Rothley Post (163) Nov/Dec 2023

THE ROTHLEY POST

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Pic: Liz Robson with the three trophies standing by the Solaris grapes, harvested in September

Rothley vineyard’s gold medal The Wines of GB Midlands and North AN AWARD-winning Rothley vinereleased the results of their annual wine yard has won a gold medal for challenge on September 3, at the prestigthe first time. ious awards ceremony at Worksop in

Liz Robson, vineyard proprietor and winemaker at Rothley Wine Estate, said: “To say that I am pleased is an understatement! In the 10 years I have been entering wine competitions, I thought a gold medal had eluded me – but here it is! The dry, still white wine King Richard 2022 vintage attained a gold, thus trouncing King Henry, who got a bronze.

Now this might upset the history books a bit!”

Nottinghamshire. The senior judges were masters of wine Patricia Stefanowicz MW, and David Bird MW. Liz said: “We are proud to say that Rothley Wine estate attained one of only three gold medals awarded across the eight classes. Furthermore, we attained three trophies!”

The Rothley Wine Estate results were: Gold medal: Continued on page 2

Celebrating 30 years 1993-2023

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Rothley store celebrates 30th anniversary

A HARDWARE store that prides itself on providing friendly service, expert advice and low prices is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Corts in Rothley is owned and run by Jim and Sharon Cort. The shop, on Cross Green, is open seven days a week and has grown considerably over the past 30 years. It opened on November 20, 1993, in the building that had previously housed Barclays Bank, which had closed a year earlier.

Jim said: "When we started in 1993, we had less than 2000 products, which has now increased to well over 12,000.

- King Richard 2022 dry white wine Silver medals: - New Sovereign 2022 dry white wine - Well Trained 2021 dry white wine - Gracious Lady 2022 rose wine Bronze medals: - King Henry 2022 still red wine - Total Recall 2022 petillant Naturel red wine Trophies: Morville Trophy - for The Small Producer Renshaw Trophy - for Best dry white wine Millington Trophy - for Best Grower + Winemaker of the Year Liz said: “None of this would have been possible without the help of our remarkable band of volunteers. Only three gold medals were awarded across all eight classes, so to have achieved one is beyond my wildest expectations.”

The Rothley Wine Estate, on Westfield Lane in Rothley between the Rothley Court Hotel and the Great Central Railway line station, began in 2008 as a hobby.

1,100 mature vines are producing grapes, and 30 newly planted Muscaris vines should produce grapes in a few years The artisan winery on site is the only commercial winery in Leicestershire.

Red, white and rose still wines are made and bottled on-site in the boutique winery.

White and pink sparkling wine is made at Halfpenny Green Vineyard with the Rothley grapes. The wines have regularly won silver and bronze medals in regional and national competitions.

the core values upon which we have built the shop, which are great products, friendly service and good value on your doorstep.”

Jim said: “We have seen many changes over these 30 years. When we started, mobile phones, Sunday trading and the internet were all virtually unheard of, but together with social media are now

an integral part of our business. So please like us on Facebook! We have never rested on our laurels, and are constantly updating and trying to improve. Where we really win over the large DIY superstores is that as well as being cheaper on over 90% of products, with our excellent product knowledge we make sure that the customer gets the right product for the job.”

Sharon said: “We both feel very lucky to have enjoyed all aspects of running the business over the past 30 years.

“It is a privilege and a pleasure to run a village shop that is at the heart of this lovely community. I am proud to serve the people in the village that I grew up in, having worked in my parents' newsagents from the age of 13, and still continue to see the people from that time.”

Jim said: “We have encountered many threats to the business over the years, including recessions, the banking crisis, online shopping and a global pandemic to name but a few, but because we stuck to our core values of excellent service and good value, we have thrived, and continue to thrive. Sharon and I would like to say a massive thank you to all the great staff that have helped us over the years, and not least to our many wonderful loyal customers who have made our dream possible. As such, we would like customers to join us on Saturday November 18, to raise a glass and celebrate this milestone.”

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 5.

The copy deadline is Dec 15.

NOVEMBER 2023

Continued from page 1

Pic: (l-r) Ben Walshe, Jim Cort, Mark Johnson, Sharon Cort & Adrian Corbett

THE ROTHLEY POST

ly always beaten!"

As well as being a traditional hardware shop that stocks most things for the home and garden, Corts also offers services for dry cleaning, laundry, clothing alterations, shoe repairs and sharpening.

For the first five years, it was just Jim and Sharon working seven days a week, with help from both sets of parents.

They have employed many people from the local community over the past 25 years, with current staff including manager Mark Johnson, who has been with them for 22 years, together with supervisors Ben Walshe and Adrian Corbett.

Pic: the old Barclays bank building, which became Corts in 1993 Sharon said: "We pride ourselves on We have grown the business mainly by our large loyal customer base. We have listening to what customers want. If for many of the same customers today that any reason we have not got an item, we shopped with us 30 years ago, and the can normally always order it. We pride children that came in with their parents ourselves on customers coming into the then now shop with us for their own shop and saying ‘I knew you would have homes, which makes us feel very old! it’, and people see it as a challenge to “It is also very encouraging to see new try and ask for something they don't customers shopping with us, attracted by think we will stock, but they are normal-

Decision on business park delayed PLANS FOR a business site on land next to Watermead Country Park have been sent back to the developer after councillors considered the plans would result in the partial destruction of a lake.

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

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 developer says that 918 jobs would be created, and that the site would generate £1.1m in business rates per annum.

A petition objecting to the proposals was signed by 2217 people, expressing concerns about the loss of wildlife habitat and harm to the tranquillity of the area.

Charnwood’s Natural & Built Environment team comments on the application stated: “This is an allocated site for industrial development, but whilst previous proposals have sought to avoid impacts to the onsite lake, the current

Cedars’ GCSE results

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOVEMBER 2023

41 PER cent of GCSE students at the Cedars Academy averaged either a grade 5 or higher across all subjects studied.

17 pupils obtained a grade 7 average across the subjects they took.

Three students were rewarded for their hard work with a clean sweep of grade 7s in at least 10 subjects, and a further three pupils acquired all grade 8s and 9s.

The year-wide pass rate was 97.6%.

48% of students achieved a Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs. The county average is 45% and the England average is 45%.

Associate Principal, James Rolfe, said: “We are incredibly proud of the resilience shown by our year 11 pupils this year as GCSE grading returns to pre-pandemic levels, and nationally there has a been a drop in GCSE attainment.

“This year's cohort, though, has matched our 2022 results and improved significantly on our 2019 performance.

“This is a remarkable achievement for a year group who suffered huge disruption during Covid, and their excellent results are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and to the efforts of our brilliant staff.”

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WATERMEAD COUNTRY PARK

HOPE & ANCHOR PUB

Pic: The planned site for development next to Watermead Country park

proposals would result in its partial destruction.

“It is welcomed that the applicant has revised the development proposals to reduce the scale of impact. However, an appropriate design approach would seek to avoid impacts on the lake altogether.

The lake is an example of NERC S40 priority habitat (eutrophic still waters) it is listed in the Leicestershire and Rutland BAP and it lies adjacent to Wartermead Park; a large and important wildlife site which also functions as a green wedge for the City of Leicester. “…In summary, there is further work to be done before the scale of the ecological impact of the scheme can be fully understood. If the proposal is granted, there will be a significant biodiversity offsetting requirement which should be secured via a S106 agreement.”

To the north of the A46, a new wet-

land is proposed 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.”

Five councillors voted to defer a decision on the planning application when it came before the planning committee in September, with five against the motion.

