Rothley Post (157) Nov/Dec 2022 by The Birstall Post

THE ROTHLEY POST YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Delivered to Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston

NOV/DEC 2022

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No. 157

Annual show’s welcome return THURCASTON AND Cropston’s Annual Craft & Produce Show returned in September after a three-year absence. The event was held at the Richard Hill Primary School on Saturday September 3. Spokesman Richard Elks reports: It has been a very difficult year for all gardeners. The extreme weather conditions had tested everyone, and trying to grow produce, especially for showing, has been a huge challenge. Competitors had done their best in the vegetable, fruit and flower classes,

the winners, Geoff and Rachel Davison, for their inventiveness. For each of the three age group classes, the children were asked to make a “3D Crown”. Special thanks to the Brownies for their splendid efforts. Other trophy winners were: Jane Westby (Vegetables & Fruit), Alison Briggs (2 trophies in the Flower Section), Rita Richards and Geoff Davison (Floral Art), Rita McRobie (Pot Plant & Vegetable), Anna Lacey (Preserves & Wine), Lesley Day (Home Baking), Meg Grant (Photographs), Annette Spurr (Arts & Crafts) and Rachel Davison who won our Novice Trophy, awarded to the person with the most points who has never won a Show trophy before. The cups and trophies were presented by Josie Hutchinson, a well-known local ‘celebrity’ in horticultural circles. Congratulations go to all our winners for their efforts and hard work. Seven excellent prizes were won from a very successful raffle, and to round off the day, there was many a bargain bought from the after the Show ‘market stall’ sale. Thanks to all the exhibitors and visitors, and everyone who contributed towards the smooth running of the show.

Martin Tibbles Pics: (above )top honours went to Lesley Day and Meg Grant, joint winners of the two major trophies; (left) Jane Westby with entries in the Vegetable classes

though there were only five entries, the class produced some creative results, and the judges praised their ingenuity. Full marks to and there were lots of excellent entries. The Arts and Crafts classes were very well supported, and these classes were bursting with top-quality items. Although the number of exhibits in each of the sections was slightly down

on pre-pandemic years, we were delighted with the totals after such a long break. Top honours went to Lesley Day and Meg Grant, who were joint winners of our two major trophies, the Sedgwick Cup awarded for the ‘Highest Overall Points in the Show’, and the Jubilee Challenge Trophy awarded to the ‘Garden Club member’ with the highest overall points. The Orton Cup for ‘Best Exhibit in Show’ went to Andy Holyoake for his wonderful wood carving of a ‘Vase of Daffodils’. A ‘special’ class was added to the Craft Section this year, in honour of our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – “Scarecrow with a royal element”. Al-

Pic: The Orton Cup for ‘Best Exhibit in Show’ went to Andy Holyoake for his wonderful wood carving of a ‘Vase of Daffodils’

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

The good news! Dr Rana has been part of the team on a locum basis for some time but will now be a permanent fixture. We also welcome Alex, our ANP/Paramedic, Alex

Contacting us: We do offer routine appointments so if you do not require an “on the day” appointment do consider calling later in the day and asking for the next routine appointment. Don’t forget, the GP is not always the most appropriate person for your needs but the more information you can give, the better our reception team can help you. Pharmacists Our pharmacists can help with medication reviews and many medication queries. Our Paramedic team are highly skilled health professionals and can help with a wide range of problems. Both teams can prescribe independently and have direct access to a GP for support. Nursing Team Our nursing team are on hand to help you with your long-term conditions,

has a dual role as both an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and is a trained Paramedic. Alex joins us a duty clinician and will be triaging and seeing our clinically urgent cases on a daily basis. We are also in the process of recruiting reception staff and have recently welcomed Carla. Carla will be working on reception and has experience in a similar role. We are hoping to secure another receptionist and a further advert has been placed this week.

along with vaccinations, cervical smear testing and minor illness, both of our nurses are independent prescribers. Our HCA and phlebotomy team undertake all our blood testing and can help with simple wound care, stitch and clip removal, routine ear care, flu vaccination, ECGs and BP monitoring. Face to Face We continue to see patients face to face; our latest data show that our GPs are seeing more than 50% of patients face to face. We also carry out home visits for our most clinically vulnerable patients where appropriate.

We would like to reassure all our patients we are doing all we can to improve the service and we thank you for your continued patience.

THE ROTHLEY POST

We have recruited and welcome a new GP, Dr Anna Clayton and we welcome Dr Rana as a GP Partner at the practice with additional sessions.

As you may be aware, recently, Alpine House reception team has been depleted and this has had a huge impact on the team and the ability to answer the phones in a timely manner. There is currently unprecedented demand on the service and with lower than required staff levels we know our preferred standard of customer service at our point of entry is being impacted. However, despite the pressures currently facing primary care, and our practice, we have secured new staff and are endeavouring to improve further by recruiting more staff and asking existing staff to work overtime or stay past their shift time, we acknowledge that this problem will not be fixed overnight, and we ask that you bear with us whilst we try to resolve the staffing issues. Whilst we understand and are addressing the current frustrations of accessing healthcare, we have noticed an increase amongst a small cohort of patients who have resorted to being abusive to our staff. This is upsetting for staff, and other patients who witness this behaviour, and we would ask that patients always treat all of our team members with kindness, courtesy and respect. We do have a zerotolerance policy in place to allow us to manage patients who are abusive, and your registration with us may be at risk if you are abusive in any way to any of our team. If patient behaviour is deemed, in any way, violent or threatening, then an immediate removal from the practice list will be instigated. We are fortunate that this is a minority of people, and we recognise and thank all our patients for your loyalty, kindness and understanding. All of the team at Alpine House would like to take this opportunity to wish our patients a Happy Christmas and New Year and we look forward to continuing to support you. Laura Newbold Practice Manager

NOV 2022

Frontline We have welcomed a new GP news

Land for 1072 new homes in city’s plan 660 NEW homes and a 1200 place secondary school are planned for an area of open space off Greengate Lane, between Birstall and Thurcaston

