurse training was governed Alex, is in recogniJenny continued to work and gain then by the General Nursing Council for tion of Alex’s posiexperience in different wards such as England and Wales (G.N.C.) and the tive outlook on life. surgical, medical, ear, nose and throat, minimum age at which training could Emma said: “It ophthalmology and the baby ward, as begin was 18 years. was a great day and well as the outpatient, theatre and casualIt was customary then for all the ty departments. Time was also spent at trainee nurses to live in the Nurses’ the Special Care Baby Unit, situated at Home and the Matron and her deputies another of Derby’s hospitals. had general responsibility for their welIn February 1964 Jenny passed her fare, bearing in mind that 21 years was final exams, qualifying as a Registered The 2022 cycle ride on May 15 restill the age of majority. The Deputy Sick Children’s Nurse and obtained her ceived a warm welcome back from cyMatron was resident in the Home for badge from the G.N.C. showing her clists, spectators, and supporters, with her “in loco parentis” role. The rooms name and registration number. She also £5,041 raised in this, the charity’s tenth in the Nurses Home were a generous treasured the badge presented to her by birthday year. Since the event began a size, with washbasins in each and the hospital where she had completed decade ago, it has contributed total bathroom/toilet facilities at the end of her training and she continued to work funds of £58,128.69 to Alex’s Wish. each corridor. Generally, it was a friendwith sick children for the majority of her Rain had been predicted, but, despite ly environment, with everyone supporting career. the gloomy forecast, the sun came out, one another which was particularly imWe were able to see some photomaking it a perfect day for cycling. Rider portant for those a long way from their graphs, Jenny’s badges and a commemo- Seby Fernandes described the event as a home, and many lifelong friendships rative plate showing the hospital where wonderful experience, while cyclist Vin were forged. Jenny had trained. Dhimar was especially grateful for ‘the As a cadet, Jenny was first allocated New members and visitors are most medal and the bacon cob on the way to work in the small Casualty Departwelcome to come along to our meetings home.’ ment, where most of her time was spent at Cropston Evangelical Free Church – Adding his thanks, rider Rob Taylor cleaning all kinds of equipment, and meetings start at 2.15pm said: “It was a great day in the saddle. I preparing metal drums for autoclaving, a For further information, contact Mrs met some really great people, got to process which sterilised the contents. Maja Tompkins on 07709 201881 or share cycling experiences, and enjoyed we were so lucky with the weather. A big Children with major trauma would be Mrs Jenny Kennington on 0116 2365402 meeting the Alex’s Wish team. I'll definite- thank you to our headline sponsor Spirit taken directly to the main Casualty DeFrom Monday Club Cropston and ly be back next year.” partment at the Derbyshire Royal Infirma- Thurcaston Continued on page 12 Alex’s Wish is dedicated to finding

AS THE year progresses, it’s good that the Monday Club can continue to meet.

THE ROTHLEY POST

JULY 2022

Fundraising ride

Gardening club news all plants should be dark, but that dark plants can be set off against bright plants to provide contrast and mystery. He 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. Paul brought along a multitude of plants from his nursery to illustrate his passion, giving excellent advice on plant combinations. He gave numerous examples of how these darker aspects of the plants can combine with more tradition-

Pic: Sambucus ‘Black Lace’

The title referred to the many plants now available with dark features, whether in the stems, the leaves, or the flower itself, or just its centre. These plants

Pic: Rudbeckia ‘Black Eyed Susan’

Pic: Actaea simplex ‘Brunette’

have become very fashionable and can bring an air of mystery into your garden. Paul challenged the idea that dark means ‘dingy’. He wasn’t suggesting that

al plants to form a spectacular display. Paul is a very experienced horticulturist and gave many tips and advice to the members attending. He also provided a very informal and entertaining talk. He engaged with the audience and created a lot of interaction with members. The plants he brought from his nursery to support the talk were all for sale, which was appreciated by all. There was a wide range of plants including herbaceous perennials, grasses, and shrubs. The photos below give examples of the many plants that Paul featured in his talk.

