Rothley Post (162) Sep/Oct 2023

THE ROTHLEY P

T

Hugo’s world cup adventure

EIGHT-YEAR-old Hugo Hardy from Rothley will be walking out onto the pitch with the England team at the Rugby World Cup in France.

Hugo, a pupil at Rothley school, was chosen from among thousands of children who had entered a competition to become a Defender of Tomorrow, organised by Land Rover Defender, that aimed to find heroic children.

Hugo's uncle and grandma felt he deserved to be nominated, because of his tireless support of his four-year-old cousin, Eli, who was born ten weeks early and is non-verbal autistic.

Jubilee Park meadow

A MEADOW area has been created on Jubilee Park in Cropston to encourage more wildlife to

The area is on land which is loaned by Charnwood Borough Council and has been designed by Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council.

Over 100 tree saplings have been planted, and mowing will allow some areas to become more natural and attract more species.

Funding for the project has come from a SHIRE Environmental Grant from Leicestershire County Council.

Cllr Anne Gray, the Council’s lead member for open spaces, said: “It is fantastic to see this area be created at Jubilee Park, and I very much enjoyed hearing about its creation and the plans.

“We always want to see different species and wildlife at parks across Charnwood for walkers and visitors to enjoy.

“This is just the beginning of the project and I look forward to seeing it grow and expand over the coming year.”

Hugo a tour of the stadium, answering his many questions along the way. His favourite Leicester Tigers player, Freddie Steward, came to meet him and shared the news that he had been chosen as a Defender of Tomorrow.

Martin Tibbles

Hugo’s video application really touched the heart of the England rugby team. In his video, Hugo spoke with real passion and dedication about raising awareness of autism. So much so that not only was he chosen to become a Defender of Tomorrow, but the team wanted to give him a more special presentation.

For his presentation, Hugo was invited to Welford Road stadium and was greeted by a TV crew from ITV, as well as a film crew from London. They gave

Cllr Sue Graham, chair of the open spaces committee at Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council, said: “We are so pleased to see this project begin and the impact that it is starting to have already.

“It is important for us to become more biodiverse and attract wildlife to this park and make it a habitat for differ-

Continued on page 2

Pics: Hugo Hardy with Leicester Tiger’s Freddie Steward at the Welford Road stadium

A ROTHLEY resident celebrated her 90th birthday at a surprise party in the Old School Rooms.

choir, Mother's Union Branch and the wider village community.

Dorothy's daughter Joan and her husband Ahmed had flown in from Houston, Texas, and this was another wonderful surprise for Dorothy.

Dorothy hails from Scotland, and the choir had

learnt a special hymn, much loved by Dorothy, which she used to sing as a young girl at Kirk in Scotland.

Special 90th birthday surprise Dementia group meets

“The choir sounded in very good voice, and it was a lovely afternoon,” said party guest Marion Whitby.

Pics: (left) Dorothy coming into the Old School Room followed by her daughter, Joan (over here from Houston, Texas); Dorothy, Joan and her husband, Ahmed. Dorothy is thanking everyone for coming and explaining what life was like in Scotland in 1933

THE NEW Soar Valley Dementia Group will now meet on Tuesday September 26, from 1112.30 at Rothley Community Library.

This group will be run by people with dementia, for people with dementia.

Carers and others will be welcome, but the focus is on peer support for people with dementia, which can be enabling and empowering, and helpful for everyone affected. The group will make decisions what about they want to do, and some people may become involved in raising awareness about dementia locally.

On Saturday August 26, Dorothy Birkett was joined by more than 40 guests: from Rothley Parish Church, the Church

Parish Council notes

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

The local police team have reported a problem with antisocial behaviour on Kinchley Lane.

County Councillor Leon Hadji-Nikolaou commented that funding made available to carers had received a poor take up and that the County Council needed to improve the way it communicated with the public, to make them aware of opportunities for support that are available.

County Councillors are given an annual members’ highway fund, a sum of money that can be allocated locally to highway improvements. Enquiries will be made into the provision of a mobile vehicle-activated speed sign for Rothley.

Borough councillor Mark Charles reported that a contractor that the borough uses to refit council properties had gone into administration. While a new contractor was sought, the council’s own team had taken over. He said that £860,000 has been allocated to deal with the backlog of repairs that had been building up.

Cllr Charles reported that the developers of the Broadnook Garden suburb expected to have houses ready for sale in July 2024.

The council agreed to spend £750 on painting the cemetery gates and railings, and £820 on repointing four brick pillars at the cemetery.

It was agreed to present a £150 gift voucher to a volunteer who had helped the council with cemetery records.

The council has submitted an objection to a proposal to build 40 dwellings off The Ridings.

It was agreed that the planning com-

mittee of Rothley Parish Council be given delegated powers that will enable it to make decisions regarding planning matters without them having to go to the full council for approval.

Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council: no meeting was held in July and the August minutes were not available at the time of going to press.

Continued from page 1

ent species by providing both food and shelter.

“This has been a real community project and I would like to thank the volunteers, local schools and different community groups who have helped with

The group now has the support of the Social Prescribing Team at the NHS, and several volunteers have offered to help.

There will be a small stall at the library during the Scarecrow Festival, on September 23/24, to talk about dementia and about the group. This is part of Reimagining Dementia’s international launch of ‘Taking it to the Streets’, a campaign which aims to change the ways we think about dementia, and begin to talk more openly about it.

For more information, email soarvalleydementiagroup@gmail.com.

From Soar Valley Dementia Group

shrubs. These surveys will continue to take place to monitor the impact that it is having on attracting wildlife to the area.

Information boards will also be provided, highlighting the project and the types of wildlife at Jubilee Park.

The Borough Council maintains over

planting and developing the plans.”

The saplings were donated by the Woodland Trust and planted by volunteers and members of the parish council.

Wildlife surveys have taken place at the open space from March to July this year, and they have shown 65 species of plants, 25 species of birds and 15 species of mature trees and hedgerow

600 acres of open spaces in the borough, through its partner idverde.

Pic: Cllr Anne Gray, the Council's lead member for open spaces, waste and leisure facilities with Cllr Susan Graham, chair of open spaces committee at Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council, Councillors from the Parish Council and volunteers

Rothley tennis club’s lively summer

“IT HAS certainly been a lively summer so far with our teams playing in the leagues and lots of club sessions and club competitions to get people playing” says Anne Mumford, Chair of the Rothley Ivanhoe Tennis Club.

“We continue to see ourselves as a club for all with players of different standards and tennis experience.”

wanting to play matches, to have some competitive fun.

Sunday afternoon tournaments proved highly successful. “What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon,” said Jamie Colville, who manages the internal tournaments and competitions. “With the team competition proving once again to be particular fun, with team white pictured here winning,” he added.

The club was particularly delighted that match secretary John Mumford, who has been line judging professional tournaments for a few years after retiring from teaching, got selected for Wimbledon.

