Rothley Post (165) Mar/Apr 2024

she competed in an international tournament at the Rafa Nadal Academy, finishing fifth out of 32 players.

Deayenna has been representing Leicestershire at county level since she was six years old, and last summer she won the under 10’s singles competition in the county.

She said: “I was so happy at winning this trophy as it is the same trophy that Katie Boulter has her name on, and now my name will be next to hers in the records.” She added: “Meeting my favourite tennis player, Rafa Nadal, at his academy was a very special moment for me - he was kind enough to stop his car outside the academy to have a photo with me, and I will not forget that moment.”

Rothley Ivanhoe Tennis Club continues to go from strength to strength with opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to play.

“From our successful junior programme to adult match and social play, the club has a lot to offer,” says Anne Mumford, Chair of the Tennis Club. “We have also been delighted this year with the development of some of our young people undertaking Tennis Leaders and coaching courses, and starting to assist with our coaching programmes. They are excellent role models for the younger children.”

The club was successful at the 2024 Tennis Leicestershire Awards evening. Tim Stanton was awarded the Development Coach of the Year, and John Mumford, who was a line judge at Wimbledon in 2023, was recognised as Official of the Year. The club also picked up league division winner awards for the club's Mixed Doubles First Team, the men's and women's over 40s teams and the Men's National League.

More information about the club is at www.rothleytennis.info or contact enquiries@rothleytennis.info

full-time staff at the railway on a voluntary redundancy programme.

Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of the railway, said: “We know this will be a disappointing decision because the event is visited by thousands of people every year. However, it costs a significant amount of money to stage and while the railway moves through staffing and financial changes, we feel this is the most prudent thing to do.”

The GCR say that a number of the re-enactors who have been an important part of the success of previous events will be out of the country and attending events in Normandy.

A field adjacent to Quorn and Woodhouse station that hosts displays and the popular 1940s shopping village is also unavailable this year. Both of these factors would effectively make the whole event financially unviable, say the GCR.

The railway is planning a new event in 2025 that will pay homage to the pivotal role of railways during the 1940s.

Richard Bruce, Head of Stations and Events said: “This brand-new event will encapsulate the entire decade, celebrating the wartime years and exploring the profound impact the railways had on the

country in the post-war years.

“With the collaboration of re-enactors, the 2025 event promises to be a comprehensive retrospective, encompassing not only the valiant efforts of the allied forces during wartime but also delving into the unity and resilience that defined post-war Britain. Great Central Railway is committed to creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of the 1940s, highlighting the railway's role in shaping both the past and the future.” He added: “We really appreciate the support of the many people who have been involved with this event over the last few years, including our loyal visitors, our volunteers, and the broader community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the exciting new

event in 2025.”

To replace the WWII event in 2024, during the May half-term week, the GCR will be running a family event from Wednesday May 29 to Sunday June 2, including a return of steam locomotives to the Mountsorrel branch line. In addition, on June 1 and for the first time, there will be an overnight gala of passenger and goods trains to recreate the experience of a mainline railway at night.

Pic: scenes from the GCR’s World War II Weekend in Rothley

Council awards grants

OVER £40,000 has been allocated to 16 projects by Charnwood Borough Council in its latest round of community grants.

£970 was awarded to Friends of Mountsorrel Castle Gardens towards improvements to Castle Park, and £1,425 to the Leslie Edwards Trust towards lipreading & communication skills classes in Loughborough & Birstall

The Council awards Charnwood Community Grants worth tens of thousands of pounds per year to help support community groups and projects across the borough.

Cllr Liz Blackshaw, the Council’s lead member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “It is fantastic to see so many community projects supported through our latest round of grants.

“These projects offer great services to our residents, and they play a massive role within our community.

“I would encourage any community projects within Charnwood to have a look and apply for any funding which they are eligible for.”

Charnwood Men & Women in Sheds have been awarded £2,000 towards their running costs. The group offers the chance for people to socialise and share skills in producing pottery, woodcraft, ironmongery and gardening.

Applications for Charnwood Community Grants for 2024/25 open in April. To find out more details about Charnwood Community Grants and how to apply visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwood grants

If you’d like to be notified of when the grant rounds are open for applications, contact VCSupport@charnwood.gov.uk

Fond farewell from Jim & Sharon

AFTER MORE than 30 years of running Corts hardware store in Rothley, owners Jim and Sharon Cort are stepping back and handing the reins over to Sharon’s sister Marie, and her husband Ade.

Jim and Sharon first opened the store in November 1993, and have built a thriving business that is at the heart of village life.

Jim said: “We have had many wonderful years serving the people of Rothley and the surrounding villages, and with it being our 30th anniversary in business last year, it really did make us both think how very quickly time passes by. It would have been so easy just to carry on doing a job that we both still love, but we have taken the decision to make a change now before we are too old to experience the new adventures that we want to do.”

Sharon said: “I have worked in the village all of my life, and know many people and different generations of the same family, many of which are good friends, and it has been a privilege to have served and known them all. I’m sure it will seem strange at first not to be running the shop, but we have agreed to do holiday cover and the odd day where needed, so we won’t be disappearing completely!”

Jim added: “We have faced many challenges over the past 30 years, but it is only due to our wonderful loyal customers that we have survived and thrived,

for which we are very grateful. We both have many happy memories of our time at Corts, and would like to say a massive heartfelt thank you to all our fantastic customers, we will miss you.”

Sharon said: “It will be business as

usual, with our great staff of Mark, Ben, Harrison, Jacob and Mason carrying on the good work, and we wish them and Marie and Ade all the very best for the future.”

Pic: (l-r) Ade Corbett, Marie Corbett, Sharon Cort & Jim Cort

Items fixed for free at repair café

in the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre (MMC).

What is the MMC Repair Café?

The MMC Repair Café is a free community event, located at the MMC Café and focused on repairing things. You can bring a broken household item to the café where a volunteer will assess the item and will either fix it - while you grab a coffee and cake in the café - or will help you make a plan for how and where to get the item fixed.

What can you repair?

They fix small electrical items like

bring a photograph or show them an image on a device but please make sure you can see the fault on the photo.

When is the next MMC Repair Café?

Sunday March 17, 2024 at 10am

Sunday April 14, 2024 at 10am

The café is run by the Fix it Group 23, a not-for-profit voluntary community interest organisation that is fully insured, and aims to support people during difficult times and to reduce the number of items going to landfill and expensive to run recycling facilities until it is absolutely necessary.

toasters, kettles, radios, vacuum cleaners and hi-fis.

Most of these items can be fixed using replacement parts we carry or just some glue! They fix clothes, soft toys and anything else that either a needle or thread or a sewing machine can work on. They fix a variety of toys,

clocks and small items of furniture.

Sometimes they can’t fix things... and sometimes, if items look fragile, they won’t try but they’re always happy to offer advice or try and help you find a professional repairer. What should I bring?

Bring your broken item! Please make sure you have all the parts and it is clean. If your item is large then you can

The idea of the group was realised by John Fitzgerald who, with the support of close friend and colleague Paul Worth, together founded the organisation in 2023. Both John and Paul are passionate about the positive impact Repair Cafés have on their local community for both the people and the environment. It had always been John’s dream to be a part of a Repair Café, and it is through The Fix it Group 23 that this became a reality when they hosted their first Repair Café at the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre Venue in October 2023.