Acting chair Cllr Jane Lennie, who voted in favour, had the casting vote and the proposal was passed.

Planning officers warned the decision risked the applicant launching an appeal if a decision to approve or refuse the plans hadn’t been made within the gov-

ernment-recommended timeframe.

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

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Visitors flock to popular scarecrow festival

There was a fantastic reA SECOND scarecrow festival was held in Sep- sponse from the local community with 64 scarecrows tember, organised by set out around the locality.

Rothley Community LiThe clear winner was brary.

Charlotte’s Web, with many

others in close contention.

The event made £720 for library funds, and the organisers send out huge thanks to the library volunteers, stall holders for providing refreshments, and those households, shops, and school children who spent a huge amount of time constructing a wonderful array of scarecrows, with such inventiveness and to the local community for coming out to support the event.

The Christmas Lights Switch on will be on Thurs November 30th at 6.00pm In order to allow the large crowds to walk long Woodgate we have applied to Charnwood to close Woodgate between 4.30 & 8.30 and we apologise to any local resident who may be inconvenienced by this. The switch on of lights and tree at 6.00pm will be done by one of the members of Freedom Active a terrific local organisation that supports those with autism.

Following the switch on there will be musical contributions

Providing a great range of foods will be Bradley’s Rothley Fisheries, Anmol, Metal & Wishbone,Cob Shop Eastern Garden, PIzza Hut, Hambleton Bakeries along with mince pies at the Baptist Church.

There will also be a range of stalls providing crafts, books, cosmetics and cup cakes.

Activities for children will be fairground rides at Cross Green & Woodgate along f r o m t h e R o t h l e y P r i m a r y with Santa’s Grotto in the Scout Hut off North Street.

Schoolchoir, the local Gospel Choir and a group called Musicalvillage.

There is still time for any local group / club who wishes to take part or run a stall to contact the Parish Clerk on 0116 237 4544 or email (see details on the heading) by Friday 24th November.

Thankyou.

NOVEMBER 2023

Newsletter No 17. November 2023

FF Thursday NovemberF30th 6.00pm

THE ROTHLEY POST

This popular event was held over two days and crowds came out in huge numbers on both days to walk the village looking for scarecrows, and visiting the library for a range of activities, including food stalls, book sales.

Craft activities included making crows.

Pictured is 4-year-old Charlie making her crow and it seems that 8-year-old Austin’s crow has flown off already!

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOVEMBER 2023

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First homes at Broadnook are approved PLANS FOR the first parcel of 107 homes at the Broadnook Garden Suburb were approved

by Charnwood Borough Council last month.

ROTHLEY

The 1950 home development lies between Birstall and Rothley and occupies 204 ha. 15 ha have been allocated for employment land, and 16% of the homes (312 in total) will be affordable.

Davidson’s Homes proposal includes the provision of 107 dwellings consisting of a mix of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-bed properties up to 2.5 storeys in height. Of the

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A46 BIRSTALL Pics: (above) the 1950 home Broadnook Garden Suburb; Broadnook street scenes

(above the 16.37% required by the hybrid permission [for the entire site]) and would provide a significant amount of affordable housing at an early stage of the [development] during a time of housing need, such that the harm is limited.”

Members of Charnwood’s planning committee remarked that the

development had merit in that the houses would be of good quality with commendable features such as insulation, and solar panels with ev charging points on every home, and would be well served by public transport and cycle paths. It would also have community buildings, shops and employment opportunities.

Questions were asked about when the primary school would be delivered, given local schools were oversubscribed and parents would have to drive children to school, increasing traffic volume.

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Comment was made about the provision of a GP surgery and that Birstall's surgeries were already overwhelmed.

One of the community centre spaces is to be a health centre and talks are ongoing with the NHS. Questions were asked about affordable housing - the percentage for this parcel is 35% but for all of Broadnook it will be 16%. This was considered quite low by the committee. Councillors were told there would be opportunities to increase the numbers at 650 houses built, and 1200 houses built.

The Broadnook scheme has been put forward by the Palmer-Tomkinson trust, the Cooper family, Barwood homes, and Davidson’s homes.

The development will be run by a community trust as a garden suburb, like the one in Bournville, Birmingham.

The trust will manage the entire site including the sports facilities, green spaces and community buildings. The scheme includes: • A 630-capacity primary school • A 175 Unit retirement village with a 70-bed care home • Parkland and allotments • Sports facilities including pictures, tennis courts and the bowling green • A village centre with shops, cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and a community hall • a site of four plots for show people The developers will be required to pay £30.5 million to mitigate the impact of the development as part of a section 106 agreement.

This includes £8.3 million for a new primary school £6.8 million for the Cedars Academy for 378 extra school places £1.1 million for healthcare (to create additional capacity at Greengate Medical Centre and Birstall Medical Centre)

NOVEMBER 2023

proposed 107 units, 37 (34.58%) would be affordable units, a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom properties.

The planning officers’ report recommended the application be granted, but stated: “The clustering of affordable housing along the eastern boundary of the parcel, including interspersed discount housing, is not supported.

“It is also acknowledged that the parcel will provide 35% affordable housing

Location of first 107 homes

THE ROTHLEY POST

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Record breaking annual show THURCASTON & Cropston Annual Show in September featured a record-breaking 370 exhibits from 55 exhibitors.

Spokesman Richard Elks reports: It’s 9.30am, the sun is shining, but where are the exhibitors? Don’t worry they will

be along soon, was the cry.

One hour later the tables were creaking with the weight as ‘latecomers’ en-

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tered more and more exhibits.

The ‘signing-in table’ in the entrance lobby felt the pressure but by the time the rooms were cleared of exhibitors, and we could relax a little, a quick scan around the room told us that all the hard work had been worthwhile.

The entry chart listed 55 exhibitors, showing 370 exhibits (the most this century for both!)

Extra emphasis had been put on the Arts and Crafts section after last year’s success, and once again, it came up trumps, increased to 10 classes and each one well represented; there were a total of 54 entries.

The Photo Section did even better, averaging almost 10 entries per class (four classes; 37 entries).

Entries in the Fruit (five classes) and

Pic: Paul Stubbs won ‘best in show’ with his perfect dahlias

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOVEMBER 2023

Flower (12 classes) seca Hawkmoth,’ was rewarded with a prize. tions were well down We were delighted to welcome the almost certainly due to Lady Mayor of Charnwood who was our the difficult growing condi- special guest, and she spent time looktions throughout the year. ing at all the entries, and finally presentWhat can we say about ed prizes and trophies to all the winners. the children’s classes?

As last year, one name dominated the Only two of the six chiltrophy chart, Leslie Day (Garden Club dren’s classes were enmember). Winner of three trophies outtered, but one young man right, including the top award for the (Charlie Carter), who did most overall points in Show she was also put in a great effort with joint winner of the “Photographer of the his ‘Coloured Drawing of Year’ trophy with Meg Grant.

Best exhibit in Show was won by Paul Pics: (top) Time for refreshments – with hot drinks and cake on offer; (above) Some of the many visitors Stubbs with three perfect Dahlias. chatting about the exhibits; (below) Some of the cup winners with the Lady Mayor Other trophy winners were, Annette Spurr, Alan Talbot, Andy Holyoak, Marjorie Kirk, and Sheryl Bramley. Sheryl is a new exhibitor who focused on the Arts and Crafts Section to great effect.

Two children entered adult classes (Sophia Purnell & Hunter Seymour), and their efforts were rewarded with a prize.

Verdict? A very, very successful and rewarding day.