“This was a great honour,” said John, “and it was so interesting to see behind the scenes, as well as being on court with the top players in the world”.

tos which got posted on a “Where’s John” WhatsApp group!

The club’s teams have performed well and most have retained their league positions with the men’s third team being promoted.

The club’s internal competitions and club sessions give opportunities for league players, and those not

Ian Roe

John officiated for the first nine days of the tournament. “I certainly hope I get selected next year,” he said. Club members who went to Wimbledon tracked John down and took some pho-

The club members have also enjoyed some social events, including pétanque at the Woodies.

The club is open to new members. Non-members can also book courts on a pay and play basis, and booking online has just been launched. To book, go to www.rothleytennis.info. For more information about the club contact us on enquiries@rothleytennis.info

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Pic: Women’s third team at the end of their final league match.

Pic: Sunday afternoon team competition winners – Team White

Pic: John Mumford on court at Wimbledon (nearer line judge)

Pic: a club social event - pétanque at The Woodies

Brownies’nonstop fun, learning & adventure

THIS SPRING and summer, Thurcaston Brownies have been busy enjoying a range of stimulating activities. Snowy Owl reports:

The Network badge is all about communication, and we began by trying to communicate without speaking, eg using our fingers to express numbers in a game to tell our age or month of birth. Another game involved discovering which was best, looking or listening, in order to communicate details.

For International Nurses Day, Barn Owl and Brown Owl appeared in their nurses' uniforms, and we heard the stories of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole. The following week, some Brownies dressed as nurses, others as injured soldiers and we acted out a play about Florence Nightingale establishing good hygiene practices in the Scutari hospital during the Crimean War. Plays and stories are more methods of communicating.

We celebrated World Bee Day and learned how worker bees communicate with other members of the hive about the direction to a good source of nectar and pollen. They do a figure of eight or waggle dance. We practised waggle dancing, then went on a walk across the fields from the church in Thurcaston to the playground in Cropston and looked for pretend bees that Barn Owl, Snowy Owl and Marley the dog had hidden earlier in the day.

The following week was National

Biscuit Day, and we also learned how to communicate by using clues. The Brownies had to be detectives and find pretend biscuits hidden in our meeting place. We learned the origin of biscuits as a way of carrying food on long sea voyages and that the British eat more biscuits than anyone else. Finally, the Brownies were rewarded with Penguin biscuits.

Communicating locations with the aid of a map we experienced by following the yellow standard course for orienteering in Castle Hill Park, Anstey.

Father’s Day loomed, so the girls made gift boxes and peppermint cream sweets as presents.

We tried Mexican weaving (God’s Eyes) and decorated plant pots to enter in the village garden shows to be held in the summer holidays,

The Brownies, their families (and dogs) joined us to walk around the impressive Sculpture Trail at Beacon Hill. See the photo of everyone and the spectacular willow weave Fox.

We ended the term with our favourite

activities of hide-and-seek and parachute games.

We are looking forward to starting again in September.

We are sorry to lose several girls as they have reached age 10. |So we have a few spaces for new recruits. Girls need to be aged seven to start. We meet on Wednesday evenings during term time, 6pm until 7.15pm, at the Harrison room of All Saints Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. Contact Brown Owl at the following number for more details, but please do not phone during work hours. 07711

422 350

Report from Snowy Owl, Thurcaston Brownies

Pic: Brownies admire a sleeping fox at the Beacon Hill sculpture trail

Site for 40 new homes in Rothley

FORTY NEW homes are planned for a site off the Ridings, Rothley.

The planning application has resulted in dozens of objections from local residents, concerned about the impact on the road network, local facilities, settlement separation and wildlife habitat.

Developers Michael and Norman Reynolds hope to get permission from Charnwood Borough Council to build 40 houses on fields between the Ridings and Gipsy Lane in Rothley.

The site is arable pastureland. The

development would comprise 20 fourbedroom homes, 16 three-bed properties and four two-beds. A new access would be created from The Ridings.

Rothley Parish Council has objected to the plans on the grounds that:

The site was not allocated for housing in the Draft Local Plan

The site is on greenfield land outside the limits of development and in an area of local separation

It does not meet the objectives for sustainable development

The site is some distance from bus routes and local service centres and

Centre appeals for volunteers

THE MOUNTSORREL & Rothley

Heritage Centre is always on the lookout for willing volunteers.

A centre spokesperson said: “Maybe you have green fingers and could help out maintaining and developing the gardens, lend a hand in the Nunckley Garden Nursery, or assist around our nature trails. Do you have DIY skills that could be put to use on the railway or the lift bridge? Or maybe you have a few hours to spare to help out around the site, chatting to visitors or helping to run the Garden Railway.

“In particular, we are looking to recruit volunteers who would like to learn how to look after steam locomotives, learn to drive diesel locos and help with our shunting demonstrations and upcoming narrow gauge passenger train rides. Volunteers must be available for a mini-

mum of two weekend days each month.”

The narrow gauge railway opened in July, taking passengers around the quarry bottom. The spokesperson said: “We are desperately short of volunteers to drive the train and act as a guard. If you would like to train as a driver or guard, PLEASE get in touch. Our Garden Railway has similar problems, so if you don’t fancy helping out with a full-sized engine, you could always scale down to help on the garden railway.”

More details about volunteering are on the centre's website, or you can email volunteer.2020@heritage-centre.co.uk

Pic: The quarry bottom narrow gauge railway at the Mountsorrel & Rothley Heritage Centre needs volunteers to operate it

facilities at Rothley & Mountsorrel, and it would therefore not promote sustainable development and encourage sustainable transport use

The site is outside the limits of development as set out in the Rothley

Neighbourhood Plan, and in the Borough Council's own supporting evidence for the draft local plan

Details of the application can be viewed on the planning pages of Charnwood’s website; the reference is P/23/0978/2

Pic: a view of the site from The Ridings

Garden owners celebrate open weekend

GARDENERS FROM most of the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens gathered for afternoon tea on a Sunday afternoon to celebrate this year’s successful event.

The Open Gardens weekend was held, as always, at the end of June. It was a very hot weekend, but we still had a record number of visitors. We also raised our best-ever amount of money for our local Air Ambulance.

So, at our Sunday afternoon gathering, we were able to hand over £3,200 to a representative of the East Midlands Air

Ambulance, who also gave a short talk about the essential work of the Air Ambulance Service.

In addition to the money raised for Air Ambulance, over £1500 was raised for other charities, including youth mental health, MS, and RSPCA.

The Open Gardens weekend was a great success, and the Open Gardeners would like to thank everyone who helped on the day and to everyone who visited us.

See you again next year!

From TCOG

Find gifts at fair

THE JOE Humphries Memorial Trust Christmas Fair will this year be held on Sunday November 5, from 11.am – 3.30pm, at the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre.

At this popular event you can find locally sourced artisan products while helping The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust 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,” said a Trust spokesperson.

