Rothley Post (161) Jul/Aug 2023

Gardens opened to the public

THURCASTON AND Cropston’s popular open garden weekend in June raised funds for the county Air Ambulance.

This year 22 gardens were open, and garden owners were on hand to welcome visitors, give information about plants and flowers, and generally encourage visitors to enjoy their own gardens.

As always, there was a varied mix of gardens on view, large and small, formal and relaxed.

Some have water features, vegetable plots, and wildlife areas.

Other Open Garden essentials were also available: ice cream for sale, lots of plants to buy, and, of course, tea and cake to enjoy.

There was a book and plant sale at All Saints Church, and original artwork by local artist John Crewe was on show in the Memorial Hall on Anstey Lane.

support worker

IF YOU have a problem, maybe community worker Kate can help. She explains: My name is Kate Crowfoot, and I am your community worker. I work for Leicestershire County Council and my role is to be an active member of your local communities and villages. I cover all Charnwood villages including Rothley and surrounding villagPart of my role is to be on hand to offer support, advice, and guidance. If I am unable to help, I will find someone

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Pics: Visitors enjoying gardens on (below) Station Road, Cropston and on Latimer Road

Rothley celebrates the coronation

COMMUNITIES ACROSS the nation marked the King’s Coronation in their own way - in Rothley, there were visual displays in shop windows, flags on properties and following a national trend, post boxes decorated with carefully knitted ‘hats’.

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that can. There are various examples of how I can help you, your family, neighbours, and the community. I can help with benefits advice, housing issues, adaptations needed in homes, carer's advice, referrals to adult social care, and free gadgets to make life that little bit easier, and if you are feeling isolated or vulnerable for whatever reason, please do get in touch.

I can also help if you are experiencing financial issues, do not struggle alone as I have access to various County Council grants. If you see me walking around the village, stop and say hello, or if you or someone you know could benefit from some help, please get in touch.

My email address is kate.crowfoot@leics.gov.uk

My phone numbers are 07514 719331 or 0116 3058559

Facebook page: Community Recovery –Charnwood

In addition, the Parish Church held a musical concert on the day preceding Coronation Day, and on Coronation Day morning the church bells were rung by a band of nine ringers (pictured right). The ringing included rounds of ‘Kings’ & ‘Queens’.

Pic: Kate Crowfoot

Pupils’celebrations fit for a king!

CHILDREN AND staff at Rothley school celebrated the coronation on Friday May 5 with a day of events and activities.

“The children all had a very special day of celebrations to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles,” said Mrs Kate Barrs, the headteacher of Rothley C of E Academy. “It was lots of fun and some wonderful memories were created!”

Rothley’s coronation celebration concert

CORONATION EVE saw over 160 people gather in Rothley Parish Church to enjoy a veritable feast of music to celebrate King Charles’ Coronation.

The programme of music, masterminded by Simon Murphy, the parish church’s organist and choir trainer, showcased both a diverse range of music and a whole range of musical talents from within the choir.

The first half of the evening intertwined regal, classical and sacred pieces focusing primarily on the forthcoming Coronation, with its history, tradition and sacred setting at its heart.

Simon Murphy’s opening organ piece was the spectacular ‘Intrada’ by Grayson Ives – written for the late Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving Service in St Paul’s Cathedral.

The Rothley Church Choir sang with great precision, commitment and force spine-tingling elements of the anthem ‘Zadok the Priest’: ‘And All the People Rejoiced’ and ‘God Save the King’ –music which has been sung at the most sacred anointing of the sovereign during the coronation of every British monarch since composed by George Frederick Handel for the coronation of George II in 1727.

The focus then changed to the eloquent and very well received trumpet rendition by Emma Telford of Jeremiah Clarke’s ‘Trumpet Voluntary’.

G F Handel’s ‘Art Thou Troubled’ was

then exquisitely delivered as a piano accompanied soprano solo by Susan Joyce.

Olivia Longman and Georgina Kellie, a sopranos duet, then moulded together to enchant the audience, singing from Vivaldi's Gloria, the famous Laudamus Te.

The full Rothley Church Choir, with organ accompaniment, followed with a fulsome rendition of “O Thou the Central Orb”.

With piano accompaniment, Peter Norris displayed both the versatility of the recorder and his playing ability, soloing the Overture from ‘Sonata’ by Francesco Maria Veracini.

Following an exquisite rendition of G F Handel’s ‘Eternal Source of Light Divine’ on the organ by Simon Murphy, the Rothley Church Choir rounded off the first half of the concert with a rousing and joyous rendition of the ever popular ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from Handel’s Messiah.

After an enjoyable interval with wine, juices and canapés, Simon Murphy opened the second half with Sir William Walton’s ‘Crown Imperial’ – giving the audience the opportunity to enjoy the heady and thoroughly enjoyable mix of the organ’s majesty combined with Simon’s mastery on the console.

The audience was then treated by the church choir to a stirring rendition of ‘I Vow to Thee my Country’ which, being unaccompanied, gave full opportunity for

John Rutter’s ‘This is the day’ followed, particularly suited to and delivered by the church choir.

From Charles Poole

As the evening came towards a close, Peter Norris returned, smaller recorder in hand, to astound and delight the audience with his dextrous and increasingly speedy delivery of ‘The Sailor’s Hornpipe’, never once missing a note!

choir members to deliver superb harmonies combined with clarity of diction, which resonated throughout the church.

Emma Telford then returned to give a further fine trumpet rendition – the ‘Trumpet Tune’ by Henry Purcell, much appreciated by all.

A return by Sue Joyce with a Soprano solo of ‘You Raise Me Up’ was beautifully delivered, and again drew in the audience to the sentiments expressed by the song.

There then followed a most enjoyable piano duet, played by Alison Godfrey and Simon Murphy, ‘In England’ by Michael Diack. This caused the audience much foot tapping, while at the same time challenging them to identify the many tunes meshed and intertwined into the piece.

Apparent interlopers then took to the stage! Four ‘weathered’ and bearded sailors grabbed the limelight with a selection of Sea Shanties: ‘John Kanaka’, ‘Wellerman’, ‘Nelson’s Blood’ and ‘(What Shall We Do With) The Drunken Sailor’ or something similar as, in most cases, the words were blatantly adapted to create a ‘Rothley’ feel. It was only a programme note which enabled the audience to identify the heavily disguised foursome as Jonty, Jerry and Sam Pilbeam and Simon Murphy.