2363970

‘Not your normal poetry Beauty & the Beast book,’ says writer ‘Poems by a Beardy Bloke’ is written

by Mark Webb. He said: “I started writing poetry a few years ago after discovering that I am shockingly bad at journaling, talking to people about my feelings or writing a diary. I am a 40-plus-yearold teacher in a huge inner-city college who writes down his rambling thoughts in verse.

“My book is not your normal poetry book though. In Volume One, I have included 25 poems and, at the back of the book,

have written a brief description of why I wrote each one, where I was in my life and what I was thinking. I hope that with this additional insight, people will An ill-fated bet between Fairy Rose get the opportunity to appreciate and and the evil Witch Thorn leads to the relate to the poems a whole lot more. prince being turned into a beast. If he is “When I started writing, the idea was a to break free from her spell, he must poetry book for men, to connect with find somebody to love him before the other beardy men and to last petal on the enchanted rose falls. recognise themselves Performances are at 7.30pm on within the poems. HowThursday and Friday, and there are two ever, the target marshows on the Saturday at 1.30 and 6pm. ket grew as more Doors open 30 minutes before each and more people performance. Tickets costs £8 for adults, started to read them. £5 for children up to 12, and under 5s People recognised are free. For tickets, contact Christine their partners, their Deavin on 0116 237 6855 or email fathers, their friends; christinedeavin@gmail.com I found more often Pic: cast members rehearsing than not that when I sent someone a poem to read they would ask if they could send it on to other people who would benefit.”

With poems about everything A FULL meeting of Rothley Parish from unicorns to getting it up, Council was held on September 18. from violence and alcohol to cats The crime figures for August were and dogs, the book, says Mark, has presented: something for everyone.

1 Theft of items from a car, 1 theft of “You may not love every poem, registration plates, and attempted theft of but I am confident that you will a car. There were no reports of criminal connect with some of them, and damage, burglaries, theft or antisocial they will make you laugh, cry and behaviour. question things,” he said.

The County Council have approved a Mark has worked with local location on Swithland Lane for a vehiclecoffee shops to team up and sell activated speed sign. his book - Mettle and Wishbone in It was reported that a meeting had Rothley and Bark & Brew in Mounttaken place with Charnwood’s planning sorrel. It is also available on Amaenforcement to discuss the matter of zon. compliance regarding the installation of a bridge at the Brookfield farm developPic: Beardy Bloke Mark Webb ment. Following an investigation, planning enforcement believes that the developer, Persimmon Homes, used all reasonable steps to provide a footbridge.

The Borough Council have been advised that if they continued through arbitration the costs would be too high, and not in the public interest. Councillors considered options on how to spend the money set aside for the bridge in the S106 agreement and were in favour of improving existing pedestrian routes from the development site to other destinations in the village.

It was reported that a new contractor has been appointed to erect the Christmas lights, as the original contractor is unable to install the lights this year.

A full meeting of Rothley Parish Council was held on October 16.

The clerk reported that she would raise the issue of poor customer service at Charnwood Borough Council at a meeting of parish clerks with the Borough Council’s Democratic Services.

It was reported that there had been two objections to the location of a vehicle-activated speed sign on Swithland Lane.

Borough Cllr Mark Charles reported that Charnwood had agreed to bring its revenue and benefits service back inhouse, which would save £1.5 million over 45 years.

Parish Council notes It was reported that there was £30,000 of S106 money to spend on a project to improve pedestrian routes from the Brookfield farm development to the village. Comment was made that creating a safe route to school, avoiding North Street, should be a priority.

A request from a filmmaker with a history of making horror films to use the cemetery as a film location was declined.

A FULL meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on August 14.

Councillors discussed how to make parishioners aware of the areas of responsibility that the Parish Council has.

The council agreed on an annual cost of £110 to increase the Parish Council’s website media quota, from 5 GB to 10 GB, due to the many large media files that are being added to the website.

Cllr Jackson mentioned the overgrown trees at the junction of Station Road and Waterfield Road. The chairman asked for this request to be sent to the clerk, stating what exactly the issue was.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on September 11.

It was agreed to co-opt Jason Fairchild to fill a vacancy on the council for the Cropston ward.

County Councillor Deborah Taylor reported that she is looking into the possibility of traffic calming on Cropston Road in Cropston.

A full meeting of Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on October 9.

It was agreed to purchase a poppy wreath for £20 for Remembrance Sunday. Cllr Michael Jackson will lay the wreath at the Remembrance Sunday service at All Saints Church, Thurcaston.

The council agreed to award the ground maintenance contract to its current contractor for the next three years.

NOVEMBER 2023

A BOOK of poetry written by a Rothley man is in its first reprint after its initial print run sold out in a few weeks.

LATIMER PLAYERS’ pantomime Beauty & the Beast (from Limelight Scripts) will be performed at the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston from Thursday November 30, until Saturday December 2.

THE ROTHLEY POST

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School’s Help needed at cycle track gold award VOLUNTEER HELP is needed at Rothley Off Road Cycle Track on Saturday November 17.

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOVEMBER 2023

ROTHLEY SCHOOL is celebrating after receiving a gold award for teaching and promoting music to pupils.

The Gold Award was made by Leicestershire Music Service.

In their citation, it said: “Rothley C of E Academy clearly prioritises exceptional musical opportunities, maintaining a high standard of teaching and learning. This is sustainable by there being a shared staff vision for music being an entitlement for all, alongside the strong musical expertise that the two Music Leads possess.

“All pupils are supported to gain skills of musicianship and a deepened understanding of musical genres and technicalities such as notation, preparing them well for the next step in their musical journey.

Links with the local community are forged, allowing for performance opportunities to be developed and cultural capital opportunities planned both in and out of school are rich and diverse.”

Headteacher, Mrs Kate Barrs, said: “We are one of only three schools in Leicestershire to be awarded ‘Gold’ during the last academic year and we are incredibly proud of the achievement.

“We offer a vibrant and engaging music curriculum. Our school is filled with musicians and passionate pupils - it is wonderful place to be!”

She added: “Our children have a variety of opportunities to perform, including in school, at our Christmas and summer concerts, as well as further afield at Curve and Resorts World Arena, Birmingham. We are looking forward to another exciting school year ahead, and would like to extend our thanks to all the parents and carers who support our musical vision – we really couldn’t do it without you!”

Thanks to a donation from Tarmac at Mountsorrel, 40 tons of mill waste will be used to bind into the muddy surface to make the track more resilient and less slippery in wet weather.

Our local bike riders and parents have already made a start working hard since the material was delivered, relocating it to the required areas and would love any assistance from the wider community.

To help distribute the materials

Choral music KINGFISHER CHORALE, Leicester’s premiere chamber choir, will perform a wonderful programme of Christmas music in a special concert staged to raise funds for the Leicestershire & Rutland MNDA branch.

The event will be held at Birstall Methodist Church on Saturday December 2 (7.30pm start).

Kingfisher is a local choir with a national reputation and has performed a programme of three Christmas concerts at Leicester’s historic Guildhall every year for around 30 years.

The funds raised are sorely needed, says Paul Wilcock from the Leicestershire & Rutland MNDA branch. He said: “We are all volunteers dedicated to providing social, medical and financial assistance to MND sufferers and their families, and to help anyone dealing with this uniquely distressing and debilitating disease.

“We have been running for 30 years, and at any one time, we may be providing material and moral support to around 85 families at a time when they desperately need it”.

Tickets cost £16 (£13 pensioners/£5 students/children) and can be bought ahead of the day from www.kingfisherchorale.org or from Jonathan Wheeler (0116 220 9318).

around the track, the riders are asking the community if they have a spare hour or so on Saturday November 17, anytime from 9.30am to 12.30pm, to come with wheelbarrows/s hovels/spades/r akes if possible to help.