For further information about the work of JHMT go to jhmt.org.uk

Pics: (top) Some of the gardeners at the Sunday afternoon celebration; Visitors walking through the flowers, taking a seat in the shade and finding interest in a pond teeming with wildlife

Club celebrates special day

A ROTHLEY golfer, who once played a round with former world number one Ian Woosnam, has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Rothley Park Golf Club

Honorary Life Member, Mrs Anna Wykes, recently had her 100th birthday, and to commemorate this fantastic achievement her daughter, Susie Tyler, the current Lady President, organised a Centenary Shotgun and lunch at the club for the ladies to enjoy.

Anna has been a member of Rothley Park GC for over 30 years and on her 90th birthday, was made a lifetime Honorary Member. She continued to play until she was 92, after which she enjoyed lunch with her friends at the club most weeks on ladies’ day.

Anna, and her husband Wally, lived in Kenya for 25 years, where they both took up golf. Her fantastic list of achievements included picking up the Nairobi Ladies Championship Trophy eight times and

playing off a handicap of 3 for many years.

After the lunch, Anna presented the Shotgun winners with their prizes and then recalled many of her memories of growing up in Holland, moving to London after the war and meeting her dear husband, who passed away just three

years ago. She also told of her round of golf with Ian Woosnam, one of the highlights of her time in Africa.

It was a wonderful day with her family, children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and over 80 ladies members who enjoyed her generous hospitality.

Hearing loss? Lipreading group can help

MOST PEOPLE are aware that dogs can be trained to help people who are visually impaired –not so many know that dogs can be trained to help people with hearing loss too.

Birstall Lipreading Group were lucky to meet two Hearing Dogs, Zyla and Grace, when we were visited earlier this year by Merleen Watson, a volunteer for Hearing Link Services.

Merleen gave an excellent presentation outlining the support offered by the charity; they believe that everyone should receive the support necessary to live life to its fullest potential.

While not everyone with hearing loss will require the services of a Hearing Dog, many may benefit from the range of services that Hearing Link has to offer. This could be practical advice on assistive devices or more personalised sup-

information about Hearing Link Services, please visit:

https://www.hearinglink.org/

If you have hearing loss and would like to meet others to socialise, share ideas and improve your lipreading skills, please consider joining our lipreading group. We meet weekly during term time at Birstall Library on Saturday mornings. All ages and abilities are welcome. Your first session is free of charge, so you have nothing to lose!

Here’s what some of our members say about the group:

‘It’s exercised my brain, is great fun with lovely people and is very informative.’

‘It’s good to learn a new skill & helps me feel I can do something to make my struggles with hearing loss more manageable.’

‘It is helpful to me to find a group of people who understand the issues loss of hearing can raise & to learn about possible resources & coping strategies.’

‘I feel like I’ve found my tribe.’

‘I cannot express to you how much these sessions have helped me, not just with regard to the reading of lips, but also with me coming to terms with my hearing loss and having a friendly, supportive place to discuss how I feel about it.’

Pic: (l-r) Suzy Barre, Noreen Merriman, Anna Wykes, Jo Scrivens and Lorna Hodkinson

Pic: Meet Grace: she is a ‘Hearing Dog’ puppy-in-training, sponsored by the Birstall Lipreading Group

Objections growing to country park plans

MORE THAN 1800 people have signed a petition objection to plans for a 77-acre business site on land next to Watermead Country Park that developers say would create 918 jobs and generate millions of pounds for the local economy.

Developer Wanlip Holdings Ltd says the development, between Birstall and Thurmaston, will provide 70,600m2 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.

Those objecting are highlighting the loss of habitat and wildlife, and increased pollution.

One enthusiastic visitor to the country park is Brendon Brockway, and he sent us his reaction to the plans:

As a regular user of Watermead Country Park and a keen photographer, I can often be found taking pictures of the local flora and fauna. The parks plant and wildlife are gifts that continue to amaze me.

I have a few favourite places that I always return to, some are in plain sight, and a few are off the beaten track. One spot that’s just perfect for just stretching out and watching the world go by is near the old bird hide. Here I’ve watched kingfishers dive for bounty, cormorants nesting and feeding their young and little egrets performing acrobatics.

in hand, I was panicking as the lens was too big and the otter was too close, I could hear myself say “damn” as this was an opportunity missed but guess what, the otter gods were on my side, it had turned around and as it drew level with me dived and then resurfaced about 25 to 30 feet away where it rested its head on the water.

I couldn’t tell if the otter was looking at me with contempt or in disbelief that someone had dared to disturb it while it was hunting. Then suddenly it

noise and dust. It is likely that once they were up and running, the operation of the facilities will be around the clock 24/7. The result of this will affect the

in Leicestershire.

You can nominate Watermead at: Best Day Out (goleicestershire.com)

Otters are listed as a rare and most threatened species and there is legislation that has been designed specifically to protect them.

Let’s not let the developers drive our otters away.

Julie Palmer, a Birstall Borough Cllr, said: “You may be aware of the proposed development to build warehouses that encroach on Watermead Park land. The park is an oasis of calm in an otherwise highly developed area and it can do without further pressure from building work and increased traffic.

“I and many others are extremely concerned that it will disrupt the tranquil nature of Watermead and drive away some of the rare species of animal life found here. Please join our campaign to save Watermead’s character by signing the petition and following the links and advice suggested by Brendon.”

In the same spot, I had recently spotted Muntjac deer crossing the waters and I’d returned to see if I could get a few shots.

Things were on the quiet side and the light was fading, so I decided to pack up. I had just seen some coots panicking and scattering across the water when I suddenly realised why. As I stood up, there was a sudden movement in the water and from around the corner, I heard a whoosh and then I saw it. For a split second, I thought “what’s that” and then I realised it was an otter. This welcome visitor glided past me. Camera

lifted its head, hissed, turned, and dived and was gone.

I walked home feeling honoured that I had encountered nature in its fullest sense, a truly wild animal in a habitat that supports it.

Since my encounter, I’ve caught sight of an otter on another four occasions, once for a split-second while in the same spot, twice in the River Soar and once by the car park at the top of King Lear’s Lake.

Prior to this, I’d heard a couple of people say that otters had been seen up by King Lear’s Lake, but I’d never seen one and, to be honest, I’d thought it would never happen.

But why does this matter?

I learned recently that there has been a proposal to develop land adjacent to Watermead that would see, if granted, the development of 70,600 square metres of warehouses for storage and distribution. The warehouses will be built right up to the canal alongside John Merrick’s Lake, finishing parallel with the car park at King Lear’s Lake.

If approved, the development of the site will involve the disruption and destruction of surrounding land and lakes, heavy construction traffic and ensuing

balance and tranquil nature of the park which is likely to be transformed forever.

Not only does Watermead support so much wildlife, it also provides a release for so many people; it was a valuable lifeline during the pandemic and continues to contribute to the health and wellbeing of so many. Its importance must never be underestimated.