David Wilson DL then proposed a Toast to His Majesty the King, with the audience voicing their loud support, followed by the National Anthem.

Rob Gladstone concluded the evening with appropriate thanks, particularly to Simon Murphy, the choir and other musicians and those who had helped stage the event. He concluded with a blessing, followed by everyone joining in and singing ‘Jerusalem’ by Sir Hubert Parry.

A retiring collection raised £670, with the proceeds being donated to The Soar Valley Community Food Project.

Community support for Rothley run

THE ROTHLEY10K, hosted by Mattioli Woods in association with LOROS, has been hailed a success as the village saw 692 runners pound the streets once again.

Raising funds and awareness for local charity LOROS Hospice, the Rothley10K returned for its 37th year with early indications that over £30,400 has been

Litter wombles

A SMALL band of communityspirited volunteers in Rothley carry out regular litter picks to help clean up the local environment.

This photo of the Rothley Litter Wombles was taken after a litter pick on the Charles Church estate and along the slip road from the A6. In all, a total of seven bags of rubbish were collected.

The group plans areas to be cleared, which often include Charles Church, and Persimmon Homes estates, as these are still to be adopted.

The volunteers come from Mountsorrel as well as Rothley. Some of their cleaning kits have been provided by Rothley Parish Council. A council spokesperson said: “We are extremely grateful for their hard work, and to others who the council is aware of, working on their own helping to keep the village free from litter.”

Pic: (back row, l-r) Lynne, Sue, Carol; (front row, l-r) Lucy and Kathy

Website

BIRSTALL MEDICAL Centre has launched its redesigned website.

“It is clearer and easier for patients to use,” said Edmund Chambers, Chairman of the Patient Participation Group.

“It contains information about the practice, the services it offers with advice on how to make best use of them, as well as links to do such things as order repeat prescriptions and make appointments.”

The website is designed to be accessed on most computers, tablets and smartphones.

Birstall Medical Centre’s main site is on Whiles Lane, Birstall, with a satellite site on Border Drive in Beaumont Leys.

www.birstallmedicalcentre.com

raised.

Winners of the race included Dan Hallam, who came first overall, completing the run in 32:27 and Amber Lester, who was the first female, finishing in 38:13.

Speaking on behalf of Mattioli Woods, Chief Executive Officer Ian Mattioli said, “Once again, we have to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in the race – the runners, the sponsors, the volunteers and of course, the residents of Rothley who have surpassed themselves this year with their warm welcome and encouragement to everyone who descended on their village. I know from previous experience how emotional and exhilarating this run can be, especially with those hills, so it was great to see another good turnout. It is always a privilege to host and support the Rothley10K, and we look forward to seeing what the final total will help LOROS achieve.”

LOROS Events Lead, Andrew Ward, said, “We absolutely love the Rothley10K, the event has been going for so many years now, and support from all the residents never ceases to amaze me and makes for a brilliant atmosphere. A huge thank you must go to Mattioli Woods for their continued support, without whom the event simply wouldn’t happen. It’s a lovely local race, supporting a local charity, and the money raised from the event will go a long way towards caring for terminally ill patients and their fami-

Next year’s event is on June 4, 2024, and entries are open at www.rothley10k.com with an early bird fee of only £20 - all donated to LOROS.

Pics: scenes from the 2023 Rothley 10K

PHOTOS: MATTIOLI WOODS

Local elections 2023: results

THE CONSERVATIVE Party has lost control of Charnwood Borough Council after the local elections in May.

The Conservatives lost 14 seats, Labour gained 8, and the Green Party gained 7, giving it 8 councillors.

Charnwood Borough Council has 52 councillors across 24 wards, and all seats were up for election on Thursday May 4.

Following the count, the political makeup of the Council is as follows:

23 Conservative

20 Labour

8 Green

1 Independent

No political group has overall control of the Council, but an agreement has been reached between the Labour Group with Green Party councillors to support a minority Labour administration.

Cllr Miah is the Leader of the Labour Group on Charnwood Borough Council and is the new leader of the Council.

Rothley, Thurcaston & Cropston has one ward represented by three councillors.

Rothley Brook Ward, three candidates elected:

CANNON, David (Green) 463

CHARLES, Mark Roger (Con) 1,097

EDWARDS, David William (Lab) 584

HADJI-NIKOLAOU, Leon (Con) 1,084

KNIGHT, John Richard (Con) 959

THORNTON, Richard Jonathan (Lab) 637

WARD, Emma (Lab) 571

The successful candidates in May 2023 were:

Mark Charles (Con), Leon HadjiNikolaou (Con) and John Knight (Con) were duly elected for Charnwood

At Rothley Parish Council, a poll was not necessary on May 4 as there were fewer candidates than there were seats. In these circumstances, all the candidates nominated are automatically elected.

Election of Parish Councillors for Rothley:

Percy Hartshorn

NICK’S PEST CONTROL

Parish Council notes

ROTHLEY PARISH Council’s annual parish council meeting was held on May 15.

Cllr Percy Hartshorn was elected as chair for the ensuing year, and Cllr Roger Gross was elected as vice chair.

Dr. Roger Gross

Steve Mitchell

Barry Simons

Graham Hall

Andrew Brettle

Michael Ferguson

Christine Watts

Hannah Feeley

At Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council, a poll was not necessary on May 4 as there were fewer candidates than there were seats.

Election of Parish Councillors for Thurcaston & Cropston:

Michael Jackson

Matthew Green

Sue Graham

Sylvia Cole

Mark Charles

There is one councillor vacancy at Rothley Parish Council, and one at Thurcaston & Cropston. Should you be interested in joining the Parish Council, you can make contact with the Parish Office to find out more and to register your interest in being co-opted.

At Charnwood, all councillors receive a basic allowance of £5610 a year. At parish councils, councillors do not receive any allowance.

The council resolved that it meets the conditions to exercise the General Power of Competence.

The crime figures for April were:

No reported vehicle crimes, no reported thefts, a shed was broken into and a bicycle stolen, a shed on a small holding was broken into and items smashed up, private land was entered and lead and aluminium steps were taken, there were no reports of antisocial behaviour in March.

Residents who witness or are a victim of antisocial behaviour should report it to the police via 101 or report it online through the Leicestershire police website.

There will be a Beat surgery at Rothley Library on Saturday July 29, between 11:30am and 12:30pm.

It was reported that several specialist companies have visited the Rothley Centre to carry out a survey into the provision of hearing loops.