John said: “Repair Cafés help household items be used for longer rather than throwing them away. This reduces the volume of raw materials and energy needed to make new products. It cuts CO2 emissions by reusing instead of manufacturing new products. We also aim to promote a repairing culture by inviting each one of our visitors to sit with a volunteer repairer, our Repair Cafés show appreciation for the people who have practical knowledge and ensure these valuable skills are getting passed on. Repair Cafés promote social cohesion in the community by connecting local residents from all different backgrounds.”

Pic: reapirs underway in the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre

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 18 Mar/ Apr 2024

Rothley Parish Councillors

Andrew Brettle

Hannah Feeley

Mike Ferguson

Roger Gross

Graham Hall

Percy Hartshorn

Steve Mitchell

Barry Simons

Paresh Vaitha

Christine Watts

RPC Administration

Parish Clerk: Gail Newcombe

Senior Administrator: Sue Wyles

Facilities Admin. Sue Beaumont

Caretaking staff

Jenny Cornish

Andy Hodgson

Rothley Craft Group

The wonderful array of woollen tops that adorn the post box in Woodgate is the work of a group based at Rothley Library, who meet fortnightly on Tuesdays, 2.30 – 4.30 December’s piece shown here with dusting of snow! Cemetery

Repointing of the brick pillars (erected in 1904 when the cemetery first opened) has been completed along with repainting of the large metal entry gates.

The Parish Council went to great lengths to find a way to restore the original RPC sign on the metal badges on each gate, which over time had worn away. We are grateful for the help of local graphic artist Jen Moore who assisted us with the task of finding the appropriate design and font. She also designed the new wildflower signs which will be placed at various village sites.

Hearing Loops

3 large rooms in the Rothley Centre have been fitted with hearing loops. Users who have hearing aids will be able to enhance the sound from talks, lectures, films etc by setting aids to the T position.

Parish Council noticeboards

A new noticeboard has been sited at Sheppard Way on the Rothley Meadows Estate. Even though we live in an age of social media noticeboards are still a functional way to give information. Notices must be no bigger than A4, of a non commercial nature and should not obscure others which are current and have a right to be there. It would be appreciated if a notice is put up to advertise an event that it is removed shortly after the event is over.

Off Road Cycle Track

Thanks to a further generous donation from Tarmac the surface of the track has been upgraded with 5mm mill waste which will bind into the track to make it more resilient especially during wet weather.

Volunteers from the community have over a period of time spent some time barrowing the material around the track.

Volunteers have also included many of the young people who will benefit from the improvement which is due to be complete by early 2024.

Wildflower Group

The verge along Hallfields Lane was cleared and prepared for the planting of Ox Eye Daisies, Lady’s Bedstraw and sowing of Red Campion and Yellow Rattle seeds. These plants will, once established will reduce the dominance of grass. In addition, the group planted some bulbs in drifts among the Marion Vincent copse on Fowke Street Playing Field. The planting of bulbs was under taken by regular volunteers; Nita, Tony, Lynne, Mark, Sue & Steve with help from clients and staff from Freedom Active.

Parish Precept 2024/25

The ‘precept’ (the Parish Council’s share of your Council

Tax) makes up the greater part of our income, with a further significant contribution coming from the hiring of rooms at the Rothley Centre and Village Hall. Both buildings have been open throughout 2023/24 following the closures due to Covid restrictions. This together with the refurbishment of the Rothley Centre and recent improvements to the Village Hall means that this income stream has improved. This means that for the coming year the precept will only need to be increased by a relatively small amount, from £204,925 in 2023/24 to £209,023 in 2024/25, an increase of 2%.

The Parish Council’s total budget for 2023/24 was £263,642. This has risen to £280,132 for 2024/25, an increase of about 6%.

The breakdown of Parish Council expenditure for 2024/25 will be approximately as follows:

Salaries (Clerk, premises) 31.4% Admin/operating costs. 10.0%, Open spaces/ cemetery. 25.0%, Village Hall 4.5%, Street Lighting 6.0%, Rothley Centre 13.0%, Insurance 3.0%. Other 7.0%.

Parking on verges

The Parish Council often get complaints from local residents about motorists parking on verges and causing damage to the grass, which looks unsightly.

The Parish Council sympathise with the residents who are affected by this but have no powers over grass verges within the village. Verges are the responsibility of Leics. County Council to whom the complaints should be directed.

News from Soar Valley bowling club

SOAR VALLEY Bowling Club is located between Rothley and Mountsorrel on the site formerly occupied by Rolls Royce.

In 2023, for the first time, the club enjoyed year-round facilities at its newly refurbished clubhouse.

Club spokesman Tony Champion said: “We welcome new talent of all ages. During the forthcoming season, SVBC will be

holding several events to welcome anyone interested in taking up bowling and social opportunities.

“Our club is keen to welcome people to attend our club on Monday May 27, 2024, when we open our green and facilities to the local community to take part in the national ‘Bowls England Big Weekend’”

The club’s website details the relevant information and contact details.

http://www.soarvalleybowlsclub.co.uk

Carla and David Ward won the 2023 club championships. Tony said: “This was a terrific achievement in only their second season of bowling. David is currently being sponsored by the club to attain his Bowls England coaching qualification. The couple have always enjoyed sport and look forward to achieving further bowling success at our club and more widely in County and National competitions.”

The club’s most senior bowler, Colin Bettany (91), can be seen walking his daily five-mile constitutional around Mountsorrel, Rothley and Swithland.

Tony said: “His amazing bowling career spans several decades. The club’s Honours Boards are testimony to his multiple club championship wins, plus innumerable other competition successes. Colin played professional football for Crewe Alexandra, Birmingham City and

Torquay United. After 10 years, in 1966, Colin hung up his football boots having played over 300 matches for Torquay. He credits his sporting longevity to ‘getting up every day with a purpose and staying active’.”

Pic: (l-r) Carla Ward, Colin Bettany and David Ward

Pic: players at Soar Valley Bowling Club

Local artist’s work on display in hall

SOME OF our sharper-eyed readers may have noticed something new on the walls of Thurcaston’s Memorial Hall.

Pictures of familiar scenes and buildings around our parish now add a touch of culture to the main room.

They were created by local artist Bert Manton, who in his heyday was well known for his illustrations which ap-

peared in a Leicester-based trade magazine around the world and for reproductions on pottery and fabrics.

Donated by his daughter, Audrey Geary, the Parish Council officially accepted them on Monday, January 8 at their monthly meeting. Audrey, accompanied by her son Richard, was presented with a bouquet of flowers and thanked by Parish Councillor, Sylvia Cole, before

the start of official business.

Bert’s success was even more remarkable when you realise that he only took up his ‘hobby’ when he retired from his job as a joiner and carpenter. He initially worked from photographs and postcards, but liked to visit the places he drew to capture extra detail and soak in the atmosphere for the final composition.

He was in constant demand, drawing for local fundraising activities and executing commissions for friends. Indeed,

many fundraising tea towels, mugs and calendars at the time bore his drawings of local landmarks.