But what can you do?

If you haven’t already done so, you can do one or more of the following:

Sign the petition at:

Say no to warehouses around Watermead Country Park! | 38 Degrees

Get in touch with Charnwood Borough Councils Planning Department and let them know that you’re not happy.

Get in touch with your local Ward Councillor and say NO TO DEVELOPMENT.

Get in touch with your local Member of Parliament (Edward Argar MP).

And lastly, there’s currently a competition being run by Go Leicestershire, who are asking the public to name their favourite local attraction in Leicestershire as part of the Leicestershire Promotions Tourism and Hospitality Awards. Let’s make Watermead the best day out

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

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

Pics: Brendon’s photos taken in the park show an otter, Muntjac deer, a heron and an owl

Hope & Anchor Ì

NORTHË

John Merrick’s Lake PHOTOS: © BRENDON BROCKWAY

Pic: Map shows location of planned development

The Rothley Centre, 12 Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicester, LE7 7PR

Normal Office Hours: Monday to Friday 09.00 to 11.00am

www.rothleyparishcouncil.org.uk

Phone: 0116 2374544 Email: clerk@rothleyparishcouncil.org.uk

Newsletter No 16 Sept/ Oct 2023

Rothley Parish Councillors

Andrew Brettle

Hannah Feeley

Mike Ferguson

Roger Gross

Graham Hall

Percy Hartshorn

Steve Mitchell

Barry Simons

Christine Watts

Paresh Vaitha

RPC Administration

Parish Clerk: Gail Newcombe

Senior Administrator: Sue Wyles

Facilities Administrator: Vacant

Caretaking staff

Jenny Cornish

Andy Hodgson

Christmas Lights 2023

As part of the commemorations to mark the Coronation, the Parish Council also restored all broken white bollards, had all bollards re-painted as well as the black linking chains. The original bollards and chains along with the beech tree were put in place in May 1954 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Floral displays

We have been in discussions with the contractor who supplies the floral displays requesting that they arrive earlier than the current end of June date. The displays look very good but RPC believe that we should have them at least a fortnight earlier. They are due to be removed in October.

L.C.C. are encouraging parish councils to engage in projects & R.P.C. and have responded by taking part in these initiatives

~ wild flower verge scheme

~ Parish Nature Network

~ tree planting

~ investment in good quality open & play spaces

~ investing in LED street lights that belong to R.P.C.

Communications

In order that residents know which council to contact for certain issues the list below outlines responsibilities of some of the major services

Leics County Council

Tel: 0116 232 3232

Grass verges

Trees on public roads

Footpaths & pavements

Street Lighting

Parking

Traffic issues

Charnwood Council

Tel: 01509 263151

Thursday 30 November 6.00pm

The event will be held on very similar lines to last year with local shops & community groups being invited to take part.

Many shops will remain open including the food outlets. Local community organisations based in Rothley will also be welcome to have a stall to promote their activity and so any local voluntary group or club who wish to consider running a stall, should contact the Parish Council (contact details above)

King’s Coronation

RPC have decided to mark the Coronation of King Charles III by upgrading the three wooden planters immediately outside the Rothley Centre and plant further trees on RPC land. Further information will be available in the next Rothley Post.

Trees & T.P.Os

R.P.C. has been asked by Leicestershire C.C. to remind residents that when they are considering doing work on trees that they are completely sure that what they intend doing is correct and legal. There have been a number of cases recently where residents’ actions have been taken on trees that aren’t permitted. Further information & advice visit the LCC website https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk /tree-preservation-order or RPC website (planning)

Hearing loops

3 large rooms in the Rothley Centre are going to be fitted with hearing loops this summer.

Planning

Street cleaning

Litter & dog poo bins

Anti-social behaviour

Rothley Parish Council

Tel: 0116 237 4544

Play parks

Village Hall

Fowke St. Cycle Track

War memorial Cemetery

Wildflower areas

Users who have hearing aids will be able to enhance the sound from talks, lectures, films etc by setting aids to the T position.

Leicestershire County Council

The County Council hold liaison meetings with parish councils & R.P.C. sends a representative. At the last meeting L.C.C. focussed on climate change items and explained that they were addressing the issue of carbon savings with a proposal to reduce street lighting from 50% to 30% brightness from 8.00pm (currently the LED lighting reduction commences at 10.00pm)

This will lead to a saving of 315 tonnes of carbon with savings of £500,000 and the proposal if approved by full council will come into effect by January 2024

Cross Green Town Green

An out of hours phone number is available should any emergency arise on Parish Council land.

Tel:07749 624211

Please note the following below:

Persimmon Homes

Tel: 0116 281 5600

Grass, bins, play areas on Charles Church / Persimmon developments are still the responsibility of both companies.

Wm Davis Rothley Meadows

Tel: 01509 231181

Grass & verges, play areas and litter & dog poo bins on the Rothley Meadows Estate remain the responsibility of William Davis.

Town Green

The view above was taken in July 2001 before the addition of the large granite block and accompanying plaque in 2002.

Charnwood Orchestra

is kicking off its 50th Anniversary Season with a fabulous concert showcasing the Orchestra - "Dreams and Serenades".

Saturday 21st October 20237:30pm

Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8HP

Mendelssohn: Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Dvorák: Wind Serenade Op.44

Dvorák: Two Waltzes for Strings

Op.54

Beethoven Symphony No.2

Where can I get a ticket get a ticket for this?

www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

email: tickets@charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

Taylor’s Florist, 17 High Street, Barrow upon Soar LE12 8PY

At the door, cash payments only Price? £14, (£12 concessions), £5 -18s and under or NUS members

Coffee Morning & Sale

at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicester LE7 7PR to be held on

Saturday 21st October 2023

10am to 12 noon

stalls to include Cakes, Handicrafts, Books, Bric A Brac, Greetings Cards, Gifts, Plants, Tombola

Raffle

Everyone Welcome

£1 Entrance, to Include Coffee/Tea & Biscuits

All monies to be used in research in Leicester University and University Hospitals

Charnwood Arts Society

Meets 7.30pm, Church Rooms Quorn.

Autumn Meetings:

Thur 12th Oct: Conserving Books of the National Trust

How old books of various construction and age are cared for.

Thur 9th Nov: They Make no Noise. The Art of the Conductor

How the conductor determines the direction of an orchestra.

Thur 14th Dec: The Curious History of Christmas Food

How it's changed with illustrations from medieval manuscripts to 19th century prints

Once again after a very successful show in 2022 Birstall Scouts & St James’ Birstall parish church are putting on a

Last Night of the Proms Show

In aid of the church and the Scouts Saturday 30th September at 7pm doors open from 6.30pm Tickets £10 per head on the door or if you get them in advance £8 per person and £20 for a family of four

(two adults and two children under 12)

We are proud to have the Bilton Silver Rugby Band to perform for us once again this year.