Pic: (bottom right) Mick Stevens (Tarmac’s Estate Manager) is taking a closer look at the material with Ben Rafferty, a community volunteer who has been the driving force behind making this facility one that huge numbers of the young, and not so young, want to cycle round at

Club regains trophy

ROTHLEY PARK GOLF CLUB regained the Olds Trophy, an annual match played between Rothley Park and Birstall men’s seniors every year.

The trophy was presented by a Mr Olds in 1973, who had an association with both Rothley and Birstall golf clubs, and the match is played annually by each club’s men’s senior teams.

Rothley Seniors Captain, Mike Bruce, said: “It's fair to say this is the most (Charnwood Ltd) important men’s seniors match of the season against local rivals but always in Service, Repairs, Installations of all the right spirit of friendship.

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the Fowke Street Playing Field.

Pic: the winning Rothley team: Back row: John Hardwick, Mick Webster, David Broadhurst, Gordon Bigam, Tim Porte. Middle row: John Stockill, Ken Earp, Roger Large, David Wilkinson, Derek Goodman, John Dekonski, Alan Dorn: Front row: Geoff Warren, Raghbir Chaggar, Mike Bruce, Mike Griffiths

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Friday Films in Thurcaston “Matilda the Musical” Dec 8, 117 mins In December, we shall show a musical version of the literary classic, based on Roald Dahl’s award winning, best-selling book. Matilda is a brilliantly intellectual young girl, who escapes into a fantastical world in the nearby library. At school, her caring teacher recognises Matilda’s genius and encourages her. However, she has to endure ghastly parents, played by Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough and a monstrous headmistress, played by Emma Thompson. We see Matilda as a spirited heroine who can harness special powers. This UK film is a must-see, leading up to Christmas.

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Mountsorrel & Rothley Community Heritage Centre You are welcome to join us for an afternoon of festive

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of well known Christmas songs and carols.

Tickets are £10 for adults, (children free) which includes a glass of wine and festive refreshments.

They are available from Jane Westby 0116 2352226 or mowestby@virginmedia.com Proceeds in aid of LOROS and All Saints’ Church

become despondent and quiet.

One day, Harold receives a letter from his old friend, Queenie Hennessy, who is dying from cancer and is living in a hospice in Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Harold then decides to walk the length of England to reach Berwick-upon-Tweed without the use of transport or support from Maureen. Along the way, he encounters a variety of people who show interest in his hiking achievement Note: There will be a bumper raffle as it’s our last film screening before Christmas and there will be an opportunity to choose films for Feb., Mar., Apr., May, June 2024 at this screening

Thurcaston Winter Fair

Carol Singing with our Heritage Centre volunteers. This year’s event will take place on Saturday December 2, between 2pm and 3:30pm under our new pergola on Granite’s patio.

Please feel free to join in. We will also be lighting our beacon during the event

Rothley First Friday Film Club Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Fri Dec 1, 2pm Rothley Centre Retired pensioner Harold Fry lives ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì ì

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Book Club: The Next Chapter Fri Jan 5, 2024 2pm Rothley Centre The highly anticipated sequel follows our four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had.

When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-ina-lifetime cross-country adventure

Weekly Coffee Morning At Rothley Baptist Church, 2 Woodgate, Rothley, LE7 7LJ Held every Friday from 10:30am to midday in the foyer at the front of the building.

A warm safe environment offering friendship and a place to relax, spend time with friends, or make new friends.

Everyone is welcome, there is no charge We look forward to seeing you The School of Baroque

Winter Concert at All Saints’ Thurcaston We are delighted to welcome the return of our favourite String Quartet, namely The School of Baroque for a Winter Concert at All Saints’ Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston on Sat Dec 2, at 7.30pm.

The programme will include Divertimento in F by Mozart, Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, The Sugar plum Fairy and a selection

All Saints’ Church Sat Nov 25, 10am – 1pm Please join us for mulled wine with mince pies to kick off the festive season at our Winter Fair raising funds for the Salvation Army in the Harrison Room, and for All Saints’ Church Annual

Christmas Fete Saturday 25th November 10:30am - 1:30pm Birstall Village Hall 50p entry Various stalls including: Body Shop Chocolate bouquets Flower arrangements Handmade Home Bakes Diamond art Crochet items Santa - free gift for children Pay it Forward in our Community Birstall

Birstall Flower Club Wed Nov 22, 2023 Christmas Open Meeting Birstall Village Hall 7.15pm Demonstrator: Di Smith Title: Rejoice! Rejoice!

Tickets: £10 (including seasonal refreshments) Available from: Sylvia 0116 267 4206 or Carol 0116 267 1437

The Rothley History Society Meets on the third Wednesday of every month In The Old School Rooms, School Street, Rothley, at 7.30pm.

On Nov 15, we shall be having our Annual General Meeting, followed by a talk by Richard Kinton entitled "Rothley 70 years ago".

On Dec 13, Felicity Austin will talk about "A 1940's Christmas", and on Jan 17, Mary Toone will tell us all about "The Effects of WWII on Rothley".

Everyone is welcome to come along. Annual subscriptions are £5 with a small extra charge for visitors and members at each meeting Syston Model Railway Society

Exhibition January 13th and 14th, 2024 Birstall Social Club 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LE4

NOVEMBER 2023

Jan 12, 107 mins Our film for the new year is an extraordinary period drama, telling the true story of Joseph Bologne’s life, rising through French society to become Chevalier de Saint-Georges. As well as an accomplished fencer and also virtuoso violinist, Joseph was Colonel of Europe’s first Black regiment.

Amazingly, Joseph fell madly in love with Marie Antoinette!

“Living” will be shown on Feb 9.

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

Noticeboard all details printed free

THE ROTHLEY POST

10

4JS. There will be 7 layouts and 4 trade stands.

10am-4:30pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

Admission will be £5 for Adults and £4 for unaccompanied children.

Accompanied children (under 16) will be admitted free of charge.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting our website.

Further details are Phone 07948419664 Email: systonmodelrailway@gmx.co.uk Website ww.systonmrs.org.uk Facebook @SYSTONMRS

Charnwood Arts Society Meets 7.30pm, Church Rooms, Quorn.

Thur December 14 The Curious History of Christmas Food Presented by Dr Peter Ross From the Medieval boar's head to the 17th century decorated mince pies and Twelfth Night Cake.

New members welcome.

Contact: mervyngreenhalgh@hotmail.com or phone 01509 890374.

Guests £5 at the door Bradgate Sewing Circle Invite You to their

Christmas Open Morning to be held on Tues Nov 21, 2023 10am - 12 Noon At The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane Rothley, Leicester LE7 7PR Display of Patchwork & Quilting Knitting & Crafts Raffle, Books, Crafts for Sale New Members Welcome Admission £1 Includes Tea/Coffee & Mince Pies

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOVEMBER 2023

The Latimer Players present

a pantomime from Limelight Scripts At the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston November 30: 7:30pm December 1: 7:30pm December 2: 1:30pm and 6pm Doors open 30 minutes before a performance.

Adults £8, Children up to 12 £5 Under fives free For tickets, Email Christinedeavin@gmail.com telephone (0116) 237 6855

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 Book Group Nov 8: 7 – 8pm ‘Commonwealth’ by Ann Pratchett Dec 13: 7 – 8pm ‘The Snow Queen’

by Hans Christian Andersen Yarn Craft Group This meets on the first & third Tuesday of each month. Bring your own 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 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?