It is said he had a lively wit, which he used to best advantage in his anecdotes of old Leicester. He had a sharp sense of what he considered to be ‘right and proper’ and would not shrink from proclaiming those beliefs.

The Parish is very lucky indeed to be able to display some examples of such a rare and local talent!

From Sylvia Cole

Damage to swings

SOME OF the children’s play parks in Rothley are currently being affected by anti-social behaviour.

Hard rubber seats on swings are being damaged (pictured above).

A spokesman for Rothley Parish Council said: “The people responsible for this are not only ruining play opportunities for young children while these swings are out of action, but also causing the

Parish Council to spend significant sums of public money on paying for replacements, the seats being around £120 each. The Council recently spent over £700 on replacements.”

The Parish Council are asking members of the public that if they see any damage being done, to report it as soon as possible by ringing the Parish Office on 0116 237 4544 / 07749624211 (out of hours) or contacting a parish councillor.

Pic: artist Bert Manton

Pic (top): (l-r) Cllr Mark Charles, Audrey Geary and her son Richard

THE SYSTON Banking Hub has now moved from its temporary home in the Community Centre to 1262 Melton Road, the former premises of Santander.

The official opening of the Hub was on Friday February 23.

The new facility brings cash and everyday banking services to the community.

Opening hours

Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 17:00

Sat & Sun: Closed

Transactions available at the counter

Withdraw cash

Deposit cash

Deposit cheques

Pay utility bills

Check your account balance

Collect change (registered business customers)

The hub is run by Cash Access UK, an organisation set up to protect nationwide access to cash. Customers can also talk to their own bank about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the hub, with a different bank available on each day of the week.

Community Banker availability

Mon: Santander, Tue: NatWest, Wed: Lloyds, Thu: HSBC, Fri: Barclays

Banking hub Hospital upgrade

THE CHEMOTHERAPY suite at the Leicester Royal Infirmary will be refurbished after a charity appeal raised £700,000.

Leicester Hospitals Charity launched The Chemotherapy Suite Appeal, with the support of GEMS Charity, to raise funds for the refurbishment and upgrade of the facilities at the Osborne Building.

The refurbishment of the chemotherapy suite, which has been made possible by the generosity of supporters and the community across Leicestershire, will feature modern amenities and six additional chairs with the required equipment to allow 4000 more chemotherapy treatments a year.

Sunita Patel, Acting Head of Leicester Hospitals Charity, said: “We are immensely grateful to the community, supporters, and volunteers who have contributed to the success of the Chemotherapy Suite Appeal. This achievement shows the power of community-driven initiatives in making a tangible difference in the lives of patients.

“The upgraded chemotherapy suite will provide a more comfortable and supportive environment for individuals undergoing treatment.”

Brownies’amazing trip to Paris

THE 1st Mountsorrel Brownies and Guides departed for a fourday trip to Disneyland Paris last October.

The 3am start was not relished by leaders or parents, but the girls didn’t seem to mind and there was lots of excited chatter on the coach, perhaps because for some it was their first trip abroad.

After a long day of travel, we arrived at the hotel in time for a spectacular buffet with a truly impressive selection of food. Days two and three were spent in the parks enjoying the rides, exploring the iconic castle, attempting to pull King Arthur’s sword from the stone and watching the Halloween and

Princess parades.

The night-time light show with a backdrop of fireworks against the castle was superb – Disney certainly know how to put on a show!

Day four saw us finishing the trip with a cruise on the Seine to take in the historic monuments and allowed for photo opportunities with the Eifel Tower and Notre Dame, which is now free from scaffolding on one side, before heading home.

It was a really amazing trip, and we can’t wait to return! Our thanks go to Venture Abroad, Skills coaches, Dobbies, Apac and the 24 fabulous children for their exemplary behaviour.

To find out more about volunteering with us, or to register your daughter, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk

From Mountsorrel Brown-

ies

Noticeboard

St Leonard's Church Swithland Annual Bluebell Service

Will take place in Swithland Woods on Sunday 5th May at 3pm by the Great Pit.

Our choir will be joined by the Kibworth Brass Band and our collection given to The Exaireo Trust, a Christian charity based in Loughborough to support the homeless

Syston Model Railway Society

Once again we shall be having our annual model show at ROOTS@Thorpe Farm, Barkby Thorpe, LE7 3QE on May 11th and 12th.

Our exhibition features 11 working layouts in various gauges and 7 specialist traders. Admission is £5 for adults, £4 for unaccompanied children under 16, Family

(2+2) £10 and FREE for accompanied children. Payment can be made in advance; see the website for further information.

The opening times are 10am to 4:30pm on Saturday and 10am to £4 on Sunday. There will be plenty of parking and refreshments will be available.

The Farm Shop will be also be open over the weekend.

Information – Telephone 07948419664

Email –

systonmodelrailway@gmx.co.uk

Website – www.systonmrs.org.uk

Rothley First Friday Film Club

At the Rothley Centre

1)

2)

Friday 5th April, 2pm ‘One Life’

the British Committee for Refugees in Czechoslovakia to rescue hundreds of predominantly Jewish children before Nazi occupation closes the borders. Fifty years later, Nicky (Anthony Hopkins) is haunted by the fate of the children he wasn't able to bring to safety in England. It's not until the BBC show "That's Life!" reintroduces him to some of those he helped rescue that he finally begins to come to terms with the guilt and grief he carried -- all the while skyrocketing from anonymity to a national hero. Note at this screening the will be the opportunity to vote for films for May 3 & June 7.

The Arts Society

Charnwood

New Venue For 2024

Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall 50a Main Street LE12 8RZ 7.15pm for 7.30pm

Thursday March 14

"Rococo Silver"

Presenter: Ralph Hoyle

Thursday April 11

"Caravaggio, Painter Extraordinaire"

Presenter: Keith Bonser

Visitors Welcome

Tickets £10 at the door

Syston Neighbourhood Mental Health Café

ple live in a care home! Driven by a sense of duty and desire to remember his fallen comrades, Bernie decides to ESCAPE from the care home. He makes his own way to join his fellow war veterans in Normandy. This is a charming film.

“Ticket to Paradise”

May 10

Based on the book ‘If It's Not Impossible’...: The Life of Sir Nicholas Winton, One Life tells the incredible, emotional true story of Nicholas 'Nicky' Winton a young London broker who visits Prague in December 1938. In a race against time, Winton convinces

Drop in for a chat if you’re struggling 12 - 3pm every Thursday

Old School Room, Syston Community Centre, LE7 1HN Tracey@ruralcc.org.uk | 07752 183044

NHS Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland

Gorse Hill City Farm

Anstey Lane, Leicester, LE4 0FJ Join us for some fun this Easter Holiday

Monday 25th March - Sunday 7th April 2024

Egg-citing Easter Trail - £2pp

Meet The Small Animals sessions£2pp

Meet The Pygmy Goats sessions£2pp

Guided Tours - Free to take part

Meet The Ponies - Free to take part

See our Facebook page for updates and more information.