It was agreed to advertise a vacancy on the Parish Council.

It was agreed to spend £2730 on improvements to the bollards at Town Green Street.

A meeting of the open spaces committee was held on May 18.

It was agreed to seek quotations for three new planters to be sited outside the Rothley Centre, with a plaque to mark the King’s coronation. It was also agreed to seek quotations to paint the railings in front of the Rothley Centre, and to install a hanging basket outside the parish office.

Following consultation with Charnwood Borough Council, the parish council intends to plant trees to mark the coronation at Fowke Street, Bunny’s Field and the Donkey Field.

It was reported that Rothley History Society has offered to donate a bench to be placed in the village to mark the King’s coronation. It was agreed to site this in the area of land adjacent to Bunney’s Field.

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

The council agreed to spend £5395 on the provision of hearing loops throughout the Rothley Centre. It was agreed to upgrade the CCTV system at the Rothley Centre by replacing two internal cameras with high-resolution models and by replacing a monitor.

The County Council’s community recovery worker for the Charnwood villages, Kate Crowfoot, informed the council of her role within the community. She said she was working with six people in Rothley at the moment. Her role is to support anyone struggling; this

Pic: Your Charnwood Borough Councillors (l-r): John Knight, Leon Hadji-Nikolaou, Mark Charles

Cycle track improved

VOLUNTEERS HAVE been at work improving Rothley Cycle Track.

Local volunteer and cycle track expert Ben Rafferty was helped out by Molly and Jack as part of the Big Help Out on Coronation Bank Holiday Monday, May 8.

Molly (pictured with her bike) and Jack cycled from

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could be with social isolation, or food and fuel poverty. She can be contacted on 0116 305 8559.

Chair Percy Hartshorn reported that, in his reply to a letter he had received from the new leader of Charnwood Borough Council, Jewel Miah, he had brought up the Parish Council’s concerns with the planning department at Charnwood. A response has been received saying that the issues raised had been passed to the chief executive.

Comment was made that the deadline for submission of comments about planning applications was too short, and it was suggested that the planning committee be delegated to have authority to give the parish council’s response to planning applications, rather than having to wait for the full council meeting.

THURCASTON & Cropston’s Annual Parish Council meeting was held on May 17.

Cllr Mark Charles was elected as chairman for the ensuing year, and Cllr Matt Green was elected vice chairman.

The council resolved that it meets the conditions to exercise the General Power of Competence.

It was reported that two tree preservation orders have been issued on trees on Anstey Lane and that the vehicle-activated speed sign on Leicester Road is finally working again.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on Monday June 12.

It was reported that the first 200 houses at the Broadnook Garden suburb will be built by the summer of 2024.

It was reported that the profit for the year to date of the Parish Council’s film night is £381.

Birstall to assist Ben with additional improvements to this popular community facility.

Earlier in the day a couple of local residents assisted, and the team were soon joined by other local young people eager to help or try out the improvements.

The area is also a haven for wildlife, with rabbit warrens and birds nesting in the surrounding vegetation. There are also a good number of wildflowers growing in and around the various tracks.

Rothley champion

TOM ROBERTS has won the Rothley Park championship for the fourth year.

He won with rounds of 72 + 71 = 143, narrowly defeating fellow county player Scott Wormleighton, who shrugged off a disappointing first round of 77 with a best of competition 69 second round, for a total of 146.

Bobby Large finished in third place with rounds of 73 + 74 = 147.

There were 21 players of three handicap or better in a field of 53 players.

Men’s Captain, Andy Simpson, presented the trophy to Tom and prizes to

the runners-up. He said: “It was a fabulous weekend of golf. Well done to all the players and volunteers involved in the competition, and many thanks to

Chris Weir, Asa English and the team for presenting the course so well in view of the current extreme weather.”

Two Rothley Park members recently celebrated shooting a hole-in-one: Maz Sharpe - on the tricky Par 3 - 7th Hole at Rothley Park, and Alan Dorn - his first Hole in One in 25 years of playing golf.

Pics (top): Men’s Captain, Andy Simpson (left) presenting the trophy to Tom Roberts; Left: Holes-in-one; Maz Sharpe & Alan Dorn

Noticeboard

all details printed free

Birstall Tea Dances

Held at St James, Birstall Village Hall

Birstall Road

Birstall

LE4 4DH

Fridays 14th & 28th July

£6 each on the door

Tea/coffee included into entrance price

Home made cakes but we ask for donations

Further information contact Jackie 07908607405 or email: lucasjackie86@gmail.com

Cedar Care Circle

If you or someone you know is caring for a spouse, parent, partner or friend who has dementia,

YOUR SAY...

why not join us for a couple of hours at Brunchies cafe Hallam Fields Road Birstall? Our meetings in July are the 10th and 24th at 1pm. You will be made most welcome.

We are a social group brought together by the diagnosis of dementia. Just to talk to fellow carers about their ways of coping with this 24/7 role helps so much. Just drop in as and when you can. My name is Barbara and you can contact me on 07905760556 if you'd like to chat

Ex Longslade Pupils between 1970 – 1980

School Reunion

Sunday 16th July

At Birstall Village Cricket Club

School Lane Playing Fields

From 1pm – 6pm

an event in the grounds of The Brand, Woodhouse Eaves, to raise funds for the Trust.

The grounds will be open on Sunday 10th September 2023 from 11am until 4pm when there will be guided walks, wildlife activities, refreshments and more. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit this beautiful Charnwood estate and to find out more about the wildlife there.

The entrance fee will be £6 for adults and £2 for children. Money raised will go to the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

Thurcaston & Cropston Annual Craft & Produce Show

Sat September 2

New dementia group

SOAR VALLEY Dementia Group met up in May and June to talk through how the group will be set up.

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

Bridleway

I read in the Rothley Post MAY/JUNE 2023 in the 'Parish Council notes' that paragraph 6 referred to a planning application for the Broadnook Garden Suburb includes a plan to 'move' a bridleway on Rothley golf course. The council agreed to object...

I would like to know what Broadnook Gardens has to do with wanting to move the bridleway on Rothley golf course?

They are constructing another huge housing estate between Birstall and Rothley on the A6...

We, along with many other people walk this bridleway which runs between the greens on the course on regular occasions and cannot see what it has to do with an enormous housing estate a good mile or so up the A6.... or, have I got the wrong bridleway because I know not of another on the golf course.