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 Li- 11 brary runs entirely on voluntary help from a friendly and committed team. We are looking to increase the number of people we have to help during opening hours.

Currently, volunteers 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 what more information info@rothleycommunitylibrary.co.uk Library events report Outdoor screening September 15

On a glorious evening, folks flooded onto Mountsorrel Lane park early to eat and drink before the start of the film Moana Around 260 children and adults came and they were able to buy refreshments and children’s play items provided by volunteers from the Scouts, Rothley Primary PTFA. & Raphael’s Pizza.

About £200 was raised for Library funds but more importantly, it was a chance for families to meet up and enjoy a communal event.

A big thank you to the volunteers who gave up their time and to the public for supporting the event.

Charity’s grants to young people TWO YOUNG people from Rothley are the recipients of a grant given by a local charity to help them realise their ambitions.

The Inspire Awards from the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) aim to help young people aged 13-21 reach their goals in sport, creative arts, music, community, and business.

Max Murray is 14 years of age and from Rothley, Leicestershire. This talented young BMX rider has a burning ambition to one day become a racing

professional. He is currently a member of the Alvaston BMX club based in Derby and has been awarded a grant of £300.

Max said: “This grant award means everything to me, I love everything BMX. It is my only hobby. I could go to the track much more out of coaching sessions to improve my A game and give me the opportunity to go on to nationals in the future.”

Sean McCann is 18 years of age, from Rothley, and is another one of Leicestershire's up-and-coming young swimmers.

He competes in the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle, as well as 10k open water and made international appearances in the Youth Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland in Trinidad and Tobago, and at the European junior open water championships in Corfu for Great Britain.

Sean said: “The Inspire grant Award of £400 will help me to fund travel and accommodation for the Scottish National swimming championships in Edinburgh, where I will gain valuable racing experience prior to the Olympic swimming trials in April 2024.”

A total of 11 young people have received a grant in this round of awards.

Pic: BMX rider Max Murray

Since the awards' inception in 2014, £48,000 has been provided to help 255 young people.

The JHMT was set up in memory of teenager Joe Humphries, who collapsed and died in October 2012 while out jogging near his family home in Rothley.

Joe was a victim of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) – a group of lethal heart diseases which can cause sudden cardiac death in young people.

The JHMT provides free CPR training, helps to fund community defibrillators and campaigns for a better understanding of SADS, as well as running the Inspire Awards small grants scheme to support young people.

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Monday Club news

THE ROTHLEY History Society has donated a seat to the village in commemoration of the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023.

“The seat is situated on Hallfields Lane, overlooking Bunney’s Field, the Woodies and the Church and will provide a good resting place for walkers as well as providing a view of a historical part of the village,” said a society spokesman.

Pic: the Rothley History Society seat on Hallfields Lane

Jo is ladies’ champion JO MAYFIELD has won the Ladies’ Club Championship at Rothley Park Golf Club for the second year running.

She came in with a combined two round score of 162, narrowly beating Maz Sharpe who had a score of 165. Jo

has won the Club Championship three times in the last six years.

Rothley Park has one of the largest ladies’ sections in the county, with 114 playing members, 13 Academy members and 33 non-playing members.

Pic: Lady Captain, Tuula Hastings, presenting the Championship Trophy to Jo Mayfield

Our speaker was Mrs Lynne Grant, who has worked at Hannah’s Sugar Craft of Quorn for many years. Her topic was actually how to make chocolates, a subject dear to the hearts of many of the eager audience! She had brought all her equipment with her, including a microwave oven, and she explained that it was extremely important to make sure that your ingredients were at the right temperature, which is different depending on what type of chocolate you want to make, dark or light coloured. She showed us an actual cocoa pod, and described how this plant (Theobroma cacao tree) grows in several countries around the Equator, like Ecuador (considered the best quality), Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Ghana, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast, which exports more than any other country. The colour of the pods varies with the country of origin. The Mexican chocolate tastes fruity. Chocolate usually has a percentage of cocoa between 50% and 70%, and a higher cocoa content means a more bitter taste.

Sugar and vanilla are added to the basic cacao and cocoa butter. The dark chocolate made at Hannah’s Sugar Craft is 54% chocolate. Belgian chocolate and German chocolate are good. Lindt is a good quality product, and also Green & Pic: Odette Hallowes Black. Cooking chocolate has more oils His subject was a young woman in it, so that it stays softer. Chocolate drops can be easily melted in the micro- whose name may be familiar to most of us: Odette Hallowes. She was born in wave.

Amiens, France in 1912, and had a Switzerland leads the world in the brother. Her father was a bank manager, most chocolate consumed per person. but was killed at Verdun in 1918, not Cadbury’s are the market leaders in the long before the Armistice.

UK. The most popular chocolate bar During WWII, she was recruited as a here is their Dairy Milk bar, with around spy by the Special Operations Executive.

350 million bars being sold per year!

Her cover was supposed to be that of Many of the factory owners in this indusa nurse, although she was actually traintry were Quakers, who provided decent housing for their workforce, and school- ing in sabotage, espionage and reconnaissance, at Beaulieu in the New Forest. ing for their children, in sharp contrast This work became more and more imwith conditions elsewhere in Britain at portant in the lead up to D-Day. Many the time. aircrew who had been parachuted into In front of our very eyes, Mrs Grant France were being lost. Resistance helpcreated a chocolate dog, using a transers often tried to get them out via Spain. parent mould fastened together with Odette had had a bad fall during training clips, and then she built a little scene and had to be sent by boat instead of around him using different shapes of parachuting in, landing at Cassis (near chocolate. She explained that all their Monte Carlo) in November 1942. One moulds need to be kept very clean, and essential item of equipment was her are carefully washed and dried by hand.

Polishing the inside before the chocolate secret radio which enabled her to conis poured in gives the finished product a tact the Resistance. She was supposed shiny appearance. The moulds used are to establish a safe house for airmen.

Her cover name was Lise. made by a specialised company and are very expensive, but last for many years.

Continued on page 13

NOVEMBER 2023

Commemorative seat

In addition to producing Easter eggs (extra large can be ordered in advance), and seasonal animals as appropriate, the cake-and-chocolate shop can arrange for groups of children to try making and decorating chocolate items themselves.

Mrs Grant showed us how interesting effects can be created using something similar to bubble wrap, and how to pipe a design around a basic shape using a small piping cone made of greaseproof paper. You can also create handwritten messages for cakes with this technique.

There is always room for innovation and customer demand for it, such as trying out new flavour combinations, and Hannah’s are planning to have a Golden Ticket scheme like the one in the Willy Wonka films.

Many people had questions for Mrs Grant, which she was happy to answer.

She had also brought with her a selection of very attractively wrapped goodies available to buy. After we had all enjoyed our refreshments, the meeting closed soon after 4pm.

Mr Derek Holloway, one of our regular speakers, kindly stepped into the breach for us when our listed speaker was unable to come to our October meeting.

THE ROTHLEY POST

OUR SEPTEMBER meeting celebrated the time of harvest, where lots of members had brought fruit, vegetables, cakes, plants and many other things to sell.

Centre’s coffee morning FREEDOM ACTIVE held a MacMillan Coffee Morning at Cross Green in Rothley in September.

Freedom Active is a life skills training

centre on Fowke Street for working age adults with a diagnosis of autism, learning difficulties and behaviour that may challenge.

During the event, members of Freedom Active made cakes and pastries for members of the public to enjoy for a donation.