Open every day: 10am – 4pm

Friday Night Films in Thurcaston

“The Great Escaper”

April 12, 96 mins

Our long awaited film in April is based on a true story about an octogenarian, played by Sir Michael Caine and his wife, played by double Oscar winner, Glenda Jackson. The 70th Anniversary DDay commemorations are soon to take place in France but the cou-

Our May film is a romantic comedy starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts who have each won British Academy Awards during their outstanding careers. They play a divorced couple who have a loving daughter Lily, who plans a trip to Bali in Indonesia, where she meets Gede, a seaweed farmer. Is it wise for them to marry so soon? There is breathtaking scenery in Bali but are Mum and Dad, David and Georgia, too old to rekindle their love for each other?

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

Charnwood Local Group of the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust

Wed April 10, 7.30pm

Celebrating the Origins of Animals' Life: Building a UNESCO Global Geopark in Charnwood Forest Dr Jack Matthews will outline the significant geodiversity of Charnwood Forest, including the outstanding ancient fossils (which are some of the oldest in the world) and the way the Forest has shaped the landscape, communities and people of Britain's "unexpected upland".

Wed May 8, 7.30pm

Bats are Amazing

Peter Proudlove will introduce us to the bats of the U.K., their lifecycles and ecology. This will be followed by a walk around the village to discover what bats are

present in the area. Please wear sturdy footwear, bring a torch and a bat detector (if you have one). Talks are held at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall

Admission £3 member, £3.50 non members and free for children

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. We also extend an invite to our Easter Celebration Family Service

Sunday March 31

10.30am followed by refreshments

We look forward to seeing you

Birstall Flower Club

Wed March 27, 2024

Birstall Village Hall 7.15pm

Demonstrator: Paula Routledge

Title: Life's A Ball

Visitors £7

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

The Rothley History Society

Meetings are held on a Wednesday evening each month in the Old School Rooms, School Street, Rothley at 7.30pm

We have an interesting and varied programme which includes:

20th March - 'High Sheriff of Rutland', Andrew Brown

17th April - 'The Windrush Community in Leicester', Cllr G Cole

15th May - 'Before the Welfare State', Gay Evans

19th June - 'The Finds of the Broadnook Dig', James Harvey

The Charnwood Orchestra

Our celebratory 50th season

continues

Our next concert is on 23 March, 7.30pm

Emmanuel Church Loughborough LE11 3NW

Brahms Tragic Overture

Schumann Piano Concerto – Soloist Robert Markham

Dvorak – New World Symphony

Details on tickets can be found at www.charnwoodorchestra.org.uk

Email

Tickets@charnwoodorchestra.org. uk for reservations

History society news

WHAT WOULD you discover if you could take a slice through 1500 years of Leicester’s history?

“Leicester Cathedral Revealed” is a project to refurbish the building and accommodate the 10-fold increase in visitors since Richard III was re-interred there. To create the basement rooms of the new interpretation centre, a hole was cut six metres deep in the north-east corner of the graveyard – but not before Mathew Morris and his team from the University of Leicester had seized this rare opportunity to investigate a continuous sequence of archaeology in the heart of the city. At the Society’s first meeting of the New Year, our members and visitors heard an excellent presentation by Mathew, explaining what the excavation had uncovered.

The uppermost burials date from just before the graveyard was closed in 1856. In some of them, nameplates from the coffins can still be read so we can match the individuals to their historical records. For example, Edward Wilkinson was a surgeon at the Infirmary – where he bought Leicester’s first ambulance – and subsequently the first house officer at the new Lunatic Asylum.

in underground spaces – but not the full-blown Roman temple that legend tells us lies beneath the Cathedral!

Altogether, the excavation found more than 19,000 artefacts and 1237 skeletons. They are being treated with respect and will be re-buried at Gilroes Cemetery, close to other remains that have been recovered from medieval churchyards. Meanwhile, analysis of the

In 1846 he died of typhus, which was so prevalent in the city that it was nicknamed the “Leicester disease”. Like many of the individuals who have been identified, Edward lived within the parish of St Martin, close to the church.

Lower levels take us further back in time and reveal changing burial practices. In the medieval period, bodies were usually buried in simple shrouds, of which the fastening pins can sometimes be found.

In Georgian times, those “at rest” wore sleeping attire but the Victorians preferred to dress them in their Sunday best. The use of coffins became gradually more prevalent, at first being built by local furniture makers and decorated with upholstery studs; later using massproduced fittings that can be matched with examples in catalogues from the period.

Towards the end of the excavation, the team discovered a deep pit containing a mass burial.

Radiocarbon techniques date it to around 1100AD and this probably represents a previously unknown outbreak of disease in the city. This date is also earlier than the first written record of St Martin’s, making it highly likely that it was one of the six Leicester churches mentioned in the Domesday Book.

A final surprise was a chamber of Roman date, which had painted walls and contained the base of an altar. It was probably a private shrine belonging to one of several cults that worshipped

At our February meeting, our old friend Peter Liddle explained how the Dissolution of the Monasteries played out in our local area.

The Dissolution happened because of a combination of factors. Henry VIII was desperate to divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. The pope would not give permission so in 1534 Henry took matters into his own hands and declared himself Supreme Head of the Church in England. This gave his chief minister Thomas Cromwell (of Wolf Hall fame) an opportunity to exercise his strongly Protestant views and start dismantling the system of Catholic monasteries. Cromwell moved quickly: by the following year he had carried out a valuation of the assets of the Church and the first wave of suppression of the smaller religious houses took place in 1536.

findings will continue, with researchers in many fields showing interest in the resulting data about the residents of one place over such a long period. You can follow progress on the monthly blog at: https://ulasnews.com/ leicester-cathedral-revealed/

In the medieval period, this country had numerous abbeys and priories, which were widely believed to make a vital contribution to society. The prayers and contemplation by the monks and nuns supported the spiritual well-being of the whole population. They also provided services such as education, accommodation for travellers and charity for the poor or sick. So why did these institutions disappear and how did some end up as grand stately homes like those at Newstead (pictured), Woburn or even Downton Abbey?

The process usually began with a visit to look for examples of misconduct that would provide an excuse for closure. Then commissioners would arrive with a document for members of the religious community to sign, which surrendered the property. They were usually offered generous pensions to make it easy to comply, with a threat of violence for those who would not. The commissioners would then sell off the contents, including any building materials of value. The lead from the roof was often the most valuable asset: at Leicester Abbey it contributed £1000 to the total valuation of £1500. Removing the roof had the further advantage of making the church unusable. The land, including any wider estates, was also sold and the proceeds went to the Crown, largely to fund Henry’s wars against France. Corruption

was rife: there are several local exam-

Pics: (above) Leicester Cathedral, (below)Newstead Abbey

what is known about each of them.

Leicester Abbey was by far the largest, owning a deer park and estate that extended almost out to Thurcaston. It was probably considered for conversion into a cathedral to split up the enormous diocese of Lincoln.

Instead, that honour went to Peterborough; Leicester Abbey itself was demolished but its grand gatehouse was extended first by the Hastings and then by the Cavendish family.