We would strongly agree with the council to object

Mr & Mrs Allen

In December 2014 Tony Sabey set up a facebook page for pupils who attended Longslade School from 1970 to 1980, he is now assisted by Su Pollard. The group was set up to help people keep in touch with old friends, have a bit of a gossip, a laugh and to share photographs and stories of the “good old days” The group has gone from strength to strength with almost 500 members. It was thought that it would be great to have a reunion and also reach out to those that do not use social media, here are the details. What better place to celebrate and meet up, than on the park where most of us played as children and probably now take our grandchildren! The cricket club has seating inside and around 30 outdoor seats. If a lot of us are able to make it, it might be worth bringing an outdoor seat of your own. Hopefully the weather will be kind, the gazebos will be up and the club bar will definitely be open.

Perhaps you could bring your old school photographs, embarrassing or not! We can make new memories and have a great afternoon.

The Brand

Open Grounds

Colonel Robert and Mrs Janie Martin are kindly allowing the Charnwood Group of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust to hold

Open to visitors at 2.30pm Richard hill School, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston

Have you ever thought of entering a local show? It is fun and open to all. So why not enter something you have grown? Maybe you make jams, bake cakes, enjoy photography, paint pictures or do some sort of craft, or perhaps you are into flower arranging. Then maybe as a family you could make a really scary scarecrow. There are children’s classes too and they can enter free. Adults pay £1 either to enter or visit the show. For more details either text Annette on

Maxine Linnell reports: “This group will be led by people with dementia, and they will make the decisions. It will be a peer support group, which may also get involved with talking locally about dementia and other activities. The group will cover Rothley, Sileby, Quorn, Mountsorrel, Barrow upon Soar and Birstall, but people are welcome from other areas too.

“People with dementia can still have a meaningful life, and we can make an impact on the stigma and fears around dementia. It’s shown to be very helpful for people to meet up with others, and can also help carers and friends. The group is part of the DEEP network, which runs 80 similar groups in the UKbut never one in Leicestershire.

“We need to talk about dementia. There isn’t a cure yet, but there are so many things we can do together, to make life better.

Joe’s Jog 2023 family fun run

RUNNERS OF all ages and abilities once again turned out in force to run the annual Joe’s Jog 2023 family fun run mile in Rothley village.

Joe’s Jog is now in its eighth year and attracted 410 runners, raising £1942 to support the ongoing work of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

The inclusive and family-friendly fun run gives families and children aged seven and over the chance to be part of the Rothley 10k evening. It also raises awareness of the vital work of the JHMT.

HAMBLETON BAKERY opened a new shop on Woodgate, Rothley, in June.

The shop sells bread, cakes and savouries.

Hambleton Bakery has grown to supply six Hambleton Bakery shops, Hambleton Hall, Harts Nottingham, many farm shops and delis across the surrounding counties as well as restaurants, gastro pubs and artisan cafes.

Hambletons use stoneground flour in their bread whenever possible, to retain the vitamins and minerals contained in the germ. Many of their loaves use sourdough culture (developed from wild yeast) for a longer and slower fermentation and when they do use Bakers’ yeast, long fermentations are still employed.

The opening times are Monday - Saturday 8am - 5pm.

New bakery Over 50s

The race was started by Anthony Rowe, the former Leicester Riders player, now a Sky Sports commentator and wealth management consultant.

Anthony said: “It was an absolute pleasure to play a small part in the eighth annual Joe’s Jog. The amazing pictures captured of the participants during the run only tell half of the story, it’s only through being there that you feel the energy of everyone at the event. What a fun way to raise funds and awareness for such an important cause.”

Sebastian Smith. (Girls) 1 Sophie Surrell, 2 Annabelle Sills, 3 Kara Thomas, 4 Olivia Surrell, 5 Betty Noller.

particularly in 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. The JHMT 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 runs the Inspire Awards, a small grants scheme that helps inspire young people to fulfil their potential.

THE OVER

50s

are being offered free help with smartphones and computers at drop-in sessions organised by Age UK.

We increasingly book, check, navigate, watch, listen, shop, bank and communicate online, which is becoming the only way to access some services.

For many slightly older folk, this is uncharted territory, and Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland is lending a helping hand to help build IT confidence amongst the over 50s.

It provides free “drop-in” sessions at community centres across Leicestershire, where people can turn up and get help with starting their online journey.

Age UK also visits housebound people, aiming to provide them with an valuable connection with friends, family and important services.

It’s a free service, and anyone can visit our sessions or request a home visit if necessary.

Volunteers are also welcome. No sophisticated IT knowledge is needed, just a basic knowledge of common smartphone and computer functions and a willingness to help people.

No need to book - just drop in at: Rothley Library: 2.30-4.30pm on the fourth Monday of each month.

Birstall Methodist Coffee Morning: 10am-12noon on the third Tuesday of each month.

For more information, contact us at digitalchampions@ageukleics.org.uk or 01162 045117.

The first five (Boy and Girls) runners to cross the line were: (Boys) 1. Ethan Kirkpatrick, 2. Cameron Daugherty, 3 Harry Nurse, 4 Kapton Richura and 5

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,

Steve Humphries, chair of the JHMT, said: “Once again, It was so uplifting to see the community turn out in such huge numbers for Joe’s Jog. Thank you to all the runners and their many supporters for creating a brilliant atmosphere throughout the race from start to finish. Joe’s Jog is a great way 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 fantastic support of our ‘Team Joe’ volunteers, who gave their valuable time to 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

Rothley Library: current opening hours

Monday: 2.30 – 4.30pm

Tuesday: 2.30 – 4.30pm

Wednesday: 2.30 – 4.30pm

Thursday: 10am – 12noon & 2.30 –4.30pm

Saturday: 10am – 2pm

• Summer Reading Challenge for 4 –11-year-olds

The Summer Reading Challenge this year is ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ and aims to keep children's minds and bodies active over the summer break, unleashing the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading. From July to September, children can take part in the free challenge and will be able to join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots as they navigate a fictional summer obstacle course brought to life with illustrations by children's illustrator Loretta Schauer, rewarded by free incentives and stickers.

The Summer Reading Challenge shines a light on the power of public libraries as a hub for local communities and will bring together the benefits of sport, play and creativity.

The Youth Sport Trust has developed fun family activity cards, which alongside the official 2023 Summer Reading Challenge book collection, will aim to keep imaginations moving over the school holiday. The challenge and activity cards are available to access through the online digital platform, summerreadingchallenge.org.uk, to allow those with limited physical access to the library to join in. By participating in the challenge, young people will have the opportunity to explore new reading material, develop skills, and discover new interests.