Thanks to the effort of members, and the generosity of the public, the event raised £543.22 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Continued from page 12 Captured in 1943 by the Gestapo, Odette was sent to the notorious Fresnes prison in Paris, where she was interrogated and tortured many times, but she would not tell them anything. They tried Pic: Freedom Active’s stall at Cross Green to persuade her to become a double other accommodation was needed, espeagent but she refused to co-operate. cially as the war progressed and more Then she was sent to Ravensbruck near personnel were taken prisoner. The Berlin, into a block where prisoners Government acquired Donington Hall as were severely treated and starved. a suitable venue to house officer-class THE CARILLON is surely LoughSomehow she had survived by using prisoners. It was available because the the defiance and determination learnt in borough’s most notable landEarl of Moira was himself away fighting her childhood. She came back to Engmark and also a proud memorial and it was located sufficiently far from land and eventually divorced her first to those who died in the First the sea to make it difficult to escape to husband, and married Peter Churchill in the coast.

London in 1947. They settled in France, World War and subsequent con£13,000 was spent on adapting the flicts. But how did a small town where he worked as an estate agent.

Hall, including the erection of three However, they divorced in 1955, and she pay for such a large monument? rings of perimeter fences and watchtowmarried her last husband, Geoffrey HalThe project was first proposed in ers. Officers held as PoWs were entitled lowes, the following year. He had been 1919, and money and donations were to special treatment under the forerunin a different branch of the SOE. secured towards the projected cost of up ner of the Geneva Convention: they could Odette received several national honto £18,000. However, as building connot be forced to work but they were ours including the George Cross, but not tinued, it was necessary to raise further entitled to receive the salary of the correuntil after she had been subjected to sums from the public to ensure that it sponding British rank and to employ a various medical investigations to confirm could be completed. For our first inservant. By April 2015, the facility held that she had indeed been tortured. She door meeting of the autumn season, we 320 prisoners and 80 servants: among became a celebrity and travelled around welcomed Deborah Moxom to tell us them a former Wimbledon finalist and Britain, giving inspirational talks to eager about one of those fund-raising schemes: the brother of the German Chancellor.

Pic: the Alexandra bedspread audiences. In 1951 her George Cross the so-called “Alexandra Bedspread”.

They were guarded by approximately 100 was stolen during a burglary, and after a The Bedspread, measuring 8¾ x 7½ Deborah has so far been able to reservists. public appeal the burglar actually sent it feet, has an embroidered picture of the identify the people behind 420 of the Questions were asked in Parliament back with an apology! In 1955 she Carillon at its centre, surrounded by 510 signatures and she relayed interestabout whether British officers were held co-founded the Women of the Year hundreds of 4-inch-square panels, maing stories of some of the local men and in equivalent conditions in Germany and Lunch, and encouraged women to play chine-stitched together. women involved, as well as speculating “Will they ever wish to go home”! The their full part in society. Keeping very Subscribers paid a shilling to sign about the colourful characters who Government answered that nearly all the active supporting different charities for their name on one of the panels, which might have pulled strings to obtain the prisoners slept in huts of the same standthe rest of her life, Odette lived until was then embroidered over before addmore prestigious contributions. ard as used for billeting British troops.

1995, and was buried in Waltham-oning it to the Bedspread. The finished Donington Park is best known today Nevertheless, the inmates did take part Thames. Besides the famous 1950 film Bedspread was used to raise further for its motor racing circuit but few peoin sports such as football, squash, tennis about her exploits, featuring Anna Neafunds at a Grand Bazaar held in June ple may be aware that, during the First and skittles; they went on supervised gle, her memory was later honoured 1923, by offering it as the prize in a World War, it held the country’s main walks around the grounds, arranged with a stamp, and a locomotive was “Guess the weight of the Carillon” compe- prisoner-of-war camp for captured Gerlectures on a wide range of subjects, named after her. tition! The winner was James Collins, mans of officer Finally, Mr Holloway told us that landlord of the Volunteer Inn, who class. At the time, there was a personal family connection proudly added his own signature, along this was common with Odette. His wife’s mother had with the word “owner”. Through the knowledge begiven her some flowers when Odette Bedspread, the Grand Bazaar and other cause the allegedly visited Leicester by train, and this was measures, there were sufficient funds not luxurious condimentioned in the Leicester Mercury. only to pay for the Carillon itself but also tions at “the PalaAfter we had all enjoyed our refresha surplus to add the marble pavement tial Prison” ments, the meeting closed around 4pm. that now surrounds it. caused a scandal Our meetings start at 2.15pm, on the The Bedspread was passed from in the national second Monday of each month. On James to his daughter Ivy, who gave it to newspapers. For November 13, Mr Peter Savage will deCharnwood Borough Council. our Society’s Octolight us with Part Two of his entertainUnfortunately, they have not been ber meeting we ment, “Do You Remember?”, where we able to find anywhere suitable to display welcomed back can relive some happy memories from it, except during temporary exhibitions, Robin Jenkins – our younger years. For members and so it has remained in storage for many the former Keeper their families, there will again be a preyears. Prompted by one of those exhibi- of the LeicesterChristmas meal on 4th December 4, this tions, our speaker began to research the Pic: Donington Hall shire Record Oftime at the Lingdale Golf Club. people who had signed their names and fice – to give us Membership for a year is currently this became something of an obsession the facts behind the headlines. learned languages, performed music and £13, with an entrance fee of £2, and it for her during lockdown! The signaAs soon as war was declared in 1914, practised various crafts. They were is only £4 for visitors, to include tea / tures range from royalty – Queen Alexan- steps were taken to intern German naallowed to read the British newspapers – coffee and biscuits or cake. New memdra and Princess Helena, whose names tionals living in this country. The Royal except when withdrawn as a punishment bers and visitors are most welcome to are outlined with boxes – and Winston Navy also intercepted ships passing – and they took great pleasure in plotting meetings at the Church Room – just turn Churchill, to family, friends and neighthrough the English Channel and dethe course of the war on maps in the up on the day. Details of our next bours of the organizer. Based on the tained all German men of fighting age, main common room. The officers’ comyear’s activities will be published very latter, Deborah has been able to work many of whom were returning from mittee ran a shoe shop, tailor and barsoon. out that this must have been Frances Germany’s overseas colonies. Initially From the Monday Club Cropston Bond, whose husband managed the they were held on the Isle of Wight but and Thurcaston Prudential Insurance office in the town.

Continued on page 14

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOVEMBER 2023

History society news

13

14

Thurcaston warm space Festive winter fair

From the Thurcaston Wednesday Hub

Online shopping CITIZENS ADVICE Charnwood warns about online shopping traps in the lead-up to Christmas.

At a time when many people are struggling to pay the bills, it is important not to get caught out. Online shopping can be convenient and save you time — but whether you’re shopping for your loved one’s presents, festive decorations or just treating yourself, make sure you take steps to protect yourself. Ahead of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and seasonal spending, we are sharing our top tips Continued from page 13 ber. Until rationing was introduced later in the war, the residents could use their salaries to buy a wide range of products from the Army & Navy Stores, including cigarettes, stationery and extra food and drink to accompany their meals. Fine German wines were cheaply available because British customers would no longer buy them.

The security of the camp was always in doubt – not least when a fawn found its way inside the fences – and some prisoners did succeed in escaping. The final occupants left by more legitimate means in October 1919. A British propaganda film showing the camp is available to view on the website of the Imperial War Museum but much of what we know about the life and exploits of the inmates comes from memoirs later published by German officers.

On November 21, following a short AGM, we shall hear from Tony Marshall with his memories of the many years he spent as landlord of the Wheatsheaf Inn. Please join us at 7.30pm in Thurcaston Memorial Hall. The fee for visitors is £4.www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org. uk From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

THURCASTON WINTER Fair will be held in All Saints’ Church, Thurcaston, on Saturday November 25, from 10am – 1pm.