Ulverscroft Priory is the best local example that survives, though its ruins are now at risk. At Breedon and Owston part of the original church was preserved to serve the parish, while other sites have disappeared completely. In most cases, the church was destroyed but other buildings such as the dormitory or abbot’s lodging were incorporated into a new country house, which could take advantage of a site with a good water supply, drainage, firm foundations and available materials. Such houses often have a tell-tale arrangement that follows the plan of the original cloister. At Launde, Charley and Langley Priory, parts of the medieval fabric can still be found and the same was probably true at Garendon Hall until it was sadly demolished in the 1960s. The rubble was used to provide hardcore for the building of the M1 motorway so you might be driving over it whenever you pass Junction 23!

At our next meeting, Ned Newitt will be telling us about the Rupert Street Revolt of 1921, when a demonstration marched on Leicester’s Poor Law Offices to seek justice for the unemployed.

Do join us in Thurcaston Memorial Hall at 7.30pm on March 19. The fee for visitors is £4.

www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk

From Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

Latimer Players’April show

THEIR PRODUCTION of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ sold to packed houses every night, and now The Latimer Players are pleased to announce their next production will be ‘Move Over Mrs Markham’, a farce written by hilarious comedy writers Ray Cooney and John Chapman.

“The Latimer Players last did this play in 1991 and feel it is still topical today,”

said a spokeswoman.

She added: “The story is about a couple whose 15-year-old marriage has lost some of the passion it used to have. To ignite the flame, they are going out to dinner but fail to tell each other that she has promised the flat to her friend whose neglectful husband is never home, and he has promised the flat to the same neglectful husband. Both couples hope to have a secret liaison with their intended lovers. Add into the mix the interior designer who has designs on the au pair, and you have a fun-packed evening of

Monday Club news

MR PETER Coombs told us about some of the things he has done in his varied life at our January meeting.

He grew up in London and freely admits that he was not a good pupil at school. There was not much encouragement to find an interesting career, so he had to find his own pathway. He started in a roofing company at the age of 15 and learnt a lot about the trade.

entertainment with the couples all vying for the master bedroom of the Markham’s apartment.”

The production will take place in The Memorial Hall, Thurcaston, on April 25, 26 and 27, 2024. The evening’s entertainment will have café style seating where you are invited to bring drinks and nibbles to add to your enjoyment.

Tickets are priced at £8 each and are available from Christine Deavin.

christinedeavin@gmail.com or 0116 237 6855.

out to be a tiny telescope, which he used for years; it was similar to one made by Zeiss.

Books and pictures can be hard to sell. Once he bought an almost black unsigned picture and cleaned it, ready to sell.

The dealer said it was probably a Benjamin Blake, but that George Stevens was similar and very popular at the moment, so they would offer it under that name instead!

Mr Coombs was happy to answer many questions from the audience. After we had all enjoyed our refreshments, the meeting closed just after 4pm.

In February, Mr Tim Marren, CEO of the Peter Le Marchant Trust, talked to a packed audience about the charity’s origins.

Then he decided to start a transport company, similar to a courier service for commercial goods, which he ran for years. He loves motorbikes and became a dealer for a while. He took up rock climbing at fifty, and even became an instructor.

For some time, he worked as a TV and film extra. His son liked toy trains: one day, they visited a local antiques fair, and eventually Peter and his wife became antique dealers themselves, but are now retired.

Nowadays he occupies himself mainly with giving talks and writing books, such as “Friday the Sixteenth”, which attracted good reviews.

Some people are interested in antiques and many more in “collectables”, which could mean anything really. He once bought a US silver dollar in the market, even though the man explained that it was actually a fake, sold it at a profit, and went back to the stall and found another one! Jewellery is hard to sell for reasonable cash. Items can fetch huge prices, like corkscrews, cameras and fountain pens. Old-fashioned 78 rpm records may be valuable; one buyer

showed him that some have a special “stamp” in the middle which was related to payments to the artist. He was never interested in china or glass items, coins or stamps. He and his wife tended to buy large quantities of things like furniture rather than single items. One day, a customer was looking at his stall and he mentioned that the large tome in front of him appeared to be the family Bible of Lord So-and-So. She said that her name before marriage happened to be the same, and she quickly identified several members of her family from the names inscribed in it. He kindly offered it to her for the modest sum he had given for it, but instead of being happy, she barked, Why on earth would I want that? and stormed off!

One item which was better received was an old trophy and a photograph of a racing cyclist with the trophy.

They actually tracked down the club and the man who had won the trophy and visited him, buying some more stuff.

As they were walking along the street afterwards, they ran straight into a policeman, who demanded to know where they had got the loot from! (It all got sorted out.). Mr Coombs showed us some items he had found, like a bottle opener with a design number, folding metal coat hangers from the USA dated 1915, and a tiny camera similar to the one used to take the pictures of the 1953 first ascent of Everest. He mentioned that some clocks and watches used to be made with tiny chains and parts assembled by child labour, causing some to go blind after a few years. Once he cleaned an object which turned

It was started in 1976 by Clare Le Marchant Connell in memory of her brother, who had been a war correspondent. She is still an active member of the team which runs it today. He gave out leaflets showing some of the trips which the Trust can offer on their canal boats, which are specially designed and equipped to cater for people with a wide variety of physical or mental problems. Some members of the Monday Club had in fact been on trips already, and had enjoyed them so much that they had booked another one this spring!

In the early days Clare had an unconventional idea. She got a wide boat and made it possible for wheelchair users to get onto and off it safely. At that time disabled people were often not wanted and ignored, but she felt differently, and despite a lot of opposition and objections she did it anyway. She was not afraid to get her hands dirty, and the Continued on page 15

Rothley Park golf club welcomes new captains

AN ANNUAL tradition at Rothley Park Golf Club is the New Year’s Day ‘Putt Out’ and ‘Drive In’ of the outgoing and incoming Captains.

“There was a terrific turnout of members to welcome the new Captains and to thank the past captains, Andy Simpson and Tuula Hastings, for their outstanding work during 2023 – and it didn’t rain!” said a club spokesperson.

The Men’s Captain for 2024 is Phil Bamford. A keen golfer of over 40 years and a member of Rothley Park for the past 21 years, Phil has represented the club and county. He captained Rothley Park’s 1st Team for three years, winning promotion to Division 1. Phil played regularly for the 1st Team until 2019, was on the club council and was competitions chairman for several years. Recently retired, Phil is really looking forward to his year as Captain of the men’s section.

He said: “I was very proud when my

Continued from page 14

first crew on the boat she skippered were all female, and in fact were all mothers and friends.

The business has grown a lot over the years. The Trust now have two boats which were built in 1980 and 1981, Serenade and Symphony, which can hold up to 26 people at a time. There is a lift built into the boats, which can even cope with a big wheelchair, such as that of a famous large built rugby player who has been on a trip. Melody, a narrow boat for self-hire, was replaced by a new boat, Jubilee, built at the beginning of the Covid lockdown by a man and wife team at Thurmaston. It has a wetroom, a big TV and a fridge designed to hold lots of wine! Skippered trips run daily from March to October.