It will be all the familiar music and songs, and lots of flag waving

If you would like tickets please phone the number below 0116 2674031 or 07842336745

Or from St James’ church office

Dementia & Support through Fellowship

Talk by Louise Morse at Birstall Methodist Church

Sat 23rd September 2023

10.30am to 3pm & also on ZOOM

For details or to book a place contact:

Charles Hilton

Email: chashilton@me.com

Tel: 0782 839 4276

Friday Night Films

in Thurcaston

“A Man called Otto” (Oct 13, 124 mins)

Tom Hanks is one of our favourite actors. In our humorous October film, which was nominated for two Academy Awards, Tom Hanks plays a

cantankerous widower. Otto is continually disapproving of his neighbours’ ways, until a new family sees beyond his grumpiness. Will this unexpected friendship turn Otto’s life around?

“The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” will be shown on November 10. 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 your tickets at the door, if there are any left, or buy in advance from:

Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

First Friday Film Club

Friday October 6, 2pm

Rothley Centre

‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’

chosen by his parents, she begins to wonder if she might have something to learn from a profoundly different approach to finding love

Rothley Good Neighbours Scheme

The scheme, which started in November 2018, has now in its 5th year responded to over 1,000 requests, mainly from the elderly, across Rothley and Mountsorrel. The number to call for assistance is 0756 1596 873 and every attempt will be made to see if a volunteer can assist.

Have you any time

to help support

Rothley village Community Library? 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.

Continued on page 12

How do you find lasting love in today's world? For documentary-maker and dating app addict Zoe, swiping right has only delivered an endless stream of Mr Wrongs, to her eccentric mother Cath's dismay. For Zoe's childhood friend and neighbour Kaz,the answer is to follow his parents' example and opt for an arranged (or "assisted") marriage to a bright and beautiful bride from Pakistan.

As Zoe films his hopeful journey from London to Lahore to marry a stranger,

DIY

FIREWOOD:

Young children visit care home

80-YEAR-OLD Ruth Buckingham from Mountview care home in Rothley was taken back to her days as a primary school teacher when children from Charnwood Preschool in Mountsorrel came to spend time with the home’s residents.

Coming together in the care home’s in-house café, the residents and school children decorated gingerbread men and enjoyed some homemade refreshments together.

Ruth said: ‘I was a teacher for ten years at a school in Kirkby Muxloe, where I lived at the time. I remember the children would get so excited to see me and run up to tell me things.

“It was lovely to see such excitement and joy on the children’s faces today, and we’re really looking forward to having a summer Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Continued from page 13

Currently volunteer do so on a weekly, 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 want more information info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co. uk

Cedar Care Circle

Hi everyone. I hope you're all well. The summer has been a little wet to say the least, here's hoping for a balmy September! Our next meetings will be on September 11 & 25. Venue is Brunchies Café, Hallam Fields Road, Birstall from 1pm.

If you care for someone who has been diagnosed with dementia you will probably be feeling overwhelmed and possibly isolated. 24/7 caring takes its toll. Come along and chat with us. We all understand how frustrated and angry the situation can make you feel. Enjoy a break, discuss how you feel, ask questions, between us we try to help. Lisa and the girls are so lovely looking after us. We are very fortunate to be able to get together in a social setting with all the amenities that the cafe provides. If you'd like to chat first call me on 07905760556, my name is Barbara.

Loughborough Concert Band presents The Band Sounds Out at All Saints’ Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston Sat September 23 6.30pm for 7pm

This year’s theme is music from films and television -something for everyone!

Tickets £10 (under 16s free) - includes a glass of wine (or soft drink) and light refreshments at the interval

Please order your tickets from Jane

mowestby@virginmedia.com

*

Birstall Flower Club

Wed Sept 27, 2023

Birstall Village Hall 7.15pm

Demonstrator: Lynne Sharpe

Title: My Floral Gems

Visitors £5

Queries to: Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437

Want to help a Leicestershire charity send surplus medical aid to Africa?

Volunteer Treasurer Wanted

Inter Care’s mission is to save lives and alleviate suffering through the provision of surplus medical resources to rural partner health units in sub-Saharan Africa. Our life saving work provides much needed healthcare goods and medicines to around 100 health units in Africa, while simultaneously reducing medical waste in the UK.

We have a small dedicated team running the operations and fundraising, supported by a large number of volunteers. We operate out of an office and warehouse in Syston, Leicestershire.

The Role

The role of Treasurer is key to ensuring Inter Care’s ongoing financial health. Working with our accountants and the General Manager, you will keep the Inter Care Board up to date with the financial position of the charity and be the key member of the Board accountable for strategic financial planning. Time and location commitment is flexible, but expected to be about 10 days a year, with physical attendance at the AGM and some board meetings in Leicestershire required.

To find out more Contact Diane Hardy at diane.hardy@intercare.org.uk Tel: 0116 2695925

with them.”

One teacher from the preschool said:

“Mountview were so welcoming, and it was a great way for our children to make new links with the community. The staff and residents really made the experience special for the children – they have been talking about it all week!”

Encouraging intergenerational relationships, residents at Mountview care home are taking part in an ‘Adopt a Granny for Lunch’ initiative, where children in the community can enjoy a homemade lunch and fun activities with residents in the home’s lounge.

Stacie Weaver, the Home Manager at Mountview, said: “Our residents love to see the children in the community visiting the home, it always puts huge smiles on everyone’s faces.”

If you would like a child to take part in Mountview’s ‘Adopt a Granny for Lunch’ initiative, call 0116 303 3303 or email mountview@idealcarehomes.co.uk.

Pic: Ruth Buckingham with a visitor from Charnwood Preschool

Cash awards for young

THE JHMT - Inspire Awards small grants up to £500 to help young people aged 13 to 21 years old to fulfil their potential.

The awards are open to young people who live in Leicester or Leicestershire.

To be eligible for an award, you need to be:

Preparing or training for a competition in a significant sporting activity recognised by the Trust or

Pursuing a project to benefit your local community, or

An artist or musician looking to develop your talent

Who can apply?

Young people, aged 13 – 21, who live permanently in Leicester or Leicestershire.

A trust spokesperson said: “We know that young people are sometimes thwarted in their attempts to realise their ambitions. They might not get the financial support, expert advice or counselling they need.”

To apply, complete an online application form.

If you require further information regarding the awards or assistance in completing your application form, contact JHMT – inspire@jhmt.org.uk

To find out more, go to: http://jhmt.org.uk/inspire-awards/

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All electrical work / upgrade consumer Units - circuit boards additional Sockets / lights garden electrics

Internet camera's supplied and installed To work on smart phones / tablets etc From any location

Intruder alarms installed, Service and Maintain your existing system

Expert electrical fault finding and Testing.

Certificates and reports www.ples.co.uk

Monday club History society news

YOU PROBABLY pass Abbey Park whenever you travel into Leicester, but when did you last take time to explore it and how much do you know about its fascinating history?