C..J. Cooper.

Weds August 9th: “Paradise City” by Elizabeth Day

• Yarn Craft Group.

This meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Bring your knitting, crochet or anything else ‘yarny’. Help each other with those tricky bits. Exchange ideas and knowledge. Have a cuppa and chat. £1 per person, payable towards the running costs of the library.

• Chess Club

This meets every Thursday 2.30 –4.30pm. Open to all, beginners to advanced.

• LEGO Club

Lego club is the first Saturday of each month, 2-4pm. Lots of Lego free-play, with like-minded playmates.

• Under 5s sessions

These sessions will not be held during the school holiday but will resume at the beginning of the school term.

fortnightly or monthly basis. Training at a time and date to suit you.

Contact us via the email below if you are interested in volunteering or what more information

info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk

Early heads up for these events in September

News from Rothley library Cubs house bugs

THE ROTHLEY Cubs have been busy making bug houses.

• Outdoor screening

Friday 15th September 7.45pm at the Library Park, Mountsorrel Lane.

Further details of the film will be made available online and in the next Rothley Post, but keep this date free for another popular family evening.

• Rothley Village Scarecrow Trail22/23rd September 2023.

After such a success last year, this event is being run again. Further details will be available in the next edition and online but in the meanwhile make a date in your diary and don't forget to start thinking of ideas for your scarecrow for the village trail on 23rd/24th September.

• Big Book Sale Saturday August 5th 10am – 12noon

Following on from the book sale held in June when we sold over 250 books and raised £88, there will be another BIG BOOK SALE of adult and children’s fiction books on Saturday 5th August. These are books that have been kindly donated to the library and their sale will raise valuable funds towards library running costs. These will be on sale at 50p each or a bargain 3 for £1!

• Thinking of hiring a space?

The Library can be hired out when it is not open for public use. Already several local groups are hiring the space for their activities at very reasonable prices. Why not enquire next time you are in the Library?

• Book Boxes

Don’t forget the white RCL book boxes which are in many outdoor spaces have been cleaned and restocked with children’s books so that children can access a book anytime they are at a park.

• Volunteers

Have you any time to help support our village Community Library?

• Ice pops & cold drinks.

During the summer months, ices & lollies will be sold in the library during opening hours.

• Book Group 7pm

Weds July 12th: “The Book Club” by

We are still looking for additional volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare each week or fortnight please think about your local library. The Library runs entirely on voluntary help from a friendly and committed team. We are looking to increase the numbers of people we have to help during opening hours.

Currently volunteer do so on a weekly,

• New outlook

To improve security, and give a better view of the Library building from the road/footpath, the County Council Forestry Department agreed to our request to have two large bushes removed. At some later stage, at least one tree will be planted in the nearby park, by way of a replacement for the bushes.

Using recycled tin cans and some bamboo canes, they have created some ‘houses’ for bugs and mini beasts (pictured above).

These have been distributed to many local residents, who have placed them in their gardens.

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Schoolchildren put on a show!

AFTER WEEKS of rehearsals, singing practices and costume making, Rothley schoolchildren in Year 4 took to the stage at The Palmer Tomkinson Centre, a fullsized theatre within Birstall's Cedars Academy to perform Dragon Days.

A Rothley Church of England Academy spokesperson said: “Children in Year 3 provided wonderful singing to accompany the performance in March, and we are sure they are excited to think it will be their turn to take on the acting roles next year!

“As ever, when children of Rothley Church of England Academy perform, they exceed all expectations! It was a sell-out event for family members and friends.

“We are unbelievably proud of the children and all the hard work they put into these performances. However, events such as this would not be possible without the tireless hard work and commitment of all the staff involved in putting together these productions. We are hugely grateful to them for giving up their evenings to allow our pupils to have such an incredible experience.”

Pics: Children from Rothley Church of England Academy performing Dragon Days at the Palmer Tomkinson Centre in Birstall

New hair salon

AN INTIMATE new hair salon has opened in Rothley, on the Kiln Garth estate.

‘Rebecca Jane Hairstylist’ is owned by 22-year-old, Beccy Pate - she had the idea when she was on maternity leave.

She said: “I knew exactly how I wanted the salon to look. There was to be no compromise on class or perfection, just because it’s a home salon. It’s a very calming, neutral environment while at

the same time, it’s relaxing and luxurious. Flooded by natural daylight, enhanced by mirrors and LED lighting, it has a fresh and youthful vibe.”

Beccy offers one client at a time a completely bespoke service. She said: “It’s great if you don’t enjoy a busy commercial salon, if you feel intimidated by hairdressers, or if you feel anxious about meeting new people. Clients know that it will be just the two of us, and that feels very comfortable.”

Services start from £42 for a cut and finish and include the whole range of colouring services - highlights, balayage, retouch, and more.

Beccy has worked in the industry since the age of 12, working in a number of local salons in Rothley, Sileby and Quorn. She is qualified to level 3, is insured to the industry standard, and frequently updates her practice through regular training.

You can follow Beccy on Facebook (Rebecca Jane Hairstylist) and Instagram using rebeccajanehairstylist_

Booking is through social media.

Pic: Stylist Beccy Pate

Monday Club History society news

HAVE YOU ever painted the town red? At our May meeting, Mick Rawle took us back to the source of the expression, with a potted history of Melton Mowbray.

pressive in Leicestershire.

Before Sir Malcolm Sargent went on to national fame as the principal conductor of the Proms, his first job was as organist there from 1914 to 1924. Nearby is Anne of Cleves’ House, which was built as a chantry house for priests but then given to Thomas Cromwell at the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Cromwell promoted the marriage of Henry VIII to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, but a divorce soon followed, Cromwell was executed and the house passed to Anne as part of the settlement. In 1550, some townsfolk purchased land to provide income for supporting a schoolmaster, lighting the streets and other good works, and the Town Estate that they created continues to run the Melton’s market and public parks to this day.

be sold at the Globe Inn in Leicester –so called because framework knitters used a glass globe filled with water to direct light to where they were working.

THE MONDAY club’s annual outing was on May 5, 2023.

It was a pleasure to be able to join in an outing for the first time since the restrictions of the Covid pandemic. We were so lucky because the day dawned bright and sunny and remained so for the duration of our trip, which was on a narrowboat manned by volunteers from the Peter Le Marchant Trust (PLMT).