Although Mr Marren has only five part-time staff, there are about 140 volunteers covering many different skills, and they encourage young people to become involved in all aspects of the business. There are ten qualified skippers. It takes 70 hours to gain the Boat Master’s licence, and they must pass an annual medical check. In addition to work done directly on the boats, there is an excellent gardening team which keeps the base looking attractive. They choose bee-friendly plants, and have fruit trees plus a sensory garden. The Trust currently issue their own certificates, but they are also trying to link up with a college for future recognition of the volunteers’ work. The Trust have won awards including the Queen’s Award for Volunteering, and the new Leicestershire Hospitality Award.

During the Covid outbreak, the Trust realised there was a market in individuals. Business grew from only five people who went on the first trip, to around 50 on the sixth trip. People talked to each other and the Trust received valuable feedback, which was useful when they were asking for grants from bodies like the National Lottery or from clubs. Being near to water has been identified as a major beneficial influence for peo-

son Dylan was Junior Captain in 2020 and my wife Louise is hoping to take up the game following some coaching. My chosen charity for my year in office is Bowel Cancer research. We lost a good friend and Past Captain, Stuart Birtwistle, to the disease four years ago, and we have one of my friends and members James Green currently battling the disease. I am proud to be a member of Rothley Park and that I have been able to represent the club at various playing levels and have also had the opportunity to sit on the club council and chair various committees over the years.”

The 2024 Ladies' Captain is Jan Dorn. Jan has been a member at Rothley Park since 2012, swiftly followed by early retirement from teaching languages at Ratcliffe College in order to improve her golf swing! Her husband Alan (Men’s Captain in 2020 & 2021) and son Chris are also club members.

Jan said: “My chosen charity for the year is the East Midlands Air Ambulance service, a cause close to my heart, fol-

ple’s mental health. Even the noise of water flowing can be a pleasant experience. People like actors Tim West and his wife Prunella Scales have said in their TV series that they benefit being on the water, in their narrow boat. A lot of organisations regularly book with the Trust, and they take many groups who may be partially sighted, or special needs children, and so on.

The winter months are mainly devoted to maintenance and mandatory inspections to comply with current legislation, but with themed events now being included in the programme as well. The Santa specials are very popular. Once they even held a wedding on board. Entertainments offered during the year may include music, yoga, art classes, sewing/embroidery sessions, photography, a talk about the history of the local canals, or lessons on how to forage and how to cook it, if it is safe!

Boats go either south to Mountsorrel, with a lunchtime stop at the Waterside pub, or north to Zouch, stopping at The Plough. Refreshments are provided during the trip, although passengers may bring their own food and drink if they prefer. Occasionally, the weather conditions may make it necessary to postpone a trip, although any change will be advised beforehand. The safety and comfort of their passengers is of the utmost importance. (For further details, please see the PLM Trust website.)

Mr Marren answered many questions from the audience. We then had our refreshments, and the meeting closed soon after 4pm.

Our meetings start at 2.15pm, on the second Monday of each month.

Membership for a year is currently £13, with an entrance fee of £2; and it is only £4 for visitors, to include tea / coffee and biscuits. New members and visitors are most welcome to meetings at the Church Room – just turn up. Our next meeting will be on March 11, when we shall hear a talk called “The Ark, Dinosaurs and a Hurricane”.

From the Monday Club Cropston and Thurcaston

lowing a helicopter rescue after a skiing accident in Austria in 2019 when I fractured my spine. I am also keen that we should support a range of social activities to help raise funds for the new clubhouse project. In 2024, my aim for Rothley Park is to develop a sense of community in the Ladies’ section, en-

couraging new members and junior girls into the game, and to build on the great team spirit and results that we achieved last year.”

The Senior Men’s Captain for 2024 is Raghbir Chagger, and the Junior Captain is Sam Leake.

Pic: Senior Men’s Captain Raghbir Chagger, Men’s Captain Phil Bamford, Ladies Captain Jan Dorn and Junior Captain Sam Leake.

Parish Council notes

A MEETING of the full council was held at Rothley Parish Council on January 15.

Crime report for December 1–31:

Vehicle crime (2)

Theft (3)

Burglary (6)

Criminal damage (4)

Concern was raised that the monthly police report does not reflect a true picture of crime taking place in Rothley, there appears to be a reluctance to report crimes. The Parish clerk will raise the matter with the local beat team.

The council agreed to renew its contract with Cuttlefish for the provision of its website.

A meeting of the full council was held on February 19.

It was reported that the leader of Charnwood Borough Council, Cllr Jewel Miah, will attend the March meeting.

It was reported that the Charnwood Borough Council Local Plan is expected to be adopted at the end of 2024.

Rothley Gospel Choir has requested a grant donation, and it was agreed to make an award of £100.

It was agreed to spend £400 on the provision of a ramp to the fire exit at the Rothley Centre.

It was agreed that the rent charged to Rothley bowls club is increased by 10%.

It was agreed to increase the Parish Council fee for lettings by 10%.

It was agreed to spend £2181 on floral displays in the parish for summer 2024.

The roof at the Rothley Centre is letting in water in places, and it was agreed to obtain quotes for repair.

A MEETING of the full council at Thurcaston & Cropston Parish Council was held on January 8.

Audrey Geary attended the meeting to

view the pictures drawn by her late father, which she has donated to the Memorial Hall. Audrey was thanked by the council, who also thanked Phil Highton for printing the pictures, and Matt Green and John Cole for hanging them.

Charnwood Borough Council offers member grants to support various community initiatives. It was reported that Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club’s application for a grant of £500 had been successful.

Crime report, November 20, 2023 –December 21, 2023:

Theft from Property (2)

Theft from motor vehicle (1)

A precept of £53,378 was agreed for the year 2024/25, an increase of 3%. A band D property will pay £56.86.

It was resolved to approve grants of £250 to Thurcaston & Cropston Gardening Club, and £210 to Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society.

Councillors discussed fly tipping problems in the Parish. It was reported that the problem was particularly bad on the lay-by on Bradgate Road in Cropston. The council will request that signage be installed in the lay-by by the Borough Council.

A meeting of the full council was held on February 12.

It was agreed to contact the Neighbourhood Policing team to express the Council’s disappointment that no crime report had been received, and that no police were in attendance at the meeting.

It was agreed to contact the Neighbourhood Policing team to discuss the provision of beat surgeries in Cropston and Thurcaston.

Councillors discussed a request from Thurcaston & Cropston Good Neighbours group that the Parish Council accommodate one of their wheelchairs in the parish office lobby for emergency use, and for the Parish Council to utilise if they need to. The council agreed not to accept the offer of the wheelchair.

Thurcaston Brownies

THURCASTON BROWNIES have been taking on the Festivals Challenge Badge

Snowy Owl reports: Over the summer, the Brownies won some prizes in the Thurcaston and Glenfield garden shows e.g. decorated plant pots, Mexican God's eye weaving and creatures made from egg boxes. The leaders won first prize in the scariest scarecrow competition.

The ideas for the badge were created by Sheffield Girlguiding. The Festivals Challenge consists of four sections: Food, Faith, Fun, Family and Friends. We attempted sections at appropriate times during the term.