Jane Westby reports: Please join us for mulled wine with mince pies to kick

off the festive season at our Winter Fair, raising funds for the Salvation Army in the Harrison Room, and for All Saints’ Church.

In the past 15 years, you have been truly amazing in your generosity and have helped to raise thousands of pounds for those who have had such a hard struggle and lonely life. Sadly, the

get when paying by debit or credit card to empower shoppers with the knowlor by a third-party app such as PayPal. edge to shop confidently.

Whichever way you pay, make sure you Here are our top tips to avoid scams check the terms and conditions to underand help you shop online safely this stand what you’re paying for. festive season: New figures from Citizens Advice Does it seem too good to be true? reveal the charity’s national consumer If it seems too good to be true — it service is contacted by worried shoppers probably is. This is especially true for every nine seconds, totalling an average products which are ‘must-haves’ or are of over 3400 a day. The service typically sold out in major retailers. It may seem sees a spike in calls each January as like the perfect present, but you might shoppers seek help after problems with end up with nothing.

Be wary of sites offering big discounts, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and festive purchases. and ensure that you’re buying from the Find out more about your rights at retailer’s official website so that you www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer. know it’s a genuine product. You can You can call the Citizens Advice Confind out if a company is registered by sumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or searching their details on gov.uk. Sole speak to one of our Advisers if you need traders (someone who runs their own help. business) and partnerships (where two Our Local Enquiry Line is 01509 or more people run a business together) 649605 open Mondays, Tuesdays & don’t need to register with gov.uk, so Thursdays 9.30am-3pm. you’ll need to do further research on The National Advice Line is open their site to make sure they’re a genuine Mondays-Fridays 9am-5pm on Freepseller.

Check you’re buying from a trustwor- hone 0800 144 8848.

Our website is thy retailer www.charnwoodcab.org.uk and online Do some background research into advice can be found at the company. Start with an internet www.citizensadvice.org.uk search about the retailer and have a look at their official website. Make sure you find their return and refund policies so you can understand your rights if something goes wrong with your purchase. Find out how they can be contacted, where in the world they’re based and whether they’re part of a consumer Domestic Appliance protection scheme.

Seeing what others say about the Spares & Repairs retailer can help you find out if it’s a All Leading Makes Serviced legitimate seller or not. But remember 20 Years Experience to look into reviews on other websites Washers • Dryers • Dishwashers too, not just their official website.

Fridges • Cookers How do they want you to pay?

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need appears to be increasing with a hard winter predicted for a whole range of reasons.

The Salvation Army really are there for everyone in need: the homeless, who desperately need support to get off the streets, the elderly who have no visitors, families fleeing domestic violence, and those who need counselling and support for training and experience to return to the workplace. Every penny you spend will go towards those less fortunate to move forward, knowing they are surrounded by people who care and want to help.

Then move through to the church and you will find more festive activities, including teddies with tinsel flying down the zip wire, accompanied by carols and seasonal music from the Handbell Ringers and the Marydene Guitar Society.

Bring your mulled wine and mince pie with you while you browse a range of stalls with festive offerings, including cakes and preserves or ideas for presents. Then sit and listen to the music while chatting with friends. Donations of items for the stalls are welcome.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 5.

The copy deadline is Dec 15.

NOVEMBER 2023

It was set up as part of the ‘Warm Welcome – Warm Space’ initiative, to provide a welcome place to visit as heating costs soared last winter.

It is run in partnership with the Thurcaston & Cropston Good Neighbours, and the Harrison Room at All Saints Church opened its doors for the first meeting of the Hub on Wednesday November 9, 2022.

The group proved to be popular not only as a warm space but has also provided opportunities for new connections to be made and friendships to flourish.

It has continued to run every week (including over Christmas & New Year) with just a short break over the summer holidays - and then we met up one week for a garden party hosted by one of the volunteers.

A few words that sum up Wednesday

Hub – tea, coffee, cake, Scrabble, chat, knitting, puzzles and more chat! Comments from some of our regular attendees include: • “I come to meet and have a chat with lovely people and to have tea & cakes as well” • “So friendly and enjoyable to come” • “Great to share stories and make new friends” Birthdays and special occasions are celebrated throughout the year, so we will of course be recognising the Wednesday Hub’s first birthday at our meeting on Wednesday November 8 with cake!

If you would like to find out more about The Wednesday Hub please call the Thurcaston & Cropston Good Neighbours group on 07435 265397 – or alternatively, just drop in to a session between 2 and 4pm one Wednesday afternoon.

THE ROTHLEY POST

THIS MONTH will mark the first anniversary of the Thurcaston Wednesday Hub.

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Funding for buses services, which the county council is doing on a value for money basis under the Passenger Transport and Policy Assessment.

The award will enable the county council to continue its strategic review In June, the county council was given of currently subsidised services, with the additional cash allowing a wider view of the same figure from the Bus Service Improvement Plan Plus (BSIP Plus) fund the supported services.

But the council says it will not reas part of Department for Transport instate bus services which have been (DfT) settlements to more than 60 local recently withdrawn, or fund poor value transport authorities in England. bus services.

Now, a second round of funding has Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet membeen handed to the county council so ber for highways and transport said: work can continue carving out a path for sustainable rural public transport in “This money will help us, but it’s shortterm funding, not a magic wand – we’re Leicestershire.

The additional £1.79m is for 2024/25 already working hard using the money we’ve already been given to come up and work will begin soon on how the with plans on how rural areas of Leicesmoney will be distributed and support tershire can get public transport that the Government’s ambitions for this works for both the council and resifunding to maintain and support bus dents.”

A FURTHER £1.79m in Government funding has been given to Leicestershire County Council towards subsidising public transport.

Vehicle charge points A SURVEY to pinpoint where county residents want to see electric vehicle charge points placed has launched.

The county council is looking to install hundreds of public electric charge points across the county by the end of 2030 – as part of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme.

The consultation gives residents in Leicestershire a chance to have their say about where these charge points should be located.

The focus will be on residential streets and convenient locations, where there is a high proportion of housing

without access to private off-street parking.

Part of the survey will include an interactive map to allow county residents to pinpoint exactly where they would like to see a ChargePoint positioned.

With 38% of Leicestershire’s greenhouse gas emissions being from transport the installation of electric charging points will help meet the council’s goal of being a net zero county by 2045 by encouraging an increase in EV ownership.

The survey is available at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/electric-vehicle-chargepoints and will run until Thursday November 30.

Close harmony chorus THE HEART of England Chorus is a Birstall-based mixed male and female chorus, singing close harmony in the barbershop style.

Members meet at Birstall Social Club every Monday evening at 7.30pm.

“Many of our members have been singing with the group for a number of years, which is testament to their love of this style of music,” said spokeswoman Sue Withers.

“This time of year is a particularly busy time for us, a time when we can perform to a variety of people and bring a smile to their faces.”

Upcoming performances: November 25: Birstall Methodist Church Christmas Fayre, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. Performing at 11am.

November 26: RSPCA Christmas Mar-

ket, Woodside Animal Centre, Scudamore Road, Leicester. Performing at 11am.

December 1: Syston Christmas Fayre, School Street, Syston. Performing at 5pm and 6pm.