On a showery evening in July, members of the Society resisted the temptations of the visiting funfair and we were treated to an excellent tour of the park by Blue Badge guide, Steve Bruce.

In the hundred years to 1880, the population of Leicester had grown sixfold, and the town (not yet a city) was

main paths around the park were made wide enough for the wealthy to drive along in their carriages, but there was something for everyone to enjoy, including locations for archery, fishing and swimming in the river. The Victorians had a craze for all things Japanese –which also brought us The Mikado –and the Japanese garden still exists in an altered form. However, the American garden has disappeared; I wonder what it would have contained?

Later additions to the park include a bowling green, a miniature railway and a sensory garden. The formal bedding scheme is still beautifully maintained, and its design is said to be based on the necklaces favoured by Princess Alexandra.

wealthy from the hosiery trade.

Spinney Hill Park and Victoria Park already existed, but the Corporation proposed a prestigious new “people’s park” that would enhance the town and provide green space for residents of the densely terraced housing.

The chosen site was on a marshy island between two branches of the River Soar, which one critic described as “dank, damp and diptherious”. Nevertheless, the Corporation bought 97 acres of land from the Earl of Dysart and ran a competition to design the new park. It was won by William Barron, who created a layout full of sinuous curves to make the most of the available space. He successfully drained the land

In the 1920s, the Earl of Dysart offered the Corporation another plot of land, this time on the west side of the river, which was the site of the old Leicester Abbey. A new bridge was built, and the extension to the park was opened in 1932, exactly 50 years after the original opening. It accommodated a new café, tennis courts and a cricket oval, which later became the site for the fondly remembered Abbey Park Show. Nothing now remains of Leicester Abbey itself, but low walls have been built to mark its outline. Founded in 1150, at one time the abbey was said to be the most impressive in the country after Westminster.

It was favoured as a place for clergy to stop between York and London – the most famous of them being Cardinal Wolsey, who died here in 1530 while returning to London to be tried for treason. A memorial shows the likely position of his grave. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the abbey’s gatehouse was converted into a dower house for the Cavendish family. It was, in turn, burned down during the Civil War but partially survives as a ruin. The walls of the abbey precinct are remarkably intact and it is worth admiring the decorative Tudor brickwork next time you are stuck in traffic along St. Margaret’s Way – or turning off to discover more of this fine example of Victorian civic pride.

There have been many touring theatre companies in the UK but probably only one actual touring theatre.

and on arrival the whole travelling company would be involved in assembling the building – a complex operation for which actors were not necessarily the ideal workforce! The four wagons had to be carefully spaced, jacked up to the right height and aligned using in-built spirit levels and cross-hairs. Then roof and floor sections were hinged outwards to close the gaps, end panels were fitted and the seating was ingeniously unfolded into place. The theatre would put on shows for ten days then spend four days packing up and moving on to the next venue. The wagons had a maximum speed of 15 mph and photos show the tricky task of manoeuvring them through town streets.

The theatre presented a wide range of plays, from Shakespeare to farces. “Coronation Street” actor Eileen Derbyshire was among those who began her career in the company. In 1975, changes in road safety regulations made it impractical for the wagons to keep touring so the Century Theatre took up residence in Keswick, where Tom Courtenay, Derek Fowlds, Helen Mirren and Judi Dench all appeared on its stage. When Keswick acquired a permanent theatre in 1996, the Century Theatre was in danger of being scarapped but Leicestershire County Council stepped in to buy it as a feature of Snibston Discovery Park.

It was threatened again when the Discovery Park closed but in the subsequent redevelopment of the site the theatre has not only been preserved but a smart new foyer and bar has been added. It now presents a variety of films, music nights, comedy shows and other entertainments and is known for its good atmosphere and friendly welcome. www.centurytheatre.co.uk

ONCE AGAIN, The Blue Bell Inn at Rothley was the venue for the Monday Club’s Strawberry Tea in July.

The weather outside was slightly cooler than we had recently been experiencing, but the welcome within The Blue Bell was definitely bright and cheerful. What better way to while away a couple of hours in congenial company, whilst enjoying scones still warm from the oven with delicious jam and cream, as well as juicy strawberries? Cups of tea were plentiful, as was the supply of strawberries, provided by the attentive staff.

The afternoon passed by swiftly amidst much talk and laughter! Sue Wakerley was thanked for having liaised with the staff at The Blue Bell to arrange the event, which was enjoyed by all.

In August, one of our club members, Miss Adele Fricker, held the rapt attention of a large group of ladies when she explained some of the principles behind Indian Head Massage, demonstrating on some volunteers from the audience.

It is an interesting subject, that she has studied extensively. The basis of the massage lies in the centuries-old Ayurvedic medicine from India, combined with some elements from Swedish massage. An Indian gentleman called Narendra Mehta, who had been blind since childhood, had learnt the techniques in India, and later he took a course on Reiki in England as well. He found that using a combination of the techniques made the benefits last longer.

The treatment can involve the use of natural oils such as sesame seed, olive,

Continued on page 14

by forming a boating lake in the centre, with water levels balanced between the higher canal on the east and the lower river on the west.

Barron was famed for his ability to move mature trees and many of those in the new park were brought from the grounds of the Corporation’s water works at Cropston.

The main entrance of the park was via a grand gateway on the newly constructed Abbey Park Road. It was here that the Prince and Princess of Wales –the future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra – performed the grand opening ceremony in 1882 and enormous crowds turned out to see them on the processional route from the town centre.

Alexandra also planted an oak sapling, which is now an impressive tree. The

The Century Theatre has now come to rest in Coalville, where members of the Society went to visit it in August. We were given a warm welcome by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers, who provided a talk, historic film, backstage tour and refreshments.

Shortly after the Second World War, two men from Hinckley hit on the madcap idea of creating a mobile theatre, which could visit provincial towns that lacked a theatre of their own. It took four years to work out the design, raise funds and complete construction but in 1952 the Century Theatre hit the road.

The main stage and auditorium were carried on four wagons, accompanied by 19 support vehicles that provided a booking office, workshops, kitchen, dining room, bathroom etc. In each town the local council would provide a venue, which might be anything from an elegant park to a slum clearance site,

We now return to indoor meetings, which are at 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of the month in Thurcaston Memorial Hall. In a change from the published programme, our meeting on September 19 will feature Deborah Moxom, speaking about the Alexandra Bedspread and Loughborough’s Grand Bazaar of 1923. Do join us then! The fee for visitors is £4.

History Society

Pic: Leicester’s Abbey Park

Pic: Cavendish House in Abbey Park

Pic: The Century Theatre

News from Rothley library

Rothley Community Library: opening

hours

Mon: 2.30 – 4.30pm

Tues: 2.30 – 4.30pm

Wed: 2.30 – 4.30pm

Thur: 10.00 – 12pm & 2.30 – 4.30pm Sat: 10.00 – 2pm Summer Reading Challenge for 4 – 11 ye ar olds.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

There is still time to complete the Summer Reading Challenge and as a reward for finishing your name will be entered into a prize draw for some book tokens. But hurry as the scheme will finish on Monday September 11, 4.30pm.