Firstly, the girls needed to choose songs they would sing individually or in

small groups as we would hold our own pop festival on the church grounds the following week. Wellies were compulsory with 'festival clothes' and we also had some pop-up tents to set the scene. Some Brownies were rather shy, but several were very good singers. To close the show the headline act was the three leaders trying to sing Sweet Caroline. The low notes were difficult to sing but as everyone joined in, nobody really noticed.

let us know.

We learned the history of the well dressing festivals in the Peak District and tried to make a picture from flower petals.

Next, it was time to make a display for the Harvest Festival in Thurcaston church.

When our meeting fell on World Animal Day, Ruth, Sue and Lottie the dog came to tell us about the work of the RSPCA.

In early October, 'Bring your Teddy'

The next day, when Barn Owl was drying the underside of a pop-up tent, the strong winds blew it away somewhere in the Thurcaston fields near the Great Central Railway. If anyone found a camouflage-coloured pop-up tent please

day meant we saw lots of different teddies and we had fun playing a Dangling Doughnuts game.

After half term, the Family and Friends section included birthday parties. We tried some party games with balloons and heard the story of the two American sisters who wrote the words and music of Happy Birthday To You. We learned to sing the song in Spanish and French and dedicated it to Brown Owl who was celebrating her birthday. Did you know the French have two words for owl depend-

News from Rothley library

Current opening hours

Monday: 2.30 – 4.30

Tuesday: 2.30 – 4.30

Wednesday: 2.30 – 4.30

Thursday: 10.00 – 12.00 & 2.30 –4.30

Saturday: 10.00 – 2.00

I.T. Support

Age UK Leicestershire volunteers have kindly offered to hold I.T. drop-ins twice a month due to a good response from the community. They will now be held on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month from 2.30 onwards.

Book group

Wednesday March 13th 7 – 8pm The Absolute Book by Elizabeth Knox

Wednesday April 10th

7 – 8pm Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris

Yarn Craft Group

Meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month, 2.30-4.30pm. Very friendly group - bring along your sewing, knit-

Continued from page 16

ing on whether it has 'ears' or not?

We celebrated Bonfire Night with fireworks, sparklers, toasting marshmallows and eating hot dogs. We have to thank Mr and Mrs Crisswell for the fireworks and the builders on Latimer Rd for much of the wood.

The following week, half of the Brownies practised their parts in the Remembrance Service, while the rest created front covers for the Xmas edition of the Big Issue magazine and learned about homelessness.

Remembrance Sunday made parents and leaders very proud as very young girls took on roles that would normally be the job of teenagers. They competently read 'big words' in front of the congregation, laid a poppy wreath and lowered and raised flags for the two-minute silence.

The December 11 edition of the Big Issue was published, but none of our Brownie posters featured on the front page. However, on the inside pages all eight pictures were printed in small size.

We completed the faith section of the challenge by painting our hands for Diwali and playing a game of dreidel for Hanukkah. For Thanksgiving in America, we combined with the food section to make our own chocolate chip cookies.

We had finished the challenge and ended the term by visiting the pantomime Peter Pan in Loughborough and holding our Christmas party.

We are sorry to lose some Brownies now they are ten years old and wish them good luck.

We therefore have spaces for new girls to join. Brownies need to be seven years old. We meet in the Harrison room of All Saints Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. 6 until 7.15pm on Wednesday evenings during term time.

Please contact Brown Owl, Louise Keran 07711-422350 (please avoid work hours)

ting, and crocheting projects for help and advice (if needed) or just a chat and a cup of tea. £1 towards library funds.

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 only 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.

Easter Crafts. Saturday 30th March 10 – 12noon. Craft activity for children to take home.

Library AGM

Thurs 14th March 6pm arrival for 6.15pm start at the Library. This presents an opportunity to express views on fundraising, proposed improvements and Library events. If there is anyone who wishes to stand as a trustee they can collect a nomination paper from the Library. New trustees would be very welcome.

Easter closure

The Library will be closed on Easter Monday 1st April

Police Beat Surgery

Saturday 13th April 12 noon till 1pm. Come along to meet a member of your community police team to outline any concerns or questions you might have.

Trees

AMBITIOUS PLANS to plant

700,000 trees across Leicestershire have passed the halfway mark – with more than 356,000 now planted.

Leicestershire County Council has pledged to plant one tree for every person in the county.

The council supports the initiative by planting trees directly, applying for funding or giving away free trees for suitable sites. It has also called on members of the public and other organisations to join its commitment by recording tree planting initiatives themselves.

In 2023, the authority gave away a total of 50,000 trees through its partnership with the Woodland Trust through its free tree scheme to farmers, landowners, community groups, parish councils and schools in a bid to encourage more tree planting across Leicestershire, and is hoping to exceed that number in 2024.

Dementia support group

THE SOAR Valley Dementia Project is a local group that helps people living with dementia support each other.

The group is settling into its new dates and venue. It meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, from 11am to 12.30pm, at Quorn Country Hotel on Leicester Road, Quorn. There is parking behind the hotel and a bus stop nearby.

The group has also decided on new arrangements. From 11-12noon, the

people living with dementia meet separately, and the supporters/carers meet in the next room to have coffee together and talk. Then from 12-12.30pm, everyone meets together. All this will evolve as the group continues.

Rothley, Sileby, Mountsorrel, Quorn and Barrow are the main areas covered, but anyone from a wider area is very welcome. Small contributions towards the room hire are welcome.

This group is part of the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project,

a national network with around 100 groups in the UK. Each group is independently run, but all the groups are led by what the people living with dementia decide. The main focus is on people living with dementia supporting each other, and some groups become involved in helping local people become more aware of dementia, or social activities. The groups can be a big help for everyone, especially soon after diagnosis. A good life can continue for years with some adaptations.

A constitution and the formation of an association are on the way, and the group runs with the generous support of many local people and organisations. To know more, contact soarvalleydementiaproject@gmail.com, or come and visit one of the meetings. Please share this information locally, flyers are available.

From the Soar Valley Dementia Project

Man charged

A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been charged following an assault in Leicester nightclub last year.

Nathan Trown, of Cloud Lea, Mountsorrel, has been charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and ABH. He was remanded to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 11 January.

The charges relate to an assault at the Mosh Nightclub on 16 December 16, 2023, when two people were left injured.

Sign up for open garden weekend

FLOODS, FROSTS, and storms already this year. So, who on earth is thinking about gardens?

Well, the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Garden team is!

It’s never too early for some advanced planning. The dates are set, key jobs are allocated, and the hunt is on for gardeners to sign up for this year’s popular community event. The focus of our fundraising will continue to be The East Midlands Air Ambulance Service. They receive all the garden entrance fees. Such a bargain at £5 for two afternoons of delightful garden browsing.

We’d like to beat last year’s grand total of just under £3500. Many gardeners will also use the opportunity for some additional fundraising activities, such as plant and book sales; and of course, there will be several refreshment stops along the way.

So, gardeners of Thurcaston and Cropston WE NEED YOU!

If you are a first-timer, a regular, or a ‘returner’ after a break let us have your details. It may be that you’ve just moved into the area, or you’ve improved your garden or added a new feature and want to share your creation.

We’ve always prided ourselves on a really broad range of gardens, large or

small: neat or “rustic”; child-focused or not; whatever your garden looks like, we can assure you of lots of interested visitors to share your interest and gardening passion.

like to open your garden for this year’s event or would like more information (or encouragement) please contact us. We hope you will join us for another successful year as part of the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens event.