Though the area was inhabited in prehistoric and Roman times, the origin of the town itself was in the Anglo-Saxon period. It was centrally located between the “Five Boroughs” of the Danelaw (Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, Lincoln and Stamford) and is first recorded as Middleton, which later became Melton. The suffix Mowbray comes from Bishop Geoffrey de Montbray, who was granted the manor – among many others – after the Norman conquest. (Geoffrey was also given the manor of Thurcaston but returned it to the king in exchange for Stanton under Bardon and East Norton.)

Melton was the only place in Leicestershire that the Domesday Book recorded as having a market so its history as a centre of agricultural trade is a long one. Cheese fairs were held regularly and of course, the town became famous for pork pies. They probably began as a convenient snack that could be taken out hunting but by 1900 the firm of Tebbutt & Co was shipping Melton Mowbray pork pies all around the British Empire.

Melton stands on the River Eye, which becomes the Wreake further downstream. Though a canal was built along its course during the 1700s and two railways arrived in the 1800s, it was fox hunting that really brought prosperity to the town. Its location at the junction between the territories of the Quorn, Belvoir and Cottesmore Hunts attracted regular visits from aristocracy and royalty. Mick has identified at least 17 “hunting boxes” or lodges that they built for use during the hunting season, though not all of them survive today. In 1890 a famous Midnight Steeplechase was held, with the participants wearing nightclothes, but unfortunately, the moon was hidden by clouds and the borrowed railway lamps were barely adequate to light the fences. Sometimes the revelry got out of hand, as on April 6, 1837, when a group of drunken “gentlemen” amused themselves by painting several doors, the sign of the White Swan pub and the town constables with red paint! The offenders were later fined the considerable sum of £100 each at the Derby assizes but their exploits entered the English language.

St Mary’s church was described by Pevsner as the stateliest and most im-

For our first outing of the year, members of the Society ventured across the city to the Wigston Framework Knitters Museum, where we received a warm

During the 19th century, and despite the protests of the Luddites, wider frames were developed. They could not be accommodated at home so they were housed in frame shops or larger factories. Few of these frame shops have survived, though you can sometimes spot where they were by a row of windows just below the eaves of a building. The Wigston Museum is a rare “time capsule” showing what they would have been like. It comprises a master hosier’s house, with a separate building behind containing eight frames and a long bobbin-winding machine. There is also a stove, which not only provided heat but was also used to melt lead for setting replacement needles in the machines. Although Edgar Carter had closed his knitting business during the Great Depression, the government requested him to resume producing gloves for soldiers during the Second World War. He continued alone until his death in 1951, followed soon afterwards by his wife, and the frame shop has hardly changed since then. Our guide gave a brief demonstration on one of the frames that has been restored to working order.

Members and their guests gathered at the canal side moorings in Loughborough, the base of the PLMT and set off for a gentle and peaceful journey to Mountsorrel. The boat, called Symphony, looked very festive, with red, white and blue decorations in honour of King Charles’ coronation due to take place the following day.

We were served refreshments by the onboard volunteers and we were also entertained by “Rovin’ Ron” who sang, and played the guitar and the mouth organ, with a range of songs to which we could sing along, such as “Please release me!” and “It’s a long way to Tipperary!”. Great fun!

On arrival in Mountsorrel, we disembarked to take a delicious pre-ordered lunch at The Waterside Inn. Feeling suitably replenished, we re-boarded Symphony for the return journey to Loughborough. Both the outward and return journeys were enhanced by the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Without exception, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and were already wanting to book again for next year! Many thanks to Diane Rouse for organising the day.

Our June meeting was a talk from Mrs Alsion Briggs from the Syston based charity Inter Care.

Alison explained that Inter Care is a small charity, founded in 1974, which was set up by Dr Rosenberg and Dr Patricia O’Keefe, when they realised that many unused medicines in the UK are wasted, and that they could benefit people in Africa.

welcome from their team of friendly volunteers.

The stocking frame was invented near Nottingham in 1589 and by the 18th century many agricultural workers in the East Midlands had a frame at home to supplement their income. Nottingham came to specialize in knitting cotton, Derby in silk and Leicestershire in wool. To produce each row of knitting on a frame required a sequence of eight operations using both hands and feet. The frames would typically be operated by men, with women making up the knitted panels into garments such as stockings or gloves, while children were put to work winding wool onto bobbins. Their products were taken to

Mr & Mrs Carter’s two daughters carried on living in the family home and they took the opportunity to make a few “modern” improvements, like replacing the tin bath in the kitchen with a fully plumbed-in bath – still in the kitchen! But for the most part the house is lovingly preserved as it would have been in Victorian times, from the slightly oppressive Parlour – used only on special occasions – to the gadgets in the kitchen and the brass bedsteads upstairs. The Museum is open to visitors on Sunday afternoons. It also includes a small exhibition and delightful secret garden.

On the evening of Tuesday July 18, we will have a guided tour of Abbey Park. Please contact us through the website if you would like to join us.

www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk

From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

They would collect them, check them carefully and send them out to groups they knew of there. Nowadays they reach up to 11 million people in Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zambia.

They go to various organisations including health centres, dispensaries, schools for the disabled, orphanages and prisons, and are supplied free of charge. These usually come from pharmaceutical companies, not from private individuals. Inter Care always send two consignments to each destination per year. All the medication MUST be within its use-by date. Some African recipients are able to get medication from their Government, but sometimes the Government wants to sell certain medication which is not what the buyers want and need. Inter Care always ask what the recipients need, and aim to visit them in person every three years. Staff may have changed, and some may even have died!

Continued on page

Pics: (above & below) the Wigston Framework Knitters museum

New attractions at heritage centre

THE LMS Wagon Local History Museum at the Mountsorrel & Rothley Community Heritage Centre was formally opened in May.

Baroness Nicky Morgan, and her husband, County Councillor Jonathan Morgan, were invited to open the museum and the King Charles III Coronation Garden.

They also named the centre’s narrow gauge loco “Malcolm” in honour of the long-time volunteer and supporter who

Continued from page 12

Alsion showed us slides of examples of patients in some countries they supply. One lady called Olivia, aged 24, walked about 22 km to a hospital. She had malaria. There were no beds available on the ward, so she had to wait hours for treatment. Around 93% of people living in sub-Saharan Africa have absolutely no health care available to them at all. If patients do manage to get a bed (often with little bedding) they still rely on their families to pay for any medicines required, and to provide food for them, which is cooked on the floor at the side of the bed. Sometimes there is a toilet available of a reasonable standard. Mothers about to give birth tend to have only very basic delivery rooms.