Book group

September 13, 7pm. The Light Between Worlds by Laura Weymouth Yarn Craft Group

This meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Bring your own

Continued from page 13

almond or coconut oil. If a patient likes the scent of one of these, that is probably a good choice to use.

Miss Fricker demonstrated some ways of relieving problems such as headaches, earache, tinnitus, pain in the upper back, neck and arms, and even migraine by targeted massage of the head. Difficulty in moving joints, like shoulders and arms, can also be greatly helped. It relieves stress and is relaxing. It can remove “knots”. All the volunteers said they would probably sleep well afterwards. Men and women may react slightly differently. Some of the techniques can be done by the person themselves, although others require two people. Most people prefer to wear lightweight, loose clothing for a massage, but variations are possible.

After the talk and demonstration, several people had questions for Miss Fricker, which she was very willing to answer. After we had enjoyed our refreshments, the meeting closed around 4pm.

Our meetings start at 2.15pm, on the second Monday of each month. On September 11, our Harvest Meeting will include a speaker from “Hannah’s Sugar Craft of Quorn”. One of our regular speakers, Mrs Felicity Austin, will entertain us on October 9 with her talk “Life in Jane Austen’s Time”, and on November 13, Mr Peter Savage will delight us with Part Two of his entertainment, “Do You Remember?”, where we can relive the joys of the music many of us love.

Membership for a year costs only £13, with an entrance fee of £2, and it is only £4 for visitors, including 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.

From Jenny Kennington and Maja Tompkns, the Monday Club – Cropston & Thurcaston

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 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

During term time there will be WEEKLY sessions EVERY TUESDAY & FRIDAY MORNING 9.30 – 10.30am. Stories, songs and craft! All welcome. No need to book. £1 per family. Term-time only. Please note that due to the popularity of these sessions, parents are politely requested to only come to one session each week and not both.

Thinking of hiring a space?

The Library can be hired out when it is not open for public use. Already a number of 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 at many outdoor spaces have been cleaned restocked with children’s books so that children can access a book anytime they are at a park.

be repainted has been successful, and the external wooden panels were repaired and a fresh coat of paint was applied in July. We are very grateful to the County Council for carrying out this work.

Special events in September

Outdoor screening

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

MOANA

Tickets on sale only in the Library but hurry there are only a limited number available.

Prices £7 family ticket, Single tickets £2.50

Gates open from 6.45pm

weekend.

Many local businesses and food outlets open

Sunday September 24, 10 – 4pm Village trail

At the library

• Scarecrow Trail maps

• Ice-cream and sweet stall

• Bottle Raffle

• Refreshments

• Scarecrow competition prize winners notified at 4pm

There were 65 scarecrow entries last year for everyone to see – can we get even more this year?

How about holding your own small garden/yard sale alongside displaying your scarecrow?

Soar Valley Dementia Project

Next meeting Tuesday September 26, 11- 12.30pm, Rothley Community Library.

Grassland in country park

IMPROVEMENTS TO grasslands

at Watermead Country Park are part of a three-year project to boost and enhance grasslands and wildflower habitats at three sites along the River Soar.

Leicestershire County Council is one of the key partners in the project, led by the Trent Rivers Trust. The project aims to create wildflower-rich grassland sites and other habitats that will provide foraging, breeding, and hibernation sites for pollinators, including bees, butterflies and moths.

Trent Rivers Trust secured £250,000 of funding from WWF’s partnership with Air Wick for the project, with £46,700 of that cash being received by Leicestershire County Council for environmental works in three areas.

Village Scarecrow trail

September 23 & 24, 10am – 4pm

Favourite Book characters theme

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

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, 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 want more information info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk

Library repaint

A request to Leicestershire County Council, responsible for all external items at the library, for the building to

Let’s try to make this an even bigger event than it was last year, when over 1500 people came to see the scarecrow displays!

TO ENTER A SCARECROW & be included on the trail map, go to www.rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk

or visit our Facebook page to complete an online entry form.

Paper entry forms also available from the library.

Saturday September 23, 10-4pm Village Trail

At the library:

• Scarecrow trail maps

• Craft activities for children

• Table top sale £5.00 per table –suggestions –‘ Made in Rothley’ items e.g. handmade craft items, home-made preserves and jams; cards etc ‘

• Donated books sale

• Ice-cream and sweet stall

• Refreshments

• Bottle Raffle – tickets available all

At Watermead, the work involves the creation, enhancement and conservation of existing grassland and the restoration of neglected wildflower meadows across 4.7 hectares of the park, to create species-rich environments. The project has invested in new mowing and baling equipment to help collect grass cuttings and provided hand tools and support for volunteers to manage the grassland even more sensitively for insects and other wildlife.

In Quorn, the project is working with tenant farmers along the Soar catchment area to produce a conservation grazing plan for the land, including the restoration of wildflower meadows and grassland habitats.

The habitat enhancements are focused on an area which is important for agriculture and provides a vital habitat for bees and other pollinators. Revitalising and creating new insect habitats which can eventually join up to provide ‘bee corridors’ will allow insects to access more food and to be able to better move around for breeding purposes.

In Broughton Astley, a public space is being revitalised for nature, with the improvement of existing grassland and the introduction of more native plants.

River litter pick

A VOLUNTEER group led by Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC) meet monthly to pick up litter from the River Soar.

Runners’Watermead challenge

OVER 370 keen amateur runners and fun runners took part in the 13th Watermead Challenge on July 4.

Organised by the Rotary Club of the Wreake Valley, the event saw the 5-mile traditional route around Watermead Country Park and the reintroduction of a 3-mile fun run.

Rotary Club Nigel Coleman said: “The Watermead Challenge is a big part of our calendar and once again we have been so well supported by the large number of entrants. Most importantly, we were indebted to the superb management of the event by our Race Director and his team of helpers.

“This year, we reintroduced the 3-mile fun run, and I spoke to several people

who said it was their first fun run and that it was a very safe and friendly atmosphere”.

The club always attracts a good field of runners from many local running clubs, and all the results can be seen on the Watermead Run Facebook page.

Nigel said: “A special mention goes to male runner Dan Hallam in a winning time of 25.53 minutes and female runner Clare Frankland in a winning time of 28.31 minutes.”

The event has raised over £4,000, and this will be used by the Rotary Club to support numerous projects locally, nationally and internationally.

“Big thanks to all the runners and to the many volunteers who made it all possible. See you all again in 2024,” said Nigel.

Rothley Park’s Harry celebrates graduation

ROTHLEY PARK Golf Club’s Harry Schiltz is celebrating his graduation as a fully qualified PGA professional. Twenty-four-year-old Harry completed

the three-year course last month and is pictured at the graduation ceremony at Birmingham University. He said: “Despite the fact that I come from a family with no golfing background whatsoever, I was bitten by the golfing bug at an early age and was soon playing golf morning, noon and night during school holidays at my home club of Staverton Park in Northampton”.