We look forward to hearing from

If opening your garden is not for you, then please put the date on your calendar and come

worthwhile community event on June 29/30, 2024, 2-6pm.

We’d love to see you.

From Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens

Contact Linda 0116 236 3872 email Linda@tcog.org.uk or look at our website for more information, inspiration and encouragement www.tcog.org.uk.

Pay a visit to Gorse Hill City Farm

GORSE HILL City Farm is a registered charity located on Anstey Lane just outside of Leicester city centre.

The farm is dedicated to providing a fun and educational facility for local children and their families through public visits and school/nursery bookings.

A spokesperson said: “We offer the chance for our visitors to ‘enjoy the countryside without leaving the city’. This is especially important to those who cannot travel far to see farm animals or may not have the budget to visit bigger farm parks in the Leicestershire area.

“We always have events going on throughout the year; during the school holidays and to celebrate occasions such as Mother's Day, Easter and Christmas! Keep a lookout in the Rothley Post for upcoming events and follow our Facebook page for more information and updates. Come along for a fun visit and support your local charity.”

Skills exchange initiative started

TIME4LEICESTERSHIRE is a free skills exchange initiative run by Leicestershire County Council, and it has just landed in Charnwood.

Emma Ward, Timebanking Outreach Worker, explains how it works:

Members can sign up to share their skills and can request skills they would like in return. ‘Timebanking’ differs from volunteering as it allows people to swap skills at a time that suits them, with no minimum commitment needed. For every hour of time somebody gives, they receive an hour’s time credit that

they can exchange for another skill.

How do I earn credits to start Timebanking?

Everyone who signs up automatically gets 5 credits to start them off. Some people’s skills are likely to be more ‘in demand’ than others, so this gives everyone a chance to get started. We also have a community pot of credits that we can use - if you have an idea for a community Timebank project, get in touch and let’s make it happen!

How do I find out what’s on offer?

Time4Leices tershire is an online skills marketplace. You register on the relevant Timebank, on the platformhttps://Time4L eicestershire.o rg.uk and then post offers or

requests through your account. It’s really simple to use, but we’ll have regular popup hubs where you can drop in and get support with using the platform, ask questions, participate in taster sessions or just chat with other members. What type of skills can I swap?

We’re looking for people with all kinds of skills! From practical skills like DIY or crafts, to ‘lend a hand’ type skills of giving someone a lift, or walking a dog, or maybe you’ve got digital skills to share, or you could help someone explore potential new hobbies like languages or music?

We’re also looking for ‘life skills’ that you might not even consider valuable, but someone else might – ironing a shirt, paying a bill, or planning meals – all skills! If you’ve got an unusual interest, like beekeeping, we’re equally keen to hear from you. And if you’re in a club or group, you can earn credits by bringing a potential new member found through the Timebank along with you, which benefits, you, the other member, and your group.

The next issue of THE ROTHLEY POST will be published on Apr 27. The copy deadline is Apr 12.

Tips on garden design, & fruit & vegetables

THE THURCASTON & Cropston Gardening Club finished 2023 well after a packed programme of events and with a strong membership.

So, we were delighted to welcome back many members, some new members and some visitors to our first meeting of 2024 in January.

Our speaker was Karen Gimson with her talk ‘My Life as a Garden Designer’. Karen has been a garden designer for 25 years and has worked in many gardens, both large and small.

She told many amusing stories about her life as a garden designer. For example, the garden owners are ‘never wrong’ (and you need to love the owners’ pets!). But she also talked about the balance between being a ‘dictator’ in terms of

design and planting on the one hand and pleasing the garden owners on the other. Karen is often asked to design gardens for year-round colour and she talked a little about planting for different seasons. She also mentioned some garden design tips like repeat planting, planting in groups of three or five for greater impact, and planting from the back to the front in deep borders. But

also, as a garden designer, you need to be realistic and help garden owners also to be realistic.

As a garden designer, you need to choose plants carefully and have lots of them. Karen prefers to use a limited pallet of plants rather than ‘one of everything’.

Karen’s talk was illustrated with lots of excellent photographs. Some of the photographs were of the gardens Karen had worked in, but most were of the favourite plants that Karen often uses in her designs.

Throughout Karen’s talk, she used humour which complemented her open and gentle manner. She also provided an excellent plant list which contained, not only many of her favourite plants but also recommended cultivars and suggestions where to buy plants.

Karen’s talk was well received by members, as were plants for sale provided by ‘Piecemeal Plants’.

The club welcomed Simon Gulliver back to their February meeting with a talk about growing fruit and vegetables.

Simon is a Garden and Parks consultant for the National Trust, advising on the development of 20 historic gardens in the Midlands. He trained at Pershore College, working at RHS Wisley, and for 10 years at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

The talk was illustrated with good-quality photos and charts. Many of the photos were of Simon’s own garden and allotment, but also from stately houses. The walled gardens of stately houses, with a team of gardeners, would have been growing to provide produce for the ‘house’ all year round. Therefore, the walled garden was a ‘growing machine’ in which different microclimates were created in order to grow a wild variety of produce.

And, in a similar way, the ‘back sheds’ were a machine for propagating and storing produce – in the days long before fridges and freezers.

Simon talked about getting the basics right. He encouraged us to ‘garden the soil’ as well as the plants. By this he meant, for example, creating rich soil which will feed plants by applying compost to the soil – ideally home-made compost. He also mentioned shelter and considering the best aspects to grow certain plants. A trellis, for example,

Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall

Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. What’s more, it’s excellent value! The membership fee is only £15 for the year (pro rota) or £3 per meeting. So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try.

For more information about the Club, please contact

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

acts as a very good windbreak and will cut down about 60% of the wind. A greenhouse or polytunnel will enable you to grow produce that will not thrive outdoors.

Netting some crops is important to protect them from pigeons, other birds, and insects.

One potential problem of growing vegetables is having a ‘glut’. The way to try to avoid gluts is by succession sowing, rather than sowing all seeds at the same time. It is also possible to create a long growing season. For example, spinach, leeks, parsnips, celeriac, cabbage, and broccoli all mature at different times in the year.

Planning is key to growing fruit and vegetables. Simon showed a very detailed planning spreadsheet. This can be done more simply – BUT the point is that some level of planning is important.

Simon is very experienced and knowledgeable in many aspects of gardening. He is also a good speaker. This talk raised many questions from the audience that he was very happy to answer. With this talk, Simon showed what was possible and inspired us to make more of our fruit and vegetable growing.

The Gardening Club meets in the

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

The next Club events are:

Wed March 13: The Joy of Gardening, Griselda Kerr

Wed April 10: Bell Flowers, Dr Andrew Ward

Wed May 8: Over the Garden Wall, Joe Whitehead

From Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club

Pics: (clockwise from top left) Tulip Violet Beauty, Astrantia Roma, Echinacea Magnus Superior & Aster Monch

Pic: Examples of how Simon protects soft fruit and leeks

Pic: This photo shows how Simon uses the foliage of annual flowers to help protect the soil over winter