Equipment donated PILBEAM OPTICIANS in Mountsorrel has donated some computer equipment to Rothley School. Practice owner, optometrist Jonathan Pilbeam, was upgrading the computer system at the practice. He said: “I had some monitors, keyboards and mice and thought I would contact the school to see if they could use them.” Josh Richards, a co-deputy headteacher, said: “Rothley Church of England Academy would like to extend their thanks to Pilbeam opticians for their

kind donation of several computer keyboards, wireless mouse and monitors that they no longer had needed. They have been put to good use and are very much appreciated.” Pic: Jonathan Pilbeam (left) with Josh Richards

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Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson Editorial/Advertising

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Pic: Physocarpus ‘Lady in Red’

The Gardening Club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall. Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. What’s more, it is excellent value! The membership fee is still only £12 for the year (pro rota) or £3 per meeting. So, if you are interested in gardening, come and give the club a try. For more information about the club, please call Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116) 236 8313: cropston161@hotmail.co.uk The next Club events are: Wed 10th August, 7.45 pm: The Cut Flower Garden, Jonathan Moseley Jonathan Moseley is one of the most popular and widely acclaimed florists within the UK and an ambassador for seasonal Britishgrown flowers. He is one of the country’s leading demonstrators with a humorous and friendly style. This talk is ticket only. Tickets are free to members and only £7 for visitors. Contact Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Sat 3rd September: Annual Show Show schedules available from Dave Haddon

Correspondence, news etc can be handed in or sent to our office: Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR editor@birstallpost.co.uk

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Compost bags DOBBIES IN Rothley has launched a new initiative which means local residents can now recycle their compost bags.

Compost packaging is difficult for people to recycle, as very few local authorities collect polythene sacks as part From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club of kerbside collections or at recycling centres. Research undertaken by Dobbies has shown that 41% of gardeners Continued from page 11 in the Midlands want to recycle more of Pharmacy, and our sponsors KRS Estate their garden waste products, and 41% Planning, Nuffield Health, Jay Webb Conof people are more likely to shop at a sultancy, 2 New Street Chambers, Greens garden centre that is sustainably focused. Consultancy Services Ltd and Ben's Kitch- Now waste aware gardeners can recycle en for supplying all the bacon rolls! their compost bag at their local Dobbies’ “We’d also like to thank Glen and Lucy store in Rothley. from Pedal Power for providing all the Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director technical support, and all our volunteers at Dobbies, said: “With this scheme, that make this event possible – our maranyone can bring in any compost packshals, our kitchen team, our cake makaging to Dobbies Leicester, no matter what brand or where it was purchased, and return it to one of the recycling bins. “We wanted to ensure gardeners across Leicester had the opportunity to dispose of their compost packaging in a sustainable way.” Dobbies is working with partners Evergreen Garden Care, to create garden furniture from the recycled material. This will be donated to Greenfingers, a ers and our registration team. We’ve had charity that creates green spaces for such fabulous feedback about our marterminally ill children. shals, and the warm welcome our riders The compost bag recycling scheme received at the end of their ride, which follows other environmental initiatives, included bacon rolls and cakes. And including a partnership with sustainable thank you, of course, to all the cyclists plant pot designer, elho. This has seen that came along and helped us raise plastic pot recycling bins placed in 69 funds and awareness.” Dobbies garden centres, including RothThe event, which starts from Rothley Village Centre, allows for all fitness levels, ley. This aims to reduce unnecessary with cyclists given the option of riding 10, plastic waste in the garden, and prevent more plastic waste from ending up in 20 or 50 miles. landfill.

JULY 2022

THURCASTON AND Cropston Gardening Club’s talk for June had the most intriguing of titles – ‘Dark and Desirable’.

THE ROTHLEY POST