By the age of 20 and playing off a two handicap, Harry decided that he wanted to develop a career in the world of golf and decided to pursue his ambition by way of the PGA pathway. He was appointed Assistant Professional at RPGC in 2019 and, in that time, has become a popular member of the Rothley Park professional team, in particular for his work with the club’s junior section.

Pic: PGA Professional Harry Schiltz

At their July litter pick, they filled 28 bags and recovered a fridge and a mountain bike.

A spokesperson for LOPC said: “We meet up once every month and spend half a day paddling along the river and picking up as much rubbish as we can in that time.

“We try to keep the river as clean as we can, and also collect litter from the banks and towpaths too. We welcome people who

said the LOPC spokesperson.

They added: “As you contribute to improving the environment for all users, we find our litter pick team enjoy a great sense of satisfaction from the positive impact made on the environment. At

want to walk alongside the river collecting litter, while others can reach litter from boats.

“This is a great opportunity to get out canoeing, meet new people and feel good about having a positive impact on our environment.”

Every year tonnes of rubbish is thrown, dumped or finds its way into the River Soar.

“As well as being a hazard to wildlife, it also completely ruins the place spoiling what should be a pleasant place for people to come and enjoy, whether it’s a canal boat trip, going canoeing or kayaking, or even a walk along the riverside,”

single session, which really makes you feel like you’re making a difference to the river environment.”

Over the past five years, the group has collected more than 17 skips worth of litter from the river and riverbank.

Upcoming Litter Picks

Wednesday 13th September 2023, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Sunday 22nd October 2023, 12:30pm – 3:30pm

Saturday 18th November 2023, 9:30am – 12:30pm

Saturday 16th December 2023, 9:30am – 12:30pm

There is a £3 charge to cover our costs and purchase litter-picking equipment.

How to get involved

You can book your space at www.lopc.co.uk.

Click on the “Individuals, Families and Clubs” link Tel: 0116 2681426.

Pic: Runners taking part in the Watermead Challenge

Club’s talk on herbs through the seasons

THE THURCASTON and Cropston Gardening Club welcomed Malcolm Dickson from Hooksgreen Herbs to its August meeting.

Malcolm’s talk, ‘‘Herbs Through the Seasons’ was a completely new topic for the Club.

Malcolm started a small horticultural nursery on the 4 acres at Hooksgreen Farm in Cheshire selling a wide variety of plants. In 2004 he decided to specialise. He recognised that herbs were a popular product, being promoted in the media on the ‘ubiquitous’ cooking programmes and the grow your own gardening programmes, while herbal remedies were also becoming more popular.

The talk “herbs through the seasons” was about what he gets up to in the year starting in the winter and ending in the autumn. Malcolm also talked about the shows he attends, and which herbs look good and when.

Winter in the nursery is about producing the conditions that herbs will survive. Herbs can cope with low temperatures, but not wet and cold.

Seeds are sown in plug trays so as not to disturb roots when potting on, otherwise plants may feel under stress.

Malcolm attended many RHS shows

throughout the year, starting with spring shows such as Cardiff, Harrogate, and Malvern. The nursery needed to produce big plants for displays and take a lot of stock for sale. Herbs taken to these shows included borage, many varieties of sage and mint, Agastache, caraway, pot marigold, and many others.

Other shows that Malcolm attended included Chelsea, Tatton Park, and Hampton Court. The nursery also attended the NEC Gardeners World show, which was also the most successful for selling plants. Plants for Chelsea included valerian, varieties of sage, thyme, bronze fennel, sweet rocket, sweet woodruff, lady’s mantle, and many others.

The nursery was awarded a number of gold medals, including the ‘Growing Tastes Marquee’ at Hampton Court Flower Show and in 2014, they were awarded an RHS Chelsea Gold medal for “Peter Rabbit’s Herb Garden” in conjunc-

tion with The World of Beatrix Potter from Windermere, Cumbria.

This was a very interesting talk, and members responded well to Malcolm’s relaxed style of delivery and anecdotes. Malcolm also brought plants to sell, which were well received.

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

Come try the imaginarium

IMAGINARIUM. WHAT on earth is that I hear you ask? It’s just your imagination…

Do you remember listening as a child to the tales told by older members of the family, or sitting with visiting friends at home and hearing stories that captivated your attention and imagination? Has the art of storytelling been lost?

While some people enjoy writing, others might like to express memories and imagination in other ways.

With the working title ‘Imaginarium’, acquired from Walt Disney, I enjoyed many fascinating conversations with interesting people at the U3A ‘Open Day’ in April, and a new group was added to the variety of groups already offered. We all have a story in us, and with the help of a few props at the first meeting, I was delighted for them to be shared irrespective of being true or false, as our imagination is a wonderful asset.

Storytelling is something many of us did with, and as, children. Often when

we reach adulthood, this ability remains but is dormant. Members of ‘Imaginarium’ experimented with stimulating the imagination using words and pictures to set off flights of fancy.

Another meeting introduced a Victorian parlour game called ‘Myriorama’ which helped to move a story along. Given free rein, our imagination can take us to some wonderful places providing lots of scope for development. Stretching the imagination and storytelling can be approached in many different ways, and as a new group we’re experimenting with a few of these to see which works best at getting the 'little grey cells' working. Using words, items and picture prompts, we develop stories from a few facts, which take us to a new place where the current version is all that matters. Starting with questions like, what do these characters tell you? Where are they from, and what are their stories? Look at any image or object and allow your imagination to create a story around it. What does it say to you? What ideas come

into your head when you look at it?

Members volunteered to bring along three things:

1. A ‘story starter’ statement that we all will build on.

2. A portable item that has a story behind it for the rest of us to delve into and come up with our own interpretation.

3. A work-related story from our own experience.

Come to a meeting of ‘Imaginarium’ and tell us. Help to shape how storytelling and using your imagination can be fun!

Interested? Before becoming a Member of ‘Syston and District U3A’ you can enjoy a ‘Taster session’ of this group and one other from the diverse choice of groups on offer, or come along to our monthly meeting instead.

For more information on joining, and to contact any Group Leader, simply visit our website at www.systonu3a.org.uk

From Syston and District U3A

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, contact

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

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

Future meetings

Wed 20 Sept: Club Outing to Anglesey Abbey, Nr Cambridge

Wed 11th Oct: Trees for Small Gardens, Ingrid Millington, Hill View Hardy Plants

Wed 8 Nov: Winter in Bloom, Sam Hopes

From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club

THE ROTHLEY POST

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 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

1)

what size you want

2) Send us a sketch of your ad

3)

Pic: Hooksgreen Herbs Nursery in 2021

Pics: (above & right) Peter Rabbit’s Herb Garden 2014. Chelsea Gold award