We saw several pictures of health centres trying to cater for populations of up to 10,000 but with their few shelves almost empty. Centres which had just received a delivery from Inter Care were obviously relieved and proud of their supplies, as they could now help their patients. The shortage of medicines even leads to people desperately buying unlabelled tablets on the street in small plastic bags, which might contain anything the seller claims, hopefully nothing worse than chalk. Counterfeit drugs are also offered, and could be harmful. Not all the aid sent to other countries gets to the intended people, which is why Inter Care has to make sure that their delivery system is efficient. Some of the things they can use include Stethoscopes, Blood Pressure Monitors, Bandages, Plasters, Aprons and Hand Wash, and copies of the reference books like MIMS used by our doctors, which are revised annually. Many medical personnel here now use items only once and then throw them away, instead of everything being sterilised and re-used. In one year, Inter Care managed to send out 464 boxes with aid and equipment, which weighed around 11,250 kg. They can now send items in containers, so large items like

wheelchairs and crutches can also be transported.

One way that Inter Care manages to raise funds is by recycling such things as printer cartridges, mobile phones or foreign coins brought back from holidays. Last year they raised about £3,000 from recycling. Sixty pounds can help about 400 people. Healthcare units are often run by nuns, but the help given from the UK is not restricted to any specific religion. In addition to adults and children suffering many illnesses, there is always the danger from malaria, and debilitating conditions such as diarrhoea, which is often present in malnourished babies. There is a very high infant mortality rate in some countries. The last Big Give Online raised over £22,000 for the charity, and the money raised was matched by a generous benefactor.

At the end of the talk, Alsion invited people to come and look at the handmade jewellery and cards she had brought along, and some information leaflets. Several people had questions for her as well. After we had enjoyed our tea or coffee and biscuits, the meeting closed just before 4pm. Please look at the Inter Care website, if you wish to learn more.

Our meetings start at 2.15pm, on the second Monday of each month. On July 10, we look forward to another Strawberry Cream Tea, at the Blue Bell at Rothley. Then on August 14, one of our members will give a demonstration of Indian head massage. Our Harvest Meeting will be on September 11, including a speaker from “Hannah’s Sugar Craft of Quorn”. Membership for a year costs only £13, with an entrance fee of £2, and it is only £4 for visitors, to include tea / coffee and biscuits or cake. New members and visitors are most welcome to meetings at the Church Room – just turn up on the day.

Mrs Jenny Kennington: 0116 2365402

Mrs Maja Tompkins:07709 201881

From the Monday Club Cropston & Thurcaston

died last year.

The narrow gauge passenger railway opens to the public in July,

Donation to club

ROTHLEY BOWLS Club has been able to upgrade its facilities, thanks to a £9,450 donation from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund.

With the fencing surrounding the club’s bowling green damaged during a storm and starting to rot, it had become inadequate in keeping out rabbits –causing further damage to the pristine lawn used to host matches.

As well as replacing the much-needed fencing, the donation allowed the club to improve access for disabled users by widening the gates and the path around the green, to make them more useable for wheelchair users and those with walking aids.

Trudi Porter, from Rothley Bowls Club, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the donation from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund. The new fencing and disabled access have made a huge improvement to the club. We are now very proud of the look of our improved surrounds and look forward to attracting additional members and visitors.”

Rob Lees, senior operations manager at Mountsorrel Quarry, said: “We are delighted to have been able to help Rothley Bowls Club with this donation. It is great to see local groups doing their best to make activities more inclusive for existing members and those looking to get into the sport.”

Pics: the upgrades at Rothley Bowls Club

but Nicky

and Jonathan were able to sample the new coaches in the company of the centre’s volunteers.

Pics: (top) Baroness Nicky Morgan opening the King Charles III Coronation Garden and (below) the wagon museum; (left) taking a ride on the narrow gauge railway

PHOTOS: MOUNTSORREL & ROTHLEY HERITAGE CENTRE

REVIVALreturns thisAugust

MOUNTSORREL REVIVAL is the annual, free-to-visit, village festival of fun and it's back again for 2023 on Sunday August 13.

“The REVIVAL festival brings Mountsorrel alive. The fun is spread along the centre of the village on the Memorial Cricket Field, the Leisure Centre car park, in the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre, the Village Green, the Buttermarket and all along the streets to the Waterside pub and The Swan.”

children climbing wall, steel band, dog show, Sambando drums, Quorn Ukulele, children’s funfair rides, face painting, laser quest, donkey rides, archery and much more.

With a parade, fun run, stalls, food, village competitions, dog show, attractions and activities for all ages, themed areas, lots of music everywhere and much more, there’s something for all the family.

The event is organised by volunteers from the Mountsorrel Community Team (MCT). Spokeswoman Caroline Moss said: “REVIVAL 2022 was the best attended, and some said the best yet! With thousands of visitors from Mountsorrel and surrounding areas, it’s one of the highlights of the village calendar. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive for 2022, and this year we’re working hard to make REVIVAL 2023 even better.

Entertainment already confirmed include burlesque dancers, Bhangra dancers, brass band, model railways,

Caroline said: “REVIVAL starts with the parade, a spectacle of music, dancers, vintage vehicles and community groups. Would your group like to be part of the parade? Get in touch. This year we are working closely with the Mountsorrel Community Craft Project to create banners for the parade.

We want to build on each year, helping grow our parade with banners to represent all parts of Mountsorrel. Do you want to make a banner for your group? Would you like to help make a banner? There’s lots more information on the Mountsorrel Community Craft Project Facebook page, or you can get in touch with the Mountsorrel Community Team.”

If you would like to be a part of the Mountsorrel REVIVAL, there are so many ways to join in.

Caroline said: “You can be an event sponsor or just place an advert in our event programme. You could be a volunteer on the day – there are lots of jobs, and you can give as little as an hour of your time. You could be in the parade or help make parade banners. You can enter our competitions on the day, or you can just come along and join in the fun.”

Vacancy for a Parish Councillor following Elections (co-option)

Following the local elections on May 4th, 9 parish councillors were elected. As there are 10 seats on the council there is a vacancy which Rothley Parish Council (RPC) will fill by a co-option process.

RPC are inviting anyone who may feel they have something to offer by serving their community to write a short statement about themselves. The piece need not be lengthy but it would be helpful if we knew something about your interests, your employment back ground and experience, especially if you have volunteered in other walks of life.