December 9: Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre, Leicester. Performing at 10.30am “Please feel free to come along to any or all of these events and enjoy our music while supporting your local communities,” said Sue. If you are interested in the chorus singing at your events/functions, or would like to join the chorus, contact John Phillips for details on 07738 526757 or email HOEChorus@gmail.com Pic: the Heart of England chorus

Lighting technician Volunteer drivers

THE ROTHLEY POST

NOVEMBER 2023

THURCASTON'S LATIMER Players are looking for a new lighting technician.

Spokeswoman Meg Grant reports: The Latimer Players are in full swing with rehearsals for their next production ‘Beauty and The Beast’. We have been performing at Thurcaston Memorial Hall since 1952 and for the past 50 years we have had the same person in charge of our on-stage lighting, but regretfully he has decided it’s time to switch off and retire.

He has let it be known that ‘Beauty and The Beast’ will be his last production.

He will be greatly missed by us all but is willing to assist his successor get to know the ropes.

Sadly, we don’t have a successor. We are looking for someone with electrical knowledge who is willing to assist us

Coil said: “Demand for the service is growing as a result of the withdrawal of rural bus services and the effects of the cost of living increases begin to bite.

With the current panel of drivers working at full stretch, many deserving cases are having to be turned away.

“Now that the summer months have There is a waiting list of over 40 local finished, if you are looking for ways to residents in urgent need of transport, fill the time otherwise spent on outside which is growing on a daily basis. hobbies and interests, why not consider Through its Social Car service, subsivolunteering your services to help over dised by County and Borough grant supthe winter months when demand is as port, the Centre is able to help the high, if not higher, than the summer? elderly, disabled and isolated residents of Syston and neighbouring communities Any number of hours you can offer - on any irregular pattern of availability - will to sustain a measure of independence be warmly welcomed. Any necessary and their community and family ties. support and training will be given. VolunTrustee Colin Grimes said: “This vital teers already involved speak of the deep service is almost totally dependent on a team of volunteer drivers who can either sense of satisfaction and fulfilment their use their own cars, in return for a gener- involvement gives.”

The Centre is based at 18 School ous mileage allowance, or one of the Centre’s own specially adapted vehicles.” Street where Manager, Andy Shelton, will be happy to welcome you. He can be In a typical month (July 2023), the contacted by phone: 0116 2607 888 or current panel of 20 drivers gave 902 email: info@syston-vc.org. The Centre’s hours of volunteer commitment, clockweb site: www.syston-vc.org (currently ing up 6089 miles completed involving undergoing a re-design) also provides 830 separate journeys. additional background information.

FOR THE first time in its 40 year history, the Syston and District twice a year in April and November, when we put on productions. We have Volunteer Centre is having to the lighting equipment and lighting deck, turn away urgent requests for but should someone wish to digitalise help because of a shortage of our system we will assist in any way possible. The choice of how it is done is volunteer drivers. entirely up to whoever volunteers.

The Latimer Players have a thriving membership and, apart from twice yearly productions, we meet every month socially for members’ events. This year we have played skittles, crazy golf, had cheese and wine does, quizzes, and a barbecue, most of which revolves around eating and drinking and generally having a pleasant time with friends. All volunteers will be made very welcome.

For more information regarding volunteering to be our lighting manager, or about our next productions, contact the Secretary Christine Deavin by email on christinedeavin@gmail.com or phone 0116 237 6855.

Club looks back on busy year Planning AS 2023 draws to a close, the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club can look back on a hugely successful 12 months.

We bounced back very well from the ‘dark year’ of the Covid pandemic, and we can boast a large list of fully paid-up members which has given us a marvellous club night average attendance of 60.

We have also continued to attract new members throughout the year.

We offer a strong programme of events with visiting speakers and outings. But we have also successfully

created a warm, friendly, relaxed atmosphere where everyone can feel an integral part of the club.

Throughout the year, we welcomed a wide range of top-class speakers, some who have visited in the past and a good number of speakers visiting us for the

the New Year or for your personal copy contact: Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116) 236 8313: cropston161@hotmail.co.uk Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club 2024 Programme of Events - Visiting Speakers and Outings Wed 10th Jan: My Life as a Garden Designer Wed 14th Feb: All Year-Round Fruit and Vegetables Wed 13th Mar: The Joy of Gardening Wed 10th Apr: Bell Flowers Wed 8th May: Over the Garden Wall – life inside a walled garden Wed 12th Jun: Plants of the Season Wed 10th Jul: Club Outing – Birmingham Botanical Gardens Wed 14th Aug: The Fragrant Garden first time. We also try to select a variety Sat 31st Aug: Annual Show of topics so there is ‘something for everyWed 11th Sep: Clematis and Other one’.

Climbers We also enjoyed two very successful Wed 23th Oct: Club Outing – Batsford Club outings. In July we visited RHS Arboretum Garden Bridgewater, and in September Wed 13th Nov: Secret Wildlife of my we visited Anglesey Abbey near CamGarden bridge. For both of these outings we Wed 11th Dec: Festive Evening had full coaches of over 50 members New members and visitors are always and guests, and they were both very welcome good days out.

Only £15 annual membership, £3 for We now look forward to the provisitors gramme of events for 2024.

Meetings are held at the Thurcaston An eye-catching poster will soon be Memorial Hall, 7.45pm available. Look out for it on local notice From Thurcaston & Cropston Garboards and in local garden centres in dening Club

applications P/23/2012/2: 6 Hornecroft, Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7RS T1 Lime tree Raise crown over garden of no. 6 Hornecroft to approx. 25-30ft, allow a little more light into garden.

P/23/2001/2: Former St John’s Ambulance North Street Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7NN Section 73 Variation of Condition 2 (Approved Plans) of Planning Application ref: P/20/1219/2 (Demolition of the existing building on-site and the erection of an apartment building comprising of 4 dwellings and associated facilities, and alterations to the vehicular access and parking arrangements). Variation to consist of the incorporation of a communal games room and roof top garden via a roof redesign and dormers P/23/1976/2 Step Cottage 8 Fowke Street Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7PJ Application for pruning works to Ash tree covered by CBC TPO. Proposal is to undertake a 1 metre crown reduction to reduce interference with garden furniture and reduce overhang across property boundary.

P/23/1957/2 St Mary’s Church, Church Grounds Church Street Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7PD T1-tag no. 6790-mature single stem cherry sp. 2 branches causing damage to roof of property 14 Church Street, Rothley. Intended works-Remove branches to main stem. This will not cause imbalance to the tree. T2-tag no. 6792mature single stem cherry sp. 2 branches hanging low over driveway of property 14 Church Street, Rothley. Intended worksremove growth to first major join on heavy stems to lift canopy to reduce the risk of injury/damage to vehicles.

P/23/1940/2: 70 Swithland Lane Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7SE Lime tree located between 2 properties: Crown Reduce by 40-50% Small Conifer tree: Whole Tree Removal P/23/1919/2: Ridge House 1 Windmill End Rothley Leicestershire LE7 7RP Erection of two storey side extension, single storey front porch extension and single storey rear extension.

P/23/1818/2: Thurcaston Grange 94 Rectory Lane Thurcaston Leicestershire LE7 7JQ Fell 1 TPO protected Beech tree for reasons of poor health and heart rot within the trunk.

P/23/1889/2: 32 Station Road Cropston Leicestershire LE7 7HD Removal of existing glazing to three no. ground floor windows to the front elevation and re-glazing with slimlite triple glazing.

The next issue of

THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Jan 5.

The copy deadline is Dec 15.

Pics: Fowke Street Playing Field & Anthony Street

LIKE MANY areas across the country, Rothley saw some very high water levels as the result of the storm Babet passing through in October.

At one stage Fowke Street was closed to traffic, and other low lying areas were under water.

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Flooding after storm

THE ROTHLEY POST

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