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2022

Leicester City Council has identified the 48 ha site, called Ashton Green East, for development in its updated draft local plan, which was put out to public consultation in 2020. The plan says that deciduous woodland on the Ashton Green East site will be retained. The plan also identifies land south of Thurcaston for 412 new homes. This site lies a few metres to the north west of the Ashton Green East Site The local plan was considered by the full council on October 11, and then put out for a final public consultation this November. A further plot of land, 4.86 ha next to the 17th tee on Birstall golf course has been identified as employment land, it has no highways access and is currently agricultural land. Other parts of this field have been identified for employment land as part of the Ashton Green development. The draft plan states: “the allocation leads to the loss of green wedge but is outweighed by the strategic opportunity of the two sites, as a natural extension of the already approved and partially delivered main Ashton Green development [3000 homes]s.” The draft local plan says the timeframe for the development is 2023 for the school, 6 to 15 years for the housing and 6 to 10 years for the employment land. 53 new homes were planned for a 2.78 ha site behind Park Road, adjacent to the railway, on land that is currently a part of Birstall golf course. This proposal has been removed from the updated draft plan. The plan – which sets out how development could take place in the city from now until 2036 - has been amended after Government policy changes and a public consultation in September 2020, on which more than 3,500 people commented. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Every area of the country has to have a Local Plan, and they are the best way of giving local people a say over development, through locally-elected decision-makers. “Our next Local Plan will run up until 2036 and aims to meet our city’s needs for homes, jobs, shopping and leisure. It will take into account the climate emergency, the need to promote biodiversity and set standards of space for new homes, putting all of these into local

Merry Christmas To all our readers, advertisers & distributors from us all at

THE ROTHLEY POST

planning policy that developers will need to follow. “Our Local Plan will go before a special full council meeting on 11 October. A consultation will then open in Novem-

homes Leicester is required to accommodate in the future - resulting in a total requirement of 39,424 dwellings - have also led to a rethink in how these could be provided. This will mean higher den-

THURCASTON

agreement. Peter Soulsby added: “Although things could well change further under the new Government, it’s vital that we agree a Local Plan so that we can control local development and ensure it is of benefit to our city. People will get another chance to comment on our plans in November, but it’s important to recognise that this is a consultation on the plan that is now being put forward, not a chance to ‘vote’ on whether a certain

BY A46

PAS

412 homes BIRSTALL Ashton Green East 660 homes & a school

GREENGATE LANE

ber to allow local people to comment further on the amended plan.” Since the previous September 2020 consultation, two strategic sites for development and 21 smaller sites have been removed from the Local Plan. The reasons for these sites being removed vary, but typically include representations from local people and stakeholders, availability of the site, the impact on biodiversity and loss of open space. A total of 58 site allocations will remain in the Local Plan. Government changes to the amount of

sities of development, together with a substantial increase in provision of dwellings on brownfield land in the central development area of the city. The plan will identify a total of 18,700 of these homes that cannot be met in the city which will be required to be accommodated in the surrounding county and districts, subject to an emerging joint

piece of land should be developed. “After views from this consultation are taken into account, the final plan will be submitted to Government in spring 2023, where it will be checked and tested through public hearings by a Government Inspector before being adopted later in 2023.”

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The 1.1 ha site is on Anstey Lane, is agricultural land, and was previously the grounds of the former rectory. Six of the 19 dwellings will be affordable homes, a community orchard will be reinstated, and a new local play space will be created within the site. Parker Strategic Land Ltd has made the application for outline planning permission. Comments made by those objecting to the plans include: The development is out of keeping

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Pics: (left) location of the site; (above) layout of the development

with the character of the area. The development will create extra vehicle movements on a busy road with no traffic calming and where speeding traffic is common Loss of wildlife habitat The village lacks shops and local amenities to support new development The site is within an area of Green Wedge

Details of the application can be viewed on the planning pages of the Charnwood Borough Council website. The reference is P/22/1252/2

Thinking of becoming a councillor? PEOPLE INTERESTED in standing in next year’s local elections can find out more about being a councillor at an event in Loughborough on Saturday November 26. Voters will head to the polls on May 4, 2023 and Charnwood Borough Council is offering people the opportunity to find out more about being a borough councillor. The ‘Be a Councillor’ event will cover the nomination process and standing for election, the role of a councillor and what support is available, including allowances and training. There will also be a chance to hear from current councillors about their experiences and ask questions. Robert Mitchell, Returning Officer for Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Councillors can make a difference in their local areas by being a real voice for the community. “If you are interested in standing in Charnwood, I would encourage you to come along to this information session to find out more about being a Councillor and ask any questions you may have.” The Be a Councillor event will take place at Charnwood Borough Council, Southfield Road, Loughborough between 10am and 12pm on Saturday November 26, 2022. People interested in attending will need to book a place in advance. To book your place, or for more information, contact democratic services on democracy@charnwood.gov.uk or by calling 01509 634785.

NOV 2022

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Historic Loughborough Fair also be open to the public outside the Council’s opening times. The opening times for Loughborough Fair 2022: Wednesday, November 9: 6pm until 11pm Thursday, November 10: 12pm until 11pm Friday, November 11: 11am until 11pm Saturday, November 12: 11 until 11pm.

The first official charter for Loughborough Fair was granted to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh le Depenser, in 1221 by King Henry III. You can find out more details about Loughborough Fair on the Council's dedicated webpage: www.charnwood.gov.uk/fairs

ALL THE fun of the fair will be coming to Loughborough in November for the 801st year. The historic Loughborough Fair, operated by Charnwood Borough Council, will be running from Wednesday, November 9, to Saturday, November 12. Thousands of people attend the attraction which fills the town centre and last year it celebrated its special 800th anniversary. Cllr Jenny Bokor, the lead member for Loughborough, said: “The fair is always a fantastic spectacle when it comes to Loughborough town centre. “We are looking forward to welcoming

NOV 2022 THE ROTHLEY POST

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families and residents along to enjoy all of the fun of the fair, including many rides as well as food, drink and other attractions. The fair will be opened by the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Jennifer Tillotson at 6pm on Wednesday, November 9, with the reading of the official fair proclamation. Granby Street car park will be closed from Monday, November 7 from 7pm, due to it being used for attractions and rides, similar to last year. The Beehive Lane multi-storey car park and Southfield Road car parks are available to park in during the hours of the fair. Southfield offices' car park will

Building society closes branches THE NOTTINGHAM Building Society is set to close 17 branches across the UK by the end of the year, citing low usage since the pandemic. Among those to close will be its branch in Rothley, on December 21. The main reasons given for the closure of the Rothley branch are: • The number of counter transactions has reduced by 37% in the last 12 months • In the past 12 months, 23% of customers who made a transaction have also used a different branch • The branch team carry out an average of just 9 transactions per day Kathryn Kitson, from the society, said the branches were "unsustainable" as some customers had not returned since Covid lockdowns. She said staff would be offered roles elsewhere in the business and branch customers would also be supported. Other locations affected by the closures are: Ashbourne, Bourne, Crystal Peaks, Fakenham, March, Melton Mowbray, Scunthorpe, Spalding, Stamford, Stapleford, Thetford, Wigston and Wollaton. The closures will reduce the society's branches from 48 to 31.

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Ms Kitson, head of branch network at The Nottingham, said the firm had carried out a "thorough review" of how members were using branches and found "very low levels of transactions and usage" at some locations. "Therefore, we've made the hugely difficult decision to close 17 branches in locations where the level of activity in the branch has reached a point where it is no longer sustainable," she said. "We appreciate this is disappointing news for both the members who use one of the affected branches, and our colleagues who work there. "However, we have been thorough and considered when making decisions on which branches to close, trying to ensure there are options in place for more vulnerable members and also taking into account the impact on the communities our branches serve." Ms Kitson said The Nottingham would "be focused on doing the right thing by colleagues over the coming weeks" by running a redeployment programme and offering "enhanced redundancy pay" to those leaving the business.

Rothley’s new look supermarket SHOPPERS QUEUED in the rain at the re-opening of Bradley's supermarket on Woodgate.

complete facelift from the façade and front doors right through to the back, with new shelving, check-out counter, new freezers and cooling units. “Absolutely everything’s brand new,” said Joff and Michelle, “except us two!” The shop refit coincides with Joff and Michelle working at the store for 40 years. Comments from shoppers included: “It’s fantastic,” “This is marvellous.”

Popular local couple Joff and Michelle run the store and cut the tape to re-open the shop on October 20, following a 14-day closure. Around £200,000 of investment has seen the store have a Pics: Shoppers are welcomed to the new-look Bradley’s in Rothley

First Rothley scarecrow trail a great success ROTHLEY’S FIRST Scarecrow Trail was so successful another event is planned for next year.

Pic: Lee Bloxham & his son Finley (2) beside scarecrows on Fowke Street

Newsletter No 14. November 2022

THURSDAY 1st December 2022, 6pm children from Rothley Primary School, the local Gospel Choir and the Salvation Army band from Loughborough. Many shops will remain open including all the food outlets. With such a range of shops selling food we are taking this opportunity to remind any food stall holder based outside our village that we will not need their services, as we only want local shops to supply food for this Rothley community event. Providing a range of tasty treats will

As reported in the September edition of the Rothley Post after a break of two years the Rothley Christmas Lights switch on is back on for 2022. So, we have decided to have a fresh start and there will be new lights in the trees around Cross Green and also the addition of a tall LED Christmas tree. In order to allow the large crowds to walk along Woodgate, we have applied to Charnwood to close Woodgate for approx. four hours between 4.30 and 8.30pm, and we apologise to any local resident who may be inconvenienced by this. The switch on of the lights and trees will be at 6pm and will be done by one of the oldest residents of Roth-

Pic: craft activities in Rothley library

be Rothley Fisheries, Deli 1880, The Cob Shop, Pizza Inn, Anmol, Eastern Chef & Bradley's and there will be mince pies in the Baptist Church. Amongst some of the stalls there will be a Christmas Nativity at Deli 1880, Santa's Grotto in the Scout Hut, a boxing punch bag challenge provided by Rothley Fitness Studio and a range of stalls from local groups. There is still time for any local group / club to consider this open invitation to run a stall. Please contact the Parish Council: email clerk@rothleyparishcouncil.org. uk ) or ring 0116 237 4544

ley, accompanied by one of the youngest. After the lights have come on. there will be various musical entertainments including

before November 25. Thank you.

NOV 2022

Residents and local businesses designed and created their own scarecrows on the theme of favourite book characters. They were placed throughout the village (or perhaps made their own way when no one was looking) and on September 24/25 hundreds of people followed the scarecrow trail to find them, voting for their favourites. The event was organised by volunteers from Rothley Community Library, as part of its seventh anniversary celebrations. It raised over £900 for library funds. The competition for the best scarecrow was won by Danuta Lloyd with her winning entry ‘The Tin Pic: winner Man’ (pictured top Danuta Lloyd left)

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2022

Pic: Ellie (9) & Charlie (5) beside the tin man

Annual Exhibition

The Rothley Post welcomes your views and opinions on any subject. Letters, which must include your name and address, (though not necessarily for publication) can be posted to: The Birstall Post, Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR, or email: editor@birstallpost.co.uk

4 November – 18 December Newarke Houses, Social History and Regimental Museum Leicester LE2 7BY Opening hours Monday - Saturday 10am – 4pm Sunday 11am – 4pm Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see work in a diverse range of media and styles, includ-

will no longer need for an AGM and the delegated representatives of the Rothley Branch, Martin Greenwood and Peter Osborne, will hold meetings twice a year to discuss matters of concern and report to the County Committee. Notice of Rothley & District branch back such meetings will be given timely and members wishing to, may attend. HowevThis is to advise that the Rothley and er, unofficial meetings will be held District Branch of the Royal British Lemonthly on the first Monday of each gion has changed from being an Active month at Rothley Court Hotel from 2pm. Branch to a County Supported Branch These informal meetings can be attended (CSB) on account of having few and by those wishing to attend to meet and aged members. This is regrettable, but catch up with old friends, though no has been brought about as our appeal official business will be conducted. for new members has not attracted any The Branch will continue to observe interest, and members find regular attendance of meetings not always possible. the Armistice Day commemoration and As a consequence, Branch funds have support the Poppy Appeal. Thank you been transferred to the Leicestershire Royal British Legion Royal British Legion Committee. There Rothley and District Branch

ing painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, textiles, ceramics, and glass. Most works are available to purchase

Christmas Services & Events at Rothley Parish Church 2022

Friday 16th December: 7.30 pm - Charity Carol Service (supporting Robbie’s Rugby Fund and The Matt Hampson Trust) Sunday 18th December: 11 am - Instant Nativity involving Sunday School children and any other children who want to join in

First Friday Film Club Friday 2nd December Downton Abbey (2022) Starring Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Smith. Dec 2, 2022, 2 pm -4 pm The Rothley Centre The Crawley family goes on a

NOV 2022

Leicester Society of Artists

- if possible, please come in a simple costume/headdress to join in as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels or star watchers. A few costumes will be available on the day. EVERYONE WELCOME! 6 pm - Carols by Candlelight. Thursday 22nd December: Annual Carol Crawl involving Singing around various pubs in Rothley - starting at 7 pm, more details will be on our website Christmas Eve: 4 pm - Family Carols & Christingle in the churchyard - a short, informal, accessible service of carols and readings for young people and their families 11.15 pm - Midnight Communion Service Christmas Day: 10 am - Family Service for everyone (in the Church building) For more details, visit our website: www.rothleychurch.org.uk or contact our church office on 0116 2302626 or email: welcome@rothleychurch.org.uk

THE ROTHLEY POST

YOUR SAY... Noticeboard all details printed free

grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly inherited villa Charnwood Group LRWT

Urban Birds Wednesday 14th December, 7.30pm at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall. Celebrated Urban Birder, David Lindo, talks about the urban world of birds. Over 20% of the globes's bird species have been recorded within our towns and cities, sometimes without us noticing. There will be some surprises as to some of the variety of species David will be featuring in his talk. This will be an opportunity to socialise whilst watching the experienced and well-known bird expert online, but also giving the opportunity to interact with him and ask questions. Further details will be advertised online nearer the date www.lrwt.org.uk Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council

Friday Night Films “Downton Abbey - A New Era” November 11 (124 mins) At last, we can show the new “Downton Abbey”, set in the 1930’s when Lady Mary opens the door to a film crew. Meanwhile, the Dowager, played by the indomitable Maggie Smith, reveals that she has mysteriously inherited a villa in the South of France, where the Crawley family are delighted to holiday.

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. If you have already purchased a ticket for this film, you will, of course, be able to use it. We do still have additional tickets which you can buy. “Fisherman’s Friends: One and All” Jan 13 (111 mins) 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, if there are any left or pay in advance from: Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619 Bradgate Park

Wellbeing Walks Every Monday (Bank Holidays Included). The walks are open to all and we offer two options; easy access and moderate to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the park. Come along and enjoy the sights and sounds of Bradgate whilst having a good chat and a great walk. Meet for a 10am start in the Newtown Linford car park, Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford, LE6 0HE. Free to attend. Car parking charges apply. There is no prior booking necessary for our walks, but we will ask new walkers to give us a few details for safety purposes. If you have any further queries then please email: volunteers@bradgatepark.org Navrang Arts presents 50 Years of Ugandan Asians in Loughborough

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2022

Rebuilding Lives

“Death on the Nile 2022 Version” Dec 9 (127 mins) Holidaying aboard a glamorous Egyptian river steamer, Hercule Poirot, played by Sir Kenneth

Discover the stories of real people who fled Uganda half a century ago to start new lives in and around Loughborough. Explore the objects and photographs that have come to symbolise their lives before and after expulsion, and reflect on the impact that these and other communities have had on the modern town. 15th October 2022 - 4th February 2023 Free exhibition at Charnwood Museum Granby Street Loughborough LE11 3DU Tel: 01509 233754

Birstall Flower Club Christmas Open Meeting

Wednesday 23rd November 2022 Birstall Village Hall, 7.15pm ‘Glad Tidings’ By Tony Brown National demonstrator £10 including refreshments Tickets available from: Sylvia 0116 267 4206 Carol 0116 267 1437

Messy Church at Rothley Messy Church is on the 19th November will be preparing for Advent, and on 17th December it will be our Christmas Party. Look forward to seeing you between 3-5pm for crafts, story time and snacks

Birstall Methodist Church

Christmas Festival 2022 My Christmas Decorated trees in the Church Free Admission Donations welcome to Christians against Poverty Friday 25th November 10am 6pm Saturday 26th November 10am 2pm

Charnwood Orchestra

Concert Emmanuel Church Forest Road Loughborough LE11 3NW Sat Nov 26, 7.30pm Conductor Nic Fallowfield Violin Thomas Bowes Vaughan Williams Overture: 'The Wasps' Bax Symphonic poem: 'Tintagel' Holst Ballet music from 'The Perfect Fool' Elgar Violin Concerto Tickets: The Orchestra website tickets@charnwoodorchestra.org. uk At the door, cash payments only £14.00 (£12.00 concessions) £5.00 -18s and under or NUS members

Santa’s Grotto Decorations & crafts - Toys & Lucky Dip Tombola - Raffle - Christmas gifts Vintage items, books & jigsaws Homemade cakes & preserves Craft Fayre Pancakes & Hot Dogs Friday from 3pm Refreshments Friday & Saturday from 10am Please bring cash, cards cannot be accepted The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust

Christmas Fair Mountsorrel Memorial Centre Sun Nov 20 10.30am – 4.30pm By popular demand The Joe HumContinued on page 10

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Sourcing the freshest produce that we can Wide variety of Indian Spices & Herbs

Charnwood Foot Health Mobile Foot Health Clinic Amanda Posnett Dip FH MCFHP MAFHP

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phries Memorial Trust ( JHMT) Christmas Craft Fair will return following a break due to the pandemic.

Come and join us for this lovely event where you can find locally sourced artisan products whilst helping JHMT to save young lives. Start your Christmas shopping early with some beautiful gifts, food and wine and unique beautifully crafted products all under one roof without pushing round shopping centres! You’re sure to find that special individual gift from the wonderful choice on offer. www.jhmt.org.uk

Rothley & Birstall Birdwatchers Tues Nov 8 Gary Hodson talks on the Birds of the Ide Valley Nature Reserve in Notts. All meetings are free to members. Guests £3 Start 7.30pm in The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR (free car parking) If you are interested in joining us as a guest you will be very welcome. For information please contact Jack Wootten on bingbongwoo@gmail.com or mobile 0791 312 9497

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 10. The copy deadline is Dec 16.

Parish Council notes A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on August 15. PCSO Katrina Hallmark reported there had been no reports of vehicle crime in July and no burglaries. Two suspects have been arrested following a theft from a shop. There has been a report of antisocial behaviour in the vicinity of the Bluebell Inn/cricket club, and the beat team is working with businesses in the area, and other agencies, to help reduce it. Fly tipping at the Rothley Centre has been reported to the police. Borough Councillor Mark Charles reported that £1 million was being invested in three leisure centres in Charnwood. He said new call handlers had been appointed which should improve communication issues when contacting the borough council. It was agreed to spend £1335 on blinds at the Rothley Centre and £1170 on upgrading the CCTV. It was agreed to accept a quote of £1995 per annum for HR advice from WorkNest. 100 new chairs are being ordered for

the Rothley Centre. Sample chairs will be obtained to ascertain quality. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on September 26. Councillors observed a minute's silence to mark the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II. It was reported that there were no house burglaries in August, one report of vehicle crime, two thefts from a shop and a report of criminal damage. County Councillor Leon HadjiNikolaou reported that pressure on the County Council’s budget is set to grow next year. It was agreed to spend £3250 on repairs to the drains at the Rothley Centre. It was agreed to spend £2546 to install lighting in five trees at Cross Green ready for Christmas, and £4834 to install and dismantle festoon lighting along Woodgate and install and dismantle Christmas trees on Woodgate and Cross Green. It was agreed to spend £13,434 to purchase and install/dismantle a 1.6m 3D star tree at Cross Green. It was agreed to spend £7146 on

Village bells rung TO COMMEMORATE the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III, the bells of St Mary’s and St John’s Church, Rothley, were rung on the following dates: Friday 9: half muffled ringing to mark the death of the Sovereign

Saturday 10: open ringing to mark the proclamation of the King Monday 19: half muffled ringing and tolling in the hour before the State Funeral Ringers involved from the Tower were: Charles Poole (Capt), Nigel Gilmore, Graham Hall, Josh Hall, Harry Longman, Ed Longman, Linda Poole, Trudi Porter, Steve Mitchell, Adrian Spink, Dulcie Wainwright-Pilton.

insurance. A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on October 17. PCSO Katrina Hallmark reported there had been one report of criminal damage in September, one of theft, and there had been an attempted theft of cooking oil. There has been some vandalism of play equipment on Fowke Street and Town Green Street. It was reported that the Charnwood Local Plan had been delayed by three months as borough councils had been required to make an additional allocation for housing because Leicester City Council's plan had insufficient housing numbers to meet the needs of the county. The council has received estimates for repointing the gate posts at the cemetery entrance. The council agreed to spend £12,600 on replacing two slides; at Town Green Street and Mountsorrel Lane play areas. Comment was made that the Parish Council needed to consider what it could do to mark the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on June 13. It was reported that the film screening of Belfast in June was attended by 50 people and a profit of £89 was made. It was agreed to renew membership of CPRE at a cost of £36. A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on August 8. PCSO Mitch Jarvis reported that there had been some criminal damage to some benches. No burglaries have been reported. It was proposed that a future agenda item be the speed limit/traffic calming on Anstey Lane, near the proposed development and on the road down to Anstey. The meeting planned for September 12 was cancelled.

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NOV 2022

Continued from page 9

THE ROTHLEY POST

News from Rothley library Current opening hours Monday 2.30 – 4.30 Tuesday 2.30 – 4.30 Wednesday 2.30 – 4.30 Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 & 2.30 – 4.30 Saturday 10.00 – 2.00 Library Events Children’s communication and language development & baby massage @ the Cowshed Heather, who has been working in the Library on Mondays, will resume her sessions at the beginning of September. These focus on communication and language development and baby massage. To find out more and book onto sessions, visit Heather’s website www.thecowshed.me First Friday Film Club Rothley Film Club has restarted!

After a break of over two years the Film Club re-stated with a screening of “The Duke”, a comedy with Jim Broadbent, and to celebrate the audience of 60 people were allowed to come for free! Thanks to the generosity of those present, £72 was raised by a raffle. The films are shown on a large screen, and there will be a short break

during the film for free refreshments and a raffle. All films start at 2pm and cost £5. The dates for the rest of 2022 are as follows: Friday 4th November: Operation Mincemeat (2021): starring Colin Firth Friday 2nd December: Downton Abbey (2022): starring Hugh Bonneville and Maggie Smith. The films for 2023 will be chosen by the audience at the December showing. In order to make it easy to remember, all films will now be screened on the first Friday of each month. Book group** Weds 9th November 7 – 8pm Giovana Fletcher 'Walking on Sunshine' Chess Club ** This meets every Thursday 2.30 – 4.30pm. Under 5s sessions ** During term time there will be WEEKLY sessions EVERY FRIDAY MORNING 9.30 – 10.15am. These sessions will run alongside the popular TUESDAY sessions are on the first Tuesday of each month (9.30 – 10.15am) LEGO Club.** Lego club is the first Saturday of each month, 2-4pm. Lots of Lego free-play, with like-minded playmates. **There is no need to book for any of the above sessions, but adults that feel able to can make a donation towards library costs via a Gift Aid envelope, placed in the donations box. Thank you.

Scarecrow Festival September 24/25

Pic: Isaiah with his scarecrow puppet

Christmas Lights Switch On Thursday 1st December 2022, 6pm There will be a chance to buy some books at the Switch on Lights evening, so bring a carrier bag if you wish to buy some good quality second-hand books. Christmas and New Year closure Please check on the Rothley Community Library website for the library's opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period. https://rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk

Outdoor film screening Around 250 parents & children came to the park next to the Library on September 23 to watch the Disney production Encanto, which proved very popular. The event was supported by the Rothley Scouts, who provided hot dogs and refreshments and the Primary School PTFA, who ran a stall with lots of exciting things for young children. The event raised just over £60 for Library funds.

The Scarecrow Trail held over a weekend saw over 60 scarecrows being displayed across the village, This event was also supported by local businesses and the local primary school. Many hundreds of people visited the village over the weekend. 1300 of them visited the library to pick up trail maps, most stayed for tea and coffee and cakes in the make-shift cafe for six hours each day. Thanks to all the library volunteers

who made, bought, and sold delicious cakes to all our cafe customers! Lots of visitors bought our donated books, toys, jigsaw, plants, fruit etc. which were on sale. The raffle sold a huge number of tickets! All prizes had been donated by local businesses and

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team members. A big thank goes to them for the very generous donations. There was a competition for the best scarecrow, which was won by Danuta Lloyd seen above with her winning entry ‘The Tin Man’ A popular scarecrow art and craft activity was run by one of the library volunteers, and Isaiah was one of many children who had great fun making a scarecrow puppet. There was also a wonderful display in the library of a whole variety of crows. The event raised well over £900 for library funds. SAVE THE DATE! Following the huge success of this event, the library has decided to hold another one next year on the weekend of September 23/24, 2023.

Dobbin raffled for Ukraine Home’s top marks

DOBBIN THE rocking horse has been restored and is looking for a new home.

MOUNTVIEW CARE home, located on Loughborough Road in Rothley, has been given a score of 100% in their recent Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) audit.

Pic: Dobbin the rocking horse is looking for a new home

Fundraising jumble sale A SECOND-HAND clothing jumble sale at the Rothley Centre has raised over £1000 for Ukraine. Siobhan Thomas and Michelle Stephenson said: “A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to sort out and donate clothing. We didn’t know what to expect - but in the end, we took over £1k on the day! “Special thanks to all the volunteers on the day for helping to load and unload cars, doing a lot of sorting before and during the sale, and then helping pack up and clean the venue. It was all hands to the deck, and we definitely couldn’t have done it without you. And, of course, a massive thank you to the

people that came along, spent some cash and hopefully grabbed some great bargains!” All proceeds will go to Kharkivska Ragan Baptist Church in Kharkiv, which is supporting local people whose lives have been devastated by the war. For more info, follow this link: https://gofund.me/8546e3df Pic: (top) Siobhan Thomas and Michelle Stephenson Advertise in

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Performed by Leicestershire County Council, the IPC audit reviewed three areas of practice in the care home – environmental cleanliness, IPC practice and governance. Mountview, operated by Ideal Carehomes, passed the audit with flying colours, scoring 100% in each category. The audit report stated that the standards of cleanliness in the care home were ‘outstanding’, and complimented the ‘exceptional condition’ of the décor, carpets and furnishings. The Registered Manager of the home, Stacie Weaver, demonstrated the ‘extensive auditing process’ she performs each month to maintain the high standards in the care home. Residents were found to have detailed, person-centred care plans in place. In the resulting IPC audit letter, Senior Infection Prevention and Control Advisor, Helen Goalby, ended her findings by stating that the residents at Mountview ‘looked happy and comfortable within their surroundings’, while also being ‘supported to live an independent life’. Stacie said: “I’m extremely proud of our team for making Mountview such a great place to live and work. “It’s our priority to ensure our residents are safe, happy and protected in our home, so we’re over the moon to receive such a fantastic score from the Community IPC Service.”

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A Rothley resident found Dobbin in their garage and no longer wanted it. It had been damaged over the years but has now been restored and given some TLC. The rocking horse is a Mamas & Papas one and is being offered as a raffle prize. By buying a raffle ticket, you will be supporting Kharkivska Ragan Baptist Church in Kharkiv, which is working to help local people whose lives have been devastated by the war in Ukraine. The raffle will be drawn on Friday December 2, and delivery is included in the price of a £1 ticket. Raffle tickets are available at Deli 1880 or Rothley Library.

George, from Thurcaston, was driving his VW engined F3 Dellara 308. Langford Line motorsport are now looking forward to the next round at Snetterton.

THE ROTHLEY POST

Latimer Players’ anniversary

Mark’s

THE LATIMER Players will be celebrating its 70th anniversary with a production looking book over its long history.

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Spokeswoman Laura Sims reports: The Latimer Players first performed a nativity play in 1952, followed by ‘She Stoops to Conquer’ in the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston, the following year and ever since, we have either done a play, music hall or pantomime every year, usually twice a year. On the anniversary of our seventy years, we are pleased to announce that we will be presenting an entertainment looking back over the past years. We are delighted to perform for you extracts from pantomimes, music halls, plays and sketches, all of which we have performed before over the years and have been much enjoyed by our audiences. We are also lucky to be including in the cast most of our membership. Some have even come out of retirement to join in. On November 24, 25 and 26, we will perform ‘Three Score Years and Ten’ at the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston. Follow-

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YOUNG ADULTS from a specialist daycare centre based in Rothley have planted a tree in the village. Freedom Active is a specialist life skills daycare centre on Fowke Street that supports adults with a diagnosis of autism, Asperger's, learning difficulties and behaviours that may challenge They decided that they wanted to be part of the Queen’s Green Canopy and, on October 3, planted a winter flowering cherry tree on Fowke Street, which linked in with the trees planted under the same scheme to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth. The group all had a hand in putting a spade of soil to establish the tree after Frank Toone of Goscote Nursery, who supplied the tree, had done the initial preparation of digging the hole and driving the stake into the hard ground. Pics: A group from Freedom Active planted the tree

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OUR FIRST meeting of the autumn season was something a little different. Instead of a speaker, we invited long-term residents of Thurcaston and Cropston to come and share their memories of life in the two villages. It was lovely to see and hear from a good number of visitors in addition to our own members, which led to some lively discussions and one or two reunions between people who had not met for many decades. The evening was led by our own Sylvia Cole, assisted by Colin Hyde from the East Midlands Oral History Archive. Colin kicked off by playing a couple of recordings on the subject of healthcare and he asked what provision there was in our parish before the NHS. The villages had no doctor but one who lived nearby could sometimes be persuaded to stop on his way home! Those who contracted infectious diseases would isolate for several weeks at home or would go to a sanatorium at Markfield. An infant welfare clinic was held each week in the Memorial Hall. For mothers in childbirth, a midwife had to be fetched from Rothley, though up to the 1960s a Mrs Garner in Cropston could be called on to deliver babies or to lay out the dead. When the Co-op in Thurcaston closed (where Tebbatt’s now is), villagers campaigned for it to become a surgery but were told there was already sufficient local provision. Each village formerly had its own post office, where you could also buy some groceries. In Cropston, meat was supplied by Bunny’s, who slaughtered their own cattle on site. “Butch”, who worked there and also at the garage, was skilled at preparing any cut you wanted from the hanging carcasses but he gave up the business when hygiene

Pic: Cropston Post Office

rules were brought in. It was not unknown to see him cycling back from Bradgate Park with a deer across his shoulders, while another character would tout pheasants and rabbits of dubious origin round the villages! Many of our guests had been to school in Thurcaston and there was general agreement about which teachers were inspirational and which ones they hated. Pupils – including those from Cropston – would walk home for lunch then return in the afternoon. Later, lunches were delivered to the school in aluminium trays but they were not remembered fondly! When numbers outgrew the Old School Rooms opposite the church, the Memorial Hall was used as an extra classroom until the new Richard Hill School was built. The best students could win a scholarship to go to the grammar school at Quorn but most finished school at 14 or 15. One option for the boys was then to move to an apprenticeship at the Rolls-Royce factory in Rothley. The various pubs provoked a lot of memories. You could play “devil among the tailors” (a type of table skittles) at the now-vanished King William IV.

There was a mynah bird at the Wheatsheaf in the 1960s, while one landlord at the Reservoir Inn had a pet fox, which would sit on his shoulder. He was not too particular about the drinking age, being willing to serve you in your scout uniform! Freddy King, who cleared glasses at the Bradgate Arms, would steal sweets from Cropston Post Office to give to the barmaids, who, knowing they were stolen, would bring them back again. There were also many memories of the youth club held in the Memorial Hall and of the various people who ran it. The favoured spot for sledging was at Wallis’s Hollow, opposite the Wheatsheaf, but on a good run you had to jump off to avoid ending up in the brook. People leaving the pub would join in the fun late into the evening. The hill on Anstey Lane beyond the church used to be steeper so cars needed to be pushed up it in snowy weather. Cropston was served by police from Anstey but Thurcaston had its own village policeman, who lived on Leicester Road. One guest remembered receiving a visit from him after he was caught placing pennies on the railway track to be squashed flat by passing trains. We heard of some rivalry between the villages – residents of Cropston were thought to look down on Thurcaston – and of a divide (not felt by everyone) according to whether you went to the church or to the chapel. There is clearly much more to find out, including about the many local clubs and societies, and this event was much enjoyed so we hope to hold another one along similar lines in future. In October we welcomed professional historian Janet Spavold to introduce us to the intriguing subject of “How to Read a House”. You can discover lots of clues to the history of a building just by looking at it – if you know what to look for!

Jo is this year’s lady champion JO MAYFIELD is the new ladies club champion at Rothley Park golf club. The Rothley Park Ladies Club Championship was played a little later this year due to the country being in mourning for the Queen over the weekend scheduled for the tournament. The re-scheduled championship was a perfect day for golfing and was enjoyed by ladies of varying handicaps who played over 36 holes. The 2022 Ladies Club Championship Trophy was won by Jo Mayfield with a gross score of 153. Jo is this year’s County Ladies Captain, so a fitting end to her year in office. The runner-up prize went to Maz Sharpe, with a gross score of 164 on count back from Jo’s daughter, Vicky Mayfield in third place. The Bronze Championship Trophy (handicaps 21-31) was won by Helen Morrell with a gross score of 193, with the Runner Up prize going to Anne Freeman, with a gross score of 206.

There were also prizes for the best nett scores won by Vicky Mayfield for 36 holes and Kim Robertson and Club Captain, Libby Carter, for the best morning and afternoon 18 holes, respectively. New champion Jo said: “It was good to put two good scores together in a difficult format, especially as our championship was rescheduled to a later date.” Rothley Park Golf Club has one of the largest ladies' divisions in the county, with 118 playing lady members. The club runs an academy for beginners, from which many new lady members have joined.

Pic: Rothley Park Lady President, Susie Tyler (left), presenting the 2022 Ladies Club Championship Trophy to Jo Mayfield

Pic: Latimer’s House

and the styles of building associated with them are what give many historic villages and towns their individual character. It was only after the rail network developed in the 1850s that we see more widespread use of uniform materials, such as red brick from the Peterborough clay pits and slate from Welsh quarries. In areas without good stone, halftimbered buildings were common. Early on, the main roof beam was supported by crucks – curved tree trunks halved and used in pairs. A later development was box frames, which could be constructed using shorter lengths of timber. It was a demonstration of wealth to decorate your façade with more timber than structurally necessary – though this is rarely seen in Leicestershire, which has long suffered from a shortage of woodland. The oldest houses consisted of simple halls, open to the roof, with a central hearth and small holes or “wind-eyes” above for the smoke to escape. The front door might lead into a cross-passage, which separated the main hall from a buttery and pantry. After 1480 it became fashionable to add a cross-wing and to insert an upper floor. Then from about the 1570s there was a “great rebuilding”, when wattle-and-daub was replaced by brick infill, chimneys were added and the “wind-eyes” made way for glazed windows. It was risky to cut through the main roof beam so a telltale sign is that inserted chimneys are offset from the ridge of roof. It was also common for the new fireplace to back onto the cross-passage so look out for chimneys that are aligned with one edge of the door. Janet took us through further innovations up to the Georgian period, including sash windows and the first terraced housing, in what was a fascinating and accomplished presentation. As a final note, she warned us not always to trust dates on buildings, which might mark a renovation, not the original construction, and have sometimes been moved from somewhere entirely different! Our final meeting of 2022 will be on Tuesday November 15. After a short AGM, David Bell will entertain us with a history of privies entitled “Down the Garden Path”! All are welcome; the visitor’s fee is £4. www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

NOV 2022

Village memories shared

The medieval domestic buildings that we now see were almost all built by the wealthier classes. Poorer people would have used cheaper construction methods such as mud walls, which have not survived. Even the more substantial houses were created from whatever stone, brick or wood was available locally because it was so expensive to transport stone over long distances. These local materials

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOV 2022

Monday Club news THE MONDAY Club - Cropston and Thurcaston’s September meeting was opened by the leader, Jenny Kennington. She outlined the programme arranged for the rest of the year and then introduced our speaker for September, Lesley Meachem, who told us about the small local charity Adapt, which supports the families of premature babies or newborns with health problems. Lesley told us that she trained as a midwife and neonatal nurse. In 2007 she became a family support worker for the charity and is now on the management team. It was set up in 20042005 by parents whose son was on the unit for nine months, and she got to know them very well. The staff at the hospital were amazing, but there was no emotional support available for parents at that time, except from others in a similar situation. One person works on the wards, and another in the community, and there is also a coordinator. These people receive a salary to ensure commitment. There is no government or NHS financial help, and the charity has to raise all the money needed itself. Supporters have taken part in fund-raising events such as marathons and the Great North Run, and a climb up Snowdon was planned but not yet done. Companies like the McCain Family Fund occasionally help too. Some years ago, Adapt received a grant from the Health Lottery. Lesley worked at both the Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital and also visited parents at home where needed. The LRI tends to be more clinical, for the babies who need a lot of support, and at the General, the babies are often those born at 33 weeks gestation or above, and they simply need to grow and develop. There is an Intensive Care Unit, a Special Care unit with a nursery, and a medium ground for babies with high dependency. It can be a very emotional and traumatic time for parents, whether the baby is earlier than expected, or is perhaps ill in some way. Not all outcomes are happy, of course, and Adapt supports the family throughout. Sometimes Lesley went to meetings of the consultants, where she was able to express the worries of the parents, who may feel unable to approach them directly. The charity currently makes up packs for parents, which contain a leaflet about their work, a teddy bear toy, nappies, cotton wool and a set of knitted triangles. These are included because it has been recognised that smell is a very important part of the relationship and bond between a mother/father and the baby. The parent can wear the triangles next to the skin, and leave them with the baby when they go back home, or the baby can wear them and the parents take these with them. It may even help a mother produce breast milk for her child. Any siblings also receive support, such as playtime with a worker from Adapt whilst the parents are occupied visiting

the baby. Adapt can also put families in touch with other helpful agencies. Babies may come into hospital from a much wider area than Leicestershire, but the charity still keeps in contact with the family when the baby is allowed home. There is online support available, and the website is currently being upgraded. Lesley herself has kept in touch with families whose babies are now grown up and having babies themselves. The members then enjoyed a cup of tea and biscuits and bought produce from the Harvest Festival table. Meanwhile, a collection was made which the club donated towards the work of Adapt, in lieu of the normal speaker's fee. In October, our speaker was Neil Everall, from the local RSPCA branch at Woodside Animal Centre on Scudamore Road, who gave an interesting and thought-provoking presentation. Neil is the Head of Fundraising and Marketing, and was accompanied by Natalie, who deals with the social media and communications aspects for the charity, a vital role in today's environment. He began by explaining that this branch now encompasses Leicestershire, Rutland and Peterborough. All branches are charities in their own right, and need to raise their funding independently of the National RSPCA. Over 30 years ago Jeff Kennington (the late husband of our Club Leader Jenny) became a volunteer and then a Trustee at Woodside. Over time, he began to realise that it would be preferable for Woodside to have its own Veterinary Centre, and so put care and love into this project for years. His vision has now become a reality, as a generous benefactor left a very substantial legacy to Woodside in their will, specifically for a Veterinary Centre. There is now a state-of-the-art veterinary centre which opened this summer, with an X-ray room, two operating theatres plus a preparatory room, and a dental room. At the end there was an appreciative round of applause, and several people asked questions. The members then enjoyed a cup of tea and biscuits. Many of them chatted further to the RSPCA representatives, and bought a few promotional items. On November 14 we have a talk about South America and the Galapagos Islands (BUT please note this will take place at All Saints Church, Thurcaston, for technical reasons, starting at 2.15pm. Entry will be through the Harrison Room. Parking in Thurcaston is limited, but please do not obstruct local driveways). All visitors and new members are welcome. We also look forward to a pre-Christmas meal for our members and their families or friends on December 5, which will again be at Birstall Golf Club (pre-booking is required). Menus for the 2-course meal will still be available on November 14, but the cost of £23.50 per person will need to be paid on that day. From The Monday Club - Cropston and Thurcaston

Four generations partying together RESIDENTS AT Mountview care home in Rothley channelled their inner child in October, celebrating National Grandparents Day with their families. In honour of National Grandparents Day, the care staff at Mountview organised a party for their residents, inviting their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to spend the day together. A Leicestershire-based Mr Tumble tribute act from ‘Party Time with James’ performed for four generations of families with party songs to get everyone up and dancing. 92-year-old Edna Colton, who spent the day with her grandchildren, said: “You are never too old to do The Hokey Cokey! We loved the party - there’s al-

ways something happening here at Mountview, it’s just brilliant.” The daughter-in-law of another resident said her family had ‘an absolutely amazing day’, and thought it was ‘brilliant’ to be part of something involving all generations. After all the fun and dancing, the residents and their families enjoyed some light refreshments freshly made by the care home’s kitchen team. Stacie Weaver, the Home Manager at Mountview, said, ‘It’s so important to us that our residents’ families feel welcome and have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities with their loved ones who live with us.” www.idealcarehomes.co.uk Pic: Edna and her family with Mr Tumble

THE THURCASTON and Cropston Gardening Club welcomed Alan Dayman to their October Club meeting.

keeping up with the changing habits and fads of the modern gardener. Derry’s Nurseries grew and grew and although in those early days it was labour- intensive, they could guarantee the

Alan is the well-known proprietor of local nursery, Derry’s of Cossington. His talk was aptly named 'Running a Nursery'. Alan gave us an entertaining insight into the highs and lows of his life in the industry. Starting as a teenager in the family run business some 46 years ago, the focus was then on growing roses, and for the best part of 20 years that was the main part of the business. Derry’s Roses, along with several other Leicestershire nurseries, made a very good living from it. In the early 1980's mass imports of garden plants, particularly roses, came in Pics: Alan Dayman from Derry’s Nursery: some of the from Europe, containerised many plants that Alan bought to the meeting and ready to sell. Home quality of the plants they were selling. grown produce was no longer required. The nursery had to diversify to survive Seeing the superiority of the plants coming in from Europe, they eventually and went into growing its own plants, joined the growing trend to buy from abroad. It offered excellent value and was cheaper than the costly way of 'growing your own'. Crates would arrive, plants displayed, and all sold within days. Easy money! Sadly, these days nurseries are under great pressure from

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 9th November, 7.45pm: Brighten up the Shade Janette Merilion Even the darkest corner can appear lighter with the right planting and this talk discusses the plants that will thrive in shady areas, on wet and dry soils whether it is sandy or on a clay base. Janette Merilion is a well-known international horticultural speaker, lecturer and historian with a successful garden design business based in central Lincolnshire. Wed 14th December, 7.45pm: Festive Evening. Members only event From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club

Neolithic artefacts A NEW display of archaeological finds from Rothley - dating back almost 5,000 years - can now be seen at Charnwood Museum in Loughborough. The selection of finds displayed reveals a spectacular later Neolithic material culture from the time when Stonehenge was first being built. “The people who visited the Soar valley Leicestershire County Council Museand deposited these finds were clearly ums recently received the archaeological plugged into the cultural and social netarchive from the University of Leicester works of the time existing across Britain Archaeological Services excavations at and Ireland,” said a spokesperson from Rothley Lodge Farm. the County Council’s museum collections. The rarest object to be found was the Other features found at the site, dating Rothley ‘Face’ plaque, which is a unique back to 2,900 BC, were a large, shallow example of Neolithic abstract art. pit possibly the remains of a sunken hut, The Rothley ‘Face’ Plaque is incomwhich shows signs of communal feasting. plete having been broken in antiquity, The area was filled with smashed pottery, but enough survives to suggest that the original design would have been symmet- hundreds of pieces of worked flint including arrowheads, knives and scrapers and rical and may be described as a stylised charred remains of barley. face set within a rectangular frame. The Another pit contained broken and design is reminiscent of geometrical burnt objects such as decorated pottery, motifs found on contemporary Grooved Ware pottery and earlier megalithic tombs. roe deer bones, deliberately polished stone axes and a curious ‘fertility symbol.’ Such figurative abstract Neolithic art is The display is permanent, and entry is rare but occurs on artefacts such as the Folkton chalk drums from Yorkshire and free. For more information, including opening times, visit the Charnwood Musethe Knowth ceremonial flint mace head um website. from the Boyne valley in Ireland. #

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NOV 2022

Running a nursery

garden centres that sell a huge amount of non-horticultural items, as well as providing excellent eateries - selling plants is secondary. The nursery has entered gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show and provided many gardens for special occasions such as the Queen's Jubilee Garden, and the Funeral of King Richard III at Leicester Cathedral, and gardens for our local Rainbow's charity. Covid 19 unexpectedly gave the nursery a huge boost to its fortunes; as nursery staff quickly adapted to a ‘phone in orders and delivery to your lockdown doorstep’ service. As most of us spent the first lockdown in our gardens, the demand was almost overwhelming. Alan alongside his son and a team of staff continue to offer a great service, with seasonable advice and beautiful plants for all. Alan provided an informative and entertaining evening for Garden Club members. He also bought lots of plants from his nursery to tempt members. The Gardening Club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you

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