Should you wish to know more information about the workings of the council please email the Clerk or contact one of the elected councillors who will be more than happy to give you some information.

Being a councillor involves coming to a council meeting once a month and deciding on the issues that come before the council where local views and opinions are very welcome.

What do Parish Councillors do?

The role can be summed up in these 5 statements

• Improve the quality of life for residents, visitors and businesses

• Represents the views of the community

• Bring forward proposals for new or improved projects and services

• Ensure effective management of the council

• Plan for the future of the parish

Although there is no closing date, we will be intending to co-opt a new councillor by mid-August with a view to starting by September 2023.

Eligibility to become a Parish Councillor:

• must be eighteen years of age or older

• British Citizen or an eligible commonwealth citizen

And meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The applicant is and will continue to be, registered as a local government elector for the parish in which they wish to stand from the day of their co-option.

• The applicant has occupied as owner or tenant any land or premises in the parish area during the whole of the 12 months before the day of their co-option.

• The applicant's main or only place of work during the 12 months prior to the day of their co-option has been in the parish.

• The applicant has lived in the parish area or within three miles of it during the whole of the 12 months before the day of their co-option.

Completed statement to be sent to: The Clerk, Rothley Parish Council, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leics, LE7 7PR or email: clerk@rothleyparishcouncil.org.uk

To keep in touch with all things REVIVAL, or for more information on REVIVAL, follow the Mountsorrel REVIVAL Facebook page, or take a look at the website www.the–mct.co.uk/revival-2023

School’s quality mark

ROTHLEY C of E Academy has been awarded the Early Year’s Quality Mark.

Headteacher Mrs Kate Barrs said: “We are very proud to announce that our Little Bunnies pre-school and our Foundation Stage classes have been awarded the prestigious Quality Mark for the Early Years.

“The Early Years team create a warm, welcoming and exciting start for all the children who join our school community. These years are just the start of their time with us, and there is no doubt in my mind that such a wonderful start is fantastic preparation for their journey through our school.

“We eagerly await the arrival of our new intake for the next academic year and look forward to welcoming the new families to our school.

“If you are seeking such an environment for your child, don’t delay in contacting the school to secure a place in our Foundation Stage for the upcoming year. Limited spaces are available.”

The next issue of THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Sep 8. The copy deadline is Aug 25.

Gardening club

IT WAS a beautiful summer evening and members of the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club gathered for the June meeting, curious to see what our latest speaker had in store for us. They were not disappointed.

All gardeners no matter how experienced, can benefit from tips and advice from a professional. Our June speaker did not disappoint!

Pip Smith is now an independent garden designer. He was head gardener of several prestigious gardens - Winterbourne Hall Gardens Birmingham, Ragley Hall, and Wollaton Old Hall. He used his considerable contact with garden visitors over many years to put to-

gether “20 Top Tips from a Former Head Gardener”.

Pip divided his 20 top tips into three main categories: design, techniques, and plants. Each of the tips was illustrated with excellent photos and digital displays.

Pip’s first tip was about planning, and he suggested that we should be planning now for next year. He argued that it isn’t necessary to have detailed plans of our gardens. Take photos of flower beds and other problems areas that you want to improve or that require work and annotate the photos noting the work needed.

Other tips included, using pots to make an impact; if it doesn’t grow after three years – give up on it; how to have success with cuttings; how to save on water; five easy plants for the beginner; plant tulips as late as you can (and you need twice as many as you first thought); use pots to make an impact (group pots together rather than spreading them out); plants for awkward spots – dry and /or shade; Pip’s favourite drought resilient plants, include Choisya ‘Aztec pearl’,

Salvia ‘lemon pie’, and lavender ‘grosso’.

Pip talked about all the tips he introduced with knowledge, humour, and stories from his own experience. He provided an entertaining and lively talk. The audience were fully engaged with his presentation and asked many questions at the end. As a finale, Pip provided a demonstration on secateur upkeep; showing how to turn a very dirty and ‘pass their best’ pair of secateurs into a sharp, shiny, useful implement ready for another season of hard use.

Pip’s final piece of advice is that gardens don’t need to be perfect.

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’s 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 contact

Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com

Or Richard Elks (0116) 236 8313: cropston161@hotmail.co.uk

Future meetings:

Wed 12 July: Club Outing to RHS Garden Bridgewater

Sorry, this outing is fully booked.

Wed 9 August: Herbs through the Seasons Malcolm Dickson

Sat 2 September: Craft and Produce Show

Show open to all. Schedules for entries now available

20 September: Club Outing to Anglesey Abbey, Nr Cambridge

From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club

Pic: Catananche Caerulea – a drought resilient plant

Unit 109, Greenacres, The Sidings, Leicester LE4 3BR

Editor: Mr Jerry Jackson

Editorial/Advertising

0116 4422067

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

Development next to country park

A BUSINESS site is planned for land next to Watermead Country Park.

Developer Wanlip Holdings Ltd says the development, between Birstall and Thurmaston, will provide 70,600 m2 of employment space, including offices, service yards and parking, on almost 77 acres.

The site lies to the east of John Merrick’s Lake and would be accessed by the roundabout near the Hope & Anchor pub.

The developer says that 918 jobs would be created and that the site would

generate £1.1m in business rates per annum.

To the north of the A46, a new wetland is proposed to mitigate the loss of open water habitat on the site. The devel-

oper says: “This will not only secure a new area of wetland with associated structural planting measures, it will also secure the extension of the wetland habitats associated with this part of the Soar

Valley, but also reinforce the landscape setting to the north of the A46 and provide accessible greenspace connected to the Grand Union Canal corridor.”

Objections to the plans are already

being submitted to Charnwood Borough Council. One stated: “This is a major intrusion into a valuable wetland habitat that supports a wide variety of interconnecting wetland and grassland species.”

Another said: “There are already land grabs with warehouses built in Thurmaston. A bit here, a bit there, and before we know it, nature is gone. Wildlife is depleted in the city, and taking their space and havens just has to stop. We are in a climate emergency and need to preserve green spaces. Enough is enough. Some things are priceless, just like the air that

breathe and mental health.”

The planning application details can be read on the planning pages of Charnwood Bourofh Council, where you can submit comments. The reference is P/23/0668/2.

Hope & Anchor

NORTHË

John Merrick’s Lake

Pics: (top) red line shows boundary of planned development; (above) a typical unit planned for the site; (left) plan show